Best Kathy Shimpock Podcasts (2026)

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On the Longest Night - Cailleach Beira (S6, #1) 31:08

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15d ago31:08

31:08

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares a Scottish story about the changing seasons. It comes as we reach winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere. This is a story of the Cailleach Beira, the Queen of Winter. She may be frightening but she has much to tell us about our role as elders and how we should best approach…

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"Delila the Wily" Arabian Nights - Part II (S5, #12) 43:49

1M ago43:49

43:49

Send us a text In this episode the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will continue reading from the Arabian Nights collection, “Delila the Crafty/Wily.” Delila is a trickster figure who brings chaos wherever she goes. In this episode, we'll discover how this wise old woman's story ends. Is she punished or rewarded for her acts? Her acts of cunning cause…

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"Delila the Wily" Arabian Nights - Part I (S5, #11) 44:07

3M ago44:07

44:07

Send us a text In this episode the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will read a story from the Arabian Nights collection. It is entitled “Delila the Wily.” This is a long story that will be completed over the next three episodes: two for the actual story and one for our discussion of this tale. Delila is a trickster figure who brings chaos wherever she…

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“The Three Sisters and Their Glass Hearts” – a Russian Folktale (S5, #10) 33:04

5M ago33:04

33:04

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will read to you a Russian folktale: “The Three Sisters and Their Glass Hearts.” It’s a poignant story, nonetheless, and one you’ll long remember. Story: "The Three Sisters and Their Glass Hearts," in The Golden Fairy Book, H.R. Millar, illus. (London: Appleton & Co., 1894), 195-206. …

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Bride of Prince Lindworm (S5, #9) 41:15

7M ago41:15

41:15

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will continue her discussion of the Danish folktale, “Prince Lindworm.” We began our analysis in the last episode, but there is much more to share. This story is filled with metaphors and symbols. It can be viewed in many ways. That fact alone emphasizes the power of folktales to brin…

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"Prince Lindworm" - a Danish Folktale (S5, #8) 21:31

9M ago21:31

21:31

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will share the Danish folktale, “Prince Lindworm.” It’s a story of shadow and light, female agency and transformation. It’s also a story with a sequel. This mash-up or compilation of folktales is filled with metaphors and symbols. There is so much to discuss that will carry this on to…

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"The Vampire Skeleton Corpse" an Iroquois Folktale (S5, #7) 27:13

11M ago27:13

27:13

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares the story of "The Vampire Skeleton Corpse." This is a frightening tale from the Iroquois tradition. Although there is never a single meaning for any story, this one has an important teaching for the days ahead. Story: This story is a conflation of early Iroquois variants and my…

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"A Christmas Carol" - Read Along - Chapter 4-5 (S5, #6) 58:06

1y ago58:06

58:06

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. The work is a novella, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843. Because of the story's length, it will be read over four episodes. This is chapter four and five (or what Dickens called Stave Four, The Last of…

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"A Christmas Carol" - Read Along - Chapter 3 (S5, #5) 1:06:26

1y ago1:06:26

1:06:26

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. The work is a novella, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843. Because of the story's length, it will be read over four episodes. This is chapter three (or what Dickens called Stave Three, The Second of the …

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"A Christmas Carol" Read Along - Chapter 2 (S5, #4) 50:43

1y ago50:43

50:43

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. The work is a novella, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843. Because of the story's length, it will be read over four episodes. This is chapter two (or what Dickens called Stave Two, The First of the Three…

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"A Christmas Carol" Read Along - Chapter 1 (S5, #3) 57:36

1y ago57:36

57:36

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. The work is a novella, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843. Because of the story's length, it will be read over the next four episodes. This is chapter one (or what Dickens called Stave One, Marley’s Ghos…

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"Stribor's Forest": A Croatian Tale (S5, #2) 36:41

1y ago36:41

36:41

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading “Stribor’s Forest.” It’s a Croation literary tale written by Ivana Brlic-Mazuranic. It is a tale longer than most, so grab some tea and your journal before we begin. After listening to this story, you might have some thoughts to jot down and ideas to explore. Story: "S…

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"Abandoning the Old Woman"; Elder Abuse & Grief (S5, E1) 27:28

1+ y ago27:28

27:28

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore elder abuse, as seen in stories, folklore and actual life. We'll start our exploration with a practice found in Japanese stories called ubasute or "abandoning the old woman." Then we'll shift to modern day America and the recent death of my friend who was killed by a fami…

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"The Old Woman and the Tiger" - A Chinese folk tale (S4, E12) 25:50

1+ y ago25:50

25:50

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore the Chinese folktale, “The Old Woman and the Tiger.” The story is retold by Mary Hemingway who grew up in northern China. In this story, we’ll see a different side of the wise crone archetype. No longer a side character, she is now the protagonist. And rather than serving…

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Cackling and Crackling: “Frau Trude” Starts a Fire (S4, E11) 24:02

1+ y ago24:02

24:02

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock explores the Grimm tale “Frau Trude.” It’s a short didactic story that allows for many surprising interpretations. Whether she be a witch or a crone, there’s a lot of cackling and crackling going on. Hopefully, we can stay out of the fire without getting burnt! Either way, she's a frie…

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Episode 9: "Hecate at the Crossroads" 22:47

1+ y ago22:47

22:47

Send us a text In this episode the Storyteller Kathy Shimpock explores the relationship of the crone within the maiden, mother, and crone trilogy. She tells the Greek myth of "Demeter and Persephone" and shares a lesser known variation in which Hecate plays a pivotal role. Story: "Demeter & Persephone" (a traditional Greek myth) as told by Kathy Sh…

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Chatting 'Bout "Tatterhood" (S4, #10) 45:39

1+ y ago45:39

45:39

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, meets again with Master Hypnotherapist, Linda Bennett. Together they discuss the Norwegian folktale, "Tatterhood," and explore its many meanings and interpretations by looking at its symbols, metaphors, and archetypes. It's a fascinating model for dream interpretation too. Part 2 of t…

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"Tatterhood" - A Norwegian Folktale (S4, #9) 42:50

1+ y ago42:50

42:50

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore a little known Norwegian folktale, "Tatterhood." It's a story in which an unexpected, young girl goes on a hero's journey. She has quite a surprising role to play in a very unusual story. Story: Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe, Lurvehette [Tatterhood], Norske Fol…

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Archetypes in Story & Life (S4, #8) 43:06

2y ago43:06

43:06

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will discuss archetypes with renowned hypnotherapist Linda Bennett. Together, we’ll identify common archetypes and discover how they can be identified in both life and stories. Cover Image: Photo by Linda Bennett. To learn more about Linda Bennett, check out her website for services o…

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Krampus, Goblins & Switches, Oh, My! (S4, #7) 45:30

2y ago45:30

45:30

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will focus on the Shadow side of the Christmas holiday. Not all folklore surrounding this time is happy and gay; some of the characters are birthed from our deepest nightmares. This time, we’ll look at Krampus and the goblins from Charles Dickens’s imagination. She'll read “The Story …

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"Go I Know Not Whither and Fetch I Know Not What" - Part II (S4, #6) 25:03

2y ago25:03

25:03

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller Kathy Shimpock, will continue our discussion of the Russian folktale "Go I Know Not Whither and Fetch I Know Not What." In doing so, we'll learn a bit more about Baba Yaga, the Slavic character who's part witch and part wise crone. Who is she in this story? Maybe it's a bit of both. (Because this is a…

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"Go I Know Not Whither, Fetch I Know Not What" - A Russian Tale (S4, #5) 40:30

2y ago40:30

40:30

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller Kathy Shimpock, will read the Russian tale, “Go I Know Not Whither, Fetch I Know Not What.” It’s a story with two crones: one the wise crone and the other the infamous Baba Yaga. Perhaps she’s a wise crone too. Only time will tell. (Because this is a long story, our discussion will be broken into two …

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"Old Rinkrank": a Grimm Brothers Tale (S4, #4) 25:19

2y ago25:19

25:19

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will read the story of “Old Rinkrank.” It’s a Grimm Brother’s tale with a surprising ending. We’ll discuss the innocent persecuted heroine and how her journey differs from the traditional hero’s journey tales. Where is the wise crone in this story? I can’t wait to tell you! Story: "Ol…

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"The Maiden in the Castle of Rosy Clouds" (S4, #3) 32:49

2+ y ago32:49

32:49

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will read the literary fairy tale, "The Maiden in the Castle of Rosy Clouds." It's a story written by the Swedish author Harald Ostenson in the early 20th century. We'll identify the differences between traditional folktales and literary tales. Finally, we'll discuss how older charact…

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The Wise Crone Meets the Devil Again and Again! (S4, #2) 30:14

2+ y ago30:14

30:14

Send us a text In this episode, we’ll look at three stories in which an old woman meets and outwits the devil. The first is “Devil’s Bridge,” a Welsh legend. The second, “The Devil and His Grandmother,” is a German folktale recorded by the Brothers’ Grimm. The last story, “Kitta Grau” is from Sweden. The old woman in these tales runs the course of …

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More Hands Lost and Found (S4, #1) 28:46

2+ y ago28:46

28:46

Send us a text In the last "Wise Crone Cottage Podcast," storyteller, Kathy Shimpock shared the Grimm fairy tale "The Girl Without Hands." This is a continuation of that discussion. This time we'll focus on the earlier 1812 version of the story. We'll see how the Handless Maiden shifts from a persecuted figure into a heroine. We'll also explore the…

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"Hands Lost & Found" - Variations on a Grimm Theme (S3, #12) 36:06

2+ y ago36:06

36:06

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore the Grimm tale, "The Girl Who Lost Her Hands." It's a story that packs a punch and leaves listeners quaking in the dust. Well, maybe that's a bit extreme. You can judge for yourself! We'll look at several versions of the story, its derivation and multiple interpretations.…

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Nisse vs. Crone - "Round the Norwegian Yule- Log" (S3, #11) 55:33

3y ago55:33

55:33

Send us a text In this episode, we’ll be exploring the folklore around the "nisse," a Norwegian house spirit, found throughout Scandinavia (by different names). I’ll read the story “Round the Yule Log,” by P. Chr. Asbjornsen which includes several folktales. Further, we’ll reflect on the negative stereotype of the old maid. What should we do with t…

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The Cailleach in "The Adventures of the Sons of Eochaid Mugmedon" (S3, #10) 34:04

3y ago34:04

34:04

Send us a text In this episode, we’ll be exploring the Cailleach, the Celtic goddess of winter. She’s found in both mythology and folktales in Ireland and Scotland. She sometimes appears as the sovereignty goddess. I’ll read the Irish myth, “The Adventures of the Sons of Eochaid Mugmedon,” which addresses issues of gender, power, land, and kingship…

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"Ariadne’s Thread" - A Twist on a Greek Myth (S3, #9) 36:15

3y ago36:15

36:15

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will tell you the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Her version is one you may not have heard before, for it tells this story from the eyes of Ariadne. In doing so, we’ll discover how a single shift in perspective can make all the difference. Story: Derived from "Ariadne's Lamen…

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Why We Still Remember "Star Wars" and King Arthur's Court (S3, #8) 28:35

3+ y ago28:35

28:35

Send us a text In this episode we'll reflect on two stories that demand retelling. In each tale (from "Star Wars" to King Arthur), we'll see how the story is poised to continue through the intervention of a single storyteller. In the sharing of the story, its meaning, values, and Truth continue to inspire and motivate those who stop to listen and t…

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"The Witches' Excursion" an Irish Folktale (S3, #7) 20:30

3+ y ago20:30

20:30

Send us a text In this episode we’ll explore the Irish folktale “The Witches Excursion.” It was recorded by Patrick Kennedy in the book Legendary Fictions of the Irish Celts published in 1866. Like the Grimm tale, “Frau Holle,” here is another story that began as a myth and became a folktale. We’ll discuss how the character of Queen Medb is reflect…

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"From Bluebeard to Mr. Fox - Corrupting the Legend" (S3, #6) 36:00

3+ y ago36:00

36:00

Send us a text In these very dark days, when the world has gone awry, a story comes out of the darkness. In this episode, we're entering a haunting tale with storyteller, Kathy Shimpock. It is a dire tale rarely told to children. Over time, the story grew even darker, more dire and its message corrupted. It is the corruption of that message, that w…

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"The Brewery of Eggs" - An Irish Story (S3, #5) 24:43

3+ y ago24:43

24:43

Send us a text In this episode, we're in the world of Irish fairies with the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock. Our story is called "The Brewery of Eggs." It's a changeling legend in which the wise old woman saves the day by bringing the right baby home. We're also going to explore how women stories may be coded, so they can share topics too difficult to…

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"Interview with Medusa" - The Wise Crone Speaks (S3, #4) 28:38

4y ago28:38

28:38

Send us a text In this episode, we’ll meet Medusa with the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock. Some call Medusa a Gorgon, others a cursed beauty. Maligned in popular media, controversy has followed Medusa wherever she goes. In her first recorded interview, Medusa will sit down with the Wise Crone for a tell-all exchange. Her visit is courtesy of the Jungi…

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"Stories that Must be Told" (S3, #3) 23:32

4y ago23:32

23:32

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock explores the stories that must be told and what happens when we try to forget them. We'll look at three tales from India. Each one addresses stories that are untold, the need to find a willing audience, and the consequence when they are hidden. Finally, we'll discuss how traditional st…

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Italy's Holiday Witch -"La Befana" (S3, #2) 20:39

4y ago20:39

20:39

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, explores La Befana, a crone character from Italian folklore. Befana appears on January 5th to give gifts to children. I'll share with you my story that consolidates many of the tales surrounding her. Finally, we'll look at how La Befana compares to some other legendary figures (who al…

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"Midwife to the Fairies" (S3, #1) 22:36

4y ago22:36

22:36

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock explores the crone's role as the midwife in Irish and European folktales. The story she will share with you is called "Midwife to the Fairies." In this story, we'll learn more about the crone and even more about those disagreeable fairies. Finally, we'll ponder medieval midwifery, and …

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"Pesta's Norwegian Plague Tales" (S2, #12) 18:53

4+ y ago18:53

18:53

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock explores Norwegian folktales surrounding the Black Death. She shares a story that incorporates many of the motifs and elements found in these tales. It's the story of two very different old women. One is the wise crone and the other is Pesta! Perhaps we'll uncover some plague wisdom we…

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"Crones in Disguise: Stories of Greek Goddesses" (S2, #11) 17:11

4+ y ago17:11

17:11

Send us a text Greek mythology has a full pantheon of gods and goddesses. Each deity has a story line with the past and present clearly defined. There are stories of triumph and petty jealousies. There are stories of conflict. Their relationships with humans and other gods are often tempestuous. Rarely do we see these gods and goddesses as exemplar…

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"The Story that Grew in My Heart" (S2, #10) 40:16

4+ y ago40:16

40:16

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will explore the power of story. What is it? How can a simple tale impact our lives so deeply? The story I will tell (as the wise crone) provides one answer. “The Story that Grew in My Heart” was crafted from a book written by Walter Hackett entitled The Swans of BalleyCastle. It cont…

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More on "The Goose-Girl at the Well" (S2, #9) 36:05

4+ y ago36:05

36:05

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller Kathy Shimpock, will read you the Grimm tale, "The Goose-Girl at the Well." It's a tale within a tale - a story of a young girl's initiation into womanhood and the guiding hand and protection of the wise crone. First discussed in an earlier podcast (S1, #4), this story just won't go away! It is catego…

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Spring's Gift - the Flower-Elves! (S2, #8) 28:21

4+ y ago28:21

28:21

Send us a text In this episode, we'll explore the magic of spring. I'll share two stories: one from Europe and one from China in which the beauty of the natural world is both honored and rewarded. It's a message we all need to be reminded of after a long cold winter and an even longer pandemic. In these stories we see the creation and protection of…

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"Crone vs. Cyclops: A Confrontation in the Forest" (S2, #7) 24:00

5y ago24:00

24:00

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will share the story of "The Crone vs. the Cyclops: A Confrontation in the Forest." It’s a fun story filled with motifs from both folklore and mythology that she wrote long ago. These elements fill fantasy literature today and can be an excellent way to get the imagination going. Fina…

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'Truth, Lies and Story" (S2, #6) 38:29

5y ago38:29

38:29

Send us a text In the wake of insurgents overtaking the U.S. capital in pursuit of a “big lie,” this episode explores the truth that is found in stories. The storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will start by reading a Spanish tale entitled “Falsehood and Truth.” Next, we’ll look at those folktales that provide a context to current events. Finally, she wil…

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"The Little Match Girl" (S2, #5) 25:18

5y ago25:18

25:18

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will share the story of "The Little Match Girl" by Hans Christian Andersen. It is a tragic, Danish, literary tale written in 1845. The subject has similarities to Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" written two years earlier in Victorian England. Both tales focus on the fate of the poor when…

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Santa is Gender-Neutral (S2, #4) 30:19

5y ago30:19

30:19

Send us a text In this episode, it's all about Santa: the folklore, story, and the greater archetype. I posit the question of whether Santa can be gender-neutral. We'll explore an adapted version of the poem, "A Visit from Santa Claus" written by Clement Clarke Moore, Think on it, for just a moment. Santa as the wise crone? Why not? Story: "A Visit…

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"The Shoes That Were Danced to Pieces" (S2, #3) 23:28

5y ago23:28

23:28

Send us a text In the third episode of Season Two, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares the story of "The Shoes That Were Danced to Pieces." This Grimm Brothers' tale has variants found throughout Germany and central Europe. We’ll also explore how the wise crone handles youthful indulgence. Story: Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Die drei Spinnerinnen, …

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Disappointing Grannies - Russia's "Hansel & Gretel" (S2, #2) 24:21

5+ y ago24:21

24:21

Send us a text In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares the story of "The Witch." It's a Russian variant of the Grimm's tale "Hansel & Gretel." In this story, we explore the character of the grandmother. These characters surprise us more in what they don't do than in what they actually do. They stand in stark contrast to the figure …

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"The Golden Key" (S2, #1) 16:36

5+ y ago16:36

16:36

Send us a text In the first episode of Season Two, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares the story of "The Golden Key." This version of the Grimm Brothers' tale is created for the child in all of us. Once told, we'll see if we can uncover just what was inside that box! Finally, we'll discover what the wise crone found. Story: Jacob and Wilhelm Gr…