Good Stories Podcast

This episode we walk through an anthology of children's stories designed to make children laugh -- and bonus that it is an integral piece of our childhood memories.These stories are full of adventure and wonder! And we love sharing these stories with others and we hope they warm your heart, make you laugh a bit, and hopefully remind us all that a little magic is always within reach.Join us as we meet some unforgettable characters, and discover that the best stories aren’t just told—they’re felt.

We're glad you're here! This episode dives into GK Chesterton and his book, The Ball and the Cross. In a rollercoaster plot, two sworn enemies demand a duel to the death—only to find themselves paired together on a wild adventure, dodging the police, confronting their own beliefs, and maybe even becoming friends along the way.We also explore some amazing paradoxes from Chesterton—who was also known as the Prince of Paradox! Listen in to discover his favorite party concept and the fascinating idea behind Chesterton’s Fence. Buckle up as there are some crazy twists and turns in this story but also some wonderful philosophy and classic Chesterton sense of humor!

Join us as we dive into The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce.A heartwarming and deeply moving story about an ordinary man who embarks on an extraordinary journey -- not for himself but to save an old friend. What starts as a simple walk to the mailbox turns into a life-changing trek across England, filled with memories, unexpected friendships, and the quiet power of hope.In this episode, we explore Harold’s transformation, the emotional weight of his journey, and the beautiful storytelling that makes this book unforgettable. Come enjoy this journey with us—one step at a time.

Join us as we explore the Mary Poppins books, which differ quite a bit from the movies, as Jane and Michael experience even wilder adventures. There are some of the same magical nanny vibes but turns out Mary has a whole lot in common with Dr Who!She blows in on the East wind to help the Banks family, bringing both magic and some strict rules to the household. Our favorite chapters include stories about delicious gingerbread and painting the skies with stars as well as a red cow who can dance the Highland Fling.

Tolkien reading day is tomorrow -- March 25th!!And to celebrate the author as well as our 10th episode, we are walking through Middle Earth side-by-side with Bilbo Baggins -- in the wonderful adventure of The Hobbit. It's a classic hero's journey with a flavor all its own!Bilbo encounters a wizard, dwarves, trolls, elves, goblins, a shape-shifter along with a dragon! He riddles his way through danger and learns his own skills as a rather trustworthy thief. Whether you've read it before or you're just setting off on your first adventure, this episode is an invitation to learn about hobbits and hear why this little book holds such a big place in our hearts.

Any history lovers out there? In this episode, we dive into the wild life of Alcibiades—Ancient Athens' most charming troublemaker. From his privileged childhood under the guidance of Socrates to his bold (and sometimes reckless) moves in the Peloponnesian War, Alcibiades flipped loyalties more than once and helped shape the fate of empires like Athens, Sparta and Persia, along the way. Was he a genius, a traitor, or both? It’s a good story from history—full of glory, scandal, and strategy.

Step into the charming world of James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small! In this episode, we explore the heartwarming tales of a country vet in the 1930s Yorkshire Dales. This book is full of humor, compassion, and unforgettable characters—both human and animal. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Herriot for the first time, join us as we share some of our favorite moments! We’ll talk about Siegfried Farnon, James’ eccentric but brilliant boss; Arthur, a large and expressive cat who communicates a lot with just one paw; and Tricki Woo, a hilariously pampered pup with an overly dramatic owner. And that’s just to start!But more than anything these stories are about a people and a bygone time. Listen to find out more.

Meet Ender Wiggin – born to save humanity. In this episode, we talk about the compelling, high-stakes world of Ender’s Game.Written in the 1980s but looking ahead to Earth's future, this is a story of war games, manipulation, strategy, leadership, and love.Come learn about Battle School and the blurred line between games and reality. Join us as we unpack the manipulation and moral dilemmas at the heart of Orson Scott Card’s sci-fi classic.Want to learn more about the Good Stories Podcast? Check out our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodStoriesPodcast.

In this episode we talk about the unforgettable stories of Walter Mitty -- in all its forms. We take a look at James Thurber’s original short story that's full of sharp humor; Danny Kaye’s imaginative 1947 adventure; then Ben Stiller’s visually beautiful and emotionally layered 2013 movie. Each one tells a different kind of story about a daydreaming-man named Walter Mitty, but they all circle around the same question: what happens when imagination bumps up against real life?All kinds of fun names and topics come up this episode like the famous face and voice of Boris Karloff and find out what a macguffin is according to George Lucas and Alfred Hitchcock!

Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are hired to keep a man safe from a legendary family curse on the bleak moors of southwest England. They investigate a chilling tale -- a monstrous hound said to haunt the Baskerville family across the centuries. In this episode, Watson keeps a wary eye on Sir Henry, the last Baskerville heir, while Holmes uncovers unsettling clues in the shadows. The hound only ever leaves footprints but its howls echo through the fog, and a silent figure watches from afar. A compelling mystery where logic and reason go head-to-head with fear and fog in the night.

This story – At the Back of the North Wind -- is full of strange beauty and wonder. It’s both a novel and fairytale by the great storyteller, George MacDonald. We get to learn from a little boy named Diamond and a kind but mysterious lady named North Wind. Through their experiences as they get to know one another, we too can find new layers of meaning about our world and how goodness and grief blend together. This is a quiet book but deep with layers of meaning that go beyond mere words.

Step into the intriguing plot of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Set during the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution, it's an exciting tale of daring disguises, secret identities, and quiet heroism. But beyond the adventure and suspense lies a deeper story—of a marriage strained by silence, of love tested by secrets, and an ache of not knowing how to speak the truth. In this episode, we explore not just the disguised rescuer at the heart of the tale, but also the quiet tensions between husband and wife, and what it takes to rebuild trust when words have failed. It’s a story of courage and cleverness.

Step into the medieval imagination with us as we explore C.S. Lewis’s final academic work, The Discarded Image. In this episode, we gently guide you through the layered, harmonious worldview of the Middle Ages—not as a dark, primitive time, but as a rich and ordered vision of the universe.Lewis doesn’t ask us to agree with the medieval model of the cosmos—he invites us to understand it. And in doing so, he offers a beautiful shift in perspective: that the past, with all its differences, can still speak with dignity and intelligence. We’ll walk with him through spheres, angelic hierarchies, and the music of the heavens, discovering a world filled with meaning, order, and beauty.Whether you’re new to medieval thought or revisiting an old love, this episode opens a window into a forgotten way of seeing—a worldview more enchanted and interconnected than we often imagine.

This one is for Vanessa and Heidi!! In this episode, we journey through the cosmic pages of A Wrinkle in Time, where a brilliant but awkward teen named Meg Murry teams up with her younger brother Charles Wallace and new friend Calvin O'Keefe to search for their missing father across space and time. With the help of some eccentric celestial beings—Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Who—they discover the wonders of the tesseract, a wrinkle in time that lets them leap across the universe. As they travel to strange planets, including a chilling world of forced conformity and the peaceful cave of the Happy Medium, they face the deep battle between good and evil. Along the way, they’re given gifts -- not just of magic or power, but of wisdom, courage, and love. It's a tale of warm family bonds, unlikely friendships, and learning that sometimes the greatest strength comes from being exactly who you are.

This episode is on Rudyard Kipling’s Captains Courageous. When spoiled rich boy Harvey Cheyne falls overboard from a luxury liner, he's saved by chance and hauled onto a fishing schooner. He is then plunged into a world that doesn't care about his wealth—only his willingness to work and learn. As we follow Harvey’s journey, we talk about what it takes to grow from a boy into a man—not through lectures or privileges, but through hard physical work, learning from those around you, and the quiet, steady leadership of hard working men. Sometimes the most valuable life lessons aren't spoken but learned by experience.