In this episode of Tales For Life, we follow a squirrel’s scramble through choice, consequence, and cold—a parable of indecision nestled in golden leaves. As Tibbins dithers between three hiding places, his scattered efforts come up short, reminding us that exploring options is important—but choosing and committing is what carries us through. A gentle tale for anyone whose focus feels a bit too spread, and whose winter is fast approaching.

Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

In this week’s episode of Tales For Life, we explore the power of commitment through a hauntingly beautiful Middle Eastern folktale, The Girl Who Sealed the Door. When Layla volunteers to face the spirits of the cursed palace, she brings not charms or prayers—but a hammer and nails. Her choice to block the way back becomes a metaphor for the kind of resolve that transforms fear into courage. Through vivid storytelling and gentle reflection, this episode invites listeners to consider what might happen if we stopped planning for escape and started trusting our ability to endure. Sometimes, the only way forward is through—and the only way through is to seal the door behind you.

Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

In this episode, we explore the quiet power of persistence through the African folktale The Flame of Mamba Muntu. When King Zuberi tasks his three sons with trials to determine who will inherit the crown, each responds differently. Jabari charges ahead, Kwame calculates, and Tendo listens, learns, and returns when others stop.

This isn’t a story about triumph in the usual sense—it’s about the space between effort and excuse, and what happens when we choose to stay in that space a little longer. Whether you’re chasing a goal, leading a team, or simply trying to grow, this tale offers a gentle but firm reminder: success and excuses don’t live in the same place.

Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

In this episode of Tales For Life, we journey to Valle Sol for the story of Marisol, a young woman whose quiet persistence transforms not only her fate but the lives of those she loves. Inspired by Andy Andrews’ “I Will Persist…Without Exception,” this tale speaks to anyone who’s wrestled with slow progress, early failure, or the quiet doubt that shadows uncertain paths. Through Marisol’s thread-by-thread determination, we’re reminded that true success is rarely sudden—it’s woven through patience, effort, and the decision to keep going. Whether you’re searching for your calling or struggling to stay the course, this episode offers gentle encouragement and timeless wisdom wrapped in a story that lingers like twilight on the valley wind.

Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

This week on Tales For Life, we revisit The Emperor’s New Clothes—not as a childhood fable, but a sharp reflection on how easily we trade clarity for comfort. When pressure to fit in creeps in, we may start biting back questions or doubting what we see. This story reminds us that sometimes the clearest voice is the one brave enough to say, “Something feels off.” Because shaping your world starts with trusting your own.

Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

In this episode of Tales For Life, we explore how the choices we make linger—and how yesterday’s actions quietly shape how we’re seen today. Through a rich retelling of Beauty and the Beast, titled Thorns and Velvet, we’re reminded that appearances don’t just reflect what’s outside—they carry echoes of our character and choices. When a weary merchant plucks a rose and sets his daughter on a path toward a mysterious castle, we witness not just enchantment but transformation through empathy, presence, and restraint. As the Beast softens and reveals more of who he truly is, the way he’s perceived begins to shift—not by magic, but through small, thoughtful acts. This gentle tale invites listeners to reflect on how our own habits and interactions build the lens through which others experience us. Tune in for a story that’s familiar yet fresh, and maybe a new way of looking at your own reflections.

Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

In today's world, it often seems like speed is all that matters. Make things happen now. Get things done yesterday. But that's not the way that life works. It's the slow, steady work over time that leads to the beautiful tomorrow. Come along on this episode featuring a Slavic tale that illustrates vividly that perseverance and endurance are the key to happily ever after.

Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

Success is often portrayed as a maze of strategies and philosophies, but at its core lies a single truth—progress begins with action. In this episode, we cut through the noise to explore why movement, not just mindset, is the defining factor in reaching your goals. And to bring the message home, we look to a Norwegian fairy tale where actions—rather than intentions—make all the difference.

Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

It would be great for all of us if life were fair, but it isn't. Crying and screaming won't help. What will? Well, that answer lies in an old Russian folktale that's part of this week's episode. Want to know what a wooden doll, a wicked stepmother, and the Russian witch Baba Yaga have to do with you? Listen and find out!

Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

Success doesn't have to be huge, and it doesn't have to be all at once. In fact, it will never be all at once. And those little successes? Well, those are the steps we have to take to get to the end goal, which really isn't a giant success at all, but a series of little successes on the way. With the help of a couple of fables -- one African and one from Aesop -- this episode takes a look at what true success really is...and what it takes to keep it going.

Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/