loader from loading.io

The Halloween That Gave Back

Story with a Message

Release Date: 10/05/2025

Episode 200: One Tale at a Time show art Episode 200: One Tale at a Time

Story with a Message

WooHoo! This is Episode #200. I can hardly believe it myself. Four years of telling stories — some borrowed, some lived, some stumbled upon by accident — and along the way I’ve picked up a few lessons worth passing on. So today, I'll be sharing them with you.   Want to contact me? Send an email to . The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by  on .

info_outline
The Canned Goods Catastrophe show art The Canned Goods Catastrophe

Story with a Message

A winter storm sends everyone scrambling for supplies, turning a simple grocery run into something closer to a survival mission. In the middle of the chaos, one small disaster brings the entire store to a standstill. What happens next isn’t about the weather at all, but about the surprising way people can shift from frantic to generous in a single magical moment.   Want to contact me? Send an email to . The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by  on .

info_outline
The Student Who Solved the Unsolvable show art The Student Who Solved the Unsolvable

Story with a Message

A late arrival to class. Two problems on a chalkboard. A misunderstanding that changes everything. This episode invites us to rethink what’s possible when doubt isn’t part of the equation.   Want to contact me? Send an email to . The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by  on .

info_outline
Counting Change, Changing Hearts show art Counting Change, Changing Hearts

Story with a Message

In a crowded checkout line, a man in a hurry meets a delay he didn’t see coming. What starts as irritation turns into something far more human—and it just might change the way you look at the people standing in front of you.   Want to contact me? Send an email to . The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by  on .

info_outline
The New Year's Lantern show art The New Year's Lantern

Story with a Message

A quiet New Year’s Eve. A familiar porch. A lantern that’s been part of Valley Road longer than most folks can remember. This week, a simple act of kindness sparks a story that glows brighter than anyone expected.   Want to contact me? Send an email to . The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by  on .

info_outline
The Christmas Keepsake Crisis show art The Christmas Keepsake Crisis

Story with a Message

Christmas can sometimes be a time of crisis, especially when a family is grieving and trying to hold on to what matters most. Even the smallest thing can stir up unexpected big feelings. What begins as a simple moment of sorting through memories turns into a full-blown Christmas keepsake crisis. Listen to find out what happened. Note: The original story can be found in Chicken Soup for the Soul: It's Christmas!   Want to contact me? Send an email to . The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by  on .

info_outline
Facebook Santa show art Facebook Santa

Story with a Message

A missing gift. A desperate late-night post. A stranger who did the unthinkable. This true holiday story proves that sometimes the real magic isn’t under the tree—it shows up when people choose kindness. Read the original story by Caroline Fanning in the latest edition of Reader's Digest (December 2025/January 2026).   Want to contact me? Send an email to . The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by  on .

info_outline
When Santa Fainted on Maplewood Lane show art When Santa Fainted on Maplewood Lane

Story with a Message

You know the type—every December, someone goes over the top and turns their yard into a glowing holiday carnival. Maplewood Lane had Earl, whose dazzling display lit up the block. But one neighbor proved that Christmas spirit doesn’t need a thousand bulbs to shine. Sometimes the truest light is found on a porch, not a roof. Today's pod features an original Christmas story. I hope you enjoy it!   Want to contact me? Send an email to . The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by  on .

info_outline
Global Game Night show art Global Game Night

Story with a Message

From my brother’s game nights to the idea of a global table, this episode uncovers how play builds connection, sparks laughter, and reminds us of our shared humanity. Join me as we imagine what the world could learn from the shuffle of cards and the roll of the dice.   Want to contact me? Send an email to . The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by  on .

info_outline
Wrong Number, Right Heart show art Wrong Number, Right Heart

Story with a Message

It started with a simple text message sent to the wrong person. This small mistake led to years of shared stories, laughter and a bond no one saw coming. Today's podcast is a Thankgiving story that reminds us a family isn't always inherited—sometimes it's discovered.   Want to contact me? Send an email to . The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by  on .

info_outline
 
More Episodes

This week’s story takes us to a small Michigan town where Halloween took an unexpected turn—one that left a porch full of candy and a community full of heart. It’s a tale of kids, kindness, and a doorbell camera that captured something extraordinary. If you think you’ve seen it all on Halloween, think again.

 

Want to contact me? Send an email to storywithamessage@outlook.com.

The intro and outro tune was adapted from royalty-free music provided by ZakharValaha on Pixabay.