In this episode, we hear stories from our live storytelling event on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, where each story focuses on the theme of belonging.

Storytellers Jennifer Latham Robinson, Kelvin Scopey Mosley, and Tim Field explore what it means to belong to ourselves, to face our fears in pursuit of belonging, and to create spaces of belonging for those we love. Imagination, courage, and realization feature in these stories, revealing how belonging influences what we do and who we are. Storytellers remind us that belonging is both an inward journey and an outward presence.

The Flame Tree Story podcast is produced by Story First Design.

In the third and final episode from our World Humanitarian Day storytelling event, we explore one of the most powerful elements of story: surprise.

These three stories—shared by Lisa Parrott, Mark Adams, and Jennifer Yourkavitch—invite us into moments that didn’t go as planned. These moments disrupted expectations, challenged comfort zones, and opened the door to deeper perspective and connection. Through humor, humility, tradition, and song, each storyteller shows how unexpected experiences can reshape belonging and reveal something essential about what we do and who we are.

The Flame Tree Story podcast is produced by Story First Design.

In Episode 2 of the Flame Tree Story podcast, we return to our World Humanitarian Day event to hear stories from Madagascar, Tanzania, and Uganda. These stories explore what happens when expectations collide with reality—and how connection can emerge through difficulty.

Featuring storytellers Liz Toomey, Marya Plotkin, and Shelley Zeiger-Enarson, this episode invites listeners into moments of tension and transformation. These stories remind us that discomfort can be a powerful teacher: When we listen closely and stay connected, difficult moments can deepen our understanding of ourselves and the communities around us.

The Flame Tree Story podcast is produced by Story First Design.