Mel Powell

Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm

Fiction EN ↓ 128 episodes

The mythical village of Chelm is where, in the mid- to late-1800s, the Wise Fools lived. Where everyone was a fool, no one was aware of being foolish. These are their stories--unlike other stories in the Chelm genre, very short-form tales as read aloud in synagogue over many years. (But you don't have to be Jewish! All are welcome.)

Author

Mel Powell

Category

Fiction

Podcast website

sites.libsyn.com

Latest episode

Mar 23, 2025

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

The V.I.P. 29.09.2024

How do the Wise Fools rate...in the afterlife? From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Putt Seriously, Folks 22.09.2024

The wonderful Nancy Sullivan joins us for another tale, of Boris the Balagoola and his wife Becky--the perfect marriage of two Wise Fools. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Luck Be A Latke Tonight 15.09.2024

In Chelm, some days are unluckier than others. [A  latke is a potato pancake, but has nothing to do with the tale; it's just a play on the song from "Guys and Dolls." Lucky for you!] From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Who Brought The Pickles? 08.09.2024

Among the Wise Fools, easy things are not always easy. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Chelm: The Horseradish Capital Of The World 01.09.2024

The Wise Fools have one hot export, but even that can't overcome what essentially collapses this week into a lot of Dad Jokes. In the story's defense, Charles M. Powell was, in fact, a dad. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Un-Conventional Wisdom 25.08.2024

You think politics is crazy today? Try electing a Mayor for the Village of Wise Fools. We just experienced the convention of one of the major parties in the United States. Now try it in Chelm. [Note: this story contains a quick reference to the author's collegiate alma mater, Yale.] From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

The Rodent Less Traveled 18.08.2024

What do you do about an infestation of mice in the synagogue? More to the point--what do the Wise Fools do? From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

White Meat or Dark? 11.08.2024

An epic battle: Boris the Balagoola versus a strange, three-legged fowl! (You've heard the Thanksgiving version and you've heard the poetry version, but here's the Original Recipe.) From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

You Are What You Eat 04.08.2024

This story just isn't kosher. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

The Miracle of Birth 28.07.2024

Nancy Sullivan is back as an 84-year-old brand-new mother. This could only happen among the Wise Fools. (The 84-year-old mother part. Happily, Nancy can happen anywhere.) From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Taking In A Partner 21.07.2024

Schneider the Tailor needs some help with his business. Where else would a Wide Fool turn?  [Note: this is a very New York joke, but we left it in as it was one of the late Charlie Powell's favorite stories.] Special appearance by the great and powerful Nancy Sullivan. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Heaven McChicken 14.07.2024

In the afterlife--especially for a Wise Fool like Boris the Balagoola--there are different meal plans for "upstairs" and "downstairs," if you know what we mean.... From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Frequent Schlepper Miles 07.07.2024

Sometimes it's tough for the Wise Fools to get first-class treatment. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Beadle-De-Dumb 30.06.2024

Too much of a good thing? Perhaps, if you're a Wise Fool. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y  

There's No Place Like Home (Live) 23.06.2024

Relya, Wise Fool of Chelm, world-traveler, widow, one ungrateful son, is ready for the perfect vacation: a journey to meet The Grand Guru high in the Hermalayas. Recorded live at Bayit Shelanu on September 16, 2023, with gratitude to Rabbi Jan Goldstein. (Early audio issue clears quickly.) Starring guest performer Rena Strober! https://www.renastrober.com/ Also featuring Bruce Garnitz! (Small soun...

Don't Cry For Me, Balagoola 16.06.2024

The power of prayer has its own meaning...if you're a Wise Fool. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

"We Have, Your Honor" 09.06.2024

Has the jury of Wise Fools reached a verdict? From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

"Everybody's a Critic" 02.06.2024

To impress your future father-in-law, you'd better have the chops. (From a story shared by the late Dr. Melvin H. Present, a long-time friend.) From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

The Cholera of Money 26.05.2024

It isn't easy funding an education system, especially among the Wise Fools. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

A Husband Like This Doesn't Grow On Trees 19.05.2024

The great Nancy Sullivan returns, to help us understand how best to honor the perfect Wise Fool of a husband after his passing. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

A Bright Future 12.05.2024

Not even a Wise Fool should waste talent on the wrong career. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Matzah-Matta-U? 05.05.2024

Wise Fools are Wise Fools, day or knight. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Dances With Dunces 28.04.2024

You had ONE job, no time for sentiment...unless you're a Wise Fool. From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Poetic Justice 21.04.2024

Property values...in and around the tiny village of Wise Fools. An amusing--but this time somewhat poignant--story. [This episode was scheduled many months ago for this date. Our real world is a tougher place these days but the timing of this story is not intentional.] From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Bottoms Up 14.04.2024

In praise of the ordinary, everyday...Matzah.  Happy Passover! (We're still a week away from Passover, but this will help you start preparing.) From "Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm," available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. https://amzn.to/3VpWj7y

Listen to the Tales of The Wise Fools of Chelm podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.