<![CDATA[From Cork to New York]]>cc71256c-d0eb-5e96-805a-c5dab8faffecMon, 30 Mar 2026 21:10:10 +0000Captivate.fmJim Brulehttps://artwork.captivate.fm/854750b5-715e-4b9e-8065-24a0bb9cdeda/Cork2NY.pngFrom Cork to New YorkJim BruleJim Brule"From Cork to New York" acts as a cross-cultural Story Bridge, stitching together the rich narrative traditions of Ireland and the United States while welcoming guests from a vast array of cultures around the world. By gathering these diverse international voices to share their unique crafts, the show creates a rich space where global perspectives meet, mingle, and find common ground. At its heart, the podcast explores the concept of transformational storytelling, delving into how narratives - both ancient and modern - can foster community healing and personal growth across the globe. It serves as a vital digital thread connecting distant shores, using the deep-rooted ties between Cork and New York as a foundation for a truly global conversation.https://cork2ny.comfalseepisodicnopodcastThe Cloak on a Sunbeam: Thresholds of New LifeThe Cloak on a Sunbeam: Thresholds of New LifeAs the darkness of winter begins to stretch toward the light of spring, Maria and Jim explore the parallel mysteries of the Celtic and Jewish calendars. From St. Brigid’s miraculous sunbeam in Cork to the earth-born babies of ancient Egypt, this episode honors the fierce nourishment and quiet magic of the feminine spirit.

The Chapters

  1. [00:22] The Season of Imbolc: Maria introduces the Irish season of "gestation" and the upcoming St. Brigid’s Day, while Jim connects it to the Jewish "New Year for the Trees."
  2. [03:51] Maria - The Threshold Saint: The story of young Brigid, the girl born between the inside and outside, who proved her worth through a translucent apple peel and a heart for hunting.
  3. [08:52] The Cloak on a Sunbeam: Brigid’s arrival in ancient Cork and the miracle that frightened a Bishop but sealed her fate as a holy leader of the new religion.
  4. [13:06] Wells and Prayer Trees: A reflection on the enduring folk traditions of Brigid’s wells and the ribbons left by the traveling people of Ireland.
  5. [14:24] Jim - The Midwives of Egypt: Jim shares the midrash of Shifra and Puah, the midwives who defied Pharaoh’s decree through seduction, mirrors, and miraculous buckets of fish.
  6. [18:30] The Womb of the Earth: A breathtaking tale of angels serving as midwives in the fields and the earth opening up to protect the children of the Israelites.
  7. [21:55] Building Story Bridges: Looking forward to the future of the podcast, including a mission to the Atlas Mountains and inviting guests from the World Storytelling Cafe.

Key Takeaways

  1. The Universality of Gestation: Both Celtic and Jewish traditions recognize this time of year not as "dead" winter, but as a "sleep time" where life is actively being dreamed into existence.
  2. The Power of Thresholds: St. Brigid, born on a door lintel, reminds us that the most powerful figures often exist in the "in-between" spaces—between poverty and wealth, or ancient ways and new faiths.
  3. Storytelling as Protection: The tale of the Egyptian midwives illustrates how myth and folklore serve as a "nourishing stew" for the psyche, offering hope and survival strategies against oppression.
  4. The "Perfect Knowledge" of Children: Maria and Jim discuss the inherent wisdom children possess and the importance of "leading them astray" from rigid systems to preserve their creativity.

Closing

To dive deeper into the myths that haunt and heal us, subscribe to the Healing Monsters Substack. Join us as we bridge the distance between our own Corks and New Yorks through the power of the oral tradition.

Safe on the Story Road until the next time.

]]>As the darkness of winter begins to stretch toward the light of spring, Maria and Jim explore the parallel mysteries of the Celtic and Jewish calendars. From St. Brigid’s miraculous sunbeam in Cork to the earth-born babies of ancient Egypt, this episode honors the fierce nourishment and quiet magic of the feminine spirit.

The Chapters

  1. [00:22] The Season of Imbolc: Maria introduces the Irish season of "gestation" and the upcoming St. Brigid’s Day, while Jim connects it to the Jewish "New Year for the Trees."
  2. [03:51] Maria - The Threshold Saint: The story of young Brigid, the girl born between the inside and outside, who proved her worth through a translucent apple peel and a heart for hunting.
  3. [08:52] The Cloak on a Sunbeam: Brigid’s arrival in ancient Cork and the miracle that frightened a Bishop but sealed her fate as a holy leader of the new religion.
  4. [13:06] Wells and Prayer Trees: A reflection on the enduring folk traditions of Brigid’s wells and the ribbons left by the traveling people of Ireland.
  5. [14:24] Jim - The Midwives of Egypt: Jim shares the midrash of Shifra and Puah, the midwives who defied Pharaoh’s decree through seduction, mirrors, and miraculous buckets of fish.
  6. [18:30] The Womb of the Earth: A breathtaking tale of angels serving as midwives in the fields and the earth opening up to protect the children of the Israelites.
  7. [21:55] Building Story Bridges: Looking forward to the future of the podcast, including a mission to the Atlas Mountains and inviting guests from the World Storytelling Cafe.

Key Takeaways

  1. The Universality of Gestation: Both Celtic and Jewish traditions recognize this time of year not as "dead" winter, but as a "sleep time" where life is actively being dreamed into existence.
  2. The Power of Thresholds: St. Brigid, born on a door lintel, reminds us that the most powerful figures often exist in the "in-between" spaces—between poverty and wealth, or ancient ways and new faiths.
  3. Storytelling as Protection: The tale of the Egyptian midwives illustrates how myth and folklore serve as a "nourishing stew" for the psyche, offering hope and survival strategies against oppression.
  4. The "Perfect Knowledge" of Children: Maria and Jim discuss the inherent wisdom children possess and the importance of "leading them astray" from rigid systems to preserve their creativity.

Closing

To dive deeper into the myths that haunt and heal us, subscribe to the Healing Monsters Substack. Join us as we bridge the distance between our own Corks and New Yorks through the power of the oral tradition.

Safe on the Story Road until the next time.

]]>dc9b3a24-5da3-490f-8eb8-67e511c85423Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -040027:50falsefull66The Ghost in the Vow: Forgiveness as a Path Through DarknessThe Ghost in the Vow: Forgiveness as a Path Through DarknessWhat happens when the thing holding you back isn't a lack of luck, but a forgotten promise? In this episode, Jim and Maria explore two hauntingly beautiful tales—one from the Hassidic tradition and one born from the imagination of German youth—that reveal how unaddressed grief and broken vows can darken our world until we find the courage to face them.

Introductory Summary

Join Maria Gillen in Cork and Jim Brulé in Fayetteville as they share two powerful stories centered on the theme of restoration. Whether it is a man seeking forgiveness for a broken promise from years ago or a magical being discovering the source of a spreading darkness, this episode examines the difficult "earning" of peace and the transformative power of facing our history with an open heart.

In this Episode

  1. The Seer of Lublin’s Challenge: Jim tells a classic Jewish story about a couple seeking a child, only to discover that a forgotten betrayal from the husband’s youth is the root of their struggle.
  2. The Path to Forgiveness: The journey of a man who must fast, walk for miles, and eventually confront a ghost to atone for a broken vow.
  3. The Myth of Rosemary: Maria shares a story created by 14-year-old students in Germany about a girl named Rosemary and the "Toxic Time Traveler" who has leached the life out of her homeland, Mythica.
  4. The Roots of Bitterness: A deep dive into how grief, when left to fester, can turn a person into a source of darkness for everyone around them.
  5. Wicked and the Complexity of Good: Jim reflects on the film Wicked and why audiences sometimes struggle with stories that choose "heartfelt challenges" over "sickly sweet" endings.

Key Themes and Takeaways

  1. The Weight of Forgotten Vows: We often suppress the things we aren't proud of, but those "forgotten" debts can act as a spiritual blockage in our present lives.
  2. Grief as a "Toxic Traveler": If we cannot move through our grief, it can transform into a bitterness that darkens not just our own lives, but the entire "Mythica" of our community.
  3. Forgiveness Must Be Earned: Both stories emphasize that peace isn't a gift given freely; it is a transformation earned through sacrifice, action, and the courage to look backward.
  4. Embracing the Darkness: True storytelling—and true healing—requires us to embrace the challenges and the "darker" parts of the narrative rather than wrapping them in "pink ribbons."

Chapters

  1. 00:00 – Welcome to the Story Road.
  2. 00:42 – Jim’s Tale: The high cost of a broken promise.
  3. 14:33 – Maria’s Tale: A battle for the soul of Mythica.
  4. 21:55 – The Deep Dive: Why forgotten losses haunt our present.
  5. 26:12 – Reflections on Wicked: Confronting the "sickly sweet" vs. the truth.

"True story power comes from confronting the hardest challenges, not avoiding them."

]]>What happens when the thing holding you back isn't a lack of luck, but a forgotten promise? In this episode, Jim and Maria explore two hauntingly beautiful tales—one from the Hassidic tradition and one born from the imagination of German youth—that reveal how unaddressed grief and broken vows can darken our world until we find the courage to face them.

Introductory Summary

Join Maria Gillen in Cork and Jim Brulé in Fayetteville as they share two powerful stories centered on the theme of restoration. Whether it is a man seeking forgiveness for a broken promise from years ago or a magical being discovering the source of a spreading darkness, this episode examines the difficult "earning" of peace and the transformative power of facing our history with an open heart.

In this Episode

  1. The Seer of Lublin’s Challenge: Jim tells a classic Jewish story about a couple seeking a child, only to discover that a forgotten betrayal from the husband’s youth is the root of their struggle.
  2. The Path to Forgiveness: The journey of a man who must fast, walk for miles, and eventually confront a ghost to atone for a broken vow.
  3. The Myth of Rosemary: Maria shares a story created by 14-year-old students in Germany about a girl named Rosemary and the "Toxic Time Traveler" who has leached the life out of her homeland, Mythica.
  4. The Roots of Bitterness: A deep dive into how grief, when left to fester, can turn a person into a source of darkness for everyone around them.
  5. Wicked and the Complexity of Good: Jim reflects on the film Wicked and why audiences sometimes struggle with stories that choose "heartfelt challenges" over "sickly sweet" endings.

Key Themes and Takeaways

  1. The Weight of Forgotten Vows: We often suppress the things we aren't proud of, but those "forgotten" debts can act as a spiritual blockage in our present lives.
  2. Grief as a "Toxic Traveler": If we cannot move through our grief, it can transform into a bitterness that darkens not just our own lives, but the entire "Mythica" of our community.
  3. Forgiveness Must Be Earned: Both stories emphasize that peace isn't a gift given freely; it is a transformation earned through sacrifice, action, and the courage to look backward.
  4. Embracing the Darkness: True storytelling—and true healing—requires us to embrace the challenges and the "darker" parts of the narrative rather than wrapping them in "pink ribbons."

Chapters

  1. 00:00 – Welcome to the Story Road.
  2. 00:42 – Jim’s Tale: The high cost of a broken promise.
  3. 14:33 – Maria’s Tale: A battle for the soul of Mythica.
  4. 21:55 – The Deep Dive: Why forgotten losses haunt our present.
  5. 26:12 – Reflections on Wicked: Confronting the "sickly sweet" vs. the truth.

"True story power comes from confronting the hardest challenges, not avoiding them."

]]>4f3733dd-7bec-427f-8794-9da05b1456aaMon, 16 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -040030:15falsefull55Baring Hearts and Bridging BordersBaring Hearts and Bridging BordersWhat if a blank piece of paper held more power than a signed decree? In this episode, Maria and Jim explore the stories of radical faith, the strength required to step outside our roles, and the invisible threads that connect us to the wild and to each other.

In This Episode:

Jim recounts a profound Jewish story where a blank page becomes a miraculous passport, opening borders that logic could not cross. In response, Maria takes us to the ancient Irish tundra, sharing the harrowing standoff between Muirne Muncháem - mother of the legendary Finn Mac Cumhaill - and a hungry gray wolf. Together, they bridge the gap between ancient folklore and modern neuroscience, exploring the concept of "The Knowing:" how we communicate beyond words and imprint our deepest stories onto the souls of those around us.

Key Themes and Takeaways

  1. The Power of the Unseen: True authority and protection often reside in what cannot be seen or spoken - faith, intention, and the "blank papers" we offer one another in moments of crisis.
  2. Stepping Outside the Role: Survival often requires us to abandon our "gentility" or social expectations - whether a princess in the bog or a Rebbe in the study - to summon an ancient, guttural strength.
  3. The "Knowing" is Universal: Whether it is an Irish traveler healing a "crazed" horse or a dog sensing a healing energy in a hospice room, the natural world responds when we put aside hate and fear.
  4. Neural Coupling & Story Imprinting: We are biologically wired for connection; like Maria’s mother "singing stories into the back of a child’s head," we are constantly weaving our neural patterns into a shared tapestry.

Chapters

  1. [00:22] Greetings Across the Atlantic: Maria reflects on the strange rhythm of being on holiday and the persistent pull of the "story children" back in Ireland.
  2. [01:32] The Rebbe’s Blank Paper: Jim shares a Jewish legend about Rebbe Levi Yitzhak and a miraculous passport that was nothing more than a silent, blank page.
  3. [06:04] The Soaked Passport: A second tale of the Munkatcher Rebbe during WWII, where a passport forged in tears and wailing opens the gates of Berlin.
  4. [11:15] The Power of the Invisible: A deep dive into the "Munkatcher Passports" between us - those wordless exchanges that facilitate a state of abundance.
  5. [16:44] Muirne and the She-Wolf: Maria tells the epic story of Muirne Muncháem’s flight across the Irish bog and her primal encounter with a predator.
  6. [25:54] The Rebbe of the Wolves: Jim recounts the Baal Shem Tov’s encounter with a wolf pack, where baring one's heart becomes the ultimate form of protection.
  7. [31:20] People of the Knowing: Stories of "the knowing" - from healers of horses to the intuition shared between children and crows.
  8. [35:15] The Dog Who Received Reiki: Jim shares a moving moment from his work as a death doula involving a dog who knew exactly when to enter a healing circle.
  9. [38:40] Neural Coupling and Shared Threads: Exploring the neuroscience of connection and a workshop where an entire room dreamt the same character: Father Time.

Closing

Thank you for traveling the Story Road with us. For more insights into the myths that move us, subscribe to the Healing Monsters Substack.

]]>What if a blank piece of paper held more power than a signed decree? In this episode, Maria and Jim explore the stories of radical faith, the strength required to step outside our roles, and the invisible threads that connect us to the wild and to each other.

In This Episode:

Jim recounts a profound Jewish story where a blank page becomes a miraculous passport, opening borders that logic could not cross. In response, Maria takes us to the ancient Irish tundra, sharing the harrowing standoff between Muirne Muncháem - mother of the legendary Finn Mac Cumhaill - and a hungry gray wolf. Together, they bridge the gap between ancient folklore and modern neuroscience, exploring the concept of "The Knowing:" how we communicate beyond words and imprint our deepest stories onto the souls of those around us.

Key Themes and Takeaways

  1. The Power of the Unseen: True authority and protection often reside in what cannot be seen or spoken - faith, intention, and the "blank papers" we offer one another in moments of crisis.
  2. Stepping Outside the Role: Survival often requires us to abandon our "gentility" or social expectations - whether a princess in the bog or a Rebbe in the study - to summon an ancient, guttural strength.
  3. The "Knowing" is Universal: Whether it is an Irish traveler healing a "crazed" horse or a dog sensing a healing energy in a hospice room, the natural world responds when we put aside hate and fear.
  4. Neural Coupling & Story Imprinting: We are biologically wired for connection; like Maria’s mother "singing stories into the back of a child’s head," we are constantly weaving our neural patterns into a shared tapestry.

Chapters

  1. [00:22] Greetings Across the Atlantic: Maria reflects on the strange rhythm of being on holiday and the persistent pull of the "story children" back in Ireland.
  2. [01:32] The Rebbe’s Blank Paper: Jim shares a Jewish legend about Rebbe Levi Yitzhak and a miraculous passport that was nothing more than a silent, blank page.
  3. [06:04] The Soaked Passport: A second tale of the Munkatcher Rebbe during WWII, where a passport forged in tears and wailing opens the gates of Berlin.
  4. [11:15] The Power of the Invisible: A deep dive into the "Munkatcher Passports" between us - those wordless exchanges that facilitate a state of abundance.
  5. [16:44] Muirne and the She-Wolf: Maria tells the epic story of Muirne Muncháem’s flight across the Irish bog and her primal encounter with a predator.
  6. [25:54] The Rebbe of the Wolves: Jim recounts the Baal Shem Tov’s encounter with a wolf pack, where baring one's heart becomes the ultimate form of protection.
  7. [31:20] People of the Knowing: Stories of "the knowing" - from healers of horses to the intuition shared between children and crows.
  8. [35:15] The Dog Who Received Reiki: Jim shares a moving moment from his work as a death doula involving a dog who knew exactly when to enter a healing circle.
  9. [38:40] Neural Coupling and Shared Threads: Exploring the neuroscience of connection and a workshop where an entire room dreamt the same character: Father Time.

Closing

Thank you for traveling the Story Road with us. For more insights into the myths that move us, subscribe to the Healing Monsters Substack.

]]>b77eea48-40b0-440f-8c15-9fa9325bb770Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -040046:03falsefull44Love, Salt, and the White Horses of the SeaLove, Salt, and the White Horses of the SeaIn this episode of 'From Cork to New York,' Maria Gillen from Cork and Jim Brule from New York weave together timeless stories from their homelands. Jim shares the tale of 'Love Like Salt,' a story about a king and his three daughters, and the youngest daughter's profound love expressed through the simple comparison to salt. Maria follows with the enchanting story of Muirish and the mystical white horses of the sea, interweaving elements of folklore, nostalgia, and the essence of true companionship. Together, they create a rich tapestry of narrative that bridges the cultural and geographical gap between Cork and New York.

  1. 00:00 Welcome
  2. 00:55 Jim - Love Like Salt
  3. 08:24 Maria - Muirish and the White Horse

]]>In this episode of 'From Cork to New York,' Maria Gillen from Cork and Jim Brule from New York weave together timeless stories from their homelands. Jim shares the tale of 'Love Like Salt,' a story about a king and his three daughters, and the youngest daughter's profound love expressed through the simple comparison to salt. Maria follows with the enchanting story of Muirish and the mystical white horses of the sea, interweaving elements of folklore, nostalgia, and the essence of true companionship. Together, they create a rich tapestry of narrative that bridges the cultural and geographical gap between Cork and New York.

  1. 00:00 Welcome
  2. 00:55 Jim - Love Like Salt
  3. 08:24 Maria - Muirish and the White Horse

]]>992f4191-b14e-4d09-9793-cc4460c9bcadMon, 16 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -040036:58falsefull33Stories Across Time and SpaceStories Across Time and SpaceIn this episode of 'From Cork to New York,' Maria Gillen and Jim Brule share stories and reflections that traverse continents and emotions. They explore the connection between physical distance and emotional closeness, neuroscience, and the bond between people and places. Maria recounts a profound experience on Spike Island and shares a mystical Irish story about the She Wolf, while Jim tells a heartwarming Jewish tale about faith, generosity, and divine intervention. Themes of nature, connection, and ancient traditions weave throughout, making this episode a rich tapestry of storytelling and human experience.

00:00 Welcome

07:41 Jim's Story - Silver and Gold

22:58 Maria's Story - Si Mac Tire

36:33 Discussion

]]>In this episode of 'From Cork to New York,' Maria Gillen and Jim Brule share stories and reflections that traverse continents and emotions. They explore the connection between physical distance and emotional closeness, neuroscience, and the bond between people and places. Maria recounts a profound experience on Spike Island and shares a mystical Irish story about the She Wolf, while Jim tells a heartwarming Jewish tale about faith, generosity, and divine intervention. Themes of nature, connection, and ancient traditions weave throughout, making this episode a rich tapestry of storytelling and human experience.

00:00 Welcome

07:41 Jim's Story - Silver and Gold

22:58 Maria's Story - Si Mac Tire

36:33 Discussion

]]>38f83c1a-81b9-493e-82bd-5ee695936cb2Sat, 07 Feb 2026 15:45:00 -040042:00falsefull22Weaving Stories Across ContinentsWeaving Stories Across ContinentsIn this premiere episode of 'From Cork to New York,' Maria Gillen, a storyteller from Cork, and Jim Brule, a storyteller from New York, share insights on how they met through a shared love for spiritual storytelling. They recount their experience at the Guinness World Record Storytelling session in Marrakesh and discuss the importance of connection through stories. They weave a path down the Story Road, beginning with Jim, as he shares the Chinese tale of 'The Cowherd and the Weaver.’ Maria responds with an Irish story, followed by a Jewish story from Jim. The episode delves into their personal stories and the concept of legacy storytelling, emphasizing the power of stories to transcend boundaries and preserve values across generations.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:57 How We Met: The Story Road

01:39 The Marrakesh Experience

02:16 The Power of Storytelling

05:23 Jim's Story: The Cowherd and the Weaver

14:16 Maria's Story: The Little Red Book

24:39 Jim's Story: The Baal Shem Tov

29:13 Legacy Storytelling: Values and Connections

36:37 Conclusion and Farewell

]]>In this premiere episode of 'From Cork to New York,' Maria Gillen, a storyteller from Cork, and Jim Brule, a storyteller from New York, share insights on how they met through a shared love for spiritual storytelling. They recount their experience at the Guinness World Record Storytelling session in Marrakesh and discuss the importance of connection through stories. They weave a path down the Story Road, beginning with Jim, as he shares the Chinese tale of 'The Cowherd and the Weaver.’ Maria responds with an Irish story, followed by a Jewish story from Jim. The episode delves into their personal stories and the concept of legacy storytelling, emphasizing the power of stories to transcend boundaries and preserve values across generations.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:57 How We Met: The Story Road

01:39 The Marrakesh Experience

02:16 The Power of Storytelling

05:23 Jim's Story: The Cowherd and the Weaver

14:16 Maria's Story: The Little Red Book

24:39 Jim's Story: The Baal Shem Tov

29:13 Legacy Storytelling: Values and Connections

36:37 Conclusion and Farewell

]]>67572894-fef3-4e05-b588-84a56070c015Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -040037:43falsefull11From Cork to New York: Exploring the Alchemy of StoryFrom Cork to New York: Exploring the Alchemy of StoryFrom Cork to New York is not your typical storytelling podcast; it is a dedicated exploration of the transformative alchemy that occurs when ancient narratives meet modern souls. Hosted by Jim Brulé, a professional storyteller and author based in the forests of Central New York, and Maria Gillen, a storyteller broadcasting from the "Rebel City" of Cork, Ireland, the show serves as a bridge across space, time, and borders.

The partnership between Jim and Maria is a testament to the very connection they champion. Their professional relationship began online, blossomed during a week-long storytelling festival in Marrakech, and has now "flowered" into this collaborative digital hearth. Beyond their deep roots in the corporate world, both hosts felt a distinct "calling" toward storytelling, recognizing its unique power to make the unsayable sayable and to lift the human heart. Their shared love for technology allows them to bring these traditional oral arts into the modern era, proving that the shortest distance between two people is, indeed, a story.

What truly unites them, though, is their love of stories filled with heart wisdom from multiple cultures, especially those from ancient times. By listening carefully to stories from these cultures, and then retelling them with that same open heart, Maria and Jim create a sacred space for all to share.

Listeners can expect a new episode every couple of weeks. Each session features Jim and Maria sharing stories and engaging in deep discussions about how these narratives help navigate our physical, emotional, social, and spiritual selves. They view storytelling not merely as entertainment or performance, but as a tool for personal and global transformation.

As the series progresses, the hosts will welcome guest storytellers into their "stone soup of story," adding new perspectives and cultural flavors to the conversation. Whether you are looking to connect with your ancestors or seeking a new way to view the world, Jim and Maria invite you to "pull up a chair by the fire."

]]>From Cork to New York is not your typical storytelling podcast; it is a dedicated exploration of the transformative alchemy that occurs when ancient narratives meet modern souls. Hosted by Jim Brulé, a professional storyteller and author based in the forests of Central New York, and Maria Gillen, a storyteller broadcasting from the "Rebel City" of Cork, Ireland, the show serves as a bridge across space, time, and borders.

The partnership between Jim and Maria is a testament to the very connection they champion. Their professional relationship began online, blossomed during a week-long storytelling festival in Marrakech, and has now "flowered" into this collaborative digital hearth. Beyond their deep roots in the corporate world, both hosts felt a distinct "calling" toward storytelling, recognizing its unique power to make the unsayable sayable and to lift the human heart. Their shared love for technology allows them to bring these traditional oral arts into the modern era, proving that the shortest distance between two people is, indeed, a story.

What truly unites them, though, is their love of stories filled with heart wisdom from multiple cultures, especially those from ancient times. By listening carefully to stories from these cultures, and then retelling them with that same open heart, Maria and Jim create a sacred space for all to share.

Listeners can expect a new episode every couple of weeks. Each session features Jim and Maria sharing stories and engaging in deep discussions about how these narratives help navigate our physical, emotional, social, and spiritual selves. They view storytelling not merely as entertainment or performance, but as a tool for personal and global transformation.

As the series progresses, the hosts will welcome guest storytellers into their "stone soup of story," adding new perspectives and cultural flavors to the conversation. Whether you are looking to connect with your ancestors or seeking a new way to view the world, Jim and Maria invite you to "pull up a chair by the fire."

]]>de270eda-0700-4814-8c56-fd16e5d5f37eMon, 02 Feb 2026 12:30:00 -040004:22falsetrailer