The Apple Seed

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about childhood fears, family memories, and the people who make scary tales unforgettable. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:50) "The Collector" by Kevin Kling. Kevin shares a hilarious childhood camping story about his dad, a spooky tale, and the story that scared the socks off him. (05:58) "Fear Flies Away" by Sam Payne. Sam tells a heartwarming childhood tale about how his dad helped him overcome his fear of bats. (08:59) "Scaring Sissy" by Lyn Ford. Lyn shares a funny childhood story about turning a classic fairy tale into a nightmare after her little...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the people who lead by example and leave a lasting impact. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:29) "Miss Gimm" by Tim Lowry. A series of humorous stories about a one-of-a-kind churchgoer who made a profound difference in Tim’s childhood. (21:21) "Known From Joan" by Sam Payne. Sam shares childhood memories about a local theater director and the important lessons she taught that influenced Sam’s life and career. Stories bring us together and the stories on The Apple Seed will spark memories that you can share with the people you love. The...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about life, death, and the delicate balance between the two. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:45) "Piano the Ox" by Antonio Rocha. A moving story about a strong ox and the impact his absence has on a small village. (16:04) "Making Meaning" by Sam Payne. Sam shares an excerpt from Shakespeare’s The Tempest and explores how some stories empower the audience to discover their own meanings. (19:13) "The Goats Know the Way" by Adam Booth. Adam shares his version of an old Jewish story about a woman who embarks on an unexpected journey wh...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about celebrating birthdays and finding the right way to honor someone’s special day. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:15) "Happy Birthday, Mrs. Nottingham" by Bill Harley. A story about trying to figure out if a teacher is nice or mean and in the end, how everyone likes their birthday. (20:04) "Summer Birthdays" by Sam Payne. Sam shares about a time in kindergarten when he bravely stood up for summer birthdays. (22:54) "64 Crayons" by Donald Davis. A story about the surprise gift 6 year old Donald left for his beloved Aunt Esther. Stories bring us to...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the benefits of speaking another language, embracing bilingualism, and finding joy in your language and culture. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:17) "The Barking Mouse" by Antonio Sacre. Antonio tells about the summer he spent with his Cuban grandmother and the simple yet impactful story she shared with him. (10:06) “The Language of Music” by Sam Payne. Sam shares a touching story about how his understanding of music helped him communicate, build connections, and find common ground with a group of people he otherwise would have found it nearly impossible to connect with...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about love, life lessons, and the unforgettable experiences that come from taking the time to learn from the people and things we love. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:14) "Love Story" by Kevin Kling. Hilarious and heartwarming stories about the valuable life lessons Kevin has learned from the people and things he has loved throughout his life. (16:49) "Look for the Love" by Sam Payne. Sam shares a heartwarming story about an important lesson he learned from a former drama teacher and how putting that lesson into practice helped him repair a strained...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about navigating difficult family relationships, overcoming conflict and discovering the joy that comes from strengthening the relationships that matter most. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:42) "The Lion's Whiskers" by Antonio Rocha. An immersive and heartwarming story about a woman facing a seemingly impossible task who must learn to confront and conquer the literal and figurative beasts in her life. (23:12) "I Can Do Hard Things" by Sam Payne. Sam shares a heartfelt childhood story about how his little brother’s hard work, perseverance, and dedication inspired him and continues to inspire him to...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about family relationships, childhood memories, and how even life's most challenging moments can become the lessons we treasure for years to come. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:36) "Peas and Carrots" by Donald Davis. A hilarious childhood story about the clever scheme Donald Davis used to avoid eating his vegetables for years. (14:17) "Dinner Time Battles" by Sam Payne. Sam shares a funny and shocking childhood story about a heated argument with his brother over a dinner plate that escalated into an unforgettable family moment and became the breaking point for his mom. (17:23) "...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about hometowns, childhood memories, and the familiar places that help shape who we become. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:27) "Roll-a-Rama" by Adam Booth. A delightful and charming childhood story about the local roller rink in Adam Booth's hometown and the unforgettable experiences that helped shape his youth. (16:40) "Gathering Place" by Sam Payne. Sam shares a nostalgic childhood memory about a special gathering place in his hometown where he often found community, friendship, and camaraderie. (19:56) "The Swing in the Park" by Andy Offutt Irwin. A humorous story about Andy’s fictional yet ec...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about how wishes are born in the heart, the dreams they inspire, and the lasting power they hold. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:03) "Theatre Wish" by Kevin Kling. A charming and humorous true story about how a local theater performance sparked Kevin Kling's dream of a life in the theater and inspired his passion for storytelling. (08:18) "Desiring Denim" by Sam Payne. Sam shares a nostalgic childhood story about wishing for the perfect denim trucker jacket, only to discover that life's greatest happiness comes from pursuing more meaningful wishes. (12:07) "One Wish" by...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about courage, integrity, and the challenges that come from earning and keeping your sense of honor. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:25) "Ka’ulu the Strong" by Willy Claflin. A powerful folktale about family, strength, and perseverance as an elder brother uses his incredible strength to travel to a distant island and rescue his brother. (11:47) "Test of Honor" by Sam Payne. Sam shares his insights on courage, honor, and learning to help ourselves in times of peril after revisiting the beloved childhood classic, "Prince Caspian" by C.S. Lewis. (14:33) "The Three Axes" by...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about being careful what you wish for, overcoming unexpected challenges, and finding hope and wisdom in difficult situations. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:46) "How Fire Came Into the World" by Mara Menzies. An African folktale about a man determined to bring fire to his village, only to discover that the gift he wished for carries unexpected dangers and powerful consequences. (18:04) "Kitten Commotion" by Sam Payne. Sam shares the heartwarming and humorous story of how he and his family learned valuable lessons about responsibility, patience, and unexpected surprises after making their wish...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about slowing down, embracing life's unexpected detours, and discovering the opportunities that come from taking a different path. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:15) "Tallulah Point" by Andy Offutt Irwin. A humorous story about Andy’s fictional but eccentric Aunt Margarite and the journey that reconnects her with a meaningful place from her childhood. (10:03) "Allowance for Meandering" by Sam Payne. Sam shares the heartfelt story of an unexpected moment of connection with his dad that led to a new favorite movie, a memorable school tardy slip, and a lasting lesson about taking ti...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about building confidence, finding courage, and discovering the power that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (02:05) "The Eagle Who Thought He was a Chicken" by Antonio Rocha. An inspirational story about a young eagle discovering its true potential and finding the courage to become who it was meant to be. (11:21) "Musical Mentors" by Sam Payne. Sam reflects on the inspiring music teachers and mentors who shaped his journey, sharing how their encouragement helped him believe in himself and grow into the musician and storyteller he...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the silly and unexpected adventures that often come with matters of the heart. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:21) "Martina the Butterfly" by Antonio Sacre. A charming Spanish fairy tale about a butterfly’s search for true love and the unexpected chaos that follows when she finds it. (07:55) "How to Pack" by Sam Payne. Sam shares a heartfelt family story about the marriage advice he received from his Aunt Annie and the unforgettable metaphor she used to explain the secrets of a lasting relationship. (11:08) "Rapunzel and the Seven Dwarfs" by Willy Cl...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about discovering hidden talents, learning through mistakes, and using gifts in an effective way. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:12) "My First Story" by Lyn Ford. A humorous childhood story about the moment Lyn discovered her natural talent for storytelling after getting in trouble. (09:02) "Mastering the Craft" by Sam Payne. Sam reflects on watching his daughter’s creativity and talent for crafting grow and flourish over the years. (11:58) "Getting Rid of the Babysitter" by Donald Davis. An amusing true story about the night a young Donald and his little brother used their gi...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about how combining wit and willingness can help you achieve the things you want most. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:02) "God and Time" by Mara Menzies. A fascinating creation folktale exploring how it was decided how long humans and animals would live on earth. (09:41) "Heaven's Help" by Sam Payne. Sam shares a heartfelt personal story about how a simple act of faith from his young son helped their family navigate a crowded situation and became an inspiring lesson about hope, trust, and divine help that they would remember for years to...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the joys and hardships of life and the ways both can shape our hearts for the better. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:51) "The Hour of the Doves" by Noa Baum. A touching and heartfelt story about the small but meaningful ways Noa’s grandmother helped her connect with their family’s religious traditions and heritage. (16:30) "An Influence of Faith" by Sam Payne. A story about the influence a community of Hassidic Jews had on his brother's faith journey. (19:40) "Lee Nailing's Orphan Train Story" by Pippa White. A sweet and moving rhym...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the joy, wisdom, and life lessons discovered in the most unexpected places. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:26) "Gold Coins" by Kim Weitkamp. A touching and insightful story about Kim’s experience discovering unexpected wisdom and human connection through conversations with customers in her yarn shop. (14:08) "Lunch with Strangers" by Sam Payne. Sam shares a heartfelt story about a friend’s experience getting to know strangers and finding meaningful connections in a new city. (16:50) "Ashen Peter" by Kevin Kling. A humorous folktale about a young man dismissed as a fool by his...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the inspiring, healing, and connecting power of nature. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:20) "World's Second Best Dad" by Antonio Sacre. A humorous and relatable story about Antonio’s unforgettable experience when taking his family on a whale watching expedition. (12:26) "Little Moment in the Big City" by Sam Payne. Sam shares a touching personal story about an unexpected emotional experience during his first visit to New York City. (15:50) "Yosemite Falls Trail" by Bil Lepp. A funny and adventurous hiking story about Bil’s climb up the famous Yosemite Falls Trail, where he e...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the powerful impact sports have on our lives. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:18) "Devil on Horseback" by Geraldine Buckley. A heartfelt and humorous story from Geraldine's childhood about the time she became a wrestling fan thanks to the influence of her great aunt. (09:40) "From Fan to Player" by Sam Payne. Sam shares a heartfelt story about receiving life-changing words of wisdom from his father through a powerful sports metaphor about stepping into the game instead of watching from the sidelines. (12:37) "The Golf Team" by Donald Davis. A funny and relatable...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about hospitality and its many forms. (00:16) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:12) "The Cow That Ate the Piper" by Bill Harley. A humorous and outlandish tale about a traveling piper who seeks shelter for the night in a barn, only to encounter unexpected chaos and comedy. (11:35) "A Surprising Safe Haven" by Sam Payne. Sam shares a memorable personal experience when he found something he desperately needed but the owner was nowhere to be found. (15:08) "How Great Grandma Gets Her Stories" by Lyn Ford. A warm and nostalgic story from Lyn's childhood about...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the people, memories, and life-changing moments that leave a lasting influence on our lives. (00:16) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:19) "Mrs. Ort" by Kim Weitkamp. A heartfelt story about Kim's third grade teacher and the lasting impact she had on Kim's life and personal growth. (15:11) "Friends and Influence" by Sam Payne. Sam reflects on a time he was asked to write down memories of an old friend, leading him to think deeply about the lasting influence that friend had on him. (18:43) "The Chinaberry Tree" by Simon Brooks. A moving story about...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about how the quest for food can turn into a hilarious battle of wits. (00:16) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:23) "Punia and Kaialeale" by Alton Takiyama-Chung. A Hawaiian folk story about a clever young man who must outsmart the powerful King of the Sharks to bring food home for his family. (11:54) "Chocolate Cookie Mischief" by Sam Payne. A funny childhood story about Sam getting caught raiding his Grandma’s snack cupboard. (15:04) "Anansi and The Liar's Contest" by Willy Claflin. A West African folktale featuring Anansi the spider as he and the other bu...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about how small actions can have big impacts on the world. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:27) "Bil and Skeeter Break the Ocean" by Bil Lepp. A story about a hilarious family vacation that gets Bil thinking about the impact he may have on the world. (17:18) "Deciding to Make a Difference" by Sam Payne. A story about a small decision that make a lasting impression on a whole town. (21:45) "Mice and the Moon" by Dovie Thomason. A story about how the actions of even the smallest of creatures make a difference. Stories...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about… (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:36) "Book Every Saturday for a Funeral" by Andy Offutt Irwim. A tall tale about Aunt Margarite, a southern belle who goes to visit her ill best friend. (21:32) "Blessed & Sacred" by Sam Payne. A story about experiencing loss and light together. (24:23) "The Light Went Away" by Andy Offutt Irwin. A song about how even in the dark, the light is not far away. Stories bring us together and the stories on The Apple Seed will spark memories that you can share with the people you love. Th...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about how actions lead to meaningful, and often fitting consequences. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:12) "Too Much Hair" by Donald Davis. A hilarious and relatable story about a young boy who secretly gives his little brother a haircut, only to face the consequences when things don’t go as planned. (12:43) "Snowball Bushes" by Sam Payne. A heartwarming story where Sam reflects on childhood haircuts from his father, revealing how simple moments can create lasting bonds. (16:26) "The Mighty Hero - Luanda Magere" by Mara Menzies. A Kenyan folktale about a legendary warrior wi...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about riddles, one of the oldest forms of entertainment. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:47) “The King and the Three Dolls” by Debs Newbold. A captivating tale of a riddle-loving queen challenged to discover the difference between three “identical” dolls. (14:18) “My Most Memorable Riddles” by Sam Payne. Sam shares unforgettable memories of his favorite riddles and the people who shared them. (17:12) “The Fly” by Alton Takiyama-Chung. A witty tale of a greedy moneylender outsmarted by a clever young boy from a family in debt. Stories bring us together and the stories on The Apple Seed w...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about how sometimes less is more and when you have more, maybe it's time to give. (00:00) Intro by host, Sam Payne. (01:21) "The Fisherman and His Wife" by Antonio Sacre. A German fairytale that has been told many times in many ways, and here is Antonio Sacre's version. (09:21) "The Mall Food Court" by Sam Payne. A story about a time when Sam enjoyed all the delights from his childhood at the mall food court, until he goes a little too far. (12:16) "The Peddler of Swaffham" by Geraldine Buckley. A classic English story...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about music tastes over generational gaps. (00:00) Intro by host, Sam Payne. (01:04) "Mom and the Radio" by Bill Harley. A story and a song about kids that don't enjoy their parents old school music tastes. (12:10) "Charlie Brown the Musicals" by Sam Payne. A story about three musical renditions of the Charlie Brown stories. One with all grown up actors. One with all teenage actors. And one with all child actors. (15:50) "The Talent Show" by Willy Claflin. A story about generational music gaps that is unlike any other. Stories bring us together and...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about neighbors and how they can be a great influence our lives and the lives of our children. (00:00) Intro by host, Sam Payne. (1:30) "Corporal Smith" by Donald Davis. A story about a time in elementary school, when Donald interviewed the neighborhood highway patrolman and got a little first hand experience about what the job is like. (14:29) "Back to the Neighborhood," by Sam Payne. A story about when him and his brother had a run in with the law and how later in life he did a bit more investigation on the...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about bridging the gap between different parts of ourselves and our lives. (0:00) Intro by host Sam Payne. (01:48) "How I Became a Bilingual Teacher" by Jasmin Cardenas. A story about when Jasmin was Story Bus Educator, meaning she drove around in what she calls a museum on wheels and visited elementary schools. At one particular school, she had an opportunity to connect to her roots and help a little boy named Elmer engage in the classroom. (09:39) "My Character Traits" by Sam Payne. A story about the introverted parts of Sam that he...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about finding unexpected adventures. (00:00) Intro by host Sam Payne (01:30) "Lessons from East Berlin" by Bil Lepp. Bil's story about visiting East Berlin on a high school exchange program and being cornered by a huge guard. (13:50) "My Trip to Japan" by Sam Payne. A story about a trip to Japan where good guides led Sam through unfamiliar circumstances. (16:54) "Tatton Hall" by Geraldine Buckley. Always wanting to find a secret passageway, Geraldine was thrilled when, as a young girl, she visited an neo-classical mansion with her class. Stories bring us together and the...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about rodents, and uncommonly heroic ones at that. These mice and this gerbil may have a lesson or two to teach you about the consequences of the choices we make. (00:00) Introduction by host, Sam Payne. (01:25) "Mice Make Peace" by Dovie Thomason. A story about the mice that live among Haudenosaunee. The mice live a peaceful life until the men secretly plan to go to war with their neighbors. (13:49) "Befriending the Cat Family" by Sam Payne. A heartwarming story about the thought and care Sam's family put in to take care of...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the rules the we both grow up with and the ones we learn that guide us through life. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:24) "Opossum and Snake" by Lyn Ford. A story about a sneaky snake trying to trick a gullible possum into ignoring what his parents had taught him. (13:34) "My Code of Life" by Sam Payne. A story about growing up with a code of conduct created by his mom and how certain circumstances can challenge those codes for better or worse. (16:38) "Nyamgondho" - Mara Menzies tells a story about...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers. Both of today's stories are based on classic tales such as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Jack and the Beanstalk. Our storytellers have taken their own spin and fractured these classic tales to give us something new. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:45) "So What and Drop Dead" by Willy Clafin. This is told by Maynard Moose, Willy's puppet friend. This fractured tale is about a time when Snow White and Rose Red have a run in with a nastified dwarfy bearded man. (10:55) "Careful With Your Words" by Sam Payne. A story...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the act of giving and the act of being given to in times of need. Those acts can be some of the best moments for reflection and growth. (0:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:32) "Canned Beets and Peas" by Bil Lepp. A heartfelt story about how Bil first learned who the poor were and how his donations to his local canned food drives were forever changed. (14:10) "The Cheneys" by Sam Payne. A story about a time when Sam was asked to sing at the funeral of his former English professor. And...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers. This weeks' stories features traditional and modern ballads, one of the world’s oldest storytelling forms, used for centuries to preserve epic events, big emotions, and pivotal moments in human history. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:26) "Barbara Allen" by Josh Goforth. A traditional ballad, "Barbara Allen," which is more than 300 years old and reflects the enduring storytelling culture of the Appalachian region. (10:29) "Building a Doorway to Story," by Sam Payne. A story about when Sam and his siblings helped his dad build a special bookshelf, that held a record player. And ho...

Today we bring you a special bonus episode featuring some of the National Youth Storytellers. (00:00) Sam's Intro (1:22) June Elyse Willingham tells a traditional folk tale, "Lazy Jack." (9:29) Tessa Taggart tells an original story based on one of her ancestors called "Tessa's Mostly True Story." (15:44) Ender Rasmussen shares an original folktale called "How Sparrow Earned Its Wings." (19:50) Annabelle Larson tells a spooky story, "The Camping Trip." (24:18) Ariana Watts tells an original folk tale, "The Red Dragon." If you want to learn more about the National Youth Storytelling program go to: nationalyouthstorytelling.org. Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about how catastrophizing everyday problems can turn simple disagreements into lasting conflicts and how self-awareness can be the solution. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:14) "Bastianello" by Donna Washington. A humorous story in which a newly married couple and their in-laws become consumed by a problem that hasn’t yet occurred. As conflict escalate, the story reveals how catastrophic thinking can complicate situations that might otherwise be easily resolved. (15:28) "Calls with Mom" by Sam Payne. A story about the conversations Sam's wife has with their daughter when she is paralyzed with worry, an...