Once There Was a Podcast

It’s back-to-school week, part 2!  This week, we have released two episodes featuring educator storytellers as they begin another year, helping our students grow. Our second set of guests includes a high school teacher, a college biology professor, and a science consultant for the local Area Education Agency.  Welcome to Sierra Bullerman, Dr. Paul Skrade, and Jason Martin-Hiner!  Join us as we dis...

It’s back-to-school week!  This week, we will be releasing two episodes featuring educator storytellers as they begin another year, helping our students grow.  Our first set of guests is a couple of good friends and fellow teachers in the state of Iowa, Kari Straube and Nicole Lenius!  Join us as we discuss how we build the next generation of storytellers, how we help students become vulnerable an...

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. A few weeks ago, I had a very minor inconvenience that I mentioned to a few friends.  One of them so kindly pointed out that it sounded like a storytime episode.  I then did what every good author does...

Our next guest is the Minneapolis-based Improv group, The Bearded Company!  Join us as we discuss what improv is, taking over the library to put the group together, creating genre shows, and sharing joy.  If you’re looking for a great night of improvisational storytelling and you’re going to be in the greater Twin Cities area, see if The Bearded Company is performing!       Storytime: 4 Pigs in a...

I just wanted to pop in and give some quick announcements in regards to the remaining season and ways you can help! We’re about ⅔ of the way through the season.  If all goes to plan, season 2 will end in early October.  Don’t worry, we still have a lot of stories yet to tell.  In the off-season, we’ll be back on an irregular schedule, highlighting episodes around the holidays.  With that being sai...

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 are headed back to one of my favorite sources for stories.  It’s back to the family cabin in Wisconsin. Today, I share a memory that I get to relive year after year after year because… well, the ti...

Our next guest is the founder of Iowa’s first black-owned comic book publisher, Sensi’il Studios, Basi Affia!  Join us as we discuss growing up telling stories, discovering sci-fi, writing what you know, and representation in comics.  If you love comics, sci-fi, or want to support a veteran-owned company, check out Sensi’il Studios!       Storytime: Blessed and Highly Favored    Special Thanks to:...

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 our first-ever listener-submitted stories.  These two follow a similar theme to last week’s episode: people helping people.  The first story is from Nolan Bakke and is about his organization,...

Content Warning: While I strongly encourage you to listen to this episode, we discuss miscarriage and infant loss, which can be tough topics for many people.  Take your time and pause the episode as needed.  If you have had a miscarriage and are still struggling with the trauma, please reach out to the Friends of Ollie or a support group near you.    Our next guests are the co-founders and adminis...

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’m joined by a special guest, Jayla Cowley!  Jayla was one of my senior speech students this past year, an All-Stater, and the first ever performer of the piece called “We Had Chemistry!”  This week,...

Our next guest is the Twin Cities-based stand-up comedian, MJ Matheson!  Join us as we discuss his multiple hero’s journeys, finding theater because of good teachers, his love of improvisation and stand-up, and the joy of just being on stage and doing what you love.  You’re sure to be inspired (and have a few laughs along the way) by MJ’s incredible story.       Storytime: The Lucky Zippo   Specia...

Welcome to this week’s StoryVIEW Episode.  That’s right!  It’s storytime AND an interview!  Even better yet, as a special Father’s Day-themed episode, I’m joined by Isaiah Stansbery and Shawn Peterson for the pilot episode of the Once There Was a Podcast spinoff, 3 Dads and a Podcast! All three of us are dads in three differing fatherhood situations.  Join us as we ask and discuss what fatherhood...

Our next guest is the Co-founder of Alive and Running Iowa, Ryan Nesbit!  Join us as we discuss how suicide can affect a small town, the importance of suicide prevention and mental health, and what we can do about it.  Plus, we talk about the organization’s upcoming 5K and how your participation can support Alive and Running Iowa and their work across the state.     Storytime: The Community of Cro...

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. This past week, I was blindsided by a small relic that triggered so many memories.  Those memories became the basis for this week’s storytime.  Where and how we are brought up lays the foundation for w...

Our next guest is the founder of the Learning Lab, Trevor Ragan!  Join us as we discuss how he went from trying out for Duke basketball to making sushi to helping people become better learners.  Even more important than all of that, we discuss the role that storytelling has in that process.  Join us as we have the most comprehensive discussion about the power of storytelling that Once There Was a...

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’m joined by a special guest, Malachi Rothlisberger!  Malachi was one of my senior speech students this year and was a 3-time individual All-Stater (the highest honor you can receive in the IHSSA) dur...

Our next guest is the performer/influencer/roleplayer, Betty Kay Merkle!  Join us as we discuss her love of theater and performing, vocal coaching, the joys of playing roleplaying games and using them to tell stories, as well as playing those games for performance on the internet.  No matter what the role, she follows the philosophy of creating more than you consume.    Storytime: PAX, Rats, and S...

Welcome to our first Storytime Episode of Season 2.  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, and we’re taking time to share stories of those teachers who have inspired us the most!     Special Thanks to: Mr. Young Mrs. Rau Teachers Everywhere!  Alex (my...

Our first guest of Season 2 is WHO TV13 Sports Director, Keith Murphy!  Join us as we discuss his path from athlete to sports reporter, covering the Gainesville Ripper, making the move to the great state of Iowa, and what makes a great sports story.   Storytime: The Gate Crashing El Camino *After recording, Keith corrected himself and let me know the El Camino shirts were a gift for his father’s 8...

Welcome to Once There Was a Podcast!  It’s almost time for Season 2!  Episode 1 will be released on April 28th! We have some exciting guests this season who are looking to share their stories with you.  We’re also looking to hear some of your stories!   Check the Storytime Submission Link below to find out more information!  Otherwise, check us out on Instagram and Facebook for more information!  ...

Welcome to a Bonus Storytime episode!  It’s the start of the longest, short month of the year.  The days are finally getting longer.  We’ve all gone a little stir-crazy from being inside and not getting enough sunlight.  In the school systems, we have someone who can help with that: the school counselor.  This week is National School Counselor’s Week!  We dedicate this episode to those unsung hero...

Welcome to a Bonus Storytime episode!  ‘Twas the day before Christmas and you’ve come for a tale.  Sit right there because here’s one I will regale.  This week we have one of my favorite memories from Christmas past.  This story includes food, family, neighbors, and a “friendly” game of hearts.     Special Thanks to: Alex (my sound guru) My Wife and Daughter  You   Instagram:  oncetherewasapod Fac...

Welcome to a Bonus Storytime episode!  It’s the busiest travel day of the year and you’ve come to the right place!  Here at Once There Was a Podcast, we have the perfect audio media for your plane, train, or automobile ride as you cross the country.  In honor of the holiday, we even have a holiday bonus episode to start up your holiday spirit!  Enjoy your Thanksgiving!  We’re thankful for all of y...

Back in June when I was interviewing Shawn Peterson, he suggested I do a talkback episode at some point where we flip the script and someone else interviews me about the podcast.  Well, here it is.  Please welcome back guests and friends of the podcast, Shawn Peterson and Isaiah Stansbery.  In this special episode, they pick my brain about what I learned and discovered recording the first season o...

Welcome to a Bonus Storytime episode!  Today 11th day of the 11th month.  Here in the U.S., we observe Veteran’s Day.  Today is a special day of gratitude and thankfulness.  Find a veteran today and thank them for their service.     Special Thanks to: All of our Veteran’s My Father My Uncles My Granpa My former students Isaiah Stansbery Alex (my sound guru) My Wife and Daughter (CJ herself)  You  ...