That's the Word with Fr. James Yamauchi: Recent Episodes
Thunder Rock Productions
Everyone loves a good story. Join Catholic priest Fr. James Yamauchi every Wednesday for wholesome tales for the whole family.
Each short story is about someone you know, but we don’t tell you who until the end. If these stories sound a lot like Paul Harvey’s The Rest of the Story or Mike Rowe’s The Way I Heard It, that’s because both these shows have inspired That’s the Word.
Our true stories tend to reflect our interests, which include Christianity, history (especially American history), movies, and weather.
He would see to it that this was the end of the line.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-grand-finale
His letters contained many secrets.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-secret-lives-of-a-teenager
Why should he worry? He could just mooch off his friends!
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/too-expensive-for-their-tastes
The road trip was mostly uneventful, at least for some.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/to-grandmothers-house-we-go
This was not the idea behind "visit the sick."
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/a-brief-hospital-visit
They figured they could be pretty persuasive.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/setting-the-captive-free
This meeting was serendipitous.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-celebrity-camping-trip
He had never heard sins like this from a child this young.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/a-little-girls-confession
She would show him the truth.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/for-a-peck-of-oats
How did he get these patients to get along?
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/dinner-time-in-the-sick-ward
He had had enough, and there was no way he was staying on that island.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/come-sail-away-with-me
There were words and signs that they both understood.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/a-common-language
Their impropriety knew no bounds.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/keep-it-secret-keep-it-safe
How was he going to get his books back?!
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/fallen-into-hostile-hands
This had to be the longest night ever.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/not-how-i-planned-my-wedding-night
Do dreams come true?
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/i-dreamed-a-dream
This is not how you translate a book.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/an-eccentric-librarian
They needed her to show some credentials.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/beware-of-strangers
He had moved to the middle of nowhere, yet they still followed him.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/you-can-run-but-you-cant-hide
She was left to rot in the dungeon.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/a-damsel-in-distress
She nonchalantly moseyed over to him, careful not to draw attention to herself.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-plant-shop-rendezvous
They were all he had left of her.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/three-little-notebooks
Frank only had so much time off.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/get-off-that-ship
Their brothers needed their prayers.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/a-quiet-classroom-prayer
The village's name sounded awfully familiar.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/battle-plans-from-a-guidebook
They had to work quickly, but quietly, to avoid alerting the guards.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/extracting-the-files
Once he escaped, he could plan his next move.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/fancy-meeting-you-here
They didn't like it, but they had to do it.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/paperwork-is-a-pain
They were going the wrong direction, and there was no way for them to get off.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-wrong-route
There was nothing more they could do for her.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/give-him-up
Maybe he just didn't have the mind for it.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/hed-never-learn
In our special 100th story, the travelers received a message from the gods.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/divine-detour
Let us know your favorite stories from the first 50! https://thunderrock.org/news/what-are-your-favorite-stories-from-1-50
We asked a trivia question in the story "Give Him Up" without doing enough research and walked right into the realm of nuance and confusion. The answer to the question is actually not very clear, since it involves a major schism. Hopefully this bonus episode makes the answer somewhat clear.
She ran, but the soldiers were in hot pursuit.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/no-place-to-hide
Let us know your favorite stories from the first 50! https://thunderrock.org/news/what-are-your-favorite-stories-from-1-50
She would never let them take her son.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/give-him-up
Let us know your favorite stories from the first 50! https://thunderrock.org/news/what-are-your-favorite-stories-from-1-50
Some of his best men were threatening to quit.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-natives-are-restless
Let us know your favorite stories from the first 50! https://thunderrock.org/news/what-are-your-favorite-stories-from-1-50
They did what they wanted for the heck of it.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/forbidden-fruit
She could not bear to stand by while he suffered.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/a-mothers-love
Rules are rules, until the other person calls in backup.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/no-man-can-defeat-me
Rules are rules, until the other person calls in backup.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-perfect-storm
He was moving pretty fast considering he misunderstood.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://thunderrock.org/story-extras/lost-in-interpretation
For the best audience experience, it's helpful to eliminate distractions.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://thunderrock.org/story-extras/background-noise
He took the idea and used it for something better.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://thunderrock.org/story-extras/i-could-do-that
The fate of the free world rested in his hands.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying
How could she miss the Christmas Eve Mass?
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-christmas-eve-broadcast
Why should the doctors bother with yet another patient?
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/will-it-make-any-difference
Everyone needs help sometimes.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/lean-on-me
Some people always get in the way.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-best-laid-plans
When you've gotta go, you've gotta go.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/haunted-hallways
Why, oh why had he turned to a life of crime?!?
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/criminal-intervention
At the big opener, not everything would go according to plan.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/starting-on-a-high-note
The firestorm leveled the entire landscape, and they were out of time.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-fiery-inferno
Given his unique schtick, Emil decided to humor this obvious claim jumper.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/testing-the-prophesy
Forgiveness is a journey that is sometimes paved with adorable furballs.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/youve-done-nothing-wrong
The inscriptions said the treasure was here, so where was it?
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/tomb-raider
His friends were not too keen on the itinerary.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/call-it-off
They were seconds away from safety, if they could just escape him.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/so-close
He could not let them accept his employer's terms.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/no-deal
Follow the instructions, and no one goes comatose.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/do-not-enter
The service is cheap, it's the fees from damages that hurt!
Today's story is a collab with the podcast Dead Friend Saints. Listen to our conversation with Claire about today's hero!
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/thats-gonna-cost-you
They were determined to take him back, and he was determined to give them a piece of his mind.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/two-angry-men
He had failed three times already; today was his last chance to pass.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-last-chance-exam
Who was this Augustine, and why did he send him this letter?
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/return-to-sender
He knew something was wrong when the justice of the peace woke him.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/by-the-light-of-the-kerosene-lamp
Some people are slower than others.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/take-the-hint
What could someone like him do with his life?
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/those-who-cant-do
He was sure the feelings of admiration were not mutual.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/summoning-the-prisoner
If a movie mentioned it, this should be an easy history project, right?
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/based-on-a-true-story
Who was he talking to?
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/expert-consultation
If he played, would they come?
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-3-am-concert
It was not yet his time, at least for a few minutes.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/go-in-peace
This could end Dan's career.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/an-impediment-to-advancement
What a peaceful day for a Christmas party!
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/all-is-calm
She longed to go, but there was still so much to be done down here.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-palace-can-wait
This was not the first time he had been imprisoned.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-brawl-at-the-debate
Listen to our full-cast audio comedy at https://youtu.be/SbtqEhKxQdA
He was moments away from his death when she stepped in.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-eleventh-hour-intervention
Listen to our full-cast audio comedy at https://youtu.be/SbtqEhKxQdA
The man whose rod blossomed would marry the fair maiden.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/the-blossoming-rod
Management had lost their minds.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/unbelievable-expectations
What was that out the window?
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/there-are-cows-in-the-field
She was becoming too interested in the parlor gossip.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/desperate-measures
He knew the diversion would work, in spite of the recent disaster.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/the-athletic-distraction
A new logo the night before their defining moment? Is he nuts!?
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/a-bad-time-to-rebrand
The publisher would never publish such a dud of a story.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/thats-the-worst-idea-ive-ever-heard
She realized he did not know what she was talking about.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/the-boss-is-the-last-to-know
He needed the money to cover the hospital bill.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/the-widows-mite
This young man was clearly down and out.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/how-to-fail-an-exam
Who could've built this staircase?
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/the-spiral-architect
She hoped that St. Dominic would intercede on her behalf.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/praying-at-st-dominics
She could not believe what her husband had given her.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/a-piece-of-home
A group of pagans walk into a church and ask for Mary.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/the-empty-church
He needed a job, and his friend might be able to help.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/the-stop-sign-traffic-stop
What's the harm in a little sip?
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/the-little-drunkard
While the lady had organized the event, Sister Teresa was very much in charge of the agenda.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/the-ladys-reception
The fugitive thought that his luck had finally run out.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/catch-him-if-you-can
This weapon would deal unimaginable destruction to the enemy, once they could produce enough of it.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/weapon-in-mass-production
The only way to get rid of the problem now is to exterminate him.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/be-careful-what-you-wish-for
All three knew that there was only one way to maintain their honor.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/the-duel-condition
There was little the doctor could do for his patient.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/medicine-for-the-soul
The assembly was not happy with the current state of affairs.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.sonsofthunderrock.com/story-extras/staring-down-the-coup
These eight believers were not your typical martyrs.
Check out the story extras for this story at https://thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-eight-martyrs
Joseph was concerned that she wasn't acting like herself.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-ring-on-her-finger
The judge ensured that the party was a blowout.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-stewards-party
As the submarine sank beneath the ocean, Roger could not stop the water from flooding in.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/a-woman-aboard-the-submarine
An act of mercy can lead to great things.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://thunderrock.org/story-extras/court-martial-clemency
Interviewing a convicted spy may be as fruitless as interrogating him.
Check out the story extras for this story at https://thunderrock.org/story-extras/decoding-the-spy
Stormy skies darkened on Kate's horizon, both figuratively and literally.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/the-unexpected-storm
Buono prayed the inspectors wouldn't find their hidden contraband.
Check out the Story Extras for this story at https://www.thunderrock.org/story-extras/inspection-at-the-customs-post
Some stories have some extra tidbits that don't make it into the final draft. Fr. James and John Peter are here to discuss some extra goodies from several That's the Word stories, including A Novel of Thanksgiving, The Christmas Hay, and Rewriting the Soldier's Song!
SPOILER WARNING: If you haven't listened to the stories listed above, go listen to those first, then come back and listen to Extra Words!
Let us know what you think of this segment and if you want us to do more in the future.
Pointless negotiations bored the general; leveling the city would be far more interesting.
For some mysterious reason, John's hay brought blessings to his neighbors.
Merry Christmas!