Songwriter's son shares how fear over a shot created a sweet Disney musical classic

By Jo Corona

Published January 2, 2026 at 4:49 AM EST

For StoryCorps, a reflection on how a child's vaccination fear sparked the creation of one of the most beloved songs in the movie, "Mary Poppins."

NPR News

Jo Corona

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

NPR News

Somali day care centers face threats. And, how Trump could save Obamacare subsidies

Brittney Melton

Somali-run daycare centers in Minnesota report receiving threats following a viral video that accused them of fraud. And, how Trump could play a role in extending ACA subsidies.
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., talks about the DOJ's release of the Epstein files

Michel Martin

Reports say the Justice Department is reviewing more than 5 million Epstein-related files. NPR's Michel Martin talks to Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, who co-sponsored the law that mandates their release.
In transcript of closed-door testimony, Jack Smith defends his prosecutions of Trump

Luke Garrett

The House Oversight Committee has released the transcript and video of a private deposition by former special counsel Jack Smith in December.
NPR News

Brain organoids are helping researchers, but their use also creates unease

Jon Hamilton

Pea-size clusters of human cells called brain organoids inspire both hope and fear. Experts are debating how scientists can responsibly use these bits of gray matter.
NPR News

U.S. interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean haven't always gone as planned

Scott Neuman

President Trump's pressure campaign against Venezuela is the latest in a long saga of U.S. intervention in the region that is rooted in the 1823 Monroe Doctrine — and is a mix of success and failure.