The Apple Seed

On this episode of The Apple Seed, we are exploring stories of all kinds that talk about cats. Cats have been around for many, many years, and we all probably have had a cat, or know someone with a cat. As you listen to the stories in today's episode, we hope that they bring back memories for you about cats that you can share with the people you love. Who knows what stories you could unlock from those memories.(4:33) "Why Cats Live with Women" by Charlotte Blake-Alston: In this story, Charlotte Blake-Alston tells a folktale about how cats came to live with humans, and more specifically, women. Folktales are a way we can make sense of the world, no matter how silly they may be. We hope this story reminds you of your own cats, or cats you may know. We're happy to bring you this rhythmic folktale story about cats.(17:06) Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne: Sam shares a memory about his childhood cat named Patches. After many years of loving moments and growing close, it was finally time for Patches to go. As sad as it is to lose a pet, Sam shares how losing Patches opened up a window full of stories and memories about his pet cat. (26:08) Original Audio Drama "Winning Deedee": What happens when a family wins a robotic house maid? Surely nothing could go wrong, right? In this original audio drama produced by our own Apple Seed team, we meet the Mendez family who wins a robotic house maid named "Domestic Droid Deedee 2020", or Deedee for short. Soon after Deedee is charged up, the family notices that something is not quite right, and things quickly take a turn for the worse. Listen to find out how the Mendez family makes it out of this crazy situation.(41:30) "Why Dogs Chase Cats" by Charlotte Blake-Alston: This story is one for all the dog lovers. Charlotte Blake-Alston tells the story of a dog and a cat who happen to be good friends. One day, they decided to go buy some food to enjoy. What happens when you give a dog and a cat a big piece of cheese? You'll have to listen to this fun-filled and musical tale from Charlotte to find out.

Today's episode of The Apple Seed features silly stories of people standing up for themselves. We all face challenges in life, and there come times when we have to stand up to them. Whether those challenges be fears, other people, or just tough situations, these stories help us to know that we can make it through. (4:07) "Dr. Hundfuss" by Bil Lepp: Bil Lepp tells a tall tale with our live studio audience about his high school days. His high school principal was anything but friendly. Bil and his friends decided to band together and play the ultimate prank on their principal. This great story is the end result of those fun-filled pranks.(22:32) Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne: Sam shares a story about his fear of heights. We all have fears in our life, and at one point or another we may be asked to face those fears. When Sam was asked to join some colleagues on a rappelling trip, he was afraid to join in the adventure. Through the help of his friends, Sam was able to face his fears, and not live with the regret of missing out.(29:21) Reader's Theater "Hansel and Gretel and Pirates": Recorded right in our own Apple Seed studio, we bring to you a reader's theater tale of Hansel and Gretel, but with a twist. In this fractured fairytale version of the well known fairytale, we introduce some new villains that give this story a bit of fun. Listen and laugh along to our reader's theater Hansel and Gretel and Pirates.

Today's episode of the Apple Seed features stories all about people working together. We've all experienced times in our lives where we've found that we are able to become more than we ever thought possible thanks to the help of those around us. As the old saying goes, "If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together." The stories on today's episode show just how far you can go when you work together with those around you.(4:47) "New Pastor" by Tim Lowry: This story is a tale from Tim Lowry told in front of our live studio audience. Tim shares about his experiences he had growing up when his dad worked as a pastor for their church. A story like this may sound like it should be smooth sailing, but that is not the case. Tim Lowry's story shows us that not everything is perfect for even a pastor's family, but it sure makes for a fun story in the end. (27:53) Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne: Sam shares a story about his relationship with his step-dad. When his mom got married, Sam and his siblings were all adults with hobbies and interests already in place. However, those hobbies and interests were different than those of their new step-dad's, and it made connecting with him a little rough. Through some work, this new family was able to learn and grow closer together. (35:38) Old Time Radio "The African Queen": In this old time radio drama, we hear the story of a steamboat captain and a missionary who embark on an unlikely adventure together. Though they seem to have nothing in common at the start, they learn to work together and make it out of sticky situations. Even when things seem to not be in their favor, they lean on their new friendship to come out on top.

On today's episode of the Apple Seed, we are pleased to bring you some great stories about friendship. We all have memories that involve some of our dearest friends, and it's hard to imagine what life would be like without them. Today, we have a story from Andy Offutt Irwin, who tells a story of his fictional Aunt Marguerite as she sets off to visit a friend who is near the end of her life. Later in the episode, we are thrilled to share an Apple Seed reader's theater recorded in our studio. "The Wind in the Willows" is a classic children's tale about friendship and helping others when times are tough. Listen along as our talented voice actors and live studio audience bring this story to life. (5:50) "Book Every Saturday For A Funeral" by Andy Offutt Irwin: Andy Offutt Irwin joins us in the Apple Seed studio with our live studio audience to tell a story about his fictional Aunt Marguerite. When she learns of a dear friend being put into hospice care, she sets off to visit her before it's too late. As Andy says in this story, sometimes tragic events like funerals can help us remember the people that we love, and how much they mean to us. Through this touching story, Andy shares with us the importance of memories with those that we love. We hope this story helps you to remember your loved ones, and to share those stories with the people around you.(31:22) Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne: Sam shares a memory about getting a pair of skates for Christmas. Those skates were his whole world, but they sometimes led to bad decisions. But thanks to the help of his dad, Sam was able to learn a lesson that he carries with him to this day. (36:52) "Wind in the Willows" Reader's Theater: Recorded live in the Apple Seed studio, we bring to you a reader's theater rendition of the classic story of "The Wind in the Willows". You may be familiar with other versions of this story, particularly from Disney, but we are happy to bring it to you in a way that has never been told before. In this story, we learn of the importance of friendship. Sometimes it can be hard to ask for help, even when you are in need of it. Join us as we tell the story of Rat and Mole as they strive to help a friend in need.

On today's episode of The Apple Seed, we bring you stories of friendship, but with a musical twist. Music is something that brings us together, and it can often help us tell those stories that are near and dear to us. We hope that the stories you hear today help remind you of songs and moments that you love.(4:37:26) "Bear's Party" by Bill Harley: Bill Harley tells a musical tale with our studio audience about a bear who just wants to have a party with his friends. When it looks like things won't turn out, things turn in a new direction. No matter what all of his friends said, Bear was always optimistic. His wise words can teach us a lesson when things don't seem to be working out the way we hoped they would. "You never know what might happen".(22:24:46) Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne: Sam shares a memory about summer nights and dancing in empty parking lots. Sometimes the perfect way to end a summer day is to drive to the middle of nowhere, turn up the music, and dance in the car headlights. Sam had many of these moments, and it inspired him to write a song about it. Join Sam in reminiscing about those good old summer nights.(31:08) Original Audio Drama "Silk and Swenson": Join us for another original Apple Seed audio drama! This old western story tells of characters Hector Silk and Phoebe Swenson, who are enemies at best. Through a series of unlikely events, and lots of music and singing, will these two finally see eye to eye? We're excited to bring you this western musical tale of "Silk and Swenson".

In this big world, there are plenty of people that we don't know, and some we may never know. Yet, we all have a story about the unlikely connections we've had with the strangers around us. On today's episode, we have many stories of people and their stories about interactions they have had with the strangers around them, and how their lives have changed for the better because of those experiences.(5:06) "Big Number Reunion" by Dolores Hydock: Dolores Hydock joins us in the Apple Seed studio to share her experience at a high school reunion. Over 800 miles from her present day home, she finds herself in a room full of people she didn't know. But, in the end, she finds herself learning things about her old classmates that she wouldn't have known if she hadn't been put in that situation. She learns that we are all more alike than we realize. We all end up in the same place, no matter what our paths may have looked like on the way there.(21:14)"The Home Team" by Sam Payne. Sam sings a song that he wrote, which was inspired by Dolores Hydock's story about her high school reunion. He had imagined the story of a man and his experience going back to his hometown, and seeing his old high school. Sometimes we all need a visit back to where we came from, and to be given another chance to root for the home team.(32:02)Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne. Sam shares a memory about being in a musical theater in his school days. When he comes across the mailing information for Stephen Sondheim, he decides to send him a letter. To his surprise, he got a response! And what comes to follow from that response was worth keeping. This memory lives on for Sam, and we hope it sparks a memory that lives on for you that you can share with those you love.(41:35) The Paul O'Sullivan Band: Have you ever found someone with your same name? Well, a man named Paul O'Sullivan found not one, not two, but three other people also named Paul O'Sullivan on Facebook. He decided to reach out to them on a whim and see what would happen. Little did he know that he would start a band with those guys. They are now known as the Paul O'Sullivan Band, and we are happy to share their story with you.

Today's episode of The Apple Seed shares stories about remembering our worth, or feeling seen by those around us. We all, at one time or another, have felt lost and alone. But, we all have people in our lives who have helped us to feel loved and seen as we try so hard to have a presence in this world. We hope the stories we share with you today spark memories of those people in your life that have helped you to feel that way.(4:27) "Mrs. Ort" by Kim Weitkamp: One of our friends and storytellers often featured on the show, Kim Weitkamp, shares a story about her childhood school teacher, Mrs. Ort. We all have someone who has made an impact in our lives for the better, and they often are someone we think about all the time. Mrs. Ort was that person for Kim. Sometimes all we need is someone to believe in us to help us believe in ourselves. We hope this story reminds you of people who have believed in you and pushed you to be better.(28:29) Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne: Sam shares a memory of a young boy who struggled with feeling lonely at one point in his life. In order to help him get out of that slump, the boy's father helped him to remember those who have shown love to him. This memory helps us to reflect on our own lives and remember the people who have served us or helped us in any small way. We truly will never know how our small actions may help those around us.(34:) Scenes from Peter Pan: This segment features on of our Reader's Theater pieces that was performed in our Apple Seed studio. This piece features scenes from the beloved children's story Peter Pan; some of which you might be familiar. We hope you enjoy the fun voices and sound effects in this fun telling of Wendy, John, Michael, and the Lost Boys and their adventures with Peter Pan as he fights against Captain Hook.

Today we have stories of people leaving home and finding new family and unexpected friends.(4:21) "Lee Nailing's Orphan Train Story": Storyteller Pippa White tells the real-life story of Lee Nailing, a boy who was sent off on a so-called "orphan train" to find a new family.(26:50) Radio Family Journal: Host Sam Payne shares a memory about traveling to Bulgaria to work on humanitarian projects for orphans. Of the many memorable things from that trip, a photo is the most powerful reminder of what he had learned from that experience.(34:04) "Georgina": Author and podcaster Ben Schilaty joins talks about his unlikely friendship with a near-total stranger who asked him to write her life story. The project ended up affecting both of them much more than they ever expected.(43:55) "Olaf's Story": Pippa White shares another real-life story of a kid named Olaf who had a dangerous encounter with the Nazis who were occupying Norway during World War II.

On today's episode of The Apple Seed, we are featuring stories about transformation. You never now what something may become, and different people's lives all form in a unique way that makes us who we are.(4:38) "Three Chords and Five Notes" by Robert B. Jones: Storyteller Robert B. Jones shares a history of music through the last century and how it has played a role in shaping humanity today. You may be familiar with some of the songs in this story.(23:51) Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne: Sam shares a story about his family tree and what it means to him. No matter how much family may change through time, there is always something that draws us together. Family members are more alike than we may realize.(35:31) "Quentin Manning, Detective for Justice: The Case of the Flattened Tires part 2": Join us as we debut part 2 of "Quentin Manning: Detective for Justice", an original audio drama written by the storyteller Bill Harley.

Today's episode brings you a series of stories all about underdogs. We all know stories about someone who is an underdog, or perhaps we have even felt like one ourselves. These stories lift us up and help us overcome anything that we might face.(4:35) "Fractured Fairytale: 3 Little Pigs" by Donna Washington: Donna Washington shares a new story that has never been told before in front of a live audience! This twist on the three little pigs story teaches us about thinking outside the box, being kind, and remembering what truly matters to us. We hope you enjoy this new story from Donna Washington.(26:39) Radio Family Journal by Sam Payne: Sam shares a memory about a trip he took with his family. While trying to find the solution to a snack problem, the "least" of their family gang finds the best solution.(36:40) "Quentin Manning, Detective for Justice: The Case of the Flattened Tires" written by Bill Harley: Join us for the first episode of a new audio drama series written by Bill Harley! Quentin Manning is a middle school boy who loves a good mystery, and he is determined to be the detective for his middle school and solve all its mysteries. In this episode, all the bike tires have been flattened, and Quentin Manning is on the job to find out who did it. We're excited to share this new audio drama with you!

This story from Bill Harley is a memory from his own childhood about his school life. As a kid, there are many mysteries about adults; especially teachers. Bill shares about a time when he finally got to learn what really happened in the teacher's lounge, and it was nothing that he had expected it to be.

Liz Weir tells the story of a girl named Meg, who takes the things in her life for granted. Through the help of some special friends, she is able to learn the importance of being grateful for what she has, and that hard work leads to the greatest rewards.

Nora Dooley shares a childhood tale about visiting her grandma. Nora begs her grandma to do something special with her, and Nora brings home a surprise to her family. You'll never see it coming!

Today's episode features an entire hour of stories from storyteller Antonio Sacre, who joined us with our live studio audience to record these stories. The stories you'll hear today are part of his award winning album "World's Second-Best Dad". Antonio Sacre is a long time friend and favorite of The Apple Seed, and we are thrilled to share his stories with you in this episode.(01:34) Antonio Sacre shares a story about his children who discover their very first rainbow. However, the circumstance of finding the rainbow makes it a little hard for the children to fully appreciate it, and he must find a way to solve their problem, while in the middle of traffic.(07:06) Antonio Sacre shares a family story about the time they took a road trip down to see his grandma. On the way down, they come up with all sorts of games to entertain themselves, and they come across things that only their imaginations can dream of. What truly lies at Pedro's South of the Border?(22:47) Living in Los Angeles, Antonio's son never had seen snow before. When he heard stories about how much fun snow can be, he wanted to see it for himself. This story is the fun-filled trip that Antonio and his family take so his son can see snow for the first time, and the chaos that unfolds with it.(33:59) Antonio shares a story about the time his son learned about Moby Dick, and how that inspired a whale watching vacation for their family. After all the amazing events that unfold, his son declares him as the "second best dad in the world". What would make him the best dad? Listen to this story to find out.(46:2) This last story is a short story from Antonio Sacre about his childhood teddy bear. Stuffed animals are usually precious gems for children as they grow up, and it is always devastating when they get lost. This story is about one of the times Antonio lost his stuffed teddy bear.

Pippa White shares a historical tale, in the form of poetic sing-song, about a great blizzard that is also known as the children's blizzard. Join us as she brings real life characters to life from this historical event on this Apple Seed BITE.

Adam Booth shares a story about a journey he took across the country. A road trip quickly takes a turn, and he must lead his fellow West Virginia people back home.

Join us for a folk tale about an old woman who becomes aquainted with a sparrow, who in turn blesses her life for the better. This old woman and her story teach us to be kind and sharing during our times of abundance, no matter what anyone else may say.

In today's episode we have stories about understanding and communication. We all come from different backgrounds, and sometimes that gives us very different perspectives, opinions, and ideas. It's always important, however, to consider the other side and value their perspective as well.(4:37) Storyteller and mime, Motoko, shares an experience she had while visiting China. In the tale, she meets a man who has a very different background than her, and they both try to find a way to create respect for each other. Recorded live in The Apple Seed Studio.(29:13) Sam remembers a snowy night when he had to learn something from his son, and his son had to learn something from him in a communication that went both directions.(36:55) A girl raised only in darkness and a boy raised only in the light meet one another and discover their respective worlds in a fairytale written by George MacDonald called "The Day Boy and the Night Girl," adapted and performed live in The Apple Seed Studio.

Laura Simms shares an old folk tale about a girl with a not so ordinary pet goat. No matter what she goes through, the she goat is always there to give her just what she needs.

Join us for this Apple Seed BITE, as Simon Brooks shares a story about the importance of sharing your stories with the world, lest they be forgotten. We all have a story inside us begging to be shared.

What lessons have you learned from your community? Michael Reno Harrell talks about some of the things he learned growing up in North Carolina and sings a song full of the most important advice.

Judith Black tells us the tale of a man who always seems to have a reason to complain. Maybe it's a good reminder to be grateful every once in a while for the small things.

In today's episode we'll hear all sorts of tales about people trying to find their place in the world. Whether they end up in prison for a reason they didn't expect, move to a new home, or travel through time, each person has to adapt to the changes made in their lives.(4:53) Geraldine Buckley shares about a time she acted as a prison chaplain, and how she was able to find acceptance and love in a place we might think of as harsh. Recorded live in The Apple Seed Studio.(28:11) Sam talks about getting used to new places, new people, and new things, and a mantra that has helped him do so in many interesting situations. It's today's entry in The Radio Family Journal.(34:27) We bring you a piece of Old Time Radio, originally aired in 1947 and adapted from Mark Twain's novel "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court," about a man who finds himself suddenly transported back in time to the days of King Arthur.

Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

Did you ever feel like you were born in the wrong family? The beloved puppet Maynard Moose (with a little help from storyteller and author Willy Claflin) puts a moose-ified spin on the Ugly Duckling fairy tale.

Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

This traditional Chinese folk song sung by Motoko tells the story of a young couple in love who defy all odds to be together. And through it all, they learn that family should always be together, no matter what.

Today's episode brings us tales of people seeing their own potential and going for it. Their stories remind us that we each have our own purposes in life and that we can achieve great things if we buckle up and believe in ourselves.(4:21) Charlotte Blake Alston puts a rhythmic spin on the classic folktale of John Henry, where a legendary race between man and machine takes place. Recorded live in The Apple Seed Studio.(20:14) Sam talks about how Queen Esther became the person she, perhaps, was meant to be, and how the story came alive for him the last time he read it. It's today's entry in The Radio Family Journal.(33:08) An original audio drama about a family that travels the world together on dangerous missions. Why? To rescue stolen art pieces, of course. Each member has a particular set of skills that benefits the team, but one member thinks her skills might be better used elsewhere.

Join us on this Apple Seed BITE as we listen to a Robin Schulte story about small, every day moments that become sweeter over time. Each of us has moments in our life that live on forever as we remember them and record them, much like the images on a Grecian Urn.

Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

Great stories have to begin somewhere, and sometimes the story behind the story is just as interesting as the actual story. Fran Yardley has just such a tale.

Storyteller Karen Golden takes a walk along the seashore and meets a mysterious woman fishing. She asks the woman why she's fishing and the answer surprises her.

Today we will have the pleasure of hearing some stories about very brave people and stories about love. As it turns out, love and bravery are not mutually exclusive.(3:29) Bil Lepp with an absolutely wild tale from start to finish. It begins at the top of a tall hill, with a group of kids with one goal in mind: to set their bike chain on fire through sheer speed.(26:07) Sam talks about a discouraging moment in his life when a letter from his dad was able to pick him up and help him on his way, along with some thoughts about courage.(35:14) Our producer, Heather Bigley, brings us an introduction to the classic character Pippi Longstocking with some help from our actor friends in the Apple Seed Studio.

On a trip to his aunt's house for his birthday, Donald Davis adorns the walls with his crayon art, only to realize later it might have been a grave mistake.

James Bruchac shares a story of a bragging bear and a brown squirrel that isn't so sure bear can do everything he thinks.

Jay O'Callahan tells the story of a leprechaun who is a master shoemaker. Each pair would be endowed with magical abilities, and each pair would somehow find its way onto the feet of the one that needed it most.

Today we have a terrific mix of tall tales and true tales. We'll hear from Tim Lowry about an adventure seeking gold, a story from a law student about why he chose to go to law school, and more. It doesn't matter what kind of tale it is, stories bring us together and build memories.(4:18) South Carolina storyteller Tim Lowry shares a tale as tall as they get. After watching a show about the gold rush, he decides he's going to California to strike it rich and has many adventures along the way. Recorded live in The Apple Seed Studio.(26:07) Sam remembers a time he found a unique way to express himself back when he was seven years old through a comic strip. It's today's entry in The Radio Family Journal.(37:08) In this segment we hear from Amberly Page, the publications manager at J. Reuben Clark Law School, about how stories have become important to teaching law and building relationships. We also hear a portion of a story by Ruben Felix from their annual storytelling competition.

How much should a smell cost? Some may say five silver pieces, some may say none. You'll find out how much it really costs in this story from Donna Washington.

Bill Harley goes on a walk with his dog only to find a bunch of dogs. From there it only gets better as the dogs begin what seems to be a pool party.

A young man tries to play the pennywhistle, but isn't great. Until, that is, he gets taken by a Puka to a magic ball where he is to play for the guests. A story by Brian "Fox" Ellis

Crow decides to test his luck in this story by Big Joe Pagliuca. He is not to go near the rocks, because he might get eaten by the snake lady. Will he listen?

This episode shares all sorts of stories about freedom and liberty as we approach the celebration of Independence Day. We'll hear stories about the symbols we often associate with freedom and some of the great things about America. (4:04) Andy Offutt Irwin shares a story of his Aunt Marguerite and what the legacy of the Statue of Liberty, or the Statue's full name "Liberty Enlightening the World," means to her and her family in a story called "Free the Imprisoned Lightning," recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (34:36) In today's entry in The Radio Family Journal Sam talks about a time he was cast as one of the von Trapp children in The Sound of Music. He discusses the symbol that the edelweiss flower has become in Austria and American sunflower lined roads of freedom. (41:24) We listen to a compilation of some people's thoughts on what makes the United States, well, the United States. We hope you enjoy this grateful message about the value of freedom. (44:52) Our Producer, Brian Tanner, shares a memory of an Independence Day celebration that we do not recommend trying at home.