Podcasts about family stories

This episode contains very strong language and isn't suitable for small ears. Sophie Willan is a double BAFTA award-winning writer, comedian and actor, perhaps best known for her BBC comedy drama, Alma's Not Normal. But it wasn't always red carpets and award ceremonies. Willan experienced an unsettled childhood with spells in foster care, which she talks openly about in this episode. We also talk about a failed Edinburgh show that coincided with an ‘intense' relationship and what these experiences taught her. Moving, funny and honest, this episode was recorded in front of a lovely live audience at The Lowry in Salford, Manchester. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Alma's Not Normal: Success and Challenges 03:00 The Emotional Toll of Comedy 03:55 Awards and Recognition 05:03 Personal Struggles and Triumphs 08:43 Reflections on Care Experience 14:39 Family Stories and Humor 23:46 The Fine Line Between Madness and Comedy 24:49 A Disastrous Improv Show 26:55 The Novice Detective: A Misplaced Comedy 27:55 Facing Criticism and Misogyny in Comedy 31:32 Stories of Care: Empowering Voices 32:27 The Edinburgh Experience: Highs and Lows 38:06 Writing Process: Chaos and Creativity

As a part of our continuing effort to commemorate the incredible global story of WW2, we present our ongoing ‘Family Stories' series. This series tells YOUR relatives' stories of derring do - both on the front line and home front. In this episode we hear your tales of fishy goose, Christmas party war stories, and generous helpings of American butter! With thanks to Robert Horne, Damien, Neil, John Pilkington, Mike Griffin, and Chris Weall. Make someone a We Have Ways Club Member this Christmas – unlock the full WHW experience with exclusive live-streams, ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, a newsletter with book deals, model discounts and extra behind the scenes information. Just go to wehavewayspod.co.uk And of course, you can still join for yourself any time at https://www.patreon.com/wehaveways A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Assistant Producer: Alfie Rowe Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Tradition Meets Wanderlust: Mei's New Year Revelation Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-12-22-23-34-02-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 梅站在北方小城热闹的市场街上，周围是阵阵喧闹声。En: Mei stood on the bustling market street of a small northern town, surrounded by bursts of noise.Zh: 街上挂满了红红的灯笼和绚丽的装饰，空气中弥漫着冬季的寒意和新年食物的香气。En: The street was filled with red lanterns and splendid decorations, the air a mix of winter's chill and the aroma of Xinnian food.Zh: 商贩们热情地叫卖着糖葫芦、小吃，还有琳琅满目的年货。En: Vendors enthusiastically hawked tanghulu, snacks, and a dazzling array of New Year goods.Zh: 李和陈是梅的朋友，也忙着为春节做准备。En: Li and Chen, friends of Mei, were also busy preparing for the Chun Jie.Zh: 梅却显得有些心不在焉。En: However, Mei seemed somewhat absent-minded.Zh: 她望着拥挤的人群，想着自己的愿望。En: She gazed at the crowded throngs, pondering her own wishes.Zh: 她渴望有一天能离开这个小镇，去看看外面的世界。En: She longed for the day she could leave this small town and explore the world beyond.Zh: 自小，家人的期望总是压在梅的肩上。En: Since childhood, her family's expectations had always weighed on Mei's shoulders.Zh: 春节期间，梅需要帮忙准备年夜饭、贴春联、购买年货。En: During the Chun Jie period, Mei needed to help prepare the New Year's Eve dinner, put up chunlian, and purchase New Year goods.Zh: 这些都是家庭的传统，她不能反抗。En: These were family traditions she couldn't defy.Zh: 可是，她想要一点点自由，哪怕是暂时的。En: Yet, she yearned for a bit of freedom, even if just temporarily.Zh: 一天晚上，全家人围坐在一起吃饭。En: One evening, the whole family sat together for dinner.Zh: 梅鼓起勇气，说道：“爸，妈，我有话想说。”En: Mei mustered the courage and said, "Dad, Mom, I have something I want to say."Zh: 大家都停下筷子，看着她。En: Everyone stopped their chopsticks and looked at her.Zh: “我想出去旅行，看看外面的世界。”梅的声音坚定。En: "I want to go traveling, to see the world outside," Mei said firmly.Zh: 父亲皱眉说：“可是春节我们要一起过，你怎么能离开？”En: Her father frowned and said, "But we have to spend Chun Jie together, how can you leave?"Zh: “我并不想打破传统，”梅解释，“我只是希望我们能有新的方式庆祝。En: "I don't want to break tradition," Mei explained, "I just hope we can have a new way of celebrating.Zh: 比如说，我们可以邀请朋友来家里，一起分享不同地方的故事。”En: For example, we could invite friends home to share stories from different places."Zh: 母亲思索了一会儿，说：“也许这样不错。En: Her mother thought for a moment and said, "Maybe that's not a bad idea.Zh: 我们可以一起准备丰盛的饭菜，让更多人参与我们的春节。”En: We can prepare a sumptuous meal together and involve more people in our Chun Jie celebrations."Zh: 李和陈也表示赞同：“梅的想法挺好的，我们也可以一起帮忙。”En: Li and Chen also agreed: "Mei's idea is great, we can help too."Zh: 经过一番讨论，梅的家人最终同意了她的提议。En: After a discussion, Mei's family finally agreed to her suggestion.Zh: 春节那天，他们邀请了许多朋友来家里。En: On Chun Jie, they invited many friends over.Zh: 梅不仅参与了家庭的传统，还表达了自己的愿望。En: Mei not only partook in the family's traditions but also expressed her wishes.Zh: 她体会到，她可以在不违背家人期望的情况下实现自己的梦想。En: She realized that she could achieve her dreams without defying her family's expectations.Zh: 冬日的清晨，梅站在窗前，看着院子里的欢声笑语，心中充满了喜悦。En: On a winter's morning, Mei stood by the window, watching the happy laughter and cheerful voices in the yard, and felt a sense of joy.Zh: 她明白了，无论走到哪里，家庭的根永远在这里，而她的梦想可以与传统携手并存。En: She understood that no matter where she goes, her family's roots are always here, and her dreams can coexist with tradition. Vocabulary Words:bustling: 热闹的burst: 阵阵splendid: 绚丽的aroma: 香气hawk: 叫卖dazzling: 琳琅满目absent-minded: 心不在焉throng: 人群ponder: 思索yearn: 渴望defy: 反抗muster: 鼓起chopstick: 筷子frown: 皱眉sumptuous: 丰盛的partake: 参与realize: 体会到achieve: 实现roots: 根coexist: 携手并存decorate: 装饰prepare: 准备tradition: 传统invite: 邀请celebrate: 庆祝gaze: 望courage: 勇气enthusiastic: 热情的meal: 饭菜joy: 喜悦

Tucker Wetmore stops by and walks Bobby through the nerves leading up to his CMA performance. He describes what it felt like backstage, how he calmed himself down, and why he can be his own toughest critic even when everything goes right. Tucker also opens up about the moment he dropped out of college and finally told his mom he was going all-in on music, plus the family and faith background that shaped him growing up.Then it turns into a full timeline of the grind: moving to Nashville with what he could fit in a POD, working whatever jobs he could, DoorDashing for two years, and stretching meals while he tried to make songwriting and the right meetings happen. Tucker breaks down how posting covers on TikTok helped open doors, what changed once he started writing every day, and how that momentum turned into a Nashville publishing deal. Along the way, he shares a complicated family story involving his biological dad and what it was like reconnecting as an adult. Tickets to Tucker's 'The Brunette World Tour', which kicks off in February are on sale at TuckerWetmore.com Follow on Instagram: @TheBobbyCast Follow on TikTok: @TheBobbyCast Watch this Episode on Youtube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Head to the Arctic with Nathaniel Ian Miller and discover the true story that inspired his debut, The Memoirs of Stockholm Sven, for our final episode of 2025.For our final episode of 2025, we're bringing forward a beloved conversation from the Book Gang archives with debut novelist Nathaniel Ian Miller, discussing his magical winter read, The Memoirs of Stockholm Sven, and the enduring pull of a great winter story with found-family themes. This episode originally aired for patrons in 2023, and it felt like the perfect moment to share it more widely, along with some gentle reflections from this year, including YOUR best book club book of the year.In this funny conversation, we discuss:

Tucker Wetmore stops by and walks Bobby through the nerves leading up to his CMA performance. He describes what it felt like backstage, how he calmed himself down, and why he can be his own toughest critic even when everything goes right. Tucker also opens up about the moment he dropped out of college and finally told his mom he was going all-in on music, plus the family and faith background that shaped him growing up.Then it turns into a full timeline of the grind: moving to Nashville with what he could fit in a POD, working whatever jobs he could, DoorDashing for two years, and stretching meals while he tried to make songwriting and the right meetings happen. Tucker breaks down how posting covers on TikTok helped open doors, what changed once he started writing every day, and how that momentum turned into a Nashville publishing deal. Along the way, he shares a complicated family story involving his biological dad and what it was like reconnecting as an adult. Tickets to Tucker's 'The Brunette World Tour', which kicks off in February are on sale at TuckerWetmore.com Follow on Instagram: @TheBobbyCast Follow on TikTok: @TheBobbyCast Watch this Episode on Youtube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout the course of this podcast—the Red Wagon Elder Law and Estate Planning Show—we have featured various members of the team at Bellomo & Associates. Time and again, their discussions with our founder, Jeffrey Bellomo, show that his law firm is comprised of caring, dedicated, service-minded people. We now feature Jeff himself as he sits down with his dad for a candid conversation about the early environment, experiences, and choices that have shaped Jeff's values. Through his dad's stories, you'll learn how a driven and high-spirited young man forged a path marked by the courage to take risks, the humility to change course, and the discipline to pursue excellence. These same qualities are visible today at Bellomo & Associates, where Jeff and his team have built something truly special.  They say that culture starts at the top, that an organization takes on the values and behaviors of its leadership. Well, after learning more about Jeff's story, it's easy to see why Bellomo & Associates is a trusted and innovative law firm with the ability to expertly guide families through some of life's most important decisions.   WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (00:00) Episode introduction – Meet Jeff's dad (02:30) Learning empathy on the grounds of White Haven Center (04:53) An active, high-spirited youngster... and lots of ER visits (12:15) Challenge accepted: From high school marching band to wide receiver (16:40) Juniata College and the need for a revised plan (19:27) Study abroad, a White House internship, and the National Drug Intelligence Center (21:10) Law school, a big decision, and why you should always check your sources (24:32) Exploring Europe    ABOUT BELLOMO & ASSOCIATES Jeffrey R. Bellomo, the founder of Bellomo & Associates, is a licensed and certified elder law attorney with a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in estate planning. He explains complex legal and financial topics in easy-to-understand language. Bellomo & Associates is committed to providing education so that what happened to the Bellomo family doesn't happen to your family. We conduct free workshops on estate planning, crisis planning, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Visit our website (https://bellomoassociates.com/) to learn more.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Bellomo & Associates workshops:https://bellomoassociates.com/workshops/ Life Care Planning The Three Secrets of Estate Planning Nuts & Bolts of Medicaid For more information, call us at (717) 845-5390. Connect with Bellomo & Associates on Social Media Tune in Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. Eastern to WSBA radio: https://www.newstalkwsba.com/ X (formerlyTwitter):https://twitter.com/bellomoassoc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BellomoAssociates Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bellomoassociates Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bellomoassociates/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellomoandassociates WAYS TO WORK WITH JEFFREY BELLOMO Contact Us:https://bellomoassociates.com/contact/ Practice areas:https://bellomoassociates.com/practice-areas/    

Puck caught up with Kirby Moore's father, legendary Prosser high school football coach Tom Moore to discuss his son being named the new coach at Washington State and what it means to have him back home. 

Where has Santa Claus gone?Once upon a time there was Santa Claus's Village — but Santa Claus wasn't there. He had been missing for days and days… actually for months. Who would prepare and deliver gifts to the children as they did every year?That part of the North Pole which was usually very busy had become strangely silent — not an Elf could be seen around, no sounds of bells, the sleighs were covered in snow and all the reindeer dozed about confused.If you looked into his house you couldn't see a trace of life. The fireplace cold, the rocking chair covered in cobwebs, an empty cup on the wooden table and a candle stub burnt out long ago.Many were the rumours that had spread about Santa Claus's absence. Some said he was on another planet in a far, far away galaxy, some on the Moon, some on the vast oceans — and someone even said he had opened a bakery in Buenos Aires.The mystery was thick. Nobody could make sense of it and everything was silent and still.Meanwhile, many miles away, in the Southern Seas, a group of seagulls who spent their days fluttering above the bay spotted a small sailing boat in the distance. There was only one sailor on board who was hoisting the main sail up the creaking mast.The eldest seagull couldn't believe his eyes. He did a couple of acrobatics in the air, pulled out his spyglass, looked more carefully and said: "But I know him! That sailor comes from distant lands!"Turning to the other seagulls he told them: "One day, during one of my long journeys, I lost my way and found myself on the frozen rooftops of a village at the North Pole. I landed right on the house of that long-bearded man you see on the boat. He heard me calling for help, came to fetch me, fed me and told me about his work. I think this meeting has something magical about it. Our next adventure is about to begin."Gliding down, they headed towards the boat and all landed on the bow. The seagull and the sailor greeted each other like old friends.Shortly after, a group of dolphins arrived near the sailing boat, curious. They swam in circles around the boat, jumping out of the water.The youngest dolphin noticed something strange. "Look! Wood shavings are coming out of the hold and floating! And you can see little lights below deck."The long-bearded sailor smiled. "Come," he said in a warm voice, "I'll show you what I've done all these months."He opened the hatch to the hold and inside, by the light of two swaying lanterns, you could see a floating workshop full of wonders. With a sharp plane he had worked pieces of wood recovered from the sea, transforming them into toys — and he had done the same with shells, coconuts, cork stoppers, glass bottles, starfish and golden threads that had arrived from who knows where."I travelled to learn new ways of bringing joy," the sailor explained. "But there's so much work to do and Christmas is coming. Would you help me finish?"And so they all set to work together. The dolphins brought special shells from the bottom of the sea. The seagulls gathered coloured feathers. The objects transformed into gifts were placed in large canvas sacks.The days passed quickly.On the first of December the captain, wearing his red warm hat with his pipe in his mouth, looked at the starry sky and said: "It's time to leave."The dolphins lifted the sailing boat until it rose above the waves. The sails filled with wind and it took flight, whilst the flock of seagulls guided it through the clouds following dreams. Together they continued the journey heading north, flying through the endless blue.Night fell quickly and in the sky full of stars one shone brighter than all the others. It was the North Star which with its light accompanied the sailing boat's descent to earth.By magic, as it approached the village, the sailing boat transformed into a sleigh loaded with gifts. The presents built in the hold arrived in the workshop to be delivered together with all the other parcels.When it landed on the roof of his house, a tinkling of bells was heard in the distance. The Elves looked out of their doors and shouted: "It's him! It's him! It's Santa Claus! He's back!"The red-nosed reindeer woke up suddenly and began polishing the sleighs, decorating them with bows and coloured pine cones.Life in the village awakened all at once. The tree branches shook as if they were being tickled. A group of penguins, who had arrived at the North Pole to lend a hand, sliding on the ice sheets at great speed, ended up inside snowdrifts and came out like bouncing balls.“You are so funny! We'll hang you on the Christmas tree as decorations!" the village animals shouted.But the penguins, freeing themselves from the snow, ran towards Santa Claus's house to help with the preparations.In the village absolutely everyone got moving. The reindeer rushed to the Post Office and filled the sacks with letters, then carried them to the workshop. The Elves with the help of the penguins were ready for work.That morning, when the bells rang out in celebration, foxes, squirrels, hares and bears came running from every corner of the forest to celebrate Santa Claus's return. There was so much to do for the joy of all the children in the world.The air smelt of fir trees and homemade biscuits. The Christmas trees sparkled with icicles like stars. The animals chased each other happily with their noses turned upwards.The preparations began in earnest. Throughout the month of December they worked together — saws that sang, hammers that played, coloured paper that flew. Santa Claus told stories of his journey whilst he hammered and sanded.And when the 24th of December arrived, everything was ready. The presents were loaded onto the sleigh and Santa Claus set off on his most important journey.The seagulls flew away towards new horizons, leaving their footprints on the snowy rooftops.Since that Christmas it is said that Santa Claus never left the North Pole again."What if it was only a tale? Is it true, or not? The final decision is yours!" — Written by Lucia & Marco CiappelliFor the Italian version and many more stories to read and listen to: https://www.storiesottolestelle.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us a textIn this Play it Again episode from Season Fout of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Becky Van Vleet, an award-winning multi-genre author, about her children's picture book, Angelina the Traveling Angel. The book follows Angelina, a magical Christmas tree topper, as she travels from home to home and questions her worth. Becky shares the inspiration behind the book, which is part of her traveling series based on objects passed down through generations in her family. She discusses the importance of preserving family stories and memories and the impact of her own writing journey. Becky also recommends the book Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers and shares her favorite children's book author, Patricia Palocco. Takeaways Preserving family stories and memories is important for passing down traditions and creating a sense of identity.Children's books can convey important messages, such as the gospel, in a fun and engaging way.Writing can be a fulfilling and unexpected journey, even for those who may not have considered themselves writers before.Books have the power to impact and inspire readers, shaping their perspectives and values. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background03:00 The Inspiration for Angelina, the Traveling Angel07:21 The Message of Angelina, the Traveling Angel12:49 The Value of Family Stories and Memories16:18 Becky's Writing Journey21:48 Impactful Books in Becky's Life23:18 Favorite Children's Books25:42 Upcoming Projects27:54 Where to Find Becky and Her Books29:01 ConclusionHome - Becky Van Vleet Let's discover great books together!Follow for more:FB: @bookworthypodcastInstagram: @bookworthy_podcastYouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTubetiktok: @valeriefentress

Jeremy Lee, Joe Poirot, Ryan Veres of Burbank Sports Cards, and later Leighton Sheldon of Just Collect, moving from shop philosophy into what the market feels like right now in real time. Ryan explains why Southern California is, in his view, the best sports card market in the world, how Burbank became what it is through family roots that go back generations, and why the West Coast Card Show matters beyond revenue: it gives the region a true destination event that pulls collectors and dealers from all over. From there, we get into how a massive operation stays tight. Ryan talks checks and balances, logging purchases, accounting flow, and a core principle that sellers should get paid instantly. He also shares a behind-the-scenes experiment he's building: real time wax pricing using electronic signage that can update like a gas station, with the goal of transparency and keeping prices fair as markets move. The conversation also tackles the “priced out of the hobby” narrative. Ryan breaks down how Rob constantly builds value sections like vintage boxes, $10-and-under, and $100-and-under showcases so collectors can still walk out happy without needing big money. Then the guys get into dealer reality: how “percentage” buying questions miss the point, when a dealer might pay what looks like full market on the right card, and why having a small, controlled high end vault can help facilitate major trade ups for customers. We close with what's hot right now. Leighton shares what he's seeing at the Philly Show, from the usual heavy hitters like Mantle, Jackie, Old Judge, and Jordan, to the truth that even seven copies of the same card still might not be the right copy for one buyer. Ryan talks modern demand for rare, high eye appeal cards that do not surface often, some hockey pickup momentum with Cup season, and what actually sells fast in a shop like Burbank. And one more collector nuance that matters: faded autos. Ryan explains why shops treat them as damaged, Leighton explains why he often avoids them entirely, and Joe adds the collector perspective on curating out anything that does not hold up visually. Sports Cards Live streams every Saturday night on YouTube, and the chat is part of the show. Jump in live with your questions, takes, and debates. If you're watching on YouTube, subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don't miss a stream. If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow the show and leave a rating and review, it helps a ton. And if you enjoyed this episode, share it with a hobby friend who'd be into the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where has Santa Claus gone?Once upon a time there was Santa Claus's Village — but Santa Claus wasn't there. He had been missing for days and days… actually for months. Who would prepare and deliver gifts to the children as they did every year?That part of the North Pole which was usually very busy had become strangely silent — not an Elf could be seen around, no sounds of bells, the sleighs were covered in snow and all the reindeer dozed about confused.If you looked into his house you couldn't see a trace of life. The fireplace cold, the rocking chair covered in cobwebs, an empty cup on the wooden table and a candle stub burnt out long ago.Many were the rumours that had spread about Santa Claus's absence. Some said he was on another planet in a far, far away galaxy, some on the Moon, some on the vast oceans — and someone even said he had opened a bakery in Buenos Aires.The mystery was thick. Nobody could make sense of it and everything was silent and still.Meanwhile, many miles away, in the Southern Seas, a group of seagulls who spent their days fluttering above the bay spotted a small sailing boat in the distance. There was only one sailor on board who was hoisting the main sail up the creaking mast.The eldest seagull couldn't believe his eyes. He did a couple of acrobatics in the air, pulled out his spyglass, looked more carefully and said: "But I know him! That sailor comes from distant lands!"Turning to the other seagulls he told them: "One day, during one of my long journeys, I lost my way and found myself on the frozen rooftops of a village at the North Pole. I landed right on the house of that long-bearded man you see on the boat. He heard me calling for help, came to fetch me, fed me and told me about his work. I think this meeting has something magical about it. Our next adventure is about to begin."Gliding down, they headed towards the boat and all landed on the bow. The seagull and the sailor greeted each other like old friends.Shortly after, a group of dolphins arrived near the sailing boat, curious. They swam in circles around the boat, jumping out of the water.The youngest dolphin noticed something strange. "Look! Wood shavings are coming out of the hold and floating! And you can see little lights below deck."The long-bearded sailor smiled. "Come," he said in a warm voice, "I'll show you what I've done all these months."He opened the hatch to the hold and inside, by the light of two swaying lanterns, you could see a floating workshop full of wonders. With a sharp plane he had worked pieces of wood recovered from the sea, transforming them into toys — and he had done the same with shells, coconuts, cork stoppers, glass bottles, starfish and golden threads that had arrived from who knows where."I travelled to learn new ways of bringing joy," the sailor explained. "But there's so much work to do and Christmas is coming. Would you help me finish?"And so they all set to work together. The dolphins brought special shells from the bottom of the sea. The seagulls gathered coloured feathers. The objects transformed into gifts were placed in large canvas sacks.The days passed quickly.On the first of December the captain, wearing his red warm hat with his pipe in his mouth, looked at the starry sky and said: "It's time to leave."The dolphins lifted the sailing boat until it rose above the waves. The sails filled with wind and it took flight, whilst the flock of seagulls guided it through the clouds following dreams. Together they continued the journey heading north, flying through the endless blue.Night fell quickly and in the sky full of stars one shone brighter than all the others. It was the North Star which with its light accompanied the sailing boat's descent to earth.By magic, as it approached the village, the sailing boat transformed into a sleigh loaded with gifts. The presents built in the hold arrived in the workshop to be delivered together with all the other parcels.When it landed on the roof of his house, a tinkling of bells was heard in the distance. The Elves looked out of their doors and shouted: "It's him! It's him! It's Santa Claus! He's back!"The red-nosed reindeer woke up suddenly and began polishing the sleighs, decorating them with bows and coloured pine cones.Life in the village awakened all at once. The tree branches shook as if they were being tickled. A group of penguins, who had arrived at the North Pole to lend a hand, sliding on the ice sheets at great speed, ended up inside snowdrifts and came out like bouncing balls.“You are so funny! We'll hang you on the Christmas tree as decorations!" the village animals shouted.But the penguins, freeing themselves from the snow, ran towards Santa Claus's house to help with the preparations.In the village absolutely everyone got moving. The reindeer rushed to the Post Office and filled the sacks with letters, then carried them to the workshop. The Elves with the help of the penguins were ready for work.That morning, when the bells rang out in celebration, foxes, squirrels, hares and bears came running from every corner of the forest to celebrate Santa Claus's return. There was so much to do for the joy of all the children in the world.The air smelt of fir trees and homemade biscuits. The Christmas trees sparkled with icicles like stars. The animals chased each other happily with their noses turned upwards.The preparations began in earnest. Throughout the month of December they worked together — saws that sang, hammers that played, coloured paper that flew. Santa Claus told stories of his journey whilst he hammered and sanded.And when the 24th of December arrived, everything was ready. The presents were loaded onto the sleigh and Santa Claus set off on his most important journey.The seagulls flew away towards new horizons, leaving their footprints on the snowy rooftops.Since that Christmas it is said that Santa Claus never left the North Pole again."What if it was only a tale? Is it true, or not? The final decision is yours!" — Written by Lucia & Marco CiappelliFor the Italian version and many more stories to read and listen to: https://www.storiesottolestelle.com Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Robyn Fivush, emerita professor of psychology at Emory University, tells us about her research on the benefits of knowing and sharing family stories, and we take your calls.

Known for his record-breaking run as Deadpool in Marvel films, Ryan Reynolds is an award-winning actor and producer whose career spans hits like Deadpool & Wolverine, Free Guy, and The Proposal. In this conversation from September 2024, Reynolds joins Willie Geist to discuss the massive global success of the Deadpool franchise, his wide-ranging career, and how he balances work with life as a father of four. Plus, he opens up about his late father's long battle with Parkinson's disease and the impact it had on his family. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

❓ “Why do we call bat excrement ‘guano'—and would you wear a Red Raider hat to a funeral?” If you're ready for a wild ride through Austin's quirks, college football drama, and the everyday hilarity of life, this episode of The JB and Sandy Show is your must-listen From the very first moments, JB, Sandy, and Tricia hook you with a jazzy earworm warning—“Don't get it stuck in your head!”—before diving into the heart-pounding world of daredevil crane climbers and the viral stunts that make your stomach drop. Sandy shares his own brush with dizzying heights, while the crew debates the lengths people go for social media fame.

Hour 3 Audio from WGIG-AM and WTKS-AM in Brunswick and Savannah, GA

What would you do if a snake came charging at you while you were tubing on Lake Austin?

Hour 3 Audio from WGIG-AM and WTKS-AM in Brunswick and Savannah, GA

In this engaging conversation, Bracha and Jackie reflect on themes of remembrance, personal growth, and community connections. They dedicate a segment to honoring Ron, discuss transformative Shabbos experiences, and share insights on makeup and self-discovery. The conversation also touches on the importance of manifestation, meal planning through cookbooks, and the cultural significance of the Maccabeats during the holiday season. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into various themes surrounding relationships, parenting challenges, health discussions, and cultural reflections. They share personal anecdotes about navigating mistakes in relationships, the complexities of school projects, and the impact of health decisions like flu shots. The conversation also touches on the infamous Fyre Festival and its implications, as well as insights from the Diddy documentary, highlighting the intersection of celebrity culture and societal issues.______________________________________________________________00:00 Introduction and Dedication03:02 Reflections on Shabbos and Personal Growth05:58 Makeup Conversations and Tips12:02 Manifestation and Trusting Hashem18:24 Community and Connection through Cooking23:22 Fashion and Personal Style25:06 The Comfort of Unconventional Footwear26:44 Exploring the 'Imma Mother' Phenomenon29:24 Navigating Online Judgments and Community30:33 Understanding Mom Brain and Memory Loss31:37 The Search for Inspiring Voices32:30 Maccabeat Season: A Celebration of Jewish Music37:19 Hanukkah Traditions and Family Favorites38:37 Gift-Giving Mishaps and Expectations42:39 Navigating Mistakes and Support Systems44:30 Flu Shots and Health Conversations49:32 Cultural Observations and Social Media Trends01:00:52 Family Stories and Humor01:01:50 Exploring New Hobbies: Mahjong and Puzzles01:04:56 ChatGPT: A Love-Hate Relationship01:09:31 Diddy Documentary: A Deep Dive01:17:19 Book Recommendations and Reading Goals______________________________________________________________SAGC NEWSLETTER SIGN UP

Renee Graziano joins Ian Bick for a conversation about growing up in a powerful mob family, marrying her ex-husband Hector Pagan, discovering he was a rat, and navigating the chaos that came with her father Anthony Graziano's prison time. Known for her breakout role on Mob Wives, Renee opens up about the reality of being raised in organized crime, the emotional toll of betrayal, her battles with addiction, and how fame magnified everything she was already struggling with. She breaks down what viewers never saw on Mob Wives, how the show changed her life, what it was really like being one of the most recognizable faces on reality TV, and how she's been rebuilding her life with honesty and strength. #ReneeGraziano #MobWives #MafiaStories #OrganizedCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #MobLife #CrimeDocumentary #ianbick Thank you to AURA FRAMES & PRIZEPICKS for sponsoring this episode: Aura Frames: Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/LOCKEDIN. Promo Code LOCKEDIN Prizepicks: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/IANBICK and use code IANBICK and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Connect with Renee Graziano: https://www.instagram.com/reneegraziano/?hl=en Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop Timestamps: 00:00 Renee Introduces Her Early Life & Childhood Roots 03:30 Staten Island Memories, Family Stories & Growing Up Mob-Adjacent 10:30 Realizing Her Life Was Different: Early Signs & Family Secrets 18:20 Mob Life Up Close: First Arrests, Loyalty & Family Dynamics 27:00 Marriage, Betrayal & Iconic Mob Weddings 34:30 Motherhood: Raising Her Son & Navigating Hard Conversations 41:10 Losing Loved Ones: Family in Jail, Grief & Coping Mechanisms 46:20 Addiction, Recovery & Holding a Family Together 52:20 Mob Wives: How the Show Started, Drama, Reactions & Behind-the-Scenes Truths 01:01:50 The Betrayal: The Watch, the Wire & the Fallout That Changed Everything 01:15:30 Mob Wives Finale, More Loss & Reinventing Herself After the Show 01:25:30 Recovery, Public Perception & Fighting for Personal Growth 01:34:50 Family, Regret & the Biggest Lessons Renee Learned Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever thought, “I wish I had recorded Grandma's stories before she passed”—and realized you waited too long? In this episode of Smart Women Talk, host Katana Abbott interviews Lauren Ferrara, former TV news anchor and founder of Why Wait Stories, about why our stories are one of the most meaningful legacies we can leave behind. Lauren shares how losing her dad—and filming his memorial—changed the entire course of her life and career. She explains why there's no such thing as an “ordinary” life, how storytelling can be deeply healing, and why women's stories in particular are often overlooked but absolutely essential. In this episode, you'll discover:Why capturing stories can matter just as much as passing down money or heirloomsHow to start recording family stories using nothing more than your phoneCreative ways to use photos, old home movies, and even memorials as story-gathering momentsThe unexpected emotional and healing power of telling and hearing family storiesHow sharing stories can help the next generation understand the values behind their inheritanceWhether you're a parent, grandparent, or daughter carrying forward your family's history, this conversation will inspire you to stop waiting and start capturing the stories that matter most.Connect with Lauren Ferrara: Website: whywaitstories.comLearn more about Smart Women's Empowerment: Get free resources, courses, and updates at JoinSmartWomen.com.

In this episode of The Raven, we dive deep into the Telepathy Tapes, CIA infiltration claims, the supernatural experiences inside the NDS studio, and the escalating connection between intelligence agencies, UFO disclosure, occult technology, AI, and spiritual warfare. From Joe Rogan hinting at an AI “Jesus” to the CIA allegedly infiltrating the Telepathy Tapes organization, to family encounters with entities, blue neon faces, UFO craft the size of a city block, and generational patterns of psychic sensitivity — this episode is packed with revelations and patterns that demand attention. We break down:How MK-Ultra, implants, and frequency-conducting metals tie into telepathic communicationWhy the Telepathy Tapes removed nearly all references to JesusWhy intelligence agencies repeatedly appear at the center of occult experimentsWhether alien encounters are demonic, technological, or bothWhy disclosure messaging is suddenly synchronized across Rogan, Netflix, government insiders, and influencersThe theological implications of AI “incarnation” rhetoricWhy the public is being conditioned for a false saviorPlus—supernatural family stories, abductee trauma, remote-viewing documents, and the ongoing question: What exactly did our government open when they began summoning entities through occult rituals decades ago? ➡️ Support the show on Patreon (early access + live streams + bonus episodes):patreon.com/nephilimdeathsquadRecorded live from NDS Studios at The Standard Coffee Shop.00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:56 Welcome to the Show: Updates and Announcements01:59 Support the Show: Patreon and Other Ways04:01 Family Stories and Personal Reflections06:27 Supernatural Experiences and Family History19:59 Discussion on Demonic Nature of UFOs26:59 Telepathy Tapes and CIA Infiltration42:31 Opening Calls and Taking a Break42:41 Intelligence Operations and Telepathy Tapes45:41 Autism and Medical Interventions46:36 Joe Rogan and Disclosure49:45 AI Jesus and Psychedelics56:11 Face Peelers and UFOs59:56 Spiritual Entities and Intelligence Agencies01:05:01 Heavy Metals and Frequency Conducting01:06:23 Listener Voicemails and Open Lines01:21:29 Heartfelt Messages from Fans01:22:22 Parenting and Kids' Activities01:23:45 The Benefits of Parkour01:25:28 Martial Arts Training with My Son01:28:08 The Decline of Malls in America01:30:24 Skiing and Snowboarding Memories01:32:10 Ghost Stories and Paranormal Encounters01:52:06 Quitting Weed and Personal Growth01:53:17 Heartfelt Appreciation and Friendship01:54:28 Struggles with Weed Addiction01:56:55 Overcoming Addictions and Personal Growth01:58:52 Caller Abby's Journey and Spiritual Awakening02:05:46 Demons, Aliens, and Conspiracies02:12:56 AI and Government Projects02:20:28 Closing Thoughts and Future PlansBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/nephilim-death-squad--6389018/support.☠️ Nephilim Death Squad — New episodes 5x/week.Join our Patreon for early access, bonus shows & the private Telegram hive.Subscribe on YouTube & Rumble, follow @NephilimDSquad on X/Instagram, grab merch at toplobsta.com. Questions/bookings: chroniclesnds@gmail.com — Stay dangerous.

Send us a text! We love hearing from listeners. If you'd like a response, please include your email. This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery, Jennie and Dianne remind listeners the holidays are the perfect time to gather 'round the dinner table and record the tales of grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family members. Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or just starting to explore your family's history, this episode includes tips and tricks for getting started with family history research and how to preserve those precious stories for generations to come. Episode available on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/_HugPmVxgmI?si=fWZjTixivXBFrezQNeed an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here: https://oecemetery.etsy.com

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE! Christmas Day is meant for warmth, family, and celebration — but in 1929, it became the backdrop for one of the most chilling family tragedies in American history. After sharing a holiday meal, Charlie Lawson murdered his wife and children in an act so brutal and senseless that the community was left paralyzed with grief and disbelief. Shotguns, rifles, and blunt-force trauma marked the scene inside the Lawson home. Neighbors and law enforcement were stunned not only by the violence, but by the absence of any clear motive. Why would a husband and father destroy the very family he once appeared to protect? What darkness erupted inside Charlie Lawson that cold Christmas afternoon? Nearly a century later, the questions remain. Rumors, theories, and whispered explanations have circulated for generations — from personal demons to the possibility of something far more sinister influencing his final decisions. In this episode of The Grave Talks, we explore the tragic events of Christmas 1929, the lives lost, and the lingering mystery surrounding what compelled Charlie Lawson to unleash such horror. Some tragedies fade with time. This one never has. #lawsonfamily #charlielawson #christmas1929 #truecrimehistory #thegravetalks #historicalmystery #familytragedy #unsolvedmotives #darkhistory #americancrime #realstories Love real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE! Christmas Day is meant for warmth, family, and celebration — but in 1929, it became the backdrop for one of the most chilling family tragedies in American history. After sharing a holiday meal, Charlie Lawson murdered his wife and children in an act so brutal and senseless that the community was left paralyzed with grief and disbelief. Shotguns, rifles, and blunt-force trauma marked the scene inside the Lawson home. Neighbors and law enforcement were stunned not only by the violence, but by the absence of any clear motive. Why would a husband and father destroy the very family he once appeared to protect? What darkness erupted inside Charlie Lawson that cold Christmas afternoon? Nearly a century later, the questions remain. Rumors, theories, and whispered explanations have circulated for generations — from personal demons to the possibility of something far more sinister influencing his final decisions. In this episode of The Grave Talks, we explore the tragic events of Christmas 1929, the lives lost, and the lingering mystery surrounding what compelled Charlie Lawson to unleash such horror. Some tragedies fade with time. This one never has. This is Part Two of our conversation. #lawsonfamily #charlielawson #christmas1929 #truecrimehistory #thegravetalks #historicalmystery #familytragedy #unsolvedmotives #darkhistory #americancrime #realstories Love real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:

Unforgettable Lessons, Laughs, and Life on The Sandy Show.  Episode Description Can a single day in a hospital change how you see life, love, and forgiveness? That's the question at the heart of this episode of The Sandy Show, where Sandy McIlree and Tricia dive deep into the emotional impact of binge-worthy TV, family quirks, and the little things that make life memorable. This week, Sandy shares his newfound obsession with “The Pit,” an HBO Max hospital drama that's mesmerizing and brilliantly written—even for someone who's never been a fan of the genre. The show's unique format, where each episode covers just one hour of a single day, hooks viewers with its intense character development and gripping storylines. Sandy recalls a powerful moment: “When someone passes away, you say four things: ‘I love you. Thank you. I forgive you. Please forgive me.' I thought that was so cool. I had never heard that before.” Tricia and Sandy also reflect on how pets mirror their owners' personalities, sharing heartfelt stories about their dog Shiny's protective nature and how three-quarters of dog owners see themselves in their pets. The episode takes a fun turn with rapid-fire Q&A, revealing Tricia's favorite movie (“F1—so freaking good!”), her least favorite workout (“Side lunges did me in. Broke my knee.”), and her dream Christmas gift (“Maybe I'll send you to the massage store, Sandy!”). Listeners are treated to “the good stuff”—uplifting stories like a Utah man's Christmas-lit truck raising awareness for men's mental health, a Georgia lottery winner's lucky day, and a Chicago cancer survivor's journey to every major sports stadium in North America. Notable quotes and memorable moments:“The writing is unbelievable…right up there with West Wing style writing.”“I don't want to end. Imagine how traumatized Landry and I were when we thought we had two more to go and then it was over.”“God doesn't want me to have that much money. He wants me to have it though.”“I'll never do a side lunge again. So I guess I'm never going to achieve my Carrie Underwood legs.”This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions, laughter, and real-life wisdom—perfect for anyone who loves great storytelling, relatable family moments, and a dose of positivity. Call-to-Action If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share The Sandy Show with friends who need a little inspiration and a lot of laughs. Your support helps us bring more unforgettable stories and good vibes to your week!  

Commentator David Bouchier wonders what stories will be told around the Thanksgiving table this year.

Big Conversations, Little Bar goes into Thanksgiving week 2025 with an extraordinary episode recorded at Skip Paige's Little Bar. This week, Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome beloved actress Kathy Garver, known worldwide as “Cissy” from A Family Affair, along with her brother Lance Garver, whose own career spans acting, commercial real estate, and decades of global adventures. Kathy shares unforgettable memories from The Ten Commandments, Family Affair, and her successful voiceover and audiobook career—including her current Grammy nomination. Lance brings lively, often hilarious stories from his acting days, international travels, and work revitalizing California's motel and hotel landscape. Together, the Garvers offer a heartwarming and wildly entertaining blend of Hollywood history, family anecdotes, creative journeys, and desert-life connections—along with a preview of their upcoming projects. This episode is rich with nostalgia, laughter, and remarkable storytelling.Takeaways:How Kathy Garver rose from child actress to Grammy-nominated narratorWhat made A Family Affair a beloved, enduring TV classicThe surprising way Cecil B. DeMille expanded Kathy's role in The Ten CommandmentsLance's adventures in acting, real estate, and international travel—including brushes with Cold War dangerHow both siblings built lifelong connections to Palm Springs and the Coachella ValleyKathy's upcoming projects, including films in Australia, a new podcast, and her book Romancing with the StarsLance's forthcoming memoir The Adventures of Lance RomanceThe duo's humorous and heartfelt sibling dynamic that shines throughout the episode#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #RandyFlorence #SkipsLittleBar #MutualBroadcastingSystem #CoachellaValleyResidents #SkipPaige #McCallumTheatre #KathyGarver #LanceGarver #AFamilyAffair #PalmSprings #ChildStars #ClassicTV #HollywoodLegends #PalmDesert #PodcastInterview #DesertLife #CelebrityStories #EntertainmentPodcast

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Finding Hanukkah Magic: A Serendipitous Garden Discovery Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-11-23-23-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: השמש התפזרה על פני העלים הצהובים בגן הבוטני בירושלים.En: The sun scattered across the yellow leaves in the botanic garden in Jerusalem.He: זהו זמן החורף, והאוויר היה קריר ונעים.En: It's wintertime, and the air was cool and pleasant.He: אנשים רבים הסתובבו בין השבילים, מחפשים מתנות לחנוכה.En: Many people roamed the paths, searching for gifts for Hanukkah.He: אוריאלה עמדה ליד שער הכניסה, נושמת עמוק.En: Oriella stood by the entrance gate, breathing deeply.He: היא בדרך כלל תכננה את הכל מראש, אך הפעם, לחוץ הזמן הוביל אותה לגן.En: She usually planned everything in advance, but this time, the time pressure led her to the garden.He: נדב, בן דודה הרגוע, היה איתה.En: Nadav, her calm cousin, was with her.He: הם חיפשו את המתנה המושלמת לסבתא שלהם.En: They were looking for the perfect gift for their grandmother.He: "אוריאלה, תסתכלי על הכדים האלה," אמר נדב, מצביע על דוכן עם כלי חרס שנעשו ביד.En: "Oriella, look at these vases," said Nadav, pointing to a stall with handmade pottery.He: הוא ניסה לשמור על מצב רוח קליל.En: He tried to maintain a light mood.He: "אולי נמצא משהו מיוחד כאן.En: "Maybe we can find something special here."He: ""ההמולה הזו מלחיצה אותי," אמרה אוריאלה, אבל היא הלכה בעקבות נדב.En: "This hustle and bustle is stressing me out," said Oriella, but she followed Nadav.He: הדוכן היה מלא בצבעים ובצורות ייחודיות.En: The stall was filled with unique colors and shapes.He: היא נגעה באחד הכדים, והרהרה בסיפורי המשפחה שסבתה אוהבת לספר.En: She touched one of the vases and reflected on the family stories her grandmother loves to tell.He: נדב חייך, "כד זה מזכיר לי את הסיפור על הטיול לים שסבתא מספרת תמיד.En: Nadav smiled, "This vase reminds me of the story about the trip to the sea that grandma always tells."He: "הכד הקטן והמוזר משך את לבה של אוריאלה.En: The small and peculiar vase captured Oriella's heart.He: זה היה בדיוק הדבר שנראה כאילו יצא מהסיפור האהוב על סבתא.En: It was exactly the kind of thing that seemed as if it came straight out of her grandmother's favorite story.He: "אתה צודק, נדב.En: "You're right, Nadav.He: זה מושלם!En: It's perfect!He: ההמולה לא משנה כל עוד אני מוצאת את הדבר הנכון," היא אמרה בהקלה.En: The hustle doesn't matter as long as I find the right thing," she said with relief.He: היא לקחה את הכד לידי המוכר, ומאחוריהם התחילו הפעמונים לצלצל, מזכירים על חג החנוכה הקרוב.En: She took the vase to the seller, and behind them, the bells began to ring, reminding them of the upcoming Hanukkah.He: לאחר מכן, הם התיישבו על ספסל בגן, אוכלים סופגניות מתוקות וקובעים של חלב חם.En: After that, they sat on a bench in the garden, eating sweet doughnuts and drinking hot milk.He: נדב צחק, "תמיד אמרתי לך שצריך קצת ספונטניות בחיים.En: Nadav laughed, "I always told you that you need a bit of spontaneity in life."He: "אוריאלה חייכה אליו, מרגישה יותר רגועה ופתוחה.En: Oriella smiled at him, feeling more relaxed and open.He: היא הבינה שהכוונה היא העיקר ומחוץ לתכנון מושלם, יש דברים יפים ובלתי צפויים.En: She realized that intention is the main thing and outside of perfect planning, there are beautiful and unexpected things.He: החג הקרב והלבבות שלו הוציאו מהם את הטוב ביותר.En: The approaching holiday and its spirit brought out the best in them.He: הגן התחיל להתמלא באורות, והם נותרו לשבת שם, מסיימים את היום במחשבות טובות ובהתרגשות מחג החנוכה שבפתחם.En: The garden began to fill with lights, and they stayed there, ending the day with good thoughts and excitement about the Hanukkah holiday just around the corner. Vocabulary Words:scattered: התפזרהroamed: הסתובבוadvance: מראשpressure: לחץcousin: בן דודהmaintain: לשמורhustle: ההמולהbustle: המולהpeculiar: מוזרspontaneity: ספונטניותbench: ספסלrelief: הקלהintention: כוונהunexpected: בלתי צפוייםplan: לתכנןbotanic: בוטניpaths: שביליםvases: כדיםpottery: כלי חרסlight: קלילreflected: הרהרהunique: ייחודיותcaptured: משךbells: פעמוניםapproaching: הקרבdoughnuts: סופגניותholiday: חגstory: סיפורgrandmother: סבתאemphasizes: מדגישהBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Listen to today's podcast... “Hold On, It's Going To Be Okay” This saying is part of my family story, along with how my parent's set up their farm, the struggles that they had, where my grandparents went dancing on the weekends and how they walked up hill both ways to get to school, through 10 foot drifts of snow, even in the spring. Family stories shape who we are. They directly impact how we see ourselves, our desire to succeed, and even our level of resiliency. Family stories give us an idea of where we come from and how we fit into our larger, extended, family. Research shows that teens who were able to recount details of their family stories had higher self-esteem and greater resilience than those who couldn't. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      So Here Are Today's Tips For Building Your Resiliency And Celebrating Family Stories Matter Month: If you have elderly relatives, ask them about their stories. Record them. Share them. Ask about the traditions. Ask about the hardships and the triumphs. Stories of perseverance and resilience give us the faith and hope that we can too. Stories of different generations provide insight and understanding. They provoke curiosity to learn more. Take the time during family gatherings to ask your children about their stories. You may be surprised at what you may not know about them and their story. Finally, write your own story. Some of it is painful. Some brings a smile. Share these so that others can see your story in building their resiliency. If you like today's resiliency tips, let me know. You can leave me a review on amazon or through your #alexa app. Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In #mentalhealth #hr #family

India is a land of rich oral traditions, where stories, myths, and family histories are often passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth. These oral histories have been the foundation of preserving family legacies, especially in rural areas where written records were scarce or non-existent. While the digital age has made it easier to document and archive personal histories, many Indian families still rely on oral transmission to preserve their past. Oral histories are invaluable for genealogists and anyone interested in tracing their ancestry. They offer insights that can't be found in written records, connecting modern generations to their ancestors' experiences, values, and struggles. But oral histories are fragile. They fade with time, and each generation can lose valuable information. That's why it's so important to capture, preserve, and verify these stories while they're still accessible... Podcast notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/oral-histories-preserving-family-stories-in-india/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

In this special Revenue Builders Rewind episode, we revisit our powerful first conversation with Doug Holladay, CEO & founder of PathNorth and author of Rethinking Success: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Meaning in Work and Life. Doug shares his unconventional career journey and explores his philosophy on leadership, purpose, and living a more intentional life.The discussion dives into the importance of authenticity, gratitude, and meaningful relationships, as well as the value of understanding your own story and embracing vulnerability. Doug also highlights why many people need to rethink how they define both personal and professional success. He offers practical exercises for uncovering purpose and explains how simple rituals can help ground your life in reflection and gratitude.Stay tuned for more episodes with Doug as we continue our series with him in 2026.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESConnect with J. Douglas Holladay:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougholladay/Listen to the earlier episodes with Doug - each one delves into a different aspect of successful business leadership: The Power of Gratitude: https://www.forcemanagement.com/the-power-of-gratitude-an-in-depth-discussion-with-douglas-holladayKnowing Your Story: https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/know-your-story-to-achieve-true-success-with-doug-holladayRethinking Success and Finding Purpose: https://www.forcemanagement.com/rethinking-success-and-finding-purpose-with-doug-holladayLearn more about Doug's CEO programs: https://www.pathnorth.com/Read the Guide on Six Critical Priorities for Revenue Leadership in 2026: https://hubs.li/Q03JN74V0Explore Force Management's Free SKO Planning Resources: https://hubs.li/Q03K94cs0Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:03:38] Finding Purpose and Passion[00:04:27] Understanding Life Patterns[00:07:17] The Impact of Family Stories[00:18:48] Authentic Leadership and Vulnerability[00:34:10] The Importance of Knowing People's Stories[00:37:30] Understanding Personal Stories[00:38:34] Pandemic-Induced Self-Reflection[00:39:31] Pain as a Catalyst for Change[00:41:14] Traits of Great Leaders[00:46:08] Founding PathNorth[00:56:55] The Power of Gratitude[01:03:24] Rapid Fire QuestionsHIGHLIGHT QUOTES[00:04:22] “Put your life in five-year blocks... What did you love doing and what did others say you were good at?”[00:06:59] “Most of us get eclipsed by the money chase.”[00:07:59] “If you don't create space to think and feel, you'll be one of those whose light goes out.”[00:10:50] “We're all born in someone else's story.”[00:13:21] “The story you have seen will be your family unless you break those patterns.”[00:16:13] “Our point of identity is not our strength, it's our brokenness.”[00:18:37] “Meaning is what you want to go for. You can be in the most godawful situations and still find meaning.”[00:22:17] “Everybody has a story. The most successful people are the ones who let people tell their stories.”[00:27:09] “When the price of making more begins to do bad things to my soul, it's time to leave.”[00:28:40] “Gratitude is the only emotion that cannot share space with any other emotion.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

 "Just when you think you know everything about the OJ Simpson case, what new truths are waiting to be uncovered?" This episode of The Sandy Show invites listeners on a journey through headlines, history, and pop culture moments that continue to spark debate and curiosity. Hosts Sandy McIlree and Tricia open with playful banter about family quirks and childhood memories, setting a warm and relatable tone.Key Moments & ThemesOJ Simpson Case Revisited: Tricia breaks down the latest developments in the decades-old legal saga, including a staggering $58 million settlement and the unwavering determination of Fred Goldman. Sandy and Tricia reflect on the emotional impact, the legendary legal defense, and the haunting legacy of the case. Notable quote: “Just when you think you knew everything about the OJ Simpson case, you watch that documentary and you're like, holy crap.”Pop Culture Flashbacks: The hosts reminisce about events from ten years ago—Charlie Sheen's public revelation, the Oxford Dictionary's first emoji “Word of the Year,” and the mystery behind Carly Simon's “You're So Vain.” Their candid opinions and witty exchanges breathe new life into these stories.Tech & Toys: From Aerosmith's pioneering digital music release to the surprising risks of AI-powered toys this Christmas, Sandy and Tricia explore how technology is reshaping our lives. Their discussion on AI toys—some found to use foul language or offer questionable advice—raises important questions about safety and innovation.Memorable Moments & Quotes“If you stink in the cold, you are a dangerous MF'er.” – Tricia's signature humor kicks off the show.“OJ said if she hadn't come to the door with a knife in her hand, she'd still be alive.” – A chilling moment from the OJ Simpson documentary.“AI toys could be a big issue this Christmas… some will talk in depth about sexually explicit topics or even offer advice on where to find matches or knives.” – A surprising revelation about modern toys.Call-to-Action Love what you hear? Don't miss a single episode—subscribe to The Sandy Show, leave a review, and share this episode with friends who appreciate a fresh perspective and a good story. Your support keeps the conversation going!

 “If you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be—and what story would it tell?” That's just one of the questions that launches this lively episode of The Sandy Show, where hosts Sandy McIlree and Tricia dive deep into the quirks, memories, and unexpected moments that shape who we are. Tricia, co-host and quick-witted conversationalist, brings her signature energy to the table, challenging Sandy with rapid-fire questions that reveal everything from childhood treasures (like a beloved, slightly broken polar bear trophy) to the surprising origins of lifelong friendships. Listeners will laugh along as Sandy confesses to hiding old magazines, reminisces about his swim team days, and debates the merits of names like Magnus, Bruce, and Kirby—all while Tricia keeps him honest and the banter flowing. This episode isn't just about laughs. Sandy and Tricia reflect on the bonds of friendship, the chaos of family life, and the nostalgia that comes with revisiting old memories. From hilarious tales of mistaken bravado (like claiming to swim before knowing how) to heartfelt discussions about parenting and the sentimental value of childhood keepsakes, every moment is packed with warmth and relatability. Memorable moments include:Sandy's admission: “Every time Tricia comes with me to my parents' place, I show her that trophy—every single time.”The duo's playful debate over names, with Tricia teasing, “You definitely don't look like a Kirby. A Kirby has good hair!”Reflections on music, family traditions, and the little things that make life meaningful.Don't miss the viral news story breakdown, a round of pun-filled dad jokes, and a look at why Mickey Mouse's 97th birthday is a big deal in the McIlree household. Ready for a mix of humor, heart, and genuine connection? Tune in now, subscribe to The Sandy Show, leave us a review, and share this episode with friends who love a good story and a great laugh!

There's a tradition around many Thanksgiving dinner tables that's as consistent as pumpkin pie: the family stories that get told year after year. Sometimes these stories are funny; sometimes they make us roll our eyes. No matter how we feel about them, we rarely pause to consider how these stories shape who we are and how we view the world. This week, we revisit a favorite 2024 conversation about family storytelling with psychologist Robyn Fivush. Then, in a new installment of "Your Questions Answered," Massimo Pigliucci answers listener questions about Stoicism, and why this ancient philosophy continues to resonate today.The Los Angeles stop on our live tour is almost here! Join Shankar November 22 as he shares seven key psychological insights from the show's first decade. And we're excited to share new dates for 2026. We'll be in Philadelphia on March 21 and New York City on March 25. More info and tickets here: https://www.hiddenbrain.org/tour/Episode illustration by Anna Kutukova for Unsplash+  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

THE SEASONS IN A BREATHAutumn appeared at the window and looked around— it was November."The leaves are yellow and red.The swallows fly away in flocks over the rooftops.The crisp air smells of roasted chestnuts and burning wood.I like it this way,"Autumn exclaimed.Winter opened the door and looked around— it was January."The snow and the freezing wind.In the woods, mistletoe on branches beneath a blanket of ice.The marmot sleeps in her covered den, dreaming of the stars.How lovely it is to be warm and cozy!"Winter exclaimed.Spring stepped out onto the terrace and looked around— it was April."The flowers bloom and the birds chirp, returning to their nests.With the mild temperature, joyful life vibrates in the air.How wonderful!"Spring exclaimed.Summer went into the garden and looked around— it was July.A cat rests in the shade of a pine tree.The air smells of cut grass and ripe fruit.The butterflies dance carefree to the song of the cicadas.The sun makes me smile!"Summer exclaimed.The months pass and the year spins at great speed,but they will always bring something beautiful. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Harmony in Hues: A Sibling Tale of Thanksgiving Décor Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2025-11-12-23-34-02-it Story Transcript:It: Il sole di novembre splendeva debole attraverso le finestre del salotto della grande casa di famiglia.En: The November sun shone weakly through the windows of the living room in the large family house.It: Enzo e Bianca, fratello e sorella, erano impegnati in una missione importante: decorare la casa per il Giorno del Ringraziamento.En: Enzo and Bianca, brother and sister, were engaged in an important mission: decorating the house for Giorno del Ringraziamento.It: "Aspetta, Bianca!En: "Wait, Bianca!It: Quella piuma di tacchino è fuori posto," disse Enzo, lasciano uscire un leggero sospiro.En: That turkey feather is out of place," said Enzo, letting out a slight sigh.It: Era alto, con gli occhiali che brillavano mentre allineava le decorazioni.En: He was tall, with glasses that gleamed as he aligned the decorations.It: Amava la simmetria e l'eleganza nei più piccoli dettagli.En: He loved symmetry and elegance in the smallest details.It: "Ma Enzo, è bellissimo così!"En: "But Enzo, it looks beautiful as it is!"It: rispose Bianca con un sorriso.En: replied Bianca with a smile.It: Lei era esattamente l'opposto di Enzo, vivace e colorata come le sciarpe che indossava.En: She was his exact opposite, lively and colorful like the scarves she wore.It: Si trova la bellezza nel caos, e adorava appendere ghirlande colorate ovunque.En: She found beauty in chaos and loved hanging colorful garlands everywhere.It: Nella grande sala, le loro differenze erano ben evidenti.En: In the large room, their differences were evident.It: Enzo si piegava in modo meticoloso per sistemare i tovaglioli a forma di foglie perfette sul lungo tavolo da pranzo.En: Enzo bent meticulously to arrange the napkins into perfect leaf shapes on the long dining table.It: Dall'altra parte, Bianca lanciava fili di lucine multicolori sugli scaffali, ridendo di gioia.En: On the other side, Bianca tossed strings of multicolored lights onto the shelves, laughing with joy.It: La tensione cresceva lentamente, una battaglia di stile senza parole.En: The tension slowly grew, a wordless battle of styles.It: La notte cadeva, ma la sfida continuava.En: Night fell, but the challenge continued.It: Enzo aspettava che Bianca andasse a dormire per sistemare le decorazioni in modo perfettamente simmetrico.En: Enzo waited for Bianca to go to bed so he could perfectly align the decorations.It: Bianca, d'altro canto, si alzava presto per aggiungere un tocco selvaggio e nuovo.En: Bianca, on the other hand, got up early to add a wild and new touch.It: Una mattina, mentre l'alba colorava di rosa il cielo, le cose presero una piega comica.En: One morning, as the dawn painted the sky pink, things took a comical turn.It: I due si contendevano una lunga stringa di luci, tirando avanti e indietro.En: The two were tussling over a long string of lights, pulling back and forth.It: Improvvisamente, la porta d'ingresso si aprì e la zia Maria entrò, sorpresa.En: Suddenly, the front door opened, and Aunt Maria entered, surprised.It: "Oops!"En: "Oops!"It: esclamarono insieme Enzo e Bianca, rimanendo immobili mentre le luci si srotolavano tutt'attorno, creando una sfilza di lampadine intermittenti e sparpagliate.En: Enzo and Bianca exclaimed together, freezing as the lights unraveled all around, creating a string of flashing, scattered bulbs.It: La zia Maria scoppiò a ridere, e i due fratelli si guardarono, rendendosi conto di quanto fosse assurdo il loro comportamento.En: Aunt Maria burst into laughter, and the two siblings looked at each other, realizing how absurd their behavior was.It: Con un respiro profondo, Enzo e Bianca decisero di unire le forze.En: With a deep breath, Enzo and Bianca decided to join forces.It: Sistemarono insieme le decorazioni, mescolando eleganza e colore.En: They arranged the decorations together, mixing elegance with color.It: Le ghirlande erano ordinate ma adornate di foglie autunnali vivaci, le luci scintillavano sopra tavoli elegantemente apparecchiati con tovaglioli a forma di tacchino.En: The garlands were orderly but adorned with vibrant autumn leaves, and the lights twinkled above elegantly set tables with turkey-shaped napkins.It: Alla fine, il risultato fu sorprendente.En: In the end, the result was surprising.It: La grande casa era bella e accogliente, un perfetto rifugio autunnale.En: The large house was beautiful and welcoming, a perfect autumn retreat.It: La famiglia, radunata intorno al tavolo, ammirava il lavoro dei due.En: The family, gathered around the table, admired the work of the two.It: Enzo e Bianca si scambiarono un sorriso, capendo che assieme avevano creato qualcosa di veramente speciale.En: Enzo and Bianca exchanged a smile, understanding that together they had created something truly special.It: Impararono entrambi che la bellezza si trova non solo nell'ordine o nel caos, ma nell'equilibrio tra i due.En: They both learned that beauty is found not only in order or chaos but in the balance between the two.It: E così, quel Giorno del Ringraziamento, la famiglia fu riunita non solo da un pasto delizioso, ma anche dall'armonia creata dall'unione dei loro talenti.En: And so, on that Giorno del Ringraziamento, the family was united not only by a delicious meal but also by the harmony created from the union of their talents. Vocabulary Words:living room: il salottodecorating: decorarefeather: la piumasigh: il sospiroglasses: gli occhialisymmetry: la simmetriaelegance: l'eleganzaopposite: l'oppostoscarves: le sciarpegarlands: le ghirlandenapkins: i tovagliolishelves: gli scaffalitension: la tensionebattle: la battagliachallenge: la sfidadawn: l'albatussling: contenderestring: la stringabulbs: le lampadinelaughing: riderecomical: comicoharmony: l'armoniaretreat: il rifugiowelcoming: accoglientewild: selvaggiodifferences: le differenzeleaf shapes: forma di fogliescattered: sparpagliatetogether: insiemeautumn leaves: le foglie autunnali

THE SEASONS IN A BREATHAutumn appeared at the window and looked around— it was November."The leaves are yellow and red.The swallows fly away in flocks over the rooftops.The crisp air smells of roasted chestnuts and burning wood.I like it this way,"Autumn exclaimed.Winter opened the door and looked around— it was January."The snow and the freezing wind.In the woods, mistletoe on branches beneath a blanket of ice.The marmot sleeps in her covered den, dreaming of the stars.How lovely it is to be warm and cozy!"Winter exclaimed.Spring stepped out onto the terrace and looked around— it was April."The flowers bloom and the birds chirp, returning to their nests.With the mild temperature, joyful life vibrates in the air.How wonderful!"Spring exclaimed.Summer went into the garden and looked around— it was July.A cat rests in the shade of a pine tree.The air smells of cut grass and ripe fruit.The butterflies dance carefree to the song of the cicadas.The sun makes me smile!"Summer exclaimed.The months pass and the year spins at great speed,but they will always bring something beautiful. Each story is currently written and narrated in both Italian and English.The translation from Italian (the original language) to English and the reading of the stories are performed using Generative Artificial Intelligence — which perhaps has a touch of magic... We hope it has done a good job!If you like it, make sure to tell your friends, family, and teachers, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated. You'll be able to read or listen to new stories as soon as they become available. Visit us On The Official Website https://www.storiesottolestelle.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful episode of The Tudor Dixon Podcast, Tudor speaks with Ruby Chen, the father of Itay Chen, an Israeli soldier taken hostage amid the ongoing conflict. Ruby shares his emotional journey, offering a firsthand look at the pain and perseverance of families still waiting for their loved ones’ return. The discussion sheds light on the U.S. government’s response, the global push for hostage recovery, and the rising threat of anti-Semitism worldwide. Tudor and Ruby call for bipartisan support, public awareness, and unity in the face of division, urging listeners to stand with the families of hostages and advocate for justice. The Tudor Dixon Podcast is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network. For more visit TudorDixonPodcast.com Today's Episode Sponsor is Luma Nutrition See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Identified, host Nabil Ayers is joined by Jad Abumrad—artist, musician, journalist, and creator of Radiolab, Dolly Parton’s America, More Perfect, and Fela Kuti: Fear No Man—for a conversation about grief, family history, and what it means to belong to a culture you weren’t fully given.Jad shares stories from his Lebanese family: a great-grandmother whose ring he lost in the sea, a grandfather who buried his mother on the side of the road at age 10, and a father who narrowly survived a civil war and brought his entire extended family to Tennessee. But it’s only in recent years that Jad began to ask the deeper questions: What actually happened in Lebanon? Why did his family never talk about it? And what does it mean to claim a cultural identity that was never fully passed down?We also talk about: Growing up Arab in the U.S. during the Iran hostage crisis and 9/11 His early reporting in Lebanon and how it helped shape his voice The grief that shaped his family, and the one loss that reshuffled everything Choosing to raise kids with a sense of inherited identity—even when you didn’t grow up with one yourself Jad’s story is a moving reminder that family is built not just on what we’re given—but also on what we ask, uncover, and pass forward. Guest: Jad AbumradHost: Nabil AyersExecutive Producer: Kieron BanerjiProduced by: Palm Tree IslandMusic by: Noella & Patricia BrennanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Evan and Malerie, third-generation leaders at **Skyjacker Suspensions**, as they dive deep into the family legacy that started in a backyard shop in western Louisiana over 50 years ago! From their grandfather's adrenaline-fueled mud runs to building one of the deepest suspension catalogs in the industry (6,300+ SKUs!), discover how passion, in-house manufacturing, and hardcore testing keep Skyjacker thriving.

What if the greatest threat to your family is been passed down through your own family line? From fear and greed to divorce, addiction, and passivity—generational patterns don't just disappear on their own. God has called fathers to grab the wheel of their family story, break the chains of the past, and build a godly culture that will outlast them. This is your playbook to identify what's lurking in your family line, repent, and redirect your legacy toward the Kingdom. The Kingdom starts at home. Will you take responsibility for your part in your family line? Links in this Episode Get the Free Financial Transparency Guide Abe's Wallet Retreat Nov 21-23 Cincinnati, OH Join our Online Community, UR About Abraham's Wallet: Abraham's Wallet exists to inspire and equip Biblical family leaders. Please partner with us in inspiring and equipping multi-gen families at https://abrahamswallet.com/support AW website Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Chapters (00:00:00) - All the Sins of Dad(00:00:56) - Locking myself Out of the Office(00:06:06) - Scooter Riding in the Rain(00:08:29) - Erica Kirk's Charlie Kirk Memorial Speech REACTION!!(00:13:44) - It's Our Sacred Calling to Steer the Family Story(00:17:09) - Look in the Mirror(00:20:40) - The Problem of Alcoholism(00:23:36) - How to Talk About Money With Your Girlfriend(00:30:12) - How to Stop Being a Sinful Person(00:31:18) - How to Repent of Your Sins in Front of Your Family(00:36:48) - Evil Spirits in the Home(00:41:51) - 5 Steps of Repentance for Family(00:45:04) - How to Clean Up Your Family Culture

Three Palestinian American alumni and students from UC San Diego will share their family stories and close connections to Gaza in a panel, "We Are Tritons: From Gaza to UCSD," Tuesday evening.On Midday Edition, we sit down with two of the panelists to hear about their roots in the region, how they stayed connected to Palestinian culture and identity, and how war has impacted their families.Guests:Dania Zanaid, alum, UC San DiegoAli Elfarra, third-year student, UC San Diego

Halloween over Florence: THE MARKET OF GHOSTSSeverino lived in the bell tower on the hill — the one next to the ancient Basilica of San Miniato al Monte.Every evening, at sunset, he would lock the gate at the base of the entrance stairway and before climbing back up, he would pause to watch Florence color itself amber.And so he did today as well. The tourists had left. Time stopped and silence became sacred again.Through the rusted bars the city stood there motionless — perhaps since forever; with its red roofs, marble facades and the Arno flowing between its stones like a glittering silver ribbon.Domes and towers trembling with light, almost suspended in the air, as if everything and everyone were holding their breath waiting for twilight — and for the night that would cover it with shadows, stars and dreams.One more glance, then he turned on his transistor radio that he had found a few years ago and the notes of Duke Ellington's 'Don't Get Around Much Anymore' filled the autumn evening.Silence may be sacred for the monks, but for Severino music was more so. Seven, his raven, didn't need to be called and at the first notes launched himself from the cypresses of the cemetery above, circled in front of the imposing facade of the Basilica and suddenly glided down along the stairway, to land gently on his left shoulder."Hey Seven, had a good day?""Yes. Could have been worse — Let's settle for that."At which, Severino smiled, turned up the radio's volume and began climbing resolutely toward le Porte del Cielo, while Jazz music echoed among the ancient stones.Nine years ago, on this same day in the month of October, the Olivetan monks residing in the Abbey found a child on the steps of the Basilica.He was there, wrapped in fog, silent as the night, eyes curious as the wind, without name and without past. They called him Severino — I don't know why — and he grew up among prayers and silences. He played in ancient rooms and discovered his world, surrounded by books, tombs, art and mysteries never revealed. At night a raven and a black cat accompanied him, illuminated by the moon, in the Cimitero delle Porte Sante, wandering among imposing crypts and motionless statues that whispered memories and mysteries.But on Halloween nights the whispers transform into screams and endless laments. Secrets manifest themselves, legends become reality, and dreams disguised as nightmares knock on doors lit by candles. And that full moon night was precisely this night: October 31st — and remember, whether you believe in spirits or not, nothing changes: the ghosts will come.And Severino was up there, right there waiting for them to arrive. Leaning out the highest window of the bell tower, calm, looking at Florence from above. While Thelonious Monk's 'Round Midnight' played on his radio, he watched — tapping time with one foot and waited.At the second of the twelve strokes of the midnight bells, something began to happen. On the Arno formed a dense fog that pulsed with spectral green. It began to rise and slide slow but inexorable over the bridges like fingers of cold hands of impatient ghosts. It slid over the Ponte Vecchio and rolled through the streets of Oltrarno until reaching San Niccolò, where it climbed up the hill swallowing everything it found in its path.When it reached the gate of San Miniato, it slipped through the bars and climbed up the stairs until it covered, like a high luminous tide, the entire square in front of the church. It climbed up the marble facade and wrapped also the Cimitero delle Porte Sante, covering the entire hill in a cloak of mystery. Then slowly, as if by enchantment, the fog began to dissolve rising toward the sky and when the last cloud melted into the night air, the square was no longer empty.Small jack-o'-lanterns with flickering lights floated in the air smiling with teeth of fire. Black candles sprouted from nowhere, illuminating spectral stalls full of everything and nothing. Bats that seemed made of paper but were alive fluttered among the lights with wings of black velvet, while autumn leaves danced without wind, sparkling with gold and copper. Pumpkins of every shape filled the stands, some carved with funny faces, others covered with silver spiderwebs that shone like threads of moon. Witch hats swirled in the air like flying umbrellas rotating slow on themselves. Roasted chestnuts perfumed the air with cinnamon and mystery, while small dancing skeletons tinkled like ice bells.And finally in the Cimitero delle Porte Sante, the Portal opened. Like every Halloween, for centuries, spirits from all over the world congregated in Florence for their annual meeting. A spectral river of ghosts poured into the square, each heading toward their own stall, and each with their impossible merchandise to sell or trade. The spirits had arrived and Severino observed them from above. A carnival of other worlds, made of sounds, colors and unimaginable stories.The deserted square had transformed into the Market of Ghosts. Stalls kept materializing from nowhere, carved and glowing pumpkins told each other stories of Halloweens past, present and future laughing malicious among the perfumes of lost memories, past centuries, tomorrow's candles and fallen stardust. The sky above the Tuscan hills and above Florence was full of ghosts arriving from everywhere to search for the unfindable. But no human eye could see this spectacle. No one except Severino, who descended from the tower enchanted by that spectacle and immersed himself in the crowd pulsating with otherworldly life. Seven circled above him observing with attentive eyes and cawing a bit nervous. Some ghosts looked at him with curiosity and recognized him. Someone greeted him and many others whispered his name in forgotten languages."There he is," murmured a witch from Prague."The child of time," sighed a Norman knight."He's returned, I told you so." laughed a Caribbean pirate.But Severino paid them no attention because there were ghosts selling: dreams of sleeping dragons, laughter of northern gnomes, tears of mermaids in love, the last breath of dinosaurs, shadows of unicorns. And even fears from past Halloweens — two for the price of one, but only for tonight. The ghost of a pirate who died during a boarding gone not so well shouted: "Storm bottles! Lightning in jars!" A witch from Salem whispered: "Love potions that last three lifetimes…" A medieval knight showed swords that cut fear, A Chinese spirit waved kites that fly into the past.The spectral crowd grew and thickened, laughed and bargained, while Severino walked amazed and fascinated among the impossible stalls of the Halloween Market. Seven cawed restless from above and Eleven, the black cat with orange eyes, jumped from one tent to another not losing sight of a single movement of Severino and the hundreds of souls circling around him.A ghost monk from an era that never existed saw him and smiled at him from behind a stall full of ancient radios adorned with mysterious symbols. Severino approached, fascinated."How wonderful! Do they all work?""Oh yes, certainly" replied the monk. "These transmit on the waves of past, present, and future time. But you don't need to buy one."The other ghosts stopped. They ceased selling, buying and bartering. They looked at Severino with respect and listened to what the collector of frequencies told him."The transistor radio you already have is more special than you think. But to discover its true secrets, you'll have to search in the ancient crypts where everything began."And suddenly the first lights of dawn began to illuminate the sky behind San Miniato with pink. In rush and hurry the ghosts said goodbye flying away in the wind. "Until next Halloween!" They told each other crossing in the sky. The stalls vanished. Lanterns and candles went out. The Market of Ghosts dissolved like a dream.Severino found himself alone in the empty square, Seven on his shoulder and Eleven sitting on the low wallLooking at Florence illuminating itself in the day of All Saints. He observed his old radio with new eyes and from the ancient crypts of San Miniato, something seemed to call him. He turned it on, turned up the volume and descended the stairway in time to Chet Baker's version of 'Autumn Leaves'.It was time to throw open the gate of the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte.___________________We will continue this story.... For now a Happy Halloween to all of you, may you always believe in magic!Story written by Marco Ciappelli for "Stories Under The Stars" Halloween 2025___________________Listen to Severino's Playlist for the songs that accompany this story and subscribe to discover new music with every adventure.

For the video of this episode, go to https://youtu.be/7FQ3i_dWbBk. Our guests in this episode, Nancy Levine and Rachel Levine Spates, are a mother and daughter who collaborated on a book called Light: A Family Story of Anorexia. Their book is a beautifully written, insightful, and courageous recounting of Rachel's struggle with anorexia, and how their family was affected. The book is available anywhere books are sold. Here's the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Light-Mother-Daughter-Memoir-Anorexia/dp/1578692067/ For help with eating disorders, contact the National Association for Eating Disorders at https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/. Do you have ideas for topics or guests for our podcast? Go to https://ctin7.com and send us a message. And you can also sign up for Dr. Chalmer's newsletter right from our homepage. Our sponsor is The Blue Tent: Erotic Tales from the Bible by Laria Zylber. Find out more at https://lariazylber.com.

In this episode, Fred from Alaska hosts a conversation with special guest Sonny Grant from Juno, Alaska. Sonny, a full Tlingit, shares his deep family history in the region, recounting personal and ancestral stories about sightings of Sasquatch and cannibal giants.The discussion includes detailed accounts from Sonny's youth and his family, including notable encounters in the Knick River Valley, Mount Juno, Thomas Bay, and other locales. Sonny also touches on cultural traditions such as canoe building, and highlights the ways in which these creatures have been a part of Tlingit folklore for generations. Get Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteSupport Our Sponsors00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:09 Sonny Grant's Background and Early Sightings 01:52 Thomas Bay Expedition 02:53 Encounters and Strange Phenomena 07:02 Cannibal Giants and Family Stories 11:36 Hunting Stories and Sasquatch Nests 15:58 Warrior Clan and Cannibal Giant Battles 20:14 Burning the Cannibal Giant 21:20 Ancient Stories of Cannibal Giants 22:13 Wolf Pack Behavior and Human Encounters 22:45 Sasquatch Sightings and Encounters 30:24 Cultural Significance of Carving and Canoe Building 37:23 Hunting Traditions and Techniques 40:32 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sasquatch-odyssey--4839697/support.

#cryptids #jerseydevilJoin the Parajunkie Family TODAY!Madison Timmons and Chris Soucy sit down with Kim Jeffries—who traces her lineage directly to Mother (Deborah) Leeds—to talk about the Jersey Devil like you've never heard it before. From family genealogy and Pine Barrens road rules (“don't stop for gas… ever”) to the 1700s almanac feud that dragged the Leeds name—yes, Benjamin Franklin was messy—this episode peels back the folklore and looks at the real family behind the legend.

In this episode of More Than a Milspouse, I'm chatting with Jennifer Barnhill, whose new book releases next week. Jen and I dive into the realities of military life and explore the incredible power of sharing military family stories. We talk about: The changing landscape of military spouse volunteerism Leaning into your unique skills—even when your career path needs to pivot How telling our stories can elevate the voices of military families and create real change This conversation is such a timely reminder that our experiences matter and that when we share them, we not only connect with others but also help people outside the military community understand our lives and needs. Better Together, Christine   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Get the Book: The Military Stories You've Been Told and the Ones You Need to Hear by Jennifer Barnhill Connect with Jennifer www.jenniferbarnhill.com LinkedIn Instagram Substack RESOURCES Work With Me Join The Free Community Free Clarity Workshop Clarity Course Leave a Show Review. Pretty Please!

As a part of our continuing effort to commemorate the incredible global story of WW2, we present our ongoing ‘Family Stories' series. This series tells YOUR relatives' stories of derring do - both on the front line and home front. In this episode we hear your tales of bucking broncos, Hogan's heroes, and adventures with The Chindits. With thanks to Norman Bell, Peter Finch, Will Hogan, Malcolm Allen, Jo Pool, and Chris Bryan. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access to podcast episodes, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices