Once There Was a Podcast

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...

We officially wrap up season 2 this week with the recap episode.  Two-thirds of the "Three Dads" are back.  Unfortunately, the recording schedule didn’t work with Isaiah, and he had to miss out this time. (We’re sorry!!!!!) Join Shawn and I as we sit down to discuss the joy of season 2, statistics, and finding guests.     Once again, thank you to all of our guests and our listeners!  This podcast...

Happy Veterans Day to all who have served!  Today, we honor those who have chosen to dedicate a portion of their lives to serving their country.  Today I have a very special guest, Jerry Wadian.  Jerry is a Vietnam veteran and a journalist.  On today’s bonus episode, we discuss his time in the service as well as the important work he does helping other veterans share their stories.     As the son,...

S2Ep24: Epilogue-Dangerous Stories We wrap up season 2 this week with the Epilogue, Dangerous Stories.  This week, I reflect on the power of stories and the dangers of using them as weapons.     As this season comes to a close, there are so many people to thank for a wonderful season 2.  A big thank you to all of our guests: Keith Murphy, Betty Kay Merkle, Trevor Ragan, Ryan Nesbit, Isaiah Stansbe...

It’s time for a BONUS storytime episode!  For this very special episode, you’ll hear all of the different iterations of the Once There Was a Podcast theme song before we finally settled on something usable.  There are various styles of music, there are unique sounds, and yes, you guessed it, TRAINS!  Near the end of the episode, you can find the infamous Train Cut.  I hear the people want it.  The...

All aboard this crazy train for an interview that really goes off the rails! Our next guests are the creators and composers of the new Once There Was a Podcast theme song, which debuted this season: Helena and Weston Fantz!  Join us as we discuss family bands, trains, composing music, trains, telling stories through sound, and trains! If you want to hear more of their work, check out their family...

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, along with the stories behind them. With the evolution of AI, those tools have found their way into nearly everything.  You can find AI tools on your phone, in schools, and they’re making their way into the world of the arts.  This week,...

Our next guest is the man behind the camera and the creator of the Iowa Road Trip social media accounts, Brian Abeling!  Join us as we discuss the origin of the Iowa Road Trip Facebook page, photographing the unique people, places, and things around Iowa, and helping change perceptions about the state.  If you’re looking to see the state of Iowa through a new lens (pun fully intended), then you ne...

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, along with the stories behind them.  I don’t have much more to say beyond what’s said in the episode, other than listen responsibly and be kind.  988, AFSP, and others are there to help.     This episode is dedicated to my Uncle Rod.   ...

It’s National Suicide Prevention Month, and our next guests are representatives from the Iowa Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Amara Huffine and Andrea Vignovich!  Join us as we discuss the role of ASFP in Iowa, organizing community and campus walks to raise awareness, suicide prevention trainings, and remembering that hope prevails. If you’re looking for an organization...

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, along with the stories behind them. It’s that time of year again when schools across the country are starting up their fall semesters.  This time of year brings all sorts of emotions for students and teachers alike.  Excitement, anxiety,...