Do you remember hearing a spooky story around the campfire when you were a kid? If there was a talented storyteller, you may have laughed, cried, or screamed, convinced a ghost was right behind you, sending shivers down your spine. Before printed books were widespread, storytellers were the keepers of all the local history and lore.

Today’s guest Bob Thompson, professionally known as Colonel Bob, is a master storyteller and producer of the Corn Island Storytelling Festival happening on October 19 at Blackacre State Nature Preserve just outside of Louisville. He is also the author of 2 short story collections and hosts a radio Show, Kentucky Homefront, featuring regional music and storytellers on WFPK 91.9 on Saturdays at 8 am. Bob Thompson is one busy colonel !

Colonel Bob talks to us about how the old guys sitting on his grandmother’s front porch spinning yarns sparked his love of stories, what tricks of the trade storytellers use to keep their audience engaged, and why hitchhiking is a big part of his story repertoire.

You can find us on FB, instagram (@perksofbeingabookloverpod) and on our blog site at www.perksofbeingabooklover.com

Perks airs on Forward Radio 106.5 FM and forwardradio.org every Wednesday at 6 pm, Thursdays at 6 am and 12 pm. We have purchased the rights to the theme music used.