Papa D's Corner: Story Time by Papa D

Darryl Breland

Welcome to Papa D’s Corner — home of Storytime by Papa D, where stories, creativity, technology, and real conversations come together. From heartfelt adventures and mysterious journeys to practical discussions about artificial intelligence, innovation, motivation, and modern life, Papa D brings storytelling and conversation back to the way it used to feel: personal, engaging, thought-provoking, and unforgettable. Whether you’re relaxing at home, driving down the road, or listening with your family before bedtime, each episode is designed to pull you in, spark your imagination, and leave you inspired. Featuring original serialized stories from Storytime by Papa D such as Eye of the Storm, along with dramatic narration, emotional moments, suspense, family-friendly entertainment, and conversations about using technology and AI in practical, people-first ways, Papa D’s Corner explores creativity, social issues, innovation, and the future through real discussions and storytelling. Joined at times by AI co-hosts Chatty Patty GPT and Mila Grok, Papa D shares forward-thinking ideas, imaginative worlds, motivational insights, and meaningful conversations designed to inform, entertain, and empower listeners of all ages. New episodes released regularly. Sit back… relax… and welcome to Papa D’s Corner.

  1. Jul 16

    Why Papa D Created Me and You and Kalamazoo Using AI

    Why Papa D Created Me and You and Kalamazoo Using AI In this special episode, Papa D shares the deeply personal story behind the creation of the Me and You and Kalamazoo children's series and explains why he chose to use artificial intelligence to help bring these adventures to life. Long before AI existed, Papa D was creating bedtime stories for his own children, featuring a character named Kalamazoo and whatever adventures they could imagine together. Decades later, after becoming a grandfather, those same stories were revived for a new generation of children—and eventually evolved into the Me and You and Kalamazoo books and animated series. In this episode, Papa D discusses:  How the original Kalamazoo stories began as improvised bedtime adventures for his children  The important role his daughter played in designing the original Kalamazoo character  Why he decided to replace his children with his grandchildren as the heroes of these new adventures  How artificial intelligence made it possible for one grandfather to create stories, books, cartoons, and educational adventures that otherwise never would have existed  Why family, faith, kindness, courage, loyalty, and traditional family values remain at the heart of every episode  His hope that these stories will inspire children's curiosity about history, science, technology, and the world around them  Why preserving memories and creating a lasting legacy for his grandchildren became one of the most important motivations behind the project This episode is not really about artificial intelligence. It's about family, storytelling, imagination, and one grandfather's desire to create something meaningful for the people he loves most. As Papa D explains: "They watch the TV screen, and I watch their expressions."If you've ever told a bedtime story, read a book to a child, or wanted to leave behind something that says, 'I loved you,' this episode is for you. Welcome to the story behind Me and You and Kalamazoo. — Papa D Support the show

  2. Jul 9

    AI Models Explained in 2026 – The Ultimate Guide for Regular Folks (and Creators Like Me)

    Artificial intelligence is changing so fast that it's hard to keep up. Every week there's a new model, a new tool, or a new company claiming they've built the smartest AI in the world. ChatGPT. Gemini. Claude. Grok. DeepSeek. Perplexity. OpenArt. HeyGen. ElevenLabs. Suno. Udio. What do all these tools actually do, and which ones are worth your time? In this episode of Papa D's Corner, I break down today's leading AI models and creative tools in plain English. No computer science degree required. I'll share my personal experiences using these tools to create Storytime by Papa D, Me and You and Kalamazoo, YouTube videos, podcasts, books, images, music, and more. We'll talk about the strengths and weaknesses of the major AI platforms, how I decide which tools to use for different projects, and why I believe the future belongs to people who learn how to work alongside AI rather than fear it. We'll also discuss: • ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok, and other leading AI models • Open-source AI and why it's becoming increasingly important • AI image generation with ChatGPT, Midjourney, Flux, and Stable Diffusion • Video generation using tools such as Kling, Runway, Veo, Sora, and OpenArt • Talking avatars and lip-syncing with HeyGen • AI voice creation with ElevenLabs • AI-generated music with Suno and Udio • The rise of AI agents and digital assistants Whether you're a creator, business owner, retiree, student, or simply curious about artificial intelligence, this episode will help you understand where AI stands today and where it may be headed tomorrow. The technology is changing rapidly, but the goal of this episode is simple: to help regular folks make sense of it all. Thanks for listening to Papa D's Corner. Support the show

  3. Jul 2

    How I Created a Cartoon Series Using Artificial Intelligence

    How I Created a Cartoon Series Using Artificial Intelligence What does it actually take to create an animated cartoon using artificial intelligence? In this episode of Papa D's Corner, I pull back the curtain and show you my real-world process for creating an episode of Me and You and Kalamazoo. From the earliest story ideas to a finished animated scene, you'll see how I use AI tools to create characters, generate artwork, animate video, create voices, produce lip-syncing dialogue, and assemble everything into a finished production. This isn't a technical tutorial for programmers or professional animators. It's a practical look at how an ordinary grandfather from Mississippi learned to use artificial intelligence to tell stories, create cartoons for his grandchildren, and bring ideas to life. Along the way, I share some of the lessons I've learned about creativity, storytelling, and why AI works best as a tool rather than a replacement for human imagination. If you've ever wondered whether artificial intelligence can help you write a book, create a podcast, build a website, produce a video, or even create your own cartoon, this episode is for you. You may be surprised by what's possible. In this episode: • Story development and brainstorming • AI image generation • AI video creation • AI voice generation • Lip-sync animation • Video editing and production • Lessons learned from using AI creatively • Behind-the-scenes look at Me and You and Kalamazoo Thank you for listening to Papa D's Corner, where we explore stories, ideas, technology, and the things that make life interesting.  For more episodes, visit Papa D's Corner and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  Support the show

  4. Jun 25

    How I Used AI to Create Storytime by Papa D

    How I Used AI to Create Storytime by Papa D What if someone told you that artificial intelligence could help create books, podcasts, videos, documentaries, and even stories for your grandchildren? A few years ago, I wouldn't have believed it myself. In this episode of Papa D's Corner, I share how I used AI tools to help create Storytime by Papa D, including projects such as Meant to Live, Eye of the Storm, Hurricane Katrina, and my children's adventure series, Me and You and Kalamazoo. This isn't a discussion about science fiction, robots, or whether artificial intelligence will take over the world. Instead, it's a practical conversation about how everyday people can use these tools to turn ideas into reality. I'll talk about what worked, what didn't, the mistakes I made along the way, and some of the biggest misconceptions people have about AI. More importantly, I'll explain why I believe artificial intelligence works best as a creative partner rather than a replacement for human imagination. Whether you're a writer, storyteller, podcaster, business owner, educator, content creator, or simply curious about artificial intelligence, this episode offers a real-world look at how these tools are already changing the creative process. In this episode: • How Storytime by Papa D was created • Using AI for storytelling and creative projects • The tools I use and how I use them • Common misconceptions about artificial intelligence • Why creativity still matters in an AI-assisted world • Lessons learned from creating books, podcasts, videos, and cartoons • Practical ways AI can help bring ideas to life Technology continues to evolve at an incredible pace, but one thing hasn't changed: great stories still begin with people, ideas, and imagination. I hope you'll join me for this conversation as I share my journey into the world of AI-assisted storytelling. Support the show

  5. Jun 11

    Storytime by Papa D – Eye of the Storm Part 3: The Storm

    Eye of the Storm – Part 3: The Storm As Hurricane Katrina closes in on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Hunter Steele finds himself stranded in a city that has already been abandoned. With emergency personnel ordered to evacuate and businesses boarded shut, Pascagoula has become a ghost town waiting for impact. Seeking shelter, Hunter arrives at Singing River Hospital, where hundreds of patients and staff prepare to ride out one of the most powerful hurricanes in American history. Inside the hospital, he meets a small group of security officers, dedicated medical professionals, and a young patient named Tina Collins, whose father has refused to leave his flooded home. As the winds begin to rise and dark clouds gather over the Gulf, everyone knows the storm is coming. What no one knows is how much their lives are about to change. Based on true events. Storytime by Papa D brings real-life stories, unforgettable characters, and extraordinary moments to life through cinematic storytelling. 🎙️ New episodes released regularly. #StorytimeByPapaD #EyeOfTheStorm #HurricaneKatrina #TrueStory #Mississippi #Pascagoula #SingingRiverHospital #StormStories #DisasterSurvival #Podcast #Audiobook #NarrativePodcast #Hurricane #CoastGuard #InspirationalStories If you want the version I would personally publish today after everything we've discussed, I'd make one small change to increase curiosity: As Hurricane Katrina closes in on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Hunter Steele arrives at a hospital preparing to face the storm alone. Hundreds of patients remain inside. Most of the city has already fled. And before the hurricane is over, lives will be changed forever.Support the show

About

Welcome to Papa D’s Corner — home of Storytime by Papa D, where stories, creativity, technology, and real conversations come together. From heartfelt adventures and mysterious journeys to practical discussions about artificial intelligence, innovation, motivation, and modern life, Papa D brings storytelling and conversation back to the way it used to feel: personal, engaging, thought-provoking, and unforgettable. Whether you’re relaxing at home, driving down the road, or listening with your family before bedtime, each episode is designed to pull you in, spark your imagination, and leave you inspired. Featuring original serialized stories from Storytime by Papa D such as Eye of the Storm, along with dramatic narration, emotional moments, suspense, family-friendly entertainment, and conversations about using technology and AI in practical, people-first ways, Papa D’s Corner explores creativity, social issues, innovation, and the future through real discussions and storytelling. Joined at times by AI co-hosts Chatty Patty GPT and Mila Grok, Papa D shares forward-thinking ideas, imaginative worlds, motivational insights, and meaningful conversations designed to inform, entertain, and empower listeners of all ages. New episodes released regularly. Sit back… relax… and welcome to Papa D’s Corner.