The Apple Seed cover art
Ages 5–7Ages 8–12 Stories

The Apple Seed

About the show

Family-friendly stories from master storytellers, hosted by Sam Payne, perfect for listening together and sharing a laugh or a memory.

Show full description Hide full description

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers. Stories bring us together and the stories on The Apple Seed will spark memories that you can share with the people you love. The Apple Seed is a storytelling podcast by BYUradio and is hosted by Sam Payne.

Fast Facts

Audience
Ages 5–12
Network
BYUradio
Format
Listen in any order
Typical length
29 min
Episodes
174
Seasons
16 seasons
Topics
Stories For Kids, Fiction, Drama

Episodes

174 episodes

  1. Scary Stories from Home - Stories for the Whole Family by Kevin Kling and Lyn Ford

    28 min 22 October 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about childhood fears, family memories, and the people who make scary tales unforgettable (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:50) "The Collector" by Kevin Kling Kevin shares a hilarious childhood camping story about his dad, a spooky tale, and the story that scared the socks off him (05:58) "Fear Flies Away" by Sam Payne Sam tells a heartwarming childhood tale about how his dad helped him overcome his fear of bats (08:59) "Scaring Sissy" by Lyn Ford Lyn shares a funny childhood story about turning a classic fairy tale into a nightmare after her little sister pestered her for a bedtime story

  2. The Unforgettable Miss Gimm - Stories for the Whole Family by Tim Lowry

    24 min 15 October 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the people who lead by example and leave a lasting impact (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:29) "Miss Gimm" by Tim Lowry A series of humorous stories about a one-of-a-kind churchgoer who made a profound difference in Tim’s childhood (21:21) "Known From Joan" by Sam Payne Sam shares childhood memories about a local theater director and the important lessons she taught that influenced Sam’s life and career

  3. Life & Death - Stories for the Whole Family by Antonio Rocha and Adam Booth

    32 min 8 October 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about life, death, and the delicate balance between the two (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:45) "Piano the Ox" by Antonio Rocha A moving story about a strong ox and the impact his absence has on a small village (16:04) "Making Meaning" by Sam Payne Sam shares an excerpt from Shakespeare’s The Tempest and explores how some stories empower the audience to discover their own meanings (19:13) "The Goats Know the Way" by Adam Booth Adam shares his version of an old Jewish story about a woman who embarks on an unexpected journey while desperately searching for food

  4. Happy Birthday - Stories for the Whole Family by Bill Harley and Donald Davis

    32 min 1 October 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about celebrating birthdays and finding the right way to honor someone’s special day (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:15) "Happy Birthday, Mrs. Nottingham" by Bill Harley A story about trying to figure out if a teacher is nice or mean and in the end, how everyone likes their birthday (20:04) "Summer Birthdays" by Sam Payne Sam shares about a time in kindergarten when he bravely stood up for summer birthdays (22:54) "64 Crayons" by Donald Davis A story about the surprise gift 6 year old Donald left for his beloved Aunt Esther

  5. It Pays to Speak a 2nd Language - Stories for the Whole Family by Antonio Sacre and Jasmin Cardenas

    24 min 24 September 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the benefits of speaking another language, embracing bilingualism, and finding joy in your language and culture (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:17) "The Barking Mouse" by Antonio Sacre Antonio tells about the summer he spent with his Cuban grandmother and the simple yet impactful story she shared with him (10:06) “The Language of Music” by Sam Payne Sam shares a touching story about how his understanding of music helped him communicate, build connections, and find common ground with a group of people he otherwise would have found it nearly impossible to connect with (14:04) "Gobbily Gook" by Jasmin Cardenas A story from Jasmin’s childhood about the time she felt embarrassed while translating for her mom but learned to embrace her second language and cultural heritage in a surprising way

  6. Every Story is a Love Story - Stories for the Whole Family by Kevin Kling and Josh Goforth

    27 min 17 September 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about love, life lessons, and the unforgettable experiences that come from taking the time to learn from the people and things we love (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:14) "Love Story" by Kevin Kling Hilarious and heartwarming stories about the valuable life lessons Kevin has learned from the people and things he has loved throughout his life (16:49) "Look for the Love" by Sam Payne Sam shares a heartwarming story about an important lesson he learned from a former drama teacher and how putting that lesson into practice helped him repair a strained relationship (20:40) "Doc Watson" by Josh Goforth A charming musical performance and personal story about how Josh’s love for legendary musician Doc Watson shaped his career, inspired his music, and helped him achieve his dreams

  7. Taming the Beast - Stories for the Whole Family by Antonio Rocha and Paul Strickland

    30 min 10 September 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about navigating difficult family relationships, overcoming conflict and discovering the joy that comes from strengthening the relationships that matter most (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:42) "The Lion's Whiskers" by Antonio Rocha An immersive and heartwarming story about a woman facing a seemingly impossible task who must learn to confront and conquer the literal and figurative beasts in her life (23:12) "I Can Do Hard Things" by Sam Payne Sam shares a heartfelt childhood story about how his little brother’s hard work, perseverance, and dedication inspired him and continues to inspire him to this day (25:55) "Stories That Get Told" by Paul Strickland A sweet musical performance about the power of storytelling and how great stories can endure, inspire, and connect generations

  8. Family Feud - Stories for the Whole Family by Donald Davis and Bill Harley

    30 min 3 September 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about family relationships, childhood memories, and how even life's most challenging moments can become the lessons we treasure for years to come (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:36) "Peas and Carrots" by Donald Davis A hilarious childhood story about the clever scheme Donald Davis used to avoid eating his vegetables for years (14:17) "Dinner Time Battles" by Sam Payne Sam shares a funny and shocking childhood story about a heated argument with his brother over a dinner plate that escalated into an unforgettable family moment and became the breaking point for his mom (17:23) "Dirty Joe" by Bill Harley An exciting, rhyming pirate adventure about Dirty Joe and his crew as they encounter a surprising foe on the open sea

  9. Hometown Memories - Stories for the Whole Family by Adam Booth and Andy Offutt Irwin

    27 min 27 August 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about hometowns, childhood memories, and the familiar places that help shape who we become (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:27) "Roll-a-Rama" by Adam Booth A delightful and charming childhood story about the local roller rink in Adam Booth's hometown and the unforgettable experiences that helped shape his youth (16:40) "Gathering Place" by Sam Payne Sam shares a nostalgic childhood memory about a special gathering place in his hometown where he often found community, friendship, and camaraderie (19:56) "The Swing in the Park" by Andy Offutt Irwin A humorous story about Andy’s fictional yet eccentric Aunt Margarite and the tricky situation she finds herself in while visiting her neighborhood park

  10. Wishful Thinking - Stories for the Whole Family by Kevin Kling and Simon Brooks

    22 min 20 August 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about how wishes are born in the heart, the dreams they inspire, and the lasting power they hold (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:03) "Theatre Wish" by Kevin Kling A charming and humorous true story about how a local theater performance sparked Kevin Kling's dream of a life in the theater and inspired his passion for storytelling (08:18) "Desiring Denim" by Sam Payne Sam shares a nostalgic childhood story about wishing for the perfect denim trucker jacket, only to discover that life's greatest happiness comes from pursuing more meaningful wishes (12:07) "One Wish" by Simon Brooks A delightful fairy tale about a man granted a single wish who uses wit and cleverness in an attempt to gain everything he desires

  11. Bound by Honor - Stories for the Whole Family by Willy Claflin and Geraldine Buckley

    23 min 13 August 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about courage, integrity, and the challenges that come from earning and keeping your sense of honor (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:25) "Ka’ulu the Strong" by Willy Claflin A powerful folktale about family, strength, and perseverance as an elder brother uses his incredible strength to travel to a distant island and rescue his brother (11:47) "Test of Honor" by Sam Payne Sam shares his insights on courage, honor, and learning to help ourselves in times of peril after revisiting the beloved childhood classic, "Prince Caspian" by C.S (14:33) "The Three Axes" by Geraldine Buckley A timeless tale about a humble woodcutter who faces a powerful temptation to abandon his honor and integrity in exchange for unimaginable riches

  12. When Wishes Go Wrong - Stories for the Whole Family by Mara Menzies and Donna Washington

    29 min 6 August 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about being careful what you wish for, overcoming unexpected challenges, and finding hope and wisdom in difficult situations (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:46) "How Fire Came Into the World" by Mara Menzies An African folktale about a man determined to bring fire to his village, only to discover that the gift he wished for carries unexpected dangers and powerful consequences (18:04) "Kitten Commotion" by Sam Payne Sam shares the heartwarming and humorous story of how he and his family learned valuable lessons about responsibility, patience, and unexpected surprises after making their wish come true by adopting three playful kittens (20:47) "Frog's King" by Donna Washington A humorous pourquoi tale about a group of determined frogs whose persistence earns them exactly what they wished for but at a surprising cost

  13. Crooked Roads - Stories for the Whole Family by Andy Offutt Irwin and Dovie Thomason

    20 min 30 July 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about slowing down, embracing life's unexpected detours, and discovering the opportunities that come from taking a different path (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:15) "Tallulah Point" by Andy Offutt Irwin A humorous story about Andy’s fictional but eccentric Aunt Margarite and the journey that reconnects her with a meaningful place from her childhood (10:03) "Allowance for Meandering" by Sam Payne Sam shares the heartfelt story of an unexpected moment of connection with his dad that led to a new favorite movie, a memorable school tardy slip, and a lasting lesson about taking time for life's unexpected detours (13:19) "Frog and Turtle" by Dovie Thomason A short but charming fable about how two unlikely best friends choose to avoid the incoming rain

  14. Believe in Yourself - Stories for the Whole Family by Antonio Rocha and Jasmin Cardenas

    24 min 23 July 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about building confidence, finding courage, and discovering the power that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (02:05) "The Eagle Who Thought He was a Chicken" by Antonio Rocha An inspirational story about a young eagle discovering its true potential and finding the courage to become who it was meant to be (11:21) "Musical Mentors" by Sam Payne Sam reflects on the inspiring music teachers and mentors who shaped his journey, sharing how their encouragement helped him believe in himself and grow into the musician and storyteller he is today (14:18) "Rug Rats: How I Found My Superpower" by Jasmin Cardenas A heartwarming coming-of-age story about Jasmin’s childhood improv group and how it helped shape her confidence, creativity, and journey to becoming the storyteller she is today

  15. Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Stories for the Whole Family by Antonio Sacre, Willy Claflin and Paul Strickland

    28 min 16 July 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the silly and unexpected adventures that often come with matters of the heart (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:21) "Martina the Butterfly" by Antonio Sacre A charming Spanish fairy tale about a butterfly’s search for true love and the unexpected chaos that follows when she finds it (07:55) "How to Pack" by Sam Payne Sam shares a heartfelt family story about the marriage advice he received from his Aunt Annie and the unforgettable metaphor she used to explain the secrets of a lasting relationship (11:08) "Rapunzel and the Seven Dwarfs" by Willy Claflin A reimagined fairy tale about the humorous complications and unexpected twists that arise when love enters the picture, told by Willy’s friend, Maynard the Moose (22:27) "I Love You with All of My Pancreas" by Paul Strickland A heartfelt and hilarious song about the all-consuming nature of love and the silly ways it can be expressed

  16. A Gift for Mischief - Stories for the Whole Family by Lyn Ford and Donald Davis

    27 min 9 July 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about discovering hidden talents, learning through mistakes, and using gifts in an effective way (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:12) "My First Story" by Lyn Ford A humorous childhood story about the moment Lyn discovered her natural talent for storytelling after getting in trouble (09:02) "Mastering the Craft" by Sam Payne Sam reflects on watching his daughter’s creativity and talent for crafting grow and flourish over the years (11:58) "Getting Rid of the Babysitter" by Donald Davis An amusing true story about the night a young Donald and his little brother used their gift for mischief in an attempt to prove they were too old for a babysitter

  17. Bargaining with God - Stories for the Whole Family by Mara Menzies and Simon Brooks

    25 min 2 July 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about how combining wit and willingness can help you achieve the things you want most (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:02) "God and Time" by Mara Menzies A fascinating creation folktale exploring how it was decided how long humans and animals would live on earth (09:41) "Heaven's Help" by Sam Payne Sam shares a heartfelt personal story about how a simple act of faith from his young son helped their family navigate a crowded situation and became an inspiring lesson about hope, trust, and divine help that they would remember for years to come (12:17) "Ananse Finds Stories" by Simon Brooks A humorous and imaginative African folktale about the legendary trickster Ananse the Spider and his clever quest to bring stories into the world

  18. Mending the Heart - Stories for the Whole Family by Noa Baum and Pippa White

    33 min 25 June 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the joys and hardships of life and the ways both can shape our hearts for the better (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:51) "The Hour of the Doves" by Noa Baum A touching and heartfelt story about the small but meaningful ways Noa’s grandmother helped her connect with their family’s religious traditions and heritage (16:30) "An Influence of Faith" by Sam Payne A story about the influence a community of Hassidic Jews had on his brother's faith journey (19:40) "Lee Nailing's Orphan Train Story" by Pippa White A sweet and moving rhyming tale about a young boy who reluctantly journeys across the country on an orphan train in search of a new family and a place to belong

  19. Finding Wisdom in Unlikely Places - Stories for the Whole Family by Kim Weitkamp and Kevin Kling

    28 min 18 June 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the joy, wisdom, and life lessons discovered in the most unexpected places (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:26) "Gold Coins" by Kim Weitkamp A touching and insightful story about Kim’s experience discovering unexpected wisdom and human connection through conversations with customers in her yarn shop (14:08) "Lunch with Strangers" by Sam Payne Sam shares a heartfelt story about a friend’s experience getting to know strangers and finding meaningful connections in a new city (16:50) "Ashen Peter" by Kevin Kling A humorous folktale about a young man dismissed as a fool by his community who surprises everyone when he earns the respect of the king

  20. The Wonder of Nature - Stories for the Whole Family by Antonio Sacre and Bil Lepp

    32 min 11 June 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the inspiring, healing, and connecting power of nature (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:20) "World's Second Best Dad" by Antonio Sacre A humorous and relatable story about Antonio’s unforgettable experience when taking his family on a whale watching expedition (12:26) "Little Moment in the Big City" by Sam Payne Sam shares a touching personal story about an unexpected emotional experience during his first visit to New York City (15:50) "Yosemite Falls Trail" by Bil Lepp A funny and adventurous hiking story about Bil’s climb up the famous Yosemite Falls Trail, where he encounters plenty of obstacles on the journey to a breathtaking scenic view

  21. For the Love of the Game - Stories for the Whole Family by Geraldine Buckley and Donald Davis

    25 min 4 June 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the powerful impact sports have on our lives (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:18) "Devil on Horseback" by Geraldine Buckley A heartfelt and humorous story from Geraldine's childhood about the time she became a wrestling fan thanks to the influence of her great aunt (09:40) "From Fan to Player" by Sam Payne Sam shares a heartfelt story about receiving life-changing words of wisdom from his father through a powerful sports metaphor about stepping into the game instead of watching from the sidelines (12:37) "The Golf Team" by Donald Davis A funny and relatable story about Donald's experience trying to find a way out of his physical education class during his first year of college

  22. Hospitality Rules - Stories for the Whole Family by Bill Harley and Lyn Ford

    27 min 28 May 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about hospitality and its many forms (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:12) "The Cow That Ate the Piper" by Bill Harley A humorous and outlandish tale about a traveling piper who seeks shelter for the night in a barn, only to encounter unexpected chaos and comedy (11:35) "A Surprising Safe Haven" by Sam Payne Sam shares a memorable personal experience when he found something he desperately needed but the owner was nowhere to be found (15:08) "How Great Grandma Gets Her Stories" by Lyn Ford A warm and nostalgic story from Lyn's childhood about the meaningful moments she spent visiting her Great Grandma's house and the stories shared there

  23. The One Who Changed Everything - Stories for the Whole Family by Kim Weitkamp and Simon Brooks

    29 min 21 May 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about the people, memories, and life-changing moments that leave a lasting influence on our lives (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:19) "Mrs. Ort" by Kim Weitkamp A heartfelt story about Kim's third grade teacher and the lasting impact she had on Kim's life and personal growth (15:11) "Friends and Influence" by Sam Payne Sam reflects on a time he was asked to write down memories of an old friend, leading him to think deeply about the lasting influence that friend had on him (18:43) "The Chinaberry Tree" by Simon Brooks A moving story about a young woman facing difficult circumstances whose life is transformed by the unexpected influence of a chinaberry tree

  24. Food Fight - Stories for the Whole Family by Alton Takiyama-Chung and Willy Claflin

    27 min 14 May 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about how the quest for food can turn into a hilarious battle of wits (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:23) "Punia and Kaialeale" by Alton Takiyama-Chung A Hawaiian folk story about a clever young man who must outsmart the powerful King of the Sharks to bring food home for his family (11:54) "Chocolate Cookie Mischief" by Sam Payne A funny childhood story about Sam getting caught raiding his Grandma’s snack cupboard (15:04) "Anansi and The Liar's Contest" by Willy Claflin A West African folktale featuring Anansi the spider as he and the other bugs try to decide who gets dinner and who becomes dinner

  25. The Will to Change the World - Stories for the Whole Family by Bil Lepp and Dovie Thomason

    31 min 7 May 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about how small actions can have big impacts on the world (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:27) "Bil and Skeeter Break the Ocean" by Bil Lepp A story about a hilarious family vacation that gets Bil thinking about the impact he may have on the world (17:18) "Deciding to Make a Difference" by Sam Payne A story about a small decision that make a lasting impression on a whole town (21:45) "Mice and the Moon" by Dovie Thomason A story about how the actions of even the smallest of creatures make a difference

  26. Lost in the Light - Stories for the Whole Family by Andy Offutt Irwin

    30 min 30 April 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about finding light even in the darkest of places (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:36) "Book Every Saturday for a Funeral" by Andy Offutt Irwim A tall tale about Aunt Margarite, a southern belle who goes to visit her ill best friend (21:32) "Blessed & Sacred" by Sam Payne A story about experiencing loss and light together (24:23) "The Light Went Away" by Andy Offutt Irwin A song about how even in the dark, the light is not far away

  27. Poetic Justice - Stories for the Whole Family by Donald Davis and Mara Menzies

    28 min 23 April 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about how actions lead to meaningful, and often fitting consequences (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:12) "Too Much Hair" by Donald Davis A hilarious and relatable story about a young boy who secretly gives his little brother a haircut, only to face the consequences when things don’t go as planned (12:43) "Snowball Bushes" by Sam Payne A heartwarming story where Sam reflects on childhood haircuts from his father, revealing how simple moments can create lasting bonds (16:26) "The Mighty Hero - Luanda Magere" by Mara Menzies A Kenyan folktale about a legendary warrior with rock hard skin, whose strength and fate reveal the deeper consequences of pride and vulnerability

  28. Riddle Me This - Stories for the Whole Family by Debs Newbold and Alton Takiyama-Chung

    24 min 16 April 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about riddles, one of the oldest forms of entertainment (00:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne (01:47) “The King and the Three Dolls” by Debs Newbold A captivating tale of a riddle-loving queen challenged to discover the difference between three “identical” dolls (14:18) “My Most Memorable Riddles” by Sam Payne Sam shares unforgettable memories of his favorite riddles and the people who shared them (17:12) “The Fly” by Alton Takiyama-Chung A witty tale of a greedy moneylender outsmarted by a clever young boy from a family in debt

  29. Generosity & Greed - Stories for the Whole Family by Antonio Sacre and Geraldine Buckley

    27 min 9 April 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about how sometimes less is more and when you have more, maybe it's time to give (00:00) Intro by host, Sam Payne (01:21) "The Fisherman and His Wife" by Antonio Sacre A German fairytale that has been told many times in many ways, and here is Antonio Sacre's version (09:21) "The Mall Food Court" by Sam Payne A story about a time when Sam enjoyed all the delights from his childhood at the mall food court, until he goes a little too far (12:16) "The Peddler of Swaffham" by Geraldine Buckley A classic English story about a Peddler and his dog who find more than they could ever dream of

  30. Musical Showdown - Stories for the Whole Family by Bill Harley and Willy Claflin

    33 min 2 April 2026

    Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about music tastes over generational gaps (00:00) Intro by host, Sam Payne (01:04) "Mom and the Radio" by Bill Harley A story and a song about kids that don't enjoy their parents old school music tastes (12:10) "Charlie Brown the Musicals" by Sam Payne A story about three musical renditions of the Charlie Brown stories One with all grown up actors One with all teenage actors And one with all child actors (15:50) "The Talent Show" by Willy Claflin A story about generational music gaps that is unlike any other

0:00 0:00
Get the app →
Once Upon a Pod Get the app — free for 7 days