Storyteller Mitch Capel tells all sorts of stories before all sorts of audiences. But he has a special place in his heart for the stories and poems of Paul Lawrence Dunbar, one of the first African-American writers to gain an international reputation. This poem, called "The Unsung Heroes," commemorates the formerly enslaved Americans who joined the Union army to fight in the American Civil War.

War touches every life in every nation. Memorial Day is an opportunity to reflect on the lives of those who paid a terrible price in order to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. It's also an opportunity for family gatherings. And if those gatherings happen to involve honoring those we've lost, all the better. Whatever plans you have this Memorial Day, we hope the stories we bring you will spark memories for you of people you know who have fought for this country.

On today’s episode, enjoy the following:

“Accentuate the Positive” by Bob Reiser from Chopped Herring and Other Brooklyn Tales (3:40)

“53 Years and 2 Wars” by Dolores Hydock from In her own Fashion: From the Stories of Ninette Griffith (16:05)

Radio Family Journal: "Jessie" by Sam Payne (27:17)

“Father Joe” by Jay O’Callahan from Dancing with Fire (34:49)

“Tribute at Butaritari” by Pat Mendoza from Peace Talk: The Other Side of the Story (52:10)

Seems like everyone wants to control the music in the car when the family hits the road. This is a story for just such folks as that, from the great storyteller and songwriter Bill Harley.

Today we’re starting things off with an adorable friendship with The Storycrafters', “Polar Bear & Hunting Dog”, where Polar Bear and Hunting Dog form a strong friendship that will get tested as they face the coldest winter yet. Then we’ll enjoy an entry in the radio family journal and a conversation with a friend. Following that we’ll hear Susan Reed’s, “The Boy Who Drew Cats” about how a strange obsession can become a life saving advantage. Next up is Martha Hamilton’s, “Who Will Close the Door” about how far a couple is willing to go in order to save their own pride. Finally, we’ll close with Charlotte Blake-Alston’s, “Healing Hands”, an inspiring story about finding one’s talents.

On today’s episode, enjoy the following:

“Polar Bear & Hunting Dog” by The Storycrafters on Gather Round the Fire (2:36)

Radio Family Journal: "Practicing the Piano and Remembering by Sam Payne (16:05)

The Daily Mix: "Opening Doors" with Antonio Sacre (23:08)

“The Boy Who Drew Cats” by Heather Forest on Wonder Tales From Around the World (31:49)

“Who Will Close the Door” by Martha Hamilton with Mitch Weiss on Stories in my Pocket Tales Kids Can Tell (42:46)

“Healing Hands” by Charlotte Blake-Alston on Wadin’ in the Water (47:10)

The sun and moon are very different, but at one time they were married. They had many children, which were the stars. That's the setup for this old tale about how the blue moon came to be. Get the rest of the story from Dolores Hydock, in today's Apple Seed Extra.

There’s something magical and mystical about trees. They appear in many fantasies as symbols of wisdom, or power, or mystery. Sometimes they create a dark wood, sometimes they filter light down to those willing to receive it. Trees provide life to many animals and environments. They can be ancient, sometimes thousands of years old, their years hinting at wisdom hidden among their branches. Whatever it is about trees that makes them so fascinating, they are special organisms that help shape the earth in many ways. Join us as we bring you stories about trees, animals, and the moon.

On today’s episode, enjoy the following:

“The Name of the Tree” by Stephanie Beneteau from Dreaming Tall: Stories for Growing Girls (3:32)

Radio Family Journal - "The Princess and the Clone Trooper" by Sam Payne (16:28)

The Daily Mix: "Johnny Mann Singers" with Mark Wait (22:45)

“Hot Diggity Saves the Day” by Alan Hoal from Why I Don’t Fish Anymore (30:40)

“Cheep and Cackle” by Priscilla Howe from Chickens! And Other Stories for Young Listeners (47:11)

"Holding Up the Sky" by Sarah Malone from Peace Tale for Kids (52:48)

In today's Apple Seed Extra, an old folktale in which a man has to deal with the loss of his most prized possession: a beautiful axe. What's your most prized possession? How would you feel if you lost it?

Welcome to The Apple Seed, some time filled with stories for you and your family. Since 2013 we’ve been bringing you tall tales, personal tales, fairy tales, historical tales and more. All kinds of tales, from all kinds of tellers. The words we say have power, as do the actions we take. When we communicate with other people, it is up to us whether or not we will be honest or lie, whether we will hurt them or help them. In today’s stories, we will be exploring this idea a lot, as we watch the effects of truth and lies, tricks and practical jokes.

On today’s episode, enjoy the following:

“La Mariposa” by Donna Washington from A Tureen of Tales (2:42)

Radio Family Journal: "Stilts" by Sam Payne (15:55)

The Daily Mix: "The Arrival" with Paul Ricks (22:42)

“Messenger to Maftam” by Odds Bodkin from With A Twinkle in Your Eye (30:48)

“Pat and the Mule Egg” by Christopher Leebrick from Good Stories from All Over (44:32)

"Sr. Coyote" by Glenda Bonin from Winston the Wide Mouth Frog and Other Fantastic Folktales (48:37)

Leeny del Seamonds tells the story of how a phrase came into her life as a kid. The phrase -- one you may have heard -- was "It takes to to tango, it takes two to tangle." She'll explain those phrases in this tender family story.

Stories come from all over the world! Some stories teach us, some make us laugh, but some of them make us scratch our heads and think just a little harder about their message. In the end, there is something we can all learn from hearing a good tale. Today’s episode brings us a tale from Japan, a personal story that we can all relate to, and more stories for your enjoyment.

On today’s episode, enjoy the following:

“Suki” by Leeny Del Seamonds from Cello Tales: The Melding of Music, Myth & Memories (2:50)

Radio Family Journal: "Musical Kindergarten" by Sam Payne (16:50)

The Daily Mix: "Wicked Game" with Cielle Salazar (22:54)

“Two Frogs” by Len Cabral from It’s How You Say It (30:50)

“The Titanic and the Mummy’s Curse” by David Holt from Mostly Ghostly Stories (35:33)

“The Girl and the Moon Man” by Noa Baum from Far Away and Close to Home (44:27)