A view of the trees covering Appalachian Mountains

An Appalachian Visit

In this episode I talked with Aaron Bobick the host of Appalachian Folklore Podcast and Stories from the Cabin, a storytelling podcast within a podcast and we talked all things food, folklore and story…
Bread and eggs & a wine glass against a dark background

The Search for Luck or The Egg Extravaganza

In which we find out that eggs are not as straight forward as you might think, that luck doesn’t really come into it, that truths can be uncomfortable and that the advice you recieve from old women is invaluable no matter where they heard it…

Prince Lindorm or the Onion Protocol

In which we discover that princes can be forgiven anything, that women are destined to some sorrow no matter what they do, that onions aren’t always just onions and secure mail is essential…

The Brave Little Shoemaker or The Ricotta Resentment

In which a shoemaker reluctantly becomes a hero, a princess reluctantly gets married and we discover the relevance of a giant, a unicorn, a wild boar and some ricotta…

The Christmas Cuckoo or The Barley Bread Allegory

Our Story is The Christmas Cuckoo – This story is adapted from a literary fairytale written by Frances Elizabeth Browne from a book called from Granny’s Wonderful Chair, first published in 1856…

The Palace That Stood on Golden Pillars or The Porridge Pomposity

In which we discover that if there is ever a choice between a cat and a cow, choose the cat, arguments over porridge are rarely worth it and that the main differences between royalty and commoners is that commoners get a better night sleep and worse dresses…

Two Ghosts & A Goblin or The Slightly Scary Story Special

This is another just the stories episode, this time for All Hallows Eve. There are three traditional tales which are just a little bit scary but also a little bit clever and maybe also just a little bit kind in the case of the last tale. The stories in this episode are: Old Tommy &…

The Dark Spectre or The Elusive Elderberry

In which we discover that you should stick to your path, no matter what others say, that you shouldn’t let an elderberry pudding get in the way of the rest of your life and that perfectly good castles only lie empty for a good reason…

Cap O’Rushes or The Salt Significance

In which we discover that when you are forced to leave home you should always try and take your best frock, that salt can spark both joy and anger and that there is a little Cinderella everywhere if you look hard enough…

How Food Frames Stories

In these fractured times l wanted to continue to look at how stories and food can overcome the distance between people and enhance our shared experiences so earlier this year I spent time exploring storytelling through food writing…

The Farmer & The Bogle or the Lore of Lammas

In which we discover that the trickster can be tricked, that a good knowledge of crops is essential if you want to best a bogle, that everyone needs a wiffle waffle occasionally and there are few situations in which festival specific bread & cheese doesnt enhance your daily experience…

The Old Woman Who Lived in a Vinegar Bottle or The Pickle Controversy

In which we discover the connection between unmanageable women, good strong vinegar and the importance of good manners. We also learn that happiness can be found anywhere but chances are improved if there is a rocking chair, a fire and a cat…