The Story Apothecary

Join me is this special episode as I talk to Vanessa Woolf and George Hoyle from Connection with Wonder about stories, community and our values as storytellers; as well as witches, ghosts and Baba Yaga! 

Vanessa shares the fun Russian story of Marusia and the Hedgehog, both of which find themselves in Baba Yaga's soup!

Story Prescription: A story of looking out for each other and being kind.

Story Cautions: The story is very much child friendly, but some of the discussions and language at the beginning of the episode may not be appropriate for young children.

You can find out more about Vanessa and George here: https://connectionwithwonder.com/

Vanessa's own storytelling pages is here too: https://londondreamtime.com/

If you're in London, go and see them tell stories!

Music: Thank you to InFeathers for the beautiful music

If you enjoy my podcast please leave a rating and a review, as this helps others to find it. To support my work, you can find me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/NanaTomova.

Here are two online events that I think you would love if you have been enjoying listening to this podcast.

The first one is called The Dance of the Wild Woman on the 4th October 2026 online. There will also be an unperson version in the Scottish Highlands in Forres. 

You can find out more about The Dance of the Wild Woman here.

You can also join the popular and rich course WILD WOMEN that's running for the fourth year. Early bird tickets are available until the end of September and it will start in November 2026. 

May you have a beautiful month, and see you again soon for another story prescription very soon. 

Story Prescription: A story for always following your thread. A tale of hope, that it doesn't matter where you come from, life is full of possibilities.

A sweet folk tale from Romania about a king who poses an impossible task, and a young woman who rises to the challenge.

A humorous but very gory Scottish myth about a giant called Thrim and how through unforeseen circumstances, the midges- small biting flies- came to existence.

Story Prescription: A story about how people react in the face of adversity; a story of meeting your oppressor; a story of unexpected consequences from our actions; and of course a bit of humour about those vicious insects of the Scottish Highlands.

Story Caution: There is a lot of violence in this tale, so if you are of a sensitive temperament, please listen as you choose. Recommended age 10+

My guest today is Daniel Allison, a Scottish oral storyteller, USA Today best selling author and host of the House of Legends podcast, who has focused on making Celtic mythology accessible and alive for modern audiences.

In this podcast we talk about being a storyteller; Celtic mythology; Muay Thai and its parallels to the Fianna - Ireland's legendary band of warriors, balanced masculinity, the strong female figures of Celtic mythology and more.

Daniel shares the story of the Auld Cruivie, also known as Jack and the Dancing Trees. It is a Scottish tale about Jack who works for a greedy laird. One Midsummer's Night, the ancient trees of the forest pull their roots from the soil to dance by the river.

Story Prescription: an animistic story about the magic nature, against greed, and about the beauty of the landscape.

You can find more about Daniel on his website: https://www.houseoflegends.me/

Story Prescription: Story medicine for stories themselves. 

A story from Korea, about a greedy boy who demands stories from everyone he meets, stuffing them into a “story bag” and never sharing them. But the stories plan revenge!

Today is when my book Bulgarian Folk Tales is born into the world! Illustrated by the incredible Rima Staines. You can order your copy here: If you are in Bulgaria, then you can find them here.

If you wish to join me for the book launch, on the 4th or 7th June, you can find the details at: https://www.nanatomova.com/events

Story Sources: The Story-Bag: A Collection of Korean Folk Tales, 1957. So-un, Kim. Translated by Setsu Higashi; https://www.learningtogive.org/resources/story-bag

Story Prescription: A story of hopes and dreams. For when you're lacking enchantment in your life, and need reminding that things might not be what they seem, and that there is some magic in the world.

A beautiful Scottish tale from the Isle of Skye about the place where dreams are made of. 

I have a book of Bulgarian Folk Tales out on the 4th June 2026. You can find out more about it and pre-order it here for delivery worldwide. Find out more about it here.

Story Sources: I have read and heard the following storytellers tell this tale: Daniel Allison in his book Scottish Myths and Legends; Joanna Gilar during our Rewinding Sleeping Beauty project; Beverley Bryant via Map of Stories; Graeme Johncok via Folklore Scotland; Sarah Hobbs from Strathspey Story Walks.

Story Prescription: For anyone who finds themselves in difficulty. A reminder that every challenging journey starts with a single step.

A story from Georgia about a young woman called Svetlana, who walks towards the light in attempt to save someone she loves.

I have a book of Bulgarian Folk Tales out on the 4th June 2026. You can find out more about it and pre-order it here for delivery worldwide. Find out more about it here.

Story Prescription: A women's initiation journey from girlhood to womanhood. 

Story Caution: This story contains adult themes, some gore, and some strong language. It is suitable for children age 12+ and adults.

To support this podcast, you can '⁠⁠buy me a coffee'. ⁠⁠You can also tell your friends, which is free but means a lot.

Music: Thank you to ⁠⁠In Feathers ⁠⁠for the beautiful music

Story Prescription: A tale of women's wisdom, and the healing power of music.

Story Caution: This story contains descriptions of imprisonment.

A beautiful and humorous story rom Russia, where a wise Tsarista (a queen) plays music to save a life.

To support this podcast, you can '⁠⁠buy me a coffee'. ⁠⁠You can also tell your friends, which is free but means a lot.

Music: Thank you to ⁠⁠In Feathers ⁠⁠for the beautiful music, and to Megan Sahara for the harp music.

Story Sources: Russian Folktales (1915); Fearless Girls, Wise Women, and Beloved Sisters: Heroines in Folktales from Around the World (2000).