The Apple Seed

Jason Porath was once an effects animator at DreamWorks Animation where he and his co-workers would often discuss movies, including a common conversation surrounding this question, "what is the least likely woman to ever get the animated princess treatment?" In this episode, listen to Jason talk about what constitutes a "Rejected Princess" and hear other stories of odd, interesting, offbeat, strong women who drive their own stories outside of societal norms. To learn more about Rejected Princesses visit www.rejectedprincesses.com

Stories included in this episode include:

Thakane the Brave

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes they go overlooked until they save the day. To learn more about Charlotte Blake Alston visit www.charlotteblakealston.com

Interview with Jason Porath

Catskin

A darker tale from the Brothers Grimm, Sean Buvala retells this spooky and offbeat story. To learn more about Sean Buvala visit seantells.com

Li Chi Slays the Serpent

In this folk tale, the most unlikely girl in the village saves the day from a serpent. To learn more about Beth Horner visit bethhorner.com

Sometimes we find ourselves getting into a jam of our own making: shaving a little too much off the top, locking our keys in the car, spilling milk, and any number of other things to cry over. The stories featured in this episode are all devoted to that special moment when we realize nothing is going to according to plan. Consider this episode a tribute to all our daily mistakes, accidents, incidents, blunders, bloopers, and blips. Stories included in this episode:

Sunday Dinner

Do you have leave the house with the nagging feeling that you've left the stove on? Maybe we should pay more attention to that feeling, as Donald Davis explains in this riveting tale of Sunday meals. To learn more about Donald Davis visit www.ddavisstoryteller.com

The Emperor's New Clothes

One of the classic tales where hubris meets humor from one of the great storytelling legends, Diane Wolkstein. To learn more about Diane Wolkstein visit www.dianewolkstein.com

Why I Bought a Sailboat

Bill Harley spins a yarn that takes us from Greek mythology, to the driveway, to the street. You'll have to hear it to belive it. To learn more about Bill Harley visit www.billharley.com

For Want of an Eyebrow

Carmen Deedy charmingly shares a story live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival that encompasses one blunder after another. To learn more about Carmen Deedy visit carmenagradeedy.com

Talking Woodstove Blues (song)

An epic story in song about digging yourself into quite the hole, financially. To learn more about Michael Reno Harrell visit www.michaelreno.com

An episode all about STUFF: heirlooms, mementos, memorabilia, collectibles, tokens, souvenirs and the like. In the Apple Seed Office, we have our own collection of mementos from our past adventures that we keep around for good luck: an antique wooden radio, a plush animal we won in an auction at last year’s NSN Conference (that Andy Offutt Irwin lovingly named “Sweetie” for us), and a glass Coke bottle that stands as tribute to some of our past team members. In this hour, enjoy fairy tales and folk tales centered around a special item, showing how a mere trinket can become a true treasure in the right circumstances.

The Wishing Ring (1:21)

There are lot of famous magical items in the annexes of folklore from King Arthur’s sword to Elvis’ guitar. This first story from Dolores Hydock is about a different kind of magic: the kind we make. To learn more about Dolores Hydock visit www.storypower.org

The Blue Coat (9:42)

Do you have that one item in your closet that you just can't seem to give away? A Jewish folktale that shows how our attachment to things reflects certain memories and eras of our lives. To learn more about Jenni Cargill-Strong visit www.storytree.com.au

Iduna and the Magic Apples (16:51)

Some people are very particular about the items and objects in their lives. We go through a lot of trouble for our stuff, just like the gods in this Norse myth from Beatrice Bowles. To learn more about Beatrice Bowles visit www.beatricebowles.com

The King of Little Things (27:09)

Life is about the little things-- just like this story about the kings of things and the thick of things from Bil Lepp. To learn more about Bil Lepp visit www.leppstorytelling.com

Paddy & the Pooka (37:36)

Sometimes our lucky socks make us play better in the big game, a lucky pencil magically gives us a good grade, and the right instrument can help us play the right song. Having the right stuff is what this story about a musician with a special pair of pipes is all about . To learn more about Kevin Carr visit www.kevincarr.org

Above: Ed Stivender with assistand producers Makena Bauss and Deidrene Crisanto

Ed Stivender has been called “the Robin Williams of storytelling” by the Miami Herald and “a Catholic Garrison Keillor” by Kirkus Review. Since 1977, when he left his day job as a high school teacher in Connecticut and turned to storytelling full-time, Ed has fabulated his way around the globe --appearing in schools, churches, coffeehouses and theaters, as well as at major storytelling festivals. Ed has received many accolades for his work as a consultant, writer, trainer, is the author or two books of tales: "Raised Catholic, Can You Tell?" and "Still Catholic After All These Fears." Ed has also released several recordings of his performances, including a few at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee and right here at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in Orem, Utah. We love Ed for his signature warmth and wisdom, his easygoing way with audiences of all-ages and for his great passion that is showcased in all of his stories. Stories included in this episode:

The Gospel of Beauty (2:07)

Originally written by Vachel Lindsay, this piece highlights the way Ed can share thoughts and insight with a calming ease that teaches great lessons.

Jack and the Robbers (4:23)

Jack tales are a staple in any storyteller's repertoire, and this one showcases Ed's unique approach to them.

The McWilliamses and the Burglar Alarm (13:27)

Originally written by Mark Twain, this piece showcases why Ed is often referred to as "the Robin Williams of storytelling" featuring his excellent command of character, voice, and humor.

Yankee Come Home (song) (29:44)

A song inspired by and performed at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. 

The Chess Game (35:13)

Originally written by Morgan Ashton.

Inspired by the examples of love all around us, this hour of story is all about love. Stories included in this episode:

Valentine

Kevin Kling shares a story about love in its many stages: from the elementary school Valentine's Day party, to the day you exchange rings with your one true love, to the very last moments with your soul mate. Love can be sweet, and sometimes sad, but every minute of it is worth a lifetime. To learn more about Kevin Kling visit www.kevinkling.com

Love Comes in Many Packages

There are an infinite number of ways one can love another: we love our friends, our families, our spouses, and so many others with such variety. Noa Baum shares a story of love that explores differences of culture and generation within the same family. To learn more about Noa Baum visit noabaum.com

Love on the First Floor

Before Kim Weitkamp was gracing stages across the country with her stories and song, she worked as a nursing home chaplain for a spell. During her time as a nursing home chaplain Kim made many connections and saw many stories come to fruition, including many about friendship and love. To learn more about Kim Weitkamp visit www.kimweitkamp.com

Dancing with Arilda

Recorded live in Southern Utah, Sam Payne shares a story from his family history about the power of love.

The Telephone Girl (song)

A song about love performed by Doc Watson & David Holt. To learn more about Doc Watson and David Holt visit www.davidholt.com/mentors/doc-watson

Come on a trip with us through some of the finest National Parks the nation has to offer! In this episode, enjoy stories and songs inspired by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the nation as Sam Payne takes us through Zion National Park holding conversations along the way with people inspired by the land including Ron Olevsky, Lyman Hafen, Roland Lee, and Therese Picard. While Sam takes us through one national park in the heart of the west, Donald Davis shares spectacular insight into one of the greatest wonders of North America: the Grand Canyon. 

To learn more about the National Park Service Centennial visit www.nationalparks.org/our-work/celebrating-100-years-service

To learn more about Zion National Park visit www.nps.gov/zion

To learn more about the Grand Canyone visit www.nps.gov/grca

To learn more about Donald Davis visit www.ddavisstoryteller.com

Stories and songs best told 'round the campfure featuring: 

Summer Days

This track from Kim Weitkamp is all about the best things to do in the summer. You're never too young and never too old to enjoy this sunny season! To learn more about Kim Weitkamp's work visit www.kimweitkamp.com

Big Lake Sasquatch

Oregon is infamous for all its Sasquatch stories. This one from Christopher Leebrick is perfect to share with friends and family while you cook up some s'mores. To learn more about Christopher Leebrick's work visit allgoodstories.com

Gecko and Firefly

One thing that makes a good camping trip is finding all the little critters that are living around you and your tent. This story from Susan Reed is about a few of those tiny creatures learning about some big ideas. To learn more about Susas Reed visit www.susanreed.com

Campfire Stories: Cowboy Campfire

It's an iconic scene: the lone cowboy silhouetted against the evening sky with a small fire to cook up some beans, his loyal horse hitched up close by. This collection of short cowboy stories is from Tim Lowry's album, "Cowboys & Indians." To learn more about Tim Lowry's work visit www.storytellertimlowry.com

That's How the Yodel Was Born

Performed by Don Edwards, this song from the compilation album "Another Jubilee: Old Time Country & Cowboy Singing." To learn more visit westernjubilee.com

The Vanishing Hitchhiker

A classic urban legend told by the talented Bill Mooney from the album "Spiders in the Hairdo" with David Holt. Find more David Holt & Bill Mooney storytelling here www.davidholt.com/storytelling

Shonaleigh Live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival

Shonaleigh gives a performance that is equal parts spooky and sentimental. Learn more about The Timpanogos Storytelling Festival and Shonaleigh's work here timpfest.org

Stories inspired by summer visits with family. 

Wears Like Iron

A story about sisterhood, motherhood, the power of story and the ties that bind. More than just pieces of fabric sewed together, a quilt made with love is an expression of true connection between generations. To learn more about Teresa Clark visit teresaclark.blogspot.com

The Turkey Vulture Festival

This story was recorded live at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival. In Texas, they do everything bigger and better including their love for festivals and celebrations. Sheila Starks Phillips shares a tale about a peculiar passion shown at one such festival. To learn more about Sheila Starks Phillips visit www.sheilaphillips.com

Fear

Told by Pete Abdalla, this story comes to us from a Tellabration event held by the Storytellers of Central Florida. Tellabration is a night of storytelling celebrated world-wide on or about the Saturday before Thanksgiving. 

Chicken and Crocodile 

A fun and fantastic folktale from Antonio Rocha with a little something in it for people of all ages. This story is best listened to with friends and family! To learn more about Antonio Rocha visit www.storyinmotion.com

Stories included in this episode: 

The Apple Seed Origin Story (00:00)

BYUradio Manager, Don Shelline, and General Radio Manager, Marcus Smith, join Sam Payne in the studio to talk about the beginnings of our show.

Let's Start at The Beginning (11:11 - 41:34)

Have you ever wondered how someone starts telling stories on stage? Every storyteller had to start somewhere and most folks become excellent storytellers by being excellent listeners. In this segment listen to excerpts of past conversations where Geraldine Buckley, Donald Davis, Jenni Cargill-Strong, Willy Claflin, Noa Baum, and Betty Ann Wylie talk about how they became the storytellers, teaching artists, educations, and performers that they are today.

Live at the 2015 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival with Shonaleigh (42:38)

With a repertoire of over three thousand stories which can be adapted as appropriate for the theme and audience with whom she is working, Shonaleigh is a dedicated and committed storyteller who's expanding her tradition. Storytelling is in her blood. A dyslexic, she's a drut'syla, a storyteller in the Jewish tradition, and she sees that tradition as very much alive. In this story, listen to Shonaleigh spin a great fairytale that unravels to reveal a great chain of events. To learn more about Shonaleigh visit shonaleigh.co.uk

At the Shrine of St. Wagner (2:04)

Originally produced for BYUradio's Classical 89, acclaimed actor Ron Fredrickson reads the essay "Mark Twain at Bayreuth", often retitled "At the Shrine of St. Wagner." In his own trademark style marked with wit and grit, Twain uses humor to express his appreciation for the operatic arts. Twain and his family were enthusiastic fans of the arts, and his own daughter, Clara Clemens was a talented contralto singer who was married to acclaimed Russian composer Ossip Gabrilowitsch. We think you will enjoy this delightful perspective on the operatic tradition. 

Interview with Jamie Erekson (25:40)

Writer and composer Jamie Erekson joins Sam Payne in the studio to discuss his latest production, "The Lost Children of Hamelin", which had its premiere at Brigham Young University. The contemporary opera draws on influences from well-known stories such as the Pied Piper of Hamelin, Hansel & Gretel, and The Little Match Girl. In this interview, Sam and Jamie explore the history and conventions of operatic storytelling. "The Lost Children of Hamelin" will performed this spring at Brigham Young University directed by Dr. Lawrence Vincent. Find tickets here. Watch trailers for "The Lost Children of Hamelin" here and here.