Episodes

It all starts with a treasure map. Let's set sail with Treasure Island - where there's pirates and mutineers and maroons and adventures to be had! Interested in getting your own copy? Use our affiliate link and get 10% off. Thank you for supporting the Good Stories Podcast and independent booksellers! https://bookshop.org/shop/goodstoriespodcast

The Táin Bó Cúailnge is a journey into the fierce, strange, and unforgettable world of ancient Ireland. What begins as pillow talk between a husband and wife sparks a kingdom-wide conflict over a prized bull. Armies march, heroes clash, and the legendary deeds of Cú Chulainn take center stage. Ancient Ireland comes alive in one of the oldest, strangest, and wildest epics in European storytelling. Interested in getting your own copy? Use our affiliate link and get 10% off. Thank you for supporti...

We talk with podcaster and author L.B. Graham about a few of the stories that have shaped his life and imagination. We discuss his work as a hospital chaplain, the mission of his podcast, the experience of world-building in writing fantasy, and the enduring value of great stories, including a quick tour through a few of the best, with Descent into Hell, The Martian Chronicles, and Idylls of the King. Interested in purchasing books? Use our affiliate link and get 10% off. Thank you for supportin...

This week we're back to the Yorkshire Dales with All Things Bright and Beautiful by James Herriot. This is a wonderful mix of connected stories full of the heartwarming and everyday humor and kindness that makes Herriot's books favorites around the world.

T-Shirt Giveaway - complete the form to enter to win. We'll announce our winners at the end of July 2026. Here's the link: https://forms.gle/vhdywDCABQuCn4jK6 What if fairy stories are not an escape from reality, but a way of seeing it more clearly? In this episode, we explore On Fairy-Stories, where imagination, wonder, and truth meet. We discuss how stories can awaken enchantment, offer consolation, and reveal deeper realities, even when they arrive as what Tolkien called "lies breathed throu...

A brilliant mind begins to lose its grip on memory, but not on love, dignity, or identity. This week, we discuss Still Alice by Lisa Genova, a moving and thought-provoking novel that tells a story of what it could be like to live out the diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's. A hard but beautiful story that asks what remains when memory fades and helps us each think about the things we truly want in life. Interested in getting your own copy? Use our affiliate link and get 10% off. Thank you for ...

Book Discussed: The Neverending Story Author: Michael Ende In this episode, we journey into Michael Ende's beloved fantasy novel, The Neverending Story. We explore the world of Fantastica, the mystery of the Auryn, and the story's deeper themes of imagination, courage, identity, and the power of stories themselves. Perfect for fans of fantasy, fairy tales, and stories about the transformative power of imagination. Interested in getting your own copy? Use our affiliate link and get 10% off. Tha...

Part II of the Neverending Story by Michael Ende Bastian enters Fantastica, where every wish he makes comes true and rebuilds the whole world - and himself. As he gets everything he could wish for, he slowly loses something even more precious. We explore the unforgettable characters, the deeper symbolism, and the absolutely beautiful and profound characters and lessons from this story and what it means to truly 'wish' for something. Interested in getting your own copy? Use our affiliate link a...

Jeremy Seda joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about accessibility, family, jiu jitsu, preparedness and faith. Our conversation includes topics like.... IT Accessibility and inclusive technology Jeremy's career and professional journey Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and owning a BJJ gym Building community through Café Immortal and shared experiences Preparedness versus fear Hope rooted in faith Living with purpose and serving others And megaliths! https://immortaljj.com/ https://immortaljj.c...

G.K. Chesterton's The Ballad of the White Horse. This is an epic poem about King Alfred the Great and his courage, faith, and hope in the face of overwhelming odds. We explore the story behind the legend, Chesterton's unforgettable poetry, and why this timeless work still speaks to our own uncertain age. Whether you've loved this poem for years or are discovering it for the first time, this is another one that only gets better each time you read it. T-Shirt Giveaway - complete the form to enter...

Heidi by Johanna Spyri is one of literature's great comfort reads. We explore the Alm and unforgettable characters, with timeless feelings of home, healing, friendship, and hope that have made this beloved classic endure for generations. Whether you first met Heidi as a child or are discovering her for the first time, we hope this conversation reminds you why some stories never grow old. Interested in getting your own copy? Use our affiliate link and get 10% off. Thank you for supporting the G...

Undine by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué. This engrossing fairy tale deeply influenced George MacDonald and generations of fantasy writers. Together, we explore its haunting beauty, unforgettable characters, and timeless themes of love, sacrifice, identity, and what a soul provides. Interested in getting your own copy? Use our affiliate link and get 10% off. Thank you for supporting the Good Stories Podcast and independent booksellers! https://bookshop.org/shop/goodstoriespodcast Want to hear a s...

What happens when everyone around you believes something that isn't true, or when you are the one who sees the world differently? This week we discuss H.G. Wells' classic short story The Country of the Blind. What begins as the discovery of an inaccessible mountain valley becomes a fascinating exploration of questioning assumptions, adapting to culture, the dangers of pride and one instance of how a proverb plays out. A fascinating story! If you enjoy the episode, we'd love it if you'd subscri...

Join us for an interview with our cousin and special guest, Alissa Jolly, as we talk about the magic of Disney and wax nostalgic about some moments and memories that keep it magical. From favorite movies to unforgettable experiences, we revisit some of the Disney magic we’ve experienced along the way and ask what makes these stories and moments stick with us. Want to hear a short story? Discover them as they drop new on our Patreon page (free access): https://www.patreon.com/GoodStoriesPodcast ...

We step through a wardrobe and into Narnia, exploring one of the best stories and lands imaginable! The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe includes courage, betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption. Along the way, we talk about the characters, some of the deeper meanings behind the story, and why this short book continues to re-enchant readers, both young and old. Interested in getting your own copy? Use our affiliate link and get 10% off. Thank you for supporting the Good Stories Podcast and independ...

One of the great works of English literature. Today's story is Book I only, because there's alot to it! But we get to meet the Redcrosse Knight, his journey, and his battle with the dragon. We talk about Spenser’s strange and fascinating world of knights, monsters, castles, and allegory, and why this massive poem is still worth exploring and savoring today. Interested in getting your own copy? Use our affiliate link and get 10% off. Thank you for supporting the Good Stories Podcast and indepen...

Hornblower is back, but this time he’s a lieutenant. He is brilliant, brave, and deeply human, which makes following his rise through the British Navy so much fun. We’re talking ships, strategy, courage, and leadership in the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. Interested in getting your own copy? Use our affiliate link and get 10% off. Thank you for supporting the Good Stories Podcast and independent booksellers! https://bookshop.org/shop/goodstoriespodcast Want to hear a short story? Discover t...