Hanuman's Gift: The Storyteller's Journey with Usha and Jim
Storytelling Matters
Embark on a transformative journey in this episode of our podcast, "Hanuman's Gift: The Storyteller's Journey with Usha and Jim." Join host Jim Brulé and special guest as they explore the timeless wisdom of Hanuman, the legendary figure from the Ramayana, and uncover the power of storytelling to inspire, heal, and connect. Through personal anecdotes, ancient tales, and insightful conversation, Usha and Jim invite listeners to discover how the art of storytelling can become a gift—one that bridges cultures, generations, and hearts. Whether you're a seasoned storyteller or simply curious...
info_outline
The Silver Hands
Storytelling Matters
This episode, our guest is Baya Salmon-Hawk, a storyteller, psychotherapist, and a specialist in the treatment of trauma who brings us her version of a traditional story which is sometimes called "The Silver Hands."
info_outline
The Greatest Gift
Storytelling Matters
This episode, our guest is Kristin Pedemonti, a professional storyteller, speaker, facilitator, and coach from Washington DC who brings us her version of a traditional Yoruba story called "The Greatest Gift."
info_outline
The Magic Pomegranate
Storytelling Matters
This episode, our guest is Cindy Rivka Marshall, a professional storyteller, workshop facilitator and consultant from Massachusetts who brings us her version of a traditional story which might best be called "The Magic Pomegranate."
info_outline
Three Stories for Healing
Storytelling Matters
This episode, our guest is Noa Baum, a storyteller originally from Jerusalem who now lives in Maryland. She brings us three powerful stories about healing: one about drought, a story about Nabek and a horse, and a story about a fire.
info_outline
The Sparrow
Storytelling Matters
Welcome to this week's episode of the second season of Storytelling Matters. This episode, our guest is Hears Crow, a storyteller from the Narragansett people who has a story for us about a sparrow, some trees, some life-or-death challenges, and a lesson for us all. What you are hearing today originally aired in December of 2020, and yet I think you will find it very relevant today. Hears Crow tells us: "This story has been told by many different nations. I've heard it from native tribes, from Abenaki. I have seen it from up north. The most frequent time that I got to hear this story was...
info_outline
East and West
Storytelling Matters
This episode, our guest is Martin Manasse, a storyteller from England who has a story for us about two kings, and two kingdoms, and ... well, you will be certainly be engaged by both the story and the way Martin tells it. What you are hearing today originally aired in November of 2020, and yet I think you will be moved by its currency.
info_outline
Fatima - a Story for Healing
Storytelling Matters
David Heathfield, a storyteller and educator from England, tells a classic story about Fatima, with lessons for today.
info_outline
Not with Keys
Storytelling Matters
Yours truly, Jim Brule, tells a traditional Hasidic story about how to open the gates of heaven.
info_outline
Arthurian Miracles
Storytelling Matters
Our guest this week is Laura Packer, who shares two classic Arthurian tales that she has woven together into a single story - with deep meaning for her, and important insights into healing and the power of story.
info_outlineIn this podcast we visit Folktales – stories passed on in a tradition in an oral fashion: they shift a little from teller to teller and audience to audience, but without significant changes. However, the shifts are critical – they’re what help keep the story alive.
Folktales may have an embedded value – just part of the subtext – or the value may be the whole point of the story. And of course, there’s a lot of stories in the middle ground!
Today we hear three stories of each type, from three cultures: West African, Afghan, and American. Each will be told by a different storyteller, including an emerging storyteller from Nigeria and a traditional folk teller from North America with over 6,000 audiences to his credit: Papa Joe.
We also hear from Papa Joe and his journey through storytelling, and his pearls of wisdom for storytellers.
Tracking
- Introduction, and a taste of things to come.
- Papa Joe’s recollections of his journey through storytelling.
- Hovia, Hovia! Papa Joe’s spooky story…
- The Tortoise and the Dog, a traditional West African story told by Titi Ogunnaike.
- The Wooden Sword, a story from Afghanistan, told by yours truly.
- Pearls of Wisdom, our recurring segment of advice from this week’s guest.
- Upcoming next week: another taste of what is to come!
Contributors and Thanks
Papa Joe Gaudet’s living folktales have engaged over 6,000 audiences. He has captured family audiences from Cow Head, Newfoundland to Austin, Texas, from the beaches in Florida to the mountains of Washington State. Please visit his website.
Titi Ogunnaike is an emerging storyteller from Lagos, Nigeria. Her plans include a North American tour where she will regale audiences with traditional folktales from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, dressed in the style of each country.
Thanks to musician, producer, and mensch Joe Eglash for composing, performing, and recording our theme music.
Transformational Storytelling, the home for short courses, onsite programs, and master training in transformational storytelling.