Tales for Life
Do you love listening to stories that transport you to different worlds and times? Do you want to be entertained while you learn from the wisdom and experience of the characters and storytellers? If so, then Tales for Life is the podcast for you. In each episode, we will explore a folk or fairy tale from a different culture and region, and discover the life lessons, values, and morals that they offer. Whether it is about achieving success, love, being your best self, or other themes that help us on our way, these stories will inspire you to live your best life and overcome any challenge. Join me as we journey through the magical and meaningful world of folk and fairy tales!
Episodes
In this episode of Tales For Life, we explore the classic French folktale Diamonds and Toads, a sparkling story of two sisters whose fates are shaped not by luck, but by character. Through magical encounters and unexpected consequences, we reflect on what it truly means to be worthy of success. It’s a tale that reminds us that effort, kindness, and humility aren’t just virtues—they’re the quiet forces that move fortune our way. Joi...
In this episode of Tales For Life, we explore the power of commitment through a charming Japanese folktale about a young man who starts with nothing but a single piece of straw. As his journey unfolds, we reflect on how life rewards those who give themselves fully—through effort, kindness, and trust in the process. Tune in for gentle wisdom, practical insights, and a reminder that even the smallest beginnings can grow into somethin...
In this episode of Tales For Life, “Love the Truth of You,” we dive into the delightfully absurd story of Prince Hyacinth—a royal so convinced of his perfection, he couldn’t see the truth staring him in the face. Literally. Through this playful French fairy tale, we explore the deeper wisdom behind honest friendship, self-awareness, and the courage to face our flaws. Whether it’s accepting what we cannot change or working to grow, ...
In this week’s episode of Tales For Life, we meet Pedro and his mule—two unlikely companions who discover that happiness isn’t about swapping places, but shifting perspective. Through humor and heart, this Spanish folktale reminds us that discontent often stems from within, and that gratitude can transform not just our own outlook, but the lives around us. Tune in for a story that’s light on its feet but deep in its wisdom, and wal...
In this episode of Tales For Life, we explore what it really takes to earn something meaningful. Through the lens of a classic Slavic folktale, we reflect on how bold action, persistence, and stepping beyond the familiar can transform how others see us—and how we see ourselves. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to take on something hard, this story might be it. It’s a gentle nudge toward courage, and a reminder that great rewards r...
A quiet morning, a small nudge, and a ripple that reaches farther than anyone expects. In this episode of Tales For Life, we explore how even the tiniest actions can shape the world around us—and how the results might look nothing like the cause. It’s a gentle reminder that what we do matters, even when it doesn’t seem like much.
Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/
In this episode of Tales For Life, we journey to the misty valleys of Jiangnan to meet a quiet wanderer who reshapes tradition with creativity and courage. The Porcelain Wanderer is a gentle fable about stepping off the well-worn path and daring to do things differently. It’s a story for anyone feeling stuck or longing for change—a reminder that transformation often begins with a single, curious step. Subscribe for more timeless ta...
In this episode, featuring a gentle tale from Africa, we meet Unjabu, a man whose greatness wasn’t loud—it was shaped slowly, quietly, through clay and time. When a visiting nephew asks how he became so successful, Unjabu tells a story of early failure, quiet passion, and unwavering dedication to the craft that called to him.
This episode is for anyone wondering whether it’s worth it to keep going when the early efforts fall flat. I...
In this episode of Tales For Life, we follow a squirrel’s scramble through choice, consequence, and cold—a parable of indecision nestled in golden leaves. As Tibbins dithers between three hiding places, his scattered efforts come up short, reminding us that exploring options is important—but choosing and committing is what carries us through. A gentle tale for anyone whose focus feels a bit too spread, and whose winter is fast appr...
In this week’s episode of Tales For Life, we explore the power of commitment through a hauntingly beautiful Middle Eastern folktale, The Girl Who Sealed the Door. When Layla volunteers to face the spirits of the cursed palace, she brings not charms or prayers—but a hammer and nails. Her choice to block the way back becomes a metaphor for the kind of resolve that transforms fear into courage. Through vivid storytelling and gentle re...
In this episode, we explore the quiet power of persistence through the African folktale The Flame of Mamba Muntu. When King Zuberi tasks his three sons with trials to determine who will inherit the crown, each responds differently. Jabari charges ahead, Kwame calculates, and Tendo listens, learns, and returns when others stop.
This isn’t a story about triumph in the usual sense—it’s about the space between effort and excuse, and wha...
In this episode of Tales For Life, we journey to Valle Sol for the story of Marisol, a young woman whose quiet persistence transforms not only her fate but the lives of those she loves. Inspired by Andy Andrews’ “I Will Persist…Without Exception,” this tale speaks to anyone who’s wrestled with slow progress, early failure, or the quiet doubt that shadows uncertain paths. Through Marisol’s thread-by-thread determination, we’re remin...
This week on Tales For Life, we revisit The Emperor’s New Clothes—not as a childhood fable, but a sharp reflection on how easily we trade clarity for comfort. When pressure to fit in creeps in, we may start biting back questions or doubting what we see. This story reminds us that sometimes the clearest voice is the one brave enough to say, “Something feels off.” Because shaping your world starts with trusting your own.
In this episode of Tales For Life, we explore how the choices we make linger—and how yesterday’s actions quietly shape how we’re seen today. Through a rich retelling of Beauty and the Beast, titled Thorns and Velvet, we’re reminded that appearances don’t just reflect what’s outside—they carry echoes of our character and choices. When a weary merchant plucks a rose and sets his daughter on a path toward a mysterious castle, we witne...
In today's world, it often seems like speed is all that matters. Make things happen now. Get things done yesterday. But that's not the way that life works. It's the slow, steady work over time that leads to the beautiful tomorrow. Come along on this episode featuring a Slavic tale that illustrates vividly that perseverance and endurance are the key to happily ever after.
Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.c...
Success is often portrayed as a maze of strategies and philosophies, but at its core lies a single truth—progress begins with action. In this episode, we cut through the noise to explore why movement, not just mindset, is the defining factor in reaching your goals. And to bring the message home, we look to a Norwegian fairy tale where actions—rather than intentions—make all the difference.
Music by Particle Dogs at https://particled...
It would be great for all of us if life were fair, but it isn't. Crying and screaming won't help. What will? Well, that answer lies in an old Russian folktale that's part of this week's episode. Want to know what a wooden doll, a wicked stepmother, and the Russian witch Baba Yaga have to do with you? Listen and find out!
Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/
Success doesn't have to be huge, and it doesn't have to be all at once. In fact, it will never be all at once. And those little successes? Well, those are the steps we have to take to get to the end goal, which really isn't a giant success at all, but a series of little successes on the way. With the help of a couple of fables -- one African and one from Aesop -- this episode takes a look at what true success really is...and wh...
Have you ever been bothered by the fact that someone has more than you do? Yeah, me too. But we shouldn't be. Even if that person gained some or all of what they have from our efforts, giving in to envy is a self-destructive path to go down. With the help of an old tale from India, this episode takes a look at why envy eats those who have it.
Music by Particle Dogs at https://particledogs.bandcamp.com/
Each one of us has been given some form of talent—but the real question is, are we putting it to use? It doesn’t matter if it feels small or insignificant, or even if you think you’ve got less than others. What matters is that you use what you’ve been given. Not later. Not when it feels perfect. Now. In fact, not only is it important—you’re called to.
In this episode, we turn to one of the oldest and most powerful stories we’ve ever...
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