Santa Claus is one of the most oft-depicted figures in history. He appears so often, and in so many contexts, that it can be easy to skip over a pretty important question: how did Santa become Santa?

In this episode, we tackle this question, and many others, with the aid of a very capable guide, author Tim Slover. Tim has spent the better part of his life thinking, speaking, and writing about our favorite yuletide gift-giver. In fact, Tim created a novella, entitled The Christmas Chronicles: The Legend of Santa Claus, that clears up the stickiest misconceptions that surround Santa Claus. And what's more, the story also exists as an 8-episode dramatic audio reading. Tim walks Rob through the evolution of the project, which is sure to make you think twice about your relationship with The Man With the Bag!

Do you believe?

Grab your own copy of The Christmas Chronicles: The Legend of Santa Claus here:

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Chronicles-Legend-Santa-Claus/dp/1400118654

And binge-listen to the full Christmas Chronicles series here:

http://www.classical89.org/programs/christmaschronicles/episodes/

As far as holidays go, Christmas wields a massive amount of influence. It's a singular season for a multitude of reasons, both secular and sacred. For retailers, it's a make-or-break dash. For shoppers, it's about the same. But when we strip away all the commerce, what do we find? When the hustle-and-bustle quiets down, what do people tend to retain when they reflect on their Christmas memories? Rob sets out to find the answer, and finds stories about surreptitious acts of kindness, Christmas trees that attack, and memories of brothers who have passed on.

Some stories are just too big to tell in one episode. This is one of them. In this two-part special, we dive into the resurgence of the Japanese visual art form known as ukiyo-e. A style dating back to the 17th century, Ukiyo-e peaked in the 1800’s and essentially slept through the 20th century. But recently, a visual artist named Jed Henry, and a traditional woodcarver and printer named David Bull, combined forces to inject new life into the classic form. The first episode focused on Jed, while this second part features David.

You can learn more about the amazing work David and Jed are doing (as well as secure a print of your own) at https://www.ukiyoeheroes.com/

See dozens of mesmerizing videos of David at work at his YouTube page, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKSrgKjevPmNZxCAyTZP5cQ

And learn more about David's other projects at http://www.woodblock.com/

Some stories are just too big to tell in one episode. This is one of them. In this two-part special, we dive into the resurgence of the Japanese visual art form known as ukiyo-e. A style dating back to the 17th century, Ukiyo-e peaked in the 1800’s and essentially slept through the 20th century. But recently, a visual artist named Jed Henry, and a traditional woodcarver and printer named David Bull, combined forces to inject new life into the classic form. The first episode focused on Jed, while this second part features David.

You can learn more about the amazing work David and Jed are doing (as well as secure a print of your own) at https://www.ukiyoeheroes.com/

See dozens of mesmerizing videos of David at work at his YouTube page, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKSrgKjevPmNZxCAyTZP5cQ

And learn more about David's other projects at http://www.woodblock.com/

Some stories are just too big to tell in one episode. This is one of them. In this two-part special, we dive into the resurgence of the Japanese visual art form known as ukiyo-e. A style dating back to the 17th century, Ukiyo-e peaked in the 1800’s and essentially slept through the 20th century. But recently, a visual artist named Jed Henry, and a traditional woodcarver and printer named David Bull, combined forces to inject new life into the classic form. This episode focuses on Jed, while part two features David.

Some stories are just too big to tell in one episode. This is one of them. In this two-part special, we dive into the resurgence of the Japanese visual art form known as ukiyo-e. A style dating back to the 17th century, Ukiyo-e peaked in the 1800’s and essentially slept through the 20th century. But recently, a visual artist named Jed Henry, and a traditional woodcarver and printer named David Bull, combined forces to inject new life into the classic form. This episode focuses on Jed, while part two features David.

For more information on Jed’s designs, visit www.ukiyoeheroes.com.

In 1675, Isaac Newton wrote a letter in which he spoke about the help he had received in his work from previous generations. He remarked, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Though this immortal statement applied specifically to scientific discovery, the same could be said of the grandchild-grandparent relationship. Grandparents play a huge role in shaping the early worldview of their grandkids, offering supplemental support, validation, fun, and acceptance. Ultimately, it's impossible to estimate just how profound the lasting impact of grandparents can be. But we can still try, right? This episode of GoodRally offers accounts from three normal people whose lives have been forever changed by their grandparents.

In many communities, homelessness (and its associated challenges) is a persistent problem. And sometimes, the remedies designed to alleviate suffering, while technically meeting basic needs like nutrition and shelter, fail to acknowledge the humanity of the recipients.

This is the story of one woman and her family, whose drive to create positive change in their community led them to found a restaurant that nourishes body and soul of all that pass through its doors. Through creativity, research, and no small amount of grit, she and her family are uniting patrons of all backgrounds, and doing it all with dignity and love. We hope you're hungry.

Harps. Hawaii. Yurts.

A trio of seemingly disconnected words. And yet, in this first full episode of the GoodRally podcast, we find all three wrapped together in beautiful harmony. Tomasi and Irene Tukuafu are a power couple whose almost-magical dwelling perfectly matches their sublime (and musical) approach to life. They've spent years having adventures together, as well as building and sharing instruments with others. You've just got to meet them. 

If you casually flip on the TV, browse through the social media landscape, or tune in to the radio, you'll likely be presented with a never-ending array of stories focusing on negativity. Whether it's the latest political scandal, a celebrity's fall from grace, or a personal slugfest that plays out on Facebook, much of the information we consume tends toward the downward-facing. And things are pretty much the same in our entertainment selections--so-called true-crime stories offer real-life accounts of homicide, hatred, and prejudice.

We can do better.

This podcast was created with the belief that the world is still a wonderful place full of good people. Each episode will feature a bit of evidence that things aren't as bleak as they might seem. There are people learning, overcoming, and achieving amazing things every day. And rather than denying that real-life problems exist, this program seeks to help you recharge your batteries so that you can "rally" and get back to fighting your own good fight, whatever that may be. Host Rob Callan kicks off the podcast in this introductory episode.