Paws & Tales

Ned: Welcome to another episode of my personal podcast, Ned Knows. Today, I'm talking to the creator of Paws & Tales, Dave Carl. Well, thanks for being with me today, Dave.

Dave Carl: It's a pleasure to be here, Ned.

Ned: So, because I'm me, I happen to know that you have written the first-ever Paws & Tales book. Tell me more about that.

Dave Carl: I'd love to. It's called The Overcomers, and reading this book will be like reading maybe five regular episodes. The club is in the middle of a big new adventure and there are new characters introduced.

Ned: That's fascinating, Dave. I have it, though, by good authority, that this book centers around Ned and how he saves the day for everyone.

Dave Carl: Well, no, that's not what the book is about. It is significantly about the struggle against evil that lurks high up in Wild Mountain. If anything, I'd have to say it centers around Staci.

Ned: What? I gave you really good notes when you were writing this. What happened to all my great ideas?

Dave Carl: Well, mostly I didn't read them. There were a lot of notes, Ned. In the book I did write, we meet Smidge, a badger who really wants to become someone who will make a difference. He meets up with Crockett, a genuine overcomer, who begins to teach him how to survive in the woods and how to take care of the miners digging for gold in the tunnels of Wild Mountain.

Ned: Ned knows what this book was supposed to be about. In those notes you did not read, Ned inherits a million dollars, but he does not let anyone know about it. He sneaks around and secretly helps those in need and uses all kinds of really neat gadgets to fight crime.

Dave Carl: I did read that part of the notes, but in this first Paws & Tales book, The Overcomers, we follow the club as they begin a new adventure and we see how Crockett battles bandits and the evil minion in only the way an overcomer can.

Ned: Well, I did not know that you changed the whole book, Dave. This is a bitter disappointment. Well, this ends this episode of Ned Knows. Thanks for joining me, Dave Carl, who ignored all my notes. I'll see you all next time for another episode of Ned Knows. Stop tape.

Papa Chuck: Welcome to the world of Paws & Tales. Wild Mountain can be a pretty dangerous place. You stay on the trails and stick with me. There's adventure to be had there too.

CJ: Come on, CJ, jump.

Staci: It's too far.

CJ: It wasn't too far for me.

Insight for Living: Insight for Living is proud to present Paws & Tales. Howdy, and welcome to Wildwood, home of, among other things, the Footlight Theater, where the club's involved in final rehearsals for Miss Harbor's play, The Conquering Hero.

Staci: Papa Chuck, the door to the castle is broken again.

Papa Chuck: Did you slam it again?

Staci: Yeah.

Papa Chuck: It's a prop, Staci. It's not a real door.

Staci: Sorry.

Papa Chuck: Well, I can't get to it till I finish painting these flats. Opening night's in a week from tonight. No more slamming.

Goos: Did you hear that, everyone? The door is a flimsy prop door. Not real, not built strong enough to slam. For the last time, let's take it easy on the props. Goos, is that a pillow on your head?

Goos: No.

Ned: Goos.

Goos: Yes, Ned.

Ned: A beret. You're wearing a beret.

Goos: All the best stage managers wear berets.

Staci: Where exactly did you find a beret?

Goos: Just at the beret store. Well, let's all get into our places.

Ned: It looks kind of like a pillow.

Goos: I made it out of a pillow, all right?

Ned: I was right. Apparently, all the best mediocre stage managers wear pillows.

CJ: Look, he comes. All hail the conquering hero. Or is it see, he comes? Ned, is my line look or see?

Ned: I don't know. I thought it was hark. CJ, you okay?

CJ: No. This is ridiculous. My cape is too long. Oh, that's just great. Now my cape's long and ripped. Could somebody help me here?

Goos: Okay, let's go, everyone. Ten minutes to rehearsal. Shake a leg. Staci, have you seen our conquering hero?

Staci: No, Miss Harbor.

Miss Harbor: Well, let's make sure everyone's in their place in ten. Staci, would you come back here and help me with... Mr. Wright, heavens, what's the matter?

Mr. Wright: Stage fright. I'm fine.

Miss Harbor: Oh, you're anything but. Here, here, have a seat. Just relax.

Mr. Wright: Thank you. I'm feeling much better.

Miss Harbor: Oh, it looks like our little plan backfired.

Mr. Wright: I'm afraid so. Just the thought of being on stage in front of a crowd is enough to set me off. And it's only rehearsal. Thanks for giving me a chance, but I'll have to drop out of the play.

Miss Harbor: No, we're going to beat this together.

Mr. Wright: I don't see how.

Miss Harbor: Oh, I'm not sure I do either. But I have an idea. Meet me backstage after rehearsal.

Insight for Living: So the cast gathered in their places and with a buzz of excitement, rehearsal began.

Ned: Three bells and all's well. Captain, Captain, they're coming. They've surrounded the castle.

Mr. Wright: We're surrounded. We're surrounded. We're surrounded, Captain. We're doomed. I know my lines. I just can't say them.

Miss Harbor: Let's keep it moving, everyone. CJ.

CJ: Alert the men and secure the drawbridge.

Ned: What was that? What was that? Was that my cue?

CJ: Alert the men and secure the drawbridge.

Ned: That's what I said.

Goos: That's not in the script. CJ, stop improvising. Miss Harbor, he's making things up again.

CJ: I'm sorry I missed my cue, but I can't understand a thing he said.

Miss Harbor: CJ, what's the matter?

CJ: I'm fine. I just need a minute. I just need a minute.

Ned: I can't work like this.

Miss Harbor: CJ, what's going on?

CJ: I can do it.

Miss Harbor: CJ.

CJ: It's my tooth. It hurts. I just need some ice or something. I'll be fine. I can do this.

Miss Harbor: You are in so much pain you can barely speak. I don't think ice is the answer. Perhaps it's time for the understudy.

CJ: No, I can do it.

Miss Harbor: Ned, take over for the rehearsal, please. CJ isn't feeling well.

Ned: You must be kidding. I can't. I mean, he's just...

Miss Harbor: Ned, you are his understudy. You're supposed to be ready to take over at a moment's notice.

Ned: I don't know the lines.

Miss Harbor: Oh, all right, take five. I need time to think.

Goos: Five minute break. Don't leave the stage. We are back in five. CJ, what's going on?

CJ: I've got a bad tooth, shocking major pain.

Goos: Oh, no. This is bad. Marsha, we need cool heads here. How long have you had this?

CJ: A couple of weeks.

Goos: Weeks? Why didn't you say something?

CJ: Are you kidding? I knew if Miss Harbor found out she'd send me to the dentist. I can make it till after the play.

Ned: I'd have a witty response, but I'm not sure what he just said.

Staci: So are you afraid you'll lose your part in the play, or are you afraid of the dentist?

CJ: It's not...

Ned: Oh, great, it's both. We have no conquering hero.

CJ: Okay, so it's both. Ned, why didn't you learn your lines? You were so mad you didn't get CJ's part. And now you... I really want to do this, and the dentist is going to, I don't know what.

Ned: The dentist is going to go donuts? Is it just me?

Goos: The dentist is going to what?

CJ: I'm not afraid of the dentist. Drilling, scraping, grinding, shots. I'm not entirely comfortable with him either. I'm doomed. If I drop out of the play, I'll ruin it for everyone.

Ned: This means the end of the play. I may never get another chance.

Staci: Listen, there's a simple way out of this.

Ned: Who knew the understudy would be called? Oh, I should have learned the lines.

Staci: Your only option is to find a toothache remedy and fast.

Ned: That's a great idea.

Goos: Super. We can all work together on a cure. My grandmother knows lots of home remedies.

Staci: Mine too.

Ned: I'll start learning my lines.

Goos: I'll get the snacks.

Ned: Snacks? Why are you getting snacks?

Goos: Hey, we got to eat.

CJ: Thanks, you guys. You're the best.

Ned: What? What did he say?

Staci: Just learn your lines.

Lilo: Hi, my name is Lilo. I live in Michigan. More Paws & Tales coming right up.

Ned: Hey, Staci, I'm helping out today, so I'll direct you whenever you're ready.

Staci: Hey everyone, Staci here from Paws & Tales. We've had kids from all over the country send in their announcer recordings and they are heard every day on the program. But we haven't heard one from you.

Ned: Yeah, really good, Stace, but this time with a little more pathos, please.

Staci: Oh, Ned. Just head on over to pawsandtales.org and pop into the clubhouse to get one of the announcer scripts.

Ned: That's a good start, Stace, but I need some more sparkle, please. Give me more sparkle.

Staci: I don't even know what that means. Record yourself on your parent's phone and send it into us so we can get your voice heard around the world. That's pawsandtales.org. This is so exciting.

Ned: Now let's think about your motivation on this.

Joel: Nice, Stace. Good job. Stopping tape.

Ned: Wait, I'm directing this. Do not stop tape, Joel. Do not stop that tape.

Madam Kildare: Wow, you have an incredible place here.

Mr. Wright: Thank you, Mr. Wright. A lifetime spent on the stage and screen gloriously frozen in these photographs. My shrine to the golden age.

Miss Harbor: Madam Kildare, with all of your experience on stage, we thought that you might...

Mr. Wright: We thought you might know of a cure for my stage fright.

Madam Kildare: Stage fright. Yes, nasty thing, that. And indeed, I do know a cure, having myself engaged the very beast in a struggle of titanic proportions.

Miss Harbor: You had stage fright?

Madam Kildare: Early in my career, I had no choice but to slay the ghastly dragon before it slew me. Or is it slew before it slaid me?

Mr. Wright: How'd you do it?

Miss Harbor: Yes, what's your secret?

Madam Kildare: Breathing, good man.

Mr. Wright: Breathing?

Madam Kildare: Controlled breathing, Mr. Wright. I've developed a system, a simple discipline you can master if you are willing to learn.

Mr. Wright: I am, I am.

Madam Kildare: Good. Then shall we begin now? And in a few hours, you will be the envy of the Footlight Theater. This is very exciting. Please stand. We begin by inhaling a deep breath, but in three short increments, like so. You try. Three short increments. Superb. Then we exhale the same. Like that? Bravo, Mr. Wright, bravo. Inhale.

CJ: Hi, Staci.

Staci: You look terrible.

CJ: Terrible would be an improvement. I feel worse.

Staci: Well, your problem is solved. I brought the perfect cure, a treasured home remedy of my grandmother's.

CJ: A jar of dead grass?

Staci: Herbs. These are herbs. Twenty-four separate ones.

Marsha: Hey guys, I got licorice, gum, and jawbreakers. CJ, your worries are over. I hold in my hand the surefire toothache balm.

CJ: Really?

Marsha: It's my great-grandmother's secret formula.

Staci: Sorry, Marsha, CJ's going to try my cure first.

Marsha: Grass? That's your cure, grass?

Staci: They're herbs. Twenty-four to be exact. CJ needs something more aggressive. I've got powdered quibbit.

CJ: What? It looks like porridge.

Staci: Everyone knows herbs have healing power.

Marsha: That's a myth.

Staci: It's a fact.

Marsha: Myth.

Staci: Fact.

CJ: Stop. Oh, that hurts. Just mix them both together now.

Goos: Taffy.

Ned: Goos.

CJ: Staci, empty your jar into Marsha's bowl and let's see how happy we can make Mr. Tooth.

Staci: I don't think that's a very good idea. There. That's all of it.

CJ: Now, stir it around with your finger. Now scoop some out and pack it around your tooth. Here it goes. Tastes kind of good.

Staci: So how's the pain?

CJ: I think it's working.

Marsha: No, no, no, don't talk. Let it set for a second. You know, we could sell this stuff at Mr. Peeples' pharmacy.

Staci: Yes, the ultimate toothache cure. Marsha and Staci's miracle balm.

Marsha: Why not Staci and Marsha's?

Staci: Marsha and Staci's. What, CJ?

CJ: There's something wrong. I'm stuck.

Marsha: Uh-oh. We may have a problem here.

CJ: I can't open my mouth.

Staci: Marsha, look at the bowl. Our tooth balm has turned hard as a rock. I think we made cement.

Marsha: Cement?

Staci: We've glued CJ's jaw together.

Marsha: Look what your porridge stuff did.

Staci: My stuff? It wasn't my fault.

Mr. Wright: A very good morning to you, Papa Chuck.

Papa Chuck: Well, good morning, Mr. Wright. New bulbs for the old Footlight marquee?

Mr. Wright: There's just a few things that need... You got a second?

Papa Chuck: Absolutely, my pleasure. Beautiful day, isn't it?

Mr. Wright: Yes, it is. If you'll hold these, I'll swap them out.

Papa Chuck: You seem pretty chipper today.

Mr. Wright: I have fantastic news. I'm a new man.

Papa Chuck: Really?

Mr. Wright: My struggle with stage fright is over.

Papa Chuck: You're kidding.

Mr. Wright: No more anxiety, no more panic attacks or sweaty palms. I'm telling you, I'm a changed man.

Papa Chuck: Well, how'd you do it?

Mr. Wright: Madam Kildare's controlled breathing technique. By applying it, I can lower my heart rate, blood pressure, and level of fear.

Papa Chuck: Well, I'm glad to hear it. I've got some good news myself.

Mr. Wright: What's that?

Papa Chuck: The Conquering Hero is sold out. Can you believe it?

Mr. Wright: Sold out?

Papa Chuck: You'll be performing in front of a packed house.

Mr. Wright: Packed?

Papa Chuck: I think it's the first sellout in the history of Footlight Theater. Mr. Wright, are you okay? You're turning red.

Mr. Wright: Must breathe.

Papa Chuck: Take it easy. Don't faint on me. I got you. Oh, boy. Miss Harbor.

Miss Harbor: CJ.

CJ: Oh, no. No more home remedies. You've glued my other teeth together. Thanks to you, I'm in more pain now than when I started.

Miss Harbor: This isn't a home remedy book. It's the Encyclopedia of Dentistry. My dad says the first step to solving a problem is knowledge. If we can identify exactly what's wrong with your tooth, we can fix it. Now, what are your symptoms?

CJ: Pain, pain, and more pain, especially when I bite down or have something cold or hot.

Miss Harbor: That's a good start. Increasing pain, bite discomfort, temperature sensitivity. Goos, you do the exam. Whatever else you find, we'll look up in the book.

Goos: Okay, now open wide, CJ.

CJ: All right, but don't be poking around at anything.

Goos: Okay, CJ, crack her open.

CJ: Just make it quick.

Goos: Whoa, wow.

CJ: What?

Goos: You could use a box of breath mints. Okay, we got swelling of the gum. We got redness. We got tooth discoloration. We got a weasel who's about to gag.

Miss Harbor: I'm over. Okay, I found it.

Goos: Well, what's the diagnosis? Oh, did you read that? Boy, look at the time. I better be running along.

CJ: Staci, what did you find?

Staci: I'm not going to tell him.

Marsha: You know, sometimes knowledge can be highly overrated. I think ignorance is the way to go here.

CJ: Staci, what'd you find?

Staci: Your gums are inflamed. Worse, your tooth is infected. Worst still, you'll have to see the dentist.

CJ: Okay, I can handle this. No need to panic. So what are we talking about here? Small cavity, tiny filling?

Staci: It looks like Dr. Cook may have to... I'm so sorry, CJ. Dr. Cook may have to pull your tooth.

Lilo: Hi, I'm Lilo from Michigan. Don't go away, there's more Paws & Tales coming right up.

Dave Carl: Hey everyone, this is Dave Carl, creator of Paws & Tales. Wait, Stace, is that what you wanted for this?

Staci: Yeah, Dave, that's fine. Keep going.

Dave Carl: Okay. Well, I've been trying to get Staci to tell us about her welcome cookies. As you know, Staci's pretty famous around Wildwood for baking cookies and giving them to folks that have just moved in or whatever else, Stace.

Staci: You know, if someone is sick or just needs a cookie hug.

Dave Carl: I love that. Who doesn't need a cookie hug on occasion? Well, she bakes them with her mom and I think we're going to have a sample here. Where are the cookies?

Staci: Ned, did you eat all the cookies?

Ned: Well, they smell amazing. You can get a copy of Staci's welcome cookie recipe and bake them yourself with the help of your parents, of course. Just log on to pawsandtales.org and head into the clubhouse to get your copy of Staci's welcome cookie recipe.

Ned: Why is everyone mad at me? Why do I get blamed for everything?

Dave Carl: Ned, you have cookie crumbs on your chin.

Ned: Well, maybe I did it this time, but I get blamed for everything all the time.

Dave Carl: And we'd love to see your plate of cookies. So take a photo and upload it to the clubhouse. We'll post them all on the Wall of Fame so the whole world can see what a great baker you are. But don't forget to give them away.

Ned: Oh, and try a couple first. It's just good quality control. I would try a couple first. Happy baking.

Papa Chuck: Hey CJ, where are you headed?

CJ: Hi, Papa Chuck. Going down to Footlight.

Papa Chuck: What's with your mouth?

CJ: Bad tooth. Have to tell Miss Harbor I'm dropping out of the play.

Papa Chuck: Dropping out? Does it hurt that bad?

CJ: Yes, sir. I thought the pain would go away, but it's gotten worse. I wanted to be in that play so bad. Now mom's sending me over to Dr. Cook's.

Papa Chuck: You're looking a little nervous there.

CJ: Scared, and scared a lot. Some conquering hero.

Papa Chuck: I don't particularly like going to the dentist myself. Even had a tooth pulled once.

CJ: You did?

Papa Chuck: Sure. I know what you're going through. Part of growing up is learning to face things you don't want to face. If you hadn't kept this a big secret, Dr. Cook probably would have taken care of it pretty quick and it'd all be over with by now.

CJ: I know.

Papa Chuck: Well, even heroes get scared.

CJ: Name one.

Papa Chuck: Oh, Moses, Joshua, Elijah, all the great ones were scared silly at times. God told Joshua over and over not to be afraid.

CJ: So how do you just stop being afraid?

Papa Chuck: I truly don't think you can, son.

CJ: Oh, great.

Papa Chuck: Well, not by yourself. You'll need to turn it over to God. Pray. Tell him what you're afraid of. Let him carry the load. He'll be right there with you right through your fears.

Insight for Living: They prayed right there on Main Street in front of Dr. Cook's dental office. When they finished, CJ was still scared, but as he walked inside, it made all the difference in the world knowing he wasn't alone.

Guest (Female): Okay, CJ, hop into the chair. The doctor will be right with you.

CJ: I can come back tomorrow if he's busy.

Guest (Female): Oh, that won't be necessary.

CJ: Okay, Lord, I'm afraid of the scraping and the drilling and the pulling.

Mr. Wright: Well, hello CJ.

CJ: Mr. Wright, what are you doing here?

Mr. Wright: Fixing teeth. We dentists are good at that, you know.

CJ: But I didn't know you were a dentist.

Mr. Wright: Have been for thirty-seven years. Retired a few years back, only help out Dr. Cook now and then.

CJ: Where is Dr. Cook?

Mr. Wright: On vacation. But open wide now. That's it. Mhm. Yeah. Okay. Well, I'm afraid I've got some very bad news. I have to drop out of the play. Yeah, I just can't beat this stage fright thing. Tried every cure. Nothing works. Fear's a funny thing, isn't it? Oh, well, guess I'll just have to live with it. Okay, all done. Now that wasn't so bad, was it?

CJ: You're done? You're not going to pull my tooth?

Mr. Wright: No. Looks like a piece of popcorn shell was wedged between your teeth.

CJ: What? I was afraid all this time for nothing? I can't believe it.

Mr. Wright: Believe it. I wish the solution to my problem were so simple.

CJ: Maybe it is.

Mr. Wright: What do you mean?

CJ: Well, you said your problem, and maybe that's the problem.

Mr. Wright: I don't follow.

CJ: Maybe you should try giving your fears away to God like I did.

Mr. Wright: You gave your fears to God? How do you do that?

CJ: I'm kind of new at this, but I prayed, told him what I was afraid of, and he helped me.

Mr. Wright: Well, I'll have to give it some thought, CJ.

Insight for Living: Well, opening night came faster than anyone could have guessed. And well, despite all their rehearsing and preparing, everyone was more than a little...

Staci: I'm nervous.

Marsha: I'm scared. I'm not going to make it. Do you hear all those people out there?

Papa Chuck: Staci, do not slam the door. It's just a prop.

Ned: Don't worry, you're making me nervous. I can't remember any of my lines.

Goos: Ned, don't hit your head on...

Ned: Think, think. Ow, my head. What's with the door? It's supposed to be a flimsy prop door.

Staci: Papa Chuck kind of beefed it up so it wouldn't break again.

Ned: Oh, that's just great. Did anybody tell Ned? No.

CJ: Hey guys, Mr. Wright, everyone, I'm really scared too. Maybe we should have a quick prayer.

Staci: Good idea.

Marsha: I think we should. Go, CJ.

CJ: Dear Lord, we really need you now. Theater is full of people. And we need your strength and peace. Help us all to remember our lines and thanks for being with us all the time. In Jesus' name, amen.

Miss Harbor: Thank you, CJ. Places, places, everyone. We're on. Let's go. Oh, boy, oh boy.

Miss Harbor: Wonderful. Good job. Lovely.

Papa Chuck: Way to go, everyone. They loved it.

CJ: How was I?

Miss Harbor: You make a fine hero, CJ.

Ned: I second that.

Staci: Did you hear that applause? We're a hit.

CJ: Mr. Wright, you did it.

Mr. Wright: With my knees knocking and a lot of prayer. I say, I've got a couple of requests. First, I've got some questions about God. Papa Chuck, I was wondering if you've got some time to talk them over.

Papa Chuck: Yes, I do, my pleasure.

Mr. Wright: My second request is for you, Miss Harbor, regarding your next play.

Miss Harbor: Yes?

Mr. Wright: How about a bigger part?

Miss Harbor: I think we might be able to work something out.

Papa Chuck: Good for you.

Madam Kildare: Well done, well done all of you. Bravo.

Miss Harbor: That means a lot coming from you, Madam Kildare.

Ned: Did you really like it?

Madam Kildare: Well, young lady, it was very... oh, Ned, I've been looking for you. Curtain call, everyone. Okay, hurry now. Come on. Places, places.

CJ: When the lights hit the stage and it's time to go on, you know it really gives me quite a scare. I kind of go into shock, my knees start to knock, I turn whiter than a polar bear.

Ned: Well, let me share with you what it is that I would do. I'd pray, Lord, won't you calm my fear? And I know that I am heard because I believe His Holy Word, and it tells me God is always near. It says be strong and have good courage, trust the One who loves you so. Don't you be afraid or be dismayed for the Lord God is with you wherever you go. Wow, CJ, that's quite a thought. But ask you, has there ever been a time when you were afraid?

CJ: Yes, let me tell you. Had this pain in my incisor and if I'd been a little wiser, I would have seen the dentist right away. But I was worried, I was scared, tried to dodge the dentist chair, till Papa Chuck said never worry, pray.

Ned: I see.

CJ: So praying's what I did. I said, God, I'm just a kid. Won't you go with me so I won't be alone? Then the dentist saw a speck, had it out in just a sec, and my fear was answered, he the tooth be known. And so be strong and have good courage, trust the One who loves you so. Don't you be afraid or be dismayed for the Lord God is with you wherever you go.

Ned: When your tummy's doing somersaults and you've got ants in your pants, remember God can take away your fears and make your spirit dance. Take it away. Licorice. Gum. I'm tapping. Whoa, you're pretty good. This isn't so scary. So be strong and have good courage, trust the One who loves you so. Don't you be afraid or be dismayed for the Lord God is with you wherever you go. The Lord God is with you. The Lord God is with you wherever you go. Oh, yeah.

Insight for Living: To order a copy of today's program, If the Tooth Be Known, just log on to pawsandtales.org. If the Tooth Be Known was written by Gary Armstrong and directed by Dave Carl. Our script supervisor was Phil Lawlor. The song, Be Strong and Have Good Courage, was written by Sandy Howell and Nick Brown. Music was by John Campbell and our sound designer was Jerry Swafford. Paws & Tales is an Insight for Living production.