The Apple Seed

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 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...

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....

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) “Th...

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 t...

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 mus...

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 yea...

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) "Gat...

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 storyte...

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 h...

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...

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 meaningfu...

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 wh...

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....

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...

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 p...

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...

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 wit...

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...

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...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about hospitality and its many forms. (00:00) 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 me...

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. (00:00) 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. Sa...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about how the quest for food can turn into a hilarious battle of wits. (00:00) 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 Sa...

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 d...

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about finding light even in the darkest of places. (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....