There’s something kids always want to know after finishing a great book.
How did the author come up with that?
That question is the idea behind Author Chats with Epic, our new podcast series created for educators, families and anyone helping kids build stronger reading habits.
Each episode gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the people creating the stories kids already love. From character inspiration to creative challenges, the podcast brings readers closer to the books on their shelves while making reading feel more interactive and connected.
For teachers and parents, it’s also another way to keep reading conversations going outside the page.
What Is Author Chats with Epic?
Author Chats with Epic is a podcast series featuring conversations with popular children’s authors and creators.
The show explores:
- How favorite books and characters are created
- What inspires authors to write
- Advice for young readers and writers
- Conversations around literacy, creativity and storytelling
Future episodes will also include opportunities for students and educators to engage with authors through submitted questions and curated book collections.
The goal is simple. Make reading feel more alive and accessible for kids while giving educators and families another tool to support literacy and reading engagement.
Episode One: Matt Cody Talks Cat Ninja, Creativity and What’s Next
We’re kicking things off with one of Epic’s most popular authors.
Matt Cody, creator of the Cat Ninja graphic novel series, joins Epic hosts Daniel and Cherish for the first episode.
For many readers, Cat Ninja has become a favorite series on Epic thanks to its fast-paced storytelling, humor and memorable characters. In this episode, Matt shares how the series evolved from a simple idea into one of the most-read graphic novels on the platform.
The conversation covers:
- The creative process behind Cat Ninja
- Collaborating with illustrators Yehudi Mercado and Chad Thomas
- Why humor and empathy matter in children’s books
- Advice for aspiring young writers
- A few hints about upcoming Cat Ninja storylines
There are also plenty of dad jokes along the way.
Want more Cat Ninja insights from Matt? Check out his Epic guest post!
Why Podcasts and Reading Work Together
For many students, hearing authors talk about storytelling changes how they think about books.
It makes reading feel less like an assignment and more like a conversation.
That’s part of what makes podcasts like Author Chats with Epic useful for classrooms and families. Students get to hear directly from authors about the ideas, challenges and creativity behind the stories they’re reading.
And sometimes, that extra connection is what keeps kids engaged.
More Author Conversations Ahead
This is just the beginning for Author Chats with Epic.
Future episodes will feature more authors, illustrators and creators across different genres and age groups, giving kids more opportunities to connect with the people behind their favorite stories.
For educators, it’s another resource that can support classroom reading discussions and literacy activities.
For families, it’s an easy way to keep kids excited about books at home.
Where to Listen to Author Chats with Epic
The first episode featuring Matt Cody is available now:
You can listen to Author Chats with Epic on your favorite platform:
Whether you’re listening in the classroom, at home or during a car ride, we hope these conversations help keep kids excited about stories and the people behind them.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ What is Author Chats with Epic?
Author Chats with Epic is a children’s book podcast designed for educators, families and readers. The series features conversations with popular authors about storytelling, creativity, literacy and the inspiration behind favorite books.
▶ How can podcasts support reading engagement for kids?
Hearing authors talk about their books can help make reading feel more interactive and relatable for students. Podcasts can support literacy by encouraging listening comprehension, storytelling skills and curiosity around books and writing.
▶ Where can educators and families listen to Author Chats with Epic?
Author Chats with Epic is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube, making it easy for classrooms and families to listen wherever they prefer.
