Good Stories Podcast

We talk with podcaster and author L.B. Graham about a few of the stories that have shaped his life and imagination. We discuss his work as a hospital chaplain, the mission of his podcast, the experience of world-building in writing fantasy, and the enduring value of great stories, including a quick tour through a few of the best, with Descent into Hell, The Martian Chronicles, and Idylls of the King.

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The Táin Bó Cúailnge is a journey into the fierce, strange, and unforgettable world of ancient Ireland. What begins as pillow talk between a husband and wife sparks a kingdom-wide conflict over a prized bull. Armies march, heroes clash, and the legendary deeds of Cú Chulainn take center stage. Ancient Ireland comes alive in one of the oldest, strangest, and wildest epics in European storytelling.

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It all starts with a treasure map. Let's set sail with Treasure Island - where there's pirates and mutineers and maroons and adventures to be had!

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Born on the edge of the American frontier, Crockett grew up hunting, working, and surviving in a rugged, rapidly expanding nation. With little formal education, he still rose to prominence in Congress, through grit, storytelling, and powerful reputation.

We trace his journey from backwoods hunter to congressman, where he clashed with then current political policies, standing on principle even when it cost him politically.

Finally, we follow him to Texas and the fateful stand at the Battle of the Alamo.

We enter the sinister world of Macbeth - a tragedy of ambition, prophecy, guilt, and conscience. With one of the greatest lady villains of all time, this play shows the terrible cost of taking fate into your own hands, whatever it takes. While this one is dark it also does a masterful job of displaying the contrast of the light.

A boy named Eustace Clarence Scrubb (yes, really!) gets dragged into a world he doesn’t believe in....and it doesn’t go well at first. Alongside his cousins, Lucy and Edmund, as well as the valiant Reepicheep, and King Caspian of Narnia, the Dawn Treader sails east into unknown waters, looking for lost friends and perhaps, the very end of the world.

And no one is the same by the end of the voyage.

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In the wonderful book, The Giver by Lois Lowry, a young male named Jonas is Eleven, about to become a Twelve. And all seems well. There's structure, there's system, and he knows the rules. But when he's chosen to be the Receiver of Memory, he learns the wonder and the cost of things that extend beyond the safety of his upbringing.

This is a powerful story about what it means to remember, to feel, and to truly live.

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A strange and charming fairy tale about a giant who keeps his heart hidden outside his body.

This tale has all the classic fairytale elements along with the bigger question of why would someone even want to keep their heart elsewhere?

What makes a man “great”—his victories or his character?

In this episode, we step into Plutarch’s account of Alexander the Great. And not just the conqueror of the known world at the time, but the complex, driven, and often contradictory actions of the man himself. From taming the wild horse Bucephalus as a boy to win after win after win in conquering tribes and nations, Alexander’s life is a story of brilliance and ambition.

Plutarch isn’t just reciting history but describing the character of the man. And in Alexander, there's a lot to disco...

Yes, it's a book! AND one of the best movies of all time.

If you're familiar with the 1987 movie, the book has everything you love about the film but add in back story for several of the characters, including both the Spanish swordsman Inigo and the rhyming giant, Fezzik.

This one has something for everyone with true love, adventure, sword play, intrigue, pirates, revenge, a wedding, and even some tongue in cheek sarcasm provided by William Goldman who abridged the original story, among other things.

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Unexpected and wonderful characters with immense impact on the lives of those around them. We're happy to be celebrating Tolkien Reading Day, discussing some of the best unlikely heroes in the work of JRR Tolkien. If you're already a Tolkien fan or want to learn more about why so many people love the works of Tolkien so deeply, join us!

In this episode, we trace the extraordinary true story of St. Patrick — from Roman Britain to slavery in Ireland, from lonely shepherd to bold missionary bishop. Captured at sixteen, Patrick spent six years tending sheep, where his hardship became the backdrop for deep faith in a loving God. Years later and after a miraculous escape, he could have stayed safely at home.

He didn’t.

Instead, he returned to the very people who enslaved him and not with revenge, but with the Gospel.

This is the story of the man who became the Apos...

This one's for the parents out there, trying to their best to raise good kids.

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle lives in an upside-down house, smells faintly of sugar cookies, and has an earnest love of children. When parents are at their wits’ end, she offers up creative (and often hilarious) cures for kid problems like "I thought you said"ers or "won't go to bed" or "won't take a bath."

This warm and sweet children's classic by Betty MacDonald reminds us that kids grow best with a whole lot of love, some natural consequences, and a good se...

Continuing the stories of the Norse gods and mythology from the Younger Edda by Snorri Sturluson. In this episode, we meet Bragi — the Mead-Tongued Bard, the word-smith of Valhalla, the keeper of the poetry-mead’s flame.

Here we learn the story behind the kennings — why gold is “Ægir’s fire,” why the sea is the “whale-road,” why poetry itself is “Odin’s stolen mead.” This is more than a list of clever nicknames.

The Skáldskaparmál tells the stories behind the kennings of the gods and the earth and everything in it.

Step into the world of the Norse gods as we explore the Younger Edda by Snorri Sturluson. Written between 1200 and 1300 AD, these stories trace the mythic beginnings of creation—from the Frost Giants to the world shaped from Ymir’s body. Meet Odin, Frigg, Thor, and Loki, and uncover the origins of Norse beliefs, legendary tales, and the prophecies of their ultimate fate at Ragnarok.

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Visual Storytelling — In this episode of Good Stories Podcast, we sit down with Gary Hopf, co-founder of Tigatu, to explore modern storytelling through video, photography, and branded clothing.

Gary’s work spans extreme sports, elite athletes, and visual storytelling, capturing moments beyond words—things like grit, athleticism, laughter, and the love of family. This episode demonstrates how modern digital storytelling continues the tradition of why stories matter -- stories that shape us, inspire us, and change us.

You can find Tigatu's videography on Facebook, Instagram and on their website www.tigatu.com. Check them out!

In this episode, we jump into the bizarre yet insightful thinking of G.K. Chesterton with The Napoleon of Notting Hill. This one is sharp, funny, and even prophetic as it was published in 1904 but tells the story of 1984 London. Chesterton turns a local London neighborhood into a stage for heraldry, courage, and a clash between modernity and old ideals.

A village with traditions, a Master Cook who makes a great cake, and the gift of Faery

This story watches decades go by in a small town that appreciates good food and traditions. And then on a day of days, one boy unwittingly receives a great gift - a fay star.

This is the last complete written story from the brilliant JRR Tolkien, and goes a long way in describing the indescribable.

An old tale centered around King Arthur and Camelot in its prime. Chivalry, chastity, honor, purity, courage, magic - this one has it all.

This episode is the original adventure to the Neverland—a place where make believe becomes real. And while everyone else eventually grows up, Peter Pan never does. This book was a delightful surprise as it's like the Peter Pan you've probably seen or heard about before but with so much more that adds so much to the story.

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Continuing from last week -- the group splits apart -- and so does the story. The second half of the Eye of the World deepens our sense of wonder and adventure as new dangers arise and legends walk. Amazing worldbuilding continues -- and the Wheel continues to turn.

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This week we begin the amazing epic tale of The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan -- The Eye of the World. The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills… and this is just the beginning.

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This week we welcome the New Year with stories of endings and beginnings -- with Robert Burns’ familiar song Auld Lang Syne and Tolkien’s creation story, the Ainulindalë.

Join us as we talk through music, memories, and the hope woven into new beginnings.

A Christmas time episode filled with James Herriot’s Christmas Day stories, along with some favorite traditions. And the announcement of our giveaway winner!

Merry Christmas!

In this episode, we explore the wonderful story of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol—a timeless tale that shows how Christmas can soften heart the hardest of hearts and wake us up to things that truly matter. A classic so good, it bears repeating year after year. Merry Christmas!

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Today’s episode is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. A bunch of troubled kids, a messy church pageant, and a beautiful reminder of what Christmas can mean to each of us personally.

Merry Christmas!

Today’s story is Phantastes by George MacDonald—a wonderful tale of a young man’s journey through Fairyland. This one touches the heart with its mix of sorrow and joy, and it’s full of moments you can feel in your bones.

https://www.pintswithjack.com/reading-day/year-3/

In this special episode, we celebrate C. S. Lewis Reading Day 2025 by looking at Lewis' family and close relationships. He had a profound bond with his brother Warnie, showed love and loyalty to his friends throughout his life, and a wonderful love story later in his life, when he married Joy Davidman,

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

In this episode, we explore Michael Crichton’s Timeline—a fast, clever blend of historical detail, quantum theory, and medieval adventure. We walk through it as modern day turns into 14-century France. It's a great story for anyone who loves history mixed with action-adventure. Join us for a glimpse of one of Crichton’s most imaginative works.

We meet young Horatio Hornblower as he begins his career in the Royal Navy as a midshipman. The entire Hornblower series offers a masterful depiction of life at sea during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars and this is just the start of Hornblower's naval career.

These stories are rich with examples of leadership, learning, and growth under pressure—and as a bonus, Stephen closes out the episode boldly with the old sailor's song Heart of Oak.

Roverandom is an endearing adventure story — created by JRR Tolkien to comfort his young son who lost his toy dog on a seaside holiday. Out of that small heartbreak came a fun and exciting tale of a little puppy who gets mixed up in the affairs of wizards and ends up adventuring on the moon and down to the bottom of the sea. It's a sweet adventure everyone can love.

Trace the winding road of The Pilgrim’s Regress—C.S. Lewis’s first major work after his conversion to Christianity. Written in 1933, it’s a challenging book, rich with philosophy, symbols, and reflections on the modern search for meaning and satisfaction in your soul. And a reflection of Lewis' own internal journey.

Strangely, the best part may be the Afterword - where we learn a bit of how Lewis' tone and style warmed and changed over time. And his careful dedication to charitable reading.

A challenging book with wonderful nuggets of thought and wisdom to find...

Wrapping up our Halloween series with a Monster MASHup (Yes, a nod to the song.) This episode dives into the backstories of some of the most famous monsters - like Frankenstein, Dracula, Jekyll and Hyde, the Headless Horseman and back even further to monsters like Medusa and the Norse wolf Fenrir along with Shelob and Ungoliant. They're not just creatures of the night, but characters born from imagination and myth and revealing something true about humanity's flaws.

Join us as we walk through some Halloween Tales to celebrate this season of mystery and imagination. In this Halloween special, we tell three seasonal stories that have shaped the spirit of October itself:

The Masque of the Red Death — Edgar Allan Poe’s chilling allegory of fate and folly, where no locked door can keep out the inevitable.

The Halloween Tree — Ray Bradbury’s glowing tribute to friendship, time, and the origins of Halloween across the ages.

The Raven — Poe’s famous poem of loss and longing, echoing through the midnight dark.

Each st...

Ten guests. One island.

Agatha Christie’s most famous mystery unfolds in chilling perfection. Join us as we talk through the best selling mystery ever written — And Then There Were None.

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This week’s story takes us into the world of The Wind in the Willows—where the seasons keep shifting, and both new and old friends are never far away. Through it all, the river moves steadily on, carrying its stories down to the sea. It’s a tale full of charm, touched with the longing that comes with growing up, and the search for home, comfort, and peace. At its heart, it’s about finding joy in friendship and contentment in the place where you are.

Join us today for The Light Princess—a beautiful fairy tale by the great George MacDonald. It's playful and sweet, combing creativity and wit and profound truths with a charming story that's accessible to everyone.

This is a richly layered novel that moves between past and present and across generations. It's a mysterious blend of secrets, family history, and beautifully drawn characters, Join us as we talk through a story of memory, and mystery, and a deep love of family.

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Merlin—the wizard, prophet and so much more! In this sampler, we talk about some of his most memorable tales: from wild beginnings to wise counsellor. He was part of court intrigue and legendary adventure, culminating with the reign of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. It’s a taste of the many sides of Merlin; a man who continues to fascinate across centuries of story.

We're joined by singer-songwriter and “literary musician” Matt Wheeler for a great conversation that ties together stories and music and faith. Matt shares why The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis has been such a meaningful book to him personally, and how his songs reflect a great love for literature and the truth that can be found in stories.

We’ll also get to hear some of Matt’s personal story—including how he became a musician and some of the artists and authors who inspire him.

To close, Matt treats us to a live aco...