Greeking Out is a podcast hosted by siblings Kenny and Sonya Curtis that dives deep into Greek mythology, comics, movies, and basically anything in the "geek culture" universe. Think of it as a friendly conversation between two mythology nerds who also happen to love Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and pretty much every corner of pop culture that draws from ancient stories.
The format is conversational and accessible—they break down complex mythological tales, connect them to modern superhero stories, and interview authors, artists, and other creators in the geek space. Episodes typically run 30-60 minutes and cover everything from deep dives on specific Greek gods to discussions about how Percy Jackson adapts classical mythology for modern audiences.
Here's the thing: Greeking Out hits that sweet spot where learning doesn't feel like homework.
If your kid is into Rick Riordan's books, the Percy Jackson Disney+ series, or any mythology-adjacent content, this podcast makes them feel like they're getting insider knowledge. Kenny and Sonya are genuinely enthusiastic without being condescending, and they treat mythology like the fascinating, dramatic soap opera it actually is (because let's be real, Greek myths are WILD).
The podcast also validates kids' interests. If your middle schooler is obsessed with Greek mythology or superhero origin stories, Greeking Out says "yes, this is worth deep analysis and thoughtful conversation." That's powerful for kids who sometimes feel like their interests aren't "serious" enough.
Plus, the sibling dynamic is relatable—there's friendly banter, occasional disagreement, and the kind of rapport that feels like eavesdropping on a conversation you'd actually want to hear.
Ages 8-12: This is the core audience. Kids who've read Percy Jackson or are getting into mythology through Hades (the game) or Lore Olympus will find this accessible. The hosts keep it clean, but Greek mythology itself involves some mature themes—affairs, violence, family drama that makes reality TV look tame. The podcast discusses these elements matter-of-factly without dwelling on graphic details.
Ages 13+: Teens will appreciate the more nuanced discussions about storytelling, character development, and cultural adaptation. The podcast occasionally touches on how ancient stories reflect their cultural context, which can spark interesting conversations about how we tell stories today.
Younger than 8: Probably not ideal unless they're already deep into mythology. The conversational format and longer episode length might lose their attention, and some mythological content (Zeus's... let's call them "romantic adventures") might prompt questions you're not ready to answer yet.
The good stuff:
- Actually educational. Your kid is learning about classical mythology, narrative structure, and cultural history while thinking they're just listening to fun podcast content.
- Clean content. No swearing, no inappropriate jokes. The hosts are professional and keep it family-friendly.
- Encourages reading. Many episodes discuss books, which often leads to kids adding titles to their reading list.
- Critical thinking. The podcast encourages listeners to think about why stories are told certain ways and how ancient myths connect to modern narratives.
Potential considerations:
- Greek mythology is inherently messy. The stories involve infidelity, violence, transformation as punishment, and family dynamics that are... problematic. The podcast handles this appropriately, but be prepared for questions about why Zeus is kind of terrible or why Medusa's story is so dark.
- Episode length varies. Some kids struggle with longer audio content without visual elements. This might work better for car rides or quiet time rather than competing with YouTube or TikTok.
- Assumes some baseline knowledge. While accessible, kids get more out of it if they already have some familiarity with Greek mythology basics.
Co-listening opportunity: This is genuinely enjoyable for adults too. Family car rides become way more interesting
when you're all learning about how Theseus was actually kind of a jerk despite being a "hero."
Springboard for deeper engagement: Use episodes as jumping-off points. If they listen to an episode about Athena, maybe that's the week you visit a museum's Greek antiquities section or check out a related book.
Balance with other content: Podcasts are great, but they're still screen-adjacent content (even though they're audio-only). If your kid is already maxing out on Minecraft YouTube videos and Discord chats, adding another piece of digital content might not be the move—even if it's educational.
Check in periodically: Listen to an episode yourself or ask your kid what they're learning. This isn't about surveillance; it's about showing interest and being able to have actual conversations about the content they're consuming.
Greeking Out is genuinely one of the better podcast options for kids in this age range. It's educational without being preachy, entertaining without being mindless, and treats young listeners with respect.
Is it going to replace reading actual books? No, and it shouldn't. But as part of a balanced media diet, it's a solid choice that might actually teach your kid something while they're enjoying themselves. And honestly, in the landscape of kids' digital content, that's a win.
If your kid is already into mythology or geek culture, this is worth trying. Worst case scenario? They don't vibe with the podcast format and you move on. Best case? You've found something that entertains them during car rides while sneaking in actual learning, and you finally understand why they keep talking about Kronos eating his children.
Try a test episode: Start with an episode about a topic your kid already knows something about—maybe a Percy Jackson character analysis or a discussion about a movie they've seen.
Set expectations: Let them know this isn't YouTube—there's no visual component, and they'll need to actually listen. Some kids adjust immediately; others need practice with audio-focused content.
Use it strategically: Long car rides, quiet time, or as an alternative to screens before bed (though maybe not the episode about Hades and the Underworld right before sleep).
Want to explore more podcast options for your kids? Check out our guide to age-appropriate podcasts or ask about specific topics your kid is interested in.