The Apple Seed

Join us as Donald Davis and Kevin Kling, from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio, tell stories about parenting mishaps, tricky kids, and the situations we can get into as we do our best to parent. (1:05) "Molasses Revenge" - Donald Davis tells a personal story about generational mischief and super sticky stuff. (16:23) Sam shares a story of the annual making of fresh apple cider with his neighbors and kids. (20:23) "The Good Mother" - Kevin Kling tells a story about a young girl that moves to town and meets a boy. But more importantly, she meets his mom. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio. Key Words: Messy, Parents, Father, Mother, Compassion, Family, Accidents, Children, Stories, Mistakes, Forgiveness, Community

Join us as Kevin Kling and Josh Goforth, from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio, tell stories about their family and ancestors. We are reminded through these stories of the different aspects of our lives that are possible because of those who came before us. (1:01) "Grandpa's Stars" - Kevin Kling tells a story that recounts a glimpse into Kling's fix-it, farmer grandpa that taught him astronomy among many other things through family stories. (8:17) Sam shares a story of when a woman from Argentina inspired him to live more in the moment. (12:02) "My Ancestors" - Josh Goforth tells about his great-grandparents and neighbors and shares two traditional songs, "The Boatman" and "Sally Goodin.'" His stories and songs are full of the antics and strength that come from the stories and resilience of our own ancestors. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio. Key Words: Neighbors, Storyteller, Ancestors, Appalachian, Present, Family, Stars, Stories, Grandparents, Storytelling

Join us as Angela Lloyd and Shonaleigh, from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio, share stories for the sleepers and the dreamers. These stories can go beyond bedtime, and they find their way into our day-to-day lives. (1:02) "Thorn Rosa" - Angela Lloyd tells an Appalachian version of the story of Sleeping Beauty, but as a song performed with auto harp. (10:23) Sam shares a story about his personal connection to traditional stories and his love of sharing and discussing them with the people he loves. (14: 48) Angela Lloyd performs a medley on her souped-up washboard. (20:03) "The Haunted Necklace" - Shonaleigh tells a story of how it takes a village to do many things, and the joy we can bring to others as we create and write pieces of the story of our village together. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio. Key Words: Bedtime Stories, Teamwork, Storyteller, Fairytale, Appalachian, Family, Musical, Stories, Storytelling, Ghosts

Join us as Noa Baum and Dolores Hydock, from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio, tell stories about the strangeness of parents, but the memories they give us to tell as stories for years and years. (1:10) "Love Comes in Strange Packages" - Noa Baum tells a story about her parents' love for her as she reflects on the different sacrifices they make for their daughter as they journey to America. (9:57) Sam shares a story about his grandfather, who was more than just his hard exterior, and how Sam learned that love shows up in many different ways. (14:10) "Reincarnated as a Cat" - Dolores Hydock tells a story about her mother's presence, and the strange coincidences that are part of being a plan B of survival. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio. Key Words: Sacrifice, Parents, Father, Mother, Journey, Plan, Love, Family, Protective, Stories, America

Join us as Motoko and Andy Offutt Irwin, from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio, tell stories about time. Whether it literally goes missing, or it just moves too fast, stories help us rewind and remember because we always want more time. (1:05) "Urashima the Fisherman" - Motoko tells a story based on a popular Japanese folktale, a fisherman is given a gift, but did not understand what the cost would be. (18:19) Sam shares a reflection on the passing of time and how it can play tricks on us. If we could, what would we say to ourselves at different moments in our lives? (23:03) "The Light Went Away" - Andy Offutt Irwin tells a story and lullaby sparked from a kindergartener's idea about nighttime. Time might slip through our fingers, but the moments become memories, stories just waiting to be shared (or sung). Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

Join us as Simon Brooks and Charlotte Blake Alston, from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio, tell stories about dependability upon those around us, and the stories that can be told when it comes to trusting ourselves, too. (00:57) "King March's Ears" - Simon Brooks tells a story of secrets, haircuts, and the relief of being yourself. (11:07) Sam shares a story of a time when he learned he could count on his dad. (14:39) "How Raccoon Got His Dinner" - Charlotte Blake Alston tells a story reminding us of the wisdom of our elders, and the truths they speak should be heard. Sometimes, we might learn a thing or two form the stories they have to tell us. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio. Key Words: Dependable, Individuality, Raccoon, Compassion, Family, Confidence, Royalty, King, Hope, Stories, Trouble, Trust, Trickster, Wisdom

Join us as Sheila Arnold and Paul Strickland, from live storytelling recordings in the Apple Seed Studio, advise us through stories to making time to really see those around us, listen to their stories, and make room for growth. (00:59) "Mission Trip" - Sheila Arnold tells a personal story recollecting on the changes that occurred during her time in Vietnam while interacting with kids and adults alike. (13:04) Sam shares a story of a neighbor boy who Sam had misunderstood. (15:55) "The Bookhead Boy" - Paul Strickland tells a seemingly far-fetched story about a boy and his journey to read a story no one was interested in. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio. Key Words: Books, Communication, Service, Compassion, Family, Stories, Kids, Storytelling, Growth, Community, Change

Join us as Noa Baum and Shonaleigh tell stories from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio about what it takes to be persistent, and the stories we can find and share along our difficult journeys. (1:10) "Dandelion Dancer" - Shonaleigh tells a story about a mother's prayer to save the joy of her child and how her gift from the heavens is determined to stay and share her own story about enduring. (10:01) Sam shares a story about his brother's birthday present, and how his dad gave the two of them the gift of music, but it goes beyond just unwrapping the box. (14:03) "A Mouse Tail" - Noa Baum tells a musical story about a mouse's journey to barter back what she had lost. This mouse has quite the tale, or story, to tell as it meets many different characters along it's adventure. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio. Key Words: Song, Daughters, Bravery, Family, Persistence, Determination, Lessons, Mothers, Participation, Storytelling, Courage, Adventure, Patience

Join us as Bil Lepp and Donald Davis from live storytelling recordings in the Apple Seed Studio tell stories about gifts they have given and received, in the form of story. (00:55) "Gifts" - Bil Lepp tells a personal story about a husband's persistence to find the perfect gift, and his wife's patience through that process. (10:06) Sam shares a story of when he and his brother made a imperfect gift for his mother when they were boys--one that was accepted perfectly. (13:49) "The Cigarette" - Donald Davis tells a story of a child's wandering hands and a bedtime story that might not be a story after all. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio. Key Words: Bedtime Stories, Siblings, Parents, Wives, Family, Gifts, Lessons, Storytelling, Memories, Patience

Sheila Arnold and Paul Strickland live recordings from the Apple Seed Studio. (1:06) "We Hold the Ropes" - Sheila Arnold tells a story about two brothers, their desperate need for their ancestors, and what influences them to pay the help forward. (10:19) Sam shares a memory of trusting his friends to get him through a challenging rappelling adventure. (16:07) "Whale Ice Song" - Paul Strickland tells a story about a woman, her relationship with ice, and what her town does to honor her memory. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

Bil Lepp and Shonaleigh live recordings from the Apple Seed Studio. (1:44) "Difficult Under Adverse Conditions" - Bil Lepp tells a tall tale about superstitions, flat tires, and the journeys we take without ever taking a step. (14:33) "The Pebble Who Wanted to Travel the World" - Shonaleigh tells the untold history of a single stone who had extraordinary talents, and how this humble stone reached its goal by relying on the help of others. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

Celebrate 10 Years of the Apple Seed! Host Same Payne is joined by some of our favorite storytellers. (00:00) Intro to our anniversary show by host Sam Payne (00:54) Comment by Bil Lepp (01:39) Special thanks to the Ashton Family Foundation (01:56) Comment by Donald Davis (03:17) "Uncle Frank and the Skunk" by Donald Davis (09:22) Comment by Lyn Ford (10:42) "Big Fish" by Lyn Ford (16:12) "The Apple Seed Song" song written and performed by Andy Offutt Irwin for the Apple Seed 10th anniversary (21:00) Kim Weitkamp at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival (22:22) "That's What I'm Made Of" song written and performed by Kim Weitkamp, Ryan Shupe, Danny Gum, and Sam Payne (26:30) Comment by Diane Ferlatte (27:41) "Hambone" by Diane Ferlatte (33:00) Comment by Antonio Sacre (34:40) "Battling Giants" by Antonio Sacre (38:50) Sam's Favorite Interviews: - (39:10) Syd Lieberman - witnessing as a storyteller - (42:15) Ed Stivender - storytelling as an "occasion of grace" - (45:15) Bill Harley - speaking for the least/validating childhood (47:47) Comment by Kevin Kling (49:15) "The Cracked Pot" by Kevin Kling (51:17) Producer montage Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

Diane Ferlatte and Bil Lepp from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:15) "Sleeping Ugly" - Diane Ferlatte tells a story about a beautiful princess who, by meeting a fairy and a plain commoner, learns what happens if you forget to be kind. (18:44) "The Princess and the Pick-up" - Bil Lepp revamps a common fairytale featuring the blossoming relationship between a prince and a princess in the mountains. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

(00:38) Christmas memories and songs with the hosts of BYUradio's podcasts - Part 1 (20:17) Favorite Christmas traditions with our extended BYUradio family (23:14) Christmas memories and songs with the hosts of BYUradio's podcasts - Part 2 (39:14) Favorite Christmas songs with our extended BYUradio family (41:25) Sam tells the story of "In Memoriam" (45:34) Sam sings his original Christmas song "Christmas in a Time" (48:11) Reading of the Christmas story from Luke 2 Great stories can change your family's world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

Donald Davis and Andy Offutt Irwin from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:02) "Don't Kill Santa" - Donald Davis tells a story about when child-like innocence during the holidays saved the life of Saint Nick himself. (17:48) "Secret Santa" - Andy Offutt Irwin tells a story about being a cub scout and the wonder that is found in department stores at a young age. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

Kim Weitkamp and Adam Booth from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio. (00:56) "Aunt Louise" - Kim Weitkamp tells a personal story about her aunt's loving arms pushing her up from a young age and encouraging her to keep moving forward. (13:10) "Hanukkah at Mo's" - Adam Booth tells an entertaining story about the great-grandma who taught him a lesson early on through a coat tree and a dreidel. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

Mara Menzies and Donna Washington from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:08) "How Fire Came into the World" - Mara Menzies tells a South African tale about Man's journey over the mountain to meet and befriend a creature called Fire. (20:20) "King of the Frogs" - Donna Washington tells a story of persistent frogs who asked for a ruler of their kind (and then got exactly what they wished for). Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

Sheila Arnold and Donald Davis from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:04) "Brer Rabbit and the Turkeys" - Sheila Arnold tells one of the many entertaining stories about this popular trickster, and about the strength found in thinking outside the box. (13:20) "Stuffed Rat" - Donald Davis tells a personal story about his father's pranks and a childhood memory of when Davis' father met his prankster match. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

In time for the holidays, The Apple Seed brings shares a Christmas tradition of sharing The Christmas Chronicles. Listen to the first episode on the road or around the fire, and find the rest of the series on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at byuradio.org/the-christmas-chronicles.

Diane Ferlatte and Kim Weitkamp from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:22) "The Hired Hand" - Diane Ferlatte tells a story about an extra set of hands that saves a father and son in more ways than one. (21:02) "Rolling Stone" - Kim Weitkamp tells a story from a young man about the changes in his journey and dreams, and the realization that he is more like his father than he thought. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

Noa Baum and Pippa White from live recordings in the Apple Seed studio. (1:00) "Top Secret" - Noa Baum tells a story from her childhood in Israel where she learns the ins and outs of what it means to grow up through trading books and keeping secrets. (21:07) "What Did You Do in the War, Mommy?" - Pippa White tells a story from Julia Parsons, who reflects on her time and commitment as a codebreaker during World War II. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

Shonaleigh and Geraldine Buckley from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:15) "The Precious Pearl" - Shonaleigh tells a story about a queen who loves presents and how her desire and sacrifice transform her kingdom. (13:12) "The Lord of the Dance" - Geraldine Buckley tells a personal story about boarding school, dancing nuns, and finding her way back to an old love. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

The Apple Seed is back with a new season on November 2! Season 5 will feature live recordings made in the Apple Seed Studio from favorite storytellers like Bil Lepp, Donald Davis, and Kim Weitkamp, as well as Apple Seed Live debuts from terrific storytellers like Shonaleigh, Diane Ferlatte, and Paul Strickland. And we've got another treat in store for you: our spinoff podcast Kaboom has returned for a second season, and we'd like to share the season premiere episode "Test Drive" with you. Kaboom is a show full of audio adventures for the whole family to enjoy together and it's available wherever you get your podcasts, so if you like what you hear go subscribe to Kaboom and tell a friend about it.

Enjoy stories of homecoming from professional storytellers and BYUradio podcast hosts on this special "BYU Homecoming” episode of The Apple Seed: A Storytelling Podcast. Whether you’re driving into Provo for the big game or celebrating from afar, these stories are perfect for your homecoming gathering. (00:53) Alma Mater Memories (03:35) Sam's High School Memories (04:16) Homecoming Memories with the team from BYUtv's After Further Review: Dave McCann, David Nixon, and Blaine Fowler (11:35) "Big Number Reunion" by Dolores Hydock (22:27) Reflections of Home with BYU Radio's podcast hosts: Marcus Smith, Lisa Valentine Clark, Julie Rose, and Steven Perry and Sam Payne. (28:46) Sing Your Way Home by Sam Payne. Great stories can change your world.

In the season finale of season 4, Antonio Sacre and Dolores Hydock share stories recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (2:01) "Nina's Rainbow" by Antonio Sacre about struggling as a parent with fighting children and stopping to create a little magic. (10:08) "Becoming Mrs. Nash" by Dolores Hydock about a generous neighbor and about aging beautifully. Great stories can change your world. Subscribe to The Apple Seed Hosted hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

Two great tellers and musicians recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:49) Reverend Robert B. Jones tells "BB King" a personal story about why he wanted to start learning to play the guitar and the power Blues had in his life. (20:11) Andy Offutt Irwin tells and sings "Polyphemus", musical take on the classic Greek story of The Odyssey, featuring the episode where Odysseus faces off with the cyclops Polyphemus. Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

Stories of wisdom and fools, recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:35) Kim Weitkamp tells "Gold Coins" about the wise women she meets in her yard shop. (16:44) Kevin Kling tells "Ashen Peter" about a fool, or is he? Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

Donald Davis and Adam Booth from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio. (2:18) Donald Davis tells "The Swimming Hole" a story about his dad and uncles where they were young and about the trouble that happens when they try to take a shortcut. (19:15) Adam Booth tells "The Most Beautiful Heart" his version of a modern tale that is popular in ministries, social media, motivational speaking, etc. Great stories can change your world. Join The Apple Seed for tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, personal tales, historical tales, and more! Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

A wacky version of a traditional tale "Jack and the Magic Boat" or sometimes called "Ship of Fools" by storyteller Ed Stivender, recorded live in the Apple Seed studios. (1:47) Hapless Jack tries to accomplish the impossible with a misfit group of unusual, but talented friends. Great stories can change your world. Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

Two stories about endurance, both recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (2:40) Nebraska storyteller Pippa White shares a series of real-life stories of people who sailed to Ellis Island, many of them over a hundred years ago, in the hope of immigrating to the United States. (21:44) North Carolina musician and storyteller Josh Goforth shares a story of appreciation for the "stubborn" (as Josh affectionately calls them) people who settled in Appalachia, and then performs the ballad "I've Endured."

A European dragon legend and a traditional Chinese story told in song, both recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (2:14) An ancient tale of a princess who is transformed into a dragon called “The Laidly Worm,” told by storyteller Simon Brooks. (22:53) Storytelling partners Motoko & Eshu Bumpus perform “The Song of Farmer Chan,” a story from China where good fortune can lead to catastrophe, and catastrophe can lead back to good fortune.

Two stories that are zany fun, but both connect to storytelling traditions the world over. Both stories were recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (2:32) Bill Harley shares the traditional Irish story "The Cow That Ate the Piper," about a piper looking for a little hospitality that is at turns funny, scary, silly, and yes, even a little gross. (15:14) Lyn Ford shares a story about the wild tales she heard as a child and the joy of your family traditions in "Where Great Grandma Gets Her Stories."

Stories from Antonio Sacre and Donna Washington, recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (2:02) Los Angeles-based storyteller Antonio Sacre takes his toddler on the hunt for a real live snow in the mountains in "Pancakes for Dinner." (14:29) Storyteller Donna Washington shares one of Aesop's Fables about wanting to be something you’re not in "The Exploding Frog."

Storyteller Adam Booth shares a his take on the classic fairy tale, recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (2:04) "The Fisherman's Wife" is a story that has appeared in many different forms in many different parts of the world, including a famous version from The Brothers Grimm, but Adam Booth puts a new spin on the familiar tale.

Stories from Mara Menzies and Kevin Kling, both recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:33) Mara Menzies tells a traditional story from Kenya about how one man became a god through giving a truly beautiful and simple gift in "Ochosi, the Orisha of the Hunt. (22:43) Kevin Kling shares a tiny story, an anecdote really, about recognizing what you have to share with others in "Sunflowers."

Stories from Bil Lepp and Donald Davis, both recorded live in The Apple Seed Studio. (1:17) West Virginia tall tale teller Bil Lepp is a camp counselor who runs into a big, smelly problem in "Skunks." (16:26) North Carolina storyteller Donald Davis shares a memory about a faceoff between grandma and a very picky eater in "Doobies."

South Carolina storyteller Tim Lowry shares a two-part story about an important figure from his childhood. Miss Gimm is the wise woman with great influence in Putney Bible Baptist church in the wilds of Kentucky where Tim Lowry’s father pastored. She had unfulfilled hopes of serving missions abroad, but instead instead of letting that disappointment haunt her she funneled her energies into building community much, much closer to home. If you've ever know someone whose head is as hard as their heart is big, this is a story for you. (2:17) Miss Gimm Part 1 (17:10) Miss Gimm Part 2

Stories from Donald Davis and Andy Offut Irwin, both recorded live in The Apple Seed Studio. (1:27) North Carolina storyteller Donald Davis remembers his first day of school and all the new adults he met in a story he calls "The Principal." (13:34) Georgia storyteller Andy Offut Irwin shares a story about the types of shenanigans that you can get up to at church before you have your own relationship with God. It's a story he calls “Marguerite Can Read Braswell's Mind.”

Stories about mothers and mother figures, both recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:36) Ohio storyteller Lyn Ford brings us a story called "Monkey Loves Trouble" from her Aunt Queenie, a Caribbean storyteller who had a formative influence on Lyn. (19:45) Minnesota storyteller Kevin Kling ponders a mythical artifact found in most of our homes that dispenses resources great and small in a story called "Mom's Purse."

A King Arthur tale and a tall tale, both recorded live in the Apple Seed studio. (2:00) Philadelphia storyteller Ed Stivender shares "The Legend of Sir Gawain and Lady Ragnell," a tale from the time of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. (16:22) West Virginia storyteller Bil Lepp shares a tall tale about a tense encounter on the hiking trail in “The Ojai Mountain Lion.”

A pair of folk tales, both recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:55) English storyteller Simon Brooks shares an ancient story from Scandanavia about a young man who goes on a quest that takes him to the end of the world in "In Search of Luck." (14:23) Kenyan/Scottish storyteller Mara Menzies shares a tale from the Gikuyu people in Kenya about a curious woman who butts up against the village's traditions in “Washu and the Forbidden Meat.”

A pair of musical stories, both recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:48) North Carolina storyteller and musician Josh Goforth unfurls the hidden story behind the well-known folk song “Tom Dooley.” The journey to that song’s meaning all begins with a performance of another song, “A Locket and a Curl.” (20:56) Philadelphia-area storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston shares a rhythmic tribute to the great Jazz musician and cultural ambassador Louis Armstrong in a piece she calls “Louis Armstrong Rap.”

We've got a special treat for you today: an audio adventure from the new podcast "Kaboom" from the Apple Seed team. If you’ve been listening to the show for a while you may have heard some of our original audio drama adventures. They are highly produced, immersive stories made for the whole family to enjoy together, full of action and adventure, and they may even give your family some nice things to talk about together. We have spun these audio adventures off into their own series, and today we are going to share the first episode, "Out There." It's about a couple of estranged brothers who unexpectedly reunite while looking for a UFO in the middle of the ocean. If you enjoy the show today, go subscribe to "Kaboom" wherever you get your podcasts. https://linktr.ee/kaboompodcast We'll be back next week with more of your favorite storytellers here on The Apple Seed.

A couple stories for Easter week, both recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:30) Alabama-based storyteller Dolores Hydock, about an early job she had working at a chocolate Easter Bunny factory. If she was expecting Lucille Ball-style chocolate factory hijinks, that was not exactly what she got. (19:48) The Reverend Robert B. Jones shares the story of blues musician Blind Willie Johnson and how his recording of the song "Dark Was the Night," a haunting lament about Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, came to be sent off into space on the Voyager Golden Record.

Today's stories will take you on a trip back to the roller rink and to visit old friends. Both stories were recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:48) West Virginia storyteller Adam Booth a story called "Roll-a-Rama," and it's sure to send you right back to that feeling of freedom you had as a child when you went gliding around the roller skating rink. (18:45) Georgia storyteller Andy Offut Irwin has created a wonderful world around his fictional Aunt Marguerite, and the stories featuring her family and friends are filled with humor and heart. He calls this story, “The Swing in the Park.”

An ancient Scottish story and a comic sing-along, both recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:34) Kenyan/Scottish storyteller Mara Menzies shares a fairy tale from the British Isles, "The Tale of Tam Lin." The fairies in this story are not the cute and small ones we think of nowadays, and it speaks to the cost and complexity of holding onto love in extreme circumstances, like, say, the one you love becoming a lion or a snake. (22:00) Philadelphia story-teller Ed Stivender pulls out his banjo to share the comic songs "Old Joe Clark" and "The Mud Miner." You’ll probably want to get up and dance, sing along, and maybe laugh out loud.

Stories from two beloved storytellers, both recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (3:42) Tall tale teller Bil Lepp delivers one of his classic stories about his misadventures with his buddy Skeeter in the tiny town of Half Dollar, West Virginia. It's a rowdy story involving a giant pumpkin and a rampaging bull he calls “Bored Gourd.” (21:46) Simon Brooks shares a story about a family trying to rid their garden of a big bully in "The Goat from the Hills and the Mountains." We're also thrilled to announce "Kaboom," a new spinoff podcast from The Apple Seed full of audio drama adventures for the whole family to enjoy. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and hear the trailer at byuradio.org/kaboom.

Stories from two beloved storytellers: Kevin Kling and Josh Goforth. Both were recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:32) A Kevin Kling story is a rollercoaster ride—we’ll hear anecdotes and poetry, comedy and pathos—but in the end, you’ll hear something you want to hang onto and something you’ll want to share. This is a story he calls "Love Story." (20:00) Josh Goforth brings Appalachian music and story together for a story about legendary guitarist Doc Watson, plus a performance of “The Streamline Cannonball.”

We're back for Season 3 with new stories from a couple of favorite storytellers! Both stories were recorded live in the Apple Seed Studio. (1:16) Donald Davis recalls a time from his childhood when he and his brother thought they were too mature to have a babysitter in the story "Getting Rid of the Babysitter." (17:21) Lyn Ford tells how by age three she was already finding her calling as a storyteller, though her earliest stories might have been less than true. It's a story she calls "My First Story."

We're excited to announce that The Apple Seed will return for its third season on March 2! In anticipation of the new season, we're bringing you this bonus episode that focuses on the wonderful Minnesota storyteller Kevin Kling. While he was in our studios to record some stories in the Apple Seed Studio, he sat down with the producers of Constant Wonder, one of our sister podcasts from the BYUradio family of programs. It’s a great conversation about his life and how he’s learned to overcome difficulties without losing his sense of humor. Plus you’ll get to hear a sneak preview of some Kevin’s stories that we’ll bring you on The Apple Seed in season 3. So sit back and enjoy this time with Kevin Kling, and if you like what you hear, you can subscribe to Constant Wonder wherever you get your podcasts. And we’ll see you back here next week for the season premiere of The Apple Seed.