{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"The StoryMakers Podcast","home_page_url":"https://thestorymakerspodcast.fireside.fm","feed_url":"https://thestorymakerspodcast.fireside.fm/json","description":"The StoryMakers Podcast is a place where curiosity and play meet to spark faith through the imagination. In each episode host Melina Luna Smith introduces you to a new friend who will share hope for the kids and teens in your life, with a dose of encouragement for the grown-ups, too. \r\n\r\nBrought to you by Mockingbird Ministries (www.mbird.com), in partnership with StoryMakers NYC (www.storymakersnyc.com). Audio production by TJ Hester.","_fireside":{"subtitle":"Where curiosity and play meet to spark faith","pubdate":"2025-03-19T08:00:00.000-04:00","explicit":false,"copyright":"2025 by Mockingbird Ministries","owner":"Mockingbird","image":"https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/2/20842be2-7e57-4d01-a1ab-c37b3d9825b2/cover.jpg?v=1"},"items":[{"id":"688aa520-d002-4b03-a640-942607ba70f5","title":"Episode 13: Are the Stories Enough? with Rev. Aaron Zimmerman","url":"https://thestorymakerspodcast.fireside.fm/13","content_text":"Have you ever wondered, \"Is God's story enough?\" If you or your kids have ever asked this question, you’ll want to tune into our latest drop for some helpful perspective and encouragement. Rev. Aaron Zimmerman is a founding board member of StoryMakers and the Rector of St. Alban's Church in Waco, Texas. In this episode, Aaron shares why we grown-ups can trust the stories and how we can communicate about the Bible with our kids. ","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eHave you ever wondered, \u0026quot;Is God\u0026#39;s story enough?\u0026quot; If you or your kids have ever asked this question, you’ll want to tune into our latest drop for some helpful perspective and encouragement. Rev. Aaron Zimmerman is a founding board member of StoryMakers and the Rector of St. Alban\u0026#39;s Church in Waco, Texas. In this episode, Aaron shares why we grown-ups can trust the stories and how we can communicate about the Bible with our kids. \u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Have you ever wondered, \"Is God's story enough?\" If you or your kids have ever asked this question, you’ll want to tune into our latest drop for some helpful perspective and encouragement.","date_published":"2025-03-19T08:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/20842be2-7e57-4d01-a1ab-c37b3d9825b2/688aa520-d002-4b03-a640-942607ba70f5.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":41631039,"duration_in_seconds":1728}]},{"id":"e9241e57-26d4-4eac-b40c-de1187ffe5d4","title":"Episode 12: Stories Are Upside Down","url":"https://thestorymakerspodcast.fireside.fm/12","content_text":"God's story is FULL of exciting plot twists. Join us for an exciting episode with Fr. Jon Jameson, musician turned priest. ","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eGod\u0026#39;s story is FULL of exciting plot twists. Join us for an exciting episode with Fr. Jon Jameson, musician turned priest. \u003c/p\u003e","summary":"God's story is FULL of exciting plot twists. Join us for an exciting episode with Fr. Jon Jameson, musician turned priest. ","date_published":"2025-03-05T06:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/20842be2-7e57-4d01-a1ab-c37b3d9825b2/e9241e57-26d4-4eac-b40c-de1187ffe5d4.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":55631937,"duration_in_seconds":2016}]},{"id":"2258eb66-2add-4bef-8d3a-04c6f0c59043","title":"Episode 11: The Old Story","url":"https://thestorymakerspodcast.fireside.fm/11","content_text":"Is the Bible an exciting adventure? Tune in for an interesting and fun chat on the Old Story. Join Mel and Chad Bird, Biblical Scholar, to discover how to engage the Bible's text with ease. If you are someone who wonders where to even begin, this episode is for you. Chad Bird is an incredible writer, and at the heart of it all, a storyteller that whispers hope to all that read his work. ","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIs the Bible an exciting adventure? Tune in for an interesting and fun chat on the Old Story. Join Mel and Chad Bird, Biblical Scholar, to discover how to engage the Bible\u0026#39;s text with ease. If you are someone who wonders where to even begin, this episode is for you. Chad Bird is an incredible writer, and at the heart of it all, a storyteller that whispers hope to all that read his work. \u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Is the Bible an exciting adventure? Tune in for an interesting and fun chat on the Old Story. Join Mel and Chad Bird, Biblical Scholar, to discover how to engage the Bible's text with ease.","date_published":"2025-02-19T12:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/20842be2-7e57-4d01-a1ab-c37b3d9825b2/2258eb66-2add-4bef-8d3a-04c6f0c59043.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":80477888,"duration_in_seconds":2011}]},{"id":"3873a8f3-c291-4cbe-b552-aa7108610ceb","title":"Episode 10: Grace in Parenting: Daughters","url":"https://thestorymakerspodcast.fireside.fm/10","content_text":"Join us for a conversation with the Rev. Matthew Hoskinson. If you are a dad wondering what it means to shepherd your kids through faith, this is the episode for you. Matthew shares his faith story with StoryMakers. He is the dynamic director of an innovative, interdenominational urban ministry institute. Listen in on how Grace impacts your approach in parenting.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eJoin us for a conversation with the Rev. Matthew Hoskinson. If you are a dad wondering what it means to shepherd your kids through faith, this is the episode for you. Matthew shares his faith story with StoryMakers. He is the dynamic director of an innovative, interdenominational urban ministry institute. Listen in on how Grace impacts your approach in parenting.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Join us for a conversation with the Rev. Matthew Hoskinson, director of an innovative, interdenominational urban ministry institute. If you are a dad wondering what it means to shepherd your kids through faith, this is the episode for you. ","date_published":"2025-02-03T21:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/20842be2-7e57-4d01-a1ab-c37b3d9825b2/3873a8f3-c291-4cbe-b552-aa7108610ceb.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":36647778,"duration_in_seconds":1832}]},{"id":"31dac07c-ac2c-41f8-8f54-4ff658a88324","title":"Episode 9: Parenting with Certainty","url":"https://thestorymakerspodcast.fireside.fm/9","content_text":"Tune into the pod to hear what it means to parent with confidence. Will and Courtney, founders of Crew and Co., share God's story and what it means to experience faith at home. Courtney is a visual artist and Will is an author. Together they create resources that spark the imagination and faith.  ","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eTune into the pod to hear what it means to parent with confidence. Will and Courtney, founders of Crew and Co., share God\u0026#39;s story and what it means to experience faith at home. Courtney is a visual artist and Will is an author. Together they create resources that spark the imagination and faith.  \u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Tune into the pod to hear what it means to parent with confidence. Will and Courtney, founders of Crew and Co., share God's story and what it means to experience faith at home.","date_published":"2025-01-21T19:15:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/20842be2-7e57-4d01-a1ab-c37b3d9825b2/31dac07c-ac2c-41f8-8f54-4ff658a88324.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":31813099,"duration_in_seconds":1988}]},{"id":"197d104f-5ae3-4631-ad30-94f3dc89cd10","title":"Episode 8: Grownups Need Grace, Too! Emotional Well-being of Grown-ups with Rebekah Hannah","url":"https://thestorymakerspodcast.fireside.fm/8","content_text":"The word of God anchors the soul, and Rebekah Hannah is at work to assure the next generation of that truth. Author, Therapist, and Youth Director Rebekah Hannah shares her wisdom. She is a mother and theological leader, shepherding the grownups raising the next generation. Tune in and meet Rebekah Hannah. ","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe word of God anchors the soul, and Rebekah Hannah is at work to assure the next generation of that truth. Author, Therapist, and Youth Director Rebekah Hannah shares her wisdom. She is a mother and theological leader, shepherding the grownups raising the next generation. Tune in and meet Rebekah Hannah. \u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Author, Therapist, and Youth Director Rebekah Hannah shares her wisdom. She is a mother and theological leader, shepherding the grownups raising the next generation. Tune in and meet Rebekah Hannah. ","date_published":"2025-01-07T13:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/20842be2-7e57-4d01-a1ab-c37b3d9825b2/197d104f-5ae3-4631-ad30-94f3dc89cd10.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":30676080,"duration_in_seconds":1917}]},{"id":"9fbe3cba-d9a7-4660-8328-6a45c6bc4594","title":"Episode 7: God Sparks Faith","url":"https://thestorymakerspodcast.fireside.fm/7","content_text":"Tune into the episode \"God Sparks Faith\" with Esau McCaulley, PhD, author, and New Testament professor at Wheaton College. He has authored numerous books, ranging from Bible commentaries to children’s literature. Esau is the father of four children and husband to Dr. Mandy McCaulley. This Christmas, he will release Andy Johnson and the March for Justice, the second book of a two-part series. Esau is a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times, a senior editor for Holy Post Media, and the host of a new podcast that intersects faith and culture. ","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eTune into the episode \u0026quot;God Sparks Faith\u0026quot; with Esau McCaulley, PhD, author, and New Testament professor at Wheaton College. He has authored numerous books, ranging from Bible commentaries to children’s literature. Esau is the father of four children and husband to Dr. Mandy McCaulley. This Christmas, he will release Andy Johnson and the March for Justice, the second book of a two-part series. Esau is a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times, a senior editor for Holy Post Media, and the host of a new podcast that intersects faith and culture. \u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Tune into the episode \"God Sparks Faith\" with Esau McCaulley, PhD, author, and New Testament professor at Wheaton College.","date_published":"2024-12-16T15:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/20842be2-7e57-4d01-a1ab-c37b3d9825b2/9fbe3cba-d9a7-4660-8328-6a45c6bc4594.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":37057169,"duration_in_seconds":2315}]},{"id":"eb7973fb-b6ab-4ff2-969f-397bf1181b54","title":"Episode 6: Set The Table: Quality vs. Quantity with Sarah Copeland","url":"https://thestorymakerspodcast.fireside.fm/6","content_text":"Get cozy and tune in to hear from hospitality extraordinaire, Sarah Copeland. She joins Mel to share her favorite tricks of the trade when it comes to connection and beauty. Sarah is an author, chef, and incredible writer. You won’t want to miss this episode.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eGet cozy and tune in to hear from hospitality extraordinaire, Sarah Copeland. She joins Mel to share her favorite tricks of the trade when it comes to connection and beauty. Sarah is an author, chef, and incredible writer. You won’t want to miss this episode.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Get cozy and tune in to hear from hospitality extraordinaire, Sarah Copeland. She joins Mel to share her favorite tricks of the trade when it comes to connection and beauty. Sarah is an author, chef, and incredible writer. You won’t want to miss this episode.","date_published":"2024-12-02T10:45:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/20842be2-7e57-4d01-a1ab-c37b3d9825b2/eb7973fb-b6ab-4ff2-969f-397bf1181b54.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":43727472,"duration_in_seconds":2732}]},{"id":"379794ff-fca0-4ca5-9645-80b002680053","title":"Episode 5: Easing Into December with Rhythms: Advent House Feature with Courtney Tracy","url":"https://thestorymakerspodcast.fireside.fm/5","content_text":"Tune in to hear from mother, author, former elementary teacher, and current homeschooler Courtney Tracy. Courtney is a mother of four and has a pulse on what it means to hold rhythms at home. If you are a grown-up with kids at home, you will want to take a beat and receive a bit of encouragement from this kind and creative Minnesotan! Be sure to follow Courtney Tracy along on Instagram @courtney.tracy where she drops a daily dose of wisdom and fun. ","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eTune in to hear from mother, author, former elementary teacher, and current homeschooler Courtney Tracy. Courtney is a mother of four and has a pulse on what it means to hold rhythms at home. If you are a grown-up with kids at home, you will want to take a beat and receive a bit of encouragement from this kind and creative Minnesotan! Be sure to follow Courtney Tracy along on Instagram @courtney.tracy where she drops a daily dose of wisdom and fun. \u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Tune in to hear from mother, author, former elementary teacher, and current homeschooler Courtney Tracy. ","date_published":"2024-11-16T08:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/20842be2-7e57-4d01-a1ab-c37b3d9825b2/379794ff-fca0-4ca5-9645-80b002680053.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":57723008,"duration_in_seconds":1443}]},{"id":"6c5bf41a-6923-43e1-88e7-61debb93e9d3","title":"Episode 4: Staying Anchored to God's Story with Kathleen Wadkins from The Pour Over","url":"https://thestorymakerspodcast.fireside.fm/4","content_text":"Are you feeling the buzz of anxiety? Join me for an episode with Kathleen from The Pour Over. The Pour Over offers a daily dose of the biggest news paired with brief Christian perspectives, summarized in an accessible, anxiety-alleviating way. If you want to be informed without spiraling, The Pour Over’s resources can be a great way to stay engaged while being encouraged with a gospel-centered perspective. As the upcoming election approaches, consider subscribing to The Pour Over and discover how you can hang onto the \"peace that surpasses all understanding,\" amid a challenging political climate. ","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAre you feeling the buzz of anxiety? Join me for an episode with Kathleen from The Pour Over. The Pour Over offers a daily dose of the biggest news paired with brief Christian perspectives, summarized in an accessible, anxiety-alleviating way. If you want to be informed without spiraling, The Pour Over’s resources can be a great way to stay engaged while being encouraged with a gospel-centered perspective. As the upcoming election approaches, consider subscribing to The Pour Over and discover how you can hang onto the \u0026quot;peace that surpasses all understanding,\u0026quot; amid a challenging political climate. \u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Are you feeling the buzz of anxiety? Join me for an episode with Kathleen from The Pour Over.","date_published":"2024-11-01T15:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/20842be2-7e57-4d01-a1ab-c37b3d9825b2/6c5bf41a-6923-43e1-88e7-61debb93e9d3.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":23316338,"duration_in_seconds":1457}]},{"id":"5678a0c2-ebd9-4685-94f4-034c4a27cd5b","title":"Episode 3: Mamas Are Storied, Too! ... Amber O'Neal Johnston, aka Heritage Mom","url":"https://thestorymakerspodcast.fireside.fm/3","content_text":"\"I plucked my soul out of its secret place.\" Join me for a conversation with Amber O'Neal Johnston—an extraordinary mother, educator, and author. Amber is the founder of Heritage Mom, a resource dedicated to creating an inclusive and culturally rich home learning environment. In this episode, Mel and Amber dig into her new book, Soul School, which takes readers on a joyful journey through the heart of Black American Culture. Just like us, Amber is passionate about the ways stories can captivate our children, and her latest work is something we know you won’t want to miss.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u0026quot;I plucked my soul out of its secret place.\u0026quot; Join me for a conversation with Amber O\u0026#39;Neal Johnston—an extraordinary mother, educator, and author. Amber is the founder of Heritage Mom, a resource dedicated to creating an inclusive and culturally rich home learning environment. In this episode, Mel and Amber dig into her new book, Soul School, which takes readers on a joyful journey through the heart of Black American Culture. Just like us, Amber is passionate about the ways stories can captivate our children, and her latest work is something we know you won’t want to miss.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"\"I plucked my soul out of its secret place.\" Join me for a conversation with Amber O'Neal Johnston—an extraordinary mother, educator, and author.","date_published":"2024-10-23T08:30:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/20842be2-7e57-4d01-a1ab-c37b3d9825b2/5678a0c2-ebd9-4685-94f4-034c4a27cd5b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":84839168,"duration_in_seconds":2120}]},{"id":"452c3c32-7e43-432e-b9a7-daa098865467","title":"Episode 2: Remaining Nimble and True... Lisa Kimball, Ph.D., VP for Lifelong Learning","url":"https://thestorymakerspodcast.fireside.fm/2","content_text":"Tune in to hear our episode with Dr. Lisa Kimball, founder and Vice President of Life Long Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary. Lisa Kimball is based in Alexandria, VA and is passionate about lay leadership and training those who form the next generation. Lisa beautifully intersects faith relating to baptism and formation. Listen in to discover what it means to show up, listen, and tell the truth, and how it can impact your approach to formation. Welcome to Episode Two... Remaining Nimble and True.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eTune in to hear our episode with Dr. Lisa Kimball, founder and Vice President of Life Long Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary. Lisa Kimball is based in Alexandria, VA and is passionate about lay leadership and training those who form the next generation. Lisa beautifully intersects faith relating to baptism and formation. Listen in to discover what it means to show up, listen, and tell the truth, and how it can impact your approach to formation. Welcome to Episode Two... Remaining Nimble and True.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Tune in to hear our episode with Dr. Lisa Kimball, founder and Vice President of Life Long Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary. Lisa Kimball is based in Alexandria, VA and is passionate about lay leadership and training those who form the next generation. Lisa beautifully intersects faith relating to baptism and formation. Listen in to discover what it means to show up, listen, and tell the truth, and how it can impact your approach to formation. Welcome to Episode Two... Remaining Nimble and True.","date_published":"2024-10-09T08:15:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/20842be2-7e57-4d01-a1ab-c37b3d9825b2/452c3c32-7e43-432e-b9a7-daa098865467.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":26786926,"duration_in_seconds":1674}]},{"id":"364774fd-3f74-4d22-8597-a2bad6c9c6fa","title":"Episode 1: God's Story Is a LONG Story... David Zahl, Founder \u0026 Executive Director of Mockingbird","url":"https://thestorymakerspodcast.fireside.fm/1","content_text":"Tune in to hear our FIRST episode with David Zahl, founder of Mockingbird Ministries, author, and father of three boys. Dave is based in Charlottesville, VA and serves at Christ Church Episcopal Church. Over the last 15 years, Dave has continued to hold onto the unwavering truth that God's story is a long story. Listen in to discover how a message of grace, play, and fun can carry you through the bumps of our faith journey. Welcome to Episode One!","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eTune in to hear our FIRST episode with David Zahl, founder of Mockingbird Ministries, author, and father of three boys. Dave is based in Charlottesville, VA and serves at Christ Church Episcopal Church. Over the last 15 years, Dave has continued to hold onto the unwavering truth that God\u0026#39;s story is a long story. Listen in to discover how a message of grace, play, and fun can carry you through the bumps of our faith journey. Welcome to Episode One!\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Tune in to hear our FIRST episode with David Zahl, founder of Mockingbird Ministries, author, and father of three boys. Listen in to discover how a message of grace, play, and fun can carry you through the bumps of our faith journey. Welcome to Episode One!","date_published":"2024-09-20T12:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/20842be2-7e57-4d01-a1ab-c37b3d9825b2/364774fd-3f74-4d22-8597-a2bad6c9c6fa.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":21041124,"duration_in_seconds":1753}]}]}