Tales for Life

"The Master Thief," a folktale from Germany, isn't just a story of a thief outwitting his godfather; it's a lesson for all of us that teaches us obstacles and challenges can't stop us if we see ourselves as bigger than they are and act accordingly.

Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

Little habits shape who we are in big ways. In fact, these little habits are big windows into how we, or anyone else, will act. By paying attention to the small things, we get a glimpse of the bigger picture. Come along with me as we take a look at two short stories that help illustrate how observing a little thing tells us how someone will act in all things.

Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

Are you stuck? Do you want more than what you have? Guess what? You'll never get un-stuck or get something more or different doing what you've been doing. Come along with me in this episode as we enjoy a Scottish tale that examines the time-honored wisdom required for getting different results - doing something different!

Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

Any significant or meaningful goal we have in life, whether it be at work or at home, is going to come with obstacles and challenges. Whether or not your goal is a "SMART" (specific - measurable - achievable - relevant - time-bound) is not going to help you achieve it if you lack commitment. Come along on today's episode as we use a Philippine folktale to remind us that happiness and achievement only come with complete commitment.

Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

Perhaps the most famous teller of tales with meaning, Greek storyteller Aesop is known the world over for his fables. In this episode, we listen to a few of them, timeless as ever, and complete with their morals.

Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we're taking a wee bit of a break from our usual theme to pay tribute to the Emerald Isle and some of its lore. This episode features a fun story, complete with beer, gold, and a crafty leprechaun!

Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

In this episode, we delve into the roles of luck and readiness in achieving success, inspired by an Armenian tale titled The Idiot. We'll discuss how being in the right place at the right time isn't enough—you must also be prepared to seize the moment and turn chance encounters into life-changing events. Join us as we explore the interplay of fate, fortune, and making the most of opportunities.

Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

Many times, success in life -- no matter how you define it -- is not a matter of money, good looks, or even your effort. It's often a matter of something you have inside of you -- your belief. It is your belief in whether you can and will succeed, or you cannot or won't, that can make all the difference. With the help of a splendid folktale from German, grab a piece of age-old wisdom that reminds us that moving forward in life is an inside job.

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

Too often we set goals but either don't have a purpose to achieving them or lose track of that purpose. This episode of the Tales For Life podcast reminds us, through a fun Scottish tale, that holding tight to your purpose makes achieving your goals inevitable!

Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

One of the greatest sources of discontent is not our lack of something but our lack of appreciating what we have. Wanting something else or something more can lead us down the road to unhappiness. While we may not be living in paradise, it's a sure bet that yearning for things we don't need will never get us there. With the help of an 18th century French folktale, we're cautioned about this line of thinking.

Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/