Once There Was a Podcast

Bonus: Storytime- There Was a Night Before Christmas

Gather around, listeners! It’s time for another storytime episode!  It’s a bonus storytime in honor of the holidays.  We all have our favorite seasonal traditions.  Mine involves a little poem by Clement C. Moore.   
 
We hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.  May your time be spent enjoying company and swapping stories!  
 
Special Thanks to:
Clement C. Moore
Alex (my sound guru)
Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music
My Wife and Daughter 
Clara Jean, for assisting me with this episode and for some special music.  
You
 
Instagram: 
oncetherewasapod
Facebook:
Once There Was a Podcast
Email:
oncetherewasapod@gmail.com
Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod 
Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons):
https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9
 
Additional Audio and Music:
Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)

Bonus: Storytime- In Defense of Thanksgiving

Gather around, listeners! It’s time for another storytime episode!  It’s a bonus storytime in honor of the holidays.  Listen, I know it’s not everybody’s favorite holiday, but I’m getting real tired of everyone skipping over Thanksgiving for the sake of Christmas! In this episode, I let my grump and my grinch out and really… You know what? Just give it a listen.  
 
If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, stay safe and put on an episode or two (or twelve!) of Once There Was a Podcast while you head over the river and through the woods.  We are thankful for you and glad that you give us a listen.  Have a wonderful Turkey-day and you’ll hear from us again soon! 
 
Special Thanks to:
Sierra for putting up with my grumpiness while she’s been pro-Christmas since the day after Halloween
Alex (my sound guru)
Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music
My Wife and Daughter for reminding me that no one should squash anyone’s joy
You
 
Instagram: 
oncetherewasapod
Facebook:
Once There Was a Podcast
Email:
oncetherewasapod@gmail.com
Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod 
Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons):
https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9
 
Additional Audio and Music:
Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)

Bonus: There Was a Season 2 Recap (ft. Shawn Peterson)

We officially wrap up season 2 this week with the recap episode.  Two-thirds of the "Three Dads" are back.  Unfortunately, the recording schedule didn’t work with Isaiah, and he had to miss out this time. (We’re sorry!!!!!) Join Shawn and I as we sit down to discuss the joy of season 2, statistics, and finding guests.  
 
Once again, thank you to all of our guests and our listeners!  This podcast is only made better by all of you.  We look forward to hearing more of your important stories.  A big thanks to Shawn for taking the lead on this episode.  Isaiah, we’ll make it up to you.  I swear. 
 
*Side note: Something went wrong with the audio during my recording.  The audio quality is not up to snuff.  To my audiophiles out there, please accept my apology.  
 
You’ll hear from us again around the holidays and then in the spring for season 3! 
 
Special Thanks to:
Shawn Peterson
Isaiah Stansbery for putting up with our shenanigans
All of our guests
All of our listeners
Alex (my sound guru)
Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music
My Wife and Daughter 
You
Instagram: 
Oncetherewasapod
Facebook:
Once There Was a Podcast
Podcast Email:
oncetherewasapod@gmail.com
Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod 
Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons):
https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9
 
Additional Audio and Music:
Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)
High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Bonus: There Was a Veteran Storyteller (ft. Jerry Wadian)

Happy Veterans Day to all who have served!  Today, we honor those who have chosen to dedicate a portion of their lives to serving their country.  Today I have a very special guest, Jerry Wadian.  Jerry is a Vietnam veteran and a journalist.  On today’s bonus episode, we discuss his time in the service as well as the important work he does helping other veterans share their stories.  
 
As the son, grandson, and nephew of many vets, I would love to extend my thanks to everyone who has served.  The sacrifices you have made have not gone unnoticed.  Your commitment to the defense of the United States is appreciated not only today but every day.  
 
***Editorial Note: Jerry brings up the use of a slur that soldiers used during his time in Vietnam.  Here at Once There Was a Podcast, we do not condone, want to justify, or promote the use of racial slurs.  The discussion was left in to provide insight into mindsets at the time and to offer a chance to understand a time that many of us know too little about.  
 
Storytime: “We’ll be here all night.”
 
Special Thanks to:
Jerry Wadian
Veterans everywhere
Alex (my sound guru)
Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music
My Wife and Daughter 
You
Instagram: 
Oncetherewasapod
Facebook:
Once There Was a Podcast
Podcast Email:
oncetherewasapod@gmail.com
Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod 
Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons):
https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9
 
Additional Audio and Music:
Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)
High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

S2Ep24: Storytime- Dangerous Stories (Epilogue)

S2Ep24: Epilogue-Dangerous Stories
We wrap up season 2 this week with the Epilogue, Dangerous Stories.  This week, I reflect on the power of stories and the dangers of using them as weapons.  
 
As this season comes to a close, there are so many people to thank for a wonderful season 2.  A big thank you to all of our guests: Keith Murphy, Betty Kay Merkle, Trevor Ragan, Ryan Nesbit, Isaiah Stansbery, Shawn Peterson, MJ Matheson, Nicole Havenstrite, Lindsey Sorenson, Bassi Affia, the Bearded Company, Kari Straube, Nicole Lenius, Sierra Bullerman, Jason Martin-Hiner, Dr. Paul Skrade, Amara Huffine, Andrea Vignovitch, Brian Abeling, Helena Fantz, and Weston Fantz.  Also, a big thank you to the season 2 guest storytellers: Malachi Rothlisberger, Jayla Cowley, Nolan Bakke, and Dr. Rebecca Bushbaum.
 
Finally, thank you to all of you for being a fantastic audience.  It is truly my honor to share all these stories with you.  I look forward to having you join us for some bonus episodes in the off-season and then next spring for season 3.  I love and appreciate you all.  I cannot wait to hear your important stories.  
 
Special Thanks to:
Alex (my sound guru) 
Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music
My Wife and Daughter
You
 
Instagram: 
oncetherewasapod
Facebook:
Once There Was a Podcast
Email:
oncetherewasapod@gmail.com
Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod 
Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons):
https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9
 
Additional Audio and Music:
Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)
Additional Sound Effects/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Bonus: Storytime- Journey (The Making of a Theme Song)

It’s time for a BONUS storytime episode!  For this very special episode, you’ll hear all of the different iterations of the Once There Was a Podcast theme song before we finally settled on something usable.  There are various styles of music, there are unique sounds, and yes, you guessed it, TRAINS!  Near the end of the episode, you can find the infamous Train Cut.  I hear the people want it.  They've been hounding me to release the file.  Hop on board and come with us on this JOURNEY! (See what I did there?!?)
  
 
Special Thanks to:
Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for making music for the show, making me laugh, and threatening me with Train Facts
Alex (my sound guru) 
My Wife and Daughter
You
 
Instagram: 
oncetherewasapod
Facebook:
Once There Was a Podcast
Email:
oncetherewasapod@gmail.com
Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod 
Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons):
https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9
 
Additional Audio and Music:
Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)
Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)
Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)
Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)
Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)
Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)
Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)
(You get the idea)

S2Ep23: There Were Theme Song Composers

All aboard this crazy train for an interview that really goes off the rails! Our next guests are the creators and composers of the new Once There Was a Podcast theme song, which debuted this season: Helena and Weston Fantz!  Join us as we discuss family bands, trains, composing music, trains, telling stories through sound, and trains! If you want to hear more of their work, check out their family band, Not Jupiter, on Spotify! 
 
End of season information: This is the penultimate episode of season 2! While we still have a few more regular episodes left in the tank, this one will be called the finale with an “epilogue” next week! Between now and then, we will also release a bonus episode that features all of the other music we sorted through to find our final theme song.  After that, Once There Was a Podcast will release episodes irregularly until the start of season 3.
 
Storytime: Weston and the Carpet Domain (A Cautionary Tale)
 
Special Thanks to:
Helena and Weston for the interview, the hard work, and all the laughs.
Alex (my sound guru)
Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music
My Wife and Daughter 
You
 
Not Jupiter Spotify
Not Jupiter Instagram
 
Instagram: 
Oncetherewasapod
Facebook:
Once There Was a Podcast
Podcast Email:
oncetherewasapod@gmail.com
Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod 
Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons):
https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9
 
Additional Audio and Music:
Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)
High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

S2Ep22: Storytime- R.O.B. (An "AI" Generated Story)

Welcome to this week’s Storytime Episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter, storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories, along with the stories behind them. With the evolution of AI, those tools have found their way into nearly everything.  You can find AI tools on your phone, in schools, and they’re making their way into the world of the arts.  This week, we put “AI” to the test and see just how well it can make us a story for storytime.  ;)
 
Special Thanks to:
Alex (my sound guru) and the rest of my first-ever robotics team.  They named their robot “Not R.O.B.” which inspired the main character’s name.  
Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music
My Wife and Daughter
You
 
Instagram: 
oncetherewasapod
Facebook:
Once There Was a Podcast
Email:
oncetherewasapod@gmail.com
Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod 
Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons):
https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9
 
Additional Audio and Music:
Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)
Additional Sound Effects/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

S2Ep21: There Was an Iowa Road Trip

Our next guest is the man behind the camera and the creator of the Iowa Road Trip social media accounts, Brian Abeling!  Join us as we discuss the origin of the Iowa Road Trip Facebook page, photographing the unique people, places, and things around Iowa, and helping change perceptions about the state.  If you’re looking to see the state of Iowa through a new lens (pun fully intended), then you need to check out the Iowa Road Trip social media pages.
 
BONUS INFORMATION: If you’re a small business, Brian would love to connect with you and feature your business on the Iowa Road Trip pages.  Specifically, Brian wants to feature you if you offer a service or a product that people travel to you to get.  Are you known for your old-fashioned drive-up? Do you make the best breads and pastries in your bakery?  Contact Brian at brian@iowaroadtrip.net and he’ll get back to you as soon as possible.  
 
Storytime: Magic on the Field of Dreams
 
Special Thanks to:
Brian Abeling
Alex (my sound guru)
Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music
My Wife and Daughter 
You
 
Iowa Road Trip Facebook Page
Iowa Road Trip Instagram
Iowa Road Trip Webpage
 
Instagram: 
Oncetherewasapod
Facebook:
Once There Was a Podcast
Podcast Email:
oncetherewasapod@gmail.com
Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod 
Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons):
https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9
 
Additional Audio and Music:
Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)
High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

S2Ep20: Storytime- What's in a Name? (Or How a Nickname Changed My LIfe)

Welcome to this week’s Storytime Episode.  On the off weeks from interviews, there are shorter, storytime episodes.  These episodes will share one or two stories, along with the stories behind them.  I don’t have much more to say beyond what’s said in the episode, other than listen responsibly and be kind.  988, AFSP, and others are there to help.  
 
This episode is dedicated to my Uncle Rod. 
 
Special Thanks to:
Bethany
Alex (my sound guru)
Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music
My Wife and Daughter
You
 
Instagram: 
oncetherewasapod
Facebook:
Once There Was a Podcast
Email:
oncetherewasapod@gmail.com
Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/oncetherewasapod 
Storytime Submission Link (requires a sign-in for security reasons):
https://forms.gle/Qd4XCkrBxtBnJeRp9
 
Additional Audio and Music:
Music by Helena and Weston Fantz (Not Jupiter)