The Chronicle

Author: Charles Jameson

The Chronicle is a podcast about stories, creativity, and the incredible journey of childhood literacyfrom the very first book a parent shares with their child to the moment a young reader discovers the magic of storytelling for themselves. Hosted by Charles "Dave" Jameson, founder of Chronicle Creations and creator of Dreambook, this show blends research-based insights into children's development with real-life reflections on building an educational startup. Join Dave as he navigates the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, explores how reading shapes childhood development, and leads Chronicle Creations toward empowering families everywhere. Whether you're a parent looking for inspiring ways to bond through books, or a fellow founder learning on the fly, The Chronicle offers an honest, heartfelt exploration of creativity, connection, and growing up together.
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Language: en

Genres: Education, Technology

Contact email: Get it

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iTunes ID: Get it

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Can Stories Make Kids Kinder? The Science Behind Reading and Empathy | The Chronicle Podcast Ep.4
Wednesday, 30 July, 2025

In this episode, we explore the surprising power of storytime to shape who children become. Grounded in rigorous research from Mar, Lee, Larsen, and Chen, we unpack how reading storybooks to children aged 3 to 8 can measurably boost empathy, honesty, and kindness. Through clever experiments — from broccoli vs. cookie mind games to sticker-sharing challenges and honesty tests inspired by George Washington — scientists have shown that stories aren't just entertainment. They're training grounds for the heart. But not all stories work the same: human characters outperform animals, and tales that reward good behavior beat those that punish the bad. Most powerful of all? Consistent, shared reading with emotional discussion over time. Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone who believes in the transformative magic of books, this episode offers practical insight and hope: that empathy isn't just taught — it's told.