The Apple Seed

Episode

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  TRAILER: The Apple Seed Podcast 01.02.2022 1mnt

  What's new on The Apple Seed? Get ready for a new era of stories and narratives to ignite the imagination and a spark new love of wonder, here on The Apple Seed!
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  Bonus - National Youth Storytellers 03.02.2026 31mnt

  Today we bring you a special bonus episode featuring some of the National Youth Storytellers. (00:00) Sam's Intro (1:22) June Elyse Willingham tells a traditional folk tale, "Lazy Jack." (9:29) Tessa Taggart tells an original story based on one of her ancestors called "Tessa's Mostly True Story." (15:44) Ender Rasmussen shares an original folktale called "How Sparrow Earned Its Wings." (19:50) Annabelle Larson tells a spooky story, "The Camping Trip." (24:18) Ariana Watts tells an original folk tale, "The Red Dragon." If you want to learn more about the National Youth Storytelling program go to: nationalyouthstorytelling.org. Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers. 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.
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  BONUS: The Apple Seed - WATCH or LISTEN! 22.10.2025

  Starting Season 12, you can now WATCH The Apple Seed podcast with LIVE storytellers. Find the video podcast on Spotify, YouTube, or on the BYUradio App! Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers. 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.
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  BONUS: The Christmas Jars Podcast 01.12.2025 19mnt

  Enjoy another podcast from the Apple Seed team: The Christmas Jars Podcast. New York Times bestselling author Jason Wright shares a true story of an act of service that made a big difference for a family in real need. You can find to the full season of The Christmas Jars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts or at byuradio.org/christmas-jars. You can even watch the movie based on the Christmas Jars book right there on byuradio.org! If you're looking for more ways to serve this Christmas season, then the annual Light the World campaign can give you a lot of ideas. Visit lighttheworld.org to learn more.
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  BONUS: Appalachian Stories and Songs with David Holt and Josh Goforth 16.10.2025 1j 18mnt

  Don't miss this special recording of Emmy-award winning David Holt and Josh Goforth sharing some of their favorite Appalachian tunes and stories. Recorded by the International Storytelling Center and used with their gracious permission. PLAYLIST: (2:12) The Clouds Gonna Roll Away. (4:31) The Cotton-eyed Joe. (8:35) The Drovers. (12:13) Jesus Said Go. (16:35) Darkness on the Delta. (23:40) The Magic Lake of the Animals. (32:42) Railroad Bill. (36:10) Goodbye Dear Old Stepstone. (42:33) Greasy Greens. (47:28) Barbara Allen. (53:22) Good Old Mountain Dew. (45:36) Tailypo. (1:04:59) The Deep Water Blues. (1:08:08) Memories of Ray Hicks. (1:14:49) The Star of Munster/Hell Broke Loose in Georgia. VIDEO LINK: To see the International Storytelling Center's video recording of this Storytelling Live concert, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGDPkwmlZZo The Apple Seed is a storytelling podcast by BYUradio and is hosted by Sam Payne.
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  DIY Stories Starring YOU! 17.07.2025 33mnt

  Join us as Apple Seed listeners tell us some of their own stories - some of them inspired by The Apple Seed. (1:20) "Birthday Song" - Listener Erika Price tells a story about a crush of hers from high school who sang her a midnight serenade. (6:15) "A Yeti and a Boy" - Nine-year-old listener Norah Bauer tells a story about a young boy who befriends a yeti. (8:22) "Mentors" - Listener Shraddha Nigavekar tells a story about learning to ride a bike. (15:55) "Pebble Puzzle" - Listener Kevin Hoehn tells a folktale about a young woman who must solve a pebble puzzle or else be wed to an evil moneylender. (20:08) "Pigeon Palace" - Listener Dawson Jolley tells a story about a pigeon banished from a grand kingdom of pigeons. (25:25) "The Parable of the Leaf and the Wind" - Listener Garrett Gunnell tells a parable about a leaf traveling back to his family with the help of the wind. 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.
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  BONUS: Forged in the Stars by Jay O'Callahan 27.02.2025 1j 19mnt

  BONUS: Forged in the Stars by Jay O'Callahan
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  BONUS: 2025 National Youth Storytelling 16.01.2025 33mnt

  Gather your family to listen to a bonus feature of original stories told by members of National Youth Storytelling, and recorded live in the Apple Seed studios. (1:42) "Candy House Witch" - Claire Burnham tells an adaptation of "Hansel and Gretel" that sheds some light on a misunderstood perspective--the evil witch herself! (8:57) "Texas Tall Tale" - Rebekah Garcia combines personal experience with classic tall tale in a story about weathering storms and facing your fears. (16:28) "Rainbow Crow" - Cohen Botkin shares a creatively adapted creation myth about the origins of fire and the brave bird that brought it. (23:16) "One Wish" - Elsie Parkinson tells a clever story about gratitude and gifts, but especially about the rewards of kindness. 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, bonus, NYS, National Youth Storytelling, youth, children, folktale, adaptation, original, myth, tall tale, courage
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  BONUS: DIY Stories - Calling for YOUR Stories 03.06.2024 15mnt

  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.
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  BONUS: The Christmas Chronicles 22.11.2023 27mnt

  In time for the holidays, The Apple Seed brings shares a Christmas tradition of sharing The Christmas Chronicles. Listen to the first episode on the road or around the fire, and find the rest of the series on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at byuradio.org/the-christmas-chronicles.
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  BONUS: New season announcements—Apple Seed Season 5 and Kaboom Season 2 26.10.2023 26mnt

  The Apple Seed is back with a new season on November 2! Season 5 will feature live recordings made in the Apple Seed Studio from favorite storytellers like Bil Lepp, Donald Davis, and Kim Weitkamp, as well as Apple Seed Live debuts from terrific storytellers like Shonaleigh, Diane Ferlatte, and Paul Strickland. And we've got another treat in store for you: our spinoff podcast Kaboom has returned for a second season, and we'd like to share the season premiere episode "Test Drive" with you. Kaboom is a show full of audio adventures for the whole family to enjoy together and it's available wherever you get your podcasts, so if you like what you hear go subscribe to Kaboom and tell a friend about it.
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  BONUS: Homecoming 02.10.2023 31mnt

  Enjoy stories of homecoming from professional storytellers and BYUradio podcast hosts on this special "BYU Homecoming” episode of The Apple Seed: A Storytelling Podcast. Whether you’re driving into Provo for the big game or celebrating from afar, these stories are perfect for your homecoming gathering. (00:53) Alma Mater Memories (03:35) Sam's High School Memories (04:16) Homecoming Memories with the team from BYUtv's After Further Review: Dave McCann, David Nixon, and Blaine Fowler (11:35) "Big Number Reunion" by Dolores Hydock (22:27) Reflections of Home with BYU Radio's podcast hosts: Marcus Smith, Lisa Valentine Clark, Julie Rose, and Steven Perry and Sam Payne. (28:46) Sing Your Way Home by Sam Payne. Great stories can change your world.
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  BONUS: Storyteller Kevin Kling in Conversation from the Constant Wonder Podcast 23.02.2023 55mnt

  We're excited to announce that The Apple Seed will return for its third season on March 2! In anticipation of the new season, we're bringing you this bonus episode that focuses on the wonderful Minnesota storyteller Kevin Kling. While he was in our studios to record some stories in the Apple Seed Studio, he sat down with the producers of Constant Wonder, one of our sister podcasts from the BYUradio family of programs. It’s a great conversation about his life and how he’s learned to overcome difficulties without losing his sense of humor. Plus you’ll get to hear a sneak preview of some Kevin’s stories that we’ll bring you on The Apple Seed in season 3. So sit back and enjoy this time with Kevin Kling, and if you like what you hear, you can subscribe to Constant Wonder wherever you get your podcasts. And we’ll see you back here next week for the season premiere of The Apple Seed.
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  BONUS: Presenting "Kaboom," a New Audio Drama Podcast from The Apple Seed 13.04.2023 23mnt

  We've got a special treat for you today: an audio adventure from the new podcast "Kaboom" from the Apple Seed team. If you’ve been listening to the show for a while you may have heard some of our original audio drama adventures. They are highly produced, immersive stories made for the whole family to enjoy together, full of action and adventure, and they may even give your family some nice things to talk about together. We have spun these audio adventures off into their own series, and today we are going to share the first episode, "Out There." It's about a couple of estranged brothers who unexpectedly reunite while looking for a UFO in the middle of the ocean. If you enjoy the show today, go subscribe to "Kaboom" wherever you get your podcasts. https://linktr.ee/kaboompodcast We'll be back next week with more of your favorite storytellers here on The Apple Seed.
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  Bound by Honor - Stories for the Whole Family by Willy Claflin and Geraldine Buckley 13.08.2026 23mnt

  Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about courage, integrity, and the challenges that come from earning and keeping your sense of honor. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:25) "Ka’ulu the Strong" by Willy Claflin. A powerful folktale about family, strength, and perseverance as an elder brother uses his incredible strength to travel to a distant island and rescue his brother. (11:47) "Test of Honor" by Sam Payne. Sam shares his insights on courage, honor, and learning to help ourselves in times of peril after revisiting the beloved childhood classic, "Prince Caspian" by C.S. Lewis. (14:33) "The Three Axes" by Geraldine Buckley. A timeless tale about a humble woodcutter who faces a powerful temptation to abandon his honor and integrity in exchange for unimaginable riches. 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. The Apple Seed is produced by Sam Payne, Wendy Folsom, and Brian Tanner. Assistant Producers - Matthew Carr, Keri Griggs, Kay Hendrickson, and Roman Russell Production - Trent Reimschussel and Kip Merrill Post Production Video Editors - Trent Woolford and Tremiti Childs. Post-Production Audio Engineers - Dan Carlisle and Dallin Nielson.
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  When Wishes Go Wrong - Stories for the Whole Family by Mara Menzies and Donna Washington 06.08.2026 28mnt

  Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about being careful what you wish for, overcoming unexpected challenges, and finding hope and wisdom in difficult situations. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:46) "How Fire Came Into the World" by Mara Menzies. An African folktale about a man determined to bring fire to his village, only to discover that the gift he wished for carries unexpected dangers and powerful consequences. (18:04) "Kitten Commotion" by Sam Payne. Sam shares the heartwarming and humorous story of how he and his family learned valuable lessons about responsibility, patience, and unexpected surprises after making their wish come true by adopting three playful kittens. (20:47) "Frog's King" by Donna Washington. A humorous pourquoi tale about a group of determined frogs whose persistence earns them exactly what they wished for but at a surprising cost. 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. The Apple Seed is produced by Sam Payne, Wendy Folsom, and Brian Tanner. Assistant Producers - Matthew Carr, Keri Griggs, Kay Hendrickson, and Roman Russell Production - Trent Reimschussel and Kip Merrill Post Production Video Editors - Trent Woolford and Tremiti Childs. Post-Production Audio Engineers - Dan Carlisle and Dallin Nielson.
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  Crooked Roads - Stories for the Whole Family by Andy Offutt Irwin and Dovie Thomason 30.07.2026 19mnt

  Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about slowing down, embracing life's unexpected detours, and discovering the opportunities that come from taking a different path. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:15) "Tallulah Point" by Andy Offutt Irwin. A humorous story about Andy’s fictional but eccentric Aunt Margarite and the journey that reconnects her with a meaningful place from her childhood. (10:03) "Allowance for Meandering" by Sam Payne. Sam shares the heartfelt story of an unexpected moment of connection with his dad that led to a new favorite movie, a memorable school tardy slip, and a lasting lesson about taking time for life's unexpected detours. (13:19) "Frog and Turtle" by Dovie Thomason. A short but charming fable about how two unlikely best friends choose to avoid the incoming rain. 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. The Apple Seed is produced by Sam Payne, Wendy Folsom, and Brian Tanner. Assistant Producers - Matthew Carr, Keri Griggs, Kay Hendrickson, and Roman Russell Production - Trent Reimschussel and Kip Merrill Post Production Video Editors - Trent Woolford and Tremiti Childs. Post-Production Audio Engineers - Dan Carlisle and Dallin Nielson.
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  Believe in Yourself - Stories for the Whole Family by Antonio Rocha and Jasmin Cardenas 23.07.2026 23mnt

  Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about building confidence, finding courage, and discovering the power that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (02:05) "The Eagle Who Thought He was a Chicken" by Antonio Rocha. An inspirational story about a young eagle discovering its true potential and finding the courage to become who it was meant to be. (11:21) "Musical Mentors" by Sam Payne. Sam reflects on the inspiring music teachers and mentors who shaped his journey, sharing how their encouragement helped him believe in himself and grow into the musician and storyteller he is today. (14:18) "Rug Rats: How I Found My Superpower" by Jasmin Cardenas. A heartwarming coming-of-age story about Jasmin’s childhood improv group and how it helped shape her confidence, creativity, and journey to becoming the storyteller she is today. 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. The Apple Seed is produced by Sam Payne, Wendy Folsom, and Brian Tanner. Assistant Producers - Matthew Carr, Keri Griggs, Kay Hendrickson, and Roman Russell Production - Trent Reimschussel and Kip Merrill Post Production Video Editors - Trent Woolford and Tremiti Childs. Post-Production Audio Engineers - Dan Carlisle and Dallin Nielson.
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  Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Stories for the Whole Family by Antonio Sacre, Willy Claflin and Paul Strickland 16.07.2026 27mnt

  Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the silly and unexpected adventures that often come with matters of the heart. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:21) "Martina the Butterfly" by Antonio Sacre. A charming Spanish fairy tale about a butterfly’s search for true love and the unexpected chaos that follows when she finds it. (07:55) "How to Pack" by Sam Payne. Sam shares a heartfelt family story about the marriage advice he received from his Aunt Annie and the unforgettable metaphor she used to explain the secrets of a lasting relationship. (11:08) "Rapunzel and the Seven Dwarfs" by Willy Claflin. A reimagined fairy tale about the humorous complications and unexpected twists that arise when love enters the picture, told by Willy’s friend, Maynard the Moose. (22:27) "I Love You with All of My Pancreas" by Paul Strickland. A heartfelt and hilarious song about the all-consuming nature of love and the silly ways it can be expressed. 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. The Apple Seed is produced by Sam Payne, Wendy Folsom, and Brian Tanner. Assistant Producers - Matthew Carr, Keri Griggs, Kay Hendrickson, and Roman Russell Production - Trent Reimschussel and Kip Merrill Post Production Video Editors - Trent Woolford and Tremiti Childs. Post-Production Audio Engineers - Dan Carlisle and Dallin Nielson.
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  A Gift for Mischief - Stories for the Whole Family by Lyn Ford and Donald Davis 09.07.2026 26mnt

  Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about discovering hidden talents, learning through mistakes, and using gifts in an effective way. (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne. (01:12) "My First Story" by Lyn Ford. A humorous childhood story about the moment Lyn discovered her natural talent for storytelling after getting in trouble. (09:02) "Mastering the Craft" by Sam Payne. Sam reflects on watching his daughter’s creativity and talent for crafting grow and flourish over the years. (11:58) "Getting Rid of the Babysitter" by Donald Davis. An amusing true story about the night a young Donald and his little brother used their gift for mischief in an attempt to prove they were too old for a babysitter. 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. The Apple Seed is produced by Sam Payne, Wendy Folsom, and Brian Tanner. Assistant Producers - Matthew Carr, Keri Griggs, Kay Hendrickson, and Roman Russell Production - Trent Reimschussel and Kip Merrill Post Production Video Editors - Trent Woolford and Tremiti Childs. Post-Production Audio Engineers - Dan Carlisle and Dallin Nielson.