Kobe launches new youth sports-focused podcast

Kobe Bryant is continuing to expand his entertainment empire with the launch of a new scripted youth podcast series called "The Punies."

Developed by Bryant's Granity Studios in partnership with Cadence13, "The Punies" centers around a young boy named Puny Pete and his friends.

"Told with humor, music and sound effects, each episode teaches important life lessons through a combination of character dialogue, sports radio commentary, and fictional product commercial breaks related to youth sports," a press release reads. "With an underlying theme of persistence in the face of failure, 'The Punies' stems from Bryant's own experiences with defeat and success during his legendary career."

The series premieres Aug. 25 and will air every Saturday morning for 10 weeks on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Spotify, and other streaming platforms.

"Having spent my whole life playing basketball, there were many times I wasn't on the winning team. However, those experiences ultimately proved the most valuable because they taught me perseverance, determination, and teamwork," Bryant said. "As the father of athletes myself, I created 'The Punies' so that these stories will not only entertain the whole family but inspire young listeners to reach their full potential."