This podcast series explores how read-aloud experiences shape classroom culture and student connection to stories. In this 30-second episode opener, narration is paired with a page-turn sound effect and soft piano background music to create a calm and inviting classroom atmosphere.
This podcast includes original narration recorded using an iPhone microphone and edited in Audacity. A page-turn sound effect was recorded to simulate the read-aloud experience. Ambient piano music sourced from Freesound was layered to create a calm classroom atmosphere. All elements were mixed to ensure balanced sound and smooth transitions.
Media Credits
Album Art:
AI image generated using the prompt: “cozy classroom reading space with warm lighting and an open book, calm storytelling atmosphere” by DALL·E (OpenAI) February 2026.
Narration:
Narration written and recorded by Jennifer Gayle. Licensed under the CC BY-NC 4.0.
Sound Effect (Page Turn):
Page turn sound recorded by Jennifer Gayle using iPhone Voice Memos and edited in Audacity. Licensed under the CC BY-NC 4.0.
Background Music:
“Memories of a Sweet Summer Music Loop” by xkeril from Freesound.org. Licensed under Creative Commons 0 (CC0).
Overall Podcast License:
This podcast, Stories That Stay With Us, is licensed under the CC-BY-NC 4.0.
Hi Jennifer! I love the idea for this podcast. This is definitely a podcast I would listen to even though I’m not a teacher and my children are grown. It’s just such an important topic. Right off the bat I’m not sure that your image is in the 1:1 ratio. But it does evoke a calm, cozy reading atmosphere that perfectly matches the podcast itself. Your voice is also warm and articulate. The music feels almost dreamy, causing the listener to recall (well, I did anyway!) those precious moments when a teacher read to us in the classroom and we drifted into another imaginative world. The page-turning audio was a bit jolting. I couldn’t quite hear it as a page-turn and instead it sounded like a glitch in the audio, with extra static thrown in for good measure (sorry!!) Besides that, this is really a delightful podcast intro and I like the font you chose as well which makes me think of a traditional established school environment. I like how you aligned the top of the text with the bookshelf in the photo. Heck, a classroom with a cozy couch and mood lighting? How perfect is that–I’ll take it! Very nice overall!
Hello Jennifer! I love the concept for this podcast, and I found your voice to be very soothing. The page turning audio was a little jarring at first because it sounded like an audio glitch, but once I read the description I knew what it was. It was a very clever idea, and I think some more editing or takes of the page turn could make it perfect. The ambient music was also very soothing. Good job!
Hey Jennifer, I loved your concept. I personally love children’s literature, specifically picture books, so this has me completely hooked! The vibes in the image and your voice set a perfect, cozy, nostalgic tone. I think this is a great way to start this podcast. I agree that the page turn was a bit abrupt, but I can see the vision! Maybe using a page-turn effect found online would’ve been helpful, since I can imagine it’s a more difficult sound to accurately capture in a recording. I also loved the image you used, which definitely matched your mood. The only other suggestion I have is possibly changing the fonts a little more to make them more distinguishable. But they do remind me of the fonts in children’s books, which I imagine is what you were going for. Other than that, I really enjoyed your take on this project!