The Apple Seed

There are many parts to play in a family, and sometimes walking through that front door can feel like entering a circus ring where moms ride motorcycles, uncles tame rowdy cousins like little lions, and everyone at one point is clowning around. Stories included in this episode: 

Motorcycle Momma (1:44)

Glenda Bonin is a puppeteer, educator, teaching and performing artist who shares a little from her colorful family life and childhood in this story about a mother determined to get her child to school on time. To learn more about Glenda Bonin's work visit www.storyworksgroup.com

Sweet Tooth (8:00)

Kevin Carr masterfully imbibes his performances and recordings with traditional folk instruments and folk traditions. This story, about legendary Tony Beaver is about sweet rivalry among two siblings of the tall tale world. To learn more about Kevin Carr's work visit www.kevincarr.org

Uncle Tom and the Roller Coaster of Death (20:22)

Born to a Cuban father and an Irish-American mother, Antonio Sacre is a storyteller, author, and performance artist who understands that the same family that can drive you crazy can also sustain and support you in many ways. This story is about the infamous fun uncle in every family. To learn more about Antonio's work visit www.antoniosacre.com

Tweety (43:35)

One of the most important members of the family circus, is of course, the family pet. Madeline L. Pots is a musician, songwriter, and recording artist who focuses To learn more about Madeline Pot's work visit www.madelinelpots.com

A celebration of good books, good words, and good friends made in and out of pages.

Stories included in this episode: 

HOW TO: Book Party (01:12)

A short how-to segment about one of the best kinds of parties around. Sam Payne and his friends participate in a party celebrating the best of old books, good words, and dear friends.

The Moon Ribbon (23:20)

Grammy-nominated poet and storyteller, Milbre Burch, brings to life the work of celebrated author Jane Yolen in this story from the book, "The Moon Ribbon & Other Tales." To learn more about Milbre Burch's work visit www.kindcrone.com

A Conversation with Suzanne Christensen(42:48)

A piece of audio gathered in the field. A conversation with Suzanne Christensen about learning to read when she was a little girl.

A Sam Payne Favorite(50:51)

Sam Payne reads an excerpt from one his favorite books, "Three Men in a Boat" by Jerome K. Jerome.

Faith is experienced in many ways by people all over the world. Learning about the ways in which other people practice and experience faith through storytelling can help us strengthen our own faith: faith in the divine and faith in each other.

Stories included in this episode: 

The Gentile and the Three Wisemen(00:35)

Many years ago, there was a forest in Spain called Andalusia and a wanderer plagued with questions. From Pam Faro's diverse repertoire of world stories, this story opens the door for this episode devoted to faith of all kinds. To learn more about Pam Faro's work visit storycrossings.com

Scheherazade (6:53)

A contemplative reflection on religion, faith and storytelling inspired by legendary queen and storyteller of One Thousand and One Nights, Scheherezade, and the the teller's experience with the Muslim faith. To learn more about Mary Grace Ketner's work visit talesandlegends.net

Waiting for Elijah (14:50)

Passover, a biblically derived Jewish festival, celebrates the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt in ancient times. This song by Judith Black refers to the practice of hospitality in awaiting the biblical prophet, Elijah for news of the Messiah. To learn more about Judith Black's work visit storiesalive.com

Kate Dudding (16:46)

This story combines aspects of Jewish and Christian traditions, and discusses the ways in which different faiths interact with each other and influence the ways in which we search for hope and truth. To learn more about Kate Dudding's work visit www.katedudding.com

Winter Faith & Selected Music (MinuteMark:SecondMark)

Just as similarities and differences occur between faith traditions, so too are denominations within the same faith subject to variation. For many people in the mountain, faith helps pass the winter season. This story from Adam Booth includes three songs: Hymn 1 "Anthem", Hymn 2 "Shape Note", and Hymn 3 "Spirit." To learn more about Adam Booth's work visit www.adam-booth.com

THe Blossom Tree (34:20)

A story of faith from the Indian tradition, told by the effervescent Odds Bodkin. To learn more about Odds Bodkin's work visit www.oddsbodkin.net

Shakespeare once wrote, "When we are born, we cry that we are come to this great stage of fools." Join us in crying AND laughing with these stories that highlight the spectacle of life in its wise foolishness and foolish wisdom. Stories included in this episode: 

Time by Jeff Gere(00:24)

To learn more about Jeff's work visit www.jeffgere.com

Blending his talents as an artist, teacher, director into a performance style that electrifies audiences of all ages, Jeff Gere is one of Hawai'i's most popular storytellers. This story from the album "Yakkity Yak" proves that time can make a fool of us all. 

"Three Dolls" by David Claunch(9:39)

To learn more about David's work visit www.davidclaunch.com

David Claunch is a storyteller, speaker, clown, and balloon artist whose stories highlight people of all ages and from all places. This story is about how the lines between foolish and wise can be very thin. 

"The Emperor's New Clothes" told by Diane Wolkstein(16:46)

To learn more about Diane's work visit  www.dianewolkstein.com

This lively rendition of the classic story by Hans Christian Andersen is told by Diane Wolkstein, renowned storyteller and folklorist. The emperor in this story shows his foolishness when he refuses to acknowledges his faults. 

"The Tiger, the Man and the Mouse" by Donna Washington (26:10)

To learn more about Donna's work visit www.dlwstoryteller.com

This story from performer, author, and storyteller Donna Washington is about three types of people... 

"Foolish" by Lyn Ford(36:45)

To learn more about Lyn's work visit www.storytellerlynford.com

Lyn Ford is a fourth-generation Afrrilachian storyeller, teaching artist, mentor, writer, and Laughter Yoga Teacher. Her story "Foolish" is about a kind of wisdom we sometimes take for granted. 

"The Wishing Ring" by Dolores Hydock(48:42)

To learn more about Dolores' work visit www.storypower.org

Dolores Hydock has a vivacious storytelling style inspired by family, true love, turnip greens and other pecularities of everyday life. This story is about the luck we make and the luck we take.

Stories included in this episode: 

Bill Harley's "Battle of the Mad Scientists" (2:53)

Bill's songs and stories paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. This story celebrates the imagination and ingenuity of children. To learn more about Bill's work visit www.billharley.com

Syd Lieberman's "The Wooden Sword" (29:43)

This story is from the compilations of Jewish stories entitled, "Joseph the Tailor & Other Stories." To learn more about the legendary late Syd Lieberman visit www.sydlieberman.com

Slash Coleman's "The Last American Gladiator" (36:20)

This story from Slash Coleman is about the classic American motorcycle stuntman and hero, Evil Knievel. During Knievel's career, the stunt performerexperienced more than 433 bone fractures making him the Guinness World Record holder for "most bones broken in a lifetime." This story is a favorite for Sam and Sammy Payne during their father-son drive times. To learn more about Slash Coleman visit www.slashcoleman.com

Just in time for the summer wedding season, our assistant producer, Makena Bauss, has been wrapped up in bridesmaid duties and has gathered interviews and stories about brides, grooms and everything that comes with being one. Stories and interviews included in this episode: 

Bauss Family Interview (00:55)

The Bauss family visits the studio from Michigan, and shares some of their favorite family stories. 

The Squire's Bride (24:00)

Renowned storyteller's, Heather Forest, lively renditon of this beloved Norwegian folktale. A clever farmer's daughter finds herself fighting for her heart against the greed of a rich squire. 

The Stone Before the Door (32:01)

This wedding story is adapted from a Moroccan folktale and is masterfully told by The Tintagel Storyteller, Jill Lamede. 

The Flower Girl (42:57)

Weddings are big affairs- this story from Milbre Burch highlights the perspective of the littlest member of the wedding party. 

The Bride (46:22)

Storyteller and storyweaver, Barbara Schutzgruber, tells the story of an unusual proposal, an unconventional wedding party, and-- considering the circumstances-- some very supportive in-laws.

Wicker Rocker (53:33)

A nostalgic and sentimental song about the day we say "I do" from Buck Stonebroke, from the collection "Visit A Spell, Pard: Western Music, Poetry, and Stories."

This episode was produced by Makena Bauss.

Tellers and Stories on BYUradio.

Stories included in this episode:

Jim Weiss

Story: Johnny Appleseed

Teller:  Jim Weiss

Site: www.jimweiss.com

Note: Folk figure Johnny Appleseed was a real person named John Chapman whose love for nature made him legendary.

Odds Bodkin

Story: The Evergreens

Teller:  Odds Bodkin

Site: www.oddsbodkin.net

Note:Odds Bodkin imbibes the forest with life in this version of a Danish folktale.

Barbara Schutzgruber

Story: The Forest

Teller:  Barbara Schutzgruber

Site: weavestory.com

Note: An original fairy tale about a clasically magical forest.

Kevin Carr

Story: The Big Music

Teller:  Kevin Carr

Site: www.kevincarr.org

Note: Up Eel River, in the Virginia woods, Tony Beaver and his crew have many adventures.

Stories included in this episode:

Bill Harley

Story: Mr. Anderson

Teller: Bill Harley

Site: www.billharley.com

Notes: Memories of a grade school busdriver.

Kim Weitkamp

Story: Silence

Teller:  Jane Stenson

Site: www.kimweitkamp.com

Notes: An old woman reflects on death in this spooky story from Kim Weitkamp.

The phrase "in like a lion, out like a lamb" refers to the rapid seasonal changes that occur in the year's third month. As we anticipate spring, here are some stories about lions and lambs! Stories featured in this episode include: 

Story: Lion & Mousie

Teller: Willy Claflin 

Website: www.willyclaflin.com

Story: Old Rabbit Saves the People

Teller: Norah Dooley

Website: www.norahdooley.com

Story: The Lion and the Man

Teller: Laura Simms

Website: www.laurasimms.com

Story: Sekhmet, the Lioness Goddess

Teller: Judith Heineman & Dan Marcotte

Website: www.storytelling.org/heineman

Story: The Lion Makers

Teller: Odds Bodkin

Website: www.oddsbodkin.net

Story: My Father Was a Singing Cowboy

Teller: Glenda Bonin

Website: www.storyworksgroup.com

Story: The Sheep in the Pepper Patch

Teller: Big Joe 

Website: www.bigjoe.com

Story: There'll Never Be Another Ewe

Teller: Paul Bliss

Website: www.cowboypoetry.com/paulbliss

Story: The Wolf Who Cried Sheep

Teller: Willy Claflin

Website:  www.willyclaflin.com