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