Episode 118 - The Decameron Project Part 4

Episode 118: (02/13/2022)

• Episode 108 includes the fourth part of a ten-part series in which we embark on a journey through the 100 stories told within Giovanni Boccaccio's book "The Decameron". This series, just as the book, will be divided into the ten days of the frame story. Selected stories from each day will be read by various artists from multiple sources. Series dedicated to Daniele Bolelli after his initial suggestion of the book back in Episode 90 of the show. Tune in to episodes 97, 99, and 108 for parts 1-3 of the project if you haven't heard them already. 

• Story Timing Index of Day 4:

  • Day 4 Story 1 - 01:09 (Abby Brenker)

  • Day 4 Story 3 - 25:50 (Collin Arnett)

  • Day 4 Story 4 - 40:50 (Jon Cook)

  • Day 4 Story 5 - 52:50 (Michael Crosa)

  • Day 4 Story 6 - 01:07:15 (Daniele Bolelli)

  • Day 4 Story 9 - 01:25:30 (Owen Swerkstrom)

• Credits:

  • Abby Brenker - Lunatics Radio Hour podcast and Lunatics Film Project

  • Collin Arnett - Guest writer on the Hidden Oaks podcast

  • Jon Cook - Fadó podcast

  • Michael Crosa - Jollyville Radio podcast

  • Daniele Bolelli - History on Fire and The Drunken Taoist podcasts

  • Owen Swerkstrom - Hidden Oaks podcast

• Thank you everyone for listening and thank you for all of the amazing voices and participation from everyone!

Episode 117 - "The Picture in the House" by H.P. Lovecraft

The real Plate XII of “Regnum Congo”

Episode 117: (01/17/2022)

• Episode 117 features a retelling of “The Picture in the House” by H.P. Lovecraft.

• Bob explores some of the light that is shed on the reclusiveness and racism of the author through this story and how this is more blatantly portrayed in this story as opposed to becoming more hidden in some of his later work.

• This story was prompted by an accompanying series on the Lunatics Radio Hour that starts with Episode 95

• Thanks for listening everyone. Enjoy!

Episodes 110-116: The Solstice Split Stone Saga Series!

Episodes 110-116: (12/20-12/26/2021)

Episodes 110 - 116 are a collection of short stories that were written as part of Folktale Week 2021 by Jon Cook of the Fadó podcast. They all take place within the Split Stone universe and if you’d like some more context to that storyline, and the contest that surrounds them, check out Episode 100 for the beginnings of a very cool endeavor! Below are the seven episodes that encompassed our Solstice Celebration, our 6th anniversary, and Jon’s participation in Folktale Week 2021. Thanks for listening! Enjoy!

Episode 108 - Decameron Project: Part 3

Episode 108: (12/16/2021)

• Episode 108 includes the third part of a ten-part series in which we embark on a journey through the 100 stories told within Giovanni Boccaccio's book "The Decameron". This series, just as the book, will be divided into the ten days of the frame story. Selected stories from each day will be read by various artists from multiple sources. Series dedicated to Daniele Bolelli after his initial suggestion of the book back in Episode 90 of the show. 

• Story Timing Index: 

• Stories of Day 3:

  • Story 3 (Read by Michael Crosa) - 02:7

  • Story 7 (Read by Jon Cook) - 25:22

  • Story 8 (Read by Kay Wise-Denty) - 1:04:05

  • Story 9 (Read by Emily Ancinec) - 01:31:14

• Bob’s Short Story Hour is a proud member of That’s Not Canon productions!

• Thanks for listening!

Episode 107 - Split Stone Saga - Version 2.0 from Jollyville Radio

Episode 107: (12/05/2021)

• In Episode 107 of Bob's Short Story Hour, I am happy to present the first original version of the "Split Stone Saga" story.

• This is based on the version that was first presented in Episode 100 of BSSH by Jon Cook of the Fadó Podcast.

• If you are unfamiliar with this project, please go back and listen to Episode 100 to learn more and how you can participate and have your version of the story told on the show! 

• Today is the first spinoff variant written by Michael Crosa and performed by the Jollyville Radio cast and is based on the original story from Episode 100.

• This is going to be considered Variation 2.0 and every story based on this one will follow 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, etc. Any further stories based on the original will be 3.0, 4.0, etc. and the web will be tracked in that way. 

• Check out the Fadó Podcast and Jollyville Radio both members of the Pizza Rice Podcasting Collaborative

• Thanks for listening everyone!

Episode 102 - "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe

Episode 102: (10/10/2021)

• Episode 102 includes an incredible reading of "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Robin Sand of the Hidden Oaks Podcast. This episode is part of a collaboration with the Lunatics Radio Hour Podcast for their History of E. A. Poe and Poe stories episodes. Go over to LRH to learn more about Poe and hear more stories! 

• "The Tell-Tale Heart" begins at 01:43

• Thanks for listening and supporting us for over 100 episodes! 

Episode 99 - Decameron Project: Part 2

Episode 99: (09/01/2021)

• Episode 99 includes the second part of a ten-part series in which we embark on a journey through the 100 stories told within Giovanni Boccaccio's book "The Decameron". This series, just as the book, will be divided into the ten days of the frame story. Selected stories from each day will be read by various artists from multiple sources. Series dedicated to Daniele Bolelli after his initial suggestion of the book back in Episode 90 of the show. 

• Story Timing Index for Stories of Day 2:

  • Story 4 (Read by Alan Kudan) - 02:20

  • Story 5 (Read by Michael Crosa) - 16:29

  • Story 8 (Read by Jon Cook) - 45:05

  • Story 9 (Read by Abby Brenker) - 01:19:59

• Bob’s Short Story Hour is a proud new That’s Not Canon production!

Episode 95 - "The Gateway of the Monster" by William Hope Hodgson

Episode 95: (06/06/2021)

• Episode 95 leads off with a bunch of travel recommendations if you're in the Kentucky area from my recent trip, wrapping up with a real-life adventure that inspired me to read today's story. The show wraps up with a reading of "The Gateway of the Monster" a Thomas Carnacki, The Ghost-Finder story by William Hope Hodgson.

• Episode dedicated to Robin Sand. 

• Story Timing Index:

  • "The Gateway of the Monster" starts at 15:40

• Links to Attractions Mentioned:

  • Critical Hit Games, Iowa City, IA

  • Cuivre River State Park, MO

  • Diamond Caverns, Park City, KY

  • Mammoth Cave National Park

  • Bruster’s Ice Cream, Bowling Green, KY

  • Sander’s Ferry Pizza and Pub, Hendersonville, TN

  • Pelican Snoballs

  • Dogslaughter Falls, Daniel Boone National Forest, KY

  • Cumberland Gap National Historic Park

  • Engle’s Diner, Pineville, KY

  • Brown Cow Diner, Corbin, KY

  • Kingdom Come State Park, Cumberland, KY

  • Kentucky Mist Moonshine, Whitesburg, KY

  • Hazard Coffee, Hazard, KY

  • Red River Gorge, Slade, KY

  • Thatcher’s BBQ, Slade, KY

  • Mellow Mushroom Pizza, Lexington, KY

  • Waverly Hills Sanatorium, Louisville, KY

• Thanks for listening everyone. 

Episode 94 - "Enid the Hook" by Jon Cook

Credit to Anete Lusina - Public Domain image

Episode 94: (05/31/2021)

• Episode 94 is a short presentation that includes the story "Enid the Hook" written by Jon Cook of the Fadó podcast. 

• For more information about Jon and his podcast, tune back to episode 92 where we have a chat, or check out his podcast - HERE

• Thanks for listening everyone! Enjoy! 

Episode 90 - An Evening Chat with Daniele Bolelli

Episode 90: (04/19/2021)

• In Episode 90 I had the absolute pleasure and honor of being joined by Daniele Bolelli. We skim through all kinds of topics, everything from his books, to infusing empathy into historical lessons, to finding purpose in life, and searching for common ground with others on controversial topics. It was a wonderful experience and I hope we get a chance to talk again. Links for all of Daniele’s media as well as all the books discussed on the episode can be found below:

• Daniele’s Website can be found HERE

• Daniele’s Podcasts:

  • History on Fire

  • The Drunken Taoist

• Daniele's Books: 

  • On the Warrior's Path

  • 50 Things You're Not Supposed to Know: Religion

  • Create Your Own Religion

  • Not Afraid: On Fear, Heartbreak, Raising a Baby Girl, and Cage Fighting

• Other Books Mentioned in this Episode: 

  • "They Thought They Were Free: The Germans 1933-1945" by Milton Mayer

  • "The World Until Yesterday: What Can We Learn From Traditional Societies?" by Jared Diamond

  • "The Decameron" by Giovanni Boccaccio

  • "Orlando Furioso" by Ludovico Ariosto

Episode 87 - "Higher Power" by DJ Swykert

Episode 87: (03/29/2021):

• Episode 87 features a reading of the story "Higher Power" by DJ Swykert as well as a discussion about the principles of recovery where I'm joined again by John and Rose Benton.

• You can find out more about author DJ Swykert and where to buy his books by checking out his website HERE

• Words of the author at the end of his initial email to me back in 2018 when he first sent me this story that I want to include here: “There are a lot of treatment facilities and programs for drug and alcohol abuse, most are very expensive. But the program with the greatest success percentage by far is AA, and it doesn't cost a dime. I've been straight since 2006.”

• Mr. Swykert, I want to just say here publicly - Thank You for sharing this story with me and the listeners. It has helped me, and I believe it will help others. I wouldn’t have done this show without your submission.

• Some relevant texts mentioned in the show are included below, and if you are listening and have other helpful links or texts, please send them my way and I will add them to the website:

  • The Road Less Traveled - M. Scott Peck - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Road-Less-Traveled-Timeless-Edition/M-Scott-Peck/9780743243155#

  • Further Along the Road Less Traveled - M. Scott Peck - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Further-Along-the-Road-Less-Traveled/M-Scott-Peck/9780684847238

  • AA Big Book - https://www.aa.org/pages/en_us/alcoholics-anonymous

• If you found this helpful, or if you ever want/need someone to chat with, please reach out! Thank you for listening! 

Author DJ Swykert

Episode 76 - 5th Anniversary Special - "Distorted Blame" by Jacob Cavanah

Episode 76: (12/31/2020)

• “Distorted Blame” by Jacob Cavanah (Story starts at 06:47)

• Jake and I would both like to highlight one important part that you will see and hear about his journey - being unhappy in his job, he was always hesitant to pursue his passions and now that he has made that leap, he only wishes he had done it sooner. Live life now if you can listeners. Don’t find yourselves stuck doing something that brings you no joy and hold back on things that you truly believe could.

• Visit Jake’s website HERE

• Visit Jake’s Amazon page HERE

• Today’s book recommendation - “A Story as Sharp as a Knife: The Classical Haida Mythtellers and Their World” - by Robert Bringhurst - you can find a copy at your library, or HERE

• Thank you so much for listening everyone! I’m wishing you all a Happy New Year! See you in 2021!!!

Episode 75 - "Three Idealists Chat About Conspiracy Theories"

Rose and John Benton

Episode 75: (12/25/2020)

• In Episode 75 I sit down virtually with my friends John and Rose Benton and we chat about conspiracy theories, try to make sense of things, think of ways we can help promote truth and reality, as well as seek some positivity in it all. 

• As I mentioned in the episode Four Seasons Curling Club at Fogarty Arena, a non-profit organization has been hit hard this year due to COVID19.

  • Many of us are affected and struggling. IF you are willing and able to help them keep their doors open and continue to offer sports, community, learning, and fellowship to the area, we would all appreciate it very much. Please do not donate money if you are struggling financially yourself.

  • You can find their gofundme page HERE

• Videos to share and help kindly and gently nudge friends or family who may believe in conspiracy theories is available at thetruetruetruth.com

• Another special episode that I wanted to include on this, the week of our 5th anniversary. 

• Thank you for your 5 years of support, listeners. I appreciate you all so very much!

• I'll have a couple more episodes before the new year for you as well - I promise, we'll be back to the storytelling! 

John golfing.

My dog, Teach, who lays on the day bed behind me when I record the show.

Episode 73 - "Quinny" by Anna Lynch

Episode 73: (12/02/2020)

• “Quinny” - written by Anna Lynch. (Story starts at 4:21)

• Anna would like to plug the Maritime Greyhound Adoption Program & Sighthound Placement

  • More on MGAP by clicking HERE

  • For those in other parts of the world - other greyhound adoption programs can be found HERE

• Books Recommended in this Episode:

  • “Spirits: A Collection of 15 Short Stories” written by Dennis Hughes

    • You can find Dennis’ book HERE

  • “The Rainbow of Truth” written by Roger Conlon

    • You can find Roger’s book HERE

• As always, thank you for listening everyone, and have a good night!

Anna Lynch

Tesla

Episode 72 - The Story Behind the Vince Berman Trio: A Memorial for Richard and Shawn

Episode 72: (11/24/2020)

• Episode 72 includes an interview with David Schwartz a composer and professor of sound recording and understanding music at Gulf Coast State College in Florida. Dave tells the story of the Vince Berman Trio and the tragic story of the band's last two years. 

• Index for songs played in this episode (in order) from the album R & D by the Vince Berman Trio: 

  • "Copy Paste" (Track 1) - 36:10

  • "Should Have" (Track 7) - 48:39

  • "Busy Going Dizzy" (Track 10) - 59:09

  • "Vague" (Track 3) - 1:26:59 played during the episode outro. 

• If you’d like to follow along with the songs mentioned in the show and hear them as we discuss them, hop over to Dave’s website and visit the “Vince Berman Trio” page where they can all be played in the audio player: www.dtschwartz.com 

• Thanks for listening everyone! 

Episode 71 - "A Tough Tussle" by Ambrose Bierce

Episode 71: (11/11/2020)

• "A Tough Tussle" written by Ambrose Bierce.

• Thank you to all veterans for your service to your country. 

• Recommended Books this episode:

  • "The Guns of August" - by Barbara Tuchman 

  • "The Black Count" - by Tom Reiss

  • "Hero of the Empire" - by Candice Millard

  • "Rubicon" - by Tom Holland

• "A Tough Tussle" starts at 7:40

• Thanks for listening! 

Episode 68 - 2020 Halloween Special "The Whisperer in Darkness" Part 2

Episode 68: (10/27/2020)

• Welcome, Listeners to the 2020 BSSH Halloween Special - Part II!

• This is part 2 of a 3-part series. If you missed the beginning of the story, please go back and check out episode 67! 

• When we left off in the last episode, our narrator had just begun corresponding with an intellectual recluse in the wild Vermont hills about strange sightings and evidence of otherworldly beings there. Creatures whose formerly benign aloofness, had now grown to more sinister-feeling. attention directed upon the men themselves. 

• A special thank you to Owen Swerkstrom (Hidden Oaks Podcast & Chunky Milk Productions) for his audio work on this episode!

• For a free read-along copy of the story on Project Gutenberg, click HERE

• Thank you for listening! I hope you enjoy! 

Episode 67 - 2020 Halloween Special "The Whisperer in Darkness" Part 1

Episode 67: (10/25/2020)

• Welcome, Listeners to the 2020 BSSH Halloween Special - Part I!

• This episode kicks off our 2020 Halloween feature presentation! We're sticking with Lovecraft this month, though this story is from later in Howard's career than the previous episode's tale.

• This story took Lovecraft longer to write than many of his other works. He toiled over it from February 24th to September 26th, 1930. The ideas behind it go back to at least 1927 when Lovecraft first visited Vermont. He loved the beauty of the state and its untouched wilderness so much that he felt compelled to write an essay entitled "Vermont - A First Impression". Whole passages of this work are incorporated into today's story.

• The setting of the country farmhouse is based on the abodes of two of his friends Vrest Orton and Arthur Goodenough. Lovecraft even included the discovery of Pluto into the story - something that was announced to the world one month after he began writing the story. It first appeared in Weird Tales Magazine in August 1931. 

• A special thank you to Owen Swerkstrom (Hidden Oaks Podcast & Chunky Milk Productions) for his audio work on this episode!

• For a free read-along copy of the story on Project Gutenberg, click HERE

• Thank you for listening. Enjoy! 

Episode 66 - "The Alchemist" by H.P. Lovecraft

Episode 66: (10/16/2020)

• “The Alchemist” by H.P. Lovecraft

• Lovecraft wrote this story when he was 18-years-old a in 1908. It’s an interesting little tale, different from a lot of his other works. I hope you enjoy!

• Stay tuned for Halloween Feature Presentations later this month!

• Thanks for listening everyone!

Episode 64 - "The Scarlet Plague" Part 6 - By Jack London

Episode 64: (08/29/2020)

• Part 6 of a 6-part series

  1. “The Scarlet Plague” by Jack London

     • Originally published in 1912 this story bears an eerie resemblance to recent times.

     • It is written 60 years in our future in a post-apocalyptic world and discusses a plague that nearly wiped out human civilization in 2013.

     • To follow along with the text, click HERE

     • Go back to episode 56 to hear part 1 of this story

  2. Thanks for listening everyone. Stay tuned for more stories coming soon!

  3. Thanks again to all my friends out east for showing me around and spending time with me.

  4. Stay home, listen to cool independent podcasts like this one, and Hidden Oaks and have a good night!

Joel, Jessie and Bob in the Rothrock State Forest, PA.

Bob at Ken’s secret climbing spot. I won’t tell you where it is. ;)