Conversations With Storytellers

Joseph Bruchac is one of the preeminent Native storytellers in the USA. He is part Slovak and part Abenaki. He is a keeper of Native traditional tales, marched with Martin Luther King Jr., told poetry with Robert Bly and is one of my favourite storytellers and writers. Did you know he drove (and maybe still drives) a Harley, and taught in Ghana? Now you do! Find out other fascinating things about Joseph in this wonderful interview. Not to be missed!

Raised in Clayton, New York, Regi Carpenter came from the school of scrappy, studied music, but became a storyteller! Although steeped in folk and fairy tales, myths and legends, she also tells deep personal narrative. Digging deep in the well of truth she brings her love of language to all the tales she tells, and shares with us her two very different processes on learning stories, whether it's a folk tale, or personal story. Regi also shares a folk tale. I hope you enjoy this episode. Regi's website: https://regicarpenter.com/

I had been hearing about Doug for a while, and then heard his harmonica at a festival, then briefly met with him at said festival. I bought one of his CDs and loved what he did, and decided we should hear his voice here! Doug is a humble man with a deep knowledge of the woods, marshes, swamps, rainforests and a deep desire to show the human connection with the world about us through storytelling. There's a fair bit about vultures, or peace eagles, and I get to show off how ignorant I am about nature! One of Doug's motos: "Life is like playing a harmonica - you find a good note and wail on it!" Doug's website: https://dougelliott.com/ Doug's books and CDs: https://dougelliott.com/shop/

I first heard Michael D McCarty, laugh. It was in a far off room so I followed the sound and listened to him impart joy and happiness upon all around him. There was, and is, some sort of magical aura he gives off, and it is quite wonderful. Originally from Chicago, and now of Los Angeles, Michael first wanted to be a physicist, or an astronaut, and became a Black Panther, an acupuncturist, and storyteller. There are very few people even remotely like Michael, and we only touched on a small part of what he's done. We talked comics, reading, giving away books, gangs, racism, and how importnat mothers are, and could have talked about a lot of other things too.   Michael's website is: http://havemouthwillrunit.com/

Eldrena Douma (pronounced Dow-MAH) is of the Tewa, Hopi and Laguna people of the South West. This, part two of another two part interview, covers Why Native American stories should not be told by those not within their community. Over the course of the two episodes we talk about story and what story means to the Pueblo people. Eldrena also talks about her (great?) grandmother who pretty much saved the art of Pueblo pottery, and how Eldrena now creates her own animal stories to share her culture and world. There's a lot of history in these conversations. I hope you enjoy them. Eldrena's website: https://www.eldrenadouma.com/

Eldrena Douma (pronounced Dow-MAH) is of the Tewa, Hopi and Laguna people of the South West. This, part one of another two part interview, covers a lot of history of Eldrena's upbringing, and growing up between Winslow and First Mesa. Over the course of the two episodes we talk about story and what story means to the Pueblo people and why some First Americans do not like their stories told outside of their people and community. Eldrena also talks about her (great?) grandmother who pretty much saved the art of Pueblo pottery, and how Eldrena now creates her own animal stories to share her culture and world. There's a lot of history in these conversations. I hope you enjoy them. Eldrena's website: https://www.eldrenadouma.com/

This is part two of the Conversation with Joel ben Izzy. If you haven't listened to part one, please do so, as you won't know what's going on. The last episode ended on a cliff hanger! Joel hales from the West Coast, living in California. He's been telling stories for a long time. Then he lost his his voice with thyroid cancer. This is part one of his journey, process and love of tales. Filled with stories, compassion and a lot of joking around, this episode also includes a dating tip for LA! Joel's website: https://www.storypage.com/

Joel ben Izzy is a storyteller from California and has been telling stories for a long time. Then he lost his his voice with thyroid cancer. This is part one of a long conversation of his journey, process and love of tales. Filled with stories, compassion and a lot of joking around, this is part one of two episodes with Joel. Joel's website: https://www.storypage.com/

Sebastian Lockwood is not British, although he sounds VERY British. Sebastian is one who tells the Epics! From the Odyssey and Gilgamesh to Beowulf and beyond. Sebastian raised an owl, talks about getting into trance when storytelling and about being twice born. Our conversation took place in a small cabin in New Hampshire sitting next to a stove, crackling away and amongst all this we also talked about going to school in England.

In this episode we conclude the conversation with Alton Chung, a Japanese-Korean storyteller who grew up with the stories, superstitions, and the magic of the Hawaiian Islands. If you missed part one, please go back and have a listen, it is fascinating. Tales about World War II fighters from the Asian-American people, and people of Hawaii, amongst other things like ghost stories. In this episode we get into folk and fairy tales, the healing power of story and story structure amongst other things! Sit back and enjoy part two of my conversation with Alton Chung.   https://www.altonchung.com/

Alton Chung is a very funny guy, a scientist, an computer guy, theater tech but really a storyteller! We've only met once or twice and I have always enjoyed his company.  Alton is a Japanese-Korean storyteller who grew up with the stories, superstitions, and the magic of the Hawaiian Islands. Our conversation led us through the history of Japanese-Americans and Hawaiians in WWII, ghost stories and later in part two on finding stories, his process and healing. Please enjoy part one of this conversation.   https://www.altonchung.com/

Judith Heineman and I met years ago at Sharing the Fire, the North Eastern Storytelling Conference and bonded over dark chocolate. It was at a time when I always had some and some other person let her know! Judith began her career as a poet and actor, and has gone deep with her work as a storyteller. She's worked with musicians and museums! We talk about research, books, kids, energy, and the jitters amongst other topics.

Lorna and I have bumped into one another at a few conferences and festivals, but I heard her play her harp and tell stories at Sharing the Fire, here in the North East. She blew me away. Awardwinner, author, musician, and storyteller, Lorna is one of our gems. Join me to hear about how families need to be held together and how healing can work. And how you can begin learning a musical instrument at 40 and never look back after dropping the flutaphone at elementary school! Lorna's website: http://storyhavenstudio.com/index.html  There is some background noise I could not remove, but it settles down.

Eth-Noh-Tec was founded in 1982 by Artistic Co-Directors Nancy Wang and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo, longstanding San Francisco artists who have contributed greatly to the Asian American performing arts movement. They are not only business parteners, but also a wonderful couple! They have many awards under their belts and are incredibly smart and insightful. We talk about many things in this episode, including being invisable as an Asian-American. They discuss their process and who some of their favourite tellers are! http://www.ethnohtec.org/

African-American story twister, and storyteller, Linda Gorham is this month’s guest with Simon Brooks on Conversations with storytellers. I cannot wait for you to hear the conversation I had with Linda Gorham. There's mention of a little black book!We talk about a city girl and how she made herself a teller of tales. Taking folk tales and fracturing them, or twisting them as she calls it, is Linda’s favourite type of telling. Her collection of stories, and words - made up and otherwise, is inspiring to hear about. Life of a young girl moving around the world and how she has now settled. Please enjoy the conversation with Linda Gorham. LindaGorham.com

Janice Del Negro is a bit of a hero in the world of storytelling. She teaches is at Dominican University, where she is a professor, subjects such as storytelling, children's and young adult literature and foundations of library and informations services. I have been following Janice for a while, and love her work and over COVID-19 time have got to know her better. We first met years ago, but we rarely saw each other. Why folks tales? "True love and money is what everyone wants." Another quote about folk and fairy tales from Janice: "People yearn for justice." In this episode Janice goes into her process and shares the making of a couple of stories and a line she started with, a line she came up with for the story - the last line of the tale: "Seven brides you have sent to the bottom of sea, and now you will be bride groom to them all." I hope you get as much from this as I did!   https://storytelling.org/delnegro   https://www.DiamondScree.com  

Janice Del Negro is a professor in the School of Information Studies at Dominican University, where she teaches storytelling, children's and young adult literature, and foundations of library and information science. She is a storyteller, author, educator, and coach. She is incredibly respected in our community and has met and worked with many of our great storytellers. She challenges us to do better, and is a huge supporter of storytelling. This was another one of those incredibly rich and lengthy conversations, so this is part one of two! https://storytelling.org/delnegro/

Clare Murphy hales from Ireland and is not my typical elder. She is not an elder, but carries the wisdom of one. She began a story club at college, and within four years was traveling internationally as a professional storyteller. Her work has depth to it that only those who were raised in the land where the stories took can find. She brings a strong feminist leaning to her stories, and a great deal of inclusion and compassion. Clare's website:  http://claremurphy.org/

This interview was the last I did on my laptop. Seems it is not geared to save and store large files from Streaming platforms. This hour long interview is all my computer saved of the three hours we spoke. No idea what happened to the rest of it. Just vanished. It was recorded in one shot, and we had no idea of the time until I belatedly looked at my watch. Connie is an amazing woman, and one whom I have go to know a little more and a little more, adn we are now friends! I am thrilled to bring this sadly truncated interview to you. Connie Regan-Blake has been telling stories for a very long time. She and her cousin Barbara Freeman started at about the same time as Elizabeth Ellis and Gayle Ross. She is a teller of folk and fairy tales, and sprinkles in some personal narrative. Much of what she has done, is now in the Library of Congress. She’s played with musicians, hitch-hiked Europe and creates her own art. We pick up where I asked Connie about the duo storytellers The Folktellers made up of Connie and her cousin Barbara.

I had only briefly met Megan Wells in 2016 at the NSN Conference in 2016. She was telling a personal story in a room filled with people also sharing personal tales. Hers was stand out, in that it was rich, multilayered, and deep. It was a powerful experience ot see her tell that story. The power of it lingers with me still. I then worked with Megan this summer of 2020 when she perfomed on the Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling Festival and on StoryStoryPodcast. I knew, despite not being an elder, she should be on this show. A Greater Chicago native, she tells folk tales, myths and tells literary tales. She is an incrediby gifted teller. Please welcome Megan Wells. MeganWells.com 

Lynette and I met years ago, before we both turned grey, at the Northlands Confabulation. I really enjoyed her company, we got on well, and she told the best spooky stories I have ever heard. Not just were the stories great tales, but her telling could be classed as if not THE best telling of spooky stories, then one of the top three in the USA. Lynette is quiet and unassuming, but a force to be reckoned with. She has written a ton of books, and recorded a number of CDs. And she’s a Laughter Yoga Teacher! We spend quite a bit of time chatting before and after the interview which was done over StreamYard. There are a small number of places where the audio gets fidgety, so don’t think it’s you - it was me. Don’t they all say that? And you don’t miss anything, so don’t worry. Please enjoy this fun conversation with Lynette Ford.   Lyn's website is: https://storytellerlynford.com/

I have only met Liz once or twice, and mostly in passing, but she is a very impressive woman. We hold some similar thoughts about accents in stories, although I think she is way more ‘strict!’ Her storytelling is captivating in the way someone who is a natural teller of tales can be. Relaxed, confident, just letting the story speak for itself. In this time of, well, 2020, it was recorded socially distanced, with Liz at Ballyeamon, and me in New London, NH recorded over StreamYard. There was a bit of echo, so if you think you hear the Irish equivalent of the Loch Ness Monster, it’s just me echoing slightly! Sorry about that. Tea and biscuits, a little Irish history, and what really matters in telling a story. https://www.lizweir.org/ https://www.ballyeamonbarn.com/

Megan Hicks, and her husband Jack have become good friends over the years. I met them at my first 'proper' festival years ago and both of them calmed my nerves before hitting the stage. Megan tells stories with and without origami, she tells folk and fairy tales with depth and authenticity, as well as historical tales. Her personal stories are also great. Megan talks about her family growing up on the edge of the dust bowl, her time in Australia, to personal tales and her passion with groundhogs! Join us, for this 1 hour 13 minutes episode of "Conversations with Storytellers."

Ever wish you'd met Ruth Tongue and have her tell you a story? Or traveler Betsy White? My guest today was blessed with this and many other experiences. He has been a fire eater and fisherman as well being the amazing storyteller he is today. Both Taffy Thomas and his wife and partner Chrisy are wonderful, wonderful people. You'll hear both my son's voice and Chrisy's during the interview.   It is said that when you tell a story, all the storytellers who have passed who've told that tale stand behind you. Taffy Thomas, gladly, was sitting next to me when I had this conversation and I hope he won't be standing behind me for a good number of years. If I were starting out and didn't have a family, I would drop everything and become his assistant to archive his material, film and record Taffy, spending as much time as I could with Taffy and Chrisy as I could.   This has to be not just one of my favourite conversations, but one of my favourite experiences I have had. My son, Aidan and I were visiting family and our first stop was to pop in with Taffy. Although I thought after the first cup of tea Aidan would excuse himself and explore the Lake District where Taffy lives in England, he stayed for the whole time. We spent pretty much two days with Taffy and Chrisy and this is part of what was recorded. 

How are? Still listening? Thanks for being here, I know there are a lot of other things you could be doing. This conversation with Bobby Norfolk is a delight. Recorded over Zoom in Coronavirus Time, this light and calming time was great reprieve. I do not know Bobby well. He was incredibly gracious about spending this time with me, sharing how he became such a remarkable storyteller after being a child who stuttered. This is a man who worked in night clubs and met some wonderful people. I have to say I am very jealous of his experience with Roberta Flack! He is quiet, unassuming, generous jet explodes on stage! He commands attention and in such a genuine way, he is free and funny. Bobby tells us his influences (have a look at some of the comics he mentions, they are great to study for pace, timing and presence), his process and how he finds his stories. Have a look at one Bobby's first influences, Jimmy Dean, the ballad singer: https://youtu.be/KnnHprUGKF0 Enjoy this enlightening and delightful conversation. Bobby's website: https://www.bobbynorfolk.com/ Sherry's website: http://www.sherrynorfolk.com/ Peace, Simon

This is the final and third part of the conversation with Len Cabral and Bill Harley. Bill had to leave, which left just Len and me. So this is just the two of us wrapping up what was, I felt a deep, and very interesting time spent with these two great people, and storytellers. To find out more about these two gents, their websites are: BillHarley.com and LenCabral.com I hope you had as much fun listening as I did participating. Be well, be happy and share your favourite stories.  

That's right, part two! Part two of three, so if you missed the first part of this episode, have a listen to the previous episode, if you have heard this one already, go to the next, where it's just Len and me. In this episode we do get deeper into the process of storytelling and how voices are or can be found. I hope you are enjoying this conversation with these storytellers! Peace, Simon

I am one lucky duck. Two of New England's storytelling legends in one room, with me and a voice recorder! I got to have a conversation with both these chaps sitting in the beautiful home of Len Cabral in Rhode Island. Len and Bill are great friends and grew up in the storytelling world pretty much together. This interview lasted over three hours and Bill had to leave at one point, but Len and I got to continue. The interview is slit into three, yes, three parts! This is the first part. Enjoy. Their website are billharley.com and LenCabral.com

Martin Shaw, poet, storyteller, mythologist. Rooted deeply in the land, performing a vision quest, and following a path to storytelling, Martin Shaw uses language rich and imaginative. His style is deceptively simply but in telling his tales he pulls you in to a place deep within. I was asked to interview Martin by the publisher of his most recent book, "Courting The Wild Twin." I had not heard of this British storyteller, but on looking him up found I very much wanted to add his voice to my podcast. Highly intelligent, incredibly well-read, and very approachable Martin was a joy to spend time with. On listening to the interview as I edited it, I found he spoke on many different levels and realized the sheer depth to what he was talking about. This interview is worth listening to multiple times. I will let Martin tell you why he wrote "Courting the Wild Twin" in this conversation, but it is needed in this time more than any other. It's arrival has come at the right time.   He is so deeply rooted in myth, so totally in touch with the stories he tells I want to learn from this man. I read the book Chelsea Green Publishing sent me, and bought another of his books - "Night Wages." His words and work has inspired to go deeper still into my work and improve my own writing, to get in touch with another, deeper part of myself on my storytelling journey.   I hope when you hear his words, his wisdom, you also get inspired in whatever work you do. And I truly hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. His website is: https://drmartinshaw.com/ and his school of mythology in England website is: https://schoolofmyth.com/

Eshu Bumpus and I would occasionally see each in passing, say 'hi' and exchange pleasantries, but never really sat down and talked. I enjoyed his performances and he has a voice so easy to listen to and fall into. At Timpanogos in 2019, I did a key note and included a couple of stories in it, and Eshu had some comments on what I did. He opened my eyes to going even deeper with these stories, when I thought I already went deep! Eshu is thoughtful and thought provoking. I hope you get as much out of this conversation as I did, and enjoy it as much as I did. Peace, Simon Eshu's website and a link to the book he was talking about - the Palm-Wine Drinkard.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Palm-Wine_Drinkard   https://eshu.folktales.net/ 

Odds Bodkin, the mythic maker. Odds Bodkin, is not just a medieval curse, but the name of one of America's greatest storytellers. His combination of gravitas, humor and music in his re-tellings of folk and fairy tales, myths and legends is, well, legendary here in America. Odds and I are neighbors and friends, I am lucky enough to say, and this conversation, sitting in his leather chairs, next to a crackling fire with a Christmas tree in the corner, was a delight. The interview was recorded a little bit before Christmas, with the heavy breathing and panting of Odds' dog, Samson.

Ed Stivender has been telling stories for a long time. I first met him at Jonesborough a couple of years ago, and thought he was such a nice man. He came across as a very quiet and private man which was the total opposite to the man I saw on stage. This interview, edited down from two hours, follows Ed's passion and life from when he first started telling tales (about how windows got broken at home) through his introduction to professional storytelling and his beloved Jonesborough, National Storytelling Festival, his books to his plans for future work. Please enjoy this Conversation with Ed Stivender.

Diane Edgecomb was one of the first people I saw to make a big impression on me on the professional circuit. Part of it was to do with the workshop I took at the same conference and the detail, depth and compassion she has came out in her work on stage and with workshop participants. Although we have known each other for a long time, we have been skirted about each other, not intentionally, just never had the time to sit down together for more than five minutes. I have a lot of respect for Diane and her ethos, and ethics. I have never had a conversation with her that did not make me think, or get me more excited about our craft. So to spend an hour with her, in her home (thanks Tom, for letting me hang out with Diane for a morning) was wonderful! Please enjoy the thoughts and wisdom of Diane Edgecomb.

As I am collecting more conversations for the podcast through December (or at least getting a head start), I did promise some stories. Here is the first: The Girl in Green adapted from Pu' Song Ling's Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio. The book, which contains some amazing stories, was first printed in 1776, sixty one years after his death. It is a collection of literary tales, but are as fairy tale-like (if a little more grown-up, dark and, well, odd) as the work of Hans Christen Andersen. This is not a story for children as there are adult themes. The usual program will return in January! Thanks for listening. Simon Brooks

Milbre Burch is not just a storyteller, but a dancer, and theatre artist, has studied a lot, and has a remarkable and unshakable sense of humour. I first discovered Milbre for myself shortly after the falling of the Twin Towers on 9/11 in 2001. I purchased her CD Making the Heart Whole Again, a wonderful gift for anyone suffering from hate and intolerance. What she has not done? And what we did not talk about… We talk briefly about the Gullah people, those taken by force from their homes in Angola, to work on the rice plantations of SC way back when. She’s a Grammy nominee (wait til you hear who she was up against, if not sharing the table with), and also a scholar and an artist - so her witt is sharp! Milbre is a wonderful human being. Her website is Kindcrone.com where you can find all of her CDs.

Tim Jennings and Leanne Ponder were tandem tellers, although to call them that does not fulfill what they really do! As they tell their well crafted stories, they talk over each other juggling with words, and phrases, switching characters. One would think the recorded stories were carefully produced in a studio to make it work, but most of thier recordings are done at live events. Sadly Leanne has Alzheimer's and does not perform stories with Tim anymore, although sometimes plays music with him. It is incredibly sad that they can no longer perform live together. Their meeting, their working together, and Tim's passion of folk and fairy tales are all here. He talks about his influences, his solo work, Leanne's work and a little of his growing up. I will be adding more on my Patreon site, but here is the interview, the conversation with Tim Jennings, and a little of Leanne Ponder. This episode lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Heather Forest forged her own way into storytelling, coming from a folk music background. A highly intelligent, thoughtful, and warm human being, Heather was great to sit down with. This is the third in a series of three interviews I conducted in March, 2019 at Sharing the Fire, the North East Story Telling Conference. The other two are previous episodes of Elisa Pearmain, and Loren Niemi.   Heather mentions the first guitar she ever had and I found a photo of one just like it - Heather confirmed this!   Heather's website:  http://www.heatherforest.com/ 

Elisa Pearmain was one of the storytellers who created a storytelling community in New England, particularly in the Boston area. Throughout her career her work has been deeply steeped in healing, from dance to storytelling to therapy and her work is included in a number of books and CDs. Her compassion and depth is remarkable, as is her story. 42 minutes

I have to admit when I first met Michael Parent I was intimidated by him. I couldn't figure him out - was he being serious, was he being funny? I couldn't tell. Over time I got to know him a little better and found him to be a very warm man indeed, sharp as a needle and quick witted. He still is today, even though his challenge with Parkinson's disease sometimes slows his word choice down. This conversation, with Michael's permission, has been edited, cutting out some of the silences as he sought out the rights words. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with him and cannot wait to see him again and hang out. Michael Parent talks about his family history in mills, how music was seen as something better than storytelling, but how Michael sees the two should go together. You will hear about his juggling skills, uke band, and sing-a-longs! He mentions a song by  Malvina Reynolds, and here is a version I heard as a kid by the Seekers, of that song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YP7GCXqdqU We had many laughs during the chat, and I hope you join in laughing, too. Peace, Simon

I first met Loren many years ago, and over the years have come to know him better. Loren is fascinating and has a very broad vision of storytelling. He began as an activist using story for good cause, and has taught, coached, produced and written. He currently has two storytelling books, "Inviting the Wolf In" which he co-wrote with Elizabeth Ellis, and "The New Book of Plots." He also has a poetry book and collection of ghost stories out. Enjoy this 40 minute conversation with Loren Niemi.

Papa Joe Gaudet once traveled all over the USA telling stories. He had a team of people working for him. Then one day he vanished from the scene. When I began storytelling professionally in New Hampshire, I was often greeted with a comment - Do you know Papa Joe? I did not. Nor could I find him. Then looking for a fun Halloween story for younger people, my friend and colleague Karen Chace told me a story Papa Joe had created. I could not find him to ask permission, but Karen ensured that Papa Joe loved his stories being shared, and I should tell it. So I did. Then, ten years after his 'disappearance' he reappeared. I reached out to him and we became fast friends. He has mentored me, we have worked and often played together. He is a family friend, not just to me, but to many people in the North East. Papa Joe is the modern embodiment of what a storyteller used to be. He travels around New England telling stories to anyone who will listen, from schools and cafes, to bars and busking. He lives in his mobile home, drinking from fresh water springs and eating the fruits of the forest, and bread I have made! His laugh is as infectious as his smile, and I am very happy to call him my good friend. Enjoy this history of an amazing man and his thoughts about story. Running time approx:1 hour 9 minutes Papa Joe's website: http://papajoestorytelling.com/biz/index.htmThere are many stories here which he loves people to tell and share.

Jay O'Callahan, in my mind, is a modern day Hans Christian Andersen. He began telling stories he made up for his children. Jay began telling stories to the public years ago. He met Fred Rogers and appeared on Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. He has created some amazing work from stories of steel towns to NASA. Jay has numerous recordings and a few books. His workshops are a must for anyone interested in story and the process of creating work, and his passion for Emily Dickinson is great. Jay, like all the storytellers I know is a wonderful human being. Open-hearted, thoughtful, with a full spirit, he is fascinating to listen to no matter the topic. This conversation was recorded at his home in Marshfield, Massachusetts, in 2018. Although Jay is one of the very few storytellers I am interviewing who tells personal stories I thought it was important to hear his story. His work is varied, the way his works is pretty unique, and, as I said, I think he is a modern day HCA. Enjoy. Running time approx:1 hour 14 minutes Jay's website: https://ocallahan.com/  

I first met Donna Washington at the National Storytelling Network many years ago. Donna was friendly and generous with her time, had a wealth of knowledge and a grin the size of the Cheshire Cat. When I began thinking about this podcast, I knew I had to chat with Donna. A self-proclaimed arm brat, a storyteller who throws her whole being in her telling, a writer and deep thinker, Donna and I talked about many things. From family to world views, and how traveling gives one a very different view on the world. Enjoy this Conversation With Donna Washington! Running time approx: 1 hr 23 minutes Donna's website: https://dlwstoryteller.com/ Donna's blog: http://donnawashingtonstoryteller.blogspot.com/  

This is the conclusion of the conversation I had with the remarkable Elizabeth Ellis. Elizabeth is one of the fairy godmothers, if not The Fairy Godmother of storytelling. Her skill and passion for the craft is consummate, her support for young storytellers is great, and her knowledge is deep. To get a one-on-one meeting with Elizabeth is beyond worth and I am happy to share the time I was given with you. This podcast runs to about 60 minutes. Enjoy. Elizabeth's website: http://www.elizabethellis.com/index.shtml  

Many people, when they first meet Elizabeth Ellis are at least a little in awe. She is a powerful and compassionate woman, with a soft voice. She kindly agreed to sit down with me at the 2016 National Storytelling Network Conference. The interview, the conversation began in the hall as we were heading to a quite room, before I got my gear set up. We sat down, Elizabeth got some water and we began to talk. The interview went well over two hours. I edited it down to keep it 'on topic.' We storytellers can meander along a winding path of conversation and take many side roads! Elizabeth talks history, compassion, authenticity and story. She reminisces about driving 200 miles to see another storyteller - it was just what you did; how she worked with other storytellers, and the importance of story. Because of the length of the conversation, it is broken into two episodes. The first (this) episode is about 55 minutes and part two is around an hour! Enjoy! Elizabeth's website: http://www.elizabethellis.com/index.shtml

After the passing of some great storytellers, I decided I wanted to interview some of the elders in the community of traditional storytelling. I wanted to capture their thoughts, their ideas, and maybe ideals in their own voices. Episode One - Laura SimmsLaura grew up in New York and lives there now. Learn how she was drawn to telling traditional folk and fairy tales, her work with UNICEF, how her life filled this bubbly and vivacious woman with compassion. Find out how she has worked with musicians, her work with child soldiers and hear one of Laura's stories. Welcome to Conversations with Storytellers  To support my work please consider subscribing, leaving wonderfilled reviews, donating via my Partreon Page (https://www.patreon.com/simonbrooks) and please visit my website for more information and Free Stuff - DiamondScree.com and SimonBrooksStoryteller.com Thank you!