Once There Was a Podcast
Telling the stories behind the everyday storytellers and the stories they tell. Join us every other week as you get introduced to another storyteller and the stories they are sharing with the world. Hold on! We aren’t just introducing you to your typical storytellers and authors, we want you to be inspired by the people who are telling stories everyday to connect, educate, and inspire their audience. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to share your story with a new audience of your choosing.
Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
23 min
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 and the story behind them. This week, we have a listener-submitted story. This week’s story comes from Johnny and Adelle. These two tell their story of what it was like to go through nine months of their lives separately while Johnny was deployed overseas.
You, too, can also be one of Once There Was a Pod’s guest storytellers! If you have a story, check out the links below to find out how you can submit a story as well!
Special Thanks to:
Johnny and Adelle
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)

Aug 24, 2026
Aug 24, 2026
54 min
Our next guest is Chris Rodriguez. He’s one of the Co-Founders of Very Good Improv. VGI is dedicated to performing and teaching improvisation in the greater Twin Cities area. They teach improv to more than just entertainers because it has something for everyone. Also, they’ve got big things in the works for the future of the Twin Cities Improv Scene. Join us as we talk about the joy of teaching improv, the importance of being in the moment, and what else is coming down the pipeline.
Storytime: Go on a Journey With Me
Special Thanks to:
Chris Rodriguez
Very Good Improv
Alex (my sound guru)
Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music
My Wife and Daughter
You
The Very Good Improv Website
Instagram:
Oncetherewasapod
Very Good Improv Insta
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)
Franz Gordon/Morning Blues/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound
High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Aug 17, 2026
Aug 17, 2026
12 min
We’re back after the hiatus! 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 and the story behind them. This week, I'll tell you about what I did on my summer vacation. It’s also one of the main reasons why we went on a short mid-season hiatus! This summer was certainly one to remember, filled with new skills and more connections to great people!
Special Thanks to:
Everyone at the Hatchery who made this experience absolutely fantastic!
Alex (my sound guru)
Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music
My Wife and Daughter
You
Instagram:
Oncetherewasapod
Chuck Gipp Decorah Hatchery
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)

Jul 20, 2026
Jul 20, 2026
1 min
Once There Was a Podcast is going on a mid-season hiatus! But don't worry, we'll be back soon. We love our listeners and want to make sure we're providing the best for your listening pleasure! Be patient, and we'll be back with more great stories to share!
Special Thanks to:
YOU!
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)

Jul 13, 2026
Jul 13, 2026
8 min
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 and the story behind them. This week, we have a listener-submitted story. This week’s story comes from improviser, dungeon master, and dancer, Allen Voigt! He shares the lessons he’s learned in improv that seem to cross all contexts, even into dancing! There’s a joy in taking a risk!
You can also be one of Once There Was a Pod’s guest storytellers! If you have a story, check out the links below to find out how you can submit a story as well!
Special Thanks to:
Allen Voigt
Alex (my sound guru)
Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music
My Wife and Daughter
You
Instagram:
Oncetherewasapod
Allen's Instagram
Minneapolis Salsa Bachata Dance | MSBD
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)

Jul 6, 2026
Jul 6, 2026
42 min
Our next guest is Kelli Stoermer. She’s a brand-new children’s book author and just published her first book, Grandma’s Traveling Wig. Join us as we discuss her process, telling the stories of people we miss, getting a book published, and what’s going to happen next.
Storytime: Grandma’s Purse Pickle
Special Thanks to:
Kelli Stoermer
Alex (my sound guru)
Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music
My Wife and Daughter
You
Kelli’s Website for Grandma’s Traveling Wig
Instagram:
Oncetherewasapod
Kelli Stoermer's Instagram
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)
Franz Gordon/Morning Blues/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound
High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Jun 29, 2026
Jun 29, 2026
29 min
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 and the story behind them. This week is part two in a series highlighting this year’s graduating group of speech students. These are the storytellers of the future who will use their voice and their communication skills to move mountains. This episode features two students who had success in the category of acting and performed original pieces written by their coaches. Please welcome Josiah Gearhart and Gabe Stansbery to the show!
Special Thanks to:
Josiah Gearhart
Gabe Stansbery
Isaiah Stansbery
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)

Jun 22, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
39 min
Our next guest is Maia Allison. She works at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium as the Curator of Marine Life and Animal Ambassadors. Join us as we discuss finding marine biology through friends and family, moving around the states, the importance of museums and aquariums as rehabilitation sites, and telling the story of the ripple effect.
Storytime: The Origins of the Museum and Aquarium
Special Thanks to:
Maia Allison
Alex (my sound guru)
Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music
My Wife and Daughter
You
Mississippi River Museum Website:
https://www.rivermuseum.org/
Instagram:
Oncetherewasapod
River Museum Instagram
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)
Franz Gordon/Morning Blues/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound
High School Crowd 1/Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Jun 15, 2026
Jun 15, 2026
41 min
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 and the story behind them. This week is part one in a series highlighting this year’s graduating group of speech students. These are the storytellers of the future who will use their voice and their communication skills to move mountains. This episode features 3 students who wrote their own speeches to perform during their high school careers. This episode features a poet (Tarynn Harris), a keynote speaker (Chase Imoehl), and an informational lecturer (Peyton Elliott).
Special Thanks to:
Tarynn Harris
Chase Imoehl
Peyton Elliott
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)

Jun 8, 2026
Jun 8, 2026
49 min
Our next guest is the Iowa Gallivant, JayJay Goodvin. He’s combined a love of food, the food industry, and wanderlust into a living. While he’s published a blog and a book, you probably know him most from his social media pages promoting travel, restaurants, and every corner of Iowa. His story is one of history, exploration, and pride in a region he loves.
Storytime: The Splendor of Travel
Special Thanks to:
JayJay Goodvin
Alex (my sound guru)
Helena and Weston Fantz (of the band Not Jupiter) for the music
My Wife and Daughter
You
The Iowa Gallivant Website
Instagram:
Oncetherewasapod
Iowa Gallivant Instagram
Facebook:
Once There Was a Podcast
The Iowa Gallivant Facebook
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




