The Apple Seed: Recent Episodes
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Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.
We're excited to announce that The Apple Seed will return for its third season on March 2! In anticipation of the new season, we're bringing you this bonus episode that focuses on the wonderful Minnesota storyteller Kevin Kling. While he was in our studios to record some stories in the Apple Seed Studio, he sat down with the producers of Constant Wonder, one of our sister podcasts from the BYUradio family of programs. It’s a great conversation about his life and how he’s learned to overcome difficulties without losing his sense of humor. Plus you’ll get to hear a sneak preview of some Kevin’s stories that we’ll bring you on The Apple Seed in season 3.So sit back and enjoy this time with Kevin Kling, and if you like what you hear, you can subscribe to Constant Wonder wherever you get your podcasts. And we’ll see you back here next week for the season premiere of The Apple Seed.
On this episode of The Apple Seed, we are exploring stories of all kinds that talk about cats. Cats have been around for many, many years, and we all probably have had a cat, or know someone with a cat. As you listen to the stories in today's episode, we hope that they bring back memories for you about cats that you can share with the people you love. Who knows what stories you could unlock from those memories.
(4:33) "Why Cats Live with Women" by Charlotte Blake-Alston: In this story, Charlotte Blake-Alston tells a folktale about how cats came to live with humans, and more specifically, women. Folktales are a way we can make sense of the world, no matter how silly they may be. We hope this story reminds you of your own cats, or cats you may know. We're happy to bring you this rhythmic folktale story about cats.
(17:06) Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne: Sam shares a memory about his childhood cat named Patches. After many years of loving moments and growing close, it was finally time for Patches to go. As sad as it is to lose a pet, Sam shares how losing Patches opened up a window full of stories and memories about his pet cat.
(26:08) Original Audio Drama "Winning Deedee": What happens when a family wins a robotic house maid? Surely nothing could go wrong, right? In this original audio drama produced by our own Apple Seed team, we meet the Mendez family who wins a robotic house maid named "Domestic Droid Deedee 2020", or Deedee for short. Soon after Deedee is charged up, the family notices that something is not quite right, and things quickly take a turn for the worse. Listen to find out how the Mendez family makes it out of this crazy situation.
(41:30) "Why Dogs Chase Cats" by Charlotte Blake-Alston: This story is one for all the dog lovers. Charlotte Blake-Alston tells the story of a dog and a cat who happen to be good friends. One day, they decided to go buy some food to enjoy. What happens when you give a dog and a cat a big piece of cheese? You'll have to listen to this fun-filled and musical tale from Charlotte to find out.
Today's episode of The Apple Seed features silly stories of people standing up for themselves. We all face challenges in life, and there come times when we have to stand up to them. Whether those challenges be fears, other people, or just tough situations, these stories help us to know that we can make it through.
(4:07) "Dr. Hundfuss" by Bil Lepp: Bil Lepp tells a tall tale with our live studio audience about his high school days. His high school principal was anything but friendly. Bil and his friends decided to band together and play the ultimate prank on their principal. This great story is the end result of those fun-filled pranks.
(22:32) Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne: Sam shares a story about his fear of heights. We all have fears in our life, and at one point or another we may be asked to face those fears. When Sam was asked to join some colleagues on a rappelling trip, he was afraid to join in the adventure. Through the help of his friends, Sam was able to face his fears, and not live with the regret of missing out.
(29:21) Reader's Theater "Hansel and Gretel and Pirates": Recorded right in our own Apple Seed studio, we bring to you a reader's theater tale of Hansel and Gretel, but with a twist. In this fractured fairytale version of the well known fairytale, we introduce some new villains that give this story a bit of fun. Listen and laugh along to our reader's theater Hansel and Gretel and Pirates.
Today's episode of the Apple Seed features stories all about people working together. We've all experienced times in our lives where we've found that we are able to become more than we ever thought possible thanks to the help of those around us. As the old saying goes, "If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together." The stories on today's episode show just how far you can go when you work together with those around you.
(4:47) "New Pastor" by Tim Lowry: This story is a tale from Tim Lowry told in front of our live studio audience. Tim shares about his experiences he had growing up when his dad worked as a pastor for their church. A story like this may sound like it should be smooth sailing, but that is not the case. Tim Lowry's story shows us that not everything is perfect for even a pastor's family, but it sure makes for a fun story in the end.
(27:53) Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne: Sam shares a story about his relationship with his step-dad. When his mom got married, Sam and his siblings were all adults with hobbies and interests already in place. However, those hobbies and interests were different than those of their new step-dad's, and it made connecting with him a little rough. Through some work, this new family was able to learn and grow closer together.
(35:38) Old Time Radio "The African Queen": In this old time radio drama, we hear the story of a steamboat captain and a missionary who embark on an unlikely adventure together. Though they seem to have nothing in common at the start, they learn to work together and make it out of sticky situations. Even when things seem to not be in their favor, they lean on their new friendship to come out on top.
On today's episode of the Apple Seed, we are pleased to bring you some great stories about friendship. We all have memories that involve some of our dearest friends, and it's hard to imagine what life would be like without them. Today, we have a story from Andy Offutt Irwin, who tells a story of his fictional Aunt Marguerite as she sets off to visit a friend who is near the end of her life. Later in the episode, we are thrilled to share an Apple Seed reader's theater recorded in our studio. "The Wind in the Willows" is a classic children's tale about friendship and helping others when times are tough. Listen along as our talented voice actors and live studio audience bring this story to life.
(5:50) "Book Every Saturday For A Funeral" by Andy Offutt Irwin: Andy Offutt Irwin joins us in the Apple Seed studio with our live studio audience to tell a story about his fictional Aunt Marguerite. When she learns of a dear friend being put into hospice care, she sets off to visit her before it's too late. As Andy says in this story, sometimes tragic events like funerals can help us remember the people that we love, and how much they mean to us. Through this touching story, Andy shares with us the importance of memories with those that we love. We hope this story helps you to remember your loved ones, and to share those stories with the people around you.
(31:22) Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne: Sam shares a memory about getting a pair of skates for Christmas. Those skates were his whole world, but they sometimes led to bad decisions. But thanks to the help of his dad, Sam was able to learn a lesson that he carries with him to this day.
(36:52) "Wind in the Willows" Reader's Theater: Recorded live in the Apple Seed studio, we bring to you a reader's theater rendition of the classic story of "The Wind in the Willows". You may be familiar with other versions of this story, particularly from Disney, but we are happy to bring it to you in a way that has never been told before. In this story, we learn of the importance of friendship. Sometimes it can be hard to ask for help, even when you are in need of it. Join us as we tell the story of Rat and Mole as they strive to help a friend in need.
On today's episode of The Apple Seed, we bring you stories of friendship, but with a musical twist. Music is something that brings us together, and it can often help us tell those stories that are near and dear to us. We hope that the stories you hear today help remind you of songs and moments that you love.
(4:37:26) "Bear's Party" by Bill Harley: Bill Harley tells a musical tale with our studio audience about a bear who just wants to have a party with his friends. When it looks like things won't turn out, things turn in a new direction. No matter what all of his friends said, Bear was always optimistic. His wise words can teach us a lesson when things don't seem to be working out the way we hoped they would. "You never know what might happen".
(22:24:46) Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne: Sam shares a memory about summer nights and dancing in empty parking lots. Sometimes the perfect way to end a summer day is to drive to the middle of nowhere, turn up the music, and dance in the car headlights. Sam had many of these moments, and it inspired him to write a song about it. Join Sam in reminiscing about those good old summer nights.
(31:08) Original Audio Drama "Silk and Swenson": Join us for another original Apple Seed audio drama! This old western story tells of characters Hector Silk and Phoebe Swenson, who are enemies at best. Through a series of unlikely events, and lots of music and singing, will these two finally see eye to eye? We're excited to bring you this western musical tale of "Silk and Swenson".
In this big world, there are plenty of people that we don't know, and some we may never know. Yet, we all have a story about the unlikely connections we've had with the strangers around us. On today's episode, we have many stories of people and their stories about interactions they have had with the strangers around them, and how their lives have changed for the better because of those experiences.
(5:06) "Big Number Reunion" by Dolores Hydock: Dolores Hydock joins us in the Apple Seed studio to share her experience at a high school reunion. Over 800 miles from her present day home, she finds herself in a room full of people she didn't know. But, in the end, she finds herself learning things about her old classmates that she wouldn't have known if she hadn't been put in that situation. She learns that we are all more alike than we realize. We all end up in the same place, no matter what our paths may have looked like on the way there.
(21:14)"The Home Team" by Sam Payne. Sam sings a song that he wrote, which was inspired by Dolores Hydock's story about her high school reunion. He had imagined the story of a man and his experience going back to his hometown, and seeing his old high school. Sometimes we all need a visit back to where we came from, and to be given another chance to root for the home team.
(32:02)Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne. Sam shares a memory about being in a musical theater in his school days. When he comes across the mailing information for Stephen Sondheim, he decides to send him a letter. To his surprise, he got a response! And what comes to follow from that response was worth keeping. This memory lives on for Sam, and we hope it sparks a memory that lives on for you that you can share with those you love.
(41:35) The Paul O'Sullivan Band: Have you ever found someone with your same name? Well, a man named Paul O'Sullivan found not one, not two, but three other people also named Paul O'Sullivan on Facebook. He decided to reach out to them on a whim and see what would happen. Little did he know that he would start a band with those guys. They are now known as the Paul O'Sullivan Band, and we are happy to share their story with you.
Today's episode of The Apple Seed shares stories about remembering our worth, or feeling seen by those around us. We all, at one time or another, have felt lost and alone. But, we all have people in our lives who have helped us to feel loved and seen as we try so hard to have a presence in this world. We hope the stories we share with you today spark memories of those people in your life that have helped you to feel that way.
(4:27) "Mrs. Ort" by Kim Weitkamp: One of our friends and storytellers often featured on the show, Kim Weitkamp, shares a story about her childhood school teacher, Mrs. Ort. We all have someone who has made an impact in our lives for the better, and they often are someone we think about all the time. Mrs. Ort was that person for Kim. Sometimes all we need is someone to believe in us to help us believe in ourselves. We hope this story reminds you of people who have believed in you and pushed you to be better.
(28:29) Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne: Sam shares a memory of a young boy who struggled with feeling lonely at one point in his life. In order to help him get out of that slump, the boy's father helped him to remember those who have shown love to him. This memory helps us to reflect on our own lives and remember the people who have served us or helped us in any small way. We truly will never know how our small actions may help those around us.
(34:) Scenes from Peter Pan: This segment features on of our Reader's Theater pieces that was performed in our Apple Seed studio. This piece features scenes from the beloved children's story Peter Pan; some of which you might be familiar. We hope you enjoy the fun voices and sound effects in this fun telling of Wendy, John, Michael, and the Lost Boys and their adventures with Peter Pan as he fights against Captain Hook.
Today we have stories of people leaving home and finding new family and unexpected friends.
(4:21) "Lee Nailing's Orphan Train Story": Storyteller Pippa White tells the real-life story of Lee Nailing, a boy who was sent off on a so-called "orphan train" to find a new family.
(26:50) Radio Family Journal: Host Sam Payne shares a memory about traveling to Bulgaria to work on humanitarian projects for orphans. Of the many memorable things from that trip, a photo is the most powerful reminder of what he had learned from that experience.
(34:04) "Georgina": Author and podcaster Ben Schilaty joins talks about his unlikely friendship with a near-total stranger who asked him to write her life story. The project ended up affecting both of them much more than they ever expected.
(43:55) "Olaf's Story": Pippa White shares another real-life story of a kid named Olaf who had a dangerous encounter with the Nazis who were occupying Norway during World War II.
On today's episode of The Apple Seed, we are featuring stories about transformation. You never now what something may become, and different people's lives all form in a unique way that makes us who we are.
(4:38) "Three Chords and Five Notes" by Robert B. Jones: Storyteller Robert B. Jones shares a history of music through the last century and how it has played a role in shaping humanity today. You may be familiar with some of the songs in this story.
(23:51) Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne: Sam shares a story about his family tree and what it means to him. No matter how much family may change through time, there is always something that draws us together. Family members are more alike than we may realize.
(35:31) "Quentin Manning, Detective for Justice: The Case of the Flattened Tires part 2": Join us as we debut part 2 of "Quentin Manning: Detective for Justice", an original audio drama written by the storyteller Bill Harley.
Today's episode brings you a series of stories all about underdogs. We all know stories about someone who is an underdog, or perhaps we have even felt like one ourselves. These stories lift us up and help us overcome anything that we might face.
(4:35) "Fractured Fairytale: 3 Little Pigs" by Donna Washington: Donna Washington shares a new story that has never been told before in front of a live audience! This twist on the three little pigs story teaches us about thinking outside the box, being kind, and remembering what truly matters to us. We hope you enjoy this new story from Donna Washington.
(26:39) Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne: Sam shares a memory about a trip he took with his family. While trying to find the solution to a snack problem, the "least" of their family gang finds the best solution.
(36:40) "Quentin Manning, Detective for Justice: The Case of the Flattened Tires" written by Bill Harley: Join us for the first episode of a new audio drama series written by Bill Harley! Quentin Manning is a middle school boy who loves a good mystery, and he is determined to be the detective for his middle school and solve all its mysteries. In this episode, all the bike tires have been flattened, and Quentin Manning is on the job to find out who did it. We're excited to share this new audio drama with you!
This story from Bill Harley is a memory from his own childhood about his school life. As a kid, there are many mysteries about adults; especially teachers. Bill shares about a time when he finally got to learn what really happened in the teacher's lounge, and it was nothing that he had expected it to be.
Liz Weir tells the story of a girl named Meg, who takes the things in her life for granted. Through the help of some special friends, she is able to learn the importance of being grateful for what she has, and that hard work leads to the greatest rewards.
Nora Dooley shares a childhood tale about visiting her grandma. Nora begs her grandma to do something special with her, and Nora brings home a surprise to her family. You'll never see it coming!
Today's episode features an entire hour of stories from storyteller Antonio Sacre, who joined us with our live studio audience to record these stories. The stories you'll hear today are part of his award winning album "World's Second-Best Dad". Antonio Sacre is a long time friend and favorite of The Apple Seed, and we are thrilled to share his stories with you in this episode.
(01:34) Antonio Sacre shares a story about his children who discover their very first rainbow. However, the circumstance of finding the rainbow makes it a little hard for the children to fully appreciate it, and he must find a way to solve their problem, while in the middle of traffic.
(07:06) Antonio Sacre shares a family story about the time they took a road trip down to see his grandma. On the way down, they come up with all sorts of games to entertain themselves, and they come across things that only their imaginations can dream of. What truly lies at Pedro's South of the Border?
(22:47) Living in Los Angeles, Antonio's son never had seen snow before. When he heard stories about how much fun snow can be, he wanted to see it for himself. This story is the fun-filled trip that Antonio and his family take so his son can see snow for the first time, and the chaos that unfolds with it.
(33:59) Antonio shares a story about the time his son learned about Moby Dick, and how that inspired a whale watching vacation for their family. After all the amazing events that unfold, his son declares him as the "second best dad in the world". What would make him the best dad? Listen to this story to find out.
(46:2) This last story is a short story from Antonio Sacre about his childhood teddy bear. Stuffed animals are usually precious gems for children as they grow up, and it is always devastating when they get lost. This story is about one of the times Antonio lost his stuffed teddy bear.
Pippa White shares a historical tale, in the form of poetic sing-song, about a great blizzard that is also known as the children's blizzard. Join us as she brings real life characters to life from this historical event on this Apple Seed BITE.
Adam Booth shares a story about a journey he took across the country. A road trip quickly takes a turn, and he must lead his fellow West Virginia people back home.
Join us for a folk tale about an old woman who becomes aquainted with a sparrow, who in turn blesses her life for the better. This old woman and her story teach us to be kind and sharing during our times of abundance, no matter what anyone else may say.
In today's episode we have stories about understanding and communication. We all come from different backgrounds, and sometimes that gives us very different perspectives, opinions, and ideas. It's always important, however, to consider the other side and value their perspective as well.
(4:37) Storyteller and mime, Motoko, shares an experience she had while visiting China. In the tale, she meets a man who has a very different background than her, and they both try to find a way to create respect for each other. Recorded live in The Apple Seed Studio.
(29:13) Sam remembers a snowy night when he had to learn something from his son, and his son had to learn something from him in a communication that went both directions.
(36:55) A girl raised only in darkness and a boy raised only in the light meet one another and discover their respective worlds in a fairytale written by George MacDonald called "The Day Boy and the Night Girl," adapted and performed live in The Apple Seed Studio.
Laura Simms shares an old folk tale about a girl with a not so ordinary pet goat. No matter what she goes through, the she goat is always there to give her just what she needs.
Join us for this Apple Seed BITE, as Simon Brooks shares a story about the importance of sharing your stories with the world, lest they be forgotten. We all have a story inside us begging to be shared.
What lessons have you learned from your community? Michael Reno Harrell talks about some of the things he learned growing up in North Carolina and sings a song full of the most important advice.
Judith Black tells us the tale of a man who always seems to have a reason to complain. Maybe it's a good reminder to be grateful every once in a while for the small things.
In today's episode we'll hear all sorts of tales about people trying to find their place in the world. Whether they end up in prison for a reason they didn't expect, move to a new home, or travel through time, each person has to adapt to the changes made in their lives.
(4:53) Geraldine Buckley shares about a time she acted as a prison chaplain, and how she was able to find acceptance and love in a place we might think of as harsh. Recorded live in The Apple Seed Studio.
(28:11) Sam talks about getting used to new places, new people, and new things, and a mantra that has helped him do so in many interesting situations. It's today's entry in The Radio Family Journal.
(34:27) We bring you a piece of Old Time Radio, originally aired in 1947 and adapted from Mark Twain's novel "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court," about a man who finds himself suddenly transported back in time to the days of King Arthur.
Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.
Did you ever feel like you were born in the wrong family? The beloved puppet Maynard Moose (with a little help from storyteller and author Willy Claflin) puts a moose-ified spin on the Ugly Duckling fairy tale.
This traditional Chinese folk song sung by Motoko tells the story of a young couple in love who defy all odds to be together. And through it all, they learn that family should always be together, no matter what.
Today's episode brings us tales of people seeing their own potential and going for it. Their stories remind us that we each have our own purposes in life and that we can achieve great things if we buckle up and believe in ourselves.
(4:21) Charlotte Blake Alston puts a rhythmic spin on the classic folktale of John Henry, where a legendary race between man and machine takes place. Recorded live in The Apple Seed Studio.
(20:14) Sam talks about how Queen Esther became the person she, perhaps, was meant to be, and how the story came alive for him the last time he read it. It's today's entry in The Radio Family Journal.
(33:08) An original audio drama about a family that travels the world together on dangerous missions. Why? To rescue stolen art pieces, of course. Each member has a particular set of skills that benefits the team, but one member thinks her skills might be better used elsewhere.
Join us on this Apple Seed BITE as we listen to a Robin Schulte story about small, every day moments that become sweeter over time. Each of us has moments in our life that live on forever as we remember them and record them, much like the images on a Grecian Urn.
Great stories have to begin somewhere, and sometimes the story behind the story is just as interesting as the actual story. Fran Yardley has just such a tale.
Storyteller Karen Golden takes a walk along the seashore and meets a mysterious woman fishing. She asks the woman why she's fishing and the answer surprises her.
Today we will have the pleasure of hearing some stories about very brave people and stories about love. As it turns out, love and bravery are not mutually exclusive.
(3:29) Bil Lepp with an absolutely wild tale from start to finish. It begins at the top of a tall hill, with a group of kids with one goal in mind: to set their bike chain on fire through sheer speed.
(26:07) Sam talks about a discouraging moment in his life when a letter from his dad was able to pick him up and help him on his way, along with some thoughts about courage.
(35:14) Our producer, Heather Bigley, brings us an introduction to the classic character Pippi Longstocking with some help from our actor friends in the Apple Seed Studio.
On a trip to his aunt's house for his birthday, Donald Davis adorns the walls with his crayon art, only to realize later it might have been a grave mistake.
James Bruchac shares a story of a bragging bear and a brown squirrel that isn't so sure bear can do everything he thinks.
Jay O'Callahan tells the story of a leprechaun who is a master shoemaker. Each pair would be endowed with magical abilities, and each pair would somehow find its way onto the feet of the one that needed it most.
Today we have a terrific mix of tall tales and true tales. We'll hear from Tim Lowry about an adventure seeking gold, a story from a law student about why he chose to go to law school, and more. It doesn't matter what kind of tale it is, stories bring us together and build memories.
(4:18) South Carolina storyteller Tim Lowry shares a tale as tall as they get. After watching a show about the gold rush, he decides he's going to California to strike it rich and has many adventures along the way. Recorded live in The Apple Seed Studio.
(26:07) Sam remembers a time he found a unique way to express himself back when he was seven years old through a comic strip. It's today's entry in The Radio Family Journal.
(37:08) In this segment we hear from Amberly Page, the publications manager at J. Reuben Clark Law School, about how stories have become important to teaching law and building relationships. We also hear a portion of a story by Ruben Felix from their annual storytelling competition.
How much should a smell cost? Some may say five silver pieces, some may say none. You'll find out how much it really costs in this story from Donna Washington.
Bill Harley goes on a walk with his dog only to find a bunch of dogs. From there it only gets better as the dogs begin what seems to be a pool party.
A young man tries to play the pennywhistle, but isn't great. Until, that is, he gets taken by a Puka to a magic ball where he is to play for the guests. A story by Brian "Fox" Ellis
Crow decides to test his luck in this story by Big Joe Pagliuca. He is not to go near the rocks, because he might get eaten by the snake lady. Will he listen?
Storyteller Ed Stivender shares the tale of how young Jack seeks his fortune. Along the way he makes some friends that end up being very important for his success.
Fran Yardley tells the story of a teacher who finds himself with a porcupine to keep. He decides it needs to be potty trained, but he doesn't know how well it will stick.
South Carolina storyteller Tim Lowry tells of a lazy animal that lives in the middle of the desert, an animal that didn't use to, but now has a hump. Listen to find out how that happened on The Apple Seed!
Australian storyteller Jenni Cargill-Strong with a tale about a fisherman who gets caught in a storm and loses his baby. But is the child gone forever?
What would you do if you had unlimited candy? You've heard the saying, with great power comes great responsibility. Life always comes with responsibilities, and they tend to keep coming as we grow, but those responsibilities can provide their own rewards. Today's episode explores responsibilities, rewards, and even more.
(4:40) Everyone wants magic candy, right? Storyteller and musician Bill Harley shares the tale of Barney Humphnaegle and the great responsibility he was given when he received a magic piece of candy, recorded live in The Apple Seed Studio.
(32:33) Sam talks about his childhood's neighborhood candy store, known as the Alpenhaus, and some simple things that make life happy. It's today's entry in The Radio Family Journal.
(40:24) A conversation with Amy Tingle, director of Waterfall Arts in Belfast, Maine, about how they are using storytelling to get people together and provide support for each other.
As a few young men secretly plan for war, they don't realize one thing: the mice might be listening. Dovie Thomason shares a story about mice who have the people's best interests at heart.
Storyteller Bobby Norfolk shares of a time when Anansi the spider finds himself in trouble. Who will rescue him? Maybe one of his six talented sons.
The Storycrafters bring us a tale about a young boy who can feel changes in just about anything, and it just might remind you of the fairytale "The Princess and the Pea."
What would you do if you got lost? Antonio Rocha shares a tale of a boy who wanders from home only to find himself lost in the forest. Who will help him find his way home?
A supportive community is always great to have around, whether you're taking care of an aging parent, comforting a family in mourning, or raising a baby dragon. Wait, a baby dragon? Yes, today's episode runs the gamut through all those experiences about the friends and neighbors who play a big part in our lives.
(3:33) Storyteller Dolores Hydock gives a loving tribute to the people who helped care for her mom during her final days in the story "Occam's Razor," recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio.
(23:18) Sam talks about singing at a beloved professor's funeral who had built a safe haven for generations of students. That's today's entry in The Radio Family Journal.
(32:28) An original audio drama called "Extracurricular Activities." When two best friends see a boy from their school acting strangely, they follow him
and discover he’s keeping a dangerous secret in his attic. Starring Ellie Mellin as Beth, Parley Lambert as Thomas, and Ben Butters as Nico.
Most people have at least one uncle, and many times there's an uncle who always has some crazy tales. Kirk Waller had an uncle just like that by the name of Cleo.
One man serves an offering of bread to God each week, another man receives bread from God as a miracle. Could their experiences be connected?
Karen Golden tells the tale of two bread loving, farming brothers that each independently decide to surprise the other with a gift.
A pirate that steals dirty socks sails the seas until he faces off an even worse threat: his older sister. Listen to this story by Bill Harley here on The Apple Seed.
In this bonus episode we bring you a story from 'Constant Wonder,' our sister show that explores nature's hidden marvels, forgotten heroes of history, and life stories that both humble and inspire.
He walked the streets in secret, a veterinarian in his off-hours, looking to help the pets of the homeless. Now his work is the subject of the tv show "Street Vet." He describes how his work has changed the lives of both pets and their owners. And his own.
Guest: Kwane Stewart, veterinarian and co-founder of Project Street Vet
Kevin Kling shares a story from his life and what it was like to grow up with the lakes in Minnesota. His personal tale is interwoven with history bits here and there that bring this story to life.
Norah Dooley tells the tale of "Caterina the Wise" on this Apple Seed BITE. Listen and learn what wisdom and true love really mean in this short story.
Listen to this fun story from Donald Davis about a kid who is very particular about what he eats. You never know where "doobies" could be hiding, after all.
Diane Ferlatte shares a story about a mouse in this musical tale. The words, "Maybe I am small and small, but I act tall", help us to find courage in ourselves and to be kind to others.
Appalachian storyteller Lyn Ford shares how Rabbit focuses on being positive in order to face the negative aspects of life.
Simon Brooks tells the tale of a young family and their beautiful garden, when a goat comes along to eat the whole thing, and threatens to do more. Who, if anyone, can stop it?
A bun comes to life in this Russian folktale from Rosie Cutrer. Listen to how he escapes his pursuers on The Apple Seed.
Charlotte Blake Alston shares a story about Mantis and his desire to ride the moon. Will he succeed in his dream?
An hour of stories about help from unexpected sources, including a premonition aboard the Titanic, a cartoon crime dog, and a host of medieval archers.
(4:04) Nebraska storyteller Pippa White brings the true story of the Titanic survivor Eva Hart to life. Eva was a young girl at the time, and her mother had a premonition that ended up saving their lives when disaster struck. This performance was recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio.
(24:17) Host Sam Payne shares his memories of the way that "McGruff the Crime Dog" helped his childhood neighborhood become a more connected, trusting place.
(33:52) We bring you a performance of a story from World War I called "The Bowmen" by Arthur Machen. It is a work of fiction about a miracle involving a legion of archers from the Middle Ages returning to fight alongside the British army at the Battle of Mons. Though it was fiction, many people treated it as fact, much like how in 2022 the "Ghost of Kyiv" fighter pilot story caught the public imagination and took on a life of its own.
Betty Ann Wylie shares memories of her husband's grandparents; memories she learned from the people who knew them before they died.
The Baal Shem Tov was a Jewish rabbi from Poland in the 1700s. In this story, Gerald Fierst tells of when he faced a werewolf tainted with an evil heart.
Colorado storyteller Pam Faro tells a story about a couple who find out that they're neighbors to a village of leprechauns.
In this hour we'll hear a couple of beautiful tributes to beloved grandparents, plus an all-new audio drama we've cooked up in our secret lab.
(3:43) A introductory conversation with Detroit storyteller Robert B. Jones about his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and about some of the meaning that got made in his life during a difficult time.
(5:05) Robert B. Jones honors his grandmother through sharing her story, and because it’s Reverend Jones, you can bet that at least part of the story will be told through the blues. The story's called "Song for Arnecia," and it was recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio.
(24:17) Host Sam Payne shares a memories about his bookworm grandpa, and then plays and sings a song he composed for his funeral called "The Book You Sent Today."
(35:25) An original audio drama called "We Will Fight in the Quad" about a high school teenager with some bully trouble, who gets help in an unexpected way—from a magical visit from legendary World War II-era British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
Jim bruchac tells the story of a chenoo, a giant with a heart of ice, as it seeks its prey in the camp of some hunters but finds itself outwitted by kindness.
There comes an age where a person has to make their way in the world. That doesn't always mean they have to go it alone, however, and this story shows there are often people who are behind us, ready to help.
How do we use our individual power? Do we use it for good, to lift those around us? Or do we use it for destruction? Lyn Ford tells a story of fire and rain and how their actions affect others.
Storyteller Simon Brooks shares a tale about a woodcutter who is granted just one wish. His family has lots of ideas, but in the end, the woodcutter comes up with a clever solution.
Today on the show we’ve got an hour of stories about anticipation and expectations, and about things not exactly turning out how we expected, for better or for worse.
(4:05) Storyteller Antonio Sacre remembers a long road trip where countless billboards for something called "Pedro's South of the Border" built up impossible expectations. The story was recorded live in The Apple Seed Studio. (22:32) Did you ever agree to do a favor for a family member, but then it ends up being different than what you thought you were agreeing to? Host Sam Payne's got a story like that. It’s today’s entry in the Radio Family Journal. (30:50) True crime stories are all the rage right now, and we go back in time to bring you an OTR (Old-Time Radio) true crime story from the long-running radio show Gang Busters about a bunch of crooks that think they’ve got the perfect racket stealing from gangsters, but of course the scheme doesn’t go as smoothly as they planned. (40:59) The book 'A Boy Called Bat' is a tender story about a boy with autism, and we'll hear from both author Elana K. Arnold and from a family that made a surprising discovery when they read the book together.
In the Town Around the Bend, things are a little different. Once a month, children put their parents to bed to help them get a good night's rest. Bill Harley explains why.
Diane Ferlatte shares a story where she has to question some judgments she made about someone else in a restaurant.
Who will be more prepared for winter? The ants who spend the summer preparing, or the grasshopper who spends the summer practicing the fiddle? Donna Washington shares a twist on this classic tale.
Dan Keding, a storyteller who grew up in Chicago, tells of a young man who saves the life of a wolf. Many blessings would follow.
Today we bring you a full hour of stories from Georgia storyteller Andy Offutt Irwin, all recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. It's an hour full of zany fun, quick wit, and what critics call his Silly Putty voice. But we hope you’ll take away even more: sweet observations about lifetime relationships between generations that will have you thinking about some of the people who are important to you. (2:30) "Polyphemus" is a musical, comical take on the ancient story of Odysseus, who among his adventures, was held captive by the horrible Cyclops. (15:22) "Book Every Saturday for a Funeral" is one of Andy's popular tales about his fictional Aunt Marguerite. In this story she makes a long drive to visit Joy, a lifelong friend who may not have many visits left. (34:14) Host Sam Payne shares an original song called “Songs About You” about being far from the people you love. (40:21) Young Andy finds a perfect (and potentially dangerous) present for a fellow Cub Scout in the story "Secret Santa."
Anne Shimojima tells the tale of a young boy, deaf and mute, as he finds golden crane, wounded on the mountainside.
Storyteller David Holt remembers a move from Texas to California and the drive with his Grandma.
Storyteller Big Joe Pagliuca tells of a wealthy duck and a quest to get his money back.
Stories about games and puzzles and upside-down worlds where the rules don’t quite make sense.
(5:11) Storyteller Donna Washington shares a tale about a new husband who makes a silly bet with his bride in "Bastianello!" It was recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio.
(25:07) Host Sam Payne shares a memory of relaxing the rules during a game of chess against his father-in-law, as the latter succumbed to Alzheimer's. It's today's entry in The Radio Family Journal.
(32:50) Hear a reader's theater presentation of a scene from Lewis Carroll's 'Through the Looking Glass,' in which Alice is given a nonsensical quiz by The Red Queen and The White Queen.
(44:40) The Apple Seed team gathers in the studio to solve "Einstein's Riddle," a famous logic puzzle thought to have been created by the great physicist himself.
A vacation in Italy takes a wrong turn when Donna Ingham and her family get separated from their tour group.
Alton Chung mixes his stories with culture from Hawaii, Japan, and Korea. In this story he tells the tale of a poor old man and a generous gift.
From West Virginia teller, Bil Lepp, a departure from the classic story of Jonah and the Whale.
Take a walk down memory lane with Bruce Walker as he reminisces about weekends during his childhood.
Today’s stories are about what happens when the natural world surprises us. Our relationships with our pets often make us ask, how much do we humans have in common with the animals around us?
(2:26) Japanese storyteller Motoko shares an old Chinese folktale about a father's unlikely relationship with a cricket in "The Golden Eye of the Fighting Cricket," recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio.
(22:46) Host Sam Payne talks about his relationship with a colony of feral cats living in his backyard in today's entry in the Radio Family Journal.
(35:00) A new original audio drama called "The Crystal Whale." The crew of an experimental glass submarine grounded on the bottom of the ocean
faces a giant, mysterious creature that has an unusual fixation on their sub.
In this story told by Len Cabral, the king sees a beautiful iguana in a tree and wants it for his own. A valuable prize awaits the one who can coax the iguana down from the tree. Will it be the beggar boy?
Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.
Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.
Bay Area storyteller Joel Ben Izzy shares just a few stories of one of the world's great tricksters. Trickster stories exist in just about every culture, and Nasrudin (the subject of today's stories) is one of the world's great trickster characters.
Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.
In the days leading up to Easter, our thoughts have turned towards matters of faith. And in the storytelling community, the way that we express our thoughts about faith is the same as the way we express our thoughts about other aspects of our lives: through stories.
(3:19) Storyteller Geraldine Buckley shares a story about Connie, a woman with an extraordinary power to move people with her dancing in "Connie Dances," recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio.
(20:42) Host Sam Payne shares a story and a song inspired by a time when he thought he had nearly killed all the plants in his yard in "Easter Ivy," today's entry in The Radio Family Journal.
(32:36) We chat with our friend Steven Kapp Perry from the fellow BYUradio show In Good Faith about the power of listening to the faith stories of other people.
(43:16) Our producer Brian Tanner talks about stepping outside his comfort zone for a cowboy-inspired musical number at his grandpa’s funeral.
Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland, wrote this Easter letter, addressed to "every child who loves Alice."
Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.
As Eshu Bumpus explains, there are many stories about tortoises and hares (we bet you know one). This one has a lion in it, and some music too! j
Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.
Sometimes you embark on an adventure thinking it’s going to be hard, but then it winds up being harder than you ever imagined. You’re in way over your head, but somehow, you get through it, and you find yourself a little bruised, but wiser on the other side. We’ve got an hour of stories like that for you today.
(1:58) Storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston shares an African tale about a girl given a seemingly straightforward job of making clothes that ends up taking her into a den of monsters in "Thakane the Brave," recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio
(20:32) Host Sam Payne spins a yarn in which he and his brother have a encounter with a ghostly dog in a spooky old cabin in today's entry in the Radio Family Journal
(32:58) An original audio drama called "The Shiny" about a squirrel who feels overwhelmed by the task before her: traversing the San Fernando Zoo in search of an elusive treasure known as The Shiny!
Donald Davis shares a story fragment about a beloved teacher who does what she can to remember each student in her long career.
Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.
Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.
We're getting a jump on April Fool's Day with an hour of stories about pranks, hoaxes, and general mischief. (4:11) West Virginia storyteller Bil Lepp and his buddy Skeeter have a mischievous plan to rig a competition at a summer camp in "Vacation Bible School," recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (26:23) Host Sam Payne talks about a high school prank on a double date that didn't go off as planned in today's entry in the Radio Family Journal. (29:16) Mark Twain wrote a humorous short story about The Cardiff Giant, an infamous real-live hoax from the 1860s involving P.T. Barnum. We dramatized Twain's story and performed it live in the Apple Seed Studio. (46:00) Snipe hunts are a rite of passage for young campers everywhere, and we asked some friends to share their wildest snipe hunt tales with us.
When a poor man's beloved horse runs away, how will he get by? Misfortune and great luck sometimes come in unexpected packages.
Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.
What happens when Anansi meets a game of tug of war? Find out in today's Apple Seed Bite!
This week we've got two things on our mind: road trips, and the important objects we collect along the way that summon memories of the journey. (3:09) South Carolina storyteller Tim Lowry tells a rip-roaring tale about a road trip across the western U.S. that led him to a coveted fringe leather jacket from the Buffalo Bill Museum in "How I Got the Jacket," recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio (27:13) Host Sam Payne talks about a road trip out to Minnesota in a caravan with his extended family in today's entry in the Radio Family Journal (33:09) Ellery Queen, Gentleman Detective takes the case of a stolen lucky baseball bat during the World Series in this OTR (Old Time Radio) mystery (48:19) Tim Lowry returns to talk about how a favorite old mug instantly transports him back to the summer camps of his youth
Illustration by Sònia Albert, copyright Sònia Albert.
When the son of a Cuban immigrant and an Irish American woman forgets how to speak Spanish, how will he reconnect with his roots?
When every young lady competes to be able to see the face of an invisible chief, the most unexpected of girls might just find herself in an interesting situation.
Some of the first major interactions we ever have with someone from a different generation happen in an elementary school classroom. Today we have an hour of stories about elementary school teachers and their students:
(3:26) Grammy-winning storyteller Bill Harley shares an original song called "Little Things" celebrating the important experiences that kids have (11:25) Bill Harley recalls a time when his third grade class threw a party for their teacher that she didn't exactly want in "Happy Birthday, Mrs. Nottingham," recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio (34:21) Host Sam Payne shares his memories about getting stuck with the "boring" sixth grade teacher in today’s entry in The Radio Family Journal (43:06) An interview with teacher Jeff Flynn, who planted a deep love of poetry in all the 4th graders that passed through his class
When an eighty-year-old gets appendicitis that keeps him from working, antics ensue between him and his ten-year-old best friend.
Sometimes, we can learn the most important things from conversations with our neighbors. When a young Donald talks to his new neighbor Jack, both of them learn some important things about what's really important in life.
When a battle for control of the stereo persists, will the owner's manual help at all? And how do the kids feel about it?
Sometimes we are the ones leaving the comfort and safety of our home to seek new adventures, and other times we watch our loved ones venture out into the world. Today we have an hour of stories about leaving the nest:
(3:18) Introduction to storyteller and actress Dolores Hydock (7:31) Dolores Hydock talks about a formative adventure across Europe during her college years, and the things she realized when she returned home in the story "My Own Backyard," recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio (25:55) Host Sam Payne shares his feelings on both sides of the leaving the nest equation in today’s entry in The Radio Family Journal (30:34) An episode of OTR (Old Time Radio) drama 'Father Knows Best' in which Dad frets about his kids becoming more independent (44:56) One of the most familiar stories about leaving the nest and making your way into the world: The Three Little Pigs
When a mysterious woman comes to a man's shop to buy rice candy for her baby, he's in for an unexpected surprise.
When a youngest brother sees the frightening reality of war, he'll have to rely on something other than his own strength to overcome a giant.
When a beekeeper gets a call about a bee swarm at a notorious biker bar, he gets the chance to see a different side of life.
When a young girl volunteers to confront a great evil, how will she overcome the obstacles in her way?
It's easy to feel a little lost and alone in the world, so that's why it's important for every person to know just how precious they are to someone. Today we have an hour of stories about knowing who you are:
(2:33) Storyteller Kim Weitkamp reflects on the important family members who have shaped her into who she is today by remembering what it felt like to sit on each of their laps in her story "The Lap," recorded live in the Apple Seed studio (23:59) Host Sam Payne remembers learning lessons about himself while he was caught out in a storm during his middle school years in today's entry in Radio Family Journal (33:20) Original radio drama "Sus"—A group of college students from Mars on a study-abroad trip to Earth discover that someone among them on the ship is an impostor
When a very small girl sees a lack of female heroes, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Journey with Erica as she faces her fears!
When Tricky turtle gets tired of the big animals making fun of him all the time, he decides to play a little trick on them.
When a very arrogant donkey won't stop bragging about how great he is to his friend Toad, Toad just might have something up his sleeve.
When the wisest man in the world comes face to face with a ferocious giant, how will he win the day?
Bravery can look big and exciting, like a daring rescue, or small and quiet, like conquering a fear. Today we have an hour of stories about being brave:
(3:12) Introduction to storyteller Pippa White, a Nebraska storyteller who brings stories from history to life (4:00) Pippa White tells a thrilling true story of a young girl who saves her father's life when he is dragged by galloping horses in "Ranger and Me," recorded live in the Apple Seed studio (15:12) Host Sam Payne remembers a dark time in his life when he found courage through the film version of C.S. Lewis's "Prince Caspian" in today’s entry in The Radio Family Journal (22:44) An OTR (Old Time Radio) adventure starring Gene Autry, the singing cowboy of Melody Ranch. Someone is poisoning the cattle on the ranch—can Gene solve the mystery? (37:13) Cherie Call is an accomplished singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist, but when she is tapped to play lead electric guitar in an upcoming concert, she must overcome her fears.
When the goddess Pele competes in a sledding competition between two proud chiefs, how will things turn out?
Dovie Thomason shares wonderful animal tales that might just contain a lesson of two for humans. Here's one, about two furry friends: Bear and Chipmunk
Eshu Bumpus tells a musical tale that teaches us that sometimes the trickster doesn't go untricked.
When a fairy knocks over the tin can in which a tiny old woman lives, she learns to wish big.
Stories are a way to build and maintain connections to things that are bigger than ourselves: heritage, home, family. Today on the show we've got an hour of stories about staying connected.
(3:18) Detroit storyteller and blues guitarist Robert B. Jones talks about how he became an ordained minister (8:11) Rev. Jones tells the story of he built his guitar from the wood from different parts of his childhood home to stay connected to his hometown in the story “Detroit Guitar,” recorded live in the Apple Seed studio (23:52) Host Sam Payne connects with his Greek grandparents by learning to cook Greek food in today’s entry in The Radio Family Journal (32:23) Two New York pals connect to their heritage by performing Torah stories for families as a duo called The Bible Players
A wildlife ranger's opinions on live traps are put to the test when a skunk is captured.
Dan Keding shares "Bobo and the Baseballs," a story from the Chicago neighborhood where he grew up.
A con man swaps a cheap ring for a pair of boots. But is the ring all that worthless? And how do wishes really come true, anyway?
The relationship between a father and a son can be one of the most important relationships in the world, and we’ve got an hour of stories showing a range of father/son relationships:
(3:30) Storyteller Antonio Sacre takes his family on a Moby Dick-inspired whale-watching tour in the story “World’s Second Best Dad,” recorded live in the Apple Seed studio (18:08) Host Sam Payne and his dad deal with an unexpected storm while on a sailing trip in today’s entry in The Radio Family Journal (26:19) A boy takes a trip back in time through a magical comic book and meets his teenage dad in the original audio drama “The Comics Trip” (41:00) Sam talks to a father and his sons who bond over a tabletop role-playing game they created together Illustration by Rose Robbins
Check out a video of Antonio Sacre delivering “World’s Second Best Dad” on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_MYrWBZC5QM
Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.
Stories have a way of connecting us to other people in places all around the world. In today's stories, we'll take you around the globe with some of our favorite storytellers.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"Daydreamer Seeks Benefactors" by Willy Claflin from Where Were You in '72? (1:52)
The Daily Mix: "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" with Mark Wait (17:04)
"The Wolf's Eyelashes" by Susan Strauss from Wolf Stories (26:01)
"The Innkeeper's Clever Daughter" by Zette Harbour from Story Harbour (40:14)
Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.
If you love to laugh, today's episode of The Apple Seed is for you! With humorous stories about tricksters, trouble, and adventures, there's a little something for everyone in this hour of stories and songs.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"The Man Who Could Make the Trees Blossom" by Alton Chung from The Spider Weaver and Other Tales From Asia (1:49)
"Buck Ain't No Ordinary Dog " by Bil Lepp from Buck Meets the Monster Stick (15:17)
The Daily Mix: "Pecan Pie" with Brynna Haddock (29:04)
"The Green Gourd" by Tim Lowry from Mostly Jack Tales (35:40)
"The Garden" by Heather Forest from Songspinner (44:52)
"So Long It's Been Good to Know You" by Willy Claflin from The Mind Boggles (52:17)
Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be an ant? Small enough to hide from just about anything, but strong enough to lift thousands of times your own weight. Or maybe a bird, able to soar to wonderful heights and travel to far places. Many people dream about being an animal every once in a while. Today we have a story that will show you some of the advantages being able to turn into an animal would provide.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Shape-Shifting Girl” Part I by Simon Brooks from More Second Hand Tales (2:43)
Daily Mix: “Where the Wild Things are” with Teresa Love (14:09)
“A Woman’s Fairy Story” by Andrew Wright from Beggar in Bogota (22:06)
“Shape-Shifting Girl” Part II by Simon Brooks from More Second Hand Tales (28:08)
Have you ever seen a meme or a booth that says, “Change my mind?” Perhaps, “The Star Wars Prequels are the best. Change my mind,” or, “It's a crime to wear socks to bed. Change my mind.” Point being: we daily encounter strong opinions, or may face the firm opposition of, “Change my mind.” Perhaps we are even the one who feels that way! Today’s collection of stories explores ways in which people change their minds. Storytellers Kevin Carr, Joan Stockbridge, and Syd Lieberman persuade us to think in new ways, and to discover truths that humility might teach us. But one thing is for sure: The Apple Seed is the best. Change my mind.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“The Poor Gaiteiro” by Kevin Carr from King of the Pipers (2:22)
“Manjiro” by Joan Stockbridge (16:41)
“Dear Father” by Syd Lieberman from The Dead Sea Scrolls (35:27)
Radio Family Journal: "Reut" by Sam Payne (49:32)
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
The healing power of love is a very important factor in many stories. Throughout life, we aim to take care of ourselves as well as those around us. Mothers and fathers take care of children, neighbors and friends help each other socially, and many professionals like doctors, social workers, law enforcement officers, teachers, and many others all provide necessary service for those around them. In this episode we will see the explanation of some beautiful acts of service for oneself as well as others. It is important to think about how we can better serve not only ourselves, but those around us as we grow older and learn more about life. Let these stories -although lighthearted and jovial- be a lesson to how we can understand and help one another even through treacherous times.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"The Mollusk's Tale" by Bob Reiser from Foibles and Fiddlesticks: Fables for Grownups (2:03)
The Daily Mix: "Leilani of the Distant Sea" with Rachel Wadham (11:53)
"The Light Princess" by Danielle Bellone from Moon-Eyed Sister (21:10)
Radio Family Journal : "Canada" by Sam Payne (51:00)
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Today we’re going to take you on a very special fishing trip, so grab your pole, your tackle box, and a can of worms. Of course, what’s a fishing trip without some good stories to tell to pass the time? And what’s a good fishing story without a little exaggeration? Well, we’ve gathered some of the biggest fishing stories around for today’s episode and your enjoyment from tellers like Bil Lepp, Dan Kelin, Kevin Kling, and more.
On today’s episode enjoy the following:
“The Monster Stick’s Last Ride” by Bil Lepp from Buck Meets the Monster Stick (1:57)
“Not So Common Butterwort” by Pete Griffin from Welcome to Alaska: Tales from the Tongass Forest and Beyond (13:45)
The Daily Mix: "Hunt for the Wilderpeople " with Jeff Simpson (20:52)
"Holy Woman" by Karen Golden from Tales & Scales: Stories of Jewish Wisdom (28:45)
"Wonderlure!" by Kevin Kling from Wonderlure! (36:33)
“Lantern” by Connie Regan-Blake from Dive Into Stories (41:13)
“Bass Fish and Walnut” by Steve Otto from Potpourri (45:27)
Radio Family Journal: "Aquarium" with Sam Payne (50:33)
Have you ever had to finish all your food before you got dessert? Bill Harley sure has. Check out this song about his childhood experience with peas!
Sometimes it's the little displays of love that touch our hearts the most. In today's Apple Seed Extra, a game of baseball between ends in a display of sisterly affection.
Today we are joined by BYU professors Dr. Tony Brown, Dr. Katya Jordan, and Dr. Luke Howard to discuss the traditional tale Peter and the Wolf.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Some of the best places for sharing your stories are in front of a cozy fire, at the foot of a child’s bed at bedtime, and also around the dinner table. And it’s that last environment we’d like to focus on today. Not only is the dinner table the perfect place to swap stories, but it’s also where some of the best stories are made. On today’s episode of The Apple Seed you’ll hear a story about unexpected dinner guests from Barbara McBride-Smith; you’ll hear a story about an UNWELCOME dinner guest from Bobby Norfolk; you’ll even hear a discussion about a children’s book focused on a MOST WELCOME food – Fry Bread!
On today’s episode enjoy the following:
“Peas and Carrots” by Donald Davis from Mama Learns to Drive (2:10)
The Daily Mix: “Fry Bread” with Gene Nelson (22:56)
“Anansi and Turtle Go To Dinner” by Bobby Norfolk from Anansi Time (30:20)
“Baucis & Philemon” by Barbara McBride-Smith from Yeee Gods! (38:12)
Radio Family Journal: "Oreo Cookies" by Sam Payne (50:15)
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Holidays are wonderful! They bring us closer together and create memories that last a lifetime. However, they’re also a lot of hassle and sometimes can even be really stressful. Do you love holidays or do you not think they’re worth it? Dolores Hydock tells us how her father was a holiday fanatic who went all out for every occasion. Her mother, on the other hand, never cared for them... except for birthdays. Tune in to hear Dolores Hydock tell her personal tales of various holidays because whether they’re good or bad, crazy or peaceful, or beloved or dreaded, they sure are memorable.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Birthday Gift” by Dolores Hydock from Holidazed! (1:15)
Radio Family Journal: "Sponge Balls" by Sam Payne (13:33)
“13 Quilts” by Michael Reno Harrell from Grit & Wit (20:07)
“Jaguar and Hare” by Simon Brooks from Second-Hand Tales (27:15)
“Wilde Roses” by Ann Rutherford from Habit of Joy: Stories of Living True to Ourselves (36:09)
“Bill Greenfield and the Big Old Bear” by Joseph Bruchac from Adirondack Tall Tales, Volume One: The Bill Greenfield Stories (51:30)
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Have you ever found yourself in a difficult situation? Maybe it was caused by your own choices. Or maybe it was caused by somebody else’s choices. Maybe it was just life. Whatever the case, we all have to go through hard times, and, hopefully, overcome them. In today’s stories, you’ll get to hear about brave (and sometimes very silly) heroes as they become who they need to be in order to overcome the things that oppress them.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Turkey and the Mayor” by Noa Baum from Far Away and Close to Home (2:27)
Radio Family Journal: "Book Fair" by Sam Payne (15:20)
The Daily Mix: "The Sixth Sense" with Jeff Simpson (21:11)
“Ten Thousand Treasure Cave” by Eth-Noh-Tec from Treasure Bag of Asian Stories (30:13)
“Head First” by Jay O’Callahan from Dancing With Fire (46:57)
When Paul Bunyan heard of man-eating monster mosquitoes, he brought back some killer bees to wage war, but that may have been a mistake.
John Henry grows up to be the strongest steel driver that ever was seen. Hear about some of his adventures in this catchy tune!
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Many people view promises in many different ways. In many a cowboy movie, a simple handshake was enough to seal an agreement in stone. Spy movies, on the other hand, hold many empty promises, betrayals, and treachery. Ideally, everyone would keep their promises, but that’s unfortunately not the case. That’s why we have to sign documents when we promise to pay back a loan, or to seal a contract of any kind. The sad reality is that some people have no intention of keeping their promises, even while making them. There are some promises, however, that should never be broken because the consequences would simply be too great. We have some stories about broken promises today, along with many others from tellers like Bil Lepp, Dan Keding, and more.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Banjo Player of Franceville” by Dan Keding from Promises Kept, Promises Broken (4:46)
The Daily Mix: “Turn to Stone” with Mark Wait (18:04)
“Kate Crackernuts” by Mary Hamilton from Sisters All...And One Troll (26:39)
“The King of Little Things” by Bil Lepp from King of Little Things (47:05)
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Today we're talking about horses! Horses have been a key player in history, in western migration, in poetry, and in storytelling. Songs, short stories, novels and poems have centered around the ‘Cowboy’ and their horse for a long time. Many folktales and songs have been connected to life through the vision of a horse. There is always something new to be learned- whether it’s through hearing about one’s connection to their horse, some of the tales behind the hope that horses carry on their backs, or just a funny tale involving the majestic beasts. So let us all sit down together and learn something new, feel the wind on our face, and imagine the freedom that horses and the love of land and animals can bring.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"“The Squire’s Bride” by Ed Stivender from Classics Revisited (1:52)
“The Iron Horse” by The Three D’s from Heritage: Songs and Stories from the Mormon Epoch (8:25)
“The Blind Harper” by Paddy Tutty from The Roving Jewel (11:58)
“Dream Mine” by Paul Bliss from Pure Bliss (18:00)
“Anthem” by Jerry Brooks from Shoulder to Shoulder (21:35)
“Bill Greenfield and the Mosquitoes” by Joseph Bruchac from Adirondack Tall Tales, Volume One: The Bill Greenfield Stories (28:40)
“Going to Granny’s” by Liz Weir from Boom Chicka Boom (37:42)
“Hooves, Hide and Mane” by Sam Payne and Ryan Shupe from The Saga of the Sanpitch (42:32)
“Grandpa Al and Max” by Glenda Bonin from Family Gazette (45:55)
“Hooves of the Horses” by Cowboy Poetry from A Western Jubilee: Songs and Stories of the American West (52:46)
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Have you ever felt out of place? Whether it was in your family, your school, your workplace, or anywhere else, we have all experienced a sense of displacement at some time or other. In today's stories, you'll find all sorts of other people who feel the same way sometimes.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Blonde, Beautiful and Bubbly” by Martha Reed Johnson from Skinny Dipping & Other Life Lessons (2:57)
The Daily Mix: "Cooking for Forty" with Jenna Parker (17:34)
“John Henry” by John McCutcheon from Untold (27:00)
“The Cost of Racism” by Motoko from Tales of Now & Zen (43:19)
We’re bringing you a story about a fabled figure from Jewish tradition called a golem, a figure often made from mud, clay or stone that exist only to obey the instructions they are given.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Do you ever have days when you feel invisible? No matter what you say, it seems as though people don’t even notice you’re there. What would it be like to be completely invisible, unseen by anyone? Today we’ll hear the story of a boy who was completely invisible and one young woman’s search to find him. It’s a Native American twist on a Cinderella story retold by Stephanie Beneteau. We know you’ll love it, along with all the other stories we have to share today.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Invisible Boy” by Stephanie Beneteau from Dreaming Tall: Stories for Growing Girls (2:51)
Radio Family Journal: "Lights in the Sky" by Sam Payne (15:47)
The Daily Mix: "Allusionist" with Stewart Foster (20:38)
“Death in the Nut” by Richard Martin from The Well at the World’s End and Other Tales (28:26)
“How Bill Greenfield’s Wife Taught Him a Thing or Two” by Joseph Bruchac from Adirondack Tall Tales, Volume One: The Bill Greenfield Stories (39:40)
“Paula Bunyan: A True Story” by Joel ben Izzy from How I Learned to Love Liver (46:57)
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Life is full of ups and downs, and each moment teaches us lessons that we remember forever. Some lessons we painfully have to learn on our own, but others can be learned through those that are closest to us. Their lives and their stories can teach us about the best parts of life. As you listen to these stories today, we hope that they spark memories and stories from your own life that you can share with those you love.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“My Father and Hershel of Ostropol” by Joel ben Izzy from Buried Treasures: A Storyteller’s Journey (2:10)
Radio Family Journal: "Donald Herbert" by Sam Payne (15:45)
The Daily Mix: "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" with Mark Wait (21:51)
“The Lap/You Are My Sunshine” by Kim Weitkamp from The Lap (30:09)
“The Old Rancher” by Joe Herrington from Men of Honor (48:30)
“My Town” by Michael Reno Harrell from Then There’s Me (51:38)
Come celebrate some wacky stuff as we tell of beetles who become bug brides, escaping one-eyes giants, and the many ways to cook a fish. On today’s episode of The Apple Seed, award-winning storytellers tell us some outlandish, ludicrous, unbelievable stories that will throw you for such a loop, all you’ll think to do is laugh!
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"Princess Firefly" by Diane Edgecomb from Pattysaurus and Other Tales (3:35)
"Herring's Head" by Doug Elliot from Everybody's Fishing: A Cross-Cultural Fishing Extravaganza (19:57)
"Pinewood Derby" by Bil Lepp (25:06)
"Max & Margaret" by Steve Otto from Potpourri (38:00)
"Sody Sallyratus" by Tim Lowry from SEVEN! World Folk Tales (47:33)
In this quick little ditty, songwriter and storyteller David Holt sings about the role love plays in helping people find the capacity to change. Sway along to these fun beats!
Have you ever done something crazy in your past that later came back to revisit you? The hero in this story sure has!
This episode explores quirky ideas and themes of familial strength, like baby birds finding their mother through song, a snake’s marriage proposal to a woman, even a donkey challenging a toad to a race!
This episode includes: "The Woman and the Snake" by Barry Stewart Mann from The Improbable Love of Ethel and Elmer and Other Offbeat Tales of Romance (1:54) "The Three Army Surgeons" by Ingrid Nixon from Grimm's with a Twist (11:19) "Donkey & Toad" by The Storycrafters from Classics with a Twist (21:31) "The People Who Could Fly" by Kim and Reggie Harris (30:55) "The Little Red Hen" by Donald Davis from Grandma's Lap Stories (47:43)
This episode includes the following:
“Bigger Badder Better” by Kirk Waller from But Why? (2:29)
The Daily Mix: "Dulce de Leche" with Lisa Valentine Clark (15:05)
“The Princess on the Glass Hill Part I” by Ruth Halpern from She Set Out to Seek Her Fortune (24:38)
“Bill Greenfield and the Champion Wrestler” by Joseph Bruchac from Adirondack Tall Tales, Volume One: The Bill Greenfield Stories (35:53)
“Why the Sun Comes Up When Rooster Crows” by Mitch Weiss and Martha Hamilton from How & Why Stories World Tales Kids Can Tell (39:52)
“The Princess on the Glass Hill Part II” by Ruth Halpern from She Set Out to Seek Her Fortune (45:32)
Get ready for an hour of inspiring stories about finding what’s most important – even if the characters don’t realize they're looking for it to begin with.
This episode includes the following:
“Chin Chin Kobokama” by Margaret MacDonald from Tuck-Me-In Tales (2:41)
“In Search of Charles Dickens” by Lani Peterson from Stories Within (9:40)
“The Beauty and the Melamed” by Susan Stone (25:16)
“Golden Thread” by Susan Reed from Songs & Stories About Families, Friendships & Shoes (36:54)
Radio Family Journal: "Baffle Hanging" by Sam Payne (50:13)
In this legend from the Philippines, a prince finds himself drawn to a strange new music by the river, a “golden sound sailing across the water”.
Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.
Did you know that Little Red Riding Hood had more than one encounter with a wolf? This short tale is all about that experience and how she survived.
This episode has tales of broken expectations, tales within tales, and even more from great tellers.
Enjoy the following:
“The Shoemaker and the Groundhogs” by Megan Hicks from No Tricks. Just Magic (4:12)
Radio Family Journal: "Moving Elephants" by Sam Payne (17: 53)
The Daily Mix: "American Graffiti" with Rod Gustafson (23:44)
“The Snail with the Silver Shell” by Len Cabral from Buzz Buzz Once There Was (32:19)
“Li Chi Slays the Serpent” by Beth Horner from An Evening at Cedar Creek (50:20)
With musical adventures about little angels, just-so stories about the joys of giving and the woes of greed, and races to place the members of the Chinese zodiac, we are excited to bring you this festive collection of stories for the New Year!
Enjoy the following:
“The Most Precious Thing in the World” by Karen Golden from Pass It On: A Journey Through the Jewish Holidays in Story and Song (2:19)
“Ishiusu” by Michael Katz from Far Away and Close to Home: Magical and Mystical Tales From Around the World (17:24)
“Stone Soup” by Heather Forest from Sing Me a Story (32:22)
“The Tale of the Twelve Animals” by Motoko from Tales of Now & Zen (39:09)
From dragons, to fairies, to a magical horse and talking animals, we have an hour you're sure to love.
Enjoy the following:
"Dragonory" by Jess Smith from Dragonory (2:30)
"The Whispering Bridge of Fukushima" by Kevin Cordi from Wisdom Keepers: Unlocking the Puzzle, Wise Tales and Wise People (15:43)
"Kevin and the Lady" by Rosie Cutrer from The Blackthorn Walking Stick and Other Tales (23:10)
"The Puka and the Pennywhistle" by Brian "Fox" Ellis from Under an Irish Oak (34:04)
"The Sleeping Porch" by Jane Stenson from From the Connecticut Woods (42:18)
Enjoy the following Christmas stories:
"One Christmas" by Jane Stenson from From the Connecticut Woods (2:52)
"Marzipan" by Finn Billie from Marzipan - Stories with Music (17:47)
"Christmas Every Day" by the Acting Company (40:01)
"Nothing But A Child" by Sam Payne (52:05)
Whether we serve strangers, family members, or friends, everyone can benefit from a little extra love, as seen in this episode's stories.
Enjoy the following:
"Doin' the Dishes" by Catharine Conant from Timp 2017 (1:23)
"The Children's Christmas Play" by Donald Davis from Christmas at Grandma's (13:25)
"A Glass Christmas" by Andy Offutt Irwin from A Not So Silent Night (31:47)
Join us for a special selection of stories just right for celebrating a special holiday. Enjoy Christmas stories from Jay O'Callahan, Odds Bodkin, and more.
A magical tale from Bob Reiser, as well as tales from Chicago storytellers Syd Lieberman, Dan Keding and more.
An impulse to look up an unfamiliar word in the dictionary goes hilariously awry in a tale from the great North Carolina storyteller Donald Davis. You'll also hear stories from Motoko, Joseph Bruchac, and more.
Characters in this episode are surrounded by good and bad, and each has a unique way of seeing the situation.
Enjoy the following:
"Tex Buys a Dream" by Laura K. Deal from The Diffendaffer Taffy Café (4:26)
"Looking for His Luck" by Dolores Hydock from Once in A Blue Moon (18:15)
"Don't Look Up" by Milbre Burch from Because I Said So: Stories About Mothers and Kids (33:54)
"A Farmer's Horse Ran Off" by Heather Forest from The Eye of the Beholder (49:54)
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Has anyone ever tried to rain on your parade? In this story, a little wren meets a very grumpy elk. Will his bad attitude get her down? Find out in "Elk and Wren", here on The Apple Seed.
These stories show how useful it is to get help when we need it and give help to others when it’s our turn.
Enjoy the following:
“Strawberries in Winter” by Dan Keding from Strawberries in Winter (1:27)
Radio Family Journal: "Church Jobs" by Sam Payne (12:58)
The Daily Mix: "The Fountains of Silence" with Rachel Wadham (19:31)
“Sharing the Gold” by Dolores Hydock from Perfect Match (27:26)
“Tebo and His Pet Fish” by Christopher Leebrick from Good Stories from All Over (43:36)
“The Swan Tenor” by Bob Reiser from Foibles and Fiddlesticks: Fables for Grownups (48:03)
When the slowest animal races the fastest, the result might be unexpected. When have things turned out differently than what you anticipated?
What do bears, ghosts, and eleven year-olds have in common? We have stories about all of them on this episode of The Apple Seed!
"Snow White and Rose Red" by Susan Strauss from Dreams of Animals: Myths and Personal Stories of Animals (2:21)
Radio Family Journal: "Bucket of Fish" by Sam Payne (17:13)
Daily Mix: "The Radio Adventures of Doctor Floyd" with Richie Steadman (22:50)
"Ghost Dog" by Brian "Fox" Ellis from Under An Irish Oak (31:29)
"Eleven Years Old and Willing to Help" by Kate Dudding from Young People Who Made a Difference (45:47)
"What Laura Couldn't Say" by Jay O'Callahan from Dancing With Fire (51:07)
Norah Dooley tells a story about her childhood relationship with her older brother. What memories do you have with your siblings?
On this episode enjoy the following:
"The Bundle of Sticks" by The Storycrafters from Straw Into Gold (2:33)
Radio Family Journal: "Samwise Gamgee" by Sam Payne (13:24)
The Daily Mix: "When You Reach Me" with Paul Ricks (18:25)
"Short Snippets of Tall Tales" by Joel ben Izzy from How I Learned to Love Liver (26:34)
"The Old Horse and the Bell of Justice" by Norah Dooley (34:47)
"Animals Make a Waterhole" by Eshu Bumpus from Dancing Granny and Other Tales to Boogie to (39:34)
"Ka-ulu the Strong" by Willy Claflin from The Uglified Ducky (47:28)
We've all heard the story of Rumpelstiltskin, though maybe not quite as rhythmically as the Storycrafters tell it here.
This episode is full of karmic stories that we know you’ll enjoy.
Enjoy the following:
"The Lion and the Mouse" by Sheila Starks-Phillips Tater and His Musical Adventure and Other Fun Tales (1:37)
"The Little Red Hen" by Diana Ferlatte from Knick-Knack Paddy Whack (12:16)
The Daily Mix: "Coco" with Jeff Simpson (19:25)
"The Swineherd" by Randel McGee from Hans Christian Andersen- The Man and his Tales (26:34)
"North Wind and Sun" by Pam Faro from Why Didn't I Think of That?: Seeking Solutions- Some Sassy, Some Silly, Some Smart (42:50)
Radio Family Journey: "Risk Assessment" by Sam Payne (50:47)
The musical group Mustard's Retreat brings us a little song about forging ahead and blazing new trails.
Embark with us on a storytelling journey about journeys. Enjoy the following:
"Moses of the Mountains" by Adam Booth from The Mingo Black (1:36)
Radio Family Journal: "Long Drives" by Sam Payne (12:44)
"Paca and Beetle" by Heather Forest from World Tales of Wisdom and Wonder (19:09)
The Daily Mix: "Bearskinner" with Paul Ricks (26:22)
"Generous People: Birth of the Southern Order of Storytellers" by Betty Ann Wylie from Pass It On: A Storyteller's Journey (34:30)
"A Story of Signs" by Ruth Halpern from She Set Out to Seek Her Fortune (42:02)
"A Walk Around the Block" by Bill Harley from The Best Candy in the Whole World (50:50)
Donna Washington tells a homespun story about royalty and sports. What stories have you come up with at your kitchen table?
Even though these stories may seem impossible or out-of-this-world, there's a little something for all of us in each of them.
Enjoy the following:
"Anansi and the Hat-Shaking Dance" by Donna Washington from Troubling Trouble (2:16)
"The Last Zapotec King" by Carolina Quiroga-Stultz from Cuentos Myths and Legends (12:44) : "The Lion and the Man" by Laura Simms from Making Peace: Heart Uprising (26:09)
"The Farm Girl and the New Dress" by Jenni Cargill-Strong from Reaching for the Moon II (33:17)
"Mule Humans" by Tim Lowry from Out 'n No Book (36:17)
"The Interview" by Geraldine Buckley from Destination? Slammer! (47:39)
A little girl who lives near the sea discovers a sea star. What's your favorite sea creature?
This episode features stories of family heritage and gratitude.
Enjoy the following:
"Thank You Ma'am" by Diane Ferlatte from Yes Ma'am (3:07)
The Radio Family Journal: "Smoking Money" by Sam Payne (16:53)
Daily Mix: "Three Times A Lady" with Don Shelline (22:53)
"Cholent" by Laura Pershin Raynor from All Dressed Up (31:11)
"M'Dear: Loving Someone You Never Met" by Betty Ann Wylie from Pass It On: A Storyteller' Journey (41:47)
"Electra" by Jay O'Callahan from Pill Hill Quartet (48:28)
In this episode, you’ll hear stories about food, family, and being together from great storytellers.
Enjoy the following:
"George Washington's Thanksgiving Day Proclamation" read by Ron Frederickson (1:08)
"Anansi and the Rain Cloud" by Big Joe Pagliuca from 6 Silly Stories (6:14)
"Sunday Dinner" by Donald Davis from See Rock City (17:11)
Daily Mix: "Grandma's Chicken Soup" with Jeff Simpson (21:17)
"Thankful for Reading" by S. Payne (28:47)
"Abundant Blessings" by Dolores Hydock from Holidazed! (36:48)
A conversation about keeping stories alive with his father. What are some of your favorite stories?
Stories are great bridge-builders between people and creatures of all kinds from all times. In this episode, enjoy the following:
"King Evan's Law" by Dolores Hydock from Silence: A Medieval Adventure in Story and Song (4:12)
"The George Washington Method for Blues Ukulele" by Willy Claflin from The George Washington Method for Blues Ukulele (16:23)
"The Bear Child" by Dovie Thomason from Voices of the Animal People (31:54)
Bill Harley sings a song about his lovely homeland. Do you have a place you love to come back to?
This episode's stories take us into the great outdoors and show us what we can learn from the land.
Enjoy the following:
"Frog, Dodge City" by Jay O'Callahan from Earth Stories (2:00)
"The King Has Goat Ears" by Glenda Bonin from Tails You Might Have Herd Before…or Knot (16:11)
"The Creation" by Joseph Bruchac from Iroquois Stories (25:26)
"Jimmy and the Seed" by Susan Reed from Lion in the Sky (29:02)
"Ateteos, Spirits of the Waters" by Valentina Ortiz from Earth Stories (34:32)
"Old Rabbit Saves the People" by Norah Dooley from Rabbitales (49:36)
Remembering early struggles doing new things can help us remember to be patient with others while they learn to do new things.
Enjoy the following:
"Zen and the Art of Storytelling" by Syd Lieberman from Streets and Alleys (1:36)
"Mama Learns to Drive" by Donald Davis from Mama Learns to Drive (14:40)
"Simply Guido" by Norah Dooley from Italian Folktales: Stories Nobody Told Me (36:15)
"The Ant and the Dove" by Diane Ferlatte from Aesop: Alive and Well (43:21)
"The Little Boy Who Hated Pizza" by Mark Binder from Classic Stories for Children (50:28)
These stories are all about being different, trying to fit in, and figuring out that being true to oneself lets you find your place regardless of where you are.
Enjoy the following:
"The Cost of Racism" by Motoko from Tales of Now & Zen (2:54)
"Anniko" by Charlotte Blake-Alston (16:11)
"Romeo and Juliet Gone Wrong" by Kerry Soper (24:46)
"Dancing With the Stars" by Lani Peterson (38:48)
The Radio Family Journal: "Heisman" by Sam Payne (50:36)
In this Bulgarian folk tale from Priscilla Howe comes the tale of a village with quite the problem.
Isn't it comforting to know that when we start at the bottom, the only direction we can go is up?
Enjoy the following:
"Pied Pipers at the Playground Part I" by Dolores Hydock from It Could Happen! Stories of Hope and Possibility (1:45)
"Miriam and the Saxophone" by Karen Golden from Tales & Scales: Stories of Jewish Wisdom (18:09)
"Pied Pipers at the Playground Part II" by Dolores Hydock from It Could Happen! Stories of Hope and Possibility (33:45)
Radio Family Journal: "Making Plans" by Sam Payne (46:28)
"Tarry Here" by Andy Offutt Irwin (52:35)
Michael Reno Harrell sings a little song about waiting and hoping to see the people you miss again. What do you do while you wait?
Adventure can be found around every corner, if only we make the effort to look.
Enjoy the following:
"Suki" by Leeny Del Seamonds from Cello Tales: The Melding of Music, Myth & Memories (2:10)
"Winston, The Wide Mouth Frog" by Glenda Bonin from Winston the Wide Mouth Frog (15:56)
"The Gypsy Wagon" by Dan Keding from The Gypsy Wagon and Other Neighborhood Tales (27:38)
"Canadian Love" by Colton Prete (33:36)
"Brian, Who Loves Watermelon" by Joel ben Izzy from How I Learned to Love Liver (38:55)
"Brian, Who Hates Watermelon" by Joel ben Izzy from How I Learned to Love Liver (48:25)
Molly Catron relates a story about the first pair of pretty shoes she ever owned. Do you remember your favorite childhood shoes?
If you’ve ever been caught in conditions you weren’t prepared for, then you’ll relate to today’s stories.
Enjoy the following:
"Refusing to Fly Part I" by Fran Yardley from Beyond My Father's Shadow (1:40)
"Skidi Pawnee Creation Myth" by Susan Strauss from Coyote Gets A Cadillac & Other Eye Opening Earth Tales (17:46)
"Coyote Brings Salmon to the Columbia" by Susan Strauss from Dreams of Animals: Myths and Personal Stories of Animals (33:45)
"Refusing to Fly Part II" by Fran Yardley from Beyond My Father's Shadow (47:40)
In today's Apple Seed Extra, Jerry Brooks recites a piece by Australian bush poet Henry Lawson. This poem has a little something for the restless wanderer in us all.
What better way to relive old memories than listen to great stories?
On this episode, enjoy the following:
"The Pace of Youth" by Barry Stewart Mann from The Improbable Love of Ethel and Elmer and Other Offbeat Tales of Romance (4:22)
"Ossein and the Isle of Tier na Nog" by Brian "Fox" Ellis from Under an Irish Oak (17:40)
The Daily Mix: "Wicked Game" with Cielle Salazar (32:27)
"The Grateful Statues" by Alton Chung from The Spider Weaver and Other Tales From Asia (40:06)
Radio Family Journal: "Running" by Sam Payne (49:44)
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Where do heroes come from anyway? Some of our heroes are people we have heard about in history, people who have accomplished grand and noble things. Some of heroes may be people we know personally, like a family ember or friend. We might know other heroes from the stories that we love. Wherever we may find a hero, one thing is for sure: heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and so it stands to reason that there might just be a spark of a hero in each one of us.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: “Donald Herbert” by Sam Payne (0:56)
The Daily Mix: “20,000 Hertz” with Stewart Foster (6:57)
“Devoleb” by Bonnie Greenberg from The Wonder Child and Other Young Heroes (16:06)
“The Short Tale of Erika P. Spunk” by Mark Binder from Classic Stories for Children (29:06)
"John Henry Story" by Charlotte Blake-Alston from Timp 2017 (38:00)
“The Little Heroes of Kfar Tabor” by Bonnie Greenberg from The Wonder Child and Other Young Heroes (49:03)
Paddy Tutty sings a song about a rabbit lamenting its plight as it is chased by hounds. Will the poor rabbit be able to escape its fate?
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Life is full of wonders, questions, tragedies, and miracles. No two lives are exactly the same, and neither are any two stories. Some stories are filled with ancient catacombs and bones, while others are filled with groundhogs or other animals. Whatever the case, a little variety in both life and the stories we tell adds a little bit of excitement that we can all enjoy.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"The Woodchuck as Warrior: of Whistlepigs and World Politics" by Doug Elliott from Groundhogology and Marmotabilia: Of Whistlepigs and World Politics (2:46)
“Ballad of Ross and Anna” by Norman Walker from Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts (14:56)
“Sody Salaraitis” by Ed Stivender from Silly Jack: Stories and Songs for Children (21:21)
“Animal Tales” by Laura Simms from Four Legged Tales: Animal Tales from Here and Away (29:23)
“A Little Princess” by Catherine Taylor (37:37)
Radio Family Journal: "Kountry Korner" by Sam Payne (49:14)
When a young girl comes across a locked chest in the middle of the forest, how will she get it open, and what will she find inside?
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
We all know that “accidents happen”. It’s a time-old adage passed from generation to generation to try to help people through tough situations. Often, when accidents happen, there’s no one to really blame for the consequences, but consequences there are. Whether someone is trying to get past an old fear, go through rehab or physical therapy, or face some other hardship, there’s always more strength in one person’s courage and determination than there is in any problem. Through these difficult experiences, people are often able to find hope and faith beyond what they might have had without the experience. Accidents do happen, and though that’s a hard truth, often it’s less about the accident and more about how you get through it and learn from it.
On today’s episode enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: “Sailing” by Sam Payne (1:00)
The Daily Mix: “Shadowlands” with Rod Gustafson (7:46)
“The Bicycle Story” by Donna Ingham from Waiting for Roy & Other Family Tales (18:10)
“Chris’ Accident” by Sheila Starks Phillips from Family, Friends, and Other Fun Folks (32:00)
"Accident" by Kevin Kling from Wonderlure! (41:58)
“Broken Glass” by Lani Peterson from Stories Within (48:09)
Charlotte Blake-Alston tells a story about an hungry little ant looking for help. This story might sound a bit familiar... when have you needed a little bit of help?
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
It's always a treat when one of our favorite tellers stops by for a visit. On today's special episode of The Apple Seed you'll hear stories and songs from Bil Lepp, performed live at the BYU Radio studio!
Michael Reno Harrell introduces this little song as a prayer. You'll feel in Michael's song an affection for the place where he lives sufficient to include it in a sacred communication. How do you feel about where you live?
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Who the heck are we anyway? Our personal identity may be defined by anything from our culture, our family, our religion, our values, our education, and more. Based upon all the factors of our lives, how do we define ourselves? What are we? Today’s collection of stories examines the “what” and the “why” of who we are.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"Ten Thousand Treasure Cave" by Eth-Noh-Tec from Treasure Bag of Asian Stories (2:41)
"What Is Your Deepest Desire" by Pam Faro from Andalusian Trilogy: Stories of Jews, Christians, and Muslims of Medieval Spain (19:18)
"Wave" by Anne Shimojima (21:50)
"Anansi's Children" by Charlotte Blake-Alston from Bit 'O This-Bit 'O That (30:43)
"Ash Grove" by Diane Edgecomb from In The Groves (37:11)
"Heaven and Hell" by Motoko from Tales of Now & Zen (39:40)
"Then There's Me" by Michael Reno Harrell from Then There's Me (44:44)
The Radio Family Journal: "Wherever You Go" by Sam Payne (50:09)
Carrie Sue Avyar tells a bilingual tale about a tiny ant looking for justice. There are lots of other animals in the story too, and plenty of chances to learn their names in both Spanish and English!
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
There’s something really great about having a sense of community. The people that surround us can add a lot of color into our lives. Whether you grew up surrounded by neighborhood cookouts, family gatherings, or just like to spend time with loved ones, everybody loves to feel that sense of belonging. One of everyone’s favorite neighbors has to be our friend Mr. Rogers, who once said “all of us, at some time or other, need help… that’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors – in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.” Isn’t that the beauty of having good neighbors?
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Porque el gallo canta en la mañana: Why Rooster Crows in The Morning” by Carrie Sue Ayvar from Cuéntame un cuento: Tell Me A Story (3:13)
Radio Family Journal: "Bucket of Fish" by Sam Payne (14:19)
The Daily Mix: "Cooking for Forty" with Jenna Parker (19:49)
“Chili Cookoff” by Jennie Goldsberry (27:24)
“Kanzo’s Garden” by Lyn Ford from When The Gourd Broke: Common Sense Stories (41:36)
Songwriter and storyteller Michael Reno Harrell tells a little tale of an on-the-road adventure. There are probably all kinds of lessons to learn here. Talking about them is half the fun of hearing the story!
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Life is a rollercoaster, isn’t it? And no matter what happens, we know we’re going to have days when things are hectic or difficult to handle. We’ll have challenges to overcome and hurdles to jump. The good news is that all of those difficult things will probably become great stories to tell one day, but in the meantime, sometimes life can be hard. Today’s stories are here to remind you that no matter what happens, the sun always follows darkness, and everything’s going to be alright. Today's stories are full of positive messages, laughter, and hope.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Story 8” by Catherine Conant from Timp 2017 (2:28)
Radio Family Journal: “Hatching Plans” by Sam Payne (15:17)
The Daily Mix: “The Story Pirates Podcast” with Richie T. Steadman (20:36)
“Southern Suggestions” by Michael Reno Harrell from Grit & Wit (28:27)
“The Day I Fell Out of Love with my First Car” by Anthony Burcher (38:43)
Welsh poet Leslie Norris captures the surprise of an unexpected trip to choose a new pet in this story-poem
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
What are the examples in your lives? We all have role models that have shaped who we are, what we like, and what we want to become. Examples are important, because they can show us what’s possible. There are, of course, bad examples, but we can use even those to learn what paths we should not go down. This means that we need to be sure what kind of example someone is when we decide to follow their footsteps. How can we do that? The answer may not be simple, but we have some stories today about examples, tricks, and consequences.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Run!” by Lyn Ford from Rabbit Tales, Too: Family, Foes, and Friends (1:47)
The Radio Family Journal: "Oil Cap" by Sam Payne (14:13)
The Daily Mix: “Raising Arizona” with Bil Lepp (19:10)
“The Story Behind the Story” by Donna Ingham from Historically Speaking (26:55)
“The Gift” by Michael Katz from Far Away and Close to Home: Magical and Mystical Tales from Around the World (34:42)
“The Night Toddler” by Andy Offutt Irwin from Crowd Control (44:00)
From a collection called "Sandburg Out Loud," Angela Lloyd shares one of Carl Sandburg's Rootabaga stories, made up by the great American poet to entertain his daughters.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Today’s episode is full of fun tales to really get you in the dancing spirit. No matter how your day might be going, a good upbeat song and a little dance is always a good cure to lift your spirits. Whether you're a classicly trained ballet dancer, a self-taught pop-and-locker, or just like to bounce along to the beat of your favorite songs, moving along to the music is something we all like to do from time to time. We’ve got a great selection of stories for you today all about people who love to sing and dance.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following stories:
“Dancing Granny (A Caribbean Folktale)” by Eshu Bumpus from Dancing Granny and Other Tales to Boogie To (2:47)
Radio Family Journal: "Skyler's Drink" by Sam Payne (13:17)
The Daily Mix: “To The Last Whale” with Don Shelline (19:46)
“Elaina’s Birthday Dance” by Sheila Arnold from Hands Wide Open (27:32)
“Og Saves the World” by Mark Binder from A Holiday Present (47:10)
“Now I’ve Gotcha” by Priscilla Howe from The Ghost with the One Black Eye and Other Stories (51:12)
Bilingual storyteller Antonio Sacre share an old tale about a mouse family, and its trouble with a ferocious cat. It's mama mouse to the rescue, and there's a lesson for her mouse children in her solution.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013, we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales, and more. All kinds of tales from all kinds of tellers.
The trickster and the fool are two of the most opposite yet beloved character types in storytelling. What is it about these two characters that we love so much? Maybe it's the joy of watching a trickster's clever plot unfurl to catch a fool. Maybe it's just fun to laugh when a nonsensical fool believes wholeheartedly in the sneaky and careful words of their opponents. Whatever the case, our love for these characters will come in handy in today's episode as we follow the stories of both tricksters and fools. Get ready to laugh along with us at both the wittiest of trickster’s plots and the most foolish of fool’s follies.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Brer Possum and the Frogs” by Sheila Starks Phillips from Tater and His Musical Adventure and Other Fun Tales (3:44)
Radio Family Journal: "Dumb Teenagers" by Sam Payne (18:32)
Daily Mix: “Earth Song” with Susan Reed (23:33)
“The Wise King of Uruk and the Foolish King of Aratta” by Judith Heineman from The Magic Carpet: Stories and Songs from Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt (35:17)
“Mysteries in Nursery Rhyme Land” by Kevin Cordi from Tales to Tickle Your Funny Bone (48:54)
Storyteller Glenda Bonin shares a list of folk remedies guaranteed to get rid of ghosts. If you're having trouble, that is.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Halloween has a little something for all of us! If you like getting dressed up in fun costumes, Halloween gives you the perfect reason to do so. If you like playing silly pranks on your family members or friends, it provides you with a perfect opportunity to do so. If you just really like candy, this holiday is for you, too. Whatever your reason for liking Halloween, we've got some great and gently spooky stories for you on this episode of The Apple Seed.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"La Llorona - The Weeping Woman" by Antonio Sacre from Water Torture, the Barking Mouse, and Other Tales of Wonder (1:15)
"A Ghost Story" by Mark Twain performed by The Apple Seed Reader's Theatre (15:54)
The Daily Mix: "The Mummy" with Cole Wissinger
"Scary Story" by Samantha Daynes (37:51)
"The Titanic and the Mummy's Curse" by David Holt from Mostly Ghostly Stories (40:02)
"Bloody Finger" by Big Joe Pagliuca from Spooky Ooky (48:52)
What do roll roofing, yellow paint, and roller skates have to do with hunting deer? It's a little ridiculous, but Bil will explain.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
As human beings, we all seem to share the ability to get ourselves into just a little bit of nonsense. Whether we're acting silly with our friends, making foolish decisions we didn't think out too well beforehand, or jumping to conclusions, we all participate in nonsense from time to time. No matter how our nonsensical moments may turn out, there is usually a great story to tell afterward. Our stories today are filled with tellers and their characters getting up to all kinds of antics.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Bike Story” by Michael Reno Harrell from Tales and Tunes (1:23)
Radio Family Journal: "The Sound of Music" by Sam Payne (13:12)
The Daily Mix: “Grosspapa” with Bil Lepp (18:07)
“The Haunted House” by Laura Pershin Raynor from All Dressed Up (26:20)
“The Bully Goat Grimm” by Willy Claflin from Maynard Moose Live at the National Storytelling Festival (37:49)
“The Ride” by Joe Herrington from Shalako (48:45)
Tales of a funny family on Len's block. What happens when the neighbor falls in the well? That's the story!
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Whether it’s a story that brings us back to our childhood, one that explains why something happens, or one that just has to make us laugh, it’s easy to lose ourselves in the worlds that stories create. They can be familiar or bizarre, comforting or a bit unnerving. Whatever they are, here at The Apple Seed, we believe they should bring us closer to our loved ones, either through the shared experience of a tale, or through the memories they spark. On today’s episode you can expect to get some questions answered in ways you may not have expected, hear some funny memories of a highly motivated child attempting to avoid his vegetables, and more.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Old Man Winter” by Len Cabral from It’s How You Say It (4:04)
The Radio Family Journal: "Running" by Sam Payne (16:43)
The Daily Mix: “Chicago’s South Carolina Purples” with Don Shelline (22:06)
“Peas and Carrots” by Donald Davis from Mama Learns to Drive (30:21)
“Foolish Jack” by Ed Stivender from Classics Revisited (50:34)
Carrie Sue Avyar tells stories designed to be enjoyed by Spanish speakers and English speakers alike. This one features a very hungry cat.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
One of the most magical things about stories is that heroes can come from anywhere and become anyone or anything. A peasant girl can become a princess, and a princess can find herself turned to gold in the blink of an eye. As fun as stories about that kind of hero are, some of our favorite stories aren’t about humans at all, but rather animals that take on human-like characteristics. In today’s stories, from the great tellers Carrie Sue Ayvar, Jim Weiss, and Susan Strauss, we’ll observe the antics of and learn lessons from different kinds of birds.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Loon Mother” by Susan Strauss from Birds of Fortune: Blessing Stories from the Book of Nature (3:04)
The Radio Family Journal: "The Sound of Music" by Sam Payne (16:14)
The Daily Mix: "Dogs" with Pippa White (22:49)
“Chanticleer the Rooster” by Jim Weiss from Animal Tales (31:01)
“La gallinita roja- The Little Red Hen” by Carrie Sue Ayvar from Cuentame un cuento: Tell Me A Story (46:55)
This little urban legend has lots of variations, and this one is told for you by storyteller and TV actor Bill Mooney
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013, we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales, and more. All kinds of tales from all kinds of tellers.
Today’s episode is as sweet as cookies and as thrilling as an escape from death! Whether we're dealing with mischievous and mysterious imps in a bakery, the incarnation of death trapped in a nut, brides, or birds, we sure hope your sweet tooth is in the mood for mischief!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Bakery Imps” by Steve Sanfield from Live at the Sierra Storytelling Festival (2:22)
Radio Family Journal: “Sadie Hawkins Dance” by Sam Payne (15:09)
The Daily Mix: “Shadowlands” with Rod Gustafson (20:13)
“Death in a Nut” by Simon Brooks from Second-hand Tales (28:24)
“The Bride” by Barbara Schutzgruber from Ladies’ Night Out (40:15)
“The Barnyard Birds” by Tim Lowry from SEVEN! World Folk Tales (47:53)
Have you ever heard a story that raised the hair on your arms or sent shivers down your spine? Have you ever heard a story that made courage rise up inside you and inspired you to go do that thing you were afraid of? In today's stories, you'll hear an old-time radio drama about the adventures of a pair of twins and their dog as they try to survive the night, a story on the trials and tribulations of trying to talk to your crush (because what could be scarier than that?), and a story on the inner workings of a prison.
Enjoy the following:
"Mamá, Mamá, Ayúdame!" by Barry Stewart Mann from The Improbable Love of Ethel and Elmer and Other Offbeat Tales of Romance (2:36)
The Radio Family Journal: "Bella's Hats" by Sam Payne (16:45)
The Daily Mix: "Harry Potter" with Cole Wissinger (22:38)
"Inner Sanctum: Detour to Terror" by OTR (31:38)
"The Night That Everything Changed" by Geraldine Buckley from Destination? Slammer! (47:26)
Illustration by Sònia Albert, © Sònia Albert
Sarah Malone shares an ancient story that unfolds around a watering hole that must quench the thirst of both a lion and a goat. Which animal will go away thirsty?
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time just about everyday filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales from all kinds of tellers.
Every now and then we hear stories that we think are predictable, but in the end they turn out to be something we didn’t expect. We might think we see patterns or signals that will alert us to the ending, but sometimes things just aren’t as they seem. Sometimes, a frog turns out to be a prince, a beggar becomes a queen, and a miller's daughter can guess Rumpelstiltskin's name. and today’s episode is full of stories that will keep you guessing what the end will turn out to be!
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“How I Learned to Love Liver” by Joel ben Izzy from How I Learned to Love Liver (1:51)
Radio Family Journal: "Doober" by Sam Payne (13:00)
The Daily Mix: "Limberjack Doll" with Tim Lowry (18:42)
“Two Peas in a Pod” by The Storycrafters from More Classics with a Twist (26:53)
“Meandering Melon” by Donna Ingham from Tall Tales and Outright Lies (35:12)
“Willie and the Hairy Man" by Big Joe Pagliuca from Spooky Ooky (43:44)
Glenda Bonin shares the true story of a horse ride that didn't go quite as planned -- a story gathered from the person who lived it
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Stories have a way of sparking the imagination, and, as we learn in so many stories, the imagination has a way of sparking magic. Whether it's a girl conjuring nighttime in a box, a little boy outsmarting a terrifying ogress, or a heroic little girl defeating demons, the magic we see in stories isn't so far from our very own reality. Enjoy these stories of magic and bravery from all over, today, on The Apple Seed.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"The Black Cat" by Dan Keding from Strawberries in Winter (2:54)
The Radio Family Journal: "Wigging Out on McKenzie Stanley" by Sam Payne (17:56)
The Daily Mix: "Roll Call Yonder" with Donald Davis (23:43)
"Telesik" by Margaret Read MacDonald from Fat Cat and Friends (32:39)
"Left Hand Story" by Brenda Wong Aoki from Timp 2017 (46:59)
Bill Harley sings a song in the tradition of "Ghost Riders in the Sky," only this one is about the unsung hero who takes care of winged pests loose in your house.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Stories bring us many things. They teach us things, make us feel emotions, let us see places we wouldn’t be able to see otherwise, and meet people we wouldn’t otherwise meet. We have a selection of stories for you today that will give you an appreciation for things you may not have considered and others that will bring you joy that can only be found in family relationships. Still others will stir righteous indignation and then gratitude for life lessons. Whatever each story teaches you, we hope you enjoy today's episode of The Apple Seed.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Mosquito Story” by Doug Elliott from Crawdads, Doodlebugs, and Creasy Greens (3:14)
Radio Family Journal: "People Don't Dance Like They Used To" by Sam Payne (16:36)
The Daily Mix: “Build Me Up Buttercup” with Bill Harley (21:25)
“Gramma’s Cookies” by Kaye Byrnes from Stir: A Delicious Mix of Stories (30:00)
“Wee Meg Barnileg” by Liz Weir from Boom Chicka Boom (47:49)
Betty An Wylie tells the story of trying to tell three identical dolls apart from each other? Can the Royal Wise Man help him? How about the Fool? And what about the storyteller?
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
There are all kinds of things that can help us be brave. Sometimes we can be brave because we have the support of our loved ones. We can be brave because we know they’ll always be there for us. Sometimes, we commit to being brave on accident, and then find ourselves being brave out of necessity. Other times, we can be brave to help other people. Whatever the case, sometimes we surprise ourselves with just how brave we can be. In today’s stories, our characters find themselves being brave for multiple reasons and in different and unique circumstances.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Monkey King” by Beatrice Bowles from Heaven’s a Garden in the Heart (1:50)
Radio Family Journal: "Inky Pinky" by Sam Payne (15:44)
The Daily Mix: "The Family Meal" with Colton Soelberg (21:54)
“Note Passing” by Robin Schulte from Jack and the Levitator (29:36)
“Chicken Licken and the Fox Hunt” by Betty Ann Wylie from Mother Goose: From Morning Till Night (48:23)
Andy Offutt Irwin's fictional aunt, Marguerite Van Camp, knows how to put Andy in his place.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
It's always a treat when one of our favorite tellers stops by for a visit. On today's special episode of The Apple Seed you'll hear stories and songs from Andy Offutt Irwin, performed live at the BYU Radio studio!
The great cowboy poet Waddie Mitchell shares a poem that describes a cowboy's experience in terms of the sounds he hears. They're not in-town sounds, that's for sure.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
The world is a big place, and no one knows that better than the heroes in our favorite stories. When duty or adventure calls, heroes are often called to leave the comfort of their homes and the arms of their families to make their way in the world and discover what else is out there. Sometimes our favorite heroes find buried treasure or fight noble and important battles. Other times, they discover that what they truly sought could be found at home all along. Today’s stories feature protagonists that leave their homes to find things they might not have expected.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Jack and the Animals” by Donald Davis from Grandma’s Lap Stories (3:49)
Radio Family Journal: "Living Room Dream" by Sam Payne (16:40)
The Daily Mix: "City Lights" with Antonio Rocha (22:28)
“The Fiddler and the Princess” by Judy Lubin from Dragons of the Sea: Legends from China (33:20)
You may not be the kind to have folks over "for a couple of beers," but whatever your beverage of choice, we bet you can appreciate a good song about beloved dogs.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
A good meal uses a variety of ingredients and flavors to create a unique dish. Stories are much the same. Each plot differs, the characters are full of both virtues and flaws, they can be happy, sad, thoughtful, and anywhere in between. We have a large variety of tales and songs for you today. One is about a diamondback rattlesnake who participated in the Civil War, another details the tale of how a girl found a story to tell to her class. We have several real life stories about dogs from Dan Keding, and a song from John McCutcheon about an outlaw who may have been more good than bad, if you pay attention. You'll hear from Donna Ingham, Bill Harley, Dan Keding, and John McCutcheon, all in today’s episode.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Diamond Bill” by Donna Ingham from Tall Tales and Outright Lies (2:52)
Radio Family Journal: "Barclay, Nevada" by Sam Payne (17:27)
The Daily Mix: “M.A.S.H” with Richie Steadman (22:54)
“Sarah’s Story” by Bill Harley from Come on Out & Play (31:44)
“Dog Stories” by Dan Keding from The Gypsy Wagon and Other Neighborhood Tales (46:20)
“Pretty Boy Floyd” by John McCutcheon from This Land: Woody Guthrie’s America (53:08)
Ed Stivender shares this Cinderella story about a mistreated girl and a quest to catch the attention of the invisible chief.
Carmen Deedy knows that even though parents can drive you bonkers, once they're gone you'll treasure every day you had with them. Trouble is, Carmen's mother knows it too .
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
In today’s stories, you'll learn how wise words can bring out even the most timid of souls and forge the first bonds of love. You'll also learn that a little common sense goes a long way. Get ready for stories of curses, lions, and an abundance of prairie dogs!
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“Prairie Dog Round Up” by Sheila Starks Phillips from Visit a Spell, Pard: Western Music, Poetry, and Stories (1:23)
Radio Family Journal: "Don't Erase Me" by Sam Payne (13:18)
The Daily Mix: "Ford v. Ferrari" with Ian Puente (17:32)
"The Lion Makers" by Odds Bodkin from The Evergreens (25:04)
“The Silent Princess” by Richard Martin from Jack Goes Hunting and Other Tales (30:12)
“Grampa” by Susan Reed from Earth Songs (51:52)
Donna Washington tells a story about a man who treats his father poorly. The man's wife has some insight for him, and for you and me, too, about how we treat people.
Family is something that everyone has. Whether it's a blood relative or someone else to whom you're close, your 'family' is a unit that can get you through the toughest of times. Chances are, in addition to having family, you've got plenty of stories to go along with them.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Dad’s Jokes” by Donald Davis from Timp 2017 (3:20)
Radio Family Journal: "The Lure" by Sam Payne (23:26)
The Daily Mix: "Family Meals" with Colton Soelberg (29:58)
“Winning Dee Dee”: an original radio drama produced at BYU Radio (37:40)
“The Turnip” by Heather Forest from Tales Around the Hearth (51:37)
Illustration by Rose Robbins.
Bill Harley sings a silly song with a sweet message of understanding between parents and kids. When it comes to some of the fears of childhood, we've all been there, haven't we?
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Stories can stretch our limits and take us to new places. Every now and then, we hear a story that just seems too good to be true. Or is it? On this episode of The Apple Seed, come listen to stories about imagination and wonder. Enjoy the following stories:
“Purple Styrofoam” by Ruth Halpern from She Set Out to Seek Her Fortune (2:44)
Radio Family Journal: "Chinese Food" by Sam Payne (16:17)
The Daily Mix: "Hunt For the Wilderpeople" with Jeff Simpson (21:37)
“Staying Up (Nothing Happened)” by Bill Harley from Come on Out & Play (29:18)
“Emma May Met Her Match One Day” by Nathalie Vachon from Magic and Mischief (42:48)
“The Flying Cat” by David Holt from Spiders in the Hairdo (52:38)
South Carolina Storyteller Tim Lowry shares a story of observing folks at the DMV. If there's a place where a little love would come in handy, the DMV might just be it!
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
In the words of singer/songwriter Jon McLaughlin, “we all need saving sometimes”. While we’re here on earth, we meet challenges and difficulties that we have to confront. Sometimes, these challenges seem impossible to overcome by ourselves. We’re really lucky though, because we don’t have to! When we find that our struggles are too heavy to carry alone, we can lean on others to help us shoulder the burden. In today’s stories, families and friends are right there to lend a helping hand when it’s most needed.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Water of Life” by Motoko from The Promise of Chrysanthemums (2:32)
Radio Family Journal: "A Mile a Day" by Sam Payne (17:00)
The Daily Mix: "Prayer" with Noa Baum (22:13)
“Mutsmeg” by Tim Lowry from Getting the Creeps (32:13)
“We Hold the Rope” by Sheila Arnold from Mini, Many, Minnie Tales (47:36)
Prolific storyteller and authorJoseph Bruchac tells an old tale of Rabbit, and his attempt to get it to snow. "If you sing a little song in the right way, if you dance a little dance in the right way, sometimes you can make things happen!"
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
There’s something magical about a celebration. Some parties are filled with bright lights, color, and dancing, while others are filled with giving thanks and spending time with friends and family. At times we celebrate to remember and appreciate our loved ones. At others, we celebrate special achievements or happy news. Whatever the reason for our celebration, there’s just something about it that brings us joy. In today’s stories, we’ll get to see our characters celebrating one thing or another.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Nonantzin, Mother Earth” by Valentina Ortiz from Earth Stories (2:02)
Radio Family Journal: "Risk Assessment" by Sam Payne (18:21)
The Daily Mix: "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" with Rod Gustafson (23:51)
“The Tale of a Kokeshi Doll” by Motoko from Tales of Now and Zen (31:21)
“The Sing” by Lyn Ford from Rabbit Tales, Too: Families, Foes, and Friends (47:16)
Barbara McBride Smith tells Bible stories that she's "sure happened that way, but they forgot to write it down." This may not be the way the story of Adam and Eve goes in the Bible, but you'll get a chuckle out of it.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
We meet all kinds of heroes in the storytelling world. Some of these heroes succeed because they can wield a sword, fight dragons, outwit wizards or trick giants. But while these skills are admirable, there are just as many heroes whose true skill is showing kindness. Kindness gets heroes out of all kinds of scrapes, and today we’re sharing stories where it is kindness that saves our characters from destruction. You'll hear “Baucis and Philemon,” based on the story of the classic Greek myth, retold to you today by Barbara McBride-Smith. And you’ll hear an African folk tale from Charlotte Blake-Alston, the story of a young girl whose kindness saves her on a journey across the world, called “Yaru, Yaatu, Sutura, Mun.” It’s kindness that really saves the day on today’s episode of the Apple Seed!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Baucis and Philemon” by Barbara McBride-Smith from Yeee Gods! (3:00)
The Daily Mix: "The Love Boat" with Lisa Valentine Clark (18:47)
“Yaru, Yaatu, Sutura, Mun” by Charlotte Blake-Alston from What Little Girls are Made Of (34:40)
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family. If you’re new to the show then you should know that when you tune in to The Apple Seed you’re going to hear tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. On today’s episode of The Apple Seed, you'll hear a couple of Biblical tales, each with their own unique twist. You know, we always say that we hope the stories we feature on the show spark memories for you that you can share with the people you love. That’s been our mission since the show began in 2013, and we hope to spark many more memories for you for years to come.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“David the Dancin’ Boy” by Ed Stivender from Classics Revisited (1:40)
Radio Family Journal: “Recording Session" by Sam Payne (10:04)
“A Tale of Jerusalem and Tokyo” by Joel ben Izzy from Stories From Far Away (17:09)
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family. We always hope the stories we feature on the show spark memories for you that you can share with the people you love. That’s been our mission since the show began in 2013, and we hope to spark many more memories for you for years to come. If you’re new to the show then you should know that when you tune in to The Apple Seed you’re going to hear tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers, including Stephanie Beneteau, Antonio Sacre, Odds Bodkin, Dan Keding, Bobby Norfolk, Dolores Hydock, Donald Davis, Diane Edgecomb, Diane Ferlatte, and Bill Harley.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Maternal Instinct” by Allison Downey from Allison Downey a selection of stories and songs (1:58)
Radio Family Journal: "The Doldrums" by Sam Payne (15:16)
“The King’s Ring” by Stephanie Beneteau from Dreaming Tall: Stories for Growing Girls (21:30)
“Nina’s First Rainbow” by Antonio Sacre from The Apple Seed: Live (World’s Second-Best Dad) (33:52)
“The Three Spinning Fairies” by Odds Bodkin from The Wise Little Girl (39:25)
“The Hero” by Dan Keding from Rudy and the Roller Skate (50:09)
“Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears” by Bobby Norfolk from Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears (58:58)
The Daily Mix: “Little Women” with Dolores Hydock (1:10:49)
“Aunt Esther Saves a Little Boy’s Life” by Donald Davis from Mama Learns to Drive (1:19:33)
“Dancing Spirit of The Birch” by Diane Edgecomb from In the Groves (1:27:04)
“Penny For Your Thoughts” by Diane Ferlatte from Penny For Your Thoughts (1:39:06)
“Little Things Make Big Things” by Bill Harley from The Apple Seed: Live (1:47:02)
Beloved librarian and storyteller brings along her autoharp for an old tale about a frog and a snake who are friends. They learn from each other that there are different ways of doing things in the world. You'll enjoy learning along with them.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Stories are full of all sorts of hidden gems; some that we expect, some that make an impact on our lives, and some of them just surprise us. Whether we’re listening or reading, we can find so much in what seems to be a simple story. There is always more than meets the eye. On today’s episode, we will be sharing stories that are more than what they seem, and they just might surprise you in the end.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“The Girl Who Would Be King” by Barbara Schutzgruber (4:06)
Radio Family Journal: "Scooby Doo" by Sam Payne (18:33)
The Daily Mix: "Bonnie & Clyde" with Rachel Wadham (23:55)
“Fringe Festival" Field Piece by Sam Payne (31:35)
“The Blue Feather” by Jill Lamede from Stories from the Tintagel Storyteller (43:56)
What would you do if you had one wish? This magical story will make you wonder about that question.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
What kinds of stories do you most prefer? Animal stories? Tales of magic? Stories about families or legends from long ago? On today’s episode of the Apple Seed, there’s a story that fits every one of those categories. Bill Harley brings us the story of a cheerful bear who invites all of his crabby neighbors to “Come on Out and Play” during an all-night, full-moon dance party. From Brian "Fox" Ellis we get to hear an ancient Irish legend, the story of Ossein and his journey to the mysterious island of Tier Na Nog. And from Antonio Sacre you’ll hear a story about growing up with little brothers called "Water Torture" So, whether you love adventure, music, or magic, there' something for everyone in the family on today’s episode of the Apple Seed!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Come on Out & Play (Bear’s All-Night Party)” by Bill Harley from Come on Out & Play (1:51)
Radio Family Journal: "Oreo Cookies" by Sam Payne (13:27)
The Daily Mix: "Scary Camp Stories" with Kevin Kling (19:28)
“Ossein and the Isle of Tier Na Nog” by Brian “Fox” Ellis from Under an Irish Oak (28:13)
“Water Torture” by Antonio Sacre from Water Torture, the Barking Mouse, and Other Tales of Wonder (42:20)
John McCutcheon, the celebrated musician and storyteller, shares a powerful song about a father and son fishing, and the things a life of fishing together can teach us.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Today’s episode will tickle your funny bone and satisfy your sweet tooth, starting off with Dan Kelin’s hilarious rendition of “Monkey Stew”, about the lengths a lady will go to in order to protect her banana tree and bananas. Next we’ll enjoy Kevin Carr’s “Sweet Tooth”, about a delicious maple tree and the sticky adventures it creates. Following that is Bil Lepp’s twist on a tale you’ve probably heard before, “Jonah - The Real Story”. Finally, we’ll hear Martha Hamilton’s “The Dancing Brothers”, about how eight brothers handle not being allowed to go to the same special ceremony their parents attend. Break out your nice bowls, new silverware, and old sense of humor, because this is Monkey Stew, here, on The Apple Seed...
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Monkey Stew” by Dan Kelin from the Talk Story Fest (2:40)
Radio Family Journal: "Reut" by Sam Payne (15:50)
The Daily Mix: "Summer Camp Mug" with Tim Lowry (22:35)
“Sweet Tooth” by Kevin Carr from The Big Music (31:20)
“Jonah - The Real Story” by Bil Lepp from Buck Meets the Monster Stick (43:11)
“The Dancing Brothers” by Martha Hamilton from How & Why Stories: World Tales Kids Can Tell (52:00)
Syd Lieberman shares a story, recorded live at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee, about a baseball game to remember.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
One of the most important things for a character to do in a story is commit to a course of action, whether that action is good or bad. Nothing is more frustrating than a protagonist who can’t make decisions, and nothing is more boring than a villain who never does anything. Lucky for us, today’s stories feature characters who are ready to act to achieve their goals, for better or for worse.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“I’m Sean Connery” by Syd Lieberman from AKA Syd Lieberman (1:35)
Radio Family Journal: "Stuttering" by Sam Payne (12:52)
The Daily Mix: "Green Pears" with Dolores Hydock (19:16)
“Malawian Hippo Love Story” by Sheila Arnold from Mini, Many, Minnie Tales (28:38)
“A Gourd of Palm Wine” by The Storycrafters from Straw Into Gold (42:50)
The story of the Three Little Pigs might be one of the first stories that many of us hear when we're small. Every once in awhile, though, someone comes along and makes the story brand new. This version is like that, told by the great musical storyteller Odds Bodkin.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
If you've ever pulled a prank without first considering the consequences, cared for a pet with limitations, or if you've ever pondered over the creation of the earth, then you're sure to enjoy today's episode. You'll hear stories from Adam Booth, Dan Keding, and Diane Edgecomb. You'll also hear another entry in Sam's Radio Family Journal about a house in the woods, as well as a conversation with our friend, Richie Steadman, about a family-friendly podcast.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Ice Cream Truck” by Adam Booth from 210 (2:25)
Radio Family Journal: "House in the Woods" by Sam Payne (18:11)
The Daily Mix: “The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd” with Richie Steadman (24:16)
“Rudy and the Roller Skate” by Dan Keding from Rudy and the Roller Skate (32:37)
“The Voice of the Creator” by Diane Edgecomb from In the Groves (49:40)
Chicago storyteller Dan Keding tells the story of a boy who finds that after years of listening to stories, it's his turn to tell one. How will he make the change from listener to teller?
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
It doesn’t matter where you’re from or how you live your life, food has to be an integral part. As humans, we need energy, and we get it from all sorts of places. What’s more, we tend to enjoy exciting foods. No one likes it to be bland or gross. Depending on the place, food tends to take on different personalities and characteristics. Food contains culture. It’s only natural, then, that we have stories about food. We have just such stories today. You’ll hear one about a rice ball, you'll hear another about magical ice cream. You'll even hear a story about dancing. Now, dancing certainly isn’t food, but it definitely is another integral part of many cultures and what makes us human.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Rice Balls” by Connie Regan-Blake from Dive Into Stories (2:49)
Radio Family Journal: "Andes Mints" by Sam Payne (15:59)
The Daily Mix: "Macs a la Mode" with Jenna Parker (20:13)
“The Secret Garden” by the Acting Company (28:13)
“The Dancing Lass of Anglesey” by Heather Forest from World Tales of Wisdom and Wonder (39:13)
“The Magic Ice Cream Maker” by Priscilla Howe from The Ghost with the One Black Eye and Other Stories (45:45)
Storyteller and Songwriter Bill Harley shares a funny song about how weird grownups are -- and how each of us is bound to become one.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Children always have the most fantastical stories. But, they aren’t the only ones. Adults have their fair share of stories from the past that can make us question if they are real or imaginary! Growing up can be full of ups and downs, and each moment becomes a new story that can be shared later. Remember each moment; you never know when it will become a treasured story for later down the line.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Sears Roebuck Baby” by Fran Yardley from The Sears Roebuck Baby (2:11)
Radio Family Journal: "Three Dates at Once" by Sam Payne (15:46)
The Daily Mix: "My Side of the Mountain" with Richie Steadman (21:37)
“The New Car” by Donald Davis from The Time Machine (29:15)
“123 Year Old Washboard Player” by David Holt from Live and Kickin' at the National Storytelling Festival (50:30)
A crane and a fox are trapped in a pit. The fox has a thousand ideas for getting out. The crane only has one. Who will wind up making it out of the pit?
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
You’ve probably heard the saying “Nobody’s perfect”. This is certainly true for us in real life, but it is also true of a lot of our favorite characters. If characters didn’t make mistakes, well, we wouldn’t have a whole lot of stories to learn from, now would we? If Nemo from "Finding Nemo" hadn’t touched the boat, Marlon never would have left the reef. If Ebenezer Scrooge from "A Christmas Carol" hadn’t been so miserly, he wouldn’t have had to go on the journey with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. In today’s stories, we’ll get to see characters navigate their flaws as they seek to accomplish their goals.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“King Midas and the Golden Touch” by Big Joe Pagliuca from 6 Silly Stories (2:41)
Radio Family Journal: "Snake in the Grass" by Sam Payne (14:07)
The Daily Mix: "Mister Rogers Doll" with Andy Offutt Irwin (18:27)
“The Magic Garden of the Poor” by Jill Lamede from Stories from the Tintagel Storyteller (26:19)
“Half-Boy Breadfruit” by Dan Kelin from Talk Story Fest Recording (41:42)
“The Door at the Top of the Stairs" by Big Joe Pagliuca from Spooky Ooky (49:46)
Ed Stivender tells the tale of a woman who looks out her window and empties her heart to the man in the moon. Over time ... well, that's the story.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
One of the reasons we tell stories is they allow us to travel all over the world from our very own living rooms. Today we’re bringing you to the deep south, to France, to the sky where dragons roam, and finally home to your own back yard. You’ll get to hear Sophie Snell tell a story of Sky Dragons who are constantly fighting. Dolores Hydock tells us how a summer afternoon reminded her of all the good things in her life. In Jay O‘Callahan’s “Tulips,” a young boy learns the consequences of trying to play a trick on his grandmother. And Michael McCarty finds that you can change the hearts of anyone through “The Power of Love.” Travel around the world with us today on the Apple Seed!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Sky Dragons!” by Sophie Snell from Dragon Tales (1:52)
Radio Family Journal: "Aquarium" by Sam Payne (12:45)
The Daily Mix: "The Depression and My Father" with Kate Dudding (19:01)
“My Own Back Yard” by Dolores Hydock from Nine Lives (26:38)
“Tulips” by Jay O’Callahan from Around the Year with Jay O’Callahan (41:03)
“Power of Love” by Michael McCarty (47:37)
South Carolina storyteller Tim Lowry shares a silly tale about a woman with too many unwanted suitors.
It's time for The Apple Seed! Today’s episode is full of crazy animal antics, meaningful life lessons, and a classic spooky night that dads can’t help but make the best of. First up is “Samurai Over My Head”, by Donna Washington, introduced to us by assistant producer Alyssa Mingorance. Following that we’ll hear “Anansi and the Tiger” by Lona Bartlett about the unlikely outcome Anansi has to make happen in order to win the hand of a princess. Then Latina storyteller Olga Loya will share with us, “The Alligator and the Dog”, a tale from Cuba. Finally we’ll hear “How Buzzard Got His Feathers”, a tale full of everything you love about “Just So” stories as told by Joseph Bruchac.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Samurai Over My Head” by Donna Washington from Growing up Army (2:28)
Radio Family Journal: "Canada" by Sam Payne (16:03)
The Daily Mix: "Another" with Paul Ricks (21:36)
“Anansi and the Tiger” by Lona Bartlett from Heck No, We Didn't Bury My Mother (29:49)
“The Alligator and the Dog” by Olga Loya from Tio Conejo (Uncle Rabbit) and other Latin American Trickster Tales (42:50)
“How Buzzard Got His Feathers” by Joseph Bruchac from Iroquois Stories (48:23)
From a set of live recordings called "Pickle in the Middle Blues" comes a tune by storyteller Kim Weitkamp about finding an anthill and taking care not to step on it -- after all, to those little ants it's home!
It's always a treat when one of our favorite tellers stops by for a visit. On today's special episode of The Apple Seed you'll hear stories and songs from Kim Weitkamp, performed live at the BYU Radio studio!
The classic poem "Annabel Lee" has chilled readers with its tragic melancholy since it was written in 1849. It was Poe's last poem, and here it gets rendered by a 60s folk band.
Today’s episode is filled with strong and witty women, animals both as big as an elephant or as small as a flea, and so much more! We’ll start off with “Unanana and the Elephant” by Tim Lowry, a tale of the creative lengths a mother will go to in order to protect others, especially when it comes to her children. Then we’ll hear “How Jack Got to America”, by Octavia Sexton, a beloved Appalachian storyteller, about how the stalk character from English folklore, “Jack” traveled to America. After that we’ll enjoy a story that acts as a warning label against impatience and greed, “The Louse and the Flea” by Richard Martin. Finally, we’ll wrap up with “Saved by a Sale” by Syd Lieberman, about how Syd’s excitement over his first paycheck in America both endangered - and saved - his job. You won’t want to miss a minute!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Unanana and the Elephant” by Tim Lowry (2:31)
Radio Family Journal: "A Time and a Place" by Sam Payne (15:45)
The Daily Mix: "Grandpa's Cars" with Donald Davis (21:12)
“How Jack Got to America” by Octavia Sexton (29:41)
“The Louse and the Flea” by Richard Martin (43:21)
“Saved by a Sale” by Syd Lieberman (50:56)
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Many of the best stories come with lessons for those who listen to learn. Sometimes stories teach us important life lessons about how we should be kind to others, be honest, or take care of our friends. Other stories might teach us more unconventional lessons. In today’s stories, we’ll get all kinds of morals, ranging from common sensical to outright bizarre.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Mr. Catfish” by Brian “Fox Ellis from River Stories (3:35)
Radio Family Journal: "Hanging Baffles" by Sam Payne (16:07)
The Daily Mix: "Grandpa's Glasses" with Tim Lowry (22:36)
“Pipes and Chimes” by Lynn Ruehlmann from Mischief! Adventures of a Daydreamy Child (30:58)
“The Hunchback Brothers” by Noa Baum from Far Away and Close to Home (47:29)
Marth Hamilton and Mitch Weiss collected this story as an example of a story that would be easy for a kid to tell. It's a folk tale from India, about animal friends trying to escape a terrible drought.
Norah Dooley shares a story about a stonecutter who longs for more, and the adventure that leaves him grateful for what he has.
Stories that prove the word “impossible” truly means “I’m Possible” on this episode of The Apple Seed.
Stories of all kinds are told to us every day. Some stories are true, and some just seem too absurd to be possible. But life is all about doing the impossible every day! When things seem just out of our reach, we can know that it is possible to make it through. Today’s episode features stories all about the impossible that was made possible.
On today's episode, enjoy the following stories:
“Ishtar by Bob Reiser from An Evening with Grandpa Abe and Uncle Ahmet (3:41)
Radio Family Journal: "Sir Kevin" by Sam Payne (16:51)
The Daily Mix: "Mime" with Antonio Rocha (22:19)
“Think, Live, Fly” by David Vanadia from Six Stories Tall (30:49)
“When Pigs Fly” by Bil Lepp from The Teacher in the Patriotic Bathing Suit (39:05)
David Claunch is a storyteller and clown -- in fact, he was the clown ambassador to the kingdom of Bhutan. He came home with stories to tell, including this one, about a king in search of the secret of his kingdom's prosperity.
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and we’re bringing you stories of unconventional families. There’s the story of the Lion’s Whisker, told by Len Cabral, about a young boy and his new stepmother, and how a fearsome lion helps bring them together. You’ll hear the tale of “The Improbable Love of Ethel and Elmer,” two creatures in love whose families are doing all they can to keep them apart, told by Barry Stewart Mann. And finally, you’ll hear “Boundless Strength,” a tale told by Motoko about a young man on his way to becoming a new father and all the fear and anticipation that comes along with that. We hope you'’ll gather a few family members around you, grab a drink, sit back and relax wherever you are to hear today’s stories on the Apple Seed.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Lion’s Whisker” by Len Cabral from Nho Lobo? and Other Stories (3:09)
Radio Family Journal: "Larry Gentry" by Sam Payne (14:05)
The Daily Mix: "The French Laundry" with Colton Soelberg (19:39)
“The Improbable Love of Ethel and Elmer” by Barry Stewart Mann from Mama, Mama, Ayudame! (28:37)
“Boundless Strength” by Motoko from The Promise of Chrysanthemums (42:03)
South Carolina Storyteller waxes poetic in a piece about a food that's been synonymous with summer for generations.
Enjoy another old-time radio drama: “Sherlock Holmes and the Speckled Band,” an exciting installment in the show The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Then hear stories about memories and old friends, rice and wisdom, and a rather selfish wind. Tellers include Joel Ben Izzy, Christopher Leebrick, Ted Fink, and others. We hope these stories will inspire you to share your own stories with those you love.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Sax Man” by Ted Fink from The New Stuff: Stories N’ Songs (3:18)
Radio Family Journal: "Grilled PB&J" by Sam Payne (17:22)
The Daily Mix: "The Monkees" with Don Shelline (23:12)
“The Speckled Band”: a radio drama from the 1940s' series 'The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' (30:56)
“The Old King and His Daughters” by Joel Ben Izzy from Stories from Far Away (46:19)
“The Wind and The Moon” by Christopher Leebrick from Good Stories from All Over (52:35)
Illustration by Sònia Albert, © Sònia Albert
Here's a tune from the Detroit storyteller whose guitar was made from lumber that was once part of a Detroit home built in 1910. Robert Jones speaks and sings from a place of deep roots.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
We’ve got something very special for you today! As you may already know, the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival is happening this weekend. For those of you who don’t know, this festival is a place to come watch and listen to storytellers from all over the world. In today’s Apple Seed episode, we thought we would introduce you to some of the storytellers that are new to the festival that will be performing this weekend. These stories range from real to fictional, touching to silly, and we are very excited to share them with you.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Homing Pigeons” by Pippa White (2:34)
"The History of the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival" with Donald Davis (14:33)
“Eyes I and II” by Adam Booth from Well, Well! (21:54)
“The Last Zapotec King” by Carolina Quiroga-Stultz from Cuentos Legends and Myths (36:30)
“Grandmother’s Story” by Susan O’Halloran (50:45)
Bill Harley knows a thing or two about what it's like to be a kid. Have you ever made up an excuse for a mess you made? Here's a song you'll relate to.
The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival has been a staple in the storytelling community for years, and it would never have gotten to that point without the talented tellers who fill it with life from their vibrant and creative tales. So today we’re honoring some of those classic Timpanogos storytellers who will be at the festival this year by airing their stories in today’s episode! We’ll start off with “Tatton Hall” by Geraldine Buckley, followed by a conversation with Andy Offutt Irwin. Then we’ll enjoy “The Monster Stick’s Last Ride” by Bil Lepp. Next up is “Weeping Willow” by Sheila Arnold. Finally, Donald Davis will wrap up our episode with “The Duck Tail”, and if you stay around long enough you’ll hear our Apple Seed Extra, “It Could Have Happened” by Bill Harley!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Tatton Hall” by Geraldine Buckley from Destination? Slammer! (2:49)
The Daily Mix: "Roads" with Andy Offutt Irwin (15:33)
“The Monster Stick’s Last Ride” by Bil Lepp from Buck Meets the Monster Stick (23:16)
“Weeping Willow” by Sheila Arnold from Hands Wide Open (35:23)
“The Duck Tail” by Donald Davis from Tales From Timp (44:30)
The Lewis Carroll poem about the vanquishing of a terrifying monster, in a fun musical setting by a group of friends that has been making music together since the 60's.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Today’s episode kicks off with “The Inn Keeper’s Clever Daughter”, a story about a sharp-minded woman, told by a smart woman herself, Noa Baum. Next up will be a classic kind of story - a Cinderella story - called, “Ashy Pet” by Milbre Burch. Finally, we’ll hear one of Aesop’s fables as told by Diane Ferlatte, “Bone Day”. You won’t want to miss a minute!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Inn Keeper’s Clever Daughter” by Noa Baum from Far Away and Close to Home (3:21)
Radio Family Journal: "Sponge Balls" by Sam Payne (17:28)
The Daily Mix: "Wandersong" with Stewart Foster (23:29)
“Ashy Pet” by Milbre Burch from If the Shoe Fits: Cinderella Stories From Around the World (31:46)
“Bone Day” by Diane Ferlatte from Aesop: Alive and Well (46:32)
Mustard's Retreat, the band fronted by Michael Hough and David Tamulevich, sings a song that's sure to resonate with anyone who has ever gone back to school.
It’s time for The Apple Seed! Some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. And today you’ll hear an hour filled with stories about Labor Day, labor, and that bittersweet transition from summer to school.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“Bobo and the Baseballs” by Dan Keding from The Gypsy Wagon and Other Neighborhood Tales (6:19)
“The Wood Maiden” by Stephanie Beneteau from Dreaming Tall: Stories for Growing Girls (16:51)
“Jack” by Antonio Sacre from Looking for Papito: Family Stories from Latin America (31:22)
“The Little Red Hen” by Diane Ferlatte from Knick-Knack Paddy Whack (47:59)
Dan Keding tells an ancient folktale about honor, kindness, and compassion. In it, a samurai who saves a sea turtle gets a promise from the turtle: the turtle will be there when the samurai needs him.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Some of our favorite stories are about people just like us. Ordinary individuals thrown into extraordinary circumstances. Sometimes, however, our heroes are very different than us; perhaps they are extremely silly, or greedy. Sometimes, they’re not even human at all. In today’s stories, we’ll get to hear about all kinds of animals; foolish ones and clever ones, brave ones and cowardly ones, cruel ones, and kind ones.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Piggy Wiggy” by Willy Claflin from Sleeping Beastly and Other Tales (3:06)
Radio Family Journal: "Mercedes Benz" by Sam Payne (16:02)
The Daily Mix: "10 Ways to Hear Snow" (22:22)
“The Shiny”: an original radio drama produced at BYU Radio (31:19)
“The Gypsy Wagon” by Dan Keding from The Gypsy Wagon and Other Neighborhood Tales (51:25)
Ever hear the saying "I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine"? Dovie Thomason tells a story of a couple of helpful chipmunks with hard-to-reach itches.
A hard day’s work can be very satisfying. Being productive is rewarding for many reasons, one of which is a sense of accomplishment. There are, however, times when being productive sounds tough. Sometimes you just want to relax and enjoy the day, maybe throw a party or two. That’s not a big deal every once in a while. Everyone needs a day off here and there, but if it becomes an everyday thing it can become a problem. This is especially the case if you make someone else do all of the work. We have some stories today to help keep you motivated and some about those who weren’t very motivated. We’ll hear from tellers like Eshu Bumpus, Tim Lowry, Jim Weiss, and more.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Poule and Blatte” by Priscilla Howe from Chickens! And Other Stories for Young Listeners (2:49)
Radio Family Journal: "Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd" by Sam Payne (16:00)
The Daily Mix: “Quilts” with Bruce Walker (22:07)
“Lion on the Path” by Eshu Bumpus from Dancing Granny and Other Tales to Boogie to (30:19)
“How the Camel Got His Hump” by Tim Lowry from The Elephant’s Child and Other Animal Stories (39:19)
“Fishing for the Big One” by Donna Ingham from Our Boy C.Y. (And His Sweet Young Thing of a Wife) (46:53)
“City Mouse & The Country Mouse” by Jim Weiss from Animal Tales (53:32)
Rick Huddle always tries to say "yes" when he's traveling in a foreign country. But this time, he paid for it.
Every now and then, someone comes along who redefines what we think is possible. One of those people is Bessie Coleman, the first African-American woman and first Native American to obtain a pilot’s license. She was also the first Black person to get an international pilot’s license, and she did all of this in the 1920s. She earned a list of honors as long as your arm as well as the popular names of Brave Bessie and Queen Bess. Although she has long since passed away, Bessie Coleman’s legacy lives on and continues to inspire pilots, the Africian-American and Native American communities, women, Americans, and humanity alike. Let your spirit soar to new heights with Bessie Coleman’s inspirational story as told by Charlotte Blake-Alston, here, on The Apple Seed!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Waiting For Roy” by Donna Ingham from Waiting for Roy & Other Family Tales (2:23)
Radio Family Journal: "Owl Delivery" by Sam Payne (14:37)
The Daily Mix: "Stankenfrein" with Anthony Burcher (20:00)
“Flying Story” by Charlotte Blake-Alston from the 2017 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival (29:23)
Sometimes we get in trouble even when we don't mean to do anything wrong. Bill Harley sings all about it before an enthusiastic audience of youngsters, and he'll have you singing along!
There are moments in life where things just don’t go quite the way we hope them to. Sometimes we make mistakes. Looking back on them, we can either laugh at the moment or cower away in shame. Or sometimes, we simply just get into a little bit of trouble and it lingers with us onward. No one is alone in this! We have all had our fair share of mishaps and troubles. Enjoy these episodes on today’s episode of The Apple Seed:
“Fireworks” by Lani Peterson from Stories Within (2:56)
Radio Family Journal: "The Donkey and the Dog" by Sam Payne (16:04)
The Daily Mix: "Groundhog Day" with Rod Gustafson (21:24)
“Joy Madison Carter Makes Noise” by Sondra Singer from Stories of Rhythm and Fantasy (29:20)
“Stuckey’s: A Tall Tale” by Anthony Burcher from Turkey Calls and Celebrities (42:33)
“Girl from Riverton” by Sam Payne from Sam Payne: Stories and Songs Live (49:43)
Musical Storyteller Allison Downey has climbed a rock or two since the events that unfold in this story, but this was the first time. She learned a lesson or two worth sharing with an audience!
Summertime and the livin’ is easy,” so said the great George Gershwin in his classic song. It’s nearing the end of summer but we wanted to share with you some classic tales that reminded us of summertime. We all have great summer memories - biking with your friends, going on adventures, playing baseball, climbing rocks and wading in rivers, visiting family and coming home again. It’s one of the greatest times of the year when the days are long and the weather is hot, and we wanted to bring you some classic stories that remind us of those good memories. You’ll hear Norah Dooley tell “When Our Streetlights Come On,” a story about biking with her brother. Tim Lowry shares “Summer,” a collection of stories that remind him of summers as a kid growing up in South Carolina. You’ll hear Olga Loya tell “Opossum and Coyote” a classic myth about an old trickster. And finally you’ll hear Allison Downey sing about coming home again. We hope these stories will remind you of some summer memories that you can keep with you all year long.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“When Our Streetlights Come On” by Norah Dooley from My Bad, Bad Dog and Other Stories (2:45)
Radio Family Journal: "Pine Creek Canyon" by Sam Payne (14:03)
The Daily Mix: "TV Time" with Jeff Simpson (20:12)
“Summer” by Tim Lowry from My Favorite Time of Year (28:02)
“Opossum and Coyote” by Olga Loya from Tio Conejo (Uncle Rabbit) and other Latin American Trickster Tales (45:48)
“Texas (Home Again) by Allison Downey from Across the Sea (52:32)
Donald Davis shares a story of some of the characters that populate his childhood. Like all of Donald's stories, they're full of humor and heart, and are sure to make you remember stories of your own.
We all have memories to share, and those memories are the moments that make up the stories of our lives. When we share those memories, we can touch the lives of those around us and become part of their story. Whether through words, or even small artifacts, we all have stories tied to other people.
On this episode of The Apple Seed, enjoy the following:
“The Watch” by Martha Reed Johnson from Skinny Dipping and Other Life Lessons (2:49)
Radio Family Journal: "Junior Patriots" by Sam Payne (18:40)
The Daily Mix: "Edgar Allen Poe and The Raven's Tale" with Rachel Wadham (24:26)
“Made From Scratch” by Dolores Hydock from Made From Scratch (32:22)
“That’s What Mamas Do” by Donald Davis from That’s What Mamas Do (38:19)
Judy Dockery Young tells a story from a collection of favorite stories for children. That means that while this is a monster story of sorts, it's more fun than it is scary.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
When adventure calls, it is the duty of any protagonist worth their salt to answer it! At times, characters in stories are invited to go on an adventure. Other times, necessity calls, and they are forced into an adventure to solve a problem or help a friend. In today’s stories, our protagonists, of all shapes and sizes, are called to go on quests to solve problems and help others out.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Dragon and the Monkey’s Heart” by Simon Brooks from More Second-Hand Tales (2:11)
Radio Family Journal: "Alpine Yodeler" by Sam Payne (13:48)
The Daily Mix: "Peach Pie" with Brynna Haddock (21:18)
“Jack and the Magic Boat” by Ed Stivender from Tellin’ Time (29:42)
“So What and Drop Dead” by Willy Claflin from Maynard Moose Live at the National Storytelling Festival (47:33)
Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss – known together as the Beauty and the Beast storytellers – share a "porquoi" story: a "why" story that explains in a storytelling way why something is the way it is.
It’s time for The Apple Seed! Some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. And today’s tellers include Kirk Waller, Noa Baum, Madeline Pots, and Mary Hamilton. It’ll be an hour of stories filled with mishaps, coping, compassion, as well as answers to some of life’s most important questions.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Croc Goes Crunch” by Kirk Waller from But Why? (1:56)
Radio Family Journal: "Ernie's Hits" by Sam Payne (15:14)
The Daily Mix: “Moving Day” with Noa Baum (21:42)
“The Snow Queen” by Madeline Pots from Welcome to the Family (30:35)
“Jump Rope Kingdom” by Mary Hamilton from Some Dog & Other Kentucky Wonders (49:31)
Mary Hamilton shares a memory of her brother, Jeff, who finds an unexpected ride to enjoy at the fair.
It’s important to experience the world, to see the sights, and to meet new people. As we do, we become more cultured and able to connect with others. As we connect with others we can make the world a better place, and even better to experience. There are times when traveling isn’t an option, of course, so experiencing the world can be done in different ways. We believe, here at The Apple Seed, that one of the best ways is through stories. The whole world has stories to share, and we want to hear them all. Every story can bring new experiences to new people, and new connections between them. We have stories today about experiencing the world in many different ways from tellers like Len Cabral, Jenni Cargill-Strong, and more.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Mezzi Gallo” by Len Cabral from Buzz Buzz Once There Was (3:05)
Radio Family Journal: "Grandpa's Costumes" by Sam Payne (16:39)
The Daily Mix: “Popcorn” with Sheila Arnold (22:44)
“Roots and Raccoons” by Molly Catron from Do Lord, Oh Do Lord, Oh Do You Remember Me? (30:44)
“The Legend of the Big Dipper” by Jenni Cargill-Strong from Reaching for the Moon and Other Wisdom Tales (47:36)
Anansi the trickster spider gets in trouble by trying to get the best food for himself. The story is told for you by the dynamic St. Louis storyteller Bobby Norfolk.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
As people, we are constantly making plans, setting goals, and working towards them. No one ever got anywhere by sitting back and waiting for what they want to wander by. Getting what we really want in life takes a lot of effort and planning, but even the best laid plans can go awry - in fact, they often do. When they do, we have to figure out how we are going to solve our new problems and get ourselves back on track. In today’s stories, we’ll get to see how unexpected situations arise and how our protagonists deal with them.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Red Ball” by Jay O’Callahan from Around the Year with Jay O’Callahan (2:55)
Radio Family Journal: "Kountry Korner" by Sam Payne (15:21)
The Daily Mix: "Midsummer Night's Dream" with Ed Stivender (23:41)
“The Belly of the Horse” by Odds Bodkin from The Odyssey (32:25)
"Samuel Horaldo Jonathan Drew" by Linda Gorham from Common Sense...and Uncommon Fun! (48:08)
In this musical story with a lesson at its heart, Heather Forest tells a tale of birds in love. In an attempt to meet Owl face to face, the other bird holds a party during the day, but shy Owl just wears a hat to cover his face.
Being tricked can be a pleasant or an unpleasant experience. For example, have you ever had a surprise party thrown in your honor? That can be a pleasant trick. Or if someone tricks you into thinking you’re not getting the birthday gift you want, but lo and behold, you did get it. That’s also pleasant. But a lot of tricks can be unpleasant too. Maybe a monster plays dead and tricks you into coming near only to gobble you up. Or maybe someone asks to borrow money with no intention of ever paying you back. That’s pretty nasty. Maybe someone bonks you on the head to escape the punishment for their crimes. All of these unpleasant tricks actually take place in today’s episode. We’re excited to bring you tales from Heather Forest, Alton Chung, and others.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Azban and the Crayfish” by James Bruchac from Northeastern Native American Animal Stories (3:50)
Radio Family Journal: "Frisbee with Grandpa" by Sam Payne (16:27)
Daily Mix: “The Cat in the Hat” with Gene Nelson (22:26)
“Drakestail” by Heather Forest from World Tales of Wisdom and Wonder (30:35)
“Tanuki and Usagi” by Alton Chung from The Spider Weaver and Other Tales (38:26)
“Big Big World” by Bill Harley from Play It Again (51:10)
Donna Washington tells the story of a boy who wants the moon. What will the price be for obtaining such a thing? Well, that's the story.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Many of life’s greatest joys can be found with the ones you love. There’s nothing better than coming home after school to a plate of mom’s cookies or going to the beach with your siblings. Even Saturdays spent doing yard work can transform into some of life’s most cherished memories when it’s done with the ones you love. Today’s stories feature a lot of different kinds of love.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Fanny in Miami” by Laura Pershin Raynor from All Dressed Up (1:35)
Radio Family Journal: "Fourteen Angels" by Sam Payne (15:30)
The Daily Mix: "The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel" with Ian Puente (22:27)
“The Legend of Osiris” by Dan Marcotte from The Magic Carpet: Songs and Stories from Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt (30:17)
“The Monkey and the Buzzard” by Tim Lowry from The Elephant’s Child and Other Animal Stories (40:14)
“Branded” by Joe Herrington from Shalako (49:57)
Jim Weiss shares the classic tale of three billy goats of different sizes, besting a grumpy troll on their way to greener pastures.
A child with such power over his focus he can light things on fire with nothing but his eyes. An old lady determined to bring a ghost to life. A young girl who is so shy she almost gets trapped by some evil men in the middle of the night. What do all of these have in common? Well, maybe not a whole lot, but they do all appear on today’s episode of The Apple Seed. We strive to bring all sorts of stories to you and we have a wide gamut of pieces from tellers like Andy Offutt Irwin, Norah Dooley, and Bonnie Greenberg. As you listen we hope these will spark memories and stories of your own that you can share with your loved ones and us!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Devoleb” by Bonnie Greenberg from The Wonder Child and Other Young Heroes (2:44)
Radio Family Journal: "Vertical Drop" by Sam Payne (15:15)
The Daily Mix: "The Midnight Library" with Kim Weitkamp (22:07)
“Marguerite & The Phantom Janitor” by Andy Offutt Irwin from Sister True (30:15)
“Molly O’Donahue” by Norah Dooley from Stories from the Neighborhood: World Folk Tales (44:08)
Ohio storyteller Kim Weitkamp sings a song about her father -- a song that might reming you of someone like him.
Stories come in all shapes and sizes—personal stories, traditional stores, folk tales, fairytales, and more. The stories we have for you today are from all sorts of genres, but they all teach us lessons on being kind and the impact we can have on the lives of others. In a world that is full of turmoil and confusion, we could all use a little kindness from ourselves and from others.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“The Kindest Man I Ever Knew” by Shiela Starks-Phillips from Family, Friends, and Other Fun Folks (2:39)
Radio Family Journal: "Station Squabble" by Sam Payne (16:07)
The Daily Mix: "Biscuits" with Bruce Walker (22:32)
“Don’t Look Up” by Milbre Burch from Because I Said So: Stories About Mothers and Kids (31:33)
“The Wise One” by Ed Stivender from And Once Again… (47:29)
Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss collect stories just right for sharing with kids, and just right for kids to share with each other. This story comes from a collection called "How and Why Stories: World Tales Kids can Tell."
It’s time for The Apple Seed! Some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. And today you’ll hear an hour of stories filled with danger, mischievousness, imagination, and silliness. Today’s tellers have shared their talents all over the world, and we’re so happy to share their stories with you here today. And we hope these stories spark memories for you that you can share with the people you love.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Fiddler and the Wolves” by The Storycrafters from The Crack Between Worlds (2:05)
Radio Family Journal: “Monks” by Sam Payne (13:26)
The Daily Mix: “Forrest Gump” with Richie Steadman (19:11)
“Rain Gauge” by Michael Reno Harrell from Tales and Tunes (27:52)
“The Things Willy Wumperbill Saw” by Brett Dillingham (43:35)
“The Pancake” by Priscilla Howe from The Best (and Worst) of Beasts (51:59)
Regi Carpenter shares stories of healing for children (among other tales). Here's one of them -- a tale about a tiny lost turtle.
Most stories are full of magic. Even true stories have magic in them. They deliver us to another time, another place, to new people and new events. Sometimes they can teach us things about our own lives even when the story is completely different from what we live everyday. We have some magical stories today. One has movie magic and some healing magic where a young man learns how to dance after years stuck in leg braces. Another story takes place in a magical world where the sea, the land, and the sun can all talk to each other. Still another you’ll learn an almost magic trick to be able to keep talking forever without having to stop for a breath.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Max” by Jay O’Callahan from Dancing with Fire
Radio Family Journal: "I Would Not Change It" by Sam Payne
The Daily Mix: "Renegades" with Rachel Wadham
“Why it Rains” by Kirk Waller from But Why? Stories, Music, and Songs
“The Whistling Giant” by Joe Pagliuca from 6 Silly Stories
“Mistress Shadey” by Willy Claflin from The Wolf Under the Bed
Sometimes stories happen where you least expect to find them -- like while working the late night shift at a gas station. Anthony Burcher shares a personal experience that's sure to conjure up some of your own.
It’s time for The Apple Seed, some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family. Every day is filled with stories of all kinds, and today’s stories are full of imagination and wonder to help spark your own imaginative mind. We hope that the stories we share with you will help inspire you to share your own memories as stories with those that you love.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Show and Tell” by Rivka Willick from Sordid Tales From Bennion’s Inbox
Radio Family Journal: "Faithful Shepherd" by Sam Payne
The Daily Mix: "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" with Steven Kapp Perry
“Gregory’s Story” by Judith Black from Oops Ma! Stories and Songs of Family Life
“The Wizard and the Girl with Golden Hair by Dan Keding from Wisdom and Wayfaring
“Pirate Field” by Sam Payne from Camelot
Fritz is a fox, and Henrietta is a barnyard hen. If you thought they'd make unlikely friends, you'd be right! You'll enjoy this animal tale from Glenda Bonin.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
There are so many great stories where beloved characters find themselves in a pickle. Sometimes they put themselves there, and other times they are put there by villains or evil stepmothers. The most fun part of these stories just might be watching the characters get themselves out of these troublesome situations. In today’s stories, we’ll get to listen as our protagonists get themselves out of trouble by tricking and outsmarting the villains.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Baba Yaga” by Tim Lowry from Getting the Creeps (2:35)
Radio Family Journal: "Basement Flood" by Sam Payne (15:57)
The Daily Mix: "The Garden of Eden" with Noa Baum (22:01)
“Fox’s Sack” by Bill Harley from Come On Out & Play (30:56)
“The Tiger, The Brahman, and The Jackal” by Heather Forest from World Tales of Wisdom and Wonder (46:55)
The Grammy-winning musician David Holt takes on an old tale that will answer a question over which we're sure you've lost a ton of sleep: Why haven't you ever seen a banjo-playing rabbit?
Today’s episode is filled with laughter, luck, and love! Our first story, Sheila Arnold’s, “People’s Choices - Possum & Snake”, will remind you of all the silly mistakes you’ve made before. Yet you don’t need to feel bad about them, because if you’re anything like Possum, then you might’ve just accidentally left your brain at home. Next, you'll enjoy Julie Barnson’s, “Blockhead Hans”, a story where you don’t have to be the smartest guy in the room to win the heart of a princess. Then you'll hear “Treasure Under the Bridge” by Noa Baum, about a man who dreams the same dream every night until he decides the only thing left to do is try and follow it’s advice. After that, Jim Bruchac will treat you to a classic Gluskabe tale, “Gluskabe Changes Some Animals”. Finally, you'll hear Norman Walker’s feel-good song, “The Sun is Returning.” You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll be glad you listened!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“People’s Choices - Possum & Snake” by Sheila Arnold from Mini, Many, Minnie Tales (2:36)
Radio Family Journal: "Spin Spider Spin" by Sam Payne (14:56)
The Daily Mix: "History Lesson" with Anthony Burcher (20:47)
“Blockhead Hans” by Julie Barnson from Folk Tales Utah Storytelling Guild Story Collection : Volume 2 (28:37)
“Treasure Under the Bridge” by Noa Baum from Far Away and Close to Home (39:51)
“Gluskabe Changes Some Animals” by Jim Bruchac from Northeastern Native American Animal Stories (46:02)
“The Sun is Returning” by Norman Walker from Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts (52:29)
You my have heard stories like this in your elementary school classroom or on the playground. A gentle little jump story told by Betty Ann Wylie.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
As Gandalf once said, “all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us”. While we’re here on this earth, we are confronted with so many choices and the freedom to make whatever decisions we want. Hopefully, while we’re here, we make as many good decisions as we can, decisions that make us and those around us happy. In today’s stories, we’ll get to see different characters as they decide what to do with the time given to them and the affects these decisions have on the ones they love.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Grey Goose” by The Storycrafters from More Classics with a Twist (2:46)
Radio Family Journal: "Chocolate Adventure" by Sam Payne (16:40)
The Daily Mix: "Swimming" with Regi Carpenter (22:33)
“Letting the Ashes Go” by Fran Yardley from Beyond My Father’s Shadow (31:22)
“Fox and Hedgehog” by Priscilla Howe from Chickens! And Other Stories for Young Listeners (48:38)
Antonio Sacre is the son of a Cuban father and an Irish-American mother. When he was a kid, it took him a minute to connect with his incredible roots. This is part of his story.
Today’s story takes place in China where Min-Yo and her village are facing a very serious problem that only the dragon on the moon can stop. How does one reach the Moon Dragon? Take the stairs, of course! But, the problem is that the staircase disappears from time to time and has grown delicate and thin, so one wrong step will send the climber falling a long, long way down. Although even those with a fear of heights have no need to worry, because Min-Yo has enough bravery for everybody. You'll also hear Alton Chung's "The Spider Weaver", as well as Laura Pershin Raynor's “A Day at the Zoo”, about how a typical day at the zoo with her sister devolved into a fun and crazy tale. Let’s dive in!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Spider Weaver” by Alton Chung from The Spider Weaver and Other Tales From Asia (2:02)
Radio Family Journal: "Robot Wars" by Sam Payne (14:08)
The Daily Mix: "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World" with Cole Wissinger (20:04)
“Min-Yo and the Moon Dragon” by Bonnie Greenberg from The Wonder Child and Other Young Heroes (28:04)
“A Day at the Zoo” by Laura Pershin Raynor from All Dressed Up (44:55)
Storyteller Paul Strickland takes us to the imaginary trailer park that serves as the environment for many of his original tales. It's the home of Ain't True and Uncle False, and all their friends. You'll be happy you visited.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Alazao the Horse that Saved Six Lives, A True Story” by Antonio Rocha from Cross Roads: Stories from Brazil & the World (3:15)
Radio Family Journal: "Jazz Cats" by Sam Payne (15:05)
The Daily Mix: "Make Way For Ducklings" with Teresa Love (21:15)
“The Horrible Shoes of Abu Kasseim” by Bob Reiser from An Evening With Grandpa Abe and Uncle Ahmet (29:09)
“Perjure’s Gardens” by Paul Strickland from Ain’t True and Uncle False (50:11)
In some performances, lucky audiences get to help storyteller Ed Stivender craft improvised fairy tales by giving him off-the-cuff suggestions.
It’s time for The Apple Seed! Every day we bring you stories of all kinds for you and your family. On this episode of The Apple Seed, we have a mix of stories for you that have been passed down to be told time and time again. Stories have always been told and retold by those who hear them, and there are many ways a story can be shared. Today you’ll hear stories that are from traditional tales, old folk tales, and even old journal entries.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“No Time to Write” by Dolores Hydock from A Sweet Strangeness Thrills My Heart: The Journals of Sallie Independence Foster, 1861-1887 (2:03)
Radio Family Journal: "The Pirates" by Sam Payne (16:58)
The Daily Mix: "Gefilte Fish" with Noa Baum (22:50)
“Cinderella and the Three Bears” by Willy Claflin from Maynard Moose Live at the National Storytelling Festival (30:52)
“The Little Old Woman Who Hated Housework” by Margaret Read MacDonald from Fat Cat and Friends (37:27)
“A Blind Boy Catches a Bird” by Sarah Malone from Peace Tale for Kids (49:01)
The Storycrafters -- the storytelling team of Jeri Burns and Barry Marshall -- share a Nigerian tale in their own inimitable style.
Somewhere far away, deep under the Eastern sea, is a Dragon King with a treasure hoard piled high with gold, rubies, emeralds, jade, and every kind of treasure you can imagine. At least, that’s what legend says. In today’s story, one young man sets out on a perilous journey to find the Dragon King’s palace and recover the most precious of all his treasures- a pearl that shines by night. Judy Lubin’s retelling of this classic Chinese folk tale allows you to come along on a journey with the young man to seek that precious pearl. Along with that story, on today’s episode you’ll also get to hear an Abenaki folktale retold by Joseph Bruchac called “Gluskabe and the Water Monster”- the story of the famed Abenaki trickster and his confrontation with a giant, ugly water creature. And you’ll get to hear a personal story from the childhood of Adam Booth – a rollerskating adventure called “Roll-A Rama.” It’s all coming up on today’s episode of the Apple Seed- you won’t want to miss a word!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Roll-A-Rama” by Adam Booth from 210
Radio Family Journal: "In the Pool" by Sam Payne
The Daily Mix: "1895 Photo" with Bruce Walker
“The Pearl that Shone by Night” by Judy Lubin from Dragons of the Sea: Stories from China
“Gluskabe and the Water Monster” by Joseph Bruchac from The Wind Eagle and Other Abenaki Stories
Storyteller Heather Forest shares a story that imagines a meeting between a domesticated dog and a wolf. The dog looks comfortable and well-fed, but in the end, who comes off better in this old tale?
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers.
Families are such an important thing. We enter life into a family, and then we generally will be around them the rest of our lives. The most important events in life are spent with family, and family is there when you need help the most, so it’s natural to have stories about family and the impact its members can have on each other. Each family is different, and so each story is unique, and it’s something that makes the world beautiful and varied. Today we have some stories about family, among others, and each is a different take on what family means. We’ll be able to listen to Don White, Joe Pagliuca, and Donna Ingham.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Sweet Sue” by Donna Ingham from Waiting for Roy & Other Family Tales (2:45)
Radio Family Journal: "Stories About Other People" by Sam Payne (17:08)
The Daily Mix: "Jackie Torrence" with Ed Stivender (22:45)
“Crying Woman’s Channel” by Don White from More Alive (30:57)
“Tricky the Turtle & the Lion’s Cave” by Big Joe Pagliuca from 6 Silly Stories (47:44)
"It's good to travel east and west, but in the end, a home is best." So say the animals in this story, though they know that building a home together will take good work from all of them.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! There are many kinds of stories to be told in order to help teach us lessons in various ways. Today we hope to share stories with you of friendships in all the many walks of life, and how they help build us in every way. Through the times of laughter and the times of more serious nature, you can always count on a good friend to be there through it all. The stories we have for you today share aspects of friendship, and the many roles that our friends play in our lives.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“Tex Buys a Dream” by Laura K. Deal from The Diffendaffer Taffy Cafe (2:13)
Radio Family Journal: "Giraffes" by Sam Payne (14:55)
The Daily Mix: "Spiritual Songs" with Sheila Arnold (21:02)
“Punishment for Missing Bo-Nite” by Anthony Burcher from Anthony Squished My Banana (28:56)
“The Grasshopper and the Ants” by Donna Washington from A Taureen of Tales (36:40)
“The Boy with Knowledge” by Liz Weir from The Glen of Stories (45:39)
“The Fence” by Joe Herrington from Shalako (52:28)
Tim Lowry shares a tale about a mama goat with seven kids, each named after a day of the week. When she goes to the market, can the kids keep safe from the wolf?
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Of all the things we can choose to be in this life, the most important thing we can choose to be is kind. Kindness is both free and priceless. As the great American author Mark Twain put it, “kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” In today's stories, we’ll get to see how a little kindness can go a long way. How one person’s kindness can change another’s life for ever, and even, often, their own.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Little Yamo and the Apple Tree” by Linda Goodman from Pass it On: A Journey Through the Jewish Holidays in Story and Song (2:42)
Radio Family Journal: "Baseball Kid" by Sam Payne (16:05)
The Daily Mix: "1865" with Jeff Simpson (22:53)
“Hans My Hedgehog” by Ingrid Nixon from Grimm’s with A Twist (31:13)
“How Rabbit Tricked the Wolves” by Joseph Stands With Many from Cherokee Rabbit Tales (50:12)
Chicago storyteller Dan Keding shares the tale of that asks a question: Can the spoken word be as powerful as a warrior's weapon?
It’s The Apple Seed! Some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. If you’re new to The Apple Seed you should know that our goal is to share stories with you that will spark memories that you can share with the people you love. And there’s lots on today’s episode that you’re sure to relate to, whether it’s near-death experiences, trapping a pest, unleashing the power of music, or pondering on why things are the way they are. You’ll hear from Madeline Pots, Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss, as well as Dan Keding and Leeny Del Seamonds. All of these tales and tellers are sure to put a smile on your face and put you in the mood to share your own stories.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Party Girl” by Leeny Del Seamonds from It Takes Two to Tango: Ties That Bind Us (2:51)
The Daily Mix: "When You Reach Me" with Paul Ricks (19:30)
“Trapping the Critter” by Madeline Pots from The Apron (28:19)
“The Taxi Ride” by Martha Hamilton & Mitch Weiss from How & Why Stories World Tales Kids Can Tell (45:22)
“Filling Up the House” by Dan Keding from Strawberries in Winter (49:55)
Bill Gordh tells he tale of a Coyote who challenges a snake to a biting contest. There's no doubt that Coyote's a good biter, but ...
Nature is a wonderful thing. Being able to go outside and enjoy our beautiful world is an important part of life, and there are so many beautiful things to enjoy. Of course, preserving the beauty of the world is an important challenge that we face today with so much pollution and destruction. We all need to do our part, and we have some stories today that reflect some of the beauties of nature and the living things that make it so special. We’ll hear from Andy Offutt Irwin, Doug Elliott, and Pete Griffin with a range of stories both true and fantastic.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Crickets in the Kudzu” by Andy Offutt Irwin from Risk Assessment (2:40)
Radio Family Journal: "Penelope Butterscotch Pudding" by Sam Payne (14:39)
The Daily Mix: "The Muppet Movie" with Rod Gustafson (20:21)
“Snake and the Egg” by Doug Elliott from Bullfrogs on Your Mind: Stories, Songs, Adventures from the Swamp to the Henhouse (28:36)
“Red-breasted Sapsucker” by Pete Griffin from Welcome to Alaska: Tales from the Tongass Forest & Beyond (50:15)
Priscilla Howe shares a story of a princess, her favorite necklace, and the monkey who steals it from her.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Today’s episode is full of food, clever tricks, love, falls from pride, and hilarious mishaps! First off, we have Donna Washington’s, “Boo Stew”, a story that proves anyone can be a good cook if you have the right people eating your food. Following that, we’ll hear “The Silent Prince” by Dan Yashinsky about a girl who tries to get the silent prince to talk, but if she fails, she’ll lose her head. Finally, we’ll hear Diane Wolkstein’s, “The Emperor’s New Clothes”, the classic tale about not letting your pride keep you from your honesty. You won’t want to miss a minute!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Boo Stew” by Donna Washington from Angel's Laughter (2:47)
Radio Family Journal: "Half Moon" by Sam Payne (16:08)
The Daily Mix: "The Bowman Body" with Anthony Burcher (22:54)
“The Silent Prince” by Dan Yashinsky (31:12)
“The Emperor’s New Clothes” by Diane Wolkstein from Hans Christiansen Andersen Classic Stories (47:02)
Sheila Starks Phillips shares a tale about a carefully chosen pet. In choosing a pet, might you have made the same choice?
If you look out at the horizon, you will see a line that looks like you could step right off the edge of the earth. Myths and legends have long explored the idea that the world is not a sphere, but instead, if you travel far enough, you’ll find an ending. What might be at that ending place? A cliff that falls into nothing, a shining castle, a gateway to another world? Or perhaps something as simple as a wishing well and a small frog. In the story you’ll hear today, a young girl travels to the world’s end, where she may just find her destiny and a way out of the life she lives. It’s coming up in the story “The Well at the World’s End” told by Richard Martin. You’ll also hear a tall tale about an Olympic competition from Sheila Starks Philips, a vegetable story from Bob Reiser, and a song by Gary Voorhees. Come with us on a journey with stories from here to the world’s end and beyond.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Olympic Competition in Amarillo” by Sheila Starks Phillips from The Lies of Texas are Upon You (1:52)
Radio Family Journal: "Bomb" by Sam Payne (12:24)
The Daily Mix: "Creek Memories" with Kim Weitkamp (18:04)
"The Train That Carried My Girl From Town" by David Holt from David Holt and the Lightning Bolts (26:04)
“The Well of the World’s End” by Richard Martin from The Well of the World’s End and Other Tales (29:56)
“The Pumpkin’s Tale” by Bob Reiser from Foibles and Fiddlesticks: Fables for Grownups (42:56)
“Part of Me” by Gary Voorhees from The Saga of the Sanpitch (52:10)
Mustard's retreat is an acoustic band that formed among friends that came together playing music in a pub. Their songs are full of insights about relationships -- each one a rich story in itself.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever experienced? The dark? A creepy person? A car crash? A bear? Hopefully none of you have ever been close to death, but it can be eye opening to be scared. Life is fragile, and it’s important. We all seek to take care of ourselves and our loved ones in order to take advantage of the life we have been given. Today we have a story about a bear attack, where lives were saved. We also have a song from David Holt and the Lightning Bolts, along with a story from Diane Edgecomb about a girl who wanted nothing more than to be a dinosaur. As always, we hope these stories will spark discussions and sharing within your families and social circles.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Buddy and the Bear” by Glenda Bonin from Family Gazette (2:55)
Radio Family Journal: "Chuters" by Sam Payne (17:16)
The Daily Mix: "I'd Be So Happy" with Don Shelline (23:58)
“Pattysaurus” by Diane Edgecomb from Pattysaurus and Other Tales (32:44)
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Staring off today we’ve got Charlotte Blake-Alston’s “Black Mamba” about a village whose leader is dying and needs the saving medicine that can only be gathered from a ferocious snake. But who in the village will be brave enough to face the Black Mamba and save their Chief? Then we’ll enjoy an entry in the radio family journal. Afterwards, we’ll hear “Little Freddie and His Whistle” by Willy Claflin about a short young man who struggles to find work, and when he does find it, it might not be the kind of work he’d been hoping for. They’ll be music, betrayal, and as always, a good laugh with this classic Willy Claflin tale. Finally, we’ll share Fran Yardley's “Connor and the Leprechaun”, about a Leprechaun shoe-maker that usually goes barefoot until one day, he gets stung by a bee. Then the Leprechaun decides it’s time to make a pair of shoes for himself and this ends up leading to the most magical day of Connor’s life. You won’t want to miss a minute!
Short Description:
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Black Mamba” by Charlotte Blake-Alston from a collection of stories from the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival (2:38)
Radio Family Journal: "Piano Lessons" by Sam Payne (16:04)
The Daily Mix: "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" with Lisa Valentine Clark (22:24)
“Little Freddie and His Whistle” by Willy Claflin from The Uglified Ducky (30:58)
“Connor and the Leprechaun” by Fran Yardley from May I Have This Dance (43:50)
We can't choose to be taller or shorter, hairier or balder, but there are some things we can choose to be. What character traits might you choose?
South Carolina storyteller Tim Lowry shares an old story about mice in search of a new place to live. This tale is part of a collection of stories Tim tells from all over the world.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. One of the most prevalent traditions in storytelling around the world is that of tricksters. It’s always so much fun to watch Anansi the Spider pull one over on Lion, or Tom Sawyer con the other boys into doing his chores. As tricksters lay traps, however, sometimes they find that they end up being the one caught in the trap. In today’s stories, we’ll get to see tricksters at work fooling other people, or getting fooled themselves, and even by themselves.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Rabbit and the Alligators” by Mary Hamilton from Alligators, Bees, & Surprise Oh, My!: Folktales Revived! (3:02)
Radio Family Journal: "Patches" by Sam Payne (16:09)
The Daily Mix: "Grandma's Chicken Soup" with Jeff Simpson (23:01)
“It Could Happen!” by Dolores Hydock from It Could Happen! Stories of Hope and Possibility (31:47)
“Coyote and the Bluebirds” by Tim Lowry from Folk Tales from Around the World (51:32)
John McCutcheon brings us a song from among thousands o the wonderful songs he's written. This one is about the precious nature of each moment, no matter how quotidian.
Stories have been passed down through many generations, and they have been told in a variety of ways. The classic method of storytelling still stands today as we share memories with those around us and tell them of our lives. Eventually, time passes, and those memories get passed down to others as stories to be shared. On this episode, we are excited to share stories that not only invite and encourage us to share our own memories, but also are sharing memories of their own from the tellers that share them.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“Cleaning Out Mama’s House” by Michael Reno Harrell from Hoot and Holler (3:15)
The Daily Mix: "Musicals" with Sheila Arnold (17:15)
“The Blue Remove” by Anne Rutherford from Living in the Driveway: Stories of Finding Our Place (26:08)
“Uncle Cleo” by Kirk Waller from But Why? (38:15)
“The Grecian Urn” by Robin Schulte from Jack and the Levitator (46:33)
Kim Weitkamp performs this terrific retelling of Aesop's fable about the grasshopper and the ants, in a live recording before an enthusiastic group of youngsters.
Life is full of ups and downs, and each moment teaches us lessons that we remember forever. Some lessons we painfully have to learn on our own, but others can be learned through those we love that are closest to us. Their life and their stories can teach us the best parts of life. As you listen to these stories today, we hope that they spark memories and stories from your own life that you can share with those that you love.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“My Father and Hershel of Ostropol” by Joel ben Izzy from Buried Treasures: A Storyteller’s Journey (2:10)
Radio Family Journal: "Donald Herbert" by Sam Payne (15:34)
The Daily Mix: "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" with Mark Wait (21:51)
“The Lap/You Are My Sunshine” by Kim Weitkamp from The Lap (30:09)
“The Old Rancher” by Joe Herrington from Men of Honor (48:30)
“My Town” by Michael Reno Harrell from Then There’s Me (51:38)
The award-winning storyteller and musician David Holt brings you an old-meets-new tale set on Black Mountain, where a newfangled contraption has just arrived: a motorcycle.
It’s The Apple Seed! Some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. And today on the show you’ll hear stories of firsts and lasts, you know, the first time you did something or the last time you experienced something. When you think of some of your firsts and lasts, what comes to mind? Maybe riding your first bicycle, experiencing your first kiss, or maybe attending your last day of school? Reflecting on these experiences - and more – is the whole point of The Apple Seed. We always say that we hope the stories we share on the show spark memories for you that you can share with the people that you love. And if you’ve never really shared your stories with others, well, there’s a first time for everything.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“A Frightful Night” by Glenda Bonin from The Dead Don't Die in Tuttle…and Other Ghostly Tales (3:12)
The Daily Mix: "The Dish" with Rod Gustafson (16:25)
“Watch the Baby” by Donald Davis from Too Much Hair (26:34)
“My Last Meal” by David Holt and Josh Goforth from Cutting Loose (43:55)
‘Man on the Street’ piece about last meals (48:37)
“Belle of the Ball” by Waddie Mitchell from Sweat Equity (52:44)
Storyteller Glenda Bonin has a thing for goats. She's gathered and created goat story after goat story, and shares on here about a goat parent and her child -- their names are "Thunder" and "Lightning."
There are many stories about princesses. They’re part of the classic recipe for a good fairy tale. Throw one in with a pinch of love, a humble prince, and some evil witches, and you’ve got a story sure to please the masses. While we love any tale of strong, independent women, we also can’t seem to get enough stories about a love so deep that a couple simply can’t go on one without the other. Maybe it’s because we all want that kind of love in our own lives. Whatever it is, we have some classic princess tales here today along with a tall tale about becoming a bear, another tale about becoming a worm, and a debate that occurs without words. Welcome to The Apple Seed.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The White Trout” by Simon Brooks from A Tangle of Tales (3:06)
Radio Family Journal: "Sailing" by Sam Payne (15:33)
The Daily Mix: "20,000 Hertz" with Stewart Foster (22:24)
“Sign Language Debate” by Pam Faro from Andalusian Trilogy: Stories from Jews, Christians, and Muslims of Medieval Spain (30:13)
“How Bill Greenfield Moved in With the Bears” by Joseph Bruchac from Adirondack Tall Tales: Volume One: The Bill Greenfield Stories (39:12)
“The Worm Story” by Sheila Arnold from Mini, Many, Minnie Tales (47:27)
“Beeping Slooty” by The Storycrafters from Classics with a Twist (50:46)
Some adventures take us to places far away. Others are as close as our own backyards. This story by Susan Strauss will remind you of the wonder just outside your door.
Some days are more difficult than others. You might lose your keys, get gum on your shoe, miss the bus, or get a parking ticket. When frustrating, annoying or difficult things happen, we can choose to be upset, or we can let it roll off our shoulder, face the day ahead and choose to say “It’s all good.” On today’s episode of the Apple Seed you’ll get to hear a story about that very principle. It's a story by Andy Offutt Irwin about a boy who faces trouble, but chooses to fix the problem and say “It’s all good.” We’ve got lots of other great stories for you today as well, like “Tia Astucia,” the story of a shrewd and clever woman by Milbre Burch. You’ll also hear “A Refuge from Suburbia” by Susan Strauss, a story from her childhood about her first bee sting. Finally you’ll hear Kevin Kling tell the story of his Dad’s first trip overseas in “Dad’s Trip to Europe.” You won’t want to miss a word!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“It’s All Good” by Andy Offutt Irwin from Book Every Saturday for a Funeral (2:34)
Radio Family Journal: "Swamp Men" by Sam Payne (17:15)
The Daily Mix: "Biscuits and Gravy" with Kim Weitkamp (22:42)
“Tia Astucia” by Milbre Burch from Because I Said So – Stories About Mothers and Kids (30:37)
“A Refuge from Suburbia” by Susan Strauss from Birds of Fortune: Blessing Stories from the Book of Nature (44:03)
“Dad’s Trip to Europe” by Kevin Kling from A Fool’s Paradise (52:39)
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Have you ever found yourself in a difficult situation? Maybe it was caused by your own choices. Or maybe it was caused by somebody else’s choices. Maybe it was just life. Whatever the case, we all have to go through hard times, and, hopefully, overcome them. In today’s stories, you’ll get to hear about brave (and sometimes very silly) heroes as they become who they need to be in order to overcome the things that oppress them.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Turkey and the Mayor” by Noa Baum from Far Away and Close to Home (2:27)
Radio Family Journal: "Book Fair" by Sam Payne (15:09)
The Daily Mix: "The Sixth Sense" with Jeff Simpson (21:11)
“Ten Thousand Treasure Cave” by Eth-Noh-Tec from Treasure Bag of Asian Stories (30:13)
“Head First” by Jay O’Callahan from Dancing With Fire (46:57)
The legendary story of a musical instrument brought to life by the storytelling duo Eth-Noh-Tec: Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo and Nancy Wang
Storyteller Shonaleigh shares an old tale (one of thousands in her repertoire!). In this one, a love springs up from a ... let's say a "misunderstanding."
Are you ready for an hour filled with tension, inspiration, scares, and laughter? Then you’re ready for today’s episode! Starting off with “Anniko” by Charlotte Blake-Alston about a young girl who enters a mysterious forest. Next up is “Issac and the Glum Drum Bridge” by Donna Washington, which is a tale about the power of following your dreams. After that, Alton Chung will introduce us to “The Grateful Statues”, a folktale from Japan. Finally, we’ll finish the hour off with Rosie Cutrer’s “The Graveyard Voice”, a story that is equal parts spooky and funny.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Anniko” by Charlotte Blake-Alston from The Raccoon Story (3:28)
Radio Family Journal: "Smooth Black Stones" by Sam Payne (16:11)
The Daily Mix: "Where the Wild Things Are" with Teresa Love (21:39)
“Isaac and the Glum Drum Bridge” by Donna Washington from A Tureen of Tales (30:00)
“The Grateful Statues” by Alton Chung from The Spider Weaver and Other Tales From Asia (39:43)
“The Graveyard Voice” by Rosie Cutrer from Mr. Bun and Other Stories (49:00)
Bay Area storyteller Joel Ben Izzy tells a trio of travel tales to an enthusiastic, young audience.
How does Sean K. Buvala put a spin on a classic tale by the brothers Grimm? He simply adds one wolf.
It can be easy to develop high expectations for things you anticipate, for everything from birthday parties to vacations. But what happens when no one shows up to the party or you get a flat tire halfway to your beach house? Expectations can be broken, shattered, but that doesn’t always mean that life is over. Sometimes a shattered event can be put together in an even better way. Today we have tales of broken expectations, tales within tales, and even more from tellers like Megan Hicks, Len Cabral, and Beth Horner.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Shoemaker and the Groundhogs” by Megan Hicks from No Tricks. Just Magic (4:12)
Radio Family Journal: "Moving Elephants" by Sam Payne (17:42)
The Daily Mix: "American Graffiti" with Rod Gustafson (23:44)
“The Snail with the Silver Shell” by Len Cabral from Buzz Buzz Once There Was (32:19)
“Li Chi Slays the Serpent” by Beth Horner from An Evening at Cedar Creek (50:21)
West Virginia Storyteller Bil Lepp shares a tall tale about his kids -- and balloon animals.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. One of the most enjoyable parts about listening to or reading stories is witnessing the characters use their brains to overcome their difficulties. Though not everyone in a story can wield a sword or climb the tallest mountain, they can almost certainly use their wisdom and cleverness to think themselves into a solution for the problems they face. In today’s stories, we’ll get to see how certain characters forge their own destinies by outsmarting and out-planning their foes.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Clown of God” by Fran Yardley from The Sears Roebuck Baby (3:42)
Radio Family Journal: "Dog in the Van" by Sam Payne (18:00)
The Daily Mix: "Campfire Smoke" with Kim Weitkamp (24:28)
“Tipingee” by The Storycrafters from Gather Roun’ the Fire (33:41)
“Three Green Ladies” by Diane Edgecomb from In the Groves (48:00)
Everybody loves pizza, right? Not storyteller Mark Binder's son, who becomes the heart of this family8 story you're sure to love.
What should you do if you don’t understand something? Well, you should learn about it! Be it dinosaurs, politics, or a word you don’t know, it never hurts to ask some questions or look it up. Of course, sometimes learning more can serve to further confusion, particularly if you don’t understand your source material. The right source can make all the difference. Today we have a story from Donald Davis about a simple misunderstanding. You'll also hear stories about love, legends, and more from tellers like Motoko and David Holt.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Look it Up!” by Donald Davis from Live From Fearrington Village (4:22)
The Daily Mix: "Stir Crazy" with Jeff Simpson (21:07)
“Kang Ding Love Story” by Motoko from The Promise of Chrysanthemums (30:15)
“Amankamek” by Joseph Bruchac from When the Chenoo Howls (40:09)
“The Magic Lake” by David Holt from Mostly Ghostly Stories (47:54)
In this piece -- produced by Apple Seed assistant producer Jen Baker -- we ask people around us to share some of their thoughts and feelings about the country we live in.
It’s time for The Apple Seed, filled with stories for you and your family. Thanks for joining us for a special episode in celebration of Independence Day. We’ll have stories from a lot of wonderful storytellers today – you'll hear a bit of history researched and presented by storyteller Lynn Ruehlmann that will bring you up close to George and Martha Washington. You'll hear an immigrant story, a family tale about coming across the ocean to America, the land of opportunity. We’ll introduce you to a podcast that with each episode opens a door to history in a way that will capture you like the best stories do. And you'll even hear a tale that will connect thoughts about the American Revolution and the COVID-19 pandemic – a lighthearted tale about a sourdough starter with a long and storied history.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
A reading of "The Declaration of Independence" produced by Jen Baker (1:33)
"George and Martha Washington" by Lynn Ruehlmann from It Happened in the White House (7:33)
The Daily Mix: "History That Doesn't Suck" with Cielle Salazar (19:53)
"It's America!" by Corinne Stavish from Solidarity Forever Growing Up Union (27:33)
"Sourdough Starter" by Madeline Pots from True Confessions: by Storytellers of Central Florida (40:54)
Alabama storyteller Dolores Hydock tells a story about the fates of each of her childhood dolls. Some of those fates are pretty bleak, but with the help of wise adults she sees each of them through eyes that give each doll its own incredible adventure.
It’s time for The Apple Seed! Some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Today you’ll get a few personal tales, a folk tale, and a fairy tale to wrap it all up. You’ll hear Lani Peterson tell about the moment that made her a storyteller, and you’ll hear Dolores Hydock’s experience with a high school dance where she hoped to find her “Perfect Match.” Priscilla Howe will bring us an Anansi story about the clever spider, the tricks he plays, and the tricks others play on him! Finally you’ll hear Beatrice Bowles with a fairy tale about an old woman who lived in a vinegar bottle. You won’t want to miss a word!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Maya’s Story for Indira” by Lani Peterson from Stories Within (2:20)
Radio Family Journal: "Almost Going to Concerts" by Sam Payne (15:19)
The Daily Mix: "Pecan Pie" with Brynna Haddock (21:18)
“Perfect Match” by Dolores Hydock from Perfect Match (28:19)
“Anansi and Turtle” by Priscilla Howe from The Best (and Worst) of Beasts (44:08)
“The Old Woman Who Lived in a Vinegar Bottle” by Beatrice Bowles from Spark Catchers (50:37)
South Carolina storyteller Tim Lowry shares an ancient story about how the animal people lost fire to Thunder's thieving. Will they have the resilience to get back what was once theirs?
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Life is full of opportunities to make choices. Whether we’re deciding what to wear to school, what to eat for lunch, or which book we should read, we’re constantly confronted with choices. It’s up to us what we choose to do. It’s always nice when we make a choice and things turn out just the way we want or expect, but sometimes we get a little visit from unintended consequences. In today’s stories, we’ll get to see how some individuals deal with the unintended consequences of the choices they make.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Hairyman” by David Holt from Hairyman Meets Tailybone (2:42)
Radio Family Journal: "Grinding Nails" (16:11)
The Daily Mix: "Coco" with Jeff Simpson (22:23)
“The Faerie Bride” by Simon Brooks from A Tangle of Tales (30:36)
“A Drop of Honey” by Tim Lowry from Folk Tales from Around the World (49:31)
Here's a performance by Willy Claflin of a sweet song called "Just One More Story." It was recorded live at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee.
Everyone has stories to tell! No one has walked in your shoes, and every moment you live becomes a story that you can share with those around you. Stories are part of the human experience. Whether we are listening or telling, we are all part of what makes a story remarkable. On today’s episode of The Apple Seed, we have stories to inspire you to share those memories and moments of your life with those you love. Enjoy the following stories on this episode:
“The Tear” by Dan Keding from Promises Kept, Promises Broken (2:47)
Radio Family Journal: "Heisman" by Sam Payne (14:23)
The Daily Mix: “A Wrinkle in Time” with Teresa Love (19:45)
“The Story Tree” by Bob Reiser from The Story Tree (27:44)
“Zen and the Art of Storytelling” by Syd Lieberman from Streets and Alleys (43:38)
Husband and wife duo Richard Young and Judy Dockery Young tell a story about a Golem: a figure made of mud, clay, or stone that exists only to obey the instructions given to it.
Do you ever have days when you feel invisible? No matter what you say, it seems as though people don’t even notice you’re there. What would it be like to be completely invisible, unseen by anyone? Today we’ll hear the story of a boy who was completely invisible and one young woman’s search to find him. It’s a Native American twist on a Cinderella story retold by Stephanie Beneteau. We know you’ll love it, along with all the other stories we have to share today. You’ll hear Richard Martin retell a Scottish folk tale, “Death in the Nut.” Joseph Bruchac brings us the tale of liar Bill Greenfield and how his wife taught him a thing or two. And finally you’’ll hear a twist on an old tall tale with Joel ben Izzy’s “Paula Bunyan: A True Story.” Or is it? You’ll have to listen and find out!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Invisible Boy” by Stephanie Beneteau from Dreaming Tall: Stories for Growing Girls
Radio Family Journal: "Lights in the Sky" by Sam Payne
The Daily Mix: "The Allusionist" with Stewart Foster
“Death in the Nut” by Richard Martin from The Well at the World’s End and Other Tales
“How Bill Greenfield’s Wife Taught Him a Thing or Two” from Adirondack Tall Tales, Volume One: The Bill Greenfield Stories
“Paula Bunyan: A True Story” by Joel ben Izzy from How I Learned to Love Liver
Norah Dooley shares a story about three chicken sisters who can't quit bickering. It's a fable, which means there's a lesson in the story for you to learn and talk about with the people you love.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Who are we? Are we the heroes of our own lives? Are we just lumps of DNA packaged and pre-coded to behave a certain way? Do we have a say in who we get to be? Is our identity something we find along the way, or is it something we get to build ourselves? In the words of the great George Bernard Shaw, “Life isn’t about finding oneself. Life is about creating oneself.” We have the boundless potential to be anyone and anything. In today’s stories, we’ll get to hear a lot about people discovering who they are, and making choices about who they are going to be.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Rumpelstiltskin” by Rosie Cutrer from Mr. Bun and Other Stories (2:45)
Radio Family Journal: "Baseball Memories" by Sam Payne (16:44)
The Daily Mix: "Fiddler on the Roof" with Jeff Simpson (25:37)
“The Tale of a Very Old Travelling Wizard” by Peter J. Parker from Panryl the Wizard (33:59)
“Raven Day” by Brett Dillingham (48:01)
Grammy-winning musician and storyteller David Holt teams up with Josh Goforth to deliver one of America's most enduring tales, told in song.
It’s time for The Apple Seed! Filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Today we’ll start with “Blonde, Beautiful and Bubbly,” a family story by Martha Reed Johnson about growing up with a practically perfect younger sister. We’ll hear John McCutcheon retell the old folk tale of John Henry, the American folk hero who went up against a modern steam drill, and how that story impacted John McCutcheon at a young age. Finally we’ll get to hear Japanese storyteller Motoko tell the story of her son’s first experience with being bullied and left out. All stories about family, growing up, and learning about ourselves. You won’t want to miss a word of it!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Blonde, Beautiful and Bubbly” by Martha Reed Johnson from Skinny Dipping & Other Life Lessons (2:57)
The Daily Mix: "Cooking for 40" with Jenna Parker (17:34)
“John Henry” by John McCutcheon from Untold (27:00)
“The Cost of Racism” by Motoko from Tales of Now & Zen (43:19)
Mother animals can be the most protective things on the planet. In this story from Irish storyteller Liz Weir, a mother owl protects her child from bullies.
From Mice defeating a Mongolian army, to a man covered with bees, to a small dog who just won’t go to sleep, you'll hear all sorts of tales on today's episode of The Apple Seed. We hope that these tales will inspire you to share your own tales and memories with those you love. The sharing of stories is one of the best ways to bring people closer together, to teach, to entertain, and to create good change in the world. There are few traditions in the world as ancient as story in all its forms. Here’s to the stories that have changed the world and the lives of those in it.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The King and the Mice” by Tim Lowry from Folk Tales from Around the World (3:55)
The Daily Mix: "Leilani of the Distant Sea" with Rachel Wadham (16:24)
“Sail On Honeybee/The Bikers and the Bee Man” by Doug Elliott from Sail On Honeybee: Adventures in the Bee Yard (25:09)
“Grandfather Bear” by Margaret Read MacDonald from Cockroach Party (37:15)
“Emma May’s Magical Day” by Nathalie Vachon from Magic and Mischief (44:54)
“A Shaggy Bedtime Story” by Mark Binder from Classic Stories for Children (50:22)
Glenda Bonin tells a story of an unlikely farming partnership between a goat and an antelope. This funny story will remind you to be honest in your dealings with your fellow critters.
Stories come in all different shapes and sizes, topics, characters, and events. And regardless of the story, they all allow us to experience things we haven’t before or see things through another lens. We gain experience we wouldn’t otherwise by involving ourselves in stories and when we share them with others. Today we have stories that can teach lessons and spark conversations. You'll hear one from Jenni Cargill-Strong about a terrible king who forces his subjects to do unfair work just so he can reach the moon. You'll also hear from Paul Taylor, Charlotte Blake Alston, and Donna Washington.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Reaching for the Moon” by Jenni Cargill Strong and Greg Sheehan from Reaching for the Moon and Other Wisdom Tales (3:14)
Radio Family Journal: "Peer Pressure" by Sam Payne (14:34)
The Daily Mix: "Sidedoor" with Stewart Foster (21:15)
“Didgeridoo & Dreamtime” by Paul Taylor from Cooee (28:55)
“The Yam Story” by Charlotte Blake Alston from Bit ‘O This-Bit ‘O That (35:34)
“A Knock at the Door” by Donna Washington from A Tureen of Tales (46:32)
Heather Forest tells a version of an old story in which a series of events is set in motion by a farmer's horse that runs away. Are the events good fortune or bad fortune? It all depends on what happens next!
Whether everything seems to go your way or you can't seem to catch a break, a good story about luck may be just what the doctor ordered. Sometimes, luck might be right in front of our eyes, even when you don’t recognize it. Today’s episode features stories from the wonderful tellers Dolores Hydock, Bil Lepp, and Joel ben Izzy as they share personal tales and traditional tales about luck.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“Looking for His Luck” by Dolores Hydock from Once in a Blue Moon (3:16)
Radio Family Journal: "Frostie Root Beer" by Sam Payne (17:24)
The Daily Mix: "Kung Fu Panda" with Cole Wissinger (22:11)
“There Stands a Bridge” by Bil Lepp from Buck Meets the Monster Stick (30:26)
“Luck vs Wisdom” by Joel ben Izzy from Lights and Laughter (41:33)
It’s time for the Apple Seed, filled with stories for you and your family. And often, the show is filled with folk tales and fairy tales, tales of imagination and wonder. And today’s stories will be filled with wonder, too, we promise. But they’ll all be true. We’re going to spend an hour with some of our favorite storytellers, each of them telling stories about dads. Some of them have dads that they’re anxious to talk about, and some of them are dads themselves, and they’ll give you some insight into what it’s like to not only have a dad, but to be one.
On today's episode, you'll enjoy:
"To Everything There is a Season" by Syd Lieberman from LiebermanLive (1:35)
"The West Indies" by Donna Washington from Growing Up Army (12:51)
"Dennis Zwang's Saxophone Prayer" by Sam Payne (26:19)
"Independence" by Dolores Hydock from In-laws and Outlaws: Family Stories (41:17)
"Little Red", a recording of Donna Washington's dad from Growing Up Army (49:25)
Michael McCarty talks about his tiny daughter's defining characteristic: She's LOUD! As the story of their relationship unfolds, you'll see yourself in it, and the people you love. If you're a father, or if you have one in your life, this story will make you think of him.
The great storyteller Jay O'Callan tells a spirited story about a queen bee worried about the reputation of her hive. Can a couple of lazy bees keep their colony from being a laughingstock?
What is the hardest thing you’ve ever learned to do? Maybe you’ve become a master at the piano, or you can juggle. Maybe you can do gymnastics or win at any video game. Whatever it is we try to learn, if we want to be really good we should realize it’s going to take a while, but if we stick with it it will be worth it. Today we have some stories about patience and persistence from tellers like Bobby Norfolk, Michael Katz, and more.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Baby Hawk Learns to Fly” by Bobby Norfolk from Baby Hawk Learns to Fly: Stories About Purpose, Patience, Confidence, and Courage (5:08)
Daily Mix: “The Emperor’s New Groove” with Cole Wissinger (18:20)
“Mother Holle” by Beatrice Bowles from Heaven’s a Garden in the Heart (27:11)
“Ishiusu” by Michael Katz from Far Away and Close to Home: Magical and Mystical Tales from Around the World (36:30)
“Sweet Dreams” by Mustard’s Retreat from The Yellow Room Gang Live at Big Sky (50:58)
Joseph Bruchac has been telling stories for decades and decades. In this one, a brave woman works to save her village from a monstrous flying head. How will she do it? It'll take a chestnut, the coals of a fire, and a misunderstanding.
It’s time for The Apple Seed! Some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Today we’ll start with “Fire! Fire! Pants on Liar!” a hilarious lie of extreme proportions from Bil Lepp. You'll hear the story “The Buffalo’s Wife” by Odds Bodkin, a retelling of a Blackfoot Native American Myth about a very brave young woman. You’ll get to hear an original tale by Bill Harley titled “Strawberry Peach Sky.” And to wrap it all up you'll hear an original and fun retelling of “The Little Red Hen” by Willy Claflin and his pal Maynard Moose. You won’t want to miss a single story. It’s all coming up today on the Apple Seed!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Fire! Fire! Pants on Liar!” by Bil Lepp from Fire! Fire! Pants on Liar! (4:26)
The Daily Mix: "Powdered Milk Cookies" with Jeff Simpson (19:11)
“The Buffalo’s Wife” by Odds Bodkin from The Wise Little Girl (28:30)
“Strawberry Peach Sky” by Bill Harley from The Town Around the Bend (42:57)
“The Little Red Hen” by Willy Claflin from Marynard Moose Live at the National Storytelling Festival (48:03)
Jess Smith tells the story of the mole king, who wants his daughter to marry the most powerful ruler in the world. How can a simple Riverbank mole have a chance, however much he might love her?
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Some of the greatest feats in literature are completed in pairs. Without Samwise Gamgee, Frodo never would have gotten the ring all the way to Mordor. Without Doctor Watson, Sherlock Holmes would be lost. Without Calvin, Hobbes is just a stuffed tiger, and without Curious George, the man in the yellow hat is just, well, a man in a yellow hat. In today’s stories, you’ll get to hear about all kinds of dynamic duos, be they friends, foes, or family.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“King Ruan and the Witch” by Jess Smith from Dragonory (2:53)
Radio Family Journal: "Treehouse" by Sam Payne (17:01)
The Daily Mix: "Fry Bread" with Gene Nelson (23:26)
“Bear and Chipmunk” by Dovie Thomason from Voices of the Animal People (31:39)
“Spirit of Fire” by Richard Young from Favorite Scary Stories (40:30)
“The Sing Song of Old Man Kangaroo” by Jim Weiss from A Collection of Just So Stories As Read by Jim Weiss (47:10)
Maybe you know how it is: some drivers simply won't stop until they get there, even if it's been a while since a restroom break. Pals Andy Offutt Irwin and Bil Lepp get together for some hilarity in this musical tale.
Welcome to another episode of The Apple Seed! Today we’re starting off with a tale about the magical lengths a couple will go to in order to be together with Sheila Arnold’s, “Simon and Susannah”. Following that, we’ll hear “Molly Whuppie” by Beatrice Bowles, where a young girl uses her brains and brawn to protect herself and her sisters. Then Pam Faro will share “Rabbi Abraham Ben Ezra and the Bishop” about a rabbi who is sold into slavery and must use his wisdom to gain his freedom again. Finally we’ll enjoy some poetry with Jerry Brooks’, “The Free Wind.” You won’t want to miss a second!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Simon and Susannah” by Sheila Arnold on Hands Wide Open (4:01)
The Daily Mix: "Bearskinner" with Paul Ricks (18:44)
“Molly Whuppie” by Beatrice Bowles on Spark Catchers (26:30)
“Rabbi Abraham Ben Ezra and the Bishop” by Pam Faro on Stories of Jews, Christians, and Muslisms of Medieval Spain (42:17)
“The Free Wind” by Jerry Brooks on Shoulder to Shoulder (52:20)
Do you think the mosquitos are big where you live? They probably don't hold a candle to the tall-tale sized mosquitos in this tune by Mustard's Retreat.
Many people view promises in many different ways. In many a cowboy movie, a simple handshake was enough to seal an agreement in stone. Spy movies, on the other hand, hold many empty promises, betrayals, and treachery. Ideally, everyone would keep their promises, but that’s unfortunately not the case. That’s why we have to sign documents when we promise to pay back a loan, or to seal a contract of any kind. The sad reality is that some people have no intention of keeping their promises, even while making them. There are some promises, however, that should never be broken because the consequences would simply be too great. Today you'll hear stories about broken promises, along with many others from tellers like Bil Lepp, Dan Keding, and more.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Banjo Player of Franceville” by Dan Keding from Promises Kept, Promises Broken (4:46)
The Daily Mix: “Turn to Stone” with Mark Wait (18:04)
“Kate Crackernuts” by Mary Hamilton from Sisters All...And One Troll (26:39)
“The King of Little Things” by Bil Lepp from King of Little Things (47:06)
You've never heard the story about how the alligator got its skin? It's a tale fulla trouble, and for sure you've never heard it like you'll hear it from grammy-winning musician and storyteller David Holt.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. The great American football coach, Lou Holtz, once said “I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care”. There are times in our lives when it can be hard to do the right thing, or even to know what the right thing is. In times like these, we have to consider our situations and make the best decisions we can. In today’s stories, we’ll get to see many different characters as they grow into the people they need to be by making the right decisions at the right times.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Old Dry Fry” by Mary Grace Ketner from 1001 Years of 1001 Nights (2:28)
The Daily Mix: "Your Money or Your Life" with Antonio Sacre (16:13)
“Katora, Lord of the Winds” by Judith Black from Blooming… Stories for Girls To Grow On (25:06)
“Three Heavenly Gifts” by Len Cabral from It’s How You Say It (43:51)
“Revenge” by Michael McCarty (48:57)
Chicago storyteller Syd Lieberman tells a story about observing drummers in the park. The drumming is great, but it's what passes between the drummers that's worth remembering.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. In all parts of the world, from the beginning of stories until now, so many great stories have been told about animals. Often times, we can see distinct human personality traits and human flaws exemplified in the creatures we read about, such as sneaky foxes, tricky rabbits, noble eagles, and energetic frogs. In these stories, we learn very human lessons from non-human sources. Today’s stories are all about - or told by - animals.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Iron John and the Little Drummer Boy” by Willy Claflin from Sleeping Beastly and Other Tales (2:55)
Radio Family Journal: "The Lark and Her Young Ones" by Sam Payne (15:43)
The Daily Mix: "I Never Saw Blue Like That Before" with Don Shelline (23:12)
“Aunt Edith Meets Tricky” by Bill Harley from Wacka Wacka Woo & Other Stuff (31:57)
“How Beetle Got Her Colors” by Glenda Bonin from Winston the Wide Mouth Frog (48:16)
Pam Faro tells an ancient story collected from the Andalusian region of Spain. It's a story that makes one wonder what one might wish upon one's enemies.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Today we’ll start with an original story from Sheila Starks Phillips about the many jobs she’s had throughout her life- whether the stories she tells are true or stretched truths is up to you to decide! We’ll also get to hear a fun tale of friendly, sometimes foolish critters in “The Sky is Fallin’!” by Lyn Ford. Next, Pam Faro takes us to Spain and Mecca with her folk tale “Ten Chests”, and Priscilla Howe brings us down into the confines of her own childhood basement in “Laundry Soap.” You won’t want to miss a single story. It’s all coming up today on the Apple Seed!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Jobs I Have Had” by Sheila Starks Phillips from Family, Friends, and Other Fun Folks (3:08)
The Daily Mix: "Beverly Right Here" with Rachel Wadham (17:57)
“The Sky is Fallin’!” by Lyn Ford from Rabbit Tales Too: Family, Foes and Friends (26:36)
“Ten Chests” by Pam Faro from Andalusian Trilogy: Stories of Jews, Christians, and Muslims of Medieval Spain (41:52)
“Laundry Soap” by Priscilla Howe (50:55)
Brenda Wong Aoki tells the story of an unusual meeting on a San Francisco bus that didn't turn out quite like she expected. Snap judgements are easy. Opening your heart is harder, but when it happens lives can change.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Today we’re starting off with a story about a young girl filled with love who makes herself a younger brother out of wax. You'll also hear a story about a sack full of gold and the witch who's after it. You'll then enjoy a short story full of amusing wordplay. We hope the stories you hear today spark memories for you that you can share with the people you love.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Wax Child” by Eshu Bumpus on Lion in Love (2:15)
Radio Family Journal: "Eye of the Beholder" by Sam Payne (17:08)
The Daily Mix: "Polly Von" with Steven Kapp Perry (23:56)
“The Old Hag’s Long Leather Bag” by Rosie Cutrer on Mr. Bun and Other Stories (31:56)
“Bear’s Picture” by Heather Forest on Songspinner (46:40)
“Bower of Table” by Anthony Burcher on It Ain’t Right (52:55)
Joseph Bruchac tells all kinds of stories, and some of them are about Bill Greenfield, tall tale hero of the Adirondacks. This one is simply about what a good shot Bill was.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. There are times for all of us in which life doesn’t bring us quite what we expect. Sometimes that’s a good thing, like an unanticipated snow day or a present from grandma. At other times, it’s less desirable, like the sudden loss of a loved one or an unexpected illness. Life is a series of the unexpected. When life’s surprises come our way, all we can do is react the best way we know how. In today’s stories, you’ll get to hear about different kinds of people experiencing the unexpected.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Johnny Appleseed” by Jim Weiss from American Tall Tales (2:46)
Radio Family Journal: "Four Cavities" by Sam Payne (17:30)
The Daily Mix: "It's a Wonderful Life" with Andy Offutt Irwin (23:50)
“The Elf of Springtime” by Odds Bodkin from With A Twinkle in Your Eye (32:39)
“Accident” by Kevin Kling from Wonderlure! (50:28)
This is an inspiring story of which you may have heard a version yourself. This one, told by Charlotte Blake Alston, will fill you with the hope that one person can make an important difference, no matter how small that difference can sometimes seem.
There is so much in life to be grateful for! Much of what we have today came from sacrifices of those before us, and it can be exciting to learn about their stories. When we learn of our ancestors, or just those from history, we can grow to love who they were. We learn to love people that we have never met. Today’s episode features stories of family heritage and gratefulness.
On today's episode, enjoy the following stories:
“Thank You Ma’am” by Diane Ferlatte from Yes Ma’am (3:07)
Radio Family Journal: "Smoking Money" by Sam Payne (16:41)
The Daily Mix: “Three Times a Lady" with Don Shelline (22:49)
“Cholent by Laura Pershin Raynor from All Dressed Up (31:12)
“M’Dear: Loving Someone You Never Met” by Betty Ann Wylie from Pass It On: A Storyteller’s Journey (41:47)
“Electra” by Jay O’Callahan from Pill Hill Quartet (48:28)
Geraldine Buckley shares the story of a bus ride that could have ended in disaster. Instead, it holds an adventure -- and a life lesson -- for her to treasure, and to pass on.
You’re listening to The Apple Seed and today on the program you'll hear a story from Susan Struass called “Five Sparrows” that will really make you think deeply about why perform acts of kindness, and whether that means they’re still acts of kindness at all. After that you'll hear Anne Rutherford’s “Under the Bridge”, where the three billy goats gruff and the troll who lives under the bridge find common ground in an unexpected way. Finally, you'll hear “Bastianello” from Donna Washington about how a wedding party gets interrupted by the groom's desire to find the most foolish people he’s ever met. This episode will be full of love, unexpected endings, and laughter - you won’t want to miss a minute!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Five Sparrows” by Susan Struass on Dreams of Animals: Myths and Personal Stories of Animals (2:46)
The Daily Mix: "Penguin Problems" with Rachel Wadham (16:11)
“Under the Bridge” by Anne Rutherford on Living in the Driveway: Stories of Finding Our Place (25:10)
“Bastianello” by Donna Washington on Angel’s Laughter (40:34)
Colorado storyteller Pam Faro tells an old tale about a man who captures a beautiful songbird. But the songbird has a trick or two up its sleeve, and maybe getting free is as simple as giving some good advice.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Today we’re bringing you a folk tale from Liberia called “Clever Counting,” the story of a leopard who is on the search for an animal who is just as clever as she is. You’ll hear from our very own Sam Payne with a story entitled “Camelot”, about his experience with a school play when he was growing up. Odds Bodkin will tell you “The Runaway Horse”, a folk tale about a young man down on his luck. We’ll wrap it all up with Lona Bartlett’s hilarious personal tale “Heck No, We Didn’t Bury My Mother!” Thanks for joining us on the Apple Seed!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Clever Counting” by Pam Faro from Why Didn't I Think of That?: Seeking Solutions- Some Sassy, Some Silly, Some Smart (1:55)
“Camelot” by Sam Payne from Camelot (15:26)
The Daily Mix: "Stuff You Should Know" with Stewart Foster (29:36)
“The Runaway Horse” by Odds Bodkin from The Blossom Tree (37:46)
“Heck No, We Didn’t Bury My Mother!” by Lona Bartlett from Heck No, We Didn’t Bury My Mother (45:59)
Storyteller Mitch Capel tells all sorts of stories before all sorts of audiences. But he has a special place in his heart for the stories and poems of Paul Lawrence Dunbar, one of the first African-American writers to gain an international reputation. This poem, called "The Unsung Heroes," commemorates the formerly enslaved Americans who joined the Union army to fight in the American Civil War.
War touches every life in every nation. Memorial Day is an opportunity to reflect on the lives of those who paid a terrible price in order to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. It's also an opportunity for family gatherings. And if those gatherings happen to involve honoring those we've lost, all the better. Whatever plans you have this Memorial Day, we hope the stories we bring you will spark memories for you of people you know who have fought for this country.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Accentuate the Positive” by Bob Reiser from Chopped Herring and Other Brooklyn Tales (3:40)
“53 Years and 2 Wars” by Dolores Hydock from In her own Fashion: From the Stories of Ninette Griffith (16:05)
Radio Family Journal: "Jessie" by Sam Payne (27:17)
“Father Joe” by Jay O’Callahan from Dancing with Fire (34:49)
“Tribute at Butaritari” by Pat Mendoza from Peace Talk: The Other Side of the Story (52:10)
Seems like everyone wants to control the music in the car when the family hits the road. This is a story for just such folks as that, from the great storyteller and songwriter Bill Harley.
Today we’re starting things off with an adorable friendship with The Storycrafters', “Polar Bear & Hunting Dog”, where Polar Bear and Hunting Dog form a strong friendship that will get tested as they face the coldest winter yet. Then we’ll enjoy an entry in the radio family journal and a conversation with a friend. Following that we’ll hear Susan Reed’s, “The Boy Who Drew Cats” about how a strange obsession can become a life saving advantage. Next up is Martha Hamilton’s, “Who Will Close the Door” about how far a couple is willing to go in order to save their own pride. Finally, we’ll close with Charlotte Blake-Alston’s, “Healing Hands”, an inspiring story about finding one’s talents.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Polar Bear & Hunting Dog” by The Storycrafters on Gather Round the Fire (2:36)
Radio Family Journal: "Practicing the Piano and Remembering by Sam Payne (16:05)
The Daily Mix: "Opening Doors" with Antonio Sacre (23:08)
“The Boy Who Drew Cats” by Heather Forest on Wonder Tales From Around the World (31:49)
“Who Will Close the Door” by Martha Hamilton with Mitch Weiss on Stories in my Pocket Tales Kids Can Tell (42:46)
“Healing Hands” by Charlotte Blake-Alston on Wadin’ in the Water (47:10)
The sun and moon are very different, but at one time they were married. They had many children, which were the stars. That's the setup for this old tale about how the blue moon came to be. Get the rest of the story from Dolores Hydock, in today's Apple Seed Extra.
There’s something magical and mystical about trees. They appear in many fantasies as symbols of wisdom, or power, or mystery. Sometimes they create a dark wood, sometimes they filter light down to those willing to receive it. Trees provide life to many animals and environments. They can be ancient, sometimes thousands of years old, their years hinting at wisdom hidden among their branches. Whatever it is about trees that makes them so fascinating, they are special organisms that help shape the earth in many ways. Join us as we bring you stories about trees, animals, and the moon.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Name of the Tree” by Stephanie Beneteau from Dreaming Tall: Stories for Growing Girls (3:32)
Radio Family Journal - "The Princess and the Clone Trooper" by Sam Payne (16:28)
The Daily Mix: "Johnny Mann Singers" with Mark Wait (22:45)
“Hot Diggity Saves the Day” by Alan Hoal from Why I Don’t Fish Anymore (30:40)
“Cheep and Cackle” by Priscilla Howe from Chickens! And Other Stories for Young Listeners (47:11)
"Holding Up the Sky" by Sarah Malone from Peace Tale for Kids (52:48)
In today's Apple Seed Extra, an old folktale in which a man has to deal with the loss of his most prized possession: a beautiful axe. What's your most prized possession? How would you feel if you lost it?
Welcome to The Apple Seed, some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. The words we say have power, as do the actions we take. When we communicate with other people, it is up to us whether or not we will be honest or lie, whether we will hurt them or help them. In today’s stories, we will be exploring this idea a lot, as we watch the effects of truth and lies, tricks and practical jokes.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“La Mariposa” by Donna Washington from A Tureen of Tales (2:42)
Radio Family Journal: "Stilts" by Sam Payne (15:55)
The Daily Mix: "The Arrival" with Paul Ricks (22:42)
“Messenger to Maftam” by Odds Bodkin from With A Twinkle in Your Eye (30:48)
“Pat and the Mule Egg” by Christopher Leebrick from Good Stories from All Over (44:32)
"Sr. Coyote" by Glenda Bonin from Winston the Wide Mouth Frog and Other Fantastic Folktales (48:37)
Leeny del Seamonds tells the story of how a phrase came into her life as a kid. The phrase -- one you may have heard -- was "It takes to to tango, it takes two to tangle." She'll explain those phrases in this tender family story.
Stories come from all over the world! Some stories teach us, some make us laugh, but some of them make us scratch our heads and think just a little harder about their message. In the end, there is something we can all learn from hearing a good tale. Today’s episode brings us a tale from Japan, a personal story that we can all relate to, and more stories for your enjoyment.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Suki” by Leeny Del Seamonds from Cello Tales: The Melding of Music, Myth & Memories (2:50)
Radio Family Journal: "Musical Kindergarten" by Sam Payne (16:50)
The Daily Mix: "Wicked Game" with Cielle Salazar (22:54)
“Two Frogs” by Len Cabral from It’s How You Say It (30:50)
“The Titanic and the Mummy’s Curse” by David Holt from Mostly Ghostly Stories (35:33)
“The Girl and the Moon Man” by Noa Baum from Far Away and Close to Home (44:27)
Donna Ingham has a mantlepiece full of trophies for her big lies -- tall tales, many of which you've enjoyed right here on The Apple Seed. But not every tale Donna tells is all that tall. Some of them are true as true. Here's a family story from one of our favorite tellers.
"How easily happiness begins by dicing onions.” So said the poet William Matthews. How easy is it to find happiness? Maybe just as simple as dicing onions, cleaning your room, taking a walk, or listening to a good story. We hope you find some happiness on today’s episode. Our first story is “Onions,” by Cindy Rivka Marshall, a story of a girl finding her way in the world with the help of a bag of onions. You’ll hear “Half Chick” by Tim Lowry, the story of a strange little chicken, and “Mollie Bailey Was a Spy,” by Donna Ingham, about a circus performer who doubled as a spy. We’ll wrap it all up with “Colorin Colorado,” a story that a father uses to comfort his son, told by Pam Faro. It’s all coming up today on the Apple Seed!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Onions” by Cindy Rivka Marshall from By the River- Women's Voices in Jewish Stories (2:36)
Radio Family Journal: "Castle" by Sam Payne (16:24)
The Daily Mix: "The Sandlot" with Rod Gustafson (23:44)
“Half Chick” by Tim Lowry from The Elephant’s Child and Other Animal Stories (32:23)
“Mollie Bailey Was a Spy” by Donna Ingham from Historically Speaking (40:12)
“Colorin Colorado” by Pam Faro from Why Didn't I Think of That?: Seeking Solutions- Some Sassy, Some Silly, Some Smart (46:39)
Do you love to sing? Bill Harley loves to sing, and and he's not afraid to sing about how much he loves to sing. Here's a tune from a great storyteller and songwriter that'll have you singing along.
Stories have been passed down from generation to generation. Each one is full of lessons that we can carry with us through our lives. Some entertain us and tell fun tales, while others tug at our heart strings and help us experience human emotions. These tales are a mix of tall tales, personal tales, and more that share important life lessons with us.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following stories:
“The Nightingale” by Heather Forest from The Eye of the Beholder (2:37)
Radio Family Journal: "Incredible Hulk" by Sam Payne (17:34)
The Daily Mix: "Cars" with Andy Offutt Irwin (23:56)
“Finding Folklore/Bile Them Cabbage Down” by Dolores Hydock from Footprint on the Sky: Memories of a Chandler Mountain Spring (33:12)
“The Stonecutter” by Laura Deal from The Diffendaffer Taffy Café (43:52)
“Question of Balance” by Karen Golden from Pass It On: A Journey Through the Jewish Holidays in Story and Song (47:55)
Tim Lowry shares this old story about a little frog with a big mouth. It's a mouth full of questions, and that mouth full of questions is almost the frog's undoing! An old adventure made new by a great storyteller.
Welcome to The Apple Seed, filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Have you ever looked at a close-up picture of a walnut? If you have, you probably know that it looks kind of like a brain. Have you ever seen a shadow cross your closet that you thought was a monster, but it turns out it was just a coat? When we see things at first glance, we can make snap judgements. But sometimes in life, things are not quite as they seem. Today’s stories are about just that.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Treasure Thief” by Judith Heineman from The Magic Carpet: Songs and Stories from Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt (2:15)
Radio Family Journal: "Calmer Swimming" by Sam Payne (17:02)
The Daily Mix: "Traveling Songs" with Steven Kapp Perry (21:20)
“The Beaming Maiden” by Beatrice Bowles from Heaven’s A Garden in the Heart (28:48)
“The Exploding Frog” by Donna Washington from Live and Learn: The Exploding Frog and other Stories (39:30)
“Bobo and the Baseballs” by Dan Keding from The Gypsy Wagon and Other Neighborhood Tales (46:56)
Tall tale-teller Bil Lepp shares just a bit of a longer story called "Book Report." In this excerpt, Bil and his pals try a practical joke involving a couple of walkie talkies and a couple of drive-thru windows.
Welcome to another episode of The Apple Seed! Starting off the hour we’ve got “Anansi and the Rain Cloud” by Big Joe Pagliuca about the beloved trickster, Anansi the Spider and how he’ll try to save his farm during a terrible draught. After that we’ll enjoy an entry in the radio family journal followed by a conversation with a friend. Then we’ll hear Dovie Thomason’s “Dog’s Tails”, a story from the Iroqois people about man’s best friend.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Anansi and the Rain Cloud” by Big Joe Pagliuca from Silly Stories (2:18)
Radio Family Journal: "Family Dinner" by Sam Payne (14:45)
The Daily Mix: "William Joyce" with Teresa Love (20:42)
“Dog’s Tails” by Dovie Thomason from Voices of the Animal People (28:42)
“Hide the Salami” by Bob Reiser on Chopped Herring and Other Brooklyn Tales (39:23)
“The Golden Goose” by Jenni Cargill-Strong on Reaching for the Moon and Other Wisdom Tales (50:56)
Susan Strauss shares a story of a kid who finds wonder and richness in the tiny world of bugs -- a world we sometimes ignore. It's a kid who winds up with a nickname he loves: "Willie the Bug Man."
It’s the Apple Seed! We’re so excited for the lineup of stories we’re bringing you today; it’s going to be a good one. We’ll start with a tall tale by Bil Lepp about his experience on an airplane called “Impossible Under Adverse Conditions.” You’ll get to hear David Holt sing “Born to Ride” and tell the story David's early experiences traveling the South and gathering stories and songs from the old-time folk musicians. Finally, you’ll hear a personal story from John McCutcheon about learning to forgive. It’s all coming to you today on the Apple Seed!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Impossible Under Adverse Conditions” by Bil Lepp from Timp 2013 (2:51)
Radio Family Journal: "Death Star Trooper" by Sam Payne (15:16)
The Daily Mix: "American Scandal" with Cielle Salazar (21:36)
“Bound to Ride” and “Too Loose, Kentucky” by David Holt from Live and Kickin’ at the National Storytelling Festival (29:33)
“Robbery/Forgive us” by John McCutcheon from Untold/Unsung (36:43)
Heather Forest tells the story of a boy whose mother makes him a special cap. The cap it so special, in fact, that everyone seems to want it. Will the boy swap it for any of the marvelous things on trade?
If you could have one superpower, what would you choose? Would you be super smart? Super fast? Super strong? Which do you think would help you escape a giant, people-eating monster? It probably depends on the situation. If the monster was chasing you, super speed would have to be the ticket. But if it was hunting you, super smarts probably would win the game. And if you were fighting it? Well, super strength would be useful there. Of course, the best would be a combination of sorts. Today we have a story of two sisters who work together to defeat a giant monster, along with stories from tellers like Odds Bodkin, Heather Forest, and other guests.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“People Eating Monster” by Yvonne Healy from Stories at the Heart of the World (3:35)
Radio Family Journal: "From Winnemucca to Mordor" (15:27)
The Daily Mix: "The Presidents" with Cole Wissinger (21:38)
“The Wise Little Girl” by Odds Bodkin from The Wise Little Girl (29:52)
"Fear" by Dan Keding from Wisdom and Wayfaring (53:11)
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 10 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
James, Max, Morgan, and their friends make their final stand against impossible odds in the exciting conclusion to the time-traveling, swashbuckling adventure based on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel.
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 9 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
A vanful of unlikely heroes makes its move to thwart Kinkade on his own turf: a secret lab full of enough tech to make Max drool. But throwing a wrench into the works of a piratical villain like Kinkade is no picnic, and James, Max, and Morgan find themselves underwater before they know it!
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 8 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
After just escaping pirate mutineers in the 18th century, it's out of the frying pan and into the fire as our heroes find themselves face-to-face with Frank Kinkade. They get an up-close and personal look at their old enemy's operation -- a look that's altogether unwelcome.
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 7 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
In this episode, find out how Ben Gunn got to the Island, and learn whether or not there's any hope for Max, who made a real pirate of himself in episode 6!
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 6 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
In the wake of a mutiny, James, Morgan, and Max are divided. For those who remained loyal to Captain Bonnie O'Rourke, it's a quick trip into the drink! Once off the ship, our heroes strike out on land, exploring the mysterious island, and discovering a few surprises that no one could have expected!
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 5 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
In episode 5, James, Morgan, Max, and Captain Bonnie find themselves in the middle of the acting out of the terrifying plot of Long John Silver and his piratical band. Will mutiny be the end of the adventure?
BYUradio, in partnership with Gen Z Media, is pleased to bring you part 4 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020. It's a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
On today's episode, James, Morgan, and Max, together with the mysterious Long John Silver and the irrepressible Captain Bonnie O'Rourke set sail in the Hispaniola, bound for treasure. But whether it's an angry mob accosting them at the dock, or a massive storm brewing on the high seas, this adventure is going to be tricky to get underway!
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 3 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
In episode 3, James, Morgan, and Max find themselves face to face with Long John Silver. He's a one-legged, seafaring man, but surely not the one Billy Bones warned them about, right? With Silver as their guide, they look to charter a ship that will help them find Billy's treasure. It's tougher, though, than it sounds. Will the adventure end before it even begins?
BYUradio, in partnership with Gen Z Media, is pleased to bring you part 2 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
Just as James and his friends begin to unravel the mystery of Billy Bones, new questions arise -- like a warning to beware a one-legged, seafaring man. A daring escape from Frank Kinkade sends the kids more than they bargained for, and an encounter with the mysterious vortex.
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 1 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
In part 1 of Treasure Island 2020, young James Hawkins -- who helps his mother, Cynthia, operate a lonely motel in Montauk, New York -- discovers a stranger on the beach who looks suspiciously like a pirate. Together with friends Morgan and Max, James begins to find himself at the center of a mystery that includes not only the newcomer (an outlandish figure named Bily Bones), but also the world famous underwater explorer Frank Kinkade. What could an assortment of characters like that want with James and his Mom?
Kim Weitkamp is a terrific storyteller, a wonderful singer-songwriter, and a long-time friend of The Apple Seed. Here, she'll help you celebrate your mom with a song perfect for Mother's Day.
On today's episode of The Apple Seed we're celebrating mothers. Mother’s Day first became a U.S. holiday in 1914 due to the efforts of a woman named Anna Jarvis who had lost her own mother just a few years earlier. Anna Jarvis said that the holiday was made to honor the sacrifices of mothers for their children. But humans have been celebrating mothers for much longer than that. Most notably, the ancient Greeks and Romans celebrated “Mothering Sunday” where they held entire festivals to honor the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele. As the years passed and the celebration merged with other parts of the world, Mothering Sunday came to fall on the fourth Sunday in Lent when citizens would return to their “mother church” for a special service. Fast forward a few more years and Mother’s Day as we practice it now in America usually looks like giving gifts, cards, and breakfast in bed to our mothers in order to show them how much we love them. We here at The Apple Seed celebrate Mother’s Day in the way that feels most meaningful and natural to us - through stories! So join us for tales from Dolores Hydock, Linda Gorham, Doug Elliott, Pete Griffin, and Bill Harley, all about mothers and the joy they bring to our lives.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Occam’s Razor” by Dolores Hydock on In-Laws and Outlaws: Family Stories (2:30)
Radio Family Journal: "What I Remember About My Mom" by Sam Payne (17:26)
“Help Me Mama” by Linda Gorham on Common Sense ... and Uncommon Fun! (23:02)
“Roosevelt and Irs Lee” by Doug Elliott on Bullfrogs On Your Mind: Stories, Songs, Adventures from the Swamps to the Henhouse (33:30)
“You’ll Never Take Me Alive” by Pete Griffin on The Skunk Whisperer (39:48)
“50 Ways to Fool Your Mother” by Bill Harley on Play It Again (47:02)
"Wedding Moment" by Sam Payne (50:42)
For the spider fan, there's always a story about Anansi, the West African trickster character. In this version of an old tale, you'll hear how the spider is responsible for bringing common sense into the world.
If you had three wishes, how would you use them? Would you wish for money? Fame? Would you help heal those in hospitals? Maybe end world hunger? But what would happen if you only had one wish? No exceptions, no take backs, you make one wish and then it’s gone? It might be worth taking some time to step back and consider before you accidentally squander that one wish on something that isn’t worthwhile. On today's episode of The Apple Seed we have a story about just such a situation from Simon Brooks. We'll also bring you stories from Eshu Bumpus, Karen Golden, and others.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“One Wish” by Simon Brooks from More Second-Hand Tales (5:05)
Radio Family Journal: "Claire's Stunt Double" by Sam Payne (16:04)
The Daily Mix: "Someone Else's Story" with Steven Kapp Perry (22:22)
“Singing Goose” by Eshu Bumpus from Lion in Love (30:34)
“Thank You, Mrs. Minnick” by Regi Carpenter from Bendable Barbie (38:15)
“Tale of Two Brothers” by Karen Golden from Pass it On: A Journey Through the Jewish Holidays in Story and Song (46:00)
"Is Not Is Too" by Bill Harley from Play it Again (53:36)
From a collection of original fables by Bob Reiser, the story of an insecure flower. Inside this story is a lesson worth talking about. Listen to the story, and talk about what it's trying to teach you. That's what a fable is for.
Life is full of ups and downs; some moments are crazier than others. One could call this crazy adventure of life a circus! With unexpected twists and turns here and there, you never know what life will have in store next. Today’s episode features stories that bring back memories of the many adventures we all encounter in life: stories about family, dreams, and much more. We hope you enjoy reminiscing with us about these small and simple moments through this crazy circus of life.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Most of What I Know About True Love” by Dolores Hydock from In-Laws and Outlaws: Family Stories (3:28)
Radio Family Journal: "Building the Bookshelf" by Sam Payne (18:47)
The Daily Mix: “October Sky” with Rod Gustafson (25:03)
“Circus of Life” by David Claunch from Circus of Life (33:00)
“Boy’s Band” by Makia Malo (48:27)
Priscilla Howe shares a Bulgarian folk tale about a town with a mouse problem. There's someone willing to help, but can the helper be trusted to have the town's best interests at heart?
It’s the Apple Seed! We’re so excited for the lineup of stories we’re bringing you today; it’s going to be a good one. We’ll start with Lani Peterson’s “Dancing with the Stars” a story of starlit nights and childlike wonder. You’ll hear the hilarious story of Catherine Conant’s Uncle Louis and how good luck followed him for all of his life, right up to the moment he died. You’ll hear about Anansi and Turtle from Priscilla Howe, two friends who know just how to push each other’s buttons. And finally you’ll hear Kevin Kling reminisce about a childhood experience with fear and how he carried that with him into adulthood. All stories of wonder, humor, and heart - you won’t want to miss any of it here on the Apple Seed!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Dancing with the Stars” by Lani Peterson from Stories Within (2:56)
Radio Family Journal: "Sketchbook" by Sam Payne (17:40)
Daily Mix: "99% Invisible" with Stewart Foster (22:43)
“Uncle Louis” by Catherine Conant from Timp 2017 (32:29)
“Fear” by Kevin Kling from A Fool’s Paradise (48:58)
Trying to make a buck is one thing, but charging for the smell coming from the baking of bread? Zette Harbour shares an old folk tale about turning the tables on a greedy baker.
One of the greatest joys in this life is the joy of friendship. Sometimes our friends are the people we meet at school. Sometimes they’re people we meet doing things we love, or people we work with. Sometimes, they’re the members of our very own families. However friends come into our lives, it’s important that we do our part to maintain those friendships, and show those people that we love them. In today’s stories, we’ll see a lot of different kinds of friendships, and how the actions of the friends affect those relationships.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Crane Wife” by Zette Harbour from Story Harbour (2:27)
Radio Family Journal: "Double Batch" by Sam Payne (15:35)
The Daily Mix: "Scary Stories For Young Foxes" with Rachel Wadham (22:08)
“Trying to Get Rid of Miss Annie” by Donald Davis from That’s What Mama’s Do (30:32)
“How the Whale Got His Throat” by Jim Weiss from A Collection of Just So Stories as Read by Jim Weiss (47:20)
Judith Heineman shares an ancient tale about Sekhmet, the Lioness Goddess, and the troubled way in which love came into the world as a blessing and a hardship.
It’s time for the Apple Seed! Some time every day filled with stories for you and your family. Today we are bringing you a collection of mythology stories from all over the world, including Greece, Persia, Egypt, and more. All kinds of tales from all kinds of tellers. Coming up, we have a variety of myths told in all kinds of ways for you to enjoy. Today we’ll be hearing from storytellers like Willy Claflin, Fran Stallings, Milbre Burch, and The Storytellers.
On today’s episode of The Apple Seed, enjoy the following stories:
“Pegamoose and the Gorgonzola Medusa” by Willy Claflin from Maynard Moose Live at the Storytelling Festival (2:49)
Radio Family Journal: "Motorcycle" by Sam Payne (17:09)
The Daily Mix: "Falling in Love with Food" with Colton Soelberg (22:26)
“The Naga” by The Storytellers from Gather Round the Fire (30:23)
“Good? Bad? Midas” by Fran Stallings from Stories and Songs for a Green Earth (45:22)
“Rhodopis” Milbre Burch from If the Shoe Fits: Cinderella Stories from Around the World (48:52)
One of America's storytelling pioneers shares a true story of a friend who has the good fortune of associating with someone who sees good luck wherever he looks, even in the most ordinary stuff.
Welcome to The Apple Seed, some time full of stories for you and your family to enjoy. Since 2013, we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales, and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Have you ever been in a situation where you just didn’t know what to do? Has it ever seemed to you that no matter how many things you did right, life just kept throwing curveballs? Well, today’s episode is filled with stories of people trying to muddle their way through, even when things aren’t going as planned or expected.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Luckless One” by Jenni Cargill-Strong (2:37)
Radio Family Journal: "Skyler's Drink" by Sam Payne (16:00)
The Daily Mix: "Shock the Monkey" with Mark Wait (22:23)
“The Perilous Pomegranate” by Beatrice Bowles from Heaven’s Garden in the Heart (30:20)
“Jack and the Roudy Davis Boys” by Ed Stivender from Timp 2017 (40:36)
South Carolina storyteller Tim Lowry shares an old tale about a boy in pretty bad need of a bath. But before he gets clean, he has to come up with some soap. Seems simple enough, right? Don't be so sure. There's a rollicking story there.
Spring is in the air! We’re saying goodbye to Winter and hello to a fresh new start with stories that inspire hope and make you want to sing. We’ll start with “Spring” by Tim Lowry, in which he’ll share memories that remind him of Spring in his native South Carolina. Next you’ll hear Dan Keding’s story of a thief who found redemption and a start at a new life. We’ll wrap it all up with a medley of songs from John McCutcheon, where he’ll reminisce about becoming a grandfather and watching his children grow up. We hope you’ll find some hope in these stories and some joy in Springtime on today’s episode of the Apple Seed!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Spring” by Tim Lowry from My Favorite Time of Year (3:48)
Radio Family Journal: "The View" by Sam Payne (17:37)
The Daily Mix: "Spring" with Teresa Love (23:26)
"The Thief” by Dan Keding from Promises Kept, Promises Broken (32:36)
“Kindergarten Wall, Grandpa Song, and Room at the Top of the Stair” by John McCutcheon from Tales from Timp 2012 (41:05)
Laura Simms tells all kinds of tales, including animal tales (or are they animal "tails"?) gathered from all over the world. Here's a story about a couple of animal colleagues -- and dancing.
It’s The Apple Seed, filled with stories for you and your family - tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. Today we’re bringing you “The Little Girl and the Gunny Wolf”, an old folk told by Tim Lowry. You’ll also hear a not-so-spooky tale about a toe from Rosie Cutrer called "My Toe, as well as a delightful little tale from Clown Ambassador, David Claunch, called "Jack & the Animals". We hope the stories you hear - no matter how fantastical - will spark memories for you that you can share with the people you love.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Little Girl and the Gunny Wolf” by Len Cabral on Ananzi (2:52)
Radio Family Journals: "Earth Shoes" by Sam Payne (17:00)
The Daily Mix: "The Story Pirates Podcast" with Richie Steadman (23:22)
“My Toe” by Rosie Cutrer on The Blackthorn Walking Stick and Other Tales (31:42)
“Jack & The Animals” by David H. Claunch on The Circus of Life (42:18)
The beloved storyteller Beth Horner shares a story that will bring back fond memories of family, fun, and learning to swim. Those memories are worth sharing, and we hope hearing Beth's story will make you want to share you own.
Einstein once said that "imagination is more important than intelligence." We often hear that from art teachers, but one of the greatest scientists the world has ever known? He might just be onto something. Without imagination, how could we ever discover something new? How could we ever become better, and make the world better along with us? Stories are often full of imagination. Sometimes they really happened, sometimes they’re fantastic, but whatever they are, they can help us expand our reality and imagine new frontiers in our own lives. Today we have stories from Pam Faro, Priscilla Howe, Kevin Kling, and more.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Slops” by Pam Faro from Why Didn’t I Think of That? Seeking Solutions - Some Sassy, Some Silly, Some Smart (2:37)
Radio Family Journal: "Shelline Party" by Sam Payne (17:08)
The Daily Mix: “Secondhand Lions” with Rod Gustafson (23:19)
“Ruby Bridges” by Kate Dudding from Fighting for Our Rights - American Women Mid 20th Century (31:12)
“The Belly Button Bird” by Priscilla Howe from The Best (And Worst) of Beasts (45:44)
“Demo Derby” by Kevin Kling from Wonderlure! (51:12)
In this story by Mark Binder, a boy learns a thing or two about happiness with some magical help and some gold coins.
When you're a kid, some places just seem so magical. And usually, the more mysterious a place is, the more magical and tempting it is to go there. That’s exactly how Bill Harley felt as an elementary schooler about the teachers' lounge. Bill was familiar with every other room in the school, but the teachers' lounge was like an alien planet. In his story, "The Teachers' Lounge", Bill catches a glimpse of this mysterious room, and also learns a thing or two about bravery and friendship. You'll also hear from Bil Lepp and Jill Lamede. We hope the stories we bring you today - and every day - spark memories for you that you can share with the people that you love.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Woodpeckers Just Don’t Make the Best Pets” by Bil Lepp on Mayhem Dressed Like an Eight Point Buck (1:46)
Radio Family Journal: "Passing Notes" by Sam Payne (14:13)
The Daily Mix: "Grandma's Beans" with Antonio Sacre (20:09)
“The Teacher’s Lounge” by Bill Harley on The Teacher’s Lounge (29:08)
“The Caged Bird” by Jill Lamede on Stories from the Tintagel Storyteller (53:17)
Every cowboy thinks he has what it takes to tame a wild beast, but this Strawberry Roan is particularly unruly. Enjoy this tale, cast in the shape of a cowboy poem by Ted Dennison.
Learning to ride a bike is something most people can relate to. Sometimes it starts with training wheels and a lot of practice. Others may have been pushed by their parents down the road until they could balance. Still others may have learned on a grassy hill. Whatever the method, most people don’t forget how to ride a bike. But most still have an experience crashing a bike. We have a story from Donna Ingham today about riding (and crashing) a bike during a trip to Europe despite her confidence, along with stories from Laura K. Deal, Fran Yardley, Jenni Cargill Strong, and others.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Bicycle Story” by Donna Ingham from Waiting for Roy & Other Family Tales (2:00)
Radio Family Journal: "The Night Watchmen" by Sam Payne (14:48)
The Daily Mix: "Expecting to Fly" with Don Shelline (21:22)
“The Emperor’s Flowers” by Laura K. Deal from The Diffendaffer Taffy Cafe (29:03)
“Galileo Trail” by Pete Griffin from Welcome to Alaska: Tales from the Tongass Forest & Beyond (35:01)
“Needles, the Adirondack Porcupine” by Fran Yardley from May I Have This Dance (39:56)
“The Legend of the First Strawberry” by Jenni Cargill-Strong from Reaching for the Moon and Other Wisdom Tales (47:52)
Margaret Read MacDonald is beloved as a librarian all over the world. SHe's beloved as a storyteller too, and this story is just one of hundreds in her pocket.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. In this life, we all have talents and gifts of different sorts. Some of us are good at singing or dancing, while others of us are very kind. Whatever our talents, we all have something to share in this world. This works out great, because no one’s good at everything. When we find ourselves in a situation where our talents can’t help us, we can always reach out and ask others for help. In today’s stories, we’ll see how useful it is to get help when we need it, and give help to others when it’s our turn.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Strawberries in Winter” by Dan Keding from Strawberries in Winter (1:27)
Radio Family Journal: "Church Jobs" by Same Payne (12:47)
The Daily Mix: "The Fountains of Silence" with Rachel Wadham (19:27)
“Sharing the Gold” by Dolores Hydock from Perfect Match (27:25)
“Tebo and His Pet Fish” by Christopher Leebrick from Good Stories from All Over (43:36)
“The Swan Tenor” by Bob Reiser from Foibles and Fiddlesticks: Fables for Grownups (48:03)
John McCutcheon has recorded more than 40 albums of original music, including one called "Cabin Fever," written and recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. A guy like that knows a thing or two, and this lovely song makes it clear.
It’s The Apple Seed, filled with stories for you and your family - tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. Today we’re bringing you “The Elephant’s Child”, an old folk tale retold by Tim Lowry. You’ll also hear Donald Davis’ personal story of how his uncle faced hardship by using the simple motto “Keep A-Going!” We’ll wrap up with a story from John McCutcheon about his experiences performing in Sydney Australia. These are stories of hope, friendship, and moving forward - it's all coming to you today on the Apple Seed!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Elephant's Child” by Tim Lowry from The Elephant's Child and Other Stories (1:37)
Radio Family Journal: "Beaumont" by Sam Payne (13:46)
The Daily Mix: "The Truth" with Stewart Foster (19:13)
“Keep A-Going!” by Donald Davis from I Wouldn’t Tell this to Just Anybody (27:28)
“Sydney/Joe Hill” by John McCutcheon from Untold/Unsung (45:25)
Grammy-winner David Holt has told stories and sung songs to happy audiences for decades. Here's a performance of a classic, to help you get up and shine!
It’s time for The Apple Seed, a show filled with stories for you and your family. For years we’ve been bringing you all kinds of stories for your enjoyment and pleasure; all kinds of tales from all kinds of tellers. On today’s episode, we’ve got a variety of stories for you from tellers like Michael Katz, Laura Simms, Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss, and Ed Stivender. Along with these we’ll also have an entry in the Radio Family Journal and a conversation with one of our friends.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Garment for the Moon” by Michael Katz from Far Away and Close to Home: Magical and Mystical Tales from Around the World (1:08)
Radio Family Journal: "Mall Shoes" by Sam Payne (16:00)
The Daily Mix: "Galaxy Quest" with Rod Gustafson (21:37)
“The Girl Who Walks in Moonlight” by Laura Simms from Making Peace ~ Heart Uprising (29:55)
“Two Brothers, Two Rewards” by Martha Hamilton from How & Why Stories World Tales Kids Can Tell (43:20)
“Acres of Diamonds” Ed Stivender from And Once Again… (48:04)
Award-winning storyteller and musician Susan Reed always has something up her sleeve to warm your heart and open your mind. Here's a song that will help you believe in the dreams that are sometimes hard to hang onto.
It’s time for The Apple Seed, filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Today’s episode features stories that follow your biggest childhood dreams. Stories from tellers such as Rosie Cutrer, Joel ben Izzy, Mary Grace Ketner, Susan Reed, and more. We hope these stories spark memories of your childhood dreams, and that they inspire new dreams for the future.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Lois Lane” by Rosie Cutrer from The Blackthorn Walking Stick and Other Tales (2:03)
Radio Family Journal: "Grasshopper" by Sam Payne (18:42)
The Daily Mix: "The Family Meal" with Colton Soelberg (24:00)
“Buried Treasure” by Joel ben Izzy from Buried Treasures: A Storyteller’s Journey (32:35)
“The Peddler of Swafham” by Mary Grace Ketner from 1001 Years of 1001 Nights (49:25)
Regina Ress would describe herself as being in a "long-term relationship" with New York City. In this story, from a collection of New York stories, she explains what she loves about the city that never sleeps.
Today we’ve got a special hour of stories coming your way starting with a tale from Jenni Cargill-Strong. Jenni Cargill-Strong is an Australian storyteller who has accumulated five award-winning albums, more stories than we’d even know what to do with – all of them original, ancestral, and contain lots of wisdom. Now, Jenni Cargill-Strong is ready to share some of that wisdom with us in her story, “The Monkey’s Heart” which comes from India. In this adventure, a young monkey and a young crocodile are friends until one day the crocodile’s mother says that the young croc must betray the monkey and bring back the monkey’s heart. But don’t fret for the monkey just yet because a quick wit can make the difference between getting lunch, and being lunch. Afterward, we’ll enjoy stories from Stephanie Beneteau, Dovie Thomason, Anne Rutherford, and as always, an entry in the radio family journal and a conversation with a friend. You won’t want to miss a second!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Monkey’s Heart” by Jenni Cargill-Strong on Reaching for the Moon (1:35)
Radio Family Journal: "Smaug" by Sam Payne (15:05)
The Daily Mix: "The Worst Pies in London" with Steven Kapp Perry (21:05)
“The Wood Maiden” by Stephanie Beneteau on Dreaming Tall: Stories for Growing Girls (29:45)
“Frog’s Teeth” by Dovie Thomason on Voices of the Animal People (40:48)
“Moonwatching with Grandma” by Anne Rutherford on On the Great Pacific Flyway: Songs and Stories Celebrating Portland's Migratory Birds (51:40)
Barbara McBride-Smith tells of a time when the radio offered all kinds of entertainment, including radio preachers who could unwittingly be more comical than inspiring.
Welcome to The Apple Seed, filled with all kinds of stories for you and your family - tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. Today we’re bringing you Geraldine Buckley’s personal experience with becoming the chaplain of the largest high-security men’s prison in Maryland. You’ll hear Barbara McBride-Smith's story of her mother’s button box. You’ll get to hear about Brer Possum and his “friend” the snake as told by Donna Washington. And we’ll wrap it all up with Syd Lieberman’s timeless story of love, romance, and making a life together in “Marriage, A Fable.”
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Tea in the Slammer” by Geraldine Buckley from Tea in the Slammer (2:07)
Radio Family Journal: "Purple Marker" (15:18)
The Daily Mix: "New Kid" with Gene Nelson (20:30)
“The Button Box” and “A Cowboy Was on the Lid” by Barbara McBride-Smith from The Button Box (28:32)
“Brer Possum & The Snake” by Donna Washington from Troubling Trouble (41:45)
“Marriage, A Fable” by Syd Lieberman from The Old Man and Other Stories (52:21)
You've heard the old fable about the tortoise and the hare, in which the tortoise wins through sheer steadiness. In this Cherokee tale told by Joseph Stands With Many, Turtle has to be more tricky to win.
Welcome to The Apple Seed, filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. In today’s episode you’ll hear stories about Snow White, a ghost dog, and a young person who made a big difference.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Snow White and Rose Red” by Susan Strauss from Dreams of Animals: Myths and Personal Stories of Animals (2:22)
Radio Family Journal: "Bucket of Fish" (17:02)
The Daily Mix: "The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd" (22:50)
“Ghost Dog” by Brian “Fox” Ellis from Under an Irish Oak (31:28)
“Eleven Years Old and Willing to Help” by Kate Dudding from Young People who Made a Difference (45:47)
“What Laura Couldn’t Say” by Jay O’Callahan from Dancing with Fire (51:07)
Alton Chung tells historical tales, folk tales, ghost stories, and more. This story -- part of a collection of stories from Asia -- has, at its center, an enchanted pear tree.
Welcome to The Apple Seed, some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. And today you’ll hear stories from Diane Edgecomb, Mary Grace Ketner, Joel ben Izzy, and Bill Harley. It’s our hope that the stories we share with you will spark memories for you to share with the people you love.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Old Apple Tree” by Diane Edgecomb from Pattysaurus and Other Tales (1:41)
Radio Family Journal: "Mom's Plans" by Sam Payne (14:13)
The Daily Mix: "Ramona and Beezus" with Rod Gustafson (20:25)
“The Condiment Basketball Game” by Mary Grace Ketner from Ghostly Gals and Spirited Women (28:25)
“A Tale from Jerusalem and Tokyo” by Joel ben Izzy from Stories from Far Away (39:35)
“You’re Not the Boss of Me” by Bill Harley from Play It Again (49:02)
New York storyteller Laura Simms has collected stories from all over the world. Many of them are animal stories. This one is part of a collection called "Four-legged Tales: Animal Stories from Here and Away."
Welcome to The Apple Seed, some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Have you ever been in a situation when you really needed someone to help you? Someone to get you out of a sticky situation, teach you how to do your homework, or give you a push to go ahead and do that thing you’re scared of? In today’s episode you’ll hear stories about teamwork and helping hands coming from all sorts of places.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Fox and Goldfinch” by Dovie Thomason from Voices of the Animal People (11:42)
Radio Family Journal: "Busted Sofa" by Sam Payne (5:00)
The Daily Mix: "Drumsticks" with Jeff Simpson (7:00)
“The Big Red Beet” by The Storycrafters from Bride of Classics with a Twist (9:55)
“The Mirror that Caused Trouble” by Martha Hamilton (with Mitch Weiss) from Stories in My Pocket Kids Can Tell (4:01)
“Equations” by Jay O’Callahan from Pill Hill Quartet (13:33)
Bobby Norfolk, the celebrated storyteller from St. Louis, shares a spin on a spider tale. This one is about how Ananzi the trickster tries to get more supper than he ought to, with lasting results!
You’re listening to The Apple Seed, filled with stories for you and your family. On today’s episode we’ll explore family relationships and what it means to be strong. We’ll hear from Catherine Conant about some trouble she got into as a young woman driving her dad’s car. We’ll meet “Three Strong Women” in a story from Bobby Norfolk, and then discover the true meaning of strength with a young boy who goes searching for “The Strongest Thing in the World,” told by Lyn Ford. Finally we’ll wrap things up with the story of “Handsome Bear” by Donna Washington.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Dad’s Car” by Catherine Conant from The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival (12:32)
Radio Family Journal: "Dad's Stuff" by Sam Payne (5:00)
The Daily Mix: "We Are Not Helpless" with Don Shelline (7:00)
“Three Strong Women” by Bobby Norfolk from Baby Hawk Learns to Fly: Stories about purpose, patience, confidence and courage (9:33)
“The Strongest Thing in the World” by Lyn Ford on When the Gourd Broke Common Sense Stories (10:07)
“Handsome Bear” by Donna Washington on Live and Learn: The Exploding Frog and other Stories (5:16)
Sometimes the best love stories are found in our own family histories, where simple tales about real people who lived not too long before you or I, express some of the deepest displays of love throughout all of the ups and downs of ordinary, beautiful, plain, and lovely life. Today’s story, “Dancing with Arilda” by Sam Payne comes out of his own personal family history about his grandpa and the very special love he shared with his wife.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“El Pajaro Cu Del Peru” by Leeny Del Seamonds on Ay Caramba! Ay Ay Ay! (10:42)
Radio Family Journal: "Bella's Hats" by Sam Payne (5:00)
The Daily Mix: "The Blue House" with Rachel Wadham (7:00)
“Real Baby Maybe” by Lynn Ruehlmann on Mischief! Adventures of a Daydreamy Child (10:52)
“Shoes” by Susan Reed on Songs and Stories about Family, Friendships, & Shoes (3:18)
“Dancing With Arilda” by Sam Payne on Sam Payne: Stories and Songs, LIVE (11:01)
Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss have been collecting, telling, and writing stories for more than 40 years. This story is one they collected and taught to a young friend. It's from a collectio called "How and Why: Stories Kids can Tell."
It's time for The Apple Seed, filled with stories for you and your family. We bring you all kinds of tales from all sorts of places: tall tales, fairytales, personal tales, and more! All kinds of tells from all kinds of tellers. In Shakespeare’s tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, we learned the phrase, “What’s in a name?” On today’s episode of The Apple Seed we’re bringing you stories about the names of things, creatures, and places, from storytellers Bob Reiser, Bill Harley, Liz Weir, and Dolores Hydock. We hope the stories we share with you today spark memories that you can share with the people you love, perhaps even with the people who gave you your name.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Issun Boshi) by Bob Reiser from The Story Tree (16:04)
Radio Family Journal: "Soccer" by Sam Payne (5:00)
The Daily Mix: "Ludology" with Stewart Foster (7:00)
“How the Town Around the Bend Got Its Name” by Bill Harley from The Town Around the Bend (7:20)
“Master of All Masters” by Liz Weir from Boom Chicka Boom (5:33)
“No New Story” by Dolores Hydock from It Could Happen! Stories of Hope and Possibility (11:46)
Syd Lieberman shares a memory so big it makes him burst into song, and Sam is there to hear it, a long with friends Jeff Simpson and Javob Gowans, in the Apple Seed studio.
Joseph Bruchac has told stories before live audiences, on recordings, and in the pages of books for more than four decades. Here's an old tale you'll enjoy, about a big animal and a small one.
What is the most important thing in life? To some it’s family. To others it might be being true to oneself. And still others may believe life is all about having a good time. When it comes down to it, it all depends on perspective. Today we have stories about all sorts of perspectives from all sorts of tellers. We hope you enjoy!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“A Gift from the Sea” by Lyn Ford from When the Gourd Broke: Common Sense Stories (11:38)
Radio Family Journal: "Magpie" by Sam Payne (5:00)
The Daily Mix: "Primer" with Cole Wissinger (7:00)
“Paddy and the Pooka” by Kevin Carr from King of the Pipers (18:58)
“Zig Zag Walk” by Heather Forest from The Animals Could Talk (2:19)
“The Lion Makers” by Odds Bodkin from The Evergreens (4:54)
Welcome to the Apple Seed, full of stories for you and your family to enjoy. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. On today’s episode we'll be sharing Easter memories and Easter allegories from Sam Payne, Syd Lieberman, and even Lewis Carol. We hope this story-filled half-hour will spark memories that you can share with the people you love.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Easter Ivy" by Sam Payne (8:06)
"All About Us All" by Sam Payne (3:50)
"David and Goliath" by Syd Lieberman from Joseph the Tailor and Other Jewish Tales (8:59)
"An Easter Greeting to Every Child Who Loves Alice" by Lewis Carol, read by Sam Payne (3:37)
Welcome to the Apple Seed, full of stories for you and your family to enjoy. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. In today’s episode, Spring is in the air! We’ll be bringing you stories of this hopeful season from Karen Golden, Dolores Hydock, Bil Lepp, and Sam Payne. We hope this story-filled hour will spark memories that you can share with the people you love.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Inflatable Easter Bunnies of Halfdollar” by Bil Lepp from Fire! Fire! Pants on Liar (12:04)
Radio Family Journal: "Bob Ebeling" by Sam Payne (5:00)
The Daily Mix: "Down the Garden Path" with Susan Christiansen (7:00)
"Gefilte Fish" by Karen Golden from Tales and Scales: Tales of Jewish Wisdom (10:13)
"Birthday Gift" by Dolores Hydock from Holidazed! (11:23)
You may have heard Aesop's fable about the crow flattered into giving up a hunk of cheese. Here's a fractured version, told for you by Maynard Moose, the puppet storytelling companion of storyteller Willy Claflin. Sam listens along with friends, Caroline and Ethan.
Today’s episode of The Apple Seed is full of music, class tales, and inspiring tales that are both nostalgic and relatable. We’ll start with “When I Was Ten” by Finn Billie about the complications of family relationships and how perspective can help us realize that things are often better than they seem. Then we’ll hear Fran Yardley’s, “May I Have This Dance?” about learning to love the things about yourself that make you different. Then, The Storycrafters will enchant us with “The Tortoise & Hare Rap”. Finally, we’ll end the hour with Betty Ann Wylie and her compilation of cherished tales, “Hickory Dickory Dock Gong”. You won’t want to miss a second!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“When I Was Ten” by Finn Billie from Marzipan - Stories with Music (9:13)
Radio Family Journal: "Mr. Romrell" by Sam Payne (5:00)
The Daily Mix: "Macs a la Mode" with Jenna Parker (7:00)
“May I Have This Dance” by Fran Yardley from May I Have This Dance (20:54)
“The Tortoise & Hare Rap” by The Storycrafters from Bride of Classics with a Twist (4:35)
“Sticky Sticky Pine" by Laura K. Deal from The Diffendaffer Taffy Cafe (4:05)
Welcome to the Apple Seed, full of stories for you and your family to enjoy. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. In today’s episode, we’ll be bringing you a Scottish Jack tale from Jess Smith, a Norse myth from Beatrice Bowles, a personal tale from Syd Lieberman, and an Italian folk tale from Norah Dooley. We hope this story-filled hour will spark memories that you can share with the people you love.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Cruel Miller” by Jess Smith from Dragonory (13:42)
Radio Family Journal: "Mercedes Benz" by Sam Payne (5:00)
The Daily Mix: "No Time" with Don Shelline (7:00)
“Iduna and the Magic Apples” by Beatrice Bowles from Heaven’s A Garden in the Heart (10:29)
“To Everything There Is a Season” by Syd Lieberman from LiebermanLive (9:42)
“Rozzone’s Rotten Luck” by Norah Dooley from Italian Folktales: Stories Nobody Told Me (4:51)
Have you ever felt like bad luck was following you around, and you just couldn't shake it? In this story, told for you by Dan Keding, a poor farmer finds out why things have been so tough for so long.
Many traditional tales center on being clever. Many animals are represented as being more clever than others. Some examples include foxes, Anansi the spider, and rabbits. Sometimes the trick being pulled can backfire and the trickster becomes their own downfall. Today we have stories of trickster, dimes, and woodcutters. We’ll hear from Diane Ferlatte, Cindy Rivka Marshall, and Bil Lepp. And as always, we hope these stories will inspire you to share your own stories and memories with those you love, and with us!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Brer Rabbit’s Dance” by Diane Ferlatte from Wickety Wack-Brer Rabbit is Back (13:54)
Daily Mix: “Bonnie and Clyde” with Rachel Wadham (7:01)
Radio Family Journal: “Dark Patch” by Sam Payne (5:00)
“Dimes” by Bil Lepp from King of Little Things (15:12)
“By the River” by Cindy Rivka Marshall from By the River - Women’s Voices in Jewish Stories (14:40)
“Sticky Sticky Pine” by Laura K. Deal from The Diffendaffer Taffy Cafe (4:04)
Karen Golden says she began telling stories at age three. This one, a mystery involving matzo balls for Passover, will make your mouth water.
Maynard Moose -- the puppet that is the storytelling companion of storyteller Willy Claflin -- is nearly as popular as Willy himself. Here, Willy introduces Maynard to an enthusiastic audience, and Maynard tells a tale.
You’re listening to The Apple Seed, filled with stories for you and your family. Today’s episode features Randel McGee and his pet dragon Groark telling the story of Sir George and a ferocious dragon (Groark’s favorite character). You’ll also hear one of the most famous tall tales ever told - the story of giant lumberjack named Paul Bunyan and his giant blue ox, Babe, all brought to you by Paul Weiss. Finally you’ll get the story of Lazy Jack, a very confused boy searching for a job, brought to you by Willy Claflin and Maynard Moose.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Sir George and the Dragon” by Randal McGee and Groark from Randel McGee and Groark (12:56)
Radio Family Journal: “Doober” by Sam Payne (5:00)
The Daily Mix: “Fan Theory World” with Jeff Simpson (7:00)
“Paul Bunyan” by Paul Weiss on American Tall Tales (16:46)
“Lazy Jack” by Willy Claflin and Maynard Moose on Maynard Moose Live at the National Storytelling Festival (8:59)
A key component of a story is conflict. There must be a problem that someone faces, something they want to achieve. And there must be challenges in achieving that thing or solving that problem. Those challenges can come in many forms. A natural disaster, an evil stepmother, a dragon guarding the gold, etc. We love hearing about people that go through hard things because it can help us learn how to face the hard things we face. A lot of stories remind us that in the face of evil, we can join forces with other good people and get through together. We have just such stories to listen to today, from tellers like Norah Dooley, Milbre Burch, Peter J. Parker, and others.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“In the Face of Evil” by Kate Dudding from People Who Made a Difference Vol. I (12:47)
Radio Family Journal: "Mr. Romrell" by Sam Payne (5:00)
Daily Mix: “Shadowlands” with Rod Gustafson (6:57)
“Ruby Wind” by Peter J. Parker from Panryl the Wizard (12:44)
“The Hare as Nurse to the Bear” by Milbre Burch from Because I Said So: Stories About Mothers and Kids (5:21)
“Little Daughter” by Norah Dooley from Stories from the Neighborhood; World Folk Tales (8:41)
Maybe a mole isn't exactly the role model you were looking for today, but in this song you'll hear about how kind mole is to his friends -- just like you are.
When the storyteller sees a bunch of folks standing in sticky goo, why doesn't he join them? And what is that stuff, anyway? That may be for you decide as you talk about the story once it's through!
You’re listening to The Apple Seed, filled with stories for you and your family. Today’s episode features a folk tale from Bobby Norfolk about a woman with a golden arm and the strange mystery surrounding it. You’re going to find out the real reason mosquitos buzz in people’s ears with some help from Donna Washington. You’ll hear about a friendship between two foxes in a story by Sarah Malone. And finally, Geraldine Buckley will tell you about a vacation she had with her parents in which they stayed in an exceptionally nice house owned by Liz Carpenter.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Golden Arm” by Bobby Norflok on Baby Hawk Learns to Fly: Stories about Purpose, Patience, Confidence and Courage (11:10)
The Daily Mix: “The French Laundry” by Colton Soelberg (7:00)
Radio Family Journal: “Rushing By” by Sam Payne (5:00)
“Why Mosquitos Buzz in People’s Ears” by Donna Washington on Fun, Foolery and Folktales (12:16)
“Two Foxes” by Sarah Malone on Peace Tale for Kids (4:48)
“Liz Carpenter’s High Hillside” by Geraldine Buckley on Destination? Slammer! (11:14)
Everyone knows the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. But how about the Three Pears? Wordplay and more, from Jeri Burns and Barry Marshall -- The Storycrafters.
Welcome to the Apple Seed, filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Today we’ve got a West African creation story by Donna Washington, a bedtime story by Willy Claflin and his storytelling companion, Maynard Moose, a fairy tale by the Storycrafters, a Tall Tale by Fran Stallings, and we’ll finish up with an American Folk Song from the Three D’s. We hope you’ll enjoy them as much as we enjoy bringing them to you.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“How the Animals Got Rain” by Donna Washington from Troubling Trouble (12:33)
“The Little Moose Who Couldn’t Go to Sleep” by Willy Claflin from Sleeping Beastly and Other Tales (13:04)
“The Golden Key” by the Storycrafters from Classics With a Twist (6:30)
“Pecos Bill and the Prairie-Sized Rainbow” by Fran Stallings from Stories and Songs for a Green Earth (3:37)
“Home on the Range” by The Three D’s from Songs of Our American Heritage (2:38)
It’s The Apple Seed! Some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. And today on the show we’re featuring stories of mischief. Most of us get into a bit of mischief from time to time, and some might argue that’s not always a bad thing. Just as long as nobody gets hurt, right? Perhaps the legendary Actor and Director, Orson Welles, put it best - “I don’t say we ought to all misbehave, but we ought to look as if we could."
You’re going to hear stories from Nathalie Vachon, Lynn Ruehlmann, and Donald Davis, as well as an entry in the Radio Family Journal and a conversation with a friend. It’s our hope that today’s stories will spark memories for you that you can share with the people that you love, and that maybe you’ll reflect back on the lessons you’ve learned from some of your more mischievous adventures, or rather misadventures.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Mischief and the Moon” by Nathalie Vachon from Magic and Mischief (8:18)
RFJ: “Nicole and Michelle Keller” by Sam Payne (5:00)
The Daily Mix: “10 Ways to Hear Snow” with Rachel Wadham (7:00)
“The Little Rat” by Donald Davis from Party People (19:24)
“Carving My Place” by Lynn Ruehlmann from Mischief! Adventures of a Daydreamy Child (6:35)
John McCutcheon immortalizes a few of the people who played a role in a true-life sports story from 2008 -- one that will warm your heart.
Here's a story from among the tales gathered by the Brothers Grimm. It's one of a trio of tales about tiny helpers, and it's told for you by Megan Hicks
Even if you aren’t the biggest fan of baseball, you have to admit that it has played a large role in the history of the United States. The exact origin of baseball isn’t known, but it’s generally thought to have originated from the English game of rounders. It was picked up, popularized, and changed in the U.S. over the course of decades, and remains a sporting staple for many people to this day. In today’s episode we have a few stories about baseball, and we have some other stories about campfires and Anansi the spider from tellers like Tim Lowry and Carol Birch.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Major League Pop Fly” by Slash Coleman from The Last American Gladiator (11:37)
Daily Mix: “Wandersong” with Stewart Foster (7:00)
“Cowboy Campfire” by Tim Lowry from Cowboys and Indians (10:20)
“Columbia Lou” by Carol Birch from Lou Gherig: The Story of a Great Man (6:17)
“Anansi and the Tug o’ War” by Bobby Norfolk from Anansi Time (8:16)
Today’s episode is a rollercoaster of fun, friends, and just about every feeling there is! To help you settle in, we’ll start off with the cozy and wishful story of Carol Birch’s, “The White Horse Girl and the Blue Wind Boy”. Then we’ll enjoy an entry in the radio family journal, followed by a conversation with a friend about Harry Potter. Next up will be the high-energy musical tale by The Storycrafters, “Sambalele” about a greedy monkey who must be outwitted in order to prevent him from eating all the bananas. Then we’ll travel back in time with Jim Weiss’s, “Grizzly Bears” about the adventures of Lewis, Clark, and Sacagawea on their journey west. Finally, we’ll get giggly with Fran Yardley’s, “Prinderella”, a retelling of the classic Cinderella story - but this time with silly spoonerisms! You won’t want to miss a minute!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following: “The White Horse Girl and the Blue Wind Boy” by Carol Birch on Sandburg Outloud (9:40) “Sambalele” by The Storycrafters on Classics With a Twist (20:10) “Grizzly Bears” by Jim Weiss on Gone West: Bold American Explorers and Pioneers (5:19) “Prinderella” by Fran Yardley on The Sears Roebuck Baby (3:39)
Sam listens to a story about a dragon named Sir Frederick. This one's got a message to think about, and Sam thinks about it aloud with Sadie Anderson, one of the assistant producers of The Apple Seed.
Paul Bliss shares with us a cowboy poem about the cowboy with whom he'd share the trail. Who is it? You may be surprised.
What would the world look like if it didn’t have sunlight to welcome each new day? What if your school took everyone to Disney World for a field trip? And what would make a dying man laugh? Well, you’ll have plenty of time to reflect upon those questions and more during today’s episode of The Apple Seed. You’ll be hearing from storytellers like Linda Gorham, Glenda Bonin, Bill Gordh, and others.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“A Good Night’s Rest” by Jay O’Callahan from Pill Hill Quartet (12:18)
Radio Family Journal: “People Don’t Dance Like They Used To” by Sam Payne (5:00)
Daily Mix: “Wonderful Baby” with Mark Wait (6:36)
“Raven and Daylight” by Glenda Bonin from Winston the Wide Mouth Frog and Other Fantastic Folktales (9:40)
“Nobody Could Believe It” by Linda Gorham from Common Sense and Uncommon Fun! (8:29)
“Old Greybeard and Little Ayla” by Bill Gordh (8:17)
Michale Reno Harrell brings us a performance, recorded live, about some early bike memories that will bring back memories for you, too.
It’s good to be the king! Kings get all the riches, all the food, and all the power, but they also get all the blame and all the responsibilities. What if you could be the king for a year and a day but then you would get shipped off alone to sea never to return? Would it be worth it? This is the problem facing one of the main characters in today’s story by Jeff Gere called, “King for a Year & a Day”. We’ll also enjoy stories from Charlotte Blake-Alston, Noa Baum, Mark Binder, and Sarah Malone.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Nyala” by Charlotte Blake-Alston on What Little Girls Are Made Of (15:57)
The Daily Mix: “Based on a True Story” with Jeff Simpson (7:00)
“Why Do I Have That Name?” by Noa Baum (9:37)
“King for a Year & a Day” by Jeff Gere on Yikkity Yak (5:46)
“Give Me Some Cookies!” by Mark Binder on A Holiday Present (3:51)
“The Argument Sticks” by Sarah Malone on Peace Tales for Kids (3:20)
Radio Family Journal: “Wigging Out on McKenzie Stanley” by Sam Payne (5:00)
Heather Forest has been telling stories from all over the world for decades and decades. This is a story the exorbitant value we place on appearances.
Welcome to the Apple Seed, some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. Today’s episode features a Jack tale from Bobby Norfolk, a folk tale from Odds Bodkin, a fairy tale from Rosie Cutrer, and a personal story from Willy Claflin. We hope this story-filled hour will spark memories that you can share with the people you love.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Jack and the Box of Gold” by Bobby Norfolk from Baby Hawk Learns to Fly: Stories about Purpose, Patience, Confidence, and Courage (12:07)
Radio Family Journal: “Inky Pinky” by Sam Payne (5:00)
The Daily Mix: “Ford v. Ferrari” with Ian Puente (7:00)
“The Generous Man” by Odds Bodkin from The Winter Cherries (7:12)
“Mr. Bun” by Rosie Cutrer from Mr. Bun and Other Stories (7:23)
“Emerson’s Chevrolet” by Willy Claflin from Goat Whisperer (11:01)
Joe Herrington is a cowboy poet and storyteller when he's not working as one of Disney's Imagineers. There's always a life lesson in a Joe Herrington poem.
The magic of stories surrounds many of the best moments in our lives. Whether the moment is listening to a story or living something that later becomes a story, those moments play key roles in how we learn and who we can become. Of course, what’s a story worth if it never gets shared? Well, here at the Apple Seed, we know that the best stories need to be shared and we hope that those we have gathered for today’s episode will spark some memories and stories of your own to share with those you love. We have stories from Dan Yashinsky, Stephanie Beneteau, Charlotte Blake Alston and more!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“How to Know What Story to Tell” by Dan Yashinsky (10:01)
Daily Mix: “Another” with Paul Ricks (7:07)
“First Drum” by Charlotte Blake Alston from Hole in the Sea (6:37)
“The Little Woman who Laughed” by Stephanie Beneteau from Dreaming Tall: Stories for Growing Girls (13:59)
“The Mountain Came Alive” by Adam Booth from The Mountain Came Alive (4:44)
“The Ant and the Crumb” by Charlotte Blake Alston from The Racoon Story (3:29)
Syd Lieberman was a master storyteller, telling tales old and new. This one's very old – a favorite, about a misunderstanding that brings people together.
When was the first time you were trusted to do a big task all on your own? Maybe it was babysitting, completing an important chore, or going to the store all by yourself? You probably felt honored and proud that you were trusted with such a great task. After all, it always feels good to contribute with the ones you love. However, you also probably felt a little nervous or even overwhelmed because it was your first time taking on a new and important job - no one wants to mess that up! Nonetheless, messing up is a part of life and just because you make a mistake, it doesn’t mean it’s too late to get back on track. We’ll see this lesson in action in Bill Harley’s charming tale, “Soap Soap” where a young boy is trusted to go to the store to buy soap all by himself, but almost immediately after leaving the house, he forgets what he was supposed to buy. How does he get himself out of this pickle? Let’s find out right now on today’s episode!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Soap Soap” by Bill Harley on Wacka Wacka Woo & Other Stuff (11:11)
Radio Family Journal: “The Sound of Music” by Sam Payne
The Daily Mix: “Peach Pie” with Brynna Haddock
“A Story A Story” by Len Cabral on Buzz Buzz Once There Was (10:50)
“The Tortoise and The Hare” by Laurie Allen on Laurie Allen - Stories and Poetry (3:06)
“The Boy and His Goats” by Glenda Bonin on Tails You Might Have Herd Before…or knot (6:02)
“Loyal Tiger Son” by Milbre Burch with Ducey Gay on Because I Said So: Stories About Mothers and Kids (7:40)
Alison Downey sings a song about the fine line between meeting expectations and being yourself, and about the people who help us through it all.
Chances are you know someone who possesses a special gift - the gift to make life more manageable, more safe, and more joyful for those around them. Who is that person in your life? Well, for storytellers Donna Washington and Laura Pershin-Raynor, it’s their fathers. And today on The Apple Seed you’re going to hear a couple of father stories, as well as a story from Randel McGee, a Radio Drama from our Producer, Jeff Simpson, and another entry in Sam's Radio Family Journal. It’s an hour full of tales that we hope will spark memories for you that you can share with the people that you love and that love you.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The West Indies” by Donna Washington from Growing Up Army (16:45)
The Daily Mix: “Jethro Tull’s Benefit” with Don Shelline (7:00)
Radio Family Journal (5:00)
“Dr. Seuss Drama” by Jeff Simpson (5:06)
“It’s Perfectly True” by Randel McGee from Randel McGee Presents: Hans Christian Andersen - The Man and his Tales (7:03)
“The Basement” by Laura Pershin-Raynor from All Dressed Up (10:11)
Join The Apple Seed just about every day, for two hours filled with stories for you and your family. You'll enjoy tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more, hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. Monday - Saturday at 8p ET/5p PT.
Join The Apple Seed just about every day, for two hours filled with stories for you and your family. You'll enjoy tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more, hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. Monday - Saturday at 8p ET/5p PT.
Join The Apple Seed just about every day, for two hours filled with stories for you and your family. You'll enjoy tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more, hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. Monday - Saturday at 8p ET/5p PT.
Join The Apple Seed just about every day, for two hours filled with stories for you and your family. You'll enjoy tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more, hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. Monday - Saturday at 8p ET/5p PT.
Join The Apple Seed just about every day, for two hours filled with stories for you and your family. You'll enjoy tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more, hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. Monday - Saturday at 8p ET/5p PT.
Join The Apple Seed just about every day, for two hours filled with stories for you and your family. You'll enjoy tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more, hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. Monday - Saturday at 8p ET/5p PT.
So many of the things that happen to us tend to come in cycles. Hard times come, only to be replaced by good times, and then hard times again -- and then good times again! Here's a song by Paddy Tutty about the seasons, to remind us.
As St. Patrick's Day approaches, we often think about luck, the color green, and leprechauns. And today on The Apple Seed we're bringing you stories that celebrate Irish heritage and culture from tellers like Joseph Sobol, Jess Smith, Joel Ben Izzy, and others.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Jamie’s Rest” by Jess Smith from Matted Cat (12:51)
Daily Mix: “Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel” with Ian Puente (7:06)
“The Host of the Air” by Joseph Sobol from In the Deep Heart’s Core (4:26)
“Devils on Horseback” by Geraldine Buckley from Devils on Horseback (8:24)
“The King’s Riddles” by Joel Ben Izzy from The Beggar King and Other Kings From Around the World (6:52)
“Finn MacCoul & the Salmon of Knowledge” by Brian “Fox” Ellis from Under an Irish Oak (5:39)
This tale, from the great North Carolina storyteller Donald Davis, will spark memories of boardwalks, beaches, and more. It'll bring to mind memories you'll want to share.
Welcome to The Apple Seed! Today, we’re starting off with a magical tale of cunning and wits about a hungry fox and a clever woman called, “Fox’s Bag” by Pam Faro. After that, we’ll enjoy a conversation with a friend closely followed by a groovy love song by Ted Fink, “Ruthie’s Song”. Then, we’ll travel back in time to hear an ancient Mayan story called “Two Brothers” by Yvonne Healy. After, Diane Ferlatte will treat us with her retelling of Aesop’s classic tale, “The Shepherd Boy”, but then it’s back to the present with Bill Harley’s wild and whimsical tale, “The Boy Who Hid in a Peanut”.
Short Description: On today’s episode, enjoy the following: “Fox’s Bag” by Pam Faro on Why Didn't I Think of That?: Seeking Solutions- Some Sassy, Some Silly, Some Smart (16:08) The Daily Mix: Edgar Allen Poe and the Ravens Tale “Ruthie’s Song” by Ted Fink on The New Stuff: Stories ‘N Songs (4:29) “Two Brothers” by Yvonne Healy on Stories From the Heart of the World (10:06) “The Shepherd Boy” by Diane Ferlatte on Aesop: Alive and Well (6:49) “The Boy Who Hid in a Peanut” by Bill Harley on The Best Candy in the Whole World (5:33)
Here's a spelling tune by the great musician and storyteller David Holt. In this one, trust Ragtime Joe to help you spell "Chicken."
Heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. And today on The Apple Seed we’re going to hear stories from Kate Dudding, Bonnie Greenberg, and Dan Keding, all about the little heroes of the world, those of a younger age. It’s our hope that these stories will remind you that no matter a person’s age or standing in society, passionate, brave people can be a force for good in this world. And it’s our hope that as you listen to these stories you’ll be reminded of the people in your life that have made a difference, and that you’ll feel inspired to be a force for good yourself.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Barbara Johns” by Kate Dudding from Fighting For Our Rights - American Women Mid 20th Century (19:11)
The Daily Mix: “I Want My Hat Back” with Paul Ricks (7:00)
“The Little Heroes of Kfar Tabo” by Bonnie Greenberg from The Wonder Child and Other Young Heroes (6:05)
“The Starfish” by Bonnie Greenberg from The Wonder Child and Other Young Heroes (2:57)
“The Hero” by Dan Keding from Rudy and the Roller Skate (6:41)
There are lots of reasons to love Beth Horner's music and storytelling, this song -- a singalong about losing a library book, is just one of them.
If you’ve ever attended a summer camp you’ve likely got stories that’ll last you a lifetime, whether for good or bad. On today’s episode of The Apple Seed you’ll hear an embarrassing experience Lani Peterson endured one year at Tennis Camp. You’ll also hear stories from Joseph Stands With Many, Slash Coleman, Allen Christenson, and Jess Smith.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Tennis Camp” by Lani Peterson from Stories Within (11:18)
The Daily Mix: “Lars and the Real Girl” with Jeff Simpson (7:19)
“How Wildcat Caught a Turkey” by Joseph Stands With Many from Cherokee Rabbit Tales (6:10)
“Flying Lesson” by Slash Coleman from The Last American Gladiator (3:07)
“Ancient Mayan Writings” by Allen Christenson (9:04)
“The Big Stone” by Jess Smith from Dragonory (7:36)
Antonio Sacre shares a bilingual story about prayers, an envelope full of money, and a misunderstanding a the post office. We even brought in a couple of people to listen with us and to chat about what the story makes them think of.
Have you ever had a hero? They might be an athlete with great strength, an artist with tremendous talent, or even a superhero from the movies. But we here at The Apple Seed might argue that sometimes the best heroes are the ones who impact your daily life on a personal level. This could be a teacher who inspires you, a friend you admire, or even someone in your own home. This is what our main character learns in today’s story called, “The Day My Dad Met His Hero” by The Storycrafters. In this true tale, a boy meets a famous baseball player that’s always been his hero. But when he looks back on the incident many years later, he discovers who the real hero of the story is. Who is it? Let’s find out together by listening to today’s episode!
Short Description: On today’s episode, enjoy the following: “The Day My Dad Met His Hero” by The Storycrafter on A Tale for All Seasons (13:55) “The Monkey and the Donkey” by Diane Ferlatte on Aesop Alive and Well (12:30) Daily Mix: The Cat in the Hat - Gene Nelson “The Clog of Gold” by Milbre Burch on If The Shoes Fits: Cinderella Stories From Around the World (15:03) “The Ants and Grasshopper” by Willy Claflin on Maynard Moose Live at the National Storytelling Festival (3:03)
Joel Ben Izzy shares a story of a guy who takes on the challenge of solving three impossible riddles. Luckily, there's a storyteller nearby to help him keep his head.
What constitutes an illusion? The first thought that comes to many people is magic. Magicians are masters of illusion. They can make us think that something has disappeared or that something is there that really isn’t. What else is like an illusion? Life has many things that can be illusory in nature. The key is learning to distinguish between real and fake, and also understanding other people so we can get along rather than fall for the illusion of rumor and gossip. Today we have a story about illusion from Joel Ben Izzy and we have a couple other stories from Anne rutherford and Bob Reiser.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Beggar King and the Field of Two Brothers” part 1 by Joel Ben Izzy from The Beggar King and Other Kings from Around the World (11:57)
“Larry and the Rabbi” by Anne Rutherford from Living in the Driveway: Stories of Finding Our Place (13:39)
“Lula and Telal” by Bob Reiser from An Evening with Grandpa Abe and Uncle Ahmet (7:38)
“The Beggar King and the Field of Two Brothers” part 2 by Joel Ben Izzy from The Beggar Kign and Other Kings from Around the World (11:57-24:03)
Charlotte Blake Alston shares this old story about cat, seeking a companion. It's the kind of tale that has a part for you, too!
Sometimes when older characters are featured in stories they’re only there to assist the young hero or depart some sage wisdom before they pass away. So today on The Apple Seed we thought we'd flip the script and bring you stories all about the inner lives, dramas, joys, and losses of more seasoned people.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following: “Love on the First Floor” by Kim Weitkamp on Penny Candy Love (12:27) “The Broken Token” by Mike Agranoff on Or Would You Rather Get a Jon (6:07) Daily Mix: Steve Perry - The Wreck of Edmund Fitzgerald “The Three Spinning Fairies” by Odds Bodkin on The Wise Little Girl (10:13) “Wolf and Turtle” by Kirk Walker on But Why? (10:13) “Louis Armstrong Rap” by Charlotte Blake - Alston on Bit-O-This-Bit-O-That (3:05)
Morgan Ashton -- a religion teacher and a friend of Pennsylvania storyteller Ed Stivender -- wrote this morality tale in the form of a poem. Ed Stivender delivers it.
It’s The Apple Seed! Some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales, and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. And today’s episode features a true story from Kate Dudding, a conversation with Stewart Foster about the podcast “The Thrilling Adventure Hour”, a little radio drama from our Producer, Jeff Simpson, as well as a fairy tale from Ed Stivender. It’s an hour full of tales that we hope will spark memories for you that you can share with the people that you love.
Storyteller and mime Antonio Rocha shares an old tale about a simple beggar boy who, against all odds, tries to win the hand of the chief's daughter. How does it go for him? Tune in to find out.
Wolves are often seen in one of two ways. Either they’re noble, beautiful, family-oriented animals, or they’re savage beasts bent on terrorizing villages and individuals. In reality, they’re neither. They really seem to be a combination of both, among other traits. They’re pack animals, they can be scary, but mostly they’re just trying to survive. Like many things, understanding them can be challenging but rewarding. We have today a story about wolves along with other stories from tellers like Syd Lieberman, Simon Brooks, and Diane Ferlatte. As always, we hope these stories spark memories for you to share with your loved ones.
Here's a tall tale with roots in the conflict that sometimes arises between certain folks and their family pets. It was performed by George McEwan at the Utah Liars' Contest, back when we could all get in a room together.
Dr. Suess wrote, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Learning new things takes us to new places. Just like storytelling can transport us into someone’s imagination, learning can reveal to us new ideas about others, life, and ourselves. Today on The Apple Seed we’re exploring what it means to learn. Storytellers Charlotte Blake-Alston, Lona Bartlett, Noa Baum, Bil Lepp, and Syd Lieberman share tales of characters who learn! We hope you enjoy this “learning experience!”
Here's a folktale from Wales told for you by Glenda Bonin. It's about a magical time when the tiny wren was king of all birds.
It’s time for The Apple Seed, sometime just about every day filled with tellers and tales! Today we’ll be hearing about different ways to eat a hamantasch, a delicious Jewish pastry, how Coyote gets in trouble with his tail, what happens when you try to see if a cinderblock can stretch, and so much more. We’ll hear from tellers such as Linda Goodman, Mary Hamilton, Bill Harley, Bil Lepp, and The Three D’s, and as always, we’ll enjoy a conversation with a friend and a radio family journal. Let the stories begin!
Some stories are great because they're fantastical. But some of our favorites are the not-very-embellished stories of things that happen to just about everyone. Here's a haircut story from Norah Dooley.
Stories have an amazing power to bring people together. Sometimes it helps us understand other people and their perspective. Sometimes it allows us to share experiences and build relationships. It’s truly a powerful tool when placed in the correct hands. Of course, anything powerful can be used for bad, but we like to focus on the good that comes of stories. And in today’s episode there is a lot of good. We have stories from Norah Dooley, Joel Ben Izzy, Willy Claflin, and more.
Here's story told by the great Pennsylvania storyteller Ed Stivender. You'll recognize some elements of it -- it's a lot like the old story of the Bremen Town Musicians, a childhood favorite. This one stars all the animals you know and love, along with a human: Jack.
You’re listening to The Apple Seed, some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. And today’s episode features a personal tale from Regi Carpenter, a Jack tale from Mary Hamilton and a tall tale from Kevin Carr. And the whole episode will culminate in a wonderfully produced, rich audio adventure from Stephanie Beneteau.
In this story by Syd Lieberman, a Tailor shows off his ability to make something out of nothing. It's a tale you'll know so well by the time it's over that you'll be able to tell it yourself.
Oprah Winfrey once said, “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” Have you ever met someone who seemed to have everything figured out? All their ducks in a row? Their life in order? This person might be a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, or a friend. In any case, their life may have had a profound impact on you. Today on the Apple Seed, we celebrate these mentors who seem to life figured out. Charlotte Blake-Alston, Syd Lieberman, Theresa Love, Glenda Bonin, Mark Binder, and Noa Baum teach us about exemplary people who teach us to do extraordinary things. Please enjoy today’s episode, “People Who Have Things Figured Out.”
Olga Loya uses stories to teach English-speaking children and adults to speak a little Spanish. Here's a story about el Mono (Monkey) and el Cocodrilo (Crocodile). And here's a spoiler: everything works out, but only for one of them.
What makes a good story? Is it the drama? The danger? Is it the characters that we grow to love as we hear their adventures? Maybe it’s the love itself. There are lots of things that go into making a good story, but perhaps the true mark of a great story is one that inspires us to be better and give other people our understanding. The stories we have selected today all teach something good, but they’re also just great stories! We’ll have the pleasure of listening to Megan Hicks, Dan Keding, and Rick Huddle
Mitch Capel shares an old tale about a bird learning to fly. When you're in the air, headed for the ground, all you can do sometimes is flap like crazy. You'll be as inspired by it as Mitch's young audience clearly seems to be.
It’s time for The Apple Seed! Today we’ve got a great blend of stories starting with Willy Claflin’s “Daydreamer Seeks Benefactor” about Willy’s personal life when he tried to get a job. Next up, we have Susan Strauss’s story where a young girl is granted a powerful gift from a wolf that gives her an incredible new ability called “The Wolf’s Eyelashes”. Then we’ll enjoy a conversation with a friend followed by “The Innkeeper’s Clever Daughter” by Zette Harbour which is a story from Russia about the value of a confidently smart woman. Subsequently, Heather Forest will delight us with her rendition of “The Grandfather Clock” which gives some wonderful advice about what to do when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and, as always, we’ll finish our episode with a new edition to the Radio Family Journal.
Family is unshakeable, and a gift to obtain, let alone maintain. We are born into families. If we lose them, we can find them. We can’t live without them. We learn from them, we’re cared for by them, we care for them. Families shape the way we perceive the world, and the way we decide not to see the world. They shape our character, demand our willingness to compromise and be patient. They require sacrifice and humility, and they return great reward. How many times have you been inspired by a parent, a sibling, an aunt, a cousin? Where would you be if you did not have the support of your family members, even if only in the thought of them after they pass, or in the hope for them if you’ve yet to find them? No family is perfect, and many have not experienced the blessings of an ideal family, but we celebrate the hoping for and working for families everywhere!
Seals can be important mystical animals in stories, and New York storyteller Laura Simms shares a tale that mixes a modern family story with a bit of the ancient wonder that often accompanies seal tales.
A free cow for anyone who can out-lie the biggest liar? Find out if there are any takers in this Cape Verdean folktale, shared for you by Len Cabral.
Join The Apple Seed just about every day, for two hours filled with stories for you and your family. You'll enjoy tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more, hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. Monday - Saturday at 8p ET/5p PT.
Every wonder why a cat can't run backward? Storyteller Glenda Bonin shares a South American folktale about a little cat and a big one.
Join The Apple Seed just about every day, for two hours filled with stories for you and your family. You'll enjoy tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more, hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. Monday - Saturday at 8p ET/5p PT.
in 1922, American poet Carl Sandburg wrote a series of whimsical fairy tales for his young daughters. He called the tales "Rootabaga Stories." Here, the terrific storyteller Carol Birch brings one of them to life.
What comes to mind when you think of Valentine’s Day? Is it the sweet chocolates you’d indulge in as a child or the stomach aches that came afterward? Do you think of romantic adventures -failed or successful? Valentine’s Day can represent different things to different people. For some, it’s about love and friendships of all kinds which is why we hear phrases such as “gal-entine’s day” and celebrate it between classmates in schools. For others, it’s a day to celebrate the special bond that forms between two people in love. But whether it’s your most favorite or least favorite holiday, you’re sure to have a great one this year with our special Valentine’s Day episode! We’ll hear from talented storytellers such as Bill Harley, Dolores Hydock, Dan Keding, MaryGrace Ketner, and Kevin Kling!
Music can make a story come to life, and some tellers collaborate with musicians to set the tone. Storyteller Leeny Del Seamonds works with a cellist named Gideon Freudmann on a series of stories called "Cello Tales." We've brought you a lot of Leeny's telling. We thought we'd highlight a bit of Gideon's playing.
Happy Chinese New Year! That’s right, today, the Apple Seed crew is celebrating the New Year on the Lunar Calendar, which falls around late January or early February on the Gregorian calendar. For those who might be unfamiliar, a majority of the Western hemisphere uses the Gregorian calendar, a calendar which bases its measurement of the year on the sun’s position in the sky. Many people in the Eastern hemisphere uses the Lunar calendar, which bases its measurements of the year on the moon’s position in thesky. We may have already celebrated our New Year on this side of the globe, but many people on the other side of the world are taking the day to celebrate a lunar New Year in beautiful traditional ways.
In this story from Anne Rutherford, a woman finds encouragement and hope in conversations on the phone, with an unusual person on the other end of a help line.
If you love to laugh, garden, listen to music, or just have a good time, then you’ll love today’s episode of The Apple Seed! First off, we’ve got “The Man Who Could Make the Trees Blossom” by Alton Chung about a trickster causing trouble for a sweet old couple in Japan. Then we’ve got “Buck Ain’t No Ordinary Dog” by Bil Lepp, a story that’s as crazily unbelievable as it is hilarious, and, as always we’ll enjoy a conversation with a friend. Then we’ll hear Tim Lowry share “The Green Gourd” which is a silly adventure that involves many characters you might recognize from your favorite childhood tales. Afterward, we’ll start to finish things off with “So Long, It’s Been Good to Know You”, a beloved song by Willy Claflin. Yet of course, with the best for last, we’ll conclude today’s episode with an entry in the Radio Family Journal.
Dan Keding tells stories about growing up in Chicago, and folktales gathered from his Croatian grandmother. But he also tells other stories, from all over the world. Here's a sinister tale: a fantasy of sorts on a legend from the stories of King Arthur.
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be an ant? Small enough to hide from just about anything, but strong enough to lift thousands of times your own weight. Or maybe a bird, able to soar to wonderful heights and travel to far places. Many peopledream about being an animal every once in a while. Today we have a story that will show you some of the advantages being able to turn into an animal would provide. In addition, we have a story from Andrew Wright, and we have a conversation with Teresa Love. We hope you’ll enjoy, and we also hope these stories will spark in you memories and stories of your own.
Join Bobby Norfolk for this tale of Anansi, the iconic West African spider trickster character. It's a story of how wisdom came into the world. For more from Bobby Norfolk, visit bobbynorfolk.com.
Life is riddled with perspectives and perceptions. We may feel gratitude or ingratitude, anxiety or rest, busy or idle. And the trouble is, there’s no one right way to perceive it! Our own sight might be dictated by our needs and our identities.
Today on The Apple Seed, we’re talking about sight: the ability to see ourselves and others for what we are. And in some cases, that sight might not even come through our eyes, so much as through our feelings. Motoko, Bil Lepp, Syd Lieberman, and Odds Bodkin share with us their own stories of people like us – people trying to see.
On today’s episode, please enjoy: “What Buddha Sees” by Motoko from In Ghostly Japan “Denis Zwang’s Saxophone Prayer” by Sam Payne from Camelot The Daily Mix: a conversation with Stewart foster about the podcast, “The Allusionist” “Thinking Behind” by Bil Lepp from The Divine Bovine “Elijah and the Poor Man” by Syd Lieberman from Joseph the Tailor and Other Jewish Tales “The Rahjah’s Question” by Odds Bodkin from With a Twinkle in Your Eye
There are a lot of versions of this old story about spinning straw into gold. This one is performed in tandem, by Barry Marshall and Jeri Burns: the Storycrafters.
You’re listening to The Apple Seed! Some time just about every day to hear all kinds of tales from all kinds of tellers. There exist the expressions, ‘What goes around comes around’ and ‘You reap what you sow’. And if we had to put it more succinctly, we could call it simply, “Karma”, this idea that one’s actions –whether good or bad –influence the future that individual. It’s a pretty common theme in storytelling. And today’s episode is full of karmic stories that we know you’ll enjoy. You’ll hear stories from Diane Ferlatte, from Randel McGee, and from Pam Faro. You’ll also hear a conversation with our Producer, Jeff Simpson, as well as another entry in the Radio Family Journa
Andrew Lang and his wife, Leonora Blanche Alleyne, published almost eight hundred true and fictional stories between 1889 and 1913. Many of the stories are published in twelve "Fairy Books," each one assigned a different color. Here's a readers theater performance of a story from the Pink Fairy Book, published in 1897.
What makes a kid cool? That's a tough one, as what's cool today won't be cool tomorrow. Storyteller and songwriter Bill Harley commiserates with this rad tune.
Here on The Apple Seed, we love and appreciate all kinds of stories! So in today’s episode, we’ll bring you all sorts of stories -everything from the fun adventures of talking animals to nostalgic songs about precious memories. First up is the story, “Turtle Makes War on Man” by Joseph Bruchac where Turtle gets tired of men always hunting animals and decides it’s time for the animals to take action. After that, we’ll hear “The Bully Goat Grim” a uniquely funny fractured fairy tale by Willy Claflin and Maynard Moose, followed by a conversation with a friend. Next, we’ll hear “The Word the Devil Made Up” by Diane Ferlatte about how a slang term came to be because the Devil was short of help and tried to steal some angels from Heaven. Afterward, we’ll enjoy Joe Herrington’s soothing and imagery-filled cowboy poetry called “Precious Memories”. Last but not least, we’ll finish out the hour with a Radio Family Journal.
Megan Hicks finally decided to reconcile herself to the fact that she was never going to get her Christmas cards mailed on time. Instead, she resorted to Groundhog's Day cards -- complete with stories. Here's one: a version of Cinderella with a decidedly furrier fairy godmother than usual.
Great stories come into our lives in a lot of different ways. Our friend Rod Gustafson, a long time movie reviewer, comes by to chat about an old favorite that has somehow secured a place in the consciousness of just about everybody.
ave you ever seen a meme or a booth that says, “Change my mind?” Perhaps, “Kylo Ren should’ve lived. Change my mind,” or, “Don’t wear socks to bed. Change my mind.”Point being: we daily encounter strong opinions, or may face the firm opposition of, “Change my mind.” Perhaps we are even the one who feels that way!Today’s collection of stories explores ways in which people change their minds. Storytellers Kevin Carr, Joan Stockbridge, and Syd Lieberman persuade us to think in new ways, and to discover truths that humility might teach us.. But one thing is for sure: “The Apple Seed is the best. Change my mind.”
"The Young Visiters" was written by nine-year-old Daisy Ashford, and shared among friends before it was published, years later, with a forward by J.M Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan. Here's a readers theater performance of an excerpt. You'll be delighted.
"There's always room for one more." That's the message of this old story shared for you by Heather Forest, whose musical storytelling has made her a favorite for decades of listeners.
Do you like the idea of being scared more than you actually like being scared? Then today’s episode might be perfect for you. First off, we have Joel Ben Izzy with his heart-racing but always good-natured story, “How I Got Bill the Chicken”. Next, we’ll listen to “Getting the Creeps”, a story by Tim Lowry about a boy who wants to get the creeps and his many attempts to find them. After that, we’ll enjoy a conversation with a friend, followed by Sarah Malone’s “The King’s Bliss” where a greedy king always wants more things and must learn where lasting joy comes from. But the fun won’t stop there, we’ll get to enjoy “Tend Each Other’s Lives” which is a song about caring for your neighbor. Finally, we’ll wrap things up with a story by David Claunch called, “Three Dolls” that reveals something very true about the nature of storytellers and then the beloved Radio Family Journal. You won’t want to miss a second!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following: “How I Got Bill the Chicken” by Joel Ben Izzy on Green Hand (13:21) “Getting the Creeps” by Tim Lowry on Getting the Creeps (12:54) Daily Mix: “Cooking for 40” with Jenna Parker (7:00) “The King’s Bliss” by Sarah Malone on Peace Talks for Kids (8:50) “Tend Each Other’s Lives” by Kate Macleod on The Saga of the Sanpitch (3:43) “Three Dolls” by David Claunch on The Circus of Life (6:01) Radio Family Journal: “House in the Woods” (5:00)
Los Angeles Storyteller Antonio Sacre share a story about a family of mice who find themselves endangered by a hungry cat. What will mother mouse do do save her little ones?
Looking for stories for our "Broken Things to Mend" episode, we found this anthem from storyteller and musician Don White. You've heard Don's storytelling on the show before. Here, he's joined by a band for a rock anthem that may remind you that tough times aren't the end, and that even the fallen can learn to fly again.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” some might say. But what if it is broke, and we don’t know how to fix it? Today’s Apple Seed episode explores “broken things to mend.”
Today’s lineup of storytellers includes Motoko, Norman Walker, Jeff Gere, Martha Reed Johnson, and Michael Reno Harrell, who bring us tales of how to fix broken bodies, broken objects, and broken hearts. So whether it be your great-granny’s cracked vase or your own heart, we hope our storytelling glue can help you feel on the mend!
On today’s episode, please enjoy:
“Water of Life” by Motoko from The Promise of Chrysanthemums (11:28)
“Will the Circle Be Unbroken” by Norman Walker from Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts (4:54)
“Tu: 3 Interlocking Tales” by Jeff Gere from Guardian of the Trees: Inspiring Tales of Hawaii (9:23)
“The Watch” by Martha Reed Johnson from Skinny Dipping & Other Life Lessons (13:04)
“Three Apple Trees” by Michael Reno Harrell from Then There’s Me (3:38)
Mark Hansen and his sons don't just play tabletop role playing games, they also created one for other people to play. We'll chat with them about how the storytelling in tabletop RPGs brought them closer together.
Even though it's named to memorialize a tragedy, we were inspired by a visit to the Challenger Learning Center in Ferguson, Missouri. We think you will be, too.
The healing power of love is at the heart of many stories. In this episode we'll explore stories about beautiful acts of service. It is important to think about how we can better serve not only ourselves, but those around us as we grow older and learn more about life. Let these stories - although lighthearted and jovial - be a lesson on how we can understand and help one another even through treacherous times.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Mollusk’s Tale” by Bob Reiser in Foibles and Fiddlesticks: Fables for Grownups (8:38)
Daily Mix: "Leilani of the Distant Sea" with Rachel Wadham (7:00)
“The Light Princess” by Danielle Bellone from Moon-Eyed Sister (28:12)
Radio Family Journal: "Canada" (5:00)
Brian Fox Ellis tells stories that make history come alive. He tells stories in lost of historic places, including riverboats on America's great rivers. Here's one of those river stories.
Today we’re going to take you on a very special fishing trip, so grab your pole, your tackle box, and a can of worms. Of course, what’s a fishing trip without some good stories to tell to pass the time? And what’s a good fishing story without a little exaggeration? Well, we’ve gathered some of the biggest fishing stories around for today’s episode and your enjoyment from tellers like Bil Lepp, Dan Kelin, Kevin Kling, and more.
On today’s episode enjoy the following:
“The Monster Stick’s Last Ride” by Bil Lepp from Buck Meets the Monster Stick (10:51)
“Not So Common Butterwort” by Pete Griffin from Welcome to Alaska: Tales from the Tongass Forest and Beyond (6:41)
“Two Girls Play Tricks/Fish” by Dan Kelin from Dan Kelin - Talk Story Festival (7:30)
“Wonderlure!” by Kevin Kling from Wonderlure! (4:23)
“Lantern” by Connie Regan-Blake from Dive Into Stories (4:02)
“Bass Fish and Walnut” by Steve Otto from Potpourri (4:50)
Radio Family Journal: "Aquarium" (5:00)
This terrific tune by storyteller and songwriter Bill Harley will resonate like crazy with anyone who has ever had dessert denied until the veggies are eaten. Will Bill make it to the ice cream part of dinner?
You’re listening to The Apple Seed! Some time just about every day to hear all kinds of tales from all kinds of tellers. We always say that we hope the stories you hear on the program spark memories for you that you can share with the people that you love. And some of the best places for sharing your stories are in front of a cozy fire, at the foot of a child’s bed at bedtime, and also around the dinner table. And it’s that last environment we’d like to focus on today. Not only is the dinner table the perfect place to swap stories, but it’s also where some of the best stories are made. On today’s episode of The Apple Seed you’ll hear a story about unexpected dinner guests from Barbara McBride-Smith; you’ll hear a story about an UNWELCOME dinner guest from Bobby Norfolk; you’ll even hear a discussion about a children’s book focused on a MOST WELCOME food – Fry Bread!
On today’s episode enjoy the following:
“Peas and Carrots” by Donald Davis from Mama Learns to Drive (19:38)
“Anansi and Turtle Go To Dinner” by Bobby Norfolk from Anansi Time (6:36)
Daily Mix: “Fry Bread” with Gene Nelson (7:00)
“Baucis & Philemon” by Barbara McBride-Smith from Yeee Gods! (11:37)
Radio Family Journal: "Oreo Cookies" (5:00)
In this story by Irish Storyteller Liz Weir, the king hasn't been sleeping. There'll be a reward for anyone who can help him catch some Z's, but a pretty harsh punishment for anyone who tries and fails.
Social media has its pros and cons, but one of the great things about it is that it allows us to share stories like never before. One of today’s stories was first discovered because it was being shared all around social media. But there’s no need to log on because Kate Dudding is here to tell us the inspiring true tale of a women’s softball team that’s full of epic highs and lows called “Softball Gallantry”. Before that, we’ll hear a story called “Truffles” by Syd Lieberman that’s also based on a true story about the wonders of traveling and trying new foods, as well as the woes of budgeting. We’ll also hear a conversation with a friend followed by a light-hearted story called “The Court of King Caractacus” by Willy Claflin that’s sure to make you laugh. Next, we’ll have a silly song from Bill Harley called “A Walk Around the Block” about a frustrated father and his energetic son. And to wrap it all up, we’ll enjoy a Radio Family Journal at the end of the hour.
Short Description: On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Truffles” by Syd Lieberman on A.K.A Syd Lieberman (12:25)
“Softball Gallantry” by Kate Dudding on Young People Who Made A Difference (16:25)Daily Mix: Cole Wissinger - Kung Fu Panda
“The Court of King Caractacus” by Willy Claflin on The Wolf Under the Bed (6:00)
“A Walk Around the Block” by Bill Harley on The Best Candy In the Whole World (5:18)
Radio Family Journal: "Andes Mints" (5:00)
We're thinking about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today, and the long and arduous fight for civil rights. And on this special episode of The Apple Seed, we'll bring you stories from some of our favorite storytellers that not only have a lot to say about Dr. King and other Civil Rights heroes, but also have something to say about living together as human beings in peace and respect, even when we're different from each other.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"I Shall Not Be Moved" by Charles Holt (1:39)
"Martin Luther King Storypoem" by Charlotte Blake-Alston from Bit 'O This-Bit 'O That (6:07)
"Funtown" by Charles Holt (4:23)
"You Never Know What The End is Gonna Be" by Diane Ferlatte from Penny For Your Thoughts (10:38)
"My Living Shall Not Be In Vain" by Charles Holt (3:57)
"Ruby Bridges" by Kate Dudding from Fighting For Our Rights - American Women Mid 20th Century (14:07)
"Dream Big" by Ryan Shupe (3:27)
Kate Dudding shares stories of people who make a difference. Here, she tells the tale of an unlikely encounter between two stars: Marylin Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald.
Animals make a big part of many people’s lives. Between pets, farm animals, food, they’re everywhere. Maybe that’s why we like stories about them. Whether they’re real stories about old pets or fantastic ones about animals that talk, everyone has at least one story about an animal. Many myths, especially creation myths, are based on the actions of animals. We have some of these myths and stories today from a variety of tellers, Sarah Malone, Eshu Bumpus, Joan Stockbridge, and more.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Peace Song” by Sarah Malone from Holding up the Sky: Peace Tales for Kids (8:13)
“Skoll and Hati, the Swallowers” by Susan Strauss from Wolf Stories (2:53)
Daily Mix: The Emperor’s New Groove by Cole Wissinger (6:44)
“Lion in Love” by Eshu Bumpus from Lion in Love (9:22)
“Amaterasu” by Joan Stockbridge (14:25)
“Elk” by Laura Simms from Four Legged Tales: Animal Stories from Here and Away (2:20)
Radio Family Journal: "Snake in the Grass" (5:00)
Joseph Bruchac has written over 120 books, and told stories aol over the world. Here, he shares the story of the coming of Gluskabe, who, after the world was created, made himself out of what was left.
We’d bet dollars to donuts you’ve heard of stories like The Three Little Pigs, Rumpelstiltskin, and A Christmas Carol. What do all of these stories have in common? Well, they all make use of what’s known as the “Rule of Three”. The Rule of Three suggests that a trio of characters or events is more humorous, satisfying, or effective than other numbers. In storytelling it’s used to emphasize an idea, set up a punchline, or tell a story in a simple, catchy way. Usually the stories feature three siblings - the third being the smartest or most resourceful, as in the case of The Three Little Pigs - or three guesses, like in Rumpelstiltskin. And of course Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three spirits. Not only do today’s stories also follow the rule of three, but, fittingly, you’ll hear three of them!
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“Jack and the Northwest Wind” by Ed Stivender from Fool’s Luck (12:36)
“Molly and the Giant” by Barbara Schutzgruber from Still a Bit of Sugar But Even More Spice (26:43)
“The Most Precious Gift” by Dan Keding from Strawberries in Winter (10:20)
A live performance in the Apple Seed Studio of a short story by Mark Twain, about a guy who unwittingly shares a train car with a package of aromatic cheese. Hilarity ensues.
Jess Smith spent her childhood as part of the traveling community. She was bullied for it as school. Here, she shares a poem filled with the wonders that the bullies never understood.
Our mouths are powerful tools – with them we make song, language, rhythm, jokes, laughter, peace, war, even a smile. We spend our lives learning, ideally, to wield that power wisely – to speak kindly of others, to communicate our needs, to tell important stories. We have the power to hurt people with what comes out of our mouths, so we must be careful. We also, however, have the power to heal, even save, people with what comes out of our mouths.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“I Love My Dentist” by Bil Lepp from Timp 2017 (22:08)
Daily Mix: "Powdered Milk Cookies" with Jeff Simpson (7:00)
“The Silent Princess” by Richard Martin from Tales and Music (21:02)
Susan Strauss tells animal stories from all over the world, some of them older than anyone can remember. This one, though, is an animal story from her own experience.
Folklore of fairies helping and terrorizing those around them have been around for centuries. Tales of good witches and bad, young girls caught by villains or heroes, fairies taking things too literally and people making mistakes follow history and humanity through our own search for truth. In this episode we will hear many examples of instances with these “fairytale creatures”. Some of self-appointed bad situations, some curses and their fixes, and some with simple magical and mystical experiences. Sometimes the best experiences of life seem magical or mystical in origin but are ultimately completely ordinary. This inclusion of the magical in daily life can bring new adventure and mystery to anyone’s life.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
The Nose Tree” by Laura J. Bobrow in From the Heart (16:21)
“Morning on the Desert” by Jerry Brooks from Shoulder to Shoulder (2:19)
“Fairy Borrowing” by Laura J. Bobrow in From the Heart (4:30)
“Princess and the Pea” by Randel McGee from Randel McGee Presents: Hans Christian Andersen- The Man and his Tales (7:04)
“The Real Sleeping Beauty” by Judith Black from Oops Ma! Stories and Songs of Family Life (13:29)
Radio Family Journal: "Sir Kevin" (5:00)
You know him, you love him: it’s King Arthur. He’s as wise with his words as he is fierce with a sword and in his earliest depictions, he spends his time fighting off supernatural threats that hail from Welsh mythology. However, sometimes the greatest threats aren’t monsters that we can see, but rather, complicated problems that can silently trick our minds. This is what King Arthur learns in today’s story, “The Tale of Dame Ragnel” where wisdom, honesty, and intelligence are the best weapons against the unlikely antagonists in this tale of twists and turns. Open up your heart and put on your thinking cap, and get ready for “The Tale of Dame Ragnel”.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Power of Stories” by Donald Davis from That’s What Mama’s Do (9:25)
Radio Family Journal: "Larry Gentry" (5:00)
“The Tale of Dame Ragnel” by Heather Forest from Eye of the Beholder (17:10)
Daily Mix: "History That Doesn't Suck" with Cielle Salazar (7:00)
“Aioleen” by Mary Gavan from Celtic Otherworld (13:56)
Jay O'Callahan, one of America's most beloved storytellers, shares a fanciful tale filled with magic, wordplay, and more. It's the story of "The bubble that really wasn't trouble, it was only a bubble."
Have you ever been tricked? Fooled? Bamboozled? Certainly everyone has experienced being deceived at least once. And usually it’s not a very pleasant feeling. It can be rather frustrating, and, well, humiliating. That being said, have you ever tricked someone else? Again, most people have. That’s probably why there are so many stories about people being tricked. Today we have brought you a few of those stories from tellers like David Holt, Donna Washington, and James Bruchac.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Chenoo” by James Bruchac from When the Chenoo Howls (9:18)
“Mexico City Subway” by Rick Huddle from Citizen of the World (4:17)
“Why you Never Hear Rabbit Play Banjo” by David Holt from Why the Dog Chases the Cat: Great Animal Stories (7:44)
“Ti Jean and the Donkey’s Egg” by Priscilla Howe from Chickens! And Other Stories for Young Listeners (3:19)
“Anansi and the Turtle” by Donna Washington from Live and Learn: The Exploding Frog and other Stories (7:26)
“Foolish” by Lyn Ford from When the Gourd Broke: Common Sense Stories (11:38)
Radio Family Journal: "Three Dates at Once" (5:13)
Road Trip! From The Odyessy to Finding Nemo, some of the best stories are about journeys. Journeys take us to new places, both physically and emotionally. They’re great for finding new friends...and new enemies. They take us all around the world yet somehow we always end up back home again. Today’s episode is indeed a wild adventure full of everything from Biblical stories humorously brought into the present day to language barriers providing comical mix-ups. They’ll be races, songs, and stories from far, far away, so buckle up and embark with us on this journey of a thousand stories.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Moses of the Mountain” by Adam Booth from The Mingo Black (10:40)
Daily Mix: "Bearskinner" with Paul Ricks (7:00)
“Paca and Beetle” by Heather Forest from World Tales of Wisdom and Wonder (4:28)
“Generous People: Birth of the Southern Order of Storytellers” by Betty Ann Wylie from Pass It On: A Storyteller’s Journey (7:41)
"A Walk Around the Block" by Bill Harley from The Best Candy in the Whole World (5:18)
“A Story of Signs” by Ruth Halpern from She Set Out to Seek Her Fortune (8:28)
Radio Family Journal: "Long Drives" (5:06)
How do you feel about failure? It’s not something many people enjoy, yet it is something we all have to deal with. Absolutely everyone fails at something at some point. Maybe there are some people who don’t ever seem to fail, but they definitely have moments you may not know about that are less successful. With all the failure in the world, we might start to think that things aren’t looking too good. But is there another side to failure? What are the benefits to losing? As it turns out, failure is the way we learn. If you talk to successful people, they’ll often describe their first attempts as being failures, but they learned and kept going. Feeling the occasional pain of failure allows us to appreciate fully the joy of success. Here on the Apple Seed we have put together a few stories that may not seem like successes at first, but things turned around with some new ideas and a little work.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Diffendaffer Taffy Cafe” by Laura K. Deal from The Diffendaffer Taffy Cafe (8:17)
“Two Bears” by Laura Simms from Four Legged Tales: Animal Stories from Here and Away (4:36)
“Armadillo Recon Unit” by Bil Lepp from The Divine Bovine (6:01)
“When the Cat Came to Mohammed” by Pam Faro from Andalusian Trilogy: Stories of Jews, Christians, and Muslims of Medieval Spain (4:53)
“The King of the Clams” by Bill Harley from Blah Blah Blah (14:53)
Radio Family Journal: "Second Day of College" (6:04)
It's been a long time since we could really get out and see live entertainment, shoulder to shoulder with friends and neighbors. Such times will surely come again. In the meantime, here's a visit to a show performed by the Castle Valley Acting Company, a children's theater company you're sure to enjoy rubbing virtual shoulders with. The recording was made back before the pandemic, reminding us of times that were, and will come again.
We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to tall tales and fairy tales. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about music, a magic ice cream maker, and the most precious thing in the world!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"The Big Music" by Kevin Carr from The Big Music (13:28)
"The Magic Ice Cream Maker" by Priscilla Howe from The Ghost with the One Black Eye and Other Stories (7:25)
Daily Mix: "Turn to Stone" with Mark Wait (7:00)
"The Most Precious Thing in the World" by Karen Golden from Pass It On - A Journey Through the Jewish Holidays In Story and Song (10:32)
"Abu Ali and the Donkeys" by Mark Binder from Classic Stories for Children (6:15)
Radio Family Journal: "A Time and a Place" (4:43)
Holidays are wonderful! They bring us closer together and create memories that last a lifetime. However, they’re also a lot of hassle and sometimes can even be really stressful. Do you love holidays or do you not think they’re worth it? Dolores Hydock tells us how her father was a holiday fanatic who went all out for every occasion. Her mother, on the other hand, never cared for them...except for birthdays. Tune in to hear Dolores Hydock tell her personal tales of various holidays because whether they’re good or bad, crazy or peaceful, or beloved or dreaded, they sure are memorable.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Birthday Gift” by Dolores Hydock from Holidazed! (11:34)
“13 Quilts” by Michael Reno Harrell from Grit & Wit (6:48)
“Jaguar and Hare” by Simon Brooks from Second-Hand Tales (7:58)
“Wilde Roses” by Ann Rutherford from Habit of Joy: Stories of Living True to Ourselves (14:45)
“Bill Greenfield and the Big Old Bear” by Joseph Bruchac from Adirondack Tall Tales, Volume One: The Bill Greenfield Stories (4:07)
Radio Family Journal: "Sponge Balls" (4:44)
It’s time for a special episode of The Apple Seed, filled with stories for you and your family, celebrating the passing from one year to the next. And what a year this has been. We’re looking forward to the hour with you. We’ll think together about the unpredictable nature of a year’s journey as we enjoy a story from Kevin Kling about riding the rails is search of great seafood. We’ll acknowledge the difficulties of the year in a snatch of a story as old as 1889, written by Jerome K. Jerome. We’ll think about the setting of goals and the making of resolutions as we hear the story of Kyle McDonald about his audacious adventure in trying to trade a single red paperclip for a house in Canada. We’ll talk about the New Year’s tune Auld Lang Syne, written by Bobby Burns and sung each year all over the English-speaking world to send the expiring year into the past. And we’ll even have a little party with Bear and his animal friends in a story from Bill Harley.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"Train" by Kevin Kling (8:31)
"Goodly Knights" by Jerome K. Jerome, performed by Sam Payne (2:48)
"Red Paperclip" a conversation with Kyle MacDonald (13:22)
"Come on Out and Play" by Bill Harley, performed live in The Apple Seed studio (12:08)
"Auld Lang Syne" by Stewart Foster (3:33)
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a Sherlock Holmes story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This one takes place around Christmas time, and involves a Christmas Goose. As he year turns, we're happy to bring it to you. It's performed by The Acting Company: Suzanne Christensen, Noah and Leah Kershisnik, and our host, Sam Payne. They read the story before a live audience, back when we could all get together in one room.
Here at the Apple Seed we love new beginnings. We love fresh starts! We love change! Well, we learn to love change. We know change can be gritty and hard sometimes, but when it comes after a long period of struggle, change can feel like a breath of fresh air. Change, or that fresh start, washes everything off of our canvas and hands us a new palette of colors to work with as we paint ourselves a new outcome. Change gives us a new opportunity to be imaginative about the future we want for ourselves. When the going gets tough, we look to stories to rejuvenate our hope in that better future, and ideas on how to make it the kind of future one dreams about – a fantastical future, if you will.
Today, we’ve hand-picked stories that will help use dream up a future of hope and happiness. We’ll forget the troubles of the past as we hear from artists like Peter J. Parker and Sheila Stark Phillips. We’ll hear about everything from a magical creature who brought good fortune to an old couple, to a troll whose rude visitors give her an opportunity for change of space and change of pace.
On today’s episode of The Apple Seed, enjoy the following:
“Moonshimmer” by Peter J. Parker, from Panryl the Wizard (18:42)
“The Troll’s House” by The Storycrafters, from Bride of Classic with a Twist (10:17)
“Crane’s Gift” by Sheila Stark Phillips, from Tater and His Musical Adventure and Other Fun Tales (14:20)
Radio Family Journal: "Owl Delivery" (4:34)
Classic tales are full of stories about the wisest and strongest men. We here at The Apple Seed love stories about wise kings, powerful lumberjacks, all other kinds of larger than life male heroes. However, we also know that the world is full of wise and strong women and they too can make for interesting story protagonists. In today’s story, “Three Strong Women” by Heather Forest, we finally get to hear about some of them. These three women are wrestling masters, not only for their unmatched strength but for their unmatched wisdom as well, and the impact that these three women have on the world is so great that their effects can still be felt today.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Bill’s Wonderful Dog” by Joseph Bruchac from Adirondack Tall Tales, Volume One: The Bill Greenfield Stories (4:11)
“Ray’s Amazing Grace” by Connie Regan-Blake from Dive Into Stories (9:40)
“Three Strong Women” by Heather Forest from Tales of Womenfolk (11:10)
“Gray’s Hat” by Sean K. Buvala from Calling Out a Rising Sun: Stories for Teenage Guys (10:16)
“Piggly Wiggly” by Willy Claflin from Sleeping Beastly and Other Tales (10:28)
"Hit Your Mark" by Sam Payne (3:15)
On today's Apple Seed Extra, tap your toes to a tune from one of our favorite storytellers: naturalist, storyteller, and musician Doug Elliott. The tune is called "Bulldog on the Bank," and it's part of a collection of stories and songs about fishing.
Today’s Apple Seed Extra comes from storyteller Leeny Del Seamonds. She takes on the voice of Rosa Maria, who tells of a beautiful cockroach longing to find the bug of her dreams. As this cockroach seeks to wed, she doesn’t seem to have much success... That is, until she stumbles upon a winged wonder. Find out if this cockroach has found her love as Leeny tells La Cucarachita Rosa Maria, from her album It Takes Two to Tango: Ties That Bind Us.
Today’s stories come in a wide variety. From a kidnapped princess to a donkey smarter than a jealous farmer, each one has important lessons and is filled with suspense and laughter. One important lesson being that persistence is key to success. Listen carefully and you’ll catch glimpses of people being patient and being rewarded and others less patient that don’t find the same success. We hope that these stories will spark memories and stories of your own. We’ll be hearing from tellers like Jackie Kerin, Richard Martin, Octavia Sexton, and more.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Jack and Auntie Ugly” by Octavia Sexton from Jack Tales (28:06)
“Phar Lap the Wonder Horse” by Jackie Kerin (6:31)
“The Louse and the Flea” by Richard Martin from The Well of the World’s End and other Tales (7:12)
“The Jealous Farmer” by Mitch Capel from Gran’daddy Junebug: Great Stories for Young Folks (3:05)
We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to tall tales and fairy tales. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about Pirates, Miracles, and Water Torture!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"Water Torture" by Antonio Sacre from Water Torture, the Barking Mouse, and Other Tales of Wonder (13:13)
"Miracle/Step by Step" by John McCutcheon from Untold (11:09)
"Jack and the Bull" by Lona Bartlett from Heck No, We Didn't Bury My Mother (19:42)
Radio Family Journal: "Pirate Field" (6:17)
Back when we could all get together in a room safely, the great LA storyteller Antonio Sacre visited the Apple Seed studio to record an evening's worth of stories before a live studio audience. The recordings became an award-winning album called "The World's Second-Best Dad." On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy one of the stories recorded that evening. It's a story called "Nina's First Rainbow."
The tradition that is now the Radio Family Journal -- a regular feature on The Apple Seed -- began with this recording, many years ago. It's a Christmastime memory that begins at the graveside of Sam's grandmother, and it's about the undeniable hope and quiet joy that Christmas brings each year, even in the face of melancholy and sorrow. The story is called "The Winter of the Year." We hope you enjoy it, and that you have a merry Christmas.
Have you ever wished it could be Christmas every day? On today's Apple Seed Extra, you'll hear a hilarious story written in 1892 by William Dean Howells that may just change your mind. It's performed for you by The Acting Company: Suzanne Christensen, Noah and Leah Kershisnik, Stacy Wilk, and Sam.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a tall-ish tale about a Christmas Cookie Competition. It's told for you by Apple Seed favorite Kim Weitkamp, and recorded as part of a live show which Kim performed for many years with her friends (and also Apple Seed favorites) Bil Lepp and Andy Offutt Irwin. The name of Kim's story is "The Great Cookie Cook-off."
Join The Apple Seed just about every day, for two hours filled with stories for you and your family. You'll enjoy tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more, hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. Monday - Saturday at 8p ET/5p PT.
Thanks for joining us on The Apple Seed! The lyrics of a common Christmas song adulates: Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing.
But what does it mean to “Let every heart prepare Him room?” Today’s special Christmas episode examines just that: how we may let allow room in our hearts for the spirit of Christmas. Storytellers Renee Englot, Peg Woodruff, Antoinette Griffin, and Mark Wait share tales of people making room in their hearts for Christmas! Whether through holiday festivities or serving others, we hope you too can have the beauty of Christmas in your hearts.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Holly Crown” by Renee Englot (6:48)
“Christmas in a Foreign Land” by Peggy Woodruff (2:20)
“A Baker's Dozen” by Antoinette Griffin (9:22)
“Hot Wheels Set” by Mark Wait (2:55)
“You Dressed as a Gypsy and I as a Clown” by Sam Payne (26:14)
On today's Apple Seed Extra, an old, old story about two women, each of them visited with a miracle from St. Peter. How does it turn out for each of them? That's the story, told for you by The Acting Company: Suzanne Christensen, Leah Kershisnik, Stacy Wilk, and Sam.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, Sam is joined in the studio by Cole Wissinger. Together, they listen to Donna Washington's story "The Prince and the Soccer Ball," and share thoughts and memories that come to them as they listen.
Some stories seem to be as old as time itself, dating back as far as humans can tell. Other stories are deeply embedded in our cultures, to the point where they have shaped our values and ways of thinking. However, many of the greatest stories ever told fulfill both of these categories. Today’s story is one such tale. The earliest printed versions of it are from the 1840s but it had already been around as a common folktale long before that. Its morals about the value of hard work and dedication have become core staples in western civilization. It’s “Three Little Pigs” by Len Cabral. We’ll also be enjoying timeless tales from tellers such as Jeff Gere, Anthony Burcher, Big Joe Pagliuca, Dan Kelin, and Christopher Leebrick.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Time” by Jeff Gere from Yakkity Yak (8:49)
Jeff Gere is a puppeteer, drama specialist, teacher, performer, and of course, storyteller. His story called, “Time” devles into the strange, fluid, but ultimately beautiful nature of time.
“Late Night Manager” by Anthony Burcher from Turkey Calls and Celebrities (4:53)
Before Anthony Burcher became an award-winning storyteller, he worked a couple of different jobs. As he tells us in his story, “Late Night Manager”, one of those jobs was as the late-night manager of a gas station, where a little mix up with the police only granted him that position for one night.
“Three Little Pigs” by Len Cabral from Ananzi (11:25)
Len Cabral is an international storyteller who’s been sharing stories since 1976. Today he shares with us his version of the timeless classic, the “Three Little Pigs”.
“Teeny Tiny Fly and the Great Big Whale” by Big Joe Pagliuca from 6 Silly Stories (8:37)
Big Joe Pagliuca wasn’t always called Big Joe until preschool where there was another child also named Joe in the class. So, they called him Big Joe and the other boy, Little Joe to tell the two apart. Thus, Big Joe Pagliuca’s name was born. Today, Big Joe will tell us about three brothers named Ned, Ted, and Ed who live in a little house near the ocean where they love to fish. That is, until one day, a big whale starts to swallow up all the brothers!
“Monkey Stew” by Dan Kelin from Dan Kelin - Talk Story Fest Recording (10:53)
Dan Kelin is an actor, director, author, playwright, and teacher who’s helped spread education from India to American Samoa. He’s also a storyteller. Today’s story is about a woman who loves bananas. But when a monkey starts to eat up her bananas from her own personal banana tree, it sparks a tense rivalry between the two that ends with a BANG.
“The Wind and the Moon” by Christopher Leebrick from Good Stories From All Over (3:43)
Christopher Leebrick is a long time storyteller, having first begun performing as such at the age of 13. In this story, he’ll tell us about a rivalry between the wind and the moon. The wind is tired of the moon always looking over his shoulder and thus tries to blow away the moon with his powerful breath.
Throughout life one experiences a lot of things, but one thing that not everyone has experienced is the riding or caring of horses. Horses are the central theme of today's episode of The Apple Seed. They have been a key player in history, in western migration, in poetry and in storytelling. Songs, short stories, novels and poems have centered around the ‘Cowboy’ and therefore the horse for a long time. Many folktales and songs have been connected to life through the vision of a horse. There is always something new to be learned- whether it’s through hearing about one’s connection to their horse, some of the tales behind the hope that horses carry on their backs, or just a funny tale involving the majestic beasts, all are welcome. So let us all sit down together and learn something new, feel the wind on our face, and imagine the freedom that horses and the love of land and animals can bring.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Squire’s Bride” by Ed Stivender from Classics Revisited (5:53)
Famously called “the Robin Williams of storytelling” Ed Stivender has worked as a storyteller since 1977 after he quit his teaching day job in Connecticut. He has since worked with festivals, orchestras and many other artists to connect his stories to his audience. In this story about an arranged marriage, he includes voices and singing to narrate beyond the written word.
“The Iron Horse” by The Three D’s from Heritage (2:19)
Figuring out what to name a band can be tricky. This particular band went through names like ‘The Salt City Three’ before resting on a classic play on names- The Three D’s; Denis, Duane and Rick transformed to Dick to make it work. And the name stuck! Their career was heroic and inspired children and families everywhere. In this upbeat song, "The Iron Horse", The Three D’s describe a train and the magnificent image of the exploration of the new world.
“The Blind Harper” by Paddy Tutty from The Roving Jewel (5:30)
Paddy Tutty is best known as a singer of traditional songs. Her repertoire encompasses ancient ballads, songs from a woman's perspective, magical and seasonal pageants, songs with a twist, and songs about the world around us. Singing songs that weave traditional tales from all over Britain, Canada and Ireland, she enchants parents and children alike. In this story/song, Paddy sings the tale of a horse and stealing of horses. She teaches us to be thankful for what we have and what we sometimes must do to keep things we love close.
“Dream Mine” by Paul Bliss from Pure Bliss (2:24)
Paul Bliss is an English singer/songwriter that has traveled the globe backing famous bands and writing for himself. He has written many songs for other artists and continues to be adored by families all around the globe. In this wonderful poem Paul describes preparing for a storm and the treasures of it; how mining can be scary and sacrifice-inducing. There's even a lesson about how to push ourselves forward even through our own fear.
“Anthem” by Jerry Brooks from Shoulder to Shoulder (6:27)
Jerry Brooks is a storyteller that focuses on southern folklore. In this beautiful poem she relates the visions of the wind and land as they stretch before her. Of beautiful pastures and refreshing air, of the jingle of their jeans and the life that they miss. Jerry helps us all reminisce on these wonderful stories and experiences that we all must come to appreciate.
“Bill Greenfield and the Mosquitoes” by Joseph Bruchac from Adirondack Tall Tales, Volume One: The Bill Greenfield Stories (8:22)
Joseph Bruchac is a writer of books relating to the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, with a particular focus on northeastern Native American and Anglo-American lives and folklore. He weaves poetry, stories and novels together to entrance families wherever he goes. In this entertaining story, Joseph describes massive mosquitos and the fight against them. This story can teach us how to fight for what’s right and how to appreciate what you have.
“Going to Granny’s” by Liz Weir from Boom Chicka Boom (4:40)
Liz Weir is a storyteller and writer from Northern Ireland. She was the first winner of the International Story Bridge Award from the National Storytelling Network, USA, which cited her “exemplary work promoting the art of storytelling”. She enchants audiences all around the globe. This story is a cute rendition of learning what one needs and how to enjoy oneself in a new place.
“Hooves, Hide and Mane” by Sam Payne and Ryan Shupe from The Saga of the Sanpitch (3:06)
You already know Sam Payne, the host here on The Apple Seed. Ryan Shupe is the lead singer of Ryan Shupe and The Rubberband. This fun song is about the feeling of running as a horse and the thrill of it all.
“Grandpa Al and Max” by Glenda Bonin from Family Gazette (16:49)
Connecting with a story is highly important for Glenda Bonin and each story she tells is always connected and filled with love and care. She treats each story like it’s own being and any audience member can feel it. In this fun story, Glenda describes her grandpa and how she always remembers him wearing a cowboy hat and the story of Max. Max was a rugged horse that he connected with.
“Hooves of the Horses” by Wylie Gustafson from A Western Jubilee: Songs and Stories of the American West (3:18)
In this delightful song, Wylie Gustafson describes how horses can trample any sadness one might have, and it may be true. So let us all keep moving forwards and run like the wind.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a lesson in the history of the contributions of the horse to America's story, told as a cowboy poem by Clive Romney. It's "The Power of the Horse," a little something Extra on The Apple Seed.
People come in all shapes and sizes and are absolutely fascinating to listen to and learn from if you are paying real attention. Hope is all around us, especially in the lives of good people made good because they choose good things when they think no one is watching. Today, we want to watch a little more closely. While the stories being told are mostly fictional, their meanings are true, and their tellers are real. Pay attention to what these stories might tell you about our tellers, and let each story point you to a bright future full of bright people like them.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"The Blue Rose" by Jill Lamede from Stories From the Tintagel Storyteller (10:40)
In our first story, storyteller, writer, and actress Jill Lamede, also known as the Tintagel Storyteller, tells a story of a beloved princess, whose father decrees that it is time for her to marry. In her resistance, she commits to marry the first man who will bring her a true-blue rose. Lean in to hear if there is any hope for the princess and her love in Jill’s "The Blue Rose", from her album Stories from the Tintagel Storyteller.
"Recycled Poetry" by Finn Bille from Marzipan – Stories with Music (15:32)
Storyteller and poet Finn Bille, also a Chattanooga, Tennessee resident, collaborates with Central Texas Storytelling Guild member, Rick Davis, in this delightful story on poetry. They tell of a man who, after tossing a frustrating, half-baked poem into the recycling bin, finally finds inspiration for how to move his poem forward. The tricky thing is… the recycling truck has already carried away his poem draft! Join in with Rick and Finn as they regale us with this poet’s chase after his recycled poem in order to bring it home and fix it up! Here is "Recycled Poetry", from Finn’s album Marzipan – Stories with Music.
"Rudy & the Roller Skate" by Dan Keding from The Gypsy Wagon and Other Neighborhood Tales (20:44)
International storyteller and author, Dan Keding, tells of how his childhood longing for a dog morphs into canine fame on roller skates! Chuckle along to Dan’s relationship with this special dog as you listen to "Rudy & the Roller Skate", from Dan’s album The Gypsy Wagon and Other Neighborhood Tales.
Radio Family Journal: "A Thousand Words" (5:22)
Sam shares a memory about a Christmas where his family decided everyone would exchange gifts they made themselves. It's today's entry in his Radio Family Journal.
Join The Apple Seed just about every day, for two hours filled with stories for you and your family. You'll enjoy tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more, hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. Monday - Saturday at 8p ET/5p PT.
We all know that looks can be deceiving. Not everyone or everything is exactly as it seems to our first judgment. Many times, small things can have large effects. For example, tiny bacteria are so small that we can’t even see them, but they help us digest our food, break down garbage, and keep the world clean. We don’t notice they’re there, but if they were gone, we would know it. So, big things can have big effects, but you should never underestimate something small.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Most Powerful Being in the World” by Antonio Rocha from Cross Roads: Stories from Brazil & the World (12:07)
Antonio Rocha (pronounced haw-sha) is originally from Brazil. He came to the United States to study mime with mime master Tony Montanaro. Since then he has blended mime with verbal storytelling to enhance his tales. This story is about two proud rats. They are proud, not in a bad way, but of their daughter, and they want what’s best for her. So, when it’s time for her to get married, they want to find the most powerful being in the world to be her husband. Thus begins their quest, traveling all around, to find the most powerful being to be their daughter’s husband.
“What is Strength?” by Len Cabral from It’s How You Say It (5:15)
Len Cabral descends from Cape Verde, a country located off the coast of Africa. Since 1976 he has been telling stories and has garnered international acclaim. He tells stories from Africa, the Caribbean, Cape Verde, and the rest of the world, including his own original tales. This one is about a contest. In order to find out who is the strongest, the animals hold a competition. All the animals are there, and many of them are very strong. But when the human takes a turn, the animals have to ask, is that really strength? Or is it something far more sinister.
“The View from Here” by Allison Downey from Allison Downey: a Selection of Stories and Songs (5:56)
Allison Downey has lived and traveled all over the world, collecting a rich variety of stories. Recently, she has been recovering from treatment for a rare form of cancer, which she talks about on her blog. She says, in her own words, “...as I’m returning to the stage...I really come with a renewed strength of spirit and a deeper vision and voice.” This story details the events of an outdoor adventure she had as a fifteen year old when she found herself at a camp in Wyoming. The group she is with goes rock climbing and she has to learn a few things in order to succeed after getting stuck on a cliff face.
“Lost in the Ooze” by Ted Fink from The Flight of the Spielkamrad & Lost in the Ooze (6:09)
It’s probably safe to say that most of us have learned about the dangers of addiction. And addiction can happen with a lot of things, not just illegal drugs. But sometimes we can use a reminder to be careful of things that make us forget about things that should be important. Ted Fink started writing poetry when he was just five. From there, his writing grew to encompass stories, music and other things. His tale “Lost in the Ooze” was designed to help listeners understand the perils of addiction and why it can be harmful.
“Bellybuttons” by Bill Harley from The Town Around the Bend (5:10)
When Bill Harley was young, he wanted to become the second baseman for the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. Instead, he became a storyteller and songsmith, and a good one at that. In his collection The Town Around the Bend, he tells tales about a town with the peculiar name of Around the Bend. Lots of peculiar things happened there, and in this story, he tells about a belly button mix up. In it, you’ll learn just what the point of a belly button is, and what happens when you don’t have one.
“Sundays on Walker’s Bend” by Bruce Walker from Good for your Soul (8:25)
Bruce Walker says of himself “I am a husband, father, grandfather, minister, entrepreneur, teacher, performer, and pretty nice guy.” That list is certainly respectable, and his stories are more than respectable as well. He was Born in Oklahoma City but moved to Alabama and has lived there ever since. In this story he tells about growing up with his family on Walker’s Bend.
Joe Pagliuca was a preschool teacher, and one of his students was named Joe as well. As they got confused when people would call their names, they began to separate the two by calling the student little Joe and the teacher Big Joe. When he began storytelling, he decided to go by the same name, Big Joe. In this story, he tells about a farmer who has a problem. One of his sheep keeps eating his prized peppers. He tries to get the sheep out with the help of all the animals, but none of them can do it. No one, that is, until a small ant volunteers for the job. It's "The Sheep in the Pepper Patch," by Big Joe Pagliuca.
Sometimes, time moves by unbearably slow. Days are filled with work, waiting, and then more waiting. Don’t you ever wish that you could fast forward to the exciting parts of life and skip past the boring minutes - or years? That’s what the main character in Dolores Hydock’s “The Golden Ball” wishes for, and at first, he couldn’t be more delighted! However, over time, he finds that he begins to long for the quiet moments he once thought so dreadful. Will he ever get a chance to enjoy the peaceful passing of life once again? We’ll find out today as well as hearing stories from Donna Washington, Mark Binder, and Jenni Cargill-Strong.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Golden Ball” by Dolores Hydock from Once In A Blue Moon (22:14)
Dolores Hydock is an actress and storyteller having performed and received awards all over the country. In this story, an impatient young boy is given a golden ball by a mysterious old woman that helps him skip past the mundane moments of life.
“Epaminandus” by Donna Washington from Fun, Foolerly, and Folktales (13:16)
Donna Washington grew up as an army brat, traveling all over the world and collecting tales as she went. In this tale, Epaminandus is a young boy who gets sent to his grandmother’s house when he’s simply too much for his mother to handle. I’m sure many mothers out there can relate and be grateful to grandparents for helping out with their children. However, when Epaminandus’s grandmother sends him home with a gift, he always finds a way to mess it up before it reaches his mother. But this won’t stop his family from loving him anyway.
“Goldylocks” by Mark Binder from A Chanukah Present (6:50)
Mark Binder is an author and storyteller with more than 20 published books and 20 years of performance experience. Today he shares with us his telling of “Goldylocks”, but instead of Goldylocks running into a house of three bears, she wonders into a house of three bubbies. Bubbies, for those who don’t know, are grandmothers! So this story both playfully and lovingly reflects many things we find so unique and wonderful about our own grandmothers.
“With My Own Two Hands” by Jenni Cargill-Strong from Reaching For the Moon (3:04)
Jenni Cargill-Strong is a storyteller who believes in the power of storytelling to make the world a better place. This song is about how much of a positive impact one person can make.
The story of Goldilocks is well known and well-loved. However, this legend has changed drastically over the many years it’s been told. For instance, Goldilocks was not always seen as a blonde, rude child with no manners. At first, she was an old lady with silver hair! However, an author named Joseph Cundall decided that there were already too many villains who were old ladies and thus changed Goldilocks into a child. What made her hair gold happened in 1868, when a popular children’s book changed her hair color to gold and it’s stuck around ever since. Today, we’ll enjoy a fun retelling of Goldilocks by Fran Yardley called, “The Bee Thrares, a Tary Fale”.
We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to tall tales and fairy tales. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about Day and Night, grasshoppers, and small-tooth dogs.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"Creation of Day and Night" by Susan Strauss from Dreams of Animals: Myths and Personal Stories of Animals (10:40)
Susan Strauss is recognized internationally for her stories about the natural world. She combines mythic/traditional stories with personal anecdotes and scientific information to provoke an experience of natural archetypes: animals, mountains, trees, and plants. In this story from Ms. Strauss, you'll learn how day and night came to be.
"Why the Sky is Far Away" by Liz Weir from Here, There and Everywhere (4:08)
In an episode featuring stories about lessons learned from the natural world - myths and legends about plants, animals, and other natural phenomena - here's another story explaining how something came to be the way it is. This one from West Africa is from Liz Weir, a longtime friend of The Appleseed from Ireland, and is about why the sky is far away.
"Giggly Biggly and the Invitation" by Jim Weiss from Animal Tales (9:08)
Here's a little piece from Jim Weiss that features Giggly Biggly, a polar bear, as well as other delightful animals including a raccoon and a delivery kangaroo. It's a story about a wedding invitation, a party, and a new outfit just right for the occasion. It's a story you're sure to enjoy 'biggly'.
"The Grasshopper and the Ants" by Donna Washington from A Tureen of Tales (8:33)
Only Donna Washington could tell another storyteller's story, in this case Aesop, and make it her own. Here's Donna's rendition of "The Grasshopper and the Ants" from Aesop's Fables. Donna's story is about hard work and it recognizes that there's room for just about everyone.
"The Small-Tooth Dog" by Priscilla Howe from 5 Stories (6:41)
Up next is a live recording of a story from Priscilla Howe called "The Small-Tooth Dog" about a talking dog who saves a man from a band of robbers.
"Monkey and Frog” by Laura Simms from Four Legged Tales: Animal Stories From Here and Away (4:05)
Laura Simms has collected animals stories from all over the world. And you're sure to recognize this story from West Africa, or at least elements of it. This is a story about a monkey who is a great cook, manages a home well, and has a friend who is a frog. But Mr. Frog is lazy. So it sounds a little bit like the old story of "The Grasshopper and the Ants", the story we brought you earlier from Donna Washington. The truth is, some of the stories that we love the most from one place have echoes in stories all over the world. We hope this story reminds you of other stories you know and love.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, an old story called "Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears," told for you by Bobby Norfolk, a long-time park ranger turned beloved storyteller from St. Louis.
Everyone’s mom is unique and special to their own family circumstances, however, there is a magical quality that all moms seem to share: they know everything. When we have questions about life and it’s many curiosities, we are so grateful for our mother’s omniscience. However, when we get into mischief, our mother’s all-knowing power can be what gets us grounded. Donald Davis’s mother takes an interesting approach to this by letting her sons cause trouble because “that’s what boys do” even though she’s fully aware of what they’re doing since “that’s what mama’s do.” To discover the method behind the madness, listen in to today’s episode, “That’s What Mama’s Do.”
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Sarah” by Syd Lieberman from A Winner And Other Stories (11:05)
Syd Lieberman, like many good tellers, knows that some of the best stories come from your own family and has told many stories centering around his children. However, he never had a story about his daughter, Sarah. She was just too sweet and untroublesome to have a story about her. But now, she’s entered a special stage of life where she’s caught between becoming a full-grown woman and still being a small child which brings many challenges as well as unique opportunities to build a bond that can last a lifetime.
“That’s What Mama’s Do” by Donald Davis from That’s What Mama’s Do (18:15)
Donald Davis is a southern storyteller who often used anecdotes during his twenty-five years as a preacher. Even though Donald is familiar with and loves all kinds of stories from all over the world, his favorite kinds to tell are ones from his own childhood. In this story, Donald recounts the many things he did throughout his boyhood to sneak about doing funny business and the mysterious way his mother seemed to always find out.
“The Little Old Woman Who Hated Housework” by Margaret Read MacDonald from Fat Cat and Friends (11:00)
Margaret Read MacDonald’s favorite kinds of tales to tell are old folktales that she breathes new life into, and this folktale is one that many people can relate to. Lots of people have that one chore that they just hate to do. Be it dishes, raking leaves, or cleaning their room, it always feels like a huge, miserable task. Well, that’s how the little old lady in today’s story feels about every chore. Thankfully some fairies will swoop in to help her out, although she may not want the help they offer.
Do you have something special that reminds you of your parents or grandparents, maybe it’s a piece of jewelry or a letter? Or does your family have a family heirloom that has been passed down from generation to generation? These objects are so extraordinary because they are more than just objects, they symbolize our connections to family members who came before us and the love we all share for each other. Molly Catron tells us a story about one of these treasured items in her story, “Patent Leather Shoes”.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, an old Swedish Christmas story about an old man, a bunch of wild goblins, and a "cat" (emphasis on the quotation marks).
Large things tend to be powerful. If you think of the strongest animal what comes to mind? A horse? A bull? Buffalo? An elephant? Generally big is strong. But sometimes small can be strong too. Did you know an ant can withstand up to 5,000 times their own weight? And just because something is big doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything bigger. Even elephants are small compared to a blue whale. In fact, an elephant weighs only as much as a blue whale’s tongue! Today we’re bringing you stories all about big things and even bigger things from tellers like Bob Reiser, Liz Weir, Joseph Bruchac, and more.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Ouj the Magnificent” by Bob Reiser from The Story Tree (11:10)
Bob Reiser is an accomplished storyteller who in addition to publishing children’s books has been featured at various storytelling festivals. His story “Ouj the Magnificent” tells of a giant who is so big, he leaves lakes in his footprints. He believes himself to be the greatest, most magnificent being there is. That is until he finds someone bigger.
“Man Bear” by Joseph Bruchac from When the Chenoo Howls (9:30)
Being the strongest, or the fastest, or the greatest at something can make someone feel pretty good about themselves. But humility is certainly not to be underestimated. Joseph Bruchac is a citizen of the Nulhegan Abenaki, a Native American Nation local to Vermont. He’s a proficient storyteller and has published over 120 books. In this story he tells of a young man who is incredibly fast. Faster than any animal. But one day an evil comes to his village to challenge him. A man bear whose goal is to win, and then kill, the young man.
“The Mountain” by Sean Buvala from Rapunzel: Unvarnished Tales from the Brothers Grimm (8:40)
Sean Buvala began storytelling in an attempt to calm down a class of wild eighth graders. The attempt was apparently successful, as he has become a successful travelling storyteller. In this tale, he describes two brothers. One rich, and the other poor. The rich one is both greedy and unhappy. And while the other isn’t nearly as rich, he seems to be much happier. It is the poor one, however, that finds a magnificent treasure in a great mountain.
“The Rabbit’s Tale” by Liz Weir from Boom Chicka Boom (5:34)
We just heard a story about a greedy brother. Just like greed, too much pride can be a bad thing. Once upon a time, rabbits didn’t have big ears and a small, fluffy tail. It was, in fact, reversed. Their ears weren’t nearly so big, and their tails were large and fluffy. But rabbit was prideful. Too prideful, in fact. Liz Weir tells the story of how rabbit lost his great tail and gained his long ears. A storyteller from Ireland, she was the first recipient of the International Storybridge Award from the National Storytelling Network in the U.S.
“The Wishing Ring” by Dolores Hydock from Made from Scratch (8:15)
Pride can be a bad thing, but sometimes, a little confidence can actually be very helpful. As long as it is paired with honesty and hard work. This story is told by Dolores Hydock, a storyteller, and actress. In it, a handsome young man knows he is handsome. He knows he is clever. He isn’t the most clever though, as an older man tricks him into trading his nice boots for a worthless ring under the belief that it will give him one magical wish. Instead of using his wish for just anything, however, the young man believes he can save it for later by working hard and getting his wish the usual way.
Fire is an integral part of humanity. It is studied in history, chemistry, physics, nature, and much more. It plays a role in folktales, cooking and all walks of life- providing warmth and light as well as danger. In these stories we will see how fire can play a part in all walks of life- whether it be through the sun and folklore of light, or the tiniest firefly, fire is part of all of humanity and all of nature. As an element it demands respect as it can be destructive and terrifying. But, it can also bring much warmth and wonder to one’s life if you learn how to control it and respect it. It takes bravery to face a fire, but sometimes it comes just when you need it. So, as we listen through these stories, think about fire and the wonder of life that it can bring.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"The Boy and the Firefly" by Antonio Rocha from Cross Roads: Stories from Brazil & the World (7:08)
Antonio Rocha is a native of Brazil and includes imagery from Brazil’s vast landscape in a lot of his stories. In this story he details the adventure a little boy takes into the jungle when he follows a beautiful bird. A little like Mogli from The Jungle Book, this little boy encounters many different animals, simply asking them if they could lead him home. All refuse until a small firefly comes and lights his way home. This story plays the line between nature and humanity wonderfully.
"The Rabbit In The Moon" by Antonio Sacre from Water Torture, the Barking Mouse, and Other Tales of Wonder (6:50)
Antonio Sacre blends beautiful language of English and Spanish together in his fantastic tales and this tale is no different. This folk tale of why in Mexico you see a rabbit in the moon, describes the difference between bravery and beauty. When two characters go head to head- one beautiful and one brave- only one will come out triumphant and bring up the sun.
"The Goblin and the Grocer" by Diane Wolkstein from Hans Christian Andersen Classic Stories (8:20)
In this wonderful story Diane Wolkstein describes a mischievous goblin and a miscommunication. Diane Wolkstein is a storyteller based in New York who focuses on fairytales and folktales. This story is all about a goblin not knowing where his heart truly lies- with the grocer who gives him butter? Or with the magic book that sings the most beautiful lullabies?
"Go Light The World on Fire" by Don White from Winning Streak (2:23)
A singer songwriter and storyteller Don White shows us again just how to combine all of the light of stories with music in a wonderful way. Boston based Don White has been traveling and storytelling since before 2011, and has cultivated his craft throughout the years. In this wonderful song he depicts the real value of passion and light that can drive you to new places, and beyond the typical bounds of life. May we listen and reminisce, remembering to work towards what we love.
"York, Maine" by Mike Agranoff from Or Would You Rather Get A Job (3:42)
Just as fire can be beautiful and wonderful it can also be destructive and fear inspiring. In this song by Mike Agranoff we see a wonderful story of the importance of knowing what you care about most. The importance of family and love and the fire of friendship can not be overcome by the fire of destruction.
"Hanukka in Chelm" by Joel Ben Izzy from Lights and Laughter (9:40)
In this silly story Joel Ben Izzy describes the town of Chelm- a town of fools who think themselves smart. Joel Ben Izzy is an award-winning storyteller who begun storytelling in 1983. He has traveled in some 36 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. All of this traveling has informed a lot of his stories including this story about silly people and their battle against the elements.
"Og Saves the World" by Mark Binder from A Holiday Present (3:28)
Mark binder is classically trained as an actor, director and playwright, he often tours the world as a performer, transmitting the joy of story across distances. He tells stories for adults and children and in this story he tells the story of Og- a man that is afraid of the sun going away. May this ball of fire not be eaten up by the snake in the sky, and if Og has anything to do about it, it won’t.
"Gypsy Davey, One Year" After by Mike Agranoff from Or Would You Rather Get A Job (5:07)
Mike Agranoff is a folk teller who “draws his material from sources as diverse as traditional ballads and fiddle tunes, Tin Pan Alley, contemporaries in the Folk World, and his own witty pen.” In this story song he describes the after-story of Gypsy Davey and what happened to him and his family after everything was over. It is a fun tale of sacrifice and new relationships, ever helped by time.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a story called "fire and Rain," told for you by Lyn Ford. The story is about a young woman looking for a life partner. Among her choices are Fire and Rain. Which will she choose, and why? That's the story!
We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to tall tales and fairy tales. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about Motorcycles, blessings, and rainy days.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"Buffalo and Turtle (Wyandotte)" by Dovie Thomason from Voices of the Animal People (11:53)
We love animal stories here on The Apple Seed, partly because there's so much for people to learn from them. In this story from Dovie Thomason, buffalo challenges turtle to a swimming contest. Take a listen and see if you can spot the lesson at its center.
"Motorcycle Momma" by Glenda Bonin from Family Gazette (5:39)
Here's a little personal story from Glenda Bonin about getting a ride to school in a new and exciting way on a day when she hoped she wouldn't have to go to school at all.
"Trouble Boxes and Blessing Bundles" by Steve Otto from Potpourri (8:17)
Up next is a story from Steve Otto that asks the question, "If you could take for your own the troubles of someone else and live those troubles instead of the troubles you're already living, would you?"
"Roots and Raccoons" by Molly Catron from Do Lord. Oh, Do Lord. Oh, Do you remember me? (16:19)
This next story is a personal one and it's from Molly Catron about going to a family reunion. We hope it will bring to mind a memory of your own about reunions and tripts to share with the people you love.
"Rainy Day at Roses" by Anthony Burcher from Anthony Squished My Banana (7:16)
We're going to wrap up today with a story from Anthony Burcher. We've played many of Anthony's stories on the show that you can look up in our archive or on the podcast. This one's about a beach trip and a sunburn. Can you relate?
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a special story for a special season. You'll hear a readers' theater presentation of "Papa Panov's Special Christmas," a story by Leo Tolstoy. The story tells of an old man who has a dream in which he learns that Jesus will visit him the next day. Waiting for Jesus, Papa Panov provides comfort and respite for strangers who come by his little house.
We often fear what we do not understand. This is natural, and most often, a good thing. However, there are times that fear drives us to do things that we shouldn’t, things that do more harm than good. It can be hard to know when we should fear and when we should seek understanding. Today’s collection of stories address the conundrum: when should we be afraid, and when should we seek to understand. The short answer is always seek to understand, even if it’s with caution. The long answer contains tales from Susi Wolf, Charlotte Blake-Alston, Margaret Read MacDonald, and others. We hope these stories both entertain and spark memories of your own to share with those you love.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Nyangara the Python” by Charlotte Blake-Alston from Bit ‘O This-Bit ‘O That (10:51)
Charlotte Blake Alston tells traditional and contemporary stories from African and African American traditions. This story comes from the Shona people living in the eastern half of Zimbabwe. It is about a python named Nyangara, who has mystical powers of healing and a chief of a village that saves his life. In return Nyangara saves the chief’s life, but only if the villagers can get over their fear of a giant python.
“Buddhist Travelers” by Susi Wolf from Peeling Life Makes Your Eyes Water (2:27)
Susi Wolf is a storyteller with a background in zoology. While she tells animal stories very well, this one is about the wisdom of a buddhist monk. It’s a short story, but it’s one with a powerful lesson.
“The Barnyard Birds” by Tim Lowry from SEVEN! World Folk Tales (7:59)
When Tim Lowry began entertaining, he was too young to drive. He offered puppet shows for birthday parties, but he added a discount if you could give him a ride. Since them he has told many stories, and is nearing his 10,000th performance. This story, from his collection SEVEN! World Folk Tales, is a thriller for birds. The enemy: a killer cat who picks off the birds of the barnyard one by one, night by night. Every bird thinks they’re clever enough to keep watch, but only one actually manages to stay awake long enough to survive.
“Mabela the Clever” by Margaret Read MacDonald from Fat Cat and Friends (6:26)
Margaret Read MacDonald holds a Ph.D. in Folklore from Indiana University and travels the world both telling and learning stories. Her tale “Mabela the Clever” follows a young, gullible mouse that gets invited to be part of a cool cat club. Most can probably imagine where this is going. Mouse, cats, we all know the story. But Mabela isn’t called clever for no reason. Gullible and young though she is, she also knows that she should listen to what her parents taught her to stay safe.
“The Silver Branch” by Yvonne Healy from Blarney (14:42)
Yvonne Healy moved from Ireland to the U.S. when she was just a child. She learned storytelling from a tradition-bearer for Ireland’s Gaelic League, her father. This story is about Irish wisdom, and how a king learned it. Sometimes it actually pays to be scared of things we don’t understand, or at least cautious.
Radio Family Journal: "Spin Spider Spin" (4:55)
In this latest entry in the Radio Family Journal, Sam reflects upon the preschool run by his family friends. More specifically he reminisces about some of the musical albmus for children that taught him to love animals and insects.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, an old tale about a clever goat, called "Goat Gets Away." It's told for you by Jim Weiss.
We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to tall tales and fairy tales. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about life lessons, queen bees, and a drop of honey.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"Passing it On, I: Raised in the Briar Patch" by Betty Ann Wylie from Pass it on: A Storyteller's Journey (9:02)
Our first story today acts as a sort of audio essay about what life felt like when Betty Ann Wylie was growing up. It's full of rich detail and we hope that it will bring back picture memories for you of how things were when you were a child, or if you are a child, how you'd like to remember this time that you're living.
"Life Lesson from Larry" by Don White from Live at the Guthrie Center (6:46)
Don White has survived and been on stage for more than twenty years, eliciting from his audience laughter and tears with his comedic storytelling style. In this story, Don shares some important life lessons he's learned from his father, Larry.
"Drop of Honey" by Mary Wright from Mary Wright Stories (6:56)
Mary Wright shares a folktale that endeavors to prove that even the smallest events - in this case a drop of honey falling off a grain of rice - can have major consequences.
"The Queen Bee" by The Storycrafters from Yarns of the Brothers Grimm (23:24)
A story about a drop of honey is a great segue into this next story called "The Queen Bee", told in the inimitable style of The Storycrafters, the husband and wife duo of Barry Marshall and Jeri Burns. It's a quest story that you're sure to enjoy.
Radio Family Journal: "Ernie's Hits" (5:35)
That questing story from The Storycrafters brings to Sam's mind a memory of going on a "bear hunt" in Elementary School. Did you ever take part in that audience participation song? And this memory leads to another memory about Sam's family's records. Here's another entry in the Radio Family Journal.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a teeny tiny story called "Teeny Tiny," by Betty Ann Wylie. It's a jump story (a story with a moment in it designd to make you jump), told in a non-jumpy way, so you're completely safe. This is an old tale, and it's in a form that matches a thousand other jump stories, from The Golden Arm to the joke about the coffin coming up the stairs.
Classic folk tales often take things to the extreme. From Paul Bunyan’s enormous size to the snarkiness of the gingerbread man, and all the way back to the sweetness of princesses like Cinderella and Snow White, folk tale characters are nothing if not exaggerated. This principle applies perfectly to today’s main story by Bobby Norfolk called, “Wicked John and the Devil.” Now, you might’ve heard of characters like wicked stepmothers and school bullies, but they all pale in comparison to John from today’s adventure. John is bad to the bone, so bad in fact that the devil himself feels upset that someone is going around being meaner than he is. So what does John do when the devil comes knocking at his door? Listen in and find out! We’ll also hear marvelous legends and myths from Heather Forest, Diane Ferlatte, and Joel Ben Izzy.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Contest Between Wisdom and Luck” by Heather Forest on Wonder Tales From Around the World “Wicked John and the Devil” by Bobby Norfolk on Why Mosquitos Buzz in People’s Ears “Why the Dog Has a Cold Wet Nose” by Diane Ferlatte on Knick-Knack Paddy Whack "The Old King and His Daughters” by Joel Ben Izzy on Stories From Far Away Radio Family Journal: "The Donkey and the Dog"
Every day, we bring you a full, hour-long episode of The Apple Seed filled with stories for you and your family, and also a little something extra here in the podcast. In today's full episode, we brought you a story of the unconventional route to heaven taken by the protagonist of the old story "Wicked John." In today's Apple Seed Extra, we bring you another story about getting to heaven in an unconventional way. It's "Climbing a Pole to Heaven," by Bill Gordh.
It’s been a crazy year, the kind where we look for any source of joy and laughter we can to be relieved of daily stresses. Often times, that joy and laughter is found in the fascinating people around us. If you’ve ever people-watched in a park, or in the waiting room at a doctor’s office, or at any family reunion, you know that this world is full of quirky, beautiful people. Their actions, ideas, stories, and perspectives enrich life, and make the hard times light-hearted with their authenticity.
Today’s stories will move us all to smile at the quirky and fascinating characters of the world. We’ll hear stories of rascals that steal from others’ gardens, talented game players with beautiful Jewish traditions, and magical beings that spin feathers into fine cloth. Each story will make us a little happier with the sway of its song and the energy of its teller.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"Spin the Dreidel" by Mark Binder from A Chanukah Present (7:30)
In our first story, storyteller and writer Mark Binder, who was recently nominated for an Audie Award, tells a story of a young boy so talented at the game of spinning the dreidel that a man is willing to gamble all he owns – even the man’s own daughter’s hand in marriage – on a dreidel game against the boy. The young boy, having promised his skills would one day win him a wife, agrees to the match. Stay tuned to see who wins as Mark regales us with Spin the Dreidel, from his album A Chanukah Present.
"The Boy Who Hated Latkes" by Mark Binder from A Holiday Present (4:54)
In this next piece, we’ve got a second story from the great Mark Binder today, where he tells of his son who passionately hates latkes. Latkes are a potato pancake fried in oil, and to this day, Mark’s son refuses to eat them. Listen in on the origins of his son’s distaste for this delicious Jewish treat as Mark tells The Boy Who Hated Latkes, from his album A Holiday Present.
"Japanese Folk Story" by Brenda Wong Aoki from Timp 2017 (8:14)
We’ve talked games, we’ve talked food, now we’ll talk love and greed! Producer, playwright, and storyteller Brenda Wong Aoki tells the story of Su, a beautiful woman with a magical gift and a husband who doesn’t know the origins of that gift. Su is able to fabricate beautiful cloth for her husband to sell, but when she makes the cloth, her husband isn’t allowed to enter the room. One day, in a spurt of greed, Su’s husband breaks this rule, and is bewildered by what he finds. Lean in close as Brenda tells her Japanese Folk Story, from the album Timp 2017.
"John the Rabbit/Wolf’s Garden" by Lyn Ford from An Evening at Cedar Creek (13:40)
Ohio-born storyteller and teacher Lyn Ford explores the story of John, a rabbit who longs to eat up whole garden. One day, John the Rabbit attempts to eat up Wolf’s garden, but finds he must learn Wolf’s musical password to enter the garden gate. Find out what exactly Wolf’s garden gate password is as Lyn tells John the Rabbit/Wolf’s Garden, from her album An Evening at Cedar Creek.
"Dancing Granny (Carribean Folktale)" by Eshu Bumpus from Dancing Granny and Other Tales to Boogie to (8:05)
Award-winning storyteller and jazz vocalist Eshu Bumpus, regales us with a story of Anansi, a lazy trickster who just keeps getting pulled from his TV by a family who demands to be fed. Anansi devises a plan to start stealing from the garden of the neighboring granny by luring her with a perfect song to boogie to. Anansi starts singing a jig and gets Granny dancing right out of her garden long enough for him to raid it. But Granny won’t take these tricks for long. Find out how she fights him off in Eshu’s Dancing Granny (Carribean Folktale) from his album Dancing Granny and Other Tales to Boogie to.
Radio Family Journal: "Grandpa's Costumes" (5:16)
It's been a fun hour getting to know all sorts of quirky characters, like sly rabbits and dancing grannies. All this quirkiness reminds Sam of a quirky character from his life. Here's another entry into his Radio Family Journal.
In today's full, hour-long episode of the Apple Seed you heard a story from Eshu Bumpus, who regaled us with another story of Anansi, a lazy trickster who just keeps getting pulled from his TV by a family who demands to be fed. Anansi devises a plan to start stealing from the garden of the neighboring granny by luring her with a perfect song to boogie to. The story contained snatches of a groovy song called "Dancing Granny." For today's Apple Seed Extra, we thought we'd bring you the full version of the tune. Bet you can't keep your toe from tapping!
Life is full of wonders, questions, tragedies, and miracles. Every life is different, and every story is different too, but we can always find a way to relate to the good ones. We hope that the stories today spark memories and stories of your own that go on to be shared with loved ones. We have tales about things ranging from groundhogs to art in ancient catacombs from tellers Doug Elliott, Norman Walker, Ed Stivender, and more.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Woodchuck as Warrior: of Whistlepigs and World Politics” by Doug Elliott from Groundhogology and Marmotabilia: Of Whistlepigs and World Politics (10:03)
This story comes from a man who knows all about nature and an album that is all about groundhogs. It is entitled Groundhogology and Marmotabilia: Of Whistlepigs and World Politics. Doug Elliott is not only a storyteller, but also a naturalist and herbalist. He has traveled all over the Americas to investigate plant and animal life and learn about people’s connection to the natural world. As he explains in this story, people actually have quite a big connection to animals. We can learn a lot about ourselves from watching those groundhogs.
“Ballad of Ross and Anna” by Norman Walker from Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts (5:39)
Norman Walker is not just a storyteller. He is a self proclaimed story singer. He has also been called a contemporary folk singer. This song, entitled “Ballad of Ross and Anna” is about a couple who falls in love and builds a cabin on a mountainside. Unfortunately, the granite slab they built it on was not as good of an idea as they originally thought. In the winter it seemed fine, but it was actually a home to rattlesnakes.
“Sody Salaraitis” by Ed Stivender from Silly Jack: Stories and Songs for Children (5:54)
Ed Stivender became a full time storyteller in 1977 after leaving his job as a high school teacher. Ever since he has been involved in storytelling across the country. This story comes from an appalachian tale reminiscent of a reverse little red riding hood. Instead of to grandmother's house, it's from grandmother's house, to pick up some needed backing supplies for grandma. One by one, each person sent to get some sody salaraitus doesn't come back until the only person left is the squirrel.
“Animal Tales” by Laura Simms from Four Legged Tales: Animal Tales from Here and Away (7:17)
Have you ever wondered how animals got their tails? They didn’t used to all have them. If you pay attention, you’ll see that some animals have long tails, and others have short ones. Some are fluffy and others are sleek. Laura Simms has the explanation. In addition to being a storyteller, she is the artistic director of the Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Center in New York, a humanitarian, writer, and educator.
“A Little Princess” by Catherine Taylor (10:22)
This story is from Catherine Taylor. She has a PhD in the History of Art from the University of Manchester, and her studies center on images of women in early Christian contexts. Here she talks about what led her to such a discipline and the meaning she derives from the art of those women. It all started when she was a young girl who loved to daydream. Those dreams let her participate in new worlds. Now she explores the worlds of other’s creations.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy an old song from Paddy Tutty called "The Hare's Lament," in which we get to hear the thoughts of a rabbit as its being hunted by hounds. Melancholy, but pretty cool.
Nature holds a language just as we as humanity hold languages. Each of these stories connects to some part of nature - from including lines of French, Spanish and English, to talking about the birds and turtles and the languages of plants. There are always things we can learn from these wonderful creatures of nature. And if we stop and listen, perhaps we'll be able to hear them whisper to us. In this episode you’ll hear stories of all of these things and more, so stop and listen and maybe these stories can give you clues into what nature sounds like.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“The Gift“ by Michael Katz from Far Away and Close to Home: Magical and Mystical tales from Around the World (9:18)
In this story the sun disappears after being forgotten by the people of earth. And the people then try singing to the sun with musicians to make him happy and bring him back. Will it work? Well, that's the story. And it's a bilingual adventure that you're sure to love.
“Kanzo's Garden” by Lyn Ford from When the Gourd Broke Common Sense Stories (14:50)
In this story you'll meet Kanzo, an extraordinarily gifted gardener, who is also very greedy. He builds a high fence to keep creatures out, even down to the smallest beetle. The story is about how the animals and birds try to make a plan to get some food from Kanzo's garden.
“Moon and Sun” by Sean K. Buvala from Calling Out The Rising Sun: Stories for Teenage Guys (2:15)
This is a short tale about the jealousy that exists between the moon and the sun. Jealousy because, after all, in this story the moon and the sun are siblings.
“Thunder and Lightning” by Martha Hamilton with Mitch Weiss from How & Why Stories World Tales Kids Can Tell (2:46)
This is a story called "Thunder and Lightning". Did you know that thunder and lightning were a ram and a sheep? Well, that's what this story says. And here's Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss.
“Clytie” by Martha Hamilton with Mitch Weiss from Stories in My Pocket Tales Kids Can Tell (3:34)
Martha sticks around to tell us a greek myth. The story of "Clytie", a girl who couldn't stop staring at the sun.
“Wood & Nails” by Michael Reno Harrell from Tales and Tunes (7:49)
Now we're going to hear from Michael Reno Harrell. This is a little tale and tune about a rainstorm and a house. This was recorded live during a house concert for friends.
“The Tale of Shadow and Light” by Barry Stewart Mann from The Improbably Love of Ethel and Elmer and Other Offbeat Tales of Romance (2:30)
Up next is Barry Stewart Mann with a story about the once wonderful friendship between shadow and light.
“Talking With The Lights On” by Donald Davis from A Room of My Own (7:09)
A lot of the stories we brought you this hour have to do with lessons learned from nature: thunder and lighning, the sun and the moon, shadow and light. We thought we'd bring you one more lesson story. This one a lesson learned from playing in the Junior High band, and it's from "The Dean", Donald Davis.
Happy Thanksgiving from The Apple Seed! Wherever you're gathering this year we hope you'll take an opportunity to not only give thanks for the blessings in your life, but that you'll also share memories with or about the people that you love. And we'll provide the stories to help spark those memories. So put together a plate of turkey, yeast rolls, pumpkin pie, and an etrog, and get ready for stories from Bruce Walker, Bill Harley, Linda Goodman, Kevin Kling, and Martha Hamilton.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"Pie Made of Pumpkin" by Bruce Walker from Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts (3:57)
If you're looking to bake your favorite pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving but can't track down the recipe card, here's what you do: just memorize this song from Bruce Walker which is basically step-by-step directions on how to make this festive dessert.
"Yeast Rolls" by Bill Harley from Nothing For Granted (9:27)
We're going to move from that food song to a food story from Apple Seed-favorite, Bill Harley. Have you ever been guilty of eating too much of a beloved side dish? How about the entire side dish? No judgment here, especially if it's something as good as yeast rolls.
"I Need An Etrog" by Linda Goodman from Pass It On: A Journey Through the Jewish Holidays in Story and Song (8:31)
If you were to ask someone 'What does Thanksgiving mean to you?', they might mention something about the food. But really at the heart of this holiday is gathering, being together with people you love. That will certainly ring true with this next story. And although it's not about Thanksgiving (it takes place during the Jewish holiday of Sukkoth) the elements are the same. Sometimes we focus too much on securing particular food items for our feast that we lose sight of what's really important.
"Harvest" by Kevin Kling from Wonderlure! (6:20)
What starts out as a humurous story about young Kevin Kling's reluctance to slaughter pigs that he's named turns into a rather sweet memory of Kevin's grandmother.
"Why Anansi Has a Small Waist" by Martha Hamilton (with Mitch Weiss) from Stories in My Pocket Tales Kids Can Tell (3:15)
Ever wonder why spiders have small waists? You're going to find out in this story about Anansi, the 'Trickster', who, when she doesn't receive an invitation to either of the local village's harvest festivals, devises a plan to find out when and where they will occur, that also includes attending both.
This year's Thanksgiving celebration is like no other we can remember. Whether you're near the ones you love or far away from them, we hope you can find meaningful ways to connect, and that family storytelling can be part of your celebration. On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a Thanksgiving memory from our host, Sam Payne. From all of us at The Apple Seed, we hope you're well, that you're taking care of yourselves and each other, and that you have a terrific holiday.
We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to tall tales and fairy tales. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about whales, frisbees, and getting older.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"Edith's Lyrebird" by Jackie Kerin (7:06)
Every once in a while you may have had a relationship of sorts with an animal that, while not your pet, sort of lives its life in your space to the degree that you understand each other. This story is a reflection upon that kind of relationship, and it's from Jackie Kerin.
"How the Whale Got His Throat" by Jim Weiss from A Collection of Just So Stories As Read by Jim Weiss (8:00)
This next animal story called "How the Whale Got His Throat" is from Rudyard Kipling's "Just So Stories", so named because the stories Kipling told to his daughter had to be told "Just so".
"On Turning a Certain Age" by Susi Wolf from Peeling Life Makes Your Eyes Water (3:42)
Here's a little piece from Susi Wolf that's a reflection on turning a certain age. We all hope that with the passage of time we continue to learn. And that message is at the heart of Susi's story.
"Dancing Jack" by The Storycrafters from Straw Into Gold (27:06)
Up next is the storytelling duo The Storycrafters, Jeri Burns and Barry Marshall, with a piece called "Dancing Jack". It's a musical, rhythmic celebration of story in much the same way it always is when you listen to a great Storycrafters story.
Radio Family Journal: "Frisbee with Grandpa" (5:15)
Listening to Susi Wolf's reflection on getting older called "On Turning a Certain Age" brings back a memory that Sam would like to share as today's entry in his Radio Family Journal.
On today's episode, enjoy an ancient fable -- The Lion and the Mouse -- told for you by Jim Weiss. Jim's warm, friendly performances of classic tales have been engaging listeners for more than three decades. You hear Jim from time to time on The Apple Seed, most recently in today's full, hour-long episode (available right where you found this Apple Seed Extra), where you heard Rudyard Kipling's "How the Whale Got its Throat."
Growing up, we tend to admire our parents and hope to emulate certain aspects of them one day. Some of us might hope to inherit our parents’ musical talents, tremendous patience, love of animals, freely flowing generosity, knowledge of cars, or their excellent cooking skills. But for Anthony Burcher, who grew up listening to his father’s hunting stories, all he wanted was to someday have a couple of hunting adventures that he could call his own. Eventually, Anthony does get those experiences, but they never turned out quite as he expected. We’ll hear all about his hilarious mistakes and soft heart in his story, “Hunting Stupid.” Speaking of unexpected tales, we’ll also hear stories from Rachel Hedman and Norah Dooley.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a musical setting of an ancient fable about a dog chasing a rabbit, written and performed by Heather Forest. It turns out that the stakes of a race can determine the outcome!
Have you ever misjudged a situation? Maybe you were offered a meal that looked great, but turned out way too spicy to handle. Or maybe you asked someone if they were pregnant only to find out you shouldn’t have said anything. Misunderstandings like that can be funny. Others can be dangerous. They also can make for a great story. Small misunderstandings are the hallmark of a good romantic comedy, and big misunderstandings can cause large scale disasters. Today’s episode features a collection of stories involving misunderstandings and misjudgments. From implied murder to a fun prank gone wrong, we have stories from Karen Golden, Joe Herrington, and Catherine Conant.
In today's full, hour-long episode of the show (available where you found this Apple Seed Extra), you heard a story about a prank involving some fake blood and a house that everyone thought was haunted. THinking about pranks put us in mind of another story. On today's Apple Seed Extra, a story from Michael Reno Harrell called "Rain Gauge," about pranks at a local radio station. Got a favorite prank? Tell the story to someone you love!
Join The Apple Seed just about every day, for two hours filled with stories for you and your family. You'll enjoy tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more, hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. Monday - Saturday at 8p ET/5p PT.
Have you ever celebrated Chinese New Year, where dragons dance through the streets and fireworks explode in the sky? If so, you’ll know that the New Year in China follows a different calendar system than the one we use here in the United States! The New Year in China follows the lunar calendar, a calendar system that adheres to the phases of the moon. The United States uses the Gregorian calendar, so those of us who enjoy celebrating Eastern holidays on the Western side of the world find ourselves celebrating Eastern Holidays on different days every year. Today, we’re sharing stories from the parts of the world that celebrate the Autumn Festival – everywhere from China to Japan. We’ll hear stories of a wild hunter who rescues a town from an evil black bird, a monkey who long to be a god, and a brave 9-year-old girls who battles a monstrous snake to save her village. We’ll celebrate the Autumn Festival our own way in this part of the world – by telling stories.
In the full, hour-long episode of The Apple Seed that we posted today (available wherever you find this Apple Seed Extra) we filled an hour with stories from Japan and China to celebrate the Harvest Festival. We'll continue the celebration here. On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy an old folk tale called "The Drunk and the Monk," shared with you by Eth-Noh-Tec, the storytelling duo of Nancy Wang and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo.
In the full, hour-long episode of The Apple Seed that we posted today (available right where you found this Apple Seed Extra), we brought you part of a rolicking story called "The George Washington Method for Blues Ukulele," a story short on historical facts, but long on laughs. On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a conversation with the guy behind that tale: Willy Claflin, a wonderful storyteller and musician whether you see him performing on his own, or with Maynard Moose, his storytelling companion.
You know the feeling when you’re craving a certain food, but aren’t quite sure what? Or when you’re bored and have an itch to get out and do something, but just can’t quite tell what you’re in the mood for? You want company, but aren’t quite sure whom you’d like to be with? You still haven’t found what you’re looking for – even if you don’t quite know what you’re looking for?
However, we know you have found what you’ve been looking for on today’s Apple Seed! Today’s episode of The Apple Seed revolves around characters motivated to keep searching for what they want – or think they want. Storytellers Margaret MacDonald, Lani Peterson, Susan Stone, and Susan Reed grace us with inspiring stories of finding what’s most important – even if their characters didn’t realize they were looking for it to begin with.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, you'll hear a fun song from the award-winning storyteller and songwriter Susan Reed. It's a piece called "Why Kids are Not in Charge," and the title will make perfect sense to you as you listen to the song. You may even see yourself or someone you know in the lyrics!
The stories that we hold between generations never cease to amaze. Whether it’s a true tale of adventure and triumph, or a fictional fairytale that gets passed down as a bedtime story through generations, stories are what brings us all together. In this episode we will be hearing a story called ‘The Sax Man’ by Ted Fink that’s all about finding family and friendship through a stranger; a story called ‘The Evil Prince and the Sleeping Beauty by Judith Black who tells about her childhood and relationships with her family, all underscored by the beautiful sounds of Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty; as well as the stories ‘Is Not Is Too’ by Bill Harley and ‘Anthony Squished my Banana’ by Anthony Burcher. All in an extraordinary hour about music and family that you won’t want to miss.
Today's full, hour-long episode of The Apple Seed (available right where you find this Apple Seed "Extra") featured stories about things being transmitted between generations. It also featured a story called "The Sax Man," by Ted Fink. Thinking about those themes made us think about this story, written and told by Sam. On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy "Denis Zwang's Saxophone Prayer."
On today's episode, you'll hear "The Blue Feather," "Three Wishes," "Think, Live, Fly," and other tales that stir your imagination.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a tune called "Can't Stay Home," by Don White. It's an anthem for the cooped up. And in a time when we're all glad to take care of ourselves and each other by appropriately isolating, it still feels good to hear someone express out loud a sentiment that we all often feel: "Can't Stay Home Tonight."
If you know anything about animals, you know that you shouldn’t ever get between a mother and her children. Whether it be a bird, a moose, or a bear, they will protect their young with a ferocity that would scare anyone. They’re ferocious because they know there can be real threats out in the world. The trouble is, some threats aren’t just out for the animals, they can be for us too. Luckily, we also have our protectors. It can be our parents, siblings, our friends, and maybe even others. Whoever it is, they help us face the world with confidence so we can succeed. Here on The Apple Seed we are bringing you stories about people who protect others or protect themselves through many means. We have stories from Sheila Startks, Antonio Sacre, and a Song by Ryan Shupe.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a performance by Alton Chung of "The Pheasant's Bell." In this story, a man protects some pheasants from a snake, saving their lives. In the process he accidentally kills the snake too, which comes back to haunt him as the snake spirit is bent on revenge. But he has the pheasants on his side, helping him survive.
Sports! - Almost everyone’s got a favorite one. In America, Canada, and Russia, hockey is a common favorite. Soccer, of course, is popular all around the world from Brazil to England. But in Japan, sumo wrestling is one of the most traditional and beloved sports. Sumo wrestling a full-contact competition where two opponents face off and try to knock the other out of a circular ring. However, there’s also a deeper reason why so many people love and participate in sports. Sports teach us fitness, dedication, honor, and so many valuable skills that will help us throughout our entire lives. Today, Motoko will share with us a story about an excellent sumo wrestler that uses both the strength of his body and his integrity to provide for his family.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy Andy Offutt Irwin's story "The Piano Bench." When you think of a piano bench, you probably think of piano lessons, classical music, or playing on and around it in your childhood. What you probably don’t think when you see a piano bench is, “This would be great for a prank!” But that’s the kind of sneaky, creative thinking that makes Andy Offutt Irwin’s fictional Aunt Marguerite so much fun. In this story, we’ll hear about one of Aunt Marguerite’s hilarious pranks that involves something neither more nor less complicated than a humble piano bench.
We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to tall tales and fairy tales. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about Kings, sandals, and earthworms.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a story that occurred for the most part right here in the Apple Seed studios. It's a story just right for Veteran's Day (Remembrance Day in the UK), and features beautiful music by pianist Scott Holden and baritone Robert Brandt.
From the time we are born, everything is finite. There is a beginning and an end. The sun rises and inevitably, it sets. Years come and go. Happy moments have an end, and even the sad ones will pass. So what happens with life? We are born, and eventually, we die. But does death represent the end? Or do we persist in some way? There are many beliefs regarding what might lay in store for us once our mortal bodies close their eyes for the last time. Naturally, it can be scary to face death. It can be terribly sad when someone we care for has to move on. But perhaps we can find some solace in the idea that infinity exists. The expanse of the universe doesn’t have an end. The number pi goes on forever. The possibilities of where life can take us are endless. So, amidst all of these infinities, we can take up hope that endings are not permanent. The sun does rise again, and there will be more happy moments. After we pass through this life, our loved ones might be waiting for us, as Anne Rutherford says, in The Blue Remove.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a tender (and kind of remarkable) story of the passing of a loved one, shared by Steve Lemmon, who was not one of the loved ones of the deceased, but, rather, the mortician's assistant who prepared him for his funeral.
Sometimes stories are so new and different from the ones we are used to hearing that we have a hard time understanding their value. We all have to work through a little fear of the unknown, and it takes some practice to see the goodness in new stories. The good news is, we can learn to see the inherent goodness in those stories. The more we listen to new and different tales, the more we consider the different cultural lenses through which people may see those stories, and therefore, the more we learn to love them and their tellers.
Even if stories differ from the ones you tell, you can often find their inherent goodness as you listen. Today’s stories will explore quirky ideas like a snake’s marriage proposal to a woman and even a donkey challenging a toad to a race! Each story may seem a little odd at first, but if you listen for a bit of their inherent goodness, you will hear themes of familial strength and expanded love.
Today on The Apple Seed, enjoy the following:
"The Woman and the Snake" by Barry Stewart Mann from The Improbable Love of Ethel and Elmer and Other (8:23)
Professional actor, writer, and storyteller Barry Stewart Man tells of a girl named Ambala, who can’t seem to get rid of her illness. One day, the snake she and her father take care of every day appears to her in a dream, and tells her she will be healed. When she finds herself free of the illness soon after, she begins living a confident life till she is again visited by the snake in another dream. This time, he declares that she will marry him! And so, believing his predictions, she prepares to do just that. Listen in as Barry tells The Woman and the Snake, from his album The Improbable Love of Ethel and Elmer and Other.
"The Three Army Surgeons" by Ingrid Nixon from Grimm’s with a Twist (8:34)
Inspirational speaker and storyteller Ingrid Nixon tells of three army surgeons who were so skilled that they could remove their own body parts and sew them right back on by morning. One day, during their stay at an inn, the surgeons body parts go missing – the inn keeper and his wife find a way to replace their body parts, hoping they will not notice the different when morning comes. Puzzle along to this quirky tale as Ingrid tells The Three Army Surgeons, from her album Grimm’s with a Twist.
"Donkey and Toad" by The Storycrafters from Classics with a Twist (8:00)
Storytelling duo Barry Marshall and Jeri Burns, also known as The Storycrafters, tell of a donkey who would always brag about his long, strong legs as he laughs about his friend Toad’s short, stubby ones. Toad enlists his children in helping him win the race, and instructs to jump out at Donkey and sing their ancestral song at him as he passes by. Tune in to the lyrics of this quirky song as The Storycrafters sing along to Donkey and Toad, from their album Classics with a Twist.
"The People Who Could Fly" by Kim and Reggie Harris (16:19)
Our country is still wrestiling with a history so entangled with the enslavement of fellow human beings. A wealth of stories grew up among those enslaved people. And it's so remarkable that such a persistent thread among those stories is the thread of the mythical ability of the people to fly away to the magical country called "Freedom". This story called "the People Who Could Fly" was recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival.
"The Little Red Hen" by Donald Davis from Grandma's Lap Stories (8:09)
Donald Davis usually enthralls audiences with stories of his youth growing up in the Appalachian Mountains. But he tells traditional tales, too. Like "The Little Red Hen".
On today's Episode of The Apple Seed, enjoy a tune from David Holt and the Lightning Bolts called "I Can Do it Too," a rollicking pledge to a lasting love in a world full of things that go away. Sometimes, our favorite storytellers are also our favorite musicians. That's certainly the case with multiple-grammy-winning storyteller and musician David Holt!
We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to tall tales and fairy tales. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about dragons, sparrows, and magical horses.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"Sky Dragons!" by Sophie Snell from Dragon Tales (9:22)
Sophie Snell earned a Masters degree in Medieval History and worked for a number of years as an accountant before finally pursuing her passion - storytelling. This story will appeal to you, particularly if you're the type of person who likes to lay on the ground looking up at the clouds in sky.
"Curious Sparrow" by Susi Wolf from Peeling Life Makes Your Eyes Water (5:03)
Susi Wolf has a zoological background which makes it easy for her to combine storytelling with animal biofacts. And it's one of her animal tales that we'd like to share with you today. It's called "Curious Sparrow".
"Caballito" by The Storycrafters from More Classics with a Twist (30:32)
Barry Marshall, and Jeri Burns, PhD have been working together as The Storycrafters since 1991. They are the 2018 recipients of the National Storytelling Network's "Circle of Excellence" Award and they've produced twelve award-winning albums. In this story a magical horse befriends the youngest son of a farmer.
On today's Apple Seed Extra enjoy a memory from Storyteller Susi Wolf, about an acting exercise that goes a bit awry. The story is called "Blind in the Mall."
Some of the world’s best stories involve what can only live in our imagination. Why is it that we love exploring fake worlds with characters that we know aren’t real? Well, for one thing, it allows us a brief escape from daily life. All of us need that every once in a while. We also love exploring new ideas, creatures, and places. But perhaps the most important reason fantasy appeals to us is because it gives an unbiased view of the human experience. Without rules of the real world we can see what it means and how it feels to be human regardless of where the experience takes place. Today’s episode features a collection of tales all about the fantastic. From dragons, to fairies, to a magical horse and talking animals, we have stories from Jess Smith, Kevin Cordi, Brian "Fox" Ellis and more.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Dragonory” by Jess Smith from Dragonory (10:37)
Who is the best storyteller? We all have our favorites, but have you ever considered that the best storytellers aren’t actually human? Jess Smith, a storyteller from Scotland happens to know such a thing. A dragon. History is full of them, and they’re often terrifying. But, according to Jess, they’re also great with a story. And while most of them are gone from the world, there is still at least one around.
“The Whispering Bridge of Fukushima” by Kevin Cordi from Wisdom Keepers: Unlocking the Puzzle, Wise Tales and Wise People (6:37)
What’s a story without a moral? Well, one could argue that stories without morals are important, that they teach us that things aren’t always black and white. However, stories with a moral are also important. They teach us how to be good, that there are consequences for our actions. A lot of fantasy stories have a strong moral, including this one, about a girl who fell in love with a man who turned into a tree. Her father was not pleased, and determined that the only solution was to cut down the tree. However, forcing someone to do what you think is best for them doesn’t always work out how you might think.
“Kevin and the Lady” by Rosie Cutrer from The Blackthorn Walking Stick and Other Tales (9:45)
Rosie Cutrer has been described as a “tour de force in storytelling”. She has been performing professionally for fifteen years. In this tale, she describes the life of a young man by the name of Kevin. While stuck in a job that he hates, trying to support his family on a meager wage, he still has the heart to be kind. His kindness, however, gets him fired. Depressed, he makes a deal with death in order to keep his family fed. When all seems lost, it is his original kindness that makes all the difference.
“The Puka and the Pennywhistle” by Brian "Fox" Ellis from Under an Irish Oak (7:11)
Which is more important? Money or ability? One could argue either way, and there are strong cases for both. Money can make more money. Ability can end up making money too. But one thing remains clear, you can’t get anywhere with either without action. However, sometimes, a little bit of help is needed to take that first step. Brian Ellis tells of a boy who plays the pennywhistle. He’s quite bad at the beginning, and it isn’t until he stumbles upon a magical gathering during the longest night of the year that he is able to take his pennywhistle to a new level.
“The Sleeping Porch” by Jane Stenson from from The Connecticut Woods (13:18)
Have you ever had an experience where you couldn’t figure out whether or not you were dreaming? When you wake up the next morning you have to think about it for a while because it felt real. Maybe you find out it was a dream, but maybe you find out it wasn’t. The next story takes place in that in between state. Not quite a dream, not quite real. But maybe it was real. The story comes from Jane Stenson, who grew up in Connecticut.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a live performance of "Heart Made of Wind" from songwriter Cherie Call. It was recorded by engineer Mark Wait, before an audience in the Apple Seed studio (back when we could all get in a room together). On melodica, you'll hear our host, Sam Payne.
Confucious once said, “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” Is this true? How, then, do we better notice beauty around us? Perhaps we might find beauty in a person, a place, or even a story, like here on The Apple Seed!
Today’s collection of stories explores the definition of beauty. Storytellers John McCutcheon, Kevin Cordi, Fran Stallings, Margaret MacDonald, Holly Robinson and Ed Stivender share the lovely, the good, and the uplifting in their stories from around the world.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a tune about the power of stories. It's called "One of a Million Stars," and it was written and performed by our host, Sam Payne. We believe that the sharing of stories with the people you love can come back to save you when you need the light of a story on a dark night. The song was partly inspired by an interview here on the show with Jerry Linenger, the American Astronaut who spent some months aboard the space station Mir, and used his time in orbit to share stories, memories, and thoughts in letters to his two-year-old son back on Earth.
Stories are often filled with well-known figures, be it the beautiful princess, the strong prince, the foolish king, or the wise old witch. Have you ever thought about what would happen if one of those characters entered the modern world and our real lives? In today’s story by Bill Harley, we’ll hear about what happens when a young boy helps a little old lady and receives a peculiar reward that leads to disastrous consequences at his school. But the magic doesn’t end there, we’ll also hear equally enchanting fiction from Charlotte Blake-Alston and Priscilla Howe.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Why Dogs Chase Cats” by Charlotte Blake-Alston from Hole in the Sea (9:50)
Charlotte Blake-Alston frequently infuses music into her stories to elevate the telling with an extra sense of theatre, emotion, and humor. We’ll see that today in her story, “Why Dogs Chase Cats” which takes us all the way back in time to when cats and dogs used to be friends but had a big fight over a piece of cheese.
“The Best Candy in the Whole World” by Bill Harley from The Best Candy in the Whole World (20:40)
Bill Harley is best known for his ability to capture the essence of what it’s like to be a child. We’ll see that today in one of Bill Harley’s most well-known and well-loved stories “The Best Candy in the Whole World”. In this adventure, fourth-grader Barney’s kindness earns him the reward of a mysterious candy that gets him into quite a bit of trouble.
“Unanana” by Priscilla Howe from The Ghost With the One Black Eye and Other Stories (14:38)
Priscilla Howe says that when she’s telling stories, she becomes a tour guide for her own mind. Think about the kinds of stories you’d like to tell to represent your mind as we listen to “Unanana”. In this story, Unanana has a gorgeous baby that many animals think would be beautiful, not only to look at but to have for lunch.
If you're like us, you've got just enough of a lingering candy hangover that one more Halloween story might be appropriate. On today's Apple Seed Extra, enhoy a story in the form of a long-ish poem, called "Suppose You Met a Witch," by Mustard's Retreat. If you've listened to the show, you've heard Mustard's Retreat play some terrific music. This is a less musical entry in the Mustards' Retreat canon, and you're sure to enjoy it. It'll leave you asking the question, "I don't know...what WOULD I do if I met a witch?"
We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to tall tales and fairy tales. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about dogs, frogs, and possums.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"Buster" by Fran Yardley from The Sears Roebuck Baby (10:07)
Fran Yardley is a writer, actor, and nationally known storyteller and workshop leader. This first tale called "Buster" may seem a little grim at first, but we promise everything turns out okay for the titular dog. Just remember - this is a tall tale, so you should certainly take it with a grain of salt.
"The Dog Who Paid Cash” by Bill Mooney from Half Horse, Half Alligator (5:11)
Bill Mooney, who for many years was a television actor and also has a lot of miles behind him as an onstage storyteller, created a show filled with stories filled with stories told by the characters who inhabit a saloon at the end of the 19th Century. One of those stories is from a guy who talks about a dog he knew. A dog who paid cash.
"Kihapiilani" by Marie Solomon from Old Hawaii (4:21)
Here's a Hawaiian story from Marie Solomon that you'll love. It's a story about a prince named Kihapiilani. But in addition to the story about the prince you'll also get a sense of the storytelling culture in the family where Marie learned this story - all of them sitting down together to listen to stories from Grandfather in the evening.
"The War Party (Lakota-Dakota)" by Dovie Thomason from Voices of the Animal People (10:09)
This next story is from the wonderful teller, Dovie Thomason. Its a story about the war party organized against the humans...by turtle. You're sure to enjoy it.
"Brer Possum & the Frogs" by Donna Washington from Troubling Trouble (15:19)
Up next an old tale called "Brer Possum and the Frogs". There are a lot of versions of this 'Brer' (short for 'brother') tale. This one's from Apple Seed-favorite, Donna Washington. And it's a real pleasure for us to bring it to you.
Radio Family Journal: "Old Pete" (5:30)
Hearing so many dog tales today puts Sam in mind of dogs that he's known and loved throughout his life. Here's another entry in Sam's Radio Family Journal.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy "The Tiger, the Man, and the Mouse," a tale from India told for you by Donna Washington.
A special Halloween episode begins as if it’s going to be an hour of terror, until – PSYCH! It becomes, instead, an hour of exciting, funny stories, and even stories that are “a little bit ghosty” but never terrifying. It’s a Halloween episode that the whole family can enjoy, with stories from Motoko (the wonderful mime and storyteller who brings to the episode a Japanese ghost story called “The Candy Shop”) and Bill Harley (whose “Eeny Weeny Ghost” will have leave you laughing). You’ll hear family stories too, including a camp story from when Sam’s dad was a 15-year-old scaredy-cat facing a terrifying noise, and a mostly-made-up story from Sam about a haunted cabin in his childhood neighborhood. All this, and tales “of a time when you were scared” from members of the Apple Seed Team, too. It’s plenty Halloween-y, and may also inspire you to preserve and share some of your own stories.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: “Camp Sounds” by Sam Payne (4:59)
In this story, a young camp counselor finds himself faced with a terrifying noise in the middle of the night. Will he have the courage to turn on his flashlight and see what it is?
"Eeny Weeny Beeny Ghost" by Bill Harley from The Battle of the Mad Scientists & Other Tales of Survival (4:59)
You've heard that 'size doesn't matter'. And that's certainly true of this next story from Apple Seed favorite, Bill Harley, about an Eeny Weeny Beeny Ghost. But to divulge more than that would ruin the surprise.
“Wicked Witch” by Jeff Simpson (1:59)
What movies scared you as a kid? A generation of kids who watched The Wizard of Oz on holiday TV broadcasts knew what the face of evil looked like: Margaret Hamilton’s Wicked Witch of the West.
“The Candy Shop” by Motoko from In Ghostly Japan (7:53)
Why is the mysterious woman begging for rice candy after hours? And why can no one see her feet? Motoko takes a Japanese ghost story and makes it a family story in this tale from her “In Ghostly Japan” collection.
“Ghost Dog” by Sam Payne (11:04)
Inspired by Motoko’s “The Candy Shop,” this ghost story from Sam infuses a tale of the supernatural with people and places from his own childhood. When the neighborhood starts hearing noises around the abandoned cabin across the horse pasture, Sam and his brother investigate.
“My Uncle and the Scarecrow” by Karani Namunyu (2:15)
Life on the farm in rural Kenya is tough enough without a pranking uncle trying to figure out a way to keep his nephews from sneaking out at night.
“Stranger Danger” by Ashley Zollinger (2:11)
You know that classic tale about the schoolgirl who comes home and thinks she’s the only one in the house, and then hears footsteps upstairs? Yeah…this is one of those stories. Everything turns out okay, but for a minute, Sahley feels like she ought to grab a kitchen knife and a frying pan, just in case.
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by The Acting Company (5:42)
A readers theater presentation of the breathless climax of Washington Irving’s classic tale.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a readers theater presentation of "Sir Bertrand" written by John Aiken in the 1770s. It's a gothic horror story, but don't let that scare you. It's one of those "so-outrageous-it's-kind-of-comical" stories, filled with clashing swords and mysterious caverns and skeletal hands grasping out of dark corners. You're going to be just fine.
We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to tall tales and fairy tales. And this time of the year it seems fitting to bring you some mildly spooky stories, nothing too terrifying. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about zombies, vampires, and giant pumpkins.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“Boo Stew” by Donna Washington from Angel’s Laughter (11:15)
Today's episode features a couple of stories written by or with kids, like this one called "Boo Stew". And in fact, in this story about a disgusting recipe for stew, there are even a few kid performers, led by Apple Seed favorite Donna Washington.
“Zombie Boy” by Octavia Sexton from Appalachian Haint Tales (5:59)
A lot of the stories that Octavia Sexton tells are 'Jack Tales', like Jack and the Beanstalk or Jack the Giant Killer. This next story is fashioned after some of those Jack Tales. And speaking of stories made up by kids, this next tale was written by Octavia Sexton's grandson and it's called "Zombie Boy".
“The Blood-Covered Vampire” by Richard Martin from The Well of the World's End and other Tales (2:01)
And now for a few stories that are really just jokes dressed up like scary stories. This first one is from England-born, Germany-based storyteller, Richard Martin about a seriously un-scary group of blood-thirsty vampires.
“The Voice in the Graveyard” by Big Joe Pagliuca from Spooky Ooky (9:06)
This next story-with-a-punchline story is from "Big" Joe Pagliuca. The moniker "Big" Joe exists because that's how his preschool class could differentiate him from "Little" Joe, one of his students. Now generally, if you hear a spooky voice emanating from a graveyard, it's safe to say you should steer clear of said graveyard. Not true in this story, though.
“Long Bony Finger” by Liz Weir from Boom Chicka Boom (3:38)
"Guess what I can do with my long bony finger and my ruby red lips!" is a chant heard throughout this story from the great Irish storyteller, Liz Weir. And that sounds like that's got 'scary story' written all over it. But in keeping with the last couple of stories, it's really just a setup for a joke.
“Samurai Over My Head” by Donna Washington from Growing Up Army (10:41)
We started the hour with a Donna Washington story and we'd like to bring you another one here. And although it contains a seance it's actually a sweet story featuring Donna Washington's parents.
"Feegbah" by Bill Gordh (7:21)
We thought we'd wrap up today's episode with a little musical adventure from Bill Gordh and his banjo. Have you ever been to a county fair and seen a giant pumpkin? Well, you've likely never seen one as big as the one in this story. A pumpkin so large and ornery that it'll chase you down if you disturb its sleep.
Who has made a difference in your life? Maybe it was your mom or dad, maybe it was a good friend, maybe even a stranger who gave you a compliment at the mall. Sometimes it’s the people you least expect to help you make a change. Regardless of who it is, one thing is clear. Everyone is capable of making a difference. It’s just a matter of what we choose to do with our abilities. How is it that even small things can have such a big effect on people’s lives? We don’t realize that little events often result in a long domino effect. So next time you ask if you really can make a difference, remember what you heard today about people old, young, big and small making a big difference through their little efforts.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Come With Me and Be Free” by Kate Dudding from People Who Made a Difference (12:11)
Our first story today comes from a person who specializes in true stories about people who made a difference. Her name is Kate Dudding and she has several albums, each of which has won a national storytelling award. This story certainly deserves an award, just like the main character: a young boy who grew up working in a carpet factory in order to pay off his family’s debts. But working there, essentially a slave, didn’t stop him from wanting better for himself and his peers.
“Clever Counting” by Pam Faro from Why Didn't I Think of That?: Seeking Solutions- Some Sassy, Some Silly, Some Smart (11:19)
Pam Faro says that storytelling is her calling and believes that storytelling can make a difference. This just might be true. We can learn a lot from stories if we pay attention. In this one, a beautiful leopard is ready to get married. The only question is to who? She has lots of options but she doesn’t want just anyone. She wants someone that is both strong and clever. So she devises a plan that will help her find someone that fits that description.
“Isaac and the Glum Drum Bridge” by Donna Washington from A Tureen of Tales (9:28)
Dreams can be strange things. They can be so strange it makes you wonder what was wrong with the food you ate last night. They can also be so real that you think they actually happened. But what would you do if your dream told you to go somewhere or do something. Would you listen? Or would you just think it was just a crazy dream? Donna Washington has a story about just such a situation. Her love for stories grew when she was just a little girl listening to her father weave tales at the dinner table. Since, she has gone on to gather awards in vocal storytelling as well as for her children’s books.
“The Evergreens” by Odds Bodkin from The Evergreens (7:44)
Odds Bodkin likes to, as he says, flavor his stories with music. He believes that ethical lessons are best learned when we are thoroughly entertained. This next story teaches all about the value of kindness and compassion as it follows a little bird who has broken its wing. At first, all of the trees are too busy and self important to notice such a small bird, but a kind evergreen tree is willing to look down and help it survive the winter. While it didn’t take much work for the evergreen and its friends to help the bird, it made a big difference.
“A Ride to Remember” by Glenda Bonin from Dust Vail Tales: Growing Up on The Empire Ranch in Arizona (5:55)
The experiences we have while we are growing up have a great effect on who we become later in life. What we learn as kids sticks with us for a long time. Glenda Bonin tells a story about a girl named Dusty who grew up on a ranch. Her experiences there shaped her life in numerous ways. She was born in a time when girls weren’t often allowed the same privileges as a boy but since she was the oldest child, she was able to help on the ranch.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy "Red," a spooky spin on the Little Red Riding Story from storyteller Lyn Ford that makes it even more of a monster tale than the story collected so many years ago by the Brothers Grimm.
These days, folks aren't getting out as much as they normally might like to. As such, we like to take you on an occasional radio visit to someplace we love. On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy an autumnal visit to Jonesborough, Tennessee for the annual Fringe Festival.
We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to tall tales and fairy tales. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about Chicken Little, squash vines, and mulberry bushes.
"The Lap/You Are my Sunshine" by Kim Weitkamp from The Lap (17:47)
To kick things off today, how about a little something from Kim Weitkamp? A story that illustrates the real, genuine, problem-solving power of a comfortable lap to sit in. Come for the story, stay for the song.
"Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush/Chicken Licken and the Fox Hunt" by Betty Ann Wylie from Mother Goose: From Morning Till Night (14:54)
Betty Ann Wylie combines the familiar story and song, Chicken Little and Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush, respectively, to create one story sharing experience. And if that's not enough, she'll thrown in the framework of the well-known "Bear Hunt" story. You're sure to enjoy this fun amalgamation.
"Take Me By the Hand" by Judith Black from Oops Ma! Stories and Songs of Family Life (2:21)
Since we've already had some fun with music in this episode of The Apple Seed, especially music filled with messages of love and notion that you're not alone, here's a song that little siblings or friends might sing about helping each other through the rough spots, even when you might be different from one another.
"The Squash Vine" by the Storycrafters from A Tale For All Seasons (15:24)
Let's wrap up today with a little adventure called "The Squash Vine" from the husband and wife storytelling team of Jeri Burns and Barry Marshall.
Just about every day, we bring you a full, hour-long episode of The Apple Seed, and also something extra -- usually something inspired by something we brought you in the full epiosde. Today's hour-long episode (which you can find at byuradio.oprg/appleseed or by googling "The Apple Seed Podcast") featured a version of the story of Chicken Little (you know, the story about the sky falling) in which Betty Ann Wylie incorporates into the story the old "Gon' on a Bear Hunt" interactive storytelling format. That got us thinking about bear stories, which got us thinking about today's Apple Seed Extra. You're sure to enjoy "The Bear Hunters Bold," a piece by the great cowboy poet Waddie Mitchell. The piece was recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. We're happy to bring it to you as today's Apple Seed Extra.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a lovely song from Bill Harley called "Sweet New England." Do you have a place you love? A place that feels like home? A place the beauty of which pierces you to the heart? Open up your mouth and sing about it!
“The mountains are calling, and I must go,” said John Muir, naturalist and father of the National Park system. Have you ever felt drawn to nature? If you could spend an hour outside today, what might you think about?
Today’s collection of stories celebrates nature. Storytellers Jay O’Callahan, Glenda Bonin, Joseph Bruchac, Susan Reed, and Valentina Oritz take us into the great outdoors, and show us what we can learn from the land.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Frog, Dodge City” by Jay O’Callahan from Earth Stories (12:31)
Doc Holladay is a tough, straight-faced cowboy who hasn’t smiled in years. When he encounters Fred, a signing frog with a love for fun, that just might change. Fred’s band of pond animals shows the saloon the best concert they’ve ever had.
“The King Has Goat Ears” by Glenda Bonin from Tails You Might Have Herd Before...Or Knot (8:17)
A terrified barber must cut the king’s hair. The stakes? If it doesn’t look good, he’ll face death! But this isn’t a normal haircut - we’ll let you guess what the one complication is...
“The Creation” by Joseph Bruchac from Iroquois Stories (2:39)
The Iroquois legend tells of a woman who falls from the sky. She is saved by sea animals, who together organize land for the woman to live.
“Jimmy and the Seed” by Susan Reed from Lion in the Sky (4:38)
When Jimmy is proud of a seed in his pocket, his grandmother suggests that even more fun are the seeds of ideas in his mind.
“Ateteos, Spirits of the Water” by Valentina Oritz from Earth Stories (14:33)
A mother consults the water spirits for help finding her missing daughter.
"Old Rabbit Saves the People" by Norah Dooley from Rabbitails (6:12)
In this story from Norah Dooley, a council of animals gathers to devise a plan to save themselves from a hungry lion. Who will save the day? You'll need to listen to find out...or just take another look at the title.
Greed. It’s green, it’s hungry, and a dash of it can make the recipe for a deliciously moral story. Sometimes we see greed in the plump kings of faraway lands, or in the vain eyes of a wicked step-mother. Unfortunately, sometimes, we can see greed in our own lands, or even in our own eyes. This is a lesson Patty has to learn in today’s story by Diane Edgecomb called “Pattysaurus”, about what happens when she lets her dinosaur obsession blind her to the feelings of others. But the fun doesn’t end there, we’re also in for treats from The Storycrafters and Randel McGee.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Pattysaurus” by Diane Edgecomb (22:42)
Diane Edgecomb has been called one of the most versatile voices in the storytelling industry, known for her dynamic ways and ability to take on multiple different characters. We’ll see that talent in full swing as we listen to her original story, “Pattysaurus” about a young greedy girl who is obsessed with dinosaurs - to the point that she actually becomes one! This story can be found on the Pattysaurus and Other Tales collection of stories.
“Eating the Sky” by The Storycrafters (6:11)
Berry Marshall and Jeri Burns is the iconic duo that together form The Storycrafters. They began working as a team in 1991, and since have earned numerous prestigious awards such as the 2018 National Storytelling Networks, “Circle of Excellence” Award. We’ll get to hear both their award-winning voices in “Eating the Sky”, an important story about the consequences of wasting our recourses and not thinking of others. This story is from a collection of tales called Gather Round the Fire.
“Silly Hans” by Randel McGee (16:33)
Randel McGee is the artistic director for McGee Productions and has over thirty years of storytelling experience. We’ll hear all that wonderful experience at work in his fantastic story “Silly Hans” about an underestimated man named Hans who travels with his serious and scholarly brothers to win the heart of a wonderful princess. This story is part of a collection called Randel McGee Presents: Hans Christian Anderson - The Man and His Tales.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a story from Mark Binder called "The Dinosaur and the Bone."This tale is a fresh spin on Aesop’s The Dog and Its Reflection, where a dinosaur carrying a bone sees his reflection in a river and gets jealous of his own image. This story has resonated with humans across time and space, creating slightly altered versions of the tale in Greek, Latin, French, and many other languages. In fact, there is a story very similar to this one that appears in Buddist scripture, where a jackal carrying a piece of meat plunges into the river after seeing a fish swimming in it. Despite the jackal’s fiercest efforts, he is unable to catch the fish and returns to the shore only to find that a vulture has carried off his original piece of meat.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a story told by Tim Lowry -- one of Rudyard Kipling's Just So stories, called "How the Camel Got his Hump." And as a bonus, Tim sings a song too!
Do you ever find yourself in situations so outlandish, so ludicrous, so unbelievable that all you can do is laugh? It starts with the first time a bug flies up your nose…then it’s the day you saw your 90-year-old grandma disco dancing in the kitchen…then suddenly it’s the day you see pigs fly! Well, alright, maybe you haven’t seen pigs fly yet, but you’ve surely experienced some wacky stuff. We want to celebrate some of that wacky stuff with you today, as we tell of beetles who become bug brides, escaping one-eyed giants, and the many ways to cook a fish.
On today’s episode of The Apple Seed, award-winning storytellers like Diane Edgecomb and Tim Lowry tell us some outlandish, ludicrous, unbelievable stories that will throw you for such a loop, all you’ll think to do is laugh!
On today's episode, chuckle along to the following:
"Princess Firefly" by Diane Edgecomb from Pattysaurus and Other Tales (13:55)
Gifted storyteller, Diane Edgecomb, tells of a recently transformed beetle who mistakes herself for a firefly. Upon her coming-of-age, this bug is made to choose a suitor for marriage. Each passing suitor comes with a strange set of quirks, and none quite meet her requirements. That is, until the bug of her dreams comes along. Get a good laugh out of Diane’s delightful voices in her telling of Princess Firefly, from her album Pattysaurus and Other Tales.
"Herring’s Head" by Doug Elliot from Everybody’s Fishin' (3:29)
Clever storyteller Doug Elliot serenades us with a song about all the strange ways in which a fish head can be cooked into every-day meals. Cringe along to the thought of fishy flavors filling your home-made dishes as Doug Elliot performs Herring’s Head, from his album Everybody’s Fishin'.
"Pinewood Derby" by Bil Lepp from Book Report: Live and (mostly) Unedited (10:33)
Tall tale-teller, Bil Lepp regales a live audience at the International Storytelling Center with this story called "Pinewood Derby", about a Cub Scout entering his last pinewood derby. Since this is a Bil Lepp story you'll want to consider taking what he has to say with a grain of salt.
"Max and Margaret" by Steve Otto from Potpourri (8:28)
Professional storyteller, Steve Otto, tells of a man called Max, who wants desperately to ride in an airplane. His wife, Margaret, however, wants desperately for him to join her at the state fair instead – an airplane ride is just too darn expensive, after all. Let Steve surprise you with the ending of his story Max and Margaret, from the album Potpourri.
"Sody Sallyratus" by Tim Lowry from SEVEN! World Folk Tales (7:49)
This is an old Appalachian story that's been told by Apple Seed staples like Ed Stivender and Donna Washington. This version is from South Carolina storyteller, Tim Lowry. Tim tells stories from all over the world, but some of his favorites come from right around the place where he was raised. Like this tall tale called "Sody Sallyratus". Don't know what Sody Sallyratus is? Let Tim educate you.
We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to tall tales and fairy tales. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about Kokeshi Dolls, Roosters, and Sapsuckers.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"The Buffalo's Wife" by Odds Bodkin from The Wise Little Girl (14:01)
When a terrible famine hits the land, a young girl strikes a bargain with a buffalo in order to save her people. Every story from Odds Bodkin is a dramatic, musical adventure. You're sure to enjoy it.
"The Tale of a Kokeshi Doll" by Motoko from Tales of Now & Zen (15:21)
The wonderful Mime and Storyteller, Motoko, is up next to share the story of a man who finds a doll that seems harmless enough, but in fact holds an ominous secret that puts the man in danger. Will he be able to escape the danger?
"Chanticleer the Rooster" by Jim Weiss from Animal Tales (15:53)
Here's a story told by Jim Weiss from Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales". It's about a rooster named Chanticleer and his efforts to stave off a hungry fox.
"Red-Breasted Sapsucker" by Pete Griffin from Welcome to Alaska: Tales from The Tongass Forest & Beyond (5:39)
To wrap up today's episode we thought we'd bring you a story from Naturalist and Storyteller, Pete Griffin, about how to keep a red-breasted sapsucker from waking up your neighbors at three in the morning.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a version of the Hans Christian Andersen story "Hans Clodhopper," told by Diane Wolkstein. It's a story, like so many, in which a somewhat hapless hero nevertheless gets the girl (and the crown, too). This one comes with a kazoo fanfare!
Humans and animals have been interacting for - well, as long as there have been humans and animals to interact with! Due to this long-term relationship, humans have developed a special place in our hearts for animals. We can use stories as a unique lens to examine how we see other animals. Today’s stories ask questions such as, how were animals made? Are bees friends or foe? How do animals treat each other? How smart are animals? What can we learn from the behaviors of other animals? Think of these questions and any of your own as you listen to Dovie Thomason, David Holt, Margaret Read MacDonald, Susan Strauss, and Jenni Cargill-Strong.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Making of the Animals” - Dovie Thomason (12:33)
Dovie Thomason is a First Nations storyteller from the Lakota/Kiowa Apache people. Today, Dovie shares with us a story from the Algonquian-Iroquois people called “The Making of Animals” all about the Maker who worked together with the animals to create them into how we know them today. This narrative comes from a collection of stories called Voices of the Animal People.
“Conejito (The Little Rabbit)” - Margaret Read MacDonald (11:06)
Margaret Read MacDonald has told stories everywhere from Brazil, to Tanzania, to Thailand. But today’s story comes from Panma where Conejito wants to visit his auntie for the summer and encounters lots of dangerous animals on the way. This story is from a collection called Fat Cat and Friends.
“A Bee in Suburbia” - Susan Strauss (6:08)
When talking about Susan Strauss, Linda Sussman said, “No teller embodies the animals with the same fierce aliveness as Susan!” We might get an insight into why Susan has such a great talent for showing the aliveness of animals in today’s story, about a bee in her childhood neighborhood. This story comes from a collection of stories called Dreams of Animals, Myths and Personal Stories of Animals.
“The Whirlwind” - David Holt on Why the Dog Chases the Cat: Great Animal Stories (9:33)
David Holt is a two time grammy award and two time emmy award winning artist. Today’s stoy comes from a collection of stories called Why the Dog Chases the Cat: Great Animal Stories which was also nominated for a grammy! The story is about Rabbit who takes it upon himself to scare Mountain Lion away from Crystal Pond. But Rabbit can’t do it himself, and so all the animals collaborate together to make it seem like a big whirlwind is on it’s way.
“Never Give Up” - Jenni Cargill-Strong (6:00)
Jenni Cargill-Strong has been telling stories for twenty eight years. During that time, she’s picked up quite a bit of useful wisdom, and we’ll get to hear some of it today through her version of “Never Give Up” about a young frog who falls into a butter churn. This wise piece of advice comes from a collection of tales called Reaching for the Moon and Other Wisdom Tales.
Radio Family Journal: "The Lark and her Young Ones" (5:56)
The relationship that people have with animals is sometimes one that depends not so much on interaction, but on observation. This idea is at the center of one of Aesop's Fables, and it's today's entry in Sam's Radio Family Journal.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, find out whether or not Rabbit gets the better of a hungry tiger in search of a rabbit lunch. It's just one of Norah Dooley's "Rabbitales," a collection of rabbit stories from all over the world.
Albert Einstein once said, “Anyone who never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” As life graces us with new experiences again and again, we might find ourselves in a constant of loop of wishing we could’ve done better. But just as Albert Einstein suggests, mistakes are part of the process!
Today’s collection of stories features characters trying to improve. Bil Lepp, Margaret MacDonald, Sons of the San Joaquin, Simon Brooks, and Mustard’s Retreat gift us with some extra hope as we’re all looking to improve ourselves.
Don’t make the mistake of missing this episode! We hope you enjoy today’s episode of The Apple Seed.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"Jonah – The Real Story” by Bil Lepp from Buck Meets the Monster Stick (8:25)
Bil Lepp’s lively adaptation of the story of Jonah in the Bible. When Jonah is called to preach in a less-than-inviting place, he high-tails it away, only to later be drawn back to his initial calling.
“Telesik” by Margaret MacDonald from Fat Cats and Friends (14:03)
Little Telesik is a young boy who pleads for a small boat of his own. Everyday he paddles his boat on the lake, until one day he is lured away by the evil Dragon Lady.
“Silver Spurs” by Sons of the San Joaquin from Elko! A Cowboy’s Gathering (4:44)
When a cowboy is introduced to a man who knew his deceased father, he’s gifted with his father’s pair of silver spurs.
“The White Trout (Waltz at the Edge of the World)” by Simon Brooks from A Tangle of Tales (11:22)
A prince is transformed into a white trout, forever swimming to find his lost princess and lover. When he is almost eaten by a soldier traveling through the area, he impresses upon the soldier the sanctity of his life.
“A Resolution of Something” by Mustard’s Retreat from A Resolution of Something (2:57)
When the ghost of his father appears to apologize, his son finds relief and reconciliation.
Neighborhood traditions are an important part of the story of a community. On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy the story of one of those traditions -- an annual Chili Cook-Off that everyone in the neighborhood looks forward to.
Happiness is often a matter of perspective. If we view things as being terrible, it becomes very likely for the outcome to be just that. Terrible. On the other end of the spectrum, if we look for the silver lining, we can often make the best of a situation and come out happy. This doesn’t mean that we should always set our expectations so high that we’re bound to be disappointed, it just means maybe we should have a little faith next time things are going south that they can get better, or that we should try to look for a little good in the situation. So, in today’s episode, we have stories about finding gold, sometimes figuratively, sometimes literally. These characters are surrounded by good and bad and each has a unique way of seeing the situation.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Tex Buys a Dream” by Laura K. Deal from The Diffendaffer Taffy Cafe (10:12)
How crazy would it be if someone asked to buy your dream? How would that even work? Well this story may have the answer for you. The teller, Laura Deal, has always loved stories. She grew up listening to and reading anything and everything. She says that her favorite genre of story is fantasy, and that shines through in this story, where spectacular things happen. A young man trying to make his way in the world decides to buy a dream, and though some call him crazy and others are out to see him look like a fool, he learns that it can pay to follow your instincts.
“Looking for His Luck” by Dolores Hydock from Once in a Blue Moon (12:05)
It has been said of Dolores Hydock that "[she] talks with her hands. And her elbows. And her shoulders. When she speaks, she is literally irrepressible." Unfortunately we don’t get to see her talking with her hands and elbows, but just listening to her stories is an experience worth living. In this one, a man is convinced that he has worse luck than anyone else he knows. So he goes on a journey to find what has happened to his luck. Along the way there are lots of opportunities, which he doesn’t take because he’s too busy looking for his luck.
“Don’t Look Up” by Milbre Burch from Because I Said So: Stories About Mothers and Kids (14:51)
Isn’t it great when things go your way? Everything works out and life is good. But how often does that actually happen? For some, very rarely. For some, it hardly seems to happen at all. Grammy nominated spoken word recording artist Milbre Burch has a story of just such a person. A girl who tried her best to help her family, but had to leave because there wasn’t enough food for her and the rest of the children. A girl who couldn’t find work for a long time. But this girl was still considerate. She reached out to those that were in need of help, and for that she was rewarded.
“A Farmer’s Horse Ran Off” by Heather Forest from The Eye of the Beholder (5:52)
Our next teller, Heather Forest, knows what she is doing when it comes to stories. She has a Master’s Degree in storytelling and has been performing for thirty years. This tale of hers goes to illustrate the good and bad that can come from any situation, regardless of how it seems. In it, a farmer experiences a series of events, each having good and bad consequences. The farmer, a sage man, has one thing to say each time: “I don’t know if it’s good or it’s bad.”
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy "Soft Spot," a little song by Allison Downey. You'll be able to imagine this song being sung by a parent to a tiny child -- a song filled with love, and also with an admission that while they'll find all sorts of ways to be different from one another as life goes on, there's always a promise behind the differences that they'll stick by one another even when the going gets rough.
Growth can be gritty. Life requires that we go through this constant metamorphosis, and it provides us with relationships that constantly show us the things we need to change. The people we love hold up mirrors to us over and over again, to help us face the parts of ourselves we are initially afraid of. Sometimes we let our pride blind us to that need for growth. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the list of things we know we need to change. Sometimes we’re just tired. We’re human, and that’s ok, but we must not forget that the ability to change is a divine gift. There is an important beauty in working at growth one step at a time… the more weaknesses you see, the closer you are to the Light.
On today’s episode of The Apple Seed, we’ll catch ourselves cheering the characters on as they keep trying and learning and growing! Perhaps we can practice seeing ourselves the way we see characters in a story – we are worth loving even in our imperfection, and we can become who we want to become with others’ help.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"Mira Massimo!" by Pam Faro from Why Didn’t I Think of That?: Seeking Solutions – Some Sassy, Some Silly, Some Smart (10:52)
Our first story comes from gifted storyteller and musician Pam Faro. She tells of a father and son who are misjudged on their trek to town – with every passing judgement, they adjust to adhere to the eyes of their passers-by, until things go terribly wrong. As Pam Faro pulls from her album Why Didn’t I Think of That?: Seeking Solutions – Some Sassy, Some Silly, Some Smart, she’ll use energy and song to show us that, sometimes, the mirrors others hold up will show that our way of life is working just fine, and that we do not need to change something just because someone else misunderstands it.
"It’s How You Say It" by Len Cabral from It’s How You Say It (5:35)
In this next piece, "It's How You Say It", Award-winning, master storyteller Len Cabral illustrates how we can find good in unexpected places, if we have the courage to look.
"Lei Queen" by Jeff Gere from Guardians of the Trees: Inspiring Tales of Hawaii (8:09)
As Jeff Gere tells of his peaceful conversation with a bold local islander, he illustrates the evolutionary power that love can bring to one’s life. Listen in as Jeff regales the story "Lei Queen" from his album Guardians of the Trees: Inspiring Tales of Hawaii, and shows us that even those who seem rough around the edges have done their share of growing, too.
"The Nails and the Fencepost" by Jenni Cargill-Strong from Reaching for the Moon II (3:32)
Award-winning Australian storyteller Jenni Cargill-Strong tells of a man with a terrible temper. When he finds the desire to change, he consults the town wise man, who presents him with a strange but powerful object lesson as a cure for his anger.
"Three Minstrels" by Dolores Hydock from Silence: A Medieval Adventure in Story and Song (16:50)
This story, as told by Dolores Hydock, is of a young boy who runs from home to follow and be taught by two skilled minstrels. As the boy grows older, his skills surpass that of the two master minstrels. They grow jealous of his talent, and devise a plan to be rid of him.
When have your friends been there for you in a time of need? Sometimes being a good friend means protecting others from danger or helping others notice their true worth. Even knowing your own worth can make you a better friend. This is what Herman and worm and Marguerite the caterpillar learn when they become friends and have to support each other through lots of intense moments of suspense and change. This story will be told by Jay O’Callahan but we’ll also enjoy stories from Heather Forest and Michael Reno Harrell.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"Herman and Marguerite" by Jay O’Callahan from Earth Stories (26:32)
Jay O’Callahan first started telling stories to his siblings during their parent’s parties to keep them entertained, and today’s story deals with themes that can resonate with a lot of kids. “Herman and Marguerite” is a story about a worm and a caterpillar who become unlikely friends and need to discover, not only how to have the courage to go through times of tough change themselves, but also how to support each other in their crises. This musical adventure is from a collection of stories called Earth Stories.
"The Town and the Country Mouse" by Heather Forest from Tales Around the Hearth (3:39)
Heather Forest is known for the minstrel style of storytelling. Today’s story, “The Town and the Country Mouse”, where a country mouse and his cousin try to find out who’s lifestyle is better, is a great example of her unique mix of music and language. This tale is from a collection of stories called Tales From Around the Hearth.
"Greyhound Station" by Michael Reno Harrell from Humor & Heart (15:22)
You might know Michael Reno Harrell for his southern style stories, but having traveled quite a bit, Michael does have a grasp of the wider world, and today’s story gives us a clue for how his love of travel might have started. “Greyhound Station” is about when he would spend his free time as a boy sitting at his town’s local Greyhound Station, listening to the conversations of others. This personal anecdote is part of a collection of stories labeled Humor & Heart.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a story from Donna Washington called "Tale of a Mouse." Clever play on words in that title, yes? The story is really about a mouse looking for someone to marry. You're sure to enjoy the tail...er...tale.
Often in life when family is involved in an expedition, a wild story arises. Whether it’s born from a strangers story heard at the grocery store, a bond formed between two sisters, or an accidental trip across country boarders, family can make any situation that much more exciting. Today on The Apple Seed we will hear several stories from Bruce Walker including ‘Stories heard from the Checkout Line’ and ‘Uncle Willis’ that include some fantastical tales about life. We will also hear the stories ‘Queen Mother Summer Palace’ by Mary Wright, ‘Fay and Bri Cation’ by Paul Strickland, ‘Shadow of a Cowboy’ by Andy Hedges, and ‘How They broke Away to go to the Rutabaga Country’ performed by a cast from Sandburg Out Loud, sure to put a smile on your face.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Stories Heard from the Checkout Line” by Bruce Walker from It Started Like This (7:50)
To kick off today's episode, Bruce Walker shares a compilation of stories revolving around grocery stores. You'll hear "How May I Help You?" and "Oh the Stories You'll Hear", a couple of stories full of hope and understanding.
“Queen Mother Summer Palace” by Mary Wright from Mary Wright Stories (15:02)
To celebrate her 40th birthday, Mary Wright goes to Thailand to visit her sister. What starts out as a normal outing to the Queen Mother Summer Palace - a beautiful castle/garden - quickly turns into an accidental adventure.
“Fay and Bri Cation” by Paul Strickland from Ain’t True and Uncle False (6:28)
The phrase ‘joined at the hip’ takes on new meaning in this tall tale from Paul Strickland. Fay and Bri Cation are two sisters who hold hands for so long that the skin on their hands fuse together.
“Uncle Willis” by Bruce Walker from It Started Like This (3:22)
Family stories are sometimes a wild ride and this one is no exception. This story is about a man true to his literal word. You'll definitely want to hear how Uncle Willis gives his wife a ‘house warming’ for her new brick house.
“Shadow of a Cowboy” by Andy Hedges from Shadow of a Cowboy Audio (6:34)
Here's a nice, relaxing song from Andy Hedges, about a man reminiscing and day-dreaming about the cowboy lifestyle and the old west.
“How They Broke Away to go to the Rutabaga Country” by Carol Birch, Bill Harley, Angela Lloyd, and David Holt from Sandburg Out Loud (7:43)
In this collaborative story from Carol Birch, Bill Harley, Angela Lloyd, and David Holt, a father, a daughter and a son who grow tired of their home. So they sell all they own and hop on a train headed to the farthest place they can go - Rutabaga country, where pigs wear bibs.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, you'll enjoy a story by Paul Strickland, a teller of sweetly spun tales about a cast of characters just beyond the borders of reality. The stories are filled with affection, wordplay, whimsy, and wisdom. This one's called "Ma and Papa Ganda." Get it?
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a look-back from fall to the joys of summer in Kevin Kling's "Uncle Johnny."
Summer is officially over, but the sting that comes with the change of seasons remains. It’s kind of funny how fall comes every year, and yet it always seems to catch us off guard. You still yearn for the long, sunny days, planned vacations, and melting ice cream, even as the weather gets cold and the sun sets sooner. Maybe the reason we’re so nostalgic for summer is because it prolongs the inevitable: a new school, a new job, a new home. No matter how you swing it, the end of summer is a magnet for life changes, and since we’re naturally averse to change, the end of summer seems to suck all around.
But all that said, even though change will always sting a little, and even though we may never be truly ready for the change in seasons, there’s something comforting in the fact that summer comes and goes every year. It ends, but it ends with a promise: to begin again next year. The cycle of the seasons means there’s a bit of hope baked into every season’s end. So today, we figured we’d revel in that hope a bit. Today we’ve got stories about summers of old and songs about summers yet to come. Join us as we listen to Tim Lowry, Adam Booth, and Priscilla Howe explore what it means for summer to be over and why summer experiences can stay in our hearts for years and years to come.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Summer” by Tim Lowry (17:14)
On a collection called My Favorite Time of Year, Tim recalls his favorite summer pastime: baseball. He reminisces on his favorite team, the Cincinnati Reds, his favorite player, Johnny Bench, and of course, his family tradition of watching the local Baptist church’s softball league. Throughout this tribute to summer, you’ll hear a reading of “Casey at the Bat,” the famous baseball poem penned by the American writer Earnest Lawrence Thayer in 1888, as well as an original tale from Tim Lowry about a young boy waiting to be informed if his new baby sibling is a boy or a girl.
“The Ice Cream Truck” by Adam Booth (13:55)
During the summer in Adam’s neighborhood, the only thing with the power to control the flock of wild, tag-playing, bicycle-riding children was the ice cream truck. So, when Adam realizes that the piece of music he’s learning on the piano is the same piece of music the ice cream truck plays, he begins to trick his friends into thinking the truck is arriving. Will the power of the ice cream truck tune go to Adam’s head?
“The Summer and You” by Mustard’s Retreat (4:08)
A reviewer in the 1970s once called Mustard’s Retreat “music to cure what ails you.” Since then, the band has traveled more than a million miles and performed more than 6,000 shows, but their music still seems to cure those ails. This song compares the changing of seasons to a relationship. Expecting and embracing change can be difficult, and in this case, the relationship ended as the season and lovers changed. Perhaps we can find a lesson in this song to sooth our end-of-summer heartbreak: change, while often uncomfortable, can be a catalyst. It can get us to make resolutions and finalize hard decisions. The summer may be over, but we can use the shift in seasons to start anew and make the most of what’s coming. From their 2003 Album, A Resolution of Something.
“The Third Step” by Priscilla Howe (3:49)
Priscilla brings us back to her childhood high dive, where there was only one rule: three steps out, and you can’t turn back. Will she overcome her fears and take the plunge? And what can we learn from the three-step rule to help us take the plunge in other areas of our lives? From her collection of youth tales called 5 Stories.
“Summer Ranges” by Michael Martin Murphey (3:33)
This song comes from a collection of cowboy and country music across multiple artists called Another Jubilee: Old Time Country Cowboy Singing. Michael Martin Murphey is both a renowned American singer-songwriter as well as a devout environmentalist and conservationist—he founded WestFest, an annual festival that seeks to preserve open range culture and traditions. The ballad celebrates the cyclical nature of the seasons, but also laments the fact that “snow must fall on summer ranges.” It’s sad to see summer come to a close. But even as we usher in the sometimes long and cold winter, Murphey gives us hope: “Someday when the season changes, on summer ranges, we’ll ride again.”
We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to tall tales and fairy tales. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about cookies, uncles, and artichokes.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"Baking Cookies" by The Storycrafters from Classics with a Twist (17:34)
This story from the husband and wife storytelling duo, The Storycrafters (Barry Marshall and Jeri Burns), is a retelling of the classic "Gingerbread Man" tale.
"Uncle Frank Plays With the Jollys" by Donald Davis from I Wouldn't Tell This to Just Anybody (30:41)
In this next story from "The Dean" of storytelling, Donald Davis talks about listening to stories about made up family members. This was recorded live on the grounds of the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN.
Radio Family Journal: "Fighting Artichokes" (4:51)
What's in a name? In this latest entry in the Radio Family Journal you'll enjoy Sam's musings about some of the silly mascot names he's encountered throughout his life.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a rich conversation with the storyteller that most other storytellers call 'The Dean of Storytelling,' Donald Davis. You'll be enriched and inspired as you hear about his family and how he came to tell their stories. You'll leave wanting to pay closer attention to your own stories and the stories of the people you love.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a silly story from Bil Lepp and Andy Offutt Irwin called "Arlo Barlow." Got a family member who won't stop the car for ANYTHING? Are you, possibly, that person yourself? This story is for you.
Do you remember learning how to drive, or are you still looking forward to the day when you’ll be able to drive? In today’s story, we’ll hear about Donald Davis’s mother and her extraordinary adventures in driving. But even though she endures the thrills and frights of mastering the road, nothing prepares her for the final shock she receives at the DMV after she passes her driver’s test. We’ll also enjoy stories by Syd Lieberman, Norah Dooley, Diane Ferlatte, and Mark Binder.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"Zen and the Art of Storytelling" by Syd Lieberman (12:36)
Syd Lieberman is known for his retelling of timeless Edgar Allen Poe material, the hilarious tales of the foolish town of Chelm, and just about everything in between. But have you ever wondered how Syd got started as a storyteller? Well, in “Zen and the Art of Storytelling” Syd shares that feel-good story with us. This comes from a collection of verbal records called Streets and Alleys.
"Mama Learns to Drive" by Donald Davis (20:06)
Being born in the Southern Appalachian mountains, Donald Davis has some pretty wild and humorous tales to tell. One such tale is called, “Mama Learns How to Drive” about - you guessed it - his mother learning how to drive. This story comes to us from a collection of drama and comedies fittingly called Mama Learns to Drive.
"Simply Guido" by Norah Dooley (6:45)
Norah Dooley is an author, an encouraging coach, a storyteller, and so much more. We really get to see her passion and talent for storytelling in “Simply Guido” a fable about the value of some common sense. This story hails from a collection of stories labeled Stories Nobody Told Me - Italian Folk Tales.
"The Ant and the Dove" by Diane Ferlatte (6:33)
Diane Ferlatte is known for her powerful charisma that makes her stories burst with life. One such story is called “The Ant and the Dove” a musical tale about the power of having little friends. This adventure comes from a collection of narratives called Aesop: Alive and Well.
"The Little Boy Who Hated Pizza" by Mark Binder (4:51)
To wrap up today's episode, how about a story from Mark Binder about a little boy who hates pizza? Have you ever heard of such a thing?! It's from a collection of stories called Classic Stories for Children.
Dale Carnegie once said, “Two men looked out of prison bars, one saw mud and one saw stars.” Perspective involves our point of view or attitude toward a subject. Our perspective dictates what we see in the world around us.
In life, do we see mud, or do we see stars? Today on the Apple Seed, our line-up of stories consist of storytellers Norman Walker, Rivka Willick, Linda Gorham, Diane Edgecomb, and Doug Elliott, each sharing with us that life is all “a matter of perspective.”
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts” by Norman Walker from Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts (3:43)
Norman takes the lyrics from musician Steven Foster’s last words, written on a scrap found in his pocket when he passed away on January 13, 1854.
“Mr. Peckinpaw” by Rivka Willick (Sordid Tales from Bennion’s Inbox; 5:52)
A youngster is initially unsure of the old Russian fellow who repairs their home, but comes to appreciate the man’s gratitude despite his intimidating appearance.
“Pai & Kwan” by Linda Gorham (Common Tales and Uncommon Fun; 10:45)
“Pai and Kwan” is a traditional Chinese tale that gives perspective on doing the right thing for the right reasons. Two brothers, one gracious and one selfish, both attempt to do a good deed for very different motives – and very different rewards.
“Dancing Spirit of the Birch” by Diane Edgecomb (In the Groves; 10:47)
A Czech folktale about a young woman who retreats into the birch trees to work, only to be daily immersed by the dancing spirit of the grove. As she befriends her mysterious dance partner, the spirit gifts her with a special treasure.
“Fifty Thousand Bees on My Head” by Doug Elliott (Sail On Honeybee: Adventures in the Bee Yard; 16:24)
This has been an episode about perspective, about how you see the world. And sometimes our view can be shaped and changed by our observations of the natural world. And there's no more up-close view of the natural world, perhaps, than having fifty thousand bees on your head. Here's Naturalist and storyteller, Doug Elliott to share that perspective.
Today’s episode of The Apple Seed focuses on the power of perspective, featuring a collection of stories revolving around how we choose to view the world!
As an added bonus, we wanted to share with you an additional piece titled “The Useless Tree” by Heather Forest. As upbeat and inspiring as that title may sound ,“The Useless Tree” is actually a Taoist poem about perspective – letting us ponder on how “the useless tree outlives the whole forest.”
We hope you enjoy this song adaptation by Heather Forest, and that you have the opportunity to listen to our newest episode, “A Matter of Perspective,” on BYU Radio or byuradio.org.
We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to tall tales and fairy tales. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about pies, beans, and breadfruit.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"The Best Wish" by Dan Keding from Wisdom and Wayfaring (7:57)
In this story from Chicago-based storyteller, Dan Keding, a pessimistic angel bets an optimistic angel that he cannot find three good, kind humans in three days.
"Coyote Gets His Name - Okanagon" by Susan Strauss from Tracks, Tracks, Tracks: Coyote Stories (7:53)
Here's a story from Oregon-based storyteller Susan Strauss. Susan is known for her lively interpretations of animals, most notably, Coyote. And in this story, when the "Great Spirit" announces He's giving out new names to all the animals, Coyote brags about how grand and glorius his new name will be. But as most of us know, bragging rarely ends well.
"Half-Boy Breadfruit" by Dan Kelin from Dan Kelin - Talk Story Fest (7:18)
Dan Kelin's stories are infused with energy and humor, as displayed in this next story, "Half-Boy Breadfruit". It's just one of many examples that reminds us not to judge a person by their size.
"The Man in the Moon in Love" by Ed Stivender from And Once Again…(7:42)
The Miami Herald considers Ed Stivender the "Robin Williams of Storytelling". In Ed's story, "The Man in the Moon in Love", we're reminded of the adage, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach". And that ulimately rings true even for the Man in the Sun.
"The Straw, the Coal, and the Bean" by The Storycrafters from Yarns of the Brothers Grimm (14:37)
In this story from the husband and wife storytelling duo, The Storycrafters (Barry Marshall and Jeri Burns), you'll finally understand why a dried bean looks like it was sewn together. From a Brothers Gromm tale, here's "The Straw, the Coal, and the Bean".
"Anansi Gets Common Sense" by Lyn Ford from When the Gourd Broke Common Sense Stories (5:20)
Earlier we brought you a story about Coyote, the Trickster, and how he got his name. Cultures all over the world have trickster characters in their stories, and from West Africa comes Anansi, the Spider. Here's an Anansi story from the great storyteller Lyn Ford.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a little performance of a song called "Big Yellow Moon," by Cherie Call. She recorded the song on a visit to the Apple Seed studio. back when we could all get in a room together. We look forward to such times again, and in the meantime, you'll enjoy this tune! It came to our minds as we listened to Ed Stivender's story "The Man in the Moon in Love" in today's hour-long episode of the show. You should catch that too!
Have you ever felt the desire to explore the world? What did you hope to find? Adventure, love, or maybe even yourself? This is exactly what Dolores Hydock wanted when she was 19 years old. But when her father tells her that everything she’s looking for is already in her own backyard, she doesn’t understand that wisdom until many years later. To find out the key to her father’s wisdom, listen to the story by Dolores Hydock as well as stories by Willy Claflin/Maynard Moose, Donna Ingham, Diane Ferlatte, and Syd Lieberman!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"Sleeping Beastly" by Willy Claflin (12:01)
At first listen, Willy’s stories might seem like they’re only for kids, but you’ll soon realize, they come packed with laughs and giggles for all ages. “Sleeping Beastly” is a perfect example of this as Willy’s companion Maynard Moose shares his own retelling of the classic sleeping beauty tale. “Sleeping Beastly” comes from the collection of tales fittingly called Sleeping Beastly and Other Tales.
"My Own Back Yard" by Dolores Hydock (13:49)
Dolores Hydock was called by The Birmingham News, “smart but not cynical, heartwarming yet never corny, traditional without being mundane,” and we here at The Apple Seed absolutely agree! Those are exactly the words we would use to describe her story “My Own Back Yard”, about how a sunny day in Dolores’s neighborhood made her reflect on the wild days of her youth and what she’s come to see as the good life. This story hails from the Nine Lives - Life-changing Lessons from Cats, Cornbread, and Rock ‘n’ Roll collection.
"Ciao, Y’all" by Donna Ingham (8:25)
Donna Ignham is known for bringing her own “Texas twist” to classic tales. We see that today in her story, “Ciao, Y’all” about the funny mishaps that happen when she visits Italy but ends up following the wrong tour guide. This story is from a collection of stories called Our Boy C.Y (and his Sweet Young Thing of a Wife)
"Bone Day" by Diane Ferlatte (9:18)
Diane Ferlatte has told stories all over the world, from Australia, Kenya, Turkey, to Switzerland. Due to this, she tells stories that have universal appeal - one such story is “Bone Day” about Butch the dog who has to learn an important lesson about gratitude. This tale is from a collection of stories called Aesop: Alive and Well.
"Saved By a Sale" by Syd Lieberman on The Old Man and Other Stories (6:57)
To wrap up today's episode, how about a little something from Chicago storyteller, Syd Lieberman. Syd is longer with us, but his legacy lives on through his stories. This ones about Syd's first job in America, and it's at a butcher shop.
Around this time of year, we always love to share some of our favorite stories of family and home. We’ll share a story in today’s episode by the great North Carolina storyteller Donald Davis, who touches the hearts and tickles the funny bones of audiences all over the country with tales of his childhood, growing up in the mountains of Appalachia. Donald’s story is called “Look it Up!” in which the kids in Donald’s elementary school go to the dictionary to find out the meaning of new school punishment, with disastrous and hilarious results.
You’ll also hear a story called Pencil Neck, an elementary school story from Sam’s own memory of being a student at Alpine Elementary School. And we’ll wrap up with something from Virginia storyteller Sheila Arnold: a phone conversation that captures a little tradition shared between mother and son for years.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“Look it up!” by Donald Davis (13:46)
In this story, the kids in Donald’s elementary school go to the dictionary to find out the meaning of new school punishment, with disastrous and hilarious results.
Radio Family Journal: “Pencil Neck” (7:48)
Despite all his worst fears, sixth grade didn’t turn out all that bad for Sam. He’ll explain why in this story about the difference between expectations and realities, and the lifelong memories that formed where he least expected them.
“I Love You More” by Sheila and Kriss Arnold (2:01)
During a recording session, Sheila Arnold captured a phone call from her son – a phone call that reveals a signing-off tradition that mother and son have maintained for years and years.
Around this time of year, we always love to share some of our favorite stories of family and home. And some of those stories come from our favorite storytellers – tellers who carefully craft and deliver stories for audiences all over the country and all over the world. Others of those stories come from our own experience, or from folks just like you and me.
Today, we’ll share with you a favorite story from a friend of ours named Niki Bean, who will tell us with tenderness about the bittersweet experience of talking to her young children about the passing of their grandfather, Niki’s father. You’ll also hear a story from the great Alabama storyteller Dolores Hydock. Filled with memories of her mother, during a time of important transition in the life of both mother and daughter. The story is called “Occam’s Razor.”
We’ll wrap up with an entry in the Radio Family Journal about Sam’s sons, who, when they were small, went up for the same part in the community play. There were lessons to be learned there, and Sam never forgot them.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“Occam’s Razor” by Dolores Hydock (13:11)
In this story, Dolores Hydock shares memories of her mother, on the cusp of an important transition to assisted living for her mother. This sweet, funny tale illustrates the unforgettable bond between mother and daughter, and holds lessons for Dolores as she contemplates the way we care for one another as family.
“Kevin” by Niki Bean (4:28)
Niki had lost her father long enough ago that none of her kids have a memory of it. And one day, in the car with those kids, an opportunity opened up to share some things. Niki took it, and discovered the importance of sharing the family stories with the next generation of family.
Radio Family Journal: “Oliver” (5:39)
In this story, Sam talks about his two oldest sons who, as little boys, auditioned for the same role in the community play. Only one kid could get the part. How would Sam’s boys react if it wasn’t them? There are lessons about brotherly love in this little tale.
There are many times in life when you can’t quite see the way forward. You feel lost, not sure what to do, or where you’re going to end up. Most everyone has felt like that at some point. Most likely more than once. Of course, every situation is different, and everyone copes in different ways. So how do you find the way forward, when things seem so grim? Well, first and foremost, you keep trying. Often that simple act will lead you to guidance, success, or at least a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. We have put together a group of stories and songs that talk about how to find the unseen path. From a mother attempting to guide her daughter, to a boy who is invisible, listen how they each find a way forward.
On Today’s episode, enjoy the following
“The Invisible Boy” by Stephanie Beneteau from Dreaming Tall: Stories for Growing Girls (10:29)
Many cultures around the world have their own version of the Cinderella story. Stephanie Beneteau tells us a version that comes from the Wabanaki Tribes in Eastern Canada. It all starts with the birth of an invisible baby boy. Stephanie herself has a French Canadian father, although she was born in Italy, and has spent her career teaching and telling stories.
“Purgy-Tory” by Leeny Del-Seamonds from It Takes Two to Tango: Ties That Bind Us (8:52)
Lots of people are afraid of heights. Maybe even more are afraid of spiders. What could be more scary than that? Maybe it’s the haunting question: what happens after we die? We’ve all asked that question once or twice and it’s a question worthy of consideration. While there are a lot of different ideas out there, we all have to find our own belief about what will happen. Leeny Del-Seamonds had to consider the afterlife at a young age, confronted with a few concerning ideas.
“Osprey Finds the Way” by Anne Rutherford from On the Great Pacific Flyway: Songs and Stories Celebrating Portland's Migratory Birds (4:56)
Finding the way forward is hard. Sometimes there are many obstacles and challenges that stand in our path. One thing that can be hard to accept, but is so important, is that we can ask for help. Anne Rutherford, a storyteller out of the Pacific northwest, knows this to be true. She began performing on stage at the age of 7, and she definitely has a knack for it. In this story she recounts a tale about Osprey, a bird who wanted to find better living conditions for her fellow fowl. The way forward is hard, but Osprey has some pretty powerful help on her side.
“Whippoorwill” by Kim Weitkamp from Penny Candy Love (3:20)
Kim Weitkamp believes that every person is a story and that every story can make a difference. In this next song, she notes the inevitably of time passing. There is an end to every story, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t learn how to fly in our story. As we push forward we should do everything we can to enjoy the journey. Yes things are often difficult in life, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it!
“My Little Accessory” by Robin Schulte from Jack and the Levitator (16:10)
Robin Schulte is a storyteller by profession, but she is also a mom. Everyone who has been a parent knows that sometimes your kids don’t live life exactly how you might have imagined when they were born. That can be hard to accept, but it doesn’t mean that they’ve failed as a parent, or that their kid is making poor decisions. Sometimes kids just have to find their own path. Robin’s own daughter definitely lived life in the direction she wanted. Robin tells about how she learned to accept that her daughter is her own person and love her all the same in “My Little Accessory”.
"Bow Wow Wow" by Bill Harley from Blah Blah Blah (7:27)
In this song from Bill Harley, a young boy em"bark"s on a quest to find his lost dog, only to encounter a weird scene involving a pack of partying dogs.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a family story from Florida storyteller Robin Schulte called "Jack and the Levitator," about her young son and the magic trick he wants to master!
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a little story called "Battling Giants" by the terrific LA storyteller Antonio Sacre. He'll tell you a story abotu how knowing someone's story can be more than entertaining -- it can draw people together in the real world, when the stakes are high.
What was your first-ever job? Was it an easy dream job? Or was it hard and tedious? Whatever it was, we can promise it was easier than Jack’s first job, because in today’s story by Tim Lowry, Jack tries to make money for his family by slaying giants for the king. We’ll also hear adventures by Bil Lepp, Sarah Malone, and John McCutcheon.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Fire! Fire! Pants on Liar!" by Bil Lepp (12:24)
Bil Lepp is a five time champion of the West Virginia’s Lair Contest. Knowing this information, listen to his story about the crazy and dangerous events that occurred when Bil tried to get rid of these wild dogs that kept running through his backyard, and decide for yourself what you think is true and what is fiction. This hilarious story is from a collection called Fire! Fire! Pants on Liar!
“Jack and the New Ground” by Tim Lowry (13:58)
Tim Lowry tells stories at schools, businesses, festivals, and all kinds of events and thus knows of tales that will please all kinds of folks. This story is one of those tales: it’s about our classic protagonist Jack and the new job he takes slaying giants for the king. It comes from a collection of stories called Mostly Jack Tales.
“The Innkeeper’s Clever Daughter” by Noa Baum (11:32)
Noa Baum is a well educated, clever lady, having graduated from both Tel Aviv University and New York University. Perhaps that causes her to relate to the heroine in today’s story and why she loves to share it. It’s about an innkeeper’s daughter that solves the most tricky of riddles to save her father’s business, and it hails from a collection of stories called Far Away and Close to Home.
“Holding Up the Sky” by Sarah Malone (3:31)
Sarah Malone’s love for storytelling and peace has caused her to tell stories for more than thirty years. Today’s story is about Hummingbird who learns that the sky is going to fall and decides that no matter how small she is, she’s going to do her part in holding it up. This story is from a collection of tales called Holding Up the Sky: Peace Tales for Kids which created $30,000 in donations for peaceful causes.
"Mail Myself to You" by John McCutcheon (3:28)
John McCutcheon’s love for folk music started when he was eleven years old and he watched the March on Washington with his mother on TV. He came to realize that folk music can bring people together and create change. Today’s song is all about bringing people together and remembering how much they really mean to us. It’s part of a collection of stories called This Land: Woodie Guthrie’s America.
"Stereotypical Clergy" by Bil Lepp (3:24)
In today's final story, Bil Lepp regales us with a tall tale, as only a five-time West Virginia Liar's Contest winner can. It involves a blizzard, a bucket of fried chicken, and a dog named Buck Dog.
“Pride cometh before the fall,” an old Spanish proverb says. But what is pride, and how do we steer clear of it? Today’s collection of stories discusses issues of pride, and the victories or consequences related to it.
Featured are fun anecdotes of raging elephants, tricksters, and cowboy poetry from storytellers Judith Black, Laura Simms, Dan Deding, Norah Dooley, Joe Harrington, and Jim Bruchac, leaving a lesson with us to Beware of Pride.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Three Strong Women of Japan” by Judith Black from Blooming (19:10)
A wrestler named Forever-Mountain considers himself the mightiest sumo wrestler in all the land – until he meets a sweet young woman on his travels. When this young woman and her mother and grandmother easily defeat him, he realizes that he has a thing or two to learn from them.
“Nalagiri” by Laura Simms from Making Peace—Heart Uprising (8:06)
When a riled Nalagiri is sent to destroy the Buddha, the Buddha must tame the elephant by extending his kindness and friendliness.
“Nasrudin and the Wise Man” by Dan Keding from Wisdom and Wayfaring (1:24)
Nasrudin, a Persian folktale character, encounters a man who thinks he has learned all there is to know in life – until Nasrudin points out one important missing skill...
“Talkative Turtle” by Norah Dooley from World Folk Tales (2:47)
Talkative Turtle makes his escape from hunters by hitching a ride with two cranes – with one caveat – that he must keep his mouth closed. As you can guess from the title, we’ll see how long that lasts...
“Trail Boss Test” by Joe Harrington from Men of Honor (3:38)
What happens when an upstart cowboy thinks he knows better than the trail boss? We’ll see what wise words the trail boss will impart!
“The Beast” by Dan Keding from In a Dead Man’s Company (6:28)
You’re all familiar with the story of Beauty and the Beast! Dan Keding gives us a spin on this “tale as old as time" from the Beast’s perspective!
"Bear and Brown Squirrel" by Jim Bruchac from Northeastern Native American Animal Stories (8:02)
Here's a great reminder about humility. In this story from Jim Bruchac, a bragging bear who can 'do anything', is challenged by a squirrel to demand the sun not to rise.
Apple Seed listeners have often heard us mention stories and storytellers that we've found at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. This year, that prestigious festival is all online, which means that anyone in the world can buy a ticket and enjoy the stories (Google the festival to find out more). And on the eve of the festival, we bring you as an Apple Seed Extra just a little taste of Jonesborough, Tennessee, the festival's home since it began in 1973.
Trees have been around a lot longer than human folklore has, which is probably why they’re ingrained in our early mythologies all the way up to our modern fiction. Whether it’s the mighty branches of the Norse World Tree, the sacred fig of Hinduism, Homer’s nymphs, or the living trees of J.R.R. Tolkien’s world, these magnificent plants have inspired literature and storytelling since humanity first wondered at their height and marveled at their seeming immortality. In a world where our trees are threatened by corporate expansion and deforestation, our storytelling history has become even more important in the fight for a healthy environment: when we allow the trees to walk and talk and relay the wisdom of ages, they are imbued with both power and humanity. So, in return for the life these plants give to us, today we’re giving the trees a voice. Join us as we listen to Jeff Gere, Kare Strong, Jane Stenson, Susan Reed, and more as they bring us tales from the forest where the people speak to the trees, and the trees speak back.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Guardian of the Trees” by Jeff Gere (9:11)
Jeff Gere has a way with soundscaping, from his outlandish, mouth-made sound effects to his researched Hawaiian accents to his excellent musical accompanists. This track, which is part of a collection called Guardians of the Trees: Inspiring Tales of Hawaii, is accompanied by Les Adam (who Jeff calls the “Maui musical wizard”) on the piano and Alana Cini on the didgeridoo. The tale follows a construction site on O’ahu, Hawaii, where a plot of trees is being condemned to make way for a new parking lot. But just as the construction workers get to the site, a mysterious woman named Pele puts a halt to the whole project.
“Sing ‘I Love You’” by Kare Strong and Josh Goforth (3:07)
Rivers of Love was the first collaborative album by Kare Strong and Josh Goforth. It was honored with six national awards—including a Parent’s Choice and National Parenting Publications Award—for its family-friendly focus on respecting and connecting with nature. In this song, Strong’s tender vocals mixed with Goforth’s sweet fiddle paints a poetic, whimsical picture of nature brought to life: the flowers smile, the trees talk, and the rain dances.
“Peony Hedge” by Jane Stenson (4:59)
When the local elm tree is cut down, Jane and the local flowers wonder what could possibly replace such a majestic, long-standing part of their neighborhood. So, in memorial, Jane plants a row of Peony (pee-uh-knee) hedges and reminisces on how the Peony blossoms have continued to bring together the neighborhood, if only for the short summer period they bloom. From a collection of Stenson’s Connecticut tales called From the Connecticut Woods.
“Yggdrasil, the World Tree” by Susan Strauss (12:39)
On this track, Susan Strauss tells the traditional Norse creation story as found in the Gylfaginning, a 13th century Norse text compiled by the famous Icelandic poet and historian Snori Sturlson. The tale culminates in the birth of the great world tree, and the growth of its three great roots that connect the three Norse realms.
“The Withering of the Boughs” by Kathy Cowan (4:33)
Joseph Sobol's collection of songs is beautifully performed by the Kiltartan Road band—a group of artists consisting of Joseph Sobol himself, as well as Andrew Bird, Tom Orf, and Kathy Cowan. Each piece of music uses lyrics pulled from poems by the great Irish writer William Butler Yeats. In a conversation between a man and a tree, Yeats claims that dreams and emotional memories are more powerful than the winter wind—the boughs of the tree only wither when the speaker tells the tree of her dreams.
“Mulberry Tree” by Jenny Cargill-Strong (8:39)
Jenny tells the tale of a mulberry tree that grew up alongside her—by the time she was big enough to climb, the tree was big enough to hold her. When a new set of cleanly neighbors move in next door, they accidentally kill Jenny’s mulberry tree after pruning the branches reaching over their fence. Will the young Jenny learn to forgive? And how will Jenny bring the memory of her favorite tree back to life?
Radio Family Journal: "Climbing Tree" (5:26)
In today's entry into the Radio Family Journal, Sam reminisces about his family's beloved climbing tree.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a story called "Rathlin Fairy Tale" told by Liz Weir, the Irish storyteller who brings to life the myth of the hawthorn Tree—better known in Ireland as fairy thorns. When the boy of a young mother is stolen by the fairies of a hawthorn tree, he’s saved by a peculiar and perhaps lucky connection to the real world.
In Irish folklore, cutting down a hawthorn tree is considered bad luck, since you will disturb the little folk. Interestingly, British folklore, which contradicts Irish folklore about as much as Britain contradicts the Irish government, uses hawthorn tree branches as a protection from fairies.
Have you worn lots of hand-me-down clothes that maybe didn’t fit you too well? Do you know how to sew? Have you ever had a class assignment that excited you? If so, then you’ll relate to today’s story where Madeline Pots’s sixth-grade class has to learn how to sew aprons - and even though Madeline already knows how to sew, she’s looking forward to the chance to new brand new fabric instead of old scraps for the very first time. We’ll also hear stories from Willy Claflin and Susan Reed.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"I Hate Music!" by Willy Claflin (12:49)
Willy Claflin is known for his love of music and all things silly and creative. That’s part of what makes his story “I Hate Music!” about a time in elementary school when he had to learn the recorder so funny and charming. This anecdote is from a collection of tales called The Wolf Under the Bed.
"The Apron" by Madeline Pots (26:38)
Madeline Pots grew up listening to stories from her mother, but along with that, Madeline learned how to sew from her mother as well. And it’s Madeline’s excellent sewing skills that get her into a little bit of trouble at school when her class has to learn to sew aprons in the story called, “The Apron.” This story is part of a collection of stories fittingly called “The Apron.”
"Athena and Poseidon" by Susan Reed (5:36)
Susan Reed is an author, a vocalist, a violinist, and more, but one of our favorite things about Susan Reed is her storytelling ability. You’ll get a taste for her great storytelling ability in the myth of “Athena and Poseidon” where Athena and Poseidon compete to win the favor of the citizens of the newest city in Greece. This myth is from a collection of adventures called Earth Stories.
Radio Family Journal: "Singer Sewing Machine" (5:30)
What did your parents do that let you know they loved you? That's the question at the heart of this entry into Sam's Radio Family Journal.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a story by Madeline Pots about everybody's favorite 2020 pastime: making sourdough. Madeline's is a comical story about heritage, responsibility, and kitchen disasters.
Right now, you are looking at several markings known as letters, and associating them with thoughts and feelings. We can write sadness and your heart sinks in your chest. We can write gratitude and your chest fills with warmth. We can write laughter and the corners of your mouth lift. You’ve learned to interpret and scribble letters as a method by which to understand and be understood by others.
That learned method of understanding sounds different all over the world, and, if we’re called to have greater charity for our fellow beings, our way to understanding starts with learning their method of understanding – their language.
Today on The Apple Seed, celebrate language in the following stories:
"It Always Pays to Learn a Second Language" by Mitch Capel, from Gran’daddy Junebug: Great Stories for Young Folk (10:06)
Today’s episode of The Apple Seed will celebrate the blessings of learning other languages as storyteller Mitch Capel invites several children to share with each other the beauty of second languages they’ve learned. In a collection of stories called Gran’daddy Junebug: Great Stories for Young Folk, Capel follows this celebration of languages with a story of a courageous mother mouse whose own second language just happens to save her family’s life.
"America, Land of Miracles" by Noa Baum, from Race Bridges Studio (9:19)
Noa Baum recalls her transition from Israel to American as a young girl, particularly her venture navigating English as a second language. At first, amazed as she is by America, Noa feels lonely in her unfamiliarity with the place. That is… until she is greeted with a warm welcome in a familiar tongue that feels a lot like home. Enjoy the extension of friendship Noa finds in her telling of America, Land of Miracles from a collection of stories called Race Bridges Studio.
"Fortune Cookies" by Bil Lepp, form Timp 2017 (20:44)
Fortune Cookies is a Bil Lepp story from a collection of stories told at the 2017 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. In it, Bil recalls an old Chinese friend named Hank, who got a good kick out of messing with the fortunes in the fortune cookies he’d give out at his Chinese restaurant. Let’s have a laugh with Bil Lepp!
"The Empty Pot" by Jill Lamede, from Stories from the Tintagel Storyteller (3:46)
Jill Lamede shares a story about the method by which the next emperor of China is chosen. The Empty Pot is from a collection of stories entitled, Stories from the Tintagel Storyteller.
Radio Family Journal: "Dodo Bird" (5:41)
When Sam started taking piano lessons he had no idea he was taking the first steps toward learning a language that would enrich his communication with other people for the rest of his life.
Sometimes, the language we are learning to speak is our family’s own language of getting by in the world – every parent has a different way of teaching the lessons of life, a different language of teaching. In today’s EXTRA on The Apple Seed, storytellers Milbre Burch and Mary Gay Ducey bring you "Minding His Mother," a story of a young boy struggling to mind his manners in the world – in the meantime, his mother turns every mistake he makes into an opportunity to help him grow. Enjoy learning to speak this mother’s parental language as she sees her child’s mistakes as learning opportunities. The story is from a collection of tales about mothers and their children, with the wonderful title "Because I Said So."
Do you want to travel the world? What about travel through time? In today’s story, Dolores Hydock meets a woman named Ms. Thomas who gives Dolores a tour through her home which feels more like a tour through the history of western civilization itself and gives her a new appreciation for art. We’ll also hear stories from Andy Offutt Irwin and Margaret Read MacDonald.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“Western Civilization” by Dolores Hydock on Perfect Match (25:25)
Dolores is a gardening enthusiast, so on her trip through southern Alabama when she discovers these beautiful plants she has to talk to Ms. Thomas the woman who planted the wonderful foliage. But Dolores learns a lot more from Ms. Thomas than just how to garden.
“Generational Revenge” by Andy Offutt Irwin on Risk Assessment (11:16)
Andy’s Aunt Marguerite creates more crazy situations when she prevents her daughter from learning the trumpet, a choice that had repercussions lasting through generations.
“Little Boy Frog and Little Boy Snake” by Margaret Read MacDonald on Fat Cat and Friends (8:17)
In this folk tale from Nigeria, little boy frog and little boy snake meet at the mountain top and become friends which leads to important questions about who we see as friends and enemies.
Radio Family Journal: "AP Biology" (5:52)
In this reflection sparked by Dolores Hydock's "Western Civilization", Sam talks about how peer pressure led him to enroll in an AP Biology class.
Tim Lowry tells stories from his native South Carolina (you've heard a few of them on the show), but also stories from around the world. On today's Apple Seed Extra, you'll enjoy a story told by Tim. This one's from Brazil, and it's called "The Monkey and the Bananas."
Siblings can be both a blessing and a curse. They can provide someone to talk to on lonely days, make boring moments more fun, or help you out in a time of need. On the other end of the spectrum, they might know exactly which buttons to push to annoy you, blame things on you, or do something so weird that you don’t even want to associate with them. In the end, siblings can have a huge effect on our lives and we should be grateful to them for any of the good that they do for us. On today’s episode, we’ll have the pleasure of hearing all about siblings. Both funny stories and heartwarming ones that we’re sure will bring great memories to any who listen.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“When Our Streetlights Come On” by Norah Dooley from My Bad, Bad Dog and Other Stories (8:20)
Norah Dooley is well versed in the art of story, as her work involves writing tales, teaching storytelling, and performing. When she was little, she and her brother couldn’t have been more different. She was afraid of everything, and he was afraid of nothing. She was so afraid of getting in trouble that she wouldn’t even let herself have fun. But her brother helped her get over that fear by keeping her out past her curfew.
“You’re Safe, Mary” by Syd Lieberman from Lieberman Live (4:08)
The Vice President of the Timpanogos storytelling festival, Debbie Richan, said of Syd Lieberman, “God created Syd because he loves us.” That quote resonates particularly well in the story of three young sisters who work together to make the youngest happy.
“Wendy’s Hammer” by Anthony Burcher from Anthony Squished My Banana (5:38)
Though siblings can be pleasant, we all know that there is also a lot of time spent bickering, teasing, and fighting. Sometimes, if you tease a sibling enough, there are consequences. Hailing from Virginia, Anthony Burcher has a story about his siblings after he got a terrible ear infection.
“Doobies” by Donald Davis from Mama Learns to Drive (7:16)
Siblings aren’t the only ones involved in family shenanigans. Donald Davis has a story to tell about his own children and their adventures with concealing unwanted food.
“Sillier Than You” by Bill Harley from The Best Candy in the Whole World and other stories (10:42)
Bill Harley's tales are known to be about growing up and navigating the world. This much can be seen in the next story. Bill tells about two sisters, one of which is so weird, the other just can’t stand it anymore. Little did she know, her sister wasn’t as weird as she thought.
“We Hold the Rope” by Sheila Arnold from Mini, Many, Minnie Tales (8:30)
Sheila Arnold says that she became a storyteller because of her son. Perhaps that gave her a perspective on her story about a young man who resented his older brother only to find out that he was the one who would help rescue him in his time of need.
"The Three Little Pigs" by Mark Binder from Classic Stories For Children (5:55)
We wrap up today's episode by bringing you a classic sibling story told by Mark Binder. In it, three famous siblings of which almost everyone has heard, build new homes out of three very different materials with very different results.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a hilarious story called "Strike Anywhere Matches" by the great tall tale teller Bil Lepp.
Matches are a great tool. But, like most things, they can also be dangerous, depending on how you use them. Some people know more dangerous ways to use them than others. Bil Lepp describes various activities with strike anywhere matches that he used as a kid and the dangers involved. You'll love hearing from Uncle Deebo, Skeeter, and the rest of Bil's cast of characters -- inhabitants of Halfdollar, West Virginia.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, part of my conversation with the terrific California storyteller Diane Ferlatte, who started telling stiries as a way to wean her children off of television.
We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to tall tales and fairy tales. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about rice balls, gold coins, and condiments.
On today's episode of The Apple Seed, enjoy the following:
"The Condiment Basketball Game" by Mary Grace Ketner from Ghostly Gals & Spirited Women (10:45)
How did you first get acquainted with some of your favorite sports? In this humorous story from Mary Grace Ketner, Mary shares how she first learned the rules of Basketball. And it involves...condiments?
"The Pond's Story" by Susan Strauss from Dreams of Animals: Myths and Personal Stories of Animals (4:35)
Susan shares a story about a time her family built their own pond near their desert home. And it isn't long before the pond starts to attract all sorts of uninvited guests. Susan and her family learn a valuable lesson - “Where there is water, there is life.”
"The King & His Sons" by The Storycrafters from A Tale for All Seasons (9:39)
In this story from the husband and wife storytelling duo, The Storycrafters (Barry Marshall and Jeri Burns), you'll hear about a king and his three sons. The king devises a test to see which of the three sons is wise enough to rule in his stead.
"I Got Your Back" by Diane Ferlatte from Penny for your Thoughts (15:12)
In this tale of friendship and danger, Diane Ferlatte is accompanied by her long-time collaborator, Eric Pearson, on guitar.
"Rice Balls" by Connie Regan-Blake from Dive-into Stories (10:55)
Have you dropped a key ingredient while preparing a meal? Not only is it not wise to pick it up to try and salvage it, but as we learn from this next story, if it rolls right out the door, you'd better not chase after it.
Often times we’re told to follow our hearts, but what happens when our hearts lead us astray? In today’s story by Peter J. Parker, a good king has to learn this lesson when he finds a new queen that slowly begins to show her true colors over time. In the end, it takes a dragon, a knight, and of course, true love to conquer the wicked queen. We’ll also hear stories by Laura Simms and Alton Chung.
On today's episode of The Apple Seed, enjoy the following:
“Punia and Kaialeale” by Alton Chung on Tales from Lanai (12:21)
When Punia and his mother want lobsters for dinner, Punia sets out to get some from the nearby sea, however this requires swimming through the evil shark Kaialeale and his minions.
“Dragon Castle” by Peter J. Parker on Panryl the Wizard (17:37)
When the good king sets out to find a new wife, he falls deeply in love with a woman who gives him a “special love potion” every night. But when she throws a huge ball, the king, the princess, and a certain young knight find themselves in serious trouble.
“The Black Prince” by Laura Simms on Making Peace - Heart Uprising (15:56)
When Laura showed up for a storytelling gig, it’s not what she expected and she’s tempted to leave as soon as she can. But a particular man in the crowd catches her eye and Laura can tell that this man needs a story. So she tells the story of a flute player in ancient Egypt...
"The Sausage" by Sam Payne (5:22)
What would you do with three wishes? Would you wish for something grand for yourself or others? Or would you just end up wasting them, just like the protagonists of this old story?
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a conversation with a few friends -- Dr. Tony Brown, Dr. Katya Jordan, and Dr. Luke Howard -- about Sergei Prokofiev's classic musical story "Peter and the Wolf." There's more there than you ever dreamed!
What are we? Our personal identity may be defined by anything from our culture, family, religion, values, education, and more. Based upon life’s many factors, how do we define ourselves?
Today’s collection of stories examines the what and why of who we are. Storytellers Pam Faro, Anne Shimojima, Charlotte Blake-Alston, Diane Edgecomb, Motoko, Michael Reno Harrell, Kikuchi Yngojo, Robert & Nancy Wang teach us more about our identity, and what we can become.
"Ten Thousand Treasure Cave” by Kikuchi Yngojo, Robert & Nancy Wang (15:38; Treasure Bag of Asian Stories)
When a poor brother and sister are gifted with a special reward for their kindness, it soon becomes the object of desire of a wicked empress. The two must counter her designs and protect themselves, for their own sakes and the sake of their village.
“What is Your Deepest Desire?” by Pam Faro (1:41; Andalusian Trilogy: Stories of Jews, Christians, and Muslims of Medieval Spain)
The two men in our next story experience something similar; when the two are nearly runover, one responds with surprising compassion, wishing the offender receives whatever is his “deepest desire.”
“Wave” by Anne Shimojima (7:41, Sakura Tales; Stories from Japan)
A respected village man notices a tsunami looming in the distance, and must choose between his wealth and the safety of his people to send a signal to warn them of the danger.
“Anansi’s Children” by Charlotte Blake-Alston (5:48; Bit 'O This-Bit 'O That)
Anansi is an Akan god of storytelling, oftentimes in the form of a spider. In this tale, his sons collaborate to save their father, each using their own unique talents to do so.
“Ash Grove” by Diane Edgecomb (2:15; In The Groves)
Diane Edgecomb takes us to a peaceful Ash Grove, laced with song, where we might reflect on our lives.
“Heaven and Hell” by Motoko (5:58; Tales of Now & Zen)
Motoko tells of a woman who consults with a Buddhist monk on the difference between heaven and hell. He shows her two images of the same scene – with one important difference.
“Then There’s Me” by Michael Reno Harrell (4:07; Then There's Me)
Michael Reno Harrell sings of finding identity through various stages of life, and finding peace with sense of self.
Radio Family Journal: "Wherever You Go" (5:53)
Sam reflects upon, perhaps, a deeper meaning to the phrase, "Wherever you go, there you are".
On Today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a tune from Michael Reno Harrell, the great North Carolina storyteller and songwriter. It's called "Jesus, When You Get The Time."
Have you ever tried to write a song? Within our lives, we come across many things that move us to create music, be it your first crush, the view from the top of a mountain, or the idea of a super cool secret fighter. In today’s story, we’ll hear about Sam and the many memories of times throughout his life when he or those around him have been inspired to write songs - some of the songs beautiful and inspired... some of the other songs, not so much. We’ll also be thrilled to hear stories from Judy Lubin, Stephanie Beneteau, Willy Claflin, and Sheila Arnold.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Lu Helps a Dragon” - Judy Lubin (12:57)
Even though her stories are endlessly enjoyable, Judy Lubin will tell anyone that she shares stories, not as entertainment, but as a way of healing her listeners “inner life.” Listen carefully to the story she administers today called, “Lu Helps a Dragon” where a young man must find a way to return home with honor, and see what spiritual medicine you might ingest along the way. This tale comes to us from a collection of stories called Dragons of the Sea: Tales from China.
“Secret Fighter” - Sam Payne (13:30)
Sam Payne is more than a radio show host; he’s a singer, writer, songwriter, and arts educator. All those different elements combine in the story he shares with us today called “Secret Fighter” about the many different songs he’s gathered throughout his life. This tale comes to us from a collection of stories called Sam Payne: Stories and Songs, LIVE.
“The Wood Maiden” - Stephanie Beneteau (10:14)
Stephanie Beneteau has performed in more than 1,000 shows everywhere from Quebec to Germany. But this story, “The Wood Maiden” comes to us from Eastern Europe where a young girl named Batuska encounters a mysterious woman in the forest. “The Wood Maiden” is from a collection of stories called Dreaming Tall: Stories for Growing Girls.
"The Uglified Ducky" - Willy Claflin (9:20)
Willy Claflin has been known from time to time to share fractured fairytales. And to help him present these stories in his own - and very silly - style, he frequently enlists the help of his storytelling companion, Maynard Moose, who has his own unique way of speaking.
“The Story of the Deluge” - Sheila Arnold (5:06)
Sheila Arnold has been a full-time storyteller since 2003 with one of her most admirable abilities being the way she can easily slip in and out of different characters. We’ll get to see lots of that talent in this story which tells us about way-back-when during a time that the animals had their own governments. Yet, as tensions among the animals rise, they decided to hold a convention to settle their differences. This tale, called “The Story of the Deluge”, comes to us from a collection titled Mini, Many, Minnie tales.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy little story from Sam, and a live performance of "Dream Big" by Ryan Shupe, made before a live audience in The Apple Seed Studio, back when we coudl all get safely in a room together.
We always hope that the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories for you to share with the people that you love. Sometimes those memories are sparked by listening to personal stories, and other times by listening to animal tales. So sit back, relax, and get ready to have the memories wash over you as you listen to stories about crayfish, buzzards, polar bears, and plastic bags. You may also learn a thing or two about why things are the way they are, and how our choices impact living creatures.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"Azban and the Crayfish" by Jim Bruchac (10:42)
You've heard of 'playing dead'. But does it work for raccoons who are just trying to catch some crayfish to eat? You'll enjoy Jim Bruchac's telling of the story, Azban and the Crayfish. Jim frequently adds sound effects to his stories to make the listener feel like he/she is sitting around a campfire with him.
"The Monkey and the Buzzard" by Tim Lowry (9:08)
In another story about animals who are up to some tricks, Tim Lowry tells of a buzzard who devises a way to lure his victims in. But when a monkey gets involved, things don't go according to plan. Tim's characterizations and sound effects help you feel a part of the action.
"Polar Bear and Hunting Dog" by The Storycrafters (10:47)
In this story from the husband and wife storytelling duo, The Storycrafters (Barry Marshall and Jeri Burns), a couple of friends - a polar bear and a hunting dog - experience a rift in their relationship brought on by food, or the lack thereof. This story exists to explain the presence of a group of stars in the sky, that appear to depict a pack of hunting dogs chasing a polar bear.
"Shelley and Rustle" by Jenni Cargill-Strong (10:49)
Here's an ecological story from Jenni Cargill-Strong that contains an important lesson for all of us. It's not about people, it's about stuff. But recounting the adventures of this stuff will make you, as a person, want to be more careful about the stuff you consume and more conscious about the world and its creatures.
"The Hogaphone" by Ed Stivender (9:52)
While a lot of the animal stories we've heard on the program today come with a lesson, this one is just for fun. It's Ed Stivender's rendition of a story he heard from David Holt.
Back when we could all get together in the same room, Tim Lowry visited the Apple Seed studio and enchanted us with an evening of tales and conversation. On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a little talk and a tall tale recorded live in studio with Tim Lowry.
Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong? Maybe you showed up somewhere underdressed. Maybe you moved to a new school where you didn’t know anybody. Perhaps you were the victim of bullying. There are lots of reasons we can feel out of place, misunderstood, or unwanted and it’s never a very fun experience. So, what can we do when we feel that way? Today we have stories that share a few ideas about that and suggest that being different isn’t such a bad thing. They’re all about being different, trying to fit in, and figuring out that being true to oneself lets you find your place regardless of where you are. We’ll hear stories from Motoko, in which her son must confront racism because he is of Japanese descent. Charlotte Blake Alston tells the tale of Anniko, who finds herself being rejected by one man because she is different from the rest of the community. In another story, “Romeo and Juliet Gone Wrong”, Kerry Soper recounts his efforts to be seen as cool despite his terrible costume in the school play. Finally, Lani Peterson tells a story of what she views as a foolish coyote, only to realize later that he found his place in the stars.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Cost of Racism” by Motoko from Tales of Now & Zen (12:13)
We are often frightened of change. Of difference. It can be uncomfortable, and we often don’t understand it. So it comes as a surprise that change is, more often than not, a good thing. Unfortunately, differences often lead to racism, bullying, and other discrimination. Storyteller Motoko’s son confronts such a situation in the following story at one of his sports camps and Motoko remembers a time when she also felt the pain of discrimination.
“Anniko” by Charlotte Blake Alston from The Raccoon Story (10:31)
Do you know anyone that is struggling to find their place or that doesn’t seem to fit in as well as everyone else? An important question to ask is how can we help those people? How can we be their friend? This is especially important if there are others making them feel bad for their differences. The story of Anniko takes place in a village where everyone looks the same except for one young girl. One man finds her differences unnerving and decides to take it into his own hands to get rid of her.
“Romeo and Juliet Gone Wrong” by Kerry Soper (10:28)
Being cool in school. It’s a classic conundrum faced by millions every year. Who are the popular kids? What do they think of you? We’ve all asked those questions before. Well, Kerry Soper was no different. He found himself in a play about Romeo and Juliet and his costume was not his favorite. To save face, he makes a plan with another actor, but things quickly get out of control.
“Dancing with the Stars” by Lani Peterson from Stories Within (11:20)
We’ve talked a lot about ways to fit in on this episode. However, finding your place does not always mean fitting in. Sometimes it can mean the complete opposite. In the next story, a coyote decides to live his dream. He decides to dance with the stars, and although he might have been ridiculed, hurt, and considered a failure, another perspective is that he succeeded in his dream and that he accomplished more than anyone else because he was willing to try.
Radio Family Journal: "Heisman" (4:52)
All these stories about 'fitting in' leads Sam to reflect upon a family memory about his brother.
IN the full episode of The Apple Seed that we posted today, we filled an hour with stories about finding your place. But what about that time you thought you'd found the place you'd occupy for the rest of your life? What kind of courage does it take to move on and find your place anew? On today's Apple Seed Extra, you'll love "Moving Day," a song performed by a terrific young vocalist, and written by the great storyteller Bill Harley.
Henry Nelson Coleridge, nephew of the famous English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, took notes about things he heard Samuel say at gatherings of family and friends from 1822 to 1834. He figured they might someday be worthwhile biographical records about the life of his famous uncle. After Samuel’s death, Henry published the notes, bringing to light one of history’s most oft repeated quotes about poetry:
“I wish our clever young poets would remember my homely definitions of prose and poetry. That is, prose equals words in their best order; poetry equals the best words in the best order.”
And while we certainly have a lot of “words in their best order” in our collection of fairytales and folktales, you’d be surprised how many of those pieces of prose toe the line of poetry. Whether it’s short, repeated phrases (“I’ll huff, and I’ll puff, and I’ll blow the house down”), rhymes (“Jack and Jill went up the hill”), or even just the performative style of speaking (“Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!”), poetry fits right into the fairytale crowd. So today, we’ve pulled out a whole stanza of poetic folktales and rhymes from our library, from the naturalist poetry of Doug Elliott to the rhymed adventures of Linda Gorham. Join us on a rhythmic journey to the land where poetry and prose meet: the land of storytelling.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Frogs, Guardians of Water” by Doug Elliott (12:57)
This poetic creation story recounts the history of water. When the creatures of the earth begin to take their water for granted, the wells of life run dry—literally and figuratively. Will the great council of animals be able to restore the flow of the creator’s greatest gift? And who will the council select to guard that gift forever more? Well, the title should give you a pretty good hint. This story is from the famous naturalist Doug Elliott’s collection of bush folktales called Bullfrogs on Your Mind. See if you can catch the quick, four-line poems that Doug sneaks into this story—sometimes they’re over before you even realize they rhymed!
“The Artist” by Ted Fink (6:50)
Written by Ted Fink himself, and part of a collection of newer work from the Philadelphia storyteller called The New Stuff: Stories ‘n Songs, this longform poem tells the tale of why Ted grew into a storyteller. He compares his very conservative aunt Seely to his seemingly mysterious uncle Lou. When Ted finds one of Uncle Lou’s beautiful wood carvings relegated to a shelf in the basement, he comes to better understand the price of living your dreams, and why those dreams sometimes end up on the shelf.
“The Road Not Taken” by Joseph Sobol (4:25)
Joseph Sobol brings Robert Frost’s classic poem to life by setting the lyrics to his own jaunty, folksy piece of music. Though Frost initially wrote the now famous poem as a joke for a friend, “The Road Not Taken” would go on to be a beloved part of the American poetic cannon as a fairy-tale-like meditation on choice. It was originally published in Frost’s 1916 collection, Mountain Interval. Sobol is both a professional folklorist and cittern player of Tennessee fame, bringing poetry and music to his Southern fans with a variety of storytelling collections, including the one this song belongs to: Citternity.
“Black and Yellow” by Tim Lowry (7:37)
This traditional “porquoi” tale hails from Spain and explains why bumblebees have their black and yellow stripes. Tim doesn’t tell the story in verse, but the bee has long been a part of the literary tradition of Spain as a symbol of industriousness, godliness, and even memory (the beehive is often compared to the mind in structure). From Tim’s cross-cultural collection, Folk Tales from Around the World, this story has all the trappings of a Tim Lowry telling: poetic language, historic facts, and an unmistakable Southernness.
“The Mr. & The Mrs.” by Linda Gorham (4:05)
This nursery-rhyme-style tale follows a couple who come into possession of a magic pot that duplicates anything put inside. But what happens when you put in someone instead of something? This cute take on an old welsh legend, from a collection of family tales called Common Sense & Uncommon Fun, is only one side of Linda Gorham’s impressive storytelling repertoire. On the other end of the spectrum, Linda’s well-researched historical retellings won her the Linda Jenkins Brown Nia Award for Service from the National Association of Black Storytellers.
“Lost in Cyberspace” by Donna Ingham (6:09)
Donna uses this freeform poem to explain how her son and his wife introduced her to the world of technology, to which she calls herself an “immigrant in a foreign land.” The poem uses clever wordplay to spin tech company names, internet slang, and other technical jargon into a web of misunderstandings between generations. The story comes from a collection called Our Boy, C. Y. (and his Sweet Young Thing of a Wife), which gathers six of Donna’s prize-winning, original lies. So, naturally, nothing about this story is true.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a telling by Diane Wolkstein of "The Goblin and the Grocer," a story by Hans Christian Andersen. When a poor student is served cheese and bread wrapped in old poetry, he asks for the full book of poetry instead of the meal. The building’s resident goblin watches the student bring the poetry to life by candlelight each evening, and when tasked with saving the building’s most important item from a fire, the goblin knows exactly what he must retrieve.
This is a very traditional Hans Christian Anderson piece: fantastical, poetic, and a bit odd.
A harrowing event in American history is commemorated today – on this day in 2001, four coordinated terrorist attacks were carried out in the same morning, killing nearly 3,000 people. The physical, emotional, and mental effects of the attack are still prevalent today.
Our hearts ache at the thought that humans could do something so hateful… but in an even more astounding way, our hearts are made whole by the humans who performed so many acts of love in response to 9/11. Today’s episode of The Apple Seed will highlight what that simple, ferocious love looks like as storyteller Regina Ress recalls for us her visit to a Costa Rican indigenous tribe soon after the events of 9/11. The tribe couldn’t imagine what happened the morning of 9/11, but still found their own authentic way to offer a hand of healing to the world.
We’ll also hear storyteller Bryan Bowers recall his discovery of the events of 9/11 in his telling of September in Alaska. During his visit with friends, Bryan’s world is serene until he witnesses a broadcast of the burning World Trade Center – as he recalls this moment, he ponders aloud for us what he himself can do to heal the hurt of that heartbreaking day.
Today’s episode of The Apple Seed will highlight what that simple, ferocious love looks like in the following:
"The Healing Sticks" by Regina Ress, from New York and Me, We’re in a Longterm Relationship (11:59)
Storyteller Regina Ress recalls for us her visit to a Costa Rican indigenous tribe soon after the events of 9/11. In this story, Regina describes how this Costa Rican tribe, despite being unable to imagine what happened the morning of 9/11, still found an authentic way to offer a hand of healing to the world during that tragic time.
"September in Alaska" by Bryan Bowers, from September in Alaska (14:04)
Storyteller Bryan Bowers was inhaling the serenity of his time on the waters of Alaska, where the sun shines 23 hours a day and the native Alaskans are courteous to nature, until a devastating news broadcast shook his world and got him thinking about what he could do to heal the world as Alaska healed him. We may often feel there is little we can do in times of world-wide tragedy, but the small and simple choices of goodness we are willing to make are what create the greatest miracles. There are things you can do to make the world you interact with better. Bryan reminds us that those are the things to focus on.
"This, Too, Shall Pass" by Syd Lieberman, from LiebermanLive (3:56)
Jewish storyteller Syd Lieberman, when pondering the events of 9/11, carefully selected the story he hoped to share in light of it. The biblical King Solomon has a number of ministers, the proudest of which being Benaiah. Solomon does appreciate Benaiah, but seeks to put an end to Benaiah’s prideful bragging – to do so, Solomon sends Benaiah on what he thinks in an impossible mission. However, Solomon himself is humbled when Benaiah returns, task accomplished.
"Broken Glass" by Lani Peterson, from Stories Within (8:05)
In this profound story from the album Stories Within, Lani Peterson tells of an admired art teacher and the trial he let turn him into the remarkable man Lani remembers him to be. When we feel broken, may we cling to the reminder that broken things can be put back together in beautiful ways, as illustrated in Lani Peterson’s telling of Broken Glass.
"Find a Way to Love" by Mustard’s Retreat, from Living in the Dream, released in 2011 by Record Label Red House Records (3:35)
Folkband Mustard’s Retreat captures the call to keep being that emblem of hope as they sing this song for us. As you listen, we invite you to ponder how you can find a way to love a little more in your own world.
On Today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a song called "Gather" by award-winning storyteller, musician, and songwriter Susan Reed. It's a song that during annual remembrances will remind us to lean on music, stories, friendship, and laughter to get us through hard times. Together with today's full-length Apple Seed episode, we hope it calls to mind not only the tragedy of the events of September 11, 2001, but also the hope, healing, and help in the wake of those terrible events that can still fill us with feelings of family and unity.
If “all good things come to those who wait,” why can waiting be so hard sometimes? From patience-taxing to anticipation-inducing, waiting can seem like either a blessing or a curse.
Today on the Apple Seed, we have a lineup of stories from Bill Harley, Antonio Rocha, Michael Harrell, Norah Dooley, Charlotte Blake-Alston, Michael Arganoff, and Mitch Capel, all teaching us of the ups and downs of waiting.
We can’t “wait” to share it with you!
“Strawberry Peach Sky” by Bill Harley (4:33)
A boy becomes quite irritated when his young crush refuses to look at him from her porch. What he doesn’t realize is that while she may be looking at him, there’s something grand that he might miss if he doesn’t stop and wait.
“The Rock" by Antonio Rocha (5:37)
When large rock who finds itself shaken from a high perch onto the sea shore. While on the beach, the rock realizes the true friends and good changes that are possible in its new home.
“My Town” by Michael Harrell (4:33)
Michael Harrell’s song reminisces on the passage of time and its impact on a boyhood home. As the years pass, a once thriving town becomes more and more desolate, though still lives strong in his memory.
“Aesop’s Racing Rabbit” by Norah Dooley (6:48)
Noral Dooley shares the familiar tale of The Tortoise and the Hare - a patient tortoise and an eager rabbit race against each other, only to learn together an important principle.
“Black Mamba” by Charlotte Blake-Alston (10:43)
Charlotte Blake-Alston shares a folktale from Zimbabwe about a young man who is miraculously healed by a mystical black python – the same python he chose to spare years prior.
“I Can Fly” by Mitch Capel (7:54)
As a young bird learns to fly, he must juggle advice from his parents and siblings to be successful.
"Radio Family Journal: Smoking Money" (5:37)
Sam shares a story about saving money as a kid and the advice his grandpa gives him in the form of stories.
In today's full episode of The Apple Seed (called "When We Wait") we played for you am hour's worth of stories about waiting, without ever once mentioning how lousy it can be sometimes to have to wait! On today's Apple Seed Extra enjoy a terrific song called "I Don't Wanna Wait," written by Bill Harley and performed by Bill and a roomful of his friends, young and old.
The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival has been delighting fans of the medium for the past 31 years. And this year the festival will be more accessible than ever! The virtual event will feature some of the most renowned tellers in the business, many of whom you'll hear on today's episode of The Apple Seed, including Pippa White, Donna Washington, Ed Stivender, and of course, Donald Davis. For tickets to see some of your favorite storytellers right from the comfort of your own home, visit timpfest.org
On today's episode of The Apple Seed, enjoy the following:
"The Red Scooter" by Donald Davis (11:38)
There's no storyteller that personifies the spirit of the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival quite like North Carolina storyteller Donald Davis does. He's been on stage at Timp just about every year for all of its 31 years. Here he shares a Christmas memory that's enjoyable year-round.
"The Great Blizzard of 1888" by Pippa White (10:28)
Pippa White is known for telling beautiful, historical tales, often in rhyme. This next story - a favorite of ours - is about a teacher, and a classroom full of kids during "The Great Blizzard of 1888".
"Like Bread Loves Salt" by Ed Stivender (14:31)
Here's a story from another Timp-favorite, Ed Stivender. It's about an aging king who dsires to pass his throne on to one of his three lovely daughters. Whoever provides the best answer to the question, 'Which one of you loves me the most?', will receive the best parcel of land.
"Sody Saluradus" by Donna Washington (10:24)
Have you ever had a difficult time remembering a key piece of information? Perhaps the next time you struggle to remember something you should put it to a song. Although, in the case of this story, "Sody Saluradus", from Timp-newcomer, Donna Washington, a little jingle gets the characters into quite a bit of trouble.
"Museum of Your Life" by Donald Davis (2:29)
Donald Davis wraps up a wonderul hour of storytelling with a plea to listeners to share stories with their loved ones.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a World War II story in rhyme called "The North Platte Canteen," told by Pippa White and recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival is the largest in the west, now in its 31st year. Find out more about the special, online edition of the 2020 festival (which begins on September 10, 2020) by visiting Timpfest.org.
From time to time on The Apple Seed we feature stories with which you're well familiar. However, the tellers we feature usually put their own unique spin on these classics. And today on the show you'll hear several of those stories from Rosie Cutrer, Donna Washington, and the Storycrafters. You'll also some musings from the great storyteller and musician, Andy Offutt Irwin, that will make you chuckle as well as make you think about some of the adventures you've had over the course of your life. We always hope the stories we share on the program spark memories for you that you can share with the people that you love.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"Rumpelstiltskin" by Rosie Cutrer from Mr. Bun and Other Stories (11:40)
You've heard his story, you know his name, but the antogonist of this well-known story from Rosie Cutrer wishes you didn't. Rosie Cutrer has been known to pull out a banjo from time to time and pair her delightful stories with energetic music. Here's just one of many such stories.
"Three Princes Riding" by Donna Washington from Angel's Laughter (14:50)
Like so many great stories passed on over the years, stories can change dramatically with each telling. The wonderful teller, Donna Washington, shares here her version of a story called "Three Princes Riding", written by Nancy Schimmel. And the story begins with a unique problem: Nothing is happening in Fairytale Land. However, you'll discover as the story goes on that there's plenty happening.
"Secret Santa" by Andy Offutt-Irwin from Perpetual Calendar (11:41)
This next story is a Cub Scout story called "Secret Santa". But it's not so much a Christmas story as it is a delightful tale that will bring back Cub Scout memories for you, if you have them. Here's Andy Offutt Irwin performing live at the International Storytelling Cetner in Jonesborough, TN.
"The Cinderella Rap" by The Storycrafters from Tales From Timp 2012 (6:34)
Here's a story from the husband and wife storytelling duo, Barry Marshall and Jeri Burns, AKA "The Storycrafters". Their musical, rhythmic tellings of some of the classic tales with which you're familiar put a new spin on some of those tales and you get to hear them as if for the first time. This is a piece called "The Cinderella Rap" performed live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival.
"The Light Went Away" by Andy Offutt-Irwin from Andy's Wild Amphibian Show (3:16)
Earlier you heard a Cub Scout memory from Andy Offutt Irwin. And now to close things off, Andy's back with a lullaby called "The Light Went Away".
In today's full, hour-long Apple Seed episode, you heard a version of "Rumplestiltskin" from Topeka, Kansas storyteller Rosie Cutrer. On today's Apple Seed Extra, Sam talks with Rosie, about a life spent teaching school, and then, later, working with kids in classrooms as a storyteller. It's a slice of life as a traveling storyteller!
In 1882, the citizens of New York, if they could get off work on a Monday, could watch the very first Labor Day parade, organized by New York’s labor unions to celebrate the contributions of the American worker, and to lobby for improved working conditions – like an 8-hour work day, for example. Two years later, Labor Day was a national holiday.
In this hour of The Apple Seed, you’ll hear stories about Labor Day, and also about labor itself – good, old-fashioned work. You’ll hear about a visit to the State Fair from Kevin Kling, and a poem about taking pride in your work from cowboy poet Joe Herrintgon. You’ll hear one of America’s most famous work stories: the story of John Henry, the steel-drivin’ man, in Charlotte Blake Alston’s “Hammers of Steel Rang Out.” You’ll also hear memories and thoughts about labor and Labor Day gathered from the Apple Seed family: from memories of summer romance to the struggle for better working conditions in Kenya. And we’ll wrap it up with an original work song from Sam and his musical pals about the building of a tunnel through a mile of rock in the 1920s.
In this hour of the Apple Seed, enjoy the following:
“State Fair” by Kevin Kling
There was a time when elementary schools would take their first field trips of the new school year to the state fair. And this often occurred before Labor Day. Perhaps you have memories of the sights, sounds, and even smells of the state fair. If so, Kevin Kling’s story, "State Fair" ought to bring those memories flooding back to you.
“Hammers of Steel Rang Out” by Charlotte Blake Alston
Here's one of the most famous work stories in American Folklore, the story of John Henry – steel driving man – shared with you by an Apple Seed favorite, Pennsylvania storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston. Per usual, Alston uses music to great effect.
“The Fence” by Joe Herrington
Here's a cowboy poem from our friend, Joe Herrington, about the building of a fence. It’s a poem that will remind you to make good work a point of pride in your life. In an hour of the Apple Seed filled with stories not just of labor day, but of labor, here’s Joe Herrington, with “The Fence.”
“In This Thing for the Money” by Sam Payne
goodl, old-fashioned work, with a little work song. It was written to honor the workers on the Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel, built to provide greater access and shorter route for tourists trying to hit all the big Western National Parks in the 1920s. The tunnel cuts along the edge of Zion National Park in Southern Utah, and it was built right on the cusp of the depression – during the three years between 1927 and 1930. Here is Sam, along with some of his pals, Ryan Tilby, Steve Lemmon, and Nic Chamberlain, with a song about work, written about the guys who worked on that tunnel.
Over the centuries we’ve seen countless examples of humankind’s fascination with youth, or to be more specific, humankind’s fascination with trying to be forever young. There’s the quest for the mythical ‘fountain of youth’, a spring that supposedly restores youth to those who drink from it or bathe in its waters; there’s J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, a novel in which the titular character staves off growing up by remaining in the magical “Neverland”; today Americans spend billions of dollars each year trying to reverse the effects of aging.
Well, on today’s episode of The Apple Seed we' re bringing you stories featuring young people who would gladly trade places with an adult, if only to escape “The awkwardness of youth”. In fact that’s what we’re calling today’s episode. You’ll hear stories from Bill Harley and Don White, as well as a couple of Junior High and High School reflections from our Producer, Jeff Simpson, and Sam Payne.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
“Forget That Girl” by Bill Harley (23:12)
For many decades, two-time Grammy Award-winning storyteller and musician, Bill Harley, has been entertaining audiences well-familiar with “the awkwardness of youth”. In our first story today, Bill shares an experience from his days at Delaware Trails Elementary School in Indianapolis, involving his quest for coolness and his struggles to communicate with girls. From a collection of stories entitled, “Cool in School”, here’s “Forget That Girl”.
“Junior High School” by Don White (6:27)
Don White describes the woes of what is arguably one of the most awkward times in a young person’s life. From a collection of stories entitled “More Alive”, here’s “Junior High School”.
“I Would If I Could” by Jeff Simpson (7:17)
Apple Seed Producer, Jeff Simpson, often looks back at a particularly awkward experience, involving the opposite sex, and wishes he would have acted differently. And he’s willing to share that experience with us here on The Apple Seed. He only asks that you don’t judge him…or pity him. Here he is with a story he calls, “I Would If I Could”.
“Camelot” by Sam Payne (13:45)
When it comes to Junior High and High School, Sam seems to have fared much better than Jeff. In fact, in an episode of The Apple Seed featuring stories about the awkwardness of youth, this may be the one entry where things turned our well for our protagonist. Which in this case is a confident young Sam Payne, the star of his High School musical, "Camelot".
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a little poem called "Sick of Sick," by Bill Harley. It'll resonate with you if you've ever been in bed sick for a few days. It doesn't take much of that before you wish you could be just about anywhere else. Be sure to check out today's full episode of the Apple Seed for even more from Bill Harley -- a terrific piece called "Forget that Girl."
If you’ve ever caught a mythical fish, rubbed a magic lamp, or harbored a mysterious old woman, you just might be eligible for a divine wish or two. Or three. That said, you’re going to want to read the fine print on those wishes—it turns out getting exactly what you ask for is always more complicated than it sounds.
Wishes are a staple of folk tales, which begs the question, why is it that our hero’s and heroine’s problems can only be solved by magical, otherworldly, or otherwise impossible intervention? Well, it’s a bit of a tricky question, because the question itself assumes that the wish is the answer to the protagonist’s problem. But any good folklore professor would tell you that a fairy tale wish isn’t the solution to a test, but the test itself. They’re the challenge, not the prize. Will the lucky recipient be consumed with greed, like King Midas? Will they be clever enough to outwit the letter-of-the-law genie? Will they use their newfound power for good or for evil? Will what they ask for be what they truly wanted? In this way, wishes are a special tool in the storytelling repertoire: they ask us to examine our heart’s desires and then put them to the test. So, today we’re listening to Willy Claflin, Big Joe Pagliuca, David Tamulevich, Mibre Burch, and Heather forest as they ask that age-old question: if you could have anything, what would you wish for?
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Little Freddie and His Whistle” by Willy Claflin (12:26)
This tale of wishes granted is pretty traditional when compared to the other fractured fairy tales on Willy Claflin’s album, The Uglified Duckling. But when you add Freddie’s forth wall breaking to Willy’s recorder skills (you’ll hear him play a penny-whistle-like ditty every time Freddie pulls out the magic whistle), you just might be giggling along with the live audience of children.
“King Midas and the Golden Touch” by Big Joe Pagliuca (9:39)
When it comes to wishes in fairy tales, you’ve probably heard some version of the story of King Midas—I mean, the man practically coined the phrase “be careful what you wish for.” Big Joe Pagliuca brings this ancient Greek tale to life with a flurry of quirky sound effects and gags, plus an eccentric magical bird who doubles as comic relief and wish granter. From Big Joe’s very first CD album, 6 Silly Stories, “King Midas and the Touch” checks all the Big Joe boxes: funny, energetic, cartoonish, and amazing.
“Annie’s Bargain” by David Tamulevich (5:33)
In this part-song, part-story, David Tamulevich (one half of the Mustard Retreat duo) tells the tale of Annie and a magical, wish-granting raven. David is both player and singer on this track, brandishing an acoustic lap steel guitar in the Big Sky Recording Studio of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The album, Live at the Big Sky, is more than just Mustard’s Retreat music. The Yellow Room Gang, a larger band of 8 including the members of Mustard’s Retreat, performed at Ann Arbor in front of a live audience. In true folk music style, they had a potluck dinner to kick the concert off.
“Tia Astucia” by Milbre Burch (12:51)
Milbre Burch and Mary Gay Ducey co-tell most of the stories on their collection of tales, Because I Said So: Stories About Mothers and Kids. “Tia Astucia” in particular follows a shrewd and clever widow, Tia, and her rather simple daughter, Bieza, as Bieza begins to court men for marriage. The album as a whole is a folktale-driven examination of motherhood from two master performers: Mibre holds a PhD in Theater and Performance and Mary, of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood fame, is now the founder of the Bay Area Storytelling Festival.
“The Stonecutter” by Heather Forest on Songspinner: Folktales and Fables Sung and Told (3:58)
When the spirit of the mountain sees fit to grant the stonecutter’s every wish, the stonecutter embarks on a metaphysical journey to become the most powerful thing in existence. But what is more powerful than the sun, the wind, the clouds, or even the mountain itself? Among the older collections in our archive, Songspinner: Folktales and Fables Sung and Told is one of Heather’s first storytelling albums. Ever since the collection won the 1982 National Library Association Notable Record Award Heather has been performing in venues across the world, from the halls of the Smithsonian to the Glistening Waters Storytelling Festival of New Zealand.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy “The Golden Touch” by Heather Forest. In today's full episode of The Apple Seed, we talked about how the King Midas story told by Big Joe in the episode was a little different from the original Greek tale. Heather’s version -- today's Apple Seed Extra -- is a bit more faithful to the 8 AD text—Dionysus is the wish granter, Silenus the Satyr is the creature Midas cares for, and Midas cleanses himself in the river Pactolus. That said, Nathanial Hawthorne’s addition, where Midas turns his daughter to gold, still makes an appearance. It's kind of fun to see the difference between Big Joe’s piece and Heather’s.
The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival has been delighting fans of the medium for the past 31 years. And this year the festival will be more accessible than ever! The virtual event will feature some of the most renowned tellers in the business, many of whom you'll hear on today's episode of The Apple Seed, including Robert Jones, Kim Weitkamp, Charlotte Blake-Alston, Paul Strickland, and of course, Donald Davis. For tickets to see some of your favorite storytellers right from the comfort of your own home, visit timpfest.org
On today's episode, enjoy the following stories:
"Melvin V. O Droit Eulogy" by Paul Strickland
Paul has created a storytelling world that revolves around a trailer park-turned cul-de-sac called "Big Fib". And it's populated by people like 'Aunt True' and 'Uncle False'. His stories are smart, funny, tender, and filled with wordplay and good humor. And in this one, Paul recalls the time he was asked to write a Eulogy for a man no one in town liked all that much.
"The Old Stained Man" by Kim Weitkamp
When people make a 'bucket list' they generally include things they want to accomplish or do before they die. Kim Weitkamp has a bucket list of jobs she wants to have on her resume before she dies. In this story she talks about her short stint as a waitress at the restaurant chain Bob's Big Boy.
"Irene" by Robert Jones
Huddie Ledbetter (1888-1949), best known as 'Lead Belly', was one of the most influential performers in the history of American music. Reverend Robert B Jones has a storytelling program in which he performs as old Lead Belly himself. Here he can be heard performing the song "Irene".
"These Will Carry You Far" by Charlotte Blake-Alston
Charlotte Blake-Alston has been an Apple Seed and Timp Storytelling Festival favorite for many years. Her stories are rich with culture and wisdom, and frequently feature musical themes, as does this one. It's a Cinderella story of sorts, featuring an evil stepmother. And it's called "These Will Carry You Far".
"I Know You Have Stories" by Donald Davis
As a benediction to one of Timp's festivals, Donald Davis, 'The Dean', pleas with the audience to not only listen to and enjoy stories, but to share their own stories with others. That's certainly our hope on The Apple Seed as well.
In the full Apple Seed Episode we posted today, you can hear a music and storytelling delivered by Reverend Robert B. Jones in the character of the great musician Lead Belly. Jones performs in the characer of himself as well, and in today's Apple Seed Extra, you'll hear a conversation with Dr. Jones. The conversation took place between sets at a storytelling festival, and you'll hear some artifacts of that field recording: people clapping for other performers, technical staff getting the space ready for the next set, and a bit of the white noise of a vest-pocket interview. But none of it will detract from the wisdom and the joy coming from Reverend Jones as he talksa bout storytelling, music, and ministry. You're sure to enjoy today's Apple Seed Extra.
What do you think of when you hear the word clever? Do you think of the sly fox outwitting the crow in Aesop’s fables? How about Odysseus tricking the cyclops Polyphemus? Maybe you think of someone you know who always seems to twist things to their favor. Whatever it is, it’s clear that being clever can be used for both good and evil. Sometimes, however, being clever doesn’t turn out the way you think. Today’s stories are all about being clever. From prideful mice to vengeful cannibals, we’ll hear a wide range of what being clever can look like. We’ll also be able to see what the consequences are when being clever backfires.
We’ll have the pleasure of hearing from Ingrid Nixon, Cindy Rivka Marshall, Martha Hamilton, Willy Claflin, and Tim Lowry.
On Today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Three Snake-leaves” by Ingrid Nixon, from Grimm’s with a Twist (11:26)
Our first story originates from the Grimm brother’s collection of fairy tales. It has all the trademarks of a classic tale. A princess, a war, rags to riches, treachery, love. The list goes on. It all begins with a young soldier who gains the favor of the king. He marries the king’s daughter with one stipulation: if she is to die before he does, he is to be buried with her. Sadly, the worst comes to pass, and the soldier is entombed alive with his deceased wife. He manages to bring her back to life with the help of three mysterious leaves. The princess has changed, however, and instead of being grateful to her husband, she hatches a plan to get rid of him once and for all.
“The Magic Pomegranate Seed” by Cindy Rivka Marshall, from By the River – Women’s Voices in Jewish Stories (8:57)
Have you ever judged someone harshly only to realize that you’ve been just like them before? It might not be the most comfortable feeling, but it can be a valuable one. Coming up is “The Magic Pomegranate Seed” by Cindy Rivka Marshall. In it, a starving young widow steals in order to feed her children. She has the misfortune of being caught and her punishment is worse than she deserves. In order to escape her fate, she comes up with a clever plan that just might help the king change how he sees her.
“How Brazilian Beetles Got Their Gorgeous Coats” by Martha Hamilton with Mitch Weiss, from How & Why Stories World Tales Kids Can Tell (2:58)
Things aren’t always as they appear. Mice are tiny, but it can be surprising how fast they are. Ants are stronger than they look. Lots of things are more capable than you might think. Coming up is a story that has that in mind. Have you ever heard of a Brazilian Beetle? If not, it’s worth looking up a picture because they have amazing green and gold shells. How did they get such colorful carapaces? Turns out it’s because a rat didn’t think the beetle was as fast as she was.
“Lion and Mousie” by Willy Claflin from Goat Whisperer (4:05)
We’re about to hear another story featuring animals, namely the king of the jungle and a tiny mouse. However, neither one is particularly humble. After waking the lion in the middle of the night, the mouse manages to talk her way out of being a midnight snack, promising to help the lion in his time of need. The lion doesn’t believe that will ever happen until he finds himself stuck in a hunter’s trap and no way to get free. As promised, the mouse comes through, but decides that since she saved the mighty lion, she had bragging rights. A good decision? You’ll have to be the judge.
“Mutsmeg” by Tim Lowry from Getting the Creeps (14:54)
We often want what others have. It could be that we’re jealous of their nice house, maybe we want to be good at basketball like they are, or maybe we just want to as popular as they are. In the next story, it seems like one girl keeps getting the short straw in her life. Her sisters shun her after their mother dies, she doesn’t have any food. While it isn’t fair, she is able to make the best of it and turn it around through some risks, hard work, and quick thinking. Sometimes what we have turns out to be enough.
"Silly Jack" by Ed Stivender from Silly Jack (6:54)
You've probably heard a 'Jack' tale, even if you didn't know they were referred to as such. There's "Jack and the Beanstalk", "Jack and Jill", and "Little Jack Horner" to name a few. And we thought we'd end our show today by sharing another 'Jack' tale. This one's called "Silly Jack" by Ed Stivender, and it's from his collection of stories called...Silly Jack!
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of a stage version of Mark Twain's "The Diaries of Adam and Eve," by storytellers Ingrid Nixon and Jeff Doyle.
We always hope the stories we share on The Apple Seed spark memories that you can share with the people that you love. And on today's episode, you'll hear stories from the childhoods of Kim Weitkamp, Syd Lieberman, and Michael Reno Harrell that will hopefully get you thinking about some of your own adventures growing up. You'll also hear a couple of stories from Kevin Cordi and Joe Herrington featuring characters who use their wit to get what they want.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
"A Simple Story" by Kim Weitkamp (10:55)
Kim Weitkamp is one of the featured storytellers at this year's Timpanogos Storytelling Festivals, one of the largest of its kind. This year it'll be a virtual event. For more info and to hear Kim's stories go to timpfest.org. In this story, Kim talks about just how powerful the telling a 'Simple Story' is in impacting people's lives.
"Trash Talk" by Kevin Cordi (3:43)
Have you ever wanted a little peace and quiet but the people in your life make achieving that difficult? Then take a listen to "Trash Talk" from Kevin Cordi. In this story, an old man devises the perfect plan for getting rid of some noisy neighborhood kids.
"Harvard Man" by Syd Lieberman (15:01)
Syd Lieberman is no longer with us but he left a legacy of stories, performances, and recordings that can enrich just about anyone who cares to listen to them. In this story, Syd shares some musings surrounding his days as a "Harvard Man".
"Dillon" by Joe Herrington (4:31)
Joe Herrington has made a reputation for himself as a 'cowboy poet'. And this story called "Dillon" certainly helps cement that moniker. It's about a cowboy who's willing to bet on just about anything.
"Stay Out of Them Old Cars" (18:03)
As a kid, were there places your parents told you to never visit? Well, for North Carolina-based storyteller and musician, Michael Reno Harrell, that meant no jumping into old cars full of snakes, spiders, and broken glass. In addition to this story, Michael will also treat you to a song.
In today's full episode of The Apple Seed, you heard a terrific story by Syd Lieberman about his college years at Harvard. The story was called "Harvard Man." On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a conversation with Syd, recorded just a few months before his passing. He'll talk about some of what goes into making a great story, whether it's a story about a real-life event affecting thousands, or an intimate family story.
What do you think the perfect story entails? Does it have adventure? Friendly animals? Or maybe even some sweet, sweet revenge? Well, today’s story by Joseph Bruchac has all three when a young man leaves his evil uncle and ends up being raised by bears. We’ll also hear from Odds Bodkin and Geraldine Buckley.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Woman Who Fell From the Sky” by Odds Bodkin on The Evergreens
“The Boy Who Lived With Bears” by Joseph Bruchac on The Boy Who Lived With Bears
“Tatton Hall” by Geraldine Buckley on Destination? Slammer!
“How Ain’t True and Uncle False Met” by Paul Strickland on 90 Lies an Hour
Each day, we post a full, hour-long episode of the Apple Seed filled with stories for you and your family, and also something extra, usually inspired by the full episode, that you can find only in the podcast. IN today's full-length episode, you heard a terrific story called tatton Hall, told by Geraldine Buckley. Tatton Hall is a story of when Geraldine was a schoolgirl on a fieldtrip to a famous old house. But many of Geraldine's other stories stem from her expereince as the chaplain in the largets men's prison in Maryland -- a positino she held for several years. She has shared those prison stories with audiences of all kinds, including young audiences. On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a great conversation with Geraldine Buckley about the power a prison story had on on an Annapolis eighth-grader.
What’s the most foolish thing you’ve ever done? We’ve all been there – waved at someone who wasn’t actually waving at us, gotten caught belting Celine Deon in the car, tripped up the stairs in public. Donna Washington’s Bastianello is a happy reminder that we’re all a little foolish sometimes, and that’s ok. In today’s story, follow us to the villages of Italy, where a flustered groom sets out to find people more foolish than his new wife and in-laws, who spent the morning weeping over events that never happened. He’ll soon learn that foolishness comes in many funny forms.
On today’s episode of The Apple Seed, we’ll also venture to the farmlands of Japan, where Alton Chung will introduce us to Tanuki, a mischievous badger who plays nasty tricks on his friends, and Usagi, his rabbit friend who intends to teach him a lesson on how trickery hurts.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"Tanuki and Usagi" by Alton Chung, from The Spider Weaver and Other Tales from Asia
"Bastianello" by Donna Washington, from Angel’s Laughter
"The Fisherman of Lough Neagh" by Liz Weir, from Here, There and Everywhere
"The Elephant Skull" by Tim Lowry, from Folk Tales From Around the World
"The Alligator and the Dog" by Olga Loya, from Tio Conejo (Uncle Rabbit) and Other Latin American
Radio Family Journal - Castle
If you listen often to the show, you know how important it is for us to foster storytelling in the kitchen or the living room among loved ones. On today's Apple Seed Extra, a very special piece of audio celebrating the telling of stories at home. You'll hear storyteller Donna Washington as a little girl, enjoying a version of "Little Red Riding Hood" told by her dad.
When it comes to wealth, the world of storytelling is rather polarized. You’re either the richest king there ever was, or the poorest peasant in the whole world. The two extremes make sense: fairytales often attempt to teach some sort of moral, and wealth is an easy tool for tackling topics like pride, humility, and charity. But even when you set aside the moralizing nature of storytelling, there’s something about the poor Cinderellas, the scrappy Aladdins, and the many pennyless Jacks that makes us root for their success. We want the underdog to win. We want it to be possible to rise above our circumstances, to change what life gives us. We want the heart to mean more than the wallet. Of course, solving inequality is far more complicated than a fairy godmother waving her wand, and obviously not all class problems can be fixed with hard work and dedication. But there is a hope in these stories that can often get lost in our much more complicated reality: the hope that poverty won’t have the last say on who we are and what we can do. Today, we’re bringing you stories from Adam Booth, Kevin Carr, Milbre Burch, Jill Lamede, and Anne Shimojima about finding fulfilling life and love despite our circumstances.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Spotlight: “Roll-a-Rama” by Adam Booth on 210 (12:02)
Storytime Pieces:
“The Poor Gaiteiro” by Kevin Carr on King of the Pipers (13:19)
“My Own Self” by Milbre Burch and Gay Ducey on Because I Said So: Stories About Mothers and Kids (6:38)
“The Blue Fish” by Jill Lamede on Stories from the Tintagel Storyteller (5:18)
“Revenge of the Black Snake” by Anne Shimojima (8:19)
On the full-length episode of The Apple Seed that we posted today ("Roll-a-Rama" it's called, after the terrific story by Adam Booth about a roller rink), you heard a story from Kevin Carr called "The Poor Gaiteiro." It's a bagpipe story, and it got us thinking...well...about bagpipes. On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a little bagpipe primer! It'll be more fun than you are currently imagining (trust us), and by the time you're done, you'll know the difference between Gaita, Cabrette, and Uillean pipes. Promise!
Sometimes parents learn just as much from their kids as their kids learn from them. But in today’s story by Dolores Hydock, we’ll hear about how she learned lots of lessons from her pet cats due to their many dramas and adventures. If you’re ready to laugh, cry, and swoon over cute felines then this will be the story for you!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Catechism Class PTI by Dolores Hydock on Nine Lives - Life-changing Lessons from Cats, Cornbread, and Rock 'n' roll (25:19)
The Peddler of Swaffham by Heather Forest on Wonder Tales From Around the World (9:28)
The King and the Mice by Tim Lowry on Folk Tales Around the World (9:30)
Radio Family Journal - The King's Stilts
On today's full episode of The Apple Seed (available right next to this Apple Seed Extra, whether you're looking at byuradio.org/appleseed, or wherever you get your podcasts), we heard a couple of cat stories, including a terrific piece called "Catechism Class" (get it? CAT-echism?) by Dolores Hydock. Hearing those cat stories put us in mind of Sam's old cat, Patches, and on today's Apple Seed Extra, you'll hear an entry about Patches, borrowed from the Radio Family Journal -- a feature that figures into many an Apple Seed episode, in which we take ourselves up on our own invitation to let the stories we bring to the show spark memories for us that we can share with the people we love.
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate!” From flowery comparisons, to Hollywood romance, to bad breakups, expectations, actualities, and more, society is full of multifaceted visualizations of what love really means.
Today on the Apple Seed, we ask the question, “What is love?” Answering this are “lovely” stories from Charlotte Blake-Alston, Diane Edgecomb, Mike Arganoff, Michael McCarty, and Len Cabral!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Healing Hands” by Charlotte Blake-Alston
“Kansakura – Sacred Cherry Tree” by Diane Edgecomb
“The Water is Wide” by Mike Arganoff
“The Power of Love” by Michael McCarty
“The Lion’s Whisker” by Len Cabral
“Romantic Elevator Story” by Jeffrey Hill
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a conversation with the cast and director of "Romeo y Julieta" -- a bilingual telling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet designed for elementary school students to enjoy. This conversation, from the Apple Seed archive, was brought to mind by today's full-length episode of The Apple Seed, in which we shared an hour's worth of stories about love.
Did you ever pretend to be a cat when you were younger? Or did you prefer to be a magical witch or wizard? Well in today’s story by Tim Lowry, Jack sets out to make a fortune and finds a girl who has actually become part-cat because of a witch’s curse! So now it’s up to Jack to help the cursed cat girl as well as find a way to make a lot of money. We’ll also be joined with stories by Dolores Hydock, Pam Faro, and Heather Forest.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Spotlight:
“Most of What I Know About True Love” by Dolores Hydock on In-Laws and Outlaws: Family Stories
Storytime Pieces:
“Jack and the Cat Girl” by Tim Lowry on Mostly Jack Tales
“Colorin Colorado” by Pam Faro on Why Didn't I Think of That?: Seeking Solutions- Some Sassy, Some Silly, Some Smart
“The Lute Player” by Heather Forest on Ghostly Gals & Spirited Women
The king was lost in battle and presumed dead. But when a letter comes to let the queen know he's alive and in the dungeons of his enemy, what will the queen's next move be? On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a telling of the old story "The Lute Player" by the musical storyteller Heather Forest.
Growing up is full of adventures, struggles, and ultimately, lessons. Whether it’s learning to see something differently, correcting a mistake, or getting through a hard time, each lesson impacts the rest of our life. This episode is full of stories about adventures, growing, and life lessons. Bil Lepp recounts his childhood efforts to become a pet owner. Under the influence of Saturday cartoons, he decides that a woodpecker would be an ideal pet. Unfortunately for him, all does not go according to plan. He also shares accounts of some of the teenage pranks he pulled with his friend, Skeeter. Dolores Hydock discusses her mother’s ability to look at situations from a different angle than most. We’ll also hear stories from Carmen Deedy and Donald Davis.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Spotlight:
“Woodpeckers Just Don’t Make the Best Pets” by Bil Lepp from Mayhem Dressed Like an Eight Point Buck
Storytime Pieces:
“The Trouble with Windows” By Carmen Deedy from Growing Up Cuban
“Different Versions” by Dolores Hydock from In-Laws and Outlaws: Family Stories
“The State Fair” by Donald Davis from See Rock City
“Yard of the Week” by Bil Lepp from Fire! Fire! Pants on Liar
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a story by Sheila Starks Philips called "A Mouse is a Mouse is a Mouse." In today's full episode of the show, Bil Lepp told a story about raising a woodpecker. And the truth is, woodpeckers aren't the only animals that make lousy pets. In an extra inspired by Bil's story, Sheila Starks Philips decides to raise mice. What could go wrong? And how on earth could a pennywhistle help?
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Tear” by Dan Keding from Rudy and the Roller Skate (8:22)
“The Magic Pear Tree” by Alton Chung from The Spider Weaver and Other tales (7:42)
“The Old Traveler” by Dan Keding from Wisdom and Wayfaring (7:40)
“The Highway” by Mike Agranoff from Ain't Never Been Plugged (4:38)
“The Faerie Bride” by Simon Brooks from A Tangle of Tales (18:06)
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a readers theater presentation, recorded live in the Apple Seed studio, of "The Rich Woman and the Poor Woman," a very old story that, in this version, features a magical visit from St. Peter on a cold winter's night.
What would you be willing to do to help a sick loved one? Would you be willing to embark on a dangerous journey to the end of the world? This is what a daughter does in today’s story when her mother has been sick for seven years, and the only way to heal her is by gathering water from the well at the world’s end. If you’re ready for a tale of magical horses, quirky old men, and riches beyond compare, then this tale will be exactly what the doctor ordered.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Well at the World’s End” by The Storycrafters on Classics With a Twist
“Meandering Melon” by Donna Ingham on Tall Tale and Outright Lies
“Number 9 Shoes” by Diane Ferlatte on Wickety Wack-Brer Rabbit is Back
In today's full episode of The Apple Seed, we brought you a tall tale from Donna Ingham about a giant watermelon. The story put us in mind of a favorite conversation, captured in the APple Seed studio. On today's Apple Seed Extra, we chat with Kyle and Carrie Fox. Their family hobby? Growing giant pumpkins! They'll share the story of their personal best, right here on The Apple Seed.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a piece called "The Book You Sent Today," recorded live at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. It's a reflection on a letter written to Sam by his grandfather, and it comes on a day in which we also posted an Apple Seed episode all about handwritten treasures: Notes, letters, journal entries, and more.
The physical letter may be a dying breed of communication, but the art of sitting down and handwriting something still holds a very sacred place in humanity’s culture. From personal diaries to university notes to yearly Christmas cards, you probably have some handwritten tradition that has survived into the information age. And even if all your communication is digitized, many of us have a collection of handcrafted messages from before our time: family letters that have been kept and handed down the generations, some photos with personal notes on the back, or even a gifted book with a handwritten preface. We hold onto these handcrafted communications because they stand in contrast to the impersonal, autocorrected texts and emails of the modern era. They bleed personality: Grandma’s cursive requires a trained translator, Dad’s college notes have doodles on them, and Mom dots her i’s with circles and signs her cards with a swirly underline. The writing itself was, in a way, a signature—something individual and even special. So, today, we thought we’d bring you a few stories from Anne Rutherford, Lynn Ruehlmann, Rod Nichols, and Rosie Cutrer about notes, letters, and all the quirky communications that make their way through the mail system. Maybe they’ll inspire you to put pen to paper yourself!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Spotlight: “An Everyday Hero” by Anne Rutherford on The Habit of Joy: Stories of Living into Our True Selves (12:32)
Storytime Pieces:
“Jungle Jaguar” by Lynn Ruehlmann on Mischief! Adventures of a Daydreamy Child (12:31)
“To the Boys at Cutter Bill’s Bar” by Rod Nichols on Visit a Spell, Pard: Western Music, Poetry, and Stories (1:49)
"Lois Lane" by Rosie Cutrer on The Blackthorn Walking Stick and Other Tales (15:24)
"Thou Shalt Not Lie". Of course that's one of the "Ten Commandments" written on tablets that Moses brought down with him from Mount Sinai. And regardless of your religious affiliation, if any, that's a principle to which we all ought to aspire. But what if you were incapable of telling lies? That hypothetical is at play in today's Story Spotlight, "Messenger to Maftam" from Odds Bodkin. You'll also hear some great stories from Susan Klein, Tim Lowry, Connie Regan-Blake, and Megan Hicks. It's The Apple Seed with Sam Payne!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"Messenger to Maftam" by Odds Bodkin
"Star Sister" by Susan Klein
"Thunder Steals Fire" by Tim Lowry
"Lucky Duck" by Connie Regan-Blake
"Groundhog Godmother" by Megan Hicks
"The Rahjah's Question" by Odds Bodkin
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a conversation with Connie Regan Blake, who has been thrilling audiences with tales of all kinds for nearly five decades. On today's full, hour-long episode of the Apple Seed (available wherever you're getting this Apple Seed Extra), you heard one of Connie's stories, called "Lucky Duck." You'll enjoy that story, and you'll enjoy our chat with Connie. It's today's Apple Seed Extra!
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a song about friendship from two great friends: the wonderful storytellers Bill Harley and Len Cabral. Got a friend that could use a holler to let them know what they mean to you? Reach out and let them know! It's "That's What Friends are For," and it's today's Apple Seed Extra.
When did you learn a lesson from someone you least expected to teach you? When was the last time you had a real connection with a stranger? Today’s episode is filled with moments like this, moments when we discover how to love and listen to those who are older, of another race, or live in a place that’s different from ourselves. We hope that these stories from Cathrine Conant, Syd Leiberman, and Diane Ferlatte can motivate you to love and listen to the neighbors and the strangers in your own life.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Maude” by Catherine Conant
“The Grass Is Always Greener” by Syd Leiberman
“Penny For Your Thoughts” by Diane Ferlatte
When you were growing up did you ever disregard a warning your parents gave? Chew on that while you listen to a story from Len Cabral called "The Little Girl and the Gunny Wolf". It's a story similar to "Little Red Riding Hood" that you're sure to enjoy. You'll also hear stories from Judith Black and Doug Elliott, as well as another entry in Sam's Radio Family Journal. It's The Apple Seed with Sam Payne!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"The Little Girl and The Gunny Wolf" by Len Cabral
"The Poor Unfortunate Man" by Judith Black
"Why Do We Fish" by Doug Elliott
"Yen Lee's Feet" by Judith Black
Radio Family Journal: Mr. Hayes and Mr. Hayes
Back when it was easier to get together in the same room, we had an opportunity to hang out with Massachusetts storyteller Judith Black for a storytelling workshop that got us out of our chairs and pretending to be butterflies, ants, and ogres. In today's Apple Seed Extra, we'll take you along!
On today's episode of The Apple Seed, we'll bring you everything from nursery rhymes to rodeo bulls. From Norah Dooley, You'll hear "Husky -- My Bad, Bad Dog," a true story of canine shenanigans imagined from the point of view of the mischief-mkers themselves. From Willy Claflin, you'll hear an elementary school rhyme called "Mistress Shadey," that you'll like so much you'll turn blue. You'll hear a quest story from Simon Brooks called "The Three Feathers," a few poems and dear memories from Donald Davis, and from stuntman, painter, songwriter, and rodeo cowboy Walt LaRue, you'll hear a tale of a bull named Square-Head, who learns not to charge at cowboys, especially smiling ones. It's all that and more, on today's episode of The Apple Seed!
In today's full, hour-long episode of The Apple Seed, you heard a story from Norah Dooley called "Husky, My Bad, Bad Dog." It got us thinking about favorite dog stories, including this one, recorded live on stage at the National Storytelling Festival. You'll enjoy the true story of Bobbie The Wonderdog as today's Apple Seed Extra!
Have you ever played a practical joke on someone? Has anyone ever played a practical joke on you? Well, Andy Offutt Irwin’s Aunt Marguerite is crazy about practical jokes and even has rules about what makes a good practical joke! In today’s story, Aunt Marguerite commissions Andy and his friends to create an “undeniable ghost” on the campus of Georgia Tech University.
On today's episode of The Apple Seed you'll also hear a Ruth Halpern story about a little girl who didn't know how to shiver and wants to be able to more than anything else in the world. Then stick around for more stories and songs from Brenda Wong-Aoki, Josh Goforth, and Mary Hamilton.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Girl Who Wanted to Know How to Shiver” by Ruth Halpern
"Marguerite & the Phantom Janitor” By Andy Offutt Irwin
"Twilight Crane" by Brenda Wong-Aoki
“If I Were a Bee” by Josh Goforth and Kare Strong
“Rabbit and Aligator” by Mary Hamilton
Just about every day, we bring you a full, hour-long episode, and also a little something extra that you can only find by listening to the podcast. Most often, the Apple Seed Extra is inspired by something we brought you in the full, hour-long episode. And on today's full episode, you heard a terrific song by Kare Strong called "If I Were a Bee." It made us think of one of the very first stories we heard from the great North Carolina naturalist and storyteller Doug Elliott -- a story called "The Bikers and the Bee Man." Doug tells stories about snakes, groundhogs, rainbow trout, and more, and this honeybee story is a favorite. Enjoy today's Apple Seed Extra!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"The Beggar Boy and The King's Daughter" by Len Cabral
"The Frog Prince" by Laura Bobrow
"Treasure Under the Bridge" by Noa Baum
"All About Aunt Laura" by Donald Davis
"The Runaway Horse" by Odds Bodkin
Just about every day, we post a full, hour-long episode of The Apple Seed, as well as something a little extra -- something bite-sized. And sometimes, we like to use this "Extra" space to bring you another version, by another teller, of a story that you heard in the full episode. Some of these folk stories grew up in the mouths of multiple tellers over hundreds of years, and while individual storytellers may own the recordings of their own performances of the stories (recoreings they've generously shared with The Apple Seed), nobody owns the tales themselves. As such, great stories can often be heard in the mouths of many terrific tellers. In today's full episode of The Apple Seed, you heard Laura Bobrow share a classic: The Frog Prince. As an Apple Seed Extra, we'd like to bring you another version of that story -- this one told by Ed Stivender, the wonderful Philadelphia storyteller. Ed's version is a delight partly because he casts the story of The Princess and the Frog as though it's a lost Shakespeare play.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a little song recorded live in the Apple Seed studio by Andy Offutt Irwin, as we waited for things to be ready for a live taping before an audience (in the days when we could all get together in the same room). The song, like many of Andy's songs, is funny, sweet, smart, quirky, and insightful. It's called "Fountain Pen."
Sometimes when we try new things, we struggle. Everyone knows what it feels like to be a beginner at something, and even though that feeling is natural, it’s often really embarrassing too. This is how Miriam feels when she starts to learn the saxophone and finds that in order to learn to make beautiful music, she has to make a lot of unflattering sounds first. So what gave her the motivation to keep practicing even though she was frustrated? Her motivation came from a story that her mother told her, a story that had been passed down through her family for a long time. And now, we’ll all get a chance to hear it! And hopefully, it’ll give you the inspiration to pick up your new quarantine hobby again.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Piped Pipers at the Playground” by Dolores Hydock
“Miriam and the Saxophone” by Karen Golden
“Tarry Here” by Josh Goforth
Radio Family Journal: "Making Plans"
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a bit of conversation and music with storyteller and songwriter Kim Weitkamp, recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival back when we could all get together in one place. You'll enjoy hearing Kim talk about how she came to be a storyteller, and you'll likewise enjoy her terrific song, "What I'm Made Of." To find out more about the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival and its 2020 festival (which will be all online), visit www.timpfest.org.
Do you ever feel like you’re running in place - always moving but never accomplishing anything? Or, maybe you feel like you’re snacking on life’s metaphorical hors d’oeuvres, instead of feasting on a three course meal?
You’re in good company! Life is good at creating distractions. When we become preoccupied with menial treats or empty calories, we might fill up on life’s junk food instead of experiencing the sustainable dishes ready to be enjoyed.
Today on the Apple Seed, we’re enjoying our symbolic broccoli as we reflect on “that which cannot satisfy” - the potato chips of life that might prevent us from physical, emotional, or social nourishment. Storytellers Pam Faro, Andy Irwin, Joe Herrington, Kim Weitkamp, and Judith Black prepare a most enriching feast for today’s episode!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"Clever Bird’s Counsel” by Pam Faro
“It’s All Good” by by Andy Offutt Irwin
“Drinkin’ from my Saucer” by Joe Herrington
“Work then Play” by Kim Weitkamp
“Katora, Lord of the Wind” by Judith Black
Radio Family Journal: "Grasshopper"
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Azban and the Rock” by Jim Bruchac
“The Story Untold, Song Unsung” by Simon Brooks
“The Trombone Queen and the Gingerbread King” by Charlotte Blake-Alston
“Olympian Disaster” by Bil Lepp
Just about every day, we post a full hour-long episode of the show, and we also post something extra -- something bite-sized. In today's hour-long episode, you heard a story from Bil Lepp, about he and his pals creating their own Olympic Games when they found out that the United States wouldn't be sending an Olympic team to the Moscow games in the 80s. Bil's story put us in mind of the mischief made by groups of young boys, which made us remember a visit to the Apple Seed studios of a group of Webelos scouts. The resulting piece is kind of a kick, and we're happy to bring it to you as today's Apple Seed Extra.
We’ve all had nosey neighbors, neighbors that become our best friends, neighbors that we’ve never met, and of course those sweet elderly neighbors. But have you ever had leprechauns for neighbors? Today, Pam Faro tells us about an old couple who discovers that they live next to an entire village of leprechauns and learns about what it means to be a good neighbor. We’ll also enjoy stories from Donald Davis, Rick Huddle, and Doug Elliott.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"The Swimming Hole" by Donald Davis
“Slops” by Pam Faro
“Green Market” by Rick Huddle
“Mole in the Ground” by Doug Elliott
On today's Apple Seed Extra, "An Unfortunate Lily Maid," just a bit of Anne of Green Gables, by LM Montgomery. If you know Tennyson's “Idylls of the King” or “The Lady of Shalott” or Thomas Malory's “Le Morte d’Arthur,” you may know the story of Lancelot and Elaine -- the woman Elaine, on the Eve of a jousting tournament, entreating the night to wear her token as he fights -- which he agrees to do but only in disguise, as the lady Guinevere will also be present at the tournament; and then the disguised Knight wounded in the tournament, taken to Elaine's home to be cared for, where Elaine reveals her feelings for him -- feelings he does not share. Lancelot recovers and leaves, and Elaine, after 10 days, dies of grief, is placed in a small boat with a Lily in one hand and sent down the river to Camelot. And when she is discovered in the river by King Arthur's court, Lancelot pays for a grand funeral (which some would say serves him right).
With that story of Lancelot and Elaine in your head, you’ll enjoy today's Apple Seed Extra: a readers theater presentation of a scene from LM Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, in which Anne and her friends prepare to reeneact a scene from that story – the scene in which Elaine the Lily maid floats in solemn death down the river, and though they all they have for a boat is a borrowed duck hunting flat it all seems incredibly romantic.
LM Montgomery first published Anne of Green Gables in 1908. For the inspiration as to how Anne would look, Montgomery pinned to the wall of her bedroom a magazine photo of Evelyn Nesbit,The American chorus girl and artists model idealized by graphic artist Charles Dana Gibson as a Gibson Girl, establishing the feminine ideal from 1890 to 1910. Though there are seven Anne Shirley sequels, the original Anne of Green Gables has sold more than 50,000,000 copies and has been translated into 36 languages.
"Freedom” has various definitions. For example, “The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.” Meaning, freedom to express oneself.
Another definition: “Absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic government.” We might think of this type of freedom on Independence Day.
And lastly, “The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.”
Today on the Apple Seed, we want to celebrate freedom. Storytellers Diane Ferlatte, Tim Lowry, Rosie Cutrer, Kate Dudding, and Michael Reno Harrell approach freedom in its various forms with their anecdotes, and teach of liberty, unity, and individuality.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“East Kentucky Dream” by Michael Reno Harrell
"Next Town” by Diane Ferlatte
"Old Folks at the DMV” by Tim Lowry
"Freedom Bird” by Rosie Cutrer
"Ruby Bridges” by Kate Dudding
In today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a story sent in by listener Peg Collins, who found herself inspired by a story from Donald Davis (called "Aunt Esther Saves a Life," about little Donald drawing on the wall) and a Radio Family Journal entry called "Purple Marker," and sent us a story about her daughter, Andrea. Enjoy!
We love to hear from you. If a story on the show sparks a memory for you that you'd like to share with us, write it down and send it to us at theappleseed@byu.edu. Thanks to Peg for this great memory :-)
In today's Apple Seed Extra, in honor of the launch of the Mars Rover Perseverance, we go to the archives for a conversation with Todd J. Barber of JPL, who for nearly three decades has worked on a number of exciting space exploration missions, including Cassini, Voyager, and more.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The White Horse Girl and the Blue Wind Boy” by Carol Birch
“The Turkey & the Mayor” by Noa Baum
“A Good Stick” by Sheila Arnold
“Heart Made of Wind” by Cherie Call
So often we hear stories about one great person who swooped in and saved the day with their larger-than-life powers. Yet we all know, that’s not how most of life works; in the real world, change usually happens when lots of people all work together. The animals in today’s story, by Brian Fox Ellis, learn this hard way when they need someone to swim all the way to the bottom of the ocean. But this story isn’t working alone either, it’s joined with fantastic stories by Jay O’Callahan, Regi Carpenter, Sons of the San Joaquin, and Willy Claflin, all working together to bring you one unforgettable episode!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“When Anna Met Rufus” by Anne Rutherford
“Grandma Turtle” by Brian Fox Ellis
“Thank You, Mrs. Minnick!” by Regi Carpenter
“My Hat” by Willy Claflin
“Happy Roving Cowboy” by Sons of the San Joaquin
We’ve all done things from time to time that we’re less than proud of. Making mistakes is all part of this crazy journey we call life. But at some point we need to decide - are we going to learn from our follies or allow those follies to define us? Now, of course, some might argue that a little misbehavior isn’t such a bad thing. Just as long as nobody gets hurt, right? Perhaps the legendary Actor and Director, Orson Welles, put it best - “I don’t say we ought to all misbehave, but we ought to look as if we could."
Well, today on The Apple Seed we' re bringing you stories featuring characters who just can' t help but misbehave. You’ll hear from Michael McCarty, Willy Claflin, Lynn Ruehlmann, and also Bill Harley.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Purple Marker (5:15)
In an entry in the Radio Family Journal, Sam reflects upon a memory of sharing a room with his brothers that involves misbehaving and a purple marker. Need we say more?
Thank You M'am - Diane Ferlatte (11:42)
Diane Ferlatte has shared her talents all over the world in places like India, Istanbul, New Zealand, South Africa, and Malaysia. Proof that her stories speak to audiences of all kinds. And we hope this story, called, " Yes M' am" speaks to you. In it, you' ll hear about a pickpocket who chooses the wrong victim...or maybe it' s the right victim based on the outcome. From her album, Yes Mam, Respect For the Elders, here’s, “Thank You M’am”, by Diane Ferlatte.
Revenge - Michael McCarty (5:16)
Michael McCarty may have discovered the art of storytelling during a performance by Joel Ben Izzy. But his rich love for stories can really be traced back to his mother who always told him, “If you can read you can do anything!" Well, Michael' s mother, as well as his brother, are key characters in this personal tale of mischief called, " Revenge”.
Look What You’ve Done! - Willy Claflin (6:13)
Here' s another story to which you'll relate, even if you don't relate to the teller of this story. That's because it's from Willy Claflin's puppet companion, Rocky Raccoon. It seems even puppets can get into mischief from time to time. Here’s their story and song called, "Look What You've Done!"
Pipes and Chimes - Lynn Ruehlmann (16:05)
Lynn Ruehlmann has been teaching and telling across Virginia and around the world since 1990. Growing up, many of us longed for the day when one of our parents would take us to work with them. We had so many questions about what they did there, so much excitement about feeling a little more grown-up, and perhaps, unintentionally, so many ways to get into trouble. From her album, \_Mischief! Adventures of a Daydreamy Kid, h_ere’s “Pipes and Chimes” from Lynn Ruehlmann.
You’re in Trouble - Bill Harley (5:33)
We' d like to send you off with a song from Bill Harley. This is from his 2008 Grammy Award-winning album, Yes to Running. It’s a song called “You’re in Trouble”, and it was recorded live in front of an enthusiastic audience of kids and adults, all of whom have likely been in trouble themselves to some degree or another throughout their lives.
In today's full-length episode of The Apple Seed, you heard stories of folks misbehaving, including a story about Sam and his little brother that involved a purple magic marker and a bedroom wall. Thoughts about drawing on things that ought not to be drawn on led us to this terrific story by the great North Carolina storyteller Donald Davis. It's called "Aunt Esther Saves a Life," and it's today's Apple Seed Extra!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Walter the Water Molecule” by Brian "Fox" Ellis
“When Aunt Edith Met Tricky” by Bill Harley
“Buried Treasure” by Joel ben Izzy
Radio Family Journal: “Bucket of Fish”
In today's full-length, hour-long episode of The Apple Seed, you heard atories about water, treasure, and fish. Thinking about all of them together, it made us think of this little story. On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a spirited fable called "The Mollusk's Tale" by author and storyteller Bob Reiser.
Time is the constant obstacle of our daily narrative. “I don’t have enough time,” “I’m running late,” “I’ve got too much time on my hands,” and, “Ain’t nobody got time for that,” are repetitive phrases we may say or hear.
Despite being a repeat offender for our everyday sanity, time has the potential to be a strength to our sense of self. Just as a seed grows not when we force it, but when we give it time to blossom, we can look back at the end of a month, year, or life and see the fruits that have occurred over the timespan.
Today’s stories explore our tool of time! Sam Payne, Leslie Norris, Alton Chung, Mustard’s Retreat, Bruce Walker, Susi Wolf, Donna Washington, and Michael Arganoff pitch in their two cents (or should we say “seconds?”) about the meaning of time.
Without further ado, check out today’s episode of The Apple Seed. As the proverb goes, “Time waits for no one!”
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Wedding Moment” by Sam Payne
“Autumn Elegy” by Leslie Norris
“A Twice Saved Life” by Alton Chung
“Hard Times (Come Again No More)” by Mustard’s Retreat
“How a Church was Born” by Bruce Walker
“Old Man and the Drum” by Susi Wolf
“The Blanket and the Bowl” by Donna Washington
“Time has Made a Change” by Michael Arganoff
Snakes are amazing creatures! They’ve got internal ears, but no eyelids; they smell with their tongues and they’re carnivores who eat their food whole. But what happens when a snake tries to eat a plastic egg instead of a real one? Doug Elliot will tell us what he did when he was faced with this exact problem in today’s episode!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Snake and the Egg” by Doug Elliot
“Ornithophobia” by Bil Lepp
“Little River Turtle” by Regi Carpenter
“The Birch Tree” by Diane Edgecomb
Radio Family Journal: “Smaug”
IN the full, hour-long episode of The Apple Seed that we posted today, you heard a story told by Bruce Walker about how a church was born, healing the rift between two people who had burned a lot of bridges between them. The story put us in mind of church stories, including this one: on today's Apple Seed Extra, a brief, ancient fable about a cat who seems to get religion when he becomes the cat of a priest. It's "The Cat Who Went to Church," told by Jim Weiss.
IN the full-length episode of The Apple Seed that we posted today, you heard Regi Carpenter's story "Little River Turtle." Listening to Regi's turtle story put us in mind of another turtle story. On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a hilarious take on the ancient story of "The Hare and the Tortoise," called "Turtle and Bunny," told by Maynard Moose, the storytelling companion of Willy Claflin.
Summertime is a time of many great activities. Shows like the rodeo often bring people together, but simpler activities such as strawberry picking can bring people together just as much. In this time of quarantine, may we all think back to our favorite summertime activities, as well as continue to form new memories with those around us. Many voices and many stories await in this episode to bring us some ideas, but it is up to us to listen. From funny stories about Paula Bunyan, cowboys and rodeo clowns we can derive new lessons and stories that we may have never before heard.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“An Old Rodeo Clown” by Donna Ingham on Waiting for Roy and Other Family Tales
“The Power of the Horse” by Clive Romney on The Saga of the Sandpitch
“Strawberry Picking” by Doug Elliott on Crawdads, Doodlebugs, & Creasy Greens
Daily Mix: Rachel Wadham discusses “Bonnie and Clyde”
“Paula Bunyan (A True Story)” by Joel Ben Izzy on How I Learned to Love Liver
“New Americans” by Pippa White
“Equus Caballus” by Cowboy Poetry on Elko! A Cowboy’s Gathering
In the full-length episode we posted today, you heard a familly story from the Texas Tall Tale Teller Donna Ingham called "An Old Rodeo Clown." Thinking about that story, and fresh from a family reunion at which my uncle Rob took a bunch of the littlest cousins out on the river to catch their first fish, we thought we'd bring you another Donna Ingham storoy about an elusive bass and a spud gun. It's called "FIshing for the Big One," and it's today's Apple Seed Extra!
It seems most of life’s problems could be solved by better communication. If we would just spend a little more time listening, being more observant, and making sure to NOT jump to conclusions, we could spare ourselves the hurt feelings, embarrassment, and even fear that result from misunderstanding.
Today on The Apple Seed ‘Misunderstanding’ is at the heart of each of our thought-provoking, funny, and silly stories. You’ll hear stories from Bill Harley and Syd Lieberman about the effects of miscommunication; a couple of UN-Spooky spooky stories from Leeny Del Seamonds and Christopher Leebrick; and stories from Sheila Starks-Phillips, Mary Grace Ketner, and Norman Walker that serve as cautionary tales for those who ought to be a little more observant.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Monster Valentine” by Bill Harley
“The Debate in Sign Language” by Syd Lieberman
“El Oso” by Leeny Del Seamonds
“The Vancouver Viper” by Christopher Leebrick
“The Bagpiper” by Sheila Starks-Phillips
“Old Dry Fry” by Mary Grace Ketner
“The Mexican Pet” by Norman Walker
In today's Apple Seed Extra, the Apple Seed team goes in search of an urban legend that's been around for at least two generations. Can we get to the bottom of it? Tune in and find out!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“God and Time” by Mara Menzies
“The Love Story of Takeda” by Motoko
“The King of the Pipers” by Kevin Carr
Radio Family Journal: “Skateboard”
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a very old Irish story about siblings turned into swans and made to live for 900 years, until a bell rings signaling the coming of a new faith to Ireland. The story is told for you by the great Irish storyteller, Liz Weir.
In the full, hour-long episode of the Apple Seed that we posted today, you heard a story from Syd Lieberman about his years as a teacher, called "What Was I Thinking?" Mr. Lieberman has told all sorts of stories for all sorts of people, but some of the first Syd Lieberman stories we heard were versions of folktales told for children. On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a familiar old tale called "The Noisy House."
Some people are born into trouble, others have trouble thrust upon them. Madeline Pots knows this better than anyone because her brother Charlie was born trouble and he tended to thrust a lot of it onto her. There was one night in particular where Charlie dragged Madeline onto their parents’ boat and then broke it! Listen in to find out how they try to wriggle their way out of trouble and to hear fantastic stories from Cindy Rivka Marshall, Willy Claflin, and Syd Lieberman!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Onions” by Cindy Rivka Marshall
“Boating with Charlie” by Madeline Pots
“The Intergalactic Storytelling Festival” by Willy Claflin
“What Was I Thinking” by Syd Lieberman
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a piece from cowboy poet Joe Herrington called "The Greatest Generation." It was recorded live on stage at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival -- the largest storytelling festival in the West, bringing great storytelling to the stage for more than 30 years.
In The Karate Kid, a wise Mr. Miyagi counsels upstart Daniel LaRusso, “Whole life have a balance, everything be better.” Day to day, week to week, and year to year, we find ourselves teetering between many responsibilities, goals, and desires. Our families need our attention, our bills need to be paid, our friends are in need of assistance, and our inner peace needs to be found. Mr. Miyagi is right! Balance truly does make everything better.
Today’s episode is devoted to balance: finding harmony with who we are and the duties that are required of us. Storytellers Linda Goodman, Jenni Cargill-Strong, Odds Bodkin, Bil Lepp, and Michael Arganoff teach us more about balancing our priorities, our attitudes, our spirituality, and more on The Apple Seed!
In the full-length episode of The Apple Seed that we posted today, you heard a story from Dolores Hydock about how great food helped her feel like home after moving to a new place; food can be an important part of what makes a neighborhood feel like home. On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a visit to the neighborhood of Jenny Goldsberry (one of the assistant producers of our show) for a look at a long-standing neighborhood tradition: the chili cookoff.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The King and the Frogs” by Big Joe Pagliuca
“The Sky is Fallin'!” by Lyn Ford
“Southern Comfort in a Cast-Iron Skillet” by Dolores Hydock
Radio Family Journal: “Soccer”
In the full-length episode of The Apple Seed that posted today, you heard a story from the wonderful musical storyteller Odds Bodkin about an old man given impossible tasks by the Tzar, and about the wise young woman who helps him figure out a way to accomplish each impossible task. In the same spirit, here's a story about a young man with a problem, and the wise young woman who comes to his aid. It's "The Matchmaking Goat," by Glenda Bonin, on today's Apple Seed Extra.
Sometimes wisdom comes to us from the most unexpected places, like those who are younger than us, or those who live very different lives than we do. In today’s episode, Odds Bodkin tells a story about a little girl who proves to be just as smart, if not smarter, than the Tzar of all the land. We’ll also enjoy stories from Shonaleigh and Dovie Thomason with music by Micky Sickles.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Wise Little Girl” by Odds Bodkin
“The Precious Pearl” by Shonaleigh
“Frog’s Teeth” by Dovie Thomason and music by Micky Sickles
Radio Family Journal: “Faithful Shepherd”
Kindness and resilience go a long way. Whether that’s through continually working to be better as an athlete, standing up for other people, helping others, or simply trying to be a good citizen, the universe rewards good people who try and be good people. In this episode there are many examples of great beings and great people that try their best to walk a good path, and the good consequences that come from it. We can see examples of people like these in football captains, Cinderella’s and in nature. As well as the world that surrounds all of us in daily life. May we all learn a little bit from examples like these and grow to be better people.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Varsity Football” by Judith Black on Esau My Son
“Three Heavenly Gifts” by Len Cabral on It’s How You Say It
“The Old Apple Tree” by Diane Edgecomb on Pattysarus and Other Tales
“The Old Apple Tree” by Mitch Capel on My Favorite Dumbar Poems
“Mother Holle” by Beatrice Bowles on Heaven’s A Garden in the Heart
“Three Apple Trees” by Michael Reno Harell on Then There’s Me
Radio Family Journal: “Magpie”
The only thing better than a story told by Len Cabral is TWO stories told by Len Cabral. Len told a story in today's full length episode of The Apple Seed called "Three Heavenly Gifts." And we didn't quite get enough of Len, so we wanted to bring you one more Len Cabral story. This one is called "The Mule and the Jealous Farmer." Sounds like a formidable match-up, yes? How will it turn out? Tune in!
In this hour, we’ve chosen some stories that we think you’ll love. Each one of them features someone getting by, and even thriving, in a world filled with things that might otherwise try to hold them back or get them down. We’ll hear a version of the story of David and Goliath from Philadelphia storyteller Ed Stivender, we’ll hear a story from New York storyteller Jeri Burns of the Storycrafters and her son Zachary about a mother and son trying to find comfort in a world in which nothing seems to feel good. We’ll hear a story recorded live in Jonesborough, Tennessee, the heart or storytelling in America from Donald Davis, the great North Carolina Storyteller, about his Uncle Grover Cleveland Davis, whose life philosophy will inspire and comfort you in a world in which you can’t seem to anticipate much that comes your way.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Cinderella Spinderella” by Mark Binder
"Keep-a-Going” by Donald Davis
“Cinderella Spinderella” by Mark Binder
“Two Peas in a Pod” by The Storycrafters
“David the Dancin’ Boy” by Ed Stivender
In the full, hour-long episode of The Apple Seed that we posted today (the episode is called "Keep a-Goin'," and you can find it right next to this Extra pretty much wherever it's listed: at byuradio.org/appleseed, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts), you heard a story from Jeri Burns and her son, about how mother and son had their challenges, but in the end are pretty much "Two Peas in a Pod." That story got us thinking about peas, which got us thinking about this story, called "Pickin' Peas" and told by the celebrated storyteller, folklorist, and children's librarian Margaret Read MacDonald. We hope you enjoy "Pickin' Peas" as today's Apple Seed Extra.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Southern Suggestions” by Michael Reno Harrell
“Fox's Sack” by Bill Harley
“Circus of Life” by David H. Claunch
“Electra” by Jay O'Callahan
Radio Family Journal: “Bella’s Hats”
In the full hour-long episode of The Apple Seed that we posted today, you heard a story and song by the terrific songwriter and storyteller Michael Reno Harrell called "Southern Suggestions." Michael is a long-time friend of The Apple Seed, and these days he's playing songs and telling stories from his sofa in North Carolina, where you can watch him on YouTube. With Michael Reno's persmission, we're sharing one of those sofa tunes with you as today's Apple Seed Extra. This one's a great one, called "It Made Mama's Day." Give a listen, and then find a way to hug your mom.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Jumping on Grandma’s Plastic Covered Couch” by Linda Gorham
“Ananzi and the Magic Pot” by Bobby Norfolk
“Mamma’s Coat” by Barbara McBride-Smith
“Elijah and the Poor Man” by Syd Lieberman
Radio Family Journal: “Busted Sofa”
In today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a story from the great North Carolina Storyteller, Donald Davis, called "The Little Old Woman who Lived in a Syrup Can." You've probably heard one version or another of this story, and if the version you know isn't the same as Donald's, maybe you can tell your version around your own kitchen table or living room. That's what it's all about!
Mother Theresa once said, “We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls.”
Just as Mother Theresa found God in silence, we may each find a connection to higher power through our own means, and through our own cultures and backgrounds.
Today on the Apple Seed, we’ll be reflecting on our relationship to deity, or the environments we draw strength from. We’ll begin today with “Mantis and the Moon” by Charlotte Blake-Alston, followed by “A Cowboy’s Prayer” by Linda Goodman. Brian Ellis will then share with us “Frog and Locust Make It Rain,” after which we’ll enjoy “Verdant Groves and Evergreen” by Diane Edgecomb, “The Holua Sled Race” by Alton Chung, and a song “As Far as God Will Let Me” by yours truly.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Mantis and the Moon” by Charlotte Blake-Alston
“A Cowboy’s Prayer” by Linda Goodman
“Frog and Locust Make It Rain” by Brian Ellis
“Verdant Groves and Evergreen” by Diane Edgecomb
“The Holua Sled Race” by Alton Chung
“As Far as God Will Let Me” by Sam Payne
Great stories come into our lives in so many ways, and we love to chat with friends about how some of their favorite stories came into the ir lives -- whether in books, films, songs, or in any one of a hundred other ways. In today's Apple Seed EXTRA, enjoy a conversatoin with Paul Ricks about "Another," a wordless picture book by Christian Robinson.
Sometimes the most valuable things we learn weren’t discovered by going to schools or reading books, but by watching those close to us. Some of the tastiest recipes are found in our grandmother’s memories, the sagest advice learned at our best friend’s side, and the funniest stories first told at our very own kitchen tables. In a story by Barbra Schutzgruber, a king comes to understand the value of things taught in the home. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll be willing to give those who might be considered outsiders a second chance.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Girl Who Would Be King” by Barbra Schutzgruber
“The Lazy Young Woman” by Priscilla Howe
“The Little Red Hen” by Donald Davis
“Jack and Jill” by Betty Ann Wylie
“Rabbit’s Hole” by Heather Forest
In the hour-long episode that we posted today, you heard a familiar tale: The Little Red Hen, told by Donald Davis. That story got us thinking about stories and rhymes from our childhoods, which got us thinking about Diane Ferlatte and "Knick Knack Paddy Whack," her collection of some of those very stories and rhymes. On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a little romp through a long list of Mother Goose rhymes. It's Mother Goose Medley, with Diane Ferlatte and Erik Pearson.
The full, hour-long episode of the show that we posted today features a piece in which one of our assistant producers, Jen Baker, asks some of her friends and family some questions that get to the heart of what freedom means to them. It’s a cool piece, and if you haven’t heard it, you can find it in our archive at BYUradio.org/appleseed, or right here in the podcast if you’ve subscribed, in the Apple Seed episode called “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” It should be easy to find, because it dropped today. It’ll be on the list of episodes right next to this episode.
In any case, as Jen talked to some of the people close to her, she had each one of them read a little bit of the document that is often at the center of our Independence day celebrations – the Declaration of Independence. We’d like to bring you what she recorded.
The United States Declaration of Independence continues to be a guide to American values. The Founding Fathers empathically penned these words:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
This weekend, The Apple Seed celebrates our country’s liberty with storytellers Wiley and the Wild West, John McCutcheon, Don Edwards, Mitch Capel, Glenda Bonin and Kate Dudding. We express profound gratitude for the independence we enjoy, and the continuing recognition of those freedoms.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“America the Beautiful” by Wiley and the Wild West
“This is Our Country Here” by John McCutcheon
“Freedom Song” by Don Edwards
“The Colored Soldiers” by Mitch Capel
“Setting Liberty Free” by Glenda Bonin
“This Land is Your Land” by John McCutcheon
“In the Face of Evil” by Kate Dudding
“America to Me” by Jennifer Baker
In Today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a musical ride on a school bus with the great storyteller Ed Stivender. He'll even bring along his banjo! It'll be the perfect complement to the hour-long episode we dropped today, filled with stories about bus drivers. That episode is called "Mr. Anderson," and you can find it right here at byuradio.org/appleseed, or by googling the Apple Seed podcast.
For some reason, the school bus is a story cultivator. Maybe it was the rickety, loud, friend-filled atmosphere, or the much-loathed seating chart, or even the songs you sung along the way. But one thing is for certain. That strange, liminal, in-transit world of the school bus had a ruler: the bus driver. And as much as scholars may point to the Greek tragedy or the Shakespearean romance as the origin of legendary heroes and villains, they clearly never rode a bus to school. The bus driver is truly storytelling’s most divisive character: they either triumph as a hero of the people or live on as an evil arbiter of grade school indignity. Both bus driver archetypes have become legends, so today, we’re bringing you tales of school-sponsored transportation and all its associated hijinks from Jeff Gere, Bill Harley, and Tim Lowry.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"Get On The Bus!" by Jeff Gere on Silly n' Spooky: Tales of Kids in Hawaii
"Mr. Anderson" by Bill Harley on From the Back of the Bus
"Charley Parkhurst" by Tim Lowry on Cowboys & Indians
“Public Transport Story” by Brenda Wong-Aoki
In today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a story about king Solomon called "Solomon and the Bee," told by the great storyteller Syd Lieberman.
Sometimes when you’re young, it’s easy to feel like all the older people are having way more fun than you are. This feeling might not be stronger at any time than at bedtime when all the older kids and adults stay awake but the young children go to sleep. At least, that’s how it is for Jack, who is curious about the parties his older brother and parents supposedly throw every night after Jack goes upstairs. So what’s Jack to do? Well, stay up all night to scope out the situation for himself, of course. However, what Jack doesn’t know, is that what actually happens at night might be less climatic than a party but it’s far, far more meaningful.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Staying Up (Nothing Happened)” by Bill Harley
“The Ducktail” by Donald Davis
“Boy Israel and the Witch” by Joel Ben Izzy
“The Three Piddle Ligs” by Carol Esterreicher
“I’m Your Pillow” by Bill Harley
In the full episode of the Apple Seed that we posted today, you heard a story from Bill Harley called "Grandma vs. The Headless Man" that celebrates our love ofsitting in the dark and telling scary stories (the story itsef isen't scary at all. It's a laugh riot). Listening to that story always makes us think of another little Bill Harley ghost story. In today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a little jump story from Bill Harley, called "The Eennie Weenie Beenie Ghost."
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Grandma vs. the Headless Man” by Bill Harley
“The Yam Story” by Charlotte Blake Alston
“Love on the First Floor” by Kim Weitkamp
Radio Family Journal: “Lights in the Sky”
Gift-giving can be a complicated process. Do you know someone who is naturally talented at giving gifts? Or do you know someone who is simply awful at giving gifts? Sometimes it’s the people closest to us that seem the hardest to find gifts for. Linda Goodman tells us a story about this exact situation where three children have to find gifts for their “Bubbie” who is coming into town. One of the children, Miriam, especially, is at a loss when she accidentally gives away all the gifts she had planned for her Bubbie. We’ll also hear stories from Mary Gavan, Kevin Carr, and Diane Ferlatte.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Treasure Theif” by Judith Heineman
“Bubbies Coming for Chanukkah” by Linda Goodman
“Paddy and the Piper” by Kevin Carr
“The Shepherd Boy” by Diane Ferlatte
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 10 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
James, Max, Morgan, and their friends make their final stand against impossible odds in the exciting conclusion to the time-traveling, swashbuckling adventure based on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel.
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 9 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
A vanful of unlikely heroes makes its move to thwart Kinkade on his own turf: a secret lab full of enough tech to make Max drool. But throwing a wrench into the works of a piratical villain like Kinkade is no picnic, and James, Max, and Morgan find themselves underwater before they know it!
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 8 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
After just escaping pirate mutineers in the 18th century, it's out of the frying pan and into the fire as our heroes find themselves face-to-face with Frank Kinkade. They get an up-close and personal look at their old enemy's operation -- a look that's altogether unwelcome.
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 7 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
In this episode, find out how Ben Gunn got to the Island, and learn whether or not there's any hope for Max, who made a real pirate of himself in episode 6!
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 6 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
In the wake of a mutiny, James, Morgan, and Max are divided. For those who remained loyal to Captain Bonnie O'Rourke, it's a quick trip into the drink! Once off the ship, our heroes strike out on land, exploring the mysterious island, and discovering a few surprises that no one could have expected!
There’s something special about fathers. Could it be their equally funny and cringy “dad jokes”? Or is it their steady ability to dispense wisdom and hugs in times of need? Or perhaps it’s the intense love of fathers for their families that makes them so beloved and unique? Today’s stories from Willy Claflin, Martha Reed Johnson, Michael McCarty, and Bob Reiser, hope to explore the charming “X Factor” that makes our fathers so wonderful, witty, and extremely worthwhile.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
RFJ: Fathers and Sons
“Who Has Seen The Mind” by Willy Claflin
“The Watch” by Martha Reed Johnson
“That’s My Baby” by Michael McCarty
“Hide the Salami” by Bob Reiser
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 5 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
In episode 5, James, Morgan, Max, and Captain Bonnie find themselves in the middle of the acting out of the terrifying plot of Long John Silver and his piratical band. Will mutiny be the end of the adventure?
BYUradio, in partnership with Gen Z Media, is pleased to bring you part 4 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020. It's a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
On today's episode, James, Morgan, and Max, together with the mysterious Long John Silver and the irrepressible Captain Bonnie O'Rourke set sail in the Hispaniola, bound for treasure. But whether it's an angry mob accosting them at the dock, or a massive storm brewing on the high seas, this adventure is going to be tricky to get underway!
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 3 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
In episode 3, James, Morgan, and Max find themselves face to face with Long John Silver. He's a one-legged, seafaring man, but surely not the one Billy Bones warned them about, right? With Silver as their guide, they look to charter a ship that will help them find Billy's treasure. It's tougher, though, than it sounds. Will the adventure end before it even begins?
BYUradio, in partnership with Gen Z Media, is pleased to bring you part 2 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
Just as James and his friends begin to unravel the mystery of Billy Bones, new questions arise -- like a warning to beware a one-legged, seafaring man. A daring escape from Frank Kinkade sends the kids more than they bargained for, and an encounter with the mysterious vortex.
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 1 of the Peabody Award-Nominated 10-part adventure podcast series, Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island.
In part 1 of Treasure Island 2020, young James Hawkins -- who helps his mother, Cynthia, operate a lonely motel in Montauk, New York -- discovers a stranger on the beach who looks suspiciously like a pirate. Together with friends Morgan and Max, James begins to find himself at the center of a mystery that includes not only the newcomer (an outlandish figure named Bily Bones), but also the world famous underwater explorer Frank Kinkade. What could an assortment of characters like that want with James and his Mom?
What if stories didn't exist? What if a story existed with such a premise?Well, we've got it! It's called "A Story A Story" and it's one of several great stories you'll hear on today's episode of The Apple Seed.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: “Mr. Romrell”
“The Teachers’ Lounge” – PART I by Bill Harley
“A Story A Story” by Len Cabral
“Water” by Jane Stenson
“The Teachers’ Lounge” – PART II by Bill Harley
On the full episode of The Apple Seed that we posted today, you'll hear a story by Len Cabral -- an Ananzi story about how stories came into the world. That story got us thinking in general about origin stories, and this cowboy song came to mind. It's called "That's How The Yodel was Born," and this performancd by Don Edwards will carry you away. It's today's Apple Seed Extra!
From time to time, we’ve all felt the stirring of ambition. Perhaps you’ve dreamed of becoming famous, winning a competition, or joining an elite group of people. Today, Mara Menzies will tell us a story about a hunter named Ochosi who dreams of becoming a deity - talk about dreaming big! Listen in to discover how that works out for Ochosi, as well as to hear more wonderful stories by Syd Lieberman, Jess Smith, and Time Lowry.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Cruel Miller” by Jess Smith
“Ochosi” by Mara Menzies
“The Wide Mouth Frog” by Tim Lowry
“The Great Copper Scroll Debate” by Syd Lieberman
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a hunting story about one of America's Folk Heroes, Bill Greenfield. He's got a lot of tall tales told about him, but we thought we'd bring you this one today, from Joseph Bruchac. The story is called "Bill Greenfield the Crack Shot."
If you've ever dreaded a particular chore (who wasn't?) then you'll sympathize with the main character of Odds Bodkin's "Three Spinning Fairies", just one of several wonderful tales you'll hear on today's episode of The Apple Seed.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Junkyard” – PART I by Anthony Burcher
“The Three Spinning Fairies” by Odds Bodkin
“Thinking Behind by” by Bil Lepp
“The Junkyard” – PART II by Anthony Burcher
Radio Family Journal: “Changing World”
In today's Apple Seed Extra, a conversation with storyteller Anthony Burcher. He'll tell us a little bit about how he came to be a storyteller, and also share with us some games and activities that can make a storyteller out of anyone!
Memory is a fickle thing. It lets us continually cherish and honor the people and events that mean the most to us. But it also contains our many regrets, mistakes, and moments we’d rather stay in the past. Sometimes it’s easy to recall something, sometimes we remember something different than someone else who was there, and other times we just draw a blank. And yet, even with all its baggage, memory is what that ties us together as human beings—it’s the reason we have stuff to say around the dinner table, the reason we can call old friends and reminisce, and the reason loved ones can live beyond their short spell of mortality. Today, we’re bringing you stories of remembrance from Finn Bille, Geraldine Buckley, and Kevin Cordi, as well as a few songs from Mustard’s Retreat and Michael Martin Murphey. Our hope is that these stories will spark memories of your own, perhaps even a few you haven’t thought of in a while, that you’d like to cherish and keep.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: “Practicing the Piano and Remembering”
"When I Was Ten” by Finn Bille on Marzipan
"Daddy’s Ashes" – PART I by Geraldine Buckley on Devils on Horseback and Other Odd Journeys
“Lost River” by Michael Martin Murphey on Another Jubilee – Old Time Country and Cowboy Singing
"A Meal to Remember” by Kevin Cordi on Wisdom Keepers: Unlocking the Puzzle
“Part of Me Remembers” by Mustard’s Retreat on Back to Back
“Daddy’s Ashes” – PART II by Geraldine Buckley on Devils on Horseback and Other Odd Journeys
We found a bit of a conversation we had with Geraldine Buckley some years ago, about her years working as the chaplain in the largest men's prison in Maryland. In this story, an inmate named Andy uses storytelling to honor his father's death, and his sharing allows him to connect with other men in the prison, even across barriers of race and experience.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, an ancient story from Egypt: the legend of how the Sun God, Ra, decided to punish humans by sending Sekhmet, the Lioness Goddess, to eat only the wicked. What could go wrong?
What’s your pet peeve? Some people hate when others whistle, cut in line, or say “like” too much. Well, Tom from today’s story hates when others gossip. The only problem is that when you have a ghost dog following you around, as Tom does, it’s hard to avoid gossip. To find out what Tom does about the ghost dog and the gossip, keep listening!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“The Monkey & The Donkey” by Diane Ferlatte
“The Ghost Dog” by Brian Fox Ellis
“The Gift” by Doug Elliot
“Stories of Nasrudin, The Trickster” by Joel Ben Izzy
Storyteller Spotlight: Brian Fox Ellis Brian "Fox" Ellis is an internationally acclaimed author, storyteller, historian, and naturalist. He has worked with The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, The Field Museum and dozens of other museums across the country. Fox is a highly sought keynote speaker at regional and international conferences including the International Wetlands Conservation Conference, National Science Teachers Association Conference and the North American Prairie Conservation Conference, et al.
Fox is also the Artistic Director for Prairie Folklore Theatre, a unique theatre company that celebrates ecology and history through original musical theatre productions. He is the author of 16 books, and many of his stories are also available on one of 12 CDs. He and his wife run a Bed and Breakfast in Bishop Hill, Illinois, The Twinflower Inn.
Fox is launching a podcast and Youtube channel soon, tune into Fox Tales to hear more of his stories.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a fable about a fox, a goat, and a well. And always remember to look before you leap! Glenda Bonin shares this ancient story with us.
The United States of America is full of different cultures, histories, people and stories that has been built off of the tales of its people. From Native American folklore to European literature, America is a wonderful gumbo pot of worldwide stories. America includes a rich history of disputes, triumph, war and hope and this episode explores a few of the different stories linked to this great country and a bit of its history. Let us all take a little bit of a look back on some of our favorite stories of everyday life, fairy tales and history and remember what it means to be American.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “How I Learned to Love Liver” by Joel Ben Izzy in How I Learned to Love Liver [10:26]
Story Spotlight: “It’s America!” by Corinne Stavish in Solidarity Forever Growing Up Union [12:01]
Storytime:
“Hands on the Switch” by Mike Agranoff in Ain’t Never Been Plugged [10:30]
“Martin Luther King Storypoem” by Charlott Blake-Alston in Bit ‘O This-Bit ‘O That [6:07]
“Little Burnt Face” by Milbre Burch in If The Shoe Fits [7:53]
Zion National Park came to the attention of the public when the world saw the paintings of Frederick Dellenbaugh at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904. Dellenbaugh first saw the area that is now Zion National Park as a member of the mapping expedition of John Wesley Powell. People still love to make drawings, paintings, and photographs of national parks, and on today's Apple Seed Extra, we'll visit with Roland Lee, who has been painting beautiful images of Utah's Zion National Park for more than four decades.
Every once in awhile, you just need something to give you hope and keep you hanging on. On today's Apple Seed Extra, we bring you a song called "Sun Come On." It was written a couple of years ago, for the centennial of the National Parks Service, but it seems to have some application in a difficult time. Whatever you turn to for hope and comfort, we hope you can find yourself filled with it these days.
Some people simply aren’t competitive, others can’t bear to lose, and then there are very few people who quite reach the level of the kings in one of today’s stories. In Judith Heineman’s story, these two kings keep thinking that they are better than the other and will stop at nothing to prove it - even if that means turning to magical sources to gain the upper hand. We’ll also enjoy stories by Anne Rutherford, Valentina Ortiz, Dovie Thomason, and Don White.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“King of the Cats” by Anne Rutherford
“Nonantzin, Mother Earth” by Valentina Ortiz
“Frog and Turtle” by Dovie Thomason
“Ishtar’s Descent to the Underworld” by Judith Heineman
“Shine On You” by Don White
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a tiny story from Antonio Sacre, recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. It's called "Letter to God."
We’ve all heard about “The Golden Rule,” doing to others what we would have them do to us. Frustrated kids may ask their wiser parent how to handle a schoolyard nemesis, only to have him or her facetiously say, “Kill ‘em with kindness.” Today on the Apple Seed, we’ll be playing stories of kindness, and how people across the world have experienced it.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Superstitious
Story Kickoff: “The Tale of Two Brothers” by Linda Goodman
Story Spotlight: “Senegal Story” by Charlotte Blake-Alston
Storytime:
“Judgement of the Wind” by Eshu Bumpus
“Sticky Sticky Pine by Laura Deal
“Golden Crane” by Anne Shimojima
Storyteller Spotlight: Charlotte Blake-Alston With talents as varied as the symphony orchestras with which she often performs, Charlotte Blake Alston is unique in the cultural abundance with which she augments her tales. Stitched together with brilliance and texture, Charlotte tells stories guaranteed to color your world-view with vivid impressions of people and vistas you have never imagined. Charlotte opens your eyes and heart to a new way of experiencing the world around you. She has received numerous honors and awards, including the Zora Neale Hurston Award from the National Association of Black Storytellers and the Circle of Excellence Award from the National Storytelling Association. Charlotte, with her breadth of experience and skills, her generosity of spirit, and her dignity of character, is gratefully welcomed back to The Apple Seed
Why I love storytelling:
I love storytelling’s ability to transcend man-made barriers of class, race, gender and remind us of our commonalities as members of the human family.
ON today's full episode of The Apple Seed, you heard a couple of musical stories: "Joy Madison Carter Makes Noise," and "Musical Kindergarten." We found a story that serves as an appropriate companion piece to those stories, and it's today's Apple Seed Extra. Chuckle along to a story by Willy Claflin called "Ugly Music."
One thing's for certain - there is a level of beauty to be found in the noises we hear every day. The noise a curious young child makes; the noise a loving mother makes; the noise a...talking moose makes? Another thing's for certain - you're sure to love all of the noises you hear in the stories featured on today's episode of The Apple Seed!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Musical Kindergarten
Story Kickoff: Joy Madison Carter Makes Noise” by Sondra Singer
Story Spotlight: “Lazy Jack” by Willy Claflin
Storytime: “The Goats and the Bear” by The Storycrafters
Storyteller Spotlight: Willy Claflin A headliner and master of ceremonies at the National Storytelling Festival, Willy is a favorite at festivals throughout the U.S. He offers stories for families as well as adults, often weaving music into his performances. Willy is the author of four award-winning children's books, including The Uglified Ducky, which won the Texas Library Association's Blue Bonnet Award for best children's book of the year.
Call it what you will—mazel, karma, fate, luck, fortune, providence—there’s a mysterious force of coincidence in many of our classic tales. Our storytelling canon is filled with unlikely meetings, improbable competitions, and extremely case-specific magical items. But whether our characters are guided by some higher fate or have to make their own luck, we seem to love a little happenstance in our stories. Today, we’re bringing you stories of bad luck, good luck, and everything in between from Jenni Cargill-Strong, Carol Birch, Norah Dooley, and Noa Baum. Who knows, maybe a bit of this episode’s good luck will rub off on you!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: “Hans in Luck”
Story Kickoff: "Hanukkah Basics and Thoughts on Luck" by Joel ben Izzy on Lights and Laughter
Story Spotlight: "Luckless One" by Jenni Cargill-Strong
Storytime:
"Sure, I'm Lucky" by Carol Birch on Lou Gehrig: The Story of a Great Man
"Rozzone's Rotten Luck" by Norah Dooley on Italian Folktales: Stories Nobody Told Me
“Yankel & the Sabbath Fish" by Noa Baum on Far Away and Close to Home
On today's Apple Seed Extra, we thought we'd take a trip -- after all, we've been cooped up for awhile, yeah? On a quest to share a baseball story as a companion piece to the Lou Gehrig story you heard in "A Little Luck," today's full-length episode (also available right here in the podcast archive), we'll take you instead all over Farmington, New Mexico -- visiting the famous Farmington Public Library, the Aztec ruins just outside of town, and more. For many years, Farmington has been the home of the Four Corners Storytelling Festival, filled with long-time frineds of The Apple Seed. Enjoy the trip!
For a whole month every year, the United States takes the opportunity to celebrate the Asian and Pacific Island heritage which has built our country and our world. There is so much we have to be grateful for that wouldn’t be possible in this country and in the whole world without the great people from Asia and the islands in the pacific, so today we’re going to honor some storytellers – and their stories – from those regions. We’ll hear from Charlie Chin, the great Chinese American storyteller; Motoko, a native of Osaka, Japan; the great Kathy Collins, also of Japanese heritage, and steeped in Hawaiian culture and stories.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Kahn Family Lessons” - PART 1 by Charlie Chin
Story Spotlight: “Water of Life” by Motoko
Storytime:
• “Issunboshi” by Kathy Collins
• “Kahn Family Lessons PART 2” by Charlie Chin
In honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander month, it's impossible not to talk about some of the difficult chapters -- and there have been many. One, certainly, is the story of the Internment of people of Japanese descent during World War II. The government and the US Army, citing “military necessity,” removed 120,000 men, women, and children of Japanese ancestry from their homes on the West Coast and forced them into ten remote camps controlled by the War Relocation Administration (WRA). None of those in the camps were ever convicted or even charged with any crime, yet were confined, some up to four years, in camps surrounded by barbed wire with armed guards We talked with two high school teachers, Reba Vest and Sarah Nielsen, about a visit they made with their students to the remote site of Topaz, one of the internment camps, near the Utah city of Delta. On today's Apple Seed Extra, we bring you some of their impressions of the visit.
You're probably familiar with the saying, "Use it up, wear it out, make it due, or do without." There's another saying with which you're likely not familiar but with which you'd undoubtedly agree: "Don't jump off the high dive with a full bladder and a stomachful of snacks." These are two expressions that are at the heart of stories from Karen Golden and Bill Harley, respectively. So we hope you're relaxing on a well-used sofa, hungry for a healthy dose of stories. It's time for The Apple Seed!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Sunday Dinner” – PART I by Anthony Burcher
Story Spotlight: “High Dive” by Bill Harley
Storytime:
• “Tevya's American Dreamcoat” by Karen Golden
• “Sunday Dinner” – PART II by Anthony Burcher
On today's full episode of The Apple Seed (available in the Apple Seed archive, or in the other Apple Seed podcast episode that dropped today), you heard a terrific story by Bill Harley called "High DIve," about summers at the pool, snack bars, high dives, and childhood crushes. On today's Apple Seed Extra, we thought we'd bring you an entry in the Radio Family Journal about Sam's first high dive experience. It's called "Frostie Root Beer." Find more Radio Family Journal, and other great stories from tellers across the world, on every episode of The Apple Seed
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a little fable from Aesop. It's called "The Lion and the Dolphin," and it's as old as the fifth or sixth century BCE. Nothing like a little story with a moral to help you know how to get by in the world.
Although sometimes it can be painful to admit, we all need a little help now and then. This is a lesson at the heart of one of today’s stories by Mary Gavan, Aioleen. In this story, the stubborn and strong Aioleen risks losing the farm to her cousins if she can’t get a good harvest. This leads Aioleen to seek magical help from an unlikely source.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “The Grey Goose” by The Storycrafters
Story Spotlight: “Aioleen” by Mary Gavan
Storytime:
• “The Clog of Gold” by Milbre Bruch
• “The Wise One” by Ed Stivender
Storyteller Spotlight: Mary Gavan
Mary grew up as a Celtic storytelling tramp. As her family wintered in Scotland and summered in Ireland, she tramped to and fro, enjoying the storytelling of her grandparents and country folk.
Enamoured by the traditional legends and drawing deeply on her Celtic heritage, Mary began storytelling at festivals. The proximity of neighbouring Europe enabled her join the storytellers of several countries.
Celtic storytelling was also an integral part of her work as a nurse, especially in her speciality of community palliative care with the dying, their families and their friends. As a midwife to the dying, she became a story catcher of those experiences.
Coming to Canada, Mary opened up the traditional legends of her Celtic heritage in order to explain their uniquely Celtic significance. By weaving strands of ordinary life with Celtic understandings, Mary began creating her own style of Celtic storytelling and becoming a professional storyteller.
Mary tells across Canada, especially within her chosen province of BC with occasional storytelling journeys back to Europe and the countries of her Celtic heritage.
Passionate about storytelling, both nationally and locally, Mary is a Past President of the national Storytellers of Canada- Conteurs du Canada. Locally, Mary is the Treasurer of the Vancouver Monthly Storytelling as well as a regular teller in and around Vancouver, BC
Whatever the theme, her stories are uniquely Celtic in composition, delivered in her beguiling accent and accompanied with a twinkle of absolute certainty!
Sadly, Mary passed away in 2019. She succumbed to a heart attack while vacationing in India, and is missed by all who knew her.
On The Apple Seed, you often hear us say "We hope that the stories we bring you on the show spark memories for you that you can share." Certainly, that happens to us all the time as we prepare each episode of the show -- we experience potent memories that we share with each other and with our loved ones. Preparing our most recent episode (filled witih stories about the feelings that accompany the passing of loved ones), Jen Baker had a memory that she shared with the rest of the Apple Seed team. It's the memory of geting to know an elderly member of her church congregation -- Hilda. We thought we'd share that story here. With Jen's permission, it's today's Apple Seed Extra.
Perhaps the greatest stories ever told are the examples of the lives around us. People’s experiences teach us of the bitter and the sweet, the just and the unjust, and good and the bad. People make praiseworthy, commendable choices, or warn us of the opposite. Funerals are a sacred time when we can reflect on a person’s legacy. Today on the Apple Seed, we’ll be contemplating these memorials with stories from Andy Offutt Irwin, Motoko, Donald Davis, Joe Harrington, Bil Lepp, and Michael Reno Harrell.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Book Every Saturday for a Funeral” by Andy Offutt Irwin
Story Spotlight: “Like a Lotus Flower” by Motoko
Storytime:
• “Mrs. Rosemary Asked about You” by Donald Davis
• “The Broncho Twister’s Prayer” by Joe Harrington
• “Soul in Hawk” by Bill Lepp
• “Somebody’s Gone” by Michael Reno Harrell
It's Memorial Day! Perhaps you've spent Memorial Days past visiting the graves of loved ones who died in the service of their country. That's certainly a meaningful way to remember those fallen heroes. Another great way is to share their stories. Today on The Apple Seed you'll hear eulogistic stories from Sam Payne, Gordon W. Pappas (Sam's Grandfather), and Syd Lieberman.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"When I Was One and Twenty" by Sam Payne
"Abraham and Isaac: Sacrifice at Gettysburg" by Syd Lieberman
"Gordon Pappas at War", an interview with Sam's Grandfather
Every once in awhile, we get to have a favorite storyteller right here in our cozy studio, performing before a live audience. Such was the case when The Apple Seed was paid a visit by Geraldine Buckley. We've already brought you some of the recordings we made on that night, but our time with Geraldine was richer than a single episode could hold. So we're glad to bring you more of those recordings today in an episode we're calling, "Another Evening With Geraldine Buckley".
On today's full episode of The Apple Seed, you heard a terrific performance -- Recorded back when we could all get together in the same room -- by the terific storyteller Geraldine Buckley. Geraldine delighted our small audience, and you're sure to enjoy her performances. During her visit, before the audience arrived, we asked her to tell us a little bit about some of her stories: the story behind the story, if you will. She regaled us with tales for a good long time, and on today's Apple Seed EXTRA, we wanted to bring you one of those stories. You'll hear Geraldine talk about being a radio broadcaster in a hospital when she was young. It's a great introduction to her story "Lady in Red," which is also about an experience behind the broadcasting mic.
Groundhogs are notorious for seeing - or not seeing - their shadows and predicting the weather. But on today's episode of The Apple Seed, you'll hear a story from Megan Hicks in which these rascally rodents may also be responsible for...making shoes? You'll also hear stories from Priscilla Howe and Syd Lieberman about a chicken falling in love with a cockroach, and a big High School Football game.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “The Englewood Game” by Syd Lieberman
Story Spotlight: “The Shoemaker and the Groundhogs” by Megan Hicks
Storytime: “Poule and Blatte” by Priscilla Howe
Storyteller Spotlight: Megan Hicks As a self-proclaimed Teller-Without-a-Niche, Megan dives heart-first into every story she tells – fairy tale, personal story, American history, parody, ghost & horror, humor – and magically, her listeners are happy to follow.
She performs throughout the United States, and she recently completed a month-long tour of China, adding a fourth continent – Asia – to her international storytelling credits.
Her awards include a Parents’ Choice® Silver for the CD, “What Was Civil About That War…” which was also a 2005 Finalist for an Audies® award in the category of Best Original Work. She received the Parents’ Guide to Children’s Media Award and Storytelling World Honor for “Groundhogs Meet Grimm,” a collection of her original parodies that was also tapped for Honors by NAPPA. Her collection of fairy tales – “No Tricks. Just Magic” – received a Storytelling World Award, as did her recording "Like You're Really There: Megan Hicks Live at Jonesborough."
Megan is a sought-after workshop presenter and seminar leader, with credits ranging from storytelling festivals and conferences across the U.S., bi-lingual schools in Latin America and China, libraries in Australia and New Zealand, juvenile detention centers, and the FBI Academy.
You can find more of her work at www.meganhicks.com
Why I love storytelling:
Storytelling is like music in that it happens instant by instant, so if you're listening you are absolutely "living in the present." (What a gift!) Added to that, it's a glorious mashup of theater and writing. As performance art goes, I can't think of a better bang for the buck.
On today's episode of The Apple Seed, you heard a story from Syd Lieberman called "The Englewood Game," about the three-year battle of Syd's high school football team to bring home the all-city title. And we thought, "Why play just one Syd Lieberman story when you can play two." Today's Apple Seed Extra is a story called "The Wise Shoemaker of Studena," from a delightful collection called "Joseph the Tailor and Other Stories." The collection is available at Sydlieberman.com, where you can find free listening access to almost all of the recordings of stiries that Syd made during his lifetime. There are both audio and video recordings there, and it's a great way to get to know one of America's most beloved storytellers.
Have you ever wondered what birds are saying as they sing to each other? Or pondered what stories the trees in your front yard tell? In today’s story by Susan Strauss, we’ll hear about an old man who receives a magical cap that allows him to understand all living things. There will also be stories by Doug Elliot, Kaye Brynes, and Joseph Bruchac.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Groundhogs and Indians” by Doug Elliot
“Birds of Fortune” by Susan Strauss
“Gramma’s Cookies” by Kaye Brynes
“Racoon and the Crayfish” by Joseph Bruchac
RFJ: Grilled PB&J
Storyteller Spotlight: Susan Strauss Susan Strauss is recognized internationally as a storyteller of natural history performances, combining mythic/traditional story with personal anecdote and scientific information to provoke an experience of natural archetypes, including: water, plants, marine life, landscapes, wolves, coyotes, birds, bears and other wildlife. Susan also tells fool stories, hero myths and traditional stories of feminine and masculine archetypes. She gives storytelling performances and workshops at a host of different places including museums, aquariums, assorted professional conferences, and school assemblies throughout the U.S., Europe and Australia. She especially loves giving Storytelling Science workshops and teaching Eurythmy at the Waldorf School of Bend.
Susan has produced multi-cultural storytelling books and award-winning audio recordings of children's and adult stories, all of which can be ordered from her website at http://www.straussstoryteller.com/
She is currently working on a new book of plants myths. It will be a collection of 12 mythic/traditional stories from world cultures which express the biological gifts of the plant world such as: photosynthesis, plants bringing medicine, relation to pollinators and decomposers, biodiversity in wise agricultural practices, and the special value of trees and mycorrhiza. Each story will be prefaced by a description of the science revealed in the myth. These will be written by Dr. Ian Edward, Director of Public Engagement at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and illustrated by artist, Justyn Livingston. It should be available by August.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy "Moonwatching with Grandma," a song by Anne Rutherford about the migratory birds of Portland, Oregon. You'll also hear a conversation with Anne about how she came to create "On the Great Pacific Flyway," the project from whence the song comes.
At the heart of today's episode of The Apple Seed are people who made a difference in the world. Have you ever believed in a cause for which you were willing to go to jail, be injured, or even killed? In Kate Dudding's story, "High Hopes", you'll hear about some very brave young people who stood up for what was right, and had an impact for good in the world. You'll also hear some personal stories from Charlotte Blake-Alston and Donna Ingham.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Pine Trees and Frogs' Legs” by Charlotte Blake Alston (23:16)
Story Spotlight: “Sweet Sue” by Donna Ingham (11:29)
Storytime: “High Hopes” by Kate Dudding (12:36)
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a song called "Hit Your Mark," by Sam. It's a song written in honor of Charlie Brill and Mitzi McCall, who had the misfortune of performing live on the Ed Sullivan show the same day as the Beatles. Charlie and Mitzi may have been discouraged by their reception by the Ed Sullivan audience, but they liked working together, and so they kept moving forward. And, it must be said, they're still working together, unlike the Beatles.
If you’ve ever dreamed about traveling to Japan, getting rich, or serving justice on your grumpy neighbors, then this episode will be like a dream come true - and as an extra bonus, there’s a sprinkle of magic in there too. Today we’ll be hearing tales that’ll inspire both sorrowful sympathy and warm, fulfilled smiles from great tellers such as Susan Strauss, Alton Chung, and Charlotte Blake-Alston!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“How Racoon Got His Dinner” PART I by Charlotte Blake-Alston
“Tanuki and Usagi” by Alton Chung
“The Wolf’s Eyelashes” by Susan Strauss
“How Racoon Got His Dinner” PART II by Charlotte Blake-Alston Alton performs at storytelling festivals internationally, sharing stories and legends from Hawaii and spreading aloha. He also tells stories from the Hawaiian Monarchy and the Plantation Days as well as Asian folk tales from all around the Pacific Rim. Alton is also passionate about sharing stories of the Japanese American Experience of WWII. In 2005, Alton was awarded the first J.J. Reneaux Emerging Artist Award by the National Storytelling Network. He has performed at the Congress of Asian Storytellers in Singapore, the International Gimme Story Storytelling Festival in the Cayman Islands, as well as venues in India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan.. He has also performed at the Talk Story Festival, the Bay Area Storytelling Festival, the Four Corners Storytelling Festival, the Oklahoma City Storytelling Festival, and has been a Featured Teller at the National Storytelling Festival.
In today's full episode of the Apple Seed, you heard a story shared by Charlotte Blake Alston called "How Raccoon Got His Dinner." The story is a collaboration between Charlotte Blake Alston and her brother, the jazz violinist John Blake Jr., who composed the music for the story. John Blake Jr. is no longer with us, but the collaboration between John and Charlotte underlines some of Charlotte's feelings about family. We had a radio conversation with Charlotte Blake Alston about her family (her father in particular) that we thought you might enjoy. It's today's Apple Seed Extra.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Moses of the Mountains” by Adam Booth (10:40)
Story Spotlight: “Tweety” by Madeline Pots (12:30)
Storytime: “May I Have This Dance” by Fran Yardley (20:54)
Today on the Apple Seed, we’ll be thinking of the great outdoors. During the COVID-19 crisis, and on the onset of spring, many people have reconnected with nature by escaping on mountain hikes and drives. "Mountains" can be literal or metaphoric - a place of peace and escape, or symbolic of trials to be overcome. This episode will take us through the beauty, growth, challenges, and fun those “mountains” provide. We’ll first reminisce over these natural wonders with a song “Cold High Mountain Wind,” followed by a poem, “Salem on the Mountain.” We’ll ponder next the growth that mountains give us with “Lesotho’s Story,” followed by humorous twist with “Over the Mountain.” We’ll conclude with three short stories, “The First Motorcycle in Black Mountain,” “The Stone Cutter,” and “The Ojai Mountain Lion,” which highlight the fun we can find in these mountains of life.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Cold High Mountain Wind” by Sons and Brothers
“Salem on the Mountain” by Paul Bliss
“Lethoso Story” by Charlotte Blake-Alston
“Over the Mountain” by Willy Claflin
“The First Motorcycle in Black Mountain” by David Holt
“The Stone Cutter” by Norah Dooley
“The Ojai Mountain Lion” by Bill Lepp
Storyteller Spotlight: Charlotte Blake-Alston With talents as varied as the symphony orchestras with which she often performs, Charlotte Blake Alston is unique in the cultural abundance with which she augments her tales. Stitched together with brilliance and texture, Charlotte tells stories guaranteed to color your world-view with vivid impressions of people and vistas you have never imagined. Charlotte opens your eyes and heart to a new way of experiencing the world around you. She has received numerous honors and awards, including the Zora Neale Hurston Award from the National Association of Black Storytellers and the Circle of Excellence Award from the National Storytelling Association. Charlotte, with her breadth of experience and skills, her generosity of spirit, and her dignity of character, is gratefully welcomed back to The Apple Seed
On today's episode of The Apple Seed, you heard a story from Fran Yardley about dance lessons. The story was called "May I Have This Dance." It got Sam thinking about a family dance story -- a story about his grandfather. Enjoy "Dancing with Arilda" as today's Apple Seed Extra.
On today's Apple Seed EXTRA, a short story called "Pfeifferhorn." It's a little fantasy story about two people -- a boy and a girl -- climbing a mountain together, and then, while they're resting for lunch, the towns that make up their valley slowly and unexplainably disappear one by one, leaving the mountain and the people to find their way in a new, changed world. The sotry takes place more or less in the mountain-rimmed valley where Sam grea up, and on a day when the Apple Seed is thinking about mountains (find today's full episode, called "Mountains to Climb," for more mountain stories), this is today's extra.
Finding things comes in all sorts of different ways; finding answers, finding love, finding memories and ambitions as well as humor and friendship. We are all on the search for different things and this means different things for different people. For some we can find new places to visit or places to create new memories. For others it means getting to find people and new friends. Finding and exploring ourselves and life in general is one of life’s great rewards, and even in moments like this when we aren’t always able to explore a lot of nature, we are still able to explore ourselves and things we can access. Adventure can be found around every corner, if only we take a step to look.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Suki” by Leeny Del Seamonds on Cello Tales (12:03)
Story Spotlight: “Winston and the Wide Mouth Frog” by Glenda Bonin on Winston and the Wide Mouth Frog (8:54)
Storytime: “The Gypsey Wagon” by Dan Keding on The Gypsey Wagons and other Neighborhood Tales (5:00)
“Canadian Love” by Colton Prete on Commissioned Stories (3:52)
“Brian, Who Loves Watermelon” by Joel Ben Izzy on How I Learned to Love Liver (9:46)
“Brian, Who Hates Watermelon” by Joel Ben Izzy on How I Learned to Love Liver (5:52)
Storyteller Spotlight: Glenda Bonin
On today's Apple Seed Extra, hear a new tune from Michael Reno Harrell, recorded in his living room and posted to his YouTube channel with the hashtag #shelterinplace. It's a sweet song called "Till I See You Again," and it captures just a little bit of how we're all feeling these days. A lot of our favorite storytellers are finding new ways to share their work at a distance, and we're enjoying a lot of old favorites from Michael Reno, as well as new tunes like this one.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Jack and the Animals” by Donald Davis
Story Spotlight: “Stories and the Fools of Chelm” by Joel ben Izzy
Storytime: “US Marine Corps: Esau's Path” by Judith Black
“Why it Rains”by Kirk Waller
Radio Family Journal: Doober
Storyteller Spotlight: Joel Ben Izzy Photo: Credit Ahri Golden
On today's Apple Seed Extra, a story and song from Sam, recorded live in the Apple Seed studio before an intimate audience, called "The Girl From Riverton." We thought of this recording when we heard Fran Yardley's story "May I Have This Dance," in which Fran feels shy about taking a dance class because she feels like she's too tall. Like The Apple Seed on Facebook and follow us on Instragram or Twitter for video performances like the performance from which this audio was taken. Some of our favorite storytellers have come by: Antonio Sacre, Geraldine Buckley, Andy Offutt Irwin, Tim Lowry, Bill Harley, Bil Lepp, and more.
You’ve heard of Jack and the Beanstalk, Jack and the Bull, and a whole host of other “Jack” stories. But have you ever wondered where these stories came from and how they came to be so popular? Octavia Sexton offers answers to these questions in the form of another Jack story of her own. So follow us into the woods to hear more classic tales of trickery, mystical creatures, and adventure with Jack and his friends.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “The Fiddler And The Princess” PART I by Judy Lubin
Story Spotlight: “How Jack Got to America” by Octavia Sexton
Storytime: “Coyote Gets His Powers” by Susan Strauss
“The Fiddler And The Princess” PART II by Judy Lubin
On today's Apple Seed Extra, we bring you a little experiment: we took a story (a Norwegian folk tale called "The Boy and the North Wind") and passed it through the Apple Seed team like a game of telephone, just to see how the story would shift and change from telling to telling. The result was a lot of fun, and we're happy to bring it to you!
It's a special Apple Seed EXTRA! You've heard us say that we're "Some time just about every day filled with stories for you and your family." What we really mean by that is that we come to you six days a week -- Monday through Saturday. So it might seem unusual for us to hit you with something on a Sunday. But how could we let Mother's Day go by, especially when we invited you to send us memorable advice given to you by your mothers? We're thankful for what you sent, and we wanted to prepare a little Mother's Day Extra for you and the mother you love. All this, and a little bit of Mother's Day history too!
On today's Apple Seed Extra, we're thinking about Moms. And we found this tiny little recording, called "Love you More," tacked onto the end of a collection of Sheila Arnold stories called "Mini, Many, Minnie Tales." This little recording, of a phone call between Sheila and her son, captures a sweet tradition that mother and son share when they call each other. It'll bring back memories for you of traditions shared between you and your mom, or, if you are a mom, between you and your kids.
For more of Sheila Arnold's work, visit her website: mssheila.org
For Mother’s Day on The Apple Seed, we’re bringing you tales from across the motherhood spectrum: mothers-in-law, single mothers, mothers we miss, young mothers, mothers in hospice care, mothers we still call on the weekends, and even mothers we don’t always get along with. All of these stories, though, share a simple truth—that mothers have always been and will always be a huge part of our lives. Their quirky, peculiar styles of care and love and determination have raised generations of quirky, peculiar individuals. And that quirkiness means we all have stories of the mothers in our lives. So, sit down with us alongside Diane Furlatte, Dolores Hydock, Jay O’Callahan, and Carmen Deedy as we reminisce about the women that made us who we are.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “You Never Know What the End’s Gonna Be” by Diane Ferlatte
Story Spotlight: “Occam’s Razor” by Dolores Hydock
Storytime: Introductions by the mothers of The Apple Seed team
“Fallin’” by Jay O’Callahan
An interview with Jarom Jordan, Spencer Linton, and Ben Bagley of BYU Sports Nation
“You’re Gonna Miss Me” by Carmen Deedy
Radio Family Journal: Mother
Storyteller Spotlight: Dolores Hydock "Dolores talks with her hands. And her elbows. And her shoulders. When she speaks, she is literally irrepressible." That's how one reviewer described Dolores' vivacious style that fills the stage with wit, energy, and a swirl of characters that populate her stories of family fireworks, food fads, true love, turnip greens, and other peculiarities of everyday life. Her award-winning personal stories, oral histories, medieval adventures, and traditional tales are, as one reviewer said, "...smart but not cynical, heartwarming yet never corny, traditional without being mundane...a neat feat!"
Dolores has been a featured teller at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough and many other festivals, has served as Teller-in-Residence at the International Storytelling Center, and has won Resource Awards from Storytelling World Magazine for her twelve CDs of original stories, all of which can be found on her website at www.storypower.org/
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a story about George Washington coming to life in 2018 and battling American eating habits, written and told by Ariah Gashler live at the Utah Liars Competition.
Not everything always goes as planned - especially when we travel. From snow to rain to wilting hot temperatures, the weather has a way of throwing plans off course. If you’ve ever been caught in conditions you weren’t prepared for, then you’ll relate to today’s story by Fran Yardley. In this story, taken from Fran’s real life, she and her sister’s plans for coming home get thrown out the window, which leads to them going on an adventure they’d never expected - but it ends with a magical rescue they’ll never forget.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Refusing to Fly” PART I by Fran Yardley
Story Spotlight: “Skidi Pawnee Creation Myth” by Susan Strauss
Storytime: “Coyote Brings Salmon to the Columbia” by Susan Strauss
“Refusing to Fly” PART II by Fran Yardley
Storyteller Spotlight: Susan Strauss Susan Strauss is recognized internationally as a storyteller of natural history performances, combining mythic/traditional story with personal anecdote and scientific information to provoke an experience of natural archetypes, including: water, plants, marine life, landscapes, wolves, and other creatures. Susan also tells fool stories, hero myths and traditional stories of feminine and masculine archetypes. She gives storytelling performances and workshops at a host of different places including museums, aquariums, assorted professional conferences, and school assemblies throughout the U.S., Europe and Australia.
She teaches at Oregon State University and is affiliate faculty at University of Idaho. Her material is generated from extensive research in linguistic, anthropological and biological texts.
Susan has produced multi-cultural storytelling books and award-winning audio recordings of children's and adult stories, all of which can be ordered from her website at http://www.straussstoryteller.com/
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Pallie Trip to See Texas” by Sheila Starks Phillips
Story Spotlight: “The Name of the Tree” by Stephanie Beneteau
Daily Mix: Teresa Love discusses William Joyce
Storytime: "Hawke's Nest" by Laura Pershin Raynor
“The Bus Trip Plan” by Donald Davis
Radio Family Journal: Junior Patriots
Storyteller Spotlight: Stephanie Beneteau Stéphanie was born in Italy to a French-Canadian father and an American mother. She studied litterature, worked in theatre, completed a degree in education and taught as an elementary school teacher before finding her true vocation as a storyteller in 1994.
Since then, Stéphanie has performed professionally in hundreds of schools, concert halls, festivals and libraries in Québec, Ontario and Europe. A fluently bilingual performer and a registered member of the ARTISTS IN SCHOOLS program, Stéphanie has toured Ontario during CANADIAN CHILDRENS' BOOK WEEK and has been a featured speaker and workshop leader at many conferences.
Stéphanie brings old stories from the oral tradition back to life in a lyrical and poetic voice touched with humour. She is particularly interested in stories about women, which she tells in a lively, expressive and compelling style all her own.
On today’s Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a song called “Walk You Through the Night,” written and performed before a live audience in the Apple Seed Studio by Cherie Call. She joined us for an evening of storytelling and music, back when it was safe to all be in the same room together. We all hope that we can care for our loved ones for as long as we can, especially our children. These thoughts are on the minds of a lot of us these days, and this song gives voice to some of them.
Sometimes, the hardest thing to accept is the simple truth about people we love. In today’s episode, we’ll hear Willy Claflin tell a sweet, if unusual, story and song about a lobster fisherman who has a hard truth to accept about the woman he loves. But the fun doesn’t stop there! We’ll also hear tales from Odds Bodkin, Eshu Bumpus, and another radio family journal in this eventful hour of stories and songs.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Zangaiwa Chakatanga Pano” by Eshu Bumpus
Story Spotlight: “Rufus Bly and the Lobster Wife” by Willy Claflin
Storytime: “Look Around” by Odds Bodkin
“You’ll Never Know” by Odds Bodkin
“Lost and Alone” by Odds Bodkin
Storyteller Spotlight: Willy Claflin A headliner and master of ceremonies at the National Storytelling Festival, Willy is a favorite at festivals throughout the U.S. He offers stories for families as well as adults, often weaving music into his performances. Willy is the author of four award-winning children's books, including The Uglified Ducky, which won the Texas Library Association's Blue Bonnet Award for best children's book of the year.
On today's Apple Seed Extra, we celebrate Odds Bodkin's "Little Proto" stories (we brought you some of those epic tales on today's episode of The Apple Seed, in an episode called "Rufus Bly and the Lobster Wife"), we're taking you to Fruita Colorado, whee you can have a dinosaur adventure all your own!
People have gone to the ocean to search for answers and stories for generations. It holds many secrets and discoveries and continues to be the home for hundreds of species. Oceanographers, Marine Biologists and Storytellers alike explore and analyze the ocean for its mystery and lore. In this episode we will see that the ocean not only is a place of untold beauty and mystery but can also hold truths and tales that can resonate with our own lives. Whether it be through reminiscing on your own life, saving starfish, or having an interesting run-in with the creatures that live in the sea, these stories of the ocean hold lessons and whimsy that isn’t always present in other areas of our lives. May we all enjoy the company of each other and remember the beauty of nature.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Ocean of Answers” by Kevin Cordi on Unlocking the Puzzle (10:41)
Story Spotlight: “The Magic Mill” by Dan Keding on Strawberries in Winter (15:48)
Storytime: The Starfish by Bonnie Greenberg on The Wonder Child (2:58)
The hole in the sea by Charlotte Blake-Alston on Hole in the Sea (6:43)
The mollusk's tale by Bob Reiser on Foibles and Fiddlesticks (8:38)
Radio Family Journal: Calmer Swimming
In these days of dealing with the isolation of social distancing, we’re producing the Apple Seed from a couple of home studios. Sam took to posting to social media a little song every day – something filled with a little hope and a little encouragement to hang on. We thought we’d bring you some of those pieces here, as Apple Seed Extras. These aren’t studio recordings, and you’ll be able to tell – they’re made with an iPad, aimed at Sam while he sits at his desk. We’re happy to bring them to you here on The Apple Seed. Here's what Sam says about this song, called "Sleep":
"This is a song that I started to write on the way home from the dentist’s office. My youngest son had been in there that morning – just a little guy, five years old, and his teeth were a mess, and he needed some work done that was going to require them to put him right under.
He had been yanked out of bed in his PJs, impossibly early in the morning, long before down, to go down to the office for that procedure, And I waited with him while he slept in the recovery room, and I watched him slowly come out of it, and as I drove him home, he fell dead asleep again in the car, and I saw him there in this kind of drug induced stupor, and he just so vulnerable, like the world could just have its way with him. And the sun was just coming up, and my father’s heart imagined all the things he might have to face in a tough world that didn’t care much about him.
And frankly, those thoughts had a lot more to do with how my day was going than they did about how his was going. But at the moment, with a sore mouth waiting for him when he woke up, and a miserable day ahead, I just wished him a good, long, sleep. And that wish got writ rather dramatically large in this song."
Here are the lyrics:
There is nothing so cold as the night-time
There is nothing so black as the sky
And you rest there in your little PJs
And the storm gonna keep blowing by
It will take you and do what it will so for now close your eyes
And sleep
‘Til you know that all promises break
And the water is always too deep
Sleep
Little captain in your little vessel
Where you sail and you sail all alone
And I pray and I pray ever knowing
That none of us knows the way home
And the North Star is hidden in some other part of the skies
I believe in the fire in the lighthouse
I believe in the power of love
I believe in the strength of the darkness
I believe there’s a God up above
Your voice will come and you’ll pray for redemption
Pressing on though you’re battered and bruised
‘Til you’re gone I will stand there beside you
I will teach you the words that I use
Later on, but now
Sleep
Ain’t none of us angels
Caught up in a war that is dirty and cheap
Sleep
A little Apple Seed Extra, something that’s available only here in the Apple Seed podcast space. Again, we’ve been self-isolating, and looking for ways to reach out to our fellow humans. Our hearts go out to all of our storytelling friends, who even in times like this never cease to reach out in all kinds of creative ways to share stories at a safe distance. Hang in there, all. We love you. We’d love to know what you’re up to, how you’ve passed the time in an era of isolation. Did you recite Shakespeare monologues? Sing broadway show tunes? Tell family stories? Let us know, by emailing us at theappleseed@byu.edu. We love to hear from you, especially now.
Sometimes the smartest people have the hardest time being heard. From Lucy in The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe, to Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter, it’s often those who are small or young that have the best ideas but the smallest audiences. Today, in a story by Susan Strauss, we’ll hear about an underestimated spider who is smarter than a Coyote. We’ll also hear more tales of animals and young people from Norah Dooley, and Bill Harley.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Molly O’Donahue” by Norah Dooley
Story Spotlight: “Coyote Goes To The Sky” by Susan Strauss
Storytime: “Bucket of Beans, Clarisse, and the Bubble Machine” by Bill Harley
Radio Family Journal: Alpine Yodeler
Storyteller Spotlight: Susan Strauss Susan Strauss is recognized internationally as a storyteller of natural history performances, combining mythic/traditional story with personal anecdote and scientific information to provoke an experience of natural archetypes, including: water, plants, marine life, landscapes, wolves, and other creatures. Susan also tells fool stories, hero myths and traditional stories of feminine and masculine archetypes. She gives storytelling performances and workshops at a host of different places including museums, aquariums, assorted professional conferences, and school assemblies throughout the U.S., Europe and Australia.
She teaches at Oregon State University and is affiliate faculty at University of Idaho. Her material is generated from extensive research in linguistic, anthropological and biological texts.
Susan has produced multi-cultural storytelling books and award-winning audio recordings of children's and adult stories, all of which can be ordered from her website at http://www.straussstoryteller.com/
Cunning characters are at the heart of so many great stories. And at the heart of today's episode of The Apple Seed is a variation of The Gingerbread Man, a story called "Cornbread Man" from Linda Gorham. You'll also hear stories featuring cunning characters from Mary Hamilton and Bill Harley.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “The Farmer's Daughter” by Mary Hamilton (13:01)
Story Spotlight: “Cornbread Man” by Linda Gorham (13:07)
Storytime: “Come On Out & Play (Bear's All-Night Play)” by Bill Harley (9:40)
“Fox Hunter's Survival Kit” by Michael Reno Harrell (7:19)
Radio Family Journal: Dance Contest
In the months before COVID-19, we had some of our favorite storytellers into the studio for intimate evenings of storytelling before a live audience. Geraldine Buckley paid us a visit back then, and delivered a warm, funny evening of stories about some of her adventures. Geralding is now a super hero of sorts -- on the front lines of the pandemic, working as a hospital chaplain, bringing hope and comfort to people who need it most. These storyteller visits were also recorded as video performances for you to enjoy. To find them, visit the Apple Seed: Tellers and Stories on Facebook.
From Grimm’s Fairy Tales to Barbie movies, we’ve all heard princess stories; they’re full of magic, wit, and of course, love. Today’s princess stories will be told by Jullie Barnson, Priscilla Howe, and Megan Hicks. Some will have dancing, some will have necklaces, and some will even have roasted chickens! But at their core, every single one of them will have the important lesson that truly anyone can find love - even if it doesn't come from where you expected. So put on your glass slippers and join us for the adventurous tales of princesses in love.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” PART ONE by Megan Hicks (10:18)
Story Spotlight: “Blockhead Hans” by Jullie Barnson (10:50)
Daily Mix: Paul Ricks discusses “Bearskinner”
Storytime: “The Broken Token” by Mike Agranoff (6:07)
“The Monkey’s Necklace” by Priscilla Howe (3:21)
“The Twelve Dancing Princesses” PART TWO by Megan Hicks (10:18)
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a terrific performance by John McCutcheon, recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, of stories and songs that will get you talking about your family. It's Kindergarten Wall" and "The Room at the Top of the Stairs," today on The Apple Seed. Find more of John's terrific work (indlucing any of his 40 albums -- no kidding: 40 ALBUMS) at his website, folkmusic.com
On today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a conversation about storytelling with Donna Washington. It's a conversation we recorded back when people could be in the same room together, at the university library in St. Louis, Missouri. Donna was part of the featured lineup for the terrific St. Louis Storytelling Festival -- nearly four decades old and a destination for lovers of great stories each year. Donna told an hour's worth of great stories in front of an audience of elementary school kids, and then sat down with us for a chat and a tale. Enjoy part our chat today, as well as a story that Donna had known since she was little: a Knock at the Door. Find out more about Donna and her terrific work at donnawashington.com.
Why do mosquitos buzz in people's ears? How did the whale get his throat? These are some questions that can be answered by stories, specifically “Why and How" stories. Otherwise known as “Por Qua” stories, these tales give fanciful explanations to the natural world. Today on The Apple Seed, the Whys and Hows will be explained by tellers Jim Weiss, Donna Washington, Charlotte Blake-Aslton, and Mike Pinder.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears” by Donna Washington
Story Spotlight: “How the Whale Got His Throat” by Jim Weiss
Storytime: “Why Cats Live with Women” by Charlotte Blake Alston
“Why the Sky if Far Away” by Mike Pinder
“How the Animals Got Rain” by Donna Washington
If you’ve ever gone through a phase where you were obsessed with a certain hobby, or if you’ve found your lifelong passion, then you’ll relate to the young boy at the center of the story, “The Boy Who Drew Cats” by Heather Forest. As you might imagine, it’s all about a young boy who knows exactly what he wants to spend his life doing: drawing cats! The problem? How can he find a time and place for his passion among his everyday, practical duties? Find out the ending to this story and more, like tales from Milbre Burch, Alan Hoal, Lona Barltett, and Joel Ben Izzy!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “The King’s Riddles” by Joel Ben Izzy (6:52)
“A Joel Story - The Muffler Pipe” by Lona Barlette (6:49)
Story Spotlight: “The Boy Who Drew Cats” by Heather Forest (10:16)
Storytime: “Loyal Tiger Son” by Milbre Burch (7:40)
“Hot Diggity Saves the Day” by Alan Hoal (16:04)
Radio Family Journal: Tiger
In these days of isolation, Sam has been posting songs to social media -- songs of hope and hanging on -- more or less daily. We thought we'd bring you some of those songs here, as Apple Seed Extras.
Here's what Sam says about today's song:
"This is a song I wrote some years ago, and it’s based on the story of the Prodigal Son. I wrote it, in fact, during an era of my life when I felt like I was coming to myself, and pressing, at last, homeward.
I didn’t perform the song much – sometimes a song takes awhile to find the story it wants to belong to. And then I learned about Bobby, the dog that drove with his humans, Frank and Elizabeth Brazier, from Silverton, Oregon to somewhere in Indiana one summer, and got lost. And the brazier’s sorrowed for him, but eventually had to head home. Six months later, Bobby, worn and tired, showed up in Silverton Oregon, his home, having walked there from Indiana. He almost certainly swam the Mississippi River, and crossed the Continental divide in the middle of winter. It’s a marvelous story, the story of Bobbie the Wonderdog, and even though the song is about humans and not dogs, it has come to belong to that story in a way that seems right. The song is called Pressing Home."
Here are the lyrics:
Out beyond the summer, past a sea of falling leaves
Out beyond where he can hear his mother as she grieves
Out beyond the liars and the gamblers and the thieves
There's a guy out there, a-sleeping in his car
Once that boy had legs of iron and a heart made out of steel
And he told you he was leaving, and he bent you to his will
And you held him, and you wept, and begged him not to go until
He disappeared beneath the falling of a star
And he's been gone, gone through the wind and the sorrow
Heaven know each blessed mile has cut him to the bone
On, on through today and tomorrow
With his coat around his ears, somewhere he's pressing home
Pressing home
And he's carrying a burden that you figured he deserved
Pressing home now, with the wages of whatever god he served
In his heart there is a memory that his mind somehow preserved
As the last negotiation in a war
And he's been gone, gone through the wind and the sorrow
Heaven know each blessed mile has cut him to the bone
On, on through today and tomorrow
With his coat around his ears, somewhere he's pressing home
Pressing home
So won't you pray that he'll keep coming, though you don't know how or when
And that the strength that took him out might serve to bring him home again
And know he prays himself, a-searching the horizon for a friend
Though he hardly can remember who you are, who you are
And he's been gone, gone through the wind and the sorrow
Heaven know each blessed mile has cut him to the bone
On, on through today and tomorrow
With his coat around his ears, somewhere he's pressing home
Pressing home
Is there one who will go out to mee the boy who ran
So many miles away, before he turned and breathed
And started back again
Heaven knkows I am
Pressing home
We hope you enjoy the song. Hang in there, and we look forward to our next visit on The Apple Seed.
On today’s Apple Seed Extra, we want to share a letter from a listener. This comes from Sheldon Pickering, a small business owner in Farmington, New Mexico, and, we gotta say, a heckuva piano player and composer as well. He’s good to his employees – when the pandemic hit and everyone found themselves in isolation, Sheldon started a Facebook group called A Matter of Faith, where the families of his employees, and other friends and family and neighbors, could keep connected. Sheldon sent us this piece, along with a photograph of a little model car that sits on his desk, a constant reminder of the trips he’d love to be taking in the real car that sits in his driveway. With Sheldon’s permission, we’ll bring you the whole letter here on the Apple Seed. In it, you’ll hear some of the frustration shared by many, and a certain perplexity at the things that perplex many, and, certainly, the hope that so many share. We’re calling this piece “Hope is a 2001 Suburban.” We hope you enjoy it.
When have you felt like you were in a movie? Today, in a story spotlight by Sheila Arnold, we’ll hear about how Sheila pulled off a Mission-Impossible-style stunt to save her and her roommate from a love-sick hippo in Africa. But even more adventures await in stories from Fran Yardley, Sean K. Buvala, Betty Ann Wylie, and Willy Claflin, along with an entry in Sam’s radio family journal.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Conner and the Leprechaun” by Fran Yardley
Story Spotlight: “Malawian Hippo Love Story” by Sheila Arnold
Storytime: “Calling Out A Rising Sun” by Sean K. Buvala
“The Three Dolls” by Betty Ann Wylie
“Just One More Story” by Willy Claflin
Radio Family Journal: Giraffes
Storteller Spotlight: Sheila Arnold
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “The Road Back Home” by Ben Izzy Joel in Buried Treasures (15:49)
Story Spotlight: “Montina the Divine Bovine” by Bil Lepp in The Divine Bovine (14:50)
Story Time: “Back To Grandma’s House” by Donald Davis in The Grand Canyon [12:29
Radio Family Journal: Mercedes Benz
Storyteller Spotlight: Bil Lepp
A lot of our favorite storytellers -- especially those who specialize in tall tales (we'd never say "lies," would we?) cut their teeth in regional liars contests; there's a big one in West Virginia, one in Texas, and one in Utah each April, sponsored by the Timpanogos Storytelling Institute. In today's Apple Seed Extra, enjoy a story by George McEwan -- a tall tale about cats, with which he won his sixth Utah Liars Contest. It was recorded back when people could all get together. We look forward to those times coming again.
This week, on social media, we posted a video of our friend Andy Offutt Irwin performing one of his really wonderful Aunt Marguerite stories for a live audience right here in our studios as part of our Apple Seed Live series. It was recorded before everyone went home to isolate themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re so glad we have those video recordings to cheer our hearts with terrific stories. You can find them by heading over to our Facebook page. We’ll keep posting them there. The Andy Offutt Irwin piece is about a visit between a little girl named Shayla, and her doctor, Marguerite Van Camp, Andy’s fictional great aunt, who went back to medical school as an octogenarian. It’s a lovely piece, and you should go to Facebook to take a look.
Posting that piece of Andy’s on social media left us with a hankering to show off one of Andy’s other talents, one we don’t get to feature on The Apple Seed as much as we ought to – Andy, as his storytelling audiences across the country know, is a whistler par excellence. And on a recent set of recordings, a set of recordings that features a terrific story called Love at 85, the story of dear Aunt Marguerite stumbling into an affectionate relationship with an old friend named Ike, there is also this track that we want to bring you here in this Apple Seed Extra. It’s the fourth movement of one of the loveliest of Bach’s cantatas, written for strings and voices – The cantata is called “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme,” or “Awake, calls the voice to us," a text inspired by the biblical parable of the Ten Virgins. This movement is called “Zion Hears the Watchmen Singing.” Bach’s cantata was first performed in 1731, but the whole thing is based on a Lutheran Hymn written way back in 1598 by Phillip Nicolai. He wrote the hymn during a time when the plague had hit the town where he was living as a preacher. And when he published the hymn, it came with a preface, in which Niccolai said:
"Day by day I wrote out my meditations, found myself, thank God, wonderfully well, comforted in heart, joyful in spirit, and truly content; gave to my manuscript the name and title of a Mirror of Joy... to leave behind me (if God should call me from this world) as a token of my peaceful, joyful, Christian departure, or (if God should spare me in health) to comfort other sufferers whom He should also visit with the pestilence."
This tune seemed to be an appropriate comfort during such a time as we are living. This version is an arrangement for bass and harp, with Andy whistling. We thought we’d bring this to you, our Apple Seed family, as today’s Apple Seed Extra. Here are Andy and his friends with Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, Awake, calls the voice to us, here, on The Apple Seed.
Find more of Andy's work at andyirwin.com.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Time to Run!” by Donald Davis
Story Spotlight: “The Crying Woman’s Channel” By Don White
Daily Mix: Rachel Wadham discusses “Penguin Problems”
“The Boy Who Wanted the Moon” by “Donna Washington”
Radio Family Journal: Dark Patch
Storyteller Spotlight: Don White
The Apple Seed first encountered Don White at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in 2019 and found that he does much more than just tell stories. He’s also an award-winning singer/songwriter, a comedian, and an author. He’s been bringing audiences to laughter and tears for thirty years, released ten CDs, three live DVDs, and a book, Memoirs of a C Student. His latest album is Live at the Guthrie Center, available now at www.donwhite.net and www.nimbitmusic.com/donwhite. In 2011, he won the Jerry Christen Memorial Award, given out by Boston Area Coffeehouse Association, for his work with the community and that same year was given a key to the city in his hometown of Lynn, Massachusetts. He has joined master storytellers Bil Lepp and Bill Harley in Father’s Daze, a hilarious three-man storytelling show about the triumphs and tribulations of fatherhood. He toured North America for nine years with folk songwriting legend Christine Lavin, with whom he still plays the occasional show.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “The Pace of Youth” by Barry Stewart Mann
Story Spotlight: “Ossein and the Isle of Tier na Nog” by Brian "Fox" Ellis
Daily Mix: Cielle Salazar discusses “Wicked Game”
Storytime: “The Grateful Statues” by Alton Chung
Radio Family Journal: Running
Storyteller Spotlight: Brian "Fox" Ellis
Brian "Fox" Ellis is an internationally acclaimed author, storyteller, historian, and naturalist. He has worked with The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, The Field Museum and dozens of other museums across the country. Fox is a highly sought keynote speaker at regional and international conferences including the International Wetlands Conservation Conference, National Science Teachers Association Conference and the North American Prairie Conservation Conference, et al.
Fox is also the Artistic Director for Prairie Folklore Theatre, a unique theatre company that celebrates ecology and history through original musical theatre productions. He is the author of 16 books, and many of his stories are also available on one of 12 CDs. He and his wife run a Bed and Breakfast in Bishop Hill, Illinois, The Twinflower Inn.
Fox is launching a podcast and Youtube channel soon, tune into Fox Tales to hear more of his stories.
Here's a terrific song, just perfect for the times. Bill Harley wrote this song for his sons, and the recording you'll hear in today's Apple Seed Extra was made live at the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall in the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. It's an affirmation of connection, filled with the resolve that when our loved ones are in trouble, all they need to do is pick up the phone. These days, so many of our storytelling friends are finding new ways to connect with the people who are hungry for their stories. Bill, for example, is doing a live concert from his office every Tuesday and Thursday. Visit Billharley.com to find out more.
Today on The Apple Seed, you'll hear a story from Sheila Arnold – a story called “Simon and Susannah” about true love, and about how the Blue Ridge Mountains came to be. You'll also hear a story from the great musical storyteller Odds Bodkin – it’s just a tiny little part of homer's the Odyssey the epic tale from more than 2,700 years ago of Odysseus’ return to Greece after the Trojan War. The part you'll hear today is just a little bit of that enormous story: just the part about the Trojan horse (Odds Bodkin calls it “The Belly of the Horse”). You'll also hear a story from Noa Baum: a story called “The Hunchback Brothers;” No, it's not a band name, it's a story, and you'll love it. You'll also hear an entry in the Radio Family Journal about robot wars imagined by Sam's little brother on family walks when they were kids. It's all this hour on The Apple Seed!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Simon & Susannah” by Sheila Arnold
Story Spotlight: “Belly of the Horse” by Odds Bodkin
Story Time: “The Hunchback Brothers” by Noa Baum
Radio Family Journal: Robot Wars
Storyteller Spotlight: Odds Bodkin Since 1982, professional storyteller Odds Bodkin has combined dramatic voices, vocal effects, narrative and live music to create imaginative experiences for audiences. During those decades he has created hundreds of tales that range from a four hour version of The Odyssey to children’s musicals. Using only 12-string guitars, Celtic harp and folk instruments without electronic effects, he transforms his voice into heroes, giants, villains and animals while playing live music to create vivid, cinematic soundscapes. He also creates realistic effects with his voice––water droplets, wind, galloping hoofs, crashing waves––to add imagery to his tales.
A published children’s author and award-winning recording artist, he has toured Great Britain, performed twice at The White House, been called “a consummate storyteller” by The New York Times for his Off-Broadway shows at Lincoln Center and been a Featured Teller at the National Storytelling Festival. He is often asked to tell at schools, from groups of K-3 children to University students. Museums like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston hire him to tell stories about works in their collections, while companies and organizations like IBM and Target commission original performances and voice-overs for outreach and educational media. His recordings and books have won Parents’ Choice, Indie, Golden Headset, Storytelling World, Pick of the Lists, Editors’ Choice and Dove awards.
Odds Bodkin’s unique storytelling audio and music recordings, as well as his epic novel in verse, The Water Mage’s Daughter, are all available on his website. We are grateful to welcome him back to the Apple Seed.
It’s great to have you with us here for an Apple Seed Extra – something special that’s available only here on the Apple Seed podcast space.
In these days of dealing with the isolation of social distancing, we’re producing the Apple Seed from a couple of home studios. Sam took to posting to social media a little song every day – something filled with a little hope and a little encouragement to hang on. We thought we’d bring you some of those pieces here, as Apple Seed Extras. These aren’t studio recordings, and you’ll be able to tell – they’re made with an iPad, aimed at Sam while he sits at his desk. But we do hope that you enjoy them. We’re happy to bring them to you here on The Apple Seed.
Here’s what Sam says about today’s song:
“This is a song called ‘Columbia,’ named for the space shuttle that disintegrated over Texas on the 1st of February in 2003. I remember being in fourth grade and watching that shuttle take off for the first time – I watched it in the media center of Alpine Elementary school. 22 years later, I turned on the TV to watch Saturday morning cartoons with my little boy, and on every channel there was just a blue field with a little white line on it that had only moments before, been Columbia. The morning was filled with questions from my son about that tragedy, but as the morning wore on, the questions opened up to include questions about how big outer space was, and could my son go there someday, and by the end of the morning we were downloading photos of the International Space Station. It was quite a morning, and this song of hope came out of it.
Here are the lyrics to Columbia:
Hey brother I know who you are
You've got nothing to lose
Head full of taxes and your car
And the feet in your shoes
Hey brother don't you notice me above your head?
Holding up the moon for you to see
there it is now turning red
And if I go out in a burning blaze
It's a less than subtle gesture but I hope it says
Somehow to
Look up look up, through the starry day
Look up look up this rocket knows the way
Look up look up might I be so bold
Hey brother look up
Hey brother I knew your dad
You know you've got his eyes
I lit up dreams he never knew he had
Of the midnight skies
Hey brother you've been told
And it's all true
I'm as common as a lightning Bolt
Whistling through the blue
And if I go out in a burning blaze
Well I guess that's what it takes in these here troubled days
To get you to
Look up look up, through the starry day
Look up look up this rocket knows the way
Look up look up might I be so bold
Hey brother look up
Won't you catch me in my flying dream machine
Spin that speedometer round
It's a car like you've hardly ever seen
Gonna lift you up like thunder
Right off the ground
We’d love to know what you’re up to, how you’ve passed the time in an era of isolation. Did you recite Shakespeare monologues? Sing broadway show tunes? Tell family stories? Let us know, by emailing us at theappleseed@byu.edu. We love to hear from you, especially now. And thanks for joining us for an Apple Seed Extra.
There’s nothing like the great outdoors! From the mountains to the water, to the trees - and yes, even the mosquitos - everything around us is filled with both beauty and the possibility for adventure. To find out why mosquitos insist on annoying people, or who made it possible for Lewis and Clark to navigate North America, listen to these stories by Doug Elliot, Jim Weiss, Susan Strauss, and Diane Edgecomb about the amazing planet we live on.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: "Five Sparrows" by Susan Strauss (10:17)
Story Spotlight: “Mosquito Story” by Doug Elliot (11:14)
Storytime: "Rivers and Mountains" by Jim Weiss (6:06)
“The Voice of the Creator” by Diane Edgecomb (6:03)
"Three Green Ladies" by Diane Edgecomb (7:22)
Radio Family Journal: Bird
Sometimes the most seemingly random things can make us feel nostalgic. It might be a certain treat, song, scent, picture, or anything really, that will bring you right back to “the good old days.” These stories today are about the things we connect with our homes, childhoods, and identities. As told by Carmen Deedy, Adam Booth, and Mike Agranoff, we’ll hear about how anything from a smile from a stranger or a silly game by the creek can make us feel connected to ourselves again.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: PART I of "The Old Folks Home" by Adam Booth
Story Spotlight: “Peanut Man” by Carmen Deedy
Daily Mix: Steven Kapp Perry discusses “Traveling Songs”
Storytime: “Sing that Stephen Foster Song” by Mike Agranoff
PART II of “The Old Folks Home" Adam Booth
Radio Family Journal: Stories About Other People
In a recent episode of The Apple Seed, you heard (in addition to stories from Carmen Deedy, Adam Booth, and more) a song performed by Mike Agranoff and his friends called "Sing that Stephen Foster Song." The song got us thinking about Stephen Collins Foster, the song's namesake, who was one of America's greatest songwriters. He wrote Oh Susannah, Hard Times Come Again No More, Old Folks at Home, My Old Kentucky Home, and nearly countless others. His story is a sad one, but it's a great one. We thought you might like to hear it as today's Apple Seed Extra.
In these days of flattening the curve, we’re producing the Apple Seed these days from a couple of home studios – like you, we’ve been self-isolating, and, like you, looking for ways to reach out to our fellow humans. During this time, Sam took to posting to social media a little song every day – something filled with a little hope and a little encouragement to hang on. We thought we’d bring you some of those pieces here, as Apple Seed Extras. These aren’t studio recordings, and you’ll be able to tell – they’re made with a little Canon SLR camera, aimed at Sam while he sits on the piano bench in his office. But we do hope that you enjoy them.
Here's what Sam says about this tune:
“Sometimes, especially in days like these, it seems like there’s a lot we would do for the ones we love, but can’t. And sometimes it seems like our love is the only thing we can send out into the world from where we’re locked up tight ourselves. But we do, we send our love out there in all the ways we can think up, and we can think up a lot of ways.
This is a song written a few years ago, long before the crises we’re currently all facing together. It’s a song that I most often dedicate to our kids, who right now are moving us with their care for each other. So often we watch our kids grow up and go off to face whatever adventures the world might bring, and sometimes we wish we could send more along with them than just our love. But love can be a lot. For our kids and for yours, here’s a song.”
MY LOVE GONNA FOLLOW YOU DOWN
You can fly, fly away
Off to feed some yearning
Off to some bright day
Through some cold morning
And though you don’t look back
Though you don’t turn ‘round
Like a whisper from above
Oh my love gonna follow you down
Though the world don’t care
And though it try to break you
And though you don’t know where
The long and winding road will take you
And all your sacred dreams
They all come unwound
When the pushin’ comes to shove
Oh my love gonna follow you down
And it’s a wide, wide view
Far across this meadow
Ocean deep in blue
Canyon dim in shadow
And if you lift your eyes
When you hear some sound
Like a soft grey dove
Oh my love gonna follow you down
Though the earth may move
Oh my love gonna follow you down
You've likely heard the old saying, "...In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." Benjamin Franklin said that. And those are two topics that are certain to be covered on today's episode of The Apple Seed. Certainly, an untimely demise is something to be avoided. And it seems most people dread an increase in their payments to Uncle Sam. But have you ever stopped to think about some of the wonderful, beautiful things our taxes go toward? Today you'll hear stories from Bil Lepp and Donald Davis that offer a different perspective on the hot-button topic that is "Taxes". You'll also hear a short radio drama from Jeff Simpson, as well as stories from Bruce Walker and Den Keding.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: "The Black Cat" by Dan Keding (10:18)
Story Spotlight: "There Stands a Bridge" by Bil Lepp (10:12)
Daily Mix: Gene Nelson discusses "Bear Comes Along"
Storytime: "Paying Taxes" and "Visiting 'Our Property'" by Donald Davis (5:51)
"The Tax Man" by Jeff Simpson (5:17)
"Uncle Remus and the Banker" by Bruce Walker (1:49)
Radio Family Journal: In the Pool
Storyteller Spotlight: Bil Lepp
In a recent episode of The Apple Seed, you heard a couple of stories from the terrific mime and storyteller, Motoko. One of them was a tiny little story about a riddle that Motoko's grandmother used to tell, and the other was a a story about Motoko getting acquainted with the animals of the Chinese zodiac -- a story called "The Tale of Twelve Animals." We had a conversation with Motoko last time she was in town. She was collaborating with Wendy Gourley on a play about the World War II Japanese Internment camps. We spoke with her about how she came to be a storyteller. We enjoyed our conversation, and we thought you would too. It's today's Apple Seed Extra.
Throughout our lives we often meet people that change us in some way. Whether that be in a way that opens our minds to new possibilities, or simply gives us good memories to look back on, we all influence each other, and we are all influenced by each other. Family in that respect is often very influential and can change not only memories but also lives in the process. In this episode we will see examples of some of the influential people and stories from one’s life, and how these stories continue to influence generations that follow. There is often no set way to enjoy life, but family is often a good start.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Laughing Night” by Charlotte Blake-Alston in Timp 2017 (12:59)
Story Spotlight: “Gregory’s Story” by Judith Black in Oops Ma! (11:01)
Daily Mix: Richie Steadman discusses “The Story Pirates Podcast”
Storytime:
“Grandma’s Riddle” by Motoko in Like a Lotus Flower (1:29)
“The Tale of Twelve Animals” by Motoko in Tales of Now & Zen (15:51)
Who were your closest playmates growing up? For many of us, that was our siblings -or perhaps you had friends so close that they felt like your siblings. Brothers and sisters can be anything from our greatest annoyances to our most loyal partners in crimebut through it all, we love them dearly. In today’s episode, we hope to share some of that sibling culture with stories from Dolores Hydock, Willy Claflin, and Danielle Bellonne about the people that have loved and influenced us, for better or for worse, as we grew up.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Babysitters and Siblings
Daily Mix: Jeff Simpson discusses “Hunt For the Wilderpeople"
Story Spotlight: “Ka-ulu, The Strong” by Willy Claflin on The Uglified Duckling (8:31)
"Brothers Road" by Sam Payne (3:51)
Storytime: “The Chenoo” by Joseph Bruchac on When The Chenoo Howls Volume 1 (9:18)
“Merisier, Stronger Than Elephants” by Danielle Bellonne on Moon-Eyed Sister (14:15)
Storyteller Spotlight: Willy Claflin A headliner and master of ceremonies at the National Storytelling Festival, Willy is a favorite at festivals throughout the U.S. He offers stories for families as well as adults, often weaving music into his performances. Willy is the author of four award-winning children's books, including The Uglified Ducky, which won the Texas Library Association's Blue Bonnet Award for best children's book of the year.
Like you, we’ve been self-isolating, and, like you, looking for ways to reach out to our fellow humans. Sam has posted to social media a little song every day – something filled with a little hope and a little encouragement to hang on. We thought we’d bring you some of those pieces here, as Apple Seed Extras. These aren’t studio recordings, and you’ll be able to tell – they’re made with an iPad. Still, we’re happy to bring them to you here on The Apple Seed. Here’s what Sam says about today’s song:
“The summer I turned 13, I was cast in a local production of Rogers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music. It was directed by Joan Lindsay, a dynamo of productivity in local theater – she directed a lot of the shows we were in as kids. And this one was performed in the very beautiful American Fork Amphitheater, one of those terrific depression-era works project Amphitheaters of which there are a couple in the valley where I grew up. Anyway, it was a terrific, kind of foundational experience for me – kind of the first time I’d been on stage in front of any kind of audience.
Anyway, fast-forward to twenty years later. I’m living three hundred miles from my hometown, and I get a card in the mail – it’s an invitation to come and see a production of The Sound of Music at the American Fork Amphitheater, directed by Joan Lindsey, and even featuring a lot of the same folks who were in the show when I was in it – I mean, the folks who played kids when I was in the show were now playing nuns, or grown-up Nazis, or whatever, but they’ve tracked down most of the cast from the production when I was a kid, and those who aren’t in this 20-year anniversary show are invited to come and see the show, and attend a kind of reception afterward.
And I decide I’d like to go. So I hit the road to drive the 300 miles to see the show. It’s me and my two-year-old. And the old Toyota has some car trouble, and we get it sorted out, but it makes us late for the show. In fact, we walk into the amphitheater just in time for the curtain call. And the music playing under the curtain call is a reprise of Eidelweiss, and I’m reminded of what a beautiful song that is. Rogers and Hamerstein wrote it, but it sounds like this kind of timeless folk song, this song that somehow captures the spirit and heart and patriotism of all of Austria in a song about one of its flowers.
Well, I enjoyed the time with old friends, and my son and I slept at my Dad’s house, and in the morning, we climbed in the Toyota to head back home, 300 miles away. And I kept thinking about Eidelweiss, and what the Eidelweiss of my homeland would be. And the State Flower of Utah is the Sego Lily, and despite its venerable history saving the lives of starving Utah settlers who dug and ate sego lily bulbs during times of starvation, I wasn’t feeling it. But as I drove, I saw as if for the first time, growing along the desert freeway, along its sides and in the median, were thousands upon thousands of sunflowers.
Willa Cather has Jim Burden talk about sunflowers in My Antonio. Burden says that he had heard a legend that sunflowers came out west with Mormon Settlers fleeing persecution in the east – that the Mormons cast sunflower seeds along the roads as they traveled. And Burden admits that the story is apocryphal, but that still, roads bordered with sunflowers have always seemed to him to be the roads of freedom.
This song was born on that 300-mile drive, with my two-year old asleep in his carseat, and it was pretty much finished by the time I pulled in the driveway.”
Here are the lyrics, in case you’d like to read along:
Sunflower, looking like an exile, you and me so far from home
Heaven knows how deep your story goes
Flung like a freedom-seed against the guns behind you, look at you
Got the desert now blooming like a rose
So, little thing, lift your head to God and grow
I think it’s enough for me, and I won’t let go
Sunflower, pushing me a long now, you and I got far to go
Heaven knows I’m weary hanging on
Flung out among the sage, by my mama’s mama’s mama, look at you
I can see right through you to the dawn
So, little thing, lift your head to God and grow
I think it’s enough for me, and I won’t let go
Time to time the desert can bring me down
Dry up my brain, brittle my bones
Just like the hand of mercy you bring me ‘round
A little yellow now and then never hurt me
You know it’s nothing like a friend to desert me
Sunflower, bringing on the daytime
You and I must make it through
Heaven knows I’m stronger than before
Yellow all along the road like a beacon there before me
Gonna see me safely through the war
So, little thing, lift your head to God and grow
I think it’s enough for me, and I won’t let go
We’d love to know what you’re up to, how you’ve passed the time in an era of isolation. Did you recite Shakespeare monologues? Sing broadway show tunes? Tell family stories? Let us know, by emailing us at theappleseed@byu.edu. We love to hear from you, especially now. And thanks for joining us for an Apple Seed Extra. The producer of The Apple Seed is Jeff Simpson. I’m Sam Payne.
Have you ever felt like dancing? Maybe it was because you were just too excited and happy to contain yourself, you needed to express sadness, or you were at a party with your friends. Either way, dancing is a universal form of art found in every culture, every child, and every embarrassing coming-of-age story. Today we’ll hear stories about all the emotions that come with dancing - joy, awkwardness, vulnerability, and especially freedom - from the wonderful tellers Dovie Thomason, Kare Strong, Josh Goforth, and Geraldine Buckley.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Story Kickoff: “Faery Dust” by Kare Strong and Josh Goforth on Rivers of Love (3:25)
Story Spotlight: “7 Dog’s Tails” by Dovie Thomason on Voices of the Animal People D2 (11:16)
Daily Mix: Colton Soelberg discusses “The French Laundry"
“Connie Dances” by Geraldine Buckley on Tea in the Slammer (18:33)
Radio Family Journal: Penelope Butterscotch Pudding
You recently heard part I of the Brian Fox Ellis story, "The Ballad of Nancy" on an episode of the Apple Seed called "Second Chances." On today's Apple Seed "Extra" you'll hear part II of the story. This one's called "The Ballad of Rusty" and it's our pleasure to bring it to you.
We always hope the stories we bring you on The Apple Seed spark memories you can share with your loved ones. And sometimes those memories are ABOUT our loved ones. On today's episode you'll hear a story from Donald Davis called "Second Chances." In it, Donald shares his memories of his crazy uncles and their neverending pranks.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Storytime: "Second Chances" by Donald Davis
Story Spotlight: "The Ballad of Nancy" by Brian Fox Ellis
Daily Mix: Mark Wait discusses “The Johnny Mann Singers”
Radio Family Journal: Baseball Kid
Storyteller Spotlight: Brian "Fox" Ellis Brian "Fox" Ellis is an internationally acclaimed author, storyteller, historian, and naturalist. He has worked with The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, The Field Museum and dozens of other museums across the country. Fox is a highly sought keynote speaker at regional and international conferences including the International Wetlands Conservation Conference, National Science Teachers Association Conference and the North American Prairie Conservation Conference, et al.
Fox is also the Artistic Director for Prairie Folklore Theatre, a unique theatre company that celebrates ecology and history through original musical theatre productions. He is the author of 16 books, and many of his stories are also available on one of 12 CDs. He and his wife run a Bed and Breakfast in Bishop Hill, Illinois, The Twinflower Inn.
Fox is launching a podcast and YouTube channel soon, tune into Fox Tales to hear more of his stories
As you may know, in these days of social distancing – we’re producing the Apple Seed these days from a couple of home studios – like you, we’ve been self-isolating, and, like you, looking for ways to reach out to our fellow humans. Sam took to posting to social media a little song every day. These aren’t studio recordings, and you’ll be able to tell – they’re made with an iPad. But we do hope that you enjoy them.
Today’s tune is called “Spaceman.” Here’s what Sam says about it:
“it was written after I heard a radio interview with Jerry Linenger, an American Astronaut who spent some months aboard the Russian space station MIR back in 1997. The radio interview was in 1999, about his book, Off the Planet, about his adventures in outer space, which included the worst fire ever dealt with in an orbiting spacecraft to date.
I wrote the song before I knew much about Jerry Linenger, but I’ve since learned more – I’ve even spoke with him on the Apple Seed, and got some of his story. I learned that battling that fire along with the two cosmonauts with whom he lived on that station, and thinking his life had come to an end, he realized that he hadn’t had time to communicate to his son, John, who was just a toddler back then and back on earth, all the things he knew and loved and believed, and he resolved that on each day left to him in outer space, he’d write a letter to his son. He did that, on a laptop computer, and transmitted the letter to mission control in Moscow, and finally to his family’s home in the United States. Little John is a grownup now, and has those letters, written to him from outer space by his father. We have them too, incidentally. They were all published in a book called Letters From MIR.
This song was written before I knew most of that. It’s mostly about how being in outer space must be an incredible adventure, and also must be incredibly lonely.”
Here are the lyrics, in case you’d like to read along:
A hundred days in outer space, I sail the starry sea
In my thousand-dollar PJS, with my black-and-white TV
Baby no one speaks my language, and I cannot drink their tea
And the air all smells of cosmonauts; it's near too much for me
But I watch my baby planet hanging blue inside its bubble full of air
And I turn there in the silence and my mind can see you turning, turning there
Now the sunrise on the Rockies I could cover with a dime
And the pyramids of Egypt passed me for the thousandth time
18,000 miles an hour, up the universe we climb
And I do my bit for science while my spirit burns and burns
I'm riding in a Winnebago and there aren't any doors
And I paste and paste the ceiling I assume you paste the floors
This has changed me for forever i'm a far far better man
But I wake up from my sleeping and I cannot find your hand
'Cause i'm a spaceman
Baby when this trip is over and it will be over soon
I'll breathe air I didn't make and I will gaze up at the moon
I will walk up on the grass is I will eat soup from a spoon
And I will not float away when you reach out for me
So reach out for me
Galaxies are not enough without a hand to hold
Let me know i'm not alone warm me up from orbit's cold
Did I mention that it's changed me i'm a far far better man
But my bones are tired of weightlessness so ground me if you can
'Cause i'm a spaceman
We’d love to know what you’re up to, how you’ve passed the time in an era of isolation. Did you recite Shakespeare monologues? Sing broadway show tunes? Tell family stories? Let us know, by emailing us at theappleseed@byu.edu. We love to hear from you, especially now.
On today’s episode of The Apple Seed, you’ll hear a story from Mara Menzies, whose Scottish and Kenyan heritage makes every storytelling performance a trip around the world. She’ll share a tale she learned from her Grandmother when she was a child, called “Chicken and Eagle,” about two friends, the trouble that comes between them, and about why the chicken still pecks at the dirt, even today. You’ll hear a story from songwriter and storyteller Susan Reed – a take on a very old story called “The Golden Thread.” It’s a story that ponders a question: if you could skip the difficult parts of your life (or the parts of your life that you anticipate might be difficult), would you? How would you pick the moments to skip? A story that might give you something to talk about, from Susan Reed. You’ll also hear a story from Laura Simms, about a visit to a New York City secondary school full of students, and the effect that Laura’s stories had on them, in “Making Peace.” You’ll hear a conversation with Teresa Love about the Maurice Sendak classic “Where the Wild Things Are,” and an entry in the Radio Family Journal, too.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Chicken and Eagle” by Mara Menzies
“The Golden Thread” by Susan Reed
“Making Peace” by Laura Simms
A conversation with Teresa Love about Marice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are.”
“Rushing By,” an entry in the Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne
What’s a piece of particularly good advice you got from someone older? Perhaps you remember your grandmother telling you stories about when she was young, or you remember your father helping you through a hard time in your life with a small dose of sage wisdom. Today’s stories from Big Joe Pagliuca, Joseph Bruchac, Carmen Deedy, and Kevin Kling are all about the good advice that comes from those who are a little older, but a lot wiser than we are.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
“Rabbit’s Snow Dance” by Joseph Bruchac on The Boy Who Lived With Bears (7:28)
"Willie and the Hairy Man" by Big Joe Pagliuca on Spooky Ooky (12:23)
Daily Mix: Stewart Foster discusses “Stuff You Should Know”
"Silly Jack" by Ed Stivender (6:54)
“Snow Day” by Kevin Kling on Stories Off the Shallow End (6:42)
Radio Family Journal: Aunt Ann's Advice
Storyteller Spotlight: Big Joe Pagliuca His name is Joe Pagliuca, but you can call him Big Joe! That was the name given to him by the preschoolers he taught, and it is the same name he now uses as a professional storyteller. Hailed as “One of the best in the business” by the Boston Globe, Big Joe has been delighting children and families for many years with his exciting storytelling show. With a huge collection of original and classic tales as well as a box filled with puppets, props, and surprises, Big Joe has added lots of humor and fun to birthday parties, schools, libraries, and all kinds of events across New England!
It’s great to have you with us here for an Apple Seed Extra – something special that’s available only here in the Apple Seed podcast space. We may have talked about it in an episode of the Apple Seed you heard, but you’ve got to come here to get it. We want to encourage you to subscribe to the podcast for all kinds of podcast-only content, in addition to full-length episode filled with stories – something new just about every day from The Apple Seed.
In recent episode of the Apple Seed, we brought you a story called Wiley and the Hairy Man, or at least it’s usually called Wiley and the Hairy Man – in the version you heard, the hero was Willie, not Wiley. But we don’t want to concentrate on the kid, the hero of the story, or his dog, or his mom. We want to concentrate on the Hairy Man for a second. We mentioned in the episode that the story was first written down in the 1930s in Alabama, as part of the pieces of folklore being gathered by the Federal Writer’s project during the depression. And we mentioned that the story is much older than that – no one knows exactly how old. But we do know that the Hairy Man as a villain shows up in other stories, too. He shows up, for example, in a story called Ashpet, which is a version of Cinderella set in the Appalachian hills. Learn more in today’s Apple Seed Extra. We’ll talk about the story, and you’ll hear Mary Hamilton tell some of it.
We’ love to know what you’re up to, how you’ve passed the time in an era of isolation. Reciting Shakespeare monologues? Singing broadway show tunes? Telling family stories? Let us know, by emailing us at theappleseed@byu.edu. We love to hear from you, especially now.
Our hearts go out to all of our storytelling friends, who even in times like this never cease to reach out in all kinds of creative ways to share stories at a safe distance. Hang in there, all. We love you, and can’t wait until you’re back in front of your beloved audiences in person.
In these days of flattening the curve, we’re producing the Apple Seed from a couple of home studios – like you, we’ve been self-isolating, and, like you, looking for ways to reach out to our fellow humans. During this time, Sam took to posting to social media a little song every day – something filled with a little hope and a little encouragement to hang on. We thought we’d bring you some of those pieces here, as Apple Seed Extras. These aren’t studio recordings, and you’ll be able to tell – they’re made with a little Canon SLR camera, aimed at Sam while he sits on the piano bench in his office. But we do hope that you enjoy them.
On today’s extra, the quintessential song of hope: “Keep on the Sunny Side.” The words to the song were written way back in 1899 by Ada Blenkhorn. The story goes that she had a wheelchair-bound nephew who always asked to be pushed along on the sunny side of the street.
The song was recorded in the summer of 1928 in a now-immortal recording by the Carter family, positioned just so that it could be in the heart of every American just a year or so later, when the stock market crashed in the fall of 1929.
The song, of course, became not only the calling card of the Carter family, but a song sung in determined hope in living rooms and social halls and around kitchen tables when the country needed it the very most.
Keep on the Sunny Side
Well, there's a dark and a troubled side of life There's a bright and a sunny side too But if you meet with the darkness and strife The sunny side we also may view
Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side Keep on the sunny side of life It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way If we keep on the sunny side of life
Oh, the storm and its fury broke today Crushing hopes that we cherish so dear Clouds and storms will in time pass away The sun again will shine bright and clear
Let us greet with a song of hope each day Though the moments be cloudy or fair Let us trust in our Savior always To keep us, every one, in His care
Today we have some stories about trouble. That’s not a big deal - most stories revolve around trouble, but we’re playing with the idea that trouble can brew and come out with different outcomes. Sometimes trouble can turn into more trouble, sometimes it boils down and ends up better than it started, and sometimes it results in something profoundly delicious. In every case, there’s something to be learned.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: RFJ title
Daily Mix: Rod Gustafson discusses “Secondhand Lions”
Story Spotlight: “Nanaue”, by Alton Chung
Storytime: “The Changeling” by Clare Murphy
“The Spruce Grouse” by Doug Elliot
Storyteller Spotlight: Alton Chung Alton performs at storytelling festivals internationally, sharing stories and legends from Hawaii and spreading aloha. He also tells stories from the Hawaiian Monarchy and the Plantation Days as well as Asian folk tales from all around the Pacific Rim. Alton is also passionate about sharing stories of the Japanese American Experience of WWII. In 2005, Alton was awarded the first J.J. Reneaux Emerging Artist Award by the National Storytelling Network. He has performed at the Congress of Asian Storytellers in Singapore, the International Gimme Story Storytelling Festival in the Cayman Islands, as well as venues in India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan.. He has also performed at the Talk Story Festival, the Bay Area Storytelling Festival, the Four Corners Storytelling Festival, the Oklahoma City Storytelling Festival, and has been a Featured Teller at the National Storytelling Festival.
We always hope the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories you can share with your family. And so we thought we'd bring you a special mini-episode jam-packed with Family Stories!
On today's episode you'll hear the following:
A story about what it's like to be a dad by Bill Harley
"Fighting in the Car" by Antonio Sacre
"Independence" by Dolores Hydock
A story about Christmas pie from Richie Steadman of BYU Radio's "The Lisa Show"
And a rich experience Sam had at Rosa's Cafe
We always hope the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories you can share with your family. So we thought it'd be fitting to dedicate an entire episode to Family Stories! This is hour number two of family stories for today.
On today's episode enjoy the following:
"The Horse That Saved Six Lives" by Antonio Rocha
"Pedro's South of the Border" by Antionio Sacre
"The Privet Hedge" by Ed Stivender
"Cleaning Out Mama's House" by Michael Reno Harrell
We always hope the stories we share with you on The Apple Seed spark memories you can share with your family. So we thought it'd be fitting to dedicate an entire episode to Family Stories!
On today's episode enjoy the following:
"Truffles" by Syd Lieberman
"First Day of School" by Dolores Hydock
"Jack and the Levitator" by Robin Schulte
"Grandpa Had a Grandpa" by Clive Romney
As well as an entry in Sam's Radio Family Journal!
In these days of flattening the curve, we’re producing the Apple Seed from a couple of home studios – like you, we’ve been self-isolating, and, like you, looking for ways to reach out to our fellow humans. During this time, Sam took to posting to social media a little song every day – something filled with a little hope and a little encouragement to hang on. We thought we’d bring you some of those pieces here, as Apple Seed Extras. These aren’t studio recordings, and you’ll be able to tell – they’re made with a little Canon SLR camera, aimed at Sam while he sits on the piano bench in his office. But we do hope that you enjoy them.
On today’s extra, an original song, written by Sam, called “Hang On.” It’s a song of hard times, hope, and hanging on. Here’s how it goes:
Hang On
With the darkness all around you
When the river goes too deep
When the wolves are on the threshold
And your angels all asleep
And when every way you turn
Just leaves you feeling like a fool
Hang on, oh without you hanging on what would I do.
Though your friends back down behind you
When you need them most of all
Though it’s loneliness that greets you
When you’re up against a wall.
When the things you always leaned on
Don’t turn out to be so true
Hang on, oh without you hanging on what would I do
Hang on, baby hang on
Hang on, oh without you hanging on what would I do.
Oh I know the waves around you
Come on hard and come on fast
And sometimes there’s nothing for it
But to lash you to the mast
When the weariness and fear
Have had their way inside your brain
Baby, hold to me -- this could be the final day of rain
When the sun is lost in shadow
And it’s beaten down your will
When you see your foes a’coming
Like a bad dream o’er the hill
When there’s trouble next in line
And all the way on down the queue
Hang on, oh without you hanging on what would I do
The pen is mightier than the sword! Or so the saying goes... Either way, the words we say matter and they come in all different forms. There are magical words we learn from bedtime stories, naughty words we probably shouldn’t be learning in the first place, or (best of all) kind words we learn from those we love that soften even the hardest hearts. Today we’ll hear stories all about language and all the confusing and funny ways that it impacts our lives from the great tellers Kevin Carr, Willy Claflin, and Laura Bobrow. And then you can decide for yourself if the pen truly is mightier than the sword.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Chocolate Adventure
Daily Mix: Colton Soelberg discusses falling in love with food
Story Spotlight: “Today, Tomorrow” by Kevin Carr on The Big Music (11:12)
Storytime: “So What and Drop Dead” by Willy Claflin on Maynard Moose Live at the National Storytelling Event (9:56)
“Allakazini” by Laura Bobrow on I Wrote These for You (12:15)
Storyteller Spotlight: Kevin Carr
Kevin Carr tells stories and plays traditional folk instruments. From the Fillmore West to the Oregon Country Fair, from the former Soviet Union to Spain, from Alaska to Mexico, he's traveled to play with and learn from traditional musicians, to gather stories to share and to connect with folks through the ecstatic medium of music. He performs solo shows such as "The Other Pipes - exotic and little known Bagpiping traditions of the World", " Stories from the Musical Realms - Concerning Inspiration and the Music between the Notes", "My Grandfather's Fiddle," and "Fiddle Fables - Stories by and about Fiddlers" with tunes appropriate and appropriated." He also performs with various groups who tour all over the world.
Has there ever been a time when you felt foolish? Or maybe you’ve watched someone do something and thought, “what a fool” only to have their wisdom be revealed to you? Well on April Fool’s Day, we celebrate those occasions! Because even the wisest of men will have their moments where they seem a little foolish. Here to tell us about some of these moments are David H. Claunch, Eshu Bumpus, Joel Ben Izzy, and Jenni Cargill-Strong.
On today's episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: The Princess and the Clone Trooper
Daily Mix: Rachel Wadham discusses “Leilani and the Distant Sea”
Story Spotlight: “The Peddler” by David H. Claunch on The Circus of Life (9:03)
Storytime: “Wisemen and the Tiger” by Eshu Bumpus on Lion in Love (5:07)
“Hanukkah in Chelm” by Joel Ben Izzy on Lights and Laughter (9:40)
“Reaching for the Moon” by Jenni Cargill-Strong on Reaching for the Moon and Other Wisdom Tales (9:05)
Storyteller Spotlight: David H. Claunch David Claunch’s journey as a storyteller includes time spent in the Marine Corps and a career in the heavy mechanical construction industry. He calls this the Information Gathering Phase of his journey. Following this he earned a Master's degree in Storytelling from East Tennessee State University. At the same time, he began studying the art of clowning and ballooning. Now he is a storyteller, clown and balloon artist, using his unique style of storytelling to deliverer the wisdom of the old folktales and the universal truths of the human experience.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Death Star Trooper
Daily Mix: Cole Wissinger discusses “Kung Fu Panda”
Story Spotlight: “The Grey Goose” by The Storycrafters
Storytime: “Molasses Revenge” by Donald Davis (recorded at the 2018 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival), and “Like Meat Loves Salt” by Elizabeth Ellis, as heard on the Conversations With Storytellers podcast hosted by Simon Brooks.
Storyteller Spotlight: Donald Davis
Donald Davis, affectionately known as the "Dean of Storytelling," has been a long-time friend of the Apple Seed. He was born in a Southern Appalachian mountain world rich in stories. While he heard many traditional stories about Jack and other heroic characters, he was most attracted to the stories of his own family and places of origin.
During his twenty-five year career as a United Methodist Minister, Davis began to use stories more and more. He was also asked to begin performing at festivals and in other settings until he retired from the church to tell stories full time.
The author of eighteen books and more than forty original recordings, Davis is the recipient of both the Circle of Excellence and the Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Storytelling Network.
We join Andrew in BYU Radio Studio 7, a medium-small rectangular room with wooden floors. A mic in the center is surrounded by a semicircle of a dozen or so chairs occupied by Sam Payne, Jacob Pierce, and a group of Andrew’s friends and loved ones, invited by Andrew to join the performance. Andrew stands and we check the levels on the microphone. His voice and body are both animated and he instantly draws the audience in by his warm presence and kind gaze. He begins:
How long can you hold your breath?
Thirty Seconds?
A Minute?
What about eight hours? That’s my record.
The Umbilical cord was wrapped around my neck three times when I was born.
My brother in law said I was bungee jumping from the womb.
“I’m sorry to tell you, but your boy has cerebral palsy. He may not walk, talk- do not expect him to live a normal life.“
How would you like it if a doctor said that about your baby boy?
And from the first few years, he was prophetic. I couldn’t walk. Good luck understanding me. But the one thing everyone knew about me was I loved Disney! Whenever we went to Disneyland I would sob when we would leave because I believed I was home. In fact, the only reason I knew how to crawl was so I could press the rewind button on the VCR so I could watch “Disneyland fun” over again.
Now my grandpa, “Papa John,” he saw this and he was fed up. He saw me in therapy for hours- physical, speech, and occupational. And for what? To have his grandson lay on the floor and watch mickey mouse all day? Uh uh. Not his grandson. So he pulled out his bribery techniques he used on my uncles.
“Andrewski- you listen to papa. You walk one step without any help, and papa will buy you any video of Disney you want.”
“Okay!”
So he picked me up. My feet were turned in. My knees were bent. I didn’t have good balance. But I wanted that disney video. So I held my breath and took a step. And I got it. And then it was two steps a video, five steps, ten, twenty, one hundred steps!
My Grandma had to shut off the ponzi scheme because she was losing her retirement. But I had all of these Disney movies.
You know, something happens when you hear that. You know - “When you Wish Upon a Star - A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes - Bippity Boppity Boo - The Bear Necessities - You can fly! You can fly! You can fly!”
Something happens when you hear that over and over, again and again and again. You begin to believe it. I became an independent walker. I ran in the track meet, I did debate, I danced in the musical. I became an eagle scout.
But then, I achieved the ultimate dream. I became a cast member at Walt Disney world. I was working in a magic place with pirates and ghosts and tiki birds that sang, and a castle- Cinderella’s castle. I was in a magic place, and I wanted everyone to know that. As I helped people buy their Mickey ears and their Goofy hat and their wendy doll, I would tell them,
“Have a magical day! Have a magical day! Have a magical day!”
But did they get it? Tinkerbell - the Fairy Godmother - Peter Pan - Mary Poppins - Mickey Mouse - They were real.
As I said goodbye to the guests one night, waving to them with my mickey glove, a young man in a motorized wheelchair drove up. He looked at me. He got up, his feet were turned in, his knees were bent, he didn’t have a lot of balance. He had cerebral palsy - like me.
“Do you work here,” he said.
“Yeah, I do.”
“My dream is to work at Disney. Do you think I can make it?”
I looked at where we were standing.
“Here, magic lives, and here, dreams come true.”
*Applause*
On today’s episode of The Apple Seed, you’ll hear a performance from Willy Claflin called “The George Washington method for Blues Ukulele,” recorded live at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. It’s not historical in the least, but it’s a heck of a lot of fun (if you know Willy Claflin’s musical storytelling style, you know you’re going to love it). You’ll also hear a piece by Catherine Taylor, an art historian who specializes in examining the images associated with the death and burial of early Christians. Doctor Taylor says she still feels in her work the wonder and magic that she felt when reading books like “A Little Princess” as a young girl. In addition, you’ll hear a conversation with Cole Wissinger, about going to drive-in movies with his folks, and I’m going to take you on a trip to a monastery as it fades away, leaving nothing but memories of prayer and farming, and song, in an entry of the Radio Family Journal.
Today, enjoy the following:
“Bubba and the Snake” by Diane Ferlatte
“The George Washington Method for Blues Ukulele” by Willy Claflin
“Kung Fu Panda,” a conversation with Cole Wissinger
“A Little Princess” by Catherine Taylor
“Monks,” an entry in the Radio Family Journal with Sam Payne
Storyteller Spotlight: Willy Claflin A headliner and master of ceremonies at the National Storytelling Festival, Willy is a favorite at festivals throughout the U.S. He offers stories for families as well as adults, often weaving music into his performances.Willy is the author of four award-winning children's books, including The Uglified Ducky, which won the Texas Library Association's Blue Bonnet Award for best children's book of the year.
In today's episode, a special visit from South Carolina Storyteller Tim Lowry. Tim will tickle us and thrill us with tales as tall as tall can be (as Tim says, "Here in America, we can lie begtter than anybody; we own the tall tale), jokes about cowboys, dogs, alligators, and horses, and personal tales of travel and adventure in America, all about how Tim came to be the owner of a fringed leather jacket. You'll hear music from Sam, too, and an entry in the Radio Family Journal about a dream of an unusual gathering of loved ones in a living room. That's today, on The Apple Seed!
Ever wonder why there's animosity between dogs and cats. Well, David Hold and Bill Mooney will explain everything in a story called "Why the Dog Chases the Cat". Sam is joined in the studio by Rachel Wadham.
In today’s episode, we’re thinking about animals. Stories about animals working together are at the heart of so many of the world’s tales, we thought we’d spend an hour bringing you a few. First, you’ll hear an Italian folk tale called “Mezzi Gallo,” about a rooster and his ragged band of cast-off animal companions who face off against a mean ol’ wolf. You’ll hear a bit of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book — that portion of the book in which the wolf council wrestles with the decision of whether the baby Mowgli will be allowed to stay with them. You’ll hear a story called “Run!” from Lyn Ford — a story she’ll introduce as a favorite animal story of hers. It draws on a lot of different storytelling traditions and characters, and Lyn Ford brings it to life in her inimitable playful style. You’ll even hear a conversation with Steven Kapp Perry (long-time musician and music lover, and host of In Good Faith on BYU Radio) about a favorite song, and an entry in the Radio Family Journal about Sam’s brother, who gets a gig feeding a barn cat while the cat’s human is away on vacation.
The desire to compete seems embedded in humanity, which is perhaps why our folklore cannon is filled to the brim with contests, games, and tournaments. At the center of these tales is a question we all ask ourselves at some point or another: What is strength? Or maybe, more specifically, what are my strengths? Today, we’re going to listen to a collection of tournament tales that we hope gives you a variety of answers: in some way or another, each of these tales redefine what strength is. Is it physical prowess? Or is it wisdom? Cunning? Integrity? Join us in listening to Motoko, Heather Forest, Cathryn Fairlee, and Laura Bobrow as they bring us tales of boundless strength in all its forms.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Incredible Hulk
Daily Mix: Paul Ricks introduces “When You Reach Me”
Story Spotlight: “Boundless Strength” by Motoko on The Promise of Chrysanthemums
Storytime:
“The Sun and the Wind” by Heather Forest on Songspinner
“Fionn TirnanOg” by Cathryn Fairlee
“Pounce and Grab” by Laura Bobrow on I Wrote These for You
Sometimes we don't realize how capable we are until we simply try. That's the message at the heart of today's BITE, which features a story by Charlotte Blake-Alston entitled, "The Ant and the Crumb". Sam is joined in the studio by Colton Soelberg.
Traveling is sometimes seen as something that only people with extra time and money are able to do but this isn’t completely true. Traveling can come in all sorts of ways whether that means traveling on a study abroad, traveling across countries or simply driving to a nearby lake, each one can bring about rare adventures. This can mean meeting someone new to connect with while wandering a foreign city, gathering a new skill, or simply learning an important lesson, traveling can act as a catalyst for some of the most interesting stories of our lives. We can use these stories and share them with those around us to help educate and entertain one another because “the journey of a thousand miles begins under your feet.”
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Sketchbook
Daily Mix: “Jeff Simpson” discusses “Lars and the Real Girl”
Story Spotlight: “The Monster Stick’s Last Ride” by Bill Lepp in Buck Meets the Monster Stick (10:51)
Storytime:
“California Dreamin’” by Doug Elliott in Looking for America (7:51)
“In Search of Charles Dickens” by Lani Peterson in Stories Within (14:40)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Have you ever underestimated someone? On today's BITE, Bill Gordh shares the story "Coyote and the Rattlesnake" where a Coyote finds a sleeping rattlesnake whom he finds hilarious. Sam is joined in the studio by Jeff Simpson.
Can you think of any place that brings more memories of family, warmth, and love than your home? Homes are where we learn new things, find ourselves, and eventually discover how to spread our wings and fly away to make our own homes. Clean or crazy, big or small, the lovely places we lay our heads at night are often the backdrop to some of the most funny, sad, or sweet stories we’ll ever experience. To tell us about the beautiful and sometimes messy places that homes can be are Lynn Ruehlmann, Odds Bodkin, and Dolores Hydock. To get your nostalgia flowing, we’ll first listen to an entry in the radio family journal and a conversation with a friend.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Oreo Cookies
Daily Mix: Colton Soelberg discusses “The Family Meal”
Story Spotlight: “Ceiling Blues” by Lynn Ruehlmann on Mischief! Adventures of a Daydreamy Child (11:41)
Storytime: “The Elf of Springtime” by Odds Bodkin on With A Twinkle In Your Eye (17:15)
“Finding the Way Home” by Dolores Hydock on Footprint on the Sky: Memories of a Chandler Mountain Spring (6:03)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
When was a time you felt protective over those you love? On today's BITE, Antonio Sacre tells the story, "The Barking Mouse" about what happens when a lovely mouse family is attacked by a cat. Sam is joined in the studio by Paul Ricks.
Today on The Apple Seed we're bringing you stories about friendship and brotherhood from Bill Harley and Michael Katz. Sam is also joined in the studio by Mark Wait and Assistant Producer, Karani Namunyu.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Station Squabble
Daily Mix: Mark Wait discusses “Shock The Monkey”
Story Spotlight: “Ishiusu” by “Michael Katz.”
Storytime: “Aunt Edith Meets Tricky” by Bill Harley
“Brother Sun, Brother Moon, and the Pretty Girl” by Michael Katz
Today we explore a selection of stories that all talk about the relationships adults have with children. We start with a story from our host, Sam Payne, about a bookshelf his father made for their family, followed by a discussion with Gene Nelson about a food that’s been passed down through generations. Today’s featured story is an abridgement of a long-form story by Elizabeth Ellis entitled Wading in the Jordan. The story is the surprisingly funny account of the journey Ms. Ellis’ mother, and consequently her whole family, took on the way to the next life. Following this we get to hear a story by Willy Claflin entitled “Who Has Seen the Mind,” and a story by Geraldine Buckley called “Devils on Horseback.”
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Building the Bookshelf
Daily Mix: “Gene Nelson” discusses “Fry Bread”
Story Spotlight: “Wading in the Jordan”, by Elizabeth Ellis
Storytime: “Who Has Seen the Mind”, by Willy Clafflin
“Devils on Horseback” by Geraldine Buckley
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Did you ever have an imaginary friend? On today's BITE, Sophie Snell tells the story, "My Pet Dragon" about the mischievous and fun imaginary pet dragon. Sam is joined in the studio by Gene Nelson.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Bomb
Daily Mix: Stewart Foster discusses “Ludology”
Story Spotlight: “Gluskabi and the Wind Eagle” by Joseph Bruchac on The Wind Eagle and Other Abenaki Stories (11:39)
Storytime: “All That Matters (I Do)” by Allison Downey on Across the Sea (4:40)
“Death in a Nut” by Jess Smith on Dragonory (13:10)
“Look Ma! No Hands!” by Rick Huddle (3:53)
Magical items are a staple in folk lore: geese that lay golden eggs, mills that produce endless food, and carpets that fly. Perhaps you might think these tales are unrelatable because of these reality-bending objects of power, but that’s not necessarily true. Magical realism has always been a powerful tool of the storyteller: through metaphors and allegories, these items often tell stories beyond their abilities. And if you still don’t believe us, then this is the episode for you. Join us as we hear from Jenni Cargill-Strong, Kevin Cordi, and Jordon Hill about magical items that are more than just a means to an end.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Percy
Daily Mix: Rod Gustafson introduces “Ramona and Beezus”
Story Spotlight: “Lily and the Fig Tree” by Jenni Cargill-Strong
Storytime:
“Ma Lian and His Magic Paint Brush” by Kevin Cordi on Wisdom Keepers
“Elijah’s Violin” by Jordon Hill on Elijah's Violin and Other Jewish Tales of Magic and Adventure
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
What's your favorite ballad? On today's BITE, Doug Elliott tells the story "Queen Elizabeth and the Frog" about the true love story that inspired a folk song that endures to this day. Sam in joined in the studio by Cielle Salazar.
Whether it’s for a family summer vacation, to visit a friend, or just to get to work in the morning, we travel all the time. Maybe you’re a hitch-hiking travel junkie, or simply a person trying to get from “A” to “B”, but there’s no denying that when we travel we are changed just as much as our surroundings. So today is full of stories about trains, cars, walking, and all the fun, perilous adventures that can happen on the road to some place. Here to share some of that wanderlust with us is David H. Claunch, Mike Argonoff, Mary Wright and Odds Bodkin.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Treehouse
Daily Mix: Jenna Parker discusses Cooking for 40
Story Spotlight: “Prayer Bubbles” by David H. Claunch on Land of the Thunderdragon: My Journey to Bhutan (11:54)
Storytime: “Chattanooga Choo-Choo” by Mike Argonoff on Modern Folk Musician (4:23)
“Queen Mother Summer Palace” by Mary Wright on Mary Wright Stories (15:02)
“Wind and the Sun” by Odds Bodkin on The Evergreens (2:52)
What are some tactics you've used to try and get your children - or yourself - to go to sleep? Some people count sheep, others tell stories. On today's episode of The Apple Seed you'll hear stories all about sleep from Leeny Del Seamonds, Mark Binder, Judith Black, and Bill Harley. Might we suggest one more tactic for preparing for bedtime? Tuck the kids in and press play on The Apple Seed podcast!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: RFJ Landspeeder VT
Daily Mix: Don Shelline discusses “I Never Saw Blue Like That Before”
Story Spotlight: “Sr. Coyote y Sr. Zorro” by Leeny Del Seamonds (12:55)
Storytime: “A Shaggy Bedtime Story” by Mark Binder (5:03)
“Geoffry's Tale - Go to Bed” by Judith Black (13:29)
“Why Pillows Sing” by Bill Harley (4:38)
Do you remember a time when you believed in magic? Often as children, we believe in fairies, magical items, or powerful creatures that can make the world seem vibrant and colorful. To rekindle some of that adventurous wonder we’ll hear stories from Beatrice Bowles, Lyn Ford, and Bill Harley.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Border Inn
Daily Mix: Teresa Love discusses “Nancy Drew”
Story Spotlight: “The Twelve Months” by Beatrice Bowles on Spark Catchers (11:11)
Storytime: “Go to!” by Lyn Ford on Rabbit Tales, Too: Family, Foes, and Friends (6:31)
“Tara and the Magic Sack” by Bill Harley on Wacka Wacka Woo & Other Stuff (17:32)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
What's your favorite love story? On today's BITE The Three D's share the story "Annabel Lee" where angels get jealous of a couple's love and try to tear them apart. Sam is joined in the studio by Steve Perry.
Just as you don’t get to choose your family, you don’t always get to choose your neighbors. Sometimes this means that you meet someone who will help paint your house, someone you want to invite to dinner, or someone to share an interesting story with. Neighbors and communities often are the roots for the most interesting and heartwarming tales that we know. These stories are passed down through the community from generation to generation and are the birthplace of legends. They are used as a source of identity and can easily bring people together if we take the time to get to know them.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Aquarium
Daily Mix: Cielle Salazar discusses “American Scandal”
Story Spotlight: “Story 5” by Catherine Conant in Timp 2017 (10:58)
Storytime:
“Jack Moore Builds a House” by Donald Davis in That’s What Mama’s Do (7:17)
“The Magic Garden of the Poor” Jill Lamède in Stories from the Tintagel Storyteller (14:57)
Sometimes even the smallest of choices can change the trajectory of one's life, as evidenced by today's stories. Today on The Apple Seed you'll hear stories from Antonio Sacre, Joe Herrington, Heather Forest, and Don White. We hope you'll choose to tune in - it just may change YOUR life.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Canada
Daily Mix: Cole Wissinger discusses “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World”
Story Spotlight: “Water Torture” by Antonio Sacre (13:33)
Storytime: “Branded” by Joe Herrington (6:37)
“The Sealskin” by Heather from Forest (8:52)
“The Second Chance Crew” by Don White (7:24)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
What's a story that you've learned a lot from? On today's BITE, Kevin Cordi shares "The Philosopher's Story" where a young man tires to find wisdom in a philosopher's words. Sam is joined in the studio by Teresa Love.
To be honest, figuring out the truth can be a fickle and complicated process although it is vastly rewarding. Perhaps you remember times when you were tempted to lie, or found it hard to share the truth. Or maybe you’ve been in situations when you didn’t even know what the real truth was! Through tales from David Vanadia, Simon Brooks, Mark Binder, and Laurie Allen we hope to explore some of the many interesting and nuanced repercussions of being honest.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Auctioneer
Daily Mix: Jeff Simpson discusses “Drumsticks”
Story Spotlight: “Lion Mouse Truth Tracks” by David Vanadia on Six Stories Tall (11:16)
Storytime: “The Fly” by Simon Brooks on A Tangle of Tales (13:23)
“The Lethal Latkes” by Mark Binder on A Chanukah Present (5:55)
“Lady in White” by Laurie Allen on Laurie Allen - Stories and Poems (4:51)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
What makes you feel truly alive? On today's BITE, Adam Booth tells the story of an Appalachian mountain that comes alive in "The Mountain Came Alive". Sam is joined in the studio by Stewart Foster.
In a famous poem by Emily Dickenson it is stated that “’Hope’ is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, that never stops at all.” Hope is such an important part of life. Whether it shows up in the hopeful ear of a father during a football game, the hope of future uses of old supplies, or the hope of better connections and familial relationships- hope is integral to all of it. Hope is what keeps us going through difficult times and it is what mends us back together. Hope sees us through intense, difficult trials like losing a loved one, as well as simple problems such as deciding whether or not a pan is worth keeping. Just the simple idea that the future will be better, the possibility of a vibrant story yet to come, can be all that’s needed to continue on.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Piano Lessons
Daily Mix: Steven Kapp Perry discusses “Someone Else’s Story”
Story Spotlight: “Emerson’s Chevrolet” by Willy Claflin in Goat Whisperer (11:01)
Storytime:
“It Could Happen!” by Dolores Hydock in It Could Happen! (19:14)
“Story 7” by Catherine Conant in Timp 2017 (4:46)
Every single day, about three times a day, we all eat food. From the super sweet snacks to the richly spiced soups - we’ve gathered together countless times with friends and family to share our companionship and our meals. Whether it’s a hot barbeque or cold ice cream, food has this magical quality to motivate our minds and warm our hearts. Today, we’ll share savory stories from Laura Pershin Raynor, Kevin Carr, Joseph Bruchac, and Doug Elliot.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Book Fair
Daily Mix: Rachel Wadham discusses “Scary Stories For Young Foxes”
Story Spotlight: “A Day At The Zoo” Laura Pershin Raynor(10:32)
Storytime: “Bill Greenfield’s Breakfast” by Joseph Bruchac(6:25)
“Bake that Chicken Pie” by Doug Elliot (4:07)
“Sweet Tooth” by Kevin Carr (12:05)
Storyteller Spotlight: Laura Pershin-Raynor “As a child, I was a story sponge whenever family gathered. All it took was a “tish mit menschem”, a table with people, for the stories to fly. My Grandma Dinah, who lived to be 105 years old, raised me on the tales of the Old Country, providing me with a landscape for my own stories. As a fourth generation storyteller from a family filled with wacky characters, I have been telling tales of secret messages, delicious recipes gone wrong and outrageous tricksters, for the past thirty years. I’ve had the honor of performing as a Teller in Residence at the International Storytelling Center , and I’ve been featured at the Celebration of Light Festival in TX, the Timpanogos Festival in UT and the Mariposa Festival in CA, to name a few.”
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Do you love something that your family hates? On today's BITE, Don White shares the story, "My Wife Hates Baseball" about the struggle Don has with his wife over his favorite sport. Sam is joined in the studio by Jeff Simpson.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Who is your most loyal companion? On today's BITE, the story "The Rooster With The Magic Stomach" by Ed Stivender tells the tale of a rooster who does everything he can to bring back a valuable gift to his friend. Sam is joined in the studio by Cole Wissinger.
Every once in awhile, we get to have a favorite storyteller right here in our cozy studio, performing before a live audience. Such was the case when The Apple Seed was paid a visit by Antonio Sacre. The Apple Seed audience will recognize Antonio's terrific, bilingual stories about growing up the son of Cuban and Irish ancestors. In addition to Antonio's stories, you'll hear music from Sam (along with bassist Ian Camp and pianist Anthony Phan), and an introduction to Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence (just a taste of their many adventures together) read for you by Suzanne Christensen, Noah and Leah Kershisnik, and Sam. It's a special live, in-studio episode of the show.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
What word games do you love to play? On today's BITE, Fran Yardley shares a creative retelling of the classic tale Cinderella, only Yardley's version goes by the name "Prinderella". Sam is joined in the studio by Steve Perry.
Dancing is a tradition that spans beyond cultures and generations. It has been used in worship, in celebration, as a way of self-expression and just for pure fun. Thus, stories of dancing have been passed down through generations. Whether it’s being told of through a Czechoslovakian folk tale, a humorous story of family, or a poem about a father and daughter, dancing brings societies and people alike together. It is speculated that people have been dancing for over nine thousand years, and it continues to be an integral part of society. Dancing is something that reaches people across oceans and time, and continues to show us that in the end, we are all a bit more similar than we are different. Even if we have different traditions and language, at our core, we are all the same.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Earth Shoes
Daily Mix: “Mark Wait” discusses “Turn to Stone”
Story Spotlight: “Dancing Spirit of the Birch” by Diane Edgecomb in In the Groves (10:45)
Storytime:
“Elaina’s Birthday Dance” by Shelia Arnold in Hands Wide Open (19:14)
“Belle of the Ball” by Waddie Mitchell in Sweat Equity (3:05)
Sometimes tricksters can be cruel and other times they represent the unfortunate effects of luck or fate, but Hershel of Ostropol (now modern Ukraine) is a bit different. Often called Hershele (Her-shuh-luh), this Jewish trickster is very much a satirical trickster. He’s deeply spiritual, but also pokes fun at the establishment of religion. He’s poor and humble, but also willing to stand up to forces larger than himself. His tools are humor and pointed wisdom, and he doesn’t care if he’s in Rabbi Boruch’s (Bore-oosh) court or on his deathbed—he’s always going to tell a joke. Join us as we listen to a variety of stories about one of the Apple Seed team’s favorite tricksters.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Ghost Restaurant
Daily Mix: Paul Ricks discusses “The Arrival”
Story Spotlight: “My Father and Hershel of Ostropol” by Joel ben Izzy on Buried Treasures (10:50)
Storytime:
Selection from “Nasruddin Stories” by Roger Jenkins (14:37)
“The Nursing Home” by Joel ben Izzy on Buried Treasures (6:08)
“One Last Hershel Tale” by Joel ben Izzy on Buried Treasures (3:39)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
What's your favorite food? On today's BITE, a moose must find a way to get more cheese after he has eaten all of his own in a story called"The Moose and the Cheese" by Willy Claflin. Sam is joined in the studio by Gene Nelson.
Some stories just seem to be timeless. Whether they're told in their classic rhetoric, or with a more modern twist, we never seem to grow old of hearing them. In today's episode we hope to bring you a magical blend of fairy and folktales told by the excellent storytellers Mark Binder, Willy Claflin, Milbre Burch, and Barry Stewart Mann.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Grey Hair
Daily Mix: Jeff Simpson discusses “Fan Theory World”
Story Spotlight: “Jack and the Beanstalk” by Mark Binder (13:34)
Storytime: “Little Red Riding Tunes” by Willy Claflin (4:33)
“Billy Beg and His Bull” by Milbre Burch (15:35)
“The Lovelorn Princess, an Original Fairy Tale” by Barry Stewart Mann on (4:00)
“Accidents happen” is a time old phrase passed around from generation to generation, to try and help people through bad situations. True, accidents happen --and often there is no one to really blame for the consequences-- but consequences arise nonetheless. Whether someone is trying to work past an old fear or has to go through months of rehab and physical therapy, there is always more strength in one person’s courage and determination than there is in any problem. Often through these experiences people are able to find hope and faith beyond what they might’ve without the experience. Yes, “accidents happen” and that will always be a hard truth, but often in life it is less about the accident, and more about how you handle and learn from it.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Sailing
Daily Mix: Rod Gustafson discusses “Shadowlands”
Story Spotlight: “The Bicycle Story” by Donna Ingham on Waiting for Roy & other Family Tales (11:57)
Storytime:
“Accident” by Kevin Kling on Wonderlure! (5:42)
“Chris’ Accident” by Shelia Starks Phillips on Family, Friends, and Other Fun Folks (9:40)
“Broken Glass” by Lani Peterson on Stories Within (8:05)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Have you ever had a thought you couldn't get rid of? In the story "The Golden Key" by The Storycrafters, a young girl ignores her duties to satisfy her series of curious thoughts. Sam is joined in the studio by Rachel Wadham.
Perhaps the best time to sit as a family and share stories is in the evening (and not just because that's when The Apple Seed airs). Perhaps the best enviornment in which to enjoy those stories is a warm living room. Hearing the crackling of wood as it burns in the fireplace and feeling the flames' warmth is enough to pique anyone's interest in stories. And today on The Apple Seed you'll hear stories containing a giant, an unfortunate pair of shoes, and even a little wisdom.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Chuters
Daily Mix: Jenna Parker discusses “Macs a la Mode”
Story Spotlight: “Abiyoyo” by Beth Horner on An Evening at Cedar Creek (13:01)
Storytime: “The Horrible Shoes of Abu Kasseim” by “by Bob Reiser on An Evening With Grandpa (20:34)”
“Evening Chat” by “Waddie Mitchell” on Sweat Equity (2:48)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Have you ever been somewhere new and felt out of place? On today's BITE, Mike Arganoff sings a song called "Wayfaring Stranger" about a man traveling great distances to see someone he loves. Sam is joined in the studio by Stewart Foster.
Some of the first stories ever told come from mythology or folklore. These stories are thousands of years old yet we still love to hear about them, either in their traditional atmosphere or perhaps as a funky remix of itself. But no matter how you like to hear these stories, they give us something more than just a good time - they give us a connection the past and to all the storytellers who came before us, thus linking us into the beautifully long chain of mythology lovers. Here to share some of that connection to the past are stories told by Simon Brooks, Susan Strauss, and Leeny Del Seamonds.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Motorcycle
Daily Mix: Don Shelline discusses the song “Three Times a Lady”
Story Spotlight: “How Ananzi Received Stories” by Simon Brooks on Second-Hand Tales (13:26)
Storytime: “Creation of North America” by Susan Strauss on Wolf Stories (13:51)
“El Pajaro Cu del Perú” by Leeny Del Seamonds on Ay Caramba! Ay Ay Ay! (10:42)
Robin Hood’s historicity is a complex mess of conflicting scholarly material—as it turns out, both Robert and Hood were very common medieval names. But whether the name “Robin Hood” belonged to a real person or was simply a stock alias used by thieves, the legend of Robin Hood paints a rather clear picture: a benevolent archer-turned-robber, aided by merry men, who takes from the rich and gives to the poor. The basic elements stay the same, but the name jumps from culture to culture, costume to costume, outlaw to outlaw. Sometimes he’s a cowboy in the American west, others he’s a wild-man from deep within the forest, but always he’s aiding the downtrodden. Join us as we listen to a variety of Robin Hood tales from across the world!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Moving Elephants
Daily Mix: Gene Nelson discusses “New Kid”
Story Spotlight: “Iron John and the Little Drummer Boy” by Willy Claflin (as Maynard Moose) (10:05)
Storytime:
“Old Cap Moore” by John McCutcheon (1:53)
“Sam Bass, the Texas Robin Hood” by Donna Ingham (4:48)
“The Death of Robin Hood” by Dan Keding (4:11)
“Robin Hood” by Castle Valley Acting Company (8:38)
“Pretty Boy Floyd” by John McCutcheon (2:52)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Who in your life tells the best stories? On today's BITE, Liz Weir brings us a story called "The Kings Storyteller" about a king whose thirst for great stories can't be quenched. Sam is joined in the studio by Paul Ricks.
Heroes don't always wear a cape and cowl or fly through the air at incredible speeds. Acts of heroism are all around us, from a bystander administering CPR to a visit by a friend at a time of need. As you listen to stories by Bonnie Greenberg, Mark Binder, and Charlotte Blake-Alston, take some time to reflect on the people who've been your heroes. Then ponder about the people you know could really use a hero right about now, and go and do something about it. No cape and cowl required.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Donald Herbert
Daily Mix: Stewart Foster discusses “20,000 Hertz”
Story Spotlight: “Devoleb” by Bonnie Greenberg (10:50)
Storytime: “The Short Tale of Erika P. Spunk” by Mark Binder (8:08)
“John Henry Story” by Charlotte Blake-Alston (10:30)
“The Little Heroes of Kfar Tabor” by Bonnie Greenberg (6:05)
In the midst of daily life many things can go wrong: your car can break down, you can lose your keys, it can start raining on the one day you forget your umbrella. Things can go wrong on a regular basis. But just as often, things can work out amazingly well. Sometimes all you need is a little bit of patience and determination to grasp the perfect opportunity. Whether that means standing up for what you believe in, or simply having a good time, one mustn’t let the bad days and unexpected twists of life overshadow the humor and magic of ordinary experiences. Things will always work out differently than you expect, but perhaps that’s where the best magic in life comes from.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Skyler’s Drink
Daily Mix: “Jeff Simpson” discusses “Fiddler on the Roof”
Story Spotlight: “Purple Styrofoam” by Ruth Halpern in She Set Out to Seek Her Fortune (10:00)
Storytime: “Wally! Come Down Right Now!” by Bil Lepp in Wally! Come Down Right Now! (22:31)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
How did you feel the first time you saw a rainbow? On today's BITE, Fran Stallings talks about the majesty of rainbows with the story "Pecos Bill and the Prairie Sized Rainbow". Sam in joined in the studio by Cole Wissinger.
On today's episode of The Apple Seed we're focusing on finding that 'special someone'. Stories often feature terrific feats and grand gestures to prove one's love. And just as often the protagonists of these stories find love in the unlikeliest of places.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: The View
Daily Mix: Brynna Haddock discusses “Peach Pie”
Story Spotlight: “Princess Heart O’Stone” by Milbre Burch (13:56)
Storytime: “The Princess on the Glass Hill” by Ruth Halpern (20:17)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Do you have a favorite family recipe? On today's BITE, Carmen Deedy talks about her aunt's wonderful dessert in the story, "Rice Pudding". Sam is joined in the studio by Gene Nelson.
Why is the sky blue? Why do bears stand on their hind legs? These are some questions that can be answered by stories, specifically “Just So” stories. Otherwise known as “Por Qua” stories, these tales give fanciful explanations to the natural world. Today on The Apple Seed, enjoy hearing from Jim Weiss, along with some spritely tales from Bob Reiser and Dovie Thomason.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Dog in the Van
Daily Mix: Steven Kapp Perry discusses “The Worst Pies in London”
“Bear and Chipmunk” by Bob Reiser (11:19)
“Why the Baby Says Goo” by Martha Hamilton & Mitch Weiss (0:00-4:16)
“The Sing-Song of Old Man Kangaroo” by Jim Weiss (9:13)
“The Making of the Animals” by Dovie Thomason (12:00)
Winter can be a tough time for mental health: the snow keeps you at home, the days are shorter and darker, and the holiday season is often full of stress as well as joy. And because of that, our team here at the Apple Seed has been thinking a lot about how storytelling has helped us by taking our minds elsewhere, calming our anxieties, and even teaching us better habits. So, in the spirit of mindfulness, we thought we’d bring you a few of our favorite stories about learning from our anxieties, helping those going through hard times, and asking for help when we need it.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: A Mile a Day
Daily Mix: Teresa Love discusses “Make Way For Ducklings”
“Golden Thread” by Susan Reed on Shoes (12:59)
“Toilet Paper and a Troubled Teenager” by Tim Lowry on Out ‘n No Book (20:32)
“Donkey & Toad” by The Storycrafters on Classics with a Twist (8:05)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Have you ever had to take a difficult test? On today's BITE, David Holt tells how one clever student made the best of a hard test in the story, "Do You Know Who I Am". Sam is joined in the studio by Mark Wait.
Who do you think you are becoming? Who would you like to become? Today on The Apple Seed, we invite you to reflect on stories of progress, change, and the ever-expanding horizon. Enjoy stories from Noa Baum, Geraldine Buckley, Bil Lepp, and Anne Rutherford.
On today's episode enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Becoming
The Daily Mix: Jeff Simpson discusses “1865”
“The Blue Remove” by Anne Rutherford (10:58)
“The Night That Changed Everything” by Geraldine Buckley (8:07)
“The Correctional Academy” by Geraldine Buckley (6:59)
“How I Became a Storyteller” by Noa Baum (4:54)
Love! Has there been anything that more stories have been written about than love? Love is as universal as it is wonderful. You’ll want to get out your tissues and chocolates because today, we’ll be showing you some of the greatest love stories by Jill Lamede, Beatrice Bowles, and Jeffrey Hill.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Aholiab
Daily Mix: Cole Wissinger discusses “The Emperor’s New Groove”
Story Spotlight: “The Stone Before the Door” by Jill Lamede (9:55)
Storytime: “Romantic Elevator Ride” by Jeffery Hill (7:40)
“Psyche and Eros” by Beatrice Bowles (13:52)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
When have you struggled to be truthful? On today's BITE, Jill Lamede will tell us about the woes and rewards of honesty in a story called "The Empty Pot". Sam is joined in the studio by Brynna Baddock.
As we usher in the new year here at the Apple Seed, we’ve been thinking a lot about beginnings: maybe you’re starting a relationship, or picking up a new hobby, moving to a new house, or travelling to a foreign land. But whether that foreign land is across the ocean or across the street to your local gym, January and February often mark the beginning of more than just the year. Join the Apple Seed team as we listen to stories about those beginnings—the times our tellers and their characters tried something new.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Long Drives
The Daily Mix: Jeff Simpson discusses “Grandma’s Chicken Soup”
“First Catch” by Anne Rutherford on 3 Lies & Some Truth (9:36)
“Life Begins When You Turn 40” by Antonio Rocha from Timpanogos 2014 (19:21)
“The Preacher and the Ferryman” by Brian Fox Ellis on River Stories (5:31)
"The White Horse Girl and the Blue Wind Boy" by Carol Birch on Sandburg Out Loud (9:40)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Ever wonder how the cat got its name? On today's BITE, Ed Stivender will explain in a story called "The Magnificent Cat". Sam is joined in the studio by Rod Gustafson.
What’s the most precious thing in the world? That question may elicit a different response depending on the person you ask. For some it may be a commodity like gold. For others it could be a virtue like forgiveness. And for others still it could be blind luck. On today’s episode of The Apple Seed you’ll hear stories from Karen Golden, David Holt, Joel Ben Izzy, and even a song from Mustard’s Retreat. As you enjoy today’s offerings, think about what’s most precious to you. And if there’s a story associated with it, be sure and share it with the people you love. Maybe those people ARE what you find most precious.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Sponge Balls
Daily Mix: Mark Wait discusses the song “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road”
Story Spotlight: "Luck vs. Wisdom" by Joel Ben Izzy (13:58)
Storytime: "The Most Precious Thing in the World" by Karen Golden (10:32)
Song: "Jeremy Brown" by Mustard's Retreat (5:06)
"The Bluebook Scam" by David Holt (1:40)
Sometimes it’s easy to feel like just another face in the crowd. But this could not be further from the truth! Every single one of us is unique and can cause great change. And today on The Apple Seed Eshu Bumpus, Bill Harley, Noa Baum, Joe Herrington, and Heather Forest are all here to convince us of our individual value. The episode will feature stories about the brave and strong people that believed in themselves.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Swamp Men
Daily Mix: Rachel Wadham discusses “Beverly Right Here”
Story Spotlight: “Wax Child” by Eshu Bumpus on Lion in Love (12:17)
Storytime: “Everyone’s a Little Bit Different” by Bill Harley on One More Time (3:52)
“Why Do I Have That Name?” by Noa Baum on (9:37)
“The Crow” by Joe Herrington on Men of Honor (9:00)
“Beautiful As You Are” by Heather Forest on The Animals Could Talk (3:10)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Have you ever tired to get out of a previously-set arrangement? On today's BITE, you'll hear Ed Stivender's version of a Bill Harley rap called "50 Ways to Fool Your Mother". Sam is joined in the studio by Don Shelline.
War is a topic that has followed us throughout history. From the beginning of human civilization there have been wars among men over land, resources, religion and much more. Many have fought, fallen and conquered. Most everyone has been influenced in some way by war whether that be through being on the front lines, being influenced by political decisions, or losing a loved one, war touches us all. But, through these hard times we get to glimpse at what matters most in life; faith and love in each other and ourselves. Through this we can push forward through terrible circumstances and find hope in the depths of trial. Even when all seems lost in the midst of smoke and flame, even when circumstances can’t seem to get any worse, there is always love, and life, and hope. And often, that is all you need.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: New Years Waterfalls
Daily Mix: Stewart Foster discusses “The Thrilling Adventure Hour” podcast
Story Spotlight: ‘Old Wrinkles’ Memory’ by Odds Bodkin (10:38)
Storytime: ‘Dancing Story’ by Brenda Wong Aoki (14:14)
‘Whisperin’ Bill’ by Mitch Capel (9:38)
‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’ by the D’s (2:42)
Groundhog Day comes around every year, but where does it come from? Join us today on The Apple Seed for stories about Punxatawney Phil and his colleagues. You’ll hear fractured fairytales from Megan Hicks featuring groundhogs as the protagonists. And you’ll also learn about the legendary background of religious rituals behind Groundhog Day.
On today's episode of The Apple Seed you'll hear the following:
Radio Family Journal - "Groundhog Day"
Daily Mix: Rod Gustafson discusses the film "Groundhog Day"
Story Spotlight: “Three Little Groundhogs and a Wolf” by Megan Hicks (9:15)
“Groundhog Day” by Doug Elliot (8:32)
“Groundhoglocks and the Three Bears” by Megan Hicks (10:41)
“The Fisherman (and His Wife)” by Megan Hicks (4:57)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
When was the last time you arrived late for something? What excuse did you give for your tardiness? On today's BITE, you'll hear a story from Jay O'Callahan called "Brian". It's about a young boy whose tardiness can be attributed to his sensitivity. Sam is joined in the studio by Jenna Parker.
It's always a treat when one of our favorite tellers stops by for a visit. On today's special episode of The Apple Seed you'll hear stories and songs from the great Bill Harley, performed live at the BYU Radio studio!
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Have you ever though about which historical figures you'd like to meet if you were given the opportunity? That hypothetical is at the heart of Tim Lowry's story, "Johnny Appleseed". On today's BITE, Sam is joined in the studio by Mark Wait.
Summertime: A season of long hot days, ice cream, friends, travel, and new experiences. The sun stays up longer than usual and even when the moon comes out, people are unbothered. Many people share all sorts of different experiences that happen in these warm, relaxed months. Everything from riding bikes, getting to know new people, or even participating in something like marching band can fill up the days and give us great new stories to share [or not share] when the weather starts to cool down and the leaves start to change. These warm months often have great things happen, but sometimes things don’t go quite according to plan. Sometimes people have different plans, people get sick, or a parade doesn’t go as smoothly as one might’ve hoped. But, with a little patience and care, things might end up even more spectacular than initially hoped for.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Oil Cap
Daily Mix: “Don Shelline” discusses “No Time”
Story Spotlight: ‘Brat’ by Martha Reed Johnson in Skinny Dipping and Other Life Lessons (13:03)
Storytime: ‘The Mumps’ by Laura Pershin Raynor in Summertime & (18:45)
‘Marching Band’ by Kevin Kling in Stories off the Shallow End (6:42)
Sometimes, our plans just don’t work the way we thought they would. Whether it’s our ten-year career goals or next week’s dinner schedule, life has a way of turning out differently than we intended. And that’s not necessarily due to some personal fault—often, it’s simply because life is more complicated than the words you write on your calendar. Everyone’s trajectory will change at one point or another, so today, we thought we’d bring you a few stories about embracing those changes: because if we can’t choose the curveballs life throws, we can at least choose how to swing.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Sadie Hawkins
Daily Mix: Paul Ricks discusses “I Want My Hat Back”
Story Spotlight: “Hitchhiking” by Geraldine Buckley on Devils on Horseback and Other Odd Journeys (12:04)
Storytime: “How I Became an English Major” by Donald Davis on Friends Come Back (22:47)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Have you ever traversed the Grand Canyon? Have you ever done it on a mule? On today's BITE, you'll hear a portion of Donald Davis' hilarious Grand-Canyon-on-a-mule experience. Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer, Stewart Foster.
Every single one of us has entered this world in the same way - as a baby. Babies are equally adorable as they are troublesome; and today we’ll hear stories from Allison Downey, Bill Harley, Glenda Bonin, and Leeny Del Seamonds about the copious amounts of love and anxiety these little bundles of joy bring with them.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: The Sound of Music Reunion
Daily Mix: Jeff Simpson discusses “Based on a True Story”
Story Spotlight: “Maternal Instinct” by Allison Downey (12:26)
Storytime: “That’s Where You Come From” by Bill Harley (4:16)
“Saving Father’s Life” by Glenda Bonin (1:54)
“The Stinking Dragon” by Leeny Del Seamonds (15:10)
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Broken Arm
Daily Mix: Ian Puente discusses “Ford v. Ferrari”
"Fox and Goldfinch", by Dovie Thomason (11:42)
Storytime: "Some People Tune, Some People Play", by Donald Davis (24:51)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Nothing seems to spring a young person into action faster than the magical sound of an approaching ice cream truck. On today's BITE, you'll a hear a story by Adam Booth called, oddly enough, "The Ice Cream Truck". Sam is joined in the studio by Ian Puente.
Today's tellers will each share their own story about things that might seem trivial, or even annoying, but always reveal something deeper and beautiful underneath.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Tokyo
Daily Mix: Brynna Haddock discusses “Pecan Pie”
Story Spotlight: “The Wood Maiden” by Stephanie Beneteau on Dreaming Tall: Stories for Growing Girls (10:14)
Storytime: “Boo Boo Boo” by Bruce Walker on Spreading Southern Culture - A Little Bit at a Time (1:42)
“Silly Hans” by Randel McGee on Randel McGee Presents: Hans Christian Andersan - The Man and His Tales (16:33)
“Gecko and Firefly” by Susan Reed Songs & Stories about Families, Friendships, and Shoes (5:43)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story that illustrates the importance of being quick on one's feet, or in this case...hooves. "Goat Gets Away" is told by Jim Weiss. Sam is joined in the studio by Storytelling Professor, Teresa Love.
In 1818, the English Romantic poet John Keats wrote that “poetry should strike the reader as a wording of his own highest thoughts, and appear almost a remembrance.” Perhaps this is why our storytellers reference poetry so often. Both mediums tell more than just events and feelings. They tell, teach, and sing something universal. Something so core to humanity that the listener thinks it came right out of their own mind. Today we’ll be bringing you a collection of stories that revolve around poetry and its effects on our lives. Join us as we listen to Finn Bille, Mitchell G. Capel, and Lani Peterson as they tell tales and even perform a few pieces of poetry from the likes of Maya Angelou and Paul Laurence Dunbar.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Scooby Doo
Daily Mix: Steven Kapp Perry discusses "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"
“Maya’s Story for Indira” by Lani Peterson (11:07)
“Recycled Poetry” by Finn Bille (15:32)
“Goin’ Back” by Mitchell G. Capel (6:34)
North America has a rich history of storytelling and folklore from people who tilled the earth and made connections with animals before any European settlements. Native Americans used their insight and connection with the natural world to build a better understanding of the universe and the world at large- using origin stories and legends as explanations of how the earth was formed and shaped, and why things are the way they are. North America, “this turtle island” is the home to a vast and exciting history of the Native American people, and prove that legends and stories can spark something deep in us that help us connect to each other and ourselves better.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Shelline Party
Daily Mix: Gene Nelson discusses “The Cat in the Hat”
"The Woman Who Fell From the Sky" by Odds Bodkin (12:14)
"The Wife of the Thunderer" by Joseph Bruchac (15:42)
"The Legend of the First Strawberry" by Jenni Cargill-Strong (8:47)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Growing up, your young mind soaks up all sorts of information like a sponge. And there's a sense of wonder and awe surrounding how things work, what purpose they serve, and in the case of today's BITE, how things change. Today's story, "Willie the Bug-Man" is from Susan Klein. Sam is joined in the studio by Producer, Jeff Simpson.
Today's episode of The Apple Seed is chock-full of winter stories.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: People Don't Dance Like They Used To
Daily Mix: Ian Puente discusses “The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel"
"How Gluskabi Brought the Summer” by Joseph Bruchac (13:30)
“Bill Greenfield and the Cold Winter” by Joseph Bruchac (07:34)
“Pebone and Seguin” by Brian Fox" Ellis (06:36)
“Strawberries In Winter” by Dan Keding (10:13)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
A common moral of many stories is "Don't believe everything you hear." And that's certainly at the heart of today's BITE. It's from a story called "Handsome Bear" by Donna Washington. Sam is joined in the studio by Paul Ricks, a Professor of Teacher Education at Brigham Young University.
Even though China has adopted the Gregorian calendar since 1912, its most important holiday continues to be Chinese New Year. This holiday is celebrated on the second new moon after the winter solstice and lasts for 15 days. So today we hope to bring a little bit of the Chinese spirit into your homes with tales from Linda Gorham, Beth Horner, Heather Forest, and Judy Lubin.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
Radio Family Journal: Samwise Gamgee
Daily Mix: Cole Wissinger discusses “The Mummy”
Story Spotlight: “Pai & Kwan” by Linda Gorham on Common Sense ... and Uncommon Fun! (10:45)
Storytime: “Li Chi Slays the Serpent” by Beth Horner on An Evening on Cedar Creek (5:30)
“The Useless Tree” by Heather Forest on Songspinner (3:58) - Taoist poem
“Lu Helps a Dragon” by Judy Lubin on Dragons from the Sea: Tales from China (12:57)
In a head-to-head match between wisdom and luck, which do you think would win? Which would you rather possess? On today’s episode of The Apple Seed, you’ll hear stories from Heather Forest, Willy Claflin, and Simon Brooks. Sam will also add another entry to his Radio Family Journal about chickens and the virtue of patience. And then, speaking of luck, you’ll hear a story from Producer, Jeff Simpson, about “Powdered Milk Cookies.” If you’ve never eaten them before, you should consider yourself lucky!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following: Radio Family Journal: Chickens Take Awhile Daily Mix: Jeff Simpson discusses “Powdered Milk Cookies” Story Spotlight: “The Contest between Wisdom and Luck” by Heather Forest on Wonder Tales From Around the World Storytime: “Daydreamer Seeks Benefactor” by Willy Claflin on Where Were You in ‘72 “The Story Untold, the Song Unsung” by Simon Brooks on A tangle of Tales
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Ever make up stories with your young ones? Hopefully this story called "The Prince and the Soccer Ball" by Donna Washington - and her kids - will inspire you to get creative. Sam is joined in the studio by Cole Wissinger, Host of BYU Radio's Screen Cleaning and Cougar Tailgate.
Ever wonder why we have bats? You just may find the answer in stories from Dovie Thomason and Bill Harley. You’ll also hear a musical re-telling of the Three Little Pigs by Eshu Bumpus. Be sure to stick around for another entry in Sam’s Radio Family Journal about “Dumb Teenagers”, as well as a discussion with Mark Wait about the song “Wonderful Baby”.
Stories often come from a time before our own, offering us both a window into the past and a font of inspiration in the present. This is especially the case with books, which can often survive hundreds, even thousands of years beyond the author. Today, we’ll be listening to a few stories inspired by famous literature, from the novels of Victorian England to the Jewish texts of the Warsaw ghetto. You’ll hear from Anne Rutherford, Robin Schulte, and Susan Stone, but you’ll also hear from the authors of old that inspired them: Oscar Wilde, John Keats, Jane Austen, and Rabbi Shapira. Join the Apple Seed team as we listen to storytellers across time!
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Friends can often save each other from making poor decisions. Other times, they seem to push each other right into a poor decision. On today's BITE you'll hear a story called "Frog Gigging" by Bruce Walker. Sam is joined in the studio by Steven Kapp Perry, host of BYU Radio's "In Good Faith."
When looking back at our lives we often reminisce about ‘the good ‘ol days’. Happy childhood memories about our siblings, our parents and our friends. As we grow up we even form memories about our own children. We learn and grow from our mistakes, the lessons taught to us by parents, and possibly even from an inspired admonition every once in a while. Life constantly changes and we constantly change, but often the best ‘good ‘ol days’ are yet to come.
Today’s collection of stories and songs hopes to bring you a breath of fresh air with works from Susan Reed, Tim Lowry, and a litle cowboy poetry too. We’ll hear tales about stuff that happens in the great outdoors -- from tornados wreaking havoc to cowboys honoring the comings and goings of the season.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following: Radio Family Journal: Basement Flood Daily Mix: Rod Gustafson discusses “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes” Story Spotlight:“The Tornado and Mr. Snit” by Susan Reed on Gather (9:05) Storytime: “Keep on the Sunny Side” by David Holt on I Got a Bullfrog: Folk Songs for the Fun of It (3:04) “Summer” by Tim Lowry on My Favorite Time of the Year (17:14) “Summer Ranges” by Cowboy Poetry on Another Jubilee: Old Time Country & Cowboy Singing (3:33)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
The little things that annoy us about our loved ones may be some of the things we miss most about them when they're gone. On today's BITE, you'll hear a story called "You're Gonna Miss Me" by Carmen Deedy. Sam is joined in the studio by Gene Nelson.
Many of us have sweet memories of bedtime, perhaps with our parents, or with children of our own. Within this episode, we'll be delighted to hear a host of stories from great tellers such as Bill Harley, Willy Clafin, and Lyn Ford, all about the curious adventures that arise at the end of the day as we try to settle down for the night. They'll be a story about a monster and a story about a little moose, but at their heart, every single one of them will be about the time we spend with our loved ones in the universal act of going to sleep.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Has a stranger ever told you a story you weren't quite sure was true? Well, on today's BITE you'll hear a story that's not only true, but it was compelling enough to be made into a major motion picture. Here's Kate Dudding's "Witness to the Truth". Sam is joined in the studio by Rachel Wadham.
When was the last time life truly surprised you? Was it a good surprise or a bad surprise? Today on The Apple Seed, you’re going to hear a lot of stories that may convince you there are no bad surprises. Even when your eyes pop out of your head from shock (which happens in one of our stories today), there’s always a way to spring back and look on the bright side of life’s twist and turns.
As we age, we gain knowledge, wisdom, and even a few eccentric habits. This episode is all about the things - sage and quirky alike - that have been passed down to us from those who came before. You'll also hear an entry in the Radio Family Journal (about auditioning for a long-ago production of the musical Oliver), and a conversation with Rachel Wadham, who discusses the YA Novel, “Renegades”.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Ever receive a gift you don't know what to do with? Then you'll relate to the characters in today's BITE. Here's a story by Joel Ben Izzy called "The Old King and His Daughters". Sam is joined in the studio by Don Shelline.
Planes, bats, skunks, adventures with Skeeter, and more! The great West Virginia Storyteller Bil Lepp joins us in the Apple Seed studio before an intimate audience for an evening of music, stories, and high-spirited fun.
Treasure Island 2020, Episode 10: The Greatest Treasure Of All Time. James, Max, Morgan, and their friends make their final stand against impossible odds in the exciting conclusion to the time-traveling, swashbuckling adventure based on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel.
Treasure Island 2020, Part 9: The Pirates Take Manhattan. A vanful of unlikely heroes makes its move to thwart Kinkade on his own turf: a secret lab full of enough tech to make Max drool. But throwing a wrench into the works of a piratical villain like Kinkade is no picnic, and James, Max, and Morgan find themselves underwater before they know it!
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Ever wish you could dodge the trouble that seems to find you no matter how careful you are? On today's BITE you'll hear about Trouble personified in Dan Keding's "One Man's Trouble". Sam is joined in the studio by Rod Gustafson.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a musical rendition of Lewis Carroll's "The Jabberwocky", performed by folk group The Three D's. Sam is joined in the studio by Mark Wait, who shares his experience meeting The Three D's following one of their concerts.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE you'll hear a story by Syd Lieberman called "The Drummers". In it, Syd describes an encounter he had with a group of drummers. As you listen, ask yourself, "What's my drum?" Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer, Stewart Foster.
Today, we bring you stories that separate a wise and kind king from brutal and selfish kings who seek to cause trouble. From today’s stories, you'll listen to a story about the King of Little Things, Wise King Uruk and the Foolish King of Aratta, King Evan's Law, and………. Bil Lepp, Judith Heineman, Dolores Hydock and Carolina Quiroga-Stultz will share these stories that will spark memories that you too can share wherever you are.
How much do you think about the natural world? With busy days at school and work, we may often forget the trees, grasses, rivers, and mountains that give us air, water, and a beautiful place to live. Today on The Apple Seed, enjoy hearing about people who preserve the environment—whether through activism, magic, or retelling childhood stories.
The great Christmas song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, written by Edward Pola and George Wyle and first performed by Andy Williams, highlights many of the Christmas traditions in which you likely engage with your loved ones: There’ll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and caroling out in the snow. On today’s episode of The Apple Seed we’ll hear a story from Bill Harley, as well performances by the Acting Company that will surely bring to mind some of your favorite holiday activities.
Here at the Appleseed, we love all holidays, but today we’re talking about Christmas. We have some great stories from storytellers Bob Reiser, Bil Lepp, and Jay O’Callahan all about presents, caroling, and food, but mostly they’re all stories about hope and family.
In this episode, enjoy the following:
“Up Up and Away” by Bob Reiser on Chopped Herring and Other Brooklyn Tales
“Big Sal and the Crystal Turkey” by Bil Lepp on A Not So Silent Night
“Christmas Candles” by Jay O’Callahan on Year Round With Jay O’Callahan
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
"What you give to others will come back to you tenfold." That's the lesson learned from Dan Keding's "The Wolf's Debt." Sam is joined in the studio by Ian Puente.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” On today’s BITE you’ll hear a story about a tailor who epitomizes that famous motto. Sam and guest Teresa Love listen to and discuss Liz Weir's "The Tailor and the Button".
In today's episode, get ready for Treasure Island 2020 episode 8: Captain Flint with a look at time travel as described by authors like Mark Twain and H.G. Wells. While there's no time travel in Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, ideas about time travel were starting to gain popularity among readers in the years surrounding the publication of Treasure Island. All this, and a conversation with Rod Gustavson about the film Shadowlands (a story about C.S. Lewis and his marriage to Joy Gresham). There's an entry in the Radio Family Journal about finding sand dollars on the beach, too!
Episode 8 of Treasure Island 2020, the time-traveling, swashbuckling adventure unfolding weekly on BYUradio. After just escaping pirate mutineers in the 18th century, it's out of the frying pan and into the fire as our heroes find themselves face-to-face with Frank Kinkade. They get an up-close and personal look at their old enemy's operation -- a look that's altogether unwelcome.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Do you know a holiday 'Grinch'? Perhaps you've even been one yourself. If you've got the holiday blues then you're sure to enjoy Sam Payne's Blues version of the classic song, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." Sam is joined in the studio by Producer, Jeff Simpson.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Today's BITE features a song by the great Bill Harley called "Dad Threw the TV Out the Window". What at first seems like cruel and unusual punishment turns out to be - perhaps - a blessing in disguise. Sam is joined in the studio by BYU Radio Producer, Cole Wissinger.
Episode 7 of Treasure Island 2020, the time-traveling, swashbuckling adventure unfolding weekly on BYUradio. In this episode, find out how Ben Gunn got to the Island, and learn whether or not there's any hope for Max, who made a real pirate of himself in episode 6!
In this episode, meet Ben Gunn, one of the characters in Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel. You'll also hear a conversation with Cole Wissinger about how, at 4 years old, he discovered Boris Karloff's monster movies. All this, and an entry in the Radio Family Journal, too!
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE you'll hear a story from David Holt called "The Flying Cat", in which one woman's tragedy is another woman's Christmas miracle. Sam is joined in the studio by Librarian, Rachel Wadham.
Although Christmas –especially for children –can sometimes bring disappointment and setbacks, it’sstill considered by many to be “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” full of magic and wonder; caroling and storytelling by the fire; sweet confections and coveted gifts. What was Christmas like for you as a child? We hope the stories we bring you today from Bob Reiser, Jane Stenson, and Finn Bille spark memories of your favorite Christmases as a child.
Today, we bring you stories that highlights Monkey Businesses. Great storytellers like Beatrice Bowles, Brenda Wong Aoki, Tim Lowry and Mark Binder will share stories that will spark memories that you too can share wherever you are. Sam and Apple Seed family members are ready to share theirs.
In this hour of The Apple Seed, scelebrate Christmas with the whole BYU Radio Family. Recorded before a live audience, you'll hear Spenceer Linton and Jarom Jordan (of BYU Sports Nation) recite "A Visit from St. Nicholas," and Julie Rose (of Top of Mind) read "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus." You'll hear Lisa Valentine Clark and Ritchie T (of The Lisa Show) share an excerpt from O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi," and Steven Kapp Perry (of "In Good Faith"), and Marcus Smith (of Constant Wonder) relate the story of "The Man Who Missed Christmas." Eric Glissmeyer (of Classical 89) will share World War I Christmas poetry, and Sam will share ave Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Christmastime is Here." And to commemorate the reason for the season, the whole family will read from Luke 2 together. It's a BYU Radio Family Christmas, and you're invited to join us!
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Ever wonder about the origin of the baker's dozen? Mark Binder's "Give Me Some Cookies!" provides a magical explanation for why customers deserve a little extra. Sam is joined in the studio by Don Shelline, a member of our BYU Radio family.
In this hour, a reading from Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island about a pirate battle! It's all to get you ready for Episode 6 of Treasure Island 2020, the time-traveling, swashbuckling adventure unfolding each week on The Apple Seed. You'll also hear an entry in the Radio Family Journal, and a conversation with Rod Gustafson about a movie that made a movie lover out of him.
In this hour, it's Treasure island 2020 episode 6! In the wake of a mutiny, James, Morgan, and Max are divided. For those who remained loyal to Captain Bonnie O'Rourke, it's a quick trip into the drink! Once off the ship, our heroes strike out on land, exploring the mysterious island, and discovering a few surprises that no one could have expected! It's all in this hour, on the adventure podcast for you and your family, unfolding each week on The Apple Seed and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
We seem to talk a lot on the Appleseed about siblings, particularly youngest siblings. We leave it to the two older brothers or sisters to mess up on the challenges that the youngest finally gets right. Today we’ll explore two of these stories that each also feature the wind in one way or another.
In this episode, enjoy the following stories
“Katora; Lord of the Wind,” by Judith Black on Blooming
“The Magic Brocade,” by Heather Forest on World Tales of Wisdom and Wonder
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
What happens when you try and remove Santa Claus from the Christmas equation? One greedy executive finds out the hard way in Odds Bodkins' "The Takeover Before Christmas". Sam is joined in the studio by Rod Gustafson.
Storytelling is a tradition that purposefully blends fact and fiction. Often, it’s when the ordinary and the fantastic meet—when reality and unreality mix together—that a tale becomes poignant, meaningful, or funny. Join the Apple Seed team as we listen to stories that toe the line between tall tale and memoir.
Today, we bring you stories that reveal heroes in our midst. Just look around and you’ll see one. Great storytellers like Bill Mooney, Priscilla Howe, Kevin Kling and Mary Hamilton will share stories that will spark memories that you too can share wherever you are. Sam and Apple Seed family members are ready to share theirs.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Lack of information can influence how we perceive other people. However, when information is revealed, we often discover our perceptions were dead wrong. That's the message at the heart of Odds Bodkin's short and sharp "The Missing Axe." Sam is joined in the studio by Producer, Jeff Simpson, as well as Alyssa Mingorance.
How do you feel love best? How do you give love? Today on the Apple Seed, we bring you stories and songs about love, communication, and human connection. For the first part of the hour, enjoy the following stories:
Dizzy Gillespie’s Jaw Harp by David Holt on Live and Kickin' at the National Storytelling Festival (0:00-1:15)
Most of What I Know About True Love” by Dolores Hydock on In-laws and Outlaws: Family Stories (0:00-12:19)
“Pennies” by Dolores Hydock on Made From Scratch (0:00-5:21)
“Like Meat, Loves Salt” by Pete Castle on Sampler (0:00-7:03)
“Mail Myself to You” by John McCutcheon on This Land: Woody Guthrie’s America (3:28)
Then, join us for our final segment, which will be a discussion about love languages with special guest Emilie Stiles!
Plants have been important to humans just about as long as there have been humans. We use them for food, shelter, shade, beauty, medicine, and even stories.
In this episode, enjoy the following stories:
“The Squash Vine” by The Storycrafters on A Tale for All Seasons
“The Pea Blossom” by Hans Christian Andersen, read by Sam Payne
A story about Gardening by Dovie Thomason from the 2018 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival
On today's episode, prepare for episode 5 of Treasure Island 2020 with a reading from the pages of the original novel by Robert Louis Stevenson -- the scene in which Jim Hawkins, hiding in the apple barrel, overhears Long John Silver's mutinous plan.
On today's episode, thrill to an all-new chapter of Treasure Island 2020, the adventure podcast for you and your family, unfolding each week on The Apple Seed and wherever you get your favorite podcasts. In episode 5, James, Morgan, Max, and Captain Bonnie find themselves in the middle of the acting out of the terrifying plot of Long John Silver and his piratical band. Will mutiny be the end of the adventure?
In this hour, join us in the Apple Seed Studio for a live visit from Andy Offutt Irwin. Andy is a treasure among storytellers, and the tales of his fictional Aunt Marguerite and her family and friends have been lifting hearts and tickling funny bones for years. Andy shares some of those stories with us, live before our terrific studio audience. You'll also hear from the terrific singer-songwriter Ryan Shupe, for years the front man of the unforgettable Ryan Shupe and the Ruberband. All this, and a readers theater presentation of a scene from Jerome K. Jerome's "Three Men in a Boat," too. Find more of Andy Offutt Irwin's storytelling at andyirwin.com, and more of Ryan's music at ryanshupe.com.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Do you remember a time when your parents embarrassed you? How about a time when you embarrassed someone else? Then you're sure to enjoy Barbara McBride-Smith's "A Joyful Noise". Sam is joined in the studio by Producer, Jeff Simpson, as well as Caleb Andrus.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Whether your grandparents are still around, we hope today's BITE will spark memories of them that you can share with those you love. Here's Motoko's "Grandpa's Barcode". Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer, Stewart Foster.
On today's episode, thrill to an all-new chapter of Treasure Island 2020, the adventure podcast for you and your family, unfolding each week on The Apple Seed and wherever you get your favorite podcasts. James, Morgan, and Max, together with the mysterious Long John Silver and the irrepressible Captain Bonnie O'Rourke set sail in the Hispaniola, bound for treasure. But whether it's an angry mob accosting them at the dock, or a massive storm brewing on the high seas, this adventure is going to be tricky to get underway!
On today's episode, prepare for episode 4 of Treasure Island 2020 with tales of Long John Silver from the pages of the original novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. You'll also meet the poet upon whom Stevenson based his famous pirate!
Join us today on the Apple Seed as we harvest stories from our favorite storytellers and singers. We are delighted to hear tales of living on the farm, eating delicious strawberries, and how grateful we should be for books. We hope the stories we share of earth and the fruit it gives will spark memories to share with your loved ones.
On today's special episode of The Apple Seed you'll hear the following stories and songs:
“Harvest” by Susan Reed on Songs & Stories About Families, Friendships & Shoes(3:25)
“Lily and the Fig Tree” on Dropbox Stories by Jenni Cargill-Strong (12:03)
“The Gift of Reading” by Suzanne Christensen (7:21)
“Doin’ the Dishes” by Catherine Conant on Stories Grow Everywhere (10:59)
Join us on The Apple Seed as we listen to stories about learning more than what you did before. Today, we are listening to heartwarming stories by Regi Carpenter, Ben Huddle and Dolores Hydock about what is most important in life. We hope that you will also share the important lessons you learned with your loved ones.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a regular episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
If you grew up in a chaotic household then you'll be able to empathize with the protagonist of "Help Me Mama" by Linda Gorham. If you didn't, then you'll certainly sympathize. Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer, Karani Namunyu, as well as Paul Victor.
Have you ever searched for buried treasure? Sometimes, as Dorothy Gale discovered, you needn't look further than your own back yard, figuratively speaking. Sam and Assistant Producer, Caroline Coppersmith, discuss buried treasure as well as the homes in which they grew up.
What do you see when you look at the moon? An old man? A big wheel of cheese? Today on the Apple Seed we bring you stories about the moon and nearly everything that could be paired with it—from mice, to love, to mischief, to bickering family members. Enjoy the following stories:
Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne (5:00)
“Mouse and the Moon” by Dovie Thomason on Voices of the Animal People: Stories of the First Nations (6:49)
“Mischief and the Moon” by Nathalie Vachon on Magic and Mischief (0:00-8:18)
“Ruthie’s Song” by Ted Fink on The New Stuff: Stories N Songs (4:29)
“Brother Sun and Sister Moon” by Donna Washington on Troubling Trouble (9:23)
“Moon and Me” by Bill Harley on Play it Again (3:34)
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 3 of the new 10-part adventure podcast series Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island. Hear a chapter every Monday on The Apple Seed, and find it online the next day at byuradio.org, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
In episode 3, James, Morgan, and Max find themselves face to face with Long John Silver. He's a one-legged, seafaring man, but surely not the one Billy Bones warned them about, right? With Silver as their guide, they look to charter a ship that will help them find Billy's treasure. It's tougher, though, than it sounds. Will the adventure end before it even begins?
Today on the Apple Seed we’re talking about the country that gave the modern world senators, Latin, and perhaps most importantly, pizza. Laugh, cry, and think about garlic as you enjoy tales from those with Italian heritage—or, a boot—in their root. Enjoy a story by Catherine Conant, “The Green Hand” by Joel ben Izzy, and “La Befana” by Antoinette Griffin.
In celebration of this week's episode Treasure Island 2020, we'll look at Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel. If you heard Treasure Island 2020, episode 1: Billy Bones, you might be interested in how Billy Bones was introduced to readers in Stevenson's book, almost 240 years ago! We'll also chat with the CEO of Gen Z, our partner in creating Treasure Island 2020! Find new episodes of Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling adventure for you and your family each week on The Apple Seed, at BYUradio.org. or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
We've all misplaced things in our lives. Sam has misplaced toys, and Producer, Jeff Simpson, can't hold on to keys. What items have you misplaced over the years? Ponder over that as you listen to "The Mitten" by Heather Forest, a story about a little boy who loses a mitten, and the animals who find it.
Throughout history, billions of people have braved oceans and deserts in search of a new life. Today on the Apple Seed, enjoy “End of the World” by John McCutcheon, “America, Land of Miracles” by Noa Baum, “Setting Liberty Free” by Glenda Bonin, “Grandma Makes Worm Cake” by Norah Dooley, and “Grandma’s Lullaby” by Dan Keding. Not only do we have storytellers’ views on the immigrant experience, but we also are including an interview about crossing borders with our very own assistant producer, Karani Namunyu!
On today’s episode, enjoy the following stories:
“End of the World” by John McCutcheon on Passage (3:47)
“America, Land of Miracles” by Noa Baum (8:08)
“Grandma Makes Worm Cake” by Norah Dooley on My Bad Bad Dog and Other Neighbors (7:11)
“Setting Liberty Free” by Glenda Bonin on Family Gazette (10:33)
“Grandma’s Lullabye” by Dan Keding on Wisdom and Wayfaring (3:20)
From magical Selkies and their underwater kingdoms to ancient rainforests filled with fey creatures, Scotland is a magical place in the world of storytelling. Join the Apple Seed team as we take a jaunt through the history of the highlands and their many mythical and historical denizens.
Have you ever felt left out? Have you ever left someone out? Then you're sure to enjoy "Turtle Loves to Fly" by Dovie Thomason. Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer, Jacob Pierce as well as Dallen Shumway.
Marc Brown once said “Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero”. Join us today on the Apple Seed as we listen to these cherished stories about brothers. Whether you are a brother, have a brother or someone like a brother in your life, you will enjoy these tales. And if you have no types of brothers in your life, the stories of Donald Davis, Anthony Burcher and Bill Harley will help you out.
In the musical White Christmas, we hear Betty and Judy Haynes sing “All kinds of weather, we stick together, the same in the rain or sun” in regard to their sisterhood. Join us today on the Apple Seed as we listen to stories about what it means to be a sister. We are delighted to hear from Lynn Ruehlmann, The Storycrafters, Martha Reed Johnson and Rosie Cutrer with stories of the ups and downs of sisterhood.
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 1 of the new 10-part adventure podcast series Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island. Hear a chapter every Monday on The Apple Seed, and find it the next day on-demand at BYUradio.org, or wherever you get your favotire podcasts.
In part 2, just as James and his friends begin to unravel the mystery of Billy Bones, new questions arise -- like a warning to beware a one-legged, seafaring man. A daring escape from Frank Kinkade sends the kids more than they bargained for, and an encounter with the mysterious vortex.
In this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear part 1 of the new 10-part adventure podcast series Treasure Island 2020, a swashbuckling, time-traveling reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island. Hear a chapter every Monday on The Apple Seed, and find it online the next day at byuradio.org, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
In part 1 of Treasure Island 2020, young James Hawkins -- who helps his mother, Cynthia, operate a lonely motel in Montauk, New York -- discovers a stranger on the beach who looks suspiciously like a pirate. Together with friends Morgan and Max, James begins to find himself at the center of a mystery that includes not only the newcomer (an outlandish figure named Bily Bones), but also the world famous underwater explorer Frank Kinkade. What could an assortment of characters like that want with James and his Mom?
Today on the Apple Seed we are listening to stories about the most very important engagement, a wedding engagement! We are joined in the studio today with the Apple Seed Family, ready to listen to silly, romantic and courageous engagements in the lives of both humans and animals. We are entertained by a variety of storytellers from Dolores Hydock to Ed Stivender, telling us the adventure of preparing for wedding days.
Risks are inevitable. Sometime or another we’ll all have to take a chance on something that may not pan out. But whether they turn out successful or not, the risks we choose to take define who we are. What’s so important that you’d never put it in jeopardy? What’s so important that you’d hazard everything for it? And what about the times when our risk assessment isn’t the greatest? Join the Apple Seed team as we listen to stories from Andy Offutt Irwin and Geraldine Buckley about learning from foolhardy risks and bettering our chance-taking skills.
CowBoys!!! Men, typically on horses backs, who herd and take care of cattle, especially in the western US and they are represented in many written and spoken literature.Today we take a dive into the life of Cowboys! Put on some Cowboy boots and hat, sit down and lets hear Cowboys speak! Great storytellers like Tim Lowry, Glenda Bonin, and Jay O'Callahanwill share stories that will spark memories that you too can share wherever you are. Sam and Apple Seed family members are ready to share theirs.
Have you ever found yourself doing a lot of work just to get out of a little? Join the Apple Seed team as we listen to one of Bil Lepp’sfamous tall tales about faking book reports in elementary school, and the great lengths he and his friends went to legitimize their scheme.
Today on the Apple Seed we are excited to share with you stories about moving away and putting down new roots. We are delighted to hear stories from Antonio Sacre, David Holt and Dolores Hydock who remind us of the adventure and nervousness that accompanies going to a new place. Whether you have never left home or recently moved to a new country, these stories will spark memories to share with your loved ones.
We've all caused a little mischief in our lives, right? Well, storyteller Bil Lepp has caused a LOT mischief in his life. At least we think he has - Bil is known for telling tall tales, so who really knows? In today's BITE you'll hear one of Bil's mischievous stories called "Walkie-Talkie Drive-Thru." Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer, Stewart Foster.
Apple Seed BITES are little bite-sized episodes that are sure to satisfy your appetite for great stories. And today's BITE may be the shortest one ever, but it features favorite teller, Willy Claflin - along with his companion Maynard Moose - with a story called "The Moose and the Cheese." Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer, Caroline Coppersmith, as well as Ethan Meldrum.
In this hour, enjoy a visit from Geraldine Buckley, telling joyful stories that spring from her life of faith -- a life that has brought her through adventures as a catholic school student, a chaplain in the largest men's prison in Maryland, and more. Enjoy Geraldine's stories, along with some music, and even a little readers theater piece that may convince you that fishing can be a religious experience.
We've all got a little common sense, right? Sometimes it seems like some people have more than others. Why is that? And where did we get that common sense in the first place? On today's episode of the Apple Seed storyteller, Kirk Waller, answers that very question. You'll also hear other stories about common sense and using your head from Odds Bodkin, Donna Washington, David Holt, and Priscilla Howe.
Uncle Cleo – Kirk Waller (7:18) – how we all got our common sense; *Doesn’t it seem like some people had more of it land on them?
The Lion Makers – Odds Bodkin (4:54) – sometimes a little common sense is worth more than all the knowledge in the world
Bastianello – Donna Washington (14:40)
Attention Kmart Shoppers – David Holt (2:09)
Ti Jean and the Donkey’s Egg – Priscilla Howe (3:19)
Echoline – Kirk Waller (8:02)
Here at the Apple Seed we like to party! However, if we're honest, there are probably times when we'd rather just stay at home and be alone. How do you feel about parties? Think about it as you listen to Bill Harley's "Come on Out and Play." Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer, Jenna Adams and Jared Bledsoe.
Did you ever get sick just at the wrong time? That's how Sam felt on his second day of college, and he remembers the story in today's Radio Family Journal entry. After that, anyone who has ever had a crush on someone our of their league, climbed the ladder to the high dive at the local pool, or binged on candy or soda at the pool snack bar will have something to remember when they hear "High Dive," a musical story from Bill Harley. And to round out the episode, we'll bring you the story of a genuine urban legend featuring a train, a date, and a pair of pants.
Boo! It’s Halloween and we are getting spooky with folktales from around the world. We are joined in the studio today with assistant producer, Jenna Adams, excited to listen to stories from Mexico, Africa, Japan, Ireland and Spain. Storytellers from Motoko to Antonio Sacre entertain us with tales of ghouls and monsters as we celebrate this spooky holiday!
When you were a kid, you might have asked your friend “Let’s play pretend” and start a game full of adventure and wonder. Today on the Apple Seed, we are joined with assistant producer, Jenna Adams, to reminisce the times when we could dress up and be anyone in the universe. Storytellers, actors and musicians share their childlike imaginations ranging from zombies, princesses, pirates and skeletons.
Today, we bring you stories that focus on witches and a wizard. Great storytellers like Jess Smith, Beatrice Bowles, Big Joe Pagliuca and Peter J. Parker will share stories that will spark memories that you too can share wherever you are. Sam and Apple Seed family members are ready to share theirs.
Spooky season is here! Today on the Apple Seed we bring you a “Monster Mash”—a compilation of monster stories from all around the world. We hope you enjoy these stories about giant pumpkins, trout/moose hybrids, and other creatures that teach us that the best thing to do with a monster is to face it (and laugh too)!
Batter up! Today we are talking all things baseball here on the Apple Seed. Joining us in the dugout today with our guests assistant producer, Jenna Adams, and her father, Greg Adams. Greg Adams once played in the minors for the Brewers and we are excited to hear his stories of playing baseball. We are also delighted to hear an original Apple Seed baseball radio drama about Jim Abbott, the one handed pitcher, and other heroic tales of baseball’s legends. Play ball!
The beauty of language is in its versatility: it can unite and divide, inspire and humble, make fun and make sober. Sometimes it works just as we intended and sometimes it fails spectacularly. But there’s one thing that stays consistent across this complicated and even convoluted subject: language is so bound up in culture that it naturally creates stories. From ancient Mayan writings to the Navajo code talkers of World War II, join the Apple Seed team as we listen to stories about language and how it shapes our experience through life.
At the Apple Seed, we are no strangers to fishing. It’s a popular activity, means of subsistence, and, for some, a philosophy for living. The Apple Seed has many episodes and stories about fishing which you can find in our archive. However, the word “fishing” can indicate not only the process of catching fish, but also the search for anything that seems elusive. Today, enjoy a set of stories by Sheila Arnold, Doug Elliot, Kevin Kling, Liz Weir, and Joseph Sobol, partially about catching fish, but mostly about searching for something that is less tangible and longer lasting.
Today we venture into the vibrant storytelling of Native American cultures. With storytellers such as Dovie Thomason, Joseph Bruchac, and Len Cabral, we hope you enjoy modern and ancient stories from the Apache, Abenaki, and Iroquois peoples.
Music affects us all in very different ways. As you listen to this story by John McCutcheon called "Sydney Opera House," perhaps you'll think of a few songs that have had an impact on your life. Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer, Jacob Pierce as well as Courtney Lawson.
Rites of passage come in all shapes and sizes, from elaborate tribal challenges to simple moments of insight. Join the Apple Seed team as we listen to stories about the exciting, awkward, reflective, and sometimes comical interim between stages of life.
In story, as in life, things sometimes go terribly wrong. We’re always grateful to those who are able, through skill, bravery, or sheer luck, to put things right again. Sometimes that person is even ourselves, though we rarely succeed alone. Today, enjoy two stories by Sharon Kennedy and The Storycrafters about two heroes who are able to face terrible curses (magical or otherwise) and undo them, making life better for those around them.
Are there people in your lives that you have ignored or disregarded because they were different from you? Think about it while you listen to this story "Anansi's Children" by Charlotte Blake-Alston. Once you have someone in mind, maybe reach out to them. They could change your life, or maybe you could change theirs. Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer, Caroline Coppersmith and Gigi Valentine.
Who in your life has inspired you to achieve your dreams? Think about it as you listen to this story called "I Can Fly" by Mitch Capel. Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer Jenna Adams and Mo Green.
In preparation for The Appleseed’s new-age pirate podcast, Treasure Island 2020, we bring to you an exploration of classic Greek stories of sea, sailors, and the Underworld. Enjoy stories from Odds Bodkin and Susan Klein on today’s episode: “The Aegean and the Underworld”.
Grandmothers share so much with us. From telling stories about your parents when they were young to pampering us with love, they shape our lives in many ways. Relax and enjoy great storytellers share memories of their grandmothers. Hope you are inspired to share yours too!
We’re dropping anchor for a brief jaunt through sea-shanty history: join Sam and the Apple Seed team as they listen to tales preserved through time by sailing music. Plus, stick around for the story of Nakahama Manjiro, a ship-wreck survivor and one of the first Japanese people to visit the United States.
Bon appetit! Join us as we celebrate World Food Day on the Apple Seed. We are here today with Austin Judkins and Jenna Adams to both listen to stories and raise awareness to help those who are hungry. We are eager to hear a concoction of stories Alton Chung, Rosie Cutrer, Jenni Cargill-Strong and Syd Lieberman and ways how families and children can help those in need.
Benjamin Franklin proclaimed “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”! Today on the Apple Seed, we listen to the stories of those who came face to face with death and conquered their certain fate. Stories of curses and monsters will be told by The Storycrafters, Richard Martin and a performance of a Reader’s Theater by The Acting Company.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following stories:
Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne (5:00)
“Beeping Slooty” by The Storycrafters on Classics with a Twist (5:45)
”The Silent Princess” by Richard Martin on Tales and Music (21:02)
“Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein” by The Acting Company (12:35)
Today, we bring you stories that will evoke memories about life in elementary and high school. Great storytellers like Slash Coleman, Lynn Ruehlmann, Catron Molly and Glenda Bonin will share stories that will spark memories that you too can share wherever you are. Sam and Apple Seed family members are ready to share theirs.
Stories in today’s episode:
“High School Musical,” by Slash Coleman on The Last American Gladiator (12:28)
“Plaid dress,” by Catron Molly on Do Lord. Oh, Do Lord. Oh, do you remember me (8:04)
“Jungle Jaguar,” by Lynn Ruehlmann on Adventures of a Daydreamy Kid (12:31)
“Motorcycle Momma,” by Glenda Bonin on Family Gazette (6:24)
We all have talents that can bless the lives of others. What's yours? Think about it as you listen to this story called "Healing Hands" by Charlotte Blake-Alston. Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer Karani Namunyu and Darren Chambers.
We all know that too much candy can rot your teeth, right? But as a kid would that stop you from doing all you could to get your hands on as much of the yummy goodness your loose change could buy? Of course not! On this hour of the Apple Seed we’re continuing our theme of dentists and teeth. We’ve got stories from Andy Offutt Irwin and Michael Reno Harrell, as well as another entry into Sam’s Radio Family Journal.
For many patients, the Dentist’s office can be a magical place. What little kid doesn’t feel as giddy as they do on Christmas morning as they open up their bag of dental goodies at the end of the appointment? What little kid isn’t in awe of all the expensive equipment they behold as they await the arrival of the mysterious man behind the face mask? Well as it turns out, that excitement and awe never really leaves us, as evidenced in Bil Lepp’s story, “I Love My Dentist.” You’ll also hear stories from LouiseO’Leary and Donald Davis, on an episode that’s all about teeth.
Sam and his sagacious sidekicks spend sixty minutes swapping silly stories surrounding tough, yet terrific, tongue twisters on an exquisitely, extra-special episode of the Apple Seed! You’ll hear stories and songs from Willy Claflin and Sam’s father, Marvin Payne. We always hope that the stories you hear on the show spark memories for you and your family. And just this once, we hope they’ll leave you tongue-tied!
Some days you just can't get rid of a dead body! That's the plight of the characters from today's BITE. Mary Grace Ketner shares "Old Dry Fry", a story that's filled with dark humor, perfect for this Halloween season. Sam is joined in the studio by Producer, Jeff Simpson.
On today's very special BITE you'll hear storyteller Mark Binder, who was on the road and was gracious enough to pull over long enough to speak with us. He was also generous enough to write a story especially for Yom Kippur and share it with us on The Apple Seed. Sam is joined by Mark and Assistant Producer, Jacob Pierce.
Mark Binder’s latest book is “The Misadventures of Rabbi Kibbitz and Mrs. Chaipul.” A delightful story full of smiles, it is available in print, ebook and audio book from sites and stores like Amazon, iBooks, GooglePlay Books, Nook, Kobo and Barnes and Noble. Coming soon on audible.com.
At The Apple Seed, we are blessed to have relationships with many Jewish storytellers and many Jewish Stories. You may be familiar with the voices of Corrine Stavish, Mark Binder, Karen Golden, and Noa Baum to name just a small few. While preparing for this episode, we reached out to these tellers who were all very gracious in helping us to prepare this episode about the Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. You’ll hear some of their thoughts and stories throughout the hour
In our culture,we often callstories either “traditional” or “personal.” Old or new. Immediate or outdated. Deep or frivolous. But what if there was no such thing as atrulyold story? What if astory is like a phoenix.It glows brightly as it passes between a teller and a listener, leaves an imprint in the mind’s eye, and dissolves to ashes, leaving only a spark.This spark can be saved –bottled up in a heart, or a memory chip, but only whenwe tell it or play it back is the phoenixborn anew, igniting the air carrying it beforeroosting inthe heart of a listener. Today we journey with Willy Claflin, Brian “Fox” Ellis, andDovieThomason as they tell some old stories and some new ones, but all in their own new way.
In the age-old argument of cats vs. dogs it seems everyone has an opinion, whether or not they own a feline or canine. But if you're on the fence, maybe this story called "King of Cats" from Daniel Bishop will shape your opinion. Sam is joined by Assistant Producer Caroline Coppersmith and Paige Park.
Join the Apple Seed team as we take a jaunt through knightly history. From Green Knights to Faery Queens, you won’t want to miss these tales of courtly love and chivalry from Heather Forest, Andrew McQuinn, Ed Stivender, and Diane Edgecomb. Stick around for part two to hear a 12th century reading from Marie de France alongside a modern retelling of a classic knight’s tale
Join the Apple Seed team as we take a jaunt through knightly history. From Green Knights to Faery Queens, you won’t want to miss these tales of courtly love and chivalry from Heather Forest, Andrew McQuinn, Ed Stivender, and Diane Edgecomb. Stick around for part two to hear a 12th century reading from Marie de France alongside a modern retelling of a classic knight’s tale.
As autumn rushes in with cool breezes, cozy bonfires, and pumpkin flavored treats, we can’t help but think about falling like leaves- that is, falling in love. We are joined in the studio today to talk about all things love and relationships with assistant producer, Jenna Adams and love expert, Professor Spencer James. Accompanying our interview, we will hear from Bill Harley and Michael Martin Murphey who illustrate the journey of love.
As Autumn rushes in with cool breezes, cozy bonfires, and pumpkin flavored treats, we can’t help but think about falling like leaves. That is, falling in love. We are joined in the studio today with love experts to talk about all things romance. Stories by Stephanie Beneteau, Bill Harley and Mark Binder will treat us tales of falling in love.
Every once in awhile, we get to have a favorite storyteller right here in our cozy studio, performing before a live audience. Such was the case when The Apple Seed was paid a visit by Antonio Sacre. The Apple Seed audience will recognize Antonio's terrific, bilingual stories about growing up the son of Cuban and Irish ancestors. In addition to Antonio's stories, you'll hear music from Sam (along with bassist Ian Camp and pianist Anthony Phan), and an introduction to Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence (just a taste of their many adventures together) read for you by Suzanne Christensen, Noah and Leah Kershisnik, and Sam. It's a special live, in-studio episode of the show.
On today's episode of the Apple Seed we're taking the show on the road! Well, okay not literally. But you'll hear stories from Antonio Rocha, Alton Chung, and Tim Lowry, that are all about being...On the road!
Enjoy the following stories:
"Blame it on Hollywood" by Antonio Rocha
"The Luminous Pearl" by Alton Chung
"Stay on the Road" by Tim Lowry
Andy Offutt Irwin is known for sharing stories about his Octogenarian - and fictional - Aunt Marguerite, who works at the Southern White Old Ladies Hospital. On today's BITE you'll hear Mr. Irwin's story "The Seven Stages of Uncle Charles." Sam and Assistant Producer Stewart Foster then swap hospital stories of their own.
Ladies, have you ever found it difficult to get rid of undesirable suitors? Well then you would do well to take a page out of the book of "Madonna Francesca", a story by Tim Lowry. Sam is joined in the studio by his producer, Jeff Simpson, as well as Kiersten Guymon, who shares some of her experiences living in Italy.
On today's episode of the Apple Seed you'll hear stories about Monsters and Pirates and Stars...oh my!
"Wiley and the Hairy Man" by Len Cabral
"The Acquisition of Skipper" by Slash Coleman
"Blackbeard, Bluebeard, and Redbeard" by Eric Herman
On today's episode you'll hear the following Tall, Silly, and Personal stories:
"Washing Machine Rodeo" by Bil Lepp
"Sillier Than You" by Bill Harley
"The Seventeen Dollar and Ten Cent Suit" and "The L&N Don't Stop Here" by Kim Weitkamp
Some say women aren’t funny. Well, these stories prove those people flat wrong. Laugh with us as we hear stories of funny women who pull pranks, tell knock-knock jokes, and make a living (and a life) out of laughter.
In our modern world, travel has never been easier or less expensive. Many of us have the opportunity to travel around the world to see fantastic places and marvel at some of the things the world has to offer, often meeting others who are on their own voyages. Regardless of whether or not we’ve been across the ocean, or even across the street, each of us is on our own journey, seeing wonders of the world and meeting people on the way. Today we bring you some stories that all show in one way or another the paths we take in this “journey of life” and some of the places we can end up on the way.
Do you remember any of your babysitters? Did you ever cause any mischief when Mom and Dad weren't around? Then you'll love this story from Donald Davis called, "Trying to Get Rid of Miss Annie." Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer, Jacob Pierce and his guest Sammy Daines.
Watermelon - do you love it or loathe it? Well, on today's BITE, you'll hear about Brian, who hates watermelon in a story called, "Brian, Who Hates Watermelon" by Joel Ben Izzy. Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer, Caroline Coppersmith, as well as Hailey-Kate Chatlin.
Y’aaargh! Today’s international talk like a pirate day, so prepare yourself for a whole hour of timber shivering tales of high-sea banditry. Join Dirty James, Swindling Syches, and our host Black Sam Flint as we listen to a whole host of sea shanties and sailor’s stories. And speaking of pirates, keep an ear to the ground for our upcoming Treasure Island audio drama—a modern twist on Robert Louis Stevenson’s original work.
AARGH! The Apple Seed welcomes you to our "Talk Like a Pirate Day" episode! In preparation for the holiday and for our upcoming podcast series entitled, "Treasure Island 2020", we are presenting stories all about pirates, hauntings, and legends!
The stories told to us as children can have a powerful impact on our lives. They can shape our dreams –as well as our nightmares –and they can represent some of the sweetest experiences we’ll ever have. Some of the best stories are the ones that get passed down from generation to generation. On today’s episode of the Apple Seed we’ll listen to and discuss some of the stories our parents shared with us during our formative years. You’ll hear stories from Diane Ferlatte, Len Cabral and Lona Bartlett, as well as a Radio Drama about the life of Dr. Seuss, another childhood favorite.
We have a couple of stories up our sleeve about tricks and mischief! Join us as Bil Lepp, Rosie Cutrer and Donald Davis tell us how they never miss a trick through their hilarious and clever storytelling. We are joined in the studio today with the Apple Seed family, who are excited to listen to and share their own stories of mischief. We hope you and your family will laugh your day away with these silly tales of monkey business!
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Don't know much about love? No worries. On today's BITE, Dolores Hydock shares what she knows through her story, "Most of What I Know About True Love." Sam and his guests - Assistant Producer, Jenna Adams and Melinda Harper - then share their own stories of love.
It seems most people won't forget where they were on 9/11. On today's BITE you'll hear stories from a couple people who answered the call to help on that fateful day 18 years ago, Steve Giacchi & Angie Kardashian. The Apple Seed would like to thank StoryCorps for sharing these stories. StoryCorps' mission is to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world. Hear more of their stories at https://storycorps.org/
In this hour, hear a story from Bill Harley called "Jack and the Singing Leaves." You'll also hear "The Blue Feather," a story from Jill Lamede, who calls herself "The Tintagel Storyteller."
On today’s episode, enjoy the following album of stories:
Jay O’Callahan’s Forged in the Stars
Guests:
Jayson Davis (BYU Engineering Student and NASA hopeful)
Gabe Richardson (Recently returned from NASA internship)
Join us today with war veterans, Colonel Greg Adams and Sergeant Hunter Sebresos, as we listen to and discuss the events of the terrorist attacks on September 11th, its aftermath and recovery. Stories of war and peace are told by Anne Rutherford, Joel ben Izzy, Kevin Cordi, Syd Lieberman and Bob Reiser. Their narratives remind us of life in war, the importance of supporting each other in hard times and that despite the trials we have in our lives, “This, too, Shall Pass”.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following album of stories:
Jay O’Callahan’s Forged in the Stars
Guests:
Jayson Davis (BYU Engineering Student and NASA hopeful)
Gabe Richardson (Recently returned from NASA internship)
Today we bring unto you some great stories all involving apples in some way or another. While there aren’t any poisoned apples in this episode, there are some golden ones, some talking trees, anda handful ofhiddentreasures, all brought to you and your family by the Apple Seed.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear Syd Lieberman tell a fable about marriage. It's title? "Marriage, A Fable." Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer, Stewart Foster.
On today's BITE, you'll hear Bil Lepp's story, "Adverse Conditions." Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer, Karani Namunyu, and Dylan Kelly, who share their own stories about superstitions and traveling.
Join The Apple Seed live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival TOMORROW! on Friday, September 6, from noon Eastern to 7:30pm Eastern, we'll be broadcasting a live video stream of performances at the TImpanogos storytelling festival! Find the stream at byuradio.org/appleseed!
The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival is celebrating its 30th year, and we'll be there! From wherever you are in the world, you'll be able to enjoy the stories LIVE as they unfold on the stage of the Shepherd's Hill tent at the beautiful Ashton Gardens. Catch performances by Donald Davis, Anne Rutherford, Antonio Rocha, and more. If you can't make it to the festival (the largest storytelling festival in the West, and an inspiration to story-lovers everywhere), this is the next best thing!
On today’s episode, we will hear tales from people long ago (and not so long ago) who earned their livings. Whether you’re a farmer, storyteller, babysitter, cook, or construction worker, you’ve learned new things, contributed to others, made mistakes, and discovered the joys of working hard (and hardly working).
In this hour, enjoy the following stories:
"Wood Chip," a Radio Family Journal entry by Sam Payne
"Solomon, The Beggar King" by Joel Ben Izzy
"Baby Hawk Learns to Fly" by Bobby Norfolk
What comes from being kind? Today's episode explores the fruits of kindness, in stories from all over the world. Enjoy tales from Dan Keding, Alton Chung, Sheila Starks Philips, and more.
Where were you when you had your first kiss? Was it in front of an audience? On today's BITE, you'll hear Sam Payne's story, "Camelot", in which Sam learns he'll be kissing a girl on stage in a production of, you guessed it...Camelot. Sam and guests Jeff Simpson and Sheridan Guymon then swap stage kissing stories.
Has life ever thrown you a curveball? Then you'll relate to Andy Offutt Irwin's story, "It's All Good." On today's BITE, Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer Jacob Pierce and Genevieve Pierce.
Have you ever attempted to learn a second language? Then you'll relate to Rick Huddle's story, "Chili's con Cafe." On today's BITE, Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer Caroline Coppersmith and Kate Bradley.
In this hour, enjoy the following stories:
"Frostie Root Beer," an entry in the Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne "Second Wind" by Michael Reno Harrell "North Platte Canteen" by Pippa White "The Princess and the Chest" readers theater, performed by Sam Payne, Suzanne Christensen, Noah Kershisnik and Leah Kershisnik
Sometimes, what you see on the surface is a deception, carefully crafted to make you believe a thing isn't what it really is. On today's episode of The Apple Seed, explore the idea of disguises and deception in stories from all over the world.
In this hour, enjoy the following stories:
"Don't Erase me," a Radio Family Journal Entry by Sam Payne "The Mitten" by Kevin Kling "Bobbie The Wonderdog" by Sam Payne
Join us today as we listen to stories of heroes fromdistant lands to quiet hometowns. Stories include courageous students, a loving grandfather, and a young girl on a quest. We are excited to hear these brave adventures told by Kate Dudding, Syd Lieberman, Dan Keding and Charlotte Blake Alston. We hope youshare these stories with yourown hometown heroes or wherever distant land your heroesmay be.
On today's very special BITE, you'll hear the story "Romeo and Juliet Gone Wrong" by Kerry Soper. Sam is joined in the studio by acclaimed storyteller, Antonio Sacre.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, Sam and guests Ann and Jenna Adams swap dancing stories as they - and you - listen to a story called "The Wood Maiden" by Stephanie Beneateau.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, Sam and Assistant Producer Stewart Foster will swap travel stories as they - and you - listen to a story called "Arlo Barlow" by Bil Lepp and Andy Offutt Irwin.
Life can be full of wild circumstances, emotions, and even people. Though the craziness of life oftendiminishesour view of its goodness and beauty, today we joinstorytellersJay O’Callihan in his story “My Wild Beauty,”Clare Murphyin her story “Lusmore,”and Syd Lieberman in his story “The Noisy House” as they each share some ways in which wildness eventually reveals something beautiful
For centuries, the sea has been a source of adventure, mystery, and excitement for storytellers. Today on The Apple Seed, we sample stories all about creatures of the deep (and creaturesof the beach) and how they interact with each other and humanity.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story called "Three Princes Riding" by Donna Washington. Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer Jacob Pierce.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Do you love scary stories that aren't actually scary? Then you'll love this story from Christopher Leebrick called "The Vancouver Viper". Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer Caroline Coppersmith.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story called "The Bus" by Geraldine Buckley. In it, Geraldine describes how stories can create bridges of understanding. Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer Jenna Adams.
Welcome in the new school year with tales from the classroom by Willy Claflin, Dan Kedding, Donald Davis and Dolores Hydock. Join Sam and the Apple Seed family as we share stories about teachers, classmates and high school dances. We hope these stories spark memories you can share with your friends and family during this back to school season.
Join us for an intimate visit from Andy Offutt Irwin, the great storyteller behind the "Aunt Marguerite" stories. He treated us to several tales live in the studio in front of a warm audience. Andy was joined by Ryan Shupe, the terrific songwriter behind the hit "Dream Big," who played for us his songs "Corn Dogs," and the lovely "All I Need is You." You'll also hear selections from Alice Through the Looking Glass by our readers theater actors, who also performed a funny scene from the Jerome K. Jerome classic, "Three Men in a Boat."
The jungle can be a chaotic, beautiful, and even mysterious place. Today, we’re bringing you stories from beneath the vine covered canopy as told by Len Cabral, Big Joe, Jim Weiss, and Doug Elliott. Join Sam and the Apple Seed team as we discuss the diets of jungle critters, reminisce about Rudyard Kipling’s “Just So” stories, and even tell a few fishing tales of our own.
On today's episode of The Apple Seed, you'll hear a story written in 1900 by nine-year-old Daisy Ashford called "The Young Visiters" (spelled that way in the original work, along with all sort of other delightful, unconventional spellings). You'll also hear a story about a budding friendship for young Ed Stivender, and a story called "Softball Gallantry," researched and told by Kate Dudding, about a young person who made a difference.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Have you ever owned a pet? On today's BITE, you'll hear storyteller Bil Lepp explain why "Woodpeckers Just Don't Make the Best Pets." Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer Karani Namunyu.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Do you remember your first job? On today's BITE, you'll hear storyteller Syd Lieberman reminisce about his in a story called "Saved By a Sale". Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer Stewart Foster.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Was your first car a clunker? On today's BITE, you'll hear storyteller Anthony Burcher describe "The Day I Fell Out of Love With My First Car." Sam is joined by Producer Jeff Simpson, who shares his own clunker stories, as well as the time he won a male beauty and talent competition.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Ever wonder why it REALLY rains? On today's BITE, you'll hear storyteller Kirk Waller shed some light on the subject, in a story called, well, "Why It Rains". Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer Jacob Pierce.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story by Joel Ben Izzy called "Stories of the Fools of Chelm". Are there any fools in your life? Sam is joined in the studio by Assistant Producer Caroline Coppersmith, who is certainly NOT a fool.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story by Geraldine Buckley called "The Interview". Have you ever found yourself in a really bad job interview? After listening to Ms. Buckley's hilarious experience with the BBC, Sam and Assistant Producer, Jenna Adams, discuss their own embarrassing interview stories.
Today we have some great performers, performances, and stories about performances. If you like actors and acting or songs and singing, you’ll love this episode. We feature Jay O’ Callahan, David Holt, and Josh Goforth.
In this episode, enjoy the following stories: An Entry in the Radio Family Journal called "Rainbow Connection," A Bil Lepp story called "Punching the Lard," and a live recording of a Debra Fotheringham song called "Odd Shaped Pieces."
Have you ever looked at someone, written them off as some one you weren't interested in, and then found out they were the most interesting person you ever met? In this hour, Kim Weitkamp tells a story she calls "The Old Stained Man," about meeting a guy in a restaurant that fits just that description. You'll also hear an entry in the Radio Family Journal about stuff getting stuck in your head. Ever happen to you? The phenomenon is called an "earworm," and we'll chat about it at the front end of the hour. You'll also get a great performance of the Tom Waits tune "Flowers Grave," performend live in our studio by Grizzly Goat's Alex Vincent. It's all this hour, on The Apple Seed!
Fairy godmothers, a glass slipper, evil stepmothers, a rather quick courting period—throw them all together and you’re bound to get a Cinderella story. But not every version of this fairytale is as cut and dry as its traditional elements. Today, we’re bringing you Cinderella talesand parodiesfrom across the world, as told by Ed Stivender, Milbre Burch, Charlotte Blake-Alsoton, and Megan Hicks.Join us and Liz Freeman, a BYU masters student in Marriage and Family Therapy, as we discuss how the Cinderella story has changed through the years and whether its many romantic tropes hold up today.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story by The Storycrafters called "Donkey and Toad". Sometimes we just need to swallow our pride and be willing to accept help from others. Sam is joined by Assistant Producer Karani Namunyu.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story by Antonio Sacre called "A Letter to God." Sam is joined by Producer Jeff Simpson and Clara Tsao.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story by Shona Lee called "The Scholar's Journey." Sam is joined by Producer Jeff Simpson and Jacob Pierce.
In this hour enjoy an entry in the Radio Family Journal called "Home Run," a story from Adam Booth called "Crackerjack," a reader's theater rendition of a folktale called "The Rich Woman and the Poor Woman," and a live recording of Cherie Call's tune "Big Yellow Moon."
The fair folk go by many names: goblins, erklings, nymphs, elves, and perhaps most prolific, fairies. Today, we're bringing you stories from the feywilds and beyond, with stories like:
"Ruby Wind" by Peter J Parker (Panryl the Wizard) on Magical Stories (12:44)
"The Three Spinning Fairies" by Odds Bodkin on The Wise Little Girl (10:13)
"Ossein and the Isle of Tier na Nog" by Brian Fox Ellis on Under an Irish Oak (13:25)
In this hour, enjoy an assortment of 'BITES,' the podcast-only feature in which we sit down with someone we like, listen to stories together, and chat about memories from our own lives that arise from the story. BITES are most easily found at BYUradio.org/appleseed, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. The episode includes visits from Marianna Richardson, Andy Offutt Irwin, and Jenny GOldsberry, and stories from Joel Ben Izzy, Anne Rutherford, and Syd Lieberman.
Parenting is obviously more than just having children. Today, we sit down with Sam and his wife, Suzanne, and listen to a few stories about the lifestyle and identity changes that come with raising kids. From newborns to empty nests, there’s a story here for every stage of parenthood, so join us as we hear from Dolores Hydock, Robin Shulte, and Jay O’Callahan on the world of Mom, Dad, and budding child.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following stories:
“Independence” by Dolores Hydock on Inlaws and Outlaws (6:56)
“My Little Accessory” by Robin Schulte on Jack & The Levitator (16:10)
“Head First” by Jay O’Callahan on Dancing with Fire (8:34)
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story by Kate Dudding called "Jewish Rosary Beads" -- a story about a WWII Nurse performing a small act of service with big results. Sam is joined by Producer Jeff Simpson and guest Jenna Adams, who share stories of loved ones who've served our country.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story by Odds Bodkin called "The Runaway Horse". Have you ever had a trial turn into a blessing? Well then you'll relate to the protagonist of today's story. Sam is joined by Producer Jeff Simpson and guest Antony Karani.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story by Donna Ingham called "Waiting For Roy" -- a story about the lengths a girl goes to to acquire an autograph. Sam is joined by Producer Jeff Simpson and guest Lisi Merkley, who share their own brushes with celebrities.
In this hour, enjoy an entry in the Radio Family Journal about getting a cast removed, a fairy tale from Ed Stivender called "Like Bread Loves Salt," a gothic tale called "Sir Bertrand," and a Donald Davis story called "The Octopus."
In this hour, enjoy an entry in the Radio Family Journal about growing veggies and kids, a reading of a chapter or so of "The Secret Garden," "Sleeping Beastly" from Willy Claflin, and a story from Dolores Hydock called "Occam's Razor."
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story by Donald Davis called "Aunt Esther Saves a Little Boy's Life" -- a story about cutting kids some slack when they make mistakes. Sam is joined by Producer Jeff Simpson and guest Caroline Coppersmith, who confess some of the mistakes they made as kids.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story by Diane Ferlatte called "Penny For Your Thoughts" -- a story about comforting others in times of need. Sam is joined by Producer Jeff Simpson and guest Ashley Zollinger, who share comforting stories of their own.
Were you one of those high school students who learned about the responsibilities of parenthood by being made to carry an egg or a bag of flour around with you for a week? Today is for you! On today's BITE, Sam is joined in the studio by Stephen Gashler, the playwright, composer, storyteller, and author. Stephen brings with him a hilarious Bil Lepp story called "Egg Babies."
On today's BITE, Sam is joined by songwriter, producer, storyteller, and historian Clive Romney. Clive will share one of his favorite stories: "There Was a Time" by Teresa Clark.
In this hour, we'll bring you a rode a story about how a bull-headed bull gets a bad headache, a story about how Bil Lepp sets out to prove that his elementary school teacher is really Wonder Woman, and much more!
Today we have a special 4thof July episode for you to listen to. With songs and stories about the history of the USA and the people who fought for independence. We have songs and stories from Tim Lowry, Lynn Ruehlmann, Bill Harley, Kate Carney, Wylie and the Wild West, Mark Binder,Brian Fox Ellis, John McCutcheon, and 3’Ds.
In this hour, enjoy stories about roller coasters by Antonio Sacre, fireworks and mailboxes by Michael Reno Harrell, and more.
On today’s episode we celebrate the joy and traditions that come with the 4thof July and all things summer! Listen to stories about cowboys, parades, carnivals, watermelon and more! We have songs and stories from Glenda Bonin, Andy Offutt Irwin, Ed Stivender, John McCutcheon, 3’Ds, Dan Keding, Yvonne Healy, Mary Hamilton, Don Edwards, and Joel Ben Izzy.
On today's BITE, Suzanne Payne joins Sam to talk about Pippa White's story-poem "The Great Blizzard of 1888," a favorite of Sam's, about a schoolroom full of children braving a blizzard with their 19-year-old teacher. All this, and Shakespeare too.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story by The Storycrafters called "The Day My Dad Met His Hero" -- a story about a boy who gets to meet his favorite baseball player, thanks to his heroic dad. Sam and Producer Jeff Simpson then swap some of their favorite memories of America's Pastime.
“[The Okee Dokee Brothers] remind us of the American belief that we’re bound for better weather. Their album [Can You Canoe?] celebrates everyday explorers, young and old, who rediscover that notion daily”– NPR’s All Things Considered
“The lyrics are playful, engaging and subtly filled with life lessons. These are songs that encourage kids to find happiness with fewer material possessions and embrace adventure even in trying situations. Without getting preachy or heavy-handed, Mailander and Lansing come off like happy, kind and fun big brothers eager to show their younger siblings how to have an ethically sound and green-conscious good time.”– Chicago Tribune
Justin Lansing (above, left) and Joe Mailander (above, right) are The Okee Dokee Brothers, an independent American bluegrass and American roots children's music duo from Minneapolis. Their 2012 CD/DVD release Can You Canoe?, with music and videos created during a 2011 paddle down the Mississippi River, won a GRAMMY for Best Children's Album in the 55th GRAMMY Awards. Since then, Joe and Justin have received more GRAMMY Award nominations for their albums (Through the Woods and Saddle Up) and videos, and have published books including Can You Canoe? & Other Adventure Songs and most recently \_The Thousand Star Hotel, \_which is an adaptation of the folktale the Fisherman and His Wife.
In this episode, Joe Mailander, one half of the dynamic duo, joins Sam Payne in conversation to discuss songwriting, storytelling, folklore and traveling through America.
To learn more about the Okee Dokee Brothers visit this website: www.okeedokee.org
To learn more about David Holt visit: www.davidholt.com
While these tales might not have originated from the Grimm Brothers, they were made famous by the Grimms. In today’s episode enjoy classic fairy tales told by Megan Hicks, Susan Klein, K. Sean Buvala, and Susan Strauss
This episode is yet another example of one story reminding us about another reminding us about another and another even though the stories don’t really have much to do about each other. We’ll start with a story about monsters from Kirk Waller and then alsoAntonio Sacre, then Noa Baum will tell us about a similarly monstrous creature called the Moon Man. From there we’ll hear from Andy Offutt Irwin and the pranks he pulled in college involving a made-up ghost. We’ll finish by listening to the time that Mitch Capel counseled some rambunctious boys. You’re in for a treat!
Odds Bodkin's musical tales bring to life epic stories like The Odyssey and the Arthurian legends, as well as what the storyteller calls "ethics-based" tales for children. He's been thrilling audiences on stage and on recordings since 1982. Today, gather the family around for a prehistoric musical adventure with Little Proto and his friends, Plessis, Old Wrinkles, and Ankles.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story by Bill Harley called "Mom and the Radio." Bill shares a story and song most listeners can probably relate to, about arguing with loved ones over what music to play in the car. Sam and Producer Jeff Simpson then share their own 'listening-to-music-in-cars' stories, as well as some of the conversations those stories sparked.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story by Anne Rutherford called "Dark Shadows Made Me" -- a girl's love of a Horror Soap Opera leads her to throw a scare into her best friend, a decision that comes back to bite her. Sam, Producer Jeff Simpson and guest Cole Wissinger then swap their own childhood stories surrounding their favorite childhood TV series.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story by Catherine Taylor called "A Little Princess," a personal experience of how books and museums sparked her imagination as a child. Sam and guests Sadie Anderson and Madison Sheldrake take a moment to reminisce about literary works that influenced their own creative efforts.
In this hour, you'll hear stories delivered by folks we heard at the St. Louis Storytelling Festival -- one of he country's grand old festivals, alive and well for four decades! Hear Tim Lowry, Leeny Del Seamonds, and more.
Today we feature stories from all over the world. Namely, Hawaii, medieval Europe, and an island off the cost of Jamaica. These stories are so unique to their time and place, you’ll get a great idea of the culture where they come from. Some of them happened centuries ago, and some of them just yesterday. We’re sure you’ll be reminded of your own hometown.
In this hour, get the story behind "A Hero's Tale," a family-friendly tabletop role playing game designed by a family of gamers. We'll even play a game ourselves! Guiding us through the story-filled world of dragons, warriors, and magic will be Mark Hansen and his sons, Brendan and Jacob. In a community characterized by dungeons, dragons, and more, they've found the storytelling in role-playing games to be a great way to wrestle with questions that fathers and sons ought to be asking each other. They developed he game we'll play on-air today, and you can find the game's website and blog at www.theherostale.com.
Today we have a variety of stories from tellers about the cities they lived in. Every town is different, and these three tellers, Syd Lieberman, Bil Lepp, and Donald Davis hail from Chicago, Charleston, and Waynesville, respectively. These cities could notbe more different from each other! We hope as you listen to these stories about these cities, one or more of the will strike a chord with you and you’ll remember your own hometown. Every town has a story, and this episode will prove that.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, you'll hear a story by Linda Goodman called "The Punishment" -- when a father is reluctant to follow his wife's order to spank their child, he comes up with a clever ruse to satisfy all parties concerned. Sam and Producer Jeff Simpson then swap their own childhood stories about unusual punishments.
On today's BITE, hear part of a story by Michael Reno Harrell -- a story about pranking a radio host. The story is called "Rain Gauge," and you're sure to enjoy it, along with conversation between Sam and assistant producer Jenny Goldsberry.
This is an episode dedicated to unlikely relationships. Be they friendly, romantic, or antagonistic, these unlikely relationships deserve a place on The Apple Seed. You’ll hear from Adam Booth, and the elderly friends he made as a young child. Next, we’ll feature Sam Payne’s own story about the unlikely pairing of his own grandfather and his late wife. Then, a story from Rick Huddle about his worst nemesis growing up.
In this hour, enjoy stories from Shelia Starks Philips, Dolores Hydock, and a visit to a genuine small-town chili cookoff!
What would you do if you were given a wish or three? Today’s episode is all about making wishes and the consequences that come with them. We’ve got some great stories to share with you from tellers Willy Claflin, Donald Davis, Heather Forest, Lyn Ford, and the Utah Story Telling Guild.
On today's BITE, bring back memories of your first bike with "Bike Story" by the great storyteller and songwriter Michael Reno Harrell. Jenny and Kat hoin Sam to listen to the story and to share stories of their own.
On today's BITE, a story about family, music, and memory by Ted Fink. The story is "The Sax Man," and we'll discuss it with our guest, composer, actor, and musician Daniel Fifield.
There are ancient Greek stories in everything from the movies we see, to the lessons we learn in elementary school, to the constellations in the heavens. In this hour, enjoy ancient Greek stories, and stories inspired by them. The hour begins with a Radio Family Journal entry that has Sam watching "Clash of the Titans" on VHS at his Greek grandfather's house. From there, it's on to references to Archimedes of Syracuse in a story called "Braswell and Archimedes of Syracuse" by Andy Offutt Irwin, references to The Odyssey in Kevin Kling's "Softball," and even a Jack tale by Ed Stivender, with its roots in fables by Aesop. All this, and a conversation with the cast of a production of Sophocles' Antigone too!
Whether it’s a book you read being made into a movie, or a play you saw set in a different era, many of the stories we watch and hear today are retellings. But this creative pilfering of tales-gone-by isn’t a new thing: the human race has been remixing stories since the oral tradition began. Here at the Apple Seed, we’ve got a huge collection of traditional tales retold with a setting-swapping, gender-bending, or moral-changing twist. We’ll start off hearing from Sam about a family story that got enhanced in the telling, even over a few minutes. Then, we’ll be listening to a small collection of altered traditional tales, from Ed Stivender, Ingrid Nixon, and Maynard Moose (the storytelling companion of Willy Claflin). Finally, the Apple Seed team tried an experiement: passing along a story (the Norwegian folktale "The Boy and the North Wind"), telephone-style, to show how tales can change with each retelling.
This is an episode about nothing in particular, which is another way of saying it is about everything. You’ll hear many an accent among the tellers we feature today. We hope hearing one of these warm tellers makes you feel at home. We’ll visit a small townin east Texas with Michael Reno Harrell, a church in Virginia with Josh Goforth, the kingdom of a bigoted king with Pam Faro, and the village of Chelm with Joel Ben Izzy.
On today's BITE, a story by Norah Dooley called "Simply Guido." discussing the story with Sam are Jenny Goldsberry and Sabrina Adams.The story is a traditional Italian tale about magical scholars trying to impress each other, with a touch of common sense from their friend Guido, who tries to warn them away form sure disaster.
On today's BITE, hear the story "Why You Never Hear Rabbit Play Banjo" told by David Holt. Listening to the story along with Sam will be the forme sound engineer of the Apple Seed, Maren Del Rio.
Growing up is hard and often lead to some interesting tales. Today’s stories are all about the pains and mischief of growing up. With story tellers Bill Harley, Norah Dooley, and Bil Lepp this episode is full of tales everyone can relate to.
Today we talk with the acclaimed essayist Anne Fadiman (Author of terrific books like Ex Libris, and The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. Join us as Anne helps us explore the world of remembering loved ones, through her book "The Wine-Lover's Daughter," a memoir of her relationship with her father, Clifton Fadiman, whose obituary in the New York Times called an "essayist, critic, editor, and indefatigable anthologist whose encyclopedic knowledge made him a mainstay of Information Pease and otherpopular radio programs of the lae 1930's, 40's, and 50's.
We'll also hear Donald Davis' wonderful story "Peas and Carrots," told before an enthusiastic group of elementary sachool students.
On today's episode, we'll bring you stories and conversation with Diane Edgecomb, who has dedicated herself for some time to gathering stories from Kurdistan. We'll hear some of those stories, and chat with Diane too!
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, a sweet story by Donna Ingham called "Sweet Sue." Joining Sam in the studio to talk about is is assistant producer Sadie Anderson, and her mother too!
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, Sam and assistane producer Daniel Mesta listen to Brian Fox Ellis' telling of Finn McCool (or Fionn mac Cumhaill if you're particular) and the Salmon of Knowledge.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, enjoy a story from Anne Rutherford, called "The Habit of Joy," about the unfolding of a mysterious phone relationship between a looking-for-herself protagonist and an unlikely lifecoach. Chatting in-studio with Sam about the story will be great storyteller Andy Offutt Irwin, a longtime friend of The Apple Seed, whose work is often featured on the show.
In this hour, enjoy a conversation with a group of actors specializing in improvising stories for young audiences. You'll also hear an improvised story by Ed Stivender, who makes a practice of making stories up, on the spot, based on audience suggestions. This hour, we're making it up as we go along!
Are you a troublemaker? Do you tend to look ogres in the face and laugh at them? Do you tend to swing baseball bats just a little too close to your brother’s head? Do you tease those who are paranoid? Do you use unethical marketing strategies to sell potholders? Then you’ll love today’s episode because all the stories include the elements above!
In this hour, enjoy performances by The Acting Company of excerpts from The Secret Garden, Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, and a springtime letter from Lewis Carroll. It's an hour of stories about New Life, recorded live in the Apple Seed studio before an audience. And as a special treat, you'll also hear songs from musical guest Cherie Call.
This episode includes stories of escape. Glenda Bonin tells a tale about a coyote outrunning four dogs. Jeff Gere tells a harrowing story about a young boy escaping Vietnam. Donald Davis will tell us about the time he ran off Goldie, the girlfriend of hisneighbor
On today's BITE, enjoy a story about public transportation by Brenda Wong Aoki, with guest Stewart Forster and his wife, Allison Foster. Inspired by Brenda's story, Allison, Stewart, and Sam will all share their own stories about public transportation, and moments when a group of strangers became a "We."
All of today’s stories are very different from each other. That is because every story is centered on a family, and every family is different. You will hear Jewish tales about a hard-working father and tailor, and about mischievous hunchback brothers. We will also feature two stories about daughters entering preadolescence and dealing with it in different ways. Likely, you’ll remember a story about your family after hearing this episode.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, we'll listen to an animal tale by Laura Simms, a story from Zimbabwe called "Rabbit and Lion." We'll talk about the story with Morgen Raynolds, a storyteller from Montana who goes professionally by "Miss Mo." Morgen remembers hearing Laura Simms tell stories at the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee, and realizing that she, Morgen, could be a storyteller too. It set Morgen on a path that she's still on, telling stories near and far, on all kinds of stages, for all kinds of people. You'll enjoy today's BITE!
This episode is mix of stories, each different from the other. We’ll start out by going on a safari with Shelia Arnold. Then, we’ll go on a hunting trip with Sarah Malone. Odds Bodkins will tell us riddles that a seven-year-old girl with solve, and we’ll finish with an aesop fable-like story from David Holt. You can expect great morals, funny noises, and fantastic accompaniments in these stories
Sometimes, the people who make the biggest influences in our lives are unknown, uncredited, or unexpected. We remember their face and what they did, because of the profound effect they had on us, but we never did catch their name. Or maybe we did know their name, but no one else seemed to. This can also be the case on a larger scale: not every influential movement, moment, or person makes the history books. Joe Hill, a labor activist and union song writer, was one of those people. We’ll listen to a story about him, the songs he inspired, and the message they carried through the ages by John McCutcheon. Then we’ll hear from John McCutcheon himself in an interview about Joe Hill’s unknown influence. Finally, we’ll finish with “In the Face of Evil” from Kate Dudding about the amazing, unnamed people who helped in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing.We'll also hear about Anna Judah, who, together with her husband, Theodore Judah, helped lobby for a railroad route over the Sierra Nevada.
May 10, 2019 marks the sesquicentennial of the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. On today's BITE, a conversation between Sam and Suzanne about the driving of the Golden Spike, and song called "In Silver, Iron, and in Gold," celebrating that milestone -- an achievement that changed America forever.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, thoughts about fishing trips with grandpa from assistant producer Stewart Foster, brought on by listening to John McCutcheon's song "Dreams and Bones."
We have some examples of classic storytelling today. Everything from Jack tales, family legends, and personal anecdotes. We’ll hear Shonaleigh and Josh Goforth live from the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. Also featured are two storytelling tracks from Octavia Sexton and Barbara McBride-Smith. We’ll end with a lovely hymn performed by Adam Booth and the Frederick Chorale.
Today’s stories do not fall in one single category. It’s a jambalaya of stories, mostly about our childhood experience. We’ll hear what it was like for Michael McCarty to raise a baby girl, then a story about an extraordinary grandmother, mother, and daughter from Bobby Norfolk, a folk song from John McCutcheon, and a person anecdote about school from Bill Harley.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, listen to a story by Kevin Kling about participating in a production of "The Nutcracker," along with conversation about what it's like to be an extra in the movies!
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, we visit a carnival with Donald Davis and his little brother, Joe, to ride something called "The Octopus." If you've ever tackled a terrifying theme park ride and lived to tell the tale, Donald Davis' story is just right for you. Joining us in the studio to talk about it is Apple Seed assistant producer Jenny Goldsberry and her cousin. They'll chat about some of the rides they've been on. It's sure to bring back summertime memories for you to share with the people you love.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, we chat with Sadie Anderson about the Pamela Hanks story "Sir Frederick the Dragon,' about a dragon who exhibits character traits that Sadie thinks hit a little close to home. Things come out okay in the end for the dragon; you knew they would, right? We're pretty sure things will turn out okay for Sadie too, in spite of her competitive streak. You're sure to enjoy today's BITE!
The snow is melting and the weather is getting warmer and we hopethatthe stories from today’sepisode will spark some springtime feelings into your day. We will listen to “Spring” and “A Drop of Honey,” two stories by Tim Lowry.Then we have “Why Cats Live with Women” by Charlotte Blake Alston from heralbumHole in the Sea. This episode will also include “Listen to the Strings”by Kevin CordiandFinding Folklore / Bile Them Cabbage Down by Dolores Hydock. We will also listen to a story about the Diffendaffer Café, told by Laura K. Deal.
Today’s stories come to us from the wisdom of those who have intuition. Intuition can manifest itself in many ways: visions, gut feelings, or simply from life experience. We’ll hear the classic poem “Abu Ben Adam” by James Henry Leigh Hunt as performed by The D’s, then we’ll hear a classic song and story sung and told by John McCutcheon, Jeff Gere will tell us a silly tale about a forward-thinking king, Joel Ben Izzy will tell us a classic King Solomon story along witha different variation of it, then we’ll hear Mary Grace Ketner tell the legend of a clairvoyant, and then we’ll hear an Aesop-fable-esque story from Shelia Arnold. It’s a great mix of stories!
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, we'll hear Joel Ben Izzy's little trio of tales called "Three Travel Tales." We'll chat about the stories with Kristina Jorgenson, a member of our BYU Radio family who has been all over the world.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, we'll hear Syd Lieberman tell the wonderful Jewish folktale "Challas in the Ark," and Sam will chat about the story with assistant producer Jenny Goldsberry.
Some things become more valuable than their pawn-shop-price, more meaningful than their function. It’s those items that we’re talking about today: the objects and heirlooms that we give meaning to. Sam starts us off with a radio family journal entry that features a memory of his grandfather, and an unusually meaningful walnut shell. Then, we’ll listen to “Daddy’s Ashes” by Geraldine Buckley, a story about saying goodbye to a father and finding meaning in a book of poetry he gifted her. And finally, we’ll join the Apple Seed team in a roundtable discussion about some of the objects that mean the most to them.
From troll mediation to the people we encounter at Waffle House, today’s episode is one you will not want to miss.This episode includes“Under the bridge” by Anne Rutherford, “Wee Meg Barnileg” by Liz Weir, “People I meet at Waffle House” by Tim Lowry, “Acres of Diamonds” by Ed Stivender, and “Brink” by Jane Stenson.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, we talk to the reigning Mrs. Ogden, Utah. Her name is Jennifer (same as Jennifer Goldsbery, the assistant producer of the Apple Seed, who competed in the Mrs. Utah pageant with her, and invited her into the studio). Jennifer (our guest, not Jennifer Goldsberry) is also a math teacher, and talks about how she came to that profession after a history of failing math as an elementary school student. The conversation stems from listening to the wonderful story "The Power of Storeies," by Donald Davis. You're sure to enjoy today's BITE!
In this episode, every story has a small connection to the next. These stories were organized by our stream of consciousness. We have a story from Jay O’ Callahan about a dinner party that leads into a story about riding a bus by Kevin Kling, then a storyabout robbery from the dressing room of John McCutcheon followed by a story about rice balls from Connie Regan-Blake. Our concluding story is one by Richard Martin about vampires. They may seem unrelated now, but believe us, they’re all related.
In this hour os stories, music, and conversation, we'll explore Faustian tales -- tales about deals with the Devil. We'll begin wiht a memory of Sam's, captured in a Radio Famly Journal entry about a "gang" he had with his brother and a couple of pals when they were in fourth grade. We'll also head to Ogden, Utah, where the NEXT ensemble is working to establish a chamber music scene in local restaurants, bars, and nightclubs (we'll hear them perform Stravinsky's "The Soldier's Tale," about a soldier who trades his violin to the Devil for a book that tells the future). We'll also read "The Smith Verholen" from "Christmas Tales of Flanders," in which a smith performs a kindly deed and winds up with three wishes that, in the end, help him best the devil in a Faustian bargain. Finally, we'll hear Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, with a barn-burner of a live performance of "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." There's lots to enjoy in this hour, brought to you by The Apple Seed.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Today, we'll be joined in the studio by Alisha Staggs, the current Mrs. Utah. Mrs. Staggs talked to us about her platform (which includes programs encouraging kids to resolve conflicts in person and not on screen), and listened with us to stories by Sarah Malone (she also revealed to us her love of Disney movies as conversation-starters between her and her two kids). You'll enjoy the stories and conversation on today's BITE!
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, Sam will be joined not only by Apple Seed producer Jeff Simpson, but by one of Jeff's old friends: an actor, author, dentist, and baseball fan named Jacob Gowans. Jacob will join us from Nebraska, and we'll enjoy what we introduce as "perhaps the only story in our library to combine baseball and musical theater": "Some Enchanted Wednesday" by Syd Lieberman.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's bite, we'll reminisce with assistant producer Valerie Garofalo, who had a hard time going to sleep as a kid, and whose mother was almost as filled with good suggestions as Maynard Moose is, in the delightful tale "The Little Moose Who Wouldn't go to Sleep," told by Maynard Moose, the storytelling companion of the great Bay Area storyteller Willy Claflin.
Classical stories hold a special place in history but with time, tellers haveadded their own twist to these stories and for today’s episode we have a selection of tales that have been adapted to different styles and voices. We will listen to “The Well at the World’s End” by The Storycrafters, “The Bun” by Mary Hamilton, “North Wind and Sun” by Pam Faro and “It’s in the book” an original story by Linda Gorham.
In this hour, we'll begin with thoughts of childhood homes, and particularly, a memory from Sam of going to sleep in his attic bedroom to the sound of his dad playing the piano downastairs. You'll hear Drew and Lacey Williams perform "Six-String Lullaby," about going to sleep to bluegrass music. Later in the hour, you'll hear conversation and performance from the award-winning children's songwriter Eric Herman. And, as a treat, you'll hear some conversatoin and live performance with ventriloquist Randel McGee and his dragon pal, Groark!
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, we're headed to ballfield for a recitation of "Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic Sung in the Year 1888," written by Ernest Thayer, and performed for us by Shawn O'Neill. It's a classic piece of baseball nostalgia, recited on stages and in recordings since it was written, more than a century and a third ago. Sam's guest in the studio is Jarom Jordan, co-host of BYU Sports Nation. There'll be joy in Mudville for sure, as you listen to tales and conversation on today's BITE, brought to you by The Apple Seed.
Every family has a canon of stories -- those old standby tales that come out every time the family gets together. Today's hour starts of with one of those old standby stories from Sam's family: a story from Sam's dad, about working at a summer camp when he was a kid. From that story, we'll launch into a favorite: the grammy-winning Bill Harley story, "Joey, Chloe, and the Swamp Monsters." To top it all off, we'll share a conversation we had with Cliff Brackman, the host of Animal Planet's "Finding Bigfoot."All that, and a Sasquatch hunt embarked upon by the Apple Seed team in the canyons north of the studio!
Today’s episode is full of fairy tales and true stories! What’s the difference, anyway? You’ll hear Maynard Moose tell his version of Beauty and the Beast, Odd Bodkins will sing you The Three Little Pigs, Andrew McQuinn will tell you a tale you might not have heard before, Antonio Sacre shares his personal story of what it was like growing up being Cubano, and Michael Reno Harrell tells the story of the time he visited New Jersey and needed a translator! All of this you’ll hear in this episode.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, we'll listen to "Tatton Hall," a story by Geraldine Buckley, who served for a time as the chaplain in the largest men's prison in Maryland. We'll chat about the story with Dr. Jamie Horrocks, a professor of Engligh literature at Brigham Young University, and with Stewart Foster, anglophile and assistant producer of the show.
The stories on today’s episode will make you laugh and warm your heart. Laura Pershin Raynor will remind you of the importance of storytelling in families. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a lie someone told you, you’ll laugh out loud when you hear Bil Lepp, a self-proclaimed liar, tell you about the time he outran dogs on stilts while on fire and rollerblading. You’ll be touched by Antonio Sacre’s story about a man who writes a letter to God. And you’ll love Ed Stivender’s Jack tale. Here's what you'll hear:
“Jack and the Magic Boat” by Ed Stivender
“Fire, Fire, Pants on Liar” by Bil Lepp
“Letter to God” by Antonio Sacre
And more!
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, Sam will chat with assistant producer Jenny Goldsberry about the Antonio Sacre story "Papito." In the story, a young Antonio is baffled that people at school would make fun of his Spanish nickname, Papito. The teasing will ultimately drive Antonio to stop speaking Spanish altogether. What happens next? Well, that's the story. "Papito," on today's BITE.
Do you have a memory of spud guns? Those little plastic guns that you'd stick into a potato to grab a little potato pellet that you'd then fire from the gun across the room? Sam remembers ordering them out out of catalog pages at the back of comic books. If you remember 'em too, you'll be amaed at the spud gun you'll hear about in Donna Ingham's fishing story "Fishing for the Big One." It's just a prelude to a great hour spend with Donna, a tall tale teller from Texas. Donna has trophies on the mantel testifying of her prowess as a world-class liar, and you'll hear some of her tall tales today. Donna is delightful, and you'll enjoy hearing our conversation as much as you enjoy her tales. We'll wrap up the episode with her telling fo Pecos Bill, a tall tale as big as Texas!
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
On today's BITE, we'll listen to Ed Stivender's rendition of the Native American Cinderella story "Little Scar Face," and we'll chat about it with long-time Cinderella fan Sadie Anderson.
This hour contains a string of stories and poems and even a rap. First, a poem from Paul Lawrence Dunbar performed byMitch Capel, followed by a rap from Charlotte Blake-Alston, a family legend by Norah Dooley, a personal story from Makia Malo and a poem by Finn Billie. Here's a list of what you'll hear during the hour:
"Possum Trot" by Mitch Capel
"Martin Luther King Jr. Rap" by Charlotte Blake-Alston
"Molly O’ Donahue" by Norah Dooley
"Boy's Band" by Makia Malo
“Recycled Poetry” by Finn Billie
In this hour, Sam's childhood thoughts about becoming a writer lead to a conversation with Dallas Graham, the man behind an inititive called The Red Fred Project. The project consists of writing collaborations between Mr. Graham and young creatives who are navigating critical or chronic illness. At the heart of each book created by the project, you'll find a cast of characters comprising a bunch of colorful birds, themselves comprised of commas. You'll be inspired by the project, and you'll enjoy our conversation with Dallas. You'll also hear Syd Lieberman tell a traditional story called "The Wise Shoemaker of Studena," one of Syd's many traditional Jewish stories that we love. Weaving in and out of the episode segments, you'll enjoy the music of Aimee Nolte, a wonderful pianist, singer, and songwriter living in Southern California. Aimee visited the studio to promote her upcoming album, and we happened to catch her. You'll feel lucky we did.
On this special episode of The Apple Seed, hear stories dedicated to thoughts of family. We'll whet your appetite with a very old Jewish folk tale about two brothers, who find joy in secret service to each other. Then, it's a true tale of finding family, as Chris Burton shares with us the amazing story of finding a family he never knew he had. Antonio Sacre's "My Dad is the Man," will remind you of how you feel about your own dad—or about your own son, as Sam will point out, with his story "Findinr our Way Through the Snow." It's an hour filled with family, from our family, made especially for your family. ?
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it.
Today, enjoy two tiny stories from Joel Ben Izzy: "Be Polite," and "The Pickpocket." We'll listen to the stories with professore, writer, and mother of 12 Marianna Richardson. You'll love both the stories and the conversation!
On today’s hour of the Apple Seed, we have a great selection of short and long stories all about stars.You’ll enjoy stories from Jenni Cargill-Strong, Ed Stivender, Susan Reed, LaniePeterson, and Dolores Hydock.
We have an assortment of stories for you and your family on today’s episode of The Apple Seed. We’ll first listen to “Made from Scratch”by Dolores Hydock and “Sarah’s Story” bytwo-time Grammy award winning story teller,Bill Harley about how stories are created.We willlisten to Bonnie Greenberg with “Johnny Appleseed” in the second segmentof this hour. This episode will also include “The Wizard and the Girl with the Golden Hair” by Dan Kedingand “The Little Red Hen”by Willy Claflin.
We’re happy today to feature stories and conversation with Doug Elliott. He’s a storyteller, sure, but before he’s a storyteller, he’s a naturalist, and he incorporates his experiences and his knowledge of the natural world into his unique brand of earth-minded stories and music.
Doug’s stories will make you want to take a closer look at the world around you to see what it can teach you about being a human being. And we hope that as you listen, you’ll think of some of the experiences you may have had with the world’s creatures, and that you’ll share those memories with the people you love – maybe even with the people with whom you’re listening to the show.
First up, a recording made live at the Toronto Storytelling Festival. Doug is a regular up there, and this story about crows was worth capturing on tape. Then, you'll hear a rolicking tale called "Cajuns and the Crawdad Hole." We'll have a good sit-down with Doug, too, and we'll top it off with a story called "Fifty-Thousand Bees on my Head." It's all this hour, filled with stories and conversation made for you and your family, and brought to you by The Apple Seed.
From time to time, we'll post what we call a BITE ("like a normal episode, only shorter!"). We always hope that the stories you listen to on The Apple Seed will spark memories and thoughts that you can share with the ones you love -- perhaps even the people with whom you listen to the show. In a BITE, we'll listen to a single story -- one that we love -- and invite friends to share memories and thoughts that occur to them as they listen to it with us.
In today's BITE, we invite brothers Jeff and Dustin Simpson (Jeff is the show's producer, and Dustin is his oldest brother) to engage in some brotherly conversation surrounding Antonio Sacre's terrific story "Water Torture." If you've ever had a brother, you'll hear yourself (both in Antonio's story and in the conversation surrounding it).
On today’s hour of the Apple Seed, we have a great selection of n today’s hour of the Apple Seed, we have a great selection of stories originating from around the world. You’ll hear stories from many tellers, including Norah Dooley, Mary Hamilton, Sheila Starks Phillips, Brian Fox Ellis and JenniCargill-Strong.
Chances are that sometime in your experience, your life was changed by a teacher. This hour celebrates wonderful teachers in stories and conversation, brought to you by the Apple Seed. We begin with some sixth-grade memories from Sam, in a story called "Pencil Neck." After that, it's time for a story about a particularly admirable teacher in Bil Lepp's fourth-grade romp, "The Teacher in the Patriotic Bathing Suit." We'll round out the hour with a conversation between Naomi Campbell (one of our asistant producers) and her fourth grade teacher, Jeff Flynn, surrounding Jeff's affection for the William Ernest Henley poem, "Invictus." It's all this hour -- an hour filled with stories for you and your family, and brought to you by the Apple Seed.
In this hour, after seeing a production of the comedy farce "Charley's Aunt, Sam reminisces about playing Macduff in Shakespeare's Macbeth. He even invites members of the cast and staff of the play into the studio for a conversation. After that, in an hour dedicated to stories of theatrical activities, hear a story from Bill Harley about kids putting a play together and inviting everyone they know. What could go wrong? Hilarity ensues, in "Battle of the Mad Scientists." That's today, brought to you by The Apple Seed.
Animals are our friends. We certainly treat them kindly and they do the same to us! In this episode, we feature stories about animals from all over the world. We have a poem about a goat by cowboy poet Wadie Mitchell. Then we have a legend about dogs and cats by Charlotte Blake-Alston. Fran Yardley tells us tall tale about another dog -- a beloved famiy pet named Buster. Noa Baum tells us a musical tale about a turkey and a not-so-friendly mayor. Finally, a story about a boy, and a bull who saves his life, told by Lona Bartlett.
In this hour, we'll bring you the story of Jerrie Cobb. Jerrie was an accomplished pilot and She was also part of the "Mercury 13," a group of women selected to undergo physiological screening tests at the same time as the original Mercury Seven astronauts, as part of a private, non-NASA program. You’re going to hear the story from Kate Dudding, whose storytelling work involves gathering and telling the stories of people who have made a difference. She’s told stories of baseball heroes and movie stars, jazz singers and social activists, national tragedies and more.
You'll also hear a couple of tunes recorded live at BYU Radio by the great songwriter Cherie Call, and an entry in the Radio Family Journal all about sitting on the front lawn and looking at the moon. It's all this hour, brought to you by The Apple Seed.
This hour includes adapted and original stories ranging from South American to Jerusalem. We will listen to “How Beetle Got Her Colors” by Glenda Bonin adapted from Brazil. We have “Weeping Willow,” an original story by Sheila Arnold, and “The Beggar King and the Field of Two Brothers” by Joel Been Izzy -- a story from Jerusalem. We're also hear Roll-a-rama, a childhood story told live by Adam Booth at the Speak Story Series in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
We’ve brought all kinds of stories to you over the years: folk tales, fairy tales, tall tale. A lot of them are made up, an a most of them are shared with us by folks who tell stories from stage – they do it for a living. But every once in awhile, we find a real-life story, shared by regular folks, so interesting that we’ve just got to bring it to you. Today, we'll share the story of a guy who made a fortune in the art business, and then – discovering that he had cancer – decided to put some of his treasure in a 14th-centry treasure chest – we’re talking about gems, Aztec gold, and more, worth millions of dollars -- and then decided to hide it somewhere in the Rocky Mountains, where anyone could find it. And he hopes they do. In his autobiography, the guy shares a poem designed to give people clues to find the treasure. We’re talking about the treasure of Forest Fenn, and we’re going to bring you the story of the treasure today, with the help of the Apple Seed team, geologist Paul Ramsey, and real life treasure hunter, filmmaker, and blogger Dale Knightsell. It’s a modern-day treasure hunting fairy tale that Forest Fenn says has coaxed more than 350,000 people onto the treasure-hunting trail over the years.
Today’s stories deal with magic, dreams, and youth. From Leslie Norris telling us the story of Merlin the wizard and the search for the snake's egg in verse to Robin Shulte detailing her young son’s disillusionment after a magic show, these stories will have you laughing, pondering, and remembering up until the last second. This hour features tellers Leslie Norris, Robin Shulte, Antonio Sacre, Joe Herrington, and Joel Ben Izzy.
Antonio Sacre often performs on stage with props: often the writings and illustrations from elementary school students. He shows them to audiences to inspire them, and inspire them he does. Antonio is passionate about bringing his own story as a writer to young people all over the country, in hopes that his tale of the ups and downs of building his own career will help them see their way clear to follow their own dreams, even though it might not always be smooth sailing. In this hour, hear conversation with Antonio, as well as a handful of tales that come from Antonio's Cuban-Irish heritage.
To learn more about Antonio and to find more of his work, visit www.antoniosacre.com
You’re listening to the Apple Seed: Stories and Tellers, some time just about just about every
day dedicated to the art of storytelling. I’m your host, Sam Payne, and today we have some great
stories for you from all over the world. From tellers
Laura Simms, Charlotte Blake
-
Alston, Wadie
Mitchell, Danielle Bellone, Antonio Sacre, Lani Peterson, and Margaret Read MacDonald, let’s get
started.
You’re listening to the Apple Seed: Stories and Tellers, some time just about just about every
day dedicated to the art of storytelling. I’m your host, Sam Payne, and today we have some great
stories for you from all over the world. From tellers
Laura Simms, Charlotte Blake
-
Alston, Wadie
Mitchell, Danielle Bellone, Antonio Sacre, Lani Peterson, and Margaret Read MacDonald, let’s get
started.
You’re listening to the Apple Seed: Stories and Tellers, some time just about just about every
day dedicated to the art of storytelling. I’m your host, Sam Payne, and today we have some great
stories for you from all over the world. From tellers
Laura Simms, Charlotte Blake
-
Alston, Wadie
Mitchell, Danielle Bellone, Antonio Sacre, Lani Peterson, and Margaret Read MacDonald, let’s get
started.
You’re listening to the Apple Seed: Stories and Tellers, some time just about just about every
day dedicated to the art of storytelling. I’m your host, Sam Payne, and today we have some great
stories for you from all over the world. From tellers
Laura Simms, Charlotte Blake
-
Alston, Wadie
Mitchell, Danielle Bellone, Antonio Sacre, Lani Peterson, and Margaret Read MacDonald, let’s get
started.
In this hour, you'll enjoy stories fantastical and foreign (as well as a few stories athat feel like home). You'll hear Laura Simms with a Belarusian folk tale about Animals and their tails (call it an Animal "Tail" if you like). YOu'll hear Charlotte Blake Alston with a story about Mantis and his bid to be a god. You'll hear Waddie Mitchell with a little poem about working to do things right the first time, as second chances are harder to come by than they might seem. You'll hear Antonio Sacre with a miracle tale about the building of a church to the Virgen of Guadalupe. You'll hear a Ukrainian folka tale about a dragoness from Margaret Read Macdonald, and finally a wonderful performance of an Anansi story by the terrific teller Amina Blackwood-Meeks. It's a trip around the world with the Apple Seed as your guide!
On today's episode, Sam is joined in the studio by Apple Seed assistant producer Jenny Goldsberry, for an hour of tales that begins with a story as old as the 11th century. This version, told by Fran Yardley, is called "The Clown of God." We'll follow that with a story by David Holt about playing "Louie Louie" at a party when he was a kid, and a tiny little story by Andy Offutt Irwin about his fictional great Aunt Marguerite and her tombstone. There'll be a thoughtful story form Richard Martin about holding death captive in a nut (and whether it's a good idea). We'll end the episode with a nostalgic story from Barbara McBride-Smith called "Mama's Coat." It's a journey with many destinations, today on The Apple Seed.
Today's stories all feature animals. You'll hear Kirk Waller with "Wolf and Turtle," a story that answers a question from Kirk's son. You'll also hear folk tale about how the drum first came into the world. It's called, appropriately, "First Drum," and the teller is the marvelous Chrlotte Blake Alston. You'll hear a musical telling of the ancient Japanese tale "The Crane Wife" by Odds Bodkin, and, finally, a story from Panama called "Conejito," told by Margaret Read MacDonald. Animal Tales, today on The Apple Seed.
Though today’s episode also features Paul Lawrence Dunbar’s “The Party” performed by Mitch Capel, a fishing story from Connie-Regan Blake called “Lantern,” and Donald Davis’ classic “Look it Up,” we can’t help but notice that the rest of today’s stories are about bugs. You’ll hear the zany musical stylings of Andy Offutt Irwin in “Crickets in the Kudzu,” “The Louse and the Flea” by Michael Martin, and “Work Then Play,” a take on Aesop’s fable of the Grasshopper and the Ants.
In this episode, Sam muses on the notion that while older generations often pass on their magical wisdom to younger generations, younger generations often return the favor, passing wisdom back up the family tree, just when someone might need it. You'll hear Sam's ideas reflected in a story about a recent family reunion talent show. That story serves as a springboard for a tale by Kevin Kling called "Lake," a couple of songs from the great songwriter and storyteller John McCutcheon about parents, children, and teachers, recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, and also a great story from Bill Harley about his own kids growing up.
Today’s episode begins with a tale of King Solomon told by the Bay Area teller Joel Ben Izzy. You know Solomon the biblical character – the king who succeeded his father, the great king King David. Solomon is known for his wisdom, and you know of stories like the story of determining the identity of the mother of an infant child by threatening to cut the child in half. Well, wise Solomon is also something of a folk character in Jewish folklore. There’s a huge body of wisdom stories with Solomon at their center. The story you’ll hear today is called “The Smell of the Bread.” You’ll also hear “Mrs. Lunchroom Lady,” by Bill Harley. Bill says that for him, that story is about names – about what you call people. What you call people, he says, is either a sign of respect or of insensitivity, and there are a lot of decent people doing jobs that keep the world turning, and, Bill says, they all deserve a good name. From Margaret Read MacDonald you’ll hear a rhythmic, musical folk tale called “The Little Old Woman who Hated Housework,” and from Syd Lieberman, a classic: “Truffles.”
On today's episode, assistant producer Daniel Mesta guides us on a tour of the Utah Opera production of The Little Prince, Rachel Portman's 2003 Opera treatment of the famous 1943 French novella about a crashed pilot and his unlikely encounter with a boy who turns out to be from another planet. The visit to the Opera sparkes memories for Sam about a trip to the Opera with his mom when he was a kid. He'll share those memories in today's Radio Family Journal entry. Later in the episode, an interview with tenor Joshua Lindsay (who plays a number of roles in The Little Prince), and stories, music, and conversation with award-winning storyteller and musician Susan Reed.
Today’s episode is a celebration of friendships. You’ll hear about a friendship tested when one of the friends becomes president of a Ricky Nelson fan club in excerpts from “Hello Ricky Nelson, Goodbye Heart” by Barbara McBride-Smith. You’ll hear about an 8-year-old kid and his 80-year-old pal in Michael Reno Harrell’s “Me and Stover.” You’ll hear Sam talk about sneaking into a church dance with his pal, Darren Dibb, and we’ll wrap up with “Yankee Come Home,” a little tune performed by Ed Stivender at the National Storytelling Festival.
We think that today’s stories will give you and your family glimpses of distant horizons – places both desolate and teeming with wonderful things. In a live recording gathered at the Florida Storytelling Festival, we’re going to visit the waters around Vancouver Island with “Luna” by Ingrid Nixon. Later, we’ll visit the McMurdo Station research center in Antarctica with scientist Byron Adams. But, if you can imagine it, we’ll going to start the hour even further out – on Mars, in fact. Over Mexican food. To the sound of train whistles.
We’ve got stories today from Illinois storyteller Beth Horner, from Los Angeles Storyteler Antonio Sacre, from Mary Gay Ducey(who we got to know when she was on the team that brought the Bay Area Storytelling Festival to life for so many years), and from Mitch Capel (who sometimes goes by the name Grandaddy Junebug when he’s on stage). The stories are about all sorts of things,but at the bottom of it, they’re about parents and children. And we’ll whet your appetitefor stories with a tune by Michael Reno Harrell, who grew up in Tennessee and lives now in the hills of North Carolina where he writes songs and prepares stories based on his own life experiences and the experiences of the people around him. Sometimes those stories and songs come from people he’s only just met –but Michael is well-enough attuned to listening for and honoring the stories in every life that even someone he’s just met has a story worth singing about. And so it is with the song you’ll hear today –a song, he says, based on a story told to him by the old guy behind the counter at a tiny grocery store where Michael stopped one time to fill up his motorcyclewith gas.
What happpens when you find yourself in charge of telling the story of Abraham Lincoln's home to the thousands of people each year who come to see it? That was the challenge faced by Justin Blandford and his Springfield, Illinois team, given charge over the Old Courthouse (where Lincoln served as a legislator), Lincoln's tomb, and other historic Springfield landmarks. On today's episode, we'll talk with Mr. Blandford about some of the storytelling choices they've made to effectively communicate Lincoln's legacy to Springfield's visitors, many of them young children. You'll also hear from Brian Fox Ellis, a storyteller from Peoria, Illinois, who for years had worked to bring Lincoln and his contemporaries to life for audiences all over the country.
Web Summary: On this episode, we’ll share “The Mighty Tudor Biscuit World Biscuit Oven Organ,” a favorite story from the terrific West Virginia Storyteller and music scholar Adam Booth. We’ll also hear about a sourdough start with roots in the Revolutionary War from Florida Storyteller Madeline Pots. But first, we’ll introduce you to the proprietors of Downtown Sweet, a delightful Main Street Sweet Shop in Historic Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee; their story of following their faith to a place where their family could live and work together will inspire you. We’ll also bring you a favorite Japanese Ghost story from Motoko. The story is called “The Candy Shop,” and it’s a throwback to one of the first stories we ever brought to the air. It all fits together, we promise.
Today’s stories are about those times when characters in stories (often the storytellers themselves) might have judged someone or something hastily, and were pleasantly surprised once they discover what was really there. You’ll hear “The Lord of Benbow” and “The King with Four Daughters” by Liz Weir, “That Swing in the Park” by Andy Offutt Irwin, “What was I Thinking” by the late Syd Lieberman, and “Japanese Folk Stories” by Brenda Wong Aoki.
It’s the time of year when thoughts turn to love, and we thought we’d invite some friends into the studio, as we occasionally do, for some reader’s theater and live music to celebrate. The story pieces you’ll hear today are Beauty and the Beast, this version written in 1756 by Jean Marie Le Prince du Beaumont, and Edmond Rostand’s love story Cyrano de Bergerac. They’ll be presented before a live audience, by a little group of actors that includes Noah and Leah Kershisnik. Suzanne Christensen, and Sam. And there’s more. We thought that in addition to the stories, you might like to hear some beautiful, melancholy love songs from a great songwriter, so we invited one along; joining us in the studio is Emily Brown.
On today’s hour of the Apple Seed, you’ll hear stories from all over the world, including “The Day that Changed Everything” by Geraldine Buckley. This episode also includes a retelling of one of Kipling’s “Just So” stories by Kirk Waller, a Jack tale from Mary Hamilton, and a lovely story about connections between generations from Sheila Arnold.
Today, we’re going to go in a couple of directions: we’re going to talk about the kind of richness that comes into a person’s life when they get down into some of the world’s great poetry and literature and try to preserve it in their own mind and spirit, and when they learn to share it with others. We’re going to talk in a bit with Duane Hiatt, who, together with two of his pals, put together a folk group in the 60s called “The Three D’s.” As part of our chat, we’ll play some music these guys wrote to famous poetry texts, and released in 1964, the same year the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan show.
We’re also going to talk about the value of preserving plain old memories of your daily life: a record of the world you live in as seen through the eyes of not only your unusual and spectacular experiences, but also your regular, unremarkable experiences. And you’ll hear a bit from songwriter Clive Romney, someone who, like Duane Hiatt of the 3D’s, has traveled a bit in this world, and knows a thing or two.
On today’s episode, a conversation with the director and the cast of Romeo y Julieta, a bilingual adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The production is designed for performance before audiences of parents and their children, and features Daniel Mesta as a member of the cast (listeners will recongize Daniel as a member of the Appl e Seed team). We’ll also bring you a story from BYU professor Kerry Soper, about a high school production of Romeo and Juliet in which he played Romeo, to comedic and disastrous effect. There’s a lot to enjoy on today’s hour of stories and conversation, made for you and your family and brought to you by The Apple Seed.
On today’s episode, you’ll hear an eclectic mix of tales and tunes from tellers of all kinds. We’ll start out with “The Road Back Home,” a tale from the Bay Area storyteller Joel Ben Izzy. You’ll also hear a tune called “Old People in Love” by the great songwriter John McCutcheon, and a story called “Generational Revenge,” by Georgia’s Andy Offutt Irwin. We’ll finish the episode with a Creole tale from Danielle Bellone called “Merisier, Stronger than the Elephants,” and a little piece from Carl Sandburg called “How the Potato Face Blind Man Enjoyed Himself One Fine Spring Morning.”
On today’s episode of The Apple Seed, you’ll hear folk tales and personal tales, legends and cowboy poems. First, it’s a story recorded live at Vermont’s Abenaki Cultural Heritage Celebration: Wolfsong (born Douglas Provencher) with “How the Skunk Got His Stripes. You’ll also hear from Jay O’Callahan with one of his “Pill Hill” stories (Pill Hill was the nickname of his childhood neighborhood – a neighborhood full of doctors), about a prank involving a campaign rally for Adlai Stevenson in the 1950s. You’ll hear a little Cowboy poem from Waddie Mitchell called “The Owl Critic,” and a medley of Chelm stories (Chelm is the Jewish Folkloric “town of fools”) told by Bay Area storyteller Joel Ben Izzy. That’s today, on The Apple Seed!
On today’s episode, enjoy a conversation in Boulder, Colorado with storytellers Rachel Ann Harding and Cooper Braun-Enos. Those two artists make up a duo called “Stories With Spirit” and we talked with them for the first half of the show. The conversation took place in the beautiful Dushanbe Teahouse, a gift to Boulder from its sister city, Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan. The teahouse features decorative elements crafted by over 40 artisans, using ancient methods, over more than a dozen years. This episode also features stories from Liz Weir and Antonio Rocha, tellers that Rachel Ann and Cooper both cite as inspirations.
On today’s episode, you’ll hear from the great North Carolina songwriter and storyteller Michael Reno Harrell. He’ll share a story and song recorded live before an intimate audience in one of the house concerts for which he’s become well-known. You’ll also hear a story called “Azeban and the Rock” by the Abenaki storyteller Wolfsong, and a little poem called “Typical,” performed live by Waddie Mitchell.
Erik Weihenmayer is an innovator, author, motivational speaker and all around adventurer. He was the first blind man to summit Mount Everest and has inspired thousands of people through various organizations, including his No Barriers initiative. On this episode of The Apple Seed we get to chat with Erik about his own adventures, and also the work he does with others. You can learn more about it all at www.touchthetop.com
On today’s episode, you’ll hear stories from all over the world, from an eclectic group of storytellers that includes schoolteachers, cowboy poets, and more. You’ll hear folk tales like “Jack and the Northwest Wind,” drawling poems like “The Walkin’ Man,” and more. Enjoy Ed Stivender, Bob Reiser, Waddie Mitchell, Syd Lieberman, Noa Baum, and Daniel Morden, all on this hour of The Apple Seed.
We’re in Fruita, Colorado at the Dinosaur Journey museum. This museum is part of a greater organization that includes a number of active paleontological digs, as well as another museum called the Museum of the West where exhibits tell the story of more than a thousand years of history about the area, an interpretive site called Cross Orchards where costumed guides help you step back in time more than a hundred years, the Lloyd Files Research Library, featuring, among thousands of other things, the Mesa County Oral History project. All of these facilities together are part of a museum complex called Museums of Western Colorado, which you can discover more about at museumofwesternco.com.
The truth is, we live in a time in which there seems to be a harder, brighter line than usual between the people who embrace the things that scientists are discovering about our world and the people who don’t. We’re seeing things like marches for science, and we’re hearing labels like “science deniers,” and at the Apple Seed, where we’re interested in all of the many ways that people use story to communicate important stuff, we recognize that there’s the valuable work of scientists, and then there’s the place at which that work interfaces with an interested public. And a place like the Dinosaur Journey Museum seems to exist right in that intersection. Today, we talk to Dr. Julia McHugh, someone on the front lines of figuring out how to use competent storytelling to help non-scientists catch the vision of what scientists are learning and discovering. We’ll also hear a mean Dinosaur blues, and a story by Diane Edgecomb about a girl who loves dinos so much, she becomes one.
There are some story windows through which you can look and see the whole story of America, spread out before you. For example, you can look at the story of baseball and find in it the whole story of America. The story of the National Parks might be another one of those windows. Or the history of American churches.
We’ve looked through some of those windows on other episodes of the Apple Seed and so in this episode we’re peeking through the window of jazz. Sam fired up some recording equipment somewhere between sound check and downbeat of a recent gig with some friends of his – Ryan Tilby, Ian Camp, and Keith Sorensen. We coupled their feelings, observations, and experiences playing jazz over the years along with some songs and stories.
Kevin Kling is an accomplished playwright, actor, and storyteller. He came to town as the guest of the Timpanogos Storytelling Institute, and while he was in the area we sat down with him to feature some of his work and to share some great conversation. The live recordings featured in this episode were made during performances that occurred during Kevin’s visit to Utah. You can find other recorded versions of all of those stories, along with more information on Kevin Kling and his other projects by visiting: www.kevinkling.com.
On today’s episode, you’ll hear a story from Kevin Kling about a demolition derby to remember (Sam, to get psyched up for this story, attends a demolition derby himself: the annual “Day of Wreckoning” derby in Salt Lake City). You’ll also hear Sam gear up for the Corinne Stavish story “King of the Road” by remembering his college car, and old Subaru fixed up and painted by his brother, Joe. Finally, you’ll hear a story by the great storyteller and mime Antonio Rocha called “Chicken and Crocodile.”
This hour of stories, music, and conversation begins with a Radio Family Journal entry about Mrs. Searle, the third grade teacher who read “Where the Red Fern Grows” each year to the third graders of Alpine Elementary School. We’ll also bring you a World War two story, about how books found their way into every theater of war, and filled the world with more copies of books than were ever burned by the Nazis. We’re going to hear from Suzanne Christensen, a frequent contributor to the show, who will tell us about how she became a reader. And we’re going to visit a party that’s all about sharing books between friends. As for today’s music, you’ll hear tunes old and new from the terrific ukulele trio The Naked Waiters (who perform, of course, fully clothed).
We’re going to get around a bit today, spending some time with an Ananzi story from Bobby Norfolk, and a story from Poland about a beautiful girl who marries a Melamed – a teacher, a tutor really, of children – named Moshe. With those stories, we’re going to take you on a trip that will show you worlds that are, perhaps, far away from your own, in the way that folk tales can. But we’re going to begin with a story that may bring back some memories: a personal tale by storyteller Kim Weitkamp, talking about her parents. You’ll meet “the good living room,” (if you’re of a certain generation, you may have had one of those), and you’ll meet the family stereo console, with its built-in record player. If you’re of a certain generation, you may know just the console. If not, don’t worry. She’ll explain everything.
At the top of the hour, on the Radio Family Journal, you’ll hear about a trip with a bunch of high school students to Zion National Park. You’ll hear a story told by storyteller and acrophobe Donald Davis story about a trip to the Grand Canyon. We’re going to get him safely back to the canyon rim, but first, not everyone shies away from the dizzying heights and spectacular cliffs that characterize these parks. Working on a stage show commissioned by Dixie State University to celebrate Zion National Park, we ran into Ron Olevsky, a lifelong climber who has pioneered more than fifty routes up the walls of Zion National Park, over more than forty years. You’ll hear our conversation with Ron, in addition to a chat with artist Roland Lee, who has been painting in Zion National Park for 40 years.
On today’s episode of The Apple Seed, relive every death-defying stunt you tried, and all the reasons you tried them, with Antonio Sacre’s terrific tale “Uncle Tom and the Roller Coaster of Death.” You’ll also hear a familiar of fable in Laurie Allen’s performance of “The Tortoise and the Hare,” and a piece from Odds Bodkin called “The Generous Man.” We’ll finish out the hour with Sam’s “Denis Zwang’s Saxophone Prayer,” and a poem called “Fossil” from the celebrated Welsh poet Leslie Norris.
This hour features stories, music, and conversation with storyteller Kim Weitkamp. The episode was recorded live before an audience at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, the largest storytelling festival in the West.
This hour of stories, music, and conversation takes you to an Opera setting ofHerman Melville's Moby Dick. We'll talk with singers, directors,composers and more. IN addition, we'll have a conversation with Steve Tuttle, a professor of English at Brigham Young University and a long-time Moby Dick fan. And you'll hear stories and songs from Jay O'Callahan, to boot!
If you’ve listened to the show for awhile, you know that every once in awhile we gather a few actors, a musical guest, and a studio audience for seasonal readings of stories from literature – some of the stories are familiar, some obscure. Today’s episode features one of these gatherings. You'll hear the Jacob Marley scene from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," a couple of Scandinavian Christmas tales (one featuring Trolls, and the other featuring a skeleton with long, yellow hair), and a story translated into English by Leo Tolstoy called "Papa Panov's Special Christmas." You'll also enjoy musical guests Omar and Lori Hansen.
We’ll begin today’s episode with a favorite from the great storyteller Donald Davis. The story is called “Look it Up,” and it’ll ring bells for anyone who has ever loved a dictionary. After that, it’ll be more personal stories, like “Some Enchanted Wednesday” by Syd Lieberman, and a fairy tale to boot – “The Golden Headed Fish” told by Ed Stivender. You’ll hear a little Michael Reno Harrell thrown in for good measure, too!
This hour of stories, music, and conversation begins with a Radio Family Journal entry: a remembrance of sorts for Reed and Loa Fae Palmer, whose joint funeral was attended by all the kids whose bikes Reed had supplied and repaired. The kids had festooned their bikes with yellow ribbons and shown up to the funeral in their Sunday best, a serious way to honor the couple they had come to love, and to whom they were now saying farewell. We’ll also meet a bunch of kids from the Castle Valley Acting Company, and we’ll sit in on a production of theirs featuring Robin Hood stories. We’ll talk to some of them about their work, and to their director, Catlin Iverson. And we’ll hear a great conversation with Grammy-winning storyteller, author, musician, and performer Bill Harley. And, of course, you’ll hear music from the songwriting team of Cherie Call and Lyndy Butler.
In today’s episode you’ll hear stories that span the years between childhood and adulthood. We’ll start with a Paul Lawrende Dunbar poem, written in the dialectical verse for which he was famous. The poem is called “The Spelling Bee,” a tale filled with good-natured competition, hard words to spell, and even young love. It’s performed for us by Mitch Capel. You’ll also hear a story of Sam’s – a memory of playing Emile de Becque in a high school production of Rogers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. The episode wraps up with a rollicking story about a trip to Africa, by the great storyteller and mime Antonio Rocha.
This hour of stories, music, and conversation begins with a Radio Family Journal entry about playing wedding gigs, and, in particular, wondering what good counsel this version of Sam might give to the Sam from years gone by, or the years to come, if they could all sit down and talk. We’ll follow that up with a conversation with astronaut Jerry Linenger, who spent more than 130 days about the Russian Space Station Mir. His story is not only about his own adventures, but also his desire to talk about those adventures with his son. We’re excited to bring you that conversation. And we’ll going to visit Creve Coeur, Missouri, just outside of St. Louis, to chat with a terrific duo of young storytellers called The Bible Players. They’re bringing Torah stories to life on stage in a way that makes them feel like part of a conversation that’s been going on for thousands of years. You’ll also enjoy songs by the UK songwriter Wrenne.
On today’s episode of The Apple Seed, you’ll enjoy one long story from Donald Davis, recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in Lehi, Utah, right here in our backyard. It’s a tale of mischief with a chemistry set, and of looking for love somewhere in the ranks of the casserole brigade. You’ll also hear Kim Weitkamp’s rendition of You Are My Sunshine, and a story from Bil Lepp that really stinks (because, well, it’s about skunks).
This hour of stories, music, and conversation begins with Radio Family Journal segment about falling in love very briefly with Heather Parkinson in third grade. And even before the soft glow of young love fades, we bring you a fascinating conversation with storyteller Clare Murphy (which we kick off with a wonderful Celtic tale about an unusual graveyard). Finally, in the hour’s last segment, you’ll hear a piece about the effects of a wonderful piece of music on important memories. It’s a piece that focuses on the very moving settings of A E. Housman poems by George Butterworth, written in the years before World War I. You’ll also hear a few songs from the wonderful folk band Molly in the Mineshaft.
On today’s episode, weshare with you a couple of Christmas tales, and one about, well, about being concerned about one’s weight, which we thought made it a tale perfectly suited for holiday telling. Firstup, a story from Kim Weitkamp about a friendly Christmas competition at church. Whose cookies will win the prize this year? Kim will regale you with a story to answer that question. After Kim, we hear from Donald Davis, with a classic Christmas tale of concern for how the jolly old elf will get into the house after an innovation to the heating system. The story is called “Don’t Kill Santa!” Finally, as if in anticipation of everyone’s annual Christmastime concern and subsequent universal New Year’s resolution, we’ll bring you a story from Carol Birch called “Weighing In.” That’s today, on The Apple Seed. Tellers and Stories on BYUradio.
On today’s episode, we’ll warm you up for a couple of Christmas stories with a tidbit from Antonio Sacre about parenting young children. The story is called “The Worst Parent on the Playground,” and it was recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, one of the largest storytelling festivals in the nation, currently held in Lehi, Utah. Antonio’s story will get us all primed for an actual Christmas story: Bil Lepp’s tale about Big Sal, detailing the unusual effects of microwave cooking on a particular Christmas turkey. We’ll end the episode with a childhood sled-ride fantasy from Kim Weitkamp --a delightful story called “The Forbidden Souped-up Sled Ride.” Holiday treats abound on today’s episode of The Apple Seed.
On today’s episode, we warm up for a couple of Christmas tales with a tale of summer by Catherine Conant. The story is called “Doin’ the Dishes,” (so maybe that’s the holiday connection right there, for anyone who spends the season throwing parties and cleaning up after them). After Catherine takes us back to the carefree days of summer, we launch into two Christmas tales. The first, from a collection called Christmas at Grandma’s, is a story called “The Children’s Christmas Play,” by Donald Davis. And we’ll follow that story up with a piece from Andy Offutt Irwin, one of his stories about Aunt Marguerite (the fictional great aunt who at 80 years old went to medical school, and who forms the backbone of Andy’s canon of original stories). It’s called “The Glass Christmas.” Happy Holidays, from The Apple Seed.
Enjoy an hour of cowboy poetry, talkin’ blues, parental woes, and more. On today’s episode, you’ll hear about apple trees from Appalachian storyteller Adam Booth, sled races from Bill Harley, plus Sam remembers a long-ago New Year’s Eve party. And down in the middle of it all, you’ll hear a fathers-and-sons piece from Joe Herrington.
For this, the second week of December, we bring you a round-up of stories surrounding the holiday season. You’ll hear stories about charity, gift-giving, and family. The storytellers featured are Ron Frederickson, Antoinette Griffin, Betty Ann Wylie, Wadie Mitchell, Teresa Clark, and Kevin Kling in that order.
As one of a pair of episodes about the giving of gifts, today you'll hear great tales from Kevin Kling, Bill Harley, Ed Stivender, Donna Ingham, and Teresa Clark. They'll warm your heart with tales old and new -- from stories about grandma's cooking to stories about the birth of Jesus. You'll hear plenty of reminiscing, too, about everything from bicycles to rich conversations with Grandpa. That's today, on The Apple Seed.
On today's episode of The Apple Seed, you'll meet a Georgia Storyteller with a double first name, a husband and wife who disagree over whether they can stomach truffles, and more. You'll also hear a terrific cowboy poem, recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. It'll all be brought to you by a group of terrific tellers: Georgia teller Betty Ann Wylie, Chicago's Syd Lieberman, Teresa Clark from Idaho, and the great cowboy poet Waddie Mitchell. ?
Christmas trees are being decorated and the temperature is dropping, just in time for this winter season. Today’s episode is about stories that remind us of a season associated with the giving and receiving of gifts. You'll enjoy classics rendered in the wonderful voice of Ron Frederickson, a winter miracle story from Odds Bodkin, a story about a Christmas cookie curse from Antoinette Griffin, and more.
This is an episode that serves as a replay for the week before. You’ll find clips from earlier episodes. We’re reviewing An Athlete’s Journey, The Chili Cook-off, and Blizzards, Scooters and more!
Today’s episode is about athletes who overcome their obstacles and keep pushing even when the game gets tough. This episode features an interview between our assistant producer Valerie Garofalo and BYU Student Kylin Cox.
“Being on the Outside” by Kate Dudding
“Amarillo Sandies/ Football Champions” by Sheila Starks Phillips
“Major League Pop Fly”by Slash Coleman
This is an episode about food and festivals! Our producer Jenny Goldsberry brings us a story of her neighborhood chilli cook-off, which inspires a whole slew of stories about competition, food, friends, and family. Cooking doesn’t always have to be competitive, but there is always something to celebrate when family and friends are gathered. Shelia Starks Phillips shares a story about a festival in her own home town. Dolores Hydock tells a story about her own family cooking traditions
The tale of John Henry is a classic, mountain folk tale. In this episode, we include different tellings of the true story of a man whom literally worked himself to death. John Henry was definitely a strong, hard-working man, more than anything, he was a man who disregarded the impossible. It’s a tale of man against machine but it’s also a tale of humans against impossible tasks. This episode also includes stories of characters up against such impossible tasks. These can also be classified as “Cinderella stories.” Storytellers include Charlotte Blake-Alston, David Holt, Josh Goforth, John McCutcheon, Big Joe Pagliuca, Joel Ben Izzy, and Susan Strauss.
Today’s episode is all about elves and their roles in folklore. Elves, trolls, goblins -- whatever you call them, they are fascinating. They are a mainstay of Scandinavian folklore and culture. In fact, in some parts of Finland, Sweden, and Norway, there are tunnels built under highways so that the elves can cross in safety. In fact, a 2007 survey revealed that over 54 percent of Icelanders believe in elves. Throughout time, elves have been associated with various aspects of both the foul and the fair. In British and Irish lore, they are associated with disease and mischief, often portrayed as foul creatures who frequently steal children or places curses on households. Even today, it is not uncommon to see protection symbols carved into trees and barns to ward off evil elves. However, in Scandinavian tradition, elves are often associated with good luck, bringing those who help them in their tasks great rewards.
You may be familiar with Marissa Meyer, author of the Lunar Chronicles, a series that blends classic fairy tales with sci-fi and super hero conventions: at the center of the books is a character named Cinder, in whom you are sure to see shades of Cinderella, except that she’s a cyborg. Cinder and her friends , many of whom are also these terrific super hero takes on classic fairy tale characters like Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel, battle for their happily-ever-afters against terrifying and imaginative odds. It’s a series that has been optioned by Netflix for film, which is super exciting.
Marissa Meyer is also the author of the Renegades trilogy, about teen superheroes and villains working to redefine for themselves what is right and wrong in a world wholly corrupted by adults, with tons of girl superheroes for teen readers to celebrate.
On today’s episode, we celebrate the recent release of Archenemies, the second book in what will be the Renegades trilogy. It’s a deliciously cryptic title as it may refer to the decidedly uneasy relationship between the series protagonists, Nova and Adrian.
We’ll spend the hour in conversation with Marissa Meyer, and we’ll also hear the terrific story “The Teacher in the Patriotic Bathing Suit” by Bil Lepp.
From the Thanksgiving feast to black Friday shopping, each family has their way of ushering in the holidays. Today’s episode is all about Thanksgiving, and features stories from Ron Fredrickson, Dolores Hydock, Laura J. Bobrow, Tim Lowry and a song by Susan Reed. Make great stories part of your holiday tradition with today's episode of The Apple Seed.
Today's episode features the work of Steve Sanfield. Steve was the founder (and for many years artistic director) of the Sierra Storytelling Festival in Nevada City, California. He was also a beloved storyteller himself. Many of the recordings Steve left behind after his passing in 2015 have been curated and compiled by Sanfield's long-time colleague Angela Lloyd into a new collection called "To Life: The Stories of Steve Sanfield." Today, we talk with Angela, who is an accomplished storyteller herself, about Steve's work and the impat it had on the storytelling community. And, of couse, we'll bring you plenty of stories too; listen for "True Love," "Hitting the Bull's Eye," and "Bit by Bit." We'll also bring you a couple of Chelm stories -- stories about the fabled town of fools from the Jewish storytelling tradition.
Today we talk with the acclaimed essayist Anne Fadiman (Author of terrific books like Ex Libris, and The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. Join us as Anne helps us explore the world of remembering loved ones, through her book "The Wine-Lover's Daughter," a memoir of her relationship with her father, Clifton Fadiman, whose obituary in the New York Times called an "essayist, critic, editor, and indefatigable anthologist whose encyclopedic knowledge made him a mainstay of Information Pease and otherpopular radio programs of the lae 1930's, 40's, and 50's. Anne’s memoir sees her relationship with her father not so much through the window of his work as an essayist, critic, and editor, but, rather, through the eyes of what some people called his first love: fine wine. It’s a particular connoisseurship about which Anne was, herself, only lukewarm. And yet it held a place at the center of their relationship, and at the center of Anne’s memoir.
We have another Saturday Round Up for you! It’s filled with episodes that we featured throughout the week in case you might have missed the show or if you want to hear one of these stories again. This week we had episodes about frogs, charity and we even spoke to one of our fellow storytelling friends, Rachel Ann Harding.
Charity is an attribute of a selfless, loving person. It is the ability to give freely for the sake of others. But charity can also be a solution to a problem or the gateway to forgiveness. In today’s stories, characters will demonstrate charity for all kinds of people and reap the benefits of that charitable action. You’ll hear about a town rallying around a family in need, a Douglas Fir tree protecting a mouse from a storm, a song from the perspective of the homeless population, brothers competing to see who is the most charitable, and Kare Strong, Josh Goforth, Laura K. Deal, Allison Downey, Sarah Malone, and Donald Davis are featured in this episode.
Today’s episode is all about frogs. Slippery, slimy and somehow endearing, everybody has something to say about these croaking creatures. Featuring stories by Doug Elliot, Len Cabral, Jay O’Callahan, Margaret Reed MacDonald, Tim Lowry, Brian “Fox” Ellis, and Donna L. Washington.
If you missed this week’s airings of The Apple Seed, this is an excellent episode to listen to: it’s a summary of what we aired this week. We featured stories about science, scary stories for children, and shopping! Catch up with us on this week’s Saturday Round-up. Our science clip is all about the circle of life. Our scary stories for children clip includes a personal anecdote about how a storyteller became a storyteller. Our shopping clip is about a magical piece of candy that was purchased by a very lucky child. This episode includes tellers such as Brian Fox Ellis, Adam Gidwidtz, and Bill Harley.
From grocery shopping to clothing shopping, shopping can be fun but can also get out of hand with family members. Today’s episode is all about listening to those crazy times and laughing about the silly occurrences that happen when we go out with our families.
Science rules the world. This episode contains scientific stories that are awe-inspiring, heart-tugging, and laugh-inducing. What can science teach you about yourself? Ted Fink, Brian Fox Ellis, Pete Griffin, and Mike Agranoff will tell you. Some of these tellers have been poets at five years old, songwriters, authors, speakers at the National Science Teachers Association Conference, and even a wildlife biologist for the US Forest Service. It just goes to show that science can be and is observed, studied, and understood by people of all walks of life.
Today’s episode brings you all things strange and wild from the region of Appalachia. From stories of ghosts and witches to tales of magic and mystery, this episode even features the famous Appalachian Hairy Man.
It’s Saturday, which means that it’s time for another Saturday Round-up, a time to discuss all the great episodes we’ve had this week. This week has been a great one. On Tuesday, we heard some material gathered at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in September. On Wednesday, we aired an episode titled “Dead Men Do Tell Tales," a collection of heartwarming tales about the dead still speaking to the living. On Thursday, we shared an episode all about wolves and their role in folklore. Today we're excited to bring you the best of all three episodes.
Today, we'll start off with a discussion with experts Dr. Tony Brown, Dr Kayta Jordan, and Dr Luke Howard about Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, and wolfs in folklore. After that, stories from Adam Booth, Sean Buvala, Mark Binder, all make for an exciting episode you won't want to miss!
This episode contains stories inspired by the dead. Dead men tell no tales? We don’t think so! We’ve included stories from Motoko, Joel Ben Izzy, Andy Offutt Irwin, and our very own Sam Payne.
In today’s episode, we’re reminiscing the 2018 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. We had such a great time, that we just had to share stories from the Timp 2018 tellers and conversations that we had with festival goers.
Stories and snippets that we’ve adored from the week of October 15, 2018 to October 20, 2018. The stories are from our episodes “Daniel’s Favorites,” “Unconventional Solutions to Problems,” and “The Mummy’s Curse.” The tellers featured are Antonio Sacre, Motoko, Anthony Burcher, Kevin Cordi, Syd Lieberman, David Holt, and Daniel Bishop.
Today’s episode is a collection of spooky stories related to curses, treasures, and the undead. From the deck of the Titanic to a tiny ghost town down South, nowhere is safe from the reach of those who have passed on. In these stories, told by David Holt, Daniel Bishop, Dan Marcotte, Judith Heineman, Beth Horner, and Octavia Sexton, the dead have come back with a vengeance.
Life’s problems can drive us crazy, but the character’s in today’s stories have the solutions! These stories will leave you thinking: Why didn’t I think of that?! Today’s stories are brought to you by Steve Otto, Anthony Burcher, Kevin Cordi, Pam Faro, and Syd Lieberman.
Assistant producer Daniel Mesta shares some of his favorite stories with us. They somehow all involve rivers and lakes and the supernatural creatures that inhabit them. The stories come from all over the world and feature storytellers Motoko, Antonio Sacre, Brian “Fox” Ellis, and Jess Smith.
It’s been a magical, lovely, epic week, and here’s the Round-up to prove it. Stories from “Cathryn Fairlee’s Epic Day,” “What is Love?” and “Magic Tricks” episodes are included. We’ll highlight stories from Odds Bodkin, Judith Black, Lynda Gorham, and Dolores Hydock. Be ready to feel stupefied and enamored all at once.
Today's episode includes stories about a trip to Universal Studio's Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an Irish magician, a princess, a husband and wife with a duplication pot, and a medieval magician- what do they all have in common? Well, magic. Today's featured tellers are Robin Schulte, Brendan Nolan, Bob Reiser, Linda Gorham, and Judith Black.
Today’s episode of The Apple Seed is all about the tradition of the Epic: works that are often incredibly long, often ancient, often derived from stories passed down as part of an oral tradition, and often written as poems. We’ll feature a piece from Odds Bodkin, who sometimes performs The Odyssey in its entirety (it would take many, may Apple Seed episodes to feature the whole thing. Today, we’ll bring you that little bit of the story that has to do with Odysseus and his crew escaping form the cave of the Polyphemus, the Cyclops). We’ll also bring you a conversation with California Storyteller Cathryn Fairlee, who twice a year hosts an event in her home that she calls “Epic Day,” a day in which she and her colleagues choose an epic work from somewhere in the world and present it together, mostly for each other as an audience, over the course of an entire day
Betrayal, it's not an easy situation to deal with. So how do people cope? Well, the characters in these stories all seem to find a way to keep going. The featured tellers are Jordan Hill, Tim Lowry, and Dan Kedding.
Assistant Producer Valerie Garofalo shares one of her favorite stories from teller Carol Birch about the legendary baseball player Lou Gehrig who played for the New York Yankees. Valerie also shares another story by North Carolina teller Donald Davis.
Today we're spotlighting Mexican teller Valentina Ortiz, who is known for her artful weaving of bilingual stories and songs. We'll hear some of those today. We'll also hear parts of a conversation we had with Valentina at the National Storytelling Network Summit in Kansas City. We end the episode with another Mexican tale from Leeny Del Seamonds.
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of September 24, 2018 to September 28, 2018. We're bringing you stories from Heather Forest, Bil Lepp, and part of an interview with Noa Baum about her book "A Land Twice Promised." These tidbits come from our episodes "Selkies," "Mischief Among Friends," and "Noa Baum & A Land Twice Promised," which can all be found in our online archive.
Friends and mischief are like peanut butter and jelly--they always seem to go together. In today’s episode, we’re sharing stories about the mischief we make with our friends, whether we’re pulling pranks on each other or on other people. You’ll hear stories from Adam Booth, Connie Regan-Blake, Bil Lepp, and from the entire Apple Seed team.
Noa Baum's book, A Land Twice Promised: An Israeli Woman's Quest for Peace details the extraordinary changes in an Israeli woman, living in California, who makes an unlikely friend in a Palestinian neighbor. As the friendship deepens, deep notions of "otherness" are challenged. In the author's preface, she writes "I have never met anyone who was not in favor of peace." That's a great introduction to this episode of The Apple Seed, in which Sam chats at length with Noa about the personal experiences described in the book and on stage. All that, and a story about gefilte fish too!
Today's episode features stories about what it feels like to be a fish out of water- we're talking about selkies. Half seal and half woman, the selkies in this episode are all torn between two different worlds, but learn to love both. Today's stories from from tellers Sophie Snell, Mike Agranoff, Laura J. Bobrow, and Heather Forest.
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of September 17 2018 to September 21, 2018. You'll hear stories from Waddie Mitchell, Leeny Del Seamonds, Donald Davis, and Sam Payne. You'll also hear a conversation with BYU custodians, and an interview and story from Sheila Arnold Jones. These all come from our episodes "I Would Catch It," "Custodian Confessional," and "Sheila Arnold Jones," which you can find in our online archive.
This episode is all about the unsung heroes of cleanliness: custodians. Although they often are overlooked, we really do owe them a lot. We'll bring you a story from Anthony Burcher about a 1st grade classroom disaster, another from Andy Offut Irwin about a phantom janitor, a conversation with BYU custodians, and finally, a story from Sam about his inspiring elementary school custodian.
Today’s episode is called, I Would Catch It, in reference to a scene from the movie Guardians of the Galaxy where Drax the Destroyer claims, “Nothing goes over my head. My reflexes are too fast. I would catch it." Not unlike Drax, we often find ourselves misinterpreting the world around us. We're sharing stories from Waddie Mitchell, Leeny Del Seamonds, Bill Gordh, Donald Davis, and Bill Lepp.
We’re calling today’s episode “A Sight to Behold,” and we’re sharing stories with you about people who see baffling sights, either with their own eyes or with some sort of special gift they have, like laser vision or precognition. We'll hear stories from Willy Claflin, Susan Strauss, Antonio Sacre, Bonnie Greenberg, and Charlotte Blake Alston.
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of September 3, 2018 to September 7, 2018. This episode features stories from the episodes "Lessons in Love," "Testing the Waters," and "Egg Babies, Roller Skates, and Old Cars." You'll hear from Jay O'Callahan, Danielle Bellone, Adam Booth, and Apple Seed team members Whitney Snow and Victoria Khalil.
On today’s episode, three great tellers will regale you with youthful memories that may just ring a bell for you. If you’ve ever taken a class in which a teacher has assigned you to carry around a “baby” made of a flour sack, you’ll appreciate Bil Lepp’s hilarious “Egg Babies.” Adam Booth’s “Roll-a-Rama” will take you back to your roller-rink days. And, finally, Michael Reno Harrell will bring it all home with a story called “Stay Out of Them Old Cars.”
An episode featuring stories about testing the waters--nibbling on a spicy pepper, trying on a new pair of pants, asking someone on a date-- experiencing something new. We'll bring you a song from Susan Reed about dipping into the water, a story from Donna Washington about mice, Scottish fairy tale "The Light Princess" told by Danielle Bellone, and a story from Kevin Carr about visiting eel river.
Today's episode of The Apple Seed was inspired by a Jay O’Callahan story called "Edna Robinson". It's one of several stories you'll hear that teach us lessons about 'Love'.
On today’s episode, enjoy the following:
"Edna Robinson" by Jay O'Callahan (34:51)
"Blackest Crow" by Bryan Bowers (3:30)
"How Tammy Met Me in a Bubble Bath and Ended Up With 12 Children" by Jeffrey Hill (10:28)
"Ruben and Rachel Salazar" by StoryCorp (2:21)
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of August 27, 2018 through August 31, 2018. We share highlights from our episodes "Movie Magic," "Sharpening the Pencils," and "Pouring the Sun," with a conversation with the Apple Seed team and stories from Geraldine Buckley and Jay O'Callahan.
It’s that time of year again. The days are getting shorter, leaves are changing colors, pencils are sharpened, backpacks are packed. The school year is starting! To celebrate, we wanted to share stories with you about going to school.Today's stories come from Ed Stivender, Geraldine Buckley, and Bil Lepp.
Movie theaters have changed a lot over the years. We’ve gone from plush velvet seats and ripped ticket stubs to reclining leather lounges and scanned tickets on your phone, yet, despite all those shifts there is an ever present spell that movies cast on us. They seem to leave us tingling as we exit the dark air-conditioned theater and re-enter the world we used to know but now find slightly different. Movies have a powerful effect. Today's episode is dedicated to the profound influence movies have had on our lives. Our friend, Jared Wells, tells a story about seeing The Lord of the Rings for the first time in the Coronet theater, Sam Payne recalls high school memories with Rocco Divilliers, the Apple Seed team swaps stories, and we finish with the classic, "Irrational Fear," by Donald Davis.
A look at Jay O'Callahan's long form story of Bethlehem Steel and the workshop he gave at the National Storytelling Network's Summit. In addition to that we feature a story from Susan Reed entitled "Stars".
Snippets and stories that we've adored from the week of August 20, 2018 through August 24, 2018. Tellers include Bill Lepp, Josh Goforth, Andy Offutt Irwin, Michael Wunderli, and Tim Lowry. These stories come from our episodes "Things Gone Awry," "Like a \\\\ to Me," and "Teton Tellers 2018," all of which you can find in our online archive.
Though this show's stories were recorded all over the country, they feature tellers that appeared on stage at the second annual Teton Storytelling Festival in Rexburg, Idaho. The festival was born in 2017, when the total solar eclipse came to town and filled it with stargazers. This year’s festival didn’t feature an eclipse, but did feature a storytelling lineup that included Kim Weitkamp, Andy Offutt Irwin, Josh Goforth, Bil Lepp, Michael Reno Harrell, Clive Romney, and our host, Sam Payne. On this episode, you’ll hear from Andy, Michael, Bil, and Josh. It’s a rollicking hour of stories and music, on the Apple Seed.
When we’re young, we are born into certain relationships: we may have parents,siblings, grandparents, but what’s interesting is that as we get older, wefind ourselves becoming attached to people outside of our family unit: friends, teachers, coaches, coworkers... we build this big web of connections, and some of those bonds turn friends (or animals) into something deeper, like a mother, sister, brother or son.
Naomi and Britta (1:33)
Naomi Campbell and Britta Watts talk about the day they first met, what bonded them as roommates, what they’ve done to maintain their sisterly relationship, and how much they love each other.
Billy Boy by Laura Pershin Raynor (16:53)
Laura’s grandmother treats her bird, Billy Boy, like a member of the family. Learn more about Laura Pershin Raynor by visiting: www.lpraynor.com
Irma by Donald Davis (26:02)
Donald meets his mother-in-law, Irma, for the first time, and talks about how she was always willing to take care of others before herself. Learn more about Donald Davis by visiting: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
"To go awry" means something goes “away from the appropriate, planned, or expected course”.
Pecos Bill by Tim Lowry (1:30)
Pecos Bill loses his love amongst other mishaps that characterize his life. Learn more about Tim Lowry by visiting: storytellertimlowry.com
The Singing Bone by Ingrid Nixon (14:15)
A wild boar is wreaking havoc in a kingdom so the king decrees a reward for anyone who can kill it. Two brothers join forces but one of them manipulates the situation for his personal gain. Learn more about Ingrid Nixon by visiting: www.ingridnixon.com
Of Chips and Fire by Michael Wunderli (22:30)
Michael shares the story of his father's biggest infraction with the law. Michael Wunderli is the founder and president of the Storytelling in Law Club at the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University.
The Wooden Sword by Syd Lieberman (32:39)
A king goes out amongst his people and finds a man very happy. The man says he’s happy because God takes care of him. The King is miffed that he didn’t get credit for the man’s happiness so he throws wrenches in his employment to try and make him change is mind. Learn more about the late Syd Lieberman by visiting: www.sydlieberman.com
The Green Hand by Joel Ben Izzy (39:11)
Joel gets hired to tell stories at an Italian camp and the lady in charge keeps asking him to tell the story of the green hand--which he doesn’t know. Joel goes on to learn the story and things get out of hand from there. Learn more about Joel Ben Izzy by visiting: www.storypage.com
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of August 13, 2018 to August 17, 2018.
A Cabin's Tale by Mitch Capel (1:09)
A Paul Lawrence Dunbar poem wherein a weasel tricks a bear into imprisonment. Learn more about Mitch Capel by visiting: www.gjbug.com
You Never Know What the End's Gonna Be By Dianne Ferlatte (12:42)
Dianne’s mother-in-law learns to work past her racial prejudices and by the end of her life makes great friends with Dianne and her entire extended family. Learn more about Dianne Ferlatte by visiting: www.dianeferlatte.com
"The Lost Diaries of Adam and Eve by Jeff Doyle and Ingrid Nixon (24:59)
Conversation with Jeff Doyle and Ingrid Nixon about their new piece that was inspired from Mark Twain's book, the bible, and their own experience. Learn more about Ingrid Nixon and Jeff Doyle by visiting their respective websites: www.ingridnixon.com and www.myblueape.com
Glory Days Roundtable (40:56)
Whitney got together with Apple Seed team members and other BYU Radio producers to swap stories about their carefree high school days.
Stories about your good ol' high school days.
Racing the Bad Boys by Catherine Conant (1:55)
Catherine and her friends attempt to drag race her father's car back when they were teenagers. Learn more about Catherine Conant by visiting: catherineconant.com
Staff of BYU Radio share some of their highschool highlights.
Naomi Campbell (16:24)
Sadie Anderson (18:45)
Sage Smiley (20:53)
Remington Charles (22:46)
Whitney Snow (26:20)
Maren Del Rio (29:58)
Understudies by Sam Payne (32:30)
Featuring the song Hit Your Mark. Learn more about Sam Payne by visiting: www.sampayne.com
In the last years of his life, Mark Twain wrote a number of stories about Adam and Eve. Two of them – a short story called Eve’s Diary and another called Extracts from Adam’s Diary – are often paired as stage pieces. On today’s episode, we talk to storytellers Jeff Doyle and Ingrid Nixon to talk about an updated stage adaptation of Mark Twain’s stories, called The Lost Diaries of Eve and Adam. We’ll also bring you stories from Syd Lieberman, Ed Stivender, Gerald Fierst, and our host, Sam Payne.
We’ve noticed that the media tends to portray mothers-in-law as evil, controlling, and sometimes out to get their daughter-in-law. But for every story about a strained relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, you can find a story about the love, understanding, and personal growth that can evolve from cultivating this relationship.
Paul Revere's Mother-In-Law by Kate Carney (2:00)
The Boston Tea Party as told through the eyes of an unexpected witness. Learn more about Kate Carney by visiting: katecarney.net
Selection of stories from Judith Black (13:54)
From her album, Retiring the Champ, we're sharing the connected stories "Meet the Family", "The Daughter-in-Law Tango", "Denial Ain't Just a River in Egypt" about Judith's experience with her mother-in-law. Learn more about Judith Black by visiting: storiesalive.com
You Never Know What the End's Gonna Be by Dianne Ferlatte (41:17)
Dianne shares how her mother-in-law's racial prejudices existed at the beginning of her marriage and dissipated as the years continued. Learn more about Dianne Ferlatte by visiting: www.dianeferlatte.com
Mick Finnegan's Mother-In-Law by Laura J. Bobrow (52:03)
Mick Finnegan takes his mother-in-law to the cemetary prematurely. Learn more about Laura J. Bobrow by visiting: www.laurajbobrow.com
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of August 5, 2018 to August 11, 2018
Antonio Sacre's story Cuban Jokes and Pregones (1:53) from our episode "Get the Message" where we also shared stories from Odds Bodkin and Bill Harley.
Maren interviewed some kids for an episode called "The More You Learn," about the things adults can learn from kids. The episode also features stories from Bill Harley, Beth Horner, Sam Payne, and Bil Lepp.
Sadie, who is writing a novel about pirates, picked the stories for our episode "A Pirate's Life for Me," one of which is Yvonne Healy's Lugh, the Shining One.
Willy Claflin's story Government Surplus and Colt 45 from an episode of long-form stories. The other teller in this episode is Donald Davis.
“Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates.” Mark Twain
Pirate Song by Bill Harley (00:59)
A small shanty to fuel your desire to get out on the seas and discover the treasure that awaits you. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting: www.billharley.com
Glitterhead by Andrew McQuinn (4:16)
A tale about a pirate captain quite unlike any of the other ones you've probably heard.
Lugh, the Shinging One by Yvonne Healy (19:16)
Irish lore about a pirate king with a magical eye. Learn more about Yvonne Healy by visiting: www.yhealy.com
The Ballad of Dirty Joe by Bill Harley (30:51)
A look into the pirate's life with a nagging sister present.
The Curse of the Wicca Tree by Sophie Snell (39:50)
Plundering, pillaging, sword fights, and buried treasure! Learn more about Sophie Snell by visiting: www.sophiesnell.co.uk
By land or sea, telephone or classroom hallway, the messages in this episode successfully get delivered.
Messenger to Maftan by Odds Bodkin (1:55)
Mammadee cannot tell a lie. When the chief of his village finds out, he tries to trick Mammadee into telling a lie by sending him to deliver an untrue message. Learn more about Odds Bodkin by visiting: www.oddsbodkin.net
The Teacher's Lounge by Bill Harley (16:45)
In 2nd grade, one of Bill’s classmates gets hurt he and his classmate Emily journey to the teacher's lounge to find their instructor but in doing so they discover what really goes on in the teacher’s lounge. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting: www.billharley.com
Cuban Jokes and Pregones by Antonio Sacre (42:26)
Antonio tells some Cuban jokes and then describes a typical phone conversation with his aging father. Learn more about Antonio Sacre by visiting: www.antoniosacre.com
“Maybe you've had grand plans before, but stopped yourself, thinking, ‘That's impossible,’ or ‘That costs too much,’ or ‘That won't benefit me.’ For better or worse, we kids aren't hampered as much when it comes to thinking about reasons why not to do things. Kids can be full of inspiring aspirations and hopeful thinking...It shouldn't be a teacher at the head of the class, telling students, ‘Do this, do that.’ The students should teach their teachers. Learning between grown-ups and kids should be reciprocal.” -Adora Svitak
You can hear more of Adora's thoughts by listening to her TED Talk here: www.ted.com/talks/adora_svitak
Grownups Are Strange by Bill Harley (3:55)
Bill Harley sings about the weird things grownups do, and his personal struggle with becoming one. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting: www.billharley.com
My Childhood Life Jacket by Beth Horner (7:28)
Young Beth finds out that the life jacket that her parents made her wear was too old to float, and she learned to swim with it dragging her down. Learn more about Beth Horner by visiting: bethhorner.com
Secret Fighter by Sam Payne (10:53)
Sam misunderstands his son’s request for the Eency Weency Spider, and writes the Secret Fighter Song instead. Learn more about Sam Payne by visiting: www.sampayne.com
The Kids Tell All (15:03)
Interviews with kids about their adults.
Wall Come Down Right Now by Bil Lepp [Live] (23:05)
Bil’s friend Wally demands that the teacher recognise Wallace and Fortuna as a country. The teacher refuses, and chaos breaks loose as Wally flips the status quo. Learn more about Bil Lepp by visiting: www.leppstorytelling.com
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of July 30, 2018 to August 3, 2018.
Diane Wolkstein's rendition of The Emperor's New Clothes (00:57) as well as The Uglified Ducky (10:26) by Willy Claflin's--or should we say Maynard Moose--were both part of our episode "True to Yourself" where we also shared work from Heather Forest, Dianne Ferlatte, The Storycrafters, and Laura Simms.
Our episode Role Reversal had several tales about people, for one reason or another, trying to embody the role typically filled by someone else. We thoroughly enjoyed the story of "The Well at the End of the World" (20:37) from Adam Booth's latest album "Well, Well!" where a spoiled stepsister tries to reap the same reward her kind sister brings home after a long journey.
Aunt Marguerite is the beloved fictional great aunt of Andy Offutt Irwin and our episode Sister True was dedicated entirely to her. We're only sharing a small part (44:14) of the story with you in this round up so be sure to go back and listen to the rest of it.
Andy Offutt Irwin’s long form “Sister True,” a story about love, community, and acceptance, live from the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival.
Stories about people switching places.
First Day of School by Dolores Hydock (2:07)
Dolores’ first day of school is just like her elderly mother’s first day at the senior center. Learn more about Dolores Hydock by visiting: www.storypower.org
Why Kids Sing to Their Parents by Bill Harley (11:55)
In the town around the bend, the kids tuck their parents into bed and sing them songs. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting: www.billharley.com
The Well at the End of the World by Adam Booth (22:52)
An evil stepmother sends her good stepdaughter to the well at the end of the world, hoping to get rid of her, but she inadvertently sends her on a journey that leads her to find the well at the end of the world. Learn more about Adam Booth by visiting: www.adam-booth.com
“Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you." -Dr.Seuss
The Black Prince by Laura Simms (2:17)
Boy falls in love with a princess, changes who he is in an attempt to win her hand. Learn more about Laura Simms by visiting: www.laurasimms.com
Big Bullfrog by The Storycrafters (19:02)
Big Bullfrog wanted everyone to love him so he tries to be the biggest animal. Learn more about The Storycrafters by visiting: www.storycrafters.com
The Emperor's New Clothes by Diane Wolkstein (26:20)
An emperor is obsessed with his clothing. Swindler seamstresses come through and the emperor gives them money to make him clothes. Learn more about the late Diane Wolkstein by visiting: www.nytimes.com
The Sad Story of Owl by Heather Forest (36:01)
Song-story about an owl who goes on a date with a bird but is embarrassed by his face, so he wears his hat low. She snatches the hat and then he flies away embarassed. Learn more about Heather Forest by visiting: www.heatherforest.com
The Uglified Ducky by Willy Claflin (41:14)
A baby moose thinks he is a duckling and feels horrible that he can’t do what the ducks do. Learn more about Willy Claflin by visiting: www.willyclaflin.com
Donkey & The Lion Skin by Dianne Ferlatte (49:47)
A donkey who wears the skin of a lion and scares people for fun, becomes embarrassed when he tried to roar and he-hawes instead. The teller compares it to her son’s mixed-race life. Learn more about Dianne Ferlatte by visiting: www.dianeferlatte.com
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of July 23, 2018 to July 27, 2018
These first three stories are from our episode "Coping Mechanisms":
Sy Saliba and Yvette Saliba 1:43
Sy's wife and Yvette's mother, Pat, stayed optimistic when she was dying of cancer by looking forward to the little things. You can listen to more stories on Storycorps by visiting:www.storycorps.org
Shasti O'Leary-Soudant and Jethro Soudant 4:20
Shasti talks about "the happiest and worst day" of her life. You can listen to more stories from Storycorps by visiting: www.storycorps.org
Letting the Ashes Go by Fran Yardley 7:07
Fran and her mother and siblings rely on each other in order to literally and metaphorically let go of their father.
From our episode "Faith, Food, and Fear":
Funderburk Piece 24:30
The story of the Funderburks, a family who relied on their faith to move to Jonesborough Tennessee and open a sweet shop. Learn more about "Downtown Sweet" by visiting: www.downtownsweet.com
From "Dreadful Dates":
The Date by Leeny Del Seamonds 44:27
A young couple on a date run into some trouble when they come across an escaped felon. Learn more about Leeny Del Seamonds by visiting: www.leenydelseamonds.com
On this episode, we share stories from the terrific West Virginia Storyteller and music scholar Adam Booth, Florida Storyteller Madeline Pots, and we introduce you to the proprietors of Downtown Sweet, a delightful Main Street Sweet Shop in Historic Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee. We’ll also bring you a favorite Japanese Ghost story from Motoko. It all fits together, we promise.
Ghostly tales of love and horror.
The Kissing Tree by Davis and Watts Ashton (1:19)
A man meets a beautiful young woman at a dance. When he returns to her home the next day, he finds out that she's been dead for years. In addition to being a storyteller, Cassie Ashton is also a life and relationship coach. Learn more about her by visiting her website: www.fullcircleconnections.com
The Blood Drawing Ghost by David Holt (11:47)
A creepy old man tries to trick young women into becoming the brides of his dead friends. Learn more about David Holt by visiting: www.davidholt.com
The Date by Leeny Del Seamonds (26:23)
A young couple on a date run into some trouble when they come across an escaped felon. Learn more about Leeny Del Seamonds by visiting: www.leenydelseamonds.com
The Janitor's Closet by Megan Hicks (42:20)
Students begin disappearing mysteriously during prom season. Learn more about Megan Hicks by visiting: www.meganhicks.com
Stories about the different ways that people deal with tragedy, loss, and fear.
Storycorps: Sy Saliba and Yvette Saliba (1:11)
Sy's wife and Yvette's mother, Pat, stayed optimistic when she was dying of cancer by looking forward to the little things. You can listen to more stories on Storycorps by visiting: www.storycorps.org
Storycorps: Shasti O'Leary-Soudant and Jethro Soudant (4:09)
Shasti talks about "the happiest and worst day" of her life. You can listen to more stories from Storycorps by visiting: www.storycorps.org
Facelift by Dolores Hydock (6:32)
Dolores learns to cope with aging. Learn more about Dolores Hydock by visiting: www.storypower.org
Heck No, We Didn't Bury my Mother! (9:50(../../../episode/152a6b6f-e48b-408d-a497-28af09841cf2/the-apple-seed-coping-mechanisms?playhead=590&autoplay=true link))
Lona and her siblings use humor to cope with the death of their mother. Learn more about Lona Bartlett by visiting: www.lonabartlett.com
Letting the Ashes Go by Fran Yardley (19:01)
Fran and her mother and siblings rely on each other in order to literally and metaphorically let go of their father.
Fear by Kevin Kling (36:33)
Kevin's friend tries to escape military service by escaping to Canada, an act of fear that Kevin parallels to an experience they had in elementary school with a bully. Learn more about Kevin Kling by visiting: www.kevinkling.com/
The Little Woman Who Laughed by Stephanie Beneteau (43:52)
A little woman laughs at everything that happens to her, whether it's good or bad. Learn more about Stephanie Beneteau by visiting: www.stephaniebeneteau.com
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of July 16, 2018 to July 20, 2018.
Our Boys Boys Boys episode was dedicated to the ingenious and head shaking shenanigans that young boys seem to have a knack for discovering and carrying out. In the round up we're bringing you Jay O'Callahan's story from that show entitled, "Politics!", about the time of his life he was interested in national politics.
Prima Donna contained stories with characters that required extra care or maintenance. One of the stories in that episode was from the sidekick of storyteller Willy Claflin, Maynard Moose. It was a fractured fairytale entitled, "Cinderella and the Three Bears".
Another episode we aired this week, Generations, was about the connections different age groups in families can have with one another. In that episode Sam shared a personal story and we also aired a collection of John McCutcheon stories and songs he performed at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival.
In this episode, Sam muses on the notion that while older generations often pass on their magical wisdom to younger generations, younger generations often return the favor, passing wisdom back up the family tree, just when someone might need it. You'll hear Sam's ideas reflected in a story about a recent family reunion talent show. That story serves as a springboard for a tale by Kevin Kling called "Lake," a couple of songs from the great songwriter and storyteller John McCutcheon about parents, children, and teachers, recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, and also a great story from Bill Harley about his own kids growing up.
Stories all about divas, or, as the Italian say, “prime donne.” That’s the plural form of “prima donna,” a term which literally means “first lady.” In 19th century Italy, the prima donna was the leading female singer in an opera company. The prime donne gained a reputation of being just as dramatic offstage as they were onstage. There are many stories of leading ladies putting unnecessary demands on fellow singers, musicians, set and wardrobe designers, and other staff. Today, the term "prima donna" is used to describe a person in any field who is particularly vain, demanding, temperamental, or self-entitled.
The Swan Tenor by Bob Reiser (1:52)
www.bobtales.com
Cinderella's Choice: A Cante Fable by Angela Lloyd (10:49)
www.angelalloyd.com
The 3 Bears by Susan Klein (29:36)
susanklein.net
Cinderella and The Three Bears by Willy Claflin (35:26)
www.willyclaflin.com
Equations by Jay O'Callahan (42:41)
www.ocallahan.com
Two stories that highlight the ingenuity and boldness young boys seem to possess in abundance.
Mrs. Ammons and the Boys' Room [Live] Part 1 by Bill Harley (2:58)
Mrs. Ammons and the Boys' Room [Live] Part 2 by Bill Harley (16:07)
www.billharley.com
Politics by Jay O'Callahan (33:26)
www.ocallahan.com
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of July 9, 2018 to July 13, 2018.
From our episode Kitchen Table Talk With Pam Faro and More we wanted to share with you a portion of that conversation (6:47) where Pam explains how she became a storyteller as well as a story from Noa Baum entitled Treasure Under the Bridge(00:40), which is a tale about following your dreams.
We also deeply enjoyed Donald Davis' story Going to Grandma's (13:26) that was part of our episode "Bet Your Bottom Dollar" which contained all sorts of stories about the interesting wagers people have made.
Our "Wily Women" episode featured fantastical accounts of women finding solutions to odd situations they found themselves in. One of our favorites was Shonaleigh's telling of Princess in a Box (42:43).
In this episode, hear a story called "The Treasure Under The Bridge," collected by storyteller Noa Baum as she studied stories of lands from whence came her ancestors. You'll also hear a terrific, musical version of Hans Christian Andersen's story "The Nightingale," from celebrated storyteller Heather Forest. At the center of the episode, hear a conversation between Sam and storyteller Pam Faro, recorded at Pam's kitchen table outside of Boulder, Colorado. The story of how Pam became a professional storyteller -- discovering storytelling during an era when she was a young single mother -- is worth hearing!
Princess in a Box by Shonaleigh (2:10)
The vizier tricks the king into sending his daughter down the river in a box, and plans to take her as a bride for himself, but the princess finds out about the plan, and she has her friends rescue her and replace her with a gibbon. The vizier and the monkey live happily ever after. Learn more about Shonaleigh by visiting: www.shonaleigh.uk
The Blizzard of 1888 by Pippa White (15:42)
A young school teacher has to decide what to do with her students when a record breaking blizzard hits the school. Learn more about Pippa White by visiting: www.pippawhiteonecompany.com
The Teacher in the Patriotic Bathing Suit by Bil Lepp (26:56)
Bil and his friends think their teacher is wonder woman. They put themselves in “mortal” danger to get her to reveal herself, to no avail. However, on Halloween, the class is saved from a monster by Miss Baird in a wonder woman costume... Learn more about Bil Lepp by visiting: www.leppstorytelling.com
Cinderella Rap by The Storycrafters (51:04)
A Cinderella story in rhyme. Learn more about The Storycrafters by visiting: www.storycrafters.com
Stories about people winning and losing bets.
Bet at the Bar by Waddie Mitchell (2:52)
A man bets that he can bite his right eye and he does it, because he as a glass eye. Then, he makes a bet that he can bite his left eye, and he does that too, by using his false teeth. Learn more about Waddie Mitchell by visiting: www.cowboypoetry.com
Theron and the Doodlebug by Doug Elliott (7:09)
Theron bets Doug that he can call a bug out of a hole they find. Learn more about Doug Elliott by visiting: www.dougelliott.com
The Foolish Bet by Connie Regan-Blake (11:31)
Two women make a bet with each other that their husband is more foolish than the other. Learn more about Connie Regan-Blake by visiting: storywindow.com
Who Will Close the Door? by Mitch Weiss and Martha Hamilton (22:42)
A husband and wife argue over who should close the door. They make a bet to decide who should do it. Their will power is put to the test when a burglar comes into their house. Learn more about Martha Hamilton by visiting: beautyandthebeaststorytellers.com
Going to Grandma's by Donald Davis (28:03)
Old Man Hawkins brags to his friends about his amazing hunting ability so his friends challenge him to bring back enough meat to eat for three days. In reality Old Man Hawkins doesn’t even know how to use a gun, but fate favors him and on his last shot he kills a ton of animals. Learn more about Donald Davis by visiting: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of July 2, 2018 to July 6, 2018.
Storytelling Class (1:04)
Anansi and the Magic Pot by Bobby Norfolk (8:39)
Storycorps Segment (22:29)
The Wife of the Thunderer by Joseph Bruchac (38:15)
An episode dedicated to all the tricksters out there.
Anansi and the Liar's Contest by Donna Washington (1:42)
dlwstoryteller.com
Anansi and the Whipping Cord by Bobby Norfolk (11:21)
www.bobbynorfolk.com
How Rabbit Tricked the Wolves by Joseph Stands With Many (25:00)
www.facebook.com/JosephStandsWithMany/
Rabbit Goes Fishing by Joseph Stands With Many (30:52)
Rabbit and Turtle Have a Race by Joseph Stands With Many (41:40)
Iduna and the Magic Apples by Beatrice Bowles (47:36)
www.beatricebowles.com
An episode celebrating immigrant stories and the diversity that has always made America great, featuring stories from professionals and everyday people. Many of our stories are from the StoryCorps project, check out their website: storycorps.org.
Levi Del Rio's Immigration Story (1:28)
Levi comes to the U.S. for high school without knowing any English. He adapts to the culture, goes to college and finds a wife, our audio engineer Maren Del Rio, in America.
It's America! by Corinne Stavish (8:40)
Ethel and her family visit America from Galicia and Ethel stays, against her father’s wishes. She meets a boy in English class and they fall in love and get married. Learn more about Corinne Stavish by visiting: www.stavishstorytelling.com
Storycorps: Slava and Leon Leykin (22:11)
Ukrainian immigrants Slava and Leon Leykin talk about Leon’s hot dog business that he created in America.
Storycorps: Tariq Sheikh and Tabinda Sheikh (24:15)
Tabinda immigrated from the Dominican Republic and Tariq immigrated from Pakistan. They met working in a Manhattan hotel, and despite the fact that both of them didn’t speak English well, they fell in love.
Storycorps: Blanca Alvarez and Connie Alvarez (26:46)
Blanca tells her story of crossing the border from Mexico to the U.S. She tells her daughter, Connie how hard she and her husband had to work to support their family.
Storycorps: Mohammad Ashraf Faridi and Muhammad Faridi (29:55)
Muhammad Faridi talks about growing up with a dad whose a taxi driver. His father, also named Mohammad, immigrated from Pakistan to the U.S. in the 1980s.
Storycorps: Francisco Ortega and Kaya Ortega (33:08)
Francisco’s parents immigrated from Mexico to the U.S. when he was a little boy, just so they could get jobs and send money to their kids. Later, Francisco goes to the U.S. and when he’s in college he is an English tutor for his peers.
One More Day by John McCutcheon (37:38)
Song about immigrants working hard each day to put food on the table. Learn more about John McCutcheon by visiting: www.folkmusic.com
Travellin’ Con by Yvonne Healy (41:42)
Yvonne’s grandfather, Con, sailed to America from Ireland, and then, not wanting to be interrupted mid-story, stays on the boat and goes straight back where he came from. Learn more about Yvonne Healy by visiting: www.yhealy.com
Grandma’s Lullaby by Dan Keding (52:50)
Song about all the different lullabies sung by grandmas who are from all over the world. Learn more about Dan Keding by visiting: www.dankeding.com
Traditional Iroquois legends.
How the Birds Got Their Feathers by Joseph Bruchac (2:07)
Buzzard flies to the Creator to get clothes for all of the birds. He gets the first choice of feathers and ends up with the ugliest ones. Learn more about Joseph by visiting: josephbruchac.com
Raccoon and the Crayfish by Joseph Bruchac (9:37)
Raccoon tricks a bunch of crayfish into thinking he’s dead and then he eats them.
The Wife of the Thunderer by Joseph Bruchac (15:57)
A girl is treated badly by her aunt, who tries to arrange her marriage. The girl escapes and meets the thunder gods. She marries their leader and they have a child. The girl later returns to her village to warn her people to flee from a monster that is going to attack them, but her aunt gets in her way.
Turtle Goes to War by Jim Bruchac (33:32)
Turtle goes to war with the humans, bringing with him Skunk and Rattlesnake. None of them have success, however, because the humans scare them off. Jim is Joseph Bruchac's son.
The Great Bear by Fran Yardley (45:52)
A huge bear eats all of the deer around an Iroquois village. Three warriors who have special powers go after the bear, but the bear and the warriors all turn into stars, stars that the make up the Big Dipper. Learn more about Fran Yardley by reading an interview with her here: www.adirondackexplorer.org.
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of June 25, 2018 to June 29, 2018.
Featuring Mark Binder's telling of The Monkey's Paw (1:12). Similar stories can be heard in the rest of the episode entitled"Be Careful What You Wish For". From the episode "Kids Write the Darndest Things" we're sharing the roundtable The Apple Seed team had where they shared material they wrote as kids. That's followed by two stories from the "Silver Linings" episode including "The Monkey & The Donkey" (34:02) by Dianne Ferlatte and "Wave" (48:02) by Anne Shimojima.
Sam's Dad, Marvin Payne, came into the studio to say hello. He’s had a long-time love affair with folk music and folk instruments, and a lot of people have heard his music, which he peddled from door to door when Sam was a kid. He came by to talk about a bluegrass and folk festival he’s involved in: It’s called Bluegrass Roots; the first annual Timpanogos Folk Festival (visit bluegrassroots.net to find out more). We chatted with him about the festival, talked about folk music, and even had him read a piece called "My Life According to the Acquisition and Disposition of Various Fretted Instruments." The episode also includes the story of Stephen Collins Foster, America's first hit songwriter.
Winston Churchill once said, “For myself I am an optimist – it does not seem to be much use to be anything else.” It doesn’t do much good to seek out the negative in a situation, which is why this episode is all about looking at the bright side of life and hopefully remind you to look for a silver lining.
Drinkin' From My Saucer by Joe Herrington (1:07)
A poem underscored with music about being grateful for what you have. Learn more about Joe Herrington by visiting: joeherrington.com
High School Musical by Slash Coleman (3:19)
A guy couldn’t play football because his parents wouldn’t let him, so he decided to paint pictures of football players he liked and play in marching band so he could be close to the field/players. Learn more about Slash Coleman by visiting: www.slashcoleman.com
Keep on the Sunny Side by David Holt (17:04)
An upbeat song reminding us to always look for the positive side of things. Learn more about David Holt by visiting: www.davidholt.com
The Runaway Horse by Odds Bodkin (20:28)
Blessings turn out to be curses and vice versa. Learn more about Odds Bodkin by visiting: www.oddsbodkin.net
Mr. Peckinpaw by Rivka Willick (28:38)
A young girl meets someone who is missing a finger, but the person is very grateful that all they lost in the accident that caused it was a finger. Learn more about Rivka Willick by visiting: www.simplyextraordinarytales.com
Wave by Anne Shimojima (35:47)
A man sacrifices his rice fields by lighting them on fire to quickly warn his village on an impending tsunami. On the bright side, he saved 400 lives. Learn more about Anne Shimojima by visiting: www.anneshimojima.com
The Monkey & The Donkey by Dianne Ferlatte (43:46)
A story about a man who is grateful for the little things he has and feels rich because he has food to eat, a place to sleep, shoes to wear, and hope. Learn more about Dianne Ferlatte by visiting: www.dianeferlatte.com
An episode inspired by the crazy and wonderful things kids say and write.
Secret Fighter: Kid Songwriters and Their Grownups by Sam Payne (1:37)
Sam's story about writing as a kid that causes other kids to share what they write too. Find more of Sam's work at: www.sampayne.com
Stories We Wrote Roundtable (14:14)
The Apple Seed Team shares and discusses some of the literary masterpieces they produced as children.
3rd Graders, Paranoia, and the Life We All Should Lead by Kylie Turley (44:21)
Kylie Turley, an English professor at Brigham Young University, shares a personal story about her experiences as a writing tutor for her daughter's third grade class.
...it might just come true.
The Monkey's Paw by Mark Binder (1:08)
A traveler brings home an ancient relic that promises it’s possessor three wishes, a man has a debt to pay, and a mother and father lose their only son. Learn more about Mark Binder by visiting: markbinder.com
Sista Sarah Mae by Lyn Ford (6:52)
A frivolous young girl longs for love, and finds herself in a predicament when she follows a strange young bachelor into the forest. Learn more about Lyn Ford by visiting: www.storytellerlynford.com
Jessie by Linda Goodman (20:12)
Set in the Antebellum South, a young woman casts a love spell on her husband-to-be that backfires terribly. Learn more about Linda Goodman by visiting: lindagoodmanstoryteller.com
The Stonecutter by Heather Forest (43:32)
A lowly stonecutter wishes to be the most powerful being in the universe, but even when his wish comes true, he still can’t find contentment. Learn more about Heather Forest by visiting: www.heatherforest.com
The Time Jack Lost His Wishes by Donald Davis (48:06)
Jack blindly wishes for things he doesn’t need, chaos in the universe ensues. Learn more about Donald Davis by visiting: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of June 18, 2018 to June 22, 2018.
From our "Lost In Translation" episode we thoroughly enjoyed Bil Lepp's story "Fortune Cookie" about the first Chinese restaurant in the town of Halfdollar, West Virginia. After that we have a small segment of a larger conversation we had with Liz Breslin at the famous storytelling pub The Celtic Knot in Evanston, Illinois. We finish the round up with highlights from our "Guatemala" episode with a story from Allen Christenson and a discussion featuring Assistant Producer, Kassie Schreiber, and her cousins Josie and Carmen Juárez.
An episode produced by Kassie Schreiber, who is half German and half Guatemalan, about discovering the joy in the less explored part of her heritage. It features a story by Dr. Allen Christenson, a Maya iconographer and linguist, about one of his experiences in Guatemala while translating the Popul Vuh. The rest of the episode is a conversation between Sam, Kassie, and her cousins Carmen and Josie Juárez who study linguistics and have an affinity for Guatemalan languages, particularly K'iche'.
In this episode, we visit Evanston, Illinois, and one of the most beloved and long-lived storytelling venues in the area: the Celtic Knot Pub. At the back of the pub, there's a little room that storytellers from all over the world know simply as “The Snug.” Not many professional storytellers come through Chicago without setting up a gig here. We visit the Snug, and enjoy a conversation with Liz Bartlow Breslin. Together with her husband, she owns and operates the Celtic Knot, and you can also see her on stage at festivals (like the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tenessee) as an ASL interpreter for some of the greatest storytellers in the world.
The stories we’re sharing in this episode showcase the humorous, embarrassing, and sometimes dangerous consequences of words getting lost in translation.
America, Land of Miracles by Noa Baum (2:18)
Noa moves to the US from Jerusalem in the 5th grade. She knows how to say her name in English but not much else so when her class runs out of the room after some verbal instruction and Noa is left behind and literally gets lost. Learn more about Noa Baum by visiting: noabaum.com
Soap Soap by Bill Harley (11:59)
A boy goes to buy soap for his mom and sings a song to help him remember. Along the way he runs into a lot of people who tell him to say something different so he forgets what he supposed to buy. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting: www.billharley.com
The Name of the Tree by Odds Bodkin (23:31)
There is a drought in the Savanna and all of the animals are hungry and thirsty. A magical tree in the forest bears fresh fruit, but the only way they can get the fruit from it is if they say its name. Several animals learn the tree’s name, but by the time they get to it, they have forgotten it. Only the tortoise, who repeats the tree’s name over and over, remembers it and is able to harvest the fruit. Learn more about Odds Bodkin by visiting: www.oddsbodkin.net
Fortune Cookies by Bil Lepp (37:16)
A Chinese man from Boston moves to Bil’s town and opens up a Chinese restaurant. People mistake his Boston accent for Chinese and assume he doesn’t speak English. He uses this to his advantage, by listening to the town gossip and creating personalized fortunes that he slips in people’s fortune cookies. Learn more about Bil Lepp by visiting: www.leppstorytelling.com
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of June 11, 2018 to June 15, 2018.
Story Crossroads Festival Highlight (00:58)
This is just a small sampler of some of the conversations and performances we got to hear at the festival, so be sure to look at the entire episode to hear more about the Mountain Man petting zoo and performances by Dan and Annie Reed, Brian Fox Ellis and Denise Valentine.
The Third Little Piggy by Willy Claflin (12:22)
Sometimes seeking your own fortune is too frightening so you move back in with your mom. And this Maynard Moose rendition of the Three Little Pigs lets you know that is OK. Learn more about Willy Claflin by visiting: www.willyclaflin.com
The Firebird by Susan Strauss (18:40)
Another story from the Fleetwood Mac inspired episode, Go Your Own Way, this Russian folktale follows young Ivan as he makes mistakes along a mystical journey. Learn more about Susan Strauss by visiting: www.straussstoryteller.com
Blonde, Beautiful, and Bubbly by Martha Reed Johnson (34:09)
Martha hasn't always had the loveliest relationship with her sister but when life hits her hard it's her sister who helps her out and heals her heart. Learn more about Martha Reed Johnson by visiting: www.marthareedjohnson.com
Mom and the Radio by Bill Harley (46:45)
This piece is featured in the Are We There Yet? episode and is a story and a song about the dynamic of family car rides and the grand issue of who gets to control the radio. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting: www.billharley.com
In an episode all about memorable road trips we'll bring you a set of stories from Donald Davis about a time he and his friends convinced his mother to allow them to drive the family car to Myrtle Beach with only David's grandma as the chaperone. In addition to that collection we'll bring you a story from Martha Reed Johnson entitled "Blonde, Beautiful, and Bubbly" (34:17) about the importance of never leaving your family behind on the journey of life. The final piece you'll hear is from Bill Harley called "Mom and the Radio" (46:04).
Stories inspired by Fleetwood Mac's song "Go Your Own Way" about going off into the world and finding your own path.
The Prince and the Gryphon or the Truth About Boredom by Sondra Singer (2:20)
An overprotected prince and an ancient and unexcited gryphon change places for a day opening each others eyes to whole new vistas. Learn more about Sondra Singer by visiting: www.sondrasinger.com
The Firebird by Susan Strauss (34:27)
The youngest of three brothers gets a firebird, a magical horse, and a beautiful girl, with the help of a magical wolf but not without making some mistakes along the way. Learn more about Susan Strauss by visiting: www.straussstoryteller.com
The Third Little Piggy by Willy Claflin (51:34)
Maynard Moose's unique spin on the classic fairytale, The Three Little Pigs. Learn more about Willy Claflin and his storytelling sidekick Maynard Moose by visiting: www.willyclaflin.com
In this episode, the Apple Seed Team visits the 3rd annual Story Crossroads festival. We chat with festival organizer Rachel Hedman, run our hands over skunk and wolf pelts with Karl Behling, and share stories, songs, and chants from Brian Fox Ellis, Denise Valentine, Dale Boam, Cooper Braun-Enos, Dan and Annie Eastmond, and John A. Adams. To learn more about one of the area's fastest-growing storytelling festivals, visit them online at www.storycrossroads.com.
Each Saturday, The Apple Seed features highlights from the week's episodes. This episode, produced by Assistant Producer Whitney Snow, features stories from Antonio Sacre, Bob Reiser, Motoko, Kevin Kling, and more.
Tales from Japan...plus one from North America.
The Spider Weaver by Alton Chung (1:03)
A farmer saves a spider from a snake and is repaid in a very unexpected way. Learn more about Alton Chung by visiting: www.altonchung.com
Meiji No Onna (The Woman of the Meiji Era) by Motoko (11:39)
Motoko tells a story of her aunt and the struggles she faced as a single mother in an era where that circumstance was highly frowned upon. Learn more about Motoko by visiting: motoko.folktales.net
What Buddha Sees by Motoko (38:20)
A person learns what it takes to see with the same perspective as Buddha.
The Invisible Boy by Stephanie Beneteau (43:43)
Though not from Japan this story is a wonderful folktale about an invisible boy whose sister and future bride are the only people who can see him. Learn more about Stephanie Beneteau by visiting: www.stephaniebeneteau.com
An episode inspired by the 1971 musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—or at the very least the particular song "Pure Imagination".
Catherine Taylor (2:32)
While doing field work for her PhD in Rome, Catherine explores catacombs full of early Christian art and is transported to an imaginary world, hearkening back to her childhood days when she read “A Little Princess".
Thankful for Reading by Suzanne Christensen (13:27)
Suzanne shares her experience about struggling to read as a child and the moment when that all shifted.
The Things Willy Wumperbill Saw by Brett Dillingham (22:12)
A young boy sees things no one else can, making for an eventful day. Learn more about Brett Dillingham by visiting: www.brettdillingham.com
Emma May's Magical Day by Nathalie Vachon (30:01)
Thanks to Emma's marvelous perspective she gets to view insects do a myriad of impossible things. Learn more about Nathalie Vachon by visiting: www.nathalievachon.com
So Long My Mom by Bill Harley (35:08)
A song about traveling to various destinations—in your mind. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting: www.billharley.com
The Story Tree by Bob Reiser (39:30)
A community of creators do everything except tell stories. They can’t tell stories and they don’t have dreams until one family changes it all after they meet the Story Tree. Learn more about Bob Reiser by visiting: www.bobtales.com
Assistant Producer Naomi Campbell shares some of her favorite stories.
Papito by Antonio Sacre (00:48)
Antonio shares the story of his childhood nickname and how it eventually spurred him to lose his Spanish speaking abilities, only to regain them with the help of his grandmother later on in life. Learn more about Antonio Sacre by visiting: www.antoniosacre.com
Chili's Con Cafe by Rick Huddle (10:00)
A story about language immersion and great spanish-language poets—including Rick's attempt to be one himself. Learn more about Rick Huddle by visiting: www.rickhuddle.com
Joseph the Knight written by Andy McQuinn (18:24)
This story was penned by a BYU Broadcasting employee and recited by the long time voice of "Rabbit" from Winnie the Pooh. A tale about a knight who has to decide where he will focus his energies.
She-Goat by Laura Simms (32:52)
A young girl relies on her friend the She-Goat to lift her up after her mother dies and her father remarries a selfish woman. Learn more about Laura Simms by visiting: www.laurasimms.com
A Gourd of Palm Wine by The Storycrafters (41:09)
An entire village learns a lesson when their ruler asks each member to bring a gourd of palm wine to a feast. Learn more about The Storycrafters by visiting: www.storycrafters.com
Ode to A Krispy Kreme by John McCutcheon (53:50)
A song about fine dining. Learn more about John McCutcheon by visiting: www.folkmusic.com
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of May 28th, 2018 to June 1, 2018.
From our episode "Magic Fish" we're bringing you an extraordinary tale about Alan Hoal's pet catfish, Whiskers. His story is called Why I Don't Fish Anymore by Alan Hoal (1:09) and you can find more of his work at his website: www.thehoalstory.com.
During the week we had the pleasure of conversing with a great figure of the storytelling movement who has participated in the National Storytelling Conference since 1973. Connie Regan-Blake (19:48) talks about her material and the many places she's presented it. You can learn more about Connie at: storywindow.com and you can hear the complete version of her interview along with some of her stories in the rest of the episode here.
The last story we wanted to highlight comes from an episode dedicated to disguises and false presentations of one's identity. It's called "Fake Names and Facades" and this story involves a hedgehog and a tortoise doing things that not used to in order to avoid getting eaten by a young jaguar. The story is entitled The Beginning of the Armadillos (34:07) and if you want to find more stories told by Jim Weiss you can find them at his website: www.jimweiss.com
An episode dedicated to stories of disguises, false identities, pretending to be something or somebody you’re not, fake names and facades.
Amankamek by Joseph Bruchac (1:43)
A handsome young man lures a girl into his cave where he lives with his grandmother, but after some time the girl realizes everything is not as it seems. Learn more about Joseph Bruchac by visiting: josephbruchac.com
The Beginning of the Armadillos by Jim Weiss (10:10)
Hedgehog and Tortoise figure out a way to confuse young Painted Jaguar in order to save themselves from being eaten. Learn more about Jim Weiss by visiting: www.jimweiss.com
The Swineherd by Randel McGee (31:08)
A Hans Christian Andersen tale about a prince who sends the emperor's daughter lovely gifts but she refuses them. Her snobbish behavior inspires the prince to don the guise of a swineherd in order to get some revenge. Learn more about Randel McGee by visiting: folktaleartists.com
The Lute Player by Mary Grace Ketner (47:03)
A queen pretends to be a minstrel to save her husband’s life, but only she's in on the plot. Learn more about Mary Grace Ketner by visiting: talesandlegends.net
If you're familiar with the national storytelling circuit, you may know Connie Regan-Blake from the National Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee, where she's participated each year in some capacity since it's first run in 1973. She's a storytelling Oracle Award recipient, a founding member of the National Storytelling Network, and we're so excited to feature her on this episode of The Apple Seed. You'll get to hear an interview and a couple of her stories including: "Two White Horses", "Lantern story", and a tale about her storytelling mentor Ray Hicks.
In this episode we’re diving deep into stories starring, well, fish. But not just any fish: fish with terrific, fantastical abilities that go beyond surviving a week. The fish in these stories embody the magic and wonder that often draws us in, like the tide, to the big blue sea.
Sally & the Sea by Brett Dillingham (1:09)
Erwin loves a girl named Sally who's very different from the other townspeople. She's enraptured by the sea so much so that she decides to live there. Learn more about Brett Dillingham by visiting: www.brettdillingham.com
The Fisherman and His Wife by Leeny Del Seamonds (6:45)
A fisherman catches a magical flounder but lets him go instead of taking him home to eat. When he tells his wife about it she makes him find the fish again so that it can grant them some wishes. Learn more about Leeny Del Seamonds by visiting: leenydelseamonds.com
Davy and the Devil by Megan Hicks (28:36)
Davy has a strong aversion towards fish but for one reason or another he works on a fishing boat, that is, until he gets fired and then decides to strike a deal with the devil. Learn more about Megan Hicks by visiting: www.meganhicks.com
Why I Don't Fish Anymore by Alan Hoal (42:02)
Alan tells the story of one of his most memorable pets, or at least he tells it how he remembers it. Learn more about Alan Hoal by visiting: www.thehoalstory.com
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of May 21, 2018 to May 25, 2018.
Some People Tune, Some People Play by Donald Davis (00:52)
Donald shares the life lessons he learned from some of his dear musician friends. You can find more of Donald's work at his website: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Lauren Heperi's Law Story (27:06)
The law school of Brigham Young University is starting an intiative called "Law Stories" which you can hear more about on our episode "Law Stories". Lauren's story is one of the products of that initiative and it's about how so much of her life has pointed her towards law school.
Madonna Francesca by Tim Lowry (37:58)
From our "Suitors" episode, this story is about a woman with pesky suitors that she finally manages to throw off. You can find more from Tim Lowry at: storytellertimlowry.com
Katie Morelle's Kissing Story (47:08)
A personal story that drives home the importance of location when participating in a first kiss. You can hear other stories from students of BYU's storytelling class here as well as the conversation behind this particular piece.
In this episode we’re exploring the old-fashion idea of “suitors”. The last time you used the word “suitor” was probably around the last time you used the word “courting,” both are holdovers from the days when society dicated that unmarried men and women were to be extremely careful in there interactions with one another. Those unspoken rules lead to some very intricate courting rituals, like in 19th-century rural Austria, where eligible young ladies would keep an apple slice crammed in their armpits during dances. At the end of the evening, the girl would give her used fruit to the guy she most fancied. If the feeling was mutual, he’d wolf down the stinky apple. While the stories we’re going to share with you in this episode don’t involve anything quite that...quirky, we hope you still find them delectable.
The Luminous Pearl by Alton Chung (1:47)
Twin brothers compete for the affection of a magical princess. Learn more about Alton Chung by visiting: www.altonchung.com
The Sing by Lyn Ford (17:00)
Br’er Rabbit and Br’er Bear are vying for the attention of the same lady and the deciding factor as to who will win her hand in marriage is whoever can sing the best. Learn more about Lyn Ford by visiting: www.storytellerlynford.com
Madonna Francesca by Tim Lowry (27:27)
She has two suitors that won’t leave her alone so she tricks them into digging up a dead body to throw them off her tail. Learn more about Tim Lowry by visiting: storytellertimlowry.com
The Lady Mole by Barbara G. Schutzgruber (36:44)
A proud beautiful girlturns away suitors because she loves a knight but it turns out that the knight is pretty arrogant himself and doesn’t love her. Learn more about Barbara G. Schutzgruber by visiting: weavestory.com
The Mermoose of Muskadunk Lake by Willy Claflin (46:01)
Maynard Moose explains how in order to get a mate, boy moose recite poetry; Maynard then recites the “45” verses of an epic moose poem he created in hopes of finding a mate himself. Learn more about Willy Claflin by visiting: www.willyclaflin.com
On this episode of The Apple Seed, we chat with Marie Kulbeth and Rebbeca Clarke, the directors of a new storytelling initiative called “Law Stories” at the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University. Students participating in the initiative prepare and perform true stories based on experiences with the law. In addition to our conversation with Clarke and Kulbeth, we’ll feature one of the LawStories submissions – a piece by Lauren Heperi about how she became a law student in the first place. All this, plus an Abraham Lincoln story from Brian Fox Ellis.
In this episode of the Apple Seed we invited into the studio students from the storytelling class that's held about every semester in order to talk about their experience and share some of the fruits of their labor.
Brigham Young University Storytelling Class Round Table (1:10)
Katie Morelle's Kissing Story (13:12)
Bradley Mckay's Children's Story (19:59)
Some People Tune, Some People Play by Donald Davis (32:06)
A guide and inspiration for the BYU Storytelling class, you can learn more about Donald Davis and his work by visiting: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of May 14th, 2018 to May 18, 2018.
From our episode "Fast Ones" we're featuring a small personal story from Sam Payne (1:30) along with stories from Rosie Cutrer (3:48) and Alan Hoal (20:13) about memorable pranks they pulled or that were pulled on them in their childhood. You can find more of Rosie and Alan's work at their respective websites: www.rosiecutrer.com and www.thehoalstory.com
One of Laura Packer’s hallmarks is to give voice to the voiceless, to highlight those that don’t often make it in traditional stories. In order to hear more of her thoughts on that and a story that illustrates her point be sure to check out the full episode, "Storyteller Spotlight: Laura Packer" or her website www.laurapacker.com, but for now enjoy this small teaser of our conversation here (32:39).
We also wanted to highlight the stories The Luckless One by Jenni Cargill Strong (37:35) and Heaven and Hell by Motoko (48:51), which were aired in our episode "Perspective". How you look at something can make all the difference. You can find more of Jenni's work at www.storytree.com.au and more of Motoko's work at motoko.folktales.net
An episode dedicated to exploring the many ways you can look at life.
The Runaway Horse by Odds Bodkin (1:25)
Perceived blessings are curses and vice versa and it all begins with a young man's runaway horse. Learn more about Odds Bodkin by visiting: https://www.oddsbodkin.net/
Bartholomew the Liar by Tim Lowry (9:29)
Known to be quite the liar Bartholomew overhears some interesting conversation and believes it to be God and the devil dividing up souls and brings it to the attention of his wife. Learn more about Tim Lowry by visiting: storytellertimlowry.com
Luckless One by Jenni Cargill-Strong (16:28)
A man thinks he’s without any luck and so he’s constantly complaining. He goes on a journey to discover why he is without luck but he doesn’t recognize the good fortune he has when he finds it. Learn more about Jenni Cargill-Strong by visiting: www.storytree.com.au
Heaven and Hell by Motoko (27:34)
A woman asks a wise man if it matters what she does on earth. Learn more about Motoko by visiting: motoko.folktales.net
The Town and Country Mouse by Heather Forest (34:45)
A classic tale about seeing the world differently and accepting how others choose to live. Learn more about Heather Forest by visiting: www.heatherforest.com
Three Heavenly Gifts by Len Cabral (38:45)
God offers one man the choice of three heavenly gifts, the choices: a child, money, or patience. The catch is that he may only choose one of the gifts and as he asks advice from friends and family everyone says to pick something different. Learn more about Len Cabral by visiting: www.lencabral.com
Tia Astucia by Milbre Burch and Gay Ducey (44:45)
Tia is shrewd and industrious while her daughter is beautiful and lazy, and though the latter's outlook on life leads her to some trouble, Tia Astucia swoops in to save the day. Learn more about Milbre Burch by visiting: www.kindcrone.com
One of storyteller Laura Packer's hallmarks is to give voice to the voiceless -- to honor those that don’t often play the hero roles in traditional tales. In this episode, we catch up with Laura after a terrific performance at The Celtic Knot pub and performance space in Evanston, Illinois. Laura played to an enthusiastic audience that appreciated her spin on folk and fairy tales, as well as her built-from-the-ground up fictional stories filled with poetry and empathy. On today's episode, you'll hear a couple of Laura's stories, recorded that night in Illinois, as well as a great conversation with the storyteller herself.
Stories honoring the times kids have pulled what you might call “a fast one” on someone else.
Lois Lane by Rosie Cutrer (3:07)
A desire for storytelling starts getting Rosie in trouble at school, causing her to continually miss recess but when she can't take the indoors any longer she concocts a plan to get out of the classroom. Learn more about Rosie Cutrer by visiting: www.rosiecutrer.com
The Conjuring of Bloody Mary by Alan Hoal (19:44)
Alan's brother mischievously convinces him to summon Bloody Mary, a prank successfully pulled off with the assistance of their sister. Learn more about Alan Hoal by visiting: www.thehoalstory.com
Braces by Donald Davis (34:00)
Donald needs braces, the only problem is that the orthodontist is only available when Donald’s parents are at work—and they can’t afford to leave so they make a plan for Donald to go to his orthodontic appointment by himself however, when Donald is left to his own devices he decides to spend his day a little differently than what his parents have planned. Learn more about Donald Davis by visiting: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Stories and snippets that we've adored from the week of May 7th, 2018 to May 11, 2018.
Digital Stories from the U of U (00:55)
Sam interacts with the digital storytelling class at the University of Utah as they share their stories and things they learned in the process of digitizing them. You can find the full version of Alexis Cortez's story on our episode "Digital Stories".
Maude by Catherine Conant (35:55)
From our episode "Unlikely Friendships", this is Catherine Conant at the 2017 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival telling about her special friendship with a woman named Maude Pinkus while she lived in New York. Learn more about Catherine Conant by visiting: catherineconant.com
Anthony Burcher Interview (51:32)
That is just a small portion of our interview with Anthony Burcher and if you want to hear the entirety of it you can find it on the "Storyteller Spotlight: Anthony Burcher" episode. Learn more about Anthony Burcher by visiting: www.anthonyburcher.com
Stories of unlikely friends.
Maude by Catherine Conant (1:11)
“I went to New York to seek my fortune, what I got was Maude.” Learn more about Catherine Conant by visiting: catherineconant.com
Little Boy Frog and Little Boy Snake by Margaret Read MacDonald (28:40)
A frog and a snake run into each other while going up a mountain. The frog teaches the snake to hop and the snake teaches the frog to slither and they become fast friends. Their parents scold them from hanging out with their “enemies,” but they always remember their friendship. Learn more about Dr. Margaret Read MacDonald by visiting: www.margaretreadmacdonald.com
Electra by Jay O'Callahan (37:15)
Little kids befriend an eccentric old lady on their street who often recites lines from Electra. Learn more about Jay O'Callahan by visiting: www.ocallahan.com
Unlikely Friends Roundtable (45:50)
The Apple Seed gang talks about unlikely friendships they’ve formed in their lives.
In this episode of the Apple Seed we have the pleasure of talking with Anthony Burcher about his latest album, Anthony Squished My Banana, along with several of his other works including his book 101 Games that Teach Storytelling Skills. We also share one of Anthony's stories, "Sunday Dinner", about his Sundays growing up near his grandparents. You can find all of Anthony's work on his webiste: www.anthonyburcher.com
A lot of the storytelling you consume these days comes to you through digital media platforms. Case in point? You might be listening to the Apple Seed on the radio. It’s a radio show. But you might be listening on the web at byuradio.org, and you might be listening on the BYURadio app. Someone might even have sent you a simple link by email or Facebook or something, and here you are. Digital technologies are making it easier than ever for storytellers to share stories and connect with an audience. So it makes perfect sense that universities are offering courses in digital storytelling. On today's episode, we visit a digital storytelling class at the University of Utah, and we follow them a bit as they created audio stories about werewolves, railroad trains, dating adventures, video games, and more. And, of course, we meet their professor, Natalie Stillman-Webb.
Stories that take place or come from mountains about a sense of community.
Selection of works from Adam Booth (2:46)
From his album "The Mountain Came Alive" we're featuring the stories and songs, "Spring Arrival", "Cargo Train", "Springtime Food", and "Clearest Creek". Learn more about Adam Booth by visiting: www.adam-booth.com
Jack & the Animals by David H. Claunch (14:36)
Jack Tales are a folklore tradition of the Appalachian mountains and this particular one is about Jack, animals, and some pesky bandits. Learn more about David H. Claunch by visiting: www.davidclaunch.com
How Bill’s Wife Taught Him a Thing or Two by Joseph Bruchac (29:14)
Bill tells a little boy some tall tales about his farm and isn't sure what to do when the kid actually shows up to witness everything Bill has talked about. Learn more about Joseph Bruchac by visiting: josephbruchac.com
Goat from the Hills and Mountains by Simon Brooks (37:16)
A little family lives in the mountains and cultivate lovely gardens together. All is well until an obnoxious mountain goat prances into their lives. Learn more about Simon Brooks by visiting: www.diamondscree.com
Finding Folklore/Bile Them Cabbage Down by Dolores Hydock (46:48)
Dolores Hydock talks about moving down to Alabama in search of folklore and ends up finding a sense of home, featuring music from Flying Jenny. Learn more about Dolores Hydock by visiting: www.storypower.org
Stories about family history.
Generations by Beth Horner (1:32)
A song about the way families weave together over time. Learn more about Beth Horner by visiting: bethhorner.com
The Grecian Urn by Robin Schulte (4:21)
Robin talks about a John Keats poem called “Ode on a Grecian Urn,” a poem about a Romantic painting by Constable that depicts frozen moments. At first he laments these “could-have-beens,” but ends rejoicing that these moments will never end. Robin relates that to the memories of her family, moments kept frozen by stories. Learn more about Robin Schulte by visiting: www.robinschulte.com
Amy Harris Interview (12:25)
Amy shares her research of her familial structure in 18th and 19th century England, specifically about the family of Anne Travell. She talks about her hopes for her students of family history and marvels at the way that learning about our ancestors can change the way we see those around us. Learn more about BYU professor Amy Harris by visiting: history.byu.edu/Faculty/Harris
Part of Me by Gary Voorhees (43:22)
A song about the influence ancestors can have on you. You can find more of Gary's work on the album "The Saga of Sanpitch".
Portraits by Priscilla Howe (47:48)
Priscilla realizes that if all you know about your ancestors are how they look they might scare you instead of inspire you. Learn more about Priscilla Howe by visiting: www.priscillahowe.com
“Reunited and it feels so good…”
Victoria’s Coming Back from the Mission Story by Victoria Khalil (00:44)
Assistant Producer Victoria Khalil shares her experience coming home after living in Mexico and having limited contact with her family for a year and a half.
Three Coins by Barbara G. Schutzgruber (6:53)
A woman is forced into slavery for 20 years. Her owner releases her and an old woman gives her 3 pieces of advice for 3 coins. The woman follows the advice on the journey home and is eventually reunited with her family. Learn more about Barbara G. Schutzgruber by visiting: weavestory.com
The Time Machine by Donald Davis (27:05)
Donald Davis goes to his 45th high school reunion and tells stories about his principal and classmates. Learn more about Donald Davis by visiting: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Stories to celebrate Earth Day 2018
Callaloo and the Crab by Bobby Norfolk (2:11)
A creation story that highlights how the way the earth has been treated affects society. Learn more about Bobby Norfolk by visiting: www.bobbynorfolk.com
Escapee from Civilization by Pete Griffin (16:42)
The story how the forget-me-not became Alaska’s state flower. Learn more about Pete Griffin by visiting: www.thestorytellingranger.com
Over and Over Again by Fran Stallings (23:30)
From her album, "Stories and Songs for a Green Earth", this song is about the cyclic processes of the earth. Learn more about Fran Stallings by visiting: www.franstallings.com
Too Much Help by Fran Stallings (25:48)
A group of villagers doesn’t clean up after themselves so when their town gets too dirty or rat-infested to live in they simply pick up and leave without trying to solve the problem, until they meet a old man with magical skills.
Sandals by Fran Stallings (35:03)
A King in India wants to understand his people more, so he disguises himself and walks on the streets without anything on his feet.
Frogs, Guardians of Water by Doug Elliot (41:24)
Talks about the creation and how the world used to be lush and full of water, until people and animals took it for granted. All of the animals have a counsel to decide who will be the keeper of the water. The frogs are chosen, but every other animal reminds us in their own way to honor and respect water. Learn more about Doug Elliott by visiting: www.dougelliott.com
We all have had or will have moments that change the flow of our lives and on that topic we wanted to share these stories with you:
Tempering: Of Treehouses and Tragedy by Kylie Turley (1:36)
Kylie’s son falls out of their treehouse and suffers traumatic brain injury, changing her life forever.
My Grandmother's Hair by Kevin Cordi (14:55)
Kevin reminisces about his grandmother's hair and how it embodied the spirit of her younger more wild years. Learn more about Kevin Cordi by visiting: www.kevincordi.com
Occam's Razor by Dolores Hydock (21:33)
Dolores’s mother gets sick and lives with her for 8 months and Dolores is moved by how many people step forward to help them. Learn more about Dolores Hydock by visiting: www.storypower.org
Aunt Esther Saves a Life by Donald Davis (35:00)
When Donald is a little boy he draws on his aunt’s wall in permanent marker. She hides his drawing so that his mother doesn’t get upset. Learn more about Donald Davis by visiting: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
The Night that Changed Everything by Geraldine Buckley (43:16)
Geraldine does a poetry workshop in a prison. The inmates scare her at first but then the power of creativity and words creates a special bond between her and them. Learn more about Geraldine Buckley by visiting: www.geraldinebuckley.com
King of the Pipers by Kevin Carr (2:38)
www.kevincarr.org
Brenda Wong Aoki Live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival 2017 (31:48)
www.firstvoice.org/brendawongaoki/
You’re probably familiar with the word “hangry” and even if you’re not you’re familiar with the concept. It’s that feeling when you’re getting a little cranky or on edge because you haven’t eaten, an emotion most often demonstrated in young children and babies, but certainly not limited to that age range. It’s not even an emotion limited humans. Just think of wolf in the Three Little Pigs. He gets pretty frustrated when after all his huffing and puffing he doesn't get a dinner in the end and in this episode we've got stories for you about other ravenous rivals.
Jack and the Dragon Man by Octavia Sexton (1:39)
Jack and his brothers go off to make a living and run into some trouble when an incredibly large man swoops into their cabin and steals their supper. Learn more about Octavia Sexton by visiting: octaviasexton.com
Rice Balls by Connie Regan-Blake (22:00)
A little old woman has to outsmart some hungry oni in order to win her rice balls back. Learn more about Connie Regan-Blake by visiting: storywindow.com
The Man in the Moon In Love by Ed Stivender (33:20)
The man in the moon falls in love with a lady on earth, but the greedy glutonous man in the sun stands in the way of them being together. Learn more about Ed Stivender by visiting: edstivender.com
Epaminandus by Donna Washington (42:30)
A young boy tries to follow his mother's instructions exactly but it only leads to her exasperation. Learn more about Donna Washington by visiting: dlwstoryteller.com
A look at two different versions of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet including a conversation with BYU's Young Company about their bilingual production “Romeo y Julieta,” and a story from professor Kerry Soper about his high school production that ends in unexpected comedic tragedy.
According to dictionary.com the definition of “wonder” is: “a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable.” This episode features stories about women of wonder.
Unanana and the Elephant by Tim Lowry (2:21)
A story from African Folklore, about a woman who’s working to build her family a nice home on a road less traveled by humans. Learn more about Tim Lowry by visiting: storytellertimlowry.com
Pandora and She Took the Box Out of the Closet by Barbara McBride-Smith (13:03)
An adaptation of the Greek myth. Learn more about Barbara McBride-Smith by visiting: www.barbaramcbridesmith.com
Yaru, Yaatu, Satura, Mun by Charlotte Blake Alston (26:31)
A young girl wanders through an enchanted forest, handling the ghouls and odd creatures with unprecedented poise. Learn more about Charlotte Blake Alston by visiting: www.charlotteblakealston.com
Kang Ding Love Story by Motoko (47:55)
Young lovers run into some unexpected roadblocks so the girl finds an incredible solution to the situation. Learn more about Motoko by visiting: motoko.folktales.net
“Books are a uniquely portable magic” - Stephen King
Tatton Hall by Geraldine Buckley (1:27)
From her album "Destination? Slammer! True Tales of Life and Laugh", listen to Geraldine talk about the magic she discovers in the library of her childhood boarding school, Tatton Hall. Learn more about Geraldine Buckley by visiting: www.geraldinebuckley.com/
Books and Burglars by Jay O'Callahan (12:03)
A set of tomes protect Jay and his family from an intruder. Learn more about Jay O'Callahan by visiting: ocallahan.com
Apple Seed Team Roundtable (20:27)
Members of the Apple Seed team discuss some of the first books they read that took them on a journey.
In the Realm of the Seal King by Brian "Fox" Ellis (28:19)
A girl discovers that all the legends in her favorite book are true. Learn more about Brian "Fox" Ellis by visiting: foxtalesint.com
The Library Song by Beth Horner (40:40)
Recorded live for her video special, “Wacky & Wild: From Young to Old,” this song about searching for a book at the library includes the autoharp. Learn more about Beth Horner by visiting: bethhorner.com
The Inflatable Easter Bunnies of Half-Dollar by Bil Lepp (45:33)
Bil’s love for James Fenimore Cooper’s "Last of the Mohicans" and how he and a childhood friend related it to inflatable lawn ornaments in their small town. Learn more about Bil Lepp by visiting: www.leppstorytelling.com
Making plans is something that many people do. You yourself are probably familiar with the process of planning a vacation, a party, or the next move in your career. We make plans because we want to grow, to experience new horizons and all the good stuff that can come with a little extra forethought, however, not all plans work out. And sometimes it's not even our own fault. This episode is full of plans that are thwarted, diverted, and downright foiled thanks to other people.
Trying to Get Rid of Miss Annie by Donald Davis (1:10)
Donald and his little brother try to get rid of their long time babysitter. Learn more about Donald Davis by visiting: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
The Big Stone by Jess Smith (18:34)
A king who hates children wants to build a castle so tall that it blocks out the sun and scares children out of playing or making noise. In order to build this castle he requires a special stone so he strikes a deal with a witch to gather up the material but she runs into some resistance. Learn more about Jess Smith by visiting: www.jesssmith.co.uk
Sr. Coyote by Glenda Bonin (26:25)
While hiding away in a hole from a pack of dogs Sr. Coyote asks himself how he got in that situation. Learn more about Glenda Bonin by visiting: www.storyworksgroup.com
Kate Crackernuts by Mary Hamilton (34:41)
Not only does tomboy Kate have the power to crack open nuts with her bare hands but she also manages to crack open the secret plans surrounding her stepsister and some princes. Learn more about Mary Hamilton by visiting: maryhamilton.info
Pieces from the Utah's Biggest Liars contest as well as stories from one of the most renowned liars there is, Bil Lepp.
President Jimmy Carter said, “The achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”
Why I Speak Out by Judith Black (1:40)
Learn more about Judith Black by visiting: storiesalive.com
Sonari Glinton and Dorothy Glinton (15:14)
storycorps.org/listen/dorothy-glinton-and-sonari-glinton/
Wally Funk and Mary Holsenbeck (17:50)
storycorps.org/listen/wally-funk-and-mary-holsenbeck-170803/
Bishop Ricardo Ramirez (21:49)
storycorps.org/listen/bishop-ricardo-ramirez/
Idella Hansen and Sandi Talbott (24:13)
storycorps.org/listen/idella-hansen-and-sandi-talbott-160923/
Stephanie Butler and Joyce Butler (26:37)
storycorps.org/listen/joyce-and-stephanie-butler/
Dan Steinberg and Peg Steinberg (28:39)
storycorps.org/listen/peg-and-dan-steinberg
Interview with Jen Christensen, Project Manager of (31:27)
Jen is the Project Manager of Better Days 2020, a non-profit organization “dedicated to popularizing Utah women’s history in creative and communal ways.” Jen chats with us about a project she is heading to replace one of Utah’s statues in the U.S. Capitol building with a statue of Martha Hughes Cannon, the first female state senator in the nation and in Utah. She also shares with us the history of women’s rights in Utah and the story of how Better Days 2020 came to be and the vision they have for the future. Learn more about the project by visiting: www.betterdays2020.com
In this episode of the Apple Seed we’ve got stories from Donna Ingham, Odds Bodkin, Mitch Weiss and Martha Hamilton, and so many more about the confusions, twists, and great stories that arise from “getting your wires crossed”.
A Story in Signs by Ruth Halpern (1:27)
A group of travelers and bandits meet in the desert and discuss their interests through signs. Learn more about Ruth Halpern by visiting: www.ruthstory.com
Lost in Cyberspace by Donna Ingham (9:53)
Donna Ingham and her struggles with learning all of the technological lingo that her nephew and niece try to teach her. Learn more about Donna Ingham by visiting: donnaingham.com
The Missing Axe by Odds Bodkin (16:14)
A man “loses” his prize axe and accuses his neighbor’s son of taking it. Learn more about Odds Bodkin by visiting: www.oddsbodkin.net
The Mirror That Caused Trouble by Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss (19:19)
A man and his family in medieval Korea see a mirror, or rather, themselves for the first time. Learn more about Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss by visiting: beautyandthebeaststorytellers.com
The Ugly Duckling by Diane Wolkstein (24:17)
Diane's telling of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale. Learn more about the late Diane Wolkstein by visiting: en.wikipedia.org/Diane_Wolkstein
Moocher and the Butcher's Meat by Bobby Norfolk (33:15)
A puppy takes a piece of meat but is confronted with an unexpected rival. Learn more about Bobby Norfolk by visiting: www.bobbynorfolk.com
The Brewery of Eggshells by Nuala Hayes (36:00)
In Scottish folkloric tradition there are stories of changelings, human babies that the fairies or trolls swap out with one of their own kind and in this story one young mother tricks things back into how they should be. Learn more about Nuala Hayes by visiting: www.storytellersofireland.org
The Wolf Who Cried Sheep by Willy Claflin (45:15)
Normally this story is about a boy crying wolf, but Maynard Moose gives you a fresh take. Learn more about Willy Claflin by visiting: www.willyclaflin.com
Three Dolls by David H. Claunch (49:00)
A king gets stumped trying to solve a riddle so he calls in some friends to help him untangle the message. Learn more about David H. Claunch by visiting: www.davidclaunch.com
In this episode we bring you stories of alterations that aren’t as common as growing out of your baby teeth, becoming tall, or getting a new haircut.
Water of Life by Motoko (1:47)
A kind elderly couple have their life turned around when they discover a mountain spring with some very transformative side effects. Learn more about Motoko, winner of the 2017 Circle of Excellence Award, by visiting: motoko.folktales.net
The Legend of the Big Dipper by Jenni Cargill-Strong (14:11)
Originally a European story Jenni Cargill-Strong gives this story an Australian twist as a little girl journeys to fetch her ill mother some extraordinary water. Learn more about Jenni Cargill-Strong, who received the "Special Award" from the National Library of Australia for her album Molly Whuppie, by visiting: www.storytree.com.au
Shape-Shifting Girl by Simon Brooks (23:58)
A girl helps an old man in duress and in return is gifted with the incredible ability to morph her form to best fit the situation. Learn more about Simon Brooks, who also works as a voice actor, by visiting: www.diamondscree.com
From the wacky to the mundane, some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales have some real life resemblances that may surprise you.
Baba Yaga by Tim Lowry (1:39)
storytellertimlowry.com
Hansel and Gretel by Ed Stivender (12:59)
edstivender.com
Snow White and Rose Red by Susan Strauss (28:41)
www.straussstoryteller.com
Janet and Tamlin by Heather Forest (43:14)
www.heatherforest.com
The Princess and the Frog by Ed Stivender (51:07)
?It's always a pleasure to be present for the birth of a brand new storytelling festival. On this episode of the Apple Seed, Sam highlights some of the storytellers, musicians, and organizers that will bring the first annual Old Capitol Storytelling Festival to the stage. Unlike many festivals, the Old Capitol Storytelling Festival focuses on tales and songs associated with a particular place: Utah's first territorial capitol. Tellers at the festival include Sam himself, as well as Emmy-winning documentarian and producer Ken Verdoia, past president of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Maurine Smith, Native American storyteller and musician Nino Reyos, celebrated songwriters Cherie Call and Lyndy Butler, and festival organizer Clive Romney.
This episode is about oddballs, black sheep, misfits—whatever you want to call them—you can find at least one in every family. It’s that person that just doesn’t seem to fit in but brings a whole lot of color into your life.
Fanny in Miami by Laura Pershin Raynor (1:09)
Laura recounts some of the fond and unique memories she has of her grandmother. Learn more about Laura Pershin Raynor by visiting: www.lpraynor.com
3 Sillies by Pete Castle (13:31)
A young man and woman want to get married but when they go to visit her parents, the young man thinks twice about the family he's about to join with. Learn more about Pete Castle by visiting: www.petecastle.co.uk
Hans My Hedgehog by Ingrid Nixon (20:11)
A successful farmer has everything he could ever want...except a child. He makes an interesting statement and 9 months later he gets a son that’s half human half hedgehog. Learn more about Ingrid Nixon by visiting: www.ingridnixon.com
A Family On My Bolck by Len Cabral (39:14)
Stories about a family that does things a little different than expected. Learn more about Len Cabral by visiting: www.lencabral.com
Buddy and the Bear by Glenda Bonin (45:02)
Young Glenda spends a day with her grandfather while her grandmother is out of town. On their way home from town they encounter a bear and Buddy, the family dog, decides to take the situation into his own hands. Learn more about Glenda Bonin by visiting: www.storyworksgroup.com
The Ancient Romans didn’t mark out their calendar months quite the same way we do now and instead they referred to certain time periods by certain names. They had the Nones which usually meant the 5th or the 7th of the month, the Kalends which was the first day of the following month and there were the “ides”. The “ides” were the expression used to describe the middle of the month which sometimes fell on the 15th and has since turned into an exciting an ominous date thanks to Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. On this episode of the Apple Seed we're bringing you stories and conversations about the Ides of March.
The Fly by Simon Brooks (1:27)
A young boy uses a fly as a witness when a debtcollector promises that he has come to forgive the debt of the boy's parents. Learn more about Simon Brooks by visiting: www.diamondscree.com
The Ides Conversation (15:40)
A conversation about the Ides of March with The Acting Company, featuring segments of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Learn more about The Acting Company by visiting: www.tacactingcompany.org
Connie Dances by Geraldine Buckley (38:29)
Geraldine gets a position as a creative minister and meets an incredible dancer to whom she lends a really fancy designer dress from Geraldine's mother to perform in. She feels like she should give that dress to Connie but she justifies keeping it and doesn’t end up giving it to her. The feeling that she should have given Connie that dress gnaws at her years following that experience. Learn more about Geraldine Buckley by visiting: www.geraldinebuckley.com
Saint Patrick’s Day—the holiday that is celebrated in more countries than any other national holiday. But what are its origins? In the 17th century, March 17th was made an official Christian feast day to commemorate the prominent patron saint, Saint Patrick of Ireland, and to celebrate the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Saint Patrick’s Day is a day to celebrate all things Irish. That’s why we’re sharing some traditional Irish folktales with you in this episode.
Woman of the Sea by Regi Carpenter (1:34)
That was “Woman of the Sea,” by Regi Carpenter, from her album “Diving and Emerging,” about a selkie—a mythological irish creature that is a seal in water and human on land. Often in these legends, female selkies are coerced into marriage by men who steal their seal skins. Once the selkie finds her skin again, she immediately returns to the sea. Learn more about Regi Carpenter by visiting: regicarpenter.com
The Peddler of Ballaghaderreen by Liz Weir (19:06)
“Ballaghaderreen” means “the way of the little oak grove,” and is a little town located in Country Roscommon, Ireland. Most peddlers go around selling goods, often illegal or stolen, but the peddler in this story is more of a saint. He generously gives people all of his possessions. Learn more about Liz Weir by visiting: www.lizweir.org
Death in a Nut by Jess Smith (25:22)
From her album "Dragonory", Jess Smith tells a Jack tale wherein Jack tricks death into hiding in order to save his mother. Learn more about Jess Smith by visiting: www.jesssmith.co.uk
Billy Beg and His Bull by Milbre Burch (39:14)
You’re familiar with the story of Cinderella, but you may not be familiar with the story of the “Irish Cinderlad,” also known as Billy Beg. Learn more about Milbre Burch by visiting: www.kindcrone.com
March 8 was International Women’s Day and our team can’t get over the stories we heard that day nor the spirit that was demonstrated. All over the world women came together to share ideas and motivations, in hopes of making the world a better place for women and it’s got us thinking about the phrase “Girl Power”. That phrase has its roots in the punk movement, was further popularized by The Spice Girls and has proliferated into many parts of our culture, into many parts of our stories. We wanted to bring you stories today that embody that phrase, stories about girls making a difference in their world.
Old Greybeard and Little Ayla by Bill Gordh (1:15)
An old king sees everyone's fingers as claws, however when Little Ayla enters his life though she helps him see things in a different light. Learn more about Bill Gordh by visiting: www.billgordh.com
The Wise Little Girl by Odds Bodkin (10:30)
Two brothers fight over a horse and the argument gets to the Czar who asks the men some riddles. The poor brother asks his seven year old daughter for help with the answers. Learn more about Odds Bodkin by visiting: www.oddsbodkin.net
Li Chi Slays the Serpent by Beth Horner (34:11)
The youngest daughter of a family of 6 daughters volunteers to be a sacrifice to a giant serpent that has been plaguing her town for 9 years. Learn more about Beth Horner by visiting: bethhorner.com
Don't Look Up by Milbre Burch and Gay Ducey (40:34)
A little girl has to go out and work because her mom can’t support her, and she has such a hard time finding work. Along her job hunt she helps some things (an apple tree, cow, and an oven) in a couple of fields before finding employment...for a witch!. Learn more about Milbre Burch by visiting: www.kindcrone.com
Literature is chalk full of stories about characters who have a secret that they keep from others. Some characters lead a secret life—think Clark Kent, Bruce Wayne, Buffy Summers, the Count of Monte Cristo. Why is it we keep secrets? We may find something too embarrassing, revealing, exciting, or horrifying to tell other people, except, perhaps, a few trusted individuals. Here at the Apple Seed, we’re talking about times we’ve kept secrets—our own and others’—successfully or unsuccessfully. Secrets don't make friends but they can certainly make stories.
Cat and Tiger by Glenda Bonin (1:36)
Tiger is embarrassed because Cat is a much better hunter than he is, so he asks Cat to teach him a couple of his tricks. Learn more about Glenda Bonin by visiting: www.storyworksgroup.com
The King with Horse's Ears by Liz Weir (9:19)
A snobby prince kicks one of his father’s horses and is cursed by a witch with horse’s ears. He hides the ears for years by wearing his crown, with only the barber knowing his secret, but as the years go by the barber can't sustain the pressure of that secret anymore so he finds someone to tell. Learn more about Liz Weir by visiting: www.lizweir.org
Stars by Susan Reed (18:00)
Megan sees a shooting star and makes a wish and when it ends up coming true she does all she can to keep the result to herself. Learn more about Susan Reed by visiting: www.susanreed.com
Note Passing by Robin Schulte (37:09)
Robin moves to Kansas to live with her aunt and uncle and makes friends with a group of gossipy girls who always pass notes to each other in school. Learn more about Robin Schulte by visiting: www.robinschulte.com
In act I, scene III of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, we find the pompous Polonius rattling off seemingly useless advice to his departing son, Laertes. Starting on line 71, Polonius famously declares:
“Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, But not expressed in fancy—rich, not gaudy, For the apparel oft proclaims the man.”
You’ve probably heard that last part before; the idea that “the clothes make the man.” We want to explore that idea on this episode of The Apple Seed: we’ve got a variety of stories for you about clothing, and the memories and meaning that a particular outfit can carry.
Garment for the Moon by Michael Katz (2:18)
A young tailor goes in search of a magic material that will allow him to dress the moon. Learn more about Michael Katz by visiting: www.storytellermichael.com
Apple Seed Team Roundtable (16:22)
The Apple Seed Team discusses a range of topics from beloved red berets, favorite costumes, and Andre Marques' days as a fashion vlogger.
Feeding His Clothes by Heather Forest (32:08)
Similar to the Emperor’s New Clothes it pokes fun at the superficiality of one’s attire. Learn more about Heather Forest by visiting: www.heatherforest.com
John Hard Hack by Paul Bliss (35:33)
A rather rough and scruffy man wants to impress his wife with a new outfit and he ends up surprising her, however the reason isn’t his new suit. Learn more about Paul Bliss by visiting: www.cowboypoetry.com/paulbliss
Plaid Dress by Molly Catron (39:33)
For the start of high school Molly gets a plaid dress from the department store, which was the pattern one of her friends would wear and how owning a plaid dress changed their dynamics. Learn more about Molly Catron by visiting: www.mollywcatron.com
Mary and the Red Dress by Liz Weir (47:54)
A pretty dress can steal your heart away but in this story it just might also take your soul. Learn more about Liz Weir by visiting: www.lizweir.org
The Flower Girl by Milbre Burch (53:50)
Milbre’s daughter is asked to be a flower girl for a wedding. At first a dress is constructed for her that’s rather simple but it turns out she wants something more ornate. Learn more about Milbre Burch by visiting: www.kindcrone.com
“I get by with a little help from my friends.” - The Beatles
Drakestail by Mary Hamilton (1:37)
Drakestail is a magical duck who gets to be very wealthy so he lends money to the king. Years pass and the wicked king never pays him back so he decides to pay him a visit, bringing several of his friends along with him. Learn more about Mary Hamilton by visiting: www.maryhamilton.info
Stone Soup by Kevin Cordi (17:10)
A town is suffering from “the rash” isolating people from one another but they decide to help out Bobby after a jovial traveling dance teacher encourages them on. Learn more about Kevin Cordi by visiting: www.kevincordi.com
The Happy Place by Lyn Ford (26:36)
Rabbit introduces Bear to his happy place. Learn more about Lyn Ford by visiting: www.storytellerlynford.com
Froko & Lettuce by Jenni Cargill Strong (34:38)
Jenni’s son forms a special bond with some tree frogs. Learn more about Jenni Cargill Strong by visiting: www.storytree.com.au
My Black Day by Diane Ferlatte (41:39)
Diane befriends a French girl after a long flight and they end up becoming really good friends while the French girl stays in SF. During one of their escapades Diane tells her friend that singing helps heal the soul and during one of their later phone calls Diane finds herself on the receiving end of that advice during a personal crisis. Learn more about Diane Ferlatte by visiting: www.dianeferlatte.com
Have you ever heard of an earworm? They’re more common than you think.
The Nigun by Karen Golden (1:21)
A man trades away his entire sabbath meal for a nigun (a wordless tune, symbolizes the mysteries of God), and he’s all the better for it. Learn more about Karen Golden, who has won both NAPPA Gold and Storytelling World Honor awards, by visiting: www.karengolden.com
Little Freddy and His Whistle by Willy Claflin (10:18)
A young man is gifted the power to influence people through song. Learn more about Willy Claflin, who plays multiple intstruments and has several music albums in addition to his storytelling repetoire, by visiting: www.willyclaflin.com
I Love to Whistle by Andy Offutt Irwin (23:03)
Andy demonstrates his whistling skill. Learn more about Andy Offutt Irwin, who won the 2017 National Parenting Product Awards, by visiting: andyirwin.com
Zanzibar by Bill Harley (27:48)
“It’s a story about homework...actually, it’s a story about Zanzibar.” Learn more about Bill Harley, a Grammy Award winner, by visiting: www.billharley.com
“We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation's greatness.” - NY Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. This episode was made in celebration of Black History Month.
The People Could Fly by Charlotte Blake-Alston (1:19)
This story is originally from Virginia Hamilton, one of the first publishers of black folklore, known for presenting slave-era tales in their colloquial English. Learn more about Charlotte Blake-Alston by visiting: www.charlotteblakealston.com
Clinton 12 by Kate Dudding (7:20)
From her album “Young People who Made a Difference” this story is about 12 students who risk their lives to desegregate their high school. Learn more about Kate Dudding by visiting: www.katedudding.com
Martin Luther King Storypoem by Charlotte Blake-Alston (34:51)
Dr. King’s bio in metered rhyme.
Maya's Story for Indira by Lani Peterson (42:30)
Lani's personal story involving the time she met Maya Angelou. Learn more about Lani Peterson by visiting: lanipeterson.com
Sympathy by Mitch Capel (53:51)
Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem "Sympathy". Learn more about Mitch Capel by visiting: www.gjbug.com
The Seedling by Mitch Capel (56:12)
Mitch Capel reciting Paul Laurence Dunbar’s “The Seedling” in front of a live audience at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN.
There are some phrases that spark stories, think “once upon a time”, “star-crossed lovers”, or “that was the day that everything changed”. You know what I’m talking about, the type of phrase that sets a whole story in motion. I’d like to add another phrase to that list: “I promise”. Just think, it creates immediate tension and intrigue and it’s something you could construct a whole narrative around. For example, maybe you hear that some lady promised her first kid to a magical little man if he spins straw into gold for her. That promise draws you in and you want to see how the story ends--or at least our team on The Apple Seed does. The moment we hear a promise being made we’re curious whether it will be kept or broken. And because you probably already know how Rumpelstiltskin ends we’ll bring you some tales of promises that you might not have heard.
The Ice Woman by Donna Washington (1:56)
A young Japanese merchant talks his way out of death. The only catch is that he promises never to speak of the events of that night ever again. Learn more about Donna Washington by visiting: dlwstoryteller.com
Fisherman's Baby by Jenni Cargill-Strong (15:44)
A young fisherman promises to take care of his baby while his wife is away tending her sick sister, however the fair sea and his best friend complicate the situation Learn more about Jenni Cargill-Strong by visiting: www.storytree.com.au
The Banjo Player of Franceville by Dan Keding (24:49)
From his album "Promises Kept, Promises Broken" this original piece is about Franceville, a town with a snake problem. A banjo player offers to fix the situation for 10 gold dollars. The mayor is shocked when he actually succeeds. Learn more about Dan Keding by visiting: www.dankeding.com
Cheep and Cackle by Priscilla Howe (35:47)
A chick promises to share his cake with a cat, if that cat doesn’t eat him. But the cake is so yummy...Learn more about Priscilla Howe by visiting: www.priscillahowe.com
The Well of the World's End by Richard Martin (41:55)
A girl’s stepmother tells her to go out and achieve an impossible task leading the girl to make a promise that tests her limits. Learn more about Richard Martin by visiting: www.tellatale.eu
Each February, the Weber Storytelling Festival takes the stage in and around Ogden Utah. It's venues include area schools and community centers, the Student Union building on the campus of Weber State University, the historic Egyptian Theater in downtown Ogden, and more. Now in its 22nd year, the festival features talented storytellers from all over the country and beyond. It also features storytellers from the Ogden area, and many of them are children. In fact, the festival boasts the largest number of youth storytellers of any festival in the country. On today’s episode of the Apple Seed, we’ll share stories from Bil Lepp, Andy Offutt Irwin, and Charlotte Blake Alston – three of the terrific tellers involved in this year’s festival.
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Unless you live under a rock, you’re probably familiar with Aesop’s fable, “The Tortoise and the Hare". This is just one of many stories where the little guy, though at a huge disadvantage for one reason or another, ends up on top through his hard work and diligence. In this episode, we thought we’d bring you similar stories, because who doesn’t love a good underdog?
The Rabbit in the Moon by Antonio Sacre (1:30)
The gods gather together to create the sun and the moon. They build a fire and ask for volunteers to become the sun and moon by jumping into the fire. Learn more about Antonio Sacre by visiting: www.antoniosacre.com
Tricky the Turtle and the Lion's Cave by Big Joe Pagliuca (8:46)
Tricky the turtle is teased by all of the other animals because he is much smaller and weaker than they are. He pulls a trick on them that makes them think twice about messing with Tricky the turtle....Learn more about Big Joe Pagliuca by visiting: www.bigjoe.com
Seven Bowls of Rice by Milbre Burch (18:31)
A farmer’s daughter is treated poorly by her stepmother who throws her out of the house and bids her to wander into the forest and pay a visit to the prince with seven mouths. Learn more about Milbre Burch by visiting: www.kindcrone.com
Nonsense by Jay O'Callahan (27:02)
The family cat keeps biting people’s toes but the father won’t believe them. Learn more about Jay O'Callahan by visiting: ocallahan.com
Crackerjack by Adam Booth (30:28)
Adam grew up watching baseball with his grandpa and playing little league, although he was never good at it. Years later when he finds out that the city is going to tear down his childhood baseball field Adam goes in for one last game. Learn more about Adam Booth by visiting: www.adam-booth.com
On this episode of The Apple Seed, we visit Springfield, Illinois, the home and burial place of Abraham Lincoln. We talk with Justin Blandford and Troy Gilmore, two of the members of the team that oversees some of the important Springfield historical sites. We also chat with storyteller Brian "Fox" Ellis, who works year-round to bring the history of this place alive with stories of Lincoln and his contemporaries.
Over the top gestures, begging on your knees, or soliciting the help of an unlikely other. Would you do any of these things if it was for love?
The Stone Before the Door by Jill Lamede (1:14)
In order to be united with his one true bride a wealthy merchant must move a large stone poised before the door. Learn more about Jill Lamede by visiting: www.lamede.com
Willy's Lady by Dan Keding (11:44)
King Willy marries a lovely lady whom everyone loves but his mother, the evil witch, because she is jealous of her. She curses her with an endless labor when King Willy's child is ready to be born and it's up to Willy to figure out how to break the curse. Learn more about Dan Keding by visiting: www.dankeding.com
Collected Stories From BYU Students (20:06)
The Frog Prince by Tim Ereneta (27:05)
Would you kiss a frog for love? Learn more about Tim Ereneta by visiting: www.timereneta.com
The Crane Wife by Zette Harbour (34:20)
A Japanese man rescues an injured crane. Later, a beautiful woman shows up at his house and tells him that she is his wife. During the winter, when they are low on money, she weaves cloths for her husband to sell. Whenever she does so, she makes him promise not to look at her while she works. One night the man gives in to his curiosity. Learn more about Zette Harbour by visiting: www.zetteharbour.com
Sleeping Beastly by Willy Claflin (44:50)
A Maynard Moose rendition of Sleeping Beauty. Learn more about Willy Claflin by visiting: www.willyclaflin.com
"Won't forget, can't regret, what I did for love..."
Canadian Love by Colton Prete (1:39)
Romantic Elevator Ride by Dr. Jeffrey Hill (6:08)
Emily and the Kiss at the Dance by Dr. Joe Price (14:33)
Conversation with Dr. Hill and Dr. Price (19:09)
Simon and Susannah by Sheila Arnold (32:03)
www.mssheila.org
Psyche and Eros by Beatrice Bowles (44:26)
www.beatricebowles.com
Oh to be young and in love.
Forget that Girl by Bill Harley (1:34)
Bill is in the sixth grade and has a crush on a girl named Patty. He wants to go steady with her but some things get in the way. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting: LINK
Perfect Match by Dolores Hydock (25:36)
Dolores' high school puts on a "computer dance". Each student filled out a questionnaire, and based on their answers, the computer hooked them up with their "perfect match" only things don't work out so well when everyone fills out the questionnaire how they think their crush might fill it out. Learn more about Dolores Hydock by visiting: www.storypower.org
Some Enchanted Wednesday by Syd Lieberman (41:50)
Syd's phases of young love: first for his elementary school teacher, then for a girl and then for baseball, all framed by his love for movie musicals. Learn more about the late Syd Lieberman by visiting: www.sydlieberman.com
From penny candy when he was young to buying candy at the sweet shop next to the school he was principal at, Sam has always had a flair for sugary delights. Maybe he can blame it all on his grandfather who always had a bag of lemon drops in the car, which is a tradition Sam still carries on today. With all that said here are some stories about candy:
The Best Candy In the World by Bill Harley (5:15)
www.billharley.com
Candy Monster by Bil Lepp (28:14)
www.leppstorytelling.com
Repetition is the name of the game in this episode full of repeating phrases, reoccurring events, and recitation.
Jack and the Soap by Donald Davis (1:56)
Donald and his little brother visit their grandma who doesn’t have a TV so they’re faced with the immense challenge of trying to entertain themselves. Donald’s solution? Repeat everything his little brother says. When Grandma steps in she tells the boys the following Jack tale. Learn more about Donald Davis by visiting: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Why Parrots Only Repeat What People Say by Gabriel Lewenstein (20:18)
From Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss’s album “How & Why Stories: World Tales Kids Can Tell” this story from Thailand explains why parrots are such popular pets. Learn more about Mitch Weiss and Martha Hamilton by visiting: beautyandthebeaststorytellers.com
The Name of a Tree by Stephanie Beneteau (25:20)
It’s a time of famine and all the animals end up at this special tree that has a lot of fruit. The catch: the fruit will only fall to the ground if you say the name of the tree and no remembers exactly what it is. Learn more about Stephanie Beneteau by visiting: www.stephaniebeneteau.com
Old John and the Devil by Charlotte Blake-Alston (37:27)
Old John is a slave with a reputation for a great memory. The plantation owner starts taking him to meetings so that afterwards John can repeat who said what, how they said it, and what the response was to what was said. He’s so good at this that his reputation spreads all the way to Hell where the Devil puts Old John’s memory to the test. Learn more about Charlotte Blake-Alston by visiting: www.charlotteblakealston.com
The Smuggler by Heather Forest (43:29)
Everyday for 10 years a man brings a donkey with hay on its back to the border where the same official searches through the hay everyday because he is sure the man is a smuggler. But he never catches him smuggling anything over. After retiring the official sees the smuggler in the market and asks him what he hid and how he pulled it off and the answer shocks him! Learn more about Heather Forest by visiting: www.heatherforest.com
Tony and the Donkey by Norah Dooley (47:45)
Tony gets kicked out of his house and ends up working for a magical man who pays him with shabby looking gifts that reap lovely outcomes once a few words are repeated, however everytime he goes to show his Mama, Tony runs into some trouble with the local innkeeper. Learn more about Norah Dooley by visiting: www.norahdooley.com
Here at The Appleseed, a lot of our team members are going through big life changes. Whitney recently studied abroad in Spain, Victoria just got married (you may have wondered why her last name changed), Kassie is graduating this summer, Naomi is finishing up her first year of college, and Andre’s baby just turned one. We were talking the other day about how time flies and how before you know it, you’re an “adult,” even if you don’t feel like one. Growing up can be exciting...there are new adventures, new privileges, new experiences. But it can also be hard. Sometimes we just want to be like Peter Pan and escape to an island where we never have to grow up. Although growth can be painful, it’s a part of life. Today’s stories are all about kids with both emotional and physical growing pains.
A Ride to Remember by Glenda Bonin (1:41)
Dusty, a 6 year old girl, decides to go for a ride by herself, but the horse isn't exactly on the same page. Learn more about Glenda Bonin by visiting: www.storyworksgroup.com
The Mumps by Laura Pershin Raynor (7:51)
One summer all of Laura's friends go away on vacation or head to camp so she starts hanging out with some brothers who are in a nameless band together and play pretty intense rock covers of various songs. Halfway through the summer Laura gets really sick and almost misses the boys' first concert. Learn more about Laura Pershin Raynor by visiting: www.lpraynor.com
When I Was Ten by Finn Billie and Rick Davis (27:56)
Finn remembers his brother gifting his mother a painting and feeling sad that he was left out of the moment. Decades later Finn publishes his own work of art, a book of poems, and gifts it to his mother just like his brother gave her the painting.
Grownups are Strange by Bill Harley (37:10)
A song revealing the oddities of being an "adult". Learn more about TELLER by visiting: www.billharley.com
Water Torture by Antonio Sacre (41:37)
Tony shares his birthday with his little twin brothers which isn't his favorite thing in the world so when water balloons are present at one of their shared birthday parties things get a little out of hand, which Tony refuses to apologize for. Years later his little brother wrecks his car and Tony has to choose how he'll respond. Learn more about TELLER by visiting: www.antoniosacre.com
In conjunction with the 131st Groundhog Day we're celebrating the way that little marmot has made a name for himself in the national storytelling world. Bringing you facts and stories of shared meals from Doug Elliott, a song by Dan Keding, and some tales and an interview with Megan Hicks about her album "Groundhogs Meet Grimm".
Groundhog Day by Doug Elliott (2:23)
The Story of the Three Groundhogs Gruff by Megan Hicks (11:22)
Megan Hicks Interview (18:33)
Groundhog Godmother by Megan Hicks (27:59)
Oh, Groundhog by Dan Keding (37:59)
Groundhogs and Indians by Doug Elliott (40:09)
Recently at The Apple Seed, we were thinking about iconic American organizations that have influenced our lives or our families’ lives and one of the ones that came to our minds was the Boy Scouts of America. We realized that the 108th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America is right around the corner, on February 8th, so we decided it was the perfect time to share some stories about scouts.
Corn Maze by Bil Lepp (2:23)
Bil goes to Farmer Graber’s famous corn maze with his scout troop. He and his buddies get lost in the maze and they all start making up stuff about the maze to scare each other. Learn more about Bil Lepp by visiting: www.leppstorytelling.com
Big Lake Sasquatch by Christopher Leebrick (28:52)
In the Pacific Northwest, Christopher and his friend Bill go snow camping with his scout troop the next day, the scoutmaster suddenly insists that they leave their campsite because of some strange activity. Years later, Chris and Bill are reunited and both swear that it was Big Foot they saw that night. Learn more about Christopher Leebrick by visiting: allgoodstories.com
Saved by the Scouts by Erika Price (39:08)
Erika takes her den of cub scouts on a hike and even after she warns them not to run, one of the boys does (of course) and ends up hurting himself. The other 8 year old kiddos, who have annoyed her with their messiness and rowdiness for months, apply their first aid knowledge gleaned from her, and are surprisingly helpful and thoughtful. Erika is an English professor at BYU.
Webelos Pack 909 Roundtable (49:19)
A group of webelo scouts from Payson Utah get together with Sam Payne for a storytelling party.
We often talk about first impressions and how they can be quite distant from the reality of the situation or what the situation eventually ends up being and the stories in this episode highlight how comical things can turn out when somebody you know is not who you think they are.
The Ransom of Red Chief by Kaye Byrnes (1:50)
Some bandits try to ransom a kid but end up paying money to return him he’s such a pill. Learn more about Kaye Byrnes by visiting: www.kayebyrnes.com
The Wizard and the Girl with the Golden Hair by Dan Keding (24:44)
An evil wizard captures girls with different features for his stone garden. He realizes he’s missing a girl with golden hair and when he finally finds one she turns out to be a tricky target. Learn more about Dan Keding by visiting: www.dankeding.com
Mexico City Subway by Rick Huddle (33:52)
Rick is on a subway in Mexico City and gets pickpocketed by an unlikely thief--a little mexican mother. Learn more about Rick Huddle by visiting: www.rickhuddle.com
The Innkeeper's Clever Daughter by Zette Harbour (39:15)
In Russia, a nobleman challenges a tailor and an innkeeper to solve 3 riddles and only thanks to his clever daughter does the Innkeeper win. Learn more about Zette Harbour by visiting: www.zetteharbour.com
When we heard that Utah Opera was mounting a production of Moby Dick, we got excited about the tale behind the tale. On this episode of The Apple Seed, you’ll hear a behind-the-scenes look at bringing this incredible story to the opera stage. We’ll talk to composer Jake Heggie, librettist Gene Scheer, director Kristine McIntyre, and more. We’ll also talk with English professor (and Moby Dick enthusiast) Stephen Tuttle, and listen to some melancholy sea songs and stories from the great Jay O’Callahan. You can visit www.utahopera.org for more information about the opera itself. And you ought to! It’s a whale of a tale.
We have a tradition here at the Apple Seed where every time someone joins our team or has to say "farewell", we have lunch at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Provo: El Gallo Giro. We recently said goodbye to our assistant producer, Makena Bauss, and while we were eating we got to talking about some of our favorite dishes and we all agreed that food can leave some strong impressions whether we like it or hate. In this episode the stories are all about food: weird obsessions, phobias, and times that food brought people together or drove them apart.
The Little Boy Who Hated Pizza by Mark Binder (4:06)
Max doesn’t like food that has flavor so when he and his dad are eating dinner at a friend's house Max finds himself in a bit of a pickle when they serve pizza. Learn more about Mark Binder by visiting: markbinder.com
How I Learned to Love Liver by Joel Ben Izzy (9:10)
The doctor tells Joel he needs to eat liver because he is iron deficient so his parents try to make him eat it but he won’t. But then, he eats it by mistake. Learn more about Joel Ben Izzy by visiting: www.storypage.com
A Baker's Dozen by Antoinette Griffin (19:50)
Antoinette’s uncle owns a bakery in Brooklyn. One of his customers insists that he sell 13 Christmas cookies for those who order a dozen, just like all the other bakers do. When he refuses to give the customer 13 cookies, his bakery is cursed.
Apple Seed Roundtable (29:50)
Members of the Apple Seed team discuss some memorable food experiences they've had.
Hide the Salami by Bob Reiser (44:05)
Bob’s Dad is obsessed with salami. He eats it every night when everyone is asleep, however one night his wife catches him in the act of munching away and decides to finally do something about his salami obsession! Learn more about Bob Reiser by visiting: www.bobtales.com
From tricksters like the Norse god Loki, to wisemen like the Old Testament’s King Solomon, clever characters have been a staple of world folklore since the beginning of time. On this episode we’re going on a little adventure around the world looking at just a few of these characters and the oral tradition that has kept them alive.
The Dragon and the Monkey's Heart by Simon Brooks (1:26)
www.diamondscree.com
Tulips by Jay O'Callahan (11:24)
ocallahan.com
Anansi & Stories by Zette Harbour (18:36)
www.zetteharbour.com
Farmer and the Snake by Norah Dooley (29:07)
www.norahdooley.com
The Walking Man by Jerry Brooks (34:11)
www.cowboypoetry.com
When Wren was King of the Birds by Glenda Bonin (41:39)
www.storyworksgroup.com
The White Deer by Brian "Fox" Ellis (47:55)
foxtalesint.com
There are some classic tales that are good to nestle into, some storytelling staples if you will but it’s also fun to take those stories and tweak them a little. Take the protagonist on an adventure outside of their usual walk in the woods, or change up the time frame for a brand new spin and it’s those kind of stories we’re bringing to you in this episode; Jack tales and Cinderella stories that break away from the traditional mold.
Jack and the Singing Leaves by Bill Harley (1:38)
Distracted Jack heals a bird with a broken wing that tells him to give a branch of singing leaves to the princess on her birthday. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting: www.billharley.com
11 Cinderellas (France and Mi'kmaq) by Mary Hamilton (28:30)
From her album “Sisters All...and One Troll” this is only a small segment of a greater work that tells the entire Cinderella story from the entrance of the wicked stepmother to happily ever after by intertwining Cinderella stories from around the world. Learn more about Mary Hamilton by visiting: www.maryhamilton.info
Ashy Pet by Milbre Burch (35:17)
Cinderella as told in the Appalachian mountains. Learn more about Milbre Burch by visiting: www.kindcrone.com
Stupid Jack with Beanstalk by Willy Claflin (50:18)
Moral of this fractured tale: as long as you’re very very rich, it’s okay to be very very stupid. Learn more about Willy Claflin by visiting: www.willyclaflin.com
On this episode, we think about some of those people who have traveled with us – sometimes for a good, long way – but who will travel with us no longer, except as they live on in the ways they taught us and the stories we treasure about them.
We celebrate the life of Merle Davis, friend to storytellers everywhere and the wife of celebrated storyteller Donald Davis. We share stories from LDS Church president Thomas S. Monson, and we share just a bit about Sam’s grandfather, World War II veteran Gordon Pappas.
We’re spending thiss episode of The Apple Seed with Shonaleigh, the torchbearer for the Drut’syla tradition: the oral passing down of a canon of some 4,000 traditional stories from woman to woman. We’ll hear some great recordings of live performances made by the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, and we’ll summarize a five-day storytelling workshop given to story enthusiasts right here in our backyard.
The Oral Torah includes laws and rituals that are not recorded in the Five books of Moses and was passed on from generation to generation until 70CE when it was finally written down. And though this sacred text was finally recorded, the oral tradition did not die out for the Jewish people and today we’re bringing you stories that showcase how alive and vibrant the oral tradition still is in the Jewish community
Fox and Fish by Karen Golden (1:36)
A Rabbi and his students are in a bit of a dangerous situation, especially since he keeps telling them Torah stories, but the Rabbi tells them they are in the best spot they can be and proceeds to tell them why. Learn more about Karen Golden by visiting: www.karengolden.com
Language of the Birds by Susan Strauss (6:10)
The Baal Shem Tov teaches a man to appreciate the beauty around him. Learn more about Susan Strauss by visiting: www.straussstoryteller.com
Debate by Mary Wright (16:16)
Part of Hanukkah lore, a chicken dealer outsmarts a king in battle of wits. Learn more about Mary Wright by visiting: spiritedstories.com
The Magician by Judith Black (23:30)
A Jewish couple gives everything they have to the poor and the husband, Jonah, keeps telling his wife that God will provide for them during Passover. The night of the Passover they still have nothing when a mysterious guest knocks on their door. Learn more about Judith Black by visiting: storiesalive.com
The Sound of Money by Zette Harbour (35:54)
A King Solomon story, wherein a baker insists that a woman pay for the smelling his bread. Learn more about Zette Harbour by visiting: www.zetteharbour.com
Buried Treasure by Joel Ben Izzy (40:15)
A Polish folktale that's still part of the Jewish oral tradition. A man has a dream to leave everything and go to another city and after having this dream three nights in a row he decides to act on it. Learn more about Joel Ben Izzy by visiting: www.storypage.com
Holidays or special occasions can provide exciting breaks from daily life. They give you something to celebrate or commemorate and in order to do that a lot of people throw parties, not only making for a great time but often a great story.
Party Girl by Leeny Del Seamonds (00:57)
Leeny wakes up from what she thinks is a strange dream asking "Where's the party?". Learn more about Leeny Del Seamonds by visiting: leenydelseamonds.com
Party People by Donald Davis (13:04)
Growing up Donald didn’t have birthday parties but when he goes to school he learns of their existence and wears his mother down into throwing him one. Learn more about Donald Davis by visiting: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
You Shoulda Been There by Bill Harley (43:32)
A song about how you should have been at this really cool party. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting: www.billharley.com
Mary, New Year's Eve by Jay O'Callahan (48:13)
Mary is nine years old and so her mother invites her to stay up for New Year’s, however, Mary lets her parents know she is an important guest at another party. Learn more about Jay O'Callahan by visiting: ocallahan.com
Don’t put away the tree yet! In a season still rich with holiday magic, we’ll share stories and songs both light and serious on today’s episode of the Apple Seed. You’ll hear songs by the terrific songwriter Cori Connors, along with stories from Donald Davis, Kevin Kling, and our host, Sam Payne.
Flexible Flyer by Cori Connors (00:49)
www.coriconnors.com
Don't Kill Santa by Donald Davis (5:38)
www.ddavisstoryteller.com
You Dressed as a Gypsy and I as a Clown by Sam Payne (15:40)
www.sampayne.com
Nutcracker by Kevin Kling (45:03)
www.kevinkling.com
Sleepy Little Town by Cori Connors (50:38)
Celebrating some more of our storytelling friends who have performed at the Timpanogos Storytelling festival.
The Messenger by Laura Pershin Raynor (2:09)
www.lpraynor.com
The Bear Hunter's Bold by Waddie Mitchell (19:28)
www.cowboypoetry.com/waddie.htm
Jumping on Grandma's Plastic Covered Couch by Linda Gorham (25:37)
lindagorham.com
What Was I Thinking? by Syd Lieberman (40:50)
www.sydlieberman.com
Here on the Apple Seed we have many wonderful friends and in this episode we're celebrating some of our storytelling friends that have performed at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. That festival was created by the Ashton family and they're responsible for getting the Apple Seed started and so we're also celebrating our foundational and fruitful relationship with them. We're happy to bring these wonderful recordings to you today!
The Old Stained Man [Live] by Kim Weitkamp (1:54)
www.kimweitkamp.com
Kindergarten Wall/Grandpa's Song/Room at the Top of the Stairs by John McCutcheon [Live] (17:40)
www.folkmusic.com
Momma's Coat by Barbara McBride-Smith [Live] (33:45)
www.barbaramcbridesmith.com
A Letter to God by Antonio Sacre [Live] (51:53)
www.antoniosacre.com
As part of our ongoing series of live readers theater presentations of terrific literary works, this episode of The Apple Seed includes the hilarious and delightful fable "Christmas Every Day," by William Dean Howells. You'll also enjoy the strange and wonderful "The Girl Who Trod on a Loaf," by Hans Christian Andersen, and "The Rich Woman and the Poor Woman," one of the "Christmas Tales from Flanders." The episode also features winter music from BYU Professor of jazz piano Kurt Reeder, delivered before an intimate audience in the Apple Seed studio.
Wintertime is a time to gather with friends old and new, reminisce around the fireplace, and share stories that warm the heart. It doesn’t matter if the weather outside is frightful; friendships can blossom even in the dead of winter.
The Winter Cherries by Odds Bodkin (1:21)
Miracle cherries reunite old friends as a retired knight goes to offer his king a Christmas gift. Learn more about Odds Bodkin by visiting: www.oddsbodkin.net
The Nose Tree by Laura J. Bobrow (32:42)
Three friends are rewarded for their loyalty to each other by a little man dressed in red who gives them each a magic gift. The true test of their friendship comes when a fairy princess tries to steal their gifts from them, putting in jeopardy their vow to always stay by each other's side. Learn more about Laura J. Bobrow by visiting: www.laurajbobrow.com
Let's Go Sledding by Kim Weitkamp (50:04)
A song from her album Pickle in the Middle Blues. Learn more about Kim Weitkamp by visiting: www.kimweitkamp.com
An episode celebrating the innovation, imagination, and mischievous plans that kids are so good at coming up with. In Bill Harley's story he and his friend deal with a neighborhood bully and a little sister that only tells the truth in an unconventional manner. Andy's Wild Amphibian Show tracks the change of tadpoles to frogs and the way they shaped part of his youth and his sister after a unique incidence.
Weezie and the Moon Pies by Bill Harley (1:42)
www.billharley.com
Andy's Wild Amphibian Show by Andy Offutt Irwin (26:44)
andyirwin.com
The Menorah commemorates a famous Jewish miracle and the reclaiming of their Holy Temple of Jerusalem in 2 BC, after they had defeated the Maccabees in a war. Upon re-entering the temple they only found enough consecrated oil to light the menorah for one day, however, that oil went on to provide light for 8 days! The word “Chanukkah” means “dedication”.
Hanukkah in Chelm by Joel Ben Izzy (1:27)
www.storypage.com
The Generous Man by Odds Bodkin (11:06)
www.oddsbodkin.net
Bubbies Coming for Chanukah by Karen Golden (19:34)
www.karengolden.com
Selections from "A Chanukah Present" by Mark Binder (33:44)
markbinder.com
Great escapes! Flying objects! Sometimes both!
The Caged Bird by Jill Lamede (2:00)
A princess keeps a bird in a cage as a pet. One day when the princess sends a message to another village the bird asks her to take a message to her brother that lives there. The return message brings unexpected news. Learn more about Jill Lamede by visiting: www.lamede.com
The Escape of Archibald Gardner by Sam Payne (4:37)
Story and a song about a actual man being chased by a posse whose escape route joins with what seems to be an impassable river. Learn more about Sam Payne by visiting: www.sampayne.com
Billy Boy by Laura Pershin Raynor (10:42)
When Laura Pershin Raynor was young her grandmother always had a bird named Billy Boy. The one rule at her grandmother's house was to never open Billy Boy's cage. This story is about the time she broke that rule. Learn more about Laura Pershin Raynor by visiting: www.lpraynor.com
The Bremen Town Storytellers by Willy Claflin (19:49)
Maynard Moose tells the story of some animals that are past their prime yet they decide to escape their retirement home and end up capturing some robbers with their storytelling abilities. Learn more about Willy Claflin by visiting: www.willyclaflin.com
Groundhogstiltskin by Megan Hicks (28:31)
A twist on Rumplestiltskin that addresses the story's gold inflation issue plus it involves a charming and clever groundhog. Learn more about Megan Hicks by visiting: www.meganhicks.com
The Flying Head by Joseph Bruchac (36:50)
The Flying Head is a man-eating monster that picks up the scent of a mother and her baby in this story. Will they escape? Listen to find out. Learn more about Joseph Bruchac by visiting: josephbruchac.com
The Most Precious Gift by Dan Keding (44:37)
A king declares that whoever gives him the most precious gift can marry his daughter. Three brothers succeed in doing this when they work together, leaving the king with the tricky choice of who gets to marry his daughter. Learn more about Dan Keding by visiting: www.dankeding.com
This episode is all about sharing and passing things on to benefit others in all forms. We've also got some stories where people don't choose to share and it backfires on them and other stories where the passing on gets a little out of hand. Hope you enjoy!
Passing It On III by Betty Ann Wylie (2:55)
Betty Ann Wylie shares how her grandfather passed on his love for storytelling to her. Learn more about Betty Ann Wylie by visiting: southernorderofstorytellers.org
Mama Passes on the Box by Barbara McBride-Smith (12:51)
Barbara’s elderly mother gifts her the family’s button box, which is a prize possession for both of them. Learn more about Barbara McBride-Smith by visiting: www.barbaramcbridesmith.com
The Best Candy in the Whole World by Bill Harley (19:17)
Barney hates going to the grocery store with his mom but one day while there he helps an old lady bring her groceries to the car. In return for his kindness she gives him some candy that is out of this world. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting: www.billharley.com
The Little Red Hen by Willy Claflin (41:14)
A Maynard Moose interpretation of the classic tale. His moral of the story: avoid carbo overload. Learn more about Willy Claflin by visiting: www.willyclaflin.com
The Four Friends by David H. Claunch (48:25)
One kingdom doesn’t have issues of shortage during a famine when everyone else does. A king sends his soldiers to investigate the reason why. Learn more about David H. Claunch by visiting: www.davidclaunch.com
According to some sources there are approximately 10,000 three leaf clovers for every four leaf clover—makes sense that they’re so rare. Luckily a good story isn't as hard to find. This episode brings you some great tales where characters have unique and extraordinary experiences—all set in the British Isles.
The Peddler by David H. Claunch (1:21)
An incredibly kind peddler has a series of strange dreams. Learn more about David H. Claunch by visiting: www.davidclaunch.com
Fionn Salmon by Cathryn Fairlee (10:41)
A warrior goes to learn poetry from a recluse who only seems to sleep and fish, but there is a reason for that. He's trying to catch the elusive Fish of Knowledge. Learn more about Cathryn Fairlee by visiting: www.sonic.net
A Likely Story by Nuala Hayes (25:06)
A widow complains about her house and her neighbors, who are always telling rather outrageous fairy stories. Hoping to make his mom’s life easier the widow's son decides to go gather some wood and has an odd encounter of his own. Learn more about Nuala Hayes by visiting: www.sneemstorytellingfestival.com/nuala-hayes/
Wee Meg Barnileg by Liz Weir (45:45)
While learning to become a proper little girl Wee Meg Barnileg can’t tell if the minutes are hours or vice versa. Learn more about Liz Weir by visiting: www.lizweir.org
Bonny Portmore by Paddy Tutty (53:28)
A song about a magnificient oak tree in England. Learn more about Paddy Tutty by visiting: www.prairiedruid.net
Ten years before the publication of Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll wrote a stanza of a poem entitled “Stanza of Anglo-Saxon Poetry”. The full version of that poem has rather humorously been translated into 65 languages, breaking away from the “anglo-saxon” tradition. It also was published under a different name. It’s called the “Jabberwocky”, and you may have heard of it. It’s a rather famous “nonsense” poem with made up words about a made up creature which is pretty much what the stories and songs in this episode will be about today—crazy creatures.
Jabberwocky by Karl Behling (1:13)
kbstoryteller.webs.com
Gluskabi and the Water Monster by Joseph Bruchac (3:15)
josephbruchac.com
The Cat and the Moon by Joseph Sobol Ft. Kathy Cowan and Tom Orf (10:54)
www.josephsobol.com
The Candy Monster by Bil Lepp (14:37)
www.leppstorytelling.com
The Bunyip by Bill Gordh (43:51)
www.billgordh.com
Mother Owl's Revenge by Liz Weir (48:43)
www.lizweir.org
On this episode, Apple Seed producer Victoria Hardy tags along with the Young Company, the children’s theater group at BYU, as they present “The Glorious Story Emporium,” featuring completely improvised long-form ensemble stories. We’ll have the Company in for a chat, too, and we’ll even throw in a little improvisation from Ed Stivender as well, for good measure.
Today on the Apple Seed, a mélange of little stories from mighty tellers. We’ll begin with a story by Linda Gorham, who one young audience member called “Better than recess.” We’ll follow Linda with an all-star lineup including Donald Davis, Bil Lepp, Ed Stivender, and a whistling tour de force from Andy Offutt Irwin.
In another episode of The Apple Seed, we talked with Andy Offutt Irwin about the story “Love at 85,” in which he creates a boyfriend for his beloved fictional Aunt Marguerite. The story and the conversation are too much to fit in a single episode, but they’re both worth hearing. In today’s episode, hear the story in its entirety. You can find more of Andy’s work, including “Love and Armadillo Migration,” the album on which “Love at 85” appears, at www.andyirwin.com.
Andy Offutt Irwin’s beloved fictional Aunt Marguerite has fans all over the country. Now, after decades of sharing stories about the 85-year-old matron (who holds a medical degree and runs a hospital with other elderly widows), Andy has written a story in which Marguerite finds … well, a boyfriend. The story itself comes in another Apple Seed episode, but today we talk with Andy about the making of that story. You’ll also hear one of our favorite shorter stories of Andy’s, called “Book Every Saturday for a Funeral,” and a story by Kevin Kling called “Mitten.”
Today, a collection of stories bookended by two Maynard Moose classics. Maynard Moose, as you may know, is the storytelling alter-ego of Willy Claflin, and Maynard’s stories and songs are just as goofy, inspiring, and whip-smart as Willy’s. Between the Moose tales, listen for a terrific live recording from Michael Reno Harrell, a folk tale from Noa Baum, and a personal story from Teresa Clark’s collection “Wears Like Iron.”
All stories end. But how a story ends can really shake up your audience especially if their expectations are not met or they aren't prepared for the tie off that occurs. In short, stories may end but closure isn't always hopping alongside it. However, that doesn't weaken a story and sometimes a little ambiguity or something other than "happily ever after" at the finish line can make for a strong and marvelous tale.
Frogs' Legs by Charlotte Blake-Alston (1:13)
A family reunion where someone brings frogs legs' as a dish turns into an ancestral tale about a slave trying to escape north with the help of a conjuring woman. Learn more about Charlotte Blake-Alston by visiting: www.charlotteblakealston.com
Closure Roundtable (24:59)
Sam Payne and Apple Seed assistant producers Victoria Hardy and Kassie Schreiber, discuss the topic of endings and closure.
The Black Prince by Laura Simms (35:05)
A poor boy sits on a wall and every day plays his flute to the princess he loves. He thinks he can only win her hand if he becomes a handsome prince so he makes the efforts to transform into that figure, but things don't turn out the way one might expect. Learn more about Laura Simms by visiting: www.laurasimms.com
The Sad Story of Owl by Heather Forest (51:41)
Owl courts a pretty bird by night so she doesn’t know what he looks like. When she tells her parents about her shrouded lover they decide to throw a party to see what he really looks like. Learn more about Heather Forest by visiting: www.heatherforest.com
In this episode, we talk to Dr. Kevin Cordi about his "storybox" project. What began as an exchange of stories between Kevin and a colleague in Brazil has evolved to include authors and poets creating partial stories to be finished by middle and high school students. In addition, you’ll hear a few stories from a good old collection called "Stories in my Pocket," from Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss, in which they curate stories for kids to tell.
Kevin Cordi Interview (1:20)
www.kevincordi.com
Heart In Our Hands by Kevin Cordi (33:54)
Including an intro by Kevin Cordi, this story is about a time when people used to carry their hearts in their hands.
These next stories were recorded in 1998, so the tellers are grownup now, but these performances are from a good old collection called “Stories in My Pocket,” stories curated by Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss, designed for kids to tell.
The Stonecutter by Chris Frank (43:52)
The Silversmith and the Rich Man by Gwen Niven (47:38)
Why Anansi the Spider Has a Small Waist by Sandra Weissinger (52:10)
The road to growing up can be long and winding, with plenty of bumps along the way, but sometimes it’s the detours and the rocky roads that make for great stories.
Mr. Lepp, I gotta go! by Bil Lepp (5:05)
Bil Lepp’s father is a crazy driver...no matter where he’s going, he refuses to stop. When Bil was a boy scout his friend Petey agrees to chug a gallon of water in exchange for mean Frankie’s canteen, but things don't go as planned which leads to an interesting solution to a rather embarrassing situation. Learn more about Bil Lepp by visiting: www.leppstorytelling.com
Giufa and the Statue by Norah Dooley (20:35)
Giufa’s mom asks him to sell some cloth to a person of few words. He ends up “selling” it to a statue. Learn more about Norah Dooley by visiting: www.norahdooley.com
That's My Baby by Michael McCarty (25:00)
Michael recounts the childhood and teenage years of his daughter Karla, who initially was a sweet, obedient child but as a teenager, she enters a rebellious phase before figuring out her life direction. Learn more about Michael McCarty by visiting: www.havemouthwillrunit.com
Donkey & The Lion Skin by Diane Ferlatte (36:34)
Sometimes it takes a while for people to figure out their values and stick to them, and before that moment comes we will sometimes parade around as something we’re not, like a donkey that wears a lion skin. Learn more about Diane Ferlatte by visiting: www.dianeferlatte.com
Ocean of Answers by Kevin Cordi (45:11)
A sixteen year old boy wants a car so he can just, ya know, go for a drive. However, his dad doesn’t want to give him one so the boy goes to his grandfather, who concocts a plan to “help” his grandson. Learn more about Kevin Cordi by visiting: www.kevincordi.com
In this episode, we chat with members of the cast of the Renaissance Now Theater and Film production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and in so doing, we’ll get inside the heads of a group of disparate actors working to tell a timeless story for a modern audience. And lest you suspect us of taking ourselves too seriously, we’ll follow that up with Bill Harley’s madcap tale of backyard theater, "The Battle of the Mad Scientists." You’re in for all sorts of theatrical adventures on today’s episode of the Apple Seed: Tellers and Stories.
Macbeth (00:30)
Battle of the Mad Scientists (Part 1) (32:23)
Battle of the Mad Scientists (Part 2) (44:50)
Getting a job done isn’t always the easiest. The tasks you perform may be laborious and tedious, may require some thought before finding an innovative solution, or could be downright bizarre. Whatever the effort may be, the stories and songs in this episode highlight the good that can come after working all the livelong day.
The Talking Eggs by Diane Ferlatte (1:22)
A Cinderella-esque story, tormented Blanche spends a night assisting an old woman with some strange chores and is rewarded with some talking eggs. Learn more about Diane Ferlatte by visiting: www.dianeferlatte.com
Sandals by Fran Stallings (19:31)
From her album, Stories and Songs for a Green Earth, this story is about a king who wants to walk amongst his people to learn how to better serve them. However, at this time no one wears shoes and the rich people’s feet are just too sensitive to walk among the poor so the king, with help from his wife, figures out a solution! Learn more about Fran Stallings by visiting: www.franstallings.com
The Hired Girl by Liz Weir (25:10)
A young girl gets hired by a couple who has a nice wife but a frightening husband. During a snowstorm one night the wife gets stuck in town leaving her husband to tear up the house, frightening the young is about to be harmed when a mysterious horseman barges in and whisks her away to safety. Learn more about Liz Weir by visiting: www.lizweir.org
With My Own Two Hands by Jenni Cargill Strong (29:16)
A song about changing the world with your own two hands. Learn more about Jenni Cargill Strong by visiting: www.storytree.com.au
How the Beggar Boy Married the Chief's Daughter by Antonio Rocha (32:57)
The chief will let anyone marry his daughter if they can catch a magnificent iguana he sees on his walk everyday. After so many people fail, the beggar boy tries some tricks of his own. Learn more about Antonio Rocha by visiting: www.storyinmotion.com
The Goat and the Antelope Farm Together by Glenda Bonin (39:55)
Working with other can occasionally present a challenge, but Goat figures out a way to set things straight after Antelope behaves dishonestly. Learn more about Glenda Bonin by visiting: www.storyworksgroup.com
Jack and the Box of Gold by Bobby Norfolk (44:10)
Jack is lazy so his parents kick him out one day to go get a job. He signs up to house sit this spooky place and when a skeleton comes out of the chimney, Jack is surprised by what ensues. So is the rest of his family when he returns to them. Learn more about Bobby Norfolk by visiting: www.bobbynorfolk.com
On today’s episode of the Apple Seed, nothing grim, nothing Greek, nothing formal, nothing normal – just a few mostly light-hearted stories from some favorite tellers. You’ll hear from Donald Davis, Doug Elliott (with a story called "Fifty Thousand Bees on my Head," who could resist?), Maynard Moose (and his erstwhile human companion, Willy Claflin), and Ed Stivender, with a performance of Morgan Ashton’s morality poem "The Chess Game."
Keep-a-Goin [Live] by Donald Davis (1:22)
www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Fifty Thousand Bees on my Head, Sail On Honeybee by Doug Elliott (18:44)
dougelliott.com
Lazy Jack [Live] by Willy Claflin (38:49)
www.willyclaflin.com
The Chess Game performed by Ed Stivender (48:52)
edstivender.com
In this episode, hear a special October Stories live recording of excerpts from three gothic tales: “Sir Bertrand” (a story fragment written by John Aikin in 1764), “The Haunted Cavern” (written by John Palmer in 1796) and Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights (written in 1847). The stories are shared by our frequent guests from the Acting Company: Suzanne Christensen, and Noah and Leah Kershisnik, and it’s all tied together by an essay on scary stories written by Anna Letitia Aikin in 1773, and by a couple of Tom Waits tunes performed by musical guests Noah Kershisnik and Alex Vincent. ?
Skeletons, ghosts and cats, oh my! In this episode we’re keeping the Halloween spirit alive, with some of our favorite spine-chilling and hair-raising stories that take a spooky spin off of otherwise ordinary situations.
Eeny Weeny Beeny Ghost by Bill Harley (00:56)
www.billharley.com
King of the Cats by Anne Rutherford (7:50)
www.annerutherford.com
Lazy Jack by Octavia Sexton (22:03)
octaviasexton.com
Occupied by Megan Hicks (37:49)
www.meganhicks.com
“Quoth the Raven, ‘Nevermore’” is the iconic line from Edgar Allen Poe’s spooky and infamous poem, The Raven. But a raven is so much more than what he says and we wanted to spread our wings here on The Apple Seed and showcase some stories that reveal the multidimensional character that tales from all over have made the raven out to be.
The Raven performed by Sam Payne (00:46)
Edgar Allen Poe's classic poem performed by Sam Payne. Learn more about Sam Payne by visiting: www.sampayne.com
Raven Day by Brett Dillingham (8:32)
Brett Dillingham talks about his fascination with sound and how ravens are really good at imitating a multiplicity of noises. One day he mimicks a raven and then switches perspective to the raven’s point of view. Learn more about Brett Dillingham by visiting: www.brettdillingham.com
The Beaming Maiden by Beatrice Bowles (16:05)
In a land and a time when Raven is God, there is a powerful chief on earth named Ice Heart who is evil and oppresses his people. Ice Heart runs into a maiden whose smile lights up the village and wanting her all for himself, he threatens to kill her if she smiles for anyone but him. But she doesn't go along with his plan. Learn more about Beatrice Bowles by visiting: www.beatricebowles.com
Raven by Laura Simms (28:03)
Raven is a god and creates all of the animals and the first humans. He likes them so much that he decides to stay with them on earth. Learn more about Laura Simms by visiting: www.laurasimms.com
Seven Ravens by Sean K Buvala (35:26)
Seven brothers get turned into ravens and then their sister travels to the ends of the earth to turn them back into humans. Learn more about Sean K Buvala by visiting: www.storyteller.net/sbuvala
Raven and Daylight by Glenda Bonin (44:10)
A folktale from Alaska. Long ago, the people in the north lived in utter darkness. Raven visited them often and told them about daylight. They asked him to bring them some, so he flew to the east and through his magical powers, he stole a ball of daylight from a family and brought it back to his friends in the north. Learn more about Glenda Bonin by visiting: www.storyworksgroup.com
Ravins' of a Piute Poet Poe by Beth Horner (53:50)
Written by C.L.Edson Beth Horner recites a humorous take on The Raven. Learn more about Beth Horner by visiting: bethhorner.com
The dictionary describes the word “exception” as “a person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or does not follow a rule.” Adding onto that definition we often associate being the “exception” as being the lucky one, the one that gets to skip ahead in line, win the race or rule the kingdom because they happened to be different enough from everyone else. But it may not be that simple. After all if the balance tips in favor of one direction it has to dip back on the other side to balance out. On this episode of The Apple Seed we're exploring bitter and sweet aspects of being "the exception".
Saving Father's Life by Glenda Bonin (1:33)
A man leaves a posse chasing an outlaw to witness his daughter’s birth. But the man who takes his place isn't so fortunate. Learn more about Glenda Bonin by visiting: www.storyworksgroup.com
Burning of Tara by Cathryn Fairlee (3:59)
A banshee turns Fionn MacCool's aunt into a dog and leaves her in the care of a notorious dog hater, but the dog-hating lord sees that there's something special about this dog. Learn more about Cathryn Fairlee by visiting: www.sonic.net
The Boy Who Cried Wolf by Heather Forest (20:24)
The classic tale of a shepherd boy who abuses the cry for danger so that no one heeds him when a wolf actually appears. Learn more about Heather Forest by visiting: www.heatherforest.com
The Lovelorn Princess by Barry Stewart Mann (28:28)
A princess who is not very pretty goes around kissing frogs in hopes of finding a prince and after kissing a certain frog "the spell is broken" only it's not what you expect. Learn more about Barry Stewart Mann by visiting: www.barrystewartmann.com
Bala Lake by Laura J. Bobrow (33:51)
A friendly harper is led away from a mean king's party and when he wakes the next morning he is very surprised by what he finds. Learn more about Laura J. Bobrow by visiting: www.laurajbobrow.com
The Clog of Gold by Milbre Burch (39:50)
An Iraqi Cinderella story wherein the protagonist is aided by a magical fish. Learn more about Milbre Burch by visiting: www.kindcrone.com
On this episode of the Apple Seed: Tellers and Stories, we’ll visit the 45th annual National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. We’ll hear from some of our favorite tellers there (including Willy Claflin, Bil Lepp, and Josh Goforth) and also rub shoulders with festival attenders and report on the Fringe Festival, one of the oldest underground traditions associated with the Festival. It’s a trip to the premier storytelling event in the country, on one of the most picturesque main streets in America, on this episode of the Apple Seed.
Lona Bartlett on the Straw (1:27)
www.lonabartlett.com
The Bully Goat Grimm by Willy Claflin (4:02)
www.willyclaflin.com
Fringe Festival (15:06)
Josh Goforth Highlight (27:34)
www.blueridgeheritage.com/josh-goforth
Ornithaphobia - Or Fear of Birds by Bil Lepp (41:00)
www.leppstorytelling.com
“Forgive and forget” is a mantra that’s easier said than done. Asking or offering forgiveness can be a vulnerable moment that we try to avoid by justifying our actions or writing off the situation as accidental, or different from all the other times and therefore not necessary for apology. Whatever the excuse may be, the stories in this episode illustrate people who overcome their rationalizations and save their relationships with others by practicing forgiveness.
The Legend of the First Strawberry by Jenni Cargill-Strong (1:33)
A Cherokee Indian legend about a couple that grows apart and starts to forget about their initial love, but upon remembering they decide to forgive each other of their previous contentions. Learn more about Jenni Cargill-Strong by visiting: www.storytree.com.au
The Song Unsung and the Story Untold by Simon Brooks (9:54)
A husband and wife, who have never fought before, have a misunderstanding, and the husband leaves angrily. After some self-reflection, the husband returns and asks his wife for forgiveness. Learn more about Simon Brooks by visiting: www.diamondscree.com
Mary Yvonne and her Shroud by Dan Keding (21:05)
When Marie Yvonne, a skilled linen weaver, dies her only friends; Anrie, and Anne, take all of her linen, without leaving any for Marie’s shroud. Though Marie may be dead she wants a shroud and decides to set the situation straight and pay a visit to her friends one night. Learn more about Dan Keding by visiting: www.dankeding.com
Lawn Darts by Rick Huddle (29:23)
For Rick’s 13th birthday, he invites his two best friends over to play games, eat and spend the night in their trailer. It’s all fun and games until Rick accidentally hits the trailer with a lawn dart. His Dad reacts in an unexpected way. Learn more about Rick Huddle by visiting: www.rickhuddle.com
Robbery/Forgive Us by John McCutcheon (35:46)
At a folk club in Canada, John’s computer and phone are stolen. As a result he learns the importance of practicing what he preaches. Learn more about John McCutcheon by visiting: www.folkmusic.com
Assistant Producer Kassie Schreiber shares some her favorite stories, tellers, and moments that she’s had so far while working on The Apple Seed. Tellers include Susan Klein, Willy Claflin, and Kim Weitkamp, as well as a featured segment from our previous episode, “Moral of the Story”.
Persephone by Susan Klein (2:52)
Susan Klein's interpretation of the age old Greek myth of Persephone. Learn more about Susan Klein by visiting: www.susanklein.net
Brazilian Folk Characters (18:14)
A clip from The Apple Seed episode "The Moral of the Story", wherein Andre Marques, our sound engineer, explains some Brazilian folk characters he remembers from his childhood. You can listen to the rest of that episode by clicking on this link: Moral of the Story
So What and Drop Dead by Willy Claflin (24:18)
Maynard Moose’s take on Snow White and Rose Red. Learn more about Willy Claflin by visiting: www.willyclaflin.com
WZIX by Kim Weitkamp (34:50)
A story from Kim's childhood about how her mother helped her process the first brush of grief. Learn more about Kim Weitkamp by visiting: www.kimweitkamp.com
When you’re in a creative pinch there are different ways of finding your flow again, different brainstorming tools that will hopefully unclog your mental drain and let your art run smoothly out of you. And we wanted to look at one of those methods on this episode. It’s called a mind map, and what you do is start off with a general topic, word, or idea. From there you let your mind jump from that topic to something else that word or idea made you think of and you kind of continue with this free association training until your creativity is up and running again. Listen along to hear what stories our mind map takes us to on this episode of The Apple Seed.
The Gypsy Wagon by Dan Keding (2:00)
Dan recalls his childhood and how the gypsies would roll into their immigrant chicago neighborhood with unique things to sell and a horse drawn wagon. Learn more about Dan Keding by visiting: www.dankeding.com
Maruska and the Twelve Months by Beatrice Bowles (7:36)
Maruska's wicked stepmother and stepsister keep asking her to fulfill ridiculous requests but she manages to carry them through with help of the Twelve Months she meets high in the mountains. Learn more about Beatrice Bowles by visiting: www.beatricebowles.com
The Old Apple Tree by Diane Edgecomb (20:27)
The Apple Tree is a fixture in the neighborhood but as it gets older it struggles to produce the same amount of fruit it used to so the tree waits for someone to properly enjoy the few apples it has left. Learn more about Diane Edgecomb by visiting: livingmyth.com
Jimmy and the Seed by Susan Reed (32:31)
Jimmy has a seed that he refuses to plant but people in his life encourage him to plant it because they know it will yield more good than if he lets the seed just sit in his pocket. This story also includes an accompanying song entitled "Seed". Learn more about Susan Reed by visiting: www.susanreed.com
Jack and the Christmas Tree by Mark Binder (41:12)
The tale of Jack and the Beanstalk with a little holiday spin. Learn more about Mark Binder by visiting: markbinder.com
You can't always get what you want. But when you can't get that you often end up getting what you need, whether it's tins of milk, a new perspective or magical aide. And if you're very lucky every now and then you not only get what you need but you also get what you want.
The Lake of Eternal Youth by Laura J. Bobrow (1:28)
A king who studies black magic wants to stay forever young but in order to help him with that ritual his wife must first pass a test of bravery. Learn more about Laura J. Bobrow by visiting: www.laurajbobrow.com
Lady in White by Laurie Allen (8:15)
In an old western shop a lady frantically comes in over the course of three days, every time asking for a tin of milk and leaving expensive jewelry in exchange. The honest tradepost worker tries to find the woman in order to make a fair trade but when he finds her he encounters an unexpected situation. Learn more about Laurie Allen by visiting: utahstorytelling.org/laurie-allen-americana-storyteller-guitarist
A Room of My Own by Donald Davis (14:27)
When Donald is 3 years old, his little brother is born. At first, Donald loves sharing a room with his brother and they become great friends, but when Donald turns 13, he suddenly hates his brother and his family and all he really wants is a room of his own. Until he goes to summer camp. Learn more about Donald Davis by visiting: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
The Three Spinning Fairies by Odds Bodkin (45:27)
A girl who hates to spin gets stuck in a situation where her life depends on it, when her mother tells the queen of the land that all her daughter does everyday is spin. Learn more about Odds Bodkin by visiting: www.oddsbodkin.net
This is the season of the National Storytelling Festival, the event more prominent, perhaps, than any other in the story of the storytelling Revival in America. The festival is now in it’s forty-fifth year, and is characterized by more than ten thousand people descending upon the tiny town of Jonesborough, Tennessee, the oldest town in the state, to share a weekend’s worth of stories. This year, the festival features a lot of our favorites, as well as a host of new voices, and we’re going to bring you some of those folks on this episode of the Apple Seed: Tellers and Stories.
Look it Up by Donald Davis (1:47)
www.ddavisstoryteller.com
The Apron by Madeline L Pots (17:11)
www.madelinelpots.com
Iron John and The Little Drummer Boy by Willy Claflin (45:20)
www.willyclaflin.com
A lot of the stories that we play here on the Apple Seed are stories passed down orally from generation to generation. We’ve got a lot of respect around here for oral storytelling traditions around the world. But there’s something special about the inspiration, edification, entertainment, and enrichment that comes from stories written on paper that you can store on a bookshelf and take down when you want to, devouring your favorite passages in silence or out loud. On this episode, we’re sharing performances by some of our favorite storytellers of the literature they love.
Sir Gawain and Lady Ragnell by Ed Stivender (6:07)
Based on a 15th century poem called "The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnelle", which is, itself, a retelling of a story a lot of people know as "The Loathly Lady". No one knows who the original author is, but this is Ed's take which was recorded at the National Storytelling Festival. Learn more about Ed Stivender by visiting: edstivender.com
The Two Skyscrapers who Decided to Have a Child by Angela Lloyd(16:50)
Written by Carl Sandburg, the story was originally published in 1922 as part of his collection Rootabaga Stories, but that recording of the story about two skyscrapers was made in the wake of September 11, 2001. Learn more about Angela Lloyd by visiting: www.angelalloyd.com
The Cask of Amontillado by Syd Lieberman (27:09)
Written by Edgar Allen Poe this story makes deliberate jabs at his rival author, Thomas Dunn English, by alluding to characters and events in his novel. Others have also interperted this story as a way to scare people out of drinking, but whatever the reason he wrote the story it still makes for quite a scare. Learn more about the late Syd Lieberman by visiting: www.sydlieberman.com
Cyrano De Bergerac by The Acting Company (40:03)
The final scene from Cyrano De Bergerac by Edmond Rostand, in a readers theater performance by Suzanne Christensen, Noah Kershisnik, Leah Kershisnik, and Sam Payne.
Assistant Producer, Victoria Hardy, shares some of her favorite stories from tellers Molly Catron, Jay O'Callahan, Leeny Del Seamonds, and Kate Dudding.
Roots and Raccoons by Molly Catron (1:33)
Molly fondly recounts the story of her great grandfather and his family. She reluctantly decides to take her four granddaughters to the White family reunion. Despite her fears of the family judging her raccoon-eyed, wannabe rock star granddaughter, she learns that family connections can bridge any gap. Learn more about Molly Catron by visiting: www.mollywcatron.com
Max by Jay O'Callahan (20:06)
A story about a boy named Max whose grandparents teach him, “If you’re in love and you have a song, you can do anything. The ordinary laws don’t apply.” Max takes their advice and woos his crush, Emma, while simultaneously saving her father’s jewelry store from bankruptcy. Learn more about Jay O'Callahan by visiting: ocallahan.com
Cielito Lindo by Leeny Del Seamonds (32:07)
A personal story from Leeny about how she was teased for her height, her glasses, her ears, and her moles and how her mother sings her a song to help her realize it's her unique qualities that make her special. Learn more about Leeny Del Seamonds by visiting: www.leenydelseamonds.com
In the Face of Evil by Kate Dudding (41:11)
Kate goes to the Oklahoma City National Memorial and hears the stories of three people form the Oklahoma city terrorist attack--a survivor, a rescuer and the father of a victim. Learn more about Kate Dudding by visiting: www.katedudding.com
Storyteller Donna Washington collects and shares stories from all over the world, with audiences all over the world. We caught up with her at the St. Louis Storytelling Festival, where we heard her perform for audiences of all ages. On today’s episode, we’ll share a recording of a performance for a group of St. Louis elementary school students, as well as a conversation following the gig. It’s stories from India, Germany, China, and the USA, with Donna Washington, on today’s episode of the Apple Seed: Tellers and Stories. Find more of Donna and her work at www.dlwstoryteller.com
The Brahman, the Tiger, and the Mouse (1:30)
Donna Washington Interview (15:28)
A Knock at the Door (24:41)
Brer Possum and the Frogs (35:34)
The Blanket and the Bowl (51:22)
There are times in our lives when we have memorable encounters. We can meet our hero. Return to our family after a long absence. Or fall in love with a glance. And it can be hard to put those experiences into words though because we feel like we’re interacting with something beyond our normal scope of reality, something so magical it probably belongs in a fantasy. Which are the kinds of stories featured in this episode, stories in fantastical realms where the characters meet creatures in mystical places that change the course of their lives.
Dragon Mountain by Sophie Snell (Part 1) (1:27)
A young boy named David, whose life gets shook up after his mother is bitten by a snake spurring him on a journey to retrieve a dragon’s tooth to cure her. Learn more about Sophie Snell by visiting: www.sophiesnell.co.uk
Dragon Mountain by Sophie Snell (Part 2) (12:40)
David enters Dragon Mountain and beholds all the wonders within it before reaching the dragon's lair.
Dragon Mountain by Sophie Snell (Part 3) (27:50)
The conclusion of the story where things take a turn once David meets the dragon.
Blind Harry by Jess Smith (39:09)
When Blind Harry is walking home unescorted one night after providing his incredible fiddle music for the local Lord’s daughter’s wedding he gets swept into the bog where he's asked to play his fiddle for another wedding, and this time it's for the elf king's daughter. Learn more about Jess Smith by visiting: www.jesssmith.co.uk
Whether it’s the ominous music of Jaws, discovering little sea creatures like crabs or oysters, or a romantic walk on the beach, the ocean means something different to all of us. This episode features a range of songs and stories from Michael Katz, Brian "Fox" Ellis, Jill Lamede, Charlotte Blake Alston, Bob Reiser, Allison Downey, and Heather Forest that will sail you beyond the sea!
Hole in the Sea by Charlotte Blake Alston (1:19)
A gardener goes to great lengths to find something to cover her head everyday from the sun and rain and she finds a rock in the ocean that'll do the trick. The only thing is that it covers a giant bottomless pit. Learn more about Charlotte Blake Alston by visiting: www.charlotteblakealston.com
Ishiusu by Michael Katz (8:33)
A poor Japanese man finds a magic mill that he uses to make rice cakes and soon becomes very rich. His already wealthy brother decides to steal the mill stone, in the hopes that it will make him even richer. Learn more about Michael Katz by visiting: www.storytellermichael.com
In the Realm of the Seal King by Brian "Fox" Ellis (23:08)
While waiting for her father to return home from seal hunting a young girl is whisked away to the underwater kingdom of the Seal King himself where she experiences a change in perspective. Learn more about Brian "Fox" Ellis by visiting: foxtalesint.com
The Mollusk's Tale by Bob Reiser (34:50)
A story about an oyster named Pearl who is confronted with an oyster hunter and learns that her most important gift is not the magnificient pearl in her mouth but rather knowing when to speak. Learn more about Bob Reiser by visiting: www.bobtales.com
The Blue Fish by Jill Lamede (43:52)
A poor fisherman, whose father used to be an expert fisherman but who is now too frail to help, can't seem to catch a fish until one day when he finally catches a magic blue fish that grants him one wish. Learn more about Jill Lamede by visiting: www.lamede.com
Zig Zag Walk by Heather Forest (49:59)
A sweet song about a crab who learns to walk zig zag just like her mother. Learn more about Heather Forest by visiting: www.heatherforest.com
Blue Deep Aegean by Allison Downey (52:31)
A love song about the Aegean sea. Learn more about Allison Downey by visiting: allisondowney.com
In his iconic song, Superstition, Stevie Wonder states “When you believe in things you don’t understand, then you suffer, superstition ain’t the way”. However, if superstitions are erroneous beliefs that often cause one to suffer how is it that they stick around? Maybe it's because they make such interesting stories that range from making you laugh to raising the hair on the back of your neck. Whatever your own view of superstitions may be these stories are worth your time!
Mule Humans by Tim Lowry (1:20)
A husband and wife exchange some words to each other on an "amber day" about how certain parts of the other person's body looks like a mule and then those body parts actually turn into mule parts! Learn more about Tim Lowry by visiting: www.storytellertimlowry.com
The Goophered Grapevine by Charlotte Blake Alston (13:22)
A story about a southern plantation of grapes that the owner had cursed by the local “conjuring woman” when too many people were stealing and eating the grapes. Learn more about Charlotte Blake Alston by visiting: www.charlotteblakealston.com
The Boogin in the Gray Graveyard by Donna Washington (39:24)
There is a king that is super superstitious - to the point where it’s a problem because it prevents him from doing his job properly. He’s so afraid of bad luck he’s practically incapacitated so his staff comes up with a way to make him believe he’ll never have bad luck again. They tell him that if a shirt is sewn in the Gray Graveyard - which is rumoured to be haunted - that it will be the luckiest shirt in the world and if he were to wear that shirt the good luck would seep into him and therefore bad luck would never touch him. Learn more about Donna Washington by visiting: www.dlwstoryteller.com
Every year, there's an event that the Apple Seed looks forward to like a lot of people look forward to Christmas: It's the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival -- one of the largest storytelling events in the country for nearly three decades. It happens right here in our backyard, at the beautiful Ashton Gardens in Lehi, Utah, and attracts great tellers from far and near. This episode of The Apple Seed features the work of just a few of the great tellers featured at this year's festival: Donald Davis, Charlotte Blake Alston, Bil Lepp, Michael Reno Harrell, Josh Goforth, and even our host, Sam Payne!
Under Adverse Conditions by Bil Lepp (1:12)
www.leppstorytelling.com
Southern Suggestions by Michael Reno Harrell (11:00)
www.michaelreno.com
The Red Scooters by Donald Davis (21:05)
www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Hammers of Steel by Charlotte Blake Alston (30:04)
www.charlotteblakealston.com
Dennis Zwang's Saxophone Prayer by Sam Payne (40:28)
www.sampayne.com
My Dearest Dear by Josh Goforth (54:31)
www.blueridgeheritage.com/josh-goforth
One of the seven deadly sins, greed has long plagued the human race. Greed causes people to do things they wouldn’t normally do, like turning on their friends and family all for the sake of obtaining wealth. Or attempting to obtain it. Greed never rewards, and in this episode we've got stories of people who are beguiled nonetheless by a range of things that glint and glitter. Stories in this episode are:
New Mother by Daniel Bishop (1:33)
Two little girls behave very poorly in order to get a pretty music box an old lady has. Learn more about Daniel Bishop by visiting: www.danielbishopthestoryteller.com
The Mountain by Sean K. Buvala (13:28)
Two brothers with different worldviews stumble upon a mountain filled with gold. The only problem is that it's guarded by giants. Learn more about Sean K. Buvala by visiting: seantells.com
The Greedy Man in the Moon by Karl Behling (23:07)
A poor boy cares for a dying sparrow and nurses him back to health so ther bird bestows a marvelous gift to him. A greedy neighbor wants the same reward so he tries to trick the bird into giving him the same gift. Learn more about Karl Behling by visiting: kbstoryteller.webs.com
Ananzi's Narrow Waist by Len Cabral (32:05)
Ananzi promises everyone in the village that he will eat with them, but when everyone’s dishes are ready at the exact same time he runs into a sticky situation. Learn more about Len Cabral by visiting: www.lencabral.com
Golden Arm by Daniel Bishop (38:25)
A story about a mean, greedy, nasty man who marries a mean, greedy, nasty woman with a golden arm.
Keeping the Gold by Heather Forest (44:19)
A song and a story about a miser who never gave away his gold. Learn more about Heather Forest by visiting: www.heatherforest.com
The Poor Man and the Rich Man's Purse by Mary Hamilton (47:28)
A rich man loses his wallet and accuses the poor man of stealing it when he tries to give it back. The amount isn't the same as what the rich man thought he'd lost so they go to a rabbi to settle the affair. Learn more about Mary Hamilton by visiting: www.maryhamilton.info
Farmer and Demon by Sean K. Buvala (51:21)
A farmer finds a demon sitting in the middle of his field atop a pile of riches and decides to strike a deal with him in order to obtain the wealth before his eyes.
In the 1940s classic film, Casablanca the leading lady, Ilsa says to the club pianist “Play it Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By’.” which spurs her and and the club owner Rick, down memory lane of their love affair several years ago. Oddly enough the line is usually misquoted as “Play it again, Sam” but whatever way you end up saying it, at the core of the line is the power of music. Highlighting that power and the joy of playing an instrument, the stories in this episode include:
That Old Piano by Michael Reno Harrell (1:27)
A song about an old piano and the nostalgia of the the south. Learn more about Michael Reno Harrell by visiting: www.michaelreno.com
The First Flute by Bob Reiser (4:12)
A folktale from the Algonquin people about a young boy in love who relies on the forest to appease his beloved’s request before she finally agrees to marry him. Learn more about Bob Reiser by visiting: www.bobtales.com
Tater's Musical Adventure by Sheila Starks Philips (17:00)
A story about a little boy’s journey of trying pretty much every instrument but not being able to play anything well until he discovers...the importance of practice! (And just the right instrument). Learn more about Sheila Starks Philips by visiting: www.sheilaphillips.com
The Fiddler & the Wolves by The Storycrafters (27:05)
A skilled fiddler is walking through the woods and he realizes something is stalking him. All he has to defend himself is a loaf of bread, a turkey leg, and his fiddle. So he tries everything he can think of to keep himself safe. Learn more about The Storycrafters by visiting: www.storycrafters.com
The Fiddler of Dooney by Joseph Sobol and Kathy Cowan (37:06)
A song that swings back and forth from the story of a fiddler to their perspective of playing - as well as some great fiddle music. Learn more about Joseph Sobol by visiting: www.josephsobol.com and more about Kathy Cowan by visiting: www.kiltartanroad.com
How Henry Hagglyhoagly Played the Guitar With His Mittens On performed by Bill Harley (42:16)
This story is written by Carl Sandburg. Henry is intent on serenading the daughter of the rutabaga king with the guitar he recently purchased but the night is so cold when he finally arrives beneath her window he decides to keep his mittens on when he plays. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting: www.billharley.com
The Littlest Drum by Sondra Singer (49:34)
A drum maker had made a little drum for a young girl but she got sick so he gave her family money instead of the drum. Because of that choice he now struggles to sell this tiny instrument at the market until he finds just the right player for it. Learn more about Sondra Singer by visiting: www.storynet.org/teller/
Jay O’Callahan’s long form story, “The Golden Drum”, that occurs in a fantastical medieval time, where the kingdom of Artana is threatened by invasion and their only hope for defeating their enemy rests on a magical golden drum. The drum is nestled in a deep cave and guarded by three impossible tasks. This story is about the clever and unlikely protagonist that obtains the drum and saves the kingdom. You can find out more about Jay O'Callahan and his work by visiting: ocallahan.com
The Golden Drum Part 1 (1:58)
The Golden Drum Part 2 (8:50)
The Golden Drum Part 3 (21:28)
The Golden Drum Part 4 (29:39)
The Golden Drum Part 5 (39:27)
If you’re a church-goer, then you know that church is not only a place for spiritual uplift and worship, but it’s also the place where the foibles and idiosyncrasies and wonderfulness and strangeness of each member of a community is often on display for his or her neighbors. Look no further than church to find examples of resourcefulness and horse-sense, and an environment in which the limits of patience, tolerance, and good-naturedness sometimes find themselves under the most strenuous tests. Stories and songs in this episode include:
A Funeral for Cuss by Bil Lepp (2:01)
A hyperbolized story of a man named Cuss and the unique circumstances that took place at his funeral. Learn more about Bil Lepp, who has authored a parenting book entitled "Muddling Through: Perspectives on Parenting", by visiting: www.leppstorytelling.com
The Mighty Tudor's Biscuit World Biscuit Oven Organ by Adam Booth (21:10)
A tall tale about a time that Adam Booth offered his organ skills for the Easter Service of a local church. Learn more about Adam Booth, who holds a masters degree in music history, by visiting: www.adam-booth.com
The Night that Changed Everything by Geraldine Buckley (35:25)
The story of a night that changed her life, a night when Geraldine Buckley agreed to present in a maximum security prison. Learn more about Geraldine Buckley, who has several prison themed presentations, by visiting: www.geraldinebuckley.com
Church by Sam Payne and Savoy (44:24)
A song written by Lyle Lovett about a hungry congregation. Learn more about Sam Payne and Savoy, who have played all around the world, by visiting: www.sampayne.com/savoy
The Creation by Ed Stivender (48:33)
A humorous yet textually rooted telling of the creation of the world according to the bible. Learn more about Ed Stivender, who is a theologian and a banjo player, by visiting: edstivender.com
It’s been 16 years since two planes crashed into the World Trade Centers. And in this episode we wanted to take some time to listen to some stories from great tellers that resulted from that terrible day. Stories that were written to help digest hard times, heal wounds, and assist us to step forward into the future as better people.
An Everyday Hero by Anne Rutherford (2:18)
A fictional piece about how an average man chooses to make a difference after the events of September 11th, 2001. Learn more about Anne Rutherford by visiting: www.annerutherford.com
Scheherazade by Mary Grace Ketner (15:30)
The story of the woman who told the 1001 tales to keep from being killed by the sultan. Amidst that story Mary Grace Ketner shares a personal experience of being in the women’s room of a mosque to pray on the night of 9/11. Learn more about Mary Grace Ketner by visiting: talesandlegends.net
September in Alaska by Bryan Bowers (23:41)
Bryan describes his experience living in Alaska during the month of September, seeing all of the beautiful wildlife and fishing in the Kenai river with his son. Learn more about Bryan Bowers by visiting: www.somagency.com/bryan-bowers
Ohio Son by Sam Payne (38:10)
This song is about a father who watches his son grow up in Ohio. He is there every step of the way in his son’s life, including when he goes off to war in Iraq. Learn more about Sam Payne by visiting: www.sampayne.com
The Healing Sticks by Regina Ress (44:54)
Regina Ress finds healing after 9/11 with an indigenous group in Costa Rica. Learn more about Regina Ress by visiting: reginaress.com
Stories that feature or relate to the character of Baba Yaga, a character that appears in Slavic folklore as a witch of the woods, but that being said she’s more than your basic witch in the woods. She flies around like other witches but instead of donning a broomstick she rides a mortar and pestle. She’s got iron teeth. And her house stands on chicken feet, with blinking windows, often positioned behind a fence of human bones. She's unique. And complex. Sometimes she's bad like most witches but other times she's helpful, almost like a fairy godmother - either way she makes a great story.
Baba Yaga by Tim Lowry (1:43)
Sasha’s evil stepmother sends her into the woods to be eaten by Baga Yaga. Will she manage to escape before it's too late? Learn more about Tim Lowry by visiting: www.storytellertimlowry.com
Wham! Slam! Jenny-Mo-Mam! by Richard & Judy Dockery Young (13:05)
Some kids go into the woods and find an old witch who wants to eat them but they use some magic of their own to keep her at bay. Learn more about Richard and Judy Dockery Young by visiting: www.yawp.com
Russia by Mary Hamilton (21:15)
From her album "Sisters All...and One Troll" which includes Cinderella stories from around the world, this is the story of Vasilisa the Beautiful, a tale usually associated with Baba Yaga. Learn more about Mary Hamilton by visiting: www.maryhamilton.info
Little Man No Bigger Than Your Thumb by Beatrice Bowles (24:53)
A prince's sisters are kidnapped in a whirlwind and while journeying to find them he stumbles across Baba Yaga who guides him to the man who carried off his siblings. Learn more about Beatrice Bowles by visiting: www.beatricebowles.com
Katora; Lord of the Wind by Judith Black (37:17)
A father sends his daughters to marry the fierce wind that’s tearing through Siberia in order to tame him. Learn more about Judith Black by visiting: storiesalive.com
Harvest season can often be a bountiful and joyful time of the year, but a lot of what you reap is determined by what you planted in the first place. Highlighting stories of reward and/or comeuppance based on what the character initially sows, to illustrate what goes around comes back around too.
Little Yamo and The Apple Tree by Karen Golden (1:10)
A young man earns the trust of the entire forest through a series of good deeds. Learn more about Karen Golden by visiting: www.karengolden.com
The Samurai and the Sea Turtle by Dan Keding (12:50)
As a young man, a samurai sets a sea turtle free from a fisherman. Many years later their paths cross once again during a stormy night on the ocean. Learn more about Dan Keding by visiting: www.dankeding.com
Pennsy Cemetery by Kim Weitkamp (19:20)
Kim learns the story of Mr. Ramsey, the old sexton who ran the local cemetery, and how he would organize the plots based on local gossip: sinners near the tracks and saints near the trees. "Head Bone Rattles" is the song written to accompany this story about the sounds of the rattling bones as the train runs past. Learn more about Kim Weitkamp by visiting: www.kimweitkamp.com
Uncle Rabbit and Uncle Tiger by Olga Loya (41:02)
Tiger is trapped under a branch and Bull saves him, however right afterwards Tiger tries to eat Bull. They go around asking for different opinions on how a good deed should be repaid. Learn more about Olga Loya by visiting: www.olgaloya.com
The King with the Horses Ears by Liz Weir (47:49)
A king harrasses a hag and and is cursed with horse ears. Learn more about Liz Weir by visiting: www.lizweir.org
Annette Simmons said, “The telling and hearing of stories is a bonding ritual that breaks through illusions of separateness and activates a deep sense of our collective interdependence”. A common place for story swapping is within the family. In this episode of The Apple Seed, we’re focusing on stories within and about the family that draw people closer together. Some of the stories included in this episode are from the Story Corps Project and more stories can be found on their website: storycorps.org
A Story About the Story by Fran Yardley (2:08)
Fran plans to perform a story for her family, but is derailed and in the process discovers that it’s the sentiment of the memory rather than the polish of the performance that makes a story shine. Learn more about Fran Yardley by visiting: www.creativehealingconnections.org/fran-yardley
Colorless Love by Molly Catron (9:43)
Molly remembers her nanny, Evelyn. Though not a true familial connection, Evelyn’s memory is something Molly treasures. Learn more about Molly Catron by visiting: www.mollywcatron.com
Ledo Lucietto and Anne Lucietto (19:33)
A family talks about their shared passion for engineering.
Don Byles and Mackenzie Byles (22:04)
A father talks to his daughter about passing on the family business which they’ve had for over a century.
Judge Joe Pigott and Lorraine Pigott (25:23)
Joe shares memories of his step-grandfather, whose panicked reaction to the original “War of the Worlds” broadcast in 1938 has since evolved into one of their family’s favorite stories.
Grandpa Al and Max by Glenda Bonin (28:39)
Glenda’s dad and her are cleaning through the attic and the come across some things that spark the story of how her grandfather acquired his best horse, Max. Learn more about Glenda Bonin by visiting: www.storyworksgroup.com
Kevin Fredericks, Isaiah Fredericks, and Josiah Fredericks (36:05)
Two young sons ask their father a range of questions from "Where were you born?" to "Why can't we own a rollercoaster?".
The Lap by Kim Weitkamp (39:24)
Reminiscing on the various laps in her life, the changes of a body with age, and the relationships we develop with time. Kim's also plays "You Are My Sunshine" . Learn more about Kim Weitkamp by visiting: www.kimweitkamp.com
Owning a home is often considered a life milestone. But like with any major change, there are a few challenges and complications that accompany the joys and comforts of owning a house. This episode of The Apple Seed covers a whole spectrum of homeowner issues - stories of inheritance, pesky visitors and landscaping problems to name a few. Stories included in this episode:
The Fairies at Elmrock Hall by Peter J Parker (2:10)
The gardener of an estate runs into some trouble when the mistress of the house makes some landscaping requests. Learn more about Peter J Parker, who performs as Panryl the Wizard, by visiting: www.storytellerpeterjparker.co.uk
The Pig Who Went Home On Sunday by Donald Davis (19:08)
Three little pigs struggle with building a home and a pesky neighbor. Learn more about Donald Davis by visiting: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
The Little Old Woman Who Lived in a Vinegar Bottle by Zette Harbour (42:55)
An old woman keeps wishing for a better place to live but she’s never grateful for the upgrades a fairy grants her. Learn more about Zette Harbour by visiting: www.zetteharbour.com
Filling Up the House by Dan Keding (50:07)
A farmer asks each of his kids to fill the house for one dollar in order to determine who will inherit it. Learn more about Dan Keding by visiting: www.dankeding.com
Profound or humorous, exclaimed or left unsaid, last words tell a story that extends far beyond our final moments. Stories and songs included in this episode:
One Last Hershel Tale by Joel Ben Izzy (1:30)
Joel tells the story of Hershel who continues to joke even on his deathbed. Learn more about Joel Ben Izzy by visiting: www.storypage.com
Joe Hill's Last Will by John McCutcheon (5:07)
Joe Hill, a Swedish immigrant and union organizer, was executed by the state of Utah on November 19th, 1915. Accused of murdering two shopkeepers, Joe’s incarceration raised controversy among the working class, whom Joe had rallied together with his popular picket tunes like, “The Preacher and the Slave.” On the eve of his execution, Hill penned his last will and testament, performed here by famous folk singer John McCutcheon. Learn more about John McCutcheon by visiting: www.folkmusic.com
The Old Man and the Drum by Susi Wolf (8:06)
An old man comes to the town square each day, banging on his drum, in order to preserve his identity. Learn more about Susi Wolf by visiting: wolflifecoaching.com
Contagious Stories by Rivka Willick (11:08)
A teacher gets the last word when a student tries to best him. Learn more about Rivka Willick by visiting: www.simplyextraordinarytales.com
The Piper's Revenge (Cold Snap) by Simon Brooks (15:34)
Danny is trapped by a storm one night and plays a mean prank on the family who won’t let him stay. Thinking he’s getting the last laugh, Danny is surprised when a mysterious foot-less stranger comes knocking on his door. Learn more about Simon Brooks by visiting: www.diamondscree.com
The Nightingale by Diane Wolkstein (34:34)
A tale about the bird that delivers some final words to an emperor. (For the story Sam mentions in the episode listen to "The Juniper Tree" by Judith Heineman on our recent "Revenge" episode). Learn more about the late Diane Wolkstein by visiting: wikipedia.org/Diane_Wolkstein
Promises to Keep by Mary Hamilton (49:17)
A young soldier keeps his final promise to his beloved. Learn more about Mary Hamilton by visiting: www.maryhamilton.info
As a king there are a lot of responsibilities placed on your shoulders. From keeping the kingdom safe to finding an appropriate heir your job has a lot of work and struggle associated with it. And in an hommage of Joe Raposo's song for Kermit the Frog, "(It's Not Easy) Bein' Green" we've collected stories that illustrate how it's not easy bein' king either. Stories included in this episode:
The Silver Branch by Yvonne Healy (1:43)
A king is gifted a magical silver branch and in return learns the true meaning of wisdom. Learn more about Yvonne Healy by visiting: www.yhealy.com
The Wise King of Uruk and the Foolish King of Aratta by Judith Heineman and Dan Marcotte (17:43)
Two kings fight over which of their cities a certain goddess protects. Learn more about Judith Heineman and Dan Marcotte by visiting: www.judithanddan.com
The King and His Advisor by Mary Hamilton (33:16)
A King's advisor is constantly giving him the same piece of advice so he throws his advisor in jail and tests the truth of his words. Learn more about Mary Hamilton by visiting: www.maryhamilton.info
King Ruan and the Witch by Jess Smith (37:58)
King Ruan is an unattractive king and decides to search out a witch in order to help him find a wife. Learn more about Jess Smith by visiting: www.jesssmith.co.uk
King for a Year & A Day by Jeff Gere (49:40)
A man floats up on an island and is crowned king. He learns that after a year and a day they throw that man back into the ocean...and he has to decide what his next move is going to be. Learn more about Jeff Gere by visiting: jeffgere.com
We wanted to bring you with us to Rexburg, Idaho, for the first annual Teton Storytelling and Art Festival. It’s always a special thing, when a new storytelling festival is born, and this one came to life under the organizational hand of Jackie Rawlins, Tisha Flora, and Rob Burns. The idea of a storytelling festival came together around the inevitable influx of visitors to Rexburg surrounding the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse: The Great American Eclipse, as people called it. Bringing you stories from that festival and audio recordings of people attending the eclipse, the segments included in this episode are:
Noodling Story by Kim Weitkamp (1:52)
Kim's story about an interesting relative. Learn more about Kim Weitkamp by visiting: www.kimweitkamp.com
Second Segment (29:00)
Start of the second segment wherein Sam talks with several people about their experiences with past eclipses, along with sharing some of the audio he caught from the crowd during the phases of totality.
Omar and Lori Hansen (40:56)
A selkie story they performed at the Teton Storytelling and Art Festival. Learn more about Omar and Lori Hansen by visiting: greatbearfolktheatre.homestead.com
While in the St. Louis area the Apple Seed made a visit to the Challenger Learning Center to explore the facility and to chat with Sherry Norfolk who tells regularly there. Bringing you content from an intersection of science and stories we hope you enjoy the following segments in this episode:
A Conversation with Sherry Norfolk (4:50)
Sherry regularly performs at the St. Louis Challenger Learning Center with stories that are rooted in the wonder of space and science. Learn more about Sherry Norfolk by visiting: www.sherrynorfolk.com
Challenger Learning Center (17:30)
Sam gets a tour of the Learning Center that was built to help make science more accessible to the surrounding community. Learn more about St. Louis Challenger Learning Center by visiting: www.challengerstl.org
Columbia by Sam Payne (32:28)
A song that Sam wrote after the explosion of the space shuttle Columbia. Learn more about Sam Payne by visiting: www.sampayne.com
Fifty Thousand Bees on My Head by Doug Elliott (38:30)
A story from Doug Elliott's numerous nature excursions as well as a song, Sail on Honeybee. Learn more about Doug Elliott by visiting: dougelliott.com
In light of the 2017 Solar Eclipse that spanned much of North America, we gathered some stories together that link the infinite wonder of the celestial sphere to the lives of more earthly bound creatures. We have stories that explain the movement of the moon, highlight odd animal reactions to the sky, and cover the human fascination with touching the stars. Stories included in this episode:
The Rabbit in the Moon by Antonio Sacre (2:00)
A creation story about the sun and the moon and why they both move (or appear to move in the case of the sun). Learn more about Antonio Sacre by visiting: www.antoniosacre.com
Dancing with the Stars by Lani Peterson (9:37)
Lani frames a story about Coyote dancing with the stars with a story about a night that she and her family went to watch a meteor shower. Learn more about Lani Peterson by visiting: lanipeterson.com
The Sky is Fallin'! by Lyn Ford (22:44)
The classic tale of Chicken Little. Learn more about Lyn Ford by visiting: www.storytellerlynford.com
Stars by Susan Reed (38:45)
A young girl wishes on a star and tries to keep the realization of her wish all to herself but realizes that sharing her new treasure is the best thing to do in the end. Learn more about Susan Reed by visiting: www.susanreed.com
Our yearly tribute to the new school year, featuring music and stories by Mustard’s Retreat, Dan Kedding, Fran Yardley, Jay O’Callahan, and Laura Pershin Raynor.
What Laura Couldn't Say by Jay O'Callahan (1:35)
Jay's daughter, Laura suddenly has a hard time going to school and she can't manage to tell her parents the reason why. Learn more about Jay O'Callahan, who is currently running a workshop and performance entitled "Falling for Emily Dickinson", by visiting: ocallahan.com
Homework by Dan Keding (6:09)
A song about the many way homework gets used that thusly prevents us from turning in the assignment on time. Learn more about Dan Keding, who won the 2009 Storytelling World Award, by visiting: www.dankeding.com
Needles, the Adirondack Porcupine by Fran Yardley (9:16)
A man potty trains a porcupine to a very impressive level. Learn more about Fran Yardley, who founded of Creative Healing Connections, by visiting: www.creativehealingconnections.org/fran-yardley
Going Back to School by Mustard's Retreat (17:55)
A song about the seasons changing and the mixture of reluctance and willingness to go back to school. Learn more about Mustard's Retreat by visiting: www.mustardsretreat.com
Favorite Teachers (21:15)
The Apple Seed Team shares memories about some of their favorite teachers.
School of Hard Knocks by Laura Pershin Raynor (31:39)
Laura's personal tale about starting the sixth grade and the unique experiences that went along with it. Learn more about Laura Pershin Raynor, who has been the Teller in Residence at the International Storytelling Center, by visiting: www.lpraynor.com
Stories are passed on and recorded in various ways. And in this episode, with performances by The Acting Company and conversation amongst The Apple Seed team about Bob Dylan's Nobel Laureate lecture, we wanted to examine and celebrate stories that originated as written literature.
The Princess and the Chest (2:30)
A story taken from a collection of fairytales. Learn more about The Acting Company by visiting: www.facebook.com/TACactingcompany
Conversation about Dylan's Lecture (26:14)
The Rivals by Mitch Capel (38:41)
A poem orginially written by Paul Laurence Dunbar about some young men fighting over a girl. Learn more about Mitch Capel by visiting: www.gjbug.com
The Young Visitors Chapter One (45:20)
Performed by The Acting Company this is the first chapter of a book written by a nine year old. The reading is intended to reflect the author's unique spellings.
There are some stories that have been with us for ages but that doesn’t mean every time you hear it, it’s going to be what you expect. On this episode of The Apple Seed we're sharing traditional tellings alongside unconventional interpretations of classic stories from Greek mythology. Stories and songs included in this episode are:
The Perilous Pomegranate by Beatrice Bowles (1:57)
The tale of Persephone, the daughter of the goddess Demeter who gets kidnapped by the god of the underworld, Hades. Learn more about Beatrice Bowles, who won the 2015 World Storytelling Award, by visting: www.beatricebowles.com
Theseus by Barbara McBride-Smith (12:09)
The story of the "hero" who defeated the minotaur. Learn more about Barbara McBride-Smith, who is known for her Western spin on Greek mythology, by visting: timpfest.org
Athena and Poseidon by Susan Reed (34:54)
The myth of a battle of sorts between Athena and Poseidon when they were petitioning to be the patron saint of a newly built temple. The song that follows the story is entitled: Olive Tree. Learn more about Susan Reed, winner of a NAPPA Gold award, by visting: www.susanreed.com
Pegamoose and the Gorgonzola Medusa by Willy Claflin (44:10)
Maynard Moose's creative take on the Greek myth of Pegasus and Medusa. Learn more about Willy Claflin, who is also an award-winning children's author, by visting: www.willyclaflin.com
Have you ever done something even when you knew you shouldn't? Or maybe you've had moments when the truth is staring you right in the face, but you just don’t want to believe it. After those times you may wind up feeling a little guilty. You're not alone. On this episode we’re bringing you true stories and folktales about people who knew better, but choose to do the opposite. It’s a condition that’s referred to in psychology as “cognitive dissonance.” Stories included in this episode:
Little Girl and the Gunny Wolf by Len Cabral (1:52)
A tale from the 10th century wherein a little girl goes to visit her grandma’s house, and refuses to accept what she find’s there. Learn more about Len Cabral by visiting: www.lencabral.com
Different by John McCutcheon (13:53)
This song takes a look at that age old question between parents and their children: “Why do mom and dad get to do that, but I don’t?”. Learn more about John McCutcheon by visiting: www.folkmusic.com
You're in Trouble [Live] by Bill Harley (17:39)
A song about being caught red handed. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting: www.billharley.com
Potholders by Kim Weitkamp (23:03)
Kim attempts to sell her homemade potholders by telling her neighbors that she’s raising money to cure her mother’s mysterious illness. Learn more about Kim Weitkamp by visiting: www.kimweitkamp.com
Frog's Mother by Donna Washington (41:04)
A story of how Frog's mother uses a little bit of reverse psychology in order to help her son see things from her point of view. Learn more about Donna Washington by visiting: www.dlwstoryteller.com
Messenger to Maftam by Odds Bodkin (44:55)
A tale from South Africa that echoes the story of Jonah and the Whale. Learn more about Odds Bodkin by visiting: www.oddsbodkin.net
Erik Weihenmayer is an innovator, author, motivational speaker and all around adventurer. He was the first blind man to summit Mount Everest and has inspired thousands of people through various organizations, including his No Barriers initiative. On this episode of The Apple Seed we get to discuss with Erik about his adventures and his work, which you can learn more about at www.touchthetop.com
Conversation with Erik Weihenmayer (2:05)
Discussion about Erik's book No Barriers, which chronicles kayaking in the Grand Canyon, and what lead to its development.
Everest by Sam Payne (21:39)
A song Sam wrote after first hearing about Erik Weihenmayer. Performed by Sam Payne, Ryan Tilby, Steve Lemmon, and Korky Ollerton.
Conversation with Erik Weihenmayer (26:33)
Sam and Erik talk about some inspirational figures for them, specifically Mandy Harvey, how Erik's adventures have transformed him, and some of his organizational work.
The Healing Sticks by Regina Ress (48:40)
Regina Ress finds healing after 9/11 with an indigenous group in Costa Rica. Learn more about Regina Ress by visiting reginaress.com
In the 1984 film, Footloose, the main character Wren quotes some bible verses about dancing to prove a point. One of the verses he includes is Ecclesiastes 3:4, which says, there is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;”. In this episode we're sharing tales, poems, and songs, about times when dancing seems like the right thing to do.
Nutcracker by Kevin Kling (2:29)
When Kevin Kling was asked to be in a production of the Nutcracker. Not having a lot of dance training early in his life, a child in the cast gives him some advice when he’s met with criticism. Learn more about Kevin Kling, an author, playwright, storyteller, and occasional dancer, by visiting: www.kevinkling.com
Max by Jay O'Callahan (8:13)
Max is inhibited from dancing due to a leg condition but that doesn’t prevent him from stepping into the magic of a Gene Kelly dance scene when the occasion presents itself. Learn more about Jay O'Callahan, who often runs writing workshops from his home, by visiting: ocallahan.com
Elaina's Birthday Dance by Sheila Arnold (20:04)
Elaina has a hard time keeping her love of dance contained to “appropriate times”. For her, all the time is a “time to dance” and though she’s met with some some time constraints every so often, like school or taking care of her baby brother, on her birthday she’s allowed to dance all day long thanks to a special gift from her mother. Learn more about Sheila Arnold, who is the CEO and Lead Performer of History's Alive!, by visiting: www.mssheila.org
De Critters Dance by Oni Lasana (40:12)
A poem about how dancing isn’t only for humans - it’s for every creature. Learn more about Oni Lasana, who is a performer and a performance poet, by visiting: www.onilasana.com
Belle of the Ball by Waddie Mitchell (44:10)
A poem about the trouble that can come with taking the prettiest girl to the dance. Learn more about Waddie Mitchell, a renowned cowboy poet, by visiting: www.somagency.com/waddie-mitchell
Skeleton Dance by Anne Rutherford (47:19)
A song about skeleton's dancing. Learn more about Anne Rutherford, a three-time first place winner at the NW Folklore Festival Liar's Contest, by visiting: www.annerutherford.com
The Dancing Lass of Anglesey by Heather Forest (50:56)
A musical tale of a time when battles were fought and won by the skill of a dancer rather than by the amount of blood spilt. Learn more about Heather Forest, who is an author of seven children's books based on folktales, by visiting: www.heatherforest.com
Foxes have been appearing in written literature since 4 B.C. with Aesop’s fables, and they continue to perpetuate through the storytelling tradition today. Fox characters often slide around on the scale of good and bad, but no matter where they fall it’s always interesting to hear the plans they concoct, or the plans that are carried out by the other characters in reaction to the fox. Stories included in this episode are:
Fox's Bag by Pam Faro (1:59)
Fox goes from house to house collecting something bigger to eat, which he stores in his sack, until the final woman he tries to trick manages to dupe him instead. Learn more about Pam Faro by visiting: storycrossings.com
Henrietta and Fritz by Glenda Bonin (18:44)
Fritz the fox tells Henrietta the Hen that it’s an international day of peace so she should come off her perch and come to the ground so they can be friends. Henrietta has her own suspicious about what's really going on that day. Learn more about Glenda Bonin by visiting: www.storyworksgroup.com
1000 Ideas by Mary Hamilton (24:40)
A fox and crane get stuck in a hunter’s hole together. He has 1000 ideas on how to get out of the situation and he laughs at the crane for only having one idea. Learn more about Mary Hamilton by visiting: www.maryhamilton.info
Rabbit and Fox by Joseph Bruchac (28:32)
Fox is hoping for a lovely meal in the middle of the winter, but rabbit keeps taking on new disguises, throwing a wrench in Fox's plan. Learn more about Joseph Bruchac by visiting: josephbruchac.com
Fox and His Tail by Sam Harris (38:21)
From Mitch Weiss & Martha Hamilton’s album Stories in My Pocket: Tales Kids Can Tell, Sam Harris tells this story from Nicaragua in which Fox is chased by some dogs; escapes, and asks his body parts what they did for him. Learn more about Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss by visiting: beautyandthebeaststorytellers.com
Fox and Horse by Sean K. Buvala (42:57)
Horse's owner tells him that he could only keep him under a unique condition that Horse feels he cannot meet. Fox decides to lend his wit to the situation. Learn more about Sean K. Buvala by visiting: www.seantells.com
Buh Fox Learn Fo' Count by Tim Lowry (47:19)
A Gullah tale featuring Br'er Rabbit and Br'er Bear in which Buh Fox learns to count. Learn more about Tim Lowry by visiting: www.storytellertimlowry.com
As we tell tales we’re stitching “something” into our listeners and a good teller will often pull that “something” like a string throughout the narrative to tighten up its audience a little more - bring them a little closer to each other - or whatever place the teller is trying to reach. And we wanted to share some stories with you, whose content reflects that search for unity and harmony where there might have been dischord, or isolation before. Stories and songs about people -- or animals -- coming together. Stories included in this episode:
Cranes by Susan Reed (1:36)
A group of cranes used to fly over the world spreading peace behind them but then one day the lead crane suddenly dies, and consequently disrupts the flow of harmony in the world . The song that accompanies this piece is called Paper Cranes. Learn more about Susan Reed, whose album Lion in the Sky has won several awards including the Tillywig Gold Award, by visiting: www.susanreed.com
Heart in Our Hands by Kevin Cordi (23:02)
In a land where people's hearts are on their hands, one man learns an immaculate heart is not actually the most beautiful heart one can have. Learn more about Kevin Cordi, who is also an author and an international award winning educator in addition to being a storyteller, by visiting: www.kevincordi.com
The Power of Love by Michael McCarty (30:37)
While traveling around India he's confronted with some difficulties just because of the color of his skin, but instead of getting angry he decides to respond by "sending love" to those who are giving him a rough time. Learn more about Michael McCarty, who won the South African Candlelight Award for Sharing Hope in 1998, by visiting: www.havemouthwillrunit.com
Alegria! We Sing as One by Leeny Del Seamonds (39:12)
A song about singing altogether. Learn more about Leeny Del Seamonds, the 2015 winner of the National Storytelling Network Oracle Cirlce of Excellence Award, by visiting: www.leenydelseamonds.com
House on the Hill by Heather Forest (41:11)
A whole bunch of animals work together to build a home they can all share. Learn more about Heather Forest, who is an award winning author of various types of work, by visiting: www.heatherforest.com
The Bundle of Sticks by The Storycrafters (46:09)
Three sisters discover the reason why their grandmother kept a bundle of sticks over the fireplace. Learn more about The Storycrafters, recipients of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, by visiting: www.storycrafters.com
Summertime is the time for road trips. And traveling around this summer with friends and family of different ages certain stories have floated to the top of the pile as crowd pleasers for drive-time listening. We wanted to share those stories with you whether you're cruising along the open road this summer or taking the prime seat on the couch. Stories included in this episode:
Lessons Learned in East Berlin by Bil Lepp (1:34)
Bil is notorious for his tall tales but this is a true story from when he was an exchange student in Germany. In a quest to acquire an East German propaganda poster, Bil learns that people are more than just the organization with which they affiliate Learn more about Bil Lepp, who has won the West Virginia Liars' Contest five times, by visiting: www.leppstorytelling.com
Weezie and the Moon Pies by Bill Harley (15:38)
Weezie is the smartest kid's little sister and gets everyone into a pickle one day when her love for Moon Pies goes unattended. Learn more about Bill Harley, winner of the Green Earth Book Award, by visiting: www.billharley.com
Train by Kevin Kling (40:25)
Lessons learned by riding the rails to the coast in search of great seafood. Learn more about Kevin Kling, who has written five plays, by visiting: www.kevinkling.com
The Bear Hunters Bold by Waddie Mitchell (51:45)
A terrific piece by one of America's leading cowboy poets, performed live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in 2012. Learn more about Waddie Mitchell, who has appeared on television several times, by visiting: www.somagency.com/waddie-mitchell
In this episode we’re talking about teaching stories – stories that have at their heart a moral or teaching designed to help you understand something or to help you foster a certain behavior or sense of watchfulness about some danger. The Apple Seed teams sits down together to discuss the topic as well as share some of the moralistic tales that have stuck with them throughout their lives. Segments included in this episode are:
Insecure Flower by Bob Reiser (1:08)
A flower learns that beauty is more than just an appearance, beauty comes from what we create. You can learn more about Bob Reiser by visiting: www.bobtales.com
The Moral of the Story Roundtable (5:56)
A discussion amongst the Apple Seed Team, Sam Payne, Whitney Snow, Andre Marques, and Kassie Schreiber, about the role stories with morals have played in their lives.
The Fox and the Crow by Susan Klein (29:58)
Aesop's Fable with a cautionary word towards flattery, with a brief introduction by our assistant producer, Kassie Schreiber. You can learn more about Susan Klein by visiting: www.susanklein.net
Brazilian Folk Characters (32:53)
Our audio engineer, Andre Marques, shares some classic characters from Brazilian folklore.
The Emperor's New Clothes by Diane Wolkstein (38:12)
Whitney Snow's memorable story with a moral comes from Hans Christian Andersen, which she first heard from a Little Golden Book. It's about a Emporer and his staff that are so self-absorbed some swindlers decide to take advantage of their pride. You can learn more about the late Diane Wolkstein by visiting her Wikipedia page: wikipedia.org/Diane_Wolkstein
The Brahman, the Tiger, and the Jackal by Heather Forest (48:20)
A folktale from India. You can learn more about Heather Forest by visiting: www.heatherforest.com
Based in New York, long-time friends Andrew Davies and Aaron Friedman visit summer camps, colleges, family centers, festivals and more as The Bible Players, an improv/comedy duo specializing in Torah stories. They’ve been doing it since 2011, and we caught up with them as they visited the St. Louis Storytelling Festival. This episode features a conversation with Andrew and Aaron, as well as a stories from Joel Ben Izzy and Syd Liebeman. Segments included in this episode:
The Bible Players (0:17)
Conversation with Andrew Davis and Aaron Friedman, the co-founders of The Bible Players along with some audio of their performances. You can learn more about The Bible Players by visiting: www.thebibleplayers.com
The Beggar King by Joel Ben Izzy (21:30)
A story about King Solomon's efforts to build a temple, that are thwarted by a demon who casts him out, which eventually leads him to become a chef, a dancer, a jeweler, and a beggar. You can learn more about Joel Ben Izzy by visiting: www.storypage.com
Challas in the Ark by Syd Lieberman (46:23)
A little language confusion leads to a flow of unexpected miracles. You can learn more about the late Syd Lieberman by visiting: www.sydlieberman.com
Listening to a story is sometimes equivalent to walking a mile or ten miles in someone else’s shoes and so today we wanted to walk along the path of, well, insects. We’ve gathered together some great stories that give us a little bit more insight into life as the littlest of guys - bugs. Stories included in this episode:
The Pet Centipede by Sheila Starks Phillips (1:18)
A man gets a talking centipede as a pet and decides to ask it to church. Learn more about Sheila Starks Phillips by visiting: www.sheilaphillips.com
Teeny Tiny Fly and the Great Big Whale by Big Joe Pagliuca (4:45)
Three brothers live together with a dog and a fly. All the brothers and the dog get swallowed by a whale, leaving the fly to figure out how to save them. Learn more about Big Joe by visiting: www.bigjoe.com
Poor Little Bug on the Wall by Priscilla Howe (13:40)
A song about the hardships of being a lonely bug on the wall. Learn more about Priscilla Howe by visiting: www.priscillahowe.com
La Mariposa by Donna Washington (18:04)
A story explaining why the Monarch butterfly is the way she is. Learn more about Donna Washington by visiting: www.dlwstoryteller.com
Frog and Centipede by Susan Klein (29:25)
A young frog keeps asking the centipede how it got its shiny armor, but he's to impatient to listen to the fulness of the tale. Learn more about Susan Klein by visiting: www.susanklein.net
Paca and Beetle by Heather Forest (31:56)
In this Tortoise and the Hare type of tale, Paca and Beetle engage in a race. Learn more about Heather Forest by visiting: www.heatherforest.com
Ants and Grasshopper by Willy Claflin (37:47)
A Maynard Moose interpretation of the classic fable, which ends a little differently than what you'd expect. Learn more about Willy Claflin by visiting: www.willyclaflin.com
Princess Firefly by Diane Edgecomb (40:25)
A beetle princess sends various suitors to bring her back the light of the stars in order to win her hand. Learn more about Diane Edgecomb by visiting: livingmyth.com
We’re in Fruita, Colorado at the Dinosaur Journey museum. This museum is part of a greater organization that includes a number of active paleontological digs, as well as another museum called the Museum of the West where exhibits tell the story of more than a thousand years of history about the area, an interpretive site called Cross Orchards where costumed guides help you step back in time more than a hundred years, the Lloyd Files Research Library, featuring, among thousands of other things, the Mesa County Oral History project. All of these facilities together are part of a museum complex called Museums of Western Colorado, which you can discover more about at museumofwesternco.com
The truth is, we live in a time in which there seems to be a harder, brighter line than usual between the people who embrace the things that scientists are discovering about our world and the people who don’t. We’re seeing things like marches for science, and we’re hearing labels like “science deniers,” and at the Apple Seed, where we’re interested in all of the many ways that people use story to communicate important stuff, we recognize that there’s the valuable work of scientists, and then there’s the place at which that work interfaces with an interested public. And a place like the Dinosaur Journey Museum seems to exist right in that intersection. We talk to Dr. Julia McHugh, someone on the front lines of figuring out how to use competent storytelling to help non-scientists catch the vision of what scientists are learning and discovering for the first half of the hour. Other segments in this episode include:
Sam Payne's Dinosaur Blues (28:40)
A song Sam captured amidst inspirational statues of dinosaurs. Learn more about Sam Payne by visiting: www.sampayne.com
Patty Saurus Part 1 by Diane Edgecomb (29:50)
Patty is obsessed with dinosaurs...all she can think about is having more and more and more dinosaur things. She thinks about it so much she kind of loses herself. Learn more about Diane Edgecomb, who won the first national Oracle Award for Storytelling Excellence in the Northeast, by visiting: livingmyth.com
Patty Saurus Part 2 by Diane Edgecomb (42:19)
The second installment of Patty Saurus where she learns a little bit more about sharing and caring rather than constantly thinking about "more".
There are some story windows through which you can look and see the whole story of America, spread out before you. For example, you can look at the story of baseball and find in it the whole story of America. The story of the National Parks might be another one of those windows. Or the history of American churches.
We’ve looked through some of those windows on other episodes of the Apple Seed and so in this episode we’re peeking through the window of jazz. Sam fired up some recording equipment somewhere between sound check and downbeat of a recent gig with some friends of his – Ryan Tilby, Ian Camp, and Keith Sorensen. We coupled their feelings, observations, and experiences playing jazz over the years along with some songs and stories. Segments included in this episode:
What sparked an interest in jazz? (1:33)
Sweet Velzoe Brown by Norman Walker (4:26)
Velzoe Brown, was a jazz pianist who started playing as a teenager and continued to play well after her hundredth birthday. She was an inspiration for a lot of people, including Norman Walker. Learn more about Norman Walker by visiting: www.storytellers-conteurs.ca/Norman-Walker
The highs and lows of peforming with a jazz singer (9:26)
Dr. Henderson by Sam Payne (14:23)
Sam talks about his vocal jazz professor, who really made an impact on him. Learn more about Sam Payne and his jazz friends, who play together as "Savoy", by visiting: www.sampayne.com/savoy
What does it mean to be part of the jazz tradition? (25:15)
Remembering Marilyn Monroe by Kate Dudding (30:11)
It’s a story about Marilyn Monroe but it’s also about Ella Fitzgerald and how like many African American artists during the 1950’s, she was not playing first rate jazz clubs, even though she - and others - were first rate performers, just because of the color of their skin. Learn more about Kate Dudding by visiting: www.katedudding.com
The Glory of Improvisation (36:07)
The Sax Man by Ted Fink (41:06)
Ted meets a really good horn player who knew his dad. They talk about music pieces that they’ve each played in and the joy of big band days. This story also highlights that whether improvising or playing something that’s written down, there are moments when artists touch something greater than themselves. Learn more about Ted Fink by visiting: tedfink.com
Memorable Experiences (52:45)
John F. Kennedy once said, “nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike” and here on the Apple Seed we feel like that expression could be extended to the stories about bikes. With tales that include scrapes, Christmas presents, and neighborhood fun, we hope you can feel the wind against your face as you listen to these heartwarming and silly stories and by then end of it all you may just find yourself saying, “I want to ride my bicycle”. Stories and songs included in this episode:
Making Ends Meet by Susan Klein (1:40)
Susan Klein talks about competing desires she has as a seven year old of not wanting to financially burden her family and wanting a shiny blue bike for Christmas. Learn more about Susan Klein by visiting: www.susanklein.net
Mulga Bill's Bicycle by Paul Taylor (17:20)
Paul Taylor retelling “Mulga Bill’s Bicycle,” a poem originally written by Banjo Paterson in the late 1800s. Learn more about Paul Taylor by visiting: www.paultaylor.ws
A Good Night's Rest by Jay O'Callahan (20:54)
A flat tire on a bike interrupts one lady's hope of a good night's rest, and spurs a series of comical events. Learn more about Jay O'Callahan by visiting: ocallahan.com
Look, Ma! No Hands! by Rick Huddle (33:32)
A poem of sorts about the many ways you can ride a bike...and how all of those methods will inevitably end. Learn more about Rick Huddle by visiting: www.rickhuddle.com
Bike Story by Michael Reno Harrell (37:52)
Michael's memory of getting a bike for Christmas and the modifications and experiences that went along with it. Learn more about Michael Reno Harrell by visiting: www.michaelreno.com
Wheels by Michael Reno Harrell (48:40)
A song that accompanies Bike Story.
A conversation in Boulder, Colorado with storytellers Rachel Ann Harding and Cooper Braun-Enos (who can be found on Facebook). Those two artists make up Stories With Spirit and we talked with them for the first half of the show. The conversation took place in the beautiful Dushanbe Teahouse, a gift to Boulder from its sister city, Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan. The teahouse features decorative elements crafted by over 40 artisans, using ancient methods, over more than a dozen years. This episode also features stories from Liz Weir and Antonio Rocha, tellers that Rachel Ann and Cooper both cite as inspirations.
The Chain of Memories by Liz Weir (29:53)
A story developed by one of Liz’ storytelling classes during a residency at Killygordon National School in Donegal. The story is from a collection called “A Wailing on the Wind,” with music written by Ian Stephens, played by the Mavron Quartet. Learn more about Liz Weir by visiting: www.lizweir.org
The Most Powerful Being in the World by Antonio Rocha (35:37)
A pair of forest rat parents search out the most powerful being in the world to marry their eldest daughter. Learn more about Antonio Rocha by visiting: www.storyinmotion.com
The Leannan Sidhe by Liz Weir (49:00)
This is a story Liz collected from the work of the late Sheila Quigley – a story of a fairy lover who seeks out mortal men.
“Pourquoi” stories - which is just the fancy French way of saying “why” - is a category of stories that offers explanations, origin stories, and general responses to the marvelous question “why?”. Of all the ways to start a question, “why” seems to be the best starting point for an answer in story form and in this episode we hope you’ll enjoy the narrative responses to what may be considered some of life’s fundamental - or simply fun - questions. Stories included in this episode:
Why The Sky Is So Far Away by Jenni Cargill Strong (1:55)
The sky used to be very close to the world, so close that you could touch it and tear off a chunk from it for dinner, but when humanity began to take advantage of that easy meal the sky makes some tough decisions. Learn more about Jenni Cargill Strong and her organization, The Storytree Company, by visiting: www.storytree.com.au
Wolf and Turtle by Kirk Waller (8:55)
This story is a response to Kirk Waller’s own son asking why the turtle has a cracked shell and it involves some persimmons, a possum, and a wolf. Learn more about Kirk Waller and his album “But Why? Stories, Music and Songs”, which recieved a Parent's Choice Foundation Gold Award, by visiting: www.kirkwaller.com
Why the Sun Comes Up When Rooster Crows by Martha Hamilton & Mitch Weiss (20:08)
There used to be too many suns in the sky so the best archer in the world shot most of them down. This scared the sun that was left so the people of earth had to figure out how to bring it out. Learn more about Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss and their pourquoi tales album, "How & Why: World Tales Kids Can Tell", by visiting: beautyandthebeaststorytellers.com
Why Dogs Chase Cats by Charlotte Blake Alston (24:47)
The Dog and Cat used to be best friends but something happens between them involving cheese that spoils their relationship. Learn more about Charlotte Blake Alston who is an accomplished musician of traditional instruments as well as a librettist, by visiting: www.charlotteblakealston.com
Why Do We Fish? by Doug Elliott (35:34)
A more serious story compared to the others. It’s a reflection on how fishing is more than a sport or a practical means of feeding yourself, it’s really a search for hope. This story also includes a poem by W.B. Yeats. Learn more about Doug Elliott, a naturalist, herbalist, and basketmaker, by visiting: dougelliott.com
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears by Bobby Norfolk (41:10)
A mosquito starts buzzing around one animal’s ear which sparks a chain reaction that throws off the whole animal kingdom, even stopping the sun from properly rising. The resolution, or lack thereof, informs us as to why and what mosquitoes buzz in people’s ears. Learn more about Bobby Norfolk, an Emmy Award Winning Speaker, by visiting: www.bobbynorfolk.com
Why Tell? by Jeff Gere (53:01)
Maybe the most important question of all: why tell stories? The answer may be different from person to person, but Jeff Gere provides a heartwarming - and musical - response. Learn more about Jeff Gere, who is also a mime and a puppeteer, by visiting: jeffgere.com
The Apple Seed visits St. Louis, where in the historic Old Courthouse a few blocks away from the Gateway Arch, we hear performances and conversation with the Story Stitchers, an organization with the mission to document Saint Louis through art and word to promote understanding, civic pride, intergenerational relationships and literacy. Hearing their performances and considering their mission took our thoughts to a story from Kate Dudding about the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building in Oklahoma City in 1995, to a story from John McCutcheon called “Survivor,” and to memories of making movies in high school. Stories and segments included in this episode:
Conversation with the Storystitchers director (5:16)
For more from the Story Stitchers visit storystitchers.org
In The Face of Evil by Kate Dudding (15:52)
From a collection of stories called “People Who Made a Difference.” The story is one that so many are familiar with: the story of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City in 1995 – the bombing perpetrated by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols. Storyteller Kate Dudding thrives on researching and presenting informative, insightful stories that often shed new light on stories we thought we knew. You can learn more about Kate Dudding by visiting: www.katedudding.com
Survivor/Well May the World Go by John McCutcheon (29:18)
A story and song about living through things and making memories - especially in high school. Learn more about John McCutcheon, a 6 time Grammy Nominee, by visiting: www.folkmusic.com
In My Dreams by Kim Weitkamp (40:56)
A song about dreaming recorded live at the 2013 National Storytelling Festival. Learn more about Kim Weitkamp, who was the 2016 Emcee of the National Storytelling Festival, by visiting: www.kimweitkamp.com
Sam Payne's High School Memories (46:30)
Sam reminices about his friend, Rocco DeVilliers, and the films they and their buddies made in high school together, in particular a movie they made called Bounding Overwatch. Learn more about our host, Sam Payne, by visiting: www.sampayne.com
Second chances and new beginnings. Some stories that deal with redemption and forgiveness, while others are just about accepting what comes next in the cycle of life. Stories and songs included in this episode:
The Preacher and the Ferryman by Brian “Fox” Ellis (2:20)
A Preacher inspires a rather rude Ferryman with a new perspective on life. Learn more about Brian "Fox" Ellis, who is also an author of 16 books, by visiting: foxtalesint.com
This Morning I Was Born Again by John McCutcheon (8:11)
A song about being connected with the rhythms of the natural world. Learn more about John McCutcheon, whose song Christmas in the Trenches was named one of the 100 Essential Folk Songs, by visiting: www.folkmusic.com
The Blue Coat by Jenni Cargill Strong (11:41)
A Jewish folktale about the many shapes and stages a little boy’s blue coat goes through thanks to the craft and skill of his grandfather, the tailor. Learn more about Jenni Cargill Strong, an Australian based teller, by visiting: www.storytree.com.au
Butterfly by Susan Reed (18:33)
A song about the evolution of a butterfly and its flight in the bright blue sky. Learn more about Susan Reed, who was Director of Suzuki Studies at New England Conservatory of Music before embarking on her solo career, by visiting: www.susanreed.com
Donald Davis Selection (22:55)
A collection of stories from the album "Dr. York, Miss Winnie and the Typhoid Shot" about Donald's experience getting his tonsils removed. Learn more about Donald Davis, who was born in the Southern Appalachian mountain region, by visiting: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Sun Come On by Sam Payne (50:04)
A song commissioned by Dixie State University for a centennial celebration of the National Parks Service. Learn more about Sam Payne, our producer and host as well as a featured teller at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee by visiting: www.sampayne.com
Have you ever stayed up late? Like really late? Like your bedtime was hours ago? Well we wouldn’t recommend it, especially going off of these stories. Many of the characters in these tales find themselves out after the sun has gone down and everyone else is safely tucked away in their beds and for whatever reason they are awake around midnight. The midnight hour is sometimes referred to as “the witching hour”, a time when ghouls and goblins are more likely to appear, so we've collected some stories with ghosts and other strange occurrences that all happen around the midnight hour. Stories included in this episode:
Girl in the Rain by Betty Ann Wylie (1:19)
Betty Ann Wylie leaves a meeting late and finds a girl on the side of the road on a rainy night and offers her a ride. Betty Ann Wylie is also known for her unique ability to bring books and childhood stories to life through her dramatic gestures, singing, voice changes, and audience participation. Her home town is Americus, Georgia.
Little Orphant Annie by Judy Dockery Young (15:19)
A poem by James Whitcomb Riley (1885) about the advice Annie gives other children at the orphanage to avoid the goblins. Learn more about Judy Dockery Young, who receited the poem, and her storytelling husband Richard by visiting: www.yawp.com
Friday the Thirteenth by Leeny Del Seamonds (19:05)
The notion of Friday the Thirteenth didn’t even make Leeny Del Seamonds bat an eyelash until one October when she and her mother encounter some car troubles in the middle of the night. Learn more about Leeny Del Seamonds, who was the 2015 National Storytelling Network Oracle Circle of Excellence Award Winner, by visiting: leenydelseamonds.com
The Legend of Emo by Nannette Watts (31:39)
Some boys decide to take their dates to see a spooky grave and uncover the truth behind an urban legend. Learn more about Nannette Watts, who has been telling stories since 1993, by visiting: www.nannettewatts.com
Shaboom and the Gangbangers by Susi Wolf (42:58)
Shaboom the Clown trusts some gangbangers to lead her out of the hood. Learn more about Susi Wolf, who is also a counselor and an artist, by visiting her profile on the national storytelling network site: www.storynet.org
Ghosts of the Living by Rivka Willick (50:44)
A girl stays up late studying and has an frightening yet informative encounter about her brother who's in the military. Learn more about Rivka Willick, who is an author in addition to being a storyteller, by visiting: www.simplyextraordinarytales.com
At Midnight by Priscilla Howe (54:46)
A nursery rhyme of sorts about a creepy old woman with some red, red lips and some long, red nails who always comes at midnight. Learn more about Priscilla Howe, who used to be a children's librarian before becoming a storyteller, by visiting: www.priscillahowe.com
Maybe you know someone who reminds people just enough of someone else that they get caught once in awhile in a case of mistaken identity. And today’s episode is for folks like that. It’s full of erroneous suppositions, illogical assumptions, and mistaken identities. Stories included in this episode:
Carlos DeLuna by Whitney Snow (5:14)
In 2015, Columbia University’s Human Rights Law Review dedicated an entire issue of their quarterly publication to the presentation and analysis of this single case of mistaken identity. You can learn more about this case by visiting: thewrongcarlos.net
Mick Finnegan's Mother-in-Law by Laura J. Bobrow (13:39)
Mick thinks he sees some ghosts in the graveyard and decides to show them off to his mother-in-law. Learn more about Laura J. Bobrow, a recipient of the Storytelling World Award in 2009, by visiting: www.laurajbobrow.com
My Own Self by Milbre Burch (20:37)
A fairy comes to play with a boy who's up past his bedtime and he provides her with a false name which comes in handy when he accidentally hurts the fairy. Learn more about Milbre Burch, a Grammy-nominated recording artist, by visiting: www.kindcrone.com
How Bill Greenfield Moved In With the Bears by Joseph Bruchac (27:33)
Bill has an accident at work and gets covered in pitch and fuzz and looks so different from an average human that every creature has a hard time distinguishing his true form. Learn more about Joseph Bruchac, who draws many of his stories from his Native American ancestry, by visiting: josephbruchac.com
Red Riding Hood by Sean K Buvala (36:26)
The classic tale of a wolf trying to impersonate a little girl's grandmother. Learn more about Sean K Buvala, who is author of the Storytelling 101! Workbook, by visiting: www.seantells.com
I'm Sean Connery by Syd Lieberman (43:24)
The great Syd Lieberman shares his own experience about finding a Hollywood leading man that he can identify with and hopefully be identified as. Learn more about the late Syd Lieberman, who was featured at the Glistening Waters Festival in New Zealand, by visiting: www.sydlieberman.com
Oscar Wilde said, “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist”. On this episode of The Apple Seed, we’re exploring what it means to live -- and what it means to live well. Is a good life the accomplishment of great deeds like slaying a dragon and saving the kingdom? Or is it in the little things, the daily acts of kindness that make up the measure of your life? Well, thinking about those questions we found a couple stories and poems that we wanted to share with you. Stories, songs, and poems, included in this episode are:
Emma May's Rainy Day by Nathalie Vachon (1:34)
A rainy day indoors into the adventure of a lifetime, when Emma May takes on a new perspective of life. Learn more about Nathalie Vachon, who studied abstract painting, life drawing and ‘intuitive’ painting at the Honolulu Academy of Art, by visiting: www.nathalievachon.com
In the Droving Days by Jerry Brooks (7:05)
Jerry Brooks recites a Banjo Paterson poem about a cowboy and a horse who’ve both lived a good life out on the range. Learn more about Jerry Brooks, and some of her recorded work like her album Shoulder to Shoulder, by visiting: www.cowboypoetry.com/brooksie.htm
The Clown of God by Fran Yardley (14:59)
A clown has grown old and destitute he struggles to once again fufill his purpose - making other's smile. Learn more about Fran Yardley, who has been telling stories and running workshops for over 25 years, by visiting: www.creativehealingconnections.org/fran-yardley
How Will I Leave by Matt Watroba (26:26)
A song reflecting on the legacy one leaves when it comes time to pass on. Learn more about Matt Watroba, a prominent folk musician on WDET–Detroit Public Radio, by visiting: www.mattwatroba.net
Papa by Molly Catron (29:39)
Molly Catron talking sharing memories of her Grandpa and his incredible ability to appreciate both the good and the bad of life. Learn more about Molly Catron, who is also a keynote speaker and organizational consultant, by visiting: www.mollywcatron.com
Real Wealth by Peggy Godfrey (41:22)
An original poem by Peggy Godfrey that shows us how rich life can be even when it may not be abundant in material goods. Learn more about Peggy Godfrey, who has a long history of ranching next to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, by visiting: www.cowboypoetry.com/peggygodfrey.htm
The Kindest Man I Ever Knew by Sheila Starks Phillips (43:40)
Growing up, the dad of Sheila's best friend and her next door neighbor, Mr. Kelly, had a knack for building up everyone around him and she honors his legacy in this story. Learn more about Sheila Starks Phillips, who is on the Traveling Artists Roster of Texas Commission on the Arts, by visiting: www.sheilaphillips.com
: Songwriters Cherie Call and Lyndy Butler are accomplished songwriters each in her own right. Each has a catalog of great solo recordings and a wealth of experience on stage in front of enthusiastic audiences. But they hardly knew each other before Lyndy reached out to Cherie to see if she might be interested in collaborating on a children’s project. Cherie got ready to say no – she was too busy, and hadn’t ever really considered a children’s album. But something inside said, “say yes!” The result is a collaborative album called “The Buddy System.” We sat down with Cherie and Lyndy to talk about musical storytelling, parenthood, collaboration, and of course, the album. Rich conversation and great music on today’s episode of the Apple Seed. You can find more about Cherie and Lyndy by visiting their respective websites: www.cheriecall.com and lyndybutler.com. You can find their album here: cheriecallandlyndybutler.bandcamp.com
Interview Segment 1 (1:56)
My Greatest Adventure (5:06)
Interview Segment 2 (8:02)
The Astronaut and the Mermaid (12:44)
Interview Segment 3 (16:04)
I Love You All the Colors (18:13)
Interview Segment 4 (22:47)
Oh, No! Oh, Yes! (27:29)
Interview Segment 5 (29:59)
The Buddy System (34:24)
Interview Segment 6 (37:27)
Yours and Mine (39:49)
Interview Segment 7 (44:08)
Radio Flyer (45:34)
Interview Segment 8 (47:40)
There For You (52:53)
Many of our most treasured personal stories involve our first experiences: our first steps, our first words, our first successes, our first failures... And while new experiences may not always be easy or comfortable, the stories that grow from them make up the cannon of our lives. A few of our favorite storytellers share some of their own first experiences, and we explore how trying new things helps defines who we are, and where we’re going. Stories in this episode include:
Maternal Instinct by Allison Downey (1:28)
A story about a new mother learning to care for her first child. Learn more about Allison Downey, the host and co-producer of Michigan Radio's "The Living Room" series, by visiting: allisondowney.com
When Anna Met Rufous by Anne Rutherford (15:03)
Anna, a hummingbird, finds a new lease on life when she meets Rufous, a bird from Mexico. Anne is accompanied in the story by Roberto C. Gonzalez, a bilingual storyteller from New York City. Learn more about Anne Rutherford, who is also a teaching artist, by visiting: www.annerutherford.com
Welcoming the Drums by Fran Yardley (27:52)
Childhood vignettes in which Fran experiences jazz music, the outdoors, and the loss of a loved one for the first time. Learn more about Fran Yardley, a co-founder of the original Adirondack Arts and Healing Retreat, by visiting: www.creativehealingconnections.org/fran-yardley
Kevin Kling is an accomplished playwright, actor, and storyteller. He was brought in by the Timpanogos Storytelling Institute as the opening event for the Orem city Summerfest 2017 so while he was in the area we sat down with him to feature some of his work and and be gifted with some great conversation. The live recordings featured in this episode originated from the 2017 Orem Summerfest Kickoff event. You can find recorded versions of all of those stories, along with more information on Kevin Kling and his other projects by visiting: www.kevinkling.com. Stories and segments in this episode include:
Tickled Pink (00:56)
Softball [Live] (3:57)
Interview Segment (11:07)
Teddy Rhodes (31:21)
Demo Derby [Live] (38:38)
Interview Segment (43:20)
The Lake [Live] (51:14)
When opposites attract, unlikely relationships are formed despite differences. Whether it’s love between a beauty and a beast or a friendship between a large carnivore and a little herbivore, there’s common ground to be found that can allow opposites to meet in the middle. Stories and songs in this episode include:
Everyone's a Little Bit Different by Bill Harley (4:58)
A tune reminding us that our differences are something to celebrate. Learn more about Bill Harley, winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, by visiting: www.billharley.com
Sleeping Beastly by Willy Claflin (9:21)
Seemingly dissonant personalities may not be as incompatible as you may think, although one of them is elegant and graceful, and the other is messy and well, savage. In this tale recounted by Maynard Moose, you’ll find that a refined lady and a gnarly beast may not be so different after all. Maynard Moose and Willy Claflin have been traveling and working together since 1977, and you can learn more about them both by visiting: www.willyclaflin.com
Once in a Blue Moon by Dolores Hydock (22:00)
Sometimes when contrasting parties are drawn to each other their differences eventually drive them to live in different parts of the sky – like with the sun and the moon. But even when a separation has been established something always draws those opposites back together again every now and then. Learn more about Dolores Hydock, who has 10 CD's of original work, by visiting: www.storypower.org
One Path to World Peace by Kate Dudding (28:57)
Kate Dudding shows us how people with vastly different backgrounds can connect to each other by sharing their stories. Learn more about Kate Dudding, who won a Parents' Choice Approved Award for her first solo CD entitled Lighting the Way Home: Stories of Lighthouses and Their Keepers, in 2007 by visiting her website: www.katedudding.com
The Trombone Queen and the Gingerbread King by Charlotte Blake Alston (33:39)
In this story, two people in a relationship want the other person to be good at very specific things. But when the other person in the relationship demonstrates a complete ineptitude for the thing he or she is supposed to be good at what does that leave them to do? Compromise. Learn more about Charlotte Blake Alston, who plays the traditional 21 stringed instrument of Western Africa called the kora, along with several other traditional instruments, by visiting: www.charlotteblakealston.com
Two Bears by Laura Simms (42:12)
A story about an unlikely relationship between a warrior a polar bear. Learn more about Laura Simms and her collection of animal tales called Four-Legged Tales, by visiting: www.laurasimms.com
The Lion and the Mouse by Heather Forest (47:08)
A musical telling of the classic fable wherein the king of the jungle comes to acknowledge and appreciate the tiny scampering mouse. Learn more about Heather Forest, who is an author in addition to being a storyteller and a folk musician, by visiting: www.heatherforest.com
A round-up of stories, songs, and interviews pulled from episodes that aired during the week of June 11 through June 17. Weekly highlights featured in today's round-up include segments from:
Homecoming - This was an episode dedicated to the feeling of returning to a place you love as well as a place you are loved. We really enjoyed Something in There by Dolores Hydock, as did our colleague Abbie Vance, who is an associate producer of Highway 89.
Splash - There's something magical about water and the way it can impact our lives. This episode covered the flow of the largest freshwater seaway in the world, plenty of mermaid lore, and a few songs that seemed to mimic water's natural melody. In this roundup we feature our Assistant Producer, Kassie Schreiber, talking about her inspiration for the episode along with a story by Liz Weir entitled The Mermaid's Gift.
Stories in St. Louis - We had a chance to visit one of the grand old American storytelling festivals in and around St. Louis, Missouri. We wanted to satiate your storytelling appetite a bit with an hour of festival stories featuring the work of some of the tellers at the 38th annual St. Louis Storytelling Festival. Donna Washington shared her story Samurai Over My Head and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
44th Annual National Storytelling Festival - We also wanted to highlight some tellers that were featured at the 2016 National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, including a piece by cowboy poet Joe Herrington and a song by Jerron Paxton called Tryin' To Make One Hundred.
We had a chance to visit one of the grand old American storytelling festivals in and around St. Louis, Missouri. We wanted to satiate your storytelling appetite a bit with an hour of festival stories featuring the work of the some of the tellers at the 38th annual St. Louis Storytelling Festival. Stories in this episode include:
Jack and the Cat Girl by Tim Lowry (1:19)
A Jack tale wherein Jack saves a Cat Girl from a wicked witch. Named the 2014 "Artist of the Year" by Azalea Magazine, you can learn more about Tim Lowry by checking out www.storytellertimlowry.com
Never Kick a Slipper at the Moon by Angela Lloyd (15:51)
The story is written by Carl Sandburg and is about what not to do in Ruttabaga country. David Holt accompanied this telling on the spoons. Angela Lloyd recieved a Parents Choice Honors Award for her CD "Sandburg Out Loud". Discover more about Angela Lloyd and her work by looking at www.angelalloyd.com
Samurai Over My Head by Donna Washington (21:28)
A personal story from Donna Washington's time as a military brat living in South Korea and how her father summoned ancient samurai to keep them safe during a black out. An award winning author as well as an award winning storyteller, you can learn more about Donna Washington by visiting www.dlwstoryteller.com
Suki by Leeny Del Seamonds (32:15)
A Japanese folktale where an old couple saves a crane which later repays them for their kindness. Gideon Freudmann played the cello for this piece. Leeny Del Seamonds is the 2015 winner of the National Storytelling Network Oracle Circle of Excellence Award and you can discover more about her and her numerous awards at leenydelseamonds.com
Three Strong Women by Bobby Norfolk (45:38)
A professional wrestler finds out what he's really made of when he meets a family of exceptionally strong women. Originating from Northern St. Louis, Bobby Norfolk is a three-time Emmy Award winner and you can find out more about him and his work by checking out www.bobbynorfolk.com
There's something magical about water and the way it can impact our lives. This episode covers the flow of the largest freshwater seaway in the world, plenty of mermaid lore, and a few songs that seem to mimic water's natural melody. Hope you enjoy splashing around in the following stories and songs!
The Mermaid's Gift by Liz Weir (1:14)
Two sisters are bestowed a gift by a mermaid. One sister manages to multiply her gift while the more selfish one manages to lose it. Liz Weir discovered her passion for storytelling when she was working as the Children's Librarian in the city of Belfast. You can learn more about her by visiting www.lizweir.org
The Ballad of the Night Charley Tended Weir by Doug Elliott (6:58)
Charley has an epic night on the sea where he encounters mermaids, sea monsters, and an incredible treasure. This story was written by Ruth Moore and performed by Doug Elliott, who is also an herbalist and a basketmaker in addition to being a storyteller. You can find more from Doug Elliott by visiting dougelliott.com
Goldenheart by Jenni Cargill-Strong (13:47)
A king with a golden heart, never wants to feel sad so he hides his heart in a box and throws the key out to sea, where a mermaid discovers it. Jenni Cargill-Strong is the Principal of The Story Tree Company which you can learn more about on Jenni's website www.storytree.com.au
Dead Man's Float by Regi Carpenter (19:04)
Regi Carpenter reminisces about the ebb and flow of the St. Lawrence River and how its current shaped her life in every season. Learn more about Regi Carpenter, who's been featured on The Moth, TEDx, and Mass Mouth, by visiting regicarpenter.com
Swimming to the Other Side by Bill Harley (31:20)
A song that reminds us that no matter how we move in life, whether it be with or against the current, we're all trying to get through life’s ups and downs. Learn more about the Storytelling World Award recipient, Bill Harley, by visiting www.billharley.com
Dip Into the Water by Susan Reed (36:01)
A song that captures the lighthearted nature of water fun that usually occurs in the summer. Learn more about the award-winning folk musician, storyteller, and contemporary violinist, Susan Reed by visiting www.susanreed.com
Something in the Water [Live] by Bil Lepp (38:40)
In this tale of a prank at boys camp ends with quite a splash. Bil Lepp has received the Parents' Choice Silver and Gold Award along with many other accolades which you can learn about at www.leppstorytelling.com
There’s nothing like that feeling of coming home and being reunited with the things you love. On this episode of The Apple Seed, we’re bringing you stories of homecomings, stories in which families are reunited, memories are rekindled, where problems are solved, and hurts are ameliorated, just by returning home, wherever that may be. Stories and songs in this episode include:
Forest Enchants King, Brother Frees King, Return by Jeff Gere (2:08)
This story is a piece of Jeff Gere's "Two Brothers: A rockin' musical storytellin'", where twin brothers come back to a kingdom after facing a witch who turns everyone into stone. Accompanied on the piano by Les Adam and the "eclectric" guitar by Vince Esquire. Learn more about Jeff Gere, the Hawaii based artist, by visiting jeffgere.com
Accentuate the Positive by Bob Reiser (12:28)
Bob's uncle comes home at the end of World War II. Bob Reiser has been the Teller-in-Residence at the International Storytelling Center and you can find out more about him by visiting www.bobtales.com
Texas (Home Again) by Allison Downey ft. John Austin (22:55)
A song about the landscape of Allison Downey's home, the Lone Star state. Allison Downey is a storyteller, writer, educator, and singer-songwriter and you can discover more of her work at allisondowney.com
Something in There by Dolores Hydock (27:00)
Home is more than a house, it's where the heart is and this story captures the love that one finds upon returning home for the holidays. Dolores Hydock has had many jobs, including a Cajun dance teacher and a blues DJ, and you can learn more about them and her storytelling work by visiting www.storypower.org
Prodigal Father by John McCutcheon (43:14)
A song that takes a different spin on the classic Prodigal Son tale. John McCutcheon is a folk singer and songwriter who has been nominated for 6 Grammy awards. Find more of his work at www.folkmusic.com
Prodigal Son by Kirk Waller (47:12)
That story from the book of Luke in the Bible in which a son, having spent his inherited fortune on riotous living, comes back home hoping to find a place as a servant in his father’s house, and instead finds the open arms of a father ready to celebrate his homecoming. Kirk Waller won the J.J. Reneaux Emerging Grant in 2010 and you can learn more about his other accomplishments by visiting www.kirkwaller.com
Whether nestled in reality or fantasy this episode contains stories that will pull the rug out from underneath you, leaving you on your back, your head, or rolling around the floor the outcome is so abrupt and unxpected. Stories in this episode include:
Emma May Met Her Match One Day by Nathalie Vachon (1:57)
Emma May changes her routine and gets to witness a magnificient parade, although not everyone else around her sees the same thing. Learn more about Nathalie Vachon, who often paints works of art to accompany her stories, by visiting www.nathalievachon.com
How Beetle Got Her Colors by Glenda Bonin (12:08)
A Brazilian take on the Tortoise and the Hare. Glenda Bonin has five CDs worth of recorded stories and you can learn more about them and Glenda by visiting www.storyworksgroup.com
Pat Divers by Len Cabral (19:58)
Pat Divers is a fixer who finds himself in a pickle when some frightening figures find him hiding in a barn. Learn more about Len Cabral, who was awarded the Circle of Excellence Oracle Award in 2001 by the National Storytelling Network, by visiting www.lencabral.com
On a Dark and Stormy Night by Mitch Weiss & Martha Hamilton (29:46)
Every time a storm rolls in a ghoulish lady with bright red lips and bright red fingernails appears at the window. Do you dare to find out what she does with those red lips and red fingernails? Mitch Weiss and his wife, Martha Hamilton, are a storytelling duo who've produced albums together and are known as Beauty and the Beast Storytellers - although they won't say who's who. Learn more about them by visiting beautyandthebeaststorytellers.com
An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Syd Lieberman (34:53)
A confederate sympathizer is about to meet his doom at the end of the Civil War when something occurs before his hanging...During his lifetime Syd won the Chicago Gold Apple Award for his work as a high school English teacher. Learn more about the late Syd Lieberman by visiting www.sydlieberman.com
Sledding Punchbowl by Makia Malo (44:55)
An epic sledding adventure that surpasses reality. Makia Malo was diagnosed with Hansen's disease at a young age and wrote a book entitled My Name is Makia: A Memoir of Kalaupapa that touches on that experience. You can find the book on Amazon.
The Mexican Pet by David Holt & Bill Mooney (54:09)
Treating animals with kindness is important. Knowing what kind of animal it is your interacting with is just as important, if not more so. Learn more about David Holt by visiting www.davidholt.com
It’s often said that boys are made up of “slugs and snails and puppy dog tails” and that girls are made up of “sugar and spice and everything nice”. If those make-ups hold true in any sense, today’s stories show us how some girls have a splash of something else in their recipe as well. Toughness. An underlying current of grit that inspires them to face hard things once, four times, or months on end. And whether that hard moment means overcoming personal embarrassment or facing a giant several times, the girls in this episode demonstrate amazing perseverance and all around character, reminding us that “when the going gets tough the tough get going”. Stories included in this episode:
Tennis Camp (1:49)
Growing up Lani lived for baseball. However, on her 13th birthday she gets a tennis racket, and all of her baseball gear taken away because baseball is “unlady-like”. She gets sent to tennis camp where on the first night she has an unfortunate braces entanglement during a slow dance. Her response after the initial wave of embarrassment shows she’s not going to give up so easily. Find out more about Lani Peterson, who often leads workshops on public speaking, by checking out her website, lanipeterson.com
Molly and the Giant (14:20)
A take on the classic Molly Whuppie tale, where Molly faces a giant several times to benefit those she loves. Barbara G. Schutzgruber has received the Parents' Choice Gold Award, and you can find more of her award winning work at her website weavestory.com
The King's Ring (41:46)
After wandering for months looking for work, a starving girl finds the King’s favorite ring. The doorkeeper and the gatekeeper each ask for half of her reward, so she asks for something she doesn’t mind splitting between the two. Stephanie has studied literature and been a teacher before making storytelling her career. Learn more about Stephanie Beneteau by visiting www.stephaniebeneteau.com
There are some things we recognize on a deeper level, even an instinctual level. Whether they come from vying over the same girl or simply after drawing a line in the sand we know a rival when we see one. And though in the heat of the moment we can name all the reasons why we're justified in having this arch enemy, when we really get to know them our false perceptions can dissipate leaving us with a sense of amelioration. Stories, poems, and songs included in this episode:
High School Nemesis (1:12)
Rick had an experience with a high school enemy that taught him what it really means to be a man. Learn more about Rick Huddle by visiting www.rickhuddle.com
The Rivals (6:05)
Mitch Capel recites a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar about the classic fight over a girl. Mitch Capel, who is also known as Gran'daddy Junebug, is an expert in Paul Laurence Dunbar's work and has memorized over 70% of his work. Learn more about Mitch Capel by visiting www.gjbug.com
The Shallows of the Ford (12:05)
A poem about two cowboys who used to be friends but now stand on opposite sides of the law. Jerry Brooks lives in Sevier, Utah and you can learn more about her by visiting www.cowboypoetry.com/brooksie.htm
Western Civilization (16:43)
When Dolores Hydock and her friend encounter a teacher of Western Civilization, Mrs. Thomas, who manages to one-up everyone around her. What Dolores discovers though, is that sometimes rivals deserve the titles they proclaim. Dolores Hydock has served as the Teller-in-Residence at the International Storytelling Center and you can find out more about her by visiting www.storypower.org
Mom and the Radio (42:50)
A story and a song about potentially one of the most fought over commodities - the car radio. Bill Harley has won the Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award and you can discover more about him and his work by visiting www.billharley.com
A Field of Two Brothers (51:21)
Two brothers who once shared a field, get into an argument that causes them to stop speaking to each other and build an arbitrary dividing wall. However, their love for each other eventually overcomes that silly dispute. Learn more about Joel Ben Izzy, who often draws on his Jewish heritage when storytelling, by visiting www.storypage.com
It's been said that you can't always control what happens to you but you can control how you respond to it and in this episode characters decide to react with vengeance. Tales of wronged lovers and mistreated individuals in general, there are stories from Judith Heineman, David Holt and Bill Mooney, Michael Reno Harrell, Andy Offutt Irwin, and Richard and Judy Dockery Young. Stories and songs in this episode are:
The Juniper Tree (1:45)
An evil stepmother plots to get rid of her husband's son so that she can inherit all his money. After she carries out her plan the boy returns as a bird and reveals the truth through his song. A Brothers' Grimm tale told by Judith Heineman with musical accompaniment by Dan Marcotte. Learn more about Judith Heineman, who co-chaired the 2003 National Storytelling Conference, by visiting www.storytelling.org/heineman
The Motorcycle Gang (17:18)
A motorcycle gang bully a truckdriver at a diner. The truckdriver responds with an "eye for an eye" kind of reaction. David Holt and Bill Mooney have an album of stories together and you can learn more about them on David's website www.davidholt.com
Texas Woman (19:30)
A song about a Texas woman with a broken heart who's out to break the jaw of her former man. Learn more about the Americana musician and storyteller, Michael Reno Harrell by visiting www.michaelreno.com
Fancy (23:16)
Performed by David Holt, Henry develops an obsessive attitude towards his wife and decides to confine her so that he doesn't have to share her. That doesn't work so he decides to poison her afterwhich Fancy finds some retribution.
The Outrageous Phone Bill (33:25)
When a man tells his wife to leave the house, she leaves a little goodbye gift. Told by David Holt and accompanied by Bill Mooney, this story is from their compilation CD "Spiders in the Hairdo: Modern Urban Legends".
Generational Revenge (35:45)
Sometimes the revenge we seek backfires in unexpected ways. Recipient of the 2013 Circle of Excellence Award from the National Storytelling Network, you can learn more about Andy Offutt Irwin by visiting andyirwin.com
Ghost of Vengeance (47:36)
A story from Japan about a samurai who gets rid of his wife so that he can chase after another pretty maiden. His wife, though dead, does not let him off the hook. Learn more about Richard and Judy Dockery Young, the nationally published couple, by visiting www.yawp.com
The natural world is enchanting. And we occasionally lose touch with that in the rush of our daily lives. For those of us who get caught up in our city and suburban lives, a return to nature can provide us with a breath of fresh air and a sense of rejuvination. However sometimes our circumstances or location don't allow us easy access to the majestic beauties of nature and to assuage that problem we've got stories about the awe-some wonder of the natural world. Stories and poems included in this episode:
A Bronco Shod With Wings (1:51)
A poem written by Henry Herbert Knibbs and performed by Jerry Brooks. Learn more about the cowboy poet and woman who spent time living off of fresh trout, Jerry Brooks, by visiting www.cowboypoetry.com
Donald Davis Compilation (6:14)
Stories from Donald's album "Grand Canyon" that are about his love of National Parks and the adventures that he's had in them. The stories are: Paying Taxes, Visiting Our Property, We Meet Shirley and the Mules, and The River Trail. Learn more about Donald Davis by visiting www.ddavisstoryteller.com
The Great Bear (25:35)
An Iroquois tale that illustrates the importance of man and nature living in harmony together. Fran Yardley believes in the healing aspect of storytelling and she's been running workshops on that belief for more than 25 years. You can learn more about Fran and her workshops by visiting www.creativehealingconnections.org
Discovery and Danger on the Prairie (37:46)
A narrative retelling of Lewis and Clark's westward expedition. You can find more stories like this on Jim Weiss's album "Gone West: Bold Adventures of American Explorers and Pioneers". Discover more about Jim Weiss by visiting www.jimweiss.com
The Spruce Grouse (45:29)
Doug's personal story about finding a unique bird in a grove of spruce trees and becoming a wildlife artist. Doug Elliott is also a herbalist and basketmaker in addition to being a storyteller. Find more of his work at www.dougelliott.com
Anais Nin said that "we travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls" and in this episode you'll hear stories of people who've been set adrift, often by their own volition, and who discover things greater than themselves along the way. Whatever event occurs amidst the wandering, we're reminded through these tales that the story develops during the journey, not at the destination. Stories included in this episode:
The Tale of a Very Old Traveling Wizard by Peter J. Parker (1:43)
On this magical voyage of yester-year a wizard helps a family in exchange for some shelter. Before telling stories as Panryl the Wizard, Peter J. Parker worked as a police officer and director of a security company. You can learn more about his storytelling ventures at www.storytellerpeterjparker.co.uk
Like Meat Loves Salt by Pete Castle (16:11)
A father asks his children how much they love him and when his youngest daughter responds with "I love you like meat loves salt" he casts her out of the house and onto a journey of her own. A folk singer and a storyteller, Pete Castle is based in Belper, Derbyshire and you can discover more about him by visiting www.petecastle.co.uk
Cold Feet by Glenda Bonin (23:34)
Snowstorms and a brush with the supernatural conspire around a set of cold feet. Glenda Bonin is a member of the Puppeteers of America. Find more of her unique accomplishments by visiting www.storyworksgroup.com
Branded by Joe Herrington (32:00)
A young cowboy encounters a drifter who makes him re-evaluate his hopes to stay "unbranded" in this poem by Joe Herrington. Born and raised in West Texas, Joe Herrington is a cowboy poet, an author, and a storyteller. Learn more about him by visiting www.joeherrington.com
Johnny Appleseed by Jim Weiss (40:00)
Johnny Appleseed migrated around the Northeastern part of the United States, not only planting apple seeds, but also seeds of community wherever he went. 28 years ago Jim started a production company with his wife with the purpose of introducing children to classic literature. Find out more about that project and Jim Weiss at www.jimweiss.com
The Wanderlight by Jerry Brooks (51:53)
The itch for roaming runs in one man's blood in this poem written by Henry Lawson and performed by Jerry Brooks, who has spent time as a coal miner as part of her wandering. You can learn more about Jerry Brooks by visiting www.cowboypoetry.com
Deidrene Crisanto has been an assistant producer on The Apple Seed since 2014, and has now officially graduated from Brigham Young University. She'll be moving on to embrace the many adventures that await her in her post-graduate future. As a goodbye gift she's compiled some of her favorite stories and interview excerpts to express her love and appreciation for being a part of this team and the storytelling world. Stories and interviews included in this episode:
Max Brooks (2:32)
Max Brooks is the author of several books and we got to interview him about his graphic novel The Harlem Hellfighters. You can listen to the rest of the interview on The Harlem Hellfighters episode and you can learn more about Max Brooks by visiting maxbrooks.com
Nate Dimeo (6:43)
Nate Dimeo is the host and producer of The Memory Palace, a podcast that tells the story of often overlooked or forgotten people and facts from history. You can discover, or re-discover, the rest of the interview here: Narrative Memory. You can listen to The Memory Palace at this site: thememorypalace.us or wherever you get your podcasts from.
Lyn Ford (13:35)
Lyn Ford is a fourth-generation, nationally recognized, Affrilachian* storyteller, who according to her, is the first person in her family to get paid for running their mouth. (Affrilachian was a word created by Frank X Walker which denotes someone of African American heritage who is from the Appalachia region). You can hear the rest of the interview here: Lyn Ford Stories. Learn more about the very talented Lyn Ford by visiting www.storytellerlynford.com
The Apple Seed and Aliens (21:00)
With an entire episode dedicated to the theme of extraterrestial encounters, you can hear the rest of the excerpt as well as many other interviews on that topic on our episode: Alien Encounters and Ufology.
Idaho by Hunter Phillips (30:47)
Written by Hunter Phillips, this story was the fruit of a collaborative effort from Deidrene and a few of her friends. The background music in this story was written and performed by Danny & Dallin Hunt and you can find more of their work at soundcloud.com/dallin-danny. Listen to the rest of the episode by clicking on: What's Your Story?
Cyrano de Bergerac (46:47)
One of the final scenes of Cyrano de Bergerac performend by Sam, our host, Suzanne, Noah, and Leah of the Acting Company. They regularly come and perform readings of classic literature in front of a studio audience.
Heaven and Hell by Motoko (52:37)
An old woman journeys to see a wise man to learn the fate of her soul and learns the importance of attitude and gratitude. That story comes from the album, Tales of Now & Zen. Utilizing her cultural heritage in her storytelling career, you can learn more about Motoko by visiting motoko.folktales.net
And from all of us here on The Apple Seed: Thanks Lady Dream and best wishes!
Carl Jung said "mistakes are, after all, the foundations of truth, and if a man does not know what a thing is, it is at least an increase in knowledge if he knows what it is not." Mistakes are a necessary part of life. That doesn't make them enjoyable, but they can become something of great worth depending on how we respond to them. We can learn valuable lessons from them, but to spare you the chagrin that usually accompanies mistakes, take a listen to theses stories instead and see what you can glean from them without having to live the experience. Stories and songs included in this episode:
Thank You, Ma'am by Diane Ferlatte (1:36)
Often we are able to learn from our mistakes thanks to the care and correction of those around us. Diane Ferlatte was surrounded by oral tradition growing up and was a 2008 Grammy Nominee. Learn more about Diane Ferlatte by visiting www.dianeferlatte.com
Talking Woodstove Blues by Michael Reno Harrell (13:40)
High power bills lead Michael Reno Harrell to buy a wood burning stove, which comes with a whole slew of extra expenses. Michael Reno Harrell consistently tops the charts of the Americana Music Association. To learn more about him, his stories, and his songs visit www.michaelreno.com
Occum's Razor by Dolores Hydock (19:26)
Dolores remembers her mother's experience with hospice care and though they refused to have her live in assisted living, Dolores realizes that they were being assisted by others the entire time. Dolores Hydock lives in Birmingham, Alabama where she defends her impressive garden from very large slugs. Learn more about Dolores Hydock by visiting www.storypower.org
Fireworks by Lani Peterson (33:00)
Lani's experience as a sound manager and how she didn't let her mistakes stop her from moving forward with her work. In addition to storytelling, Lani is currently teaching Effective Organization Communication Skills for the Masters Program at Wheelock College. Learn more about Lani Peterson by visiting lanipeterson.com
The Red Velvet Ribbon by Richard & Judy Dockery Young (43:50)
A rich man marries a woman who always wears a red velvet ribbon around her neck. One day his frustration over the constant presence of the ribbon gets to him and he tugs it off. Richard and Judy Dockery Young share a passion for teaching and theater and you can learn more about them by visiting www.yawp.com
Mama, Mama, Ayudame by Barry Stewart Mann (46:56)
Mical always says the wrong thing when he's trying to impress a girl, but he finally finds a way to communicate in a way that works for him. Barry Stewart Mann has previously been named National Storyteller of the Year and you can learn more about him by visiting https://www.barrystewartmann.com
Fyodor Dostoyevsky's work Crime and Punishment as been widely read for more than a hundred years and its title embodies the theme of today's stories. Bad deeds and how we respond to them have been a societal and personal question that has been posed since the beginning of mankind. In exploration of that question these stories demostrate how punishment can be exact, manipulated, and even unexpected. Stories included in this episode:
New Mother by Daniel Bishop (1:13)
Two good little girls decide to be bad so that a mysterious lady will give them her music box. Drawing on his theater background when he tells stories, you can learn more about Daniel Bishop, a Utah native, by visiting www.danielbishopthestoryteller.com
The Wise King, The Cook, and The Farmer by Donna Washington (13:04)
When a poor farmer makes his way into town and smells the cook's soup without paying, the cook takes the case before the wise king to settle the issue. An author of several wordless picture books in addition to being a storyteller, you can learn more about Donna Washington by visiting www.dlwstoryteller.com
The Little Rat by Donald Davis (21:38)
When Donald empties an entire bottle of Chanel 5 without his mother's permission, he decides to hide himself in a closet to avoid punishment. Donald Davis has been awarded the Circle of Excellence and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the national Storytelling Network. You can find out more about Donald Davis by visiting www.ddavisstoryteller.com
My Father and the Mob by Joan Stockbridge (40:55)
When the FBI finally finds a member of the mob who is willing to act as their informer, they call upon an average family man to keep him safe. Joan Stockbridge earned an Oracle Award in 2016 from the National Storytelling Network for her work in the Pacific region. Learn more about Joan Stockbridge by visiting www.joanstockbridge.com
Humans can be complex creatures. Sometimes we end up making a mountain out of a molehill. One example is the Rube Goldberg machine which is made of a plethora of intricate moving parts that end in a simple outcome like cracking an egg or turning a page. Another example is going through a countless amount of bizarre experiences just to learn how to make one's skin crawl. Or being cold and hungry enough to nibble on your own body. Whatever the simple situation may be, the characters in these tales decide to respond in the most complicated of ways. Stories included in this episode:
The Ojai Mountain Lion by Bil Lepp (2:11)
When Bil goes on a hike by himself some unexpected events occur, particularly involving the salvation of a mountain lion. Bil Lepp has written several award winning children's books, his first being "The King of Little Things". Learn more about Bil Lepp by visiting www.leppstorytelling.com
The Skeleton Woman by Glenda Bonin (12:54)
One woman's drastic response to cold and hunger. Glenda Bonin is currently focusing on storytelling geared towards older adults in order to foster memory recall. Learn more about Glenda Bonin by visiting www.storyworksgroup.com
Getting the Creeps by Tim Lowry (26:13)
A young man goes through a series of strange events hoping to finally learn what it means to "get the creeps". Tim Lowry won the 2014 Southern Hospitality Recognition of Excellence from the Convention South Media Group. Learn more about Tim Lowry by visiting www.storytellertimlowry.com
Why I Bought a Sailboat by Bill Harley (39:50)
According to Bill, only people who've lost touch with reality own a sailboat. He recalls experiences he has had that led him to buying a sailboat. Learn more about Bill Harley and his recently released first folk album, Coyote, by visiting www.billharley.com
Success is not a form you need to fit into or qualifications you need to meet, it relies on your attitude. As Winston Churchill put it, "Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." Though that attitude can be fostered through achievement, sometimes it comes from an unexpected source, just after a let down. Stories and songs included in this episode:
Tales of a Shammes by Joel Ben Izzy (1:47)
Joel draws upon his Jewish heritage to tell the story of a man who does not get blinded by the wealth he acquires. Joel Ben Izzy is also a writer and storytelling consultant. Learn more about Joel Ben Izzy by visiting www.storypage.com
The King's Riddles by Joel Ben Izzy (9:05)
An Irish tale where a storyteller succeeds in responding to the King's tricky questions.
The Englewood Game by Syd Lieberman (17:06)
Syd Lieberman's personal experience winning big on a highschool football team. Quoted by the Vancouver Music Festival they say, "Syd's stories are full of a kind of humane, validating, ad caring humor...He is simply one of the best." Learn more about the late Syd Lieberman by visiting www.sydlieberman.com
Love of the Game by Bill Harley (41:04)
Success isn't always centered on winning and for Bill Harley's childhood baseball team, it's centered on passion. Bill Harley is a singer-songwriter, storyteller and NPR commentator. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting www.billharley.com
Roll-a-Rama by Adam Booth (45:33)
The limbo competition doesn't work out for Adam Booth, but he's successful in another arena. Adam Booth has been the Teller-In-Residence at the International Storytelling Center as well as several other centers. Learn more about Adam Booth by visiting http://www.adam-booth.com/
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" is a popular quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt. It illustrates how often our own minds make out a situation to be a lot worse than it actually is. Many of the stories in this episode involve taking a second look or continuing a journey to gain a new vantage point, causing us to think that fear may just be a matter of perspective. Except when it comes to spiders. Stories included in this episode:
How I Got Bill the Chicken by Joel Ben Izzy (1:21)
Joel's schoolmate claims to be fearless and one Halloween that statement is put to the test. An author as well as a storyteller, Joel Ben Izzy most recently published work is Dreidels on the Brain. Learn more about Joel Ben Izzy by visiting www.storypage.com
Wash Me by Dolores Hydock (14:13)
A friend of Dolores' is afraid of computers and the internet and refuses to have one in her home until a fateful sign occurs. Dolores Hydock won her first storytelling award when she was five and has been winning awards ever since. Learn more about Dolores Hydock by visiting http://www.storypower.org/
The Girl Who Wanted to Know How to Shiver by Ruth Halpern (17:08)
Based on a Grimm fairytale a fearless girl embarks into the world asking her parents, a baker, a minister and his wife, and a prince try to teach her how to shiver. Ruth Halpern has traveled the world telling stories. She also enjoys drawing and photography. Learn more about Ruth Halpern by visiting www.ruthstory.com
Fear by Dan Keding (33:51)
A little girl decides to face a beast in order to help her village, cutting fear down to its actual size. A ballad singer and story teller, Dan Keding grew up listening to traditional Croatian stories his grandmother told him. Learn more about Dan Keding by visiting www.dankeding.com
Spiders by Glenda Bonin (37:00)
A little girl and her brother's response to a fear of spider shows that sometimes the way you react to what scares you matters. A poor response can lead to frightening consequences. Glenda is very involved with storytelling in her a community. She regularly tells at assisted living facilities and senior communities. Learn more about Glenda Bonin by visiting www.storyworksgroup.com
What Buddha Sees by Motoko (47:26)
Buddha guides on of his followers on a path to enlightenment but there are stumbling stones - bones - along the way. Motoko was featured on "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" and has won several awards. Learn more about Motoko by visiting motoko.folktales.net
While the fairy tale tradition is innately European (think Hans Christian Anderson or the Brothers Grimm), there’s a small corner of the canon reserved for writers like L. Frank Baum and Carl Sandburg, Americans who wrote fairy tales with distinctly American themes. Instead of knights, dragons, and castles, their stories are populated with cowboys, corn fairies, and farm houses. They speak more directly to the experience of American children, but nevertheless, these American fairy tales, like their European counterparts, have stuck around as moral guideposts for us even now.
White Horse Girl and the Blue Wind Boy (1:51) This story, performed by Carol Birch, comes from a collection of Sandburg stories called "Sandburg Out Loud" featuring tellers adapting different Carl Sandburg tales for audiences. This story was originally included in Sandburg's "Rootabaga Stories," a collection of fairy tales that embrace Midwestern culture and slang originally written for his daughters. Learn more about the Parents' Choice album by visiting www.parents-choice.org Learn more about Carol Birch by visiting www.carolbirchstoryteller.com
Barney McCabe (12:12) www.davidholt.comOne of the oldest fairy tale premises includes two children who come across a witch in the woods. In this story, instead of bread crumbs, the children have magic corn. Learn more about David Holt by visiting www.davidholt.com
The Brave Woman and the Flying Head (21:40) In this Iroquois tale, a woman shows great courage in protecting her son from menacing forces in the forest. To learn more about Joseph Bruchac, visit josephbruchac.com
The Story of Blixie Bimber and the Power of the Gold Buckskin Whincher (28:37) Another Carl Sandburg story from the "Rootabaga Tales," told by Carol Birch.
The Evil Prince and the Sleeping Beauty (36:23) Sleeping Beauty might not have an American origin, however, Judith Black's adaptation of Sleeping Beauty is full of American nostalgic motifs. Learn more about Judith's work by visiting storiesalive.com
Never Kick a Slipper at the Moon (53:01) One last story from the fictional Rootabaga Country, performed by Angela Lloyd. This track is included on the earlier mentioned album, "Sandburg Out Loud", on which Lloyd is also a featured teller. Learn more about Angela by visiting www.angelalloyd.com
Stories about the annoying and endearing things that little brothers have been known to do throughout literature, and throughout history. Featured in this episode:
Softball (2:58) Kevin Kling is a storyteller, speaker, and writer who has mulled over the big brother-little brother conundrum so much that he even wrote a book about it. With is own little brother, Steven, Kevin turned their sibling dynamic into a book called "Big Little Brother" that you can find here. You can learn more about Kevin Kling's other works by visiting www.kevinkling.com
Pickle in the Middle Blues (9:44) In this story, Kim Weitkamp take the "little brother blues" and the "big brother blues" and combines them to explain what it's like to be the middle child. Learn more about Kim by visiting www.kimweitkamp.com
The Drowning Game (14:45) And now, some words from a little brother. Learn more about Rick Huddle by visiting www.rickhuddle.com
Blockhead Hans (20:43) A local Utah teller, Julie Barnson, shares this folk tale about the youngest brother of a family who wins the hand of a princess with his innocence rather than might. Learn more about the Utah Storytelling Guild by visiting utahstorytelling.org
The Legend of Osiris (32:01) One of the most ancient stories involving a pesky little brother features the Egyptian god, Set. The god of the desert, storms, disorder, and chaos in the ancient Egyptian religion was integral to the origins of the world. Learn more about storytelling duo Judith Heineman and Dan Marcotte by visiting www.judithanddan.com
The Magic Mill (41:55) A Norwegian tale retold by Dan Keding about how betrayal leads a younger brother on a magical journey. Learn more about Dan Keding by visiting www.dankeding.com
Laughter is an expression that knows no boundaries. Despite age gaps or cultural differences, people from all over the world and all walks of life know how to let out a laugh. Such an expression edifies and unifies even the most unlikely of creatures. In this episode, these stories and songs not only talk about laughing but they also make you laugh with their outlandish charm. Stories and songs included in this episode:
The Little Woman Who Laughed by Stephanie Beneteau (1:05)
A Japanese tale about a little woman who chases a runaway rice ball and laughs in the face of danger. Stephanie has been the direcor of the the Quebec Intercultural Storytelling Festival since 2015. Learn more about Stephanie Beneteau by visiting www.stephaniebeneteau.com
I've Got a Bullfrog by David Holt (15:16)
A song about a giant pet frog. Four-time Grammy Award winner, David Holt hosts the PBS National show "David Holt's State of Music". To learn more about David Holt visit www.davidholt.com
I Ain't Know, Bo! by Tim Lowry (19:06)
Tim's experience as a fifth grade teacher in a Baptist elementary school and teaching english to Russian immigrants and the eventual crossover between the two. Tim is the ambassador for the Sweet Tea Trail of his hometown Summerville, SC. Learn more about Tim Lowry by visiting www.storytellertimlowry.com
Bellybuttons by Bill Harley (51:27)
When a bag of bellybuttons were left on a shelf during the people making process of a town everyone's laughter leaked out. This story is taken from Bill's album, The Town Around the Bend. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting www.billharley.com
Being a kid carries its own excitement and rough patches. So does life when you're not a kid. That's why when you're an adult its important to get back in touch with your inner kid every now and then and sprinkle some silliness into your perspective. Let your heart be lighter with the giggles and viewpoints that childhood and children can bring whether it be about a sibling or the beginning of the universe. Stories and songs included in this episode:
Zanzibar by Bill Harley (1:17) The journey to a creative take on a school report, full of jitters and distractions that kids know so well. Bill Harley incorporates his childhood into a lot of his work and has won two Grammy awards along with several other prestigious awards. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting www.billharley.com
Nobody Could Believe It by Linda Gorham (28:57) A modern take on "The Rabbi's Gift", this story shows how one gift can change an entire school. With a flair for tweaking fairy tales, Linda Gorham has been engaging audiences for 25 years and in 2016 she won the Distinguished National Service Award by the National Storytelling Network. Learn more about [Teller] by visiting lindagorham.com
Maynard Moose by Willy Claflin (38:35) Recorded at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, Maynard Moose tells the beginning of the world according to the "moose tradition". Known for his expansive tales and talents, as well as his famous sidekick Maynard Moose, you can learn more about Willy Claflin by visiting www.willyclaflin.com
There Goes My Brother Again by Bill Harley (51:33) Little brothers have a way of changing your life. Whether that change is for better or for worse is up to debate.
Family is not a term we loosely throw around. When we call someone family that denotes a special connection, a type of bond that is resilient through hard times and long years. A bond like that can be created through genetic connection but in no way is it limited to that. Friends are often described as the family we choose. Teachers can become figures in our family, just as we can become part of theirs. However it came to be, there's something special about ties like family. Stories and songs included in this episode:
WZIX by Kim Weitcamp (1:16)
After writing her dad a song, Kim's mother asks if there's one for her. A story from Kim's childhood about winning an album for her mom from the local Oldies radio station ensues. This story was pulled from a collection entitled "Penny, Candy, Love" and for more of Kim Weitcamp's award-winning work you can visit www.kimweitkamp.com
I've Got Your Back by Diane Ferlatte accompanied by Erik Pearson (24:44)
A story of how encountering opposition can demonstrate how good friends, like family, have your back. Diane has been telling stories and traveling around the world for workshops and festivals for decades now. Learn more about Diane Ferlatte and what she calls her "musical sidekick", Erik Pearson by visiting www.dianeferlatte.com
John McCutcheon (41:22)
Recorded at the 2012 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, this set of stories are anchored by a song John wrote for his youngest son as he went into kindergarten. Primarily a folk singer, John has written numerous kinds of songs for children to adults. Learn more about John McCutcheon by visiting www.folkmusic.com
There are many forms of love: romantic love, familial love, even neighborly love. And whatever form it takes today's stories show that love can save lives, fuel long searches and journeys, and bind people together. Having love on your side can benefit you and those around you. Featuring storytellers: Simon Brooks, Antonio Rocha, Brendan Nolan, and Nathalie Vachon.
The Three Feathers by Simon Brooks (1:08)
Romantic love is what sends Henry off on a treacherous quest, but along the way he doesn't forget to extend neighborly love and is rewarded three-fold because of it. Simon Brooks was born and raised in England and has won awards for his storytelling from Parent's Choice and Storytelling World. Learn more about Simon Brooks at www.diamondscree.com
The Horse That Saved Six Lives by Antonio Rocha (27:42)
When trouble arises love can push family and their beloved animals to great lengths in order to save the day. Told by Antonio Rocha, a Brazilian mime and storyteller. To learn more about Antonio Rocha visit www.storyinmotion.com
The Dream of Aengus by Brendan Nolan (38:28)
This story is a traditional tale from Ireland about Aengus, the god of love, youth, and poetry. It recounts a reoccuring dream that leads Aengus to search for his love. Brendan Nolan is from Ireland and focuses a lot of his musical and storytelling work on traditions from there. Learn more about Brendan Nolan at www.brendannolan.com
How the Mountain Got its Spirit by Nathalie Vachon (51:27)
In this story the Beaver learns that love often means looking outside of ourselves, even letting go of something we hold dear for the benefit of someone or something else. Nathalie Vachon is a storyteller, writer, painter, and teacher in the Toronto Beaches community. To learn more about her visit www.nathalievachon.com
This compilation of stories weaves magic, as well as a little trickery, into the circumstances of rather ordinary individual's lives to teach valuable lessons. They highlight that kindness will win out over cruelty, courage over fear, and the advice parents extend is worth adhereing to. Told with a wonderful incorporation of sound and a touch of spookiness, the stories included in this episode are:
The Cruel Miller (1:13) A Jack tale in which a mean miller learns the value of those different from him. Jess Smith is a Scottish storyteller dedicated to help those around her promote understanding however she can. Learn more about Jess Smith by visiting www.jesssmith.co.uk
Davy and the Devil (15:32) Davy loses his job as a fisherman and soon after encounters the Devil with whom he strikes a deal. Told by Megan Hicks whose collection of fairy tales, "No Tricks. Just Magic" was given a Storytelling World Award. She's also won a Parents' Guide to Children's Media Award for her collection of stories entitled "Groundhogs Meet Grimm". Learn more about Megan Hicks by visiting www.meganhicks.com
The Skull (28:35)| A young orphan girl spends the night in a strange castle, courageously carrying out the tasks a skull dictates to her. Recipient of the Excellence Oracle Award from the National Storytelling Network Circle, Beth Horner marvelously incorporates the auditory presence of bones in this charming tale that initially sounds rather frightening. Learn more about Beth Horner by visiting bethhorner.com
The Witch of Cape Anne (42:55) For a mischevious boy the tale of a woman who haunts the local river becomes more real for him than he ever thought it could be. Pat Mendoza cultivated an extensive repetoire during his lifetime through his unique heritage and experiences. You can learn more about Pat Mendoza by reading his obituary at www.denverpost.com
We’ve selected a bunch of our favorites from this week’s episodes to bring to you, including “The Ghost Dog” by Brian Fox Ellis, Sheila Arnold's stories about her sister Vicki, and “The Pedlar of Swaffam” by Heather Forest.
In Washington Irving’s short story, “Rip Van Winkle,” the title character escapes to the Catskill mountains, falls asleep, and awakens to realizes that he has accidentally dozed off for over twenty years. There are many morals to the story that advise readers and listeners how a waking life is surely more exciting than an unconscious one—but we can’t help but wonder, just what did Rip Van Winkle dream about all those years that kept him from waking up? Dwelling on dreams can sometimes lead to a disconnection from reality, but today we’re sharing fairy and folk tales of realities that were shaped by potent and powerful dreams. When you have a chance to make your dreams come true, shouldn’t you take it?
Stories included in this episode:
The Peddlar of Swaffham This English folktale from Swaffham, Norfolk that dates back to 1699. Similar legends can be found throughout European and the Middle Eastern history, including a version of the tale called, “The man who became rich through a dream” in One Thousand and One Nights. Learn more about Heather Forest's work by visiting www.heatherforest.com
Hidden Treasure In this piece by Regi Carpenter, the storyteller realizes that sometimes the meaning of our dreams isn't clear until some time has passed. Learn more about Regi Carpenter by visiting regicarpenter.com
The Pearl That Shone by Night A young man faces off with his brother after being visited by the girl of his dreams while he sleeps. What follows is a magical quest that includes a luminous pearl and a dragon king. Learn more about Judy Lubin by visiting www.storytellermagic.com
The Forest A woman falls victim to a fairy dream, but love her family turns out to be stronger than any magic. Find more of Barbara Schutzgruber's work by visiting weavestory.com
Somewhere between 1477 and 1482, Italian Renaissance painter Sandro Boticelli would create a panel painting entitled, Allegory of Spring or, in its Italian, Primavera. The painting depicts a group of mythological figures in a garden of over 150 plants and flowers including orange, mytle, and laurel. Each plant flowers in the countryside of Florence, Italy between March and May. Scholars agree that symbol-rich painting embodies humanistic ideals of the burgeoning of life and love in the world, and the presence of the divine in what would have been considered mundane before the art and ideologies of the Renaissance. So today, we’ve chosen some stories that we think embody some of the ideals of this famous painting that marries the human with the divine and remind us that springtime can happen at any time of the year through the power of art.
Peony Hedge Jane Stenson is a teller who exhibits a great connection with nature in her work, and this story is no different find more of Jane's work by visiting janestenson.com
The First Flower A song about watching things grow. Learn more about Mustard's Retreat www.mustardsretreat.com
The Empty Pot Vera in the word Primavera, is the Latin word for real or true. Honesty is one of the most important seeds we can plant. Learn more about Jill Lamede by visiting www.lamede.com
The Weeping Willow A story about a tree that just wants to do its best to grow. Learn more about Sheila Arnold by visiting www.mssheila.org
The Elf of Springtime The prime of one's life often comes when we aren't necessarily expecting it. www.oddsbodkin.net
The Sun is Returning A song about springtime from Norman Walker. Find more of his work by visiting www.normwalker.com
Reincarnation A poem with a humanistic view of the environment from David Holt. Find more of David's work as a storyteller by visiting www.davidholt.com/storytelling
Edith's Lyrebird A love story between a woman, a bird, and her garden. Learn more about Laura Simms by visiting www.laurasimms.com
Tributes to humanity's best friend. Stories featured in this episode:
Some Dog A tall tale from Mary Hamilton about a peculiar country dog with a love for literature. Learn more about Mary Hamilton by visiting www.maryhamilton.info
Das Buck Bil Lepp gets inspired by Jack London and tries to get Buck to hear the call of the wild. Learn more about Bil Lepp by visiting www.leppstorytelling.com
Noah's Ark Have you ever wondered why dogs have cold wet noses? Irish storyteller has Liz Weir has the folkloric answer.
Lady Marian's Wolfhound Another story from Irish storyteller Liz Weir about the traits of a loyalty between human and animal. Learn more about Liz Weir by visiting www.lizweir.org
Show and Tell In this story, Rivka Willick’s mom makes up stories about a planet of dogs and young Rivka takes the stories with her throughout her grade school years. Learn more a about Rivka by visiting www.simplyextraordinarytales.com
Dog and Elephant An Indian folktale about an unlikely friendship between species from Laura Simms. Find more of Laura's work by visiting www.laurasimms.com
Highlights from episodes that aired from Monday, April 3rd to Friday, April 7th. Episodes featured in this Saturday's round-up:
Someone Who Made A Difference - Dr. Jill Rudy, of the BYU English Department, brings her American Folklore Class to join us in Studio 6 to share stories of people who made a difference in their lives. Hear stories of brave ancestors and smart relatives, the charity of strangers, quick thinkers, and other every day heroes who exhibit courage in thoughtful acts of kindness and wisdom.
Okee Dokee Brothers - In this episode, Joe Mailander, one half of the dynamic duo the Okee Dokee Brothers, joins Sam Payne in conversation to discuss songwriting, storytelling, folklore and traveling through America.
Poetry - Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.” Robert Frost said, “A poem begins as a lump in the throat, a sense of wrong, a homesickness, a lovesickness,” and Charles Baudelaire implores us, “always be a poet, even in prose.” This episode is a brief survey of poetry from Western history and civilization.
The Case of the Shooting Star - This episode features the enigmatic drama "The Case of the Shooting Star" produced by our friends at Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater. Join Underhill in another mystery as he and Doctor Scofield, check into the science and history of meteors, as well as the laws of probability, when a man is struck dead by a flying object.
Take the Mountain Down - This bluegrass narrative based on the story of the Prodigal Son, commissioned by R. Don Oscarson was written by Steven and Marvin, and performed and filmed for television for BYUtv. The production also included Sam Payne in its cast. You can watch a performance of Take the Mountain down by clicking this link: Take the Mountain Down on BYUtv
At the suggestion of assistant producer Whitney Snow, who has always been a longtime fan of the local Utah arts & music scene, Sam Payne spends the hour talking with Steven Kapp Perry (who can also be found hosting BYUradio's Highway 89) and Marvin Payne about a musical production entitled "Take the Mountain Down."
The bluegrass narrative based on the story of the Prodigal Son, commissioned by R. Don Oscarson was written by Steven and Marvin, and performed and filmed for television for BYUtv. The production also included Sam Payne in its cast. You can watch a performance of Take the Mountain down by clicking this link: Take the Mountain Down on BYUtv
Also included in this episode is another Biblical story from Syd Lieberman, from the Old Testament he shares the story of David and Goliath. Learn more about Syd by visiting this link: www.sydlieberman.com
Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.” Robert Frost said, “A poem begins as a lump in the throat, a sense of wrong, a homesickness, a lovesickness,” and Charles Baudelaire implores us, “always be a poet, even in prose.” And so today, we’re going to take a brief excursion in the world of poetry in Western civilization, touching on the impulse to express as it is found in ancient and modern settings. Before written language, humanity’s history and heritage was held in sound and what better sound is there than a particularly poignant poem?
Beowulf Syd Lieberman performs a rendition of one of hte oldest surviving poems in the English language. To learn more about Syd Lieberman visit www.sydlieberman.com
The Grecian Urn Inspired by John Keats' poem, "Ode to a Grecian Urn," Robin Schulte shares a story that explains how art helps make memories last. To learn more about Robin's work visit www.robinschulte.com
Image of a Cowboy We think of cowboys as an icon of Americana, of true grit, and of a time long gone which are all things that make the cowboy image ripe for the poetic treatment. Joe Herrington shares this poem that highlights the iconic type in American history. To learn more about Joe Herrington visit www.joeherrington.com
The Colored Soldiers Storyteller Mitch G. Capel dedicates some of his work as a performer to highlighting the life and poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar, a figure in American history who is widely acknowledged as the first important African-American poet in American literature. To learn more about Mitch G. Capel visit www.gjbug.com
When Malindy Sings Paul Laurence Dunbar's poetry is revered by many people throughout history for his representation of black life in America at the turn-of-the-century. Oni Lasana is a multi-disciplinary storyteller who draws from African American history, among other areas. Learn more about Oni Lasana's work by visiting www.onilasana.com
Bristlecone Pine A cowboy poem from Waddie Mitchell that showcases the observant eye of a poet. Learn more about Waddie Mitchell by visiting www.somagency.com/waddie-mitchell
I Am From Minton Sparks uses music and poetry to paint electrifying pictures of the rural South. To learn more about Minton Sparks visit mintonsparks.com
Jack Poems Do you remember where you first heard your first nursery rhymes? For Donald Davis, it was from his grandmother. Learn more about his work by visiting www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Ode to 398.2 Storyteller Heather Forest is a performer who knows the importance of a ballad. Here is a short one that discusses how art inspires and begets even more art. Learn more about her work by visiting www.heatherforest.com
What Man Was John Clare? Leslie Norris was a professor of creative writing and Poet-In-Residence at Brigham Young University. His body of works highlights the beauty of nature and he was considered one of the most important Welsh writers of the post-war period. Read more about the late Leslie Norris by visiting his Wikipedia page en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_Norris
The Spell of the Woods Leslie Norris was a professor of creative writing and Poet-In-Residence at Brigham Young University. His body of works highlights the beauty of nature and he was considered one of the most important Welsh writers of the post-war period. Read more about the late Leslie Norris by visiting his Wikipedia page en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_Norris
“[The Okee Dokee Brothers] remind us of the American belief that we’re bound for better weather. Their album [Can You Canoe?] celebrates everyday explorers, young and old, who rediscover that notion daily”– NPR’s All Things Considered
“The lyrics are playful, engaging and subtly filled with life lessons. These are songs that encourage kids to find happiness with fewer material possessions and embrace adventure even in trying situations. Without getting preachy or heavy-handed, Mailander and Lansing come off like happy, kind and fun big brothers eager to show their younger siblings how to have an ethically sound and green-conscious good time.”– Chicago Tribune
Justin Lansing (above, left) and Joe Mailander (above, right) are The Okee Dokee Brothers, an independent American bluegrass and American roots children's music duo from Minneapolis. Their 2012 CD/DVD release Can You Canoe?, with music and videos created during a 2011 paddle down the Mississippi River, won a GRAMMY for Best Children's Album in the 55th GRAMMY Awards. Since then, Joe and Justin have received more GRAMMY Award nominations for their albums (Through the Woods and Saddle Up) and videos, and have published books including Can You Canoe? & Other Adventure Songs and most recently \_The Thousand Star Hotel, \_which is an adaptation of the folktale the Fisherman and His Wife.
In this episode, Joe Mailander, one half of the dynamic duo, joins Sam Payne in conversation to discuss songwriting, storytelling, folklore and traveling through America. Songs included in this episode: Haul Away Joe, Black Bear Mama, Somos Amigos, One Horsepower, Roll On River, Big Rock Candy Mountain, This Little Light O' Mine (performed by David Holt).
To learn more about the Okee Dokee Brothers visit this website: www.okeedokee.org
To learn more about David Holt visit: www.davidholt.com
Highlights from episodes broadcast for the week of Monday, March 27, to Friday, March 31. Episodes broadcast this week on The Apple Seed:
Love Gone Right - In which The Apple Seed Team tries to play matchmaker on the air.
Vernal Storytelling - In which Sam Payne joins Tim Lowry on stage at the Vernal Storytelling Festival in Vernal, Utah.
Rambunctious Relatives - In which we feature stories about the chaos in our family tree that brings us all a little closer together.
Storyteller Spotlight: Donald Davis - In which we feature stories and conversation with the inimitable Donald Davis.
Shakespeare's First Folio - In which we talk to scholars, directors, actors, and other Shakespeare enthusiasts about what it is that makes William's words so timeless.
From the Folger Shakespeare Library website: "Four hundred years after Shakespeare's death, his characters are timeless and familiar, from wide-eyed Miranda to grim Macbeth. But how do we know about Shakespeare's plays in the first place?
For many of the plays, the answer is a single book: the 1623 First Folio of Shakespeare. Assembled seven years after Shakespeare's death, the First Folio includes 36 of his plays—18 of which had never been before published. Without it, Julius Caesar, Macbeth, As You Like It, The Tempest, and more could have been lost.
In 2016, in partnership with Cincinnati Museum Center and the American Library Association, First Folio! The Book that Gave Us Shakespeare will bring the First Folio to all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. The exhibition, which also includes panels and digital content, exclusively features First Folios from the Folger, whose collection of 82 First Folios is by far the largest in the world."
The First Folio! tour was brough to Salt Lake City Public Library, where Sam Payne takes us in this episode to explore Shakespeare's influence in storytelling and the arts. Stories and interviews included in this episode:
Interview with Lisa Curt of the Salt Lake City Public Library Lisa Curt, Assistant Director at the Salt Lake City Public Library, is person responsible for bringing the First Folio to library patrons in Salt Lake City as it tours through the country. Sam Payne discusses Shakespeare history and cultural impact with Lisa as he explores the exhibition.
Interview with Archie Crisanto Archie Crisanto is a local filmmaker and actor who is directing an upcoming production of "The Taming of the Shrew" in Provo, Utah. He sits down with Sam Payne to talk about adapting Shakespeare for the modern stage.
Interview with Members and Alumni of The Acting Company Sam Payne is joined in studio by members and alumni of The Acting Company, including company director Suzanne Christensen. The Acting Company is a theatre organization dedicated to bringing Shakespeare to audiences young and old through productions starring children of all ages. In this conversation, Sam Payne and the actors discuss their respective experiences with acting. Learn more about Utah-based Acting Company by visiting www.tacactingcompany.org/about_tac
Anybody with a sibling knows that the family dinner table can be a real knock-down-drag-out, and that bedtime is dog-eat-dog world. Often, the people we love the very most are the ones that know best how to push our buttons and vice versa. There are many ways to be a family and a little chaos can help us come closer with the ones we love.
Is Not Is Too (Generate
http:/www.byuradio.org/episode/36007309-58e3-41b0-b3e8-de4a4b0e2109?playhead=75&autoplay=true)A song about the one of the tales as old as time: sibling rivalry. Learn more about Bill Harley by visiting www.billharley.com
The Healy Cross Stubbornness can sometimes be hereditary. Find more of Yvonne Healy's work by visiting www.yhealy.com
Roots and Raccoons When storyteller Molly Catron worries that her rock n' roll granddaughter might not fit in with their extended country relatives, she learns that blood really is thicker than water. Learn more about Molly Catron's work by visiting www.mollywcatron.com
Uncle Charnel and Aunt Versa A story about some of Bruce Walker's more eccentric relatives: god-fearing and yet definitely forces to be reckoned with themselves. Visit www.brucestoryteller.com to learn more about Bruce Walker.
Why It Rains In this story from Kirk Waller's album, "But Why?", Brother Land and Sister Water argue and then work together to feed the hungry people of the earth. Learn more about Kirk Waller by visiting www.kirkwaller.com
Brother Sun, Brother Moon and the Pretty Girl Another family story of celestial bodies, fear, and fraternity. Learn more about Michael Katz by visiting www.storytellermichael.com
Sam Payne shared the stage with Tim Lowry at the 2017 Vernal Storytelling Festival. In this episode, get a feel for the vibrant local festival held in the heart of "Utah's Dinosaurland." Storytelling events over the weekend included workshops and entertaining performances from Tim and Sam. Live recordings from the festival in this episode include:
A little bit of Gullah and a familiar Jack Tale Tim Lowry is a proud Southerner who has the charm, hospitality and manners to follow suit. In this performance, he shares a bit of his knowledge of the Gullah language and culture as well as a fun spin on a familiar Jack tale.www.storytellertimlowry.com
Coconuts Were you ever in a grade school play? Listen to this rollercoaster tale of understudies and underdogs to find out why it is so aptly titled "Coconuts." Former high school theatre understudy and current host of The Apple Seed are just a few of the many things that can be found in Sam's curriculum vitae, learn more about our host as performer by visiting www.sampayne.com
The Man Who Wasn't Afraid of Anything People say reading is fun, but Tim Lowry can tell you that it's hard work! However, anything that's worth a great reward is worth the hard work. In this story from the Blackfoot Native American tradition, Tim Lowry shares a treasure from the world of reading.
1. An object at rest will remain at rest until acted upon, and an object in motion will remain in motion.
2. Force equals mass times acceleration.
3. For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.
Those are the laws of motion according to Sir Isaac Newton. What you might not have learned in your high school physics class, and indeed, might have in fact learned the hard way, are the laws of commotion, the corresponding principles to Newton’s mechanics that ensure that there will always be at least a little chaos in our cosmos. The laws of commotion are as follows:
1. There are things in this world that can’t be stopped, and there are people in this world that will not be stopped.
2. Things can and will escalate quickly.
3. What goes around must, inevitably, come back around.
Stories included in this episode:
Burns and His Burials Robert Burns was a Scottish poet and lyricist, known for his role as a pioneer of the Romantic movement who was known for his blunt political and civil commentary. Celebration of his life and work became almost a national charismatic cult during the 19th and 20th centuries—but it wasn’t always this way. In this story, Mary Gavan shares how the cat kept coming back, so to speak. Learn more about Mary Gavan by visiting www.marycelticstory.ca
The Old Woman and Death Of the certainties in this world, Death is the surest. But this story, recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, is about a woman who won’t let the laws of physics or philosophy stop her from getting things done. Learn more about Lyn Ford by visiting www.storytellerlynford.com
The Swamp Fox An experiment in amphibious recreational vehicles that goes awry, from the inimitable Donna Ingham. Learn more about Donna's work by visiting www.donnaingham.com
A Joel Story: The Muffler Pipe Childhood experiments often involving pushing the boundaries to their absolute limit. What do you get when you try to combine a muffler-turned-horn with a farm nestled in the mountains? Listen to Lona Bartlett's story about her little brother's curious cacophony to find out. Find more Lona Bartlett stories by visitinghttp://lonabartlett.com
Echoline A reimagining of the Echo and Narcissus myth (Ovid’s Metamorphoses) set in the present day. There is perhaps no better narrative application of “action and reaction” than the hot tempers of the Greek and Roman gods-- even in a contemporary setting. Learn more about Kirk Waller by visiting www.kirkwaller.com
Boomerang & Lizard Man, Boomerang Song The boomerang was first encountered by western people at Farm Cove (Port Jackson), Australia, in December 1804, when a weapon was witnessed during a tribal skirmish. The Boomerang Song teaches a dance inspired about the boomerang, Boomerang & Lizard Man is about the indigenous cultural history of the Boomerang. Learn more about Paul Taylor by visiting www.paultaylor.ws
Sam Payne is joined in conversation by Dr. Drew Williams, principal of Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts, about the conventions of music making. Later, Sam is joined by some of the students at Tuacahn High who are interested in writing songs that express core parts of themselves. Other stories included in this episode:
I Hate Music! Don't let the title of this hilarious story fool you: Willy Claflin is one of the most enthusiastic and energetic music makers you'd ever have the pleasure of meeting. Do you remember learning the recorder in elementary school? Relive those memories with Willy in this story. Learn more about the storyteller described as a "one-man festival" by visiting www.willyclaflin.com
Lady in Red Geraldine Buckley shares the story of one of her very first jobs as a radio DJ, and the story behind a song that haunts her for hilarious reasons. Learn more about Geraldine, who among other things is a world traveler and former chaplain to Maryland's largest men's prison, by visiting her website at www.geraldinebuckley.com
Miriam and the Saxophone This story is for anyone who wanted to take music lessons as a kid and found that being a rockstar was a lot more work than they imagined. Practice truly makes perfect in this story from Karen Golden. Learn more about Karen Golden, a purveyor of fine Jewish folktales, by visiting www.karengolden.com
Wisdom is gained through experience. A good story can expose us to lessons we’d rather not learn the hard way. Thankfully, we’re not alone in our experiences which is why proverbs and folktales often go hand-in-hand. And today, we’d like to share some of that folklore and some of those proverbs and lessons with you through stories about never saying never and always being prepared. Stories included in this episode:
Clever Bird's Counsel A clever bird shares some advice and then puts it in practice. Learn more about Pam Faro by visiting storycrossings.com
Never Give Up A Russian folktale from Australian teller, Jenni Cargill-Strong, about a very persistent frog. Learn more about Jenni Cargill-Strong by visiting www.storytree.com.au
You'll Never Take Me Alive A humorous story by Pete Griffin about being resolute in Michigan. Find more of his work by visiting www.thestorytellingranger.com
Why Frog and Snake Never Play Together Life is often more complicated than just never and always. Learn more about Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss by visiting beautyandthebeaststorytellers.com
Bigger Badder Better There’s always someone bigger/badder/better than you, according to Kirk Waller. Find more of his work by visiting www.kirkwaller.com
The Grass is Always Greener In this story from Syd Lieberman, Syd and his Peace Corps companions learn how a little perspective can go a long way. Learn more about the late Syd Lieberman by visiting www.sydlieberman.com
When feisty nine-year-old Charlotte DeGrey hears the Mormon missionaries proclaim, ”The church of Jesus Christ has been restored,” she is confused. "Where has it gone? It is preached every Sunday in our drafty old church now isn’t it?” She soon finds her world turned upside down when her mother and older sister become interested in the new religion being preached in the little coal mining town of Dudley, England, in 1851. Soon the family is not only ostracized but also persecuted. While she is intrigued with the new religion, she steams with resentment at their treatment by the community that threatens to plunge her family into poverty. Her journey toward her own acceptance is filled with adventures and heartbreaks. Many new challenges present themselves as she tries to curb her temper and somehow fit into each new place, from England to a year in Boston and on to Zion. Based on a true story written by journalist Christie B. Dalley. In this episode, Christie speaks with Sam Payne about bringing Charlotte's story to life and narratives derived from the family tree. You can find copies of Charlotte's Way on amazon.com.
Other stories about family history included in this episode:
Frogs' Legs A story about an annual gathering of the Blake Alston family, and folklore passed down through the generations. Learn more about Charlotte Blake Alston by visiting www.charlotteblakealston.com
The White Comanche of the Plains Donna Ingham shares the story of Cynthia Ann Parker, also known as Naduah, an Anglo-American Texas woman in the 1800s who was adopted into a Comanche tribe. Find more of Donna Ingham's work at www.donnaingham.com
Arrogance is one of the most notorious vices and there are many lessons to be learned in learning the difference between pride and vanity. Stories included in this episode:
Renaldo In this bilingual story from Leeny Del Seamonds, the difference between pride and arrogance, that Leeny learned as a lesson from her father, is emphasized. Learn more about Leeny Del Seamonds by visiting leenydelseamonds.com
Sambalele Samba Lele is a popular children's folksong that is sung throughout parts of Brazil. In some versions of the song, a sassy monkey learns a lesson in pride. Learn more about The Storycrafters by visiting www.storycrafters.com
Apple Seed Team Roundtable Sam, Whitney, Deidrene, and Makena gather around the table to talk about times they've eaten humble pie.
Three Strong Women A wrestler learns lessons in humility from women with incredible strengths. Learn more about Bobby Norfolk by visiting www.bobbynorfolk.com
A round-up of stories, songs, and interviews pulled from episodes that aired during the week of 3 March - 10 March. Weekly highlights featured in today's round-up:
Stories and songs from the third Jambalaya episode. Our Jambalaya episodes featured stories that were good on their own or together. The two stories we feature in today's Saturday Round-Up are "Wayfaring Stranger" by Mike Agranoff, and "The Squire's Bride" by Heather Forest.
Excerpts from our Weber Storytelling Festival episode. This week, on our Warming Up for Weber episode, Sam Payne shared some stories from the teller featured at the Weber Storytelling Festival including this one from Antonio Sacre.
In-Practice Excerpt. Every now and then, we like to share the lessons we've learned from storytelling in segments we like to call The Apple Seed "In-Practice." This excerpt is from our Humor In-Practice episode.
Pride Roundtable. Every once in a while, The Apple Seed team gathers around the table in Studio 3 to discuss storytelling. The theme of this roundtable discussion was "a time you had to eat humble pie."
Sam Payne discusses the finer points of what humor is and how to utilize it best in our storytelling and communication. Stories and segments featured in this episode:
Humor In-Practice Sam is not only our charming host, he has also been a professional performer and musician for many, many years. Along the way, he's learned a lot about the art of storytelling through his experiences and from the people he's encountered and worked with. In this segment, he the shares some insight about what it takes to "put the funny on stage" and how to use humor skillfully to help create connections between performer and audience. Throughout discussion, we'll hear advice on performing and humor from Suzanne Christensen, Andy Offut Irwin, Bil Lepp, and our assistant producers, Whitney Snow and Deidrene Crisanto.
Government Surplus and Colt 45 Willy Claflin is a funny man who commands the stage with his perfect comedic timing, his mastery of all things goofy, and his intimate understanding of human connection. Willy Claflin installs humor into his pieces so that both he and his audiences are having equal amounts of fun. Learn more about Willy Claflin visit www.willyclaflin.com
Heck No! We Didn't Bury My Mother From an album of the same name, Lona Bartlett shares this story that helps navigate emotion during a time of tension. Pay attention to the ways that Lona exhibits some of the lessons we've talked about to make sure her humorous moments pack a potent punch. Learn more about Lona and her stories by visiting lonabartlett.com
The Weber Storytelling Festival is a treasured three-day event sponsored by the Weber State University College of Education in Ogden, Utah. This year the festival featured performances from Antonio Sacre, Kim Weitkamp, Bil Lepp, and even Sam Payne himself! This episode highlights stories and songs that help set the atmosphere for what a storytelling festival featuring those tellers might sound like. Other tellers include Lori & Omar Hansen, Clive Romeny, Karl Behling and Steffani Raff. You can find more information about the annual festival by visiting this link www.weber.edu/storytelling.
Stories and songs included in this episode:
Grease and Old Spice A song from Kim Weitkamp honoring her father. Learn more about Kim's work by visiting www.kimweitkamp.com
Buck Ain't No Ordinary Dog A characteristic tale from Bil Lepp about an extraordinary pup. Find more of Bil Lepp's work at www.leppstorytelling.com
The Forbidden Souped-Up Sled Ride A tale about a snowy day, perfect for any time of the year. Learn more about Kim's work by visiting www.kimweitkamp.com
Plough a Straight Furrow A song honoring his pioneer heritage and Utah history by Clive Romney. Learn more about Clive's work by visiting www.cliveromney.com
The Leprecano A story about what it was like for Antonio Sacre to grow up in a multicultural family. Learn more about Antonio by visiting www.antoniosacre.com
Death can be devastating and should surely be approached with tenderness, but one of the many reasons that storytelling exists is to alleviate what fears we might have about dying. In the heroic cycle, the protagonist often descends into the underworld and returns, transformed, having a new knowledge and appreciation for mortality and its finitude. Encountering death as another chapter of life itself can help us appreciate the limited time we have, have a little more gratitude toward those around us and even keep us in good humors. Stories included on today's episode:
Ol' Dry Frye An Appalachian folktale about a fried-chicken-loving preacher whose untimely demise sets into motion an tumultuous chain of events, performed by Tim Lowry. Learn more about Tim Lowry by visiting www.storytellertimlowry.com
Auld Sailor Mary Gavan shares a story of a young nurse learns about death rites, compassion, and human connection. Our encounters with death can be disconcerting, but they can teach us great lessons in compassion and empathy. Learn more about Mary Gavan by visiting www.marycelticstory.ca
How It Feels to Die, By One Who Has Tried It A short story by writer Grant Allen in 1852. Allen, was a Canadian science writer and novelist was a famed proponent of evolution and naturalism. Performed by BYUradio's very own Solomon Reynolds.
The Watch This story from Martha Reed Johnson is about family and the preciousness of time and memory. Learn more about Martha Reed Johnson by visiting www.marthareedjohnson.com
A round-up of stories, songs, and interviews pulled from episodes that aired during the week of 20 February - 24 February. Weekly highlights featured in today's round-up:
Our very first Jambalaya episode. Jambalaya episodes featured an eclectic mix of stories, songs, and other snippets that were good on their own or combined together for an hour of fun.
The 44th National Storytelling Festival Episode. On this episode, we visited the 44th National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee where we met new and old friends to celebrate the renaissance of storytelling. Learn more about the festival by visiting www.storytellingcenter.net/festival
February Stories (2017). In this episode, members of the Acting Company join Sam Payne to perform stories of letters and other epistolary narratives in front of a live studio audience. Also featured in this performance was musician Debra Fotheringham. We've included some material that didn't make it into the broadcast including a song called "White Bird" performed by Debra, and a letter by Thomas Otway performed by Noah Kershisnik.
Squeaky on the Roof. "Squeaky on the Roof" is the name of an Andy Offut Irwin album featuring an Aunt Margeurite story that includes, among other things, ghost sightings, convicted felons, a dog named Margeurite, a bride, and a groom. The album also includes a track featuring Bil Lepp.
Members of The Acting Company, director Suzanne Christensen, and siblings & proprietors of online gallery, Cocoon, Noah & Leah Kershisnik, join Sam Payne for an evening of readings that highlight the thrill and excitement of writing and receiving letters.
In this episode, you'll hear letters and epistolary narratives from William Shakespeare, Bram Stoker, Jane Austen, Daisy Ashford. The Apple Seed is also joined by a live studio audience and musician Debra Fotheringham known for her membership in groups such as The Lower Lights and The Blue Heart Revue.
To find more of Debra Fotheringham's work, visit www.debrafotheringham.com
To learn more about The Acting Company, visit www.tacactingcompany.org
To learn more about Cocoon: Works on Paper, visit www.cocoonworksonpaper.com
Some conversation with Andy Offut Irwin about his storytelling process, the creation of Aunt Marguerite stories, and a catchy story from Bil Lepp and Andy about the consequences of stopping and going.
Squeaky on the Roof Follow Andy's eighty-five-year-old Aunt Marguerite as she deals with the lady who insists she sign a petition to place the Ten Commandments on the Court House... as she attends a wedding in which the Flower Girl is the daughter of the bride and groom... as she encounters two undeniable ghosts in the cemetery. This story comes from the album of the same name, "Squeaky on the Roof." Find it, and other stories, at this link andyirwin.com
Arlo Barlow, featuring Bil Lepp Have you ever been in an car with a driver that won't stop for anything? Arlo Barlow does not stop, he only goes. This story was co-written by Bil Lepp and songified by Andy. Find Bil Lepp's website at www.leppstorytelling.com
Over 40 years ago, a high school journalism teacher and a carload of students heard Grand Ole Opry regular Jerry Clower spin a tale over the radio about coon hunting in Mississippi. And the teacher, Jimmy Neil Smith, had a sudden inspiration: Why not have a storytelling festival right here in northeast Tennessee? On a warm October weekend in 1973 in historic Jonesborough, the first National Storytelling Festival was held. Hay bales and wagons were the stages, and audience and tellers together didn’t number more than 60. It was tiny, but something happened that weekend that forever changed our culture, this traditional art form, and the little Tennessee town. The Festival, now in its 44th year and acclaimed as one of the Top 100 Events in North America, sparked a renaissance of storytelling across the country.
In this episode, visit the 44th National Storytelling Festival with Sam Payne as he greets old friends, makes new ones, during his recent visit at the Exchange Stage at the 44th National Storytelling Festival down in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In this episode enjoy hearing stories, snippets, and songs from folks like Jerron Blind Boy Paxton, Clare Murphy, Minton Sparks, Bil Lepp, Elizabeth Ellis, Joe Herrington, Kevin Kling, and Antonio Sacre.
On today's episode, look to the stars with interviews and stories about space. Included in this episode:
Interview with Dr. Jerry Linenger Retired astronaut Jerry Linenger, M.D., M.S.S.M., M.P.H., Ph.D., is a retired Captain in the United States Navy Medical Corps, who is most famous for his time aboard the Space Station Mir. Dr. Linenger would spend a total of 132 days, 4 hours, and 1 minute in space-- the longest duration flight of an American male at that time. During his stay aboard, he and his Russian crewmembers faced numerous difficulties including the most severe fire ever aboard an orbiting spacecraft. While in space, Dr. Linenger wrote a series of letters to his son covering topics from the earth to the stars. Learn more about Dr. Linenger by visiting. You can read the letters to his son at this link:
Excerpt from Jay O' Callahan's "Forged in the Stars" In 2008, NASA commissioned storyteller Jay O’Callahan to write a story to celebrate the national space agency’s 50th anniversary. It was a particularly fitting modality, as NASA scientists use storytelling to share the results of their research and projects with their colleagues. O’Callahan’s resulting work, entitled Forged in the Stars, features the stories of three prominent NASA personalities: J.C. High Eagle, a NASA engineer of Cherokee Indian heritage whose childhood dream was to help men land on the moon; astronaut Neil Armstrong in the 1969 Apollo moon landing; and the poignant story of New Hampshire teacher Christa McAuliffe, who died in the space shuttle Challenger disaster. Further, the story explores the wondrous journey of the twin Voyager spacecraft, launched in 1977 with the goal of exploring Jupiter and Saturn, and continuing on to this day to places no other spacecraft has ever explored. Learn more by visiting www.ocallahan.com/forged-in-the-stars
Interview Excerpt with Todd Barber Todd Barber is a propulsion engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) who has worked on projects such as the Cassini mission to Saturn in 1997, the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission, and the Galileo project which reached Jupiter's orbit in 1995. Todd received NASA's Exceptional Achievement Award in 1996 fo his work on Galileo. Mr. Barber is a native of Wichita, Kansas and holds degrees in aerospace engineering, with a humanities concentration in music. His hobbies include basketball, singing, playing the piano, and of course, astronomy. Learn more about Jet Propulsion Laboratory by visiting www.jpl.nasa.gov
Spaceman (song) Inspired by Dr. Linenger's experiences in space, and his letters to his family, Sam Payne wrote this song recorded in 2002.
Here in the United States, our experience with royalty is far different than our European counterparts. In the contemporary United States, we often refer to our iconic celebrities as royalty—The Kennedys, Beyonce, Elvis— but there was a time when the designated rulers of a kingdom held the imaginations of the common people in magical, mythical ways. Today, we’re going to explore the ways the infamous Brothers Grimm examined the ruling classes through three fairy tales. Stories included in this episode:
The Queen Bee Did you know that a queen bee may lay anwhere between 600 to 1,500 eggs each during her three- or four-year lifetime? This Grimm's fairy tale is Aarne-Thompson type 554, regarding grateful animals. The Storycrafters give this tale a jazz-like feel. Find more of The Storycrafters at www.storycrafters.com
The Twelve Dancing Princesses The Brothers Grimm learned this tale from their friends, the Haxthausens, who heard the tale in Munster. Megan Hicks shares this version of the classic tale. Visit her website at www.meganhicks.com
The Frog Prince Other titles for The Frog Prince: Der Froschkönig oder der eiserne Heinrich, The Frog King, or The Iron Heinreich. This tale falls under the category Aarne-Thompson type 440, “about slimy suitors.” Tim Ereneta is a storyteller based in Berkeley, California and you can visit his website here: www.timereneta.com
Today we’ve got stories from Fran Yardley, Michael Reno Harrell, and even some our very own Apple Seed team members that really emphasize how home is where the heart is. Today, we’ll travel to the far reaches of distant lands to the backyards of Texas towns and a few places in between. Stories included in this episode:
Finding the Magic by Fran Yardley Fran and her daughters learn a little bravery in a foreign country. Traveling transforms you.
Roller Rink by Michael Reno Harrell A story about some clever entrepreneurs who make the most of what they have and where they are.
Apple Seed Roundtable The Apple Seed Team gathers in the studio to talk about their experiences with traveling and meeting travelers.
It's no mystery that The Apple Seed Team loves a good detective story. On today's episode we talk to writer Peter Lovesey about his approach to mystery writing, share excerpts from classic detective stories, and try our hand at the first chapter of our very own mystery. Stories included in this episode:
Interview with Peter Lovesey, Mystery Writer Peter Lovesey, also known by the pen name Peter Lear, is a British writer of historical and contemporary detective novels and short stories. His best-known series characters are Sergeant Cribb, a Victorian-era police detective based in London, and Peter Diamond, a moderyn-day police detective in Bath. In 1975, Lovesey left teaching to become a full-time writer. Since then, Peter Lovesey has won awards for his well-written fiction, including Gold and Silver Daggers from the British Crime Writers' Association, the Cartier Diamond Dagger for Lifetime Achievement, the French Grand Prix de LItterature Policiere, and first place in the Myster Writers of America's 50th Anniversary Short Story Contest. In 2019, Mr. Lovesey will be recognized by the Bouchercon Convention in Dallas for Lifetime Achievement. Lovesey's characters are known for their gumption, humanness, and accessibility. Learn more about Peter's work by visiting
The Case of the Blue Carbuncle The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle is one of 56 short stories written by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle about the famously brilliant detective, Sherlock Holmes. First published in 1892, this episode follows the disappearance of a near priceless jewel as London prepeares for Christmas. This story was performed in front of a live studio audience by Sam Payne and The Acting Company.
It's a Mystery!: An Exercise in Mystery Writing Thinking about our favorite detectives made our hands itch to write a story of our own! Here's an excerpt of our attempt at the introduction of a detective story. Want more mysteries? Let us know Facebook Facebook or Twitter!
Stories featuring some of our favorite fairy tale creatures-- some that are helpful or mischievous, some that are clever, and others that are kind. Stories featured in this episode:
Little Orphant Annie An 1885 poem by James Whitcomb Riley, written in Riley’s famous Hoosier dialect. The subject was inspired by Mary Alice "Allie" Smith, an orphan living in the Riley home during her childhood. Each stanza tells of a bad child who is snatched away by goblins as a result of their misbehavior. Storyteller Tim Lowry performs the poem that warns children to behave well, lest they fall to the same fate as the children in the poem. Find more of his work at www.storytellertimlowry.com
The Goblin and the Grocer A Hans Christian Andersen classic performed by the late Diane Wolkstein. Read an article about the late and great Diane Wolkstein from The New York Times at this link.
The Changeling A changeling child was believed to be a fairy child that had been left in place of a human child stolen by the fairies. Purposes of the changeling vary from story to story, some sinister and some sillier: one belief is that trolls thought that it was more respectable to be raised by humans and that they wanted to give their own children a human upbringing. This version of the folktale is performed by Richard Young, who comprises of half a storytelling duo with his wife Judy. You can learn more about them at www.yawp.com/stories
The Shoemaker and the Elves 1806 story, first collected in the German Grimm’s Fairy Tales. The Aarne–Thompson folklore classification system categorizes the story as type 503*: Helpful Elves. You can learn more about Megan Hicks, who has a groundhog infused version of the same story, by visiting www.meganhicks.com
Slops This is a story about a man who finds that he’s been dumping slops onto a tiny village of little folk and finds himself in a predicament as to how to right his wrong, reminding us to be a little more of our environment. Learn more about storyteller Pam Faro by visiting www.pamfaro.com
Tailybone The Tailybone, or Tailypo, is a cryptid often associated with heavily wooded and rural areas, with yellow eyes and long craggly tail. David Holt uses his talents with a guitar to drive the story with a little bit of music. Find more of his work here www.davidholt.com
Words of wisdom and advice from a few of our favorite storytellers and the Apple Seed Team. Stories featured in this episode:
It Takes Two to Tango A bilingual snippet from Leeny’s childhood in which her father teaches her the key to creating healthy relationships. Learn more about Leen Del Seamonds by visiting leenydelseamonds.com
Dad's Day '04 Another story about the enduring quality of parental advice from Kevin Kling. Find more of his work at www.kevinkling.com
Apple Seed Advice Whitney, Makena, Deidrene and Andre join Sam to discuss the best advice they've ever been given.
Maya's Story for Indira This story from Lani Peterson features words of wisdom from the beloved poet Maya Angelou that inspire a woman who is struggling to rebuild her life after a tragedy. Learn more about Lani Peterson by visiting lanipeterson.com
How I Became an English Major... or The Frog Jumped Twice Donald looks back on how the advice of a friend’s grandmother helped determine his career. Find more of his work at www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Pony Express riders rode for 18 months (1860-1861) of adventure. They encountered hostile Indians, bandits, blazing deserts and blizzards. Musician and storyteller Elaine Brewster brings to life the exploits of some of the riders such as Billy Fisher, William Henry Streeper, Elijah Nick Wilson, Howard Egan and George Edwin Little. Elaine has made extensive study of riders of the Pony Express, performing her program in many different venues. In this episode, Elaine and her hammer dulcimer join Sam Payne in the studio to share stories and songs about the Pony Express operation, including family history about Elaine's great grandfather who was the last living Pony Express rider in Utah.
Dalibor Talajic is a Croation comic book artist whose entered the comics market in 2005, having worked for Marvel since 2009. He is one of Marvel's most sought-after artists, whose hand can be seen in popular serials such as Deadpool, X-Men, and The Avengers. In 2016, Talajic accepted the job to illustrate the life of a mother trapped in the besieged Syrian town of Madaya. Using dispatches sent from a young mother he would only know as "Madaya Mom," Talajic would us his skills to bring awareness to the plight of the people of Madaya through pen, ink, and storytelling.
In this episode, Talajic joins Sam Payne in a conversation throughout the hour about art created to express life during warfare. You can find Dalibor Talajic & his work online here and here. Read an ABC News Article about Madaya Mom at this link.
In the last part of the hour, Sam Payne shares family histories that attest the nature of art, war, and human connection.
Names hold a great deal of power. With the right name, one can yield the greatest of reputations and associations. Names can live long after one dies, and the connotations associated with a name can remain long after anyone who has known that person has left the earth. Think, for example, of what someone means when they describe something as Wagnerian. Or how about Freudian? Or think about how anyone of a certain generation will know exactly what you mean when you say you MacGyver’ed something, or how most people will understand what it means to be called a Scrooge.On today’s episode, we’re sharing stories about heroes for whom a name becomes important to his or her story. Stories and songs included in this episode:
Escape (The Odyssey) An excerpt from the Odyssey performed by Odds Bodkin. In Homer’s The Odyssey, we do not meet the hero Odysseus for the first four books of the epic poem. Throughout his adventures, Odysseus uses his cleverness and wit to make a name for himself among the Ancient Greek heroes. Dr. Stanley Benfell, of the Comparative Arts & Letters Department at Brigham Young University, helps us introduce this episode of The Odyssey in which Odysseus tricks the Cyclops, Polyphemus. Find other episodes of the Odyssey by searching "Odyssey" in the archive searchbar, and find more of Odds Bodkin's work by visiting www.oddsbodkin.net.
Rumpelstiltskin It’s hard to talk about names & the troubles that come with them without mentioning the story of Rumplestiltskin. This German fairy tale was collected by the Brothers Grimm in their 1812 edition of Children’s and Household Tales. This version, by Rosie Cutrer, comes from a collection of stories called, "Mr. Bun and Other Stories." Learn more about Rosie Cutrer's work by visiting www.rosiecutrer.com
Your Name (song) Ozma is a five-piece American rock band from Pasadena, California. The band’s sound is a mix of nostalgic new-wave–influenced power pop and contrapuntal Casiotone-driven melodies sustained by heavy guitar riffs. This song is from the album, Spending Time on the Borderline. Find more about their music by visiting www.ozmaofficial.com
Papito Drawing from his Cuban-Irish-American heritage, Antonio Sacre shares stories about knowing who you are by knowing where you've been. This story is about language, nicknames, and family. Find more of Antonio Sacre by visiting www.antoniosacre.com
On this episode of The Apple Seed, we're joined in conversation by David Novak. Storyteller David Novak was recently a featured teller at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, where he delighted audiences with his wild creativity, intelligence, and wit. Highly energetic, David uses his voice, facial expressions and body to bring ancient tales, classic myths, and original stories to life. You can find the first part of our interview with David Novak by clicking here. Featured in this episode are interview excerpts from David's conversation with Sam Payne, as well as the story Pyramus and Sandy.
Stories from Fran Yardley, Anne Rutherford, Syd Lieberman, Betty Ann Wylie that included Southern Appalachian folklore, salmon, mothers, dating, music, and more! Included in this episode:
Barney McCabe Fran Yardley shares her version of "Barney McCabe," a folk tale from the black tradition of St. John's Island, South Carolina that tells how a brother, sister and three dogs outsmart an evil witch.
I Need to Get Out Anne Rutherford tells all kind of stories from the fantastically fictional to the delightfully factual. This story sheds a little insight into how Anne knew that stories were the right thing for her. Visit her website at www.annerutherford.com
My Mother's Love Life To be a great storyteller, it helps to come from a family with lots of great stories. This story is about Syd Lieberman's mother and will resonate to all of us who feel young at heart at every age. Learn about the late great Syd Lieberman by visiting www.sydlieberman.com
M'Dear Stories can help strangers become familiar, as Betty Ann Wylie shares in this story about her husband's grandparents. It is from a collection of stories called, "Pass it On: A Storyteller's Journey."
Stories through song from just some of our favorite storytellers who also happen to be musicians. Stories and songs included in this episode:
Well Made the World Go/Survivor John McCutcheon gives thoughtful insight through story and song to a generous and enthusiastic audience. Find more of John's work at www.folkmusic.com
Big Frog Little Frog Contemporary violinist, folk musician, singer and storyteller, Susan is a winner of multiple Parents' Choice Awards and gives classic stories a contemporary musical treatment. Find more of Susan's work at www.susanreed.com
Alicia & the Little Monster What happens when the monster under your bed is just as worried as you are? Bill Harley lets us know through story and song. Find more of Bill's work here www.billharley.com
Jimmy and the Seed/Seed Another story and song from Susan Reed, in which she enlists the help of family and friends to help us think about the seeds we plant. Find more of Susan's work at www.susanreed.com
Cleaning Out Mama's House/Old Things An award-winning songwriter and veteran storyteller, Michael Reno Harrell brings the stories, songs, and spirit of the Southern Appalachian Mountains to audiences that applaud his signature "grit and wit." Find more of Michael's work by visiting www.michaelreno.com
On this episode of The Apple Seed, we're joined in conversation by David Novak. Storyteller David Novak was recently a featured teller at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, where he delighted audiences with his wild creativity, intelligence, and wit. Highly energetic, David uses his voice, facial expressions and body to bring ancient tales, classic myths, and original stories to life. Smithsonian Magazine describes him as "a gifted teller who enhances his stories with a bag of tricks," and has shared these tricks with schoolchildren, workshops, coaching sessions, and audiences on stage at the National Storytelling Festival. David is a recipeient of the Excellence Award from the National Storytelling Network, and as Master Storyteller for the Disney Institute Novak his a master of many genres. After listening or seeing him perform, one quickly realizes that his love for story is a driving force in all aspects of his life. Featured in this episode are interview excerpts from David's conversation with Sam Payne, as well as the stories Little Yellow Fellow and Sterling.
Today on The Apple Seed, we're featuring stories from and an interview with Washington-based storyteller Ingrid Nixon.
Ingrid Nixon is an award-winning, world-traveling storyteller whose repertoire of stories include "nail-biters, lies, tall tales, traditional and personal stories" that take audiences everywhere from the coldest polar regions to the warmest jungles. Her performances have been featured in workshops, special events, schools, and festivals including the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennesee. Originally from Minnesota, Ingrid grew up on the trails of the Olympic Mountains in Washington State. Later, she would make her home in Alaska as a ranger with the National Park Service.
Her audio recordings include "Grimm's with a Twist" which offers deliciously dark stories spiced with humor, and "Operation Bouncy Chair," featuring personal stories about the important things in life. Ingrid is the proud champion of several liars contests & a winner at the Seattle Moth StorySLAM. Ingrid has also written, hosted and narrated for Discovery Chanel and the National Park Service, and has worked as a public radio RJ and print journalist. Learn more at www.ingridnixon.com
Stories about working hard and examples of hard workers. Anything worthwhile takes a lot of work. Stories included in this episode:
The Grasshopper and the Ants Hard work sucks sometimes. But by doing what we enjoy, we not only make it better for ourselves, but for others around us as well. Learn more about Donna Washington by visiting www.dlwstoryteller.com
The Wooden Maiden Working hard pays off, but so does taking a break. Find more Stephanie Beneteau stories and recordings by visiting www.stephaniebeneteau.com
Mother Holle The go-to story about how avoiding hard work means missing out on rewards always seems to be the Little Red Hen. Here’s another story that hits the same message, but in the Grimm tradition. Find more of Beatrice Bowles' work by visiting www.beatricebowles.com
John Henry Making a mark on the world takes a lot of strength, from folk heroes to grade school students and teachers. Find more of John McCutcheon's work by visiting www.folkmusic.com
Do you ever wonder about the people who were the very first at something? The very first person to look at corn and decide it would best be eaten popped? The first person to look at the ocean and say, “I’m going to cross it,” or the first person to settle your hometown? Do you wonder what it was like in the very beginning? If these are questions you’ve asked yourself or of others, then this episode is dedicated to you and to the following characters who could proudly put “self-starter” down on their resumes. We have many kinds of beginnings for you today, new and old. Stories included in this episode:
The First Story Dan Keding shares a story that highlights how humans have been intrigued by narratives since day one. Find more of Dan Keding's work by visiting www.dankeding.com
Daniel Morden Live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival The Sun and the Moon learn to live with the First Humans recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. Learn more about the talented Daniel Morden by visiting timpfest.org
Manjiro A story about the first Japanese person to come to the United States who was integral in the opening of Japan after the end of the Edo period. Find more of Joan Stockbridge's work by visiting www.joanstockbridge.com
The Legend of Strawberry An origin story from the Native American tradition about one of nature's greatest treats. Learn more about Jenni Cargill-Strong by visiting www.storytree.com.au
Sourdough Starter A tender story about the origins and (unexpected endings) of traditions. Learn more about Madeline Pots by visiting www.madelinelpots.com
Donald Davis was born in a Southern Appalachian mountain world rich in stories. While he heard many traditional stories about Jack and other heroic characters, he was most attracted to the stories of his own family and places of origin. Davis begin retelling the stories he heard and then adding his own new stories to them until he was repeatedly asked to "tell it again, on purpose." Donald's homegrown approach to storytelling and personal history has entertained and delighted audiences of all ages, but today we focus on his interactions with some of his youngest fans. In this episode, we follow Donald during a day of storytelling at local elementary schools where he teaches and tells enthusiastic assembly audiences about the importance of story. Learn more about Donald Davis by visiting www.ddavisstoryteller.com
New stories and recent favorites from some of The Apple Seed's longest-running friendships. Stories included in this episode:
The Call of Death Joe Herrington is known for his Western Tradition storytelling, cowboy poetry, and adventure writing. Audiences love Joe for his homespun Campfire Stories that highlight honor, courage, and rugged characters and for his poetry that touches the heart and tickles the soul. A long time contributor and friend of The Apple Seed, Joe shared some great new material, including this story, with us after we saw him at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. To learn more about Joe's work visit www.joeherrington.com
Damien's Limp The effervescent Geraldine Buckley was one of the first storytellers we interviewed on our program. A long time friend, contributor and supporter, Geraldine is always happy to share her stories and her friendship with us. This story is from a collection of new recordings given to us during her visit at Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. This story about Geraldine's brother, Damien, highlights the hooliganism of older brothers. To find more of Geraldine's work visit www.geraldinebuckley.com
An Amateur Professional Wrestler With a voice like silly putty, stories full of heart and humor, Andy Offutt Irwin is a one-person show that is anyone can enjoy from the young to the young at heart. Mischievous, insightful, and energetic-- Andy is a long-time contributor to the Apple Seed and has become a familiar face at festivals, workshops, and conferences for us. To find more of Andy's work visit andyirwin.com
Ugly Music Willy Claflin has been described as a "one-man festival." His energy and repertoire span many exciting sagas, yarns, misadventures and tales. Willy Claflin's enjoyable presence and attitude makes him seem like an old friend and kindred spirit to audiences all over the world. Find more of his work at www.willyclaflin.com
We listen to a lot of folk tales and fairy tales in our line of work, and some of them become as familiar as old friends. Getting to know the world of fable the way that we have, there are some conventions that tend to stick out. So today, we’ve got some stories for you that surround some very strange, eccentric, and unforgettable characters. Stories included in this episode:
Jack and Auntie Ugly In this story by Octavia Sexton, our favorite hero, Jack, comes up against one of his strangest opponents-- a gnarly mountain woman who is reported to have gone without a bath for 200 years. Learn more about Octavia Sexton by visiting www.octaviasexton.com
The Beaming Maiden An Alaskan folk tale about a “dazzling” maiden and an “ice hearted” chief told by the talented Beatrice Bowles. Learn more about Beatrice by visiting www.beatricebowles.com
The Standing Stones An Arthurian tale with echoes of Merlin, and a legendary curse, a life-long mystery, and the strangeness of certain storytellers. To learn more about Dan Keding visit www.dankeding.com
Mermaid's Revenge This story just has a lot of good mysteries in it, some allusions to Creole folklore, and a town full of enigmatic people. Find more of Brian "Fox" Ellis' work by visiting www.foxtalesint.com
Today, we’re exploring one of the greatest traditions of storytelling: Bedtime Stories. There are few things that take us back to the comfort of our childhood homes in the way that a familiar story does. The stories we hear as children tie us to our own personal pasts, and to the pasts of our cultures and heritage. We often first hear traditional tales as we lie in bed while a loved one sits by and tells us the stories they heard, and their parents hear, and their parent’s parents heard when they were young. Stories and songs included in this episode:
Red Riding Hood From her album "Grimm Tales Retold," Laura Bobrow shares her vision of the story about a young girl with a red riding hood who rode her way into the classic bedtime literary canon. Learn more about Laura J. Bobrow by visiting www.laurajbobrow.com
Come On Out and Play (Bear's All-Night Party) An original bedtime story for those of us who like to stay up past our bedtime. Find more of Bill's work at www.billharley.com
Apple Seed Team Roundtable: Bedtime Stories Assistant producers Makena Bauss and Deidrene Crisanto, and audio engineer Andre Marques join Sam Payne in the studio to talk about their favorite bedtime stories and the impact of bedtime stories in their own lives.
Tales for an October Night Looking for a bedtime story with a twist? Do you want to stir up some fun dreams? Look no further than this Lyn Ford tale. Learn more about Lyn by visiting www.storytellerlynford.com
Sweet Dreams (song) A lullaby from the Yellow Room Gang to wrap up today's episode. Learn more about the musicians on the Yellow Room Gang compilation album by visiting yellowroomgang.com
On today's episode of the Apple Seed, hear a performance of the Second Shepherd's Play, one of the Wakefield cycle of Mystery plays performed in the middle ages. The membes of the Acting Company are joined by professor of medieval literature Zina Petersen, and by the early music ensemble Musica Antiqua.
THe Second Shepherd's Play is a famous medieval mystery play that depicts of Christ's coming to Earth in a creative way. Dr. Zina Petersen of Brigham Young University joined us to talk about the origin of the medieval story and the rich symbolism of the text, as well as Suzanne Christensen, friend of the Apple Seed who often contributes to our wealth of literary knowledge. We've paired the academic conversation of medieval Christmas traditions with some of our favorite contemporary performances of Christmas stories. Included in this episode:
Interview with Zina Petersen and Suzanne Christensen Zina Petersen teaches courses in early British literature and language. She received her graduate degrees from The Catholic University of America in 1992 and 1997. Her research interests include the literary history of Christianity, mysticism, women's religious and spiritual writings, Chaucer, Malory and King Arthur traditions. Suzanne Christensen is the director of The Acting Company, where she exposes actors and audiences of all ages to accessible performances of classic Shakespeare plays.
The Chess Game A fable in verse about the story of the world written by Morgan Ashton and performed by the great Ed Stivender. To learn more about Ed visit edstivender.com
A Gift Thoughtful insights about Christmastime, gift giving, wise men and pageantry. To learn more about Kevin visit www.kevinkling.com
Don't Kill Santa Fervent children seek to help Santa out on his Big Day. To learn more about Donald visit www.ddavisstoryteller.com
There are many stories that stick with us, long after we've left the theatre or closed the book. There are people who fall in love with stories and devote their time to making those stories come alive in new ways. This episode is dedicated to the superfans of popular media who take their devotion further by making art inspired by their favorite franchises. Stories included in this episode:
At the Movies with The Raiders Guys
In 1982, in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, Chris Strompolos, eleven, and Eric Zala, twelve, proceeded to make a shot-for-shot remake of the Indiana Jones movies, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Every shot, every line of dialogue, every stunt. They borrowed and collected costumes, convinced neighborhood kids to wear grass skirts and play natives, cast a fifteen-year-old as Indys love interest, rounded up seven thousand snakes (sort of), built the Ark, the Idol, the huge boulder, found a desert in Mississippi, and melted the bad guys faces off. Chris Strompolos and Eric Zala have garnered legions of fans around the world, received worldwide press and praise from the film industry for remaking Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, a 20 million dollar Hollywood classic for a mere $5,000 when they were teenagers. Their fan film is now considered a cult classic. Learn more by visiting www.raidersguys.com
The Wizarding World with Makena, Deidrene, and Harry & the Potters
Makena and Deidrene are unabashely passionate Harry Potter fans, and were excited to have the chance to go to a Wizard Rock concert in November at the Orem Public Library. The very first folks to produce what is now called “Wizard Rock” were two brothers named Joe and Paul DeGeorge. They are the primary members of Harry & the Potters, a musical project in which thye both perform and write songs in the persona of Harry Potter. Since 2002, these guys have released full-length albums, EPs, singles and have toured the nation and the globe sharing wizard rock with enthusiastic fans, have been the subject of two documentaries, and co-founded the charity organization The Harry Potter Alliance (which uses real love and charity inspired by fictional characters to promote literacy and make activism accessible through the power of story.) Their music is catchy, literary, and has a distinctly do it yourself attitude. To learn more about Harry & the Potters visit harryandthepotters.com
Galaxies Far and Near with Janine Spendlove
Janine K. Spendlove is a KC-130 pilot in the United States Marine Corps. In the writing world she is an award winning author primarily known for her War of the Seasons fantasy series. She has several short stories published in various speculative fiction anthologies, to include the Star Wars tie-in story “Inbrief.” Janine is also a member of Women in Aerospace (WIA), BroadUniverse (BU), Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA), and is a co-founder of GeekGirlsRun (GGR), a community for geek girls (and guys) who just want to run, share, have fun, and encourage each other. A graduate of Brigham Young University, Janine loves pugs, enjoys knitting, making costumes, playing Beatles tunes on her guitar, and spending time with her family. Learn more about this fan turned creator at www.ailionora.com
Selected Shorts is the weekly public radio show produced by Symphony Space in New York City that brings fiction to an audience of about 300,000 listeners. Each Selected Shorts episode and performance includes several stories surrounding a central theme, performed by great actors from stage, screen and television who lend their talents to bring classic and new fiction to life. Evenings are often co-hosted by writers, literary producers, and other interesting characters. Recently, Selected Shorts visited Brigham Young University where audiences enjoyed a show hosted by author Shannon Hale, featuring performances by talents such as Rene Auberjonois (Benson, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Jane Kaczmarek (Malcolm in the Middle), and Zach Grenier (The Good Wife, 24).
This episode features a performance by Jane Kaczmarek reading 'The Princess Who Stood on Her Own Two Feet' by Jeanne Desy and the evening's full Selected Shorts Cast reading the Margaret Atwood story 'There Was Once.' Also included in this hour is a performance from The Apple Seed's own in-house reader's theatre company featuring Suzanne Christensen, Noah Kershisnik, Leah Kershisnik, and Sam Payne and a rendition of Beauty and the Beast.
Selected Shorts is the weekly public radio show produced by Symphony Space in New York City that brings fiction to an audience of about 300,000 listeners. Each Selected Shorts episode and performance includes several stories surrounding a central theme, performed by great actors from stage, screen and television who lend their talents to bring classic and new fiction to life. Evenings are often co-hosted by writers, literary producers, and other interesting characters.
Recently, Selected Shorts visited Brigham Young University where audiences enjoyed a show hosted by author Shannon Hale, featuring performances by talents such as Rene Auberjonois (Benson, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Jane Kaczmarek (Malcolm in the Middle), and Zach Grenier (The Good Wife, 24). Today's episode is shared with permission and features the 1953 short story by science-fiction author Philip K. Dick "The King of the Elves" read by Rene Auberjonois.
Jasmin Cardenas is a storyteller whose many achievements include being the recipient of a Race Bridges Studio Fellowship. The Race Bridges Studio organization seeks to facilitate vital conversations about race relations through sharing stories and listening to each other, giving talented artists time to develop ne stories about inclusion and racial justice. Find more about the Race Bridges Fellowship at www.racebridgesstudio.com. Jasmin uses stories in her work with children and adults to teach about community and conflict, by helping people tell their own true stories, often to each other and across cultural, racial, and economic divides. You can find out about Jasmin Cardenas and her work as a storyteller, actor, and educator at www.jasmincardenas.com
Stories included in this episode:
Interview with Jasmin Jasmin Cardenas joins Sam Payne in conversation about her career as a storyteller and her aim to bridge cultural, racial and social divides within her community.
My Brother's Keeper A piece about Jasmin and her awakening as a young activist as she and her friends sought to tell the true story of accused death-row inmate Manuel Salazar, advocating for his release.
Cuban Jokes and Pregones (Antonio Sacre) In his conversations with Jasmin, Sam Payne found out that they shared a mutual admiration for storyteller Antonio Sacre. Find more of Antonio's work at www.antoniosacre.com
Kim Weitkamp is a prolific storyteller and a talented musician. Recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, Kim was joined by fellow musicians such as Ryan Schupe and our very own Sam Payne to share some of her music with an enthusiastic audience. Throughout this hour, enjoy stories, songs, and conversations from the stage with Kim and her friends. To learn more about the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival visit timpfest.org. To learn more about Kim's work and listen to her stories & songs, visit www.kimweitkamp.com
When we’re children, we have a strong sense of wonder that helps us turn our inherent potential into experience and eventually wisdom. Being so small in a world can be scar, but it can also be exhilarating: when you’re a kid, the whole world can feel like it’s all yours and you want to soak up as much of it as you can. There’s courage in curiosity, so today’s episode is dedicated to the precocious children, odd offspring, and clever tots who remind us of all the things we forget when we get too big for the kid’s table. Stories included in this episode:
The Curious Girl From a collection of Irish stories called "The Brewery of Eggshells and Other Irish Stories" from Nuala Hayes and Kate Corkery, this tale reminds us all to never stop asking questions. To learn more about Nuala Hayes and Kate Corkery visit Nuala's page on www.storytellersofireland.orgp
The Elephant's Child The ultimate story about inquisitiveness and nosiness. This version of the classic Rudyard Kipling Just-So Story is performed by Jim Weiss. To learn more about Jim Weiss visit www.jimweiss.com
Ananse, Ahso and their Six Clever Children You might know Anansi from the folklore that surrounds the spidery trickster from the Asante people of Ghana. But did you know that Anansi, a character known to us through the power of the oral tradition, is the husband and father to a wife and children who are just as clever? Find more of Jenni Cargill-Strong's work by visiting www.storytree.com.au
Purgy-tory This story from from Leeny Del Seamonds is a testament to how kids do, or do not, test the boundaries of their knowledge. Find more of her work here leenydelseamonds.com
There are certain animals that get a bad rap in the human world: mice, rats, snakes, moles, and more are often represented as less loveable than some other popular animals. Often, we designate small animals into two categories: cute or creepy. We are applying some equal-opportunity animal loving to the creatures among us that are a little less popular among us homo sapiens. Stories featured in this episode:
A Mouse is A Mouse is A Mouse A story about some rodents that get the best of their two-legged opponents. To learn more about Sheila Starks Phillips visit www.sheilaphillips.com
Mole in the Ground A song with finer musical insights into flora and fauna. To learn more about David Holt visit www.davidholt.com
Rattlesnakin' Papa (song), Snake and the Egg A little bluegrass ditty with a naturalist tone about snakes, and a story from enthusiastic naturalist Doug Elliott about rats, snakes, and eggs. To learn more about Doug Elliott visit www.dougelliott.com
Billy Boy A tale about the perpetual need about grandmothers and the perpetual need for a family pet. To learn more about Laura Pershin Raynor visit www.lpraynor.com
The Skunk Whisperer Our last story comes from Alaskan-based storyteller, Pete Griffin, whose experience as a park ranger has gotten into some tricky situations such as this one. To learn more about Pete Griffin visit www.thestorytellingranger.com
Like many storytellers, Sam Payne spends quite some time on the road, traveling to perform and teach in many different places. Have you ever wondered what stories a storyteller listens to? Stories included in this episode:
Hamlet A modern retelling of a classic Shakespearean tale by Ed Stivender. To learn more about Ed's work visit edstivender.com
A Wailing on the Wind A Wailing on the Wind is a storytelling collaboration with words written by Liz Weir, music written by composer Ian Stephens, and performed by musical group The Mavron Quartet. The story collaboration was nominated for an Outstanding Multi-Arts Performance award from the British Awards for Storytelling Excellence in 2013.
The Children of Lear One last Irish tale from Liz Weir to round out our hour of stories.
We had the pleasure of seeing Linda Gorham at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in Orem, Utah and at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennesee and were happy to talk to her about her illustrious career. For the past twenty-five years, Linda has been engaging audiences with her "Sophisticated Attitude" and has released two award-winning CDs, "Jumping on Grandma's Plastic Covered Couch" and "Common Sense and Uncommon Fun." Learn more about Linda as Sam Payne speaks with her, storyteller to storyteller, about the power of narrative. Stories featured in this episode: I Am Somebody, It's in The Book, Juno, Not My Dog.
The last months of the year are marked by a pretty special spirit of generosity. As the leaves fall from the trees and the snow piles up on the sidewalks, there’s something in the air that reminds us to be giving. The best way to warm ourselves against a dreary winter is to see the good in the world. Ralph Waldo Emerson once advised, “cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” Stories included in this episode:
Harvest Every year, a young Kevin helps his grandparents prepare for the Fall Harvest feast. To learn more about Kevin Kling visit www.kevinkling.com
The Grateful Life A song about having an appreciative eye toward life performed by The Yellow Room Gang. To find more of their music visit yellowroomgang.com
So-and-So and Son A Thanksgiving anecdote from Sam Payne himself.
Abundant Blessings Davy Crockett, sibling rivalry, sweet potato casserole help a little boy learn about getting far more than you deserve in the Thanksgiving story about Abundant Blessings. To find more of Dolores Hydock's work visit www.storypower.org
A Baker's Dozen An Italian tale about preparing for the most wonderful time of the year, and a reminder that a little generosity goes a long way. To learn more about Antoinette Griffin visit www.storieswithantoinette.com
The Gift A bilingual English/Spanish tale about a long time ago when the sun went away and how people learned to be more mindful of the world around them. To learn more about Michael Katz visit www.storytellermichael.com
Stories about children learning about life from adults. Included in this episode:
Learning From Grownups The most poignant lessons we can learn often happen in quiet, simple situations. To learn more about Sheila Arnold's work visit www.mssheila.org
Winning and Losing There is pride to be had in winning and wisdom to be found in losing. To learn more about Donald Davis visit www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Stories included in this episode:
Mrs. Lunchroom Lady What was your favorite school lunch? Learn more about Bill Harley and find more school stories by visiting www.billharley.com
The Great Blizzard of 1888 The Great Blizzard of 1888 was one of the most severe recorded blizzards in the history of the United States of America. Referred to as the "Great White Hurricane," many men, women, and children banded together to survive after many local, nationl, and emergency services were lost. To learn more about Pippa White and find more historical stories visit www.pippawhiteonecompany.com
Come with Me and Be Free From a collection of stories called "People Who Made a Difference, Vol. I," Kate Dudding shares the story of good people setting an example and a precedence for generations of children. To learn more about Kate Dudding visit www.katedudding.com
Moving Day A song that captures the melancholy of a youthful move. Find more Bill Harley songs by visiting www.billharley.com
Stories included in this episode:
Hogeye Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To learn more about Kevin Carr, visit www.kevincarr.org
Evergreens A story that breathes new life into some of our favorite plant pals. To learn more about Odds Bodkin visit www.oddsbodkin.net
Cracker Jack Baseball is America's pastime. To learn more about Adam Booth visit www.adam-booth.com
Hairyman An Appalachian tale about a well-known cryptid. To learn more about David Holt visit www.davidholt.com/storytelling
The Correctional Academy Geraldine was once the chaplain of one of the largest men's prisons in Maryland. To learn more about Geraldine Buckley visit www.geraldinebuckley.com
According to Forbes.com in an op-ed article, "Storytelling has become a top-of-mind issue in recent times, as technology has democratized the power to share our stories with the world. The fact that it continues to be a pressing issue in today’s age of collaborative commerce is no surprise. What is, however, is the attention it is finally getting as a business competency that drives emotional engagement and resulting enhanced business performance."
In this episode, listen to conversation between business storytellers and entrepreneurs who utilize narrative in their practice. Interviews included in this episode:
Daxson Hale, Head Writer at Big Door Productions Big Door is a creative agency for startups and young companies needing product launch videos and clever commercial work. They have locations in both Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah where technology and innovation are rapidly rising. Their staff is made up of a creative bunch who aim to fascinate the world. Daxson Hale is their Head Writer. Visit www.bigdoornetwork.com to learn more.
Karen Dietz and Barry Releford, Business Storytellers Karen Dietz, PhD., owner of Just Story It is a consultant, facilitator, trainer, and story coach who works with leaders and executive teams to cultivate and tell their most compelling stories in their organizations. Karen is the former Executive Director of the National Storytelling Network. Learn more about business storytelling by visiting www.juststoryit.com.
They say that in this life, it’s not about the destination it’s all about the journey. So today, we’ve got some stories about travelers who, despite being worn and weary, find delight in the journey as it goes off the beaten path and turns into something much more. Stories included in this episode:
Stay on the Road If this were a superhero comic, this would be his origin story. To learn more about Tim Lowry visit www.storytellertimlowry.com
Night at Water Oaks A story about a vacation that turned out to be a little more work than relaxation. To learn more about Beth Horner visit bethhorner.com
If you’ve been around long enough on this earth, you learn pretty quickly that there are at least two sides to every story—maybe even more! So on today’s episode, we’d like to offer you some lesser known insights on classic stories and let you decide for yourself which version of “the truth” suits you best. There are always multiple perspectives to any story. In the end, who is right? Stories included in this episode:
A Tale of Curses, Blessings, and Bee Stings Blessings and curses can be two sides of the same coin. Joel ben Izzy tells us why. To learn more about Joel ben Izzy visit storypage.com
The Rahjah's Question The story of the blind men and an elephant originatied in the Indian subcontinent. From there it has widely diffused and teaches about perceptions. The parable has crossed between many religious traditions and is part of Jain, Buddhist, Sufi, Hindu, and Baha'i lore. To learn more about Odds Bodkin visit www.oddsbodkin.net
Hansel and Gretel In 1812, the Brothers Grimm published the German fairytale, Hansel and Gretel. Over the centuries the story of a young brother and sister has been retold and adapted into various media—most notably, the 1893 opera Hänsel und Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck. This is a revisionist approach by Ed Stivender. To learn more about Ed Stivender visit edstivender.com
Hansel and Gretel In 1812, the Brothers Grimm published the German fairytale, Hansel and Gretel. Over the centuries the story of a young brother and sister has been retold and adapted into various media—most notably, the 1893 opera Hänsel und Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck. This is a postmodern approach by Ingrid Nixon. To learn more about Ingrid visit www.ingridnixon.com
The Three Billy Goats Gruff This Norwegian fairy tale was collected by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe in their Norske Folkeeventyr, first published between 1841 and 1844. This is a classic telling of the story by Jim Weiss. To learn more about Jim visit www.jimweiss.com
Under the Bridge This Norwegian fairy tale was collected by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe in their Norske Folkeeventyr, first published between 1841 and 1844. This is a postmodern retelling of the story by Anne Rutherford. To learn more about Anne Rutherford visit www.annerutherford.com
The number of stories within our collection-- housed in our beloved CD cabinet and an enormous hard drive-- is well into the thousands. This episode covers all kinds of genre conventions, and today’s hodge-podge of stories is a great survey of childhood anecdotes, folklore, and fairy tales. Stories included in this hour:
Bottle Rockets A classic Bil Lepp yarn that is, in part, about the consequences of good intentions. To learn more about Bil Lepp visit www.leppstorytelling.com
Doodies Revenge An anecdote from a collection entitled "My Bad Bad Dog and Other Neighbors," this story is about glimpses into universal truths about childhood bullies, sledding, and siblings. To learn more about Norah Dooley visit www.norahdooley.com
Little Bread Riding Hood A track from The Storycrafters that combines two of our favorite things: carbohydrates and fairy tales! To learn more about The Storycrafters visit www.storycrafters.com
Azeban and the Rock An Abenaki tale about a trickster figure who comes in the form of a raccoon named Azeban. To learn more about Jim Bruchac visit www.jamesbruchac.com
In the first part of this hour, singer-songwriters Lacey Williams and Debra Fotheringham sit down with Sam Payne to discuss songwriting, storytelling, and give us other behind-the-scenes insights to their premier performance of "The Maybelle Series." This singer-songwriter series, highlighting the work of female musicians particularly, had its first performance at Velour Live Music Gallery in Provo, Utah. Other stories and songs included in this episode:
Streets of Sarajevo A song from John McCutcheon, a master at music and narrative, about creating art in the midst of turmoil and conflict. To learn more about John McCutcheon visit
Mama Said An original song performed by Kim Weitkamp & The Broken Bucket Band at the National Storytelling Festival from the folk operetta "The Ballad of Ronnie Calloway." (Click here for part 1. Click here for part 2.) Learn more about Kim Weitkamp by visiting www.kimweitkamp.com
Product of the Past A Utah native and descendant of Mormon pioneers puts his heritage into song.
Denis Zwang's Saxophone Prayer Sam Payne shares a story about friendship, connecting through story and song, and memory.
In Studio 6, ghost and ghouls gathered for an evening of stories perfect for the month of October. For this episode, Sam Payne was joined by Suzanne Christensen of The Acting Company, and Acting Company members and alumni, Noah and Leah Kershisnik, to breathe life into frightening fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen, Giambattista Basile, and Andrew Lang. Sam Payne & company, and our live studio audience were joined by musicians Julianne Brough and Rachelle Griffiths who serenaded us with spooky songs and murderous music.
Stories and songs included in this episode:
The Elf of the Rose First written by Hans Christian Andersen, this fairy tale was translated from Danish to English in 1930 by M.R. James. "In the middle of a garden there grew a rose tree which was quite full of blossoms, and in one of these, the prettiest of them all, lived an Elf: he was such a little tiny thing that no human eye could see him...."
Julianne This folksong, made famous by the New Christy Minstrels, is about a spurned lover and performed Julianne Brough and Rachelle Griffiths. "Have you seen her in the moonlight, silver rings upon her hand? Now she wears a crown of sorrow and her name, and her name is Julianne."
Long Black Veil This country ballad, told from the point of view of an executed man falsely accused of murder, has been covered by a variety of artists in country, folk and rock styles. You might know it best as it is sung by Johnny Cash. "Ten years ago, on a cold dark night, someone was killed, 'neath the town hall light..."
The Young Slave This Italian literary fairy tale was written by Giambattista Basile in his 1634 work, the Pentamerone. Variants of this story include Sleeping Beauty, The Glass Coffin, and even elements of Snow White are present in this classic fairy tale about a little girl named Lisa.
The Princess and the Chest This Danish fairy tale was included by Andrew Lang in The Pink Fairy Book in 1897. Variations of this archetypal story include The Twelve Dancing Princesses and Kate Crackernuts. Sam Payne and company utilize handmade foley materials to produce sound effects that bring the story of the princess and her sentinel to life.
Shadow An original song for the autumnal season written and performed by Rachelle Griffiths and Julianne Brough.
Do you love to listen to a good campfire story? The type of story that will keep you up all night? At the Timp Hauntings Contest, top performers from around the area send shivers down our spines and get us ready for All-Hallows-Eve. This program, a partnership between the Orem Public Library and Timpanogos Storytelling Institute, is a showcase and celebration of the local community. To learn more about the Timpanogos Storytelling Institute visit timpfest.org.
In this episode, we include some performances from local tellers at the Timp Hauntings Contest, as well as some ghost stories from some national storytellers.
Believe It When I See It A spooky story from Elizabeth Dodds at the Timp Hauntings Contest.
The Singing Bone From a collection of stories called "Grimm's with a Twist", Ingrid Nixon shares her version of this murderous fairy tale. To learn more about Ingrid Nixon visit www.ingridnixon.com
Tabitha A scary tale of travels and urban legends from Mikaela Hansen at the Timp Hauntings Contest.
Mr. Fox Sharon Rogers performs her version of this foundational frightening folktale at the Timp Hauntings Contest.
The Candy Shop One of our absolute favorite ghost stories from a teller whose scary stories send a shiver down our spine. To learn more about Motoko visit motoko.folktales.net
Stories from some of our favorite storytellers from the UK.
Connie Dances In this story, Geraldine discusses the many ways there are to worship and fellowship in faith. To learn more about Geraldine Buckley visit www.geraldinebuckley.com/storytelling
Tribe of the Starsong Renowned storyteller Clare Murphy shares an African folktale with a live audience. To learn more about Clare Murphy visit claremurphy.org
The Lord of Benbough Liz Weir is a UK teller who can be described best as welcoming and generous. To learn more about Liz Weir visit www.lizweir.org
The Scholar's Journey Shonaleigh is a drut'syla, a storyteller in the Jewish tradition who has hundreds of stories stored in her memory to share with audiences all over the globe. To learn more about Shonaleigh visit www.shonaleigh.com
They say that in this life, it’s not about the destination it’s all about the journey. So today, we’ve got some stories about travelers who, despite being worn and weary, find delight in the journey as it goes off the beaten path and turns into something much more.
Stay on the Road With a Southern manner and a droll side-wit, Tim Lowry is equally at home in an Appalachian log cabin, a Mandan wigwam, a New York theater, a Texas ranch house, or a South Carolina plantation. If Tim Lowry were a comic book superhero, we might consider this to be his origin story. www.storytellertimlowry.com
Night at Water Oaks With a comic sensibility and warm, energetic style, Beth Horner possesses a repertoire of stories that has been called “heartfelt, articulate and truthful.” In this story, she talks about a vacation that turned out to be a little more work than relaxation. To learn more about Beth's work visit bethhorner.com
As creatures who crave company, feeling lonely from time to time is an incredibly human emotion. Feeling lonely can be an indicator for our need to connect, and we think that storytelling is one of the most connected mediums there is. For now, let's enjoy solitude together with the following stories:
The Man in the Moon in Love A story about why sometimes we can see the man in the moon and why sometimes we can't. To learn more about Ed Stivender visit edstivender.com
Katie Landry (song) A very specific, and dare we say it universal, kind of loneliness: the post break-up kind. To learn more about Michael Reno Harrell visit www.michaelreno.com
When You Coming Home Girl As we grow older, our parents and relatives still need us to visit. To learn more about Minton Sparks visit mintonsparks.com
The Last Butler in Sulphur Springs Donald Davis shares a story that sheds new perspective on the loneliest person in town. To learn more about Donald Davis visit www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Jerry Linenger Story + Space Man (song) Jerry M. Linenger is a retired Captain in the US Navy Medical Corps, and a former NASA astronaut who flew on the Space Shuttle and the Space Station Mir. Sam Payne shares this story and song about the grandeur and loneliness of space.
In his 1949 book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, writer Joseph Campbell introduced a basic narrative pattern that has captivated scholars of narrative and literature for the last 60 years. This common template can be seen in thousands of popular stories, myths, fables and legends: “A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.”
Stories included in this episode:
How Jack Got to America Jack, that archetypal hero of lengend, fairy tale, fable, and nursery rhyme, is one hero with a thousand faces. Jack tales are popular in Appalachian folklore which is a tradition that Octavia Sexton knows like the back of her hand. To learn more about Octavia visit www.octaviasexton.com
Pecos Bill Many epic tall tales have key elements of the hero’s journey that transforms a mere protagonist into a great hero: the call to adventure, the aid of the supernatural, the loyal helper, the wise mentor, revelation, transformation, and the return to their world better than they once were. See if you can recognize some of those elements in the story of this great American Tall Tale by Jim Weiss. To learn more about Jim Weiss visit www.jimweiss.com
David's Hero Journey Now, heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and from all walks of life. Heroes’ Journeys happen just as much in fiction as they do in real life. Just ask David Boyle, fellow member of the BYUradio family, who shared a short story with us that we think is packed with heroic elements.
Thakane the Brave: How It Should Be At the end of the hero’s journey, the hero always brings some magic back with them to make themselves, and even their fellows, a little better. The shape of a hero's journey comes in all shapes and sizes. To learn more about Charlotte Blake Alston visit www.charlotteblakealston.com
Story Crossroads is an annual Utah-based storytelling organization that brings house shows, workshops, and a spring festival to the residents of the Salt Lake area. In this episode, we feature some of the family stories told at a recent Story Crossroads workshop, as well as some familiar favorites from well-known tellers. To learn more about Story Crossroads visit storycrossroads.com. Stories included in this episode:
Family Vacations in Zion National Park Storyteller Dan Eastman shares his family story, jam-packed with mayhem. There are times when "you're gonna need a grown-up for that."
Ketchum Family River Journey Adam Booth's storytelling style has deep roots in the mountains and hills of West Virginia. To learn more about Adam visit www.adam-booth.com
Covering A story about learning some lessons the hard way... To learn about more Jan Smith visit jantellstales.com
Sears Roebuck Baby Fran Yardley tells this funny favorite.
Jewish Rosary Beads A historical story of recovery, faith, and healing. To learn more about Kate Dudding visit www.katedudding.com
Long Distance Grandmother No matter how far she is, Grandma is always there for you. You can find Angie Lund on the Utah Storytelling Guild website utahstorytelling.org
As daylight becomes more scarce and the evening shadows lengthen, and the tell-tale signs of the year’s end begin to show themselves in the last of the autumn leaves, October is a month that lends itself to mischief and mystery. The season between the most fertile time of the year and the most desolate invites us all to really contemplate about life… and death. So today on the Apple Seed, we’re going to highlight for you a couple of mysterious stories that are perfect for a Halloween night. Stories included in this episode:
The Monkey's Paw A supernatural story first penned by W.W. Jacobs in England in 1902 about the consequences of wishful thinking. To learn more about Mike Binder visit markbinder.com
The Titanic and the Mummy's Curse The account of a “cursed” mummy being on the Titanic is popular but FALSE. This ghost story was concocted by two Englishmen (William Stead and Douglas Murray) at the turn of the century. Stead and Murray told their fanciful tale about a mummy whose remains wreaked havoc wherever it went to eager newspaper reporters who — then as now — weren't about to let the truth get in the way of a sensationally good story. To learn more about David Holt visit
Afternoon at the Museum of Haunted and Mysterious Objects Our assistant producer, Deidrene Crisanto, in the spirit of this episode and the spirit of Halloween, walked through The Museum of Haunted Objects with its curators, Greene Rollins and Anca Tutescu. The Museum of Haunted and Mysterious Objects is located above Cat’s Cradles Antiques in Provo, Utah and runs every weekend through the month of October until November 5th. To learn more about it, check out Cat’s Cradles Antiques Provo on Facebook.
Pennsy Cemetery In this episode, we've been poking our noses into mysterious places and things. In this story, from Kim Weitkamp, the mysterious Mr. Ramsey remains an intriguing character even after death. To learn more about Kim Weitkamp visit www.kimweitkamp.com
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Today’s episode is a collection of tricks, mothers and good food.
Kevin and the Lady A man and his surprising run-in with death. To learn more about Rosie Cutrer's work visit www.rosiecutrer.com
The Brewery of Eggshells A traditional Irish tale about a mother who saves her baby boy by Irish storyteller, Nuala Hayes.
A Gift From the Sea A folktale from Affrilachian teller, Lyn Ford. To learn more about her work visit www.storytellerlynford.com
The Fire Dream From her collection of stories "Bendable Barbie", Regi Carpenter shares a slice of her life with us. To learn more about Regi Carpenter visit regicarpenter.com
Stories included in this episode:
Donald Davis has his hand in many areas of storytelling; from fact to fiction and everything in between, Mr. Davis knows exactly where to take his audience and how to take them there with storytelling. This is true for his extensive experiences in peformance, as well as his experience in teaching. We caught with Donald during a workshop where he helped elementary school teachers show their students how how to tell true life stories, and how to use storytelling to promote writing, communication, and understanding. To learn more about Donald Davis visit www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Watch It After listening to everything Donald had to say in his workshop, we thought you might enjoy this story that exhibits the concepts discussed throughout the episode from the talented Teresa Clark. To learn more about Teresa's work visit teresaclark.weebly.com
Today we’re pulling out our favorite monster stories from under the bed and from deep in the closet. Stories included in this episode:
The Boo Hag A Gullah folktale from Donna Washington. To learn more about her work visit www.dlwstoryteller.com
Vampire Lore Assistant producer speaks with Anca Tutescu, co-curator of Provo's very own Museum of Haunted and Mysterious Objects, about Romanian vampire folklore. To learn more about the Museum, which is located above Cat's Cradle Antiques in Provo, Utah for the month of October through November 5th visit www.facebook.com/CatsCradleAntiques
The Green Hand A fun and unconventional take on a monster story from Joel ben Izzy. To learn more about his work visit storypage.com
The Real Loch Ness Monster Who really knows what's living in Loch Ness? Jess Smith might! To learn more about her visit www.jesssmith.co.uk
Fantastic stories just for fun featuring:
Hot Diggety
his fun yarn starts with a very good dog and grows into a story about a poultry & prank-minded town. To learn more about Alan Hoal visit www.thehoalstory.com
Baby Turtle's Song
Audiences of all ages will enjoy Diane Ferlatte's take on classic stories, songs, and nursery rhymes. To learn more about Diane Ferlatte visit www.dianeferlatte.com
The Silent Prince
Recorded live in Toronto, this story has many layers of story and includes a very wise grandma. To learn more about Dan Yashinsky visit tellery.com/dan-yashinsky
The Perilous Pomegranate
A very symphonic approach to a very big story: Persephone, Hades, Demeter, the coming of spring. To learn more about Beatrice Bowles visit www.beatricebowles.com
This episode is dedicated to all those awkward, endearing, and enchanted moments that occur when the music is playing loud, the night is young, and there’s someone across the room that’s taking our breath away: pin that flower to your lapel, comb back your hair, and smooth out all your wrinkles because right now, we’re goin’ to the dance. Stories and songs included in this episode:
Twelve Dancing Princesses
Our first story is has variations in India, Armenia, Cape Verde, Scotland, and even Turkey, but you may know it best as it is told by the Grimm Brothers. It’s time to slip on those dancing shoes. To learn more about Megan Hicks visit www.meganhicks.com
Deidrene's Dance Story
Do you remember the first time you danced with someone you really liked? The exciting and awkward thrill of taking someone’s hand and walking together to the dance floor?
Perfect Match
Embarrassment is just one of those emotions that will always elicit great stories, no matter what decade it is. Let’s step back to the ‘60s with this memory from Dolores Hydock. To learn more about her work visitwww.storypower.org
Thyme
We think you’ll love this perfect mix of awkward excitement, endearing embarrassment, and those moments that stick with us long after the dance has ended. To learn more about Jane Stenson visit www.janestenson.com
A chance to hear Kevin Kling is a chance to hear about the world of storytelling and fantastic stories of the world. Recently, we got to hear Kevin at the Timpanogos Storytelling Conference that precedes the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. Kevin wears many hats and has many tales to tell, and hearing him as a keynote speaker is always an entertaining and educational treat. Enjoy excerpts from his speech as well as stories and songs that remind us of the lessons that Kevin has to teach. To learn more about the Timpanogos Storytelling Institute visit timpfest.org. To learn more about Kevin Kling visit www.kevinkling.com.
Stories included in this episode:
When Pigs Fly
An exciting college adventure from a teller who is known for being young at heart. To learn more about Bil Lepp visit www.leppstorytelling.com
Getting Rid of Miss Annie
This story is dedicated to every kid who has schemed to get rid of their babysitter. To learn more about Donald Davis visit www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Pearls at the Foot of the Bed
A fantastic exploration of the relationship between father and daughter. To learn more about Charlotte Blake Alston visit www.charlotteblakealston.com
“What we do see depends mainly on what we look for. ... In the same field the farmer will notice the crop, the geologists the fossils, botanists the flowers, artists the colouring, sportmen the cover for the game. Though we may all look at the same things, it does not all follow that we should see them.” ? John Lubbock, The Beauties of Nature and the Wonders of the World We Live
Stories about sight and seeing, how the way we see things says a lot about who we are, and how a lot of what we’re looking for is right in front of us but we don’t always know it. Stories included in this episode:
Soft Spot (song) In this song, Allison Downey sings about how we may not see eye to eye all the time, but that shouldn’t stop us from getting along. To learn more about Allison Downey visit allisondowney.com
Hogeye In this tall tale about Tony Beaver (a contemporary of Paul Bunyan who lives Up Eel River), seeing and believing are explored from a few different angles. This tale has got it all: love, conflict, religion, hogs. To learn more about Kevin Carr visit www.kevincarr.org
Mezzi Gallo ("Half Rooster") “What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing. It also depends on what sort of person you are.” ? C.S. Lewis. An Italian folktale about setting off to see the world. To learn more about Len Cabral visit www.lencabral.com
The Magical Healing Leaves The magic in this story relies on many different kinds of sight. To learn more about Jordan Hill visit jordanhillstoryteller.wordpress.com
A few of our favorite stories just for fun. Stories included in this episode:
Weezy and the Moonpies
Bill Harley captures the magic of childhood through stories, songs, and all-around silliness in a unique and award-winning fashion. Listen to this story and find out why people of all ages love to be a part of his audience. Learn more about Bill by visiting www.billharley.com
High School Musical
No, not that high school musical. With a knack for nostalgia, Slash Coleman shares stories about his childhood that help us learn about who we were and we might be becoming. Learn more about Slash by visiting www.slashcoleman.com
I Have A Loose Tooth
A great whistler and an outstanding showman with a silly putty voice, Andy Offutt Irwin is equal parts mischievous schoolboy, Marx Brother, and Southern balladeer. Learn more about Andy by visiting andyirwin.com
Enjoy these excerpts from the 2016 Timpanogos Storytelling Conference.
Yvonne Healy "The thing about growing up away from your traditional culture, is that you're not sure what's cultural and what's just weird..." Yvonne Healy is ranked #1 in the USA for traditional Irish storytelling by leading cultural authorities in the Republic of Ireland and Canada. An award-winning raconteour, Yvonne was born across the water, and has held tightly to the Irish stories from her heritage while sharing them here on Main Streets across the USA. Bringing her signature Irish-American storytelling to the Timpanogos Storytelling Conference, we were so pleased to hear her wisdom, wit and insight! To learn more about Yvonne Healy visit www.yhealy.com
Teresa Clark "...Two very different teachers with two different styles wrote me two very different messages: You can't. You will. ... I can't do a flex arm hang, but I can tell stories." Based in Idaho where she shares stories and songs from the beginning to the end of life, Teresa Clark is a rostered teaching artist with the Idaho Commission for the Arts who shared this nostalgic story on stage at the Timpanogos Storytelling Conference. To learn more about Teresa visit teresaclark.blogspot.com
Geraldine Buckley "There is an old saying that goes, 'If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans.' And over the years, as I've shared my schemes and dreams with the Almighty I have heard everything from polite divine chuckles to all-out throne-rocking mirth." From a new collection of stories entitled, "Tea in the Slammer: True Stories of Laughter, Faith and Freedom," Geraldine shares this story called "Man and His Dog" that has her signature warmth and wit, mixing humor and faith to create a mirthful experience for all. To learn more about Geraldine visit www.geraldinebuckley.com
Any lover of stories knows that a little magic is not so distant, especially if it’s sandwiched between “once upon a time” and “happily ever after.” However, there are lots of things that happen in our everyday lives that can make us feel enchanted: falling in love, learning a new skill, catching a glimpse at the sunrise, or a particularly great harvest from a gracious growing season. And so today, we’d like to share some stories with you that have a bit of that everyday magic, stories with that fairy tale feel but are grown out of a run-of-the-mill type of activity. Stories included in this episode:
Kathryn's Story Our colleague at BYU Broadcasting, Kathryn Muhlestein, shares a story about an unlikely animal encounter.
Phar Lap the Wonder Horse Phar Lap was a thoroughbred racehorse whose unbelievable strength and speed inspired Australia during the difficulties of the Depression. To learn more about Jackie Kerin visit www.jackiekerin.com.au
Luis' Story Our colleague at BYU Broadcasting, Luis Fernando Puente, talks about how the power of story can transport us to different worlds.
Frogs' Legs Our next story, from Charlotte Blake Alston, mixes a little bit of folklore, folk magic, family and food together for a story that connects people and places from the past and present. To learn more about Charlotte Blake Alston visit www.charlotteblakealston.com
Sharing the Gold Alchemists of old tried to turn copper into gold, but we think alchemy in the kitchen is really where it’s at: turning a few simple ingredients into a feast is our favorite kind of transformation. To learn more about Dolores Hydock visit www.storypower.org
We’ve picked three of our favorite scary folktales to share with you. Our love for fairy tales and folktales goes far beyond the shivers that are sent down our spine when we listen to them, we also love following their origins through history. The folktales that are common to us are preserved and passed down through the oral tradition, and folklore can help show us who are predecessors were and maybe even where we might be headed now. Stories included in this episode:
Mr. Fox
This first folktale has French, German, and English variations, but an early, early reference can actually be traced to Act 1, Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing: “Like the old tale, my lord: it is not so, not ‘t was not so; but indeed, God forbid it should be so.” In 1697, Charles Perrault wrote and published a tale of an enigmatic nobleman in the habit of murdering his wives, and the attempts of one wife to avoid the fate of her predecessors. Like all good fairy and folktales, it would morph and change and travel to other cultures where it then appeared in this structure as “The Robber Bridegroom” in a collection of fairytales by the Brothers Grimm. Later, in 1890, Joseph Jacobs’ collection of English Fairy Tales would include this frightening folktale. To learn more about Donna Washington visit www.dlwstoryteller.com
The Blood-Drawing Ghost
Don’t be fooled by the name, this famous ghost story holds within it many vampire tropes and conventions. Unlike its neighbors such as the United Kingdom, Ireland does not seem to have a rich body of vampire stories. However, vampires do appear in the mythology as supernatural beings in contact between the living and dead, and they come in the form of ghosts and revenants (a revenant is one that appears to have returned from the dead). Other versions of this story include Mary Culhane and the Dead Man, and The Blackthorn Walking Stick, a fantastic version of which storyteller Mary Hamilton, whose Jack Tale appears next. To learn more about David Holt visit www.davidholt.com
Sop Doll
Although stories were told about Jack throughout the Southern Appalachians, one family group has received recognition by the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress as having told the tales in an unbroken line of descendants since 1775. The Hicks, Harmons, and Wards, the first families to settle on the Watauga River, passed the tales down for two hundred years before they were written for everyone to enjoy. In this Jack tale, Jack catches wind of some witching in his town. The presence of witches and magic in folklore often represents and symbolize humanity’s relationship with the unknown and unexplained, and throughout history there is no better way to navigate the mysteries of life-- and teach the kiddos a few lessons—than through story. To learn more about Mary Hamilton visit www.maryhamilton.info
"You are a storyteller. Whether that comes by tongue or pen, you are a storyteller... and with that comes great responsibility."
Every year at the mouth of Provo Canyon, right in our backyard, we get to enjoy the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival and the accompanying storytelling conference that precedes it. This year we enjoyed the thoughts and insight of great storytellers from across the country at the Timpanogos Storytelling Conference, and we learned a lot from this keynote speech from the incredible Kim Weitkamp.
To learn more about the Timpanogos Storytelling Conference visit timpfest.org/programs. To learn more about Kim Weitkamp visit www.kimweitkamp.com
Henry David Thoreau once said, "It is remarkable how closely the history of the apple tree is connected with that of man.” For a show named "The Apple Seed" our appreciation for a good crisp apple, and a fresh story is very high.
“And when you crush an apple with your teeth, say to it in your heart:
Your seeds shall live in my body, And the buds of your tomorrow shall blossom in my heart, And your fragrance shall be my breath, And together we shall rejoice through all the seasons.” - Kahlil Gibran
Stories included in this episode:
Johnny Appleseed
Tim Lowry shares the story of one of the most popular figures in American folklore. To learn more about Tim Lowry visit www.storytellertimlowry.com
Jack and the Sally-Bally
Once upon a time, a smart boy named Jack lived in the wooded hills of the Ozarks... To learn more about Richard and Judy Dockery-Young visit www.yawp.com/stories
Brat
Lots of mischief is to be had when you're a kid with brothers. To learn more about Martha Reed Johnson visit www.marthareedjohnson.com
Legend of the Mingo Black
Adam Booth is able to see stories in every inch of the West Virginian landscape. To learn more about Adam Booth visit www.adam-booth.com
Iduna and the Magic Apples
Iduna, a goddess who tends to her garden with great care, becomes a part of one of Loki's tricks. To learn more about Beatrice Bowles visit www.beatricebowles.com
Memory is the process that helps us register, store, and recall information. Storytelling and memory have always been intricately connected: sounds, smells, images and feelings from our individual and collective past float around for us to organize into the stories we tell ourselves. As Aldous Huxley once said, “every man’s memory is his private literature.” Segments in this episode include:
Excerpt from "Swann's Way" by Marcel Proust
Swann Way is the first Volume in Proust's series, "In Search of Lost Time (Remembrance of Things Past)." This passage is about a moment of involuntary memory: the narrator finds themselves filled with images, sounds, and feelings during a simple afternoon tea. We’d like to thank Peggy Woodruff, part of our BYUradio family and announcer for Classical 89, for lending her voice talent to this passage for us.
Interview with Nate DiMeo
The Memory Palace is a storytelling podcast devoted to stories of the past. Each story is an extremely detailed world built with personal memories, slightly obscure histories, and a thoughtful interpretation of individual people and their moments. The Memory Palace is a member of Radiotopia, from PRX, a network of narrative-driven radio shows. Recently, The Memory Palace was named a finalist for a 2016 Peabody Award. Its creator, Nate DiMeo, is an expert storyteller having had his hand in a few different mediums over the years. Nate is the Artist in Residence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for 2016/2017, is the co-author of the book, Pawnee: the Greatest Town in America, and was a finalist for the 2012 Thurber Prize for American Humor. Having spent a decade or so in public radio, you may have heard him on NPR’s All Things Considered, Morning Edition, or Marketplace. You can learn more about The Memory Palace at thememorypalace.us
A Conversation with The Payne Family
In this segment, Sam Payne speaks with his father about his extensive journalkeeping habit.
The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, the largest festival of its kind in the Western United States, has been taking place at the mouth of Provo Canyon for over 25 years! Storytellers from all over the world have come to town to share all kinds of stories and we are so happy to have them every year. On this episode, listen to and learn about some of the featured tellers from the 2016 Timp Fest. To learn more about the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival and the Timpanogos Storytelling Institute visit TimpFest.org
Don't Kill Santa
Born in the Southern Appalachian mountains, Donald "didn't learn stories, [he] absorbed them." Learning fairy tales, folk tales, and family tales from a long line of traditional storytllers who have lived on the same Western North Carolina land since 1781, Donald is a rockstar in the storytelling world. Learn more about the "Dean of Storytelling" check out out Donald Davis on TimpFest.org
Samuel Horaldo Jonathan Drew
Nationally known, award-winning speaker and storyteller, Linda inspires her audiences by using movement, humor, and sometimes zaniness as she tells imaginative folktales and personal tales updated with “attitude.” At this year's Timp Fest, Linda got audiences to laugh and dance with her as she transported us through story. Catch more of Linda's signature sass by visiting her storyteller page on TimpFest.org
The Night That Changed Everything
Geraldine Buckley has shared her trademark wit, warmth, and humor with audiences across the US, Canada, England, Holland, South Africa, Spain and New Zealand. Known primarily for her personal stories, Geraldine has led a dynamic life and invites audiences to laugh, cry, and think with her about her many life experiences including brief periods of time as a past Chaplain in the largest men's prison in Maryland, radio DJ, ghostwriter, poet, and television newsreader. Learn more about Geraldine's eclectic past and enthusisastic style by visiting her storyteller page on TimpFest.org
The Crow
Joe Herrington learned to weave stories from his Grandfather and Uncle Jack, and worked his storytelling muscles through such experiences as an Army Drill Sergeant, Mortar Platoon Sgt in Korea, tactical officer in the Army National Guard, Scoutmaster, Media Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering, and Bible school teacher. His love for Western ways and traditions is as strong as an evening campfire. Learn more about this West Texan by clicking here
Demolition Derby and the Three Phrases of Prayer
Kevin Kling, best known for his popular commentaries on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered and his storytelling stage shows like Tales from the Charred Underbelly of the Yule Log, delivers hilarious, often tender stories. Kling’s autobiographical tales are as enchanting as they are true to life: hopping freight trains, getting hit by lightning, performing his banned play in Czechoslovakia, growing up in Minnesota, and eating things before knowing what they are. Learn more about Kevin Kling by clicking this link
Stories about getting back in the saddle, hopping back on the bike, and learning how to rise after a fall.
Chris' Accident
To learn more about Sheila Starks Phillips visit www.sheilaphillips.com
A Ride in the Saddle
To learn more about Glenda Bonin visit www.storyworksgroup.com
The Golden Touch
To learn more about Heather Forest visit www.heatherforest.com
Joseph the Knight
An epic poem written by our very own Andrew McQuinn and performed by the incredibly talented Ken Samson.
The Bicycle Story
To learn more about Donna Ingham visit www.donnaingham.com
A mix-and-match of assistant producer Makena Bauss' recent favorites from our extensive story collection.
Woman of the Sea
From the album "Diving and Emerging: Stories of Awakening", this selkie story is a favorite among Apple Seed team members. To learn more about Regi Carpenter visit regicarpenter.com
Chilis Con Cafe
This humorous tale about exchange programs and language barriers is from Oregon storyteller Rick Huddle's album "Citizen of the World." Our assistant producer Makena Bauss is a true traveler at heart. To learn more about Rick Huddle visit www.rickhuddle.com
Emerson's Chevrolet
Family cars, football, and fathers: a great story from Willy Claflin with something for everyone to relate to. To learn more about Willy Claflin visit www.willyclaflin.com
Robbery, Forgive Us (song)
A story about an experience with thievery with an unexpected ending and an uplifting message. To learn more about John McCutcheon visit www.folkmusic.com
On today's episode, our history lesson is hopping the rails! Listen to stories and songs about railroads all across North America throughout the last few centuries.
Railroad Bill
Railroad Bill was an African American outlaw in the American Southeast, often portrayed as a Robin Hood type of character with many legends surrounding him. David Holt & Doc Watson bring him to life with this finger pickin' song. To learn more about David Holt & Doc Watson visit www.davidholt.com/mentors/doc-watson
North Platte Canteen
The North Platte Canteen was a railroad stop manned by local citizens of North Platte, Nebraska, United Stats that operated from 1941 to 1946. Located along the tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad, these local citizens provided refreshments, hospitality, and creature comforts to soldiers traveling during ten- to fifteen-minute stopovers. To learn more about Pippa White visit www.pippawhiteonecompany.com
Railroad Blessing (song)
Sam Payne and friends, commissioned to create stories and songs celebrating the railroad in American history, share this song about the railroad work ethic. In this section, enjoy a taste of some of the railroad museums Sam Payne visited in his research for our railroad episode.
The Train That Carried My Girl From Town
A goodbye along the tracks of a long-gone train performed by David Holt & Doc Watson. To learn more about David Holt & the legendary Doc Watson visit www.davidholt.com/mentors/doc-watson
Down, Down, Down
Sam Payne and friends-- Ryan Rilby, Drew & Lacy Williams, Nick Chamberlain, Suzanne Christensen-- created a story and song to celebrate the creation of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel in Southern Utah. To learn more about the history of this landmark visit
Train
Life's journeys take many forms, and Kevin Kling has traveled far and wide. To learn more about Kevin Kling visit www.kevinkling.com
Poet Wallace Stevens once said, “human nature is like water. It takes the shape of its container.” Human beings are made up of water just as much as we are made of stories. So today, we’ve collected stories about water from the tiniest drops to the biggest waves.
Frogs, Guardians of the Water
A story about the importance of water conservation that shows a little love for the little green guys we call bullfrogs. Doug Elliott is one of our favorite nature storytellers who often mixes naturalism, the sciences and folklore together to create dynamite stories and songs. Learn more about him by visiting www.dougelliott.com
Wave
This Japanese folktale highlights the importance of community. To learn more about Anne Shimojima, who draws from her Japanese-American heritage to share stories from history and folk traditions, visit www.anneshimojima.com
Dead Man’s Float
Every childhood can be tied to a big body of water: floating, rafting, swimming, paddling, etc. A river can be the best playground, equal parts magnificent and untameable but always fun to play in. To learn more about Regi Carpenter visit regicarpenter.com
Water of Life
This folk tale takes a different angle on the life-giving properties of water. To learn more about Motoko visit motoko.folktales.net
Jonah, the Real Story
The real story of one of the most infamous sea travelers in history. To learn more about Bil Lepp visit www.leppstorytelling.com
It’s not necessarily the clothes that make the man, but as LM Montgomery points out in Anne of Green Gables, “it is ever so much easier to be good if your clothes are fashionable.” Stories included in this episode:
The Red and Blue Coat
This story from Heather Forest is all about perspective. It's hard to see the whole story if you're looking at it from only one angle. To learn more about Heather Forest visit
The Blue Coat
This next story from Jenni Cargill-Strong is and is a Jewish wisdom tale about another special coat and a lesson in frugality. To learn more about Australian teller Jenni Cargill-Strong visit www.storytree.com.au
Garment for the Moon
Let's take a trip to the notoriously wise & foolish town of Chelm, where a small-town tailor attempts his biggest project yet: clothing the moon. To learn more about Michael Katz visit www.storytellermichael.com
Rhodopos: The Egyptian Cinderella
Cinderella stories come in all shapes and sizes, but did you know that Cinderella-type tales date back all the way to Ancient Egypt? In this next story from Judith Heineman and Dan Marcotte, you might recognize some elements of a well-known fairy tale that has been transported back a few thousand years. To learn more about Judith Heineman and Dan Marcotte visit www.www.judithanddan.com
The Lady and the Glove
Another take on the Cinderella story model, in song form. To learn more about Dan Keding visit www.dankeding.com
How the Birds Got Their Feathers
Our last story is for the birds—or rather about them. Have you ever wondered how birds got such an array of beautiful colors and patterns to wear? Joseph Bruchac shares this Native American origin story to explain. To learn more about his work visit josephbruchac.com
A story about a dad and a story about a mom that encourage us to appreciate our parents in all their wisdom and eccentricity. What are the stories of your own heritage? Stories included in this episode:
Shmulky
A live recording made at the National Storytelling Festival about the late Syd Lieberman's father, Sam Lieberman. To learn more about Syd Lieberman's work visit www.sydlieberman.com
My Mother's Mind
Have you ever had a "senior moment?" If you have, you may be becoming more like your parents than you think. This story, recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, is all about the ways our minds can work. To learn more about Beth Horner visit bethhorner.com
Start your school year off fresh with these stories from two of our favorite tellers.
In the Back of the Bus
What better way to start the school year than with a song from Bill Harley? To learn more about Bill's work visit www.billharley.com
A School Visit
Sam Payne takes us on a to Aristotle Academy.
Look It Up!
Sometimes the only way to learn is the hard way. To learn more about Donald Davis visit www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Bottlecaps
In many of Bill Harley's school-oriented stories, somebody's having a good time getting into trouble. To learn more about Bill Harley visit www.billharley.com
Storyteller, music-maker, folklorist, and author Joseph Daniel Sobol is an artist and scholar of wide-ranging accomplishments. An artist-in-residence for many years in North and South Carolina, he received a Masters in Folklore from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and a Ph.D. in Performance Studies from Northwestern University. During his eleven years in Chicago, where he performed regularly with some of America’s top Irish traditional musicians, Joseph developed a ground-breaking four-finger technique for playing the driving rhythms and intricate ornamentation of traditional Irish and Celtic music on cittern, guitar, mandolin, and banjo. He toured the country from 1994 through 1999 with his award-winning musical theatre piece In the Deep Heart’s Core: A Mystic Cabaret, based on over 30 stunningly evocative musical settings of lyric poems by William Butler Yeats. In 2000, he was appointed Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Storytelling at East Tennessee State University, where he is a tenured Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. He tours internationally as a storyteller, lecturer, teacher, composer, and virtuoso musician on cittern, guitar, and various fretted instruments. In this episode, Joseph Sobol chats with Sam Payne about his extensive career. To learn more about Joseph Sobol and find more of his stories and songs visit www.josephsobol.com
Stories from classic English literature featuring:
Beowulf
A master of story and the recepient of the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Storytelling Network, the late Syd Lieberman will always be remembered as an artist who could transport us across countries, seas, and stars. Beowulf is one of the oldest stories in English literature and Syd Lieberman takes us for an exciting adventure in his version of this epic poem. To learn more about the late Syd Lieberman visit www.sydlieberman.com
Sir Gawain and Lady Ragnell
The Miami Herald has referred to Ed Stivender as "the Robin Williams of storytelling." In this version of a popular 15th-century English poem and story, Ed shares some astute insight into this nod to Arthurian legend. To learn more about Ed Stivender visit edstivender.com
The Tell-Tale Heart
Oregon-based storyteller, Christopher Leebrick shares stories that take his audience from the hills of Appalachia to the cowboy country of the Oregon desert, from Edgar Allan Poe to Dr. Seuss, from ancient America to Africa. Edgar Allan Poe was one of the first American writers to make his living solely from his writing and The Tell-Tale Heart may be the author's most famous short story. To learn more about Christopher Leebrick visit allgoodstories.com
Excerpt from The Secret Garden
In this passage from Frances Hodgson Burnett's "The Secret Garden", our protagonist, Mary Lennox, asks permission to work a bit of earth and bring new life to to the Misselthwaite Manor. Performed live in front of a studio audience by Sam Payne and members of the Acting Company. To learn more about The Acting Company visit www.facebook.com/TACactingcompany
One part of a mini-series dedicated to stories rooted in all areas of the world. Oceania is a region centered on the islands of the tropical Pacific and includes such countries and areas as Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Enjoy stories in this episode from the mythology of Oceania! Stories included in this episode:
How Pele Came to Hawaii
Alton Chung is utilizes the power of story to bridge cultures and promote healing. Mixing together the traditions of the Hawaiian Islands, Korea, and Japan, Alton breathes life and magic into supersititions, folk tales, and historical narratives that bridge gaps between cultures and generations. www.altonchung.com
Interview with Palikiko Chandler
Palakiko Chandler, an assistant producer on The Matt Townsend show and part of our BYUradio family, was born and raised one the beautiful island of 'O'ahu. During his childhood, Palakiko attended a Hawaiian language and cultural immersion school where he cultivated an appreciation for the storytelling traditions of his heritage.
Mo'o Tales
Lopaka Kapnui is a native Hawaiian storyteller and cultural practitioner who has made a business of sharing his knowledge of the history and legends of Hawai'i, and leading guests to some of the spookiest places on the island of 'O'ahu. Mo'o a species of mythic shapeshifters and guardians, often appearing as beautiful maidens or dragons.mysteries-of-hawaii.com
Cannibal Woman of Micronesia
Dan Kelin has served as the Honolulu Theatre of Youth Director of Drama Education since 1987. A Master Teaching Artist, he is on the roster of the John F. Kennedy Center for hte Performing Arts and has served as a consultant and trainer for many arts and social services nationally and internationally. Dan Kelin, the storyteller, shares the rich stories of Hawai'i's multi-cultural landscape. www.danielakelin.com
Didgeridoo & Dreamtime
Paul Taylor, acclaimed Aussie performing artist, delights in celebrating the culture of his homeland through story, song, dance, painting, and didgjeridoo. This story highlights the Aboriginal cultural tradition native to Australia and is set in "the dreamtime": the golden age when the first ancestors were created.
Kondili the Whale
This origin story from Jenni Cargill-Strong is an Ramindjeri Aboriginal tale set before people had fire. From Kondili, the whale man, sparks of flames would shoot from his feet as he danced.www.storytree.com.au
Tales from Europe that are little off the beaten path featuring Judith Heineman and Dan Marcotte, Norah Dooley, and more. Stories featured in this episode:
Briar Rose
You may be familiar with the story of Sleeping Beauty, but have you ever wondered what reall happens in "happily ever after?" Judith Heineman and Dan Marcotte present an epilogue that is daring, thrilling, and shows that the chapter may close, but some stories never end. Learn more about Judith and Dan's work by visiting www.www.judithanddan.com
Caterina the Wise
From an album cleverly titled "Italian Folktales: Stories Nobody Told Me", Norah Dooley shares a wisdom tale that is one of many stories in her repertoire inspired by her heritage and community. Many of us have folktales we know very well, though their origins can be rooted in many different places-- just like this one about a wise farmer's daughter. To learn more about Norah Dooley's work visit www.norahdooley.com
The Story of Arachne
The husband-and-wife team of Mitch Weiss and Martha Hamilton have been using their storytelling experience to teach, educate, and entertain throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia since 1980. Specializing ins stories that are appealing to all ages, many of their folktales can be told by the young or the young-at-heart much like this Greek myth. Learn more about Mitch and Marth by visiting beautyandthebeaststorytellers.com
The Lass of Loch Royal
Paddy Tutty is a singer of traditional music: ancient ballads, songs of wit and mirth, and the songs of working people and seasonal pageants. This traditional ballad, and its many variants, is a melancholy story about lovers and the sea. To learn more about Paddy Tutty visit www.prairiedruid.net
Vassalissa and the Babba Yagga
Informed by her experiences traveling the world as the child of a military parent, Donna Washington has collected many fairy and folk tales over time. Adapted from the Russian fairy tale, "Vasilisa the Beautiful", Donna Washington brings to life this Cinderella-type story about a cunning forest witch and a pure-hearted merchant's daughter. Find more of Donna's work at www.dlwstoryteller.com
Stories included in this episode:
The Tale of Twelve Animals
Influenced by her grandmother, and inspired by the story of the Chinese Zodiac, Motoko shares her version of one of the most popular stories in Asian folklore. Have you ever worried about your age? This folktale will help you look at the years in a new light. motoko.folktales.net
The Spider Weaver
Weavers are popular figures in folktale traditions across the globe. History, human relationships, and stories themselves are often depicted as the result of a weaver spinning cloth or a web. Inspired by his Asian-American heritage, Alton Chung shares the story of a weaver that echoes other stories you may have heard before. www.altonchung.com
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Recorded live at Eth-No-Tec's first performance at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, this origin story is all about talking the right talk and walking the right walk. Specializing in stories from the Asian continent, and inspired by their own Asian-American heritage, Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo and Nancy Wang bring folk tales and fairy tales to life with their energetic synchronized performing style. www.ethnohtec.org
Trouble Talk
Storyeller and balloon artist, David Claunch, holds the official title of Clowns of America International Ambassador to the country of Bhutan. Inspired by his travels and his relationships with his international clowning and storytelling audiences, David Claunch shares narratives that highlight many different cultural traditions including this wisdom tale. www.davidclaunch.com
Golden Crane
A classic folktale from Japan. Whether it is with a thoughtful story for adults, a folktale for children, or the inspiring history of her Japanese American family’s experience in the incarceration camps during World War II, Anne Shimojima reminds us that to be human is to travel the most fascinating journey of all. www.anneshimojima.com
Stories from cultural traditions all over North and South America.
Wolf (A Blackfoot Indian Tale)
Accompanied by The Real Myth Ensemble, Laura Simms shares a Blackfoot Indian tale about loyalty and friendship. To learn more about Laura Simms visit www.laurasimms.com
Party in the Sky
Recorded before a live audience, Antonio Rocha shares a story that his mother told him during his childhood in Brazil. Listen closely to all the animal impressions, and it's easy to imagine how Antonio's storytelling performances are heavily influenced by his energetic mime work. To learn more about Antonio Rocha visit www.storyinmotion.com
The Devil and the Farmer's Wife
It takes a certain kind of woman to stand up to the Devil in this traditional Appalachian tale. To learn more about Tim Lowry visit www.storytellertimlowry.com
Opossum and Coyote
Captivated by stories her Mexican grandmother and father would tell, Olga Loya has absorbed the secrets of memory, family, and tradition to create stories that connect audiences to each other and to Latino culture. To learn more about Olga Loya visit www.olgaloya.com
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Cherokee storyteller and educator Joseph Stands With Many utilizes the lessons from his Native American heritage to share lessons and values through folktales like this one. To learn more about Joseph Stands With Many visit www.standswithmany.com
Uncle Rabbit and Uncle Tiger
To ends this episode, we have one last tale from Olga Loya from Nicaragua. Notice how Rabbit is a common trickster figure in traditions all over the Americas.
Stories about being bugged, ticked, annoyed, irritated, and bugging other people.
The Evil Prince & Sleeping Beauty
Judith's compelling and riveting stories are "sculpted both from her own observed life and created to augment the missions of educational, historic, and governmental organizations." Those who grew up with siblings running around the house might relate to this story and the need for some peace and quiet. To learn more about Judith Black visit storiesalive.com
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Doug Elliott takes stories out of the backwoods and from the trails to extol the virtues of catfish, groundhogs, bees, and more from nature. To learn more about Doug Elliott visit dougelliott.com
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If there's one person who knows how to express both sides of being bugged, its the inimitable Bill Harley. To learn more about Bill Harley visit www.billharley.com
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Sticks and stones may break my bones but words... are powerful tools. Storyteller, guitarist, songwriter, poet, teacher, and adventurer knows this lesson very well. To learn more about Ted Fink visit tedfink.com
Do you remember how you met your best friend? Was it by happy accident or does it seem like you two were always meant to know each other? Well, on today’s episode, we’ve got stories for you about ready-made friendships: the kinds of friends you make because you’ve been thrown together for one reason or another.
Froko & Lettuce
Jenni Cargill-Strong is from the beautiful continent of Australia, and the flora & fauna of her home often make appearances in her stories. In this story, Jenni shows us that friendship can be just a matter of opening the right window. To learn more about Jenni Cargill-Strong visit www.storytree.com.au
The New Neighbors
Born in Havana, Cuba, Carmen came to the U.S. as a refugee in 1964, settling in Decatur, Georgia where she lives today. Her pithy collection of stories about her vibrant life, and her exciting children's books, and connections with audiences of all ages make Carmen a truly dynamic performer who we think you'll love. This story is about Carmen's childhood best friend, Dill. To learn more about Carmen Agra Deedy visit carmenagradeedy.com
Water Torture
When did you first become friends with your brother or sister? Antonio Sacre, whose heritage is half Irish-American and half Cuban-American, shares this great growing up tale which is one of many in his extensive repertoire. Blood is thicker than water, but a water fight with your brother can still be a great time. To learn more about Antonio Sacre visit www.antoniosacre.com
We met Rosie Cutrer at the National Storytelling Network conference a few years ago, and have been enjoying her career ever since. Based in Topeka, Kansas, Rosie works with people of all ages-- from excited elementary school students to senior citizens-- and uses things such as her banjo and puppetry to to share her versions of stories based on folktales and literature. We're sure you'll love her take on familiar folktales, and perhaps even find a new favorite you might not have heard quite like this before. Throughout the hour, enjoy snippets of a conversation between Rosie Cutrer and Sam Payne. Stories included in this episode:
The Wonderful Wrestler An African wisdom tale.
Mr. Bun A familiar trickster tale.
Library Chicken A story and song based on a funny joke-- for lovers of books.
The Blackthorn Walking Stick A grim, grisly, and delightfully spooky tale from Ireland.
In these stories, our main characters find themselves on epic journeys to learn universal truths.
The Bird of Happiness
Dynamic duo Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo and Nancy Wang brought this Tibetan tale to the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival where this live recording was made. Eth-No-Tec specializes in stunning and energetic synchronized performances that highlight story traditions all over the world, particularly Asia. This story is about a unique pursuit of happiness. www.facebook.com/ethnohtec
The Poor Gaiteiro
A “gaiteiro” can refer to one who plays the bagpipes or, in South Brazil, one who plays the accordion. A fitting subject for Kevin Carr, a piper who often brings his story to life with a great command of instrumentation. The gaiteiro in this story finds himself on some interesting adventures that start with a case of wishful thinking. www.kevincarr.org
Issun Boshi
A well-known and well-loved Japanese folk tale similar to the tradition of Tom Thumb. “Issun Boshi” is translated into English as “One Inch-Boy” or sometimes the “The Inch-High Samurai.” This story is given the standard Bob Reiser treatment and is equal parts humorous and exciting. www.bobtales.com
Looking for His Luck
On the album, "Once in A Blue Moon", Dolores Hydock shares stories of discovery and destiny. In this tale, about the unluckiest man in the world, we get a different take on the classic quest story and are all invited to see the big picture through life's details.www.storypower.org
Strawberries in Winter
This Slovakian folk tale is "a wonderful Cinderella story." "Strawberries in Winter" comes from an album of the same name by storyteller Dan Keding, a collection of stories from Dan's grandmother that reflect the traditional hero or heroine journey. To learn more about Dan Keding visit www.dankeding.com
The Wounded Selkie
Richard Martin tells folk tales which have been told for hundreds, indeed thousands, of years with origins everywhere from Europe to India to Hong Kong. The story of the selkie has been passed down for generations and told in various ways, and Richard's traditional telling upholds a great tradition. www.tellatale.eu
The One I Feed
The healing process is not limited to physical ailments, and storytelling can be an important tool to promote healing that is spiritual and emotional. This story from Jenni Cargill-Strong helps show us how perspective can help cultivate healing. To learn more about Jenni Cargill-Strong visit www.storytree.com.au
The Healing Sticks
Regina Ress believes that "storytelling connects us to each other & to the deepest parts of ourselves." Using original and traditional stories about the "deep deliciousness of life" to enthrall audiences of all ages, Regina draws her listeners in with heartwarming stories of healing. To learn more about Regina Ress visit reginaress.com
Broken Glass
Lani Peterson tells stories that highlight connection, insight, and change. Her easygoing and insightful style puts audiences at ease, and allows audiences to navigate their own stories and experiences. To learn more about Lani Peterson visit lanipeterson.com
Heaven and Hell
Motoko often shares insights through her knowledge and command of traditional Japanese folktales. Healing is a process not easily done on one's own. This well-known folktale is about what can happen when people work together. To learn more about Motoko visit motoko.folktales.net
Do you believe that some people make their own luck? Do you believe in dumb luck? Enjoy these stories of characters making their own dumb luck as they prove that foolishness can sometimes be the most foolproof way to get out of a sticky situation.
Malawian Hippo Love Story
A woman well-acquainted with stories, Ms. Sheila also incorporates great story moments from her own personal life within her repertoire. This story, taken from a memorable missions trip to Africa, will be sure to have you laughing by the end. To learn more about Sheila Arnold visit www.mssheila.org
Sody Saluradus
A Donna Washington variation on a classic Appalachian tale. Saleratus appeared on the market in 1840, replacing pearlash as a baking ingredient to produce rising in dough. By the start of the 1860s baking soda in turn replaced it. For a short time some people called the new baking soda ‘saleratus.’ This story, then, probably dates from that period when both terms were used simultaneously: “soda/saleratus.” To learn more about Donna Washington visit www.dlwstoryteller.com
Clever Counting
This Liberian story from Pam Faro comes from a collection of stories entitled "Why Didn't I Think of That?: Seeking Solutions- Some Sassy, Some Silly, Some Smart." You'll find that the animals in this story are indeed sassy, silly, and smart. To learn more about Pam Faro visit storycrossings.com
Silly Hans
Randel McGee tells all sorts of Hans Christian Andersen stories, often using paper cutting on stage. This Hans Christian Andersen tale is all about a silly brother who is smart in some unexpected ways. To learn more about Randel McGee visit mcgeeproductions.com
Some of our favorite folk tales from all around the world. Travel to South America, Africa, Asia and Europe on today's cultural tour of folklore and fairy tales! Stories included in this episode include:
These Will Carry You Far
A live recording of a West African folktale about a girl who keeps her mother's lessons close to her heart. To learn more about Charlotte Blake Alston visit www.charlotteblakealston.com
Sambalele
This story, adapted from a Brazilian folktale and told with the help of an audience of children, will be sure to be stuck in your head for some time to come. Monkeys often get into a lot of trouble in the folktale world, and this one is no exception. To learn more about Rosie Cutrer visit www.rosiecutrer.com
The Man Who Could Make the Trees Blossom
Alton Chung is known for his great command of character, among other things. Often drawing from the different parts of his cultural heritage, Alton shares many ancient stories from Japan just like this one. To learn more about Alton Chung visit www.altonchung.com
The Fairy Flag
Milbre Burch is one of the great stage storytellers and academics of our time. For many years, Milbre had a great working relationship with Jane Yolen and often brought to life many of Jane's fabulous stories such as this one. To learn more about Milbre Burch visit www.kindcrone.com
Stories and songs inspired by exploration, discovery, and wanderlust. Stories and songs included in this episode:
Travel Urge and the Magic Token
Doug Elliott is a naturalist, herbalist, and storyteller whose collections of stories will take you on an unforgettable cultural tour of North America. In the 1970s, a young Doug Elliott embarked on an epic road trip across the continent and this story, taken from the album "Looking for America: A 20th Century Hero's Journey" inspired by the trip, is about the urge to go. To learn more about Doug Elliott visit www.dougelliott.com
The Story Behind the Story
Humorist and folklorist Donna Ingham takes the art of storytelling and gives it a Texas twist. Her tall tales, folktales, historical and personal stories are told only as a true Texan could: bigger and better and unbelievably fun. Fans of Lonesome Dove will enjoy this historical tale. To learn more about Donna Ingham visit www.donnaingham.com
Ol' Jim Bridger (song)
This song, from a compilation of cowboy poetry and songs entitled "Another Jubilee: Old Time Country & Cowboy Singing", is about the infamous explore Jim Bridger. The Sons of San Joaquin immortalize him with this catchy tune that highlights the historic figure's achievements in hunting, trapping, trading, fighting, mountain guiding, and beard growing. To learn more about The Sons of San Joaquin visit www.thesons.com
Moses of the Mountain
Adam Booth highlights the love of the story-rich area of West Virginia in all of his stories and songs. This story is a retelling of a familiar Biblical story with a fresh and contemporary setting. You'll be sure to love this modern-day exodus. To learn more about Adam Booth visit www.adam-booth.com
Travelin' Con
You've heard of The Hobbit, but this is another "there-and-back-again" tale that people of all ages will be sure to enjoy as their bedtime story. Highlighting her Irish heritage and family history, Yvonne Healy shares the story of an eccentric ancestor named. To learn more about Yvonne Healy visit www.yhealy.com
Stories included in this episode:
The Beggar King
A classic King Solomon tale about trying to look at and understand life from a different view. To learn more about Heather Forest visit www.heatherforest.com
Coyote Goes to the Sky
Coyote is a classic figure in Native American and Southwestern folktales. Sometimes a trickster, Coyote always learns his lesson. To learn more about Susan Strauss visit www.straussstoryteller.com
How Beetle Got Her Colors
A story from South America about a beautiful beetle and the lessons she learns. To learn more about Glenda Bonin visit www.storyworksgroup.com
The Invisible Boy
A Mic-Mac legend about seeing and being seen in the right light. To learn more about Stephanie Beneteau visi twww.stephaniebeneteau.com
In the Face of Evil
In April 1995, a domestic terrorist attack was carried out in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In spite of the loss and tragedy, the residents of OKC found ways to support each other through a difficult time. To learn more about Kate Dudding visit www.katedudding.com
Sam Payne lets us tag along with him during one of his favorite seasonal events: the rodeo. Full of wit, grit, fun and cowboy shenanigans the rodeo embodies all that we love about the Wild West. Bucking broncos, loyal steeds, lassos, spurs, and a good pair of Wrangler jeans are sprinkled throughout the episode to help you prepare for your local rodeo. Much of the material you will hear in this episode can be found on cowboy poetry compilations published by the Western Jubilee Recording Company, as well as original stories and songs from Donna Ingham Sam Payne.
Stories, songs, and poems included in this jam-packed episode (in order from first to last):
Bronc Ridin' Shuffle by Paul Bliss
An Old Rodeo Clown by Donna Ingham
Equus Caballus by Joel Nelson
Tell a Cowboy by The P.C. Cowboys
Big Bad Bill by Rick Crowder (aka Sourdough Slim)
Evening Chat by Waddie Mitchell
I'm a Cowhand in My Heart by Miss'lette
Roll on Owyhee by Brenn Hill with Gord Matthews & Gord Maxwells
Slant of Light by JV Brummels
All This Way for the Short Ride by Tom Russell with Paul Zarzyski & Andrew Hardin
Hooves, Hide and Mane by Sam Payne with Ryan Schupe
The Hooves of the Horses by Randy Rieman
Stories included in this episode:
The Fisherman's Baby
Liz Weir masterful imbibes classic folktales and myths with a vibrant energy appealing to listeners of all ages. This classic tale is no different. A fisherman with a unique relationship with the sea and its inhabitants does what he can for his family, with a little magic involved.To learn more about Liz Weir visit timpfest.org
Nho Lobo
A Cape Verdean folktale about a cunning and lazy trickster, a colorful cast of characters, hard work, and gladness. To learn more about Len Cabral visit www.lencabral.com
Turtle Learns to Fly
An ambitious little turtle is eager to learn how to fly and go where it's summer all the time. To learn more about Dovie Thomason visit doviethomason.com
Kansakura (Sacred Cherry Tree)
From a collection of tree myths, folktales, and songs from around the world, Diane Edgecomb, accompanied by Margot Chamberlain, breathes life into one of the prettiest trees. To learn more about Diane Edgecomb visit livingmyth.com
The Troll's House
Jeri Burns, PhD, one half of the the dynamite storytelling duo The Storycrafters, shares this fairy tale with a twist about a troll and some meddlesome goats. You might have heard it before but maybe not like this... To learn more about Jeri Burns, PhD visit www.storycrafters.com
Stories included in this episode:
Flat Tire
Recorded and given to us by storyteller Jeff Gere, this short story from Makia Malo shows just how much fun driving is no matter the state of your vehicle.
Stay Outta Them Old Cars/Living in the Country
A story and song from Michael Reno Harrell about the fun and imagination of two young boys living in the country. After discovering that an busted car can be a treasure trove for imaginative adventures, Michael and his childhood friend fill their afternoons with music, games, and Jerry Lee Lewis. To learn more about Michael Reno Harrell visit www.michaelrenoharrell.com
Thinking Behind
Hindsight is always 20/20. The consequences of our actions sometimes become clear right in the middle of our actions and there's no way to go but forward. Anyone who has ever dabbled in mechanics will understand the wild ride that Bil Lepp takes us on in this hilarious story. To learn more about Bil Lepp visit www.leppstorytelling.com
Burma Shave
Have you ever driven 3,000 miles at 30 miles-per-hour? David Holt has. Traveling slowly and steadily with his grandmother from one home to the next, David shares all the sights and sounds of a memorable road trip. To learn more about David Holt visit www.davidholt.com
A hodge-podge of some of our favorite stories we've been listening to lately including fond family memories, spooky nighttime tales, and an hilarious run-in with some smelly mammals.
The Lap
Known for the sweet and spirited tone of her narratives that builds bridges between memories of the past and emotions of the present, Kim is masterful performer who guides her audiences through stories with great aplomb. A beloved story within Kim's repertoire, this thoughtful performance is an ode to that first throne of kings and rulers throughout history: a loving matriach's lap. To learn more about Kim Weitkamp visit www.kimweitkamp.com
Eya the Camp Swallower
Thomason’s journey as a storyteller and artist began with the childhood influence of her Kiowa Apache grandmother Dovie, whose name Thomason proudly carries. With a tremendous background in the arts, Native Studies, and the oral traditions of the First Nations across North America, Thomason has utilized her talent and graces to share invaluable lessons about human nature and indigenous worldviews. This story, shared before a lived audience, is about that time of day when the sun is fading and our bones are ready to be chilled... To learn more about Dovie Thomason visit doviethomason.com
Skunks
Want to know a recipe for a good story? Start with the great outdoors, mix in a little mischief, and throw in a strange and smelly creature or two. Just ask Bil Lepp. To learn more about Bil Lepp visit www.leppstorytelling.com
On this episode, enjoy stories about building bridges and breaking down barriers. Storytelling is a powerful tool in conflict resolution and can be used to make connections in unexpected ways.
(2:20) Dad's Story
Susan uses story to cross the lines that divide people and break down the barriers of communication. Susan recognizes that even the most culturally-sensitive peoeple might be doing things unintentionally that cause disrespect, in situations where one might be attempting to do the opposite. Growing up in during the Civil Rights movement, Susan would hear the racist worldviews of her community in conjunction with her father's attempt to quell those voices of hate informed by his time teaching at an all-black high school. To learn more about Susan O' Halloran visit susanohalloran.com
(28:43) The Night That Everything Changed
With her trademark wit, warmth and humor, Geradline shares an account of the night where her life would make a delightfully unexpected change. After being invited to share a workshop at a men's prison, Geraldine finds herself becoming the prison's chaplain where she used her knowledge and skills as a storyteller to cultivate connection, empathy, and hope. To learn more about Geraldine Buckley www.geraldinebuckley.com
(37:54) The Twice Saved Life
Mixing together the magic and histories of the Hawaiian Islands to Japan and Korea, Alton Chung shares tradition folktales and legends, and personal histories with utmost passion and respect. In this story, Alton shares stories of World War II from the perspective of someone with a unique lens. www.altonchung.com
(48:54) Bobo & the Baseballs
Sometimes, world peace starts in one's own neighborhood. In this story, Dan and his friends learn about being a good neighbor and a good member of the community through a series of events including the neighborhood baseball team, a mysterious neighbor, and a gigantic dog. www.dankeding.com
Looking for more stories about diversity, multi-culturalism, and conflict resolution?
Visit racebridgesstudio.com to listen to bridge building stories from some of your favorite tellers, including some of those featured in this episode.
Jason Porath was once an effects animator at DreamWorks Animation where he and his co-workers would often discuss movies, including a common conversation surrounding this question, "what is the least likely woman to ever get the animated princess treatment?" In this episode, listen to Jason talk about what constitutes a "Rejected Princess" and hear other stories of odd, interesting, offbeat, strong women who drive their own stories outside of societal norms. To learn more about Rejected Princesses visit www.rejectedprincesses.com
Stories included in this episode include:
Thakane the Brave
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes they go overlooked until they save the day. To learn more about Charlotte Blake Alston visit www.charlotteblakealston.com
Interview with Jason Porath
Catskin
A darker tale from the Brothers Grimm, Sean Buvala retells this spooky and offbeat story. To learn more about Sean Buvala visit seantells.com
Li Chi Slays the Serpent
In this folk tale, the most unlikely girl in the village saves the day from a serpent. To learn more about Beth Horner visit bethhorner.com
Sometimes we find ourselves getting into a jam of our own making: shaving a little too much off the top, locking our keys in the car, spilling milk, and any number of other things to cry over. The stories featured in this episode are all devoted to that special moment when we realize nothing is going to according to plan. Consider this episode a tribute to all our daily mistakes, accidents, incidents, blunders, bloopers, and blips. Stories included in this episode:
Sunday Dinner
Do you have leave the house with the nagging feeling that you've left the stove on? Maybe we should pay more attention to that feeling, as Donald Davis explains in this riveting tale of Sunday meals. To learn more about Donald Davis visit www.ddavisstoryteller.com
The Emperor's New Clothes
One of the classic tales where hubris meets humor from one of the great storytelling legends, Diane Wolkstein. To learn more about Diane Wolkstein visit www.dianewolkstein.com
Why I Bought a Sailboat
Bill Harley spins a yarn that takes us from Greek mythology, to the driveway, to the street. You'll have to hear it to belive it. To learn more about Bill Harley visit www.billharley.com
For Want of an Eyebrow
Carmen Deedy charmingly shares a story live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival that encompasses one blunder after another. To learn more about Carmen Deedy visit carmenagradeedy.com
Talking Woodstove Blues (song)
An epic story in song about digging yourself into quite the hole, financially. To learn more about Michael Reno Harrell visit www.michaelreno.com
An episode all about STUFF: heirlooms, mementos, memorabilia, collectibles, tokens, souvenirs and the like. In the Apple Seed Office, we have our own collection of mementos from our past adventures that we keep around for good luck: an antique wooden radio, a plush animal we won in an auction at last year’s NSN Conference (that Andy Offutt Irwin lovingly named “Sweetie” for us), and a glass Coke bottle that stands as tribute to some of our past team members. In this hour, enjoy fairy tales and folk tales centered around a special item, showing how a mere trinket can become a true treasure in the right circumstances.
The Wishing Ring (1:21)
There are lot of famous magical items in the annexes of folklore from King Arthur’s sword to Elvis’ guitar. This first story from Dolores Hydock is about a different kind of magic: the kind we make. To learn more about Dolores Hydock visit www.storypower.org
The Blue Coat (9:42)
Do you have that one item in your closet that you just can't seem to give away? A Jewish folktale that shows how our attachment to things reflects certain memories and eras of our lives. To learn more about Jenni Cargill-Strong visit www.storytree.com.au
Iduna and the Magic Apples (16:51)
Some people are very particular about the items and objects in their lives. We go through a lot of trouble for our stuff, just like the gods in this Norse myth from Beatrice Bowles. To learn more about Beatrice Bowles visit www.beatricebowles.com
The King of Little Things (27:09)
Life is about the little things-- just like this story about the kings of things and the thick of things from Bil Lepp. To learn more about Bil Lepp visit www.leppstorytelling.com
Paddy & the Pooka (37:36)
Sometimes our lucky socks make us play better in the big game, a lucky pencil magically gives us a good grade, and the right instrument can help us play the right song. Having the right stuff is what this story about a musician with a special pair of pipes is all about . To learn more about Kevin Carr visit www.kevincarr.org
Above: Ed Stivender with assistand producers Makena Bauss and Deidrene Crisanto
Ed Stivender has been called “the Robin Williams of storytelling” by the Miami Herald and “a Catholic Garrison Keillor” by Kirkus Review. Since 1977, when he left his day job as a high school teacher in Connecticut and turned to storytelling full-time, Ed has fabulated his way around the globe --appearing in schools, churches, coffeehouses and theaters, as well as at major storytelling festivals. Ed has received many accolades for his work as a consultant, writer, trainer, is the author or two books of tales: "Raised Catholic, Can You Tell?" and "Still Catholic After All These Fears." Ed has also released several recordings of his performances, including a few at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee and right here at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in Orem, Utah. We love Ed for his signature warmth and wisdom, his easygoing way with audiences of all-ages and for his great passion that is showcased in all of his stories. Stories included in this episode:
The Gospel of Beauty (2:07)
Originally written by Vachel Lindsay, this piece highlights the way Ed can share thoughts and insight with a calming ease that teaches great lessons.
Jack and the Robbers (4:23)
Jack tales are a staple in any storyteller's repertoire, and this one showcases Ed's unique approach to them.
The McWilliamses and the Burglar Alarm (13:27)
Originally written by Mark Twain, this piece showcases why Ed is often referred to as "the Robin Williams of storytelling" featuring his excellent command of character, voice, and humor.
Yankee Come Home (song) (29:44)
A song inspired by and performed at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee.
The Chess Game (35:13)
Originally written by Morgan Ashton.
Inspired by the examples of love all around us, this hour of story is all about love. Stories included in this episode:
Valentine
Kevin Kling shares a story about love in its many stages: from the elementary school Valentine's Day party, to the day you exchange rings with your one true love, to the very last moments with your soul mate. Love can be sweet, and sometimes sad, but every minute of it is worth a lifetime. To learn more about Kevin Kling visit www.kevinkling.com
Love Comes in Many Packages
There are an infinite number of ways one can love another: we love our friends, our families, our spouses, and so many others with such variety. Noa Baum shares a story of love that explores differences of culture and generation within the same family. To learn more about Noa Baum visit noabaum.com
Love on the First Floor
Before Kim Weitkamp was gracing stages across the country with her stories and song, she worked as a nursing home chaplain for a spell. During her time as a nursing home chaplain Kim made many connections and saw many stories come to fruition, including many about friendship and love. To learn more about Kim Weitkamp visit www.kimweitkamp.com
Dancing with Arilda
Recorded live in Southern Utah, Sam Payne shares a story from his family history about the power of love.
The Telephone Girl (song)
A song about love performed by Doc Watson & David Holt. To learn more about Doc Watson and David Holt visit www.davidholt.com/mentors/doc-watson
Come on a trip with us through some of the finest National Parks the nation has to offer! In this episode, enjoy stories and songs inspired by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the nation as Sam Payne takes us through Zion National Park holding conversations along the way with people inspired by the land including Ron Olevsky, Lyman Hafen, Roland Lee, and Therese Picard. While Sam takes us through one national park in the heart of the west, Donald Davis shares spectacular insight into one of the greatest wonders of North America: the Grand Canyon.
To learn more about the National Park Service Centennial visit www.nationalparks.org/our-work/celebrating-100-years-service
To learn more about Zion National Park visit www.nps.gov/zion
To learn more about the Grand Canyone visit www.nps.gov/grca
To learn more about Donald Davis visit www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Stories and songs best told 'round the campfure featuring:
Summer Days
This track from Kim Weitkamp is all about the best things to do in the summer. You're never too young and never too old to enjoy this sunny season! To learn more about Kim Weitkamp's work visit www.kimweitkamp.com
Big Lake Sasquatch Oregon is infamous for all its Sasquatch stories. This one from Christopher Leebrick is perfect to share with friends and family while you cook up some s'mores. To learn more about Christopher Leebrick's work visit allgoodstories.com
Gecko and Firefly
One thing that makes a good camping trip is finding all the little critters that are living around you and your tent. This story from Susan Reed is about a few of those tiny creatures learning about some big ideas. To learn more about Susas Reed visit www.susanreed.com
Campfire Stories: Cowboy Campfire
It's an iconic scene: the lone cowboy silhouetted against the evening sky with a small fire to cook up some beans, his loyal horse hitched up close by. This collection of short cowboy stories is from Tim Lowry's album, "Cowboys & Indians." To learn more about Tim Lowry's work visit www.storytellertimlowry.com
That's How the Yodel Was Born
Performed by Don Edwards, this song from the compilation album "Another Jubilee: Old Time Country & Cowboy Singing." To learn more visit westernjubilee.com
The Vanishing Hitchhiker
A classic urban legend told by the talented Bill Mooney from the album "Spiders in the Hairdo" with David Holt. Find more David Holt & Bill Mooney storytelling here www.davidholt.com/storytelling
Shonaleigh Live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival
Shonaleigh gives a performance that is equal parts spooky and sentimental. Learn more about The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival and Shonaleigh's work here timpfest.org
Stories inspired by summer visits with family.
Wears Like Iron A story about sisterhood, motherhood, the power of story and the ties that bind. More than just pieces of fabric sewed together, a quilt made with love is an expression of true connection between generations. To learn more about Teresa Clark visit teresaclark.blogspot.com
The Turkey Vulture Festival This story was recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. In Texas, they do everything bigger and better including their love for festivals and celebrations. Sheila Starks Phillips shares a tale about a peculiar passion shown at one such festival. To learn more about Sheila Starks Phillips visit www.sheilaphillips.com
Fear Told by Pete Abdalla, this story comes to us from a Tellabration event held by the Storytellers of Central Florida. Tellabration is a night of storytelling celebrated world-wide on or about the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Chicken and Crocodile A fun and fantastic folktale from Antonio Rocha with a little something in it for people of all ages. This story is best listened to with friends and family! To learn more about Antonio Rocha visit www.storyinmotion.com
Stories included in this episode:
The Apple Seed Origin Story (00:00)
BYUradio Manager, Don Shelline, and General Radio Manager, Marcus Smith, join Sam Payne in the studio to talk about the beginnings of our show.
Let's Start at The Beginning (11:11 - 41:34)
Have you ever wondered how someone starts telling stories on stage? Every storyteller had to start somewhere and most folks become excellent storytellers by being excellent listeners. In this segment listen to excerpts of past conversations where Geraldine Buckley, Donald Davis, Jenni Cargill-Strong, Willy Claflin, Noa Baum, and Betty Ann Wylie talk about how they became the storytellers, teaching artists, educations, and performers that they are today.
Live at the 2015 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival with Shonaleigh (42:38)
With a repertoire of over three thousand stories which can be adapted as appropriate for the theme and audience with whom she is working, Shonaleigh is a dedicated and committed storyteller who's expanding her tradition. Storytelling is in her blood. A dyslexic, she's a drut'syla, a storyteller in the Jewish tradition, and she sees that tradition as very much alive. In this story, listen to Shonaleigh spin a great fairytale that unravels to reveal a great chain of events. To learn more about Shonaleigh visit shonaleigh.co.uk
At the Shrine of St. Wagner (2:04)
Originally produced for BYUradio's Classical 89, acclaimed actor Ron Fredrickson reads the essay "Mark Twain at Bayreuth", often retitled "At the Shrine of St. Wagner." In his own trademark style marked with wit and grit, Twain uses humor to express his appreciation for the operatic arts. Twain and his family were enthusiastic fans of the arts, and his own daughter, Clara Clemens was a talented contralto singer who was married to acclaimed Russian composer Ossip Gabrilowitsch. We think you will enjoy this delightful perspective on the operatic tradition.
Interview with Jamie Erekson (25:40)
Writer and composer Jamie Erekson joins Sam Payne in the studio to discuss his latest production, "The Lost Children of Hamelin", which had its premiere at Brigham Young University. The contemporary opera draws on influences from well-known stories such as the Pied Piper of Hamelin, Hansel & Gretel, and The Little Match Girl. In this interview, Sam and Jamie explore the history and conventions of operatic storytelling. "The Lost Children of Hamelin" will performed this spring at Brigham Young University directed by Dr. Lawrence Vincent. Find tickets here. Watch trailers for "The Lost Children of Hamelin" here and here.
An interview with Natalie Daise, who for more than 20 years has developed and facilitated interactive learning experiences for educators, students, young and young-at-heart audiences alike. You may know her from the popular Nick Jr. and Noggin TV show "Gullah Gullah Island." Other honors include the 1997 and 1998 IMAGE Award nominations, 1998 Daytime Emmy nomination, Silver and Gold Parent's Choice awards, the South Carolina Jean Lacy Harris Folk Heritage Award for a lifetime of achievement and excellence in folk art, and South Carolina's highest honor, The Order of the Palmetto.
Natalie says of her work, "stories connect us in the most visceral way." We were delighted to see Natalie on stage at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee and to have her join us for a conversation with our host, Sam Payne. In this episode, listen to a conversation about her rich passion in storytelling and storytelling traditions, as well as stories recorded live a the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee.
To learn more about Natalie visit nataliedaise.com
Stories included in this episode:
Miss Morton (1:24)
A story about a spectacular woman and her feline friends from the effervescent Donald Davis. To learn more about Donald Davis's work visit www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Daddy's Ashes (33:03)
An insightful and thoughtful story from the delightful Geraldine Buckley. To learn more about Geraldine Buckley's work visit www.geraldinebuckley.com
Stories small enough to fit in your pocket!
Stories included in this episode:
The Boy and the North Wind (01:04)
Sam Payne tells a favorite Norwegian tale from childhood.
The Creation (5:03)
An short Iroquois story about a great big happening. To learn more about Josephe Bruchac's work visit josephbruchac.com
Three Heavenly Gifts (8:12)
A story about choosing and using gifts. To learn more about Len Cabral's work visit www.lencabral.com
How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin (12:51)
A traditional story from Rudyard Kipling's collection of "Just So" Stories. To learn more about Jim Weiss' work visit www.jimweiss.com
Goldilocks and the Three Bears (19:49)
A fresh take on a classic story. To learn more about Mark Binder's work visit markbinder.com
The Soldier's Tale (26:08)
Sam Payne shares a Russian folktale.
The Wolf Who Cried Sheep (28:53)
A twist on a classic moral tale. To learn more about Willy Claflin's work visit www.willyclaflin.com
Mr. Fox (32:00)
A spooky story from Jenni Cargill-Strong. www.storytree.com.au
Old John and the Devil (36:18)
A story about memory and besting the devil. To learn more about Charlotte Blake Alston's work visit www.charlotteblakealston.com
Caterina the Wise (41:19)
Caterina has lots of tricks up her sleeve and wisdom in her pocket. To learn more about Norah Dooley's work visit www.norahdooley.com
King Solomon and the Smell of Bread (49:45)
A good example of the wisdom of King Solomon. To learn more about Joel Ben Izzy's work visit storypage.com
The Fox and the Cheese (53:15)
Sam Payne shares a version of one his favorite Aesop's fables.
The school year is winding down and summer is quickly coming upon us, so the thought of adventure is fresh within our minds. Stories included in this episode:
Keep A-Going (01:21)
Recorded live from the grounds of the National Storytelling Festival, this story can be found on Donald's album "I Wouldn't Tell This To Just Anybody." Plan your life, live your plan, and whatever happens, keep a-goin! Donald's stories are like time capsules, freezing moments in time and turning them into timeless tales enjoyed by audiences from all over. This one is no different! To learn more about Donald's work visit ddavisstoryteller.com
Mrs. Ammons and the Boys' Room (19:37)
This story from Bill Harley's Grammy-nominated album, "The Battle of the Mad Scientists & Other Tales of Survival", is all about the ways in which students AND teachers have to survive school. To learn more about Bill Harley's work visit www.billharley.com
Wiley and the Hairy Man (40:34)
Recently, we got to hear Len Cabral tell this story at the Four Corners Storytelling Festival. In the tradition of a good Jack tale, Wiley gets the best of the Hairy Man in unexpected ways. To learn more about Len Cabral's work visit www.lencabral.com
In a letter to Ingmar Bergman on his seventieth birthday, the acclaimed Japanese director Akira Kurosawa wrote:
“A human is born a baby, becomes a boy, goes through youth, the prime of life and finally returns to being a baby before he closes his life. This is, in my opinion, the most ideal way of life. I believe you would agree that a human becomes capable of producing pure works, without any restrictions, in the days of his second babyhood.”
On this episode, enjoy stories and songs that highlight our first and second “babyhoods." Stories and songs included in this episode:
Assorted Stories Recorded at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival (1:41-11:02)
What better place for the old and young to converge than the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival? At a recent festival, the Apple Seed team gathered stories on site about everythin from sneaking gummy vitamins to cooking at scout camps to grandparents and grandchildren learning sign language together. Thank you to Amara, Brian, Chuck, and Terri for sharing your stories with us! To learn more about the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival visit timpfest.org
THe Old King and His Daughters (11:34)
Joel ben Izzy has been telling stories all his life, beginning his professional career in 1983. Since then, his job has taken him all around the world where he has collected many stories to add to his collection. In additional to his geographical tales, his stories have carried audiences of allages to all different times and places. This story is a timeless tale about the wisdom of youth meeting with the wisdom of old age. To learn more about Joel ben Izzy's work visit storypage.com
Grownups are Strange (17:11), It's Better Than That (21:14)
These two songs from the acclaimed Bill Harley show two unique ways at looking at adulthood. There are some things that get better with age and people are at the top of the list. However, people also get pretty strange as they grow up, too! To learn more about Bill Harley's work visit www.billharley.com
The Old Folks' Home (24:28)
Adam Booth's storytelling blends traditional folklore, music, and an awareness of contemporary Appalachia. His stories have been influenced by generations of diverse storytellers from West Virginia. As a a teller, educator, researcher and four-time winner of the West Virginia Liars' Contest he presents a unique blend of narratie, education, tradition, and music in all of his tales. To learn more about Adam Booth's work visit www.adam-booth.com
The Strongest Thing in the World (46:32)
Lyn Ford is a fourth-generation, nationally recognized, Affrilachian storyteller. As a teaching artist, mentor, Laughter Yoga Teacher, and happy mama, grandmama and great-grandmama, Lyn understands what happens when new and old generations learn from each other. To learn more about Lyn Ford's work visit www.storytellerlynford.com
People from all over the world to come share their stories at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival right here in our own backyard of Orem, Utah.
Stories included in this episode:
The Marriage Boulder (1:05)
Born in Dublin, Clare Murphy has a repertoire of tales & shows that include myth, legend, folklore, fable, personal tales & origin stories that have been heard in over 20 countries. Now residing in London, Clare's visists are highly anticipated by fans of the Timpanogoas Storytelling Festival and listeners of The Apple Seed. To learn more about Clare & the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival visit this link: TimpFest.org (Clare Murphy storyteller profile)
Book Thief (12:49)
After a childhood in segregated New Orleans, Mary Gay Ducey moved to Berkeley-- just in time for the protest marches and sit-ins. From a childhood steeped in tradition and heritage to beginning her own family amidst the social unrest of the sixties, Ducey has many stories to tell and draws from her life to delight audiences with the humor and insight of her personal and historical, literary and folk storeis. To learn more about Mary Gay Ducey & the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival visit this link: TimpFest.org (Mary Gay Ducey storyteller profile)
Life Begins When You Turn 40 (35:31)
The repertoire of Antonio Rocha, a native of Brazil, includes unique solo shows of stories and mines that have been performed in many places on 6 continents. Antonio has performed at festivals and educational institutions all over the United States. It's always a treat when Antonio comes to town! To learn more about Antonio & the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival visit this link: TimpFest.org (Antonio Rocha storyteller profile)
Science stories have a special place in our hearts here at The Apple Seed. The inspiration drawn from all sciences in storytelling make expand our knowledge and our imaginations. Featured in this episode:
Interview with Dr. Daniel Smalley (00:54)
An intrepid experimenter from a very young age, Dr. Daniel Smalley of the Brigham Young University Electrical & Computer Engineering department "once used an od metal bucket, some sand and a computer fan to construct an aluminum furnace for melting pop-cans and old screen doors into machine tool parts." Fascinated by the way things worked, Dr. Smalley went on to attend MIT where he earned his B.S., M.Eng, M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. Now working at BYU, Dr. Smalley continues his work in electroholography and aspires to create large, high resolution holographic, volumetric displays.
The Succession of Forest Trees by Henry David Thoreau (25:35)
One of the very last essays written before the author's death, this essay explores nature's order of disorder and re-order. Performed by live right here in our studios by Sam Payne & Suzanne Christensen, Leah Kershisnik, and Noah Kershisnik of The Acting Company.
The Battle of the Mad Scientists (32:43)
A hilarious exploration of science fiction, science fact, storytelling & imagination from the legendary Bill Harley. To find more of Bill Harley's work visit www.billharley.com
Many storytellers have their hands in a lot of baskets: they are educators, teaching artists, puppeteers, musicians, mothers, fathers, mimes, naturalists, and so on and so forth. Many storytellers, in their own unique way, also participates in “placemaking”: the philosophy and practice of capitalizing on a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential with the intention of creating public spaces to promote, health, well-being, and happiness.
Stories included in this episode:
Liz Carpenter's High Hillside (02:06)
Geraldine Buckley is a passionate & award-winning storyteller with a high capacity for hilarity that is equal to her capacity to care for the downtrodden. Geraldine shares stories across the globe, has been featured at the National Storytelling Festival & the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival among many others, and until 2010 was a chaplain in the largest men's prison in Maryland. This story is about placemaking on a small scale, referencing a time when Geraldine lived in Texas for a spell. To learn more about Geraldine Buckley's work visit www.geraldinebuckley.com
Interview with Derrick Clements (13:46)
Derrick Clements is a feature reporter for The Daily Herald in Utah, and audiostoryteller who has worked in documentary and nonfiction for radio, print, and online publications for the past six years. In the past, Derrick has worked on stories for and has been featured on Radiolab, Reply All, On Being, and RadioWest. Currently, Derrick produces The Pixar Podcast, The Disney Animation Podcast, the ‘What Say Ye?’ podcast with colleague Court Mann, and a storytelling venue called The Porch, providing a stage for Utah’s neighborhood stories to be told live. To find these projects & more of Derrick's work visit www.derrickclements.com
Crisanto Family Story (39:44)
In the late 80s, Deidrene Crisanto's parents came to America to begin a new life for their family. Making a new home out of a new country is never easy, but their sacrifices and successes live on through the sharing of their family stories.
(song) Compass Rose by Archie Crisanto (51:04)
A song written and performed by Archie Crisanto about creating home and coming home.
Part of an Apple Seed project dedicated to bringing some of the world's best printed stories to the radio stage, featuring stories about new life. With the help of members of The Acting Company, Noah and Leah Kershisnik, director of The Acting Company and sometimes contributor to The Apple Seed, Suzanne Christensen, hear words from Lewis Carroll, Mary Shelley, and Frances Hodgson Burnett. The stories you'll hear in this episode are accompanied with music by musician, Cherie Call.
Stories & Songs Featured in May Stories:
(song) Heart Made of Wind by Cherie Call
Excerpt from Francis Hodgson Burnett's "The Secret Garden"
The Secret Garden is the story of Mary Lennox, a troubled, sickly, and unloved 10-year-old sent to live with her uncle after the death, by cholera, of her wealthy parents in India. There she discovers a walled garden, long locked away by the miserable Mr. Craven following a long-ago tragedy. As Mary works the garden, the whole house, including its inhabitants, seems to come to life. In this excerpt, performed by Sam Payne and the Acting Company, Mary seeks permission to work the earth of the walled the garden.
(song) Big Yellow Moon by Cherie Call
Excerpt I from Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein"
In an episode devoted to spring and new life, Frankenstein might seem like an odd choice. However, Mary Shelley's horror classic is also a story of a doctor who meticulously looks at how things grow, the relationship between creator and creation, and ultimately, of family and relationships. In this scene, "the wretch" (as Frankenstein's monster is referred to in the original tome) comes to life to the horror of its master.
Excerpt II from Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein"
Mary Shelley's horror classic that is about, among other things, new and renewed life. In this scene, "the wretch" revisits its creator, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, and confronts him about existence, creation, and destruction.
(song) Walk You Through the Night by Cherie Call
An Easter Greeting to Every Child Who Loves "Alice."
While admirers of Lewis Carroll's "Alice" books include readers of all ages, this letter was written to his youngest members of his audience-- to children at the approach of Easter 1876.
On today's episode, we're taking elementary school trading to an extreme with Kyle Macdonald of One red paperclip fame, who turned one small red paperclip into a global movement with a simple game of Bigger or Better. Listen to Kyle's story, hear Sam Payne share a story of his own adventures in trading up as a child, and finish the hour with a few stories from some Apple Seed favorites: "The Acquisition of Skipper" from Slash Coleman and "Pony" from Kevin Kling.
Listeners of The Apple Seed can get a free digital copy of Kyle's book about his adventures by visiting oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com, sending Kyle an email, and telling him about listening to this episode.
Stories about flora, fauna, and friendship. Stories and songs included in this episode:
Plant Pals (00:37)
Assistant producer Deidrene Crisanto shares a story about a friendship based on the love of nature and the environment.
Green Things (05:56)
An original song about the nature of relationships and the nature of things by musician Emily Brown. Find more of her music at emilybrown.bandcamp.com
Paula Bunyan (A True Story) (09:08)
Joel ben Izzy has traveled the world collecting stories of all kinds and has found himself teaching and telling all over the globe. An award-winning recording artist and writer, in 1997 Joel awoke from a surgery and discovered he could no longer speak and what would follow was an adventure that would become the basis for his book, "The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness." To learn more about Joel ben Izzy visit www.storypage.com
Origin of Strawberry Picking & Strawberry Picking (song) (19:05)
Doug Elliott is a naturalist, herbalist, storyteller, basket maker, back-country guide, philosopher, and harmonica wizard. Having spent a great deal of time with traditional country folk and indigenous people, he imbibes his stories with a great love of folklore and the natural world. To learn more about Doug Elliott visit www.dougelliott.com
The Magic Garden of the Poor (26:02)
Known as the "Tintagel Storyteller" Jill Lamede tells stories old and new, sharing her time and magic freely with audiences of all ages. Jill's storytelling is informed by her Celtic and Saxon studies, Arthurian and Grail Lore, among many other story traditions. Find more of Jill Lamede's work at www.lamede.com
Wilde Roses (42:09)
Anne has appeared in all kinds of venues, including inside collasping tents and on stage with biting ants. A teaching artist with Young Audiences of Oregon, member of the Portland and Seattle Storytelling guilds and a member of National Storytelling Network, Anne is also the three-time first place winner in the NW Folklore Festival Liar's Contest - so don't believe everything she tells you. To learn more about Anne Rutherford visit www.annerutherford.com
Stories included in this episode:
There Was a Time (3:46)
This warm tale features a fictional town where the once weak and feeble become pillars of strength and intrigue. Our elders have much to offer, if only we'll take the time to listen. A little while ago, we were joined in studio by Clive Romney who shared some of his favorite stories and storytellers. One of the tellers he highlighted was Teresa Clark, whose crisp style, quick qit, and warm personality mesemerize audiences of all ages. A stellar storyteller and registered teaching artist based in Idaho, Terea B. Clark shares stories to warm your heart. To learn more about Teresa Clark's work visit teresaclark.blogspot.com
Bobo and the Baseballs (23:23)
You'll find Dan Keding on stage at the National Storytelling Festival this October in Jonesboro, Tennessee. Dan Keding is well known for his telling of traditional world folktales, personal narratives of his boyhood in Chicago, ghost stories and dark tales, and superbly crafted original pieces. As a child he learned the traditional stories that his grandmother brought to this country from Croatia. A well-respected ballad singer, he accompanies himself on guitar, banjo and spoons. To learn more about Dan Keding's work visit www.dankeding.com
The Weeping Girl at the Dancing Place (33:19)
Liz Weir is a storyteller and writer from Northern Ireland. She was the first winner of the International Story Bridge Award from the National Storytelling Network, USA, which cited her "exemplary work promoting the art of storytelling". Liz Weir has told her stories to people of all ages on five continents. She has performed in pubs and prisons and hospital rooms, and is beloved by audiences of all ages. To learn more about Liz Weir's work visit lizweir.net
Hansel and Gretel (40:14)
Since 1977, when he left his day job as a high school teacher in Connecticut and turned to storytelling full-time, Ed has fabulated his way around the globe --appearing in schools, churches, coffeehouses and theaters, as well as at major storytelling festivals. He has been a featured performer at the National Storytelling Festival, the Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival in Ireland, Graz Festival, Austria and our own Philadelphia Folk Festival. His wit, wisdom, and musical talent make him a beloved teller across the globe. To learn more about Ed Stivender's work visit edstivender.com
Pictured above: Andre with a slice of Makena's Mom's Pineapple Upside Down Cake, baked in a dutch oven as per tradition.
Throughout this episode, join the Apple Seed team as they explore family food traditions by preparing a a dutch oven pineapple upside down cake- recipe courtesy of Makena & the Bauss family. Stories included in this episode:
The Challah That Ate Chelm (1:36)
The author of more than a twenty books and audio books for children, families and adults, Mark Binder transmits joy through story. the author of more than a twenty books and audio books for children, families and adults. Since 2000, he has performed before more than 185,000 listeners of all ages in more than 1,200 performances where he shares folk tales, fairy tales, family tales with humor and heart. To learn more about Mark Binder's work visit markbinder.com
It's Not the Food, It's the Fellowship (10:36)
Dolores Hydock’s vivacious style fills the stage with what one reviewer called “a swirl of characters and a cascade of lovely language.” Her funny, affectionate stories about family fireworks, food fads, true love, turnip greens, and other peculiarities of everyday life are full of wit and energy, and her award-winning adaptations of oral histories, medieval adventures, and traditional tales make the magic of other lives and other times come alive. To learn more about Dolores Hydock's work visit www.storypower.org
Chopped Herring (46:55)
Bob is an expansive and joyous storyteller , teacher, and an award-winning author of books for children and adults. Accompanying himself with flute and drum, Bob brings warmth and wit to traditional and original stories. To learn more about Bob Reiser's work visit www.bobtales.com
Donald Davis is an American storyteller, author and minister. Donald held a twenty-year career as a minister before he became a professional storyteller. His long career as a teller and his promotion of the cultural importance of storytelling through seminars, master classes, and over 25 recorded albums has led to Davis being dubbed the "dean of storytelling". This episode features the recordings "Going to Grandma's" and "Old Man Hawkins' Lucky Day."
Barry Marshall, and Jeri Burns, PhD have been working together as The Storycrafters since 1991, and have been storytellers for even longer than that. Jeri and Barry believe in the time-tested wisdom of traditional stories, and share that wisdom with today’s audiences. They strive to honor world cultures by telling the old stories in respectful ways, often integrating the musical instruments, songs or dances indigenous to that region and adapting traditional tales with modern twists. This episode features the story, "The Two Brothers."
Between beginning of our life and the end of it, there’s a lot of middle. But there’s something really special about our first teeth, our first steps, our first kisses, and something equally special about the last time we say goodbye, the last time we clock in at an old job, and the last time we leave an old apartment. Do you remember the last time you did something for the first time?
Stories included in this episode:
Sam's First Bike (00:54)
A short story from Sam Payne about his very first bicycle.
The First Drum (6:59)
A long, long time ago God used to walk among the creations of the earth. When God decided it was time to go back to the heavens, he left behind the first drum for people to send messages with.To learn more about Charlotte Blake Alston's work visit www.charlotteblakealston.com
First Haircut (13:39)
What is it that makes your very first haircut one of the most memorable “firsts” of your life? To learn more about Norah Dooley's work visit www.norahdooley.com
The First Flute (18:10)
From Bob Reiser's album, The Story Tree, this tale is rich in folklore. To learn more about Bob Reiser's work visit www.bobtales.com
Drowning of Walker's Bend (30:41)
The Walker family realizes together that even when you think your goose is cooked, there’s still some story left.To learn more about Bruce Walker's work visit www.brucestoryteller.com
The Last of the American Cow Girls (38:51)
A sweet and sentimental farewell to the exciting atmosphere of Western Tradition performed by Kitty Donahoe on the compilation album, The Yellow Room Gang Live at Big Sky. To learn more about The Yellow Room Gang, visit yellowroomgang.com
The Monster Stick's Last Ride (44:31)
The beloved Monster Stick, that legendary gizmo from the Lepp story universe and often an object that is as rich and alive as any other character of a Bil Lepp story, meets its retirement.To learn more about Bil Lepp's work visit www.leppstorytelling.com
Lyn Ford is a fourth-generation, nationally recognized, Affriliachian storyteller, a teaching arist, workshop facilitator, Thurber House mentor, published writer, award-winning recording artist, Laughter Yoga Teacher, and happy family member who is a great cook, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother! In this episode, she joins Sam Payne in conversation about some of her most beloved stories. To learn more about Lyn, visit www.storytellerlynford.com
Clive Romney is a recording artist, producer, composer, educator, peformer, and the Executive Director of Utah Pioneer Heritage Arts. A family man, who together with his wife Bonnie, has five children and twenty four grandchildren, Clive is a multi-disciplinary artist who understand the importance of cherishing the stories of one's ancestors. He is a passionate portrayer of the Utah pioneer experience, and effortlessly brings history to life.
To learn more about Clive, visit www.cliveromney.com
To learn more about Utah Pioneer Heritage Arts, visit www.upharts.org
Author, musician, performer and artist, Stephen Gashler, joins Sam Payne in conversation discussing all things art and storytelling, and one of their Bil Lepp favorites, "Egg Babies." Also included in this episode are the stories, "Boys Will Be Boys" from Florida teller, Mike Scotchie, and "Pirate Field, an original story by Sam Payne produced by our former audio engineer, the late Sam Thompson.
Pelican Point Above: Pelican Point, a strip of land just off the shore of Utah Lake, in March 2016
The Apple Seed Team tried their hand at creating a radio mystery drama inspired by the Golden Age of Radio and a story ripped from the headlines of an 1895 Utah crime. In 1895, the bodies of three young men were found near Pelican Point, Utah. The peculiar case captured the attention of local and national authorities and news outlets, including Sheriff George Storrs from Provo. What would ensue would become a cat and mouse chase between Sheriff Storrs, and the notorious conman, James Weeks.
ACT I (00:00 - 22:45)
The bodies of Albie Enstrom, Alfred Nelson, and Andrew Johnson are found by locals along the shores of Utah Lake. Sheriff George A. Storrs investigates Harry Hayes as his primary suspect.
ACT II (22:45-37:43)
James Weeks flees Utah, using his smooth talking skills to travel all over the Western frontier with Sheriff Storrs following close behind.
ACT III (37:43-57:53)
The exciting finale of our Utah-based mystery takes us all over the country: Colorado, Chicago, and even New York.
CAST (in order of appearance):
Dillon Olsen as Sherriff George A. Storrs Dallin Halls as James Weeks Peter Lambert as Deputy Kimball Mark Wait as Silas Leah Hodson as Caroline Hayes Ralph Tobias as Harry Hayes Shawn O'Neil as Cobb Kassandra Haddock as Jennie Weeks Steven Olson as Albie Engstrom Kate and Olivia Judd as Gracie Weeks Gabriel Spencer as C.T. Case Jonathan Low as Frank Crampton Joseph Carson as "Big" Bill Crampton Sammy Payne as Pete Carson Sam Payne as Sherriff Angus Andy McQuinn as Dewitt Andre Marques as Alfred Nelson Jacob Wisner as Andrew Johnson
WRITTEN BY: Sam Bennion
DIRECTED BY: Sam Bennion & Makena Bauss
SOUND ENGINEERING BY: Andre Marques
PRODUCED BY: Deidrene Crisanto, Makena Bauss, Sam Bennion, Andre Marques, Andy Bay
In our lives, one of the people who has the strongest, and yet perhaps most varying, influence on us is our fathers. For today’s episode, we’re going to take a bit of time to explore the different kinds of dads in the world, and the many different things we have learned from them along the way. Stories included in this episode:
Emerson's Chevrolet (00:35)
A story from Willy Claflin about his father, football, and Shakespeare. To learn more about Willy Claflin's work visit www.willyclaflin.com
Perpetual Underdog (11:51)
From Slash Coleman, this story explores how some father teach by example. To learn more about Slash Coleman's work visit www.slashcoleman.com
Independence (22:21)
Of all the things that we can gain and be taught from our fathers, one of the greatest is a sense of self and independence. This recording, from Dolores Hydock discusses how she learned to fly solo because of her dad. To learn more about Dolores Hydock's work visit www.storypower.org
Elmer, Far From Salty Water (29:47)
Sometimes the independence we need and learn from our fathers comes from making changes to the path they have followed, making a name for ourselves, and in a number of cases, leaving our fathers behind. This short story, “Elmer”, and accompanying song, “Far from Salty Water”, by Michael Reno Harrell, talks about just that. To learn more about Michael Reno Harrell's work visit www.michaelreno.com
I'm Busy (38:16)
We all can think of a time or two when as children we had to fight for their attention. This humorous song from Bill Harley expresses just that frustration. To learn more about Bill Harley's work visit www.billharley.com
The Night Toddler, Holiness Night at El Charro, Three Doctors, Kapoo Song (41:43)
A collection of reflections of fatherhood from Andy Offutt Irwin about his son, Liam, and his late son Tristan. To learn more about Andy Offutt Irwin's work visit andyirwin.com
There are many parts to play in a family, and sometimes walking through that front door can feel like entering a circus ring where moms ride motorcycles, uncles tame rowdy cousins like little lions, and everyone at one point is clowning around. Stories included in this episode:
Motorcycle Momma (1:44)
Glenda Bonin is a puppeteer, educator, teaching and performing artist who shares a little from her colorful family life and childhood in this story about a mother determined to get her child to school on time. To learn more about Glenda Bonin's work visit www.storyworksgroup.com
Sweet Tooth (8:00)
Kevin Carr masterfully imbibes his performances and recordings with traditional folk instruments and folk traditions. This story, about legendary Tony Beaver is about sweet rivalry among two siblings of the tall tale world. To learn more about Kevin Carr's work visit www.kevincarr.org
Uncle Tom and the Roller Coaster of Death (20:22)
Born to a Cuban father and an Irish-American mother, Antonio Sacre is a storyteller, author, and performance artist who understands that the same family that can drive you crazy can also sustain and support you in many ways. This story is about the infamous fun uncle in every family. To learn more about Antonio's work visit www.antoniosacre.com
Tweety (43:35)
One of the most important members of the family circus, is of course, the family pet. Madeline L. Pots is a musician, songwriter, and recording artist who focuses To learn more about Madeline Pot's work visit www.madelinelpots.com
A celebration of good books, good words, and good friends made in and out of pages.
Stories included in this episode:
HOW TO: Book Party (01:12)
A short how-to segment about one of the best kinds of parties around. Sam Payne and his friends participate in a party celebrating the best of old books, good words, and dear friends.
The Moon Ribbon (23:20)
Grammy-nominated poet and storyteller, Milbre Burch, brings to life the work of celebrated author Jane Yolen in this story from the book, "The Moon Ribbon & Other Tales." To learn more about Milbre Burch's work visit www.kindcrone.com
A Conversation with Suzanne Christensen(42:48)
A piece of audio gathered in the field. A conversation with Suzanne Christensen about learning to read when she was a little girl.
A Sam Payne Favorite(50:51)
Sam Payne reads an excerpt from one his favorite books, "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome.
Faith is experienced in many ways by people all over the world. Learning about the ways in which other people practice and experience faith through storytelling can help us strengthen our own faith: faith in the divine and faith in each other.
Stories included in this episode:
The Gentile and the Three Wisemen(00:35)
Many years ago, there was a forest in Spain called Andalusia and a wanderer plagued with questions. From Pam Faro's diverse repertoire of world stories, this story opens the door for this episode devoted to faith of all kinds. To learn more about Pam Faro's work visit storycrossings.com
Scheherazade (6:53)
A contemplative reflection on religion, faith and storytelling inspired by legendary queen and storyteller of One Thousand and One Nights, Scheherezade, and the the teller's experience with the Muslim faith. To learn more about Mary Grace Ketner's work visit talesandlegends.net
Waiting for Elijah (14:50)
Passover, a biblically derived Jewish festival, celebrates the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt in ancient times. This song by Judith Black refers to the practice of hospitality in awaiting the biblical prophet, Elijah for news of the Messiah. To learn more about Judith Black's work visit storiesalive.com
Kate Dudding (16:46)
This story combines aspects of Jewish and Christian traditions, and discusses the ways in which different faiths interact with each other and influence the ways in which we search for hope and truth. To learn more about Kate Dudding's work visit www.katedudding.com
Winter Faith & Selected Music (MinuteMark:SecondMark)
Just as similarities and differences occur between faith traditions, so too are denominations within the same faith subject to variation. For many people in the mountain, faith helps pass the winter season. This story from Adam Booth includes three songs: Hymn 1 "Anthem", Hymn 2 "Shape Note", and Hymn 3 "Spirit." To learn more about Adam Booth's work visit www.adam-booth.com
THe Blossom Tree (34:20)
A story of faith from the Indian tradition, told by the effervescent Odds Bodkin. To learn more about Odds Bodkin's work visit www.oddsbodkin.net
Shakespeare once wrote, "When we are born, we cry that we are come to this great stage of fools." Join us in crying AND laughing with these stories that highlight the spectacle of life in its wise foolishness and foolish wisdom. Stories included in this episode:
Time by Jeff Gere(00:24) To learn more about Jeff's work visit www.jeffgere.com Blending his talents as an artist, teacher, director into a performance style that electrifies audiences of all ages, Jeff Gere is one of Hawai'i's most popular storytellers. This story from the album "Yakkity Yak" proves that time can make a fool of us all.
"Three Dolls" by David Claunch(9:39)
To learn more about David's work visit www.davidclaunch.com David Claunch is a storyteller, speaker, clown, and balloon artist whose stories highlight people of all ages and from all places. This story is about how the lines between foolish and wise can be very thin.
"The Emperor's New Clothes" told by Diane Wolkstein(16:46)
To learn more about Diane's work visit www.dianewolkstein.com This lively rendition of the classic story by Hans Christian Andersen is told by Diane Wolkstein, renowned storyteller and folklorist. The emperor in this story shows his foolishness when he refuses to acknowledges his faults.
"The Tiger, the Man and the Mouse" by Donna Washington (26:10)
To learn more about Donna's work visit www.dlwstoryteller.com This story from performer, author, and storyteller Donna Washington is about three types of people...
"Foolish" by Lyn Ford(36:45)
To learn more about Lyn's work visit www.storytellerlynford.com Lyn Ford is a fourth-generation Afrrilachian storyeller, teaching artist, mentor, writer, and Laughter Yoga Teacher. Her story "Foolish" is about a kind of wisdom we sometimes take for granted.
"The Wishing Ring" by Dolores Hydock(48:42)
To learn more about Dolores' work visit www.storypower.org Dolores Hydock has a vivacious storytelling style inspired by family, true love, turnip greens and other pecularities of everyday life. This story is about the luck we make and the luck we take.
Stories included in this episode:
Bill Harley's "Battle of the Mad Scientists" (2:53)
Bill's songs and stories paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. This story celebrates the imagination and ingenuity of children. To learn more about Bill's work visit www.billharley.com
Syd Lieberman's "The Wooden Sword" (29:43)
This story is from the compilations of Jewish stories entitled, "Joseph the Tailor & Other Stories." To learn more about the legendary late Syd Lieberman visit www.sydlieberman.com
Slash Coleman's "The Last American Gladiator" (36:20)
This story from Slash Coleman is about the classic American motorcycle stuntman and hero, Evil Knievel. During Knievel's career, the stunt performerexperienced more than 433 bone fractures making him the Guinness World Record holder for "most bones broken in a lifetime." This story is a favorite for Sam and Sammy Payne during their father-son drive times. To learn more about Slash Coleman visit www.slashcoleman.com
Just in time for the summer wedding season, our assistant producer, Makena Bauss, has been wrapped up in bridesmaid duties and has gathered interviews and stories about brides, grooms and everything that comes with being one. Stories and interviews included in this episode:
Bauss Family Interview (00:55)
The Bauss family visits the studio from Michigan, and shares some of their favorite family stories.
The Squire's Bride (24:00)
Renowned storyteller's, Heather Forest, lively renditon of this beloved Norwegian folktale. A clever farmer's daughter finds herself fighting for her heart against the greed of a rich squire.
The Stone Before the Door (32:01)
This wedding story is adapted from a Moroccan folktale and is masterfully told by The Tintagel Storyteller, Jill Lamede.
The Flower Girl (42:57)
Weddings are big affairs- this story from Milbre Burch highlights the perspective of the littlest member of the wedding party.
The Bride (46:22)
Storyteller and storyweaver, Barbara Schutzgruber, tells the story of an unusual proposal, an unconventional wedding party, and-- considering the circumstances-- some very supportive in-laws.
Wicker Rocker (53:33)
A nostalgic and sentimental song about the day we say "I do" from Buck Stonebroke, from the collection "Visit A Spell, Pard: Western Music, Poetry, and Stories."
This episode was produced by Makena Bauss.
Stories included in this episode:
Jim Weiss Story: Johnny Appleseed Teller: Jim Weiss Site: www.jimweiss.com Note: Folk figure Johnny Appleseed was a real person named John Chapman whose love for nature made him legendary.
Odds Bodkin Story: The Evergreens Teller: Odds Bodkin Site: www.oddsbodkin.net Note:Odds Bodkin imbibes the forest with life in this version of a Danish folktale.
Barbara Schutzgruber Story: The Forest Teller: Barbara Schutzgruber Site: weavestory.com Note: An original fairy tale about a clasically magical forest.
Kevin Carr Story: The Big Music Teller: Kevin Carr Site: www.kevincarr.org Note: Up Eel River, in the Virginia woods, Tony Beaver and his crew have many adventures.
Stories included in this episode:
Bill Harley
Story: Mr. Anderson Teller: Bill Harley Site: www.billharley.com Notes: Memories of a grade school busdriver.
Kim Weitkamp
Story: Silence Teller: Jane Stenson Site: www.kimweitkamp.com Notes: An old woman reflects on death in this spooky story from Kim Weitkamp.
The phrase "in like a lion, out like a lamb" refers to the rapid seasonal changes that occur in the year's third month. As we anticipate spring, here are some stories about lions and lambs! Stories featured in this episode include:
Story: Lion & Mousie Teller: Willy Claflin Website: www.willyclaflin.com
Story: Old Rabbit Saves the People Teller: Norah Dooley Website: www.norahdooley.com
Story: The Lion and the Man Teller: Laura Simms Website: www.laurasimms.com
Story: Sekhmet, the Lioness Goddess Teller: Judith Heineman & Dan Marcotte Website: www.storytelling.org/heineman
Story: The Lion Makers Teller: Odds Bodkin Website: www.oddsbodkin.net
Story: My Father Was a Singing Cowboy Teller: Glenda Bonin Website: www.storyworksgroup.com
Story: The Sheep in the Pepper Patch Teller: Big Joe Website: www.bigjoe.com
Story: There'll Never Be Another Ewe Teller: Paul Bliss Website: www.cowboypoetry.com/paulbliss
Story: The Wolf Who Cried Sheep Teller: Willy Claflin Website: www.willyclaflin.com
Learn more about assistant producer, Deidrene, by listening to some of her favorite stories featuring everything from didgeridoos to Grimm tales to radio DJs.
Paul Taylor Story: Didgeridoo & Dreamtime Teller: Paul Taylor Site: www.paultaylor.ws Note: Paul Taylor uses didgeridoo to tell stories of Australia and its folk traditions on his album, Cooee.
Geraldine Buckley Story: Lady in Red Teller: Geraldine Buckley Site: www.geraldinebuckley.com Note:A story about the first day at a new job that has long-lasting effects.
Judith Heineman & Dan Marcotte Story: The Mouse, the Bird and the Sausage Teller: Judith Heineman & Dan Marcotte Site: www.storytelling.org/heineman Note: Judith Heineman & Dan Marcotte bring to life one of The Apple Seed Team's favorite stories.
Donna Washington Story: Mr. Fox Teller: Donna Washington Site: www.dlwstoryteller.com Note: There are many versions of this classic spooky story, but Donna Washington's version is Deidrene's favorite.
Regi Carpenter Story A Night to Remember Teller: Regi Carpenter Site: regicarpenter.com Note: A story from Regi Carpenter, about the time she spent in a mental hospital at age 16.
In this episode, listen to personal stories about remembering loved ones after they've passed.
Jay O Callahan Story: The Herring Shed Teller: Jay O' Callahan Site: www.ocallahan.com
Ed Stivender Story: The Kingdom of Heaven is Like a Party Teller: Ed Stivender Site: edstivender.com
This episode of The Apple Seed, produced by Makena Bauss, features the stories of people and their idols, role models, heroes, and examples: how we people in our lives become heroes, and how they change over time. Listen to stories from Donna Ingham, The Storycrafters, and members of Kids Heroes at the 2015 SLC Comic Con, as well as learn about some of the heroes of The Apple Seed team.
On today's episode of The Apple Seed, the team thinks about and discusses how to choose and craft personal stories: how to find them, how to tell them, and how to organize our thoughts and feelings into something we'd like to share with others. In this episode, we hear Richard Martin's "Jimmy No-Story", songs by musicians and brothers Danny & Dallin Hunt, a discussion about the natural storyteller in each of us with The Apple Seed Team, and an original story crafted by filmmaker and writer, Hunter Phillips.
To learn more about Richard Martin and find more of his stories, visit this link: www.tellatale.eu
To read more about the 2015 \_Atlantic \_article by Julie Beck, "Life's Stories", referenced in the second segment of this episode, visit this link: http://goo.gl/vAaNOJ
To find more music by Danny & Dallin Hunt, visit soundcloud.com/dallin-danny
To listen to more of the great content here at BYUradio, check out the new and improved BYUradio app for iPad/iTunes.
Today's episode was produced by Deidrene Crisanto.
Diane Edgecomb's lively rendition ofthe story of Deirdre- Ireland's foremost tragic heroine, complemented by harpist, Margot Chamberlain. Featuring a short Irish tale by Liz Weir.
To find more of Diane Edgecomb's work, visit livingmyth.com
To find more of Liz Weir's work, visit www.lizweir.net
"Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it." -Confucius
Stories featured in this episode:
Story: The Insecure Flower Teller: Bob Reiser Website:www.bobtales.com Notes: A storyabout finding beauty in yourself through the things you create.
Story: The Beauty and the Melamed Teller: Susan Stone Website:www.susanstone-storyteller.com Notes: Beauty is more than skin deep, love makes for true beauty.
Story: A Brittle Enchantment Teller: Susan Klein Website:www.susanklein.net Notes: True inner beauty brings out the beauty in others.
Story: Acme Tattoo Parlor Teller: Barbara Schutzgruber Website:weavestory.com Notes: Learning what beauty means and making our own beauty.
School stories from Bil Lepp (The Teacher in the Patriotic Bathing Suit) and Bill Harley (Mrs. Ammon & the Boys' Room).
To find more stories, check out the new and improved BYUradio app for iPad/iTunes.
A collection of stories and songs for the month of love performed by Sam Payne, The Acting Company alumni Noah & Leah Kershisnik and director Suzanne Christensen, and musician Emily Brown. Featuring readings of Beauty & the Beast & Cyrano de Bergerac, and original songs by Emily Brown.
Sam Payne & the Apple Team can be found poking around various events with their microphones and recorders. This episode includes some great stuff gathered from house shows, storytelling festivals, and local storytelling events. Segments in this episode include performances by Bil Lepp & Sam Payne at a recent local house show in Provo, Utah, folks at the Weber Storytelling Festival, and a Hans Christian Andersen tale recorded here in the Studio with members of The Acting Company.
Stories incuded in this episode:
Story: Stanley Easter Teller: Donald Davis Website: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Story: Voices Teller: Alton Chung Website: www.altonchung.com
Story: The Thirteenth Teller: Susan Klein Website: www.susanklein.net Note: The story of Sleeping Beauty as told by the 13th fairy.
Song: Hush Little Baby Teller: Diane Ferlatte Website: www.dianeferlatte.com Note: A classic lullaby sung by a teller with a tremendous voice.
Story: The Wise Little Girl Teller: Odds Bodkin Website: www.oddsbodkin.net Note: The wisdom of the morning flavors this story.
Story: Maternal Instinct Teller: Allison Downey Website: allisondowney.com Note: Anyone who's ever tried to sleeptrain a toddler will be able to relate.
A celebration of groundhog lore, Winter, and the anticipation of Spring.
Stories included in this episode:
Story: The Gift Teller: Doug Elliott Website: www.dougelliott.com Note: From Doug Elliott's fantastic album, "Groundhogology and Marmotobilia: Of Whistlepigs and World Politics."
Song: Oh Groundhog Teller: Doug Elliott Website: www.dougelliott.com Note: A little bluegrass about a little creature.
Poem: A Drumlin Woodchuck Author: Robert Frost
Story: Pebone and Sanguin Teller: Brian "Fox" Ellis Website: www.foxtalesint.com Note: A story about winter and spring.
Story: Old Man Winter Teller: Len Cabral Website: www.lencabral.com Note: On the origin of the four seasons.
Story: The Fisherman (and His Wife) Teller: Megan Hicks Website: www.meganhicks.com Note: A groundhog is just one of the many twists in this classic story.
Story: Gluskabi and the Wind Eagle Teller: Joseph Bruchac Website: josephbruchac.com Note: Grandmother Woodchuck shares her wisdom with the hero in this story.
Andre Marques is our highly talented and charismatic audio engineer. Andre is originally from Brasil, was recently married, and his hobbies inlcude pop culture, graphic design, and fashion. Usually spending time behind on the other side of the booth making sure that all sounds well, he joins Sam Payne in the studio to talk about his favorite stories and tellers.
Stories included in this episode: "High Dive" by Bill Harley, "Joey, Chloe and the Swamp Monsters" by Bill Harley, and "Rumplestiltskin" as told by Rosie Cutrer.
Story: Politics Teller: Jay O' Callahan Website: www.ocallahan.com Note: You're never too young to get involved in politics.
Story: The Swan Tenor Teller: Bob Reiser Website: www.bobtales.com Note: A temperamental tenor sings the swan song for his singing career.
Story: The Sleeping Porch Teller: Jane Stenson Website: janestenson.com Note: Through beautiful imagery, Jane Stenson paints a whimsical portrait of summer.
Story: The Magic Fish Teller: Heather Forest Website: www.heatherforest.com Note: A classic and magical Heather Forest treatment of a popular folk tale.
From orientation to graduation: stories from Bill Mooney, David Holt, Robin Schulte, Syd Lieberman, and a little advice from Mark Twain.
Stories included in this episode:
Story: Do You Know Who I Am? Teller: Bill Mooney Note: A lesson in humility. From the album "Spiders in the Hairdo" with David Holt.
Story: The Bluebook Scam Teller: David Holt Website: www.davidholt.com Note: A lesson in cleverness.
Story: My Little Accessory Teller: Robin Schulte Website: www.robinschulte.com Note: A lesson in parenthood.
Story: Harvard Man Redux Teller: Syd Lieberman Website: www.sydlieberman.com Note: A lesson in ... lessons.
Also included in this episode: a reading of "Advice to Youth" by Mark Twain, and a few words from Sam Payne himself.
Like a good jambalaya, the ingredients of this episode are good together and stand out on their own. Featuring tellers Ruth Halpern, Bill Gordh, Dan Kelin, Ingrid Nixon, and a special story from Sam Payne.
In this episode, Sam Payne sets the scene for the annual Four Corners Storytelling Festival featuring tellers such as Susan O'Halloran, Dovie Thomason, Joe Hayes, Len Cabral, and Sid Hausman. On this episode enjoy stories from Susan O' Halloran, Len Cabral and a little music from Sid Hausman.
To learn more about the annual Four Corners Storytelling Festival, visit this website: www.infoway.org/storytelling
Stories about laziness and being lazy from some tellers who work very hard, featuring Kim Weitkamp, Jim Weiss, Bill Gordh, Mary Hamilton, Norah Dooley, and Milbre Burch.
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Mission (MER) is an ongoing robotic space mission involving two rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, exploring the planet Mars. In 2003 the program sent off two rovers—MER-A Spirit and MER-B Opportunity—to explore the Martian surface and geology. The late Syd Lieberman spent several months with the MER team to create this story dedicated to the individuals at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
To find more of Syd Lieberman's work, visit this website www.sydlieberman.com
To learn more about NASA Mars Exploration Rover Mission, visit this website: mars.nasa.gov/mer/home
In 2008, NASA commissioned storyteller Jay O’Callahan to write a story to celebrate the national space agency’s 50th anniversary. It was a particularly fitting modality, as NASA scientists use storytelling to share the results of their research and projects with their colleagues.
The resulting work, entitled Forged in the Stars, features the stories of three prominent NASA personalities: J.C. High Eagle, a NASA engineer of Cherokee Indian heritage whose childhood dream was to help men land on the moon; astronaut Neil Armstrong in the 1969 Apollo moon landing; and the poignant story of New Hampshire teacher Christa McAuliffe, who died in the space shuttle Challenger disaster. Further, the story explores the wondrous journey of the twin Voyager spacecraft, launched in 1977 with the goal of exploring Jupiter and Saturn, and continuing on to this day to places no other spacecraft has ever explored.
Forged in the Stars is the result of almost two years of research, including interviews with astronauts, engineers and many other NASA employees.
To read learn more about Forged in the Stars & find more of Jay O' Callahan's work,visit this website: www.ocallahan.com/forged-in-the-stars
Hear part one, here.
This episode also includes an interview with Todd Barber, Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) Propulsion Engineer with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To learn more about Todd and the work he does, visit this website: mars.nasa.gov
In 2008, NASA commissioned storyteller Jay O’Callahan to write a story to celebrate the national space agency’s 50th anniversary. It was a particularly fitting modality, as NASA scientists use storytelling to share the results of their research and projects with their colleagues.
The resulting work, entitled Forged in the Stars, features the stories of three prominent NASA personalities: J.C. High Eagle, a NASA engineer of Cherokee Indian heritage whose childhood dream was to help men land on the moon; astronaut Neil Armstrong in the 1969 Apollo moon landing; and the poignant story of New Hampshire teacher Christa McAuliffe, who died in the space shuttle Challenger disaster. Further, the story explores the wondrous journey of the twin Voyager spacecraft, launched in 1977 with the goal of exploring Jupiter and Saturn, and continuing on to this day to places no other spacecraft has ever explored.
Forged in the Stars is the result of almost two years of research, including interviews with astronauts, engineers and many other NASA employees.
To read learn more about Forged in the Stars & find more of Jay O' Callahan's work,visit this website: www.ocallahan.com/forged-in-the-stars
Hear part two, here.
Members of The Acting Company, director Suzanne Christensen, and siblings & proprietors of online gallery, Cocoon, Noah & Leah Kershisnik, join Sam Payne for an evening of readings that are perfect for the winter holiday season. Performed in front of a live audience, it is with pleasure that The Apple Seed brings you wintery tunes and tales that stand the test of time, and some that might be new to you and your holiday traditions. In this episode, you'll hear stories from Charles Dickens, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and more.
To learn more about The Acting Company, visit this link- www.tacactingcompany.org
To learn more about Cocoon: Works on Paper, visit this link- www.cocoonworksonpaper.com
A conversation with members of the company of "Joyful Noise", a musical that tells the story of classic composer George F. Handel during the creation of his infamous "Messiah" production. The long-running production was written by Utah playwright, Tim Slover. This year's production is directed by Dave Hansen and features Scott Bronson as Handel and Julianna Boulter who plays Susanna Cipper, Handel's star actress. All three join Sam Payne in the studio for a conversation about the play that serves as a behind-the-scenes look at the mythology surrounding the process of writing this classic Christmas piece.
To learn more about Tim Slover, visit this link:www.theatre.utah.edu/tim-slover-ph-d
To learn more about Scott Bronson's book, "The Agitated Heart", visit this link: www.amazon.com/The-Agitated-Heart
Stories included in this episode:
Bill Harley Story: Field Trip Teller: Bill Harley Site: www.billharley.com Note: One of the first stories Sam Payne ever heard Bill tell, this one is a real treat.
Geraldine Buckley Story: Hitchhiking Teller: Geraldine Buckley Site: www.geraldinebuckley.com Note: Geraldine Buckley was one of the first tellers we featured on The Apple Seed, and we're always happy to bring her storeis to you.<!--
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Stories included in this episode:
Kevin Cordi Story: Trash Talk Teller: Kevin Cordi Site: www.kevincordi.com Note: A tale of friendly neighborhood noise.
Lyn Ford Story: Kanzo's Garden Teller: Lyn Ford Site: www.storytellerlynford.com Note:Good neighbors can feel like family.
Anne Rutherford Story: larry and the rabbi Teller: Anne Rutherford Site: www.annerutherford.com Note: A fun twist on a Jewish folktale makes Larry appreciate what he has.
Donald Davis Story Jack Moore Builds A House Teller: Donald Davis Site: www.ddavisstoryteller.com Note: A young Donald "helps" his neighbor build a house.
Adam Booth Story: The Ice Cream Truck Teller: Adam Booth Site: www.adam-booth.com Notes: The neighborhood boy who cried" ice cream!"
On this episode, Sam Payne talks to seasoned storytellers about the many different venues and settings in which stories are shared and crafted. Featured in this episode:
Scott Whitehair - A performer, instructor, and producer, Scott has brought his dynamic blend of vulnerability, humor and insight to many venues across Chicago, has developed environments from theater camps to corporate seminars for tellers to reach their fullest potential, and currently produces four critically-acclaimed story series, including This Much Is True and Story Lab Chicago.
Robin Bady - Award-winning storyteller Robin Bady has been called, “gutsy, big hearted, and street smart.” Whether performing for adults, children or families, Robin has a warm a warmth and humor that brings her stories to joyful life, creating an electric and engaging rapport with her audience. Her repertoire includes world tales, current events, oral histories, literature, ghost experiences and personal stories.She has performed at hundreds of festivals, theaters, colleges, schools and libraries. As a teaching artist and staff developer, she has worked with the Brooklyn Academy of Art, CityLore, Henry Street Settlement, the Guggenheim Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum of Art, among others. Based in Brooklyn, she performs across the United States and Europe.
Megan Hicks - Add her warm sense of humor and deep respect for anybody who is now or ever was a kid, and you've got an award-winning performer who captivates audiences of all ages and from all walks of life. Megan is a sought-after workshop presenter and seminar leader, with credits at Florida StoryCamp, the Northlands Storytelling Conference, Sharing the Fire, the National Storytelling Conference, the Virginia Library Association, and ElderStudy, among others. She was featured as a New Voice at the National Storytelling Festival in 2011, and her credits range from small venues in rural America, to regional stages throughout the United States, and international programs on three continents.
Stories included in this episode:
Donald Davis Story: Talking with the Lights On Teller: Donald Davis Site: www.ddavisstoryteller.com Note: "The Dean of Storytelling" and one of the most beloved tellers in the circuit shares the warmth of homespun stories and knows the goodness of a true tale.
Susan Klein Story: A Scent of Oils Teller: Susan Klein Site: www.susanklein.net Note: An internationally acclaimed raconteuse, Susan is known for her wit and wisdom.
BYUradio is locate on the campus of Brigham Young University, and The Apple Seed loves to pick and peruse the stories that the happen here every day. We invited Eric Eliason's American Folklore class to show us their best stuff in a Story Slam in Studio 6. Tune in for stranger than fiction experiences and stories about unlikely friendships.
Alton Chung(http://blog.byuradio.org/FILES%2f2015%2f11%2falton-
chung-opt.jpg.axdx) Story Hoichi the Earless Teller: Alton Chung Site: www.altonchung.com Note: Mixing together the magic of the Hawaiian Islands with the history of Japan and Korea, Alton Chung delivers unique cultural stories with a deep sense of reverence and sincerity.
Simon Brooks(http://blog.byuradio.org/FILES%2f2015%2f11%2fsim-
brooks-opt.jpg.axdx) Story: Shapeshifting Girl Teller: Simon Brooks Site: www.diamondscree.com **Notes:** Award-winning British storyteller, educator and voice artist Simon Brooks engages people all over the world with his extraordinary voice work and a delightful range of fantastical stories.
A bunch of kids' stuff on this episode of The Apple Seed.
Stories included in this episode:
Bill Harley Song: The King of Calibar Teller: Bill Harley Site: www.billharley.com Note: A silly song about a silly king from a seriously fun musician.
Andy Offut Irwin(http://blog.byuradio.org/FILES
%2f2015%2f11%2fandy-offut-irwin-opt.jpg.axdx) Story: Andy's Wild Amphibian Show Teller: Andy Offut Irwin Site: andyirwin.com Note: A young Andy gets into shenanigans.
Doug Elliott(http://blog.byuradio.org/FILES
%2f2015%2f11%2fdoug-elliott-press.jpg.axdx) Story: 50,000 Bees on My Head Teller: Doug Elliott Site: dougelliott.com Note: Doug Elliott is an enthusiast of all things nature, including bees.
Today, we’d like to focus on the remarkable story of the 369th Infantry Regiment, an infantry regiment of the United States Army National Guard that saw action in World War I and World War II that consisted of African-Americans and African Puerto Ricans. The 369th Regiment was known for being the first African-American regiment to serve with the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. The regiment was nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters, the Black Rattlers and the Men of Bronze. The nickname "Hell Fighters" was given to them by the Germans due to their toughness: the Hellfighters never lost a man to capture and never lost a trench or a foot of ground to the enemy.
The Hell Fighters faced insurmountable odds as they were subject to racism, segregation during and after their service in World War I. The incredible story of the first all black regiment to serve in World War I, and one of the first American regiments to serve in during World War I, had fallen under the radar until the last two decades.
One man who is eager to highlight the story of the Harlem Hellfighters is writer, Max Brooks. You might recognize the name Max Brooks in relation to his popular zombie stories and various screenwriting and voice acting credits; however, he is also the author of the recent 2014 graphic novel, The Harlem Hellfighters, a fictionalized account of the 369th Infantry Regiment, illustrated by Canaan White. He recently joined our assistant producer, Sam Bennion, for a conversation about the story of The Harlem Hellfighters.
Read more about The Harlem Hellfighters here: en.wikipedia.org/369th_Infantry_Regiment\_(United_States)
Read more about Max Brooks here: maxbrooks.com
Read more about the graphic novel, written by Max Brooks and illustrated by Canaan White, here: en.wikipedia.org/The_Harlem_Hellfighters Above: Members of The 369th Infantry Regiment Arrive Home on US Soil. Courtesy of WikiCommons \\(x)
*Correction: In the first segment of this episode, Sam Payne refers to a speech by "Norman D. Baker." The speaker is Newton Baker, the US Secretary of War from 1916-1921.
Stories included in this episode:
Glenda Bonin Story: A Trip of Goats Teller: Glenda Bonin Site: www.storyworksgroup.com
The Storycrafters Story The Well at the World's End Teller: The Storycrafters Site: www.storycrafters.com
Shonaleigh is a multi-talented artist, performer, educator and storyteller who recently delighted audiences at the 2015 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. Shonaleigh is a proud drut'syla, a storyteller in the Jewish tradition, and she sees that tradition as very much alive. In this episode, we feature excerpts of her performances at the Festival and a special conversation between Shonaleigh, her son Isaac, and host Sam Payne.
Shakespeare
Sam Payne sits down with Fred Adams, the founder of the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and members of The Acting Company of Kanosh, Utah to talk all things Shakespeare.
Sleepy Hollow
Sam Payne, Suzanne Christensen, Noah Kershisnik, Leah Kershisnik, and the band Annie's Romance collaborate for a riveting night of stories & songs perfect for a cold, October night recorded in front of a live audience. Stories and songs include an M.R. James tale of spectral hospitality, and a spine-tingling retelling of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Stories perfect for a ghost story night, and an interview with a real life ghost hunter.
Stories included in this episode:
Lyn Ford Story: I Live Here, Too Teller: Lyn Ford Site: www.storytellerlynford.com Notes:
Castle Interview: Sam Payne is joined by Castle, a paranormal investigator part of the Wasatch Investigative Society for Paranormal Studies.
Bill Mooney Story The Slasher Teller: Bill Mooney Site: www.davidholt.com Notes: A telling of a classic urban legend by Bill Mooney from the album, "Spiders in the Hairdo" with David Holt.
Anne Rutherford Story: SMEE (It's Me...) Teller: Anne Rutherford Site: www.annerutherford.com Notes: An unexpected guest in a game of hide and seek.
Stories included in this episode:
Sheila ArnoldStory: A Good Stick Teller: Sheila Arnold Site: www.mssheila.org Notes: Sheila has performed in a myriad of ways since she was eight years old. The CEO and Lead Performer of History's Alive!, she is a storyteller who knows the importance of "-story" in "history."
Bill Harley
Story: Bottlecaps Teller: Bill Harley Site: www.billharley.com Note: Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy award-winning artist whose stories paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling, and family life.
During the summer, The Apple Seed Team flew out to Kansas City, Missouri to participate in and document some of the goings-on of the National Storytelling Network Conference. This conference, held annually, is a gathering of people across the nation interested in the craft and community of storytelling. To learn more about the National Storytelling Network, visit this website: www.storynet.org
Featured in this episode: An interview with Bob Reiser, in which he talks a little bit about the process of his latest project, "Say Freedom!", an excerpt from the closing concert featuring the performances of Emily Hooper Lansana& son, Onam Lansana, and an excerpt from Rachel Harding during the Next Generation panel, a program of the NSN that seeks to foster a new generation of storytelling and storytellers.
Highlights and exceprts from the 2015 National Storytelling Conference hosted by the National Storytelling Network in Kansas City, Missouri. To learn more about the NSN, visit www.storynet.org.
Donna Washington Teller: Donna Washington Site: www.dlwstoryteller.com Notes: Donna Washington's key note address opened the 2015 NSN Conference. Donna is also one of the first tellers to have been featured on The Apple Seed.
Robin Schulte Teller: Robin Schulte Site: www.robinschulte.com Notes: Robin Schulte discovered storytelling as a high school English and Speech teacher, and has been delighting and moving audiences with her mix of personal stories, folktales, and literary adaptations ever since.
Ben Russell Teller: Ben Russell Site: www.talkstoryradio.com/tellerindex Notes: Ten years ago, the proposal for Children at the Well Youth Storytellers for Peace & Understanding received the NSN Brimstone Award. Since then, C@W has been developing programs to help storytellers and teachers alike. Ben Russell, a longtime student participant and now C@W's youngest Story Coach sits down with The Apple Seed and tells us about his experiences in storytelling.
Sam Bennion Song: The Dunderbeck Machine Teller: Sam Bennion Notes: The Apple Seed's very own assistant producer, Sam Bennion, participated in one of the conference's many story swaps and shared a song from his childhood with an enthusiastic crowd of storytellers.
Angela Lloyd & Laura SimmsAngela Lloyd & Laura Simms Teller(s): Angela Lloyd & Laura Simms Site: www.angelalloyd.com www.laurasimms.com **Notes: **Excerpts from the work shop entitled "The Profound Training of the Compassionate Storyteller" taught by two tremendously talented women whose command of story showcases their own compassion for those around them.
Story: My Friend Ted Teller: Alton Chung Website: www.altonchung.com Bio: Mix together the magic and superstitions of the Hawaiian Islands with the history of Japan and Korea and you get finely spun stories from a man rooted in a very unique culture and a one of a kind perspective. All of this is combined and delivered with a deep sense of reverence and authenticity.
Story: Beyond My Father's Shadow: Teller: Fran Yardley Website: www.creativehealingconnections.org/fran-yardley Bio: Fran believes in the healing power of storytelling. When we are listened to, especially in community, with respect and without judgment, the ensuing sense of validation allows us to reconnect with our whole selves.
Stories, interviews, and tellers featured in this episode:
Interview: Lisa Kruckleberg Note: Sam Payne interviews a new friend at the 2015 National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennesee.
Story: Star Trek Santa Teller: Kim Weitkamp Website: www.kimweitkamp.com
Interview: Chris Rodriguez Note: Many artists of all kinds flock to the National Storytelling Festival to share their stories and songs with festival goers. Sam Payne met Chris Rodriguez playing his music outside of a bookstore during the festival.
Story: Doug Elliott Teller: The Bikers and the Bee Man Website: dougelliott.com
Story: Jay O' Callahan Teller: Cliffs of Coldera Website: http://www.ocallahan.com
Interview: Betty Ann Wylie Note: Sam Payne runs into Betty Ann Wylie and they discuss their favorite sights and sounds of the National Storytelling Festival.
Story: My Mother's Mind Teller: Beth Horner Website: http://bethhorner.com
Stories about aging & life's twilight.
Stories included in this episode:
Andy Offut Irwin Story: Euphemistic Acres Teller: Andy Offut Irwin Site: andyirwin.com
Judith Black Story: Next Stop: Alzheimer's Unit Teller:Judith Black Site: www.storiesalive.com
Waddie Mitchell Story: The Old Nighthawk Teller: Heather Forest Site: www.cowboypoetry.com/waddie
Joel ben Izzy Story **The Nursing Home Teller: **Joel ben Izzy** Site: www.storypage.com **
**Adam Booth Story:** The Old Folks' Home**Teller: ** Adam Booth** Site:** www.adam-booth.com
Stories included in this episode:
Adam Booth Story: Roll-a-Rama Teller: Adam Booth Site: www.adam-booth.com Notes: From Adam's most recent album, 210, comes a story filled with childhood wonder.
Charlotte Blake Alston Story: 2014 Timpanogos Festival Recording Teller: Charlotte Blake Alston Site: www.charlotteblakealston.com Notes: Recorded live at the 2014 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, personal stories from Charlotte's experiences as a storyteller, teacher, and globally-minded artist
Makia Malo Story: I Never Said I Love You Teller: Makia Malo Site: www.talkstoryradio.com/tellerindex Notes: Makia Malo's work comes to us from Hawaii.
Heather Forest Story: The Magic Brocade Teller: Heather Forest Site: www.heatherforest.com Notes: Heather Forest is an experienced teller, musician, and performer whose stories we love.
Sit back and relax with these stories from Donald Davis and Octavia Sexton.
Stories included in this episode:
Donald Davis Song: A Different Drummer Teller: Donald Davis Site: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Octavia Sexton Story: Jack and the Dragon Man Teller: Octavia Sexton Site: http://www.octaviasexton.com
Located in Ogden, Utah, Treehouse Museum serves children and families by providing interactive, hands-on exhibits and programs focusing on family literacy, children’s literature, the arts, and the humanities. Treehouse seeks to be the magical place where children “Step into a Story.” Treehouse Museum is proud to be the 2015 recipient of the Sargent Shriver Award for Excellence in Community Service from the National Head Start Association and was recently named #17 in the Top 25 Children's Museums in the country. At the Treehouse, where visitors are invited to experience story hands-on, Kevin Cordi recently visited to work with staff, docents, and the public to teach workshops to storytellers of all backgrounds and ages. In this episode, he joins Sam Payne in conversation.
To learn more about Treehouse Museum, visit www.treehousemuseum.org
To learn more about Kevin Cordi, visit www.kevincordi.com
Story: Callaloo and the Crab Teller: Bobby Norfolk Website: bobbynorfolk.com
Story: Martha Teller: Fran Yardley Website: www.creativehealingconnections.org/fran-yardley
Story: Renaldo Teller: Leeny Del Seamonds Website: www.leenydelseamonds.com
Story: The Eye Teller: Makia Malo Website: www.hawaiipublicradio.org
Meet the storytellers:
Bil Lepp: Bil Lepp is an internationally-known storyteller and humorist. A five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars’ Contest, his outrageous tall-tales and witty stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages. He is an award-winning author and recording artist, and has been featured at venues across the nation, including a recent appearance for Comedy Central. Lepp is the recipient of the Storytelling Circle of Excellence Award. We love Bil for his outlandish tales, his exuberant energy, and his ability to make everyone feel like a kid again, big or small. To learn more about Bil, visit leppstorytelling.com
Bill Harley: Bill Harley is a two-time Grammy award-winning artist, recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the RI Council for the Humanities and an NPR commentator, Bill’s songs and stories paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. Bill’s work spans the generation gap. Singer, storyteller, author, playwright, educator, performing artist – welcome to the world of Bill Harley – a world of wit and wisdom. We love Bill for his command of story and song, his ability to time travel back to childhood, and for his connection with audiences young and young-at-heart. To learn more about Bill, visit www.billharley.com
Story: Silver Hoof
Teller: Bob Barton
Interview with Dan Yashinsky the Director of the Festival
Story: The Blue Shoes
Teller: Louise Profeit-Leblanc
Story: The Most Powerful Being in the World Teller: Antonio Rocha Website: www.storyinmotion.com
Song: Pizza Shake Artist: Bill Harley Website: www.billharley.com
Story: Reaching for the Moon Teller: Jenni Cargill-Strong Website: www.storytree.com.au
Story: Yenta Pesha Teller: Karen Golden Website: www.karengolden.com
Story: Pai & Kwan Teller: Linda Gorham Website: www.lindagorham.com
Giles Abbott by Mishko Paapic
Giles Abbott was born in London, England, longer ago than he looks. His parents had both been English teachers. His mother, when he was about 5 years, began reading to him first the Iliad, then the Odyssey. I lifelong love of myth and story was born.
Three years after completing his studies with a BA in English Lit. from Oxford University, Giles fell seriously ill. The illness destroyed most of his sight and Giles lost, permanently, the ability to read books in four hours. “But,” he says, “that’s how I became a storyteller! I can hardly regret an incident which led me to a life which gives me so much joy! Life deals the cards; play with the hand you’re dealt!”
Since then, Giles has gone on to carve a busy storytelling career working with children and adults. He also took a Masters in Voice Studies and now teaches people to speak more effectively, combining lessons from Voice and from Storytelling. In this episode, hear the story "East of Sun, West of Moon." To learn more about Giles, visit gilesabbott.com.
Giles is a talented weaver of traditional tales and recently adapted "Deirdre of the Sorrows" as a Special Commission for Festival at the Edge in 2007.
Learn more about "Deirdre(visit gilesabbott.com/deirdre-of-the-sorrows)" and enjoy a free sample. If you like what you here, it is available for download at this link.
A delicious mix of stories and songs.
Included in this episode:
Doug Elliott Story: Queen Elizabeth and the Frog Song: Froggie Went a Courtin'Teller Teller: Doug Elliott Site: dougelliott.com Notes: A story and song that mix a little learnin' with a little lovin'.
Motoko Story: Boundless Strength Teller: Motoko Site: motoko.folktales.net Notes:
David H. Claunch Story: Jack & the Animals Teller: David Claunch Site: www.davidclaunch.com Notes:
Donna Ingham Story: Sam Bass, the Texas Robin Hood Teller: Donna Ingham Site: www.donnaingham.com Notes:
Sean Story: The Juniper Tree Teller: Judith Heineman Site: www.storytelling.org/heineman Notes:
Story: The Mighty Tudor's Biscuit World Biscuit Oven Organ Teller: Adam Booth Website: www.adam-booth.com
Story: The Conjuring of Bloody Mary Teller: Alan Hoal Website: www.thehoalstory.com
Story: The Fiddler and the Princess Teller: Judy Lubin Website: www.storytellermagic.com
Story: If It's Morphine, It Must Be August Teller: Kevin Kling Website: www.kevinkling.com
Every week, we like to feature long form stories that will help ease you back in from the weekend. Today's episode features "Goat Whisperer" by Willy Claflin and "A Lover's Promise" by Donna Washington.
Stories told through words and music, recorded live at festivals and performances across the country.
Stories included in this episode:
Kim Weitkamp Song: Sometimes I Dream Teller: Kim Weitkamp Site: www.kimweitkamp.com Notes: A song from the larger narrative, "The Ballad of Ronnie Calloway."
Kim and Reggie Harris Story: The People Could Fly (including the song "Now Let Me Fly") Teller: Kim and Reggie Harris Site: www.kimandreggie.com Notes: Recorded live at the 2013 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival.
Diane Edgecomb & Margot Chamberlain Story: Verdant Groves & Evergreen Teller: Diane Edgecomb & harpist Margot Chamberlain Site: livingmyth.com Notes: A Shaker hymn accompanied by a Cherokee folk tale.
Kevin Kling Story: Camelot Teller: Sam Payne Site: www.sampayne.com Notes: An original story about the nuances of catching the performing bug, featuring the song, "The Book of Love" written by Stephen Merritt.
Kevin Kling Story: The Pheasant's Bell Teller: Alton Chung Site: www.altonchung.com Notes: A recording from Casanova's Restaurant on Maui.
Doug Elliott Story/Song: David Holt & Doc Watson Teller: The Train That Carried My Girl from Town Site: www.davidholt.com/mentors/doc-watson Notes: Doc and David take us home with their prolific musicality.
After gathering childhood stories from some of our friends and colleagues at BYU Broadcasting, and spending time with some of our favorite storytellers at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, we had childhood on the mind and collected some stories about childhood, raising childhood, parenthood and everything in between from those who made appearances at this year's festival.
Stories featured in this episode include: "The Privet Hedge" by Ed Stivender, "The Neandertal Boys" by Bill Harley, and "Look It Up" by Donald Davis.
In this episode, enjoy childhood memories from employees from all areas of BYU Broadcasting. Hear everything from childhood phobias to moments of bravery to the consequences of mischief. Featured in this episode are stories from Anna Forsyth, James Perkins, Todd Allen, Meagan Knight, Mark Burns, Erin Meeks, Ralph Tobias, Kekoa Riggin, Abbie Horlacher, Rachel Erickson, Christine Nokleby, Roxanne Anderson, Priscilla Hobbes, Andre Marques, Deidrene Crisanto, and Makena Bauss.
Stories and songs about the creepiest and crawliest among us.
Stories included in this episode:
Susan Klein Story: Willie the Bug-Man Teller: Susan Klein Site: www.susanklein.net Notes: A little one sheds a little perspective on how we look at little creatures.
Doug Elliott Song: Ain't No Bugs on Me Song:Mosquito Story Teller: Doug Elliott Site: dougelliott.com Notes: A story and song about the relationship between humans and bugs.
Ms. Sheila Arnold Story: The Story of the Deluge Story: The Worm Story Teller: Josh Goforth Site: www.mssheila.org Notes: A story and song illustrating the importance of listening.
Diane Ferlatte Story: The Ant & the Dove Teller: Diane Ferlatte Site: www.dianeferlatte.com Notes: Great things can happen in small packages.
David Song: Mole in the Ground Teller: David Holt Site: www.davidholt.com/ Notes: "Oh, I wish I were a mole in the ground..."
Sean Story: Snake Leaves (live) Teller: Sean K. Buvala Site: seantells.com Notes: The creepy part of our Creepy Crawly episode.
Jay** Story: **Brian**Teller: ** Jay O' Callahan** Site: www.ocallahan.com Notes:**
width= Story: The Ant & the Crumb Teller: Charlotte Blake Alston Site: www.charlotteblakealston.com Notes: What can a little ant do? Much more than you'd expect.
Stories included in this episode:
The Storycrafters Story: The Fisherman's Son & the Gruagach of Tricks Teller: Barbara McBride-Smith Site: www.storycrafters.com Notes: Barry Marshall, and Jeri Burns, PhD have been working together as The Storycrafters since 1991, and have been storytellers for even longer than that. In addition to being nationally renowned storytellers, they are award-winning radio show hosts, recording artists, writers, and the parents of a fiddle-playing, tapdancing classical singer who accompanies them whenever his busy schedule allows. Their creative work as storytellers is rivaled by their creativity in making child-care arrangements for their busy lives as a ‘family on the road’.
Len Cabral Story: The Snail with the Silver Shell Teller: Len Cabral Site: www.lencabral.com Notes: Len Cabral is an internationally acclaimed storyteller who has been enchanting audiences with his storytelling performances at schools, libraries, museums and festivals since 1976. A great grandson of a Cape Verdean whaler whose grandparents immigrated to America from the islands off the coast of West Africa, Len’s strong Cape Verdean ancestry comes alive in his exuberant retelling of African, Cape Verdean, and Caribbean folktales as well as original stories and tales from around the world.
Stories and Songs included in this episode:
TELLER NAME Story: The King With Horses Ears Teller: Liz Weir Site: http://www.lizweir.net/ Notes: A secret is better out than in.
TELLER NAME Story: Trail Boss Test Teller: Joe Herrington Site: http://www.joeherrington.com/ Notes: Gossip hurts not just those whom it is about, but those who spread it as well.
TELLER NAME Story: The Ballad of Johnny Appleseed Teller: Jim Weiss Site: http://www.greathall.com/ Notes: The life of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed.
TELLER NAME Story: I Need To Get Out Teller: Anne Rutherford Site: http://www.annerutherford.com/ Notes: Finding your calling comes in unexpected ways.
TELLER NAME Song: You Are My Sunshine Artist Name: Kim Weitkamp Site: http://www.kimweitkamp.com/ Notes: A beautiful rendition of a classic tune.
TELLER NAME Story: The Promise of Chrysanthemums Teller: Motoko Site: http://motoko.folktales.net/ Notes: Promises are the strongest ties between us.
Stories included in this episode:
TELLER NAME Story: Joey, Chole and the Swamp Monsters Teller: Bill Harley Site: Stories/songs/interviews included in this episode
Interview: www.billharley.com
TELLER NAME Story: Being On the Outside Artist: Kate Dudding Site: www.katedudding.com Notes: Even attempts at making progress that seem to fail, when paired with determination, move us forward towards great success.
Interviews with individuals who are helping preserve the oral tradition in a variety of ways- from the international stage to more intimate settings.
Interviews included in this episode:
Donald Smith Interview: Donald Smith **Site:** www.tracscotland.org/donald-smith** Notes: **Donald Smith is a renowned Scottish teller, and the director of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, held this year from October 23rd to November 1 in Edinburgh.
Richard Hamilton Interview: Richard Hamilton Site: www.richard-hamilton.com **Notes: **Richard Hamilton has worked for the BBC World Service as a broadcast journalist since 1998, including being a correspondent in Morocco, South Africa and Madagascar, and is the compiler of book, "The Last Storytellers: Tales from the Heart of Morocco."
Lala Bolander Interview: LaLa Andrea Bolander Site: storycorps.org Notes: LaLa is a current a StoryCorps Mobile Tour Facilitator and met with assistant producers, Deidrene and Makena, at the recent Mobile Booth location in Vernal, Utah.
Stories included in this episode:
Bruce Walker Story: Drowning of Walker's Bend Teller: Bruce Walker Site: www.brucestoryteller.com Notes: Memories of a formative childhood home.
Bill Harley Story: Moving Day Teller: Bill Harley Site: www.billharley.com Notes: A nostalgic song by Bill Harley.
Kevin Kling Story: Dad's Day '04 Teller: Kevin Kling Site: www.kevinkling.com Notes: Kevin Kling remembers his father at the age he knew him best.
Geraldine Buckley Story: Daddy's Ashes Teller: Jenni Cargill-Strong Site: www.geraldinebuckley.com Notes: The memories of our loved ones stay with us in many ways.
Mustard's Retreat Song: Part of Me Remembers Teller: Mustard's Retreat Site: www.mustardsretreat.com Notes: A thoughtful music exploration of the many changes in life.
Dolores Hydock Story: Most of What I Know About True Love Teller: Susan Reed Site: www.storypower.org Notes: Learning about our loved ones can help us learn about ourselves.
Stories included in this episode:
Dolores Hydock Story: Western Civilization Teller: Dolores Hydock Site: www.storypower.org Notes: A question about conifers turns into a beautiful conversation about life.
Joel Ben Izzy Story: The Beggar King Teller: Joel Ben Izzy Site: www.storypage.com Notes: "King Solomon had a dream..."
Stories included in this episode:
Bonnie Greenberg Song: Devoleb Teller: Bonnie Greenberg Site: www.bonniegreenberg.net Notes: An original tale by Bonnie Greenberg inspired by her son, David.
Red Fred Project **Interview: ** Dallas Graham** Site: redfredproject.com Notes: **Dallas Graham is acquainted with the power of healing through story as he works with children whose lives are touched by chronic illnesses and helps them create their own original stories to share with the world.
Charlotte Alston Story: Nyala Teller: Charlotte Blake Alston Site: www.charlotteblakealston.com Notes: In this tale, a village hero comes is found in an unlikely person.
Funny people Hannah Wing, Drew Allen, and Aaron Woodall of the local comedy club Humor U join Sam Payne in Studio 3 to share some stories, some insight, and of course, some laughs. Join us as they share with The Apple Seed the stories behind their favorite jokes, their thoughts about humor and storytelling, and give us a little taste of their comedy craft.
HUMOR U
From left to right: Drew Allen, Hannah Wing, Aaron Woodall
HUMOR U is a stand-up comedy collective based out of Brigham Young University. To find out more about Humor U, visit: www.youtube.com/user/theofficialHumorU www.facebook.com/officialhumoru www.twitter.com/officialhumoru
DREW ALLEN is a student at Brigham Young University and is the current president of Humor U. He has been performing stand-up comedy since his freshman year in college and hopes to be able to continue to perform for many years to come. Outside of performing comedy, Drew enjoys watching movies, going on uninspiring first dates, and spending way too much time obsessively creating mix CDs.
HANNAH WING is a former member of Humor U, BYU graduate and Copywriter. She also enjoys writing stand-up comedy,Taylor Swift fan letters, and oddly specific murder mysteries for her friends. To find more of Hannah's work, visit hannagracewing.com
AARON WOODALL is a former member of Humor U. A native of Bowie, Maryland, Aaron got lost in Utah a few years ago and still hasn’t found his way home yet. His energetic brand of humor, littered with pop culture references, has entertained crowds in the Beehive State for the last 4 years. He started making a name for himself on the Salt Lake scene in 2013 when he placed 3rd at the Rocky Mountain Laugh Off and then finished as a semi-finalist in the World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas later that year. In 2014 Aaron competed in the Big Sky Comedy Festival, released his first DVD, "Get Serious", and appeared on the stand up special, "Peculiar People." To find more of Aaron's work, visit www.aaronwoodall.com
Stories included in this episode:
Beatrice Bowles Story: Molly Whuppie Teller: Beatrice Bowles Site: www.beatricebowles.com Notes:
Simon Brooks Story: One Wish Teller: Simon Brooks Site: www.diamondscree.com Notes:
Susan Klein Story: Rumplestiltskin Teller: Susan Klein Site: Notes:
Jenni Cargill-Strong Story: Golden Goose Teller: Jenni Cargill-Strong Site: www.susanklein.net Notes:
Barbara Schutzgruber Story: The Insatiable Pumpkin Teller: Barbara Schutzgruber Site: weavestory.com Notes:
Stories included in this episode:
Mitch Capel Song: I Can Fly Teller: Grandaddy Junebug (Mitch Capel) Site: www.gjbug.com Notes:
Margaret Read MacDonald **Story: Pickin' Peas Teller: Margaret Reed MacDonald Site: www.margaretreadmacdonald.com Notes:**
Willy Claflin Story: Little Freddy and His Whistle Teller: Willy Claflin Site: www.willyclaflin.com Notes:
Jess Smith Story: Riverbank Mole Teller: Jess Smith Site: www.jesssmith.co.uk Notes:
Big Joe Pagliuca Story: Anansi and the Strange Green Rock Teller: Big Joe Site: www.bigjoe.com Notes: Story: Rooster with a Magic Stomach Teller: Ed Stivender Site: edstivender.com Notes:
The Storycrafters Story: Donkey and Toad Teller: The Storycrafters Site: www.storycrafters.com Notes:
Stories included in this episode:
Bill Harley Song: Sitting Down to Eat Teller: Bill Harley Site: www.billharley.com Notes:
Diane Ferlatte Song: Poor Crow Teller: Diane Ferlatte Site: www.dianeferlatte.com Notes:
Paul Taylor Song: Kookaburra Teller: Paul Taylor Site: www.paultaylor.ws Notes:
Kim Weitkamp Song: Summer Days Teller: Kim Weitkamp Site: www.kimweitkamp.com Notes:
Regi Carpenter Song: It's Okay To Cry Teller: Regi Carpenter Site: soaringstories.com Notes:
Susan Reed Teller: Susan Reed Site: www.susanreed.com Notes: An interview with storyteller and musician, Susan Reed. Songs featured in this episode: "Let's Start Over", "Grampa", "Home."
The Adventures of Little Proto
From the award-winning and beloved masterstoryteller, author, creative musician and educator, Odds Bodkin, we bring you "The Adventures of Little Proto." This episode is the first in a trilogy of Little Proto's adventures--67 million years ago--on Magnolia Island, where an old Triceratops lives. A heart-warming story with original songs and sound effects, this family-friendly epic is also accompanied by a 12-string guitar. Join Little Proto and his curious friends as they embark on a journey with many twists and turns. Appropriate for ages 4 and up.
To learn more about teller, Odds Bodkin, and to find more Little Proto stories visit www.oddsbodkin.net
Stories included in this episode:
Madeline Pots Story: Boating with Charlie Teller: Madeline Pots Site: www.madelinelpots.com Notes: Madeline learns from the wise logic of a mischievous older brother.
The Apple Seed Note: Producer Andy Bay, assistant producers Makena Bauss, Sam Bennion, Deidrene Crisanto, and audio engineer, Andre Marques, play a round of "Two Truths and Lie" in the studio with Sam Payne.
Pam Faro
Story: Ten Chests Teller: Pam Faro Site: www.storycrossings.com Notes: A Spanish tale about lying and getting caught in the act.
Donna Ingham Story: Ciao, Y'all Teller: Donna Ingham Site: www.donnaingham.com Notes: A Texan family vacations in Italy.
Donna Washington Story: The Loathly Lady Teller: Donna Washington Site: www.donnawashington.com Notes: Donna shows great command of Arthurian Legend in this rendition of The Wife of Bath's Tale from The Canterbury Tales.
Jay O' Callahan Story: Muddy River High Teller: Jay O' Callahan Site: www.ocallahan.com Notes: Jay O' Callahan paints a picture of high school in this Pill Hill story.
When you were young, your mother wisely advised you not to talk to strangers. But what happens when you do? Stories included in this episode:
Joel ben Izzy Story: Three Travel Tales Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: www.storypage.com Notes: Traveling is one of the best ways to encounter the world.
Lani Peterson Story: In Search of Charles Dickens Teller: Lani Peterson Site: lanipeterson.com Notes: While trying to connect with this prolific author, Lani finds herself connecting with people and places, both past and present.
Geraldine BuckleyStory: Hitchhiking Teller: Geraldine Buckley Site: www.geraldinebuckley.com Notes: Sometimes in our lives, that which is familiar can seem strange.
Thomas Weller Notes: Leslie Hurd is a Navy CACO, or Casualty Assistance Calls Officer. When active duty members of the Navy die, CACOs break the news to their families – and support them during their time of grief. Site: storycorps.org/listen/leslie-hurd
Thomas Weller Notes: Thomas Weller has spent the last 50 years helping strangers who break down on the highway. Site: storycorps.org/listen/thomas-weller
Scott Macaulay Notes: Scott Macaulay remembers how, 25 years ago, he started an annual holiday dinner for strangers who have nowhere else to go. Site: storycorps.org/listen/scott-macaulay
Thomas WellerNotes: Debra Goodman interviews her friend Ed Trinka, a doorman at the Plaza Hotel since 1963, and who is in the business of making strangers and visitors feel right at home. Site: storycorps.org/listen/ed-trinka-and-debra-goodman
Stories and songs that represent different regions of America.
Stories included in this episode:
Regina Ress Story: What I Love About New York Teller: Regina Ress Site: reginaress.com Notes: We begin our journey across America on the East Coast.
Bill Harley Story: Sweet New England Teller: Bill Harley Site: www.billharley.com Notes: Grammy Award winning Bill Harley shares a sweet song about sweet New England.
Doug Elliott Story: Down East Teller: Doug Elliott Site: www.dougelliott.com Notes: A glimpse into part of the Maine fishing lifestyle.
Kevin Kling Story: Minnesota Teller: Kevin Kling Site: www.kevinkling.com Notes: This Minnesotan tale is a real scream.
Mustard's Retreat Story: The Michigan Mosquitoes Teller: Mustard's Retreat Site: www.mustardsretreat.com Notes: If you've ever encountered these regional pests, you might be able to relate to this catchy tune.
Doug Elliott Story: California Dreamin': Lessons in Harmonica, Yodeling, & Taoism Teller: Doug Elliott Site: www.dougelliott.com **Notes: **As a young man, Doug Elliott hitchhiked and hop trains across America.
Sons of San Joaquin Story: Sierra Nevada Teller: Sons of San Joaquin Site: http://www.thesons.com Notes: A cowboy celebration of the beautiful mountain range of the West.
Allison Downey Story: Texas Teller: Allison Downey Site: allisondowney.com Notes: A ballad for the biggest state of them all.
Dolores Hydock Story: Made From Scratch Teller: Dolores Hydock Site: www.storypower.org Notes: Cooking gone wrong turns into storytelling gone right.
Sam Payne Story: Girl From North Country Teller: Sam Payne Site: www.sampayne.com Notes: Sam Payne sings a classic folk song.
John McCutcheon Story: This Land is Your Land Teller: John McCutcheon Site: www.folkmusic.com Notes: A rendition of the classic Woody Guthrie song.
A delicious mix of stories, tales, and yarns.
Stories included in this episode:
Jenni Cargill-Strong Story: Shelley & Rustle Teller: Jenni Cargill-Strong Site: www.storytree.com.au Notes:
Rick Huddle Story: Chilis con Cafe Teller: Rick Huddle Site: www.rickhuddle.com Notes:
Sean Buvala Story: Catskin Teller: Sean K. Buvala Site: seantells.com Notes:
Tim Lowry Story: People I Meet At Waffle House Teller: Tim Lowry Site: www.storytellertimlowry.com Notes:
Pam Faro Story: Rabbi Abraham ben Ezra and the Bishop Teller: Pam Faro Site: www.storycrossings.com Notes:
Makia Malo Story: I Never Said I Loved You Teller: Makia Malo Site: www.talkstoryradio.com/tellerindex **Notes: **
A delicious mix of stories, tales, and yarns.
Stories included in this episode:
Glenda Bonin Story: Buddy and the Bear Teller: Glenda Bonin Site: www.storyworksgroup.com Notes: Glenda and her grandfather have an adventure she won't forget.
Willy Claflin Story: Rufus Blye and the Lobster Wife Teller: Willy Claflin Site: www.willyclaflin.com Notes: No lobsters were harmed in the making of this recording.
Jenni Cargill-Strong Story: Never Give Up Teller: Jenni Cargill-Strong Site: www.storytree.com.au Notes: A funny little frog learns an important lesson.
Kevin Carr Story: Paddy and the Pooka Teller: Kevin Carr Site: www.kevincarr.org Notes: Practice makes perfect.
Anne Shimojima Story: Wave Teller: Anne Shimojima Site: www.anneshimojima.com Notes: A lesson in charity.
Exploring fatherhood with Michael McCarty, Syd Lieberman, Kirk Waller, Donna Washington and more.
Stories included in this episode:
Michael McCarty Story: That's My Baby Teller: Michael McCarty Site: www.havemouthwillrunit.com Notes: Michael recounts what it's like to cultivate a father-daughter relationship.
Dolores Hydock Story: Independence Teller: Dolores Hydock Site: www.storypower.org Notes: Reflecting on the gifts given on Father's Day, Dolores explores what gifts a father gives his family.
Donna Washington Story: Little Red Teller: Donna Washington Site: www.donnawashington.com Notes: A special childhood recording of Donna's father telling a story.
Madeline Pots Song: The Neponsit Caper Teller: Madeline Pots Site: www.madelinelpots.com Notes: The difference between mothers and fathers... or at least Madeline's mother and father.
Kirk Waller Story: The Prodigal Son Teller: Kirk Waller Site: kirkwaller.com Notes: A dynamic retelling of a familiar father-son story.
Syd Lieberman Story: The Lieberman Children's Symphony Teller: Syd Lieberman Site: www.sydlieberman.com Notes: Syd introduces his children to classical music.
Kevin Kling Story: Dad's Trip to Europe Teller: Kevin Kling Site: www.kevinkling.com Notes: Parents spend their whole lives fussing over their children, and soon, those children start fussing over their parents.
Transformations of the heart, body, and mind.
Stories included in this episode:
Joseph Bruchac Story: Gluskabe and the Water Monster Teller: David Holt Site: josephbruchac.com Notes: An Abenaki tale in which Gluskabe tries to help mankind.
Octavia Sexton Story: How Jack Came to America Teller: Octavia Sexton Site: www.octaviasexton.com Notes: Wit and luck always land Jack on his feet.
Dan Keding Story: The Beast Teller: Dan Keding Site: dankeding.com Notes: "I was a prince in name only..."
Norah Dooley Song: The Stonecutter Teller: Norah Dooley Site: www.norahdooley.com Notes: A Japanese folktale told all around the globe.
Kate Corkery Story: The Tailor & the Hare Woman Teller: Kate Corkery Site: www.spudandyam.co.uk Notes: They say that the first of May is a very special date...
Richard Martin Story: The Wounded Selkie Teller: Richard Martin Site: www.tellatale.eu Notes: There once was a man who hated selkie.
Like a good jambalaya, the ingredients of this episode are great on their own or mixed together.
Stories included in this episode:
David Holt Story: Barney McCabe Teller: David Holt Site: www.davidholt.com Notes:.
Sheila Starks Phillips Story: Olympic Competition in Amarillo Teller: Sheila Starks Phillips Site: www.sheilaphillips.com Notes:
Jess Smith Story: Jamie's Rest Teller: Jess Smith Site: www.jesssmith.co.uk Notes:
Bil Lepp Song: I Love My Dentist Artist: Bil Lepp Site: leppstorytelling.com Notes:
Stories included in this episode:
TELLER NAME Story: Dancing Jack Teller: The Storycrafters Site: http://www.storycrafters.com/(WEBSITE URL) Notes: Being yourself is where true success lies.
TELLER NAME Story: The Blossom Tree Teller: Odds Bodkin Site: http://www.oddsbodkin.net/Home.html(WEBSITE URL) Notes: The greatest qualifications in life are friendship and dependability.
On this episode of The Apple Seed, we feature work of Judith Black from the 11th annual Art of Story Storytelling Festival. We begin with clips from a storytelling workshop she taught--giving us the unique chance to see the teaching aspect of storytelling. We then are priviledged to have an interview with her followed by her telling of "Goodbye Mom" from the festival Finale.
Stories included in this episode:
TELLER NAME Story: Stonecutter Teller: Kuniko Yamamoto Site: http://kunikotheater.com(WEBSITE URL) Notes: A story about perspective and finding satisfaction in your lot in life.
TELLER NAME Story: Dancing with Arilda Teller: Sam Payne Site: http://www.sampayne.com/(WEBSITE URL) Notes: Love is about making the most of the each moment.
TELLER NAME Story: Supportive Sister Teller: Amy Theberge Site: http://kunikotheater.com(WEBSITE URL) Notes: A story about the struggle of being there for family.
TELLER NAME Story: My Favorite Uncle Teller: Kuniko Yamamoto Site: http://kunikotheater.com(WEBSITE URL) Notes: A story about unexpected consequences.
INTERVIEWEE NAME Interview: Kuniko Yamamoto Site: http://kunikotheater.com(WEBSITE URL)
Settle in for these stories from Donald Davis & Bil Lepp.
Stories included in this episode:
Donald Davis Story: The Time Machine Teller: Donald Davis Site: ddavisstoryteller.com Notes: Donald Davis was born in a Southern Appalachian mountain world rich in stories. "I didn't learn stories, I just absorbed them," he says as he recounts tales and more tales learned from a family of traditional storytellers who have lived on the same Western North Carolina land since 1781. Davis grew up hearing gentle fairy tales, simple and silly Jack tales, scary mountain lore, ancient Welsh and Scottish folktales, and-most importantly-nourishing true-to-life stories of his own neighbors and kin.
Bil Lepp Story: Egg Babies Teller: Bil Lepp Site: leppstorytelling.com Notes: Bil’s humorous, family friendly tall-tales and stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life. Though a champion liar, his stories often contain morsels of truth which present universal themes in clever and witty ways. Audiences all across the countr have been delighted by Bil’s mirthful tales and delightful insights into everyday life.
Like the ingredients of a good jambalaya, these stories are great together or on their own. Stories included in this episode:
Brian 'Fox' Ellis Story: The Pooka & The Penny Whistle Teller: Brian 'Fox' Ellis Site: foxtalesint.com Notes: A penny whistle player learns a valuable lesson.
Tim Lowry Story: Toilet Paper and a Troubled Teenager Teller: Tim Lowry Site: www.storytellertimlowry.com Notes: Tim shares a story from his time as an eighth grade English teacher.
Danielle Bellone Story: Indian Princesses Teller: Danielle Bellone Site: www.pocketmousetells.com Notes: Danielle and her father bond through a father-daughter program.
Donna Washington Story: The Wise King, the Cook, and the Farmer Teller: Donna Washington Site: www.donnawashington.com Notes: A wise king uses his senses to reconcile an argument.
Mark Binder Story: Jack and the Beanstalk Teller: Mark Binder Site: markbinder.com Notes: The quintessential Jack tale .
Stories and songs included in this episode:
Donna Washington Story: Brer Possum & Snake Teller: Donna Washington Site: www.donnawashington.com Notes: Brother Snake is smooth and sly.
Tim Lowry Story: Buh Gator Meets Trouble Teller: Tim Lowry Site: www.storytellertimlowry.com Notes: A brer story told in Gullah.
Diane Ferlatte Story: The Big Race Teller: Diane Ferlatte Site: www.dianeferlatte.com Notes: A classic tale with rhythms and beats from Diane Ferlatte.
Lyn Ford Story: John the Rabbit/Wolf's Garden Teller: Lyn Ford Site: www.storytellerlynford.com Notes: Brer Rabbit has gone by many names including John the Rabbit.
Mustard's Retreat Story: Sandy Raccoon Teller: Michael McCarty Site: www.mustardsretreat.com Notes: Brer Rabbit and Brer Raccoon find themselves working together.
Lyn Ford Story: The Happy Place Teller: Lyn Ford Site: www.storytellerlynford.com Notes: Out of the forest and into the briar patch with Brer Rabbit.
Doug Elliott Song: Left Hind Leg of A Rabbit Teller: Doug Elliott Site: www.dougelliott.com Notes: A happy song.
Stories included in this episode:
Simon Brooks Story: The Faerie Bride Teller: Simon Brooks Site: www.diamondscree.com Notes: A man without a story soon finds himself at the center of a fairy tale.
Donna Washington Story: The Sugar Incident Teller: Donna Washington Site: www.donnawashington.com Notes: Experiences from Donna's childhood in a big army family.
Stories and songs included in this episode:
Kevin Carr Story: Hog Eye Teller: Kevin Carr Site: www.kevincarr.org Notes: Stories from the world of the legendary logging camp of Tony Beaver.
Susan Reed Story: Big Frog Little Frog Teller: Susan Reed Site: www.susanreed.com Notes: A folk tale about getting in and out of trouble.
Susan Reed Story: Strawberry Moon Teller: Susan Reed Site: www.susanreed.com Notes: A song from Susan Reed.
Bill Gordh Story: Feegbah Teller: Bill Gordh Site: www.billgordh.com Notes: This West African story involves a great big moody pumpkin.
Joan Stockbridge Story: Amaterasu Teller: Joan Stockbridge Site: www.joanstockbridge.com Notes: A Japanese myth.
Stories and interviews included in this episode:
Michael Reno Harrell Story: The Red Mule Teller: Michael Reno Harrell Site:www.michaelreno.com Notes: A story about being as stubborn (and smart) as a mule.
Norah Dooley Story: Caterina the Wise Teller: Norah Dooley Site: www.norahdooley.com Notes: A Norah Dooley twist on a classic tale about a wise young woman.
Ken Jennings Interview: Ken Jennings** Site:** www.ken-jennings.com**Notes:** Ken Jennings holds the record for the longest winning streak on the TV show, Jeopardy!
Joel ben Izzy Story: The Old King and His Daughters Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: www.storypage.com Notes: Wisdom is found in in many ways.
Pam Faro Story: North Wind and Sun Teller: Pam Faro Site: www.storycrossings.com Notes: A classic Aesop's fable.
David Holt & Bill Mooney Story: The Bluebook Scam Teller: David Holt Site: www.davidholt.com Notes: A track from the David Holt & Bill Mooney album, Spiders in the Hairdo, about giving it that old "college try".
photo © Doug Elliott
Doug Elliott is a naturalist, herbalist, storyteller, basket maker, back-country guide, philosopher, and harmonica wizard. For many years made his living as a traveling herbalist, gathering and selling herbs, teas, and remedies. He has spent a great deal of time with traditional country folk and indigenous people, learning their stories, folklore and traditional ways of relating to the natural world. In recent years he has performed and presented programs at festivals, museums, botanical gardens, nature centers and schools from Canada to the Caribbean. He has been a featured storyteller at the National Storytelling Festival. He has lectured and performed at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and conducted workshops for the Smithsonian Institution. He has led ranger training sessions for the National Park Service and guided people on wilderness experiences from down-east Maine to the Florida Everglades. He was named harmonica champion at Fiddler's Grove Festival in Union Grove, N.C. He is the author of five books, many articles in regional and national magazines, has recorded a number of award winning albums of stories and songs, and is occasionally seen on PBS-TV, and the History and National Geographic Channels. In this episode, we feature stories and songs from the master naturalist himself, as well as a conversation between Doug and Sam Payne.
To learn more about Doug and find more of his work, visit his website: http://www.dougelliott.com
In this episode, Regi Carpenter joins Sam Payne to talk a little about her solo show, Snap! which she recently performed at Brigham Young University in accordance with Mental Health Awareness Month.
photo © Regi Carpenter
Regi Carpenter is a solo performance artist, author, and performance coach. An award winning performer, Regi has toured her solo shows and workshops in theaters, festivals and schools, nationally and internationally. Her writings and blogs about storytelling, ancestry and identity have been published in various print and online publications. Regi holds a BFA from Ithaca College where she currently teaches storytelling.
The one woman show, Snap!, written and performed by Regi Carpenter is the true story of a sixteen year old girl’s descent into mental illness, her commitment to a state mental hospital and her journey back to reality and freedom. The show is appropriate for teens and adults.
Carpenter’s short version of Snap! won her the 2012 Boston StorySlam for best of the year. Mental illness is, in many ways, a taboo topic. Personal admission of hospitalization is still covered in secrecy, rarely treated as directly and honestly as in “Snap!” Yet, Carpenter doesn’t think of herself as courageous to share her personal experience of recovery. “My challenge was how to bring this story to others in a way that allowed them to find their own story in mine,” she explains. “The response from family members of institutionalized or deceased children and from people with ongoing depression issues has been incredible.”
The show uses music, gesture, and humor to put audiences into the experience as well as to facilitate a deeper understanding of mental health challenges. As she created the story, Carpenter learned that the past doesn’t control us. “What I can see in my experience now is a deeply troubled teen who could no longer cope and who received love, care, and hope in the darkest place.” Regi recently visited Provo, Utah to conduct a series of workshops and performances. During her visit, Regi performed Snap! at Brigham Young University and we were delighted to have her join us in the studio for a conversation with Sam Payne. Included in this episode is that conversation, a snippet from Snap! entitled "A Night to Remember," and the story "thank you, Mrs. Minnick! or How Librarians Are Making the World a Safer Place."
To learn more about Regi and find more of her work, visit her website: soaringstories.com
Stories included in this episode:
Brendan NOlan Story: Mandrake Teller: Brendan Nolan Site: www.brendannolan.ie Notes: A tale about a time of cinema long gone. Story: Li Chi Slays the Serpent Teller: Beth Horner Site: bethhorner.com Notes: A giant serpent keeps a small town in terror until a brave little girl takes action.
Megan Hicks Story: Groundhog Godmother Teller: Megan Hicks Site: www.meganhicks.com Notes: A classic fairy tale with a contemporary twist.
Yvonne Healy Story: Travelin' Con Teller: Yvonne Healy Site: www.michiganstorytelling.com Notes: A stubborn grandfather conquers an ocean.
Michael McCarty Story: That's My Baby Teller: Michael McCarty Site: www.havemouthwillrunit.com Notes: A story from a proud father.
Sean K. Buvala Story: The Three Brothers Teller: Sean K. Buvala Site: seantells.com Notes: A Grimm story in all its grimness.
Stories included in this episode:
TELLER NAME Story: The Winter Cherries Teller: Odds Bodkin Site: www.oddsbodkin.net Notes:
TELLER NAME Story: The School of Hard Knocks Teller: Laura Pershin Raynor Site: www.lpraynor.com Notes:
photo © Dan Yashinsky
Above: Dan Yashinsky in a photo taken by Luigi Rignanese in Uzes, France, spring, 2011
Dan Yashinsky is a well-known Canadian storyteller, author, and community organizer. Dan has done much to encourage the renaissance of storytelling in all parts of Canada. Dan founded the Toronto Festival of Storytelling in 1979 and co-founded the Storytellers School of Toronto. He is the editor of four acclaimed collections of Canadian storytelling, and has been storyteller-in-residence at Queen's University, Toronto Public Library, The Stop Community Food Centre, Storytelling Toronto, and UNICEF Canada. He also began the longest-running open session in North America: 1,001 Friday Nights of Storytelling in 1978. He has earned accolades, honors, and acclaim across the globe for his approach to and passion for storytelling. As a part of his community, he has brought people together, given voice to the voiceless, and has worked to make safe spaces for people to share their experiences and lives with each other. In this episode, you'll hear the many sides of Dan as storyteller- the humorous, the poignant and the sublime- in an interview, a short comedic tale, and a long-form personal story entitled "Talking You in", a piece he created with composer/musician Brian Katz, which has toured to the Barbican (London), National Arts Centre (Ottawa), and festivals in Wales, Holland, and Canada.
To learn more about Dan and find more of his work, visit this website: tellery.com/dan-yashinsky
Syd Lieberman is an internationally acclaimed storyteller, an award-winning teacher, and an author who knows his way around stories. Last night, The Apple Seed team received word of his passing. This episode is a tribute to the wise and kind person Syd Lieberman was and the legacy he left behind. This episode includes one of Sam Payne's favorite conversations with Syd, and a few stories that highlight the kind of storytelling giant he was. For The Apple Seed, it was truly an honor to be able to meet and work with Syd and his stories, and our condolescences go out to Syd's family, friends, and loved ones.
Below is a photo of present and past members of The Apple Seed Team with Syd in at the 2013 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. From left to right: Sam Bennion, Andy Bay, Syd Lieberman, Krista Collins, and Whitney Snow.
photo © Syd Lieberman
Stories included in this episode:
Willy ClaflinStory: Government Surplus and Colt 45 Teller: Willy Claflin accompanied by Brian Claflin Site:www.willyclaflin.com Notes: Willy Claflin is a one-man festival. Spanning historical sagas, intergalactic yarns, Mother Moose Tales, and counter culture misadventures, he covers the full spectrum of spoken word entertainment. A prolific teller whose stories are sometimes silly and always wise, Willy tells to enthusiastic audiences all over. In this story, he is accompanied by his son, Brian Claflin.
Donald DavisStory: Uncle Frank Plays with the Jollys Teller: Donald Davis Site: ddavisstoryteller.com Notes: Often referred to as "The Dean" of storytelling, Donald Davis has an extensive repertoire of fairy tales, Jack tales, mountain lore, folk tales, and true-to-life stories of his friends and family that are rooted in time-tested traditions and heritage. For Donald Davis storytelling ",...is not what I do for a living...it is how I do all that I do while I am living."
This episode of the Apple Seed is in accordance with Mental Health Month. We encourage you to share your stories, and to listen to the stories of those around you. To find more resources about mental health, visit: www.mentalhealth.gov www.nami.org
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK.
Stories and interviews included in this episode:
Kevin Cordi Story: Personal Story Teller: Deidrene Crisanto Notes: Assistant producer, Deidrene Crisanto, shares an experience and thoughts about suicide. From a young age, she has lived with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. She and her family are on a journey together to understand their own experiences with suicide attempts and mental illnesses. She is currently a student at Brigham Young University studying Interdiscplinary Humanities and Film.
Dese'Rae L. Stage Interview: Dese'Rae L. Stage Website: livethroughthis.org Notes: Dese'Rae L. Stage is a photographer, writer and suicide awareness advocate. She is the founder of the photography project Live Through This, in which she shares the stories and experiences of suicide survivors. She was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder in 2004. She is a survivor of nine years of self-injury and a suicide attempt catalyzed by an emotionally and physically abusive relationship. As of March 2015, she has photographed 117 suicide attempt survivors in 14 US cities.
Kevin Hines Interview: Kevin Hines Website: http://www.kevinhinesstory.com Notes: Kevin Hines is a global speaker, author and mental health advocate who reaches audiences with his story of an unlikely survival and his strong will to live. Two years after he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he attempted to take his own life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. He is one of only thirty-four (less than 1%) to survive the fall and is actively spreading the message of living mentally healthy around the globe.
Stories/songs/interviews included in this episode:
Kevin Cordi Story: A Meal to Remember Teller: Kevin Cordi Site: www.kevincordi.com Notes: during a short detour on a road trip, Kevin learns a lesson he'll never forget.
Geraldine Buckley Story: My Dinner With Bob Teller: Geraldine Buckley Site: www.geraldinebuckley.com Notes: Geraldine tells a story about a pleasant dinner date with a surprise ending.
Alton Chung Story: Hoichi, the Earless Teller: Alton Chung Site: www.altonchung.com Notes: An unlikely hero.
Kevin Cordi Story: Listen to the Strings Teller: Kevin Cordi Site: www.kevincordi.com Notes: A lesson in stories and sounds.
Mark Binder Story: Monkey's Paw Teller: Mark Binder Site: markbinder.com Notes: A Mark Binder twist on a classic tale.
photo © John McCutcheon at the National Storytelling Festival 2012
John McCutcheon at the National Storytelling Festival 2012
John McCutcheon is an American folk singer who has been making music since the 1970s. His eclectic catalog of ballads, historical songs, children’s songs, love songs, topical satire, fiddle and hammer dulcimer instruments, and even symphonic works are among the broadest in American folk music. His influences include the prolific, Pete Seeger, and John has composed musical settings and projects influenced by Woody Guthrie, Pablo Neruda, and Jose Marti. John has collaborated with some of the major songwriting talents in the folk music world including Tom Paxton, Si Kahn, Holly Near, Steve Seskin, and Tom Chapin. In 2006 he released an album of collaborations entitled Mightier than the Sword, in which he co-wrote songs with some of his favorite authors, including Barbara Kingsolver, Wendell Berry, Rita Dove, Lee Smith, and Carmen Agra Deedy. Often introducing his music with a story, he has become known and respected as a storyteller, appearing multiple times at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, Tennessee, among others. John has told and sung in countless venues and has taught many workshops, including a yearly folk music camp held in Tennessee every year. On this episode, listen in on a conversation between John and host, Sam Payne, and hear stories and songs from the albums, "Passage", "Untold", "This Land: Woody Guthrie's America", "Joe Hill's Last Will."
To learn more about John and find more of his work, visit his website at www.folkmusic.com
Our team of assistant producers, Makena Bauss, Sam Bennion, Deidrene Crisanto, and audio engineer, Andre Marques, conducted an investigation of extraterrestrial life. Inspired by the stories of alien encounters, UFO sightings, and all things science fiction, the Apple Seed wanted to explore the science behind science fiction.
Brigham Young University professors Dr. David Dearden (Chemistry) and Dr. Carl Sederholm (College of Humanities) begin our conversation. Together, they teach a university course called, "Unexpected Connections," a course which brings together the disciplines of Physical Science and Global & Cultural Awareness to explore questions of extraterrestrial life from scientific and literary points of view.
We were pleased to be joined by awarding-winning & bestselling writer Rick Yancey, author The Fifth Wave series, a young adult trilogy about teenagers surviving waves of an alien invasion that have decimated the human population and knocked humankind back to the Stone Age. The sequel in the trilogy, The Infinite Sea, was recently released last year and the series will soon be adapted into film. The third book, The Last Star, will be released later this year. In our conversation, assistant producer, Sam Bennion, speaks with Rick a little bit about the conventions of alien fiction, and Rick puts in his two cents regarding the alien question. To learn more about Rick, visit his website here: www.rickyancey.com. Click here for more from our interview with Rick.
What is it about the stars that keeps us looking up? Ufologist and researcher, Dennis Balthaser, has been tackling this question since 1996 after moving to Roswell, New Mexico after having been keenly interested in the infamous Roswell Incident of 1947. A retired civil and Army engineer, Dennis has since worked as a UFO researcher/investigator of the Roswell Incident, Area 51, and conducts tours, lectures, on these and other topics related to ufology. To learn more about Dennis and his work, and to read more stories from Dennis, visit: www.truthseekeratroswell.com. For more from this interview, click here.
In the last segment of the episode, the Apple Seed Team travels to Roosevelt, Utah to investigate the paranormal activity around the popular UFO sighting area known as Skinwalker Ranch (also known as UFO Ranch). Inspired by the UFO researchers and investigators, like those we've heard from in this episode, Makena, Deidrene, Sam, and Andre investigated the accounts of UFO activity in the area and present their findings with us. Disclaimer: no extraterrestrials or citizens of earth were hurt in the process of our investigation.
Skinwalker Ranch, commonly known as UFO Ranch
Pictured above: The entrance to Skinwalker Ranch, also known as UFO Ranch.
Stories included in this episode:
Fran Yardley Story: The Sears Roebuck Baby Teller: Fran Yardley Site: creativehealingconnections.org Notes: There's never a better time to be born than now.
Donna Ingham Story: The Babe of the Alamo Teller: Donna Ingham Site: www.donnaingham.com Notes: This little babe rubs elbows with some of the toughest folks in the West.
Kathy Collins Story: Momotaro Teller: Kathy Collins Site: www.talkstoryradio.com/tellerindex Notes: This baby born from a peach is known around the globe.
Joel Ben Izzy Story: A Tale From Jerusalem & Tokyo Teller: Joel Ben Izzy Site: www.storypage.com Notes: A King Solomon tale with an inimitable Joel Ben Izzy twist.
Stories included in this episode:
Heather Forest Story: Beauty & the Beast Teller: Heather Forest Site: www.heatherforest.com Notes: Heather Forest's unique minstrel style of storytelling blends original music, folk guitar, poetry, prose and the sung and spoken word and has performed throughout the United States and abroad.
Slash Coleman Story: The Last American Gladiator Teller: Donna Washington Site: www.slashcoleman.com Notes: Slash Coleman provocative and energetic style of storytelling has lent itself to performances at universities, festivals, museums, and theatres across the globe.
Stories/songs/interviews included in this episode:
Tim Lowry Story: Spring Teller: Tim Lowry Site: www.storytellertimlowry.com Notes: A little seasonal thing about Spring.
Karl Behling Story: The Greedy Man in the Moon Teller: Karl Behling Site: kbstoryteller.webs.com **Notes:** A folk tale from China.
Tim Lowry Story: Summer Teller: Tim Lowry Site: www.storytellertimlowry.com Notes: A little something about Summer.
Tim Lowry Story: **Teachers at Ross Point Elementary School**Teller: ** Tim Lowry Site: www.storytellertimlowry.com Notes:** A little nostalgia for grade school.
Stories included in this episode:
Bill Harley Story: Jack and the Singing Leaves Teller: Bill Harley Site: www.billharley.com Notes: A two-time Grammy award-winning artist, storyteller Bill uses song and story to paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. His work spans the generation gap, reminds us of our common humanity and challenges us to be our very best selves. A prolific author and recording artist, Bill tours nationwide as an author, performing artist and keynote speaker. This story is from the album, "The Best Candy in the Whole World."
Bil Lepp Story: Rumplestiltskin Teller: Donna Washington Site: www.dlwstoryteller.com Notes: An award-winning storyteller, recording artist, writer, educator and dramatist, Donna Washington has stories with roots all over the globe. Born to an Army family in Colorado, she has been all over the globe and has traveled the storytelling traditions of the world extensively. Her stories are enjoyed by young and old, incorporating fresh takes on classic themes that teach us how we can better ourselves and be better to each other. These days you can find her traveling the country at festivals, conferences, schools, & libraries telling stories & giving workshops for anyone who is willing to listen to her.This story is from the album, "Fun, Foolery, and Folktales."
photo © Antonio Sacre by Dan Zatkowsky Photo by Dan Zatkowsky
Antonio Sacre, born in Boston to a Cuban father and Irish-American mother, is an internationally touring writer, storyteller, and solo performance artist based in Los Angeles. A veteran of the Kennedy Center Stage, the National Storytelling Festival, Antonio has performed on stages, and at schools, museums, and other venues all over the world. A recipient of numerous awards and critical praise, he has taught drama, storytelling, and writing to teachers and students nationwide, and worked as artist in residence with youth in four inner city high schools of New York, Chicago, and South Central Los Angeles. He often tells multicultural stories that build bridges, cultivate diversity, and his expansive repertoire of stories- written, recorded and/or performed live- are full of humor, heart, and healing. He is a favorite teller among festival crowds, including the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival right here in Utah. In this episode, you'll hear some of Antonio's tried-and-true bilingual tales, some new favorites, and some snippets from a conversation between our host, Sam Payne, and Antonio himself.
To learn more about Antonio and find more of his work, visit his website at antoniosacre.com
Stories included in this episode:
Jenni Cargill-Strong Story: Lily & the Fig Tree Teller: Jenni Cargill-Strong Site: www.storytree.com.au Notes: Friendship & an unconventional companion.
Bil Lepp Story: Yard of the Week Teller: Bil Lepp Site: leppstorytelling.com Notes: Mischief in the town of Halfdollar.
Odds Bodkin Story: The Lion Makers Teller: Odds Bodkin Site: www.oddsbodkin.net Notes: Four Brahmins explore wisdom in this Indian folktale.
Danielle Bellone Story: Merisier, Stronger than the Elephants Teller: Danielle Bellone Site: www.pocketmousetells.com Notes: An adaptation of a Hatian folktale.
Bobby Norfolk Story: Wicked John & the Devil Teller: Bobby Norfolk Site: folktale.com Notes: Bobby has been an Emmy Award winning TV host, National Park Ranger, stand-up comedian and now makes his living as a storyteller and educator. His ability to read and connect with audiences of all ages makes him one of our favorite storytellers. His performances are a perfect marriage of theatrics and education, and he inspires and motivates kids and adults alike through the tradition of oral storytelling. In this story, John and the devil try to outwit and outlast each other.
Octavia Sexton Story: Jack and the Magic Sack Teller: Octavia Sexton Site: www.octaviasexton.com Notes: A native eastern Kentucky, Octavia knows life in the Appalachians quite well. Her storytelling performances, workshops, and storytelling residencies utilize historical writing, drama, environmental awareness and much more. In this jack tale, see if you can recognize the conventions and characteristics of a classic storytelling trope.
photo © Lyn Ford
Lyn Ford is a fourth generation "Affrilachian" storyteller, teaching artist, workshop facilitator, writer, recording artist, mama, grandmama, great-grandmama and good cook. Lyn has a delightful repertoire of folktale adaptations, spooky tales, and original stories rooted in Lyn's multicultural heritage and traditions. Her stories and storytelling programs are often enriched with call and response, choral response, rhythm and rhyme, humor and heart. Lyn Ford's stories are as rich and fillling as a meal at the family table. In this episode, Lyn joins Sam Payne for a conversation and we feature the stories, "Sista Sarah Mae", "Wolf's Garden", "Fire and Rain."
To learn more about Lyn and find more of her work, visit her website at www.storytellerlynford.com
Stories included in this episode:
Dolores Hydock Story: Different Versions Teller: Dolores Hydock Site: www.storypower.org Notes: Dolores explains the truth about truth and its many versions.
Joel ben Izzy Story: Stories of the Fools of Chelm Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: www.storypage.com Notes: The tiny town of Chelm is full of fools with a wisdom all their own.
Bil Lepp Story: The Inflatable Easter Bunnies of Halfdollar Teller: Bil Lepp Site: leppstorytelling.com Notes: With Easter around the corner, this story from Halfdollar is from one of our favorite jokesters
Joel ben Izzy Story: Stories of the Fools of Chelm (2) Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: www.storypage.com Notes: We travel back to Chelm for more stories of foolish wisdom.
Bob Reiser Story: Warsaw is a Very Friendly Place Teller: Bob Reiser Site: www.bobtales.com Notes: Bob Reiser takes us for a trip in this clever Chelm tale.
Stories included in this episode:
Andy Offutt Irwin Story: Risk Assessment Teller: Andy Offutt Irwin Site: andyirwin.com Notes: A native of Covington, GA, Andy is a storyteller, humorist, singer, songwriter, musician, whistler who is especially known in storytelling circles for relating adventures of his eighty-five-year-old-widowed-newly-minted-physician-aunt, Dr. Marguerite Van Camp. In this story Aunt Marguerite deals with teenagers at summer camp.
Corinne Stavish Story: You Can Learn A Lot on A Road Trip Teller: Corinne Stavish Site: www.stavishstorytelling.com Notes: Corinne was born in The Bronx, and has since spent her years between many states, giving her given her an unusual perspective of this country that informs her storytelling and is indicative of a wanderlust embedded in her family. In this story, five-year-old Corinne and her family take a road trip in the summer of 1950.
Stories and songs included in this episode:
Motoko Story: Master Meiser Teller: Motoko Site: motoko.folktales.net Notes: Motoko recounts tales of her hard-working father live at the Bay Area Storytelling Festival.
The Yellow Room Gang Song: Do What You Love Teller: The Yellow Room Gang Site: yellowroomgang.com Notes: The Yellow Room Gang, featuring our friends from Mustard's Retreat, gives solid advice about feeding the belly and the soul.
Kevin Kling Story: Circus Teller: Kevin Kling Site: www.kevinkling.com Notes: Kevin shares stories about an interesting part of his resume.
Ed Stivender Story: The Sick Note Teller: Ed Stivender Site: www.kevinkling.com Notes: If you have to call in sick, take some notes from Ed Stivender.
Dolores Hydock Story: On the Sales Floor Teller: Dolores Hydock Site: www.storypower.org Notes: Stories of from the life of Ninette Griffith.
Joel ben Izzy Story: Moose Turd Pie Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: www.storypage.com Notes: A story that doesn't need an introduction...
Allison Downey Story: Migrating to Michigan Teller: Allison Downey Site: http://allisondowney.com/ Notes: Produced for radio, this is a perfect perspective on making a living.
In this special two-part episode of The Apple Seed, we're pleased to bring you The Ballad of Ronnie Calloway, a folk operetta from the mind of the brilliant Kim Weitkamp. Set in the 1890s in Scurry, Texas, this story follows two lonely Texans, train robber Ronnie Calloway and orphan Lizzy Gibson. Recorded live at the National Storytelling Festival, this narrative is full of foot stompin' music, twists and turns, and haunting ballads and features such musical collaborators as Michael Reno Harrell and The Broken Bucket Band. In this episode, Kim joins us in the studio once again for a conversation with host, Sam Payne.
To learn more about Kim and find more of her work, visit her website at www.kimweitkamp.com
photo © Sam Payne & Kim Weitkamp
In this special two-part episode of The Apple Seed, we're pleased to bring you The Ballad of Ronnie Calloway, a folk operetta from the mind of the brilliant Kim Weitkamp. Set in the 1890s in Scurry, Texas, this story follows two lonely Texans, train robber Ronnie Calloway and orphan Lizzy Gibson. Recorded live at the National Storytelling Festival, this narrative is full of foot stompin' music, twists and turns, and haunting ballads and features such musical collaborators as Michael Reno Harrell and The Broken Bucket Band. In this episode, Kim also joins Sam Payne in the studio to talk about Ronnie Calloway, music, and storytelling.
To learn more about Kim and find more of her work, visit her website at www.kimweitkamp.com
photo © Sam Payne & Kim Weitkamp
Interviews and stories included in this episode:
Tammy Hepps Interview: Tammy Hepps Site: tammyhepps.com Notes: Producer, Andy Bay, spoke with genealogist Tammy Hepps at the 2014 IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy. Tammy, a Harvard educated technologist, is a noted speaker, presenter and developer, and the founder of the family history blog, treelines.com
Jane Neff Rollins Interview: Jane Neff Rollins Site: www.apgen.org/jane Notes: Host, Sam Payne, speaks with Jane Neff Rollins- medical writer, professional genealogist, and speaker. Jane belongs to the Genealogical Speakers Guild, the Association of Professional Genealogists, several local societies, and runs the blog, kitchensinkgenealogy.com
Stories and songs included in this episode:
Joseph Sobol ft. Kathy Cowan & Tom Orf Song 1: I Am of Ireland Teller: Joseph Sobol ft. Kathy Cowan & Tom Orf Site: www.josephsobol.com Notes: Joseph Sobol & company sets this William Butler Yeats poem to majestic music.
Yvonne Healy Story 1: Lugh, the Shining One Teller: Yvonne Healy Site: www.yhealy.com Notes: Lugh is one of the most well-known and best loved of the Irish mythological characters.
Brian Fox Ellis Story 2: Ossein and the Isle of Tier na Nog Teller: Brian Fox Ellis Site: foxtalesint.com Notes: Ossein proves himself to be just as great a hero as his father.
Brian Fox Ellis Story 3: Ossein and the Isle of Tier na Nog Teller: Brian Fox Ellis Site: foxtalesint.com Notes: Finn MacCoul is the classic mythical hunter-warrior hero of Irish mythology.
Norah Dooley Story 4: Molly O' Donahue Teller: Norah Dooley Site: www.norahdooley.com Notes: A clever but shy girl learns that stories are worth telling and life is worth living.
Paddy Tutty Song 2: Lough Erne Artist: Paddy Tutty Site: www.prairiedruid.net Notes: A beautiful farewell to Ireland.
Stories included in this episode:
Joseph Bruchac width=Story: The Boy Who Lived with Bears Teller: Joseph Bruchac Site: josephbruchac.com Notes: For over thirty years Joseph Bruchac has been creating poetry, short stories, novels, anthologies and music that reflect his Abenaki Indian heritage and Native American traditions.This story is the title track from the album, "The Boy Who Lived with Bears."
MotokoStory: The Invisible Wall Teller: Motoko Site: motoko.folktales.net Notes: A native of Osaka, Japan, Motoko first came to the U. S. as an exchange student and has performed professionally since 1993, going to hundreds of schools, libraries, museums and festivals.This story is from the album, "Like A Lotus Flower."
Every once in a while, Dr. Eric Eliason's folklore class at from the Brigham Young University English Department joins us in Studio 6 to share their command of storytelling. Hear stories of lost cats, lost people, broken cars, mishaps, mistakes, and new discoveries. In this story slam, the stories follow the theme of "Lost, Broken, Banished" and are being collected in coalition with The UVU Theatre Department and the Noorda Children's Theatre who recently premiered The Milk Dragon, a new play by renowned children's playright, Susan Zeder. To learn more about The Milk Dragon Project, visit www.themilkdragonuvu.com
Like the ingredients of a good jambalaya, these stories are delicious on their own or mixed together. Stories included in this episode:
Megan Hicks Story 1: Davy and the Devil Teller: Mary Hamilton Site: www.meganhicks.com Notes: Davy whistles a tune on the open sea and gets more adventure than he expected.
Michael Reno Harrell Story 2: Stover Mason, Trader Teller: Michael Reno Harrell Site: www.michaelreno.com Notes: A taste of life in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Mary Hamilton Story 3: The Farmer's Daughter Teller: Mary Hamilton Site: www.maryhamilton.info Notes: A clever farmer's daughter outwits a greedy king.
Bruce Walker Story 4: Stories from the Checkout Line Teller: Bruce Walker Site: www.brucestoryteller.com Notes: A medley of stories found swirling all around, from big box stores to gas stations.
Stories included in this episode:
The StorycraftersStory: The Goats and the Bear Teller: The Storycrafters Site: www.storycrafters.com Notes: Jeri Burns, PhD and Barry Marshall believe in the time tested wisdom of traditional stories and sharing that wisdom with today's audiences. This story about the family of a mischievous baby goat and one greedy bear is from the album, "Yarns of the Brothers Grimm."
Simon BrooksStory: The Three Feathers Teller: Simon Brooks Site: www.diamondscree.com Notes: Simon Brooks is an award-winning British storyteller, educator, and artist who uses his voice talents to breathe new life into stories with classic themes. This fairy tale about a humble woodcutter and the great dragon sorceror is from the album "Second-hand Tales."
Stories, interviews, and songs included in this episode:
David Holt & Bill Mooney Story: Why the Dog Chases the Cat Teller: David Holt & Bill Mooney Site: www.davidholt.com Notes: Long ago, Dog and Cat used to be the best of friends.
Margaret Read MacDonald Story: Miera Miera Meow! Teller: Margaret Read MacDonald Site: www.margaretreadmacdonald.com Notes: In this French folk tale, cat and sheep work together against the mean old wolf.
David Hold & Bill Mooney Story: Why the Cat Washes its Paws After it Eats Teller: David Holt & Bill Mooney Site: www.davidholt.com Notes: Cat gets an etiquette lesson.
Lynea Lattanzio Interview: Lynea Lattanzio **Site: www.cathouseonthekings.com Notes: **Lynea Lattanzio is the owner of the largest no-kill, no-cage cat shelter in the United States.
Charlotte Blake Alston Story: Why Cats Live with Women Teller: Charlotte Blake Alston Site: www.charlotteblakealston.com Notes: Cat finds companionship.
Priscilla Howe Story: Cat and Mouse Teller: Priscilla Howe Site: www.priscillahowe.com Notes: Cat and Mouse used to be the best of friends.
David Holt Story: The Cat Came Back Teller: David Holt Site: www.davidholt.com Notes: This darn cat just can't stay away.
Stories included in this episode:
Lani Peterson Story 1: Fireworks Teller: Lani Peterson Site: lanipeterson.com Notes: First job apprenticing at a summer theatre in the sound department.
Antonio Sacre Story 2: The Leprecano Teller: Antonio Sacre Site: antoniosacre.com Notes: A story in English and Spanish about growing up in a multi-cultural family.
Donna Washington Story 3: The Tiger, The Man, and the Mouse Teller: Donna Washington Site: donnawashington.com Notes: When it comes to being nice and smart, there are three types of people.
Liz Weir Story 4: The Boy with Knowledge Teller: Liz Weir Site: www.lizweir.net Notes: A young man traveling home happens upon a strange farmhouse.
Sean Buvala Story 5: Fundevogel Teller: Sean Buvala Site: seantells.com Notes: A little boy found in a tree grows up in a woodcutter's home.
Kevin Cordi Story 6: Ma Liang and His Magic Paint Brush Teller: Kevin Cordi Site: www.kevincordi.com Notes: Wisdom is not about being rich and wealthy, but rich in a whole new way.
Today's episode features the enigmatic drama "The Case of the Shooting Star" produced by our friends at Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater. Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater, established in 1982, is a grass-roots theater group on the Cape headed by Steven Oney whose purpose is to revive and extend the genre of radio mystery theater through a series of original mysteries and suspense thrillers. Join us in another Captain Underhill mystery as he and Doctor Scofield, check into the science and history of meteors, as well as the laws of probability, when a man is struck dead by a flying object.
http://www.ccrmt.com/
Stories included in this episode:
Mitchell G. Capel Story 1: William Carney Teller: Mitchell G. Capel Site: www.gjbug.com Notes: An account of the first African-American soldier to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
Kate Dudding Story 2: Being on The Outside Teller: Kate Dudding Site: www.katedudding.com Notes: The stories of Wendell Smith and Jackie Robinson are intertwined in a momentous period in baseball history.
Interviews from storycorps.org
Interview 1: Ruth Ballard tells her minister, Ramonia Lee, about moving to Tuskegee, Alabama during World War II.
Interview 2: Roscoe Brown, Jr., telling his friend Javier Henriquez about being a Tuskegee Airman.
Interview 3: Alton Yates tells his daughter, Toni, about being part of a small group of Air Force volunteers who tested the effects of high speeds on the body, and helped prove that space travel was safe for humans.
Interview 4: A.P. Tureaud Jr. tells his friend Steven Walkley about becoming the first African-American undergraduate at Louisiana State University in 1953
Interview 5: Alton Yates tells his daughter, Toni, about being part of a small group of Air Force volunteers who tested the effects of high speeds on the body, and helped prove that space travel was safe for humans.
Interview 6: Frank Scott remembers his father, Wendell Scott, who was the first African-American NASCAR driver, and was posthumously inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame earlier this year.
Interview 7: Carl McNair remembers his brother, physicist Ronald E. McNair, who was the second African American to enter space who was aboard the NASA Challenger mission STS-51-L which tragically exploded on January 28, 1986.
Stories included in this episode:
Anthony Burcher Story 1: Sunday Dinner Teller: Anthony Burcher Site: www.anthonyburcher.com Notes: Anthony remembers his grandparents and the quintessential parts of his childhood.
Dolores Hydock Story 2: Putting Down New Roots Teller: Dolores Hydock Site: www.storypower.org Notes: Dolores travels to the place where her family's American history started: Ellis Island.
photo © American Folklore Class
Dr. Jill Rudy, of the BYU English Department, brings her American Folklore Class to join us in Studio 6 to share stories of people who made a difference in their lives. Hear stories of brave ancestors and smart relatives, the charity of strangers, quick thinkers, and other every day heroes who exhibit courage in thoughtful acts of kindness and wisdom.
photo © Sam Payne & Donald Davis
This episode of The Apple Seed features the stories of Donald Davis, master storyteller beloved throughout the United States and around the world. In this episode, Donald regales tales of a mischievous childhood and joins our host, Sam Payne, in the studio for a truly insightful interview.
To find more of Donald's work and to learn more about him, visit his website here: www.ddavisstoryteller.com.
Stories included in this episode:
Heather Forest Story 1: The Magic Brocade Teller: Heather Forest Site: www.heatherforest.com Notes: A Chinese fairy tale about weaving and wisdom.
Alton Chung Story 2: The Luminous Pearl Teller: Alton Chung Site: www.altonchung.com Notes: Twin brothers set out on a quest to win the hand of the daughter of the Dragon King.
Motoko Story 3: Kang Ding Love Story Teller: Motoko Site: motoko.folktales.net Notes: A story based on a popular traditional Chinese love song from the Kangding, Sichuan Province.
Jill Lamede Story 4: The Empty Pot Teller: Jill Lamede Site: www.lamede.com Notes: The Emperor of China is looking for an heir, and wants put his potential successors to the test.
Judy Lubin Story 5: Lu Helps a Dragon Teller: Judy Lubin Site: www.storytellermagic.com Notes: Lu loses his family’s fortune, and but earns other riches on his long journey home.
Stories included in this episode:
Alton Chung Story 1: The Twice Saved Life Teller: Alton Chung Site: www.altonchung.com Notes: A story from World War II about mercy, compassion, and doing what's right.
Laura Simms Story 2: She-Goat Teller: Laura Simms Site: www.laurasimms.com Notes: Once upon a time, there was a girl and her goat.
Joan Stockbridge Story 3: Manjiro Teller: Joan Stockbridge Site: www.joanstockbridge.com Notes: The story of Nakahama Manjir?, one of the first Japanese people to visit the United States and an important figure during the Opening of Japan.
Pete Griffin Story 4: You'll Never Take Me Alive Teller: Pete Griffin Site: www.thestorytellingranger.com Notes: A story of growing up in Michigan, parking violations, respect, and humor.
Sheila Arnold Story 5: Simon and Susannah Teller: Sheila Arnold Site: www.mssheila.org Notes: Simon faces challenges while trying to win the hand of Susannah, and with a little magic, he just might...
Stories and interviews included in this episode:
Story: George Washington and the Cherry Tree Teller: Mark Binder Website: markbinder.com Notes: A children's version of a popular presidential fable.
Story: George and Martha Washington Teller: Lynn Ruehlmann Website: www.cascadingstories.com Notes: A story about our first president and his wife, from the point of view of Martha's friend.
Story: Thomas Jefferson Teller: Lynn Ruehlmann Website: www.cascadingstories.com Notes: In this story, we spend a little time with the Jeffersons and their daughter, Patsy.
Interview: Darci Tucker Site: americanlives.net Notes: Darci, who in addition to her work in Williamsburg, also produces and performs interactive pieces about American history. She was kind enough to drop by the studio to talk about her line of work and love of history.
Story: Thanksgiving Day Proclamation Teller: Ron Fredrickson Notes: This piece, performed for KBYU Radio, is the text of Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Day Proclamation.
Story: A Remarkably Normal Presidential Inauguration Teller: Allison Downey Website: allisondowney.com Notes: A thoughtful commentary from the second inauguration of our current president.
It's Valentine's Week at The Apple Seed, and we've been airing heart-warming stories of love and romance. Today's stories, however, might just stop your heart. Everyone loves stories about love, but on Friday the 13th, you oughta be careful what you wish for...
Stories included in this episode: Story 1: Date at the Heber Creeper Teller: Christa Cutler **Notes: **A truly harrowing tale of a date gone wrong.
Makena Bauss Story 2: Nightmare on North Canyon Road Teller: Makena Bauss **Notes:** A cringe-worthy encounter with a suitor from our assistant producer, Makena.
Linda Goodman Story 3: Jessie Teller: Linda Goodman Site: www.lindagoodmanstoryteller.com Notes: A little girl grows up with the man of her dreams on her mind, but she learns quickly to be careful what you wish.
Donna Washington Story 4: Mr. Fox Teller: Donna Washington Site: www.dlwstoryteller.com Notes: An adaptation of a classically terrifying tale that teaches all that glitters is not gold.
It's Valentine's Week at The Apple Seed, so we've collected a heart-melting mix of love stories to help everyone prepare for Cupid's arrow. On this episode, you'll hear stories of Love Gone Right from Kevin Kling, Barry Stewart Mann, and Dolores Hydock. The Apple Seed team also explored the world of matchmaking in our very own Dating Game-type segment. Pictured below are members of The Apple Seed team and our contestants.
The Dating Game
From left to right: Host Sam Payne, assistant producer Deidrene Crisanto, Drew Allen, Carter Monson, Allison Reid, Joel Eliason, assistant producer André Marques, Brock Dunyon, assistant producer Makena Bauss, and producer Andy Bay.
Stories included in this episode:
Kevin Kling Story 1: Valentine Teller: Kevin Kling Site: www.kevinkling.com Notes: A look into the intricacies of finding the perfect Valentine's Day greeting.
Barry Stewart Mann Story 2: The Pace of Youth Teller: Barry Stewart Mann Site: www.barrystewartmann.com Notes: Young love at a carnival as seen through this Stephen Crane short story.
The Apple Seed The Dating Game: Allison, Drew, Brock, Carter, and Joel join us in the studio for The Apple Seed's very first attempt at match-making through storytelling.
Dolores Hydock Story 3: Most of What I Know About True Love Teller: Dolores Hydock Site: www.storypower.org Notes: True love means many things.
In honor of Valentine's Day, the Apple Seed team has collected a heart-melting mix of stories for the week. On today's episode, Conversation Hearts, we have a mixture of stories that have a lot to say about love.
Stories included in this episode:
Motoko with Eshu Bumpus Story 1: The Love Story Of Takeda Teller: Motoko & Eshu Bumpus Site: www.folktales.net Notes: Motoko is joined by Eshu Bumpus in this story of love, friendship, and family.
Ed Stivender Story 2: The Man in the Moon in Love Teller: Ed Stivender Site: edstivender.com Notes: A story of brotherly love.
Laurie Haupt Story 3: The story of Chris Keenan's first date shows that first impressions aren't everything. Teller: Chris Keenan, friend of The Apple Seed
Laurie Haupt Story 4 : Laurie's parents' love story is all about timing. Teller: Laurie Haupt, friend of The Apple Seed
Bill Harley
Story 5: Monster Valentine Teller: Bill Harley Site: www.billharley.com Notes: Finding the perfect Valentine for your elementary school friends.
Kim Weitkamp Story 6: **Love on the First Floor Teller: **Kim Weitkamp**Site:** www.kimweitkamp.com** Notes: **Love comes in many forms in many stages of life.
In honor of Valentine's Day, the Apple Seed team has collected a heart-melting mix of stories for the week. On today's episode, Traditional Love Tuesday, we have a mix of classic love stories that have stood the test of time.
Stories included in this episode:
Simon Brooks Story 1: The Story Untold, The Song Unsung Teller: Simon Brooks Site: www.diamondscree.com Notes: A story of forgiveness.
Brendan Nolan Story 2: The Dream of Aengus Teller: Beth Horner Site: www.brendannolan.ie Notes: A true-to-form Irish love story about Aengus, the god of love and poetry.
Heather Forest Story 3: Janet and Tamlin Teller: Heather Forest Site: www.heatherforest.com Notes: A story about a spritely maid and her true love.
Bob Reiser Story 4: Lula and Telal Teller: Bob Reiser Site: www.bobtales.com Notes: A young man learns that true love isn't a trap or a game.
Regi Carpenter Story 5: Woman of the Sea Teller: Regi Carpenter Site: soaringstories.com Notes: A clash of cultures drives the plot of this beautiful selkie story.
In honor of Valentine's Day, the Apple Seed team has collected a heart-melting mix of stories for the week. On this special Marriage Monday episode not only do we have songs and stories from some of our favorite tellers, but we also get to follow a couple here in Provo, Utah preparing for their engagement and wedding. Here is a photo from their engagement, below: Stories, interviews, and songs included in this episode:
Maddie Richards and Randy Low Interview: Maddy Richards and Randy Low Notes: Maddy and Randy, a couple on the cusp of engagement and marriage, speak with assistant producer, Deidrene Crisanto, throughout the episode about their excitement.
Simon Brooks
Story 1: The Faerie Bride Teller: Simon Brooks Site: www.diamondscree.com Notes: There's something magical about the air, in this story of a man willing to do anything to save his marriage.
Beth Horner Story 2: The Young Woman of Vietnam Teller: Beth Horner Site: bethhorner.com Notes: A young woman teaches her husband a lesson in love and family.
Jay O'Callahan Story 3: My Wild Beauty Teller: Jay O'Callahan Site: www.ocallahan.com Notes: Jay visited Ireland with his wife when they were younger- 22 years later, Jay has some worries about this second trip.
John McCutcheon Song: Old People in Love Teller: John McCutcheon Site: www.folkmusic.com Notes: Love is just one of those things that gets better with age.
Stories included in this episode:
Michael Reno Harrell Story 1: Sledding Shepherds Teller: Michael Reno Harrell Site: www.michaelreno.com Notes: A sledding mishap turns into a lifechanging event.
 Story 2: The Runaway Horse Teller: Odds Bodkin Site: www.oddsbodkin.net Notes: A telling of the classic folk tale.
Susi Wolf Story 3: Shaboom and the Gangbangers Teller: Susi Wolf Site: www.wolfsongcreative.com Notes: Susi learns life lessons as Shaboom the clown in a rough neighborhood.
Dolores Hydock Story 4: Pennies Teller: Dolores Hydock Site: www.storypower.org Notes: The miracle of forgiveness.
John McCutcheon Story 5: Miracle Teller: John McCutcheon Site: http://www.folkmusic.com Notes: The miracles and blessings of being the father of a teenager.
Stories included in this episode:
Kathy Collins Story 1: Pele Holua Teller: Kathy Collins Site: www.talkstoryradio.com/tellerindex Notes: A story about about the most renowned Hawaiian goddes, Pele.
 Story 2: Ka-ulu the Strong Teller: Willy Claflin Site: www.willyclaflin.com Notes: A story of brotherly love.
Alton Chung Story 3: The Great Rubber Band War Teller: Alton Chung Site: www.altonchung.com Notes: A story of a 1920s Hawaiian childhood, passed down from father to son.
Makia Malo Story 4: Katie's Store Teller: Makia Malo Site: www.talkstoryradio.com/tellerindex Notes: Friendship can be found in the most unexpected of places.
Jeff Gere
Story 5: The Punchbowl Bus Teller: Jeff Gere Site: www.jeffgere.com Notes: A spooky, stormy tale.
Stories included in this episode:
Story: Promises to Keep Teller: Mary Hamilton Website: www.maryhamilton.info Notes: A spooky story told live in Culbertson Mansion.
Story: The Woman Who Fell from The Sky Teller: Odds Bodkin Website: www.oddsbodkin.net Notes: A Native American folk tale.
Story: Mule Humans Teller: Tim Lowry Website: www.storytellertimlowry.com Notes: An Ember Day leads to lots of trouble.
Story: Sledding Punchbowl Teller: Makia Malo Notes: Makia Malo, a Hawaiian storyteller with Hanson's disease shares this story about growing up in Hawaii. This story comes to us from a collection of recordings made over many years by Jeff Gere.
Story: She-Goat Teller: Laura Simms Website: www.laurasimms.com Notes: Once upon a time, there was a girl and her goat.
Story: The Weeping Girl at The Dancing Place Teller: Liz Weir Website: www.lizweir.net Notes: A young woman loses her lover and dancing partner, but he returns unexpectedly.
Today's episode features the enigmatic drama "The Whirlpool" produced by our friends at the Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater. Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater, established in 1982, is a grass-roots theater group on the Cape whose purpose is to revive and extend the genre of radio mystery theater through a series of original mysteries and suspense thrillers. Join us as we follow Captain Underhill and Doctor Scofield as they find more adventure than they sought while vacationing up from Cape Cod in "The Whirlpool."
http://www.ccrmt.com/
Stories included in this episode:
Story: Accentuate the Positive Teller: Bob Reiser Website: www.bobtales.com Notes: A famous tune frames this story of family, coming home from war, and everyday heroes.
Story: Vicki Teller: Sheila Arnold Website: www.mssheila.org Notes: Sheila share some memories, thoughts, and insights about the day her sister passed away.
Story: The White Trout Teller: Simon Brooks Website: www.diamondscree.com Notes: A fairy tale about a magical and mysterious trout.
Story: Waiting for Roy Teller: Donna Ingham Website: donnaingham.com Notes: A story about the day Roy Rogers came to town.
Story: Like a Lotus Flower Teller: Motoko Website: motoko.folktales.net Notes: Motoko recounts attending her grandfather's funeral as a little girl.
Stories and songs included in this episode:
Mary Hamilton Story 1: Kate Crackernuts Teller: Mary Hamilton Site: www.maryhamilton.info Notes: A Scottish fairy tale.
Andrew Wright Story 2: Girl on a Train Teller: Andrew Wright Site: andrewarticlesandstories.wordpress.com Notes: A keen observer of life encounters a girl on the train.
Rick Huddle Story 3: High School Nemesis Teller: Rick Huddle Site: www.rickhuddle.com Notes: A tale about the most intimate of enemies.
Paul Taylor Song 1: Cooee Teller: Paul Taylor Site: www.paultaylor.ws Notes: "Can you hear the sound of the wind in the eucalyptus tree?"
Paul Taylor Song 2: Waltzing Matilda Teller: Paul Taylor Site: www.paultaylor.ws Notes: Australia's best-known bush ballad.
Mary Wright Story 4: Queen Mother's Summer Palace Teller: Mary Wright Site: spiritedstories.com Notes: Mary Wright and her sister have an exciting time in their travels in South East Asia.
Stories included in this episode:
Geraldine Buckley(http://blog.byuradio.org/FILES
%2f2015%2f01%2fgeraldine-buckely-opt.jpg.axdx) Story 1: The Interview Teller: Geraldine Buckley Site: www.geraldinebuckley.com Notes: Geraldine gets the opportunity to interview for her dream job with the BBC.
Tim Lowry(http://blog.byuradio.org/FILES%2f2015%2f01%2ftim-
lowry-opt.jpg.axdx) Story 2: Half Chick Teller: Tim Lowry Site: www.storytellertimlowry.com Notes: A little chick is greatly spoiled.
Willy Claflin(http://blog.byuradio.org/FILES%2f2015%2f01%2fwilly-
claflin-opt.jpg.axdx) Story 3: The Mind Boggles Teller: Willy Claflin Site: www.willyclaflin.com Notes: Great stories start in our heads...
Leeny Del Seamonds(http://blog.byuradio.org/FILES%2f2015%2f01%2fleeny-
del-seamonds-opt.jpg.axdx) Story 4: Party Girl Teller: :Leeny Del Seamonds Site: leenydelseamonds.com Notes: Life is really a party when you've got the right attitude.
Frederick Douglass once said described Paul Laurence Dunbar as “the most promising young colored man in America.” Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) was one of the first African-American poets to gain national recognition, and his work and life remains influential to this day. The poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar draws on the African-American experiences of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and he is known for writing poems in standard English and in dialect associated with the Antebellum South. In this episode, we feature unforgettable interpretations of this prolific poet's work from some of our favorite tellers, Mitch Capel and Oni Lasana.
In this episode, we pay our respects to the stories that come from and are influenced by the issues associated with the Civil Rights movement. In our first segment, we share stories of childhoods affected by racism with audio from StoryCorps, and the story of Ruby Bridges as told by Kate Dudding. In our next segment, we wish to highlight the heroes and heroines of the Civil Rights movement with more audio from StoryCorps featuring the extraordinary experiences of ordinary men and women, and a story about Elizabeth Eckford as told by Charlotte Blake Alston. Our third segment, features the story "Moon Cookies, Martin & Me" a warm and poignant story in which Lyn Ford shares some experiences that helped her consciousness of the world around her grow. Stories included in this episode:
StoryCorps Audio: John Hope Franklin, the late scholar of African American history, tells his son, John, about being a Boy Scout during the 1920s. Link: storycorps.org
StoryCorps Audio: Siblings James Hanover Thompson, Dwight Thompson, and Brenda Lee Graham recall James' involvement in the "Kissing Case" of 1958, and their family life thereafter. Link: storycorps.org(
In this episode we've got some Southern flavored stories for you from some of our favorite tellers. These stories are a little longer in form, so take a moment to settle in, relax, and enjoy "Farther Along" from Donald Davis and "I Ain't Know, Bo!" by Tim Lowry.
Stories included in this episode:
Jenni Cargill-Strong Story 1: The Legend of the Big Dipper Teller: Jenni Cargill-Strong Site: www.storytree.com.au Notes: An origin story about one of the most beloved constellations in the sky.
Joel ben Izzy Story 2: Short Snippets of Tall Tales Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: www.storypage.com Notes: Joel's own mixing and matching of tales.
Donald Davis Story 3: The Octopus Teller: Donald Davis Site: www.ddavisstoryteller.com Notes: Donald Davis and his brother try a new ride at the county fair.
Glenda Bonin Story 4: Raven and Daylight Teller: Glenda Bonin Site: www.storyworksgroup.com Notes: An Alaskan tale about the raven.
Norah Dooley Story 5: Little Daughter Teller: Norah Dooley Site: www.norahdooley.com Notes: A story about Little Daughter and the wolf.
photo © Mark Binder by Jason Beaver
Mark Binder is a father, an author, and storyteller who connects readers and listeners of all ages to an eclectic body of work that includes traditional storis, bedtime favorites, and some autobiographical tales. Mark was born in Newton, MA, grew up in Bethesda, MD, has lived in New York, Cambridge and London and lives with his family in Providence RI. He is an award-winning recording artist, author, is the founder of the American Story Theater, teacher, third-degree black belt in Aikido, and has ran even ran for political office. In this episode, you'll hear a collection of storis from this multi-talented teller and an interview between Mark and our host, Sam Payne.
To find more of Mark's work and to learn more about him, visit his website: markbinder.com
Stories included in this episode:
 Story 1: Finding Christmas Teller: Dolores Hydock Site: www.storypower.org Notes: Christmas will find you, wherever you are, if you let it.
Finn Bille Story 2: Marzipan Teller: Finn Bille & Rick Davis Site: southernorderofstorytellers.org/finnbille Notes: A Danish Christmas memory of a mother, her son, and a little Christmas magic.
 Story 3: Kevin Kling's Christmas Memories Teller: Kevin Kling Site: www.kevinkling.com Notes: Recorded live at the 2014 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, Kevin Kling shares his own Christmas memories.
Stories included in this episode:
Renee Englot Story 1: Troublemakers Teller: Renee Englot Site: www.reneeenglot.com Notes: A tale about gifts given to animals on that first Christmas night.
Bob Reiser Story 2: Up Up and Away Teller: Bob Reiser Site: www.bobtales.com Notes: A childhood plea to Santa that involves Superman.
Linda Goodman Story 3: The Radio Teller: Linda Goodman Site: www.lindagoodmanstoryteller.com Notes: When it comes to the holiday season, gratitude is the attitude.
Dolors Hydock Story 4: Something in There Teller: Dolores Hydock Site: www.storypower.org Notes: Finding new meaning in holiday traditions that have lost their magic as a man grows older.
Susan Klein Story 5: The Night Before Christmas Teller: Susan Klein Site: www.susanklein.net Note:A reading of the classic Christmas poem by Clement C. Moore.
Stories included in this episode:
Joel ben Izzy Story 1: Hanukkah Basics and Thoughts on Luck Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: www.storypage.com Notes: Joel ben Izzy introduces this holiday episode with thoughts on wisdom and luck.
Joel ben Izzy Story 2: Luck vs. Wisdom Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: www.storypage.com Notes: A story about what happens when wisdom and luck meet.
Mark Binder Story 3: Spin the Dreidel Teller: Mark Binder Site: markbinder.com Notes: A tale about one of the iconic traditions of Hanukkah.
Mark Binder Story 4: Chanukah Bush Teller: Mark Binder Site: markbinder.com Notes: Memories about the origin of a family tradition.
Odds Bodkin Story 5: The Generous Man Teller: Odds Bodkin Site: www.oddsbodkin.net Notes: A story about generosity.
Karen Golden Story 6: The Legacy Teller: Karen Golden Site: storynet.org/karengolden Note:The spirit of the Hanukkah season changes hearts and perspectives.
On today's episode, you'll hear stories that our host, Sam Payne, has shared during his weekly visits with Marcus Smith on "The Morning Show." This storytelling segment of the "The Morning Show" served as the original inspiration for "The Apple Seed."
Stories and songs included in this episode:
Bruce Walker Story 1: Frog Gigging Teller: Bruce Walker Site: www.brucestoryteller.com Notes: Catching frogs at grandpa's pond in Walker's Bend.
Alton Chung Story 2: The Magic Pear Tree Teller: Alton Chung Site: www.altonchung.com Notes: A Chinese folktale about the price of greed.
Geraldine Buckley Story 3: Devils on Horseback Teller: Geraldine Buckley Site: www.geraldinebuckley.com Notes: Childhood memories about watching wrestling with an eccentric aunt.
Clare Murphy Story 4: Half a Blanket Teller: Clare Murphy Site: www.claremurphy.org Notes: A story recorded live at the 2011 Jonesborough National Storytelling Festival in Tennessee.
Sam Payne Story 5: Original Story Teller: Sam Payne Site: www.sampayne.com Notes: Our host, Sam Payne, shares some memories about the journey to becoming "king scarer."
Kevin Kling Story 6: State Fair Teller: Kevin Kling Site: www.kevinkling.com Notes: Kevin and his wife show their European cousin, Ted, a good old-fashioned American time at the State Fair.
Connie Regan-Blake Story 5: Two Friends and One Horse Teller: Connie Regan-Blake Site: www.storywindow.com Notes: A folktale from the Middle East.
Connie Regan-Blake Story 6: Lantern Teller: Connie Regan-Blake Site: www.storywindow.com Notes: A tall-tale about fishing in Florida with family.
photo © www.beatricebowles.com
Sam Payne talks to Beatrice Bowles, a folkteller from San Francisco, CA with a passion for sharing myths and legends from around the world. Along with their conversation, this episode also includes Beatrice’s tellings of “The Monkey King (China),” “Thor’s Magic Hammer (Norway),” “Ice Heart & the Beaming Maiden (Alaska),” and “Psyche & Eros (Greece).”
To find more of Beatrice’s work visit her website - www.beatricebowles.com.
Our listeners will remember our first pumpkins episode in Fall 2013. In that episode, we got a taste for the giant pumpkin growing culture and spoke with Kyle and Carrie Fox of the Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers Association. Since then, The Apple Seed team has had a penchant for for all things (giant) pumpkin! In today's episode, we have a conversation with Daria Matza and Mark Devendorf, the directors of the delightful film Rise of the Giants, a documentary feature all about giant pumpkins and their growers. Our assistant producer, Whitney Snow, had the opportunity to attend the premiere of the film in Thanksgiving Point and meet some members of the giant pumpkin community.
Visit the Utah Giant Pumpkins Growers Association at their website.
Watch the trailer for Daria Matza and Mark Devendorf's film here.
Today on The Apple Seed we're bringing you highlights from the 2014 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival held in Orem, Utah - about 50 miles south of Salt Lake City. The festival is one of the most highly accredited storytelling events in the United States, with top tellers from around the world sharing stories over the course of a weekend. The Apple Seed team attends the festival every year, and is excited to bring you highlights from the 25th anniversary of this special event. Tellers and stories in this episode include:
Kim Weitkamp tells us about her Crooked Family Tree.
Kevin Kling with a story about going away to come back home.
Bil Lepp and the story of The King of Little Things.
Today on The Apple Seed we're bringing you highlights from the 2014 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival held in Orem, Utah - about 50 miles south of Salt Lake City. The festival is one of the most highly accredited storytelling events in the United States, with top tellers from around the world sharing stories over the course of a weekend. The Apple Seed team attends the festival every year, and is excited to bring you highlights from the 25th anniversary of this special event. Tellers and stories featured in today's episode include Charlotte Blake Alston, Bill Harley, and Mary Gay Ducey.
Today on The Apple Seed we're bringing you highlights from the 2014 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival held in Orem, Utah - about 50 miles south of Salt Lake City. The festival is one of the most highly accredited storytelling events in the United States, with top tellers from around the world sharing stories over the course of a weekend. The Apple Seed team attends the festival every year, and is excited to bring you highlights from the 25th anniversary of this special event. Tellers and stories featured in today's episode include:
Beth Horner performs the amazing and true story, The Pipeline Blues.
Antonio Rocha and "The Giant Comes to Town"
Connie Regan-Blake with a story of the mischievousness of fairies.
Today on The Apple Seed we're bringing you highlights from the 2014 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival held in Orem, Utah - about 50 miles south of Salt Lake City. The festival is one of the most highly accredited storytelling events in the United States, with top tellers from around the world sharing stories over the course of a weekend. The Apple Seed team attends the festival every year, and is excited to bring you highlights from the 25th anniversary of this special event. Tellers and stories featured in today's episode include:
Clare Murphy with "The Fairy Ointment."
Stories and music of Doc Watson performed by David Holt & Josh Goforth.
An interview with Executive Director of the festival, Karen Acerson.
Donald Davis with a tale about bad kids and bad haircuts.
Today's episode features accounts of living with and treating anxiety and depression. Stories include personal accounts collected and adapted for our program from The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, an interview with mental health professional Christy Kane, and conversations from our friends at Story Corps.
Dr. Eric Eliason of the BYU English Department brought in his American folklore students to join us in Studio 6 for a story slam about dates and roommates.
It's Wednesday on The Apple Seed and that means one thing--it's Jambalaya Day! Enjoy this delicious blend of stories from some of today's best storytellers!
Story 1: The Generous Man Teller: Odds Bodkin Site: http://www.oddsbodkin.net/ Notes: A generous man gives all he has to the poor--but his donation does not go unnoticed.
Story 2: The King Has Goat Ears Teller: Glenda Bonin Site: http://www.storyworksgroup.com/ Notes: Some secrets are just too juicy to be kept private--particularly about the king.
Story 3: The Conjuring of Bloody Mary Teller: Alan Hoal Site: http://www.thehoalstory.com/ Notes: In pursuit of an urban legend, young Alan learns the dangers of trusting his brother.
Story 4: Quackling Teller: Big Joe the Storyteller Site: http://www.bigjoe.com/ Notes: When you're a duck on a quest, it pays to make some friends along the way.
Story 5: Bill Greenfield and the Big Ol' Bear Teller: Joseph Bruchac Site: http://josephbruchac.com/ Notes: Sometimes you tree a bear. Sometimes a bear trees you.
Story 6: The Beggar King Teller: Heather Forest Site: http://www.heatherforest.com/ Notes: Nobody should cut a deal with a demon. Not even someone as wise as King Solomon.
Today's episode features the enigmatic drama from Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater called "The Junebug Mystery", or "Someone is Out to Kill You, Mr. President." Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater, established in 1982, is a grass-roots theater group on the Cape whose purpose is to revive and extend the genre of radio mystery theater through a series of original mysteries and suspense thrillers. Join us as Captain Underhill and Doctor Scofield recount their very first case.
http://www.ccrmt.com/
Today we're talking about reading. It was our pleasure to talk to students, teachers, and friends about learning to read, loving to read, and the impact of books, words, and stories. We're also delighted to bring you our conversation with Garth Nix, award-winning author whose works include the Old Kingdom series, The Seventh Tower series, and The Keys to the Kingdom series.
Stories and interviews included in this episode:
Interview 1: Trinity, Jordan, Anthony, and their teachers speak with Sam Payne about expanding horizons through reading.
Interview 2: Sam Payne takes us into a high school English class and speaks with teacher, Jarom Murphy.
Interview 3: Garth Nix speaks with Sam Payne about his prolific series, and his new book, Clariel, the latest addition to the Old Kingdom universe.
Story 1: Suzanne Christensen talks to the Apple Seed about learning how to read.
Story 2: Mark Burns talks about a book that became dear to him in junior high school: The Boys of Summer.
Story 3: Maddy Richards talks about living in a world of books and stories.
Story 4: Our assistant producer, Sam Bennion, about how The Hobbit gave him perspective during a wild adventure of his own.
A collection of tales from the African continent.
Stories and songs included in this episode:
Charlotte Blake Alston Story 1: Nyangara the Python Teller: Charlotte Blake Alston Site: www.charlotteblakealston.com Notes: A Shona tale from Zimbabwe about friendship and the courage of children.
Heather Forest Story 2: The Red and Blue Coat Teller: Heather Forest Site: www.heatherforest.com Notes:A story from the Congo about two friends who grow a little wiser together.
Christopher Leebrick Story 3: Strange Animal Teller: Christopher Leebrick Site: www.allgoodstories.com Notes: A tale from Zimbabwe about a strange animal, a loud aunt, and a boy with rhythm.
Bobby Norfolk Story 4: Anansi and the Rabbit's Drum Teller: Bobby Norfolk Site: folktale.com Notes: A story from Ghana about everyone's favorite clever spider.
Stephanie Beneteau Story 5: The Name of the Tree Teller: Stephanie Beneteau Site: www.stephaniebeneteau.com Notes: "A long time ago, when the animals could still talk to each other like people, there was a terrible famine in the land."
Eshu Bumpus Story 6: The Wax Child Teller: Eshu Bumpus Site: eshu.folktales.net Notes: A thought-provoking tale about the power of companionship.
In this episode you’ll hear incredible performances from storytellers Andy Offut Irwin, Dan Keding, Alton Chung, and The Storycrafters and more exclusive audio from the 2014 Four Corners Storytelling Festival held in Farmington, New Mexico.
For more information about the festival visit Farmington Public Library’s website - www.infoway.org/storytelling.
In this episode you’ll hear incredible performances from storytellers Alton Chung, Andy Offut Irwin, The Storycrafters, Dan Keding and Evelyn Roper, and more exclusive audio from the 2014 Four Corners Storytelling Festival held in Farmington, New Mexico.
For more information about the festival visit Farmington Public Library’s website - www.infoway.org/storytelling.
In this episode, you’ll hear an interview with Four Corners Storytelling Festival director Karen McPheeters, some of Sam Payne's adventures along the Animas River, and fantastic performances from Dan Keding, Andy Offutt Irwin, and The Storycrafters in this sweet storytelling gathering in Farmington, New Mexico.
For more information about the festival visit Farmington Public Library’s website - www.infoway.org/storytelling.
Highlights from the Four Corners Storytelling Festival in Farmington, New Mexico where stories flow along the Animas River.
Stories included in this episode:
Motoko Story 1: The Demon on the Bridge Teller: Motoko Site: motoko.folktales.net Notes: An eerie bridge serves as the center for this wonderfully creepy tale.
David Holt Story 2: The Blood Drawing Ghost Teller: David Holt Site: www.davidholt.com Notes: A brave young woman proves herself against some ghostly forces.
Kim Weitkamp Story 3: Coy Hansen Teller: Kim Weitkamp Site: www.kimweitkamp.com Notes: A curious little girl finds something (or someone) from the other side lingering in her backyard.
Stories and songs included in this episode:
Simon Brooks Story 1: The Viper Teller: Simon Brooks Site: www.diamondscree.com Notes: An unexpected guest comes calling...
Donna Washington Story 2: Boo Stew Teller: Donna Washington Site: www.dlwstoryteller.com Notes: A spooky story about Curly Locks and the Three Scares.
David Holt Story 3-5: Tailyman, Hairyman, Hairyman meets Tailybone Teller: David Holt Site: www.davidholt.com Notes: A creature feature in three parts.
Richard and Judy Dockery Young Story 6: The Changelings Teller: Richard & Judy Dockery Young Site: www.yawp.com Notes: Goblins, trolls, and changelings - oh my!
Richard and Judy Dockery Young Song 1: Little Orphant Annie Teller: Richard & Judy Dockery Young Site: www.yawp.com Notes: A musical version of the classic poem, "Little Orphant Annie (1885)" by James Whitcomb Riley.
Kevin Cordi Song 2: Lullaby Teller: Kevin Cordi Site: www.kevincordi.com Notes: We end this episode wishing you a ghostly good night.
Today's tellers have given classic fairy tales the ol' razzle dazzle.
Stories and songs included in this episode:
Ed Stivender Story 1: The Princess and the Frog Teller: Ed Stivender Site: edstivender.com Notes: A Shakespearean rendition of The Princess and the Frog.
The Storycrafters Story 2: Caballito Teller: The Storycrafters Site: www.storycrafters.com Notes: An Ecuadorian Cinderella story.
Willy Claflin Story 3: The Uglified Duckie Teller: Willy Claflin Site: http://www.willyclaflin.com// Notes: A Maynard Moose retelling recorded at the National Storytelling Festival.
Willy Claflin Story 4: The Wolf Who Cried Sheep Teller: Willy Claflin Site: http://www.willyclaflin.com// Notes: A Maynard Moose retelling recorded at the National Storytelling Festival.
Stories and songs included in this episode:
Andy Orfutt Irwin Song 1: Upidstay, Umday, Ainbray (with Bil Lepp) Artist: Andy Offutt Irwin Site: andyirwin.com Notes: Andy and Bil perform a song that reminds us to use our brains.
Slash Coleman Story 1: Perpetual Underdog Teller: Slash Coleman Site: www.slashcoleman.com Notes: A compelling story about a father and son, outlaws, top guns, and top dogs.
Alan Hoal Story 2: Hot Diggity Saves the Day Teller: Alan Hoal Site: www.thehoalstory.com Notes: A good ol' fashioned Southern tale about a man and his dog.
Bill Harley Story 3: Monster Valentine Teller: Bill Harley Site: www.billharley.com Notes: Bill captures what it's like to be a kid in this story about Valentine's Day and friendship.
Dan Keding Story 4: The Boy Who Fell Between the Cracks Teller: Dan Keding Site: dankeding.com Notes: Eighth-graders learn a lesson from the boy they used to tease.
Stories and songs included in this episode:
Charlotte Blake Alston Story 1: Yaru, Yaatu, Sutura, Mun Teller: Charlotte Blake Alston Site: www.charlotteblakealston.com Notes: A young girl with a sweet spirit honors the words of her mother.
Story Corps Story 2: Seniesa Estrada and Joe Estrada Site: storycorps.org Notes: Seniesa talks to her father about boxing.
Story Corps Story 3: Barbara Moore and Olivia Fite Site: storycorps.org Notes: Barbara speaks to her daughter, Olivia, about her job as a bricklayer.
Story Corps Story 4: Tia and Christine Smallwood Site: storycorps.org Notes: Tia tells her daughter, Christine, about becoming a business woman in the 1970s.
Stephanie Beneteau Story 5: The Wooden Maiden Teller: Stephanie Beneteau Site: www.davidholt.com Notes: A little girl who loves to dance encounters a beautiful, magical maiden.
Kim Weitkamp Story 6: Potholders Teller: Kim Weitkamp Site: www.kimweitkamp.com Notes: Kim shares a hilarious, heart-warming story about learning a lesson in honesty.
photo © http://www.storypower.org
On this episode, we're featuring Dolores Hydock. Dolores is an actress and story performer whose work has been featured at concerts and festivals throughout the U.S. If you've listened to the Apple Seed, you've probably heard some of the homegrown tales she's shared with us. This episode includes our interview with Dolores in which she and Sam Payne discuss the craft of storytelling, as well as some highlights from her body of work.
photo © leenydelseamonds.com
On this episode, we're highlighting the work of Leeny Del Seamonds a multi-award winning, internationally acclaimed performer of Hispanic/Latino, original, and World stories. This episode includes our interview with Leeny, in which she and Sam Payne discuss the craft of storytelling, as well as some highlights from her body of work.
To find more of Leeny's work visit her website: leenydelseamonds.com.
We're talking about all things jobs today: getting hired, getting paid, and all the unusual and memorable things that happen while we try to make a living.
Stories included in this episode:
Norah Dooley Story 1: Tony and the Donkey Teller: Norah Dooley Site: norahdooley.com Notes: An adaptation of an Italian folktale.
Allison Downey Story 2: Migrating to Michigan Teller: Allison Downey Site: allisondowney.com Notes: A piece produced for radio about moving to Michigan.
The Apple Seed Story 3: Strange Job story sampler Teller: The Apple Seed Team Site: byuradio.org/the-apple-seed Notes: Sam Payne sits down with assistant producers Whitney Snow, Sam Bennion, Elizabeth Elieson, and Deidrene Crisanto to talk about various jobs they've had.
Kevin Kling Story 4: Larry Teller: Kevin Kling Site: www.kevinkling.com Notes: Kevin's interaction with a man who worked in a meat packing plant.
Geraldine Buckley Story 5: Lady in Red Teller: Geraldine Buckley Site: www.geraldinebuckley.com Notes: Geraldine's experience working at a pop music radio program.
Sweet stories from the American South.
Stories included in this episode:
Dolores Hydock Story 1: Ms. Dora Teller: Dolores Hydock ft. Flying Jenny Site: www.storypower.org Notes: Fond memories of a tough ol' bird from up on Chandler Mountain.
Donna Washington Story 3: John and Mattie Sly Teller: Donna Washington Site: www.dlwstoryteller.com Notes: "John Sly wasn't worth much..."
Bruce Walker Story 2: Sgt. Samuel Johnson Teller: Bruce Walker Site: www.brucestoryteller.com Notes: A Southern story collection wouldn't be complete without a tale about the Civil War.
David Holt Story 4: Too Loose, Kentucky Teller: David Holt ft. Zeb Holt Site: www.davidholt.com Notes: Musicians meet and play music untouched by the "modern" world.
Stories included in this episode:
Finn Bille & Rick Davis Story 1: Recycled Poetry Teller: Finn Bille & Rick Davis Site: www.cdbaby.com/RickDavisFinnBille Notes: A story accompanied by the dulcimer about writing and writer's block.
Priscilla Howe Story 2: Unanana Teller: Priscilla Howe Site: www.priscillahowe.com Notes: A Zulu folktale from South Africa.
Kim Weitkamp Story 3: The Lap Teller: Kim Weitkamp Site: www.kimweitkamp.com Notes: Kim talks about gracefully growing old.
Willy Claflin Story 4: Just One More Story Teller: Willy Claflin Site: www.willyclaflin.com Notes: "Tell me just one more story before you go."
Family stories to celebrate the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah.
Stories and interviews included in this episode:
Laura Pershin Raynor Story 1: Cholent Teller: Finn Bille & Rick Davis Site: www.lpraynor.com Notes: What happens when a modern teenager gets a hold of a traditional family recipe.
Dr. Stephen Turner Interview 1: Dr. Stephen Turner of New York City ** Notes: **A conversation between Dr. Turner and Whitney Snow at The International Association of the Jewish Genealogical Societies Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Janet Silverman Interview 2: Janet Silverman Interviewer: Sam Payne ** Notes: **Janet shares a story about finding Holocaust era letters from her grandmother.
Story Corps Story 2: Debbie Fisher Site: storycorps.org Notes: Debbie remembers her father, who was an Auschwitz survivor.
Story Corps Story 3: Nate Herschberg & Marc Site: storycorps.org Notes: Nate Herschberg sings a Yiddish song for his nephew, Marc
Story Corps Story 4: Eric Lamet Site: storycorps.org Notes: Eric speaks about reuniting with his father in Italy during World War II.
Story Corps Story 5: Yvonne Powell Site: storycorps.org Notes: Yvonne tells her song, Gordon, about the Jewish family that lived downstairs from her during World War II.
Corinne Stavish Story 6: The Jewish Mother GPS Teller: Corinne Stavish Site: www.stavishstorytelling.com/about-corinne.html Notes: Misadventures in misdirection and guilt trips.
Stories included in this episode:
Kirk Waller Story 1: Echoline Artist: Kirk Waller Site: www.kirkwaller.com Notes: A sassy little girl learns to watch her words.
Bruce Walker Story 2: Sundays on Walker's Bend Teller: Bruce Walker Site: www.brucestoryteller.com/ Notes: A nostalgic portrait of a childhood on Walker's Bend.
Mary Gavan Story 3: Grandfather, The Horseman Teller: Mary Gavan Site: http://www.marycelticstory.ca/ Notes: A look at grandfather's involvement in the Society of Horseman.
Joel ben Izzy Story 4: The Old King and His Daughters Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: www.storypage.com Notes: A story about the importance of sharing your gifts.
Simon Brooks Story 5: Goat from the Hills and Mountains Teller: Simon Brooks Site: www.diamondscree Notes: A girl, a goat, and a garden.
Octavia Sexton Story 6: Becky Blaine Teller: Octavia Sexton Site: www.octaviasexton.com/ Note: A story about following good advice when it's given.
This episode of The Apple Seed features the stories of Donald Davis, master storyteller beloved throughout the United States and around the world. In this episode, we've featured some stories of Donald's childhood that provoke a fondness and nostalgia for our own. In this episode, we'll hear the stories "Doobies", "The Time Jack Lost His Wishes", "Aunt Laura and the Crack of Dawn", "Aunt Esther Saves a Little Boy's Life."
To find more of Donald's work and to learn more about him, visit his website here: www.ddavisstoryteller.com.
In 2006, Anne Shimojima interviewed her 91-year-old aunt, who lived in an incarceration camp for Japanese-Americans during WWII. This grew into a family history project and a story for performance. The story Hidden Memory is now available on the Racebridges for Schools website in text and audio files with free lesson plans and discussion questions. Anne also gives workshops on her family history project and the creation of her family photobook, a DVD of slide shows, and the performance piece so that others can learn how to share the gift of their family histories.
Songs included in this episode:
 Song 1: The Little Red Hen Artist: Jenni Cargill-Strong Site: www.storytree.com.au Notes: "Who will help the little red hen?"
 Song 2: Feed My Cow Artist: Diane Ferlatte Site: www.dianeferlatte.com Notes: "Little girl, little boy- did ya feed my cow?"
Bill Harley Song 3: Cool in School Artist: Bill Harley Site: www.billharley.com Notes: "What is cool in school? What is hip?"
 Song 4: Sour Grapes Artist: Heather Forest Site: www.heatherforest.com Notes: "The hungry fox noticed a juicy bunch of grapes growin' high on the vine."
David Holt Song 5: Who Broke the Lock? Artist: David Holt Site: www.davidholt.com Notes: "Who broke the lock on the hen house door?"
 Song 6: The Minstrel and the Bear Artist: Mustard's Retreat Site: www.mustardsretreat.com Note: "The minstrel man picks up his bag and with his bear sets forth..."
 Song 7: John Henry Artist: John McCutcheon Site: www.folkmusic.com Notes: "Who broke the lock on the hen house door?"
Sam Payne Song 8: The Ballad of Robert Leroy Parker Artist: Sam Payne Site: www.sampayne.com Notes: Sam Payne's song about notorious outlaw, Butch Cassidy.
Michael Reno Harrell Song 9: Far from Salty Water Artist: Michael Reno Harrell Site: www.michaelreno.com Notes: "She was a fisherman's daughter, but she'd never set foot on a boat..."
 Song 10: Shalako Artist: Joe Herrington Site: www.joeherrington.com Notes: A good ol' fashioned cowboy tale.
 Song 10: Ito's Shuffle Artist: Gideon Freudmann Site: www.cellobop.com Notes: From the collaborative album, Cello Tales: The Melding of Music, Myth & Memories with Leeny del Seamonds.
Kim Weitkamp Song 11: A Song for Mom Artist: Kim Weitkamp Site: www.kimweitkamp.com Notes: A sweet song about mothers and motherhood.
Our show producer, Andy Bay, and assistant producer, Sam Bennion, join Sam Payne in today's Jambalaya episode.
Stories included in this episode:
Bil Lepp Story 1: The Ojai Mountain Lion Teller: Bil Lepp Site: leppstorytelling.com Notes: Hiking in the hills of California.
Madeline Pots Story 2: The Neponsit Caper Teller: Madeline Pots Site: www.madelinelpots.com Notes: A childhood memory about a family encounter with some nighttime visitors.
Bob Reiser Story 2: The Horrible Shoes of Abu Kasseim Teller: Bob Reiser Site: www.bobtales.com Notes: A story about a stingy man.
Heather Forest Story 2: The Squire's Bride Teller: Heather Forest Site: www.heatherforest.com Notes: Money can't buy you love.
Stories included in this episode:
Barbara Schutzgruber Story 1: The Forest Teller: Barbara Schutzgruber Site: www.weavestory.com Notes: An original fairytale about an adventurous young girl written in the style of the Grimm Brother's.
The Apple Seed Story 2: Snow White and Rose Red Teller: Ann Harding Site: www.annhardingmusic.com Notes: Ann's live performance of "Snow White and Rose Red" at the 2014 National Storytelling Conference in Phoenix, AZ.
Judith Heineman Story 3: The Mouse, The Bird, and the Sausage Teller: Judith Heineman Site: www.storytelling.org Notes: A fairy tale with no discernable moral, but we found it entertaining nonetheless.
The Apple Seed Story 4: The Twelve Dancing Princesses Teller: Laura Bobrow Site: www.laurajbobrow.com Notes: A young soldier uncovers the hellish secret of the twelve dancing princesses.
This episode focuses on the work of chaplains - religious representatives who serve in military institutions, prisons, and hospitals. In this episode you'll hear Sam Payne talk to Marc Deluca, a chaplain candidate; Ronda Weaver, a VA hospital chaplain; Mark Allison, founder of the World Spiritual Health Organization; and Eric Eliason, a military chaplain who served in Afghanistan.
Stories included in this episode:
Dolores Hydock Story 1: Perfect Match Teller: Dolores Hydock Site: www.storypower.org Notes: Dolores recalls the time her high school held a computer-themed dance were each student was to dance with their "perfect match."
Richard Martin Story 2: Bishop Dalley Teller: Richard Martin Site: www.tellatale.eu Notes: A pastor struggles to keep his congregation awake during his sermons.
Sheila Starks Phillips Story 3: Chris' Accident Teller: Sheila Starks Phillips Site: www.sheilaphillips.com Notes: A mother watches her son return to his high school after recovering from a tragic accident.
Bill Harley Story 4: Bucket of Beans, Clarisse, and the Bubble Machine Teller: Bill Harley Site: www.billharley.com Notes: A young boy and his sister get into trouble when they start messing with their parent's bubble machine.
This episode includes audio from the 2014 National Storytelling Conference were the Apple Seed team recorded keynotes, workshops and special live performances. In this episode you'll find an interview with the president of the National Storytelling Network, Yvonne Healy, a discussion with Yoruba storyteller Marilyn Omifunke Torres, and exclusive audio from the 2014 NSN Story Slam.
photo © sampayne.com
Today we're reversing things a bit, and will be showcasing some of the work of our very own host, Sam Payne. Sam has enjoyed a prolific career in entertainment as a storyteller, songwriter, musician, writer, author, radio feature producer, educator and world-traveler. To learn more about our charming host, Sam Payne, visit his website: www.sampayne.com
photo © claremurphy.com
On this episode, we're highlighting the work of Clare Murphy, a Dublin-born, world-traveling storyteller with a body of work that's both expansive and utterly delightful. Her credits include theatres and festivals around the globe (including the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival) and she has worked as a consultant with The Royal Shakespeare Company. This episode includes highlights from her body of work, as well as a conversation with Sam Payne in which Clare shares with us some insights into the world of storytelling.
To find more of Clare's work visit her website: claremurphy.com
This episode includes Dolores Hydock’s adaptation of the 14th century love story, “Eglamore and Cristobel.” It is a passionate, surprising tale about a devoted knight and a strong woman who fight danger, treachery and an array of monsters - both human and non-human - who conspire to keep them apart. Dolores’s tale is accompanied by the musicians of PanHarmonium - David Cantrell, Susan Marchant, and Gilbert Ritchie – who add haunting melodies and exuberant songs of the period to this funny, intriguing, and amazingly contemporary story.
Beth Horner (c) www.bethorner.com
This episode of The Apple Seed includes Sam Payne’s interview with Beth Horner, a vivacious teller dedicated to providing an entertaining and empowering experience for her listeners, young and old. Beth came to the art of storytelling naturally, having been raised in Boone County, Missouri by a family of story lovers. Beth is now a National Storytelling Network Circle of Excellence Oracle Award winner who has performed on “Live From National Geographic” and as a narrative consultant for NASA/Johnson Space Center’s Story Mining project for which she collected the stories of the scientists behind the Apollo Space Missions. Along with their interview, this episode also includes a selection of Beth’s stories: “Knight’s Lesson,” “Elsie & Mr. Fox,” and “The Skull.”
For more of Beth’s work visit her website – www.bethhorner.com
Timpanogos Storytelling Festival
To gear up for the 2014 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival Sam Payne plays some of his favorite recordings from festival’s past. This episode includes live performances from Kevin Kling, Beth Horner, Antonio Rocha, Donald Davis and Clare Murphy, and a musical performance from Josh Goforth and Grammy Award-winning artist David Holt.
For tickets and more information visit the festival’s website – www.timpfest.org.
Stories included in this episode:
Michael Reno Harrell Story 1: Picnic Teller: Michael Reno Harrell Site: www.michaelreno.com Notes: Michael recalls quirky Sunday picnics with his extended family.
Geraldine Buckley Story 2: Devils On Horseback Teller: Geraldine Buckley Site: www.geraldinebuckley.com Notes: As a child, Geraldine always wanted to be a "character" like her great aunt.
Donald Davis Story 3: Uncle Frank and the Southern Bells Teller: Donald Davis Site: www.ddavisstoryteller.com Notes: Stories about the many characters in the Davis family.
Diane Ferlatte Story 4: You Never Know What the End's Gonna Be Teller: Diane Ferlatte Site: www.dianeferlatte.com Notes: Diane and her mother-in-law reconcile their differences.
Dan Keding is well known for his telling of traditional world folktales, personal narratives of his boyhood in Chicago, ghost stories and dark tales, and superbly crafted original pieces. A well-respected ballad singer, he accompanies himself on guitar, banjo and spoons. This combination of dynamic storytelling and powerful ballad singing has made him a festival and concert favorite throughout the US, Great Britain and Ireland, endearing him to audiences of all ages. This episode includes Sam Payne's interview with Dan and his stories "The Tear," "The Two Warriors," and "Rudy and the Roller Skate."
The entire Apple Seed team traveled to Phoenix, Airzona where they attended the 2014 National Storytelling Conference. This conference brings together National Storytelling Network (NSN) members, as well as individuals and organizations from the community, who are interested in the art and application of storytelling. In this episode you’ll hear a round table discussion covering the best of the conference, audio from one of the many “story showcases” featured at this year’s conference, and exclusive clips from our interviews with Simon Brooks, Beth Horner, and Kiran Singh Sirah.
For more information visit the National Storytelling Network’s homepage – www.storynet.org
In this episode: Sam Payne, Sam Bennion, Whitney Snow, and McKall Morris share personal stories about their first cars, crashes and more. This episode also includes the story “Demo Derby,” told by the hilarious Kevin Kling, and a series of stories performed by Bay Area teller Joel ben Izzy called “Creepy Car Tales.”
This episode is made up of clips from BYU Radio's "The Morning Show." What you’ll hear in this episode is Sam Payne, The host of our show, sharing a few stories with Marcus Smith, host of "The Morning Show," as part of a storytelling segement that served as the original inspiration for "The Apple Seed." The stories featured in this episode include "Jonah- The Real Story" by the hilarious Bil Lepp, "Foolish Jack" performed by Ed Stivender, and “Fishing for the Big One” told by Donna Ingham. This episode also includes a scary story by Lyn Ford called “I Live Here, Too,” a Jewish tale by Syd Lieberman called “Challahs in the Ark,” and two stories from Liz Weir called “The Boy With Knowledge” and “The King’s Storyteller.” You can catch The Morning Show at 9am ET on BYU Radio’s Sirius XM channel (channel 143) and through BYU Radio’s live stream at www.byuradio.org/listen.
Stories and songs included in this episode:
Glenda Bonin Story 1: The Goatherder and The Wild Goats Teller: Glenda Bonin Site: www.storyworksgroup.com Notes: A parable about the importance of being kind to strangers.
Linda Gorham Story 2: Cornbread Man Teller: Linda Gorham Site: www.lindagorham.com Notes: You've heard of the gingerbread man, right? Well, get ready to hear the adventures of the cornbread man!
Bill Harley Story 3: Staying Up (Nothing Happened) Teller: Bill Harley Site: www.billharley.com Notes: A young boy wonders what goes on in his house after he falls asleep at night.
Barbara Schutzgruber Story 4: The Bride Teller: Barbara Schutzgruber Site: www.weavestory.com Notes: A song about the marriage of a cunning young woman and a devoted young man.
Judith Heineman Story 5: Briar Rose: The Real Story of Sleeping Beauty Teller: Judith Heineman Site: www.storytelling.org Notes: A realistically dark telling of the Grimm Brother's classic tale.
Don Edwards Song 1: Sage & Cedar/Shenandoah Teller: Don Edwards & Waddie Mitchell Site: http://www.westernjubilee.com/ Notes: A performance of "Shenandoah," a traditional American folk song, featuring original poetry read by Waddie Mitchell and orchestration provided by the Worth Symphony Orchestra.
Stories included in this episode:
Lynn Ruehlmann Story 1: Real Baby Maybe Teller: Lynn Ruehlmann Site: www.cascadingstories.com Notes: The story of Lynn's first encounter with a baby.
Dolores Hydock Story 2: First Day of School Teller:Dolores Hydock Site: www.storypower.org Notes: Dolores is reminded of her first day of school.
Glenda Bonin Story 3: A Frightful Night Teller: Glenda Bonin Site: www.storyworksgroup.com Notes: Glenda's first job involves babysitting and battling ghosts?
Norah Dooley Story 4: First Haircut Teller: Norah Dooley Site: www.norahdooley.com Notes: Norah was a curious child who wanted to look just like her older brother.
Alan Hoal Story 5: Why I Don't Fish Anymore Teller: Alan Hoal Site: www.thehoalstory.com Notes: A tall-tale from Alan's first fishing trip at nine years old.
Sam Payne and Andy Bay talk to Michael Baefsky and Steven Henegar, organizers of the 2014 Bay Area Storytelling Festival in Richmond, CA. This episode also includes Steven’s opening remarks from the festival and a great story from Reverend Robert B. Jones.
For more info on the festival, visit the Bay Area Storytelling Festival's website.
Stories included in this episode:
Barbara Schutzgruber Story 1: Woman in Grey Teller: Barbara Schutzgruber Site: www.weavestory.com Notes: A ghostly woman enters a small grocery store in search of milk for her baby.
Lynn Ruehlmann Story 2: Ceiling Blues Teller: Lynn Ruehlmann Site: www.cascadingstories.com Notes: As a child Lynn's imaginary friend, "Freddy," got her into trouble.
Dolores Hydock Story 3: Looking for His Luck Teller: Dolores Hydock Site: www.storypower.org Notes: A powerful story about having a good attitude.
Mustard's Retreat Song 1: (Wreck of) the Julie Plante Teller: Mustard's Retreat Site: www.mustardsretreat.com
Dan Keding Story 4: One Man's Trouble Teller: Dan Keding Site: www.dankeding.com Notes: A traditional folktale from Latvia about luck.
Kate Dudding Story 5: Come With Me and Be Free Teller: Kate Dudding Site: www.katedudding.com Notes: The true story of Iqbal Masih, a twelve-year old factory worker who became a human rights activist.
Stories included in this episode:
Joel ben Izzy Story 1: A Tale of Curses, Blessings, and Bee Stings Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: www.storypage.com Notes: A tale of wisdom, and accepting circumstances as they are.
Dolores Hydock Story 2: Occam’s Razor Teller: Dolores Hydock Site: www.storypower.org Notes: Dolores realizes how blessed she after her mother is diagnosed with cancer.
Susi Wolf Story 3: The Curious Sparrow Teller: Susi Wolf Site: www.wolfsongcreative.com Notes: A curious sparrow longs to experience winter.
Susi Wolf Story 4: Shaboom and the Gangbangers Teller: Susi Wolf Site: www.wolfsongcreative.com Notes: Susi's fun and caring nature lands her in the back alleys of downtown Houston, TX.
Donna Washington Story 5: The Blanket and the Bowl Teller: Donna Washington Site: www.donnawashington.com Notes: The wisdom of a young woman ends a family's cycle of abuse.
Glenda Bonin Story 6: Matchmaking Goat Teller: Glenda Bonin Site: www.storyworksgroup.com Notes: A young man meets the love of his life with the help of his pet goat.
Kevin Kling Story 7: Accident Teller: Kevin Kling Site: www.kevinkling.com Notes: Kevin talks about finding hope after a serious motorcycle accident.
Will Odysseus ever make it back to Ithaca? Find out in this thrilling final chapter of Homer's “The Odyssey” retold by master storyteller Odds Bodkin.
To find more of Odds’ work visit his website – www.oddsbodkin.net.
In part three of our series, Odysseus bested Circe's magic and rescued his men. Before he departs, however, Circe gives him a dire warning: he must be willing to cross monsters, the dreaded sirens, and death itself before he can return home. Join us now for part four of Odds Bodkin’s epic five-part performance of Homer’s “The Odyssey,” and find the conclusion here.
In this episode: Odysseus may have escaped from the cave of the fearsome Cyclops, but storms, cannibals and the enchantress Circe are waiting in the wings, prepared to stop our hero from returning home to Ithaca. Find more Odds Bodkin, Odysseus, and “The Odyssey” here.
In this episode: Odysseus and his men are trapped in the cave of the terrifying Cyclops, Polyphemus. Will our brave hero best the Cyclops and make it home to Ithaca? Follow Odysseus’s journey in this installment of Homer’s “The Odyssey,” retold by master storyteller Odds Bodkin, and check out the next chapter here.
Listen as Odysseus meets the Cyclops Polyphemus, the witch Circe and the deadly Sirens in this episode featuring one of the greatest epic stories of all time: Homer’s “The Odyssey.” For thousands of years, the exploits of Odysseus were told by the best bards and storytellers across the land. We think it’s appropriate, then, that this version of “The Odyssey” was written and performed by a modern Orpheus: the fantastically gifted Odds Bodkin. So tune in, and make sure to check out part II here.
To find more of Odds’ work visit his website – www.oddsbodkin.net.
Stories included in this episode:
Bruce Walker Story 1: Calamitous Christmas Teller: Bruce Walker Site: www.brucestoryteller.com Notes: A traditional Christmas story full of distant relatives, moonshine, and prison sentences.
Jane Stenson Story 2: One Christmas Teller: Jane Stenson Site: www.janestenson.com Notes: Jane’s memories of a Christmas that was almost wrecked by a blizzard.
Donald Davis Story 3: The Red Coat Teller: Donald Davis Site: www.ddavisstoryteller.com Notes: Donald's uncle plays a prank on the family and nearly ruins Donald's Christmas in the process.
Jess Smith Story 4: Tullimet Teller: Jess Smith Site: www.jesssmith.co.uk Notes: A poem about the excitement of Christmas Eve and the wonder of Santa Claus.
Odds Bodkin Story 5: The Christmas Spiders Teller: Odds Bodkin Site: www.oddsbodkin.net Notes: A European folktale about the Spirit of Christmas.
Odds Bodkin Story 6: The Takeover Before Christmas Teller: Odds Bodkin Site: www.oddsbodkin.net Notes: A carol about a corporate plot to takeover Christmas.
Stories and songs included in this episode:
Lyn Ford Story 1: Moon Cookies, Martin & Me Teller: Lyn Ford Site: www.storytellerlynford.com Notes: A story about the power of words and actions.
David Holt Song 1: Bound to Ride Teller: David Holt Site: www.davidholt.com Notes: David’s version of the classic bluegrass tune.
Judy Lubin Story 2: Lu Helps a Dragon Teller: Judy Lubin Site: www.storytellermagic.com Notes: A young man fears disappointing his family, so instead of going home he heads out on an adventure to find the great dragon king.
Dolores Hydock Story 3: Different Versions Teller: Dolores Hydock Site: www.storypower.org Notes: A story about a mother who is prone to exaggeration.
Glenda Bonin Story 4: Cold Feet Teller: Glenda Bonin Site: www.storyworksgroup.com Notes: A man plays a ghostly prank on his unsuspecting hosts.
Mustard's Retreat Story 5: Jake and Ten Ton Molly Teller: Mustard's Retreat Site: www.mustardsretreat.com Notes: A hilarious poem about taking a tank for a joy ride.
Stories included in this episode:
Bonnie Greenberg Story 1: The Wonder Child Teller: Bonnie Greenberg Site: www.bonniegreenberg.net Notes: A couple wishes for a baby on the eve of Shavuot, and the child they are blessed with is beautiful, talented and cursed.
Richard and Judy Dockery Young Story 2:The Golem Teller: Richard and Judy Dockery Young Site: www.yawp.com Notes: A tale about wisdom, and a monster made of clay.
Laura Pershin Raynor Story 3: Cholent Teller: Laura Pershin Raynor Site: www.lpraynor.com Notes: The history of a traditional Jewish dish Laura remembers from her childhood.
Jordan Hill Story 4: The Magic Mirror of Rabbi Adam Teller: Jordan Hill Site: www.jordanhillstoryteller.wordpress.com Notes: A man is cursed by a sorcerer and saved by a mystical rabbi.
This episode includes audio from The 2014 Bay Area Storytelling Festival held at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, CA. In this episode you’ll find Sam Payne’s interview with storyteller and musician Reverend Robert B. Jones, Sr., a live performance by Japanese storyteller Motoko, and an interview with festival organizer Linda Yemoto.
For more info on the Bay Area Storytelling Festival check out their website - http://www.bayareastorytelling.org/
Andy Bay and Sam Payne traveled to the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, CA were they met with a few of the 2014 Bay Area Storytelling Festival’s featured tellers: Ed Stivender and Carol Birch! This episode includes Ed’s live performance of “The Giant Who Was More Than a Match,” a harmonica performance from Berkeley musician Ed Silberman, live poetry from Ivori Holson, a member of the Bay Area Slam Team, and a portion of our interview with Carol.
For more info on the Bay Area Storytelling Festival check out their website.
On July 4th, 1939, baseball star Lou Gehrig delivered a retirement speech that is now considered “one of the most touching scenes ever witnessed on a ball field.”
Gehrig had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) earlier that year, bringing his record-setting career as a first baseman for the New York Yankees to a halt. On that day in 1939 Gehrig delivered a farewell address that set the standard for sportsmanship, and to honor the 75th anniversary of Lou’s “Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth” address, this episode features his life-story as told by nationally recognized storyteller Carol Burch.
Find more of Carol's work's on her web site.
photo © www.kevincordi.com
This episode of The Apple Seed features the stories of Kevin Cordi, who in addition to telling stories around the world, also teaches storytelling and self-confidence to children at schools from Ohio to Qatar. This episode also includes our interview with Kevin in which he and Sam Payne discuss the details of his storytelling and teaching initiatives.
To find more of Kevin's work visit his website: www.kevincordi.com.
Apple Seed producer Andy Bay and host Sam Payne traveled to the 2014 Bay Area Storytelling Festival in Richmond, CA were they talked to the festival’s organizers and featured tellers. This episode includes stories and songs from Rev. Robert B. Jones, an interview with the festival’s artistic director Mary Gay Duecy, and a live performance from Japanese storytelling Motoko.
For more info on the Bay Area Storytelling Festival check out their website - www.bayareastorytelling.org
Interviews included in this episode:
The Apple Seed Interview 1: Nephi Henry Notes:Sam Bennion talks to Nephi about living in Brazil during the 2014 World Cup, the tension between fans, and their feelings about commonality through sports.
Luke Mulholland Interview 2: Luke Mulholland Site: www.realsaltlake.com Notes:Real Salt Lake midfielder Luke Mulholland talks to Sam about how he got his start as a soccer player, nerves on the field, the popularity of soccer in his home country of England.
The Apple Seed Interview 3: BYU Broadcasting International Staff Site: www.byutvint.org Notes: Helga Pereira and Abraao Vilas Boas, student producers for BYU TV International, discuss their World Cup memories and traditions, and their excitement for this year's games.
The Apple Seed Interview 4: Andy Williams Notes: Andy Williams, a Jamaican footballer who played for the Jamaican national team during World Cup 98', talks to Sam Bennion about highlights from his soccer career.
Sam Payne interviews Tim Lowry, a master teller who is best known for mixing stories of American history and folklore with his personal tales of growing up in The South. In the interview Sam and Tim discuss storytelling in the American South, Tim's love of travel, and some of the surprises that come from telling stories for a living. Along with the interview this episode also includes Tim's stories "Disney World," "A Drop of Honey" and "Black and Yellow."
photo © Lucas Foglia & storyarts.org
To find more of Tim's work visit his website: www.storytellertimlowry.com.
Sam Payne talks to Odds Bodkin, a master storyteller who is renowned for his unique renditions of epic tales. Whether it's a rock version of "The Three Little Pigs" or an original story told with a variety of voices, Odd's performances are engaging, exciting and inventive. In the interview Sam and Odds discuss adapting Greek epics like "The Odyssey" for a modern audience, storytelling in the home, and Odd’s work as an author.
via www.oddsbodkin.net
To find more of Odd's work visit his website: www.oddsbodkin.net.
This episode includes an interview with storyteller Laura Simms. Sam Payne and Laura discuss storytelling and humanitarian work, Laura's unique storytelling style, and why music and stories work well together. This episode also features Laura's stories "True Prayer," "She-Goat" and "The Black Prince."
photo © Lucas Foglia & storyarts.org
For more information on Laura and to find her recordings and writings visit her website: www.laurasimms.com.
photo © www.ocallahan.com
Jay O'Callahan's repertoire includes compelling stories for young and old alike that draw from his own life, the lives of others, and from parts around the world. A prolific teller, artist, and writer, Jay's stories have brought him and his characters around the world. Today, Jay joins Sam Payne for a conversation about the craft of storytelling, and we feature the stories "Father Joe", "Books and Burglars" and "Report Card."
To find more of Jay O' Callahan's work and to learn more about him, visit his website here: www.ocallahan.com.
In honor of Father's Day, we've got endearing stories about dads. In this episode, you'll hear anecdotes from members of the Apple Seed family about fathers and fatherhood. Our host Sam Payne shares stories and songs of his father and his own role as father, and Bob Reiser tells us a great tale about his sly dad's favorite midnight snack.
Stories included in this episode:
Poem: "The Rivals" Teller: Mitch Capel Website: www.gjbug.com Notes: Mitch Capel shares a story and recites a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar.
Story: Moses of the Mountains Teller: Adam Booth Website: www.adam-booth.com Notes: A contemporary twist on a Biblical journey.
Story: The Girl Who Wanted to Know How to Shiver Teller: Ruth Halpern Website: www.ruthstory.com Notes: A curious girl wants to know how to shiver.
Story: Lula and Telal Teller:Bob Reiser Website: www.bobtales.com Notes: The cost of love is simultaneously much less and much more than you think.
Susanna "Granny Sue" Holstein is one of our many favorite tellers from the Applachian Mountains. Although her focus is on Appalachian culture, her repertoire includes songs and ballads, world folktales, family stories, and audience interactive pieces. Granny Sue is also an active blogger, a published writer, event speaker, and has conducted many workshops. In this episode, you will hear an interview with the wonderful Granny Sue and the stories & ballads "Pretty Polly", "Gracie's Cabin", "Burnt House", "Railroad Boy."
To find more of Granny Sue's work and to learn more about her, visit the West Virginia Storytelling Guild website storytellervw.com and read her blog at grannysu.blogspot.com.
Stories included in this episode:
Donna Ingham Story 1: Bigger Enough Teller: Donna Ingham Site: donnaingham.com Notes: Texas teller, Donna Ingham, tells us about her fiery daughter-in-law.
David Holt Story 2: The Magic Lake Teller: David Holt Site: www.davidholt.com Notes: A Native American ghost story.
Barry Stewart Mann Story 3: The King of Cool Teller: Barry Stewart Mann Site: www.barrystewartmann.com Notes: This king is just too cool.
Slash Coleman Story 4: The Acquisition of Skipper Teller: Slash Coleman Site: www.slashcoleman.com Notes: An unconventional nautical business venture.
Rivka Willick Story 5: Ghosts of the Living Teller: Rivka Willick Site: njstorynet.org/rivka-willick Notes: Not all ghosts are dead.
Kevin Cordi Story 6: Gasoline Cat Teller: Kevin Cordi Site: www.kevincordi.com Notes: A mean, ol' tabby cat loves to get in trouble.
Kate Corkery Story 7: The Tailor and the Hare Woman Teller: Kate Corkery Site: www.spudandyam.co.uk Notes: The first of May is a very special and mysterious day.
Donna Ingham Story 8: Lost in Cyberspace Teller: Donna Ingham Site: donnaingham.com Notes: C.Y. and his sweet young thing of a wife guide Donna through cyberspace.
Today's episode is dedicated to the beautiful and mysterious seal-people of Scottish and Irish legend.
Stories included in this episode:
Sheila Starks Philips Story 1: The Seal Maiden Teller: Sheila Starks Philips Site: www.sheilaphillips.com Notes: A handsome young fisherman longs to marry a beautiful woman...
Jenni Cargill-Strong Story 2: Fisherman's Baby Teller: Jenni Cargill-Strong Site: www.storytree.com Notes: In a small fishing village, on a small island, there was a young couple with a beautiful baby.
Mary Gavan Story 3: Aioleen Teller: Mary Gavan Site: www.marycelticstory.ca Notes: Aioleen seeks out the senior spirit of the glens.
Paddy Tutty Song: Island Spinning Song Teller: Paddy Tutty Site: www.prairiedruid.net Notes: A traditional song.
Jess Smith Story 4: The Kelpie Teller: Jess Smith Site: www.jesssmith.co.uk Notes: Unlike the benevolent selkie, this Scottish water horse creature is traditionally more sinister.
Brian Fox Ellis Story 5: In the Realm of the Seal King Teller: Brian Fox Ellis Site: foxtalesint.com Notes: The tale of a man who changed his ways, and the brave daughter who loved him.
Stories included in this episode:
Megan Hicks Story 1: The Shoemaker and the Elves Teller: Megan Hicks Site: http://www.meganhicks.com/ Notes: A cobbler show's his gratitude to the mysterious creatures that finish his work each night.
Priscilla Howe Story 2: The Small-Tooth Dog Teller: Priscilla Howe Site: http://www.priscillahowe.com/ Notes: The lesser-known English version of the classic "Beauty and the Beast" story.
Richard Martin Story 3: The Well of the World's End Teller: Richard Martin Site: http://www.tellatale.eu/ Notes: An authentic fairy tale from the Scottish Lowlands about a young girl and a mysterious frog.
Ed Stivender Story 4: The Princess and the Frog Teller: Ed Stivender Site: http://edstivender.com/ Notes: This retelling of the "Princess and the Frog" fairy tale will leave you in stitches, and it just goes to show that Ed Stivender is the master when it comes to retooling classic fairy tales for a modern audience.
Donna Washington Story 5: Vassalissa and the Babba Yagga Teller: Donna Washington Site: http://www.donnawashington.com/ Notes: A Russian fairy tale about a brave girl's journey from subservience to strength and independence.
Today, we're hearing from our audio engineer, Sam Thomson. Sam has contributed to all of our episodes in a behind-the-scenes fashion, and we're delighted to have him on the other side of the microphone. He's picked stories by some of our favorite tellers and then shares some of his own.
Stories included in this episode:
Willy Claflin Story 1: Ugly Music Teller: Willy Claflin Site: www.willyclaflin.com Notes: Sam T is a mutli-talented artist in all things media, and loves this story for its treatment of music.
Ed Stivender Story 2: Cinderella Teller: Ed Stivender Site: edstivender.com Notes: Ed Stivender is a funny and engaging storytelling veteran, and this story was one of the first that Sam Thomson heard while working with the Apple Seed.
Andy Offut Irwin Story 3: Chief Know-Em-All Teller: Andy Offutt Irwin Site: andyirwin.com Notes: A story about road trips with that'll take you for a hilarious ride.
Diane Ferlatte Story 4: Brer Rabbit's Dance Teller: Diane Ferlatte Site: www.dianeferlatte.com Notes: Sam Thomson is a filmmaker and can visualize just about any narrative you throw him. Sam T assures us that you can see Brer Rabbit just hoppin' down the road in this story told by Diane Ferlatte.
Sam Payne interviews storm chaser Warren Faidley and Mariah Smith Healey, a resident of Moorhead, MN during the flooding of the Red River back in 2009. To check out Warren's incredible photos and videos visit his website - http://www.stormchaser.com/.
Stories and interviews included in this episode:
Dale Bascom Interview 1: Dale Bascom Notes: Dale Bascom is a Utah treasure hunter and the author of "Following the Legends - A GPS Guide to Utah's Lost Mines and Hidden Treasures."
Heather Forest Story 1: The Golden Touch Teller: Heather Forest Site: www.heatherforest.com Notes: Heath Forest gives us a retelling of the classic story of King Midas.
Donald Davis Interview 2: Paul Ramsey Notes: Paul Ramsey got his start right here studying at Brigham Young University. Paul has worked as a geologist dealing with precious metals and gold, and an engineering geologist. Mr. Ramsey currently teaches at an early college high school in Salt Lake City.
Donna Washington
This episode is entirely dedicated to the work of Donna Washington. As a child Donna traveled all over the world with her parents, and her appreciation for different cultures and people make her a dynamic teller of folktales and tall tales. This episode includes Sam Payne's interview with Donna, and her stories "The West Indies," "Brer Possum and the Snake" and "Isaac and the Glum Drum Bridge."
For more information on Donna and to find her books and CDs visit her website: http://www.donnawashington.com/.
Sam Payne interviews people whose lives were affected by the EF-5 tornado that tore through Moore, Oklahoma on May 20, 2013.
This episode of The Apple Seed includes stories by and an interview with Donna Ingham. Donna give's her tellings a sassy Texas twist, and one of our favorite things about Donna is her ability to take tall tales to new heights. She currently holds the titles of Biggest Liar in Austin, Texas (for the seventh time), and Biggest Liar in Texas (for the third time). This episode includes an interview with Donna, and her stories "Fishing for the Big One" and "Pecos Bill." For more information on Donna and to find more of her stories visit her website: http://www.donnaingham.com/.
Stories included in this episode:
The Apple Seed Story 1: The Caller on Line One Teller: Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater Site: www.ccrmt.com Notes: Tanya Macklin is the host of “Talk Line,” the weekly, advice-on-the-air radio program. Tonight, however, the problems of her listeners are about to take a back seat to one of her own…a problem so large, it will transform her normally sane world into a nightmarish world of terror.
Regi Carpenter Story 2: Hidden Treasure Teller: Regi Carpenter Site: www.soaringstories.com Notes: The story of a dream that feels all too real.
Syd Lieberman Story 3: An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge Teller: Syd Lieberman Site: www.sydlieberman.com Notes: A man stands on a bridge waiting to be hanged. What’s going through his mind?
Stories and interviews included in this episode:
Kirk Waller Story 1: Uncle Cleo Teller: Kirk Waller Site: www.kirkwaller.com Notes: A story about the origin of common sense.
Susi Wolf Story 2: "Lotus on the Roof" and "Old Man and the Drum" Teller: Susi Wolf Site: http://www.wolfsongcreative.com/ Notes: A couple tales of Sufi and Hindu wisdom.
Barry Stewart Mann Story 3: Captain Cauliflower Teller: Barry Stewart Mann Site: http://www.barrystewartmann.com/ Notes: A pirate ship made of junk food takes a beating from Captain Cauliflower and his band of veggie vagrants.
Robin Bady Interview 1: Robin Bady Site: http://www.robinbady.com/ Notes: Brooklyn storyteller Robin Bady discusses her heritage and her performance style with Sam Payne.
Madeline Pots Story 4: The Snow Queen Teller: Madeline Pots Site: http://www.madelinelpots.com/ Notes: As a child Madeline auditioned for the part of the Snow Queen, and classroom politics get in the way of her dreams.
Stories included in this episode:
Richard Martin Story 1: Jack Goes Hunting Teller : Richard Martin Site: http://www.tellatale.eu/ Notes: Jack attempts to impress his wife and incurs some bodily harm in the process.
Ed Stivender Story 2: Foolish Jack Teller: Ed Stivender Site: http://edstivender.com/ Notes: A story about how Jack's foolishness won him half of the kingdom.
Octavia Sexton Story 3: Jack and the Cat Girl Teller: Octavia Sexton Site: http://www.octaviasexton.com/ Notes: Jack's life is changed forever when he breaks a witch's curse.
Stories included in this episode:
Leeny Del Seamonds Story 1: Jersey Devil Teller: Leeny Del Seamonds Site: www.leenydelseamonds.com Notes: Leeny retells the almost 200 year old legend of the Jersey Devil, a monster that is said to haunt the forests of Southern New Jersey.
Brian Story 2: River Ghosts Teller: Brian "Fox" Ellis Site: www.foxtalesint.com Notes: The story of the ghosts that haunt Spoon River.
Lyn Ford Story 3: I Live Here, Too Teller: Lyn Ford Site: www.storytellerlynford.com Notes: A young couple refurbishes an old, rundown house, much to the previous owner's chagrin.
Donna Washington Story 4: A Big Spooky House Teller: Donna Washington Site: www.donnawashington.com Notes: A big, strong man prefers to fight his own battles and his stubborn attitude gets him into trouble.
David Holt Story 5: The Titanic and the Mummy's Curse Teller: David Holt Site: www.davidholt.com Notes: The wealthy Astor family had no idea they would be sailing with a cursed mummy when they purchased their tickets to sail on the famous “unsinkable ship.”
Host Sam Payne and producer Elizabeth Elieson uncover the story of Forrest Fenn, a millionaire who's legacy includes burring a 14th century bronze treasure chest somewhere in the western United States. To learn more about Forrest's life and treasure Sam Payne interviews Dal Neitzel, a treasure hunter whose website, http://dalneitzel.com/, is dedicated to Forrest’s treasure and chronicling the adventures being undertaken to find it. This episode also includes comments from geologist Paul Ramsey regarding the location of the treasure and a poem that is said to contain clues regarding the treasure’s whereabouts.
Stories included in this episode:
The Apple Seed Story 1: Boys' Band Teller: Makia Malo Notes: Makia share's a story from his time in the Hawaiian village of Kalaupapa, a leper colony.
Bil Lepp Story 2: Making it Mine Teller: Bil Lepp Site: http://leppstorytelling.com/ Notes: When he was five years-old Bil learned how to mark his territory the traditional way.
David Holt Story 3: Titanic Premonition Teller: David Holt Site: http://www.davidholt.com/ Notes: A woman is reluctant to board the famous "unsinkable ship."
Liz Weir Story 4: The Pedlar of Ballaghaderreen Teller: Liz Weir Site: http://www.lizweir.net/ Notes: A peddler inspires a town to be kind to one another.
Jenni Cargill-Strong Story 5: The Difference Between Heaven and Hell Teller:Jenni Cargill-Strong Site: http://www.storytree.com.au/ Notes: A women is shown both heaven and hell, and what she learns surprises her.
Bill Harley Story 6: Why I Bought a Sailboat Teller: Bill Harley Site: http://www.billharley.com/ Notes: Bill Harley put it best when he said, "the things that we need to do to live, not just survive, might not be rational."
Stories included in this episode:
Alton Chung Story 1: Punia and Kaialeale Teller: Alton Chung Site: http://www.altonchung.com/ Notes: The story of a young boy who defeats the deadliest shark in the bay.
Richard and Judy Dockery Young Story 2: Spirit of Fire Teller: Richard and Judy Dockery Young Site: http://www.yawp.com/ Notes: The legend of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire.
Jeff Gere Story 3: Panui Stone Teller: Jeff Gere Site: http://www.jeffgere.com/ Notes: A mystical shape-shifting stone prevents a murder.
Willy Claflin Story 4: Ka-ulu the Strong Teller: Willy Claflin Site: http://www.willyclaflin.com/ Notes: A story about brothers and responsibility.
The Apple Seed Story 5: Mo’o Tales Teller: Lopaka Kapanui Site: http://www.jeffgere.com/talk-story-festival Notes: Lopaka shares his experiences with the mysterious Mo'o spirits of Hawaii. These stories were recorded for Hawaii's Talk Story Festival.
This episode of The Apple Seed is all about storyteller Willy Claflin! Willy often tells stories with the help of his antlered accomplice, Maynard Moose. This hilarious duo have entertained audiences all over the United States, and we're excited to be bringing you an interview with Willy and an hour of their stories.
photo © Lucas Foglia & storyarts.org
For more Willy and Maynard visit their website: http://www.willyclaflin.com/.
Stories included in this episode:
Brian Story 1: The Ghost with Red Hair Teller: Brian "Fox" Ellis Site: http://www.foxtalesint.com/ Notes: A shop owner is visited by a strange woman looking for milk for her baby. When she won't speak and is unable to pay, the shop owner begins to suspect that she's more than just a mother in need.
Megan Hicks Story 2: The Shoemaker and the Elves Teller: Megan Hicks Site: http://www.meganhicks.com/ Notes: An unsuccessful shoemaker is given a little supernatural help.
Jenni Cargill-Strong Story 3: The Luckless One Teller: Jenni Cargill-Strong Site: http://www.storytree.com.au/ Notes: A luckless man seeks happiness by soliciting the advice of the old man at the end of the world.
David Holt Story 4: "Trouble" or How the Alligator Got Its Hide Teller: David Holt & Bill Mooney Site: https://www.davidholt.com/ Notes: Rabbit tricks a group of gators into checking out some "big trouble."
Syd Lieberman Story 5: The Grass is Always Greener Teller: Syd Lieberman Site: http://www.sydlieberman.com/ Notes: Syd talks about his experience serving with the Peace Corps in 1969.
Christopher Leebrick Story 6: Old One Eye Teller: Christopher Leebrick Site: http://www.allgoodstories.com/ Notes: A couple of rogues attempt to rob a little old lady with mixed results.
Milbre Burch is an incredibly talented storyteller, Grammy Award nominee, actor, playwright and scholar. Her storytelling style is vivid and exciting, and she is known for her ability to transport her audiences into the world of her stories. In this episode you'll hear a conversation between Milbre and Sam Payne along with her stories "Little Burnt Face," "Loyal Tiger Son," and "Billy Beg and His Bull."
Milbre Burch via kindcrone.com
For more information on Milbre and to find her CDs visit her website: http://www.kindcrone.com/.
This episode focuses on the work of Jeff Gere, a talented painter, puppeteer, mime, teacher, and director whose wild performance style has electrified audiences of every age throughout Hawaii for two decades. During their conversation Sam and Jeff discuss collecting stories about contemporary Hawaiian living, organizing the "Talk Story" storytelling festival, and Jeff's many adventures around the world.
photo © Lucas Foglia & storyarts.org
To find more of Jeff's work visit his website: http://www.jeffgere.com/.
Every now and then, we are delighted to host live storytelling events in the studio. We invited the "Introduction to Folklore" class from the Brigham Young University English Department into Studio 6 to share stories of pranks they've taken part in or have fallen prey to. We'll hear some great stories from the class, as well as conversation from the Apple Seed Team and some other folks at BYU Radio.
This episode features audio from our most recent live recording in Studio 6. For this event Dr. Jill Rudy of the BYU English Department brought in a group of her folklore students to share personal stories about the weirdest things they've done. The night included hilarious stories about awkward dates, "frenemies", middle school and so much more, so check it out!
2014 Intro to Folklore Class
Pictured above: The Brigham Young University "Intro to Folklore" class with Sam Payne, the host of The Apple Seed.
This episode of The Apple Seed includes an interview with Alton Chung. As a native Hawaiian with Japanese and Korean roots, Alton is able to tap into the fire of the Hawaiian legends, and he tells traditional stories from Asian with an inspiring sense of reverence and respect. Alton also just finished serving as the chair of the National Storytelling Network's board of directors, an organization we appreciate and admire. This episode also includes Alton's stories "How Pele Came to Hawaii," "Mujina" and "The Holua Sled Race."
Alton Chung
For more information and to find more of Alton's work you can visit his website: http://www.altonchung.com/.
Stories included in this episode:
Granny Su Holstein Story 1: Granny Su Holstein Site: http://grannysu.blogspot.com/ Notes: Granny starts her performance by singing the balled "Pretty Polly," and in her story a young girl meets an old woman who promises to teach her all the secrets of the forest.
Steffani Raff Story 2: Steffani Raff Site: http://piratesandpajamas.com/ Notes: Steffani performance included two different stories. The first was about playing "beauty salon" as a child, and finding that her grandfather was her only willing client, while the second was about her son's experience at a scout camp.
Lynn Ruehlmann Story 3: Lynn Ruehlmann Site: http://www.cascadingstories.com/ Notes: Lynn ties together the story of her first time in a cop car, the story of Icarus and Daedalus, and the story of her son's first parking ticket.
Andy Offut Irwin Story 4: Andy Offut Irwin Site: http://andyirwin.com/ Notes: On of Andy's classic stories about his Aunt Marguerite, an 80-somthing-year old widow and recovering racist.
Stories included in this episode:
Robin Bady Story 1: Robin Bady Site: http://www.robinbady.com/ Notes: Robin looks for balance in a classroom of Latino and Chinese students who don't get along.
Donna Ingham Story 2: Donna Ingham Site: http://www.donnaingham.com/ Notes: Donna shares stories about her mother, a fun-loving woman with a big heart and a love of beauty products.
Regina Carpenter Story 3: Regina Carpenter Site: http://www.soaringstories.com/ Notes: Regi recognizes that, to be an artist living in the slums of New York, she must learn self-defense to stay safe.
Sherry Norfolk Story 4: Sherry Norfolk Site: http://www.sherrynorfolk.com/ Notes: Sherry shares the story of a samurai who grows tired of his perfect wife.
Stories included in this episode:
Milbre Burch Story 1: Tia Astucia Teller: Milbre Burch Site: http://www.kindcrone.com/? Notes: An old woman traps all the evil in the world in a glass bottle, and a young man makes a deal with the devil to win the hand of a princess.
Ed Stivender Story 2: Hamlet Teller: Ed Stivender Site: http://edstivender.com/ Notes: A New Yorker's take on Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Priscilla Howe Story 3: Portraits Teller: Priscilla Howe Site: http://www.priscillahowe.com/ Notes: A portrait that hung in Priscilla's childhood home once spoke to her.
Madeline Pots Story 4: Boating With Charlie Teller: Madeline Pots Site: http://www.madelinelpots.com/ Notes: Madeline and her older brother Charlie attempt to drive their family's boat.
Brian Story 5: Ossein and the Isle of Tier Na Nog Teller: Brian "Fox" Ellis Site: http://foxtalesint.com/ Notes: Ossein, a handsome young man, marries a fairy princess and travels to the land of eternal youth. He insists on returning to Ireland though, and when he makes it back he finds that almost 300 years have passed.
This episode features Kevin Kling's keynote address from the 2014 Timpanogos Storytelling Conference. Kevin is an acclaimed storyteller from Minnesota whose work has been featured on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered and storytelling stage shows like Tales from the Charred Underbelly of the Yule Log. Kevin was just one of the many talented storytellers who presented at the 2014 Timpanogos Storytelling Conference and his brilliant keynote address about healing through storytelling brought many of the conference attendees to their feet in applause.
photo © Lucas Foglia & storyarts.org
For tickets and more information on the Timpanogos Storytelling Conference click here. For more Kevin Kling visit his website - http://www.kevinkling.com/.
This episode of The Apple Seed is dedicated to Noa Baum. Born in Jerusalem, Noa offers a a unique approach to storytelling in communities and organizations. Since 1982, she has inspired and educated audiences of all ages with her performances. This episode includes an interview with Noa, and a selection of her recorded stories.
photo © Lucas Foglia & storyarts.org
For more information and to find more of Noa's material you can visit her website: http://www.noabaum.com/.
Stories included in this episode:
Jenni Cargill Strong Story 1: The Legend of the First Strawberry Teller: Jenni Cargill-Strong Site: http://www.storytree.com.au/ Notes: A Cherokee legend about the first man and woman.
Kim Weitkamp Story 2: Love on the First Floor Teller: Kim Weitkamp Site: http://www.kimweitkamp.com/ Notes: A story about the many different textures of love.
David Vanadia Story 3: The Hunting Story Teller: David Vanadia Site: http://www.vanadia.com/ Notes: A boy has mixed emotions about hunting until his father forces him to go.
Ed Stivender Story 4: The Man in the Moon in Love Teller: Ed Stivender Site: http://edstivender.com/ Notes: The man in the moon spies a lonely woman that he'd really love to meet.
Heather Forest Story 5: The Sealskin Teller: Heather Forest Site: http://www.heatherforest.com/ Notes: An Icelandic folktale about a fisherman and the beautiful woman he finds on the shore.
Joel ben Izzy Story 6: The Orange Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: http://storypage.com/ Notes: A Holocaust victim describes the true beauty of a piece of fruit to Joel.
David Holt
David Holt is a Grammy Award winning storyteller and musician who has worked to preserve traditional folk music and stories for over three decades. In their interview Sam Payne talked to David about his storied career, artists who have inspired him, and his choice to perform in schools rather than bars. David's stories "Good News in the Cotton Field," "Burma Shave," "Gooteekhl" and "The Whirlwind" are included in this episode along with his songs "Johnson Boys," "The Titanic" and "The Train That Carried My Girl From Town."
For more of David's stories visit his website: www.davidholt.com/.
Stories and interviews included in this episode:
Christopher Leebrick Story 1: Big Lake Sasquatch Teller: Christopher Leebrick Site: www.allgoodstories.com Notes: A young Chris Leebrick swears he and another scout saw Sasquatch one night.
Cliff Barackman Interview 1: Cliff Barackman Site: www.cliffbarackman.com Notes: Sam Payne spoke with Cliff, the host of Animal Planet's hit TV series Finding Bigfoot, about some of the research surrounding Sasquatch lore.
Mitch Waite Interview 2: Mitch Waite Site: www.mogollonmonster.com Notes: Mitch talks to Sam Payne about being changed from a Bigfoot sceptic to a believer.
The Apple Seed Story 2: Squatchin' Site: www.byuradio.org/appleseed Notes: This episode features audio from The Apple Seed team's adventure in Provo Canyon, an area that is notorious for Bigfoot sightings. Our studio sits in the valley below Provo Canyon where there have been many alleged Bigfoot sightings. We sent The Apple Seed team up the windy canyon to do some squatchin' and this episode features audio from their adventure.
Stories and interviews included in this episode:
Andy Offutt Irwin Introduction: NYSS Torch Bearer Ceremony Teller: Andy Offutt Irwin Site: http://andyirwin.com/ Notes: Along with hosting workshops and performing, Andy Offutt Irwin acted as the master of ceremonies for the Youth Storytelling Showcase at the Timpanogos Storytelling Conference in Provo, UT. You'll hear him introducing the youth tellers throughout the episode.
Sumi Rajalaxmi Srikanth Story 1: The Tiger, The Brahman, and the Jackal Teller: Sumi Rajalaxmi Srikanth Notes: A Brahman will become a tiger's dinner if he can't prove that kindness should never be repaid with cruelty.
Noah Huges Story 2: "What it Was, Was Football" by Andy Griffith Teller: Noah Huges Notes: A man becomes confused when he stumbles upon an unusually competitive event.
The Apple Seed Story 3: The Mysterious Disappearance of Humpty Stevenson Dumpty Tellers: Jacqueline Rose Davis & Madelyn McCrary Notes: A fractured fairytale told in tandem.
The Apple Seed Story 4: The Power of the Baby Elephant's Nose Teller: Marianne Liu Notes: A baby elephant terrorizes the other animals in a forest. Can his friends teach him how to be kind?
McKinley Gardner Story 5: Summertime Trouble Teller: McKinley Gardner Notes: McKinley and her little sister get into trouble after sneaking into an abandoned house.
Caleb Walker Story 6: Pink Frosted Cookies Teller: Caleb Walker Notes: Caleb shares his thoughts on entering middle school and some of the valuable lessons he's learned there.
Caleb Walker Interview 1: Caleb Walker, 2014 NYSS Torch Bearer Notes: Caleb talks to Sam Payne about his experience at the Tim
Stories and interviews included in this episode:
Kevin Kling Story 1: The Ballad of Run Huber Teller: Kevin Kling Site: http://www.kevinkling.com/ Notes: A battle between two giants: Ron Huber, a fisherman with dreams of a big catch, and Thor, a fish with a wild reputation.
Bil Lepp Story 2: There Stands a Bridge Teller: Bil Lepp Site: http://leppstorytelling.com/ Notes: Bil Lepp, a tall tale master and winner five time winner of the West Virginia Liar's Contest, attempts to fish for his missing tire with mixed results.
Jeremy Wade Interview 1: Jeremy Wade, Host of Animal Planet's hit show River Monsters Site: http://www.animalplanet.com/ Notes: Jeremy Wade has caught bigger and more dangerous fish than just about anybody. Sam Payne spoke with him about some memorable experiences he’s had on the rivers of the world, catching terrifying and monstrous creatures.
Kevin Kling Story 3: Wonderlure Teller: Kevin Kling Site: http://www.kevinkling.com/ Notes: Kevin's description of the best fishing lure in the world.
Jill Lamède Story 4: The Blue Fish Teller: Jill Lamède Site: http://www.lamede.com/ Notes: A variation on a folk tale that recounts one of the luckiest catches of all time.
Stories included in this episode:
Mitch Capel Story 1: The Spelling Bee Teller: Mitch Capel Site: www.gjbug.com Notes: Mitch Capel's telling of the classic Paul Laurence Dunbar poem.
Leeny Del Seamonds Story 2: El Desafio (The Dare) Teller: Leeny Del Seamonds Site: www.leenydelseamonds.com Notes: A story about how fear and peer-pressure make for a horrible combination.
Bob Reiser Story 3: Ishtar Teller: Bob Reiser Site: www.bobtales.com Notes: The Princess Ishtar saves humanity by calling off her wedding.
Beth Horner Story 4: The Mousedeer and the Buffalo Chip Teller: Beth Horner Site: www.bethhorner.com Notes: A mousedeer outsmarts a tiger with his quick thinking.
Bonnie Greenberg Story 5: The Wonder Child Teller: Bonnie Greenberg Site: www.bonniegreenberg.net Notes: A beautiful, talented girl becomes the envy of a queen and a prince finds his true love.
In this episode Sam Payne interviews Sheila Starks Phillips, a professional storyteller and native Texan whose tales are full of wit and wisdom. This episode also includes Sheila's stories "Amarillo Sandies/Football Champions," "Dog Outsmarts the Leopard," "Jobs I Have Had" and "The Bagpiper." For more of Sheila's stories visit her website: www.sheilaphillips.com.
photo © storytree.com.au
Michael Reno Harrell is a native of North Carolina and flavors his stories and songs with sights and sounds of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. A veteran storyteller and entertainer, Michael Reno Harrell has traveled the world with his "Appalachian grit and wit" and his storytelling in print, song and spoken word has earned him praise from many facets. We love the humor, wit, and emotional depth of Michael's stories and songs, and we hope you will, too. In this episode, you will hear an interview with Mr. Harrell as well as the stories "Southern Suggestions", "Cell Phone", "Salvation Army Shoes", "Jesus When You Get the Time."
To find more of Mark's work and to learn more about him, visit his website: www.michaelreno.com.
Stories included in this episode:
Joel ben Izzy Stories 1-2: "Be Polite" & "The Pickpocket" Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: www.storypage.com Notes: In the first story, a woman tries her teach her child manners in utero, and in the second story, a couple learns that their child is a talented thief.
Laura Pershin Raynor Story 3: The Basement Teller: Laura Pershin Raynor Site: www.lpraynor.com Notes: Laura's father plays a prank on the college students who walk past Laura's window.
Simon Brooks Story 4: The Fly Teller: Simon Brooks Site: www.diamondscree.com Notes: A dishonest creditor tries to collect his money, and his plan is thwarted by the clever son of the debtors.
Priscilla Howe Story 5: The Small-Tooth Dog Teller: Priscilla Howe Site: www.priscillahowe.com Notes: The daughter of an unlucky man is taken by a beast.
Jill Lamede Story 6: The Blue Feather Teller: Jill Lamede Site: www.lamede.com Notes: An orphan's wishes are granted by a magical feather.
Interviews included in this episode:
The Apple Seed Interview 1: Catherine Edwards Notes: Catherine is a caring, savvy English and history teacher from New York City. Sam Payne and Catherine discuss how she became interested in teaching, what being a middle school teacher is like, and how she's been able to help students through the subject she teaches.
Johanna Hancock Interview 2: Johanna Hancock Notes: The Apple Seed's producer Andy Bay interviewed Johanna, a high school teacher in the San Francisco Bay area. She shares her experience with teaching a 5th period class that was so tough to crack, it took an act of God.
The Apple Seed Interview 3: Steve Williams Notes: Steve Williams is a teacher at a K-8th charter school in Park City, UT. Steve spoke with Andy Bay about his commitment to the idea of a school as a community and some of the fears he had as a young teacher.
Sam Bennion Interview 4: Sam Bennion and the Rebecchis Notes: Sam Bennion, a student producer with The Apple Seed, reconnected with his beloved 3rd grade teachers, Margaret and Larry Rebecchis, and they swap memories from Sam's time in their classroom.
Tellers featured in this episode include Willy Claflin, Donna Washington, Simon Brooks, Christopher Leebrick, Joel ben Izzy and child teller Gwen Niven.
Kevin Kling
This episode includes Sam Payne's interview with Kevin and Kevin's recorded stories "Harvest" and "Dad's Day 04'." The episode also includes The Apple Seed's original recordings of Kevin gathered at the 2014 Timpanogos Storytelling Conference.
To find out more about Kevin visit his website - www.kevinkling.com.
Stories included in this episode:
Charlotte Blake Alston Story 1: Nyala Teller: Charlotte Blake Alston Site: www.charlotteblakealston.com Notes: A story about how our shortcomings can sometimes become our greatest strengths.
Alton Chung Story 2: Punia and Kaialeale Teller: Alton Chung Site: www.altonchung.com Notes: A boy tricks a mighty shark into abandoning his territory.
Bill Harley Story 3: The Boy Who Hide in a Peanut Teller: Bill Harley Site: www.billharley.com Notes: A folk tale from Africa about a boy who bites off more than he can chew.
Kevin Kling Story 4: Bus Strike Teller: Kevin Kling Site: www.kevinkling.com Notes: Kevin's funny and poignant memories of riding on the buses in his native Minnesota.
The Apple Seed Story 5: Johnny Appleseed Teller: Bonnie Greenberg Site: www.bonniegreenberg.net Notes: Bonnie's rendition of the traditional Johnny Appleseed tale.
In this episode Brandon Sanderson, author of the "Mistborn" fantasy series, talked to Sam Payne about authors who inspire him and his writing methods. This episode also includes an interview with McKenzie Wagner, a child author whose book "Benotripia" is gaining popularity in the world of fiction. Brandon and McKenzie also share with us excerpts from their latest publications.
This episode of The Apple Seed is all about storyteller Heather Forest! Heather has a wonderful gift for combining music and story in a way that has made her a favorite with audiences around the world. This episode includes an interview with Heather, and her stories "Drakestail," "The Cap My Mother Made For Me," "The Lute Player" and "A Farmer's Horse Ran Off."
photo © Lucas Foglia & storyarts.org
For more information on Heather and her CDs visit her website: www.heatherforest.com.
Nicknamed, "The Dean of Storytelling," Donald Davis, is a master storyteller beloved throughout the United States and around the world. In this episode of The Apple Seed, Donald joins us for an interview and we feature the stories "That's What Mamas Do" and "The Power of Stories."
To find more of Donald's work visit his website: www.ddavisstoryteller.com
Stories included in this episode:
Brian Story 1: The White Deer Teller: Brian "Fox" Ellis Site: www.foxtalesint.com Notes: A clever man is given a single wish by a mystical dear.
Leeny Del Seamonds Story 2: Señor Coyote y Señor Zorro Teller: Leeny Del Seamonds Site: www.leenydelseamonds.com Notes: Two trickster figures, Coyote and Fox, square off in the desert.
Richard Martin Story 3: Death in the Nut Teller: Richard Martin Site: www.tellatale.eu Notes: A story about life, death, and what keeps both in check.
Joseph Bruchac Story 4: Turtle's Race With Bear Teller: Joseph Bruchac Site: www.josephbruchac.com Notes: Brains go further than brawn in this traditional tale about a forest footrace.
Motoko Story 5: The Death Grip Teller: Motoko Site: www.motoko.folktales.net Notes: A deceased woman haunts her dishonorable husband’s new bride.
Interviews and stories included in this episode:
Michael MacEllen Comp Interview 1: Michael MacEllen Comp **Notes: **Actress and college student, Michael MacEllen Comp, shares with us the story of how she was named. Interview 2: Paul Rawlins **Site: Ancestry.com Notes:** Paul Rawlins' credits include writer, researcher, editorial manager at Ancestry.Com and winner of the Flannery O' Connor Short Story Contest. He speaks with Sam Payne about the importance of names and narratives in genealogy work.
Matt Deighton Interview 3: Matt Deighton **Site:** Ancestry.com Notes: Matt Deighton is a marketing representative at Ancestry.com and talks about the growing interest in genealogy work.
The Apple Seed Interview 4: The Apple Seed Team Teller: Whitney Snow, Elizabeth Elieson, Sam Thomson, Marcus Smith, Andy Bay **Notes:** The Apple Seed Team, joined by Marcus Smith, our station manager, sit down at a roundtable to discuss names and naming.
Glenda Bonin Story: Why Do I Have That Name? Teller: Noa Baum Site: www.noabaum.com Notes: Jerusalem-born teller, Noa Baum, shares with us the curses and blessings of a unique name.
Stories included in this episode:
Simon Brooks Story 1: Jaguar and Hare Teller: Simon Brooks Site: http://www.diamondscree.com/ Notes: A hare cheats death by tricking a fearsome Jaguar.
Donna Washington Story 2: Anansi and the Liar's Contest Teller: Donna Washington Site: http://www.dlwstoryteller.com/ Notes: Anansi the spider, the West African trickster god, is challenged to a liars contest.
Diane Ferlatte Story 3: Brer Rabbit's Dance Teller: Diane Ferlatte Site: http://www.dianeferlatte.com/ Notes: Brer Rabbit dances his way out of a sticky situation.
Liz Weir Story 4: The Lion and the Rabbit Teller: Liz Weir Site: http://www.lizweir.net/ Notes: A story about another rabbit trickster who teaches a lion not to pick on others.
Joseph Stands With Many Story 5: How Rabbit Tricked the Wolves Teller: Joseph Stands With Many Site: http://www.standswithmany.com/ Notes: Rabbit escapes the wolve's clutches by causing them to dance.
The Apple Seed Story 6: Coyote Gets a Cadillac Teller: Susan Strauss Site: http://www.straussstoryteller.com/ Notes: After Coyote created the world, he decided to steal a Cadillac.
Bobby Norfolk Story 7: Why Spider Has a Small Waist Teller: Bobby Norfolk Site: http://folktale.com/ Notes: There are three different parties serving three different types of food, and Anansi can't decide which one to attend.
This episode is made up of clips from BYU Radio's The Morning Show \_hosted by Marcus Smith. What you’ll hear in this episode is Sam Payne, The host of our show, sharing a few stories with Marcus during a storytelling segment that served as the original inspiration for \_The Apple Seed. The stories featured in this episode include "The Great Blizzard of 1888" by Pippa White, "The Creation" told by Ed Stivender, and "Jaguar and Hare" by Simon Brooks. This episode also includes three awesome John McCutcheon songs, and excerpt from Sam Payne's interview with acclaimed storyteller and Grammy Award winner Bill Harley. If you'd like you can tune into The Morning Show at 9am ET on BYU Radio’s Sirius XM channel (channel 143) and through BYU Radio’s live stream here.
Catherine Parry, a former BYU English professor, spoke with The Apple Seed's producer Andy Bay about stepping away from work to raise her autistic son, Will. In the interview Catherine talks about acting as Will's aid all through school and learning to accept her son's new-found freedom as an adult. The third segment of this episode includes an interview with Will, Catherine's son, who spoke to Andy about his day-to-day life, preferences, and experiences. Pictured above: nineteen year-old Will Parry.
Stories featured in this episode:
Simon Brooks Story 1: The Story Untold, Song Unsung Teller: Simon Brooks Site: www.diamondscree.com Notes: A tale of fire, love and the importance of storytelling.
Mitch Capel Song 1: The Spelling Bee Teller: Mitch Capel Site: www.gjbug.com Notes: Mitch Capel's retelling of the classic Paul Laurence Dunbar poem.
Laura Pershin Raynor Story 3: The Haunted House Teller: Laura Pershin Raynor Site: www.lpraynor.com Notes: A story about mischief, mothers, best friends and maybe even a little bit of murder.
Bob Reiser Story 4: Up, Up and Away Teller: Bob Reiser Site: www.bobtales.com Notes: As a young boy living in Brooklyn, NY, Bob Reiser would dream of his hero.
Jenni Cargill-Strong Story 5: Kondili the Whale Teller: Jenni Cargill-Strong Site: www.storytree.com.au Notes: The story of how whales came to be.
Stories featured in this episode:
Barbara McBride-Smith Stories 1-3: "The Button Box," "A Cowboy Was on the Lid" and "Daddy's Overall Buttons" Teller: Barbara McBride-Smith Site: http://www.barbaramcbridesmith.com/ Notes: A mother's button collection still holds a family's stories together.
Mary Grace Ketner Story 4: Chien Nang Teller: Mary Grace Ketner Site: http://talesandlegends.net/ Notes: A story about family, love, and being in two places at once.
Jane Stenson Story 5: Brink Teller: Jane Stenson Site: http://www.janestenson.com/ Notes: Jane shares stories about her great-grandfather, who participated in many of the great, historic events that shaped the American West.
Barbara McBride-Smith Story 6-9: "Button from Ireland," "Mama Passes on the Box" and "Troubles with Adam" Teller: Barbara McBride-Smith Site: http://www.barbaramcbridesmith.com/ Notes: More stories from Barbara's album "The Button Box: Stories about Mama."
This episode consists entirely of audio from the Apple Seed's 5th live recording in BYU Radio's studio 6. During this live event Sam Payne emceed as a group of Brigham Young University students shared "defining moments" in their lives with us.
Stories and interviews featured in this episode:
Charlotte Blake Alston Story 1: Nyangara the Python Teller: Charlotte Blake Alston Site: http://www.charlotteblakealston.com/ Notes: A folktale from the Shona people of Zimbabwe about the courage and loyalty of children.
Leslie Norris Recording: "Fathers" Teller: Leslie Norris Site: http://folktale.com/ Notes: This story was recorded by notable BYU Radio host and recording engineer, Mark Wait. Quite often Mark would leave the microphone on after Leslie, a Welsh poet and short-story author, would finished recording, and this particular excerpt comes for a discussion between Mark and Leslie regarding fathers and father’s day.
John McCutcheon Song 1: Your Age Artist: John McCutcheon Site: http://www.folkmusic.com/ Notes: A song about learning from the past.
Barbara Schutzgruber Story 3: The Lady Mole Teller: Barbara Schutzgruber Site: http://weavestory.com/ Notes: A fair maiden is transformed because of her vanity and pride.
Richard & Judy Dockery Young Story 4: The Golem Teller: Richard and Judy Dockery Young Site: http://www.yawp.com/ Notes: A tale about wisdom, and a monster made of clay.
Bill Harley Story 5: Forget That Girl Teller: Bill Harley Site: http://www.billharley.com/ Notes: Bill's story about trying to be cool and wanting to "go steady" with a girl in his class.
Stories and interviews featured in this episode:
Roger Jenkins Story 1: Assorted Nasruddin Stories Teller: Roger Jenkins Site: http://www.rogerjenkins.com.sg/
Heather Forest Story 2: The Smuggler Teller:Heather Forest Site: http://www.heatherforest.com/
Laura Simms Story 3: Nasruddin Stories Teller:Laura Simms Site: http://www.laurasimms.com/
Daniel C. Peterson Interview 1: Nasruddin's World Teller: Dr. Daniel C. Peterson Site: http://humanities.byu.edu/
Joel ben IzzyStory 4: Stories of Nasrudin, the Trickster Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: http://www.storypage.com/
Stories featured in this episode:
Richard and Judy Dockery Young Story 1: Wylie and the Hairy Man Teller: Richard and Judy Dockery Young Site: http://www.yawp.com/ Notes: A young man's mother protects him from a monster in the woods.
Bill Harley Story 2: Zanzibar Teller: Bill Harley Site: http://www.billharley.com/ Notes: Bill puts off writing a report until the night before.
Randel McGee Story 3: The Princess and the Pea Teller: Randel McGee Site: http://mcgeeproductions.com/ Notes: The classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale about a young women whose royal identity is unveiled by her physical sensitivity.
The Storycrafters Story 4: Eating the Sky Teller: The Storycrafters Site: http://www.storycrafters.com/ Notes: Someone starts taking more than their fair share of the sky.
Stories and songs featured in this episode:
Charlotte Blake Alston Story 1: Hammers of Steel: the Battle of John Henry Teller: Charlotte Blake Alston Site: http://www.charlotteblakealston.com/ Notes: A story of physical strength and endurance, and the dignity of a man against the degredation of the machine age.
Christopher Leebrick Story 2: Soldier Jack Teller: Christopher Leebrick Site: http://www.allgoodstories.com/ Notes: An Appalachian jack tale about cheating death.
Ed Stivender Story 3: Br'er Fox Teller: Ed Stivender Site: http://edstivender.com/ Notes: Br'er rabbit's wit saves him from being eaten by Br'er Fox.
Joel ben Izzy Story 4: Paula Bunyan - A True Story Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: http://storypage.com/ Notes: A hilarious, gender-bent telling of the classic American story.
Tim Lowry Story 5: Pecos Bill Teller: Tim Lowry Site: http://www.storytellertimlowry.com/ Notes: The story of Pecos Bill, an American cowboy, who's become an icon of the American Old West.
John McCutcheon Song 1: Pretty Boy Floyd Teller: John McCutcheon Site: http://www.folkmusic.com/ Notes: This song was written by American song writing legend Woodie Guthrie whose most famous works include the song "This Land is Your Land."
This episode includes audio from the Apple Seed's third live recording. An American folklore class from the Brigham Young University English department stepped into BYU Radio's studio 6 to share the stories behind lessons they've learned.
Stories featured in this episode:
Susan Stone Story 1: The Beauty and the Melamed Teller: Susan Stone Site: http://www.susanstone-storyteller.com/ Notes: Rachel, a beautiful girl, and Moshe, her ugly teacher, are an odd couple. This is the story of their romance and how true love requires sacrifice.
John McCutcheon Song 1: Pastures of Plenty Artist: John McCutcheon Site: http://www.folkmusic.com/ Notes: This is a cover of the classic Woody Guthrie song about the travails and dignity of migrant workers in North America.
John McCutcheon Song 2: This Land is Your Land Artist: John McCutcheon Site: http://www.folkmusic.com/ Notes: John McCutheon's cover of one of the United States' most famous folk songs.
Heather Forest Story 2: The Boy Who Drew Cats Teller: Heather Forest Site: http://www.heatherforest.com/ Notes: A young boy is obsessed with drawing cats and it gets him in trouble.
Jenni Cargill-Strong Story 3: The Farmer, The Son and the Donkey Teller: Jenni Cargill-Strong Site: http://www.storytree.com.au/ Notes: A retelling of an Aesop fable about how if you attempt to please everyone, you'll end up pleasing no one.
Mike Agranoff Song 3: Hamlet Teller: Mike Agranoff Site: http://www.mikeagranoff.com/ Notes: The entire story of Hamlet in a single song.
Stephanie Beneteau Story 4: The Wood Maiden Teller: Stephanie Beneteau Site: http://www.stephaniebeneteau.com/ Notes: Betushka, a merry little girl, struggles to get her work done whenever the wood maiden appears.
Leslie Norris Story 5:
This episode features an interview with and stories by professional teller Kim Weitkamp. Kim's stories have played on Sirius XM and NPR affliate stations, and Kim travels around the country performing her stories and songs at popular theaters and festivals. For more info regarding Kim and her CDs visit her website - http://www.kimweitkamp.com/.
This episode is another healthy helping of our story Jambalaya! It's a bit spicy, a bit saucy and this time, a bit...minty?
Pete Griffin Story 1: The Skunk Whisperer Teller: Pete Griffin Site: http://www.thestorytellinggranger.com/ Notes: Pete attempts to save the skunks of Chippewa National Forest by relocating them.
Brian Story 2: The Preacher and the Ferryman Teller: Brian "Fox" Ellis Site: http://foxtalesint.com/ Notes: A ferryman's life is changed when a preacher shows him the error of his ways.
Brendan Nolan Story 3: Mandrake Teller: Brendan Nolan Site: http://www.brendannolan.com/ Notes: The story of Mandrake the Magician's magical artifacts.
Anthony Burcher Story 4: Minty Freshness Teller: Anthony Burcher Site: http://www.anthonyburcher.com/ Notes: You'll never look at those strong mints the same way again! Anthony relates his painful experience of mints "going south."
Antonio Sacre Story 5: Salt and Pepper Teller: Antonio Sacre Site: http://www.antoniosacre.com/ Notes: Young Antonio's grandmother fights off the monster in the closet.
Donald Davis Story 6: The Red Scooter Teller: Donald Davis Site: http://www.ddavisstoryteller.com/ Notes: A story about a child's view of Christmas.
Stories included in this episode:
David Holt Story 1: The Taen-awa Teller:David Holt Site: http://www.thestorytellinggranger.com/
Susan Strauss Story 2: The Wolf's Eyelashes Teller:Susan Strauss Site: http://foxtalesint.com/
Donna Washington Story 3: The Blanket and the Bowl Teller:Donna Washington Site: http://www.brendannolan.com/
Brian Story 4: The Ghost Dog Teller:Brian "Fox" Ellis Site: http://foxtalesint.com/
Beth Horner Story 5: The Skull Teller:Beth Horner Site: http://www.antoniosacre.com/
This episode features an interview with singer and storyteller Charles Holt. Charles's work focuses on the life and words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the music of the American Civil Rights Movement. A Renaissance Man, Charles is a nationally recognized storyteller, a Broadway actor, inspirational speaker, recording artist and author. His current project, which will be the focus of this episode, is titled "Martin & Music." Pictured above: Our host Sam Payne and singer Charles Holt. For more info regarding Charles and his work visit his website - http://www.charlesholtproductions.com/.
This episode features stories about fathers and their sons and a story by The Apple Seed's host, Sam Payne, about an experience he had with his father in Zions National Park.
Willy Claflin Story 1: Emerson's Chevrolet Teller: Willy Claflin Site: http://www.willyclaflin.com/ Notes: Willy's father had a penchant for Shakespeare and Harvard football.
Jay O'Callahan Story 2: Muddy River Playhouse Teller: Jay O'Callahan Site: http://www.ocallahan.com/ Notes: Acting in an amateur play becomes a family affair.
Stories featured in this episode:
Noa Baum Story 1: "Gefilte Fish" and "Yankel and the Fish" Teller: Noa Baum Site: http://www.noabaum.com/ Notes: A Jewish tale about the blessings of sharing.
Bobby Norfolk Story 2: Anansi and the Tug of War Teller: Bobby Norfolk Site: http://folktale.com/ Notes: Anansi the spider must prove his strength to Elephant.
Bil Lepp Story 3: Fire Fire, Pants on Liar Teller: Bil Lepp Site: http://leppstorytelling.com/ Notes: What happens when you try to paint a second story on stilts in boxer shorts?
Jill Lamède Story 4: The Blue Fish Teller:Jill Lamède Site: http://www.lamede.com/ Notes: A fisherman, a lucky fish and the decision of a lifetime.
David Holt Song 1: Ready for the Times to Get Better Teller: David Holt Site: http://www.davidholt.com/ Notes: A song about living in hard times.
Bill Gord Story 5: The First Flute Teller: Bill Gordh Site: http://www.billgordh.com/ Notes: A Guatemalan folktale about an unhappy princess and a flute.
Mary Grace Ketner Story 6: Scheherazade Teller: Mary Grace Ketner Site: http://talesandlegends.net/ Notes: The classic frame tale of a princess who stops a cycle of violence with her stories.
This episode features an interview with and stories by Regina Ress. Regina is a storyteller who's wandered the streets of New York, sampling the food, acting on and off Broadway, and telling stories from the northern end of the Bronx to the southern tip of Staten Island. Regina's CD "New York and Me: We're in a Long-Term Relationship" covers everything "New York" from the subway to the attacks on the World Trade Center in September of 2001. This episode includes Regina's stories "Why I Love New York," "My Neighbor, Brenda" and "The Healing Sticks." Pictured above: storyteller Regina Ress. For more info regarding Regina and her work visit her website - http://reginaress.com/.
This episode features interviews with children's music artist, Eric Herman, and ventriloquist, Randel McGee. Eric's music and Randel's stories demonstrate how material created for children can appeal to people of all ages.
Along with segments from their interviews, this episode includes Randel's story "Sir George and the Dragon" and Eric's songs ""Blackbeard, Bluebeard and Redbeard," "The Elephant Song" and "There's a Monster in My House."
This episode is chock-full of scary stories. What's a "chock" anyway?
Christopher Leebrick Story 1: Skeleton Woman Teller: Christopher Leebrick Site: http://www.allgoodstories.com/ Notes: On one cold winter night, a hungry old woman does something unthinkable.
David Holt Story 2: The Titanic and the Mummy's Curse Teller: David Holt Site: http://www.davidholt.com/ Notes: What lies inside the mummy's tomb will affect everyone it touches--including the Titanic.
Donna Washington Story 3: Mr. Fox Teller: Donna Washington Site: http://www.dlwstoryteller.com/ Notes: Don't fall in love with someone without first checking for skeletons in their closet.
Joel ben Izzy Story 4: The Green Hand Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: http://storypage.com/ Notes: Joel is asked to tell a scary Italian story to the kids at a summer camp to scare them a bit. Because it's just a story, after all...right?
Mary Grace Ketner Story 1: The Lute Player Teller: Mary Grace Ketner Website: http://talesandlegends.net Notes: A queen goes undercover to rescue her husband.
Syd Lieberman Story 2: Marriage: A Fable Teller: Syd Lieberman Website: http://www.sydlieberman.com Notes: Like matching puzzle pieces, some couples just fit together perfectly.
Beth Horner Story 3: The Young Woman of Vietnam Teller: Beth Horner Website: http://www.bethhorner.com Notes: A young woman teaches her husband a thing or two about respecting his elders.
Jay O'Callahan Story 4: My Wild Beauty Teller: Jay O'Callahan Website: http://www.ocallahan.com Notes: A love story about a trip to Ireland Jay made with his wife Linda...where myth meets marriage.
John McCutcheon Story 5: Old People in Love Teller: John McCutcheon Website: http://www.folkmusic.com Notes: A song about how inspirational older couples can be.
Ed Stivender Story 6: Sir Gawain and Lady Ragnell Teller: Ed Stivender Website: http://edstivender.com Notes: King Arthur seeks to answer the riddle, "of all that can be won or lost, what does a woman want most?"
Stories included in this episode:
Story: A Baker's Dozen Teller: Antoinette Griffin Website: www.storieswithantoinette.com Notes: A story about an Italian baker that'll make you hungry for more.
Song: Wayfaring Stranger Teller: Mike Agranoff Website: www.mikeagranoff.com Notes: This folk song tells a different story to all who listen.
Story: Why You Never Hear Rabbit Play the Banjo Teller: David Holt & Bill Mooney Website: www.davidholt.com billmooney.com Notes: David and Bill colloborate in a fun just-so story.
Story: Animal Tales Teller: Laura Simms Website: www.laurasimms.com Notes: A tale about tails.
Story: You'll Never Take Me Alive Teller: Pete Griffin Website: www.thestorytellingranger.com Notes: Growing up in rural Michigan.
Story: The Crow Teller: Joe Herrington Website: www.joeherrington.com Notes: A tale from the Coahuiltecan Native American tradition.
Story: The Squire's Bride Teller: Heather Forest Website:www.heatherforest.com Notes: A Norwegian tale about a farmer's daughter who prizes her independence and the freedom of her heart.
photo © storytree.com.au
Sam Payne interviews Jenni Cargill-Strong, an Australian teller whose exciting and creative stories appeal to all ages. This episode also includes Jenni's stories "The Monkey's Heart," "The Nails and the Fencepost," "The Mulberry Tree" and "Mother Garten's Lullaby."
Stories featured in this episode:
Jay O'Callahan Story 1: What Laura Couldn't Say Teller: Jay O'Callahan Site: www.ocallahan.com Notes: When his daughter goes mysteriously silent, Jay and his wife fear the worst for their little girl.
Michael McCarty Story 2: That's My Baby Teller: Michael McCarty Site: www.havemouthwillrunit.com Notes: Michael McCarty gives an outrageous description of what it's like to raise a daughter.
Leeny Del Seamonds Story 3: El Oso Teller: Leeny Del Seamonds Site: www.leenydelseamonds.com Notes: Mama gets quite a scare from "El Oso:" The Bear.
Joel ben Izzy Story 4: The Old King and His Daughters Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: www.storypage.com Notes: Which of the king's daughters is wise enough to inherit the kingdom?
Norah Dooley Story 5: Caterina the Wise Teller: David Holt Site: www.davidholt.com Notes: The inkeeper's daughter's wits pit her against an equally clever foe: her husband.
Robin Schulte Story 6: My Little Accessory Teller: Robin Schulte Site: www.robinschulte.com Notes: A story of growing up, letting go and cutting hair.
Classic composer Giuseppe Verdi is quoted as saying "You may have the universe if I may have Italy." After hearing this episode's stories from and about Italy, we feel the same way.
Norah Dooley Story 1: Rozzone's Luck Teller:Norah Dooley Site: http://www.norahdooley.com/ Notes: When Rozzone's bad luck leaves him facing the death penalty, it would take the intervention of a wise judge to save his life.
Donna Washington Story 2: Bastianello Teller:Donna Washington Site: http://www.dlwstoryteller.com/ Notes: On his wedding night, one man sets out on a quest to see if there's anyone more foolish than his wife.
The Apple Seed Interview 1: Growing up Italian Teller:Tommaso Cardullo Notes: Tommaso, a clothing designer and Italian national, talks to us about growing up in a small town in Sicily.
Norah Dooley Story 3: Bell of Justice Teller:Norah Dooley Site: http://www.norahdooley.com/ Notes: When you want justice, just ring the bell and the villagers shall make sure that justice is found.
Stories featured in this episode:
Bob Reiser Story 1: Hide the Salami Teller: Bob Reiser Site: www.bobtales.com Notes: This is the story of one man's crime of passion--an illicit affair with a smelly salami.
Leeny Del Seamonds Story 2: Purgy-Tory Teller: Leeny Del Seamonds Site: www.leenydelseamonds.com Notes: Young Leeny takes an unconventional vow of silence after spending too much time listening to the neighbor boys.
Kevin Kling Story 3: Marching Band Teller: Kevin Kling Site: www.kevinkling.com Notes: Kevin's enthusiasm for music leads him to join the marching band.
David Holt Story 4: Ross & Anna Teller: David Holt Site: www.davidholt.com Notes: A newlywed couple build a cabin on a peaceful mountainside. But what is that strange hole in the ground?
Robin Schulte Story 5: Note Passing Teller: Robin Schulte Site: www.robinschulte.com Notes: A troubled teenage girl transfers to a new school in Kansas.
This episode features interviews with Tracy Thomson, a paleontologist studying at University of California, Riverside; Rod Scheetz, the curator of the paleontology museum at Brigham Young University; and Suzette Jensen Asplund, the granddaughter of James "Dinosaur Jim" Jensen. The dinosaur-themed ambient noise for this episode was recorded at the Museum of Ancient Life in Lehi, UT. Pictured above (from left to right): The Apple Seed's recording engineer Sam Thomson, and student producers Elizabeth Elieson and Whitney Snow in front of the Museum of Ancient Life. For more info regarding The Museum of Ancient Life visit http://www.thanksgivingpoint.org/.
This episode includes stories from Charlotte Blake Alston and Dr. Bonner Ritchie about civil rights movements, and other stories about overcoming prejudice.
Charlotte Blake Alston Song/Story 1: Wade in the Water & People Could Fly Teller: Charlotte Blake Alston Site: http://www.charlotteblakealston.com/ Notes: A traditional spiritual and a short dedication.
Charlotte Blake Alston Interview 1: Civil Rights and the 1963 Children's Crusade Teller: Charlotte Blake Alston Site: http://www.charlotteblakealston.com/ Notes: Charlotte tells us some of the tragic stories from the Civil Rights Movement in America.
Charlotte Blake Alston Song/Story 2: Trilogy of Loss, Struggle and Hope Teller: Charlotte Blake Alston Site: http://www.charlotteblakealston.com/ Notes: The song "The Ballad of Birmingham," the story "In Her Words (the ordeal of Elizabeth Eckford)" and Langston Hughe's poem "I dream a world."
Charlotte Blake Alston Song/Story 3: Martin Luther King Rap Teller: Charlotte Blake Alston Site: http://www.charlotteblakealston.com/ Notes: The story of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Montgomery Bus Boycott told to a beat.
Diane Ferlatte Story/Song 4: Next Town Teller: Diane Ferlatte Site: http://www.dianeferlatte.com/ Notes: Diane tells the story of a time when, as a little girl, she encountered racial prejudice.
Dr. J. Bonner Ritchie Interview 2: "The Peace Movement" Teller: Dr. J. Bonner Ritchie Site: http://www.marthareedjohnson.com/ Notes: As a young man, Dr. Ritchie became involved in the peace and civil rights movements.
From cats and dogs to tranatulas and clams, this episode features stories about all of the different animals we invite into our homes. Tellers featured in this episode include Beth Horner, Waddie Mitchell, David Holt, Bill Harley and The Apple Seed's producers Sam Bennion, Sam Thomson and Andy Bay.
Beth Horner Story 1: My Dog Teller: Beth Horner Site: http://www.bethhorner.com/ Notes: A story/song about how being a single parent to a rambunctious puppy is a lot of work.
Waddie Mitchell Story 2: Cat-tastrophy Teller: Waddie Mitchell Site: http://www.somagency.com/ Notes: Waddie's friend tells him a story about a cat who just won't quite.
David Holt Story 3: The Flying Cat Teller: David Holt Site: http://www.davidholt.com/ Notes: An urban legend about a cat who can survive just about anything.
The Apple Seed Story 4: Fuzzum and the Cricket Teller: Sam Thomson Notes: Each year the City of Nephi, UT is infested with crickets, and each year Fuzzum the cat seeks to destroy them.
Sam Bennion Story 5: Harry the Tarantula Teller: Sam Bennion Notes: Sam's pet tarantula escapes in his third grade class room and chaos ensues.
Sam Bennion Story 6: Muffin the Talking Dog Teller: Sam Bennion Notes: The kind of true story of Muffin, a blessing to dog-kind.
The Apple Seed Story 7: Fuzzum's Airbag Teller: Sa
Like the flavors in a pot of jambalaya, the stories in this episode are eclectic and interesting.
David Holt Story 1: 123 Year Old Washboard Player Teller: David Holt Site: http://www.davidholt.com/ Notes: A sassy old woman has a penchant for music played on the washboard.
David Holt Story 2: My Father's Bones Teller: David Holt Site: http://www.davidholt.com/ Notes: David's father taught him how to play the bones.
Karen Golden Story 3:Tevya's American Dreamcoat Teller: Karen Golden Site: http://www.karengolden.com/ Notes: A father hopes for a better life for his family in America.
Heather Forest Story 4: The Tiger, the Brahmin and the Jackal Teller: Heather Forest Site: http://www.heatherforest.com/ Notes: A moral tale about how our actions have consequences.
Jenni Cargill Strong Story 5: Lily and the Fig Tree Teller: Jenni Cargill Strong Site: http://www.storytree.com.au/ Notes: The fig tree in an old woman's garden doesn't take kindly to trespassers.
Jill Lamede Story 6: The Magic Garden of the Poor Teller: Jill Lamede Site: http://www.lamede.com/ Notes: Two men agree to share a farm and one finds gold soon after.
Minton Sparks Story 7: Aunt Shine's Face Lift Teller: Minton Sparks Site: http://www.mintonsparks.com/ Notes: A poem that considers how physical beauty can't make up for lost time.
This episode features more stories about family.
Robin Schulte Story 1: Jack and the Levitator Teller: Robin Schulte Site: http://www.robinschulte.com/ Notes: Robin's son is mystified by a Harry Potter-esque magic trick.
Williams Sisters Interview: Lime Ricki Swimwear Teller: Jennifer Williams Anderson, Colette Williams Callister and Nicole Williams Bruderer Site: http://www.limericki.com/ Notes: The Williams discuss starting their own business and overcoming trials.
Martha Reed Johnson Story 2: Dr. Timothy Johnson Teller: Martha Reed Johnson Site: http://www.marthareedjohnson.com/ Notes: Martha's mother loved to make up stories about the secret life of their family dog.
Jenni Cargill Strong Story 3: Froko and the Lettuce Teller: Jenni Cargill Strong Site: http://www.storytree.com.au/ Notes: Jenni and her son enjoy watching a tree frog family grow.
photo © Bill Harley Bill Harley is an award winning storyteller who's fun, energetic stories and songs transcend all ages. This episode includes Sam Payne's interview with Bill, his song "Trouble," and his stories "You're Not the Boss of Me" and Sillier Than You."
Dick Hermann, Bruce Cameron, and Michael Larsen are three lawyers who share stories about the work, challenges, and experiences of small-town lawyers--the attorneys who have to do it all!
Story: The New Car Teller: Donald Davis Website: www.ddavisstoryteller.com Notes: A story about the Davis family cars.
Story: The Bus Teller: Geraldine Buckley Website: www.geraldinebuckley.com Notes: Geraldine shares a story about traveling and travelers.
Story: The Headless Cortina Teller: Brendan Nolan Website: www.brendannolan.ie Notes: An Irish car story.
Story: Stay Out of Them Old Cars Teller: Michael Reno Harrell Website: www.michaelreno.com Notes: A story about a different kind of vehicle: imagination.
Today's episode is devoted to prolific storyteller and author, Hans Christian Andersen. You'll hear some lesser-known stories adapted and performed in character by storyteller, Randel McGee. This episode includes an interview with Randel and his wife, Marsha, and the stories "Silly Hans", "The Swineherd", and "The Princess and the Pea."
Stories included in this episode:
Michael Reno Harrell Story 1: Cherry Bombs Teller: Michael Reno Harrell Site: www.michaelreno.com Notes: Michael talks about the various pranks he pulled as a teenager involving "Cherry Bomb" firecrackers.
Priscilla Howe Story 2: Laundry Soap Teller: Priscilla Howe Site: www.priscillahowe.com Notes: Priscilla's first attempt at washing laundry yields some very bubbly results.
Norah Dooley Story 3: When the Streetlights Come On Teller: Norah Dooley Site: www.norahdooley.com Notes: As a child, Norah feared punishment. Is she willing to risk a scolding for an adventure with her brother though?
Laura Pershin Raynor Story 4: A Day at the Zoo Teller: Laura Pershin Raynor Site: www.lpraynor.com Notes: The story of Laura and his sister Lisa's first trip to the zoo alone.
Bil Lepp Story 5: The Inflatable Easter Bunnies of Halfdollar Teller: Bil Lepp Site: www.leppstorytelling.com Notes: Bil and his childhood friend Skeeter attempt to recreate a scene from the classic book "The Last of the Mohicans."
Stories, songs, poems and interviews included in this episode:
Sons of the Song: Silver Spurs Artist: The Sons of the San Joaquin Site: www.thesons.com Notes: A song about growing up in the shadow of a cowboy.
Steve Howard Interview: "A Cowboy Storyteller & Poet" Teller: Steve Howard Notes: Steve shares some of his bull riding stories, and what being a cowboy teller in a professional storyteller's guild is like. Keeping with the theme of the episode, Steve shared a little cowboy poetry with us as well.
Waddie Mitchell Poem 1: Evening Chat Teller: Waddie Mitchell Site: www.somagency.com Notes: A nostalgic poem that captures a cowboy's reflections at the end of the day.
Sheila Starks Phillips Story: Prairie Dog Round Up Teller: Sheila Starks Phillips Site: www.sheilaphillips.com Notes: While attending the University of Manitoba, Sheila received a call from her father asking her to come home to Texas to assist in the spring round up.
Waddie Mitchell Poem 2: That No Quit Attitude Teller: Waddie Mitchell Site: www.somagency.com Notes: A poem about that "no quite attitude" that makes America great.
Story: Solomon and Asmodeus Teller: Jordan Hill Website: jordanhillstoryteller.wordpress.com Notes: King Solomon and the Demon King, Asmodeus. Part one of two.
Story: Solomon and the Bee Teller: Syd Lieberman Website: www.sydlieberman.com Notes: A challenge to King Solomon's wisdom.
Story: The Wise One Teller: Ed Stivender Website: edstivender.com Notes: Ed Stivender tells a tale about the wisest man in the realm.
Story: The Beggar King Teller: Joel ben Izzy Website: http://www.storypage.com Notes: Joel ben Izzy finishes the tale of King Solomon that we began earlier. Part two of two.
This episode features stories from Chris Burton about finding his biological family forty years after being adopted. Our host Sam Payne also spoke with Brad and Brenda Horrockswho have four adopted children of their own and are the co-chairs for the organization, United For Adoption.
Story: Good News in the Cotton Field Teller: David Holt Website: http://www.davidholt.com Notes: David Holt recounts a story about picking cotton in the August heat of Texas.
Story: Jobs I Have Had Teller: Sheila Starks Philips Website: www.sheilaphillips.com Notes: Sheila Starks Philips reminisces about the many jobs she's held.
Story: Stories About Jobs From Sam Payne Teller: Sam Payne Website: sampayne.com Notes: Sam Payne tells stories about entrepreneurship and employment.
Story: Daydreamer Seeks Benefactor Teller: Willy Claflin Website: www.willyclaflin.com Notes: Willy Claflin tries to make a living out of daydreaming.
Story: Potholders Teller: Kim Weitkamp Website: www.kimweitkamp.com Notes: An adorable heist and a lesson in crime and punishment.
The stories in our eighty-third episode are full of good humor and Christmas spirit! To celebrate Christmas day, we're playing Andy Offut Irwin's hilarious stories about spending the holidays with his eighty-five-year-old-widowed-newly-minted-physician-aunt, Dr. Marguerite Van Camp.
Andy Offut Irwin
To hear more of Andy's "Aunt Marguerite" stories, considering listening to our interview with Andy in our archive. For more information regarding Andy and his storytelling visit his website - http://andyirwin.com/.
In honor of Christmas Eve, our eighty-second episode features Christmas stories told by Kim Weitkamp, Regi Carpenter, Donald Davis and Jay O'Callahan.
Storyteller, Kim Weitkamp Story 1: The Great Cookie Cook-Off Teller: Kim Weitkamp Site: kimweitkamp.com Notes: Kim is a full-time storyteller who travels extensively across the North American continent, performing in theaters and at festivals.
Regi Carpenter Story 2: Bendable Barbie Christmasl Teller: Regi Carpenter Site: soaringstories.com Notes: Regi is a storyteller from Clayton, New York. She has performed at many different festivals across the United States. Story 3: The Red Scooters Teller: Donald Davis Site: ddavisstoryteller.com Notes: Some people refer to Donald as "The Dean of Storytelling." He is a former Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the National Storytelling Association, he was a featured teller at the Smithsonian Institution, and at the World's Fair. Story 4: 13 Quilts Teller: Jay O'Callahan Site: ocallahan.com Notes: Jay is a storyteller from Massachusetts. He runs a writing workshop out of his home.
To celebrate the holiday season our eighty-first episode showcases storyteller Tim Lowry's CD "A Christmas Carol." This is Tim's recording of the classic tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge by Charles Dickens. To introduce Tim's telling, our producer Andy Bay spoke with Leslee Thorne-Murphy, an English professor at Brigham Young University specializing in Victorian literature, who shared some insight into the history of "A Christmas Carol" with us.
Tim Lowry: A Christmas Carol
Pictured above: storyteller Tim Lowry. For more information regarding Tim and his storytelling, visit his website http://www.storytellertimlowry.com/.
Stories included in this episode:
Willy Claflin Story 1: Truck Crash Christmas, 1972 Teller: Willy Claflin Site: willyclaflin.com Notes: Willy remembers having to put up a temporary wall in his home during the holidays because a truck came crashing through their living room.
Kevin Kling Story 2: Minnesota Teller: Kevin Kling Site: kevinkling.com Notes about this story: Kevin pays respect to his beloved home state of Minnesota, the place that is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes."
Geraldine Buckly Story 3: Tatton Hall Teller: Geraldine Buckley Site: geraldinebuckley.com Notes: Geraldine's adoration for Nancy Drew mysteries inspired her to go looking for secret passages during a field trip to Tatton Hall, a historical country house.
Anthony Burcher Story 4: The Junk Yard Teller: Anthony Burcher Site: anthonyburcher.com Notes: Anthony's father worked for NASA and would often bring home "space junk" for his boys to play with. Needless to say, Anthony would get into some serious trouble playing in their junkyard.
We don't normally get to feature stories longer than about 20 minutes on The Apple Seed--we usually prefer to feature a variety of shorter stories so as best to give our audience a variety of tales and tellers. For this episode, though, we broke our rule because we simply had to share two of our favorite stories from Jay O'Callahan. The first story, "Herman and Marguerite," is about how the world is large and complicated, but anyone can make a change for the better--even a worm and a caterpillar. "Politics," the second tale we're featuring today, is a story about when two neighbor boys sneak out to attend a late-night political rally, and their adventure leads them to becoming friends for life.
You can find more stories by Jay O'Callahan on his website: http://www.ocallahan.com/.
This episode is made up of some of the best stories The Apple Seed's producer Andy Bay has ever heard. The tellers featured in this episode include Joel ben Izzy, Norah Dooley, Heather Forest, David Holt, Milbre Bruche and Gay Ducey.
Joel ben Izzy Story 1: My Father and Hershel of Ostropol Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: storypage.com Notes about this story: Joel shares tales of the famous trickster from Ukraine, and about his father, from California.
Norah Dooley Story 2: Husky, My Bad Bad Dog Teller: Norah Dooley Site: norahdooley.com Notes: Norah's dog Husky was daring, and his escapades caused a lot of commotion in her neighborhood.
Heather Forest Story 3: The Magic Brocade Teller: Heather Forest Site: heatherforest.com Notes: No brocades are more lovely than the ones the widow weaves to sell at the marketplace. One day she returns home with a beautiful painting and her son suggests that she weave the image into a brocade.
David Holt Story 4: The Jealous Bones of Aaron Kelly Teller: David Holt Site: davidholt.com Notes: This is the story of Aaron Kelly, or what remained of Aaron Kelly, who didn't want his wife to love anyone else after he died.
Milbre Burch Story 5: Minding His Mother Teller: Milbre Burch and Gay Ducey Site: kindcrone.com Notes: A mother tries to her best to teach her son how to speak to others with comedic results.
In this episode we're bringing you the story of Joseph Tippets, one of the six passengers whose plane crashed over the Alaskan wilderness in the early 1940's. He faced the ultimate test of survival in the Alaskan mountains with only torn blankets for shoes, limited supplies, and a copy of the Holy Scriptures. This is the story of the 29 days he spent in the snow, told by his son John Tippets live in our studio.
Alaskan Wilderness: Story of Joseph Tippets
John recounts his father's survival with historical accuracy based on interviews, photos and news clippings about the crash that he's collected over the years. All of this research and a more detailed version of Joe Tippet's story can be found in John's book, Hearts of Courage which is available here.
The centerpiece of this episode is an interview with storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston. Ms. Alston's work is a revival of traditional and contemporary African and African American oral and cultural tradition, and her storytelling is often accompanied by traditional instruments such as djembe mbira, shekere or the 12-stringed kora. In the interview Sam and Charlotte discuss how music and storytelling overlap, her work with various orchestras and opera companies, and the richness of African and African American storytelling. Charlotte's stories "Po' Sandy" and "Anniko" are featured in this episode as well, along with her powerful recitation of Paul Lawrence Dunbar's poem "I Dream a World."
For more information regarding Charlotte and her storytelling visit her website http://www.charlotteblakealston.com/. "Po' Sandy" and other conjure woman tales can be heard on Charlotte's album "Pine Trees and Frog's Legs," and the tale "Anniko" is from her album "The Racoon Story."
It's the storm of the century on The Apple Seed! This episode takes you through every kid's favorite surprise holiday--Snow Day! When the schools close and blizzard conditions turn the neighborhood into a winter wonderland, there's nothing to do but put on your boots and your stocking cap and go sledding with the neighbor kids. These stories follow a full snow day, from the realization that school is cancelled to climbing into bed on a winter night.
Kevin Kling Story 1: Snow Day Teller: Kevin Kling Site: kevinkling.com Notes: When a young Minnesota boy wakes up to an absolute blizzard, he knows it can only mean one thing--it's hockey time.
Kim Weitkamp Story 2: The Forbidden Souped Up Sled Ride Teller: Kim Weitkamp Site: kimweitkamp.com Notes about this story: It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Kim's Forbidden Souped-Up Sled Ride!
Bill Harley Story 3: The Great Sled Race Teller: Bill Harley Site: billharley.com Notes: When Danny and Bill get the same sled for the holidays, it can only lead to one thing--the greatest sled race of all time.
Michael Reno Harrell Story 4: 13 Quilts Teller: Michael Reno Harrell Site: michaelreno.com Notes: At the end of a cold winter day, it's good to have a few extra quilts and blankets on your bed. Or maybe more than a few.
The series originated in accounts of the astonishing life and activities of Santa, recalled and told by the author, Tim Slover, to his children over the years. It all started with a strictly scientific answer to a child’s classic question: “How does Santa deliver all those toys all over the world in just one night?” That’s the query that unlocked the grand adventure to keep the magic in and the cynicism of the world at bay.
The Christmas Chronicles
Written by: Tim Slover
Narrated by: Tim Slover and Richard Johnstone
Music by: Robert Rowberry
Technical Producer: Jacqueline Tateishi
Producer: Judith Olauson Tourney
Production Assistance: Juan Mijares
Executive Producer: Walter B. Rudolph
The series originated in accounts of the astonishing life and activities of Santa, recalled and told by the author, Tim Slover, to his children over the years. It all started with a strictly scientific answer to a child’s classic question: “How does Santa deliver all those toys all over the world in just one night?” That’s the query that unlocked the grand adventure to keep the magic in and the cynicism of the world at bay.
The Christmas Chronicles
Written by: Tim Slover
Narrated by: Tim Slover and Richard Johnstone
Music by: Robert Rowberry
Technical Producer: Jacqueline Tateishi
Producer: Judith Olauson Tourney
Production Assistance: Juan Mijares
Executive Producer: Walter B. Rudolph
The series originated in accounts of the astonishing life and activities of Santa, recalled and told by the author, Tim Slover, to his children over the years. It all started with a strictly scientific answer to a child’s classic question: “How does Santa deliver all those toys all over the world in just one night?” That’s the query that unlocked the grand adventure to keep the magic in and the cynicism of the world at bay.
Christmas radio drama: The Christmas Chronicles
Written by: Tim Slover
Narrated by: Tim Slover and Richard Johnstone
Music by: Robert Rowberry
Technical Producer: Jacqueline Tateishi
Producer: Judith Olauson Tourney
Production Assistance: Juan Mijares
Executive Producer: Walter B. Rudolph
The series originated in accounts of the astonishing life and activities of Santa, recalled and told by the author, Tim Slover, to his children over the years. It all started with a strictly scientific answer to a child’s classic question: “How does Santa deliver all those toys all over the world in just one night?” That’s the query that unlocked the grand adventure to keep the magic in and the cynicism of the world at bay.
The Christmas Chronicles
Written by: Tim Slover
Narrated by: Tim Slover and Richard Johnstone
Music by: Robert Rowberry
Technical Producer: Jacqueline Tateishi
Producer: Judith Olauson Tourney
Production Assistance: Juan Mijares
Executive Producer: Walter B. Rudolph
Available on-demand, for a limited time, from our sister station Classical 89.
This episode of "The Apple Seed" features stories about working in Antarctica, one of the most remote locations on the earth. These stories come from a series of interviews we conducted with Byron Adams, an environmental biologist, Jani Radebaugh, a planetary scientist, and Summer Rupper, a geologist, who have all spent time researching at McMurdo Station on the southern shore of Antarctica.
Stories included in this episode:
Michael Reno Harrell Story 1: Me and Stover Teller: Michael Reno Harrell Site: www.michaelreno.com Notes: In this recording Michael Reno Harrell shares some of his favorite memories of his childhood friend Stover, an 80-year-old man who's long life and many quirks demonstrated exactly what it means to live fully.
Bill Harley Story 2: Grandma vs. The Headless Man Teller: Bill Harley Site: www.billharley.com Notes: There are many things Bill Harley learned from his friend Glen's feisty grandmother, but the most important was how to fight the on-coming crime wave.
Diane Ferlatte Story 3: Thank You Ma'am Teller: Diane Ferlatte Site: www.dianeferlatte.com Notes: In this story, a young man attempts to steal a woman's pocket book, and the woman proceeds to teach the boy a lesson through kindness.
Leeny Del Seamonds Story 4: Scratch Your Bohine Teller: Leeny Del Seamonds Site: www.leenydelseamonds.com Notes: Leeny Del Seamond's father is always busy. When he finally finds a spare moment, he and his grandson learn a valuable lesson about taking time for yourself.
This episode features poetry by Welsh poet and storyteller Leslie Norris. Norris could, like no one else, evoke in his readers their relationship with and observations of nature. Although he passed away in 2006, Norris's poems live on as thoughtful tales and verses about this beautiful time of year. The stories and poems in this episode include Norris's short stories "Wax Wings" and "Shaving", along with his sequence of poems "The Hawk's Eye."
Our sixty-third episode showcases the storytelling of Joel ben Izzy, one of the foremost Jewish tellers in the world, in honor of the first day of Hanukkah. In this episode we've included Joel's stories "The Story of Hanukkah", "My Favorite Menorah", and "Boy Israel and the Witch" from his CD Lights and Laughter: Joel ben Izzy Spins Hanukkah Tales, along with an interview between Joel and our host Sam Payne. Pictured above: storyteller Joel ben Izzy. For more information regarding Joel and his storytelling, visit his website http://www.storypage.com/. You can find Joel's book, The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness, here on Amazon.com and here through Audible.
Our sixty-second episode features stories about delicious food and the science behind it. First, we've got stories of growing up in a restaurant told by Ana Preto-Bay, and later we'll play you an interview with Scott Rankin, the head of the Department of Food Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This is our second episode featuring stories about food! To listen to our first food-themed episode, or any of our episodes, check out our archive by following this link.
Our sixty-first episode is all about pumpkins! In the first part of today's episode we'll play Highway 89 producer Jackie Tateishi's award winning radio piece "Growing Lola". This piece is all about Jackie and her husband's experience with growing a giant pumpkin to win a contest. Our second segment includes an interview with Kyle and Carrie Fox. Kyle is the president of the Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers Association, and together he and his wife Carrie grow GIGANTIC (we're talking over 1000 lbs) pumpkins in their backyard. Finally, closing out our show is Norman Walker's "Pie Made of Pumpkin", a sweet song about creating the perfect pumpkin pie. Pictured above: Apple Seed producer Andy Bay with Carrie and Kyle Fox. For more information regarding the Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers Association visit their website.
Our sixtieth episode features stories from ancient Egypt and an interview with Egyptologist Kerry Muhlestein.
Norah Dooley Story 1: Isis and Osiris Teller: Yvonne Healy Site: http://www.yhealy.com/ Notes: Yvonne tells an ancient Egyptian story of gods, goddesses, betrayal and rebirth.
Laura Simms Story 2: Rhodopis Teller: Milbre Burch Site: http://www.kindcrone.com/ Notes: Milbre tells the original Cinderella story. Milbre is an internationally known teller from Columbia, Missouri.
Kerry Muhlestein Interview: Dr. Kerry Muhlestein Site: http://religion.byu.edu/kerry_muhlestein Notes: In this interview, Sam Payne and Dr. Muhlestein discuss the importance of ancient Egypt in popular culture, Egyptian iconography, and the interesting discoveries he's made on his excavations in Egypt.
Joel ben Izzy Story 3: The Black Prince Teller: Laura Simms Site: http://www.laurasimms.com/ Notes: A moral story--never sacrifice who you are for what you want the most.
Our fifty-ninth episode features tales and interviews from Utah storytellers, beginning with our host Sam Payne interviewing judges from the Utah-based Weber State Storytelling Festival.
Norah Dooley Story 1: Amanda Teller: David Bishop Site: http://www.danielbishopthestoryteller.com/ Notes About This Episode: Our fifty-ninth episode features tales and interviews from Utah storytellers, beginning with our host Sam Payne interviewing judges from the Utah-based Weber State Storytelling Festival. .
Laura Simms Interview 1: Cathy Barker & Dave Bullock Site: http://kpcw.org/ Notes About This Episode: In this interview Sam, Dave and Cathy discuss different storytelling events around Utah, impromptu storytelling, Dave and Cathy's radio show "The Story Mine", and the state of the storytelling community at large. You can listen to "The Story Mine" on 91.9 FM in Park City, Utah, or you can stream it live at KPCW.org.
Kerry Muhlestein Story 2: Sam Payne Site: http://www.sampayne.com/ Notes about this episode: A tale of love and romance. This story comes from Sam Payne himself, where he tells the story of his grandfather Leland who fell in love for the first time.
Joel ben Izzy Story 3: Sleeping Beauty Teller: Aspen Winds w/ Rachel Hedman Site: http://folktalesaboutfamilies.com/ (Rachel's site), http://aspenwinds.org/ (Aspen Winds) Notes about this episode: This is the classic Grimm brother's fairytale told by Rachel Hedman and accompanied by the woodwind quintet Aspen Winds.
Our fifty-eighth episode features recordings from our second live event. Earlier this month we invited a BYU American folklore class to tell us their embarrassing stories, and the personal tales that they delivered left our team in stitches. Also in the episode, we've included an embarrassing story by Grammy nominated storyteller Bill Harley called "High Dive." Pictured Above: BYU American Folklore students Kurt Gassman, Krystal Bailey, Natalie Christensen, Amanda Poppe, Celia Rivera, Hannah Roberts and Elizabeth Young, along with their professor Jill Rudy.
In honor of the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, our fifty-seventh episode showcases storyteller Syd Lieberman's album Abraham and Isaac: Sacrifice at Gettysburg. This production by Syd and his wife Adrienne is based on the diary entries of those who witnessed the Battle of Gettysburg and President Lincoln's address. Pictured above: storyteller Syd Lieberman. For more information regarding Syd and his storytelling, visit his website http://www.sydlieberman.com/ .
Stories featured in this episode:
Jay O'Callahan Story 1: Equations Teller: Jay O'Callahan Site: www.ocallahan.com/ Notes: A memory from Jay's childhood of a neighbor's last minute dinner party getting a little out of hand.
Michael Reno Harrell Story 2: Cleaning Out Momma's House Teller: Michael Reno Harrell Site: www.michaelreno.com/ Notes: A contest over who can find the most "ridiculous thing" arises between Michael and his siblings as they clean out their deceased mother's home.
Diane Ferlatte Story 3: The Word the Devil Made Up Teller: Diane Ferlatte Site: www.dianeferlatte.com/ Notes: A tale about the devil going up to heaven to steal some angels, and the evil of the slang people use today.
Leeny Del Seamonds Story 4: Suki Teller: Lenny Del Seamonds Site: leenydelseamonds.com/ Notes: A Japanese folktale about a lonely couple who take in a mysterious young woman. This beautiful girl brings them joy and later prosperity, until they discover her secret. The cello and other sound effects accompanying this story are by Gideon Freudmann.
Fran Yardley Story 5: The Clown of God Teller: Fran Yardley Site: www.creativehealingconnections.org/ Notes: The story of Giovanni, a traveling clown. In his old age Giovanni discovers himself alone and back on the streets where he grew up as a child. Looking for somewhere to stay, he stumbles into a church on a very special night.
Stories, poems and interviews included in this episode:
Ted Dennison Poem 1: Young Gun Teller: Ted E. Dennison Site: http://www.mytexasmusic.com/ Notes: A father nostalgically watches his son play cowboy in their backyard.
Paul Bliss Poem 2: Salem on the Mountains Teller: Paul Bliss Site: http://www.kindcrone.com/ Notes: Paul's CD Pure Bliss is nominated for the Western Music Association's Poetry CD of the Year award! This is his poem that captures the love and reverence cowboy's have for the land they work.
Waddie Mitchell Poem 3: The Sounds a Cowboy Hears Teller: Waddie Mitchell Site: http://www.somagency.com/ Notes About This Episode: This poem is the musings of a cowboy as he looks back on his life.
Paul Bliss Poem 4: There'll Never Be Another Ewe Teller: Paul Bliss Site: http://paulfbliss.blogspot.com/ Notes: A man tries to wrestle with a ewe (female sheep) and she runs him all around the barnyard.
Paul Bliss Interview 1: Jeff Streeby **Notes:** In the interview Sam Payne talks with and Jeff Streeby to discuss the academic treatment of cowboy poetry. They talk Jeff's book "Sunday Creek" and they also have Jeff recites a little cowboy poetry for us on the show.
Paul Bliss Story 5: The Bust Teller: Paul Bliss Site: http://paulfbliss.blogspot.com/ Notes: A poem that portrays the intense relationship between man and horse.
Paul Bliss Story 6: The Whole Load Teller: Waddie Mitchell Site: http://www.somagency.com/ Notes: A preacher becomes discouraged by his lack of a congregation until a lone cowboy shows up to be taught.
Paul Bliss Story 7: Old Night Hawk
Our fifty-fourth episode features an interview with one of the world's top tellers: Syd Lieberman! Syd has appeared at major storytelling festivals across the country, including featured appearances at the National Festival in Jonesborough, TN and the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in Orem, UT. In the interview, Syd and Sam discuss Jewish storytelling tradition, Syd's work in the the storytelling division of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the ties between Syd's family and his storytelling. Along with the interview today's episode contains a few of our favorite stories by Syd, "Zen and the Art of Storytelling" and "The Day the Nazi Came." For more information regarding Syd and his storytelling visit his website http://www.sydlieberman.com/.
Sam Payne hosts this episode of "The Apple Seed" that features a variety of folk tales.
Simon Brooks Story 1: Death in a Nut Teller: Simon Brooks Site: diamondscree.com Notes: This is a classic folktale about the time Death wasn't able to do his job, and the consequences that followed.
Jill Lamede Story 2: The Stone Before the Door Teller: Jill Lamede Site: lamede.com Notes about this story: A young man seeks the help of a family friend as he searches for a bride.
Norah Dooley Story 3: Simply Guido Teller: Norah Dooley Site: norahdooley.com Notes: An Italian folktale about four friends. Three of them are scholars aspiring to fortune and fame while the other is, "simply Guido."
Laura Simms Story 4: The Girl Who Walks in Moonlight Teller: Laura Simms Site: laurasimms.com Notes: Some beauty is too precious to be seen during the day. This is the story of uncommon beauty and its consequences.
Heather Forest Story 5: The Contest Between Wisdom and Luck Teller: Heather Forest Site: heatherforest.com Notes: To determine who is more important, Wisdom and Luck give themselves to a young man who subsequently wins the love of a princess.
Joel ben Izzy Story 6: The Old King and His Daughters Teller: Joel ben Izzy Site: storypage.com Notes: A story about how treasures are to be shared with others.
The Apple Seed Team
Sam Payne discusses the 2013 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival that was held in Orem, Utah - about 50 miles south of Salt Lake City. The festival is one of the most highly accredited storytelling events in the United States, with top tellers from around the world sharing stories over the course of a weekend. The Apple Seed team attended the festival as well, so one of the stories you'll hear today was recorded right off the main stage, and others were told to us by festival attendees at our Apple Seed booth. Either way this episode features a variety of recordings to share with you, along with an interview between our host Sam Payne and Karen Acerson, president of the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival.
Stories featured in this episode:
The Apple Seed Story 1: Pranking My Brother Teller: Samuel & Jonathan Ashton Notes: This is a story from a festival attendee who happened to pass by our table. Jonathan tells the story about how Samuel dared him to lie on an ant hill they found in their backyard.
The Apple Seed Story 2: Baby Mix-Up Teller: Ursula Romboy Gamble Notes: Ursula shared her mothers story of giving birth during World War II with us, and all the chaos that ensued afterward.
The Apple Seed Story 3: Three Animals Teller: Unknown Notes: We were blown away by this boy's ability to come up with stories! This is the tale of a cow, a chicken, and a pig who talk their way out of being eaten by a witch.
Bil Lepp Story 4: There Stands a Bridge (Live) Teller: Bil Lepp Site: www.leppstorytelling.com Notes About This Episode: Bil shares with us a hilarious vignette about the culture of the state of West Virginia.
Liz Weir Interview 2: Liz Weir Site: www.lizweir.net Notes: In this interview Sam and Irish storyteller Liz Weir discuss her career as a librarian, how she began listening to American storytelling, and how she goes about preparing the stories she tells onstage.
Liz Weir Story 5: A Wee Lift Teller: Liz Weir Site: www.lizweir.net Notes: A story about farmer and his wife who are in need of a pick-me-up due to the failure of their crops and livestock.
This episode features clips of our host Sam Payne on BYU Radio's "The Morning Show." Sam's weekly segments acted as some of the first promos for The Apple Seed, and the stories he shares with The Morning Show's host Marcus Smith really set the standard for the material we air daily.
The Morning Show clip that begins this episode includes Sam reading a passage from Jerome K. Jerome's Three Men in a Boat, and the story "The Marriage Boulder" by Clare Murphy, which was recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. This episode's second segment includes a chilling ghost tale by Japanese storyteller Motoko. The third and final segment of this episode includes a piece from Sam's personal album Bow Me Down, a story by the Storycrafters titled "The Day my Dad Met His Hero", and another slightly more humorous passage from Three Men in a Boat.
This episode contains something really special: recordings from our first ever live event! In October of 2013 we invited graduate students from Brigham Young University to come into our studio and share some stories with our staff. The theme of the night was "courage", and this episode features some of their humorous and compelling tales. Pictured Above: BYU graduate students (Front Row) Madeleine Dresden, Tonja Vincent, Anne Turner, Allison Hymas, Laura Randle, (Back Row) Lauren Matthews, JaNeal Freeman, Devon Cook, and RoseE Hadden.
Stories and interviews included in this episode:
The StorycraftersStory 1: The Day My Dad Met His Hero Teller: The Storycrafters Site: www.storycrafters.com/ Notes: We all have people in our lives who inspire us. Whether we idolize artists, actors or athletes, sometimes it's important to remember that the real heroes in our lives are the people who have been near us all along.
Rich ReaganInterview: Rich Reagan Notes: With more than 20 years in game development, Rich Reagan is currently acting as a creative director at Electronic Arts’ Salt Lake City studio as part of their digital gaming team. Combining his love of baseball with his career as a video game developer, Rich has traveled to baseball venues all over the US to virtually recreate the quintessential experience of watching a game at the ball park.
Syd Lieberman Story 2: Some Enchanted Wednesday Teller: Syd Lieberman Site: www.sydlieberman.com/ Notes: A story about growing up, learning important lessons and falling in love with baseball.
Stories included in this episode:
Motoko Story 1: The Candy Shop Teller: Motoko Website: http://motoko.folktales.net/ Notes: A candy shop owner is visited by a mysterious woman looking for rice candy to feed her baby.
Megan Hicks Story 2: The Janitor's Closet Teller: Megan Hicks Website: http://www.meganhicks.com/ Notes: A story reminding us of a parent's worst fears.
Joel ben Izzy Story 3: King Solomon and Death/The Graveyard in Safed Teller: Joel ben Izzy Website: http://storypage.com/ Notes: A story about King Solomon, who is believed to be the only man who can summon death, and a short story about traveling in Israel to visit the eerie graveyard in Safed.
Mary Grace Ketner Story 4: La Llorona Teller: Mary Grace Ketner Website: http://talesandlegends.net/ Notes: A story from the Mexican-American boarder about a women who is blinded by her own pride as she seeks to marry a man above her status.
Alton Chung Story 5: A Promise Broken Teller: Alton Chung Website: http://www.altonchung.com Notes: A samurai breaks his promise to never marry again after his wife's death.
Stories and interviews included in this episode:
Betty Ann Wylie Story 1: Girl in the Rain Teller: Betty Ann Wylie Website: www.yawac.org Notes: A women picks up a peculiar teenage girl off the side of the road.
Donna Washington Story 2: Tailypo Teller: Donna Washington Website: www.dlwstoryteller.com Notes: Hank James is a stubborn man who insists on living alone. He appears to be doing alright, until one night he is visited by the Tailypo.
Teller: Robert Oakes Interview 1: Ghost Tours and The Mount Teller: Robert Oakes Website: http://www.oakesandsmith.net/ and www.edithwharton.org (The Mount) Notes: In his interview with our host Sam Payne, Robert discusses the lore of Edith Wharton's estate and what makes a good ghost story.
Teller: Beth Horner Story 3: Phantom Black Carriage Teller: Beth Horner Website: www.bethhorner.com Notes: The story of a home on the edge of a bluff, and how it fares when the undertaker comes for a visit.
Stories included in this episode:
TELLER Story 1: The Tell-Tale Heart Teller: Christopher Leebrick Website: www.allgoodstories.com Notes:
TELLER Story 2: The Black Cat Teller: Leslie Norris Website: www.welshicons.org.uk/ Notes:
TELLER Story 3: The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar Teller: Syd Lieberman Website: www.sydlieberman.com Notes:
This episode features stories by and an interview with acclaimed storyteller Andy Offut Irwin.
Andy is a humorist, singer, songwriter, musician, whistler, and "walking menagerie of sound effects" who was awarded the National Storytelling Network Circle of excellence award just this year. In the interview Andy discusses his process for creating compelling fictional characters, his famous character, eighty-five-year-old-widowed-newly-minted-physician-aunt, Dr. Marguerite Van Camp, and the power of the audience's imagination. Along with the interview, today's episode contains a few of our favorite stories by Andy including "Book Every Saturday For a Funeral" and "Spinners." For more information regarding Andy (and more Aunt Marguerite stories as well!) visit his website.
Our thirty-ninth episode features different perspectives on bullying:
Bill Harley Story 1: Weezie and the Moonpies Teller: Bill Harley Website: http://www.billharley.com/ Notes: A bully is out-smarted by by his clever neighbors.
Dawn Metcalf Story 2: Standing Tall Teller: Dawn Metcalf Website: http://www.dawnmetcalf.com/ Notes: Read by actor Elizabeth Elieson, "Standing Tall" is Dawn's personal story about being bullied all through elementary school, only to find that her height and dry wit make her popular in high school. Dawn is now an author, and her latest book, Indelible, came out in August, 2013. Its sequel, Invisible, is due out April, 2014.
Saundra Mitchell Story 3: There's a Light Teller: Saundra Mitchell Website: http://www.saundramitchell.com/ Notes: This is Saundra's personal story about being bullied from elementary school until high school, when she attempted suicide. "There's a Light" was read by Karli Hall and published in the the book Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories.
Melissa Walker Story 4: I Was a Bully Too Teller: Melissa Walker Website: http://www.melissacwalker.com/ Notes: From the book Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories, and read by BYU Radio's own Peggy Woodruff, "I Was a Bully Too" is Melissa Walker's story of regret as she reflects on the way she ignored a girl name Eliza throughout middle school.
Antonio Sacre Story 5: Battling Giants Teller: Antonio Sacre Website: http://www.antoniosacre.com/ Notes: A story that doesn't minimize the harm that bullies do, but considers the bully's own story as well.
Syd Lieberman Story 6: David and Goliath Teller: Syd Lieberman Website: http://www.sydlieberman.com/ Notes: The classic biblical tale of David the shepherd boy defeating the mighty bully Goliath.
Our thirty-eighth episode features a selection of updated Aesop's fables:
Diane Ferlatte Story 1: "Aesop Alive and Well" and "Aesop's Story Begins" Teller: Diane Ferlatte Website: http://www.dianeferlatte.com/ Notes: The story of Aesop and how he began sharing his fables.
Sheila Starks Phillips Story 2: The Lion and the Mouse Teller: Sheila Starks Phillips Website: http://www.sheilaphillips.com/ Notes: A lion lets a little mouse go in return for her help later.
Heather Forest Story 3: The Sun and the Wind Teller: Heather Forest Website: http://www.heatherforest.com/ Notes: An argument between the elements leads to a man almost losing his new jacket.
Norah Dooley Story 4: Aesop's Racing Rabbit Teller: Norah Dooley Website: http://www.norahdooley.com/ Notes: A retelling of the classic moral "slow and steady wins the race."
Donna Washington Story 5: The Grasshopper and the Ants Teller: Donna Washington Website: http://www.dlwstoryteller.com/ Notes: A grasshopper finds himself unprepared for the winter.
TELLER Story 6: City Mouse Country Mouse Teller: Jim Weiss Website: http://www.greathall.com/ Notes: City mouse and country mouse try to persuade one another to move.
TELLER Story 7: The Monkey and the Donkey Teller: Diane Ferlatte Website: http://www.dianeferlatte.com/ Notes: A humble old man finds a way to make ends meet with a positive attitude. "I may not have silver, I may not have gold, but when I laugh I never feel old!"
Our thirty-seventh episode features stories about man's best friend:
Fran Yardley Story 1: Buster Teller: Fran Yardley Website: http://www.creativehealingconnections.org/ Notes: A tall tale about a hunting dog in the Adirondack Mountains.
Leslie Norris Story 2: The Highland Boy Teller: Leslie Norris Website: http://www.storiesalive.com/ Notes: The story of a boy and his first dog.
TELLER Story 3: Polar Bear and Hunting Dog Teller: The Storycrafters Website: http://www.storycrafters.com/ Notes: The friendship between a polar bear and a hunting dog is tested when one is forced to chase the other.
TELLER Story 4: Bone Day Teller: Diane Ferlatte Website: http://www.dianeferlatte.com/ Notes: An Aesop fable, and favorite of Diane's. This story/song tells of how one bone attracted one too many dogs.
Stories included in this episode:
Laura Pershin Raynor Story 1: Best Friends for a Day Teller: Laura Pershin Raynor Website: http://www.ipraynor.com/ Notes: A story about the fickle nature of friendships.
Judith Black Story 2: The Evil Prince and the Sleeping Beauty Teller: Judith Black Website: http://www.storiesalive.com/ Notes: A trip into the imagination of a girl dealing with friends and her teasing brother.
TELLER Story 3: May I Have This Dance Teller: Fran Yardley Website: http://www.creativehealingconnections.org/ Notes: The story of Esmeralda, a girl who height won't allow her to fulfill her dreams of dancing.
Our thirty-fifth episode features animal tales:
Donna Washington Story 1: Brer Possum and the Frogs Teller: Donna Washington Website: http://www.dlwstoryteller.com/ Notes: The cunning Brer Possum is seemingly out smarted by the frogs he intends to catch. Little do the frogs know that Brer Possum has a few tricks up his sleeve.
Priscilla Howe Story 2: Fox and Hedgehog Teller: Priscilla Howe Website: http://www.priscillahowe.com/ Notes: A tale about a curious fox who, in traditional Bulgarian storytelling, is commonly referred to as Lisa.
Ed Stivender Story 3: Princess and the Frog Teller: Ed Stivender Website: http://edstivender.com/ Notes: A comedic retelling of the classic Grimm Brother's fairy tale.
Tim Lowry Story 4: Buh Gator Meet Trouble Teller: Tim Lowry Website: http://storytellertimlowry.com/ Notes: (Based on the tales of Brer Rabbit) A gator agrees to spend the day with a cunning rabbit and trouble ensues.
The Storycrafters Story 5: Donkey and Toad Teller: The Storycrafters Website: http://www.storycrafters.com/ Notes: A traditional Jamaican story of two close friends who chose to compete against one another.
Diane Ferlatte Story 6: Brer Rabbit's Dance Teller: Diane Ferlatte Website: http://www.dianeferlatte.com/ Notes: Brer Rabbit is hungry and lies his way inside a farmers garden, with some unintended consequences of course.
Our thirty-fourth episode features stories of fear.
Donald Davis Story 1: Irrational Fear Teller: Donald Davis Website: http://www.ddavisstoryteller.com Notes: Donald's mother has an irrational fear of snakes.
Beth Horner Story 2: A Night at Water Oaks Teller: Beth Horner Website: http://www.bethhorner.com Notes: Beth is overworked and for some rest and relaxation she retires to her family's cabin in Water Oaks. However, she soon realizes that being in a cabin in the woods alone at night is the farthest thing from relaxing.
Our thirty-third episode showcases storyteller Pippa White's album "Voices From Ellis Island." In this one-woman production Pippa White retells the true stories of immigrants who passed through those iconic gates into America between 1890 and 1930. Their stories are amusing, frightening, inspiring, and true. Pictured above: storyteller Pippa White. For more information regarding Pippa and her storytelling, visit her website: http://www.pippawhite1co.com
This episode of "The Apple Seed," hosted by Sam Payne, visits the theme of "Lessons We've Learned from Those We Have Lost"
Charlotte Blake Alston Story 1: The Cow Tail Switch Teller: Charlotte Blake Alston Website: http://www.charlotteblakealston.com/ Notes: Four brothers try to bring their father back from the dead and learn an important lesson about what it means to truly be gone.
Andy McQuinn Story 2: Joseph the Knight Artist: Andy McQuinn Website: Notes: Written by Apple Seed supervisor Andrew McQuinn and read by the late Ken Samson (the voice of rabbit in the Winnie the Pooh series). A knight is directed by his dead comrade as he prepares to go to battle for the first time.
Linda Goodman Story 3: The Punishment Teller: Linda Goodman Website: http://lindagoodmanstoryteller.com/ Notes: A mother cooks up a scheme to win back the appreciation of her children.
Diane Ferlatte Story 4: You Never Know What the End's Gonna Be Teller: Diane Ferlatte Website: http://www.dianeferlatte.com Notes: A story about the bond between a woman and her mother-in-law.
Andy Offut Irwin Story 5: Selections from Andy Offut-Irwin's CD "Crowd Control" Teller: Andy Offut Irwin Website: http://andyirwin.com/ Notes: Andy shares his stories of playing with a physically handicapped toddler name Tristan, and their adventures in Andy's small home-town.
This episode of "The Apple Seed" features stories about the Civil War and America in the 1860s:
Fran Yardley Story 1: The Sears Roebuck Baby Teller: Fran Yardley Website: http://www.creativehealingconnections.org/ Notes: Fran tells the story of the time her mother gave birth in an unexpected place, with some unexpected consequences.
Norah Dooley Story 2: Caterina the Wise Teller: Norah Dooley Website: http://www.norahdooley.com/ Notes: A clever girl enjoys solving the riddles of a great king.
Joseph Bruchac Story 3: Wife of the Thunderer Teller: Joseph Bruchac Website: http://josephbruchac.com/ Notes: This is the story of an Iroqouis woman who ends up living out her wildest dreams despite being mistreated in her youth.
Liz Weir Story 4: Mary and the Red Dress Teller: Liz Weir Website: http://www.lizweir.net/ Notes: A cautionary tale about a woman's ability to trust.
Barbara McBride-Smith Story 5: Mrs. Noah Teller: Barbara McBride-Smith Website: http://www.barbaramcbridesmith.com/ Notes: The wife of the biblical prophet Noah tells her side of the story on the Oprah Show.
Stories featured in this episode:
Fran Yardley Story 1: The Sears Roebuck Baby Teller: Fran Yardley Website: http://www.creativehealingconnections.org/ Notes: Fran tells the story of the time her mother gave birth in an unexpected place, with some unexpected consequences.
Norah Dooley Story 2: Caterina the Wise Teller: Norah Dooley Website: http://www.norahdooley.com/ Notes: A clever girl enjoys solving the riddles of a great king.
Joseph Bruchac Story 3: Wife of the Thunderer Teller: Joseph Bruchac Website: http://josephbruchac.com/ Notes: This is the story of an Iroqouis woman who ends up living out her wildest dreams despite being mistreated in her youth.
Liz Weir Story 4: Mary and the Red Dress Teller: Liz Weir Website: http://www.lizweir.net/ Notes: A cautionary tale about a woman's ability to trust.
Barbara McBride-Smith Story 5: Mrs. Noah Teller: Barbara McBride-Smith Website: http://www.barbaramcbridesmith.com/ Notes: The wife of the biblical prophet Noah tells her side of the story on the Oprah Show.
Our eighty-forth episode is centered around an interview between The Apple Seed's host Sam Payne and international storyteller Diane Ferlatte. Diane is world-renowned for her very personable storytelling style. Its been said that she has the ability to make every member of her audience feel like she is speaking with them in their own front room. In the interview Diane discusses how storytelling has shaped her life as an African-american woman and as the mother of an adopted child. She even sang a little for us too. Along with the interview today's episode contains a few of our favorite stories by Diane, "Number 9 Shoes", "Feed My Cow" and "Next Town".
Diane Ferlatte
For more information regarding Diane and her storytelling visit her website: http://www.dianeferlatte.com/.
This episode spotlights Brazilian storyteller Antonio Rocha. Antonio has performed his solo shows in 14 different countries - wowing audiences with his unique combination of storytelling and mime. Our episode begins with an interview between Antonio and our host Sam Payne. In the interview they discuss how to get started in professional storytelling, Antonio's background in miming, South American vs. North American storytelling culture, and what traveling for storytelling has taught Antonio about the United States. The bulk of the episode is filled with some of our favorite recordings of Antonio, including "Alazao the Horse that Saved Six Lives", "The Deer and the Jaguar Share a House" and "The Boy and the Firefly."
For more information regarding Antonio and his stories you can visit his website: http://www.storyinmotion.com.
Stories included in this episode:
Milbre Burch Story 1: Billy Beg and his Bull Teller: Milbre Burch Website: www.kindcrone.com Notes: Billy Beg goes on a journey to become the prince of a distant kingdom.
Ed Stivender Story 2: Cinderella Teller: Ed Stivender Website: www.edstivender.com Notes: Ed Stivender's bluesy retelling of the traditional Cinderella fairy tale.
Stephanie Beneteau Story 3: The Invisible Boy Teller: Stephanie Beneteau Website: www.stephaniebeneteau.com Notes: A young girl with a pure heart is able to see the legendary "invisible boy."
Megan Hicks Story 4: Groundhog Godmother Teller: Megan Hicks Website: www.meganhicks.com Notes: Maybe Cinderella wasn't interested in going to the ball after all?
Angela Lloyd Story 5: Cinderella's Choice Teller: Angela Lloyd Website: www.angelalloyd.com Notes: Cinderella's happiness depends on her ability to share with others.
Stories featured in this episode:
Norah Dooley Story 1: Molly O'Donahue Teller: Norah Dooley Website: http://www.norahdooley.com Notes:
Mary Grace Ketner Story 2: The Peddler of Swaffham Teller: Mary Grace Ketner Website: http://talesandlegends.net Notes:
Jill Lamede Story 3: The Blue Rose Teller: Jill Lamede Website: hhttp://www.lamede.com Notes:
Tim Lowry Story 4: The King and the Mice Teller: Tim Lowry Website: http://www.storytellertimlowry.com Notes:
Zette Harbour Story 5: The Innkeeper's Clever Daughter Teller: Zette Harbour Website: http://www.zetteharbour.com Notes:
Our twenty-fourth episode gives examples of how wisdom may be imparted through storytelling. This episode begins with an interview between our host Sam Payne and teller Karla Huntsman discussing the value of storytelling. The bulk of the show consists of some of our staff's favorite tales told by some of the world's top tellers:
Betty Ann Wylie Story 1: The Three Dolls Teller: Betty Ann Wylie Website: Notes:
Ted Fink Story 2: Lost in the Ooze Teller: Ted Fink Website: http://tedfink.com Notes:
Norah Dooley Story 3: Tony and the Donkey Teller: Norah Dooley Website: http://www.norahdooley.com Notes:
Syd Lieberman Story 4: Joseph the Tailor Teller: Syd Lieberman Website: http://www.sydlieberman.com Notes:
Liz Weir Story 5: The Fisherman of Lough Neagh Teller: Liz Weir Website: http://www.lizweir.net Notes:
This episode, "Trips in the Family Car," features tellers Bil Lepp, Andy Offutt Irwin, Donald Davis, Bill Harley, and Donna Washington:
Bil Lepp Story 1: Mr. Lepp, I Gotta Go Teller: Bil Lepp Website: http://leppstorytelling.com Notes:
Andy Offut Irwin Story 2: Chief Know-em All Teller: Andy Offut Irwin Website: http://andyirwin.com Notes:
Donald Davis Story 3: Driving to Florida Teller: Donald Davis Website: http://www.ddavisstoryteller.com Notes:
Bill Harley Story 4: Mom and the Radio Teller: Bill Harley Website: http://www.billharley.com Notes:
Donna Washington Story 5: The West Indies Teller: Donna Washington Website: http://www.dlwstoryteller.com Notes:
Our twenty-second episode will feature an interview with stage actor, director, and playwright James Arrington. The episode also includes excerpts from a recording of his play Farley Family Reunion.
This play served as the inspiration for a book entitled, Aunt Pearl's Family Reunion Book: Personal Pointers on "How to Farley-Up Your Family Reunion" Reunion Book. Pictured above (from right to left): James Arrington with our host Sam Payne, our supervisor Andrew McQuinn, and our head producer Andy Bay.
Stories featured in this episode:
Bobby Norfolk Story 1: How Light Came Into the World Teller: Bobby Norfolk Website: http://folktale.com
Charlotte Black Alston Story 2: Anansi's Children Teller: Charlotte Blake Alston Website: http://www.charlotteblakealston.com
Donna Washington Story 3: Anansi and the Turtle Teller: Donna Washington Website: http://www.dlwstoryteller.com
Len Cabral Story 4: Anansi and Common Sense Teller: Len Cabral Website: http://www.lencabral.com
Len Cabral Story 5: A Story A Story Teller: Len Cabral Website: http://www.lencabral.com
Bobby Norfolk Story 6: The Spider and Rabbit's Drum Teller: Bobby Norfolk Website: http://www.folktale.com
An interview with teller Geraldine Buckley, and her story "Devil on Horseback" from her CD of the same name. For more information regarding Geraldine and her stories you can visit her website http://www.geraldinebuckley.com. Pictured above: storyteller Geraldine Buckley with our host Sam Payne.
Stories and interviews featured in this episode:
Sheila Starks Phillips Story 1: Cranes Gift Teller: Sheila Starks Phillips Site: http://www.sheilaphillips.com/ Notes: A mysterious girl comes to stay with a couple who have been praying for a baby.
Motoko Interview 1: Motoko Site: http://motoko.folktales.net/ Notes: Japanese teller Motoko talks to Sam Payne about storytelling in Japan, traditional Japanese tales and her personal journey as a storyteller.
Susan Stone Story 2: The Man Who Could Make the Trees Blossom Teller: Alton Chung Site: http://www.altonchung.com/ Notes: A man is blessed with wealth and prosperity because of his kindness.
Our seventeenth episode features an interview with bluegrass artist and storyteller Josh Goforth, along with a story by teller Donald Davis titled "Up to Gramdma's" from his CD Donald Davis: Going to Grandma's. Pictured above (from right to left): The Apple Seed producer Andy Bay, Josh Goforth and the host of The Apple Seed Sam Payne.
This episode of "Stories for Children" features tellers Willy Claflin, Ed Stivender, Bill Harley, Megan Hicks, The Storycrafters, and Mitch Capel:
Willy Claflin Story 1: The Wolf Who Cried Sheep Teller: Willy Claflin Website: http://www.willyclaflin.com
Ed Stivender Story 2: The Rooster With the Magic Stomach Teller: Ed Stivender Website: http://edstivender.com
Bill Harley Story 3: Sillier That You Teller: Bill Harley Website: http://www.billharley.com
Teller Story 4: The Shoemaker and the Groundhog Teller: Megan Hicks Website: http://www.meganhicks.com
The Storycrafters Story 5: Little Bread Ridinghood Teller: The Storycrafters Website: http://www.storycrafters.com
Mitch Capel Story 6: Turn to Gold Teller: Mitch Capel Website: http://www.gjbug.com/
Willy Claflin Story 7: Cinderella and the Three Bears Teller: Willy Claflin Website: http://www.willyclaflin.com
Stories and songs included in this episode:
Laura Pershin Raynor Story: Fanny in Miami Teller: Laura Pershin Raynor Site: www.lpraynor.com Notes: All about grandmother's greatest gifts.
Tim Lowry Story: Grandfather's Model T Teller: Tim Lowry Site: www.storytellertimlowry.com Notes: Capturing the timeless allure of grandpa's car.
Corinne Stavish Story: Bargain Shopping With Grandma Teller: Corinne Stavish Site: www.stavishstorytelling.com Notes: Exploring Manhattan with Grandma.
Norman Blake & Rich O'Brien Song: Grandpa's Barn Artist: Norman Blake & Rich O' Brien Site: http://www.westernjubilee.com/ Notes: A song byNorman Blake & Rich O' Brien from the compilation "A Western Jubilee: Songs and Stories of the American West."
Tony Norris Story: Grandma Put It All In Jars Teller: Tony Norris Site: www.tonynorris.com Notes: Taste a little of the summer.
Lyn Ford Story: Passing it On: All the Way Home Teller: Betty Ann Wylie Site: myspace.com/bettyannwylie Notes: You deserve no less than the best.
This episode features an interview with teller Bil Lepp, along with his story "Woodpeckers Just Don't Make the Best Pets" from his CD Mayhem Dressed as an Eight Point Buck.
A short bio from Bil's website:
"Bil Lepp is a nationally renowned storyteller and five time champion of the West Virginia Liars’ Contest. His outrageous, humorous tall-tales and witty stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life, from elementary school to veterans’ homes, from churches to colleges, from festivals to formal dinners. Though a champion liar, his hilarious, insightful stories often contain morsels of truth which shed light on subjects such as politics, religion, relationships, and human nature. A storyteller, author, and recording artist, Lepp’s works have received awards and recognition The Parents’ Choice Foundation, The National Parenting Publications Assoc., Storytelling World, and the Public Library Assoc. Lepp has been featured numerous times at the National Storytelling Festival, and at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and major storytelling and corporate events across the country."
For more information regarding Bil and his storytelling, visit his website at www.leppstorytelling.com.
Explanation stories from around the world. Stories included in this episode:
Liz Weir Story 1: Why the Sky is Far Away Teller: Liz Weir Website: http://www.lizweir.net
Wolfsong Story 2: How the Skunk Got His Stripes Teller: Wolfsong
Charlotte Blake Alston Story 3: Why Cats Live With Woman Teller: Charlotte Blake Alston Website: http://www.charlotteblakealston.com
Tim Lowry Story 4: Thunder Steals Fire Teller: Tim Lowry Website: http://storytellertimlowry.com
Jim Weiss Story 5: How the Whale Got His Throat Teller: Jim Weiss Website: http://www.greathall.com
Heather Forest Story 6: How the Buzzard Got His Feathers Teller: Joseph Bruchac Website: http://josephbruchac.com
Heather Forest Story 7: The Holua Sled Race Teller: Alton Chung Website: http://www.altonchung.com
Tales that demonstrate the richness of the Native American oral tradition.
Stories featured in this episode:
Joseph Bruchac Story 1: The Brave Woman and the Flying Head Teller: Joseph Bruchac Website: http://josephbruchac.com Notes: A mother unknowingly protects her village from a savage beast.
Joseph Stands with Many Story 2: Rabbit Goes Fishing Teller: Joseph Stands with Many Website: http://www.standswithmany.com Notes: Rabbit, a traditional trickster figure, is too lazy to fish for himself.
Christopher Leebrick Story 3: The Skeleton Woman Teller: Christopher Leebrick Website: http://www.allgoodstories.com Notes: An old man is unable to feed his starving wife during the long, cold winter.
James Bruchac Story 4: Gluskabe Changes Some Animals Teller: James Bruchac Website: http://jamesbruchac.com Notes: Gluskabe prepares the forest animals for the arrival of the first human.
Tim Lowry Story 5: Mahtigwess Finds Food Teller: Tim Lowry Website: http://www.storytellertimlowry.com Notes: Mahtigwess, a rabbit, wants to be like all of the other animals.
Joseph Bruchac Story 6: Chipmunk and Bear Teller: Joseph Bruchac Website: http://josephbruchac.com Notes: Bear attempts to keep the sun from rising.
Milbre Burch Story 7: Little Burnt Face Teller: Milbre Burch Website: http://www.kindcrone.com Notes: The Native American version of the classic Cinderella story.
Stories featured in this episode:
John McCutcheon Story 1: Ode to a Krispy Kreme Teller: John McCutcheon Website: www.folkmusic.com Notes: A poem that glorifies the classic Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnuts.
Milbre Burch Story 2: Seven Bowls of Rice Teller: Milbre Burch Website: www.kindcrone.com Notes: A farmer’s daughter saves a cursed prince with her cooking.
Syd Lieberman Story 3: Truffles Teller: Syd Lieberman Website: www.sydlieberman.com Notes: A couple struggles with unfulfilled dreams and their own predispositions.
Adam Booth Story 4: The Mighty Tudor's Biscuit World Biscuit Oven Organ Teller: Adam Booth Website: www.adam-booth.com Notes: Adam volunteers to play the organ for a congregation that worships in a "Tudor's Biscuit World" restaurant.
Donald Davis Story 5: Peas and Carrots Teller: Donald Davis Website: www.ddavisstoryteller.com Notes: As a child Donald found a creative place to hide the peas and carrots he was served at dinner time.
Stories included in this episode:
Tony Norris Story 1: Roscoe the Amazing Snake Teller: Tony Norris Website: www.tonynorris.com Notes: Tony is "followed home" by a rattlesnake one evening and it quickly becomes his best friend.
Kevin Kling Story 2: The Ballad of Ron Huber Teller: Kevin Kling Website: www.kevinkling.com Notes:A battle between two giants: Ron Huber, a fisherman with dreams of a big catch, and Thor, a fish with a wild reputation.
Christopher Leebrick Story 3: Tebo and His Pet Fish Teller: Christopher Leebrick Website: www.allgoodstories.com Notes: Tebo's pet fish becomes a little full of himself. Warning: this story will make you question what you thought you knew about marine biology.
Norman Walker Story 4: The Mexican Pet Teller: Norman Walker Website: www.normwalker.com Notes: A song about a woman who makes the mistake of bringing home what she thinks is a Chihuahua.
Bil Lepp Story 5: The Mexican Pet Teller: Bil Lepp Website: www.leppstorytelling.com Notes: Another version of the "Mexican pet" story in which a woman brings home what she thinks is a Chihuahua from Mexico.
Sheila Starks Phillips Story 6: The Turkey Vulture Festival Teller: Sheila Starks Phillips Website: www.sheilaphillips.com Notes: On any given day in Texas you'll find a festival celebrating something random, and the annual migration of turkey vultures is no exception.
Stories featured in this episode:
Jay O'Callahan Story 1: Father Joe Teller: Jay O'Callahan Website: www.ocallahan.com Notes: The story of Father Joe O’Callahan, a chaplain serving on the USS Franklin when it was bombed by Japanese aircraft in 1945.
Jay O'Callahan Story 2: Letting the Ashes Go Teller: Fran Yardley Website: www.creativehealingconnections.org Notes: Fran’s memories of scattering her father’s ashes on his favorite lake.
Mary Gavan Story 3: Auld Sailor Teller: Mary Gavan Website: www.marycelticstory.ca Notes: A story that addresses the awesomeness of allowing each person to have their unique passage in living and dying.
alt= Story 4: Dad Teller: Waddie Mitchell Website: www.somagency.com/waddiemitchell Notes: A poem about missing someone you love.
Syd Lieberman Story 5: This, Too, Shall Pass Teller: Syd Lieberman Website: www.sydlieberman.com Notes: King Solomon’s minister discovers the secret to overcoming tragedy.
Stories featured in this episode:
Bil Lepp Story 1: Teacher in the Patriotic Bathing Suit Teller: Bil Lepp Website: http://leppstorytelling.com Notes: Bil and his classmates attempt to prove that their 4th grade teacher is the comic book hero “Wonder Woman.”
Bill Harley Story 2: Mrs. Ammon and the Boys' Room Teller: Bill Harley Website: http://www.billharley.com Notes: Bill’s story about the worst substitute teacher ever.
Donald Davis Story 3: The Power of Stories Teller: Donald Davis Website: http://www.ddavisstoryteller.com Notes: Donald’s mother was a teacher at his elementary school, much to his chagrin.
Stories featured in this episode:
Liz Weir Story 1: Jack and the Magic Horse Teller: Liz Weir Website: www.lizweir.net Notes: Jack raises a sickly horse that later repays him for his kindness.
Octavia Sexton Story 2: How Jack Got to America Teller: Octavia Sexton Website: www.octaviasexton.com Notes: An Appalachian jack tale about growing up and the value of work.
Ed Stivender Story 3: Jack and the Magic Boat Teller: Ed Stivender Website: www.edstivender.com Notes: Jack goes in search of a missing princess.
im Lowry Story 4: Soldier Jack Teller: Tim Lowry Website: www.storytellertimlowry.com Notes: Jack is gifted a magical sack that leads him on a wild adventure.
Stories featured in this episode:
Syd Lieberman Story 1: The Wise Shoemaker of Studena Teller: Syd Lieberman Website: www.sydlieberman.com Notes: A shoemaker tricks a wedding party into believing he is a rich man.
Judith Black Story 2: The Poor Unfortunate Man Teller: Judith Black Website: www.storiesalive.com Notes: A story about why complaining never gets you anywhere.
Judith Black Story 3: The Fatal Pinch Teller: Judith Black Website: www.storiesalive.com Notes: Judith's childhood memories of Passover.
Corinne Stavish Story 4: The Jewish Mother GPS Teller: Corinne Stavish Website: www.stavishstorytelling.com Notes: Mother's intuition is always right.
Gerald Fierst Story 5: The Baal Shem Tov and the Werewolf Teller: Gerald Fierst and Jonathan Feig Website: www.geraldfierst.com Notes: A story as big as the whole universe and as small as the prayer of a child.
Syd Lieberman Story 6: Challahs in the Ark Teller: Syd Lieberman Website: www.sydlieberman.com Notes: A story about God's delight when we take care of one another.
Stories included in this episode:
Donald David Story 1: That's What Mamas Do Teller: Donald Davis Site: www.ddavisstoryteller.com Notes: Donald shared this story about his family during a BYUtv production titled "Call of Story."
Dovie Thomason Story 2: My Name is Dovie Teller: Dovie Thomason Site: www.doviethomason.com Notes: Dovie offers contemporary narratives of Indigenous North America told with elegance, wit and passion.
Bil Lepp Story 3: Something in the Water Teller: Bil Lepp Site: www.leppstorytelling.com Notes: Bil is an award-winning author and recording artist. He's been featured at venues across the nation, including an appearance on TV's Comedy Central.
Yvonne Healy Story 4: Healy Cross Teller: Yvonne Healy Site: www.yhealy.com Notes: Yvonne is ranked #1 in the USA for traditional Irish storytelling by the leading cultural authorities in the Republic of Ireland and Canada.
Betty Ann Wylie Story 5: Generous People Teller: Betty Ann Wylie Notes: Betty Ann is well known for her unique ability to bring books and childhood stories to life through her dramatic gestures, singing, voice changes, and audience participation. Her home town is Americus, Georgia.
Antonio Sacre Story 6: Leprechaun's Gold Teller: Antonio Sacre Site: www.antoniosacre.com Notes: Antonio is an internationally touring writer, storyteller, and solo performance artist based in Los Angeles.
Stories featured in this episode:
Kevin Kling Story 1: Softball Teller: Kevin Kling Site: www.kevinkling.com Notes: Kevin grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, MN and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater from Gustavus Adolphus College.
Sheila Starks Phillips Story 2: Amarillo Sandies/Football Champions Teller: Sheila Starks Phillips Site: www.sheilaphillips.com Notes: Sheila is a past President of the Tejas storytelling Association. She lives in Sugar Land, Texas.
Popular storyteller, Syd Lieberman Story 3: The Englewood Game Teller: Syd Lieberman Site: www.sydlieberman.com Notes: Syd was featured in BYUtv's "The Call of Story." He has received commissions to write and perform stories across the country.
Shawn O'Neill Story 4: Casey at the Bat Teller: Shawn O'Neill Producer: Christine Nokelby Engineer: Kelton Davis | YouTube Link Notes: This production was created by staff members at BYU Radio Services.
Mary Grace Ketner Story 5: The Condiment Basketball Game Teller: Mary Grace Ketner Site: www.talesandlegends.net Notes: Mary Grace is a storyteller, an author, and a teacher with experience in Language Arts, English, Spanish, and Special Education.
Stories featured in this episode:
Simon Brooks Story 1: Goat from the Hills and Mountains Teller: Simon Brooks Website: www.diamondscree.com Notes: A tiny ant thwarts a meddlesome goat.
Fran Yardley Story 2: The Great Bear Teller: Fran Yardley Website: www.creativehealingconnections.org Notes: An Iroquois tale about the origin of the Ursa Major (Great Bear) constellation.
Jay O'Callahan Story 3: Connor and the Leprechaun Teller: Jay O'Callahan Website: www.ocallahan.com Notes: An old leprechaun comforts a young boy.
Len Cabral Story 4: The Beggar Boy and the King's Daughter Teller: Len Cabral Website: www.lencabral.com Notes: A story about a king that spans the past and present.
Sheila Starks Phillips Story 5: Brer Possum and the Frogs Teller: Sheila Starks Phillips Website: www.sheilaphillips.com Notes: Brer Possum plays a group of frogs into becoming his dinner.
Stories featured in this episode:
Donald Davis Story 1: Watch the Baby Teller: Donald Davis Website: www.ddavisstoryteller.com Notes: Donald attempts to get out of watching his baby brother.
Linda Goodman Story 2: Nickels for Dimes Teller: Linda Goodman Website: www.lindagoodmanstoryteller.com Notes: Linda believes she is outsmarting everyone when she begins trading her younger sister nickels for dimes.
Ed Stivender Story 3: Hansel and Gretel Teller: Ed Stivender Website: www.edstivender.com Notes: A retelling of the classic fairy tale about siblings who rely on one another to stay alive.
Antonio Sacre Story 4: Water Torture Teller: Antonio Sacre Website: www.antoniosacre.com Notes: Antonio recreates a torture scene from a spy movie using his little brother.