The Teller and the Tale

Due to time restrictions, my interviews have to be edited to a little less than 30 minutes for broadcast on Blues and Roots Radio. However, I've cleaned up the audio file and shared the original unedited version of my interview with Scottish storyteller Eileen Budd. It comes in at about 45 minutes. Enjoy!

Storyteller, author, and artist Eileen Budd was raised in Perthshire in a family that treasured the art of oral storytelling. Eileen learned this art from her parents and grandparents and has gone on to become a much sought-after storyteller in schools, museums, and other public venues. She's a "story archaeologist" who uncovers the stories behind historical objects and customs. Eile...

One of my early interviews, done while I was living in Forres, Scotland, with local storyteller and poet Margot Henderson. Margot is a Scots Irish poet, storyteller, songwriter and community artist. I see my work as celebrating our connection to nature, place, community and heritage. I write and devise performance pieces for festivals, conferences and cultural events, including  Is This It  and  T...

Noa Baum  is an award-winning storyteller, author, coach and public speaker presenting internationally for diverse audiences ranging from the World Bank, prestigious universities and congregations, to festivals,  government agencies and schools. Born and raised in Jerusalem Noa offers a unique combination of performance art and practical workshops that focus on the power of stories to heal across...

Paula Cowie is a storyteller and environmental activist. At the time of this recording (2015), Paula was the Development Manager for the Sustainable Communities Initiative and an Outdoor Facilitator for Wolf Ways, an initiative that offers children activities based in nature. She continues to work as a storyteller telling tales that integrate her passion for environmental education.

This episode is my first "field recording". Scottish storyteller Tim Porteus and I were literally walking through a forest and across a field when I recorded our conversation. I loved the relaxed quality of the conversation and it seemed to allow for a genuine flow of storytelling from Tim. In this episode, Tim shares a "Broonie" tale and some rich anecdotes drawn from his life as a father. Tim li...

In this episode, host Michael Williams meets Scottish guitarist and composer Tom Richardson. He invites Tom to tell the story behind his new album "Beatrice by the Spey". Consisting of 15 guitar instrumentals, Tom draws on Scottish folk traditions of fiddle and bagpipe music. Yet he also exhibits his love of bluegrass and jazz genres. "Beatrice by the Spey" is a brilliant album from an eclect...

Storyteller Nootauau Kaukontuoh ("she who hears crow") tells tales in the tradition of the Narragansett people of Turtle Island. Based in Vermont, U.S.A., HearsCrow, as she is familiarly known, is a storyteller of Longhouse tales, which she also signs in Native Sign Language. During COVID, she has become a popular teller on social media: you can often find her "Tales from the Longhouse" being stre...

Host Michael Williams speaks to American storyteller Kevin McMullin from his home in Wisconsin. While recovering from the death of his father as well as brain surgery, Kevin has found light in the darkness through his storytelling. Listen to Kevin talk about his life, his struggles, and how he transformed them into a dramatic stage show and book: "Into the Black Sea: Stories of Darkness and Light"...

Indian journalist and activist Sudha Umashanker uses her skills as a storyteller to empower women and address issues of social justice. Join host Michael Williams as he enters into conversation with Sudha about her life and work and listens to her share one of her favourite stories. Learn more about Sudha at https://tinyurl.com/y545ubnm .

A few years ago, British storyteller Claire Obermark transplanted herself in Arizona, U.S.A. but it didn't take her long to establish herself there as the seasoned storyteller that she is. Join me as I enter into conversation with Claire about her past, her life in Scotland and her new life in Arizona as well as listen to her share one of her favourite stories. And, by the way, if you ever in Sedo...

This month, host Michael Williams presents Winter tales in the midst of the pandemic. Stories feature Lev Ropes’ “Coyotes’ Solstice”, Peter Vallance’s “Beira, Queen of Winter”, and “The Twelve Months” by Allison Galbraith. Music by Coco Love Alcorn.

Host Michael Williams talks with Scottish singer-songwriter Elle Valentine about her life and music. Recorded October 2020.

On December 18th, 2019, storyteller Peter Snow died unexpectedly following complications from surgery. Peter was not only a dear friend and colleague but a loving father and husband and he will be sorely missed. I recorded this interview with Peter back in 2013 when the "Teller and the Tale" was just getting started. In fact, Peter was my very first guest as he was eager to support my new venture....

Host Michael Williams invites you to join him for a half hour of storytelling and music on The Teller and the Tale.