S2Ep24: Epilogue-Dangerous Stories We wrap up season 2 this week with the Epilogue, Dangerous Stories.  This week, I reflect on the power of stories and the dangers of using them as weapons.     As this season comes to a close, there are so many people to thank for a wonderful season 2.  A big thank you to all of our guests: Keith Murphy, Betty Kay Merkle, Trevor Ragan, Ryan Nesbit, Isaiah Stansbery, Shawn Peterson, MJ Matheson, Nicole Havenstrite, Lindsey Sorenson, Bassi Affia, the Bearded Company, Kari Straube, Nicole Lenius, Sierra Bullerman, Jason Martin-Hiner, Dr. Paul Skrade, Amara Huffine, Andrea Vignovitch, Brian Abeling, Helena Fantz, and Weston Fantz.  Also, a big thank you to the season 2 guest storytellers: Malachi Rothlisberger, Jayla Cowley, Nolan Bakke, and Dr. Rebecca Bushbaum.   Finally, thank you to all of you for being a fantastic audience.  It is truly my honor to share all these stories with you.  I look forward to having you join us for some bonus episodes in the off-season and then next spring for season 3.  I love and appreciate you all.  I cannot wait to hear your important stories.     Special Thanks to: Alex (my sound guru)  Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter You   Instagram:  oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) Additional Sound Effects/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

It’s time for a BONUS storytime episode!  For this very special episode, you’ll hear all of the different iterations of the Once There Was a Podcast theme song before we finally settled on something usable.  There are various styles of music, there are unique sounds, and yes, you guessed it, TRAINS!  Near the end of the episode, you can find the infamous Train Cut.  I hear the people want it.  They've been hounding me to release the file.  Hop on board and come with us on this JOURNEY! (See what I did there?!?)      Special Thanks to: Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for making music for the show, making me laugh, and threatening me with Train Facts Alex (my sound guru)  My Wife and Daughter You   Instagram:  oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) (You get the idea)

All aboard this crazy train for an interview that really goes off the rails! Our next guests are the creators and composers of the new Once There Was a Podcast theme song, which debuted this season: Helena and Weston Fantz!  Join us as we discuss family bands, trains, composing music, trains, telling stories through sound, and trains! If you want to hear more of their work, check out their family band, Not Jupiter, on Spotify!    End of season information: This is the penultimate episode of season 2! While we still have a few more regular episodes left in the tank, this one will be called the finale with an “epilogue” next week! Between now and then, we will also release a bonus episode that features all of the other music we sorted through to find our final theme song.  After that, Once There Was a Podcast will release episodes irregularly until the start of season 3.   Storytime: Weston and the Carpet Domain (A Cautionary Tale)   Special Thanks to: Helena and Weston for the interview, the hard work, and all the laughs. Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter  You   Not Jupiter Spotify Not Jupiter Instagram   Instagram:  Oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Welcome to this week’s Storytime Episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter, storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories, along with the stories behind them. With the evolution of AI, those tools have found their way into nearly everything.  You can find AI tools on your phone, in schools, and they’re making their way into the world of the arts.  This week, we put “AI” to the test and see just how well it can make us a story for storytime.  ;)   Special Thanks to: Alex (my sound guru) and the rest of my first-ever robotics team.  They named their robot “Not R.O.B.” which inspired the main character’s name.   Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter You   Instagram:  oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) Additional Sound Effects/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Our next guest is the man behind the camera and the creator of the Iowa Road Trip social media accounts, Brian Abeling!  Join us as we discuss the origin of the Iowa Road Trip Facebook page, photographing the unique people, places, and things around Iowa, and helping change perceptions about the state.  If you’re looking to see the state of Iowa through a new lens (pun fully intended), then you need to check out the Iowa Road Trip social media pages.   BONUS INFORMATION: If you’re a small business, Brian would love to connect with you and feature your business on the Iowa Road Trip pages.  Specifically, Brian wants to feature you if you offer a service or a product that people travel to you to get.  Are you known for your old-fashioned drive-up? Do you make the best breads and pastries in your bakery?  Contact Brian at brian@iowaroadtrip.net and he’ll get back to you as soon as possible.     Storytime: Magic on the Field of Dreams   Special Thanks to: Brian Abeling Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter  You   Iowa Road Trip Facebook Page Iowa Road Trip Instagram Iowa Road Trip Webpage   Instagram:  Oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Welcome to this week’s Storytime Episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter, storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories, along with the stories behind them.  I don’t have much more to say beyond what’s said in the episode, other than listen responsibly and be kind.  988, AFSP, and others are there to help.     This episode is dedicated to my Uncle Rod.    Special Thanks to: Bethany Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter You   Instagram:  oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)  

It’s National Suicide Prevention Month, and our next guests are representatives from the Iowa Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Amara Huffine and Andrea Vignovich!  Join us as we discuss the role of ASFP in Iowa, organizing community and campus walks to raise awareness, suicide prevention trainings, and remembering that hope prevails. If you’re looking for an organization and a cause to support, look no further than AFSP.   *Quick Note: In the show, I misspoke.  I said QPR was Question, Persuade, and Respond.  The “R” stands for Refer.     If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call 988.  Your story is not over.     Storytime: Hope Prevails   Special Thanks to: Amara Huffine Andrea Vignovich AFSP- Iowa Everyone who is working or has worked a 988 hotline Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter  You   AFSP-Iowa Instagram afsp.org (National Website) AFSP- Iowa Chapter Website   988lifeline.org  Call, text, or chat for help.    Instagram:  Oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Welcome to this week’s Storytime Episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter, storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories, along with the stories behind them. It’s that time of year again when schools across the country are starting up their fall semesters.  This time of year brings all sorts of emotions for students and teachers alike.  Excitement, anxiety, and/or more will be felt by many.  This storytime is an ode to everyone starting the school year.  This is “First day.”   Special Thanks to: Claire Koester Jayla Cowley Ryker Cooksley Malachi Rothlisberger  Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter You   Instagram:  oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) Additional Sound Effects/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

It’s back-to-school week, part 2!  This week, we have released two episodes featuring educator storytellers as they begin another year, helping our students grow. Our second set of guests includes a high school teacher, a college biology professor, and a science consultant for the local Area Education Agency.  Welcome to Sierra Bullerman, Dr. Paul Skrade, and Jason Martin-Hiner!  Join us as we discuss how science teachers use stories to create context from facts, how science can be a social endeavor, and how to increase understanding of the science process, as well as encourage more people to pursue careers in the realm of science. We hope you enjoy our peek behind the curtain into some classrooms this week as many schools everywhere start up their fall semester.     Storytime: Because of Science Special Thanks to: Sierra Bullerman Dr. Paul Skrade Jason Martin-Hiner Science Teachers Everywhere Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter  You Upper Iowa University Noyce Grant Information Interested in becoming a science teacher?  Check out Upper Iowa’s Noyce Grant for an incredible financial aid opportunity!  Goats on the Go (Paul’s Grazing and Plant Control Business)    Instagram:  Oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

It’s back-to-school week!  This week, we will be releasing two episodes featuring educator storytellers as they begin another year, helping our students grow.  Our first set of guests is a couple of good friends and fellow teachers in the state of Iowa, Kari Straube and Nicole Lenius!  Join us as we discuss how we build the next generation of storytellers, how we help students become vulnerable and open to improvement, and how we build their confidence through feedback. We hope you enjoy our peek behind the curtain into some classrooms this week as many schools everywhere start up their fall semester.     Storytime: The Puppy Barfing Story   *As a small side note, Charlie, the star of Kari’s story, crossed the rainbow bridge between the time of recording and the time of this episode’s release.  We’re sorry for Kari’s loss, and we hope Charlie is now somewhere where his food bowl is always full.     Special Thanks to: Kari Straube Nicole Lenius English Teachers Everywhere Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter  You Instagram:  Oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Welcome to this week’s Storytime Episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter, storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories, along with the stories behind them. A few weeks ago, I had a very minor inconvenience that I mentioned to a few friends.  One of them so kindly pointed out that it sounded like a storytime episode.  I then did what every good author does: I blew it way out of proportion.  Enjoy “The Lord of Aisle Five.”   Special Thanks to: Pauline Clark for the inspiration Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter You   Instagram:  oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) Additional Sound Effects/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Our next guest is the Minneapolis-based Improv group, The Bearded Company!  Join us as we discuss what improv is, taking over the library to put the group together, creating genre shows, and sharing joy.  If you’re looking for a great night of improvisational storytelling and you’re going to be in the greater Twin Cities area, see if The Bearded Company is performing!       Storytime: 4 Pigs in a Trenchcoat Spreading Joy   Special Thanks to: The Bearded Company MPLS Joe Rapp Tyler Mills Maria Bartholdi MJ Matheson Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter  You   The Bearded Co. Website The Bearded Company MPLS Instagram  Break the Dice Podcast (Listener Discretion Advised)    Instagram:  Oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

I just wanted to pop in and give some quick announcements in regards to the remaining season and ways you can help! We’re about ⅔ of the way through the season.  If all goes to plan, season 2 will end in early October.  Don’t worry, we still have a lot of stories yet to tell.  In the off-season, we’ll be back on an irregular schedule, highlighting episodes around the holidays.  With that being said, if you have a holiday-themed story, we want to hear it.  You can check below for links and information regarding the submission of stories.  Finally, a call to action!  Help Once There Was a Podcast to grow!  Tell a friend.  Share your favorite episodes on social media.  Engage with our social media pages!  We have stories to tell, and we need people to hear them!    Otherwise, thank you for your support!  Season 2 has been amazing so far, and I can’t wait for you to hear the rest of it!     Special Thanks to: YOU!  Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter You   Instagram:  oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)

Welcome to this week’s Storytime Episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter, storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories and the story behind them. This week, we are headed back to one of my favorite sources for stories.  It’s back to the family cabin in Wisconsin. Today, I share a memory that I get to relive year after year after year because… well, the title kind of tells you what you need to know.  Enjoy this week’s storytime episode.     If you have a story, check out the links below to find out how you can submit a story as well!     Special Thanks to: My Cousins and the rest of my Family Northern D’Lites for amazing ice cream cones Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter You   Instagram:  oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)

Our next guest is the founder of Iowa’s first black-owned comic book publisher, Sensi’il Studios, Basi Affia!  Join us as we discuss growing up telling stories, discovering sci-fi, writing what you know, and representation in comics.  If you love comics, sci-fi, or want to support a veteran-owned company, check out Sensi’il Studios!       Storytime: Blessed and Highly Favored    Special Thanks to: Basi Affia Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter  You   Sensi'il Studios Sensi'il Studios Instagram   Instagram:  Oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Welcome to this week’s Storytime Episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter, storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories and the story behind them. This week, we have our first-ever listener-submitted stories.  These two follow a similar theme to last week’s episode: people helping people.  The first story is from Nolan Bakke and is about his organization, the Patch Program.  The second story is about Dr. Rebecca Bushbaum and her experience with a memorable and formative appointment.  Enjoy this week’s stories from listeners just like you!    If you have a story, check out the links below to find out how you can submit a story as well!     Special Thanks to: Nolan Bakke The Patch Program Dr. Rebecca Bushbaum Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter You   The Patch Program Instagram Patch Program Facebook   Instagram:  oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)

Content Warning: While I strongly encourage you to listen to this episode, we discuss miscarriage and infant loss, which can be tough topics for many people.  Take your time and pause the episode as needed.  If you have had a miscarriage and are still struggling with the trauma, please reach out to the Friends of Ollie or a support group near you.    Our next guests are the co-founders and administrators of the Friends of Ollie Miscarriage and Infant Loss Support Group, Nicole Havenstrite and Lindsey Sorenson!  Join us as we discuss personal experiences with miscarriage, finding support, the miscarriage map, how to help others, and how to contribute to the Friends of Ollie.  If you or someone you love has had a miscarriage, the story of the Friends of Ollie might be the story of hope you’re looking for.       Storytime: There is Hope and Support   Special Thanks to: Nicole Havenstrite Lindsey Sorenson Bethany Hanson One Block Over  Emplify Health/Gundersen Palmer Hospital in West Union Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter  You   Friends of Ollie Support Group Facebook Link Euphoria Coffee (Where you can typically find Nicole) Instagram:  Oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Welcome to this week’s Storytime Episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter, storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories and the story behind them. This week I’m joined by a special guest, Jayla Cowley!  Jayla was one of my senior speech students this past year, an All-Stater, and the first ever performer of the piece called “We Had Chemistry!”  This week, we are once again showcasing the future of storytelling as Jayla Cowley performs another comedic piece, The Breakup!    Special Thanks to: Jayla Cowley Claire Koester (Honorary Assistant Speech Coach, specifically assigned to Jayla) Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter You   Speech Script: We Had Chemistry is available to purchase!   Instagram:  oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) Trabant 33/At the Sicilian Marketl/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound Trabant 33/Espresso Bar Italia/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Our next guest is the Twin Cities-based stand-up comedian, MJ Matheson!  Join us as we discuss his multiple hero’s journeys, finding theater because of good teachers, his love of improvisation and stand-up, and the joy of just being on stage and doing what you love.  You’re sure to be inspired (and have a few laughs along the way) by MJ’s incredible story.       Storytime: The Lucky Zippo   Special Thanks to: MJ Matheson MJ’s Mom MJ’s Teachers Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter  You   MJ Matheson’s Socials and Shows MJ's Instagram Easy Speak    Instagram:  Oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter) High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Welcome to this week’s StoryVIEW Episode.  That’s right!  It’s storytime AND an interview!  Even better yet, as a special Father’s Day-themed episode, I’m joined by Isaiah Stansbery and Shawn Peterson for the pilot episode of the Once There Was a Podcast spinoff, 3 Dads and a Podcast! All three of us are dads in three differing fatherhood situations.  Join us as we ask and discuss what fatherhood means to each of us! Happy (day after) Father’s Day!    Special Thanks to: My father Isaiah Stansbery Shawn Peterson Alex (my sound guru) Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music My Wife and Daughter You   Instagram:  oncetherewasapod Facebook: Once There Was a Podcast Email: oncetherewasapod@gmail.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod  Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons): https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9   Additional Audio and Music: Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)