The Apple Seed

No one likes a helping of humble pie, but these stories will help. you laugh you way through the humiliation. (1:08) "The Lion Prince" by Antonio Rocha tells a story about a little prospective lion king who needed to learn a thing or two about what it means to be in charge. (10:27) Sam Payne tells a story about his pride over a home repair that ended up backfiring in a most humble way. (14:50) "Am...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the potential every ambition has for flight, even when a gripe or two becomes part of the process. (2:31) "Baby Hawk Learns to Fly" - Bobby Norfolk tells the story of how Baby Hawk needs purpose, patience, confidence, and courage to help him grow up, but most of all, he needs a great big helping of "flappin' his wings." (14:06) Sam...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the little souls whose abilities should never be estimated by size. (1:00) "Nyangara the Python" - Charlotte Blake Alston tells a story about the courage that can be found for another's sake, even in a child. (11:54) Sam Payne shares some thoughts about the generational wisdom that's blessed his life; both from those who came befor...

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, the Apple Seed brings you two ancient myths from Central America. (1:05) "The Hungry Goddess and the Five Suns" by Carolina Quiroga. An Aztec myth that tells the cycles of creation the earth and sun went through while the gods tried to get it right. (14:34) Sam tells us about how families can create creation myths or beliefs and how his mother stitched her beliefs...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about close encounters with death that end in equal parts wisdom and laughter. (1:19) "The Old Woman Who Cheated Death" - Debs Newbold tells a story about a woman much less powerful than death, but three times as clever. (17:10) Sam Payne tells a memory of some tricky folks he knows. How do they get away with it? (21:30) "Three Preachers...

Gather your family to listen to stories about how lessons can come from all kinds of mentors, but ultimately, it's our choice to learn them. (1:02) "Lessons from Three Girls" - Kevin Kling shares memories of three little girls (and one little boy) that reminded him that mentors can come in all ages. (8:24) Sam Payne tells a story about Important Lessons he learned from his Auntie Annie. (12:45) "W...

Gather your family to listen to stories about how fear came to be, how it speaks to us, and how we can manage it. (1:05) "How Fear Came into the World" - Mara Menzies" (16:40) Sam Payne tells a story about how sometimes, fear can be your friend. (21:15) How the Ocelot Got its Spots" / "El Ocelate" - Jasmin Cardenas Stories bring us together, and the stories on The Apple Seed will spark memories th...

Gather your family to listen to stories about the learning how to be your own boss and make your own decisions. (1:05) "You're Not the Boss of Me" - Bill Harley tells the story of a skunk with the will to combat every demand except the one with a "please". (10:45) Sam Payne talks about one of the first times he needed to be in charge of his own decisions. (14:56) "The Chocolate Cake Girl" - Charlo...

Gather your family to listen to stories about the grandparents and grand friends that keep up laughing and learning with their bucketfuls of stories. (00:57) "Blackberries" - Donald Davis tells the story of blackberry-picking season at his grandparents' house and the time he learned that the truth is as important as blackberry pie is irresistable. (13:43) Sam Payne tells a story about a very speci...

Gather your family to listen to stories about the friends to be found around us when we care enough to listen. (1:00) "Anne Margaret and Me" - Kim Weitkamp tells the story about the enviable girl next door who is not as perfect as she seems. (20:26) Sam Payne tells a story about the importance of some of his very first friends. (24:40) "Rabbit and Dog" - Lyn Ford tells the story of two ill-suited...

Gather your family to listen to stories about the most impactful voice we will ever hear--our own. ( 00:45) "The Hare and the Farmyard" - Debs Newbold tells a story about how, big and strong as friends may be, one's greatest hero is often oneself. (7:14) Sam Payne talks about how there comes a time when we all need to grow up and be our own superhero. (10:57) "The Steel Cane" - Sheila Arnold tells...

Gather your family to listen to stories about how when little guys meet the bad guys, the little ones are sure to win with a little bit of selflessness and big dose of wit. (1:10) "The Tiger, the Man, and the Mouse" - Donna Washington tells a tale about a hasty Brahmin, a hungry tiger, and a mouse who understands that cleverness can be all about asking the right question. (10:48) Sam Payne tells a...

BONUS: Forged in the Stars by Jay O'Callahan

Gather your family to listen to stories about how kindness is powerful in every size. (1:00) "Aunt Esther Learns to Drive" - Donald Davis shares stories about parking meters, cellar stairs, and test drives, each connected by the laughter and kindness that helps us share in life's little mishaps. (15:45) Sam Payne remembers his father's kindness when he drove a stick shift for the first time. (20:0...

Gather your family to listen to stories about how, by weathering trials and time, resilient love puts us back together. (00:57) "Love is a Rodeo" - Kevin Kling tells a story about how the love worth waiting for won't just watch your best efforts, but will pull right along with you. (16:22) Sam Payne tells a story about the innovative way Sam's mom helped him to learn to read. (20:41) "The Cowtail...

Gather your family to listen to stories about how a handyman can come in all shapes and surprises. (1:04) "Braswell Cleans Tombstones" - Andy Offutt Irwin tells a story about his ambitious friend, Braswell, who, with his Pontiac and a pressure hose, lends a hand in more ways than one. (15:49) Sam Payne tells a story someone in the background showing up to help. (19:21) "The Dryer Story" - Bil Lepp...

Gather your family to listen to stories about how, no matter how wild the catastrophe, the story can always get sillier. (1:05) "Silly Jack" - Debs Newbold tells the story of an exasperated wife who is reminded that, silly as a loved one may be, there are sillier people yet to meet. (18:06) Sam Payne tells a story about his first appearance in a play, and of a conversation with his dad that taught...

Gather your family to listen to stories about enviable treats and the lengths some hungry youngsters will go to for them. (00:52) "Mrs. Lunchroom Lady" - Bill Harley tells a story of his elementary school cafeteria, where even pricier than friends and first servings are...the hot bread 'n butter sandwiches. (16:27) Sam Payne tells a story about memorable characters that helped at his elementary sc...

Gather your family to listen to a bonus feature of original stories told by members of National Youth Storytelling, and recorded live in the Apple Seed studios. (1:42) "Candy House Witch" - Claire Burnham tells an adaptation of "Hansel and Gretel" that sheds some light on a misunderstood perspective--the evil witch herself! (8:57) "Texas Tall Tale" - Rebekah Garcia combines personal experience wit...

Gather your family to listen to stories about a couple playful plots that both end in funerals...and a whole lot of fun. (00:58) "Raised on Hose Water" - Bil Lepp tells his rip-roaring tale about water bars, stolen goats, and a veritable mine of brewing mischief. (15:25) Sam Payne shares memories about his community park's drinking fountain. (19:25) "Anansi and the Pot" - Donna Washington shares a...

Gather your family to listen to stories about appreciating the tale behind every experience and the world behind every person. (1:07) "People I Meet" - Kim Weitkamp shares poignant recollections of asking for the stories that individuals everywhere are hoping to give. (11:11) Sam Payne tells a story about the connection his son made with elderly neighbors. (14:55) "Milo's Tune" - Bill Harley tells...

Gather your family to listen to stories about big and little acts of redemption. (1:03) "Elijah's Menorah" - Shonaleigh shares a tale about the beautiful promise of redemption--all in good time. (11:50) Sam Payne tells a story about one of his last visits to his grandmother's bedside, and a special something of hers he was asked to choose. (16:41) "Ixchel and the Dragonflies" - Carolina tells a fa...

(1:03) Memories of year-round kindness with the hosts of BYUradio's podcasts - Part 1, featuring stories of teacher appreciation, anonymous givers, and prayers near and far. (14:01) Memories of year-round kindness with the hosts of BYUradio's podcasts - Part 2, featuring stories of shoveled driveways, community teamwork, and a Tim Tam slam. (31:38) Sam sings his original Christmas song "Stars," ab...

Gather your family to listen to stories about gift-giving and adventure that will carry listeners into the holiday season. (1:06) "The Gift of the Magi" - Ed Stivender tells a classic O. Henry tale of Christmas gifts bought with sacrifice and love, and a great deal of wisdom. (14:27) Sam Payne tells a story about his grandfather and his gift of a piano that kept on giving. (19:34) "Uncle Ephraim a...

(00:00) Trailer for our new Christmas Jars podcast. Gather your family to listen to stories about tall tales that are truly unbelievable. (2:44) "Courthouse Tall Tales" - Tim Lowry shares about the propensity for tall-tale-telling in one small town community, including three nonsensical tales about a talking mule, a singing catfish, and a prayerful bear. (11:19) Sam Payne tells a story about the p...