Silly Stories For Kids Hits 32 Million Downloads

Independent children’s podcast, Silly Stories For Kids, has amassed more than 32 million downloads** across 282 episodes and reached 100 counties. It currently ranks #1 in Australia on Apple Podcasts’ Stories for Kids chart, #2 in the UK and #3 in Canada.

Created by Sam Ramsden, a full-time electrician and dad of four from Melbourne, Silly Stories for Kids started in November 2023 as a passion project inspired by one simple goal: to make his daughters laugh.

Every story is completely improvised on the spot, fuelled by Sam’s creativity and the suggestions of his young listeners. There’s no script, no writer’s room and no major podcast network behind it. Just Sam, a home studio and a seemingly endless imagination.

Now, those silly stories have been downloaded more than 32 million times, with the podcast currently ranked among the top 0.5% of podcasts globally, according to Listen Notes.

The podcast has also built a significant international audience, with families tuning in across the US, Canada and the UK, proving the distinctly Australian brand of silly, unpretentious storytelling translates far beyond home.

“32 million is a number I never could have imagined when I started making up stories to entertain my girls, just two weeks after the birth of our fourth daughter,” Ramsden said.

“The best part is knowing there are kids on the other side of the world laughing at the same ridiculous characters and adventures that started in our house. I still make every story up as I go, so half the time I’m just as surprised as the kids by where we end up.”

For many families, Silly Stories has become genuinely engaging, screen-free entertainment that sparks children’s imaginations while buying parents a few precious minutes of peace.

Neurodivergent children in particular have embraced the show, drawn to its fast pace, unpredictability and wildly funny characters who barrel headlong into crazy adventures. Sam also launched his first children’s book this year, OK Let’s Go! and appeared on the MCG as part of Melbourne Football Club’s Kids Go Free match.

“The download number is amazing, but the messages from families are what stick with me,” Ramsden said.

“Parents tell me Silly Stories gets them through long car trips, bedtime, tough days or simply gives their kids something that makes them laugh. If we can create a bit of joy and get kids using their imaginations at the same time, that’s the win for me.”

Sam also writes Silly Songs, combining music with the unpredictable storytelling that has become the show’s trademark and increasingly, Silly Stories is moving beyond the podcast feed and into live family entertainment.

This month, Sam will head to Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, entertaining families as part of the theme park’s Happy Halloween events. He will then continue the Silly Stories Spectacular nationwide live tour, heading to Adelaide’s Kings Community Centre on November 21.

The live tour follows sold-out shows at The Round in Melbourne, the Gold Coast and appearances at the Sydney Comedy Festival, where Sam performed six shows and joined The Great Laugh in the Park alongside Bluey, Jimmy Rees and more.

“Seeing kids who listen to the podcast suddenly standing in front of me at a live show, shouting out ideas and becoming part of the story, is pretty special,” Ramsden said.

“Silly Stories started in our family home and now it’s taking us around Australia. 32 million downloads feels like a massive milestone, but it also feels like we’re only getting started.”

And he’s doing it all while continuing to run an electrical business for his day job.

Sam Ramsden is one very busy dad.