The Story Ark Podcast

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Captain Kenny Mears dives into the world of Slavic mythology and one of its most iconic figures: the terrifying Baba Yaga. Known for her iron teeth, her long nose, and her peculiar, walking Chicken House, this witch has haunted folklore for centuries.

But what if the children she hunts aren't so helpless? In this original story by storyteller Ginger Parkinson, the traditional tale gets a clever, humorou...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Captain Kenny Mears sets a course for the heartwarming tradition of telling bedtime stories to connect with our kids. In this episode, we're honored to feature a story straight from a mother's heart.

Join storyteller Celeste Teal Larkin as she shares a beautiful, original tale she created for her own baby. Celeste, a talented singer of opera and musical theater, was drawn to the intimate power of oral s...

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, th...

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 s...

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 hila...

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,...

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...

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 a...

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 storytel...

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 s...

Join Captain Kenny Mears on the Story Ark for an unforgettable episode featuring Wayne Kartchner, a masterful storyteller and member of the Utah Storytelling Guild. This isn't your typical folk tale; it's a darkly comedic monologue delivered by a demon named Timmy, who informs all listeners they've unexpectedly perished due to a bizarre, virus-laden Furby app.

In this unique audio experience, Timmy, a reluctant arbiter between heave...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! Join Captain Kenny Mears on a delightful voyage into the heart of Ukrainian folklore. In this episode, we're honored to feature Laurie Allen, a seasoned storyteller and friend of the show, as she shares arguably Ukraine's most famous folktale: "The Mitten."

Folk tales offer a unique window into different cultures, and this timeless story is no exception. Follow young Yvon as he ventures out into the sno...

Welcome aboard the Story Ark! This week, Captain Kenny Mears navigates the currents of influence and impression. We all encounter people who leave their mark, for better or worse, and today's storyteller, Jeff Driggs, shares a humorous and insightful true story about a particularly memorable sixth-grade teacher, Mrs. Morris.

Join Jeff, President of the Utah Storytelling Guild, as he recounts the perplexing and sometimes exasperating...

Ahoy, story lovers! Captain Kenny Mears welcomes you aboard the Story Ark for a journey into the ever-evolving world of folklore. This episode features the enchanting voice of Lora Schmidt, a seasoned storyteller with over 30 years of experience, as she shares her delightful British rendition of the classic tale, "Mollie Whuppie."

Join us as Lora weaves a spellbinding tale of a clever young girl named Mollie Whuppie who, along with ...

On this special Memorial Day episode of The Story Ark, Captain Kenny Mears invites listeners on a poignant voyage into family history and wartime sacrifice. Guest storyteller Wayne Kartchner shares the remarkable and heartbreaking story of his Uncle Yelmer, a young Navy tail gunner during World War II.

At just 17, Yelmer and his brother Irvin joined the Navy following the attack on Pearl Harbor. While Irvin served as a cook on a bat...

Step aboard the Story Ark for a special episode hosted by Kenny Mears, where we spotlight the heartfelt storytelling of Wayne Kartchner. This episode features two moving pieces from Wayne: a poignant poem, "Davis County Jail," and a touching family story, "My Best Buy."

In "Davis County Jail," Wayne offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of those seeking solace and redemption within the chapel of a county jail. Through vivid imag...

Step aboard the Story Ark with your host, Kenny Mears, as we set sail on a journey through one of humanity’s oldest traditions: storytelling. In this episode, we explore the enduring appeal of the "wise fool" tale with a special performance of “Silly Hans,” a classic story by Hans Christian Andersen.

Renowned storyteller and ventriloquist Randel McGee joins us, channeling Andersen himself to bring this whimsical Danish folktale to l...

All aboard The Story Ark! In this enchanting episode, Captain Kenny Mears invites listeners to set sail on a heartwarming journey of love, compromise, and family with the story "Ratonita," brought to life by storyteller Wayne Kartchner.

Travel to the vibrant streets of Cobán, Guatemala, where Mita, a beautiful little mouse, and Vajo, a shy house finch, find themselves swept up in a whirlwind romance. Against the odds-and across spec...