A young man tries to play the pennywhistle, but isn't great. Until, that is, he gets taken by a Puka to a magic ball where he is to play for the guests. A story by Brian "Fox" Ellis

Crow decides to test his luck in this story by Big Joe Pagliuca. He is not to go near the rocks, because he might get eaten by the snake lady. Will he listen?

This episode shares all sorts of stories about freedom and liberty as we approach the celebration of Independence Day. We'll hear stories about the symbols we often associate with freedom and some of the great things about America.

(4:04) Andy Offutt Irwin shares a story of his Aunt Marguerite and what the legacy of the Statue of Liberty, or the Statue's full name "Liberty Enlightening the World," means to her and her family in a story called "Free the Imprisoned Lightning," recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio.

(34:36) In today's entry in The Radio Family Journal Sam talks about a time he was cast as one of the von Trapp children in The Sound of Music. He discusses the symbol that the edelweiss flower has become in Austria and American sunflower lined roads of freedom.

(41:24) We listen to a compilation of some people's thoughts on what makes the United States, well, the United States. We hope you enjoy this grateful message about the value of freedom.

(44:52) Our Producer, Brian Tanner, shares a memory of an Independence Day celebration that we do not recommend trying at home.

Storyteller Ed Stivender shares the tale of how young Jack seeks his fortune. Along the way he makes some friends that end up being very important for his success.

Fran Yardley tells the story of a teacher who finds himself with a porcupine to keep. He decides it needs to be potty trained, but he doesn't know how well it will stick.

South Carolina storyteller Tim Lowry tells of a lazy animal that lives in the middle of the desert, an animal that didn't use to, but now has a hump. Listen to find out how that happened on The Apple Seed!

Australian storyteller Jenni Cargill-Strong with a tale about a fisherman who gets caught in a storm and loses his baby. But is the child gone forever?

What would you do if you had unlimited candy? You've heard the saying, with great power comes great responsibility. Life always comes with responsibilities, and they tend to keep coming as we grow, but those responsibilities can provide their own rewards. Today's episode explores responsibilities, rewards, and even more.

(4:40) Everyone wants magic candy, right? Storyteller and musician Bill Harley shares the tale of Barney Humphnaegle and the great responsibility he was given when he received a magic piece of candy, recorded live in The Apple Seed Studio.

(32:33) Sam talks about his childhood's neighborhood candy store, known as the Alpenhaus, and some simple things that make life happy. It's today's entry in The Radio Family Journal.

(40:24) A conversation with Amy Tingle, director of Waterfall Arts in Belfast, Maine, about how they are using storytelling to get people together and provide support for each other.

As a few young men secretly plan for war, they don't realize one thing: the mice might be listening. Dovie Thomason shares a story about mice who have the people's best interests at heart.

Storyteller Bobby Norfolk shares of a time when Anansi the spider finds himself in trouble. Who will rescue him? Maybe one of his six talented sons.