Ready for a bedtime adventure that helps kids drift off to sleep with ease? Doug Fraser, the creator and host of Cozy Critters, shares how his magical podcast is turning bedtime into a cozy journey with quirky characters like Dougie Pickles and Miss Meow Meow. Part of the Public Radio Exchange, Cozy Critters has already earned rave reviews from families around the globe, helping kids fall asleep before the 10-minute episode even ends!
What inspired you to create a podcast specifically designed to help kids fall asleep?
The idea for Cozy Critters was born out of a desire to create a calming bedtime ritual for kids that was both fun and educational. Coming from a kids’ publishing and podcasting background, I saw bedtime as an opportunity to spark curiosity about the natural world while providing a peaceful environment that helps kids wind down. Animals have a universal appeal, and combining their stories with gentle sounds and narration felt like the perfect recipe for a good night’s sleep.
Can you share some of the challenges children often face when trying to fall asleep, and how you tailored the podcast to address them?
Children can struggle with bedtime due to anxiety, an overactive imagination, or simply resisting the transition from playtime to rest. I designed Cozy Critters to tackle these challenges by creating a soothing atmosphere. The slow-paced storytelling, soft voice, and nature-inspired soundscapes gently signal to the brain that it’s time to relax. The content is positive and reassuring, helping to replace any stressful thoughts with peaceful imagery.
How do you decide on themes, stories, or sounds that will be soothing and engaging for kids?
I focus on animals because they naturally inspire wonder and curiosity. Each episode is built around a gentle “adventure,” where Dougie Pickles and Miss Meow Meow visit an animal getting ready for bed. Themes are chosen to balance educational tidbits with a calming tone (and some jokes along the way). The sound design is key — soft rustling leaves, distant waves, or gentle purring from Miss Meow Meow create an immersive but peaceful backdrop. My goal is always to be engaging enough to hold attention without being overly stimulating.
What kind of feedback have you received from parents, and how has that shaped the podcast’s content over time?
The feedback from parents has been heartwarming (and kids all around the world send in animal requests every day!). They’ve shared how Cozy Critters has become a nightly tradition in their homes, helping kids fall asleep faster. And when they wake up, they’re excited to talk about all the animal facts they learned on the show. Parents have also mentioned that the pacing and volume are crucial, so I’ve refined these elements to ensure every episode is consistently soothing. Several parents mentioned they’d like longer episodes, in addition to the two story-driven episodes each week (which are about 10-15 minutes each), so I offer a one-hour soundscape episode. These episodes have an intro of two to three minutes followed by relaxing sounds, such as a crackling campfire or a jungle treehouse. Some parents even use the podcast themselves to unwind after a long day, which is a huge compliment!
Are there any research findings that guided your approach to creating sleep-friendly audio content?
I draw from several studies on sleep hygiene and the effects of auditory stimulation on relaxation. Research shows that consistent, calming routines help kids transition to sleep more easily, so I structured Cozy Critters episodes to follow a predictable flow. The use of nature sounds and soft speech aligns with findings that these elements lower stress and promote relaxation. I’ve also kept the episodes screen-free and distraction-free to help establish a strong association with sleep.
You can listen to Cozy Critters ad-free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodBean, iHeartRadio and on other popular platforms, or on Yoto, the kids’ speaker device.
