PLAY PODCASTS
The Folktale Project

The Folktale Project

153 episodes — Page 1 of 4

S5 Ep 22The Folktale Project - The Story of a Mother

I apologize in advance that this is perhaps the saddest story that I've ever told on The Folktale Project. Han Christian Andersen's 'The Story of a Mother' begins sadly and ends sadly with a bit of melancholy in the middle. Trigger warning - the story begins with the death of a child. Host Dan Scholz Find out where to subscribe to The Folktale Project at http://folktaleproject.com/subscribe Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleprojectClick the icon below to listen.       

May 23, 202512 min

S5 Ep 21The Folktale Project - The Fair Angola

This week's new story is a bit of an Italian mashup. A little Rapunzel, a bit of Beauty and the Beast, and a dash of Baba Yaga. I do hope you enjoy it! Host Dan Scholz Find out where to subscribe to The Folktale Project at http://folktaleproject.com/subscribe Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject Click the icon below to listen.       

May 16, 202510 min

S5 Ep 20The Folktale Project Classics - Queen Aster

This week brings the revisiting of a classic tale by Louisa May Alcott - 'Queen Aster'. Host Dan Scholz Find out where to subscribe to The Folktale Project at http://folktaleproject.com/subscribe Help keep The Folktale Project going by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/folktaleproject Click the icon below to listen.       

May 9, 202515 min

S5 Ep 19The Folktale Project - The Little Brother and Sister

A new tale this week from the Brothers Grimm, and it's about as wholesome as they get! To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.       

May 2, 202513 min

S5 Ep 18The Folktale Project - The Wise Men of Gotham

The tale of The Wise Men of Gotham goes far beyond the stories you'll hear today, but that doesn't make these stories any less fun! To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.       

Apr 25, 202510 min

S5 Ep 17The Folktale Project - The Boy Who Was Called Thick-Head

This week's new story comes to us from Canada and Professor Cyrus Macmillan and his 'Canadian Fairy Tales'. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.       

Apr 18, 202512 min

S5 Ep 16The Folktale Project - The Wind in the Pine Tree

Apologies for the last few missed episodes, adjusting to new schedules is always a bear. But we're back today with a new story from Japan! 'The Wind in the Pine Tree' is a perfect little love story in honor of my wife and the large pine at our new home. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.       

Apr 11, 202511 min

S5 Ep 15The Folktale Project Classics - Tattercoats

Fresh from the archives - one of my favorite English folktales - Take one part "The Goosegirl", one part "Cinderella", and mix it with a little 'Pied Piper' and you'll get the English folktale of 'Tattercoats'.Click the icon below to listen.       

Mar 31, 20259 min

S5 Ep 14The Folktale Project - How the Turkey Buzzard Got His Suit

Today's story is a tribute to my wife's discovery of a turkey buzzard near our house last week. It's the Iroquois tale of 'How the Turkey Buzzard Got His Suit'. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.       

Mar 28, 20256 min

S5 Ep 13The Folktale Project Classics - Dr. Knowall

A classic from 2017's season - the German tale of 'Dr. Know-All' as brought to us by The Brothers Grimm. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.       

Mar 24, 20256 min

S5 Ep 12The Folktale Project - The Two Cat Witches

Our newest tale comes to us from Wales and features a wise and brave traveller named Hugh. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Mar 21, 20258 min

S5 Ep 11The Folktale Project Classics - Finist the Bright Falcon

This week we go all the way back to Episode 100 of the podcast. 'Finist the Bright Falcon' is a Russian tale that certainly deserves to be replayed. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Mar 17, 202518 min

S5 Ep 10The Folktale Project - Two Stories from Japan

This week on for our new tales we have two stories from the Ainu people of Japan - 'The Kind Giver and the Grudging Giver.' and 'The Man who was changed into a Fox.' To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Mar 14, 20258 min

S5 Ep 9The Folktale Project Classic - The Glass Dog

This week on Folktale Project Classics we dive into the archives for 'The Glass Dog' from "American Fairy Tales" by L. Frank Baum. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!Click the icon below to listen.      

Mar 10, 202515 min

S5 Ep 8The Folktale Project - The Wise Bat

A new story this Friday from Tibet! The Wise Bat tells the story of an easily conviced King and a rather smart subject. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Mar 7, 20257 min

S5 Ep 7The Folktale Project - The King and The Apple

This week we have a new tale from Georgia read in honor of my wordplay and riddle loving wife and father. I do hope you all enjoy 'The King and The Apple'. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Feb 28, 20257 min

S5 Ep 6The Folktale Project - The Good Children

This week we celebrate a move to Fridays with a Slavic tale of resistance to tyranny. 'The Good Children' comes to us from "Sixty Folk-Tales from Exclusively Slavonic Sources", by A.H. Wratislaw. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Feb 21, 20259 min

S5 Ep 5The Folktale Project Classics - Knight Roland

One of my favorite tales from "Legends of the Rhine" tells the story of the heroic Roland, a knight and nephew of Charlemagne. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Feb 5, 202517 min

S5 Ep 4The Folktale Project - The Crow-Peri

We're back with a new story from Turkey this week. 'The Crow-Peri' from "Turkish Fairy Tales and Folk Tales" is a really wonderful way to jump back into things, happy ending and all. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Jan 29, 202513 min

S5 Ep 3Folktale Project Classics - The Box of Robbers

This week we have a story from the archives and one of my favorite collections of tales - American Fairy Tales. 'The Box of Robbers" is a hilarious story of a curious child and a hidden crate's contents.Click the icon below to listen.      

Jan 15, 202516 min

S5 Ep 2The Three Billy Goats Gruff 2025

While I'm focusing on new stories from new regions this year this tale was suggested and I just had to share it! Enjoy the classic - Three Billy Goats Gruff. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Jan 8, 20254 min

S5 Ep 1Our Top Story of 2024 - The Voice of Death

One last (or first) tradition this holiday season at The Folktale Project - the most popular story of 2024. This past year was certainly a hard one for some and I do hope that next year is better than the last for all of us.Click the icon below to listen.      

Jan 1, 20259 min

S4 Ep 70A Visit from St. Nicholas - 2024

Today is my very favorite tradition - the annual reading of A Visit from St. Nicholas. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Dec 24, 20245 min

S4 Ep 69Folktale Project - Jack Hannaford

A new story this week from English Fairy Tales - a collection we know quite well! 'Jack Hannaford' is a tale of two fools (a husband and a wife) and an old soldier out to fool them. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Dec 18, 20245 min

S4 Ep 68Folktale Project Classics - Prince Autumn

This week's classic tale is a story of autumn, something that seems to have come and (mostly gone) in the blink of an eye this year! To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Dec 11, 202413 min

S4 Ep 67The Fool and the Birch-Tree

Today's brand new story from "Russian Fairy Tales: A Choice Collection of Muscovite Folk-lore " is 'The Fool and the Birch-Tree'. A tale of three brothers, murder and riches. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!Click the icon below to listen.      

Dec 4, 20247 min

S4 Ep 66Folktale Project Classics - Mrs. November's Dinner Party

It's Thanksgiving here in the US tomorrow so today we have a revisiting of one of my favorite Thanksgiving tales. Mrs. November's Dinner Party perfectly captures that chaos that is a family holiday dinner. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject!Click the icon below to listen.      

Nov 27, 202411 min

S4 Ep 65The Skunk in Tante Odette's Oven

This week we have a new story, a listener suggestion from Liz Spiva from "The Talking Cat and other tales of French Canada". Liz, I hope you enjoy the story! Book: The talking cat, and other stories of French Canada Host: Dan Scholz Support The Folktale Project by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject or buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject.Click the icon below to listen.      

Nov 20, 202416 min

S4 Ep 64Folktale Project Classics - The Capture of Father Time

This week's Folktale Project Classic is a fun tale from "American Fairy Tales" - 'The Capture of Father Time'. Join us next week for an all new tale. If there's a story you'd like to hear please reach out at [email protected] the icon below to listen.      

Nov 13, 202415 min

S4 Ep 63The Buried Moon

Today we have a listener submission from Jennifer Longe who is working on a film based on the tale of 'The Buried Moon'. If there's a story you'd like to hear please reach out at [email protected]. Book: More English Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs Host: Dan Scholz Support The Folktale Project by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject or buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject.Click the icon below to listen.      

Nov 6, 202412 min

S4 Ep 62Folktale Project Classic - Stingy Jack

I know that I promised new stories (and that this one is a day later than normal) but today is Halloween and that means we had to adjust our schedule to release the annual telling of our favorite Irish Halloween tale - Stingy Jack. Image © National Museum of IrelandClick the icon below to listen.      

Oct 31, 20244 min

S4 Ep 61The Six Sillies

We're back! This week we have a new story, one that I think is the perfect way to ease back into new tales. Something short and silly :) I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at [email protected] the icon below to listen.      

Oct 23, 20247 min

S4 Ep 60Folktale Project Classics - A Tuscan Bluebeard

This week's story of 'A Tuscan Bluebeard' is my last Folktale Project Classic for a while! Beginning next week I'll be returning with new stories, plus some new stories from you! I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at [email protected] the icon below to listen.      

Oct 16, 20249 min

S4 Ep 59Folktale Project Classics - The Master Maid

This week's story of 'The Master Maid' is quite a tale indeed! As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at [email protected] the icon below to listen.      

Oct 9, 202434 min

S4 Ep 58Folktale Project Classics - The Fairies

This week's tale is my favorite version of 'The Fairies' and I hope it's yours as well! As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at [email protected] the icon below to listen.      

Oct 2, 20249 min

S4 Ep 57Folktale Project Classics - A Misfit Ghost

This week's tale is the story of a ghost ship encountered by the predecessor of the US Coast Guard. As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at [email protected] the icon below to listen.      

Sep 25, 20247 min

S4 Ep 56Folktale Project Classics - Cinderella, or the Little Glass Slipper

This week's tale is the classic story of Cinderella, or the Little Glass Slipper. As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at [email protected] the icon below to listen.      

Sep 18, 202416 min

S4 Ep 55Folktale Project Classics - American Fairytales

This week's story is a full book! "American Fairytales" by L. Frank Baum is filled with vignettes and followed hot on the heels of the wildly successful "Wizard of Oz". As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at [email protected] the icon below to listen.      

Sep 11, 20242h 54m

S4 Ep 54Folktale Project Classics - Hansel and Gretel

This week's tale is the classic story of Hansel and Gretel. As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at [email protected]. Click the icon below to listen.      

Sep 4, 202416 min

S4 Ep 53Folktale Project Classics - The Princess Rosette

This week's tale comes to us from France. As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at [email protected]. Click the icon below to listen.      

Aug 28, 202447 min

S4 Ep 52Folktale Project Classics - The Dreamer

This week's tale comes to us from Armenia. As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. I'd like to start with having you tell your stories. Have an story that you'd like to share? Reach out at [email protected] the icon below to listen.      

Aug 21, 202414 min

S4 Ep 51Folktale Project Classics - The Fountain of Giant Land

This week is one of my favorite folktales from Brazil. As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. Have an idea you'd like to share? Reach out at [email protected] the icon below to listen.      

Aug 14, 202414 min

S4 Ep 50Folktale Project Classics - Raiko and the Shi-Ten Doji

This week one of my favorite Japanese folktales. As I'm revisiting these tales I'm thinking hard about what the next chapter of The Folktale Project looks like. Have an idea you'd like to share? Reach out at [email protected] the icon below to listen.      

Aug 7, 202410 min

S4 Ep 49Folktale Project Classics - Genovefa

This week on Folktale Project Classics we have the origin story of Count Siegfried of the Palatinate and his saint-like wife, Genovefa.Click the icon below to listen.      

Jul 30, 202416 min

S4 Ep 48Folktale Project Classics - Little Red Riding Hood

The first of our Folktale Project Classics is truly a classic tale with a (perhaps) unfamiliar ending?Click the icon below to listen.      

Jul 24, 20245 min

S4 Ep 47The Voice of Death - A Roumanian Folktale

Our last new story for a bit is a short (but very good) tale about death. Starting next week The Folktale Project will be replaying classic stories while we get ready for something completely new. Title: Roumanian Fairy Tales Author: Various Compiler: Mite Kremnitz Editor: J. M. Percival Host: Dan Scholz Support The Folktale Project by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject or buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Jul 17, 20247 min

S4 Ep 46Reflections - A Japanese Fairytale

This week's tale comes from rural Japan and shows how a young couple discovers some modern conveniences. Title: Japanese Fairy Tales Author: Grace James Host: Dan Scholz Support The Folktale Project by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject or buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Jul 10, 202416 min

S4 Ep 45Little Annie's Dream - An American Fairytale

This week's story comes to us from the one and only Louisa May Alcott. 'Little Annie's Dream" is a story about controlling our negative emotions, something that I'm sure we all struggle with from time to time. Book: Flower Fables Author: Louisa May Alcott Host: Dan Scholz Support The Folktale Project by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject or buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Jul 3, 202421 min

S4 Ep 44The Two Jewels - A Jewish Fairytale

A story with quite the important message about tolerance, particularly when it comes to religion. Title: Jewish Fairy Stories Translator: Gerald Friedlander Host: Dan Scholz Support The Folktale Project by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject or buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Jun 26, 202410 min

S4 Ep 43The Woodman and the Mountain Fairies - A Korean Folktale

A very familiar tale of a human getting caught up in the affairs of fairies, but this time from Korea. Book: Korean Fairy Tales Author: William Elliot Griffis Host: Dan Scholz Support The Folktale Project by becoming a supporter on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject or buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi at https://ko-fi.com/thefolktaleproject. To get more full stories and early access to all of the Folktale Project subscribe on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/folktaleproject! Click the icon below to listen.      

Jun 19, 202414 min