The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds
by Niki Montecillo
From the publisher
Welcome to The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds. On this podcast, we tell saints stories for young children. These stories are meant to help the children know the heart of the saint and their story - who they loved, what they loved, and how they loved Jesus.
Good for
Collections The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds landed in, based on what its reviews say.
What parents actually say
Medium confidence · 7 detailed reviewsA decent number of detailed reviews to work from. Enough to spot patterns, not enough to be the last word.
Why parents put it on
The moments it actually gets used for.
- Great voices & actingTop3
See what they saidHide
- “Niki uses a voice that is not “baby talk” and asks some pretty penetrating questions during the stories.”
- “The music, voice and diction is perfect for them.”
What it's about
What comes up when parents describe it.
- Storytelling & adventureTop5
See what they saidHide
- “This podcast puts beautiful, deep, and sometimes difficult topics and stories into words children understand.”
- “The stories are well told, simplified but not dumbed down.”
What it feels like
The mood parents describe.
- EducationalTop3
See what they saidHide
- “I’m so grateful we have this resource because we have all learned so much.”
- “John the Baptist episode over a year ago and still brings up things she learned from it.”
- Heartfelt3
See what they saidHide
- “This is a very sweet way for young children to get to know the saints as their friends in heaven.”
- “She has such a sweet voice.”
Who's actually listening
From the 3 reviews that name a child's age.
- Preschool (3-5)3
- Babies & toddlers1
How to read this: each number is how many reviews raised that topic in their own words — not a percentage or a score. Bars compare topics within a box only, so the longest bar is whatever came up most here, marked Top. The dots above show how much evidence we have, not how good the show is.
This summarises what reviewers said. It isn't our verdict, and we don't write reviews ourselves. See exactly how every number is calculated.
About The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds
In the publisher's own words, as they describe the show on its feed.
Welcome to The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds. On this podcast, we tell saints stories for young children. These stories are meant to help the children know the heart of the saint and their story - who they loved, what they loved, and how they loved Jesus. It is in the formation of a saint’s heart, that we can truly understand their mission! Written and hosted by: Niki Montecillo Original music by: Kevin Kapchinski and family Check him out at: https://kkapmusic.com/ Edited and produced by: Io Montecillo Contact us at: theheartofastory@gmail.com
Parent reviews (7)
Real reviews from real parents — the ones we gather from public sources link back to where they were written, and the ones written here are marked as such.
Listened to The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds?
Tell other parents what you thought. It takes a minute and genuinely helps.
So well done and perfect for little ones!
I have three boys ages 2, 4, and 8. They all love these podcasts! I’m so grateful we have this resource because we have all learned so much. Thank you ❤️
Mrotolo · May 2023
My kids favorite AND mine!
We absolutely LOVE this podcast! My 4 yr old asks for this one by name. She listed to the St. John the Baptist episode over a year ago and still brings up things she learned from it. This podcast puts beautiful, deep, and sometimes difficult topics and stories into words children understand. The really do connect with the heart of the child!
Cparthum · Mar 2023
Best Podcast for Catholic Children
This podcast blew us away. It is by far the most beautifully done podcast geared toward children out there. The stories are well told, simplified but not dumbed down. Niki uses a voice that is not “baby talk” and asks some pretty penetrating questions during the stories. Many stories have reflections that have touched me deeply. The mark of truth, no matter the level of simplicity. Well done!
MaryO'Hern · Feb 2023
Our kids love the show!
We have a 3.5 year old and 2 year old, they love the short stories and I love listening and learning, too. The music, voice and diction is perfect for them.
chica1234 · Mar 2022
Perfect for preschoolers and young kids!
…and the reflections questions have given me, an adult, food for thought too. This is a very sweet way for young children to get to know the saints as their friends in heaven.
aklo123 · Dec 2021
sweet stories
Loved the first episode. She has such a sweet voice. We enjoyed the simple sorry, questions, and prayer at the end. Looking forward for more 🙂
momolot · Dec 2021
Perfect for little ears!
We can’t wait for more! We enjoyed listening during our snack and it was so peaceful and sweet. Little thoughtful questions were asked and they wanted to hear the next story!
CeciliaGianna · Dec 2021
Questions parents ask
What age is The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds for?
The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds doesn't publish an age range, but based on the ages parents name in their reviews it lands with 1–5-year-olds, most often preschool (3-5) and babies & toddlers.
How long are The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds episodes?
Most episodes run about 8 minutes, so an episode fits comfortably into a school run or a bedtime routine.
Is The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds any good?
It holds 5.0 out of 5 from 21 ratings, with 7 written parent reviews, which works out to an A+ on our scale.
Is The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds appropriate for kids?
The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds is marked clean, with no explicit content flag. Parents describe it as educational, heartfelt.
Where can I listen to The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds?
The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music and other podcast apps. It's free to listen to.
Why do parents recommend The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds?
The point that comes up most is "great voices & acting" — mentioned in 3 of the 7 reviews we analysed.
Episodes
59 to play, newest first
A Girl Named Helena (Faustina)
Mar 7, 2026 · 10 min
This is episode is about St. Faustina Kowalska, who received the message of Divine Mercy from Jesus. Welcome to The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds. On this podcast, we tell saints stories for toddlers and preschool children. These stories are meant to help the children know the heart of the saint and their story - who they loved, what they loved, and how they loved Jesus. It is in the formation of a saint’s heart, that we can truly understand their mission! Written and hosted by: Niki Montecillo Original music by: Kevin Kapchinski and family Check him out at: https://kkapmusic.com/ Edited and produced by: Io Montecillo Contact us at: theheartofastory@gmail.com
Summer 2024 Announcement
Jun 30, 2024 · 1 min
The Heart of a Story is taking a summer break - our hands are busy and our hearts are full of joy, soaking in the gift of our newest son, born in June! You can continue to hear BRAND NEW episodes if you are a Patreon member. Check out www.patreon.com/theheartofastory to become a patron of this podcast and hear extra episodes, such as St. Faustina, St. Ambrose, and more! Follow us on our Facebook page for previews and updates! https://www.facebook.com/theheartofastory Blessings to you!
RERELEASE - Children's Stations of the Cross
Mar 29, 2024 · 22 min
On this Good Friday, help your little ones reflect on the Passion of our Lord through a Children's Stations of the Cross. Blessings! You can now support us on Patreon! Visit us at patreon.com/theheartofastory to become a contributor and gain access to an extra episode every month! Welcome to The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds. On this podcast, we tell saints stories for toddlers and preschool children. These stories are meant to help the children know the heart of the saint and their story - who they loved, what they loved, and how they loved Jesus. It is in the formation of a saint’s heart, that we can truly understand their mission! Written and hosted by: Niki Montecillo Original music by: Kevin Kapchinski and family Check him out at: https://kkapmusic.com/ Edited and produced by: Io Montecillo Contact us at: theheartofastory@gmail.com
A Boy Named John (of God)
Mar 9, 2024 · 9 min
Today's episode is about St. John of God. Can you thank God for making you exactly as you are? You can now support us on Patreon! Visit us at patreon.com/theheartofastory to become a contributor and gain access to an extra episode every month! Check out CatholicFamilyCrate.com for 20% off your next order with the code HEARTOFASTORY Welcome to The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds. On this podcast, we tell saints stories for toddlers and preschool children. These stories are meant to help the children know the heart of the saint and their story - who they loved, what they loved, and how they loved Jesus. It is in the formation of a saint’s heart, that we can truly understand their mission! Written and hosted by: Niki Montecillo Original music by: Kevin Kapchinski and family Check him out at: https://kkapmusic.com/ Edited and produced by: Io Montecillo Contact us at: theheartofastory@gmail.com
Two Girls Named Perpetua and Felicity
Mar 8, 2024 · 10 min
Today's episode is about Sts. Perpetua and Felicity. How can you make being a Christian the most important thing about you? You can now support us on Patreon! Visit us at patreon.com/theheartofastory to become a contributor and gain access to an extra episode every month! Check out CatholicFamilyCrate.com for 20% off your next order with the code HEARTOFASTORY Welcome to The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds. On this podcast, we tell saints stories for toddlers and preschool children. These stories are meant to help the children know the heart of the saint and their story - who they loved, what they loved, and how they loved Jesus. It is in the formation of a saint’s heart, that we can truly understand their mission! Written and hosted by: Niki Montecillo Original music by: Kevin Kapchinski and family Check him out at: https://kkapmusic.com/ Edited and produced by: Io Montecillo Contact us at: theheartofastory@gmail.com
A Boy Named Gregory (of Narek)
Feb 28, 2024 · 6 min
Today's episode is about St. Gregory of Narek. Enjoy! You can now support us on Patreon! Visit us at patreon.com/theheartofastory to become a contributor and gain access to an extra episode every month! Check out CatholicFamilyCrate.com for 20% off your next order with the code HEARTOFASTORY Welcome to The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds. On this podcast, we tell saints stories for toddlers and preschool children. These stories are meant to help the children know the heart of the saint and their story - who they loved, what they loved, and how they loved Jesus. It is in the formation of a saint’s heart, that we can truly understand their mission! Written and hosted by: Niki Montecillo Original music by: Kevin Kapchinski and family Check him out at: https://kkapmusic.com/ Edited and produced by: Io Montecillo Contact us at: theheartofastory@gmail.com
A Boy Named Peter (Damien)
Feb 21, 2024 · 8 min
You can now support us on Patreon! Visit us at patreon.com/theheartofastory to become a contributor and gain access to an extra episode every month! Check out CatholicFamilyCrate.com for 20% off your next order with the code HEARTOFASTORY Welcome to The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds. On this podcast, we tell saints stories for toddlers and preschool children. These stories are meant to help the children know the heart of the saint and their story - who they loved, what they loved, and how they loved Jesus. It is in the formation of a saint’s heart, that we can truly understand their mission! Written and hosted by: Niki Montecillo Original music by: Kevin Kapchinski and family Check him out at: https://kkapmusic.com/ Edited and produced by: Io Montecillo Contact us at: theheartofastory@gmail.com
Patreon Announcement!
Jan 31, 2024 · 1 min
You can now support us on Patreon! Visit us at patreon.com/theheartofastory to become a contributor and gain access to an extra episode every month! Welcome to The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds. On this podcast, we tell saints stories for toddlers and preschool children. These stories are meant to help the children know the heart of the saint and their story - who they loved, what they loved, and how they loved Jesus. It is in the formation of a saint’s heart, that we can truly understand their mission! Written and hosted by: Niki Montecillo Original music by: Kevin Kapchinski and family Check him out at: https://kkapmusic.com/ Edited and produced by: Io Montecillo Contact us at: theheartofastory@gmail.com
A Boy Named John (Bosco)
Jan 31, 2024 · 8 min
You can now support us on Patreon! Visit us at patreon.com/theheartofastory to become a contributor and gain access to an extra episode every month! Check out CatholicFamilyCrate.com for 20% off your next order with the code HEARTOFASTORY Welcome to The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds. On this podcast, we tell saints stories for toddlers and preschool children. These stories are meant to help the children know the heart of the saint and their story - who they loved, what they loved, and how they loved Jesus. It is in the formation of a saint’s heart, that we can truly understand their mission! Written and hosted by: Niki Montecillo Original music by: Kevin Kapchinski and family Check him out at: https://kkapmusic.com/ Edited and produced by: Io Montecillo Contact us at: theheartofastory@gmail.com
A Boy Named Francis (de Sales)
Jan 24, 2024 · 8 min
You can now support us on Patreon! Visit us at patreon.com/theheartofastory to become a contributor and gain access to an extra episode every month! Today's episode is about St. Francis de Sales. How can you grow in holiness today, in your ordinary life? Be sure to check out CatholicFamilyCrate.com and use code HEARTOFASTORY for 20% off your next order! Welcome to The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds. On this podcast, we tell saints stories for toddlers and preschool children. These stories are meant to help the children know the heart of the saint and their story - who they loved, what they loved, and how they loved Jesus. It is in the formation of a saint’s heart, that we can truly understand their mission! Written and hosted by: Niki Montecillo Original music by: Kevin Kapchinski and family Check him out at: https://kkapmusic.com/ Edited and produced by: Io Montecillo Contact us at: theheartofastory@gmail.com
A Boy Named Thomas (Becket)
Dec 27, 2023 · 13 min
You can now support us on Patreon! Visit us at patreon.com/theheartofastory to become a contributor and gain access to an extra episode every month! This episode is about St. Thomas Becket. How can you grow in integrity today? Use code HEARTOFASTORY for 20% at CatholicFamilyCrate.com! Welcome to The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds. On this podcast, we tell saints stories for toddlers and preschool children. These stories are meant to help the children know the heart of the saint and their story - who they loved, what they loved, and how they loved Jesus. It is in the formation of a saint’s heart, that we can truly understand their mission! Written and hosted by: Niki Montecillo Original music by: Kevin Kapchinski and family Check him out at: https://kkapmusic.com/ Edited and produced by: Io Montecillo Contact us at: theheartofastory@gmail.com
ENCORE! A Boy Named Juan Diego (Catholic Family Crate Re-Release)
Dec 9, 2023 · 12 min
You can now support us on Patreon! Visit us at patreon.com/theheartofastory to become a contributor and gain access to an extra episode every month! This episode is a re-release of St. Juan Diego. How can you work for unity in the church? Use code HEARTOFASTORY for 20% off at CatholicFamilyCrate.com! Welcome to The Heart of a Story: Saint Stories and Classic Tales for Tender Minds. On this podcast, we tell saints stories for toddlers and preschool children. These stories are meant to help the children know the heart of the saint and their story - who they loved, what they loved, and how they loved Jesus. It is in the formation of a saint’s heart, that we can truly understand their mission! Written and hosted by: Niki Montecillo Original music by: Kevin Kapchinski and family Check him out at: https://kkapmusic.com/ Edited and produced by: Io Montecillo Contact us at: theheartofastory@gmail.com