From radio talk shows to TV preachers, psychiatrists to stand-up comedians; the final program looks at the impact of change and technology and the implications of a disappearing narrative tradition. These programs feature an engaging blend of anecdote and analysis, woven together in the seamless style of illustration and exchange that imitates conversation.

“If you can tell stories about Lake Wobegon to people from Lake Wobegon and have them believe them even though you made them up, that’s success, that’s a home run for a storyteller! I’ve had members of my immediate family call me after I’ve told a story that was a tissue of lies from beginning to end and ask me if that really didn’t happen. It’s not a talent to admire-or to recommend to children.” — GARRISON KEILLOR, broadcaster, Minnesota

The second part of the series assesses the origins, history and migrations of stories, and asks why narrative has always played such a prominent role in the southern states.

“When you’re talking about an oral tradition, you’re talking about something that goes back and forth–you’re dealing with continual adaption and interpretation. Two people activating something to make it into what they need it to be for their lives at that moment.”
— BARBARA MYERHOFF, anthropologist, Los Angeles, California

From science and philosophy to the foundation of the major religions, from entertainment to personal revelations; the first program examines the need for narrative, the roles stories play in our lives.

“Long before I wrote stories, I listened for stories…Listening children know stories are there. When their elders sit and begin, children are just waiting and hoping for one to come out, like a mouse from its hole.” — EUDORA WELTY, author, Mississippi