Good Stories Podcast

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/goodstoriespodcastWant to hear a short story? Discover them as they drop new on our Patreon page (free access): https://www.patreon.com/GoodStoriesPodcastOr you can find them as we release them from Patreon archives, all in one place, on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@goodstoriespodcast/playlists

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 independent booksellers! https://bookshop.org/shop/goodstoriespodcastWant to hear a short story? Discover them as they drop new on our Patreon page (free access): https://www.patreon.com/GoodStoriesPodcastOr you can find them as we release them from Patreon archives, all in one place, on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@goodstoriespodcast/playlistsA great small bookstore Stephen got to experience on vacation! Highly recommend if you're in Maui!https://www.mfol.org/

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 independent booksellers! https://bookshop.org/shop/goodstoriespodcastWant to hear a short story? Discover them as they drop new on our Patreon page (free access): https://www.patreon.com/GoodStoriesPodcastOr you can find them as we release them from Patreon archives, all in one place, on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@goodstoriespodcast/playlists

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/GoodStoriesPodcastOr you can find them as we release them from Patreon archives, all in one place, on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@goodstoriespodcast/playlists

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 subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow reader. 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/goodstoriespodcastWant to hear a short story? Discover them as they drop new on our Patreon page (free access): https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodStoriesPodcastOr you can find them as we release them from Patreon archives, all in one place, on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@goodstoriespodcast/playlists

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/goodstoriespodcastWant to hear a short story? Discover them as they drop new on our Patreon page (free access): https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodStoriesPodcastOr you can find them as we release them from Patreon archives, all in one place, on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@goodstoriespodcast/playlists

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 Good Stories Podcast and independent booksellers!https://bookshop.org/shop/goodstoriespodcast

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 to win. We'll announce our winners at the end of July 2026. Here's the link: https://forms.gle/vhdywDCABQuCn4jK6Interested 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

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 technologyJeremy's career and professional journeyBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu and owning a BJJ gymBuilding community through Café Immortal and shared experiencesPreparedness versus fearHope rooted in faithLiving with purpose and serving othersAnd megaliths!https://immortaljj.com/https://immortaljj.com/caffe-immortal/https://www.nic.edu/directories/jpseda/

Part II of the Neverending Story by Michael EndeBastian 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 and get 10% off. Thank you for supporting the Good Stories Podcast and independent booksellers!https://bookshop.org/shop/goodstoriespodcastT-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

Book Discussed: The Neverending Story Author: Michael EndeIn 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. Thank you for supporting the Good Stories Podcast and independent booksellers!https://bookshop.org/shop/goodstoriespodcastT-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

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 supporting the Good Stories Podcast and independent booksellers!https://bookshop.org/shop/goodstoriespodcastT-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

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/vhdywDCABQuCn4jK6What 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 through silver." Join us as we consider the power of fairy tales to renew our vision and kindle hope.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

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.

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 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 supporting the Good Stories Podcast and independent booksellers!https://bookshop.org/shop/goodstoriespodcast

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

Born on the edge of the American frontier, Crockett grew up hunting, working, and surviving in a rugged, rapidly expanding nation. With little formal education, he still rose to prominence in Congress, through grit, storytelling, and powerful reputation.We trace his journey from backwoods hunter to congressman, where he clashed with then current political policies, standing on principle even when it cost him politically.Finally, we follow him to Texas and the fateful stand at the Battle of the Alamo.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

We enter the sinister world of Macbeth - a tragedy of ambition, prophecy, guilt, and conscience. With one of the greatest lady villains of all time, this play shows the terrible cost of taking fate into your own hands, whatever it takes. While this one is dark it also does a masterful job of displaying the contrast of the light.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

A boy named Eustace Clarence Scrubb (yes, really!) gets dragged into a world he doesn’t believe in....and it doesn’t go well at first. Alongside his cousins, Lucy and Edmund, as well as the valiant Reepicheep, and King Caspian of Narnia, the Dawn Treader sails east into unknown waters, looking for lost friends and perhaps, the very end of the world.And no one is the same by the end of the voyage.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

In the wonderful book, The Giver by Lois Lowry, a young male named Jonas is Eleven, about to become a Twelve. And all seems well. There's structure, there's system, and he knows the rules. But when he's chosen to be the Receiver of Memory, he learns the wonder and the cost of things that extend beyond the safety of his upbringing.This is a powerful story about what it means to remember, to feel, and to truly live.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

A strange and charming fairy tale about a giant who keeps his heart hidden outside his body. This tale has all the classic fairytale elements along with the bigger question of why would someone even want to keep their heart elsewhere?

What makes a man “great”—his victories or his character?In this episode, we step into Plutarch’s account of Alexander the Great. And not just the conqueror of the known world at the time, but the complex, driven, and often contradictory actions of the man himself. From taming the wild horse Bucephalus as a boy to win after win after win in conquering tribes and nations, Alexander’s life is a story of brilliance and ambition.Plutarch isn’t just reciting history but describing the character of the man. And in Alexander, there's a lot to discover. He led an amazing life by all accounts.

Yes, it's a book! AND one of the best movies of all time. If you're familiar with the 1987 movie, the book has everything you love about the film but add in back story for several of the characters, including both the Spanish swordsman Inigo and the rhyming giant, Fezzik. This one has something for everyone with true love, adventure, sword play, intrigue, pirates, revenge, a wedding, and even some tongue in cheek sarcasm provided by William Goldman who abridged the original story, among other things. You can find all our content, including short stories, on our Patreon here: https://patreon.com/goodstoriespodcast

Unexpected and wonderful characters with immense impact on the lives of those around them. We're happy to be celebrating Tolkien Reading Day, discussing some of the best unlikely heroes in the work of JRR Tolkien. If you're already a Tolkien fan or want to learn more about why so many people love the works of Tolkien so deeply, join us!

In this episode, we trace the extraordinary true story of St. Patrick — from Roman Britain to slavery in Ireland, from lonely shepherd to bold missionary bishop. Captured at sixteen, Patrick spent six years tending sheep, where his hardship became the backdrop for deep faith in a loving God. Years later and after a miraculous escape, he could have stayed safely at home.He didn’t.Instead, he returned to the very people who enslaved him and not with revenge, but with the Gospel.This is the story of the man who became the Apostle to the Irish.

This one's for the parents out there, trying to their best to raise good kids. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle lives in an upside-down house, smells faintly of sugar cookies, and has an earnest love of children. When parents are at their wits’ end, she offers up creative (and often hilarious) cures for kid problems like "I thought you said"ers or "won't go to bed" or "won't take a bath." This warm and sweet children's classic by Betty MacDonald reminds us that kids grow best with a whole lot of love, some natural consequences, and a good sense of humor.

Continuing the stories of the Norse gods and mythology from the Younger Edda by Snorri Sturluson. In this episode, we meet Bragi — the Mead-Tongued Bard, the word-smith of Valhalla, the keeper of the poetry-mead’s flame. Here we learn the story behind the kennings — why gold is “Ægir’s fire,” why the sea is the “whale-road,” why poetry itself is “Odin’s stolen mead.” This is more than a list of clever nicknames. The Skáldskaparmál tells the stories behind the kennings of the gods and the earth and everything in it.

Step into the world of the Norse gods as we explore the Younger Edda by Snorri Sturluson. Written between 1200 and 1300 AD, these stories trace the mythic beginnings of creation—from the Frost Giants to the world shaped from Ymir’s body. Meet Odin, Frigg, Thor, and Loki, and uncover the origins of Norse beliefs, legendary tales, and the prophecies of their ultimate fate at Ragnarok.Want all our stuff? Check out our Patreon page https://patreon.com/goodstoriespodcast

Visual Storytelling — In this episode of Good Stories Podcast, we sit down with Gary Hopf, co-founder of Tigatu, to explore modern storytelling through video, photography, and branded clothing. Gary’s work spans extreme sports, elite athletes, and visual storytelling, capturing moments beyond words—things like grit, athleticism, laughter, and the love of family. This episode demonstrates how modern digital storytelling continues the tradition of why stories matter -- stories that shape us, inspire us, and change us.You can find Tigatu's videography on Facebook, Instagram and on their website www.tigatu.com. Check them out!

In this episode, we jump into the bizarre yet insightful thinking of G.K. Chesterton with The Napoleon of Notting Hill. This one is sharp, funny, and even prophetic as it was published in 1904 but tells the story of 1984 London. Chesterton turns a local London neighborhood into a stage for heraldry, courage, and a clash between modernity and old ideals.

A village with traditions, a Master Cook who makes a great cake, and the gift of FaeryThis story watches decades go by in a small town that appreciates good food and traditions. And then on a day of days, one boy unwittingly receives a great gift - a fay star. This is the last complete written story from the brilliant JRR Tolkien, and goes a long way in describing the indescribable.

An old tale centered around King Arthur and Camelot in its prime. Chivalry, chastity, honor, purity, courage, magic - this one has it all.

This episode is the original adventure to the Neverland—a place where make believe becomes real. And while everyone else eventually grows up, Peter Pan never does. This book was a delightful surprise as it's like the Peter Pan you've probably seen or heard about before but with so much more that adds so much to the story. Interested in our short stories or prelease episodes? Check out our Patreon: www.patreon.com/GoodStoriesPodcast

Continuing from last week -- the group splits apart -- and so does the story. The second half of the Eye of the World deepens our sense of wonder and adventure as new dangers arise and legends walk. Amazing worldbuilding continues -- and the Wheel continues to turn.You can find all our stuff on Patreon here: https://patreon.com/goodstoriespodcast

This week we begin the amazing epic tale of The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan -- The Eye of the World. The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills… and this is just the beginning. Interested in all our stuff? Check out our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/GoodStoriesPodcast

This week we welcome the New Year with stories of endings and beginnings -- with Robert Burns’ familiar song Auld Lang Syne and Tolkien’s creation story, the Ainulindalë. Join us as we talk through music, memories, and the hope woven into new beginnings.

A Christmas time episode filled with James Herriot’s Christmas Day stories, along with some favorite traditions. And the announcement of our giveaway winner!Merry Christmas!

In this episode, we explore the wonderful story of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol—a timeless tale that shows how Christmas can soften heart the hardest of hearts and wake us up to things that truly matter. A classic so good, it bears repeating year after year. Merry Christmas!Want to hear all our shorts and episodes? Join our Patreon: https://patreon.com/goodstoriespodcast

Today’s episode is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. A bunch of troubled kids, a messy church pageant, and a beautiful reminder of what Christmas can mean to each of us personally.Merry Christmas!

Today’s story is Phantastes by George MacDonald—a wonderful tale of a young man’s journey through Fairyland. This one touches the heart with its mix of sorrow and joy, and it’s full of moments you can feel in your bones.

https://www.pintswithjack.com/reading-day/year-3/In this special episode, we celebrate C. S. Lewis Reading Day 2025 by looking at Lewis' family and close relationships. He had a profound bond with his brother Warnie, showed love and loyalty to his friends throughout his life, and a wonderful love story later in his life, when he married Joy Davidman,

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! In this episode, we explore Michael Crichton’s Timeline—a fast, clever blend of historical detail, quantum theory, and medieval adventure. We walk through it as modern day turns into 14-century France. It's a great story for anyone who loves history mixed with action-adventure. Join us for a glimpse of one of Crichton’s most imaginative works.

We meet young Horatio Hornblower as he begins his career in the Royal Navy as a midshipman. The entire Hornblower series offers a masterful depiction of life at sea during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars and this is just the start of Hornblower's naval career. These stories are rich with examples of leadership, learning, and growth under pressure—and as a bonus, Stephen closes out the episode boldly with the old sailor's song Heart of Oak.

Roverandom is an endearing adventure story — created by JRR Tolkien to comfort his young son who lost his toy dog on a seaside holiday. Out of that small heartbreak came a fun and exciting tale of a little puppy who gets mixed up in the affairs of wizards and ends up adventuring on the moon and down to the bottom of the sea. It's a sweet adventure everyone can love.

Trace the winding road of The Pilgrim’s Regress—C.S. Lewis’s first major work after his conversion to Christianity. Written in 1933, it’s a challenging book, rich with philosophy, symbols, and reflections on the modern search for meaning and satisfaction in your soul. And a reflection of Lewis' own internal journey. Strangely, the best part may be the Afterword - where we learn a bit of how Lewis' tone and style warmed and changed over time. And his careful dedication to charitable reading.A challenging book with wonderful nuggets of thought and wisdom to find all the way through! Let's walk through it together.

Wrapping up our Halloween series with a Monster MASHup (Yes, a nod to the song.) This episode dives into the backstories of some of the most famous monsters - like Frankenstein, Dracula, Jekyll and Hyde, the Headless Horseman and back even further to monsters like Medusa and the Norse wolf Fenrir along with Shelob and Ungoliant. They're not just creatures of the night, but characters born from imagination and myth and revealing something true about humanity's flaws.

Join us as we walk through some Halloween Tales to celebrate this season of mystery and imagination. In this Halloween special, we tell three seasonal stories that have shaped the spirit of October itself:The Masque of the Red Death — Edgar Allan Poe’s chilling allegory of fate and folly, where no locked door can keep out the inevitable. The Halloween Tree — Ray Bradbury’s glowing tribute to friendship, time, and the origins of Halloween across the ages. The Raven — Poe’s famous poem of loss and longing, echoing through the midnight dark.Each story reveals a different side of Halloween — the spookiness, the tension, and the joy and pain of remembering those we love who have passed on.

Ten guests. One island. Agatha Christie’s most famous mystery unfolds in chilling perfection. Join us as we talk through the best selling mystery ever written — And Then There Were None.Join our Patreon for more: http://patreon.com/goodstoriespodcast

This week’s story takes us into the world of The Wind in the Willows—where the seasons keep shifting, and both new and old friends are never far away. Through it all, the river moves steadily on, carrying its stories down to the sea. It’s a tale full of charm, touched with the longing that comes with growing up, and the search for home, comfort, and peace. At its heart, it’s about finding joy in friendship and contentment in the place where you are.