Episodes

  • Gather your family around while we listen to stories of overcoming our foes with cleverness.

    (00:54) "Anansi and his Six Children" - Charlotte Blake Alston brings us a story of a West African trickster who was saved by his clever children.

    (6:33) Sam Payne tells a story about his trickster brother.

    (8:34) "Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby" - Donna Washington introduces and brings to life Brer Rabbit, a sociable little trickster who always wins in the end.

    (18:53) "The Happy Place" - Lyn Ford tells another story of clever Rabbit who, despite threatenings and teasings, always knows a happy place when he finds one.

    Stories bring us together and the stories on The Apple Seed will spark memories that you can share with the people you love. The Apple Seed is a storytelling podcast by BYUradio and is hosted by Sam Payne.

    Key words: Stories, storytelling, storyteller, family, Brer Rabbit, rabbit, trickster, tricks, traps, wisdom, cleverness, outwitting, happy place, happiness, folktale

  • Gather your family to listen to stories fit for the Halloween holiday.

    (00:36) "The Witch of Laggan" - Mara Mensies tells a story for the season about a hunter, a witch, and the devil himself.

    (11:00) Sam Payne talks about his change of heart towards the holiday of Halloween.

    (15:19) "Pency Cementary" - Kim Weitkamp shares a story and a song about old Marcus Anthony Ramsey, a cemetery keeper who was a little too quick to judge.

    Stories bring us together and the stories on The Apple Seed will spark memories that you can share with the people you love. The Apple Seed is a storytelling podcast by BYUradio and is hosted by Sam Payne.

    Key words: Stories, storytelling, storyteller, songwriter, singing, family, legend, folk tale, tall tale, Halloween, cemetery, judgement, memories, anecdote, spooky, witch, hunter, devil, hounds, Scotland

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  • Gather your family to listen to stories about how even plans gone awry can make for zany memories.

    (00:37) "Diablo, of How I Met My Wife" - Bil Lepp tells the story of how he met his wife while working at a summer camp. One ride on a headstrong horse taught him the risks and rewards of trying something new.

    (16:21) Sam Payne tells a story about the mishaps of trying to build a screened-in porch for his wife while trying to show her his love.

    (20:28) "Hitchhiking" - Geraldine Buckley shares a story of a road-trip adventure undertaken against her better judgement. Sometimes the daunting experiences earn the biggest laugh in retrospect.

    Stories bring us together, and the stories on The Apple Seed will spark memories that you can share with the people you love. The Apple Seed is a storytelling podcast by BYUradio and is hosted by Sam Payne.

    Key words: Stories, storytelling, storyteller, family, memories, summer, horseriding, rewards, roadtrip, tall tale, anecdote, adventure, hitchhiking, summer camp, magic, risk, comedy, humor

  • Gather your family to listen to stories about children with big mouths and big ideas. Whether human or amphibian, their brashness will make your jaw drop with laughter.

    (1:00) "Potholders" - Kim Weitkamp tells about her experience as a kid creating a business with an interesting marketing scheme. The story she tells people to buy her goods might surprise you--because it surely surprised her neighbors!

    (20:37) Sam Payne tells a story about trying to make money as a kid. His adventures are sure to bring back some memories of your own.

    (24:49) "Wide-Mouth Frog" - Tim Lowry tells a story about a young frog on a mission. Will his big mouth get him into trouble?

    Stories bring us together. What stories and memories were sparked for you as you listened? And who will you share them with? The Apple Seed is a production of BYUradio and is hosted by storyteller Sam Payne.

    Key Words: Stories, Storytelling, Storyteller, Family, Clever, Frogs, Potholders, Business, Pride, Humility, Friends, Community, Neighbors, Apology

  • Gather your family to listen to stories about true bravery in the face of your fears and doing the right thing.

    (1:06) "Pedrito and the Skull" - Carolina the Storyteller shares a story where young Pedrito is the only one brave enough to face the haunted skull.

    (9:19) Sam Payne tells a story about being scared by his neighborhood ghost stories.

    (15:14) "Rush Cape" - Ed Stivender tells a story about a young princess who becomes banished by her father, finds another castle, and tries to discard her previous story as she reinvents herself under the name Rush Cape. She helps to heal the prince with a soup, a dance, and a special ingredient, but the story does not end there. "Rush Cape" is a variant of an old tale type called "Loves Like Salt," which itself is a variant of "Cinderella." Perhaps you recognized the similarity of the beginning of the story to "King Lear." It is thought that Shakespeare based "King Lear," in part, on "Loves Like Salt."

    Stories bring us together. What stories and memories were sparked for you as you listened? And who will you share them with? The Apple Seed is a production of BYUradio and is hosted by storyteller Sam Payne.

    Key Words: Stories, Storytelling, Storyteller, Family, Courage, Bravery, Spanish, Children, Scary, Cinderella, Shakespeare, Princess, Love

  • Gather your family to listen to stories about yearning for and getting a chance at true love. Will our heroes take the chance? Will it pay off?

    (0:55) "Frog Kissing" - Geraldine Buckley tells a story about a surprise visitor in her shower and the opportunity for love that knocked, had she only listened to fairytales and bedtime stories.

    (6:48) Sam Payne tells us a story about an experience with his young son at a play--and the instances where life seems so fantastic, you find yourself almost believing the magic.

    (12:07) "A Persian Love Story" - Noa Baum tells about a princess who is on a deadline to find a husband. Despite all of the options she has, there is only one she truly wants. Can her love win the king's approval?

    Stories bring us together. What stories and memories were sparked for you as you listened? And who will you share them with? The Apple Seed is a production of BYUradio and is hosted by storyteller Sam Payne.

    Key Words: Marriage, Wife, Husband, Storyteller, Fairytale, Princess, Love, Family, Miracles, Heart, Stories, Faith, Storytelling, Surprise Guest

  • Gather your family to listen to stories about the making and breaking of curses. Are curses always a curse?

    (1:50) "Beauty's Beast" - Donna Washington tells a story that is based on the well-known fairytale, Beauty and the Beast--but with a twist. Get the real scoop from the Fairy Godmother who cast the curse.

    (14:31) Sam Payne shares a story about taking an aptitude test in high school--one which helped him see his curses in a new light.

    (19:38) "The Stabbed Tree" - Paul Strickland tells a story about a village who brings a curse down upon themselves--until a young girl finally brings healing.

    Stories bring us together. What stories and memories were sparked for you as you listened? And who will you share them with? The Apple Seed is a production of BYUradio and is hosted by storyteller Sam Payne.

    Key Words: Stories, Storytelling, Storyteller, Family, Fractured Fairytale, Love, Perspective, Curses, Heroes, Trees, Roses, Failure, Chance, Healing, Fairy Godmother, Beauty and the Beast, Wishes

  • Gather your family to listen to stories and songs about freedom and, in particular, about American slavery and the civil rights movement.

    (2:04) "Wade in the Water" - This story by Sheila Arnold is intertwined with the powerful spiritual by the same name. It's the story of a slave named Moses, his fight for freedom, and the terrible price people pay when their freedom is threatened. Content warning: While designed for a family audience, this story contains a couple of intense scenes. Caution is advised for younger children.

    (16:45) Sam Payne shares a true story of seventy-five Igbo Nigerians and their treacherous choice made aboard a slave vessel on its way to Savannah, Georgia in 1803. They believed life to be synonymous with freedom, and the stand they took at Dunbar Creek earned the bank its name known today--"Igbo Landing".

    (20:17) "Martin Luther King Rap" - Charlotte Blake Alston shares her story-poem about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and the Civil Rights Movement as they pushed forward for freedom and equality for all. This story turns the work of Dr. King into a reflective question as we are asked how to help make freedom ring.

    (24:04) Charlotte Blake Alston shares how to share these hard stories with children. Always end with hope.

    (25:36) "This Little Light of Mine" - Sheila Arnold adds her own measure of hope as she sings.

    Stories bring us together. What stories and memories were sparked for you as you listened? And who will you share them with? The Apple Seed is a production of BYUradio and is hosted by storyteller Sam Payne.

    Key Words: History, Power, Song, MLK, Freedom, Peace, Civil Rights Movement, Equality, Stories, Inequality, United States History, Black History, Slavery, Choices, Water, Hope, African American, Native Americans

  • Join us as Apple Seed listeners tell us some of their own stories - some of them inspired by The Apple Seed.

    (1:31) "Ameba Meningitis" - Listener Becca Hurley tells about a health freak-out.

    (5:53) "David and King Arthur" - Listener Karla Huntsman tells about a student whose life was changed by a school play.

    (10:02) "Froggy Goes to School" - Listener Paul Eberting tells a childhood memory of mischief.

    (14:39) "Homes of the Brave" - Listener Jan Smith gives us a glimpse into how military families make a home all over the world.

    (18:59) "Where my Heart Lies" - Listener Stephanie Rollheiser honors her grandparents.

    (23:15) "Peas and Carrots" - Listeners Annie and Dan Eastmond share memories sparked by Donald Davis' story.

    Thanks to all our listeners who sent in stories.

    Stories bring us together. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

    Key Words: Stories, Storytelling, Storyteller, Projects, Family, Service, Construction, Church, Religion, Trial and Error, Manual Labor, Handy

  • Gather your family to listen to stories about those moments when you realize you've more like your parents than you may even want to admit. For good or for bad, our families shape us into who we are.

    (1:38) "What Can I Say?" - Josh Goforth tells a personal story about the two types of people in his family and how a surprising revelation strengthened Josh's relationship with his dad and helped him understand himself in a new way.

    (14:11) Sam Payne shares a story about discovering he's more like an older mentor than he thought possible.

    (19:42) "My Cool Teddy" - Antonio Sacre tells a story from his childhood about bedtime, the stubbornness that gets passed to for generations, and the patience it takes to find a missing teddy bear.

    Stories bring us together. What stories and memories were sparked for you as you listened? And who will you share them with? The Apple Seed is a production of BYUradio and is hosted by storyteller Sam Payne.

    Key Words: Stories, Storytelling, Storyteller, Family, Bedtime, Father, Mother, Son, Love, Support, Patience, Resilience, Hospital

  • Gather your family to listen to Angela Lloyd's twist on the classic fairytale Cinderella.

    (2:22) "Cinderella's Choice" - Angela Lloyd tells a story that focuses on the relationship Cinderella had with her mother and how that shaped the person Cinderella became. Maybe our choices refelct who we are, and there is much more beneath the surface of every individual when we are ready to listen to their stories.

    (18:10) Angela Lloyd gives an interview about how stories become good companions that walk with us through our lives. They can help us adjust our perspectives and guide us in our choices.

    (19:06) Sam Payne tells a story about how sharing treasured families memories and favorite songs around his ailing mother's bedside brought a lot of comfort to his family.

    (24:03) "There's a Pea on My Plate" - Bill Harley tells/sings one of his classic favorites.

    Stories bring us together. What stories and memories were sparked for you as you listened? And who will you share them with? The Apple Seed is a production of BYUradio and is hosted by storyteller Sam Payne.

    Key Words: Choices, Storyteller, Choice, Song, Fairytale, Princess, Hardwork, Family, Unique, Stories, Decision, Courage, Cleverness

  • Gather your family to listen to stories about the connections we make through family over the years, and the gifts those stories can become.

    (1:37) "The One Abouts" - Paul Strickland tells a story about taking the time to visit family, listening to their stories, and preparing to take ownership of those stories when the time comes.

    (14:23) Interview with Paul Strickland. "What is The One Abouts all about?"

    (15:11) Sam Payne tells a story about a meaningful walnut shell that was important to his grandfather.

    (20:17) "A Biscuit Story" - Carolina the Storyteller shares about the difficulties of being an immigrant in a new country and how the connection with her husband's grandmother helped her find a new home.

    Stories bring us together. What stories and memories were sparked for you as you listened? And who will you share them with? The Apple Seed is a production of BYUradio and is hosted by storyteller Sam Payne.

  • Gather your family to listen to stories about getting into and out of trouble and how when you're the one who starts the trouble, trouble seems to come back on you.

    (1:55) "Cowpiles" - Donald Davis tells a childhood story about one wise brother, one foolish brother, parents who are just trying to keep up, and the stories that come from memories of getting into trouble.

    (13:12) Sam Payne tells a story about the tricks he played on his folks when he was young and how one backfired on him.

    (17:08) "The Vizier Who Married a Gibbon" - Shonaleigh tells a story where the king's advisor's scheme to marry the princess backfires in a hilarious way. Be careful what you wish for and the means in which you make your dreams come true.

    Stories bring us together. What stories and memories were sparked for you as you listened? And who will you share them with? The Apple Seed is a production of BYUradio and is hosted by storyteller Sam Payne.

    Key Words: Messy, Marriage, Storyteller, Foolish, Karma, Family, Brothers, Cows, Stories, Trickster, Farm, Consequences,

  • Gather your family to listen to stories about being grateful for what you have--even if what you have is not ideal.

    (1:25) "The Rabbi and the Goat" - Noa Baum tells a story about a man seeking advice and a wise Rabbi creating chaos in a house to help the family learn it could always be worse.

    (12:06) Sam Payne shares a story about when home improvement project goes spiraling out of control. How bad was it really?

    (17:48) "Jack and the Singing Critters" - Tim Lowry tells a story about Jack who was heading to Nashville to become a musician. On his way, he meets some animals who each tell their own story of how they got to the side of the road. Their singing sounds lovely to them, but their visitors seem to have a different perspective. An Appalachian version of The Bremen Town Musicians.

    Stories bring us together. What stories and memories were sparked for you as you listened? And who will you share them with? The Apple Seed is a production of BYUradio and is hosted by storyteller Sam Payne.

    Key Words: Stories, Storytelling, Storyteller, Family, Animals, Visitors, Music, Jack Tale, Home, House, Treasure, Ownership, Sound, Silence, Sleep

  • Gather your family to listen to stories about tricking others and the consequences of being a trickster.

    (1:14) "Wicked John and the Devil" - Donna Washington tells a story based on the African American tradition, but with a North Carolina twist. A man progressively becomes older and crankier as the small town tells stories of his antics. When its his time to go, he is in for a rude awakening as the consequences of his despicable actions precede him.

    (15:10) Sam Payne tells a story about an epic trick he planned with his brother and friends when he was a kid and the lesson he learned from his trickster exploits.

    (19:21) "Soul in Hawk" - Bil Lepp tells a story from his time as a pastor and the individuals in the communities he served. In particular, he gets close to one colorful soul when he decides its time to save his own soul.

    What stories and memories were sparked for you? Be sure to share them with the people you love, because stories bring us together. The Apple Seed is a production of BYUradio and is hosted by storyteller Sam Payne.

    Key Words: Stories, Storyteller, Storytelling, Family, Death, Life, Rewards, Change, Forgiveness, Trickster, Friendship, Neighbors, Community, Church, Wishes

  • While on hiatus, The Apple Seed is calling you to send in your stories to air on the show. Plus a sneak peak at the 1st episode of Quentin Manning - Detective for Justice - a new summer series from Kaboom.

  • Join us for our season finale! Bil Lepp and Sheila Arnold tell stories that bring light to the little things. Discover the strength of little things.

    (1:42) Bil Lepp tells us how he got the idea for his picture book "The King of Little Things"

    (3:04) "The King of Little Things" - Bil Lepp tells a story, reminding us that when we are content with our collection of little things, we will have so much more than we ever thought possible.

    (11:07) Sam tells a story about a time when he learned how impactful a pinhead-size drop of oil could be.

    (15:20) "The Deluge" - Sheila Arnold tells a story about the gifts we may be overlooking when we talk over the littlest voices.

    We'll be back with season 7 of The Apple Seed after a 5 week hiatus--a great time to catch up on any episodes you missed or re-listen to your favorites. Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

  • Join us as Angela Lloyd and Paul Strickland, from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio, tell stories about finding happiness in unassuming places. As we share laughs, good company, and show a little empathy, we might find more stories about happiness in our lives than we could ever imagine.

    (1:26) "The Ragged Peddler" - Angela Lloyd tells a story of how a peddler comes to a town to sell goods, and yet had nothing to sell.

    (10:07) Sam shares a story about finding happiness in his own backyard.

    (14:07) "The Eulogy of Melvin V. Odroit" - Paul Strickland tells a story about all the lessons one could teach on how to embrace life where you are at, no matter the skills you may (or may not) have. In the end, one of the greatest happinesses is being in love.

    Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

    Key Words: Joy, Storyteller, Service, Empathy, Present, Family, Happiness, Loss, Lessons, Laughter, Stories, Storytelling, Curiosity

  • Join us as Simon Brooks, Motoko, and Josh Goforth, from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio, tell stories about true love, and the individual process each love story must go through.

    (1:57) "Hoja Seeks a Wife" - Simon Brooks tells a Middle Eastern story about a foolish wiseman's attempt to picking the perfect wife.

    (6:25) Sam shares a story about a conversation with his son who was lonely. He wanted a "Sam-wise" friend.

    (10:35) "The Crane Wife" - Motoko tells a classic Japanese folktale turned ballad about the beauty of love, trust, and keeping promises, but also about how a man's mistake can swiftly hurt him.

    (19:57) "I Love You for Who You Are" - Josh Goforth shares a song that reminds us of the joy we find in loving others and the gift it is to be loved for who we are.

    Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

    Key Words: Marriage, Wife, Husband, Joy, Storyteller, Ballad, Love, Family, Musical, Stories, Storytelling, Folktale, Mistakes, Promises

  • Join us as Donald Davis and Kevin Kling, from live recordings in the Apple Seed Studio, tell stories about parenting mishaps, tricky kids, and the situations we can get into as we do our best to parent.

    (1:05) "Molasses Revenge" - Donald Davis tells a personal story about generational mischief and super sticky stuff.

    (16:23) Sam shares a story of the annual making of fresh apple cider with his neighbors and kids.

    (20:23) "The Good Mother" - Kevin Kling tells a story about a young girl that moves to town and meets a boy. But more importantly, she meets his mom.

    Great stories can change your world. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.

    Key Words: Messy, Parents, Father, Mother, Compassion, Family, Accidents, Children, Stories, Mistakes, Forgiveness, Community