Once There Was a Podcast

Welcome to the last regularly released episode of not only season 3 but of Once There Was a Podcast.  In a bittersweet announcement, it’s time to let you know that Once There Was a Podcast is coming to an end.  We’ve had three amazing seasons, and I’ve loved nearly everything about it, but I now need to use that time for other things in my life.  So this week, I reflect, reminisce, and extend grat...

Welcome to this week’s Storytime episode!  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter Storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories and the story behind them. This week, we feature two listener-submitted stories! Our first story comes from Korbin Yauk and is a tale of self-reflection.  How does one develop and grow from a young man in Northeast Iowa to finding themselv...

Our next guest is Caryn Stewart!.  She’s a singer-songwriter who pulls from a deep well of personal experiences to perform songs of all kinds. She’s survived a plane crash and cancer.  Now she’s working hard to write and perform her own music, including one of her most recent releases, “Quarter Life Crisis,” which you can hear at the end of the episode.   Join us as we talk about learning to play...

Welcome to this week’s Storytime Episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories and the story behind them. This week, we have a listener-submitted story. This week’s story comes from Leah Butikofer.  She recently became a mother this past year.  She shares the trials, tribulations, and all the associated emotions and...

Our next guest is Tehya Tournier.  She’s the founder of Let’s Start Talking Iowa.  Let’s Start is an organization that promotes conversations around mental health and suicide prevention across the state of Iowa.  Tehya’s work helps organize speakers, raises money, and supports students across the state by providing scholarships. I hope you can find a way to support Tehya and her work this upcoming...

Welcome to this week’s Storytime Episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories and the story behind them. This week, we have a listener-submitted story. This week’s story comes from Johnny and Adelle.  These two tell their story of what it was like to go through nine months of their lives separately while Johnny was...

Our next guest is Chris Rodriguez.  He’s one of the Co-Founders of Very Good Improv.  VGI is dedicated to performing and teaching improvisation in the greater Twin Cities area.  They teach improv to more than just entertainers because it has something for everyone.  Also, they’ve got big things in the works for the future of the Twin Cities Improv Scene.  Join us as we talk about the joy of teachi...

We’re back after the hiatus! Welcome to this week’s Storytime Episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter Storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories and the story behind them. This week, I'll tell you about what I did on my summer vacation.  It’s also one of the main reasons why we went on a short mid-season hiatus! This summer was certainly one to remember...

Once There Was a Podcast is going on a mid-season hiatus!  But don't worry, we'll be back soon.  We love our listeners and want to make sure we're providing the best for your listening pleasure!  Be patient, and we'll be back with more great stories to share!   Special Thanks to: YOU!  Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter You   I...

Welcome to this week’s Storytime Episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories and the story behind them. This week, we have a listener-submitted story. This week’s story comes from improviser, dungeon master, and dancer, Allen Voigt! He shares the lessons he’s learned in improv that seem to cross all contexts, even...

Our next guest is Kelli Stoermer.  She’s a brand-new children’s book author and just published her first book, Grandma’s Traveling Wig.  Join us as we discuss her process, telling the stories of people we miss, getting a book published, and what’s going to happen next.     Storytime: Grandma’s Purse Pickle   Special Thanks to: Kelli Stoermer Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the ban...

Welcome to this week’s Storytime episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter, storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories and the story behind them. This week is part two in a series highlighting this year’s graduating group of speech students.  These are the storytellers of the future who will use their voice and their communication skills to move mountains...

Our next guest is Maia Allison.  She works at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium as the Curator of Marine Life and Animal Ambassadors.  Join us as we discuss finding marine biology through friends and family, moving around the states, the importance of museums and aquariums as rehabilitation sites, and telling the story of the ripple effect.     Storytime: The Origins of the Museum...

Welcome to this week’s Storytime episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter, storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories and the story behind them. This week is part one in a series highlighting this year’s graduating group of speech students.  These are the storytellers of the future who will use their voice and their communication skills to move mountains...

Our next guest is the Iowa Gallivant, JayJay Goodvin.  He’s combined a love of food, the food industry, and wanderlust into a living.  While he’s published a blog and a book, you probably know him most from his social media pages promoting travel, restaurants, and every corner of Iowa.  His story is one of history, exploration, and pride in a region he loves.    Storytime: The Splendor of Travel  ...

Welcome to this week’s Storytime episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter, storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories and the story behind them. This week is all about one of my favorite activities: running.  It’s my favorite way to de-stress, to get away, and to keep my body strong.  But why?  Where did it all begin?  That’s a simple question.  It’s all...

Our next guest is Becky Vandermark.  She’s a veteran, a former educator, a law enforcement officer, but most importantly today, she’s the owner of Trigger Warning Book Bus.  Trigger Warning is a mobile romance and romantasy book store.  Join us as we discuss finding a love of reading, developing ways to fill your cup, the importance of romance novels, and some book recommendations with varying lev...

Welcome to this week's Storytime episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter, storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories and the story behind them. We are quickly approaching the unofficial start of summer: Memorial Day.  It’s a day set aside for grilling, days on the water, but, most importantly, it’s a day of remembrance.  All across the country, Memorial...

Our next guest is Caleb Bonyun.  He’s part of the physics department at MIT, but you can find him on social media under the handle of physicsisfun_official.  Join us as we discuss finding a love for physics, wanting to help people find that love, the importance of science communication, and juggling an online presence.     Storytime: Never say never   Special Thanks to: Caleb Bonyun Alex (my sound...

Welcome to our first Storytime Episode of Season 3.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter, storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories and the story behind them. This week is Teacher Appreciation Week.  I take time to tell the story of my middle school band director, Mrs. Miller, and take a little extra time to thank all of the fine arts teachers I’ve had in my...

Our first guest of Season 3 is Mike Draper, the founder of the RAYGUN Shirts, aka the self-proclaimed “Greatest Store in the Universe.” Join us as we discuss the origins of the RAYGUN brand, the store's uniqueness, comedy, leadership, and giving back to your community.       Storytime: The Power of Pre-Shrunk Cotton   Special Thanks to: Mike Draper Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of...

Season 3 is coming soon! Assuming no major problems between now and then, you can expect the first episode of Season 3 to drop on April 27th! Be on the lookout for future episodes such as: There was the Greatest ______ in the Universe There was a ____ Influencer There was a Trigger Warning ____  ____ There was an Iowa ____  And MORE! (You didn't expect us to give everything away, did you?)   Speci...

The final bonus episode of Season 2 is here, and it’s a storyview episode! Today, we talk with Levi Danker and Kole Larson from the bands “Evergreen” and “Volition.”  We discuss their chosen style of music, how they write their songs, and where they got their start.  Plus, stick around at the end for a sample of their music.  If you’ve never been a fan of punk rock, perhaps we’ve found your entry...

Gather around, listeners! It’s time for another storytime episode!  It’s a bonus storytime in honor of the holidays.  We all have our favorite seasonal traditions.  Mine involves a little poem by Clement C. Moore.      We hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.  May your time be spent enjoying company and swapping stories!     Special Thanks to: Clement C. Moore Alex (my sound gu...

Gather around, listeners! It’s time for another storytime episode!  It’s a bonus storytime in honor of the holidays.  Listen, I know it’s not everybody’s favorite holiday, but I’m getting real tired of everyone skipping over Thanksgiving for the sake of Christmas! In this episode, I let my grump and my grinch out and really… You know what? Just give it a listen.     If you’re traveling for Thanksg...