Prides Hollow Story Series by Award-Winning Storyteller Kelly Swanson

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Prides Hollow...the town you never want to leave. What happens when an old man leaves a challenge to a small town - to do something brave? Come find out.Their stories will charm your heart and tickle your funny bone. To watch the video version on Youtube go to www.PridesHollow.com. She warms your heart just like a trip to the Cracker Barrel, and her stories give you the feels of a delighted Hallmark movie. The video version of this podcast is on youtube on PridesHollow.com so there will be a few moments sometimes where you hear extended silence or music. Just keep listening and know that the video is showing something at this time that doesn't need words. We highly recommend you watch the videos too. They add an element of magic.She's the southern version of Garrison Keillor and one of America's best storytellers.Travel to Kelly's tiny little town about a mile and a hair past nowhere - where the simple life is revered, ordinary heroes are appreciated, and the stories aren't fancy, they're just about the people. Get your dose of humor and hope while you fall in love with the town and the people who bring it to life. The story starts with the death of Old Man Withers who left his sum to everybody in town. Under one condition. That they do something brave. These are their stories. More than just a show, this is a community of people who, like Prides Hollow, celebrate bravery and courage. People can get keys to the city and actually attend online events as residents of this cyber town. To watch the videos, go to PridesHollow.com and subscribe to the Youtube Channel. For more about Kelly go to MotivationalSpeakerKellySwanson.com and to get your own key to the city go to Patreon.com/kellyswanson

Kelly Swanson

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    • Jan 25, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 10m AVG DURATION
    • 38 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Prides Hollow Story Series by Award-Winning Storyteller Kelly Swanson

    Prides Hollow Short: Diddly's Prank Gone Wrong

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2023 4:43


    Diddly may consider himself the master of pranks, much to the dismay of his wife, Boo. But this time, he went too far. Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: The Worst Wedding Guest Ever

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2023 3:51


    Ya'll are not going to believe who my cousin brought to Buck and Betty's wedding. It was horrible. Glad I was there to see it, and glad I get to share it with you. Nothing's ever boring in Prides Hollow, the small town with the big heart, where the people stay but the gossip travels. Just remember, you didn't hear it from me. Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Kill Me Now, He Is Talking During The Show Again

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2023 2:34


    When the simple act of watching TV together can drive you to drink. Enjoy this quick little laugh on me.Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: I've Done Caught The Ringworm!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2023 2:58 Transcription Available


    Kelly shares a moment that probably shouldn't be shared. Bless her heart. Ringworm is no joke! Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Nester Sees Jesus On The Side Of His Garage

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2023 5:15 Transcription Available


    I think almost every family has a Nester. Bless his heart. He called us this week to tell us he saw Jesus on the side of his garage. And of course he wants to profit on it. Life is never boring in the small town with the big heart, where the people stay, but the gossip travels. Just remember - you didn't hear it from me!Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: The Tree

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2022 6:01


    A simple story about a tree and its impact on our childhood. Inspired by my recent trip to Spruce Pine, NC, where I met my people. I hope you like it. Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Bitsy Got Stuck in the Peloton

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2022 3:27


    Bless Bitsy's heart for trying, but she is not adjusting too well to that new Peloton she just got. She sure did make those EMTs work hard for their paycheck. Join us for another hilarious tale from Prides Hollow, where things are NEVER boring. Share this video with your friends who need a laugh. Subscribe to the channel so you'll know when new stories come out. And stay on the funny side of life.Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Ernestine's Glittered Privates

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2022 6:02


    Oh my. Ernestine would have a FIT if she knew I was telling you this story. But it is too good to keep a secret. You have GOT to hear what happened when she went for her gynecology appointment. It is OMG graphic. So don't say I didn't warn you. Just remember, you didn't hear it from me. Another hilarious tale from funny motivational speaker Kelly Swanson and her small town with the big heart - where the people stay, but the gossip travels. Book this funny motivational comedian and storytelling keynote speaker to come to your next event. In addition to the laughs, she'll warm your heart, and teach you how to tap into the power of your story - laughing the whole way.#humor #motivation #funnymotivationalspeaker #keynotespeaker #storytellingspeaker #theatre #theater #onewomanshow www.MotivationalSpeakerKellySwanson.comwww.WhoHijackedMyFairyTale.comwww.PridesHollowTheaterShow.comSupport the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Redneck Cat Funeral

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2022 5:43


    Sparky's done run out of his ninth life. Found him during a game of hide and seek. Most exciting family reunion ever. Come find out how it went, in our tiny town with a small heart, where the people stay but the gossip travels. And even a funeral for a cat can be fun to watch. Funny motivational speaker, Kelly Swanson, is editor of the Prides Hollow Gazette, bringing you the latest news that fit to tell. Bring Kelly into your next event to hear even more stories, and  how the town is on a current challenge to be brave. You don't want to miss this!#storyteller #funnymotivationalspeaker #keynotespeaker #comedySupport the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Bra At Buster's Bait and Tackle

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2022 2:59


    Another hilarious moment in Prides Hollow when they find a brassiere in aisle three of Buster's Bait and Tackle. Right near the egg salad sandwiches and the bait - where my cousin's water broke last year.  Place your bets on the owner of the bra. Pot is up to $200. Things are never boring in this tiny town with the big heart - where the people stay but the gossip travels. Just remember, you didn't hear it from me. Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Dead Body In The Sanctuary

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2022 9:51


    You are not going to believe what Ernestine Fink did in the sanctuary when she tripped over a dead body! It is a story you will NEVER forget.Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Stuffed Moose

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2022 3:35


    Ever thought a taxidermied moose would make a great gift? Neither did Fern. Come hear another hilarious bit of news from the small town with the big heart, where the people stay but the gossip travels. Hilarious southern storyteller Kelly Swanson just keeps bringing more funnies from her beloved town. Need a laugh today? This is it.MotivationalSpeakerKellySwanson.comPridesHollowTheaterShow.comWhoHijackedMyFairyTale.comFunny motivational speaker and storytelling speaker Kelly Swanson would be fun to bring to your next event!Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Exotic Animals Exhibit

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2022 3:47


    Who knew that one little letter could make such a difference? Poor Duvelle. Enjoy today's laugh at her expense. Just remember, you didn't hear it from me!Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Break In At Bert and Erma's

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2022 2:41


    Did you hear? There was a break in over at Bert and Erma's house! Let me be the first to give you the details. It was harrowing.Just another quick bit of hearsay from the small town with the big heart, where the people stay but the gossip travels. Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: The Mask, a different kind of Halloween story

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2022 4:21 Transcription Available


    A touching story about the bond between a boy and his grandpa. Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Fern's Support Dog Grunt Quit

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2022 2:23


    Poor thing. Not Fern. Her dog. Who can blame that dog for quitting? There's only so much a support animal should have to take. I'm just saying. Just another quick bit of hearsay from the small town with the big heart, where the people stay but the gossip travels. Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Earl Lost His Teeth

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2022 1:16


    Good grief. He's done it again. Earl has done lost his teeth. If you find them, please bring them to Bingo.  Things are never boring in the small town with the big heart, where the people stay but the gossip travels. Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Praise Be, Nester Got Saved

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2022 2:58


    It's a miracle and a half! Nester was saved this week. You've GOT to hear how it happened.Just another quick bit of hearsay from the small town with the big heart, where the people stay but the gossip travels. Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Percy's Funeral Doves

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2022 2:08


    As you may already know, Percy passed. If you didn't make the funeral, then you should hear about the doves that were released at the ceremony. It wasn't pretty.Just another quick bit from the small town with the big heart, where the people stay but the gossip travels. Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Nadine Was Almost Robbed

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2022 2:33


    What is this world coming to? You can't even go in for a pedicure without being afraid. Come here what happened at the nail salon when Nadine was almost killed.More gossip from the small town with the big heart, where the people stay, but the gossip travels. You can count on me to give you the scoop.Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: The Hotel Mishap

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2022 2:17


    Did you hear that Eulaly slept with a construction worker? Oh my heavens. This is one juicy bit of hearsay from the small town with the big heart - where the people stay but the gossip travels. And remember, you didn't hear it from me.Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Granny's Whorrible Situation

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2022 3:35


    They said they didn't do it on purpose. But I'm not sure. Come find out what happened to Granny Jean over at the Piggly Wiggly. It's a hoot!Just more gossip from the small town with the big heart, where the people stay but the gossip travels. Remember - you didn't hear it from me!Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Homer Strips Again

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2022 2:48


    Oh for heavens sakes. Somebody needs to go check on Homer. He's at it again. You can take the man out of Vegas, but you can't take Vegas out of the man. I'm just saying.Just another bit of gossip from the small town with the big heart. Where the people stay but the gossip travels. Just remember, you didn't hear this one from me. Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: The Booblet Recall

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2022 4:18


    Warning! Everybody who bought The Bodacious Booblet from Barbara's Gift Shop, DO NOT USE IT before listening to this important message. Just more quick gossip from the small town with the big heart, where the people stay but the gossip travels. Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: The Pigeon Abduction

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2022 5:41


    Bless Birdie's heart. He means well. But sometimes a bird in the hand is not worth two in the bush. Join Kelly for another quick bit of gossip in the small town with the big heart - where the people stay but the gossip travels.Support the show

    Prides Hollow Short: Bitsy's Waxing Party

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2022 11:21


    Join us for a little gossip in Kelly's small town with the big heart - where the people stay, but the gossip travels. In this Prides Hollow "Short" Kelly fills you in on Bitsy's home waxing party. We promise you will never go to one of Bitsy's home parties again! Enjoy the laugh!Support the show

    Episode 11: Bitsy's Brush With Death

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 16:36 Transcription Available


    Today we find ourselves in Myrlene, Vyrlene, and Shyrlene's House of Beauty,  where Bitsy is about to tell us what happened to her on that flight back from visiting her sister. You are not going to believe it. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in. We're glad you're here.  For more about the town go to www.Patreon.com/kellyswanson and for more about Kelly go to www.MotivationalSpeakerKellySwanson.com. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard)

    Episode 10: The Rose

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2021 23:54


    Today's episode is based on a true story, and dedicated to Scottie Barnes, founder of www.ForgivenMinistry.org, and the one who shared this story with me. The Rose story focuses on one word that is easier said than done - forgiveness. Kelly takes us into the world of Isabel - who like most teenagers, just wants to be like the other girls. But Isabel has a secret.  In this touching up-front view of Isabel's story, you get a look at what grace really looks like up close. Have fun in Prides Hollow, where ordinary heroes are appreciated, and the stories are never fancy - they're just about the people. Once you visit, you'll never want to leave. Watch this entire video to hear this one-of-a-kind touching story.If you liked this heartwarming short story and want to watch the video versions of my Prides Hollow series PLUS other stories of courage I've shared, check out my channel and subscribe. And to JOIN THE CITY, go to https://www.patreon.com/KellySwansonSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard)

    Episode 9: Bitsy Does Zumba

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2021 17:24 Transcription Available


    Heavens to Bitsy, she's done it again. That's right, Bitsy decided to take a Zumba class, and you have GOT to get a back row seat into this hilarious escapade.  Follow us to Prides Hollow where everybody is facing their fears and stepping into a new level of brave. It's always something with Bitsy, that's for sure. And today she doesn't fail to disappoint. To all those who love a good story - enjoy the laugh, and we're sure you'll fall in love with Bitsy and this town just a little bit more. We're glad you came.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard)

    Episode 8: The Laundromat

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2021 25:19 Transcription Available


    Join us today in the Prides Hollow laundromat, where the faded pageant queens hold their own kind of court, and the gentle hum of a dryer can heal a wounded soul. Come meet Pearl, the queen of this laundromat. And Trulee Dupree, living a fairy tale gone bad. Both are holding  a secret, that after today, won't be.  In today's touching episode, we get a look at what real courage looks like when women link arms together and refuse to budge. Prides Hollow is full of southern humor and stories that make you cry a little, think a lot, and swear you know some of these people in this tiny little town about a mile and a hair past nowhere.  To watch the video version of this story, go to www.PridesHollow.com and to join the city go to www.Patreon.com/kellyswansonHave fun in Prides Hollow, where the simple life is revered, ordinary heroes are appreciated, and the stories are never fancy - they're just about the people. Once you visit, you never want to leave.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard)

    Episode 7: Powdered Blessings

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 25:32 Transcription Available


    Oh Lordy, you are not going to believe what happened to Aurora P Johnson in church. Everybody is talking about it. Get your daily laugh here.  Today's episode takes us back to Prides Hollow where the pastor has decided that for his bravery challenge, he will unite the churches in one colossal service. Come see what happens. We promise you won't be bored.Come be part of our new cyber town where you will get lots of extra goodies! www.Patreon.com/kellyswansonAnd don't forget to check out the video version of this show - you'll love it!www.PridesHollow.com Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/KellySwanson)

    Episode 6: The Power Washer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2021 18:42 Transcription Available


    If you know Arlis, you know that he has a weakness for power tools. Come see what happens when he gets a new pressure washer. Just a silly little story to make you smile and fall in love with even more characters in Prides Hollow. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/KellySwanson)

    Episode 5: Leaf Jumping

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2021 10:57 Transcription Available


    Sometimes joy can be found no further than your own front yard. Today's episode takes us to Ed's house, where his family talks him into taking part in the challenge. Ed was not happy about it. But watch what happens when he chooses to be brave.

    Episode 4: Juggles the Clown

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2021 18:31 Transcription Available


    What happens when a small town accountant goes back in time to a day that brought him the most joy, and recreates it? Find out in this touching episode as Kelly takes us into yet another story of bravery in her tiny little town about a mile and a hair past nowhere. Get your key to the city at Patreon.com/kellyswanson and watch the video episodes at PridesHollow.com youtube channel.

    Episode 3: Dancing for One

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2021 19:03 Transcription Available


    In this heartwarming episode, Mary Simms dusts off an old dream and has the courage to dance again.  Award-winning storyteller, Kelly Swanson, takes us back to her beloved town of Prides Hollow when Old Man Withers leaves them a challenge to do something brave.  To watch these stories on video go to www.PridesHollow.com Youtube Channel. And to become a Patron go to www.Patreon.com/kellyswanson. Thank you for listening.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/KellySwanson)

    Episode 2: A Covid Christmas Carol

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2020 41:38 Transcription Available


    In this special holiday episode, we travel to the house of James O'Connor who is celebrating a very special Christmas - his last one. Find out what happens when he tries to make everything go just right - and it doesn't even come close. Award-winning storyteller, Kelly Swanson, weaves her magic once again and touches your heart, with a little laughter sprinkled in. To watch these episodes, go to PridesHollow.com youtube channel and hit subscribe.To become a patron, go to Patreon.com/kellyswansonFor more about Kelly, go to MotivationalSpeakerKellySwanson.com

    Courage Story 1: Santa's List

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2020 33:03 Transcription Available


    Note: There is a stretch of music in the beginning of this podcast that seems to go on for a bit. This is because in the video there is a hand writing words that pop up on the screen with no audio translation. The words spell out the Wikipedia definition of St Nicholaus. So just sit tight and the words will start soon. Today Kelly interviews her friend, Santa Cliff, as they discuss the true meaning of the Christmas holiday through Cliff's eyes. Get your tissues out - this one has all the feels. These Courage Stories are special videos posted in addition to the Prides Hollow Story Series. The Prides Hollow series is about the stories of the people in that town. The Courage Stories are about YOU, Kelly's audience. Kelly collects your stories of ordinary people doing brave things. Because courage is contagious.

    Episode 1: The Buick

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2020 20:06 Transcription Available


    Stories that warm your heart like walking into a Cracker Barrel, or enjoying a good Hallmark movie. To stay in touch, become a patron of the show, or get your own key to the city!https://www.Patreon.com/kellyswansonPrides Hollow is full of southern stories that will amuse, entertain, and leave you with an inspirational message. In this first episode, Harriet, a color-between-the-lines kind of lady, does something that most people would have thought was crazy.You see, Harriet lives in the house down the road, with the grey shutters. She's worn her hair in the same tight bun for what seems like forever, and both her and her husband, Harold, always lived on the safe side of life. That all changed when Harold died. You would expect that the challenge from Old Man Withers would bypass Harriet completely. But these southern stories are full of people who take a chance. That’s part of what this inspirational message is about.When Harriet heard the mailman recite the challenge, her heart jumped up right away. She knew exactly what she would do if she was brave. She wanted to drive the Buick her and Harold owned. Only problem was, she had never learned to drive. That didn’t stop her. With her neighbor Noreen as her impromptu coach, the pair took Harold’s ashes and drove off in search of a place to scatter them.This is one of those southern stories that’s full of seemingly ordinary folks, whose actions end up surprising everyone. The story finishes with an inspirational message from Kelly, about the importance of doing something brave, even if it doesn't seem to make any sense.If you enjoyed this first episode, be sure to catch the next one, which will air in two weeks, on Wednesday 9pm EST. Kelly will be there to chat in the community thread!

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