Tales for Life

Success doesn't have to be huge, and it doesn't have to be all at once. In fact, it will never be all at once. And those little successes? Well, those are the steps we have to take to get to the end goal, which really isn't a giant success at all, but a series of little successes on the way. With the help of a couple of fables -- one African and one from Aesop -- this episode takes a look at what...

Have you ever been bothered by the fact that someone has more than you do? Yeah, me too. But we shouldn't be. Even if that person gained some or all of what they have from our efforts, giving in to envy is a self-destructive path to go down. With the help of an old tale from India, this episode takes a look at why envy eats those who have it. Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp...

Each one of us has been given some form of talent—but the real question is, are we putting it to use? It doesn’t matter if it feels small or insignificant, or even if you think you’ve got less than others. What matters is that you use what you’ve been given. Not later. Not when it feels perfect. Now. In fact, not only is it important—you’re called to. In this episode, we turn to one of the oldest...

What can an old German fairy tale teach us about reaching our goals? Turns out—quite a bit. In this episode, we dive into The Poor Miller’s Boy and the Cat , a charming yet profound story about perseverance, trust, and unexpected rewards. It follows a young apprentice who sets off on a journey, not armed with wealth or talent, but with patience, kindness, and a willingness to stick with the proces...

If you’ve ever stressed about making everyone around you happy, this episode is for you! Trying to Please Everyone Makes Everyone Unhappy – Including You takes a look at why chasing approval never really works—and how it can leave you feeling worse instead of better. With a lighthearted story featuring Nasreddin Hodja, we’ll explore why it’s so tough to please everyone and what to do instead. Musi...

Learning isn’t just something we do in school—it’s a lifelong adventure. But sometimes, as adults, we forget that the learning never really stops. Whether it’s moving handling our finances, navigating relationships, or leveling up in our careers, staying curious is key to moving forward. In this episode, we dive into a classic English tale that shows us why embracing learning makes all the differe...

In life, the only people who never look silly dancing are the ones who don't dance...and they look even worse for not dancing. The same goes for life. You're not always going to hit the bullseye or succeed every time you try something, but that's okay, because if you never try, you'll never succeed. So enjoy the journey. This fun tale from Japan reminds us to do just that. So tune in and come alon...

Have you ever thought you couldn't move forward in life because you didn't have a fancy degree, enough degrees, or were educated in the right place? Does it feel sometimes like that person with all the answers will get the best of you every time? Guess what? Neither one matters! Come along with us for a tale from old India with a message for ancient and modern times alike that reminds us a head fu...

In this entertaining episode, we delve into the timeless tale "The Husband Who Was to Mind the House," a humorous and wise story from Norway that shines a light on the importance of finding and embracing our true calling in life. Discover how this charming story illustrates that everyone has a unique role and place in the world, and how fully committing to our purpose can bring fulfillment to our...

We've all heard of The Golden Rule, but we live our lives as if we don't really believe it. We do so at our own peril. Because it's not that what we do may come back to haunt us, it will. This episode's big dose of folk-sense comes to us with the help of a short tale from the Philippines. Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

While reaching our goals can be as much about "slow and steady" as it is about moving in leaps and bounds, the real key to getting from where you are to where you want to be is to just...not...stop. Tune in to this episode for two quick stories, one from Greece and one from Norway, that remind us the only way to get from Point A to Point B...is to keep moving to Point B until you get there! Music...

Words have power. Unkind words can cause pain and hurt, not just for the person receiving them, but the person saying them also is affected. But the best things in the world that have ever happened were the result of kind words. Come along with me for an English tale showcasing the power of kind words. Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

We all want to succeed, but the path for others might not be the path for us. Sometimes, many times, the road to success lies in doing something different...or at least different for us. Come along on this episode as an old German folktale provides us a whimsical story filled with the folk-sense of taking a new road. Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

"The Master Thief," a folktale from Germany, isn't just a story of a thief outwitting his godfather; it's a lesson for all of us that teaches us obstacles and challenges can't stop us if we see ourselves as bigger than they are and act accordingly. Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

Little habits shape who we are in big ways. In fact, these little habits are big windows into how we, or anyone else, will act. By paying attention to the small things, we get a glimpse of the bigger picture. Come along with me as we take a look at two short stories that help illustrate how observing a little thing tells us how someone will act in all things. Episode music made by Particle Dogs at...

Are you stuck? Do you want more than what you have? Guess what? You'll never get un-stuck or get something more or different doing what you've been doing. Come along with me in this episode as we enjoy a Scottish tale that examines the time-honored wisdom required for getting different results - doing something different! Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

Any significant or meaningful goal we have in life, whether it be at work or at home, is going to come with obstacles and challenges. Whether or not your goal is a "SMART" (specific - measurable - achievable - relevant - time-bound) is not going to help you achieve it if you lack commitment. Come along on today's episode as we use a Philippine folktale to remind us that happiness and achievement o...

Perhaps the most famous teller of tales with meaning, Greek storyteller Aesop is known the world over for his fables. In this episode, we listen to a few of them, timeless as ever, and complete with their morals. Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we're taking a wee bit of a break from our usual theme to pay tribute to the Emerald Isle and some of its lore. This episode features a fun story, complete with beer, gold, and a crafty leprechaun! Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

In this episode, we delve into the roles of luck and readiness in achieving success, inspired by an Armenian tale titled The Idiot . We'll discuss how being in the right place at the right time isn't enough—you must also be prepared to seize the moment and turn chance encounters into life-changing events. Join us as we explore the interplay of fate, fortune, and making the most of opportunities. E...

Many times, success in life -- no matter how you define it -- is not a matter of money, good looks, or even your effort. It's often a matter of something you have inside of you -- your belief. It is your belief in whether you can and will succeed, or you cannot or won't, that can make all the difference. With the help of a splendid folktale from German, grab a piece of age-old wisdom that reminds...

Too often we set goals but either don't have a purpose to achieving them or lose track of that purpose. This episode of the Tales For Life podcast reminds us, through a fun Scottish tale, that holding tight to your purpose makes achieving your goals inevitable! Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/

One of the greatest sources of discontent is not our lack of something but our lack of appreciating what we have. Wanting something else or something more can lead us down the road to unhappiness. While we may not be living in paradise, it's a sure bet that yearning for things we don't need will never get us there. With the help of an 18th century French folktale, we're cautioned about this line o...

Get ready to dive into an enchanting tale from ancient Japan that shows how true love is a superpower, granting us the extraordinary ability to see beyond the obvious. Discover how love can shatter visual barriers and reveal hidden beauty in ways you never imagined. Tune in and let this magical story remind you of the incredible power of love! Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particl...

Big things can often stop us, but when we see them as little things, or address them as little things before they become big things, we cannot be stopped. Venture back to old Japan for a fun story that teaches us the dangers of letting things pile up. Episode music made by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/