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 at her tiny house during a storm, the old woman uses her wits and a bit of uncommon courage to outsmart her imposing visitor.

Discover how the woman cleverly uses her supposed "fears" to manipulate the Tengu, who, despite his immense power, has a surprising fear of his own. Listen to how a little common sense and a lot of planning lead to a hilarious and surprising outcome, leaving the Tengu humbled and the old woman with more than she could ever need.

This story is a delightful example of how courage and cleverness can overcome brute force. Perfect for fans of Japanese folklore, demon stories, wise old women tales, and stories with a clever twist.

Contact Lora via email at storyweave@earthlink.net

Check out Lora's profile with Now Playing Utah at https://nowplayingutah.com/artist/lora-schmidt/

Subscribe to The Story Ark for more unforgettable tales, and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for updates and bonus content.

The Story Ark is a production of Food For Thought Audio. For more information, be sure to check out our website: https://foodforthoughtaudio.com/

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 experience, introduces us to another side of Jack. Tired of unpaid chores, Jack sets out to seek his fortune. His quest quickly leads him to a king, the promise of a delicious cherry pie, and an unexpected command: defeat a terrifying three-headed giant!

Listen in as Jack faces the formidable "Three-Eyes," "Two-Eyes," and "One-Eye" in a battle of wits, not strength. Discover how a clever trick with cherries helps Jack overcome this monstrous challenge and claim a hefty reward. This engaging narrative is filled with adventure, quick thinking, and classic folk tale charm.

Perfect for fans of fairy tales, giant stories, and clever heroes, this episode offers a fresh take on a beloved character. Ginger Parkinson, a member of the Utah Storytelling Guild, delivers a captivating performance that's sure to entertain listeners of all ages.

Connect with Ginger Parkinson:

• Utah Storytelling Guild Profile: https://www.utahstorytellingguild.website/project/ginger-parkinson/
• Email for bookings: gingerparkinson@gmail.com (Available for festivals, schools, libraries; performs as a witch for Halloween and Mrs. Claus for Christmas.)

Connect with The Story Ark:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570119045635
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryArkPodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyark.pod/
• Podcast platforms: Available wherever you listen to podcasts!

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!) dragon companion, Groark, as they hilariously illustrate this origin tale. You'll hear how a world that was "perfect" but utterly boring prompted Anansi to seek out Nyame, the King of the Sky, who hoarded all the world's stories.

Discover Anansi's ingenious plan to capture three impossible creatures—a nest of wasps, the longest python snake, and the most ferocious leopard—to earn the coveted stories. Randel's dynamic storytelling, enhanced by Grork's enthusiastic sound effects and playful interruptions, makes this ancient myth come alive.

Learn valuable lessons about cleverness, perseverance, and the power of narrative in this engaging folk tale. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in African folklore, trickster myths, origin stories, and engaging storytelling for all ages.

Connect with Randel McGee:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Randel-McGee-as-Hans-Christian-Andersen-100057310253873/
• Website: www.mcgeeproductions.com

Connect with The Story Ark:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570119045635
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryArkPodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyark.pod/
• Podcast platforms: Available wherever you listen to podcasts!

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-inspired community of Hubbard County, shares his three golden rules for running a successful business. But here's the twist: he illustrates these principles through the hilarious (and slightly altered) escapades of his most famous customers!

Discover how Wayne’s business rules – don't argue with customers, be fair, and master cross-selling – apply to everything from straw houses to magic beans. This comedic narrative is packed with humor, witty observations, and unexpected connections between beloved childhood characters. Wayne even wonders if these same rules might just help him with his own budding romance with Little Miss Muffet!

Perfect for fans of fairy tale retellings, humorous storytelling, business advice with a twist, and clever character interpretations.

For more information on Wayne, be sure to check out his profile with The Utah Storytelling Guild: https://www.utahstorytellingguild.website/project/wayne-kartchner-2/

Subscribe to The Story Ark for more unforgettable tales, and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for updates and bonus content.

The Story Ark is a production of Food For Thought Audio. For more information, be sure to check out our website: https://foodforthoughtaudio.com/

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 story: "The Chick Addiction."

Aloysia, who is currently pursuing a Global Peace Building Certificate and a Master's in Social Work at Utah State University, recounts how she initially laughed at a friend for keeping chickens indoors. But fate (and a desire for family bonding) had other plans! Hear how a well-intentioned idea to get a few chicks quickly escalated into a full-blown chicken addiction, filling her living room with 30 peeping, adorable, and surprisingly intelligent feathered friends.

From the unique green chick named Absinthe to the fluffy, blind Furball, Aloysia introduces us to her quirky flock, each with their own personality. You'll hear heartwarming tales of chickens learning their names, playing watermelon fetch, and even attempts at house-training. This episode is a charming testament to the unexpected joy and deep connections that can form with any animal, proving that chickens are far from "just birds."

Discover the challenges of keeping an indoor chicken coop through a long winter and the heartbreak of losing beloved pets. This personal narrative is packed with humor, warmth, and genuine affection for animals, making it perfect for pet lovers, chicken enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys a heartwarming, unconventional story.

Connect with L. Aloysia Adkins on her Utah Storytelling Guild Profile: https://www.utahstorytellingguild.website/project/leah-adkins/

Connect with The Story Ark:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570119045635
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryArkPodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyark.pod/
• Podcast platforms: Available wherever you listen to podcasts!

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 fearsome giant to life. Follow Jack's adventures as he climbs the colossal beanstalk to a kingdom in the clouds, where he encounters a giant and his treasure.

But the story doesn't end there! Julie reveals a fascinating family connection that turns this beloved fairy tale into a personal testament to perseverance. Hear how her own pioneer ancestor received a seemingly disappointing gift that turned out to be her family's very own "magic beans."

This episode beautifully illustrates how small, often overlooked gifts can lead to immense and unforeseen prosperity. It's a testament to the idea that fortune favors the brave and that magic can be found in the most unexpected places. Perfect for fans of classic fairy tales, inspiring true stories, family history, and tales of overcoming adversity.

Connect with Julie Barnson:

• Website: TalesByJulie.com
• Utah Storytelling Guild Profile: https://www.utahstorytellingguild.website/project/julie-barnson/

Connect with The Story Ark:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570119045635
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryArkPodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyark.pod/
• Podcast platforms: Available wherever you listen to podcasts!

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 by our friend, professional storyteller Randel McGee. Randel, known for his captivating portrayal of Hans Christian Andersen, transports listeners to a Danish manor house, setting the scene for this timeless narrative.

Discover the journey of a lonely, awkward duckling who faces rejection and hardship because he looks different. Follow his struggles through the barnyard, the marsh, and a series of difficult encounters, only to discover his true identity and worth in the most beautiful way.

"The Ugly Duckling" is more than just a fairy tale; it's an autobiographical allegory reflecting Andersen's own experiences. This story perfectly illustrates that true beauty and belonging come from within, regardless of where you start.

Tune in to this episode for a moving and inspiring story that resonates with audiences of all ages, promoting messages of self-acceptance, resilience, and finding your place in the world. Ideal for anyone interested in classic fairy tales, personal growth, overcoming adversity, and embracing diversity.

Connect with Randel McGee:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Randel-McGee-as-Hans-Christian-Andersen-100057310253873/
• Website: www.mcgeeproductions.com

Connect with The Story Ark:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570119045635
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryArkPodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyark.pod/
• Podcast platforms: Available wherever you listen to podcasts!

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 Blankie Tale." Join Ginger and her four sisters on a memorable road trip to Disneyland in their 1970s station wagon. While all the girls adored their blankies, none was more attached than baby sister Elle. Her blankie wasn't just a comfort item; it was a beloved companion that went everywhere with her!

Ginger Parkinson, a talented member of the Utah Storytelling Guild, brings this personal story to life with vivid details and infectious charm. If you're looking for a family-friendly podcast filled with humor, relatable moments, and a touch of sentimentality, this episode is for you!

Connect with Ginger Parkinson:

• Utah Storytelling Guild Profile: https://www.utahstorytellingguild.website/project/ginger-parkinson/
• Email for bookings: gingerparkinson@gmail.com (Available for festivals, schools, libraries; performs as a witch for Halloween and Mrs. Claus for Christmas.)

Connect with The Story Ark:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570119045635
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryArkPodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyark.pod/
• Podcast platforms: Available wherever you listen to podcasts!