In 1969, I had a roommate at Utah State University who enrolled in a “Storytelling” class and caught more than a little grief for it from me. Four years later, I took the class and got to know “the story lady,” Barbara Hales.  And yes, it/she changed my life.  Not that  I hadn’t told stories before that, like how the cat ate those cookies and I only got chocolate on me by trying to get them away from the cat.

The years since I’ve told a lot of stories, some in self defense, but others on the street corners of Trolley Square in Salt Lake City, at Gepetto’s Pizzeria, on an empty stage at the Utah Arts Festival, in front of a packed auditorium on a commandeered microphone waiting for the 15 minute overdue “get-rich-quick” speakers to show up, and legally as a science and math teacher for 25 years.

A teller, but also a collector.  When I travel, I collect books of folktales.  I know it’s easier to go to the library or find and order them on-line, and sometimes I do, but it is much more fun to get a story of the Tarahumara Indians from a book I bought in Mexico, or Legends of the Dolomite Mountains from a book I picked up in Italy.

The idea for this  podcast began when I glanced at the folktale section of my bookcase and realized I was not sharing what was meant to be shared.  The impetus was there, but the reach is now broader. I have not been to all the places these tales represent.  The internet and the local libraries have allowed me to expand my reach much faster than I can or want to compile air miles.

I hope you enjoy a taste myths, stories, legends and other traditional tales from around the world and through the ages . . . and live happily ever after.

Andy White