Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station

Nicole Wasilishin
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Stories for Kids
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Nanny Nikki's imagination station a magical story time that was inspired by moments that started at recess as a pre-K teacher. What began as reading stories to my students turned into a world of imagination, laughter, learning, and adventure. Join me, Nanny Nikki for cozy storytimes, fun conversations, and magical moments perfect for bedtime, car rides, classrooms, and little imaginations everywhere.

Episodes

  1. The Boy who wrote to NASA

    1d ago

    The Boy who wrote to NASA

    What if one letter could change your whole world? On the very last week of school, while children all around the classroom wrote letters to zoos, aquariums, and museums, one little boy named Cody decided to aim much higher. Armed with a pencil, a piece of paper, and a dream bigger than the Arizona sky, Cody wrote a letter to NASA. He had three important questions. Is there life somewhere else in our solar system? Can students go to the moon? And most importantly... Could NASA please pick him for Artemis III? What begins as a simple classroom project soon becomes an extraordinary adventure filled with rockets, astronauts, moon missions, friendship, courage, and the power of believing in yourself. As the days of summer drift by, Cody waits and wonders if anyone at NASA will write back. But when a mysterious envelope arrives with the NASA logo stamped across the front, everything changes. Inspired by one of the wonderful students from Nanny Nikki's classroom, The Boy Who Wrote to NASA is a heartwarming original story about curiosity, determination, and dreaming without limits. Along the way, little listeners will discover that every astronaut was once a child asking questions, every great adventure begins with a single step, and sometimes the bravest thing we can do is believe that our dreams matter. Filled with wonder, laughter, imagination, and a little bit of moon dust magic, this unforgettable journey reminds children that no dream is too big, no question is too small, and the stars may be closer than they think. Because somewhere beyond the clouds, beyond the atmosphere, and beyond the moon itself, an adventure is waiting for those brave enough to chase it. And for Cadet Cody, the countdown has already begun. T-minus one year to launch. T-minus one year to the moon. T-minus one dream coming true. A Nanny Nikki Original inspired by the amazing children who fill my classroom with curiosity, imagination, and wonder every single day. And who knows? If you listen carefully, you just might hear a rocket preparing for liftoff.

    15 min
  2. Goldilocks and the Three Bears

    1d ago

    Goldilocks and the Three Bears

    Step through a hidden woodland path and into a cozy little cabin deep in the heart of an enchanted forest, where three bears live a peaceful life filled with warm oatmeal, comfy chairs, fluffy beds, and quiet mornings together. But when a curious little girl named Goldilocks stumbles upon their home, an ordinary day becomes an unforgettable adventure. Follow along as Goldilocks discovers bowls of porridge, chairs of every size, and the coziest bed she has ever seen. Along the way, little listeners will laugh, wonder, and learn important lessons about curiosity, choices, and respecting the belongings of others. This magical retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears brings new life to one of the world's most beloved fairy tales. After the story, we'll travel beyond the pages of the book to discover surprising facts about its history, learn a brand-new word of the day, and even uncover how this classic tale inspired a real scientific concept that helps astronomers search the stars for worlds beyond our own. Perfect for bedtime, quiet time, classroom listening, or family story time, this episode is filled with imagination, learning, laughter, and a touch of fairy-tale magic. And before our train leaves the station, I have a special surprise to share. Our next adventure will be a brand-new Nanny Nikki Original inspired by one of the wonderful children in my classroom. What begins as a little boy's letter to NASA soon becomes an extraordinary journey filled with dreams, determination, rockets, and possibilities that reach far beyond the clouds. You won't just reach for the stars in this story. You might make it all the way to the moon. Pun absolutely intended. A quick note from Nanny Nikki: Thank you for being patient while we took a short break from the station. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of adventures, including a very special speaking event in front of hundreds of people before heading right back to my preschool classroom. Last weekend, I took some much-needed time to rest and recharge, but now the station is open once again, and I can't wait to share more stories with all of you. So grab your favorite blanket, snuggle in close, and climb aboard Nanny Nikki's Imagination Station, where turning the page is just the beginning.

    12 min
  3. Jake's Story

    May 24

    Jake's Story

    Some stories are fairy tales. And some stories are real. Tonight’s episode of Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station is one of the most personal stories I’ve shared so far because this one isn’t based on an old book or a classic tale passed down through generations. This one is true. Tonight, you’re meeting Jake. Jake is a giant Mastiff with massive paws, a thunderous bark, a stubborn personality, and one of the softest hearts I have ever known. But before Jake became part of our family here in Cave Creek, he spent three long years sitting inside an animal rescue waiting for somebody to finally choose him. Three years. Three years of watching other dogs leave while he stayed behind. Three years without a single adoption application. And because this story is told from Jake’s point of view, listeners get to experience what the world may have felt like through the eyes of a dog who was constantly misunderstood. A dog labeled “too big,” “too loud,” “too stubborn,” and “too difficult” simply because he wanted freedom, adventure, patience, and love. This episode honestly became emotional for me while recording it because Jake is not just a character. Jake is my real dog. My family really did adopt him from a rescue after years of him being overlooked. And today, that same giant dog who once sat alone in a kennel now has his own room, his own bed, a backyard to patrol, a doggy pool, and an entire family that would do absolutely anything for him. I think one of the magical things I’m discovering while creating Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station is that this podcast is becoming so much more than just story time. It’s becoming a universe. A kingdom. A place where imagination, storytelling, animals, comfort, adventure, learning, and emotion all blend together into one giant cozy world. And one of the most beautiful parts of that world is that I get to bring my animals to life in ways we can’t always do in the real world. Through storytelling, they become characters. Heroes. Adventurers. Friends. And listeners slowly get to meet all of them one by one. So yes… if you continue this journey with me, prepare yourself for many more animal stories ahead. Some funny.Some magical.Some chaotic.Some emotional.Some educational.And some very, very real. Because while Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station will absolutely continue sharing classic fairy tales, beloved children’s books, bedtime stories, and educational adventures, it’s also becoming home to original stories that exist only inside the Nanny Nikki universe. Stories inspired by real life.Real animals.Real emotions.Real memories.And very real love. Jake’s story is really about second chances. It’s about misunderstood animals.Patience.Trust.Rescue.Belonging.And the life-changing power of finally being chosen. And honestly… I think a lot of humans know what that feeling is like too. This episode is perfect for:• animal lovers• rescue dog families• emotional bedtime stories• classroom listening• family story time• children learning empathy and compassion• kids who adore dogs• anyone who believes every animal deserves love and a home Thank you so much for listening to another adventure on Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station. This little podcast world is only just beginning, and I genuinely cannot wait to show you where the train tracks lead next. So strap in, friends. Enjoy the ride. And remember…here on Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station, turning the page is just the beginning.

    8 min
  4. The Elves and the Shoemaker

    May 23

    The Elves and the Shoemaker

    Step into a world of magic, kindness, tiny elves, and candlelit workshops in today’s cozy episode of Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station as we read the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale, The Elves and the Shoemaker. Tonight’s story follows a hardworking shoemaker and his wife who are struggling to survive during a cold winter. Just when it seems like they’ve run out of hope, something magical begins happening in the middle of the night. Each morning, beautifully crafted shoes mysteriously appear on the shoemaker’s workbench, changing their lives forever. But who could possibly be helping them while they sleep? This timeless fairy tale has been loved by families for more than 200 years, and in today’s episode, we don’t just read the story — we explore the fascinating history behind it too. After the story, we talk about:• who the Brothers Grimm really were• how fairy tales were passed down by word of mouth long before books existed• why stories often begin with the words “once upon a time”• what a cobbler actually is• how shoes were handmade long ago before factories and machines• why fairy tales continue surviving generation after generation We also explore the deeper lesson hidden underneath the magic: kindness. The little elves never ask for praise or rewards. They simply see someone struggling and quietly choose to help. And in return, the shoemaker and his wife find a way to give kindness back. One of my favorite parts of creating this podcast is getting to mix storytelling, imagination, history, learning, and comfort all together into one cozy little adventure. My hope is that children listening feel inspired to use their imaginations, ask questions, learn new words, and fall in love with stories the same way I did growing up. And yes… before anyone notices… your girl is a little under the weather while recording this one. I did my absolute best to hide it because I really didn’t want to cancel story time this week. So if my voice sounds a tiny bit extra cozy or raspy in this episode… now you know why. Sometimes the magic of storytelling continues even through sniffles and tea breaks. This episode is perfect for:• bedtime• classroom listening• quiet time• long car rides• homeschool activities• family story time• children who love fairy tales and imagination If your little listener enjoys magical stories, classic fairy tales, bedtime adventures, educational storytelling, or cozy read-aloud podcasts, then you’re in the right place here at Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station. Thank you so much for joining me for another adventure where turning the page is just the beginning. Now snuggle up, get cozy, and let’s believe in a little magic together.

    13 min
  5. Dickie Birdie Has Two First Names

    May 17

    Dickie Birdie Has Two First Names

    Welcome back aboard Nanny Nikki's Imagination Station — where story time is always just the beginning. Tonight’s story is a very special one because it’s not about witches, pirates, princesses, or magical kingdoms. Its a Nanny Nikki original story. It’s about a very tiny old chihuahua named Dickie Birdie. And yes… that is his real first name. In this cozy, heartfelt story told through the eyes of a sleepy little desert dog with no teeth and two first names, listeners will travel to Cave Creek, Arizona — where the coyotes sing at night, the desert glows warm beneath the sunset, and one tiny old gentleman spends his days supervising podcast recordings, protecting blankets, taking very important naps, and riding through life in a little red stroller like royalty. But Dickie Birdie isn’t just any dog. He’s my best friend. He’s been with me since he was eight weeks old, through different homes, different chapters of life, veterinary hospitals, podcast studios, difficult days, and now even CrimeCon — where, to his complete surprise, hundreds of people somehow knew his name. This story was inspired by getting the suitcases out once again as we prepare to head back to CrimeCon together, where Dickie Birdie will once again ride through crowds of people as the tiny mascot of my podcasting world. Watching him experience these adventures at thirteen years old, with sleepy eyes and tiny legs that don’t work quite like they used to, reminded me that even small, quiet lives can still be full of magic, purpose, comfort, love, and adventure. This episode is gentle, emotional, funny, cozy, and filled with little moments that animal lovers — especially senior dog lovers — will understand deeply. It’s a story about: growing older unconditional love companionship bravery in small packages finding comfort in ordinary moments and how sometimes the tiniest creatures leave the biggest paw prints on our hearts. It’s also a love letter to senior pets everywhere. Dickie Birdie may no longer have teeth, and he may spend most of his day wrapped in blankets judging the world from soft pillows and sunny spots, but he still has adventures to go on, people to meet, and stories to tell. And honestly?He’s kind of becoming famous. If you’d like to support Dickie Birdie and the rest of our little animal family here in hot Arizona — especially as we prepare for another very warm summer and our upcoming CrimeCon travels — we do have an Amazon animal wishlist filled with cooling supplies, pet necessities, comfort items, and goodies for our furry family members as well as the crabby ones. Not kidding! We have hermit crabs here! Animal Wishlist: Thank you for supporting our little family, our storytelling adventures, and this tiny old chihuahua with two first names. And if you happen to see Dickie Birdie rolling through CrimeCon in his stroller this year, please say hello to him. He takes his mascot duties very seriously. Now fluff up your blankets, snuggle in close, and enjoy tonight’s story from one very brave, very sleepy little gentleman named Dickie Birdie.

    13 min
  6. Alice Nizzy Nazzy The Witch of Santa Fe

    May 16

    Alice Nizzy Nazzy The Witch of Santa Fe

    Welcome aboard Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station — where turning the page is only the beginning. This episode is incredibly special to me because it’s not only our very first official fairy tale episode, it’s also the episode that truly made this podcast feel real. Less than 48 hours before this existed, this was simply lunch recess story time on a playground. By day, I’m Nikki — a pre-K assistant teacher surrounded by tiny humans constantly begging for “just one more story.” Somewhere between the silly voices, spooky whispers, pirate growls, dramatic sound effects, and kids piling closer during the scary parts, another teacher joked that I needed to move story time closer because she wanted to listen too. And honestly?That one little comment sparked this entire idea. This podcast was created to bring the magic of playground story time beyond the classroom walls and into homes, bedtime routines, classrooms, car rides, and wherever imagination happens. For our very first fairy tale episode, we journey into the Southwest with Alice Nizzy Nazzy: The Witch of Santa Fe, written by Tony Johnston and beautifully illustrated by legendary children’s illustrator Tomie dePaola. This spooky, funny Southwestern folk tale is filled with desert magic, witches, talking fences, mystery, humor, Spanish vocabulary, and just enough suspense to make children squeal, giggle, and hide behind their blankets before immediately asking for another story. A huge reason my students love this book so much is because of the incredible illustrations and immersive storytelling. I’m incredibly grateful to both the author and illustrator for creating such a memorable story that became a classroom favorite. This book appears to currently be out of print, but if you’d like to learn more or try to track down a copy, here are a few places to start: Amazon listing:https://www.amazon.com/Alice-Nizzy-Nazzy-Witch-Santa/dp/0399227881 Paperback edition:https://www.amazon.com/Alice-Nizzy-Nazzy-Tony-Johnston/dp/069811650X I also want to give full credit to the magical fantasy music used throughout this episode:“Castle in the Mist – Magical Orchestral” by Geoff Harvey via Pixabay Music. Music link:https://pixabay.com/music/fantasy-dreamy-childrens-castle-in-the-mist-magical-orchestral-388047/ After the story, we also talk about: the Spanish word “la bruja” Southwestern culture and Santa Fe adobe homes and desert life authors and illustrators why children love spooky stories and fun educational breakdowns for kids and parents to enjoy together. Quick disclaimer from your very excited podcast host:I’m still learning how to balance storytelling voices inside a recording studio instead of outside on a loud playground, so there are definitely a few moments where the audio gets a little dramatic or cuts out a bit. But honestly? I didn’t want to re-record it. There was something magical about this very first recording, imperfections and all. My goal is to release new episodes every Saturday filled with fairy tales, spooky stories, pirate adventures, magical journeys, and cozy story time moments families can enjoy together. Thank you so much for being here at the very beginning of Nanny Nikki’s Imagination Station. Now turn the page…and let the imagination continue.

    16 min
  7. Trailer for Nanny Nikki's Imagination Station

    Season 1 Trailer

    Trailer for Nanny Nikki's Imagination Station

    What started as lunchtime story time on the playground quickly turned into something bigger. After another teacher suggested I move closer so she could listen too, I realized maybe this little daily tradition deserved a life outside the playground. Welcome to Nanny Nikki's Imagination Station — a magical storytelling podcast inspired by the voices, laughter, and imaginations of the kids I spend my days teaching. From silly adventures and pirate tales to princess stories, spooky stories, and imaginative journeys, each episode is designed to bring stories to life the same way I do during recess story time: with voices, excitement, and heart. And because learning never really stops, stick around after each story for fun facts about the book, the author, and simple kid-friendly discussion moments parents and children can enjoy together. Less than 12 hours after the idea was born, the trailer was finished — and this is only the beginning. So climb aboard the Imagination Station and let’s tell some stories together. ~Nanny Nikki

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Nanny Nikki's imagination station a magical story time that was inspired by moments that started at recess as a pre-K teacher. What began as reading stories to my students turned into a world of imagination, laughter, learning, and adventure. Join me, Nanny Nikki for cozy storytimes, fun conversations, and magical moments perfect for bedtime, car rides, classrooms, and little imaginations everywhere.

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