Maria has been commissioned to tell stories for The Royal Shakespeare Company, Festival at the Edge, Toronto, Galway Moth and Butterfly, Listowel, Montreal, and Marrakech International Storytelling festivals and many beautiful heritage venues. She has also featured at Stafford and Wolverhampton Literary Festivals and delivered workshops and talks for The Society for Storytelling, the Storytellers in Schools forum, and The Might Creatives “Sharing Creative Practice” forum.

Maria tells traditional and contemporary stories with a warm, engaging, and intimate style. She will leave you with a warm heart and smile on your face. Her storytelling has been described as spellbinding, mesmerising, humorous and entertaining. Creating a safe, warm and welcoming atmosphere whenever she tells, Maria curates the perfect place to let your imagination run free as you listen.

• Maria's Website
• Maria's Facebook page

The Stories

• The Cracked Pot – Told by Maria Credali. A timeless tale of a vessel that believes it is broken, only to discover it has been watering the flowers on the path all along.
• The Magic Wine Cup – Told by Jim Brulé. A Jewish Passover miracle set in Morocco, exploring the restoration of loss through the power of community.
• Nancy May – Told by Maria Gillen. A chilling Cork legend of a midwife caught between the human world and the idir (the in-between) of the fairy folk.
• Eileen and her Fisherman – Told by Maria Credali. A hauntingly beautiful story of a love that transcends death and a dance that never ends.

The Hook

In this inaugural guest episode, Maria and Jim are joined by the "Mad for Road" storyteller Maria Credali. Together, they weave a tapestry of tales that travel from the dusty paths of Marrakesh to the cobblestone streets of Cork, exploring how stories act as medicine for the "cracked" parts of our lives and a bridge for those standing at the threshold of the end.

The Chapters

• [00:00] The Story Road from Marrakesh to New York: The hosts introduce guest Maria Credali and discuss the "Story Bridges" project connecting Ireland, Morocco, and the US.
• [03:30] The Cracked Pot: Maria Credali shares a story about imperfection, reminding us that our "flaws" are often the very things that nurture the world around us.
• [11:00] Seven Years a Wolf: A discussion on Maria’s medieval-inspired show about resilience, betrayal, and finding a sense of self through service.
• [16:30] The Magic Wine Cup: Jim tells a story of Rabbi Pinto in Morocco, illustrating how miracles occur when we return from isolation to the heart of the community.
• [24:45] Nancy May & The Fairy Midwife: Maria Gillen recounts the Cork version of a legendary midwife’s encounter with the sidh and the high price of seeing too much.
• [45:30] The Universality of Place: The group explores how stories travel across oceans, changing their "local" details while keeping their ancient, universal heart.
• [48:00] Eileen and her Fisherman: A story of grief and a Halloween dance that serves as a beautiful metaphor for the enduring connection between the living and the dead.
• [01:01:00] Stories as a Final Gift: Jim shares his experience as a death doula, and Maria G. recounts her mother’s final blessing: "You can tell my stories now."

Key Takeaways

1. The Blessing of the Crack: Our perceived failures or "cracks" are often the channels through which we provide the most beauty and nourishment to others.
2. The "Idir" (In-Between): Folklore often warns us of the "in-between" spaces, but these are also the places where healing and magic are most accessible.
3. Community as a Cure for Grief: Both the "Magic Wine Cup" and the discussion on the end of life highlight that isolation deepens loss, while community provides the vessel for miracles.
4. Stories as Inheritance: Passing on a story is a sacred act of lineage; it is a way to ensure that the spirit of a person or a place remains "off dancing" rather than truly gone.
5. Visual vs. Logical Telling: A fascinating look at how different storytellers build worlds—some through internal images and others through the rhythmic construction of space.

Closing

Thank you for joining us on the Story Road. To dive deeper into the myths that move us, subscribe to the Healing Monsters Substack.

Seo iad ár scéalta - these are our stories.

The Stories

• "The Initiation of Manannán mac Lir" told by Maria Gillen.
• "The Kabbalist of New Jersey" told by Jim.

The Hook

From the depths of the Atlantic to the edge of the galaxy, Maria and Jim explore the power of visualization and the ancient art of "leaving the body" to find truth. This episode bridges Irish myth and Jewish mysticism to reveal how a single drop of water—or a single prayer—can contain the entire universe.

The Chapters

• [00:00] The Igloo and the Office: Maria and Jim compare New York snow to Irish rain before diving into how storytelling shifts paradigms in the corporate world.
• [01:38] The Chair Exercise: A fascinating look at how our brains visualize differently, from overstuffed fireside chairs to abstract black-and-white letters.
• [05:55] The Myth of Manannán: Maria tells the 3,000-year-old story of a daydreaming boy who discovers the universe in a drop of water and emerges as the God of the Sea.
• [22:40] Pleasure Shock and Corporate Circles: A reflection on the visceral impact of myth and the "pleasure shock" of reconnecting with our non-intellectual selves.
• [24:10] The Kabbalist of New Jersey: Jim shares a story of a master who teaches a young girl to let her soul soar past the stars to discover she is profoundly loved by the Creator.
• [43:00] The Fetch Forward: A deep dive into Irish ancestral "knowing," soul-sending, and how "leaving the body" served as a survival mechanism throughout history.

Key Takeaways

• The Power of Visualization: The "Chair" exercise proves we all inhabit different mental landscapes; storytelling is the essential bridge that allows us to see what others see.
• Microcosm as Macrocosm: Manannán’s discovery that the whole universe exists in a single drop of water reminds us that true depth is found in focused presence, not just wide searching.
• The Perspective of Smallness: In the vastness of the cosmos, feeling "small" is not a sign of insignificance, but a prerequisite for experiencing a universal embrace.
• Ancestral Wisdom as Survival: The Irish practice of "sending the fetch forward" highlights how soul-work was a tool for enduring historical trauma and maintaining connection when physical expression was forbidden.

Closing

To dive deeper into the myths that move us, subscribe to the Healing Monsters Substack. Join our Transformational Storytelling Community to share your own stories and find the "red thread" that connects us all.

The Chapters

• 00:00 WinterSpring and the Story Road: Maria and Jim share a "WinterSpring" moment, connecting through the rain falling from New York to Cork, and the quiet gestation period of the early year.
• 02:53 Máire Rua and the Red Fox: Maria tells the story of a wise woman whose secret grief over childlessness leads her to a spiritual exchange with a fox, redefining her role in the village.
• 13:16 The Threads of Motherhood: A deep dive into the modern pressures of parenting, the "choice" between career and children, and the vital necessity of "the village" in raising the next generation.
• 18:40 The Underground Forest: Jim shares the tale of Yitzhak, an orphan guided by his father's spirit to the Seer of Lublin, who then enters a ritual bath to live an entire, mystical life in a subterranean world of thieves and glowing jewels.
• 30:56 Foreknowledge and Free Will: The hosts reflect on the burden of the Seer, the beauty of living life "twice," and the power of stories to reknit our sense of community.

Key Takeaways

• Motherhood is a Verb: Nurturing is not confined to biological birth; the "mother spirit" can be expressed through art, community, and mentorship.
• The Power of the Village: Modern isolation is a "monster" we must face; reweaving the neighborhood through shared stories is a path to healing.
• Liminality as a Teacher: The "dreaming time" (late winter) is essential for catching the threads of who we are meant to become.
• Testing the Heart: Like Yitzhak in the underground forest, our "destiny" is often a reflection of how we treat others when we think no one is watching.

Closing

Thank you for joining us on the Story Road. To dive deeper into the myths that move us, subscribe to the Healing Monsters Substack.

The Chapters

1. [00:00] Greetings Across Oceans: Maria and Jim reconnect from Cork to New York, setting a warm stage for a journey into the nature of ancestral wisdom.
2. [00:39] Why Stories Hold Wisdom: A deep dive into the difference between transient intelligence and the "gut feeling" of wisdom that evolves as we age.
3. [03:10] Shape Shifting Shared Tales: An exploration of how stories travel across borders, belonging to everyone while maintaining the unique "spice" of local culture.
4. [04:37] Sean Nós Sheila: Sheila of the Ancient Ways: Maria introduces a Ban Feasa (wise woman) who heals the community with "singing water" and ancient melodies.
5. [08:23] Dream Call of Grandmother Tree: Sheila responds to a prophetic dream from an ancient tree to save the forest from the rage of fighting farmers.
6. [10:52] Feather Magic and Swan Flight: Through the power of focus and a single white feather, Sheila transforms into a swan to witness the conflict from above.
7. [13:40] Starlings’ Heart Ends Conflict: Sheila leads a murmuration of starlings to form a heart in the sky, reminding the farmers they have "enough" and dissolving their rage.
8. [18:02] The Musician and the Rose: Jim shares a Roma tale of a queen’s trial, a king’s rejection, and a daughter born as a rose who finds her humanity through unconditional love.
9. [31:21] Looking for Wisdoms: The duo reflects on the power of unbidden love and why "having enough" is the ultimate mark of abundance.
10. [32:22] Oral Storytelling and Neural Coupling: A fascinating look at the science of "neural coupling" and why telling a story from the heart physically synchronizes the teller and the listener.
11. [37:40] How Sheila’s Story Was Born: Maria reveals the process of "story-making" passed down through generations, rooted in the sensory bounty of the Irish forest.

Key Takeaways

1. Wisdom vs. Intelligence: Intelligence is the accepted data of the time; wisdom is the understanding that lives in the gut and changes meaning as we walk through life.
2. The Power of "Enough": Conflict often stems from the fear of scarcity, but as seen in the starling murmuration, recognizing "enoughness" allows for peace and abundance.
3. Connection vs. Collection: In a world of collecting things, the true nourishment comes from the deep emotional connection to the stories and objects we hold dear.
4. The Science of Magic: "Neural Coupling" explains how our brains and guts physically synchronize during oral storytelling, creating a shared reality that goes beyond words.

Closing

Thank you for walking the Story Road with us. To dive deeper into the myths that haunt and heal us, subscribe to the Healing Monsters Substack.

Join our growing community of myth-makers and seekers! Be safe on the Story Road until we meet again.

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.

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."

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.

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

00:00 Welcome

07:41 Jim's Story - Silver and Gold

22:58 Maria's Story - Si Mac Tire

36:33 Discussion

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

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."