The Apple Seed
by BYUradio
From the publisher
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.
Good for
Collections The Apple Seed landed in, based on what its reviews say.
What parents actually say
High confidence · 28 detailed reviewsPlenty of detailed reviews to work from, so these patterns are pretty dependable. We summarise the 28 reviews long enough to describe the show, out of 44 in total — one-line raves don't tell you much.
Why parents put it on
The moments it actually gets used for.
- Works for mixed agesTop5
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- “It’s a must listen for story lovers of all ages.”
- “The Apple Seed is such a great podcast that our whole family loves!”
- Great for car rides3
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- “My kids and I have been listening to these podcasts every time we get in the car and honestly, I like it as much as they do!”
- “I started listening to the Apple Seed several years ago on BYU radio while I commuted home from work and have been an avid follower ever since.”
What it's about
What comes up when parents describe it.
- Storytelling & adventureTop18
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- “The effects some of the story tellers make it really fun!”
- “The wisdom and humanity in these stories reminds me that we are not defined by the current state of affairs in any one place, and I need that reminder a lot, lately.”
- Humor & silliness4
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- “It’s that amazing, it’s amazing that I could listen and know it will be funny but clean.”
- “The stories never fail to make me laugh.”
- Original songs & music3
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- “To hear his original music again, a true talent of his, is just plain delightful.”
- “The music is so fun, the voices, the clever new stories and old classics.”
What it feels like
The mood parents describe.
- FunnyTop4
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- “It’s that amazing, it’s amazing that I could listen and know it will be funny but clean.”
- “The stories never fail to make me laugh.”
- Wholesome4
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- “Sam you have a STELLAR show that’s why I was quite surprised when during Ernie’s death and Big Birds beautiful sensitive age appropriate discussion when you mentioned “a baby” w…”
- “It’s that amazing, it’s amazing that I could listen and know it will be funny but clean.”
- Heartfelt3
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- “It was really sweet.”
- “This is a great choice for adults and children alike, and a sweet family listen.”
- Educational2
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- “Sometimes I listen to podcasts to learn new things or improve my expertise.”
- “The Apple seed is wholesome, fun, often silly, deeply educational, all in one simple podcast.”
Who's actually listening
From the 1 reviews that name a child's age.
- Babies & toddlers1
- Teens (13+)1
How to read this: each number is how many reviews raised that topic in their own words — not a percentage or a score. Bars compare topics within a box only, so the longest bar is whatever came up most here, marked Top. The dots above show how much evidence we have, not how good the show is.
This summarises what reviewers said. It isn't our verdict, and we don't write reviews ourselves. See exactly how every number is calculated.
About The Apple Seed
In the publisher's own words, as they describe the show on its feed.
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.
Parent reviews (44)
Real reviews from real parents — the ones we gather from public sources link back to where they were written, and the ones written here are marked as such.
Listened to The Apple Seed?
Tell other parents what you thought. It takes a minute and genuinely helps.
Slay
Even tho I’m not Christian (ABSULTLY NO OFFENSE TOWARDS CHRISTIANS YALLS I DONT HATE YALLS AT ALLLL) I love this podcast
♪☆JAX from tACd- ☆♪ · Sep 2026
Sweet Simplicity
Sometimes I listen to podcasts to learn new things or improve my expertise. Other times, I want familiarity and comfort. This podcasts brings a sense mutual understanding of the genuine human experience, while playfully expanding my perspectives of others, culture, and perhaps the meaning of it all. Digestible, poignant, and much needed for the brain that is spinning too many plates. Thank you.
Ar#3 · Sep 2026
Viewer
Very much enjoyed!
Retired Maine Gal · Aug 2026
Where is the story of the fox told by the black lady? I cannot find it!
Please direct me to it!
Missbanks61 · Apr 2026
Donald
Donald Davis rules
Me too t · Jan 2026
🧀 Cheese! 🧀
This is the best podcast for winding down for the night, or waking yourself up to start the day! The effects some of the story tellers make it really fun! 🤩 My favorite episode is when the kitten was abandoned from its mom and they took care of it! It was really sweet. Quote from Bluey “ Five stars for your app!” Literally, you’re amazing! Bye!👋
mic mac and cheese · Dec 2025
Awesome
This is so good I listen to it every night. You should add more Donald Davis
Anonymous67-67 · Nov 2025
Please be more up front
While of course I can see that this is from BYU and assume it has religious leanings the description makes it sound like it is agnostic.
Definitely religious · Sep 2025
Questions parents ask
How long are The Apple Seed episodes?
Most episodes run about 29 minutes, so an episode fits comfortably into a school run or a bedtime routine.
Is The Apple Seed any good?
It holds 4.7 out of 5 from 334 ratings, with 44 written parent reviews, which works out to an A on our scale.
Is The Apple Seed appropriate for kids?
The Apple Seed is marked clean, with no explicit content flag. Parents describe it as funny, wholesome, heartfelt.
Where can I listen to The Apple Seed?
The Apple Seed is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music and other podcast apps. It's free to listen to.
Why do parents recommend The Apple Seed?
The point that comes up most is "works for mixed ages" — mentioned in 5 of the 28 reviews we analysed.
Episodes
60 to play, newest first
TRAILER: The Apple Seed Podcast
Jan 31, 2022 · 1 min
What's new on The Apple Seed? Get ready for a new era of stories and narratives to ignite the imagination and a spark new love of wonder, here on The Apple Seed!
Bonus - National Youth Storytellers
Feb 2, 2026 · 31 min
Today we bring you a special bonus episode featuring some of the National Youth Storytellers. (00:00) Sam's Intro (1:22) June Elyse Willingham tells a traditional folk tale, "Lazy Jack." (9:29) Tessa Taggart tells an original story based on one of her ancestors called "Tessa's Mostly True Story." (15:44) Ender Rasmussen shares an original folktale called "How Sparrow Earned Its Wings." (19:50) Annabelle Larson tells a spooky story, "The Camping Trip." (24:18) Ariana Watts tells an original folk tale, "The Red Dragon." If you want to learn more about the National Youth Storytelling program go to: nationalyouthstorytelling.org. 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.
BONUS: The Apple Seed - WATCH or LISTEN!
Oct 21, 2025 · 1 min
Starting Season 12, you can now WATCH The Apple Seed podcast with LIVE storytellers. Find the video podcast on Spotify, YouTube, or on the BYUradio App! 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.
BONUS: The Christmas Jars Podcast
Nov 30, 2025 · 20 min
Enjoy another podcast from the Apple Seed team: The Christmas Jars Podcast. New York Times bestselling author Jason Wright shares a true story of an act of service that made a big difference for a family in real need. You can find to the full season of The Christmas Jars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts or at byuradio.org/christmas-jars. You can even watch the movie based on the Christmas Jars book right there on byuradio.org! If you're looking for more ways to serve this Christmas season, then the annual Light the World campaign can give you a lot of ideas. Visit lighttheworld.org to learn more.
BONUS: Appalachian Stories and Songs with David Holt and Josh Goforth
Oct 15, 2025 · 78 min
Don't miss this special recording of Emmy-award winning David Holt and Josh Goforth sharing some of their favorite Appalachian tunes and stories. Recorded by the International Storytelling Center and used with their gracious permission. PLAYLIST: (2:12) The Clouds Gonna Roll Away. (4:31) The Cotton-eyed Joe. (8:35) The Drovers. (12:13) Jesus Said Go. (16:35) Darkness on the Delta. (23:40) The Magic Lake of the Animals. (32:42) Railroad Bill. (36:10) Goodbye Dear Old Stepstone. (42:33) Greasy Greens. (47:28) Barbara Allen. (53:22) Good Old Mountain Dew. (45:36) Tailypo. (1:04:59) The Deep Water Blues. (1:08:08) Memories of Ray Hicks. (1:14:49) The Star of Munster/Hell Broke Loose in Georgia. VIDEO LINK: To see the International Storytelling Center's video recording of this Storytelling Live concert, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGDPkwmlZZo The Apple Seed is a storytelling podcast by BYUradio and is hosted by Sam Payne.
DIY Stories Starring YOU!
Jul 16, 2025 · 33 min
Join us as Apple Seed listeners tell us some of their own stories - some of them inspired by The Apple Seed. (1:20) "Birthday Song" - Listener Erika Price tells a story about a crush of hers from high school who sang her a midnight serenade. (6:15) "A Yeti and a Boy" - Nine-year-old listener Norah Bauer tells a story about a young boy who befriends a yeti. (8:22) "Mentors" - Listener Shraddha Nigavekar tells a story about learning to ride a bike. (15:55) "Pebble Puzzle" - Listener Kevin Hoehn tells a folktale about a young woman who must solve a pebble puzzle or else be wed to an evil moneylender. (20:08) "Pigeon Palace" - Listener Dawson Jolley tells a story about a pigeon banished from a grand kingdom of pigeons. (25:25) "The Parable of the Leaf and the Wind" - Listener Garrett Gunnell tells a parable about a leaf traveling back to his family with the help of the wind. Thanks to all our listeners who sent in stories. Stories bring us together. What stories and memories were sparked for you and who will you share them with? Hosted by storyteller Sam Payne. A production of BYUradio.
BONUS: Forged in the Stars by Jay O'Callahan
Feb 26, 2025 · 79 min
BONUS: Forged in the Stars by Jay O'Callahan
BONUS: 2025 National Youth Storytelling
Jan 15, 2025 · 34 min
Gather your family to listen to a bonus feature of original stories told by members of National Youth Storytelling, and recorded live in the Apple Seed studios. (1:42) "Candy House Witch" - Claire Burnham tells an adaptation of "Hansel and Gretel" that sheds some light on a misunderstood perspective--the evil witch herself! (8:57) "Texas Tall Tale" - Rebekah Garcia combines personal experience with classic tall tale in a story about weathering storms and facing your fears. (16:28) "Rainbow Crow" - Cohen Botkin shares a creatively adapted creation myth about the origins of fire and the brave bird that brought it. (23:16) "One Wish" - Elsie Parkinson tells a clever story about gratitude and gifts, but especially about the rewards of kindness. 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. Key words: Stories, storytelling, storyteller, family, bonus, NYS, National Youth Storytelling, youth, children, folktale, adaptation, original, myth, tall tale, courage
BONUS: DIY Stories - Calling for YOUR Stories
Jun 2, 2024 · 16 min
While on hiatus, The Apple Seed is calling you to send in your stories to air on the show. Plus a sneak peak at the 1st episode of Quentin Manning - Detective for Justice - a new summer series from Kaboom.
BONUS: The Christmas Chronicles
Nov 21, 2023 · 27 min
In time for the holidays, The Apple Seed brings shares a Christmas tradition of sharing The Christmas Chronicles. Listen to the first episode on the road or around the fire, and find the rest of the series on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at byuradio.org/the-christmas-chronicles.
BONUS: New season announcements—Apple Seed Season 5 and Kaboom Season 2
Oct 25, 2023 · 26 min
The Apple Seed is back with a new season on November 2! Season 5 will feature live recordings made in the Apple Seed Studio from favorite storytellers like Bil Lepp, Donald Davis, and Kim Weitkamp, as well as Apple Seed Live debuts from terrific storytellers like Shonaleigh, Diane Ferlatte, and Paul Strickland. And we've got another treat in store for you: our spinoff podcast Kaboom has returned for a second season, and we'd like to share the season premiere episode "Test Drive" with you. Kaboom is a show full of audio adventures for the whole family to enjoy together and it's available wherever you get your podcasts, so if you like what you hear go subscribe to Kaboom and tell a friend about it.
BONUS: Homecoming
Oct 1, 2023 · 31 min
Enjoy stories of homecoming from professional storytellers and BYUradio podcast hosts on this special "BYU Homecoming” episode of The Apple Seed: A Storytelling Podcast. Whether you’re driving into Provo for the big game or celebrating from afar, these stories are perfect for your homecoming gathering. (00:53) Alma Mater Memories (03:35) Sam's High School Memories (04:16) Homecoming Memories with the team from BYUtv's After Further Review: Dave McCann, David Nixon, and Blaine Fowler (11:35) "Big Number Reunion" by Dolores Hydock (22:27) Reflections of Home with BYU Radio's podcast hosts: Marcus Smith, Lisa Valentine Clark, Julie Rose, and Steven Perry and Sam Payne. (28:46) Sing Your Way Home by Sam Payne. Great stories can change your world.