The Storyworth Podcast

Jamie Kalven's father spent years of his life working on a book he never got to complete. When his dad died, Jamie was forced to make a decision: leave the manuscript to be forgotten to time, or pick up where his father left off. In today's episode, Jamie describes the ten year journey of completing his father's book, and how it helped him connect with his father beyond the grave.

When he was a kid, Don's neighborhood grocery store had a promotion: Win all the money you can carry out on your back. The only glitch? The prize money was all in coins. In today's episode, Don tells his daughter about what it was like to watching his own father compete in the contest, and how those winnings changed their life.

On today's show, Alicia and Chelsea Daniel, mother and daughter, talk about a moment in their lives when everything changed. Chelsea asks her mother about a house fire that sparked her mom to forge a new, more creative path in life. 

Norman Weiss loved the process of writing his Storyworth memoir so much, his family held a book launch party for him once it was complete. We tagged along. 

Carol Paige tells the story of finding love later in life, after both she and her new husband Larry had long, loving marriages prior. 

One day out of the blue, Curtis was told he had weeks to live. That diagnosis sent Curtis, and his family, down a whirlwind path that they never expected. Curtis had to settle all the business of dying, attend his own funeral, and say goodbye to his family with the fleeting time they had left together. In today's episode, Curtis and his wife Nettie describe that journey, and what it looks like to be on the other side of it.

Skyler chased her dreams of being an elite athlete all the way to the 2024 Paris Games. In today's episode, she discusses her final race as a professional cyclist, why she's decided to retire early, and what it means to pivot into the unknown.

Mark Jobson came of age in a changing Jamaica. In the 1970s, his home country of Jamaica was rife with political polarization. In today's episode, Mark's son Ryan asks him about a plane trip from Jamaica to the States, with an album in tow, that changed the course of both of their lives forever.

On this episode of the Storyworth podcast, Krista talks to Pedro and Ana, a father and daughter duo from Kansas City and Peru. Ana asks Pedro to tell the story of his wedding day, in Peru, almost 50 years ago. The mayor of the town officiated and, humorously, it didn't go according to plan.

On today's episode of the Storyworth podcast, Krista talks to Sue, Jean, and Pat – three sisters who grew up with a deaf father and a deaf and mute mother. The sisters reflect on how life was different and on their mother's last wish. 

In this very special Father's Day episode, Krista sits down the with entire Streeter family: David and Ginny, plus their kids Libby, Reuben, Kaylee, and Connor. Each kid reads their favorite passage from their dad's Storyworth book and shares stories about what it was like growing up with David for a dad.

This week, Krista meets James Allen and his wife Nancy, who spent the mid-70s to early 80s pursuing an unusual hobby: train hopping. In 1974, Jim spotted a freight train full of wide-open, empty box cars and wondered if he might be able to sneak inside for an afternoon joy ride. Fast forward a few years, and train hopping was his favorite mode of travel. He even got Nancy and some friends in on the fun. This is a truly wild story that we couldn't wait to share.

In honor of Mother's Day, Krista sits down with Frances Chow, whose mother married into a polyamorous family in 1940s China. Frances explains the complex family dynamics and high expectations her mother learned to navigate, the political turmoil that forced her parents to flee to Hong Kong, and the opportunity that eventually brought Frances to the United States.  

This week, Krista sits down with Michael Carvalho, who spent seven years as a police officer and detective in El Paso, Texas. He has a lot of great and wild stories from his time on the force. But his favorite story doesn't involve a criminal. Just a lost husband who managed to find his way home.

This week, author Myrna Bell reflects on her family's hidden past and the impact it had on two generations of her family. Myrna's story delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the lingering questions that arise from untold truths. Then, Krista chats with Myrna about what it was like growing up in a secretive family, and the ways she's helping her children and grandchildren know her better.

In this episode of the Storyworth Podcast, Krista talks with Donna Katz about her inspiring grandmother Sadie and the sacrifices she made to support her son through law school. Donna shares how Sadie's determination continue to inspire her family and others.

This week, Krista is joined by Steven Steinberg, who reads a touching letter written by his Grandpa Jake more than 40 years ago, just after the birth of Steve's son Michael. Steven shares stories about his resilient and imaginative grandpa, showcasing the enduring love Jake had for his family. 

This week, we reconnect with Jill Summerhayes, who shares a story about an unlikely friend she made while working as a governess in Stockholm, Sweden. But the real twist came about sixty years later, when Jill discovered the truth about her mystery friend. You'll never guess who took Jill to dinner.

Today, we dive into the thrilling and sometimes terrifying experience of growing up in Baton Rouge during hurricane season. Laura Hodge takes us back to the 1960s, when hurricanes provided the perfect excuse to skip school for a week and play cards by candlelight.

In honor of Valentine's Day, we share a story of love at first sight. From the moment Walt laid eyes on Pam, he knew she was the one for him. It only took another four months to work up the courage to say hello. But forty-two years later, their partnership is stronger than ever -- and a testament to the power of taking chances and letting love lead.

In this episode of the Storyworth podcast, writer Joan Maxwell shares the hilarious and somewhat traumatic events surrounding her senior prom -- and the plan her family hatched to save the day. Then, Krista chats with Joan about high school in the 60s and how the rest of prom night turned out. 

In this episode of the Storyworth podcast, an author tells us about his family of pranksters, and what it was like growing up together in rural Pennsylvania. Then he tells us about an epic prank gone wrong, and a narrow escape that kept him on his toes for the rest of the summer. Finally, Krista interviews our author, and finds out what he's been up to since leaving East Allen, PA.

In this episode of the Storyworth podcast, we share a nostalgic story about the first time our author ever saved up enough money to buy a Christmas present for her parents. The story, read by Sarah O'Dwyer, celebrates the joy of Christmas in Australia, where it's a warm summer holiday perfect for swimming and outdoor picnics. After hearing this heartwarming story, we'll speak with the author about her childhood spent exploring the Australian bush.

In this heartwarming episode of the Story Worth Podcast, host Krista Baum introduces us to Susie Bevan, a writer and illustrator who shares a touching story about the best Christmas gift she ever gave her dad. Susie's dad, a talented poet, had always dreamed of having his work published in the Saturday Evening Post. Despite numerous rejection slips, Susie found a way to honor her dad's passion and surprise him with a gift that brought tears to his eyes. Susie reads her story and reflects on her dad's love for poetry and their shared creative endeavors.

In our Thanksgiving episode, the author shares a touching story about a lifelong friendship that she is endlessly grateful for. She introduces us to Dolores Marie Hickey, who came into her life when she most needed a friend. The two were instantly bonded, and remained close for the next forty years. 

In honor of Veteran's Day, we're sharing a collection of love letters written between newlyweds during World War II.

It's Father's Day! We're sharing some less-conventional stories this time around– stories that go a little deeper than usual, and explore the man behind the incredibly important role of “dad.” Get started with Storyworth here! Check out photos and more details for this episode here! Submit your stories for podcast consideration here! Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

We're celebrating Mother's Day with three beautiful stories read by their authors, from the joy of becoming a grandparent to ushering a beloved mother into their final years. We love you, moms!  A note: this episode contains mentions of suicide. Get started with Storyworth here! Check out photos and more details for this episode here! Submit your stories for podcast consideration here! Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

We're celebrating the end of our season with stories read by their authors– tales of childhood triumph, mischief, and adventure.  Get started with Storyworth here! Submit your stories for podcast consideration here! Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

As they say, the more things change, the more things stay the same, trends come and go and technology evolves, but the social hierarchy of high school is a tried-and-true standby of American life. Today's author takes us back in time with the class of 1969. Get started with Storyworth here! Submit your stories for podcast consideration here! Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

What were you doing on New Year's Eve 1999? If Y2K means anything to you, you may have been worried about what would happen at the stroke of midnight. Today's author had bigger problems to tackle on New Year's eve 1999, but that didn't stop him and his friends from making it a wild night to remember. Get started with Storyworth here! Submit your stories for podcast consideration here! Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

With at-home DNA testing kits being all the rage, folks from all over the world are discovering their genealogical roots and distant relatives– and maybe some not-so-distant relatives as well. In this week's story, one woman discovers her mom's secret, and some new family. Get started with Storyworth here! Submit your stories for podcast consideration here! Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

Every parent remembers the day of the positive pregnancy test, right? The excitement, the nervousness, the dreaming and the planning that goes into the arrival of a new addition to the family. It's hard to imagine things going wrong– until they do.  Get started with Storyworth here! Submit your stories for podcast consideration here! Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

Dating sites can be overwhelming for anyone, but especially for those taking a chance on love later in life. Our story this week centers around one woman's journey to find a new companion after a decades-long marriage. Get started with Storyworth here! Check out photos and more details for this episode here! Submit your stories for podcast consideration here! Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

This week's story may sound all-too-familiar if you've ever attended a Catholic school… elementary-school pranksters vs. strict and stern nuns. It's not just something that happens in the movies! Dave Conover shares his memories of getting in trouble at school.  Get started with Storyworth here! Check out photos and more details for this episode here! Submit your stories for podcast consideration here! Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

If you've been in a relationship with someone for a long time– whether that be romantic, platonic, or familial, you've likely heard that person's stories over… and over… and over again. Donna Guthrie, today's author, is here along with her husband to share how they came up with the perfect tag-team storytelling strategy. Get started with Storyworth here! Check out photos and more details for this episode here! Submit your stories for podcast consideration here! Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

Let's get spooky! We're celebrating Halloween with a chilling special, sharing some of our favorite stories of brushes with the unexplained, the unsettling, the eerie, and the ghostly.  Check out photos and more details for this episode here!  You can get started writing your own life stories with Storyworth here. Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

We're celebrating Father's day with an episode all about the men in the family – from tales of baseball games and grilling on the back porch, to the deep love and fear that come along with fatherhood. Check out photos and more details for this episode here! You can get started writing your own life stories with Storyworth here. Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

Celebrate Mother's Day with an episode all about moms. We're featuring our favorite portraits of mothers, daughters, and families by Storyworth writers. Check out photos and more details for this episode here! You can get started writing your own life stories with Storyworth here. Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

Our season one finale is a little different– for our season one finale, we wanted to share some of our favorite short stories from Storyworth authors, AND to give them the chance to read their stories themselves.  Check out photos and more details for this episode here!  You can get started writing your own life stories with Storyworth here. Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

Today's story is a personal one: one woman's journey through the ups and downs of single motherhood. Janine Riley, the author of today's story, and her two sons are here to share their memories of the boys' childhood and Janine's life as a single working mother.  Check out photos and more details for this episode here! You can get started writing your own life stories with Storyworth here.  Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

A routine business trip abroad took a dangerous turn in Russian airspace for Storyworth writer Sam Duran. He shares with us the details of this unnerving experience and how it inspired him to view his life from a new perspective. Check out photos and more details for this episode here! You can get started writing your own life stories with Storyworth here.  Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

The end of WWII brought unexpected consequences for Storyworth writer Jean Troy's family. Jean describes how they navigated the post-war housing crisis in Los Angeles, California. Then, Jean and her two siblings reminisce about this memorable time in their lives, and how their parents steered the family through it. Check out photos and more details for this episode here! You can get started writing your own life stories with Storyworth here.  Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

In 1968, amid the Vietnam conflict, Storyworth writer Mary Holloway discovered she was pregnant. She shares with us the dramatic decision she made to release her firstborn for adoption, and her decades-long journey towards closure. Check out photos and more details for this episode here! You can get started writing your own life stories with Storyworth here.  Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook. 

Today's story has everything you'd find in a classic crime novel. Vehicles set ablaze, murder weapons recovered from unlikely places, and conflicting testimonies ALL characterize Storyworth writer, Bob Sherwood's, pulse-pounding experience as the key witness in a small-town murder trial.  Check out photos and more details for this episode here! You can get started writing your own life stories with Storyworth here.  Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

Today's story is every mother's worst nightmare: being stranded in the woods with three young children at sundown and with no food, no tools and no shelter. Storyworth writer Charlotte Edgar shares how she made it through.  Check out photos and more details for this episode here! You can get started writing your own life stories with Storyworth here.  Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

Storyworth writer, Carol Short, shares the tale of her first kiss at a Junior Red Cross training turned boisterous house party, with all the thrill and awkwardness of a tween “in love.”  Check out photos and more details for this episode here! You can get started writing your own life stories with Storyworth here.  Follow Storyworth on Instagram and Facebook.

Since 2013, Storyworth has helped people write their life stories— the big stories and the small ones. On this podcast, our real-life writers volunteered to share their stories publicly...with you. The StoryWorth Podcast, coming this fall.