Shows
Tell Me a Story PodcastGrowing Old: A Short PoemI know how it feels to grow old.The time and the temperature never relate.It's always too cold.And it's always too late.Thank you for reading Tell Me a Story Podcast. This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at tellmeastory.substack.com/subscribe2022-02-1700 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastLetting It Go: Relieve Anxiety and Toxic Stress in Just a Few MinutesLaurie Weiss and her husband went to dinner with old friends after a day at a professional conference in Montreal. Their friends picked a Mexican restaurant which was supposed to be quiet and pleasant.Now, Laurie is a highly sensitive person whose body rejects highly spiced food and loud noises, so the evening did not go well. Waiters kept promising food Laurie could eat but delivering food that made her mouth burn and induced violent coughing. As they sat there, several very loud families arrived and the mariachis began to play trumpets! Can you imagine how stressed Laurie felt?Laurie...2022-01-2502 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastStorytelling Is Integral to Who We AreThe following podcast is excerpted from an article written by Steven Schlozman of Storytellers of New Mexico:Stories matter.That's not just an opinion. That's not an axiom or a homily or a saying or even a pithy bumper sticker slogan. That's a genuine biological imperative. There's a reason we've been trading stories with each other since the time when we could trade anything at all. Our stories—those we share over dinner, the narratives we put down on paper, the arcs in movies and plays we scrutinize—these stories literally keep us whole.Stories are our brains' opposable thumbs. With...2022-01-2201 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastMah Jong, Ghost Stories, and Kicking the SwallowHere is a short story that originally appeared in Rhoda Yee's 1975 cookbook, Chinese Village Cookbook.Dinner was eaten early in the village, usually around four-thirty or five, and bedtime was around seven or a little later in summer.Often families would sit out in front of their houses and visit with neighbors. My grandmother was a marvelous storyteller, and we kids used to sit by the hour listening to some of her hair-raising ghost stories.Her stories were made even more scary when the night was dark, the only other sounds were cricket songs and frog mating calls, and the...2022-01-2002 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastI Hate EverythingHere's a lesson on gratitude, relationships, and love as told by George Strait in his #1 song, I Hate Everything:He was sitting there beside me throwing doubles down.When he ordered up his third one, he looked around.Then he looked at me.Said I do believeI'll have one more.He said I hate this bar and I hate to drink,But on second thought tonight I thinkI hate everything.Then he opened up his billfold and threw a $20 down,And a faded photograph fell out and hit the ground.And I picked it up.He said thank you, bud...2021-10-1702 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastToday We Pray for Those Who Died in AfghanistanLet us pray.Today we pray for all the people who have died and who will die from the violence and terror now taking place in Afghanistan.We pray for the women who have been beaten, raped, disfigured, or killed in Afghanistan.We pray for the American soldiers who have given their lives or limbs in the service of a greater good.We pray for the Afghans who are being killed or terrorized by the Taliban rule.We pray for all the people at the Kabul airport. We pray that they get home safely.We pray for all the stranded...2021-08-2901 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastToday We Pray for the TalibanLet us pray.Today we pray for the Taliban in Afghanistan. They think they've won a great victory, but that victory is only of this world.They have not won the true victory of life.We pray the Taliban discover the true victory.We pray they discover the true life.We pray that the world is stronger, more beautiful, more true, more peaceful when they do. Get full access to Tell Me a Story Podcast at tellmeastory.substack.com/subscribe2021-08-2700 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastIn Praise of Small DogsIt's not a dog, if it can fit inside another dog's mouth!It's not a dog, if it can be accidentally vacuumed up.It's not a dog, if it can be killed by a cat.It's not a dog, if it can be carried off by a medium-sized pigeon.It's not a dog, if it can be out-wrestled by a rat. Get full access to Tell Me a Story Podcast at tellmeastory.substack.com/subscribe2020-08-1500 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Cat Did It. I Saw It.When I walked into our living room, I discovered that our expensive paisley sofa pillow was in shreds.I asked our teenage son whether he knew which of our cats was responsible."It was Sammy," he replied."How do you know?" I asked in return."I watched him," he said.And that was enough. Get full access to Tell Me a Story Podcast at tellmeastory.substack.com/subscribe2020-08-1400 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe West Point Apple Pie: A Short ExcerptIn the beginning, West Point: A Novel shadows new Cadet John Paul (Jake) Jacobs on his first day of Beast Barracks. Educational perhaps to the reader, but a mind-stunning indoctrination for those that have been chosen to be a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point. The following excerpt is a precursor of the adventure to unfold."What the hell is this, Lamont?" the table commandant said, staring at the apple pie in disbelief. "Eyes up here. All you, smacks, look at this!"The new cadets reluctantly looked to the head of the table as the old...2020-07-2404 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastTwo Minutes in My PocketI have two minutes in my pocket to spare.If you have need of them for me to share.They have no rhythm, but they do have rhymeThese two minutes of universal time.I have them to spareIf you need me to share.Just say God Bless You to someone nearby.The minutes will be yours to try.Don't worry about exhausting this supply.The minutes replenish on the fly!I have two minutes in my pocket to spare.If you have need of them for me to share. Get full access to Tell Me a Story Podcast at tellmeastory...2020-07-2300 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastI Just Love the Pandemic! A secret love story for M&M'sHere's a little M&M's humor to lighten your day.I just dumped a pack of M&M's into my mask at work and am slowly eating them like a horse. I love the pandemic!More M&M's humor. Which is your favorite joke?Q. How can you tell that a Swede has been baking chocolate chip cookies? A. There are M&M shells all over the counter.Q. Why do Americans hate M&M's? A. They're too hard to peel.M&M's are cheaper than therapy. And you don't need an appointment!In Heaven, M&M's have no calories...2020-07-1202 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Elixir of Eternal LifeEarlier this year, police were called to the scene of a dispute between a woman and a man who was selling a secret formula elixir that he claimed gave eternal youth. As a result of the dispute, the man was arrested.It was the sixth time he'd been arrested for promoting a medical fraud.The fact is the man had previously been arrested in 1789, 1842, 1885, 1923, and 1986. Get full access to Tell Me a Story Podcast at tellmeastory.substack.com/subscribe2020-07-0900 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastIf You Love Something, Set It Free (Internet Humor)If you love something, set it free.If it comes back, it was, and always will be, yours.If it never returns, it was never yours to begin with.If it just sits in your living room,messes up your stuff,eats your food,uses your telephone,takes your money,and never behaves as if you actually set it free in the first place,you either married it or gave birth to it!— Anonymous on the Internet Get full access to Tell Me a Story Podcast at tellmeastory.substack.com/subscribe2020-07-0200 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastWhat Time Is It? - A Short Story by Gail Berry“What time is it, Grandfather? Nap time? Play time?” teased the little boy.“I will give you an answer that you won’t understand, but maybe you’ll remember,” the old man said as he pulled the little boy onto his lap.“All right,” said the boy.“When I was your age, time stretched out before me—it was forever. There was time for everything. But I couldn’t wait to grow up. Then, when I grew up, time was never enough for all I had to do. And it fell away and disappeared. I was alw...2020-06-3001 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastWhat Time Is It? - A Short Story by Gail Berry"What time is it, Grandfather? Nap time? Play time?" teased the little boy."I will give you an answer that you won't understand, but maybe you'll remember," the old man said as he pulled the little boy onto his lap."All right," said the boy."When I was your age, time stretched out before me—it was forever. There was time for everything. But I couldn't wait to grow up. Then, when I grew up, time was never enough for all I had to do. And it fell away and disappeared. I was always running. Now, I am an old ma...2020-06-3001 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Power of PrayerNever doubt what one prayer can do.Say your prayer today.Even just one prayer can change your lifeor the life of your loved onesor the life of a stranger.Or the life of the world.Your choice.Your prayer. Get full access to Tell Me a Story Podcast at tellmeastory.substack.com/subscribe2020-06-2800 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Invention: Poem by John KremerThe InventionWe wish, all of us, to exceed our own inventionsto create and then to go beyond that creation,to enter into it and make it live,breathing life into the lifeless,stirring the immovable.We fail, but we continue.We invent machine after machine,each exceeding the next,becoming more refined,more capable,more effective.And still we build, paint dance sing writeagain and again,ever aiming to excel.The direction is obvious:We wish to build the perfect machine.We are aiming for ourselves. Get full access to Tell Me a Story Podcast at tellmeastory.substack.com/subscribe2020-06-2700 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Little Prince, a Fable by Oscar WildeHigh above the city, on a tall column, stood the statue of the Happy Prince. He was gilded all over with thin leaves of fine gold, for eyes he had two bright sapphires, and a large red ruby glowed on his sword-hilt.He was very much admired indeed. "He is as beautiful as a weathercock," remarked one of the Town Councillors who wished to gain a reputation for having artistic tastes. "Only not quite so useful," he added, fearing lest people should think him unpractical, which he really was not."Why can't you be like the Happy Prince?" asked a...2020-06-2321 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastWhat Makes You Happy by Laura Ingalls WilderIt is not the things you have that make you happy. It is love and kindness and helping each other and just plain being good. — Laura Ingalls Wilder, novelist Get full access to Tell Me a Story Podcast at tellmeastory.substack.com/subscribe2020-06-2100 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastWalk Toward the Light: A Very Short Story by Matin AtrushiMy dad is so cheap that when he dies, he's going to walk toward the light and turn it off. — Matin Atrushi, comedian Get full access to Tell Me a Story Podcast at tellmeastory.substack.com/subscribe2020-06-1600 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Wishing Box: A Short Story by Gail Berry"I have a present for you," she said, "It was given to me by a very special friend."He told me: ‘This is a gift for giving, not for keeping!' I held onto it for quite a few years anyway — afraid of losing things, I guess. But now I want you to have it."You can see it best with your eyes closed — use your imagination — put out your hands, keep them close together, palms up. I'll need a place to set it."It's a wishing box. It has four golden legs about half an inch high, shaped like lion paw...2020-06-1403 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Wishing Box: A Short Story by Gail Berry“I have a present for you,” she said, “It was given to me by a very special friend.“He told me: ‘This is a gift for giving, not for keeping!’ I held onto it for quite a few years anyway — afraid of losing things, I guess. But now I want you to have it.“You can see it best with your eyes closed — use your imagination — put out your hands, keep them close together, palms up. I’ll need a place to set it.“It’s a wishing box. It has four golden legs about half an inch hi...2020-06-1403 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Unicorn: A Short Story by Gail BerryWhen the Lord made the world, He created the heavens and the ocean and the dear earth.He created the stars and the sun and the moon.Then He called forth the first creature and said, “You are to guard this world. Where you walk, there will be no pain. Go unicorn.”And the unicorn did as he was told. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tellmeastory.substack.com/subscribe2020-06-1200 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Unicorn: A Short Story by Gail BerryWhen the Lord made the world, He created the heavens and the ocean and the dear earth.He created the stars and the sun and the moon.Then He called forth the first creature and said, "You are to guard this world. Where you walk, there will be no pain. Go unicorn."And the unicorn did as he was told. Get full access to Tell Me a Story Podcast at tellmeastory.substack.com/subscribe2020-06-1200 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastA Whisper, a Poem by John KremerI had this one certain vision.I was running along side the cars on the freewayrunning even ahead of themgloriously flowing faster than theyfaster than they could possibly gostreaking by them as a photon of lightfaster than light itselfas a blurexceeding even myselfpast the shell.Faster yet, beyond everything,streaking even faster, beyond, beyond.Shaking loose the very fabric of existencebreaking the cordsevering the tietrampling upon its remainsdancing as I ranshaking loose even the final fleeting fragmentsbursting into wild delirium.Beyond delusionbeyond chaosbeyond the static pump-pump of timeinto that which sets the beatmarching only to that drum,slowlywith dignitywith patienceforeverAnd...2020-06-0901 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastInside Me I've Got World Peace by Gwen GardnerInside me I've got: world peace, 2 rainbows, light from 4 stars, green stuff, milk, some dog hair, and a raisin. — Gwen Gardner, founder, Simply Chickie clothing Get full access to Tell Me a Story Podcast at tellmeastory.substack.com/subscribe2020-06-0800 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Tree of Life, a Short Story by Gail Berry"Deep within the forest is the golden tree, the Tree of Life. Let your quest be for that and none other," the old woman advised."Some seek it for its golden leaves and dreams of riches. They do not find it."And some, some look for healing from its roots. Some of those do find it, but they are few."And then, then there are the ones who search only for the joy of the quest and the wonder of what they might find."And these, these are the ones for whom the tree of life bows her golden branches."...2020-06-0701 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Tree of Life, a Short Story by Gail Berry“Deep within the forest is the golden tree, the Tree of Life. Let your quest be for that and none other,” the old woman advised.“Some seek it for its golden leaves and dreams of riches. They do not find it.“And some, some look for healing from its roots. Some of those do find it, but they are few.“And then, then there are the ones who search only for the joy of the quest and the wonder of what they might find.“And these, these are the ones for whom the tre...2020-06-0701 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastI Asked God to Take Away My Pain PoemI asked God to take away my pain.God said, "No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up."I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.God said, "No. Her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary."I asked God to grant me patience.God said, "No. Patience is a by-product of tribulations. It isn't granted. It is earned."I asked God to give me happiness.God said, "No. I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you."I asked God to spare me pain.God said, "No. Suffering draws...2020-06-0601 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe White Knight, a Short Story by Gail BerryHave you heard the song of The Great Knight Stephen? He was the bravest of the brave—no adventure was too dangerous. The White Knight he was called. He was untarnished in principle and ideal—and unbeaten in battle.The sage warned him his greatest challenge would be in love.He loved first the King's daughter—with golden hair, a sweet voice, and a gentle disposition. And she would gladly wed him. But then he loved another—a queen in her own right, a woman of power and beauty. To this woman he gave his heart.But even as he loved, o...2020-06-0302 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe White Knight, a Short Story by Gail BerryHave you heard the song of The Great Knight Stephen? He was the bravest of the brave—no adventure was too dangerous. The White Knight he was called. He was untarnished in principle and ideal—and unbeaten in battle.The sage warned him his greatest challenge would be in love.He loved first the King’s daughter—with golden hair, a sweet voice, and a gentle disposition. And she would gladly wed him. But then he loved another—a queen in her own right, a woman of power and beauty. To this woman he gave his heart...2020-06-0302 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Parable of the BalloonsWhile speaking to a group, Sarah gave each of the participants a balloon. She asked everyone to write their names on the balloon they held. She then collected the balloons and put them into another room.When she let the people in her group into the other room, she asked them to find the balloon with their name written on it. And to do it within 5 minutes. Everyone set to work frantically looking for the balloon with their own name. They bumped into each other. Some even pushed others. There was much chaos in the room. At the end of 5 minutes...2020-06-0201 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Three Weavers, a Short Story by Gail BerryIn an old cottage covered with morning glory vines by the Warbling River lived three women weavers—Alyssa was young and beautiful, Lydia was of middle age with long dark hair, and Claire was a stately white-haired lady.All day they sat at their looms and wove. Alyssa used reds and greens and yellows as she wove the spring and summer and children's dreams. Lydia used purples and blues as she wove the fall and wisdom. Claire wove with threads of silver and gold of the most delicate hue. On her loom I watched winter come, and I learned of lo...2020-06-0101 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Three Weavers, a Short Story by Gail BerryIn an old cottage covered with morning glory vines by the Warbling River lived three women weavers—Alyssa was young and beautiful, Lydia was of middle age with long dark hair, and Claire was a stately white-haired lady.All day they sat at their looms and wove. Alyssa used reds and greens and yellows as she wove the spring and summer and children’s dreams. Lydia used purples and blues as she wove the fall and wisdom. Claire wove with threads of silver and gold of the most delicate hue. On her loom I watched winter come, and...2020-06-0101 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe FenceOnce upon a time, there was a young boy with a very bad temper.To teach the boy a lesson, his father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into their wooden fence.On the first day of this lesson, the little boy had driven 26 nails into the fence. That's how angry he was!Over the next few weeks, the boy began to control his temper. And so he hammered fewer and fewer nails into the fence.It wasn't long before the boy learned it was...2020-05-3102 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Waterfall - a Poem by John KremerI found the strangest waterfall in a narrow channel along a flat plain in the gully near my home. It was too flat for a fall, and yet I heard the unmistakable gurgle of a waterfall. So I crawled down into the belly of the gully to check it out more closely.Even at close range, the water still appeared to run across a plain without a fall. But then I saw what looked like a hole in the middle of the flowing stream. So I picked up a stick to poke around to check how deep it was. Well...2020-05-3002 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Two WolvesAn old Cherokee chief was teaching his grandson about life. Here is what he told the boy.Inside every one of us, there are two wolves who are always fighting.One wolf is evil. He is anger, lies, greed, arrogance, envy, resentment, and ego.The other wolf is good. He is love, joy, peace, kindness, hope, humility, generosity, truth, and faith.This fight between good and evil is going on inside you—and inside every other person as well.The grandson thought about his grandfather's story for a minute and then asked, Which wolf will win? The good one or the...2020-05-2901 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastA Slice of Life, a Short Story by Gail BerryIt's mid morning and I walk my dog Elsie over to John's house so he can take his dog Becky and my dog Elsie and himself for a morning walk which everyone loves.Then I go back home and eat breakfast. Once they return, John says Elsie always waits at the gate watching for me. And truly when I go to get her, she's there at the gate waiting.It always brings me to tears. I think because I have waited at the gate for many people and most have never seen me there.But now I see someone waiting...2020-05-2701 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastA Slice of Life, a Short Story by Gail BerryIt’s mid morning and I walk my dog Elsie over to John’s house so he can take his dog Becky and my dog Elsie and himself for a morning walk which everyone loves.Then I go back home and eat breakfast. Once they return, John says Elsie always waits at the gate watching for me. And truly when I go to get her, she’s there at the gate waiting.It always brings me to tears. I think because I have waited at the gate for many people and most have never seen me the...2020-05-2701 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Best Joke Ever?Sherlock Holmes and Doc Watson go camping. They pitch their tent under the stars and go to sleep.In the middle of the night Holmes wakes Watson up and asks, "Watson, look up at the stars, and tell me what you deduce."Watson says, "I see millions of stars. Even if only a few of those stars have planets, it's quite likely that there are some planets just like Earth. And, if there are a few planets just like Earth circling those stars, there might also be other life in the universe. What an amazing creation!"Holmes stops him short, "...2020-05-2501 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Enchanted Hour by Meghan Cox GuronThis little real-life story has been excerpted from The Enchanted Hour by Meghan Cox Guron. You should read The Enchanted Hour if you want to know more about how reading to others can not only impact their lives but also enrich your life.The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction by Meghan Cox Gurdon is an incredible look at why I started this podcast as a result of reading a number of stories and nonfiction books to my wife. I know this podcast has changed my life. I hope it changes and enriches...2020-05-2401 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Rain, a Short Story by Gail Berry“There’s a woman who brings the storms.”“Sure, Jeremy, and there’s a man who takes out the garbage, too.”“No, I’m serious about this. I saw her last night. Remember the wind was blowing the trees so hard, and there was lightening and thunder. Then, just before the rain, I saw her.“Where? On the chimney?”“No! Up in the sky! Her dress was blowing all around her, and she had her arms raised up high like she was telling the storm what to do. Her eyes looked wild.”“Was she...2020-05-2301 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Rain, a Short Story by Gail Berry"There's a woman who brings the storms.""Sure, Jeremy, and there's a man who takes out the garbage, too.""No, I'm serious about this. I saw her last night. Remember the wind was blowing the trees so hard, and there was lightening and thunder. Then, just before the rain, I saw her."Where? On the chimney?""No! Up in the sky! Her dress was blowing all around her, and she had her arms raised up high like she was telling the storm what to do. Her eyes looked wild.""Was she scary?""No, because she was really pretty.""Then what...2020-05-2301 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Ewan MacCollThis song was written in 1957 by Ewan MacColl. The best performance of the song, in my mind, was by Roberta Flack (when it was featured in Clint Eastwood's movie, Play Misty for Me.The first time ever I saw your face,I thought the sun rose in your eyesAnd the moon and the starsWere the gifts you gaveTo the dark and the endless sky, my love.The first time ever I kissed your mouth,I felt the earth move in my handLike the trembling heartOf a captive birdThat was there at my command, my love.And the first time ever...2020-05-2201 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastGiving: A Short Short Story by Gail Berry“Only words have I to give,” said the poet. “Of these I give freely and that is all that God can ask. He cares not how beautiful the voice of the singer, but only that the singer gives his song.”Do you know the story of the child who came before the Christ with no gift in her hands?When the others would turn her away with ridicule, He spoke to them all, saying, “This child gives Me her love and that is the greatest gift of all. Let all of you come as empty handed as...2020-05-2100 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastGiving: A Short Short Story by Gail Berry"Only words have I to give," said the poet. "Of these I give freely and that is all that God can ask. He cares not how beautiful the voice of the singer, but only that the singer gives his song."Do you know the story of the child who came before the Christ with no gift in her hands?When the others would turn her away with ridicule, He spoke to them all, saying, "This child gives Me her love and that is the greatest gift of all. Let all of you come as empty handed as she, and then...2020-05-2100 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastShort Excerpt on Storytelling from The Wheel of TimeHere is some writing advice from Thom Merrilin, a storytelling character from A Memory of Light, book 14 of The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson.If you use the words people expect, they grow bored. A great ballad needs to be unexpected.Never be expected.When people start to expect you—when they start to anticipate your flourishes, to look for the ball you had hidden through sleight of hand, or to smile before you reached the twist line of your tale—it is time to pack up your cloak, bow once for good measure, and stro...2020-05-2001 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Best SeedThere once was a farmer who grew the most excellent wheat. Every season he won the award for the best wheat in his county.A woman from a nearby town came to ask him about his success.He told her that the key was sharing his best seed with his neighbors so they could plant the seed as well.The woman asked, "How can you share your best wheat seed with your neighbors when they compete with you every year?""That's simple," the farmer replied. "The wind spreads the pollen from everyone's wheat and carries it from field to field...2020-05-1901 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastAngie: A Short Story by Gail BerryHere's another short short story by my wife Gail Berry. I hope you like this one as well.I was visiting a friend in the hospital the summer of '85. While I was passing down a corridor, I noticed a child of about six sitting next to an old man who was lying in a hospital bed. The little girl was holding his hand — he looked too weak to grasp hers.Usually I don't eavesdrop on others' conversations, but in this case I couldn't help myself.The two were talking quietly and so intently that my presence was unnoticed.The ol...2020-05-1902 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastAngie: A Short Story by Gail BerryHere’s another short short story by my wife Gail Berry. I hope you like this one as well.I was visiting a friend in the hospital the summer of ’85. While I was passing down a corridor, I noticed a child of about six sitting next to an old man who was lying in a hospital bed. The little girl was holding his hand — he looked too weak to grasp hers.Usually I don’t eavesdrop on others’ conversations, but in this case I couldn’t help myself.The two were talking quietly and so inten...2020-05-1902 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastThe Mom Test: A Viral Short StoryI was out walking with my 5-year-old daughter. She picked up something from the ground and started to put it into her mouth.I took the thing away from her and asked her not to do that."Why?" she asked."Because it's been on the ground, and you don't know where it's been. It's dirty. And it probably has germs."At this point, my daughter looked at me with absolute admiration and asked, "Mom, how do you know all this stuff? You are so smart."I thought quickly and replied, "All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mom Test...2020-05-1901 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastBelieve, a Short Short by Gail BerryHere is a short short story by my wife Gail Berry. I love this story. I hope you will as well.One night the turtle said to his friend the frog: "Would you like to fly with me through the stars tonight to meet the moon?"The frog, who thought the turtle a silly kidder, replied, "Turtle, I don't believe anyone can fly, much less a fellow who carries a shell such as yours.""Well, come with me tonight and see for yourself," replied the turtle.The frog, thinking to catch his friend in a tall tale, said that he...2020-05-1301 min
Tell Me a Story PodcastBelieve, a Short Short by Gail BerryHere is a short short story by my wife Gail Berry. I love this story. I hope you will as well.One night the turtle said to his friend the frog: “Would you like to fly with me through the stars tonight to meet the moon?”The frog, who thought the turtle a silly kidder, replied, “Turtle, I don’t believe anyone can fly, much less a fellow who carries a shell such as yours.”“Well, come with me tonight and see for yourself,” replied the turtle.The frog, thinking to catch his frie...2020-05-1301 min