On this special Memorial Day episode of The Story Ark, Captain Kenny Mears invites listeners on a poignant voyage into family history and wartime sacrifice. Guest storyteller Wayne Kartchner shares the remarkable and heartbreaking story of his Uncle Yelmer, a young Navy tail gunner during World War II.

At just 17, Yelmer and his brother Irvin joined the Navy following the attack on Pearl Harbor. While Irvin served as a cook on a battleship, Yelmer was assigned to patrol the West Coast in a PV-1 bomber. During a top-secret training mission in December 1943, Yelmer’s plane crashed in the remote forests of Vancouver Island. Stranded in the Canadian winter, Yelmer and his surviving crewmates fought for survival. Wayne recounts how Yelmer’s courage and compassion shone through as he cared for his fellow airmen, ultimately watching each succumb to the elements before he set out alone in a final act of hope and duty.

Though the wreckage was eventually found, Yelmer’s fate remains a mystery—his body was never recovered. Wayne’s moving tribute honors not only his uncle’s sacrifice but also the enduring bonds of family and memory.

Join us as we reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day through a story of heroism, loss, and the search for closure. Listen, remember, and honor with The Story Ark.

For more information on Wayne, be sure to check out his profile with The Utah Storytelling Guild: https://www.utahstorytellingguild.website/project/wayne-kartchner-2/

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The Story Ark is a production of Food For Thought Audio. For more information, be sure to check out our website: https://foodforthoughtaudio.com/

Step aboard the Story Ark for a special episode hosted by Kenny Mears, where we spotlight the heartfelt storytelling of Wayne Kartchner. This episode features two moving pieces from Wayne: a poignant poem, "Davis County Jail," and a touching family story, "My Best Buy."

In "Davis County Jail," Wayne offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of those seeking solace and redemption within the chapel of a county jail. Through vivid imagery and empathetic storytelling, listeners meet a cast of characters-each searching for hope, safety, and connection in unlikely circumstances. The poem captures moments of vulnerability, resilience, and the unexpected comfort found behind concrete walls.

The episode then shifts to a deeply personal tale about Wayne's father, Oren Kartchner, and the only piece he ever wrote: a loving tribute to his wife, Bertha, framed as "My Best Buy." Oren’s words celebrate decades of partnership, devotion, and the enduring power of love, culminating in a memory that lingers long after his passing.

Join us for this unique voyage into stories of hardship, gratitude, and the ties that bind us.

Tune in for an episode that reminds us of the strength found in community, the grace of second chances, and the lasting impact of a single act of love.

A special thanks to Wayne Kartchner of the Utah Storytelling Guild. For more information on Wayne, be sure to check out his profile with The Utah Storytelling Guild: https://www.utahstorytellingguild.website/project/wayne-kartchner-2/

Subscribe to The Story Ark for more unforgettable tales, and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for updates and bonus content.

Step aboard the Story Ark with your host, Kenny Mears, as we set sail on a journey through one of humanity’s oldest traditions: storytelling. In this episode, we explore the enduring appeal of the "wise fool" tale with a special performance of “Silly Hans,” a classic story by Hans Christian Andersen.

Renowned storyteller and ventriloquist Randel McGee joins us, channeling Andersen himself to bring this whimsical Danish folktale to life. Discover the tale of Silly Hans, the underestimated third son who, armed with nothing but his kindness, curiosity, and a few odd treasures, sets out to win the heart of a princess. While his older brothers rely on their book smarts and self-importance, Hans’s unconventional approach-and a trusty billy goat-lead to unexpected results.

Along the way, Randel shares insights into Andersen’s life, his passion for paper cutting, and the art of embodying the legendary author on stage. Gather around as we imagine ourselves in a Danish manor house and experience a story where true wisdom hides beneath a veneer of silliness, and where the simplest gifts can change a destiny.

Perfect for fans of folklore, family tales, and anyone who believes there’s more to people than meets the eye.

For more information on Randel, be sure to check out his website: https://mcgeeproductions.com/

Randel's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Randel-McGee-as-Hans-Christian-Andersen-100057310253873/

For more content, check out our website: https://foodforthoughtaudio.com/

All aboard The Story Ark! In this enchanting episode, Captain Kenny Mears invites listeners to set sail on a heartwarming journey of love, compromise, and family with the story "Ratonita," brought to life by storyteller Wayne Kartchner.

Travel to the vibrant streets of Cobán, Guatemala, where Mita, a beautiful little mouse, and Vajo, a shy house finch, find themselves swept up in a whirlwind romance. Against the odds-and across species-their love blossoms, leading to a wedding that becomes the talk of the animal kingdom. But as Mita and Vajo soon discover, building a life together is more challenging than falling in love, especially when their worlds are so different.

Through creative storytelling and rich cultural detail, "Ratonita" explores:

• The magic of unexpected connections and cross-boundary love
• The importance of understanding, compromise, and perseverance in relationships
• The joys and trials of building a home and raising a family-no matter how unique

Listeners will be charmed by the colorful cast of animal characters, the playful use of Spanish language, and the universal themes of devotion and belonging. This episode is a celebration of love’s power to bridge divides and create lasting legacies.

Featuring special thanks to Wayne Kartchner of the Utah Storytelling Guild, this episode promises laughter, warmth, and a touch of magic. Tune in for a story that will leave you smiling and believing in the extraordinary possibilities of love. For more information on Wayne, be sure to check out his profile with The Utah Storytelling Guild: https://www.utahstorytellingguild.website/project/wayne-kartchner-2/

Subscribe to The Story Ark for more unforgettable tales, and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for updates and bonus content.

Welcome aboard The Story Ark! In today’s episode, Captain Kenny Mears takes us on a journey that challenges how we see heroes and villains. Featuring master storyteller Laurie Allen, we hear the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood—but this time, it's from the wolf’s perspective.

What if the "Big Bad Wolf" wasn’t so bad after all? Laurie’s humorous and heartfelt retelling reveals a misunderstood mother just looking for a little adult conversation on a rough day. Join us for a fresh, funny, and surprisingly touching look at what happens when we only hear one side of the story.

Plus, stick around for a special announcement about our brand-new show, Uplift Uganda: The Power of One Step Forward. To follow the new show, go to rss.com/podcasts/upliftuganda/ or look it up wherever you listen.

The Story Ark is a production of Food For Thought Audio. For more information, be sure to check out our website: https://foodforthoughtaudio.com/

Special thanks to storyteller Laurie Allen, a proud member of the Utah Storytelling Guild and Story Tours. You can find more information on her profiles on both sites.

Utah Storytelling Guild: https://www.utahstorytellingguild.website/project/laurie-allen/

Story Tours: https://www.storytours.com/story-guides

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Is there life after death? Can love transcend the divide between the living and the dead? These are the questions Elizabeth Atkinson Gibson seeks to ask us with her story "The Cat and The Camellias."

Elizabeth Atkinson Gibson is a member of the Utah Storytelling Guild, for more information on the guild, check out their website at https://www.utahstorytellingguild.website/

Elizabeth Atkinson Gibson is a professional storyteller, to find out more about her work, check out her website at https://www.thetellerist.com/

Some stories are full of magic and whimsy, with talking animals and a little adventure. This is one of those stories children tell that their parents simply won't believe. Join friend of the show and masterful storyteller Wayne Kartchner as he shares the story of George Bunny.

For more information on Wayne, be sure to check out his profile with The Utah Storytelling Guild: https://www.utahstorytellingguild.website/project/wayne-kartchner-2/

Love requires effort and sacrifice, a giving of one's self to their partner. Beyond that, love requires courage, especially at the start to talk to that one special someone. This is the story of how one brave young man asked the love of his life to a dance, was rejected, and tried again.

For more information on the Utah Storytelling Guild, check out their website: https://www.utahstorytellingguild.website

For more information on Stephanie, check out her page with USG: https://www.utahstorytellingguild.website/project/stephanie-rollheiser/

For more information on Stephanie, check out her page with McCarty Talent Agency: https://www.mccartytalentagency.com/portfolio/talent-actors-female/women/2082470/stephanie-rollheiser

The Appalachian Mountains are ancient and full of spooks, from ghosts and conjuring women to "boogers," creatures of a supernatural nature permeate the region. Join storyteller Elizabeth Atkinson Gibson as she shares a classic Appalachian spook story, Taily Po. This story is bound to entertain, terrify, and delight even the bravest of listeners!

Elizabeth Atkinson Gibson is a member of the Utah Storytelling Guild, for more information on the guild, check out their website at https://www.utahstorytellingguild.website/

Elizabeth Atkinson Gibson is a professional storyteller, to find out more about her work, check out her website at https://www.thetellerist.com/

Families can be complicated, and the stories we tell about them often reflect that. Join storyteller John Harrison as he shares about the complexities of his parentage and discovering more about his long lost father.