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Penny Wagers: Daily Summaries Delivered
by James Hart
Instead of analyzing myths and folklore, it's much more fun to walk through 'em. Why not grab your shoes and come along?
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The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 3 days ago22 min
The Fox Woman
My friend Dave is often quick to bring up that stories have two sides to them: the story, and the story of the storyteller. Well, with this one, I’m sharing both with you, terribly unflattering though it is to do so. “We do real,” the house sign says down below, and so I’m trying to do likewise. Please do peruse these photos and then listen to the story. I’d also love to hear what came to your mind when you listened to it. Where did it leave you? What images stuck in your mind? And hey, if you’re feeling up to it, what’s been your hardest day of the year thus far? Get full access to Penny Wagers at pennywagers.substack.com/subscribe
- 2 weeks ago20 min
The Hospitality of Cuanna’s House
As Fenian Cycle stories go, this one has many versions, but I hope you enjoy my attempt at bringing a few of them together. It’s a good story to share this time of year, when seasons are on the tilt and we get reminders about the depth of the world’s strangeness. (I can’t help but hope we get some heavy fog some time before Halloween.) The most fun and interesting part of sharing this for me, though, is hearing what you thought of the story. If any of the images struck you as particularly vivid, or if you were reminded of a few stories or memories of your own, I’d love to hear about them if you’re willing to share. Get full access to Penny Wagers at pennywagers.substack.com/subscribe
- Oct 5, 202616 min
St. Francis and the Wolf
I’m quite glad we’ve had a Pope Francis in our lifetime; I believe he did a lot to bring his namesake’s values and perspective more into public consciousness. I also can’t help but think that Il Poverello makes us all a little uncomfortable if we’re honest about it. A good thing, too, in my opinion. This story has a lot of exile and exoneration, fear and faith coming together throughout—plenty to chew over if you’ll forgive the pun. I’d love to hear what came to your mind as you listened to it, and which parts you found yourself sitting with. As always, thanks a ton for taking the time to listen, and I hope to hear from you in the comments. Get full access to Penny Wagers at pennywagers.substack.com/subscribe
- Sep 22, 202610 min
The Two Copper Pennies
Happy fall to all y’all!We’re always the last to get the changing leaves, so I’ll have to watch online as everyone else’s pretty photos roll in. To round out the previous season, though, here’s one last summer story. It’s short, but I think it has more to show us than the most obvious stuff.What stuck with you when you listened to it? I always learn a lot when you all share with me what you see in a story, so I’d love to hear what you thought of this one, too. Get full access to Penny Wagers at pennywagers.substack.com/subscribe
- Sep 16, 202617 min
Caoilte’s Rabble
This story’s a fun one, and I’d be interested to hear what you all thought about some of the details. There are a few versions floating around out there, and the modern ones have a very different tone than their predecessors, so I tried for a bit of a middle ground with this one. (Also, you’ll get to hear a dumb college story I still think about some twenty years on.) Get full access to Penny Wagers at pennywagers.substack.com/subscribe
- Sep 8, 202611 min
How to Wake Up at Sewingshields
Labor Day weekend came in strong and fast with a heavy fever, all but obliterating my holiday plans. But, now is roughly the time of year that coincides with this particular story, so I figured I’d share it once I was well enough to give it a go. Hope you enjoy it, and let me know what sticks out to you the most as you listen. Get full access to Penny Wagers at pennywagers.substack.com/subscribe
- Sep 1, 202614 min
Saint Gall and the Bear
I hope you enjoy this particular story. For a handful of reasons that I get into here, I’ve quite an affinity toward it. I also hope you don’t mind, but the “writing” portion is now in an audio format. This is because I now record this part in much the same way as the story itself: with no writing to read aloud and no notes. It’s my hope it makes the whole experience a little more personal, but let me know how you like it and what you thought of the story. Get full access to Penny Wagers at pennywagers.substack.com/subscribe
- Aug 24, 202619 min
Live at the Washington Folk Festival
Apologies for the sound quality; best that could be done on such short notice. All in all, the day’s events were wondrous and spectacular. I shared a ride to the venue with a pair of Morris dancers, some traditional African musicians and a guy with one sweet guitar. As a highlight, my daughter and I got to ride on the carousel together. Thing is, it’s an original: a real, 1921 Dentzel menagerie; the only surviving ride from the site’s amusement park. It features 52 hand-carved animals, all original and maintained by the national park service. There are very few of its kind. Beyond grateful for you lot here, and the folks who invited me to participate. As perfect days go, I can say I’ve had at least one. Get full access to Penny Wagers at pennywagers.substack.com/subscribe
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About Penny Wagers
Instead of analyzing myths and folklore, it's much more fun to walk through 'em. Why not grab your shoes and come along?
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