Why the Joke-ha-thon Exists

Making great science content for kids is genuinely hard work — and it doesn't pay well. The podcasters, educators, and storytellers who do it pour enormous time and creativity into something that reaches children and families in a real way. Most of them are figuring out how to keep going financially while doing it on the side, or on a shoestring.

That's the problem Tumble Education exists to help solve. We believe the people who make joyful, high-quality science media for kids should be able to make it their actual work — not a passion project squeezed in around the edges of a day job. And we believe the content they make should stay free and accessible to anyone with an internet connection — including teachers and classrooms, who get ad-free access at no charge.

Your donation to the Joke-ha-thon helps keep that possible: for Tumble, for the creators in our community, and for the kids and families who benefit most from having this kind of content in their lives.

What is the Joke-ha-thon?

On June 3rd at 6 pm ET, 16 champions from the world of kids' podcasting and science media are going head-to-head in the ultimate bracket-style joke tournament. Think March Madness — but for dad jokes, and way more fun.

We've got comedic heavyweights from some of your favorite shows squaring off in a live virtual event, telling their best dad jokes, round by round, until one champion is crowned the Joke-ha-thon 2026 Champion.

It's free to watch. It's going to be ridiculous. And your donation supports great educational kids' podcasts like Tumble.

How to become an Official Cheerleader

Here's where it gets really good.

When you donate — any amount — you can designate a champion to root for. Every donor who picks a champion is entered into a drawing to become their Official Cheerleader. Cheerleaders will be paired with Champions the day of the Joke-ha-thon. So tune in live to find out if your name was drawn to be an Official Cheerleader! And if your champion wins a match? You and your school win prizes.

Here's what's at stake as champions advance:

🏅 First Round Winners — Their cheerleaders will win:

A 6-month free Tumble Patreon subscription
A $20 LuxBlox gift certificate
A free annual KidsPod subscription

⚡ Elite Eight Winners — Their cheerleaders win:

A 3-month MEL Science subscription
A Magna-Tiles classroom set

🎤 Final Four Winners — Their cheerleaders win:

Megawatt games
Tumble t-shirts
Brains On! books
A shout-out from Kenny Curtis of Greeking Out

🏆 Grand Prize Winner — Their cheerleader's school wins:

A class set of Yoto Players
A live school visit from Tumble's Lindsay and Marshall
Podcast creation training from producer Stevie Frank

No minimum donation required to enter the drawing. Every dollar counts — and every donor has a shot at winning prizes.

Join us

🎟 Register to watch the Joke-ha-thon (June 3rd, 6pm ET on Zoom): https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j44kkT4vSdWb4eYysep8rA#/registration

🎉 Donate by June 2nd to be entered as a Cheerleader!

📲 Follow us for updates: @tumblepodcast

Joke-ha-thon 2026

Team Members