The Story Ark Podcast

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains descriptions of violent animal deaths and may be disturbing to listeners sensitive to stories involving the death of dogs and livestock. Listener discretion is advised. ⚠️ Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Captain Kenny Mears continues our spooky season journey by diving into the world of cryptids and unexplained animal slaughters. For decades, legends of biza...

Captain Kenny Mears continues spooky season with a journey back to the Old West, a time of great hardship that birthed legends and ghost stories alike. This episode features storyteller Laurie Allen as she shares a chilling and heartwarming Western legend: "The Lady in White." Set against the backdrop of pioneer trails and barter-based trading posts, the story follows an honest post owner named Ha...

Captain Kenny Mears sets a course for the paranormal, exploring the universal desire to be remembered fondly—even by those beyond the veil. Join storyteller L. Aloysia Adkins as she recounts her fascinating experiences with the Downtown Logan Ghost Tours in Utah, a town with a rich history of underground tunnels and polygamist lore. Aloysia shares the eerie tale of a haunted old bank building, whe...

Captain Kenny Mears kicks off spooky season with a journey into one of the oldest and creepiest figures in history: dolls. These uncanny approximations of humanity have been the subject of chilling stories for millennia, and today, they're getting the spotlight! Join storyteller Julie Barnson for a deep dive into her personal phobia of dolls. Julie shares the childhood fears instilled by classic T...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Captain Kenny Mears dives into the world of unconventional pets. We've talked about dogs, cats, and even chickens, but this episode introduces a different kind of companion: the snake! 🐍 Friend of the show L. Aloysia Adkins is back to share her extraordinary journey from being terrified of snakes as a child to embracing them as beloved pets and even emotional support...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Captain Kenny Mears sets a course for a uniquely creative and humorous take on a modern issue. In this episode, storyteller Wayne Kartchner uses classic fairy tales to pitch a solution to the affordable housing crisis: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Wayne, a self-proclaimed expert, presents a series of "slides" (which you'll have to imagine) showing how iconic fairy...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Captain Kenny Mears sets a course for a deeply personal and powerful story about finding your place in the world. Many of us feel like we don't quite fit in, and today's storyteller, Rhonda "Honey" Duval, knows this feeling all too well. With a unique background of Navajo (Diné) and African American ancestry, Honey shares her journey of navigating identity and belongi...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Captain Kenny Mears sets a course for ancient Greece to explore the enduring power and relevance of Greek mythology. From the pages of Percy Jackson to the halls of the Parthenon, these myths are more than just stories; they are timeless guides to the human condition. Join Stephanie Rollheiser, a professional actress, writer, and storyteller, as she shares a classic,...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Captain Kenny Mears dives into the world of Slavic mythology and one of its most iconic figures: the terrifying Baba Yaga. Known for her iron teeth, her long nose, and her peculiar, walking Chicken House, this witch has haunted folklore for centuries. But what if the children she hunts aren't so helpless? In this original story by storyteller Ginger Parkinson, the tra...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Captain Kenny Mears sets a course for the heartwarming tradition of telling bedtime stories to connect with our kids. In this episode, we're honored to feature a story straight from a mother's heart. Join storyteller Celeste Teal Larkin as she shares a beautiful, original tale she created for her own baby. Celeste, a talented singer of opera and musical theater, was d...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Captain Kenny Mears embarks on a journey into the rich world of Japanese mythology. This week, we're introduced to the Tengu, a classic trickster demon known for its a mix of human and avian features. Join our friend, professional storyteller Lora Schmidt, as she shares a captivating folktale about an old woman who faces a Tengu. When the huge, snarling demon arrives...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Captain Kenny Mears dives into the enduring appeal of "Jack" stories. As a classic everyman hero, Jack always finds himself in the most intriguing situations. This week, we're thrilled to present a brand new Jack story, "Jack and the Three-Headed Giant," brought to life by our talented friend, storyteller Ginger Parkinson! Ginger, with over 22 years of storytelling ex...

Join us aboard the Story Ark for even more magical and heartfelt adventures. Enjoy this sneak peek at our past and upcoming episodes. New episodes of The Story Ark drop every Monday.

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Captain Kenny Mears invites you on a captivating voyage into the rich tapestry of West African and African American mythology. This episode features the legendary Anansi the Spider, the ultimate trickster god, and his surprising role in bringing stories to the world. Join our friend, professional storyteller Randel McGee, accompanied by his trusty (and very vocal!) dr...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Captain Kenny Mears invites you to explore the fascinating world of twisted fairy tales – a subgenre beloved for its fresh takes on classic stories. This week, we're making a return trip to Hubbard County for another unique spin on familiar fables, courtesy of our friend, storyteller Wayne Kartchner! Wayne, owner of a bustling mercantile in the quirky, nursery-rhyme-i...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Captain Kenny Mears navigates the unique bonds between humans and their animal companions. While dogs and cats often steal the spotlight, this episode shines a light on some less conventional, but equally beloved, pets: chickens! Join storyteller L. Aloysia Adkins, a seasoned professional with a fascinating background, as she shares her delightful and surprising true...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Join Captain Kenny Mears for a journey into the enduring magic of folk tales and their unexpected connections to real life. Few stories are as iconic as "Jack and the Beanstalk," a timeless tale of risk, reward, and remarkable fortune. In this captivating episode, professional storyteller Julie Barnson brings the classic narrative of Jack, his magic beans, and the fea...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Captain Kenny Mears invites you on a voyage that explores themes of uniqueness, self-esteem, and embracing our differences. In a world where feeling "out of place" can lead to bullying, it's crucial to remember that our individuality makes us beautiful. This episode features a powerful rendition of Hans Christian Andersen's classic story, "The Ugly Duckling," as told...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Captain Kenny Mears sets sail on a journey into the incredibly sentimental world of cherished objects. We all have those items that hold a special place in our hearts, and for many, it's a beloved childhood blanket or "blankie." In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, acclaimed storyteller Ginger Parkinson shares a true-life tale from her family's past: "The Blank...

Join Captain Kenny Mears on the Story Ark for an unforgettable episode featuring Wayne Kartchner, a masterful storyteller and member of the Utah Storytelling Guild. This isn't your typical folk tale; it's a darkly comedic monologue delivered by a demon named Timmy, who informs all listeners they've unexpectedly perished due to a bizarre, virus-laden Furby app. In this unique audio experience, Timm...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Join Captain Kenny Mears on a delightful voyage into the heart of Ukrainian folklore. In this episode, we're honored to feature Laurie Allen, a seasoned storyteller and friend of the show, as she shares arguably Ukraine's most famous folktale: "The Mitten." Folk tales offer a unique window into different cultures, and this timeless story is no exception. Follow young...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! This week, Captain Kenny Mears navigates the currents of influence and impression. We all encounter people who leave their mark, for better or worse, and today's storyteller, Jeff Driggs, shares a humorous and insightful true story about a particularly memorable sixth-grade teacher, Mrs. Morris. Join Jeff, President of the Utah Storytelling Guild, as he recounts the p...

Ahoy, story lovers! Captain Kenny Mears welcomes you aboard the Story Ark for a journey into the ever-evolving world of folklore. This episode features the enchanting voice of Lora Schmidt, a seasoned storyteller with over 30 years of experience, as she shares her delightful British rendition of the classic tale, "Mollie Whuppie." Join us as Lora weaves a spellbinding tale of a clever young girl n...

On this special Memorial Day episode of The Story Ark, Captain Kenny Mears invites listeners on a poignant voyage into family history and wartime sacrifice. Guest storyteller Wayne Kartchner shares the remarkable and heartbreaking story of his Uncle Yelmer, a young Navy tail gunner during World War II. At just 17, Yelmer and his brother Irvin joined the Navy following the attack on Pearl Harbor. W...

Step aboard the Story Ark for a special episode hosted by Kenny Mears, where we spotlight the heartfelt storytelling of Wayne Kartchner. This episode features two moving pieces from Wayne: a poignant poem, "Davis County Jail," and a touching family story, "My Best Buy." In "Davis County Jail," Wayne offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of those seeking solace and redemption within the chapel...