nala and dave the dragon’s just-right snuggle 🐉✨
episode 1 · brave sparks — a storytelling podcast supporting emotional regulation through the power of play
🎧 listen to the episode
nala and dave the dragon’s just-right snuggle is a therapeutic story for kids, co-created during neurodivergent-affirming therapy at trust children. this episode supports emotional regulation and sensory awareness through playful storytelling.
📝 about this episode
dave the dragon has big energy — and sometimes it gets a little too zoomy, especially when he’s excited to snuggle his kitten friend, nala. in this gentle story, dave learns how to notice his body, slow things down, and offer a “just right” snuggle.
you’ll hear playful sound moments like magical chimes, purring, zoomy footsteps — and even a tiny celebratory cheer 🎉
this episode is part of brave sparks, a podcast supporting neurodivergent children, emotional regulation, and therapeutic storytelling.
💭 what helps your energy feel just right?
💬 what do you do when your zoom gets too zoomy?
💛 a note for grown-ups
this story gently explores strategies for the vestibular system to help children learn how movement can speed up and slow down energy.
big movements like spinning and stair-running can stimulate this system, while slow stretches and stillness can help bring it back to balance.
✨ this story was created with a particular brave spark in mind. strategies may differ for your little person, so check in with your own therapy team if needed. but the good news is — exploring together can do no harm, and it might lead to some beautiful connection.
🎧 credits
written by: trust children, and the kids we support (and a sprinkle of ai magic)
voice: the brave sparks team
sound mixing: brave sparks team
music: serene horizons by nancy_sinclair — freesound.org/s/754395 — cc0 license
outro music: serene acoustic guitar melodies by lolamoore — freesound.org/s/768424 — attribution 4.0
sound effects include:
– awww then applause and cheering.wav by xtrgamr — freesound.org/s/243801 — attribution 4.0
– tibetan bowl_left hit.wav by dersinnsspace — freesound.org/s/417117 — cc0 license
– mystical wind chimes transition fx by djlprojects — freesound.org/s/419594 — cc0 license
– cat purring slow.wav by stevious42 — freesound.org/s/259620 — attribution 3.0
– spinning cable 192khz.wav by jarredgibb — freesound.org/s/219031 — attribution 4.0
– sfxcat_int_catyawningandmeow_ava_owsfx by 242011vee — freesound.org/s/764743 — attribution 4.0
– sad hard beat.wav by eskay-records666+ — freesound.org/s/554891 — cc0 license
– sadwoo (dizzy wobble) by moogsy — freesound.org/s/372866 — attribution 4.0
– footsteps while running on wood by florianreichelt — freesound.org/s/459965 — cc0 license
– sigh1.wav by k1m218 — freesound.org/s/60668 — attribution 4.0
🌟 explore more brave sparks
discover more child-led therapeutic stories at https://www.trustchildren.au/bravesparks
follow along for new episodes that support emotional regulation through the power of play — all shaped by the voices and needs of the children we work with.
