In this premiere episode of 'From Cork to New York,' Maria Gillen, a storyteller from Cork, and Jim Brule, a storyteller from New York, share insights on how they met through a shared love for spiritual storytelling. They recount their experience at the Guinness World Record Storytelling session in Marrakesh and discuss the importance of connection through stories. They weave a path down the Story Road, beginning with Jim, as he shares the Chinese tale of 'The Cowherd and the Weaver.’ Maria responds with an Irish story, followed by a Jewish story from Jim. The episode delves into their personal stories and the concept of legacy storytelling, emphasizing the power of stories to transcend boundaries and preserve values across generations.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:57 How We Met: The Story Road

01:39 The Marrakesh Experience

02:16 The Power of Storytelling

05:23 Jim's Story: The Cowherd and the Weaver

14:16 Maria's Story: The Little Red Book

24:39 Jim's Story: The Baal Shem Tov

29:13 Legacy Storytelling: Values and Connections

36:37 Conclusion and Farewell

From Cork to New York is not your typical storytelling podcast; it is a dedicated exploration of the transformative alchemy that occurs when ancient narratives meet modern souls. Hosted by Jim Brulé, a professional storyteller and author based in the forests of Central New York, and Maria Gillen, a storyteller broadcasting from the "Rebel City" of Cork, Ireland, the show serves as a bridge across space, time, and borders.

The partnership between Jim and Maria is a testament to the very connection they champion. Their professional relationship began online, blossomed during a week-long storytelling festival in Marrakech, and has now "flowered" into this collaborative digital hearth. Beyond their deep roots in the corporate world, both hosts felt a distinct "calling" toward storytelling, recognizing its unique power to make the unsayable sayable and to lift the human heart. Their shared love for technology allows them to bring these traditional oral arts into the modern era, proving that the shortest distance between two people is, indeed, a story.

What truly unites them, though, is their love of stories filled with heart wisdom from multiple cultures, especially those from ancient times. By listening carefully to stories from these cultures, and then retelling them with that same open heart, Maria and Jim create a sacred space for all to share.

Listeners can expect a new episode every couple of weeks. Each session features Jim and Maria sharing stories and engaging in deep discussions about how these narratives help navigate our physical, emotional, social, and spiritual selves. They view storytelling not merely as entertainment or performance, but as a tool for personal and global transformation.

As the series progresses, the hosts will welcome guest storytellers into their "stone soup of story," adding new perspectives and cultural flavors to the conversation. Whether you are looking to connect with your ancestors or seeking a new way to view the world, Jim and Maria invite you to "pull up a chair by the fire."