Storytelling
Traditional Appalachian Tales
I have been telling stories to live audiences since I was in grade school. There was a storytelling competition that our local 4H put together when I was in the 4th or 5th grade that I entered on a dare. I told a story called “The Letterman’s Jacket.” Somehow, I came out with a blue ribbon. And I’ve been tellin’ tales just like that one ever since.
Jack Tales & Spook Stories
Most of what I share is my take on stories I’ve collected over the years right here in the Mountains of Appalachia. I’ll throw in a few originals from time to time as well. Most of them are “Haint Tales,” but I can customize shows to meet about any need or age group.
Red Ball / White Dress
Michael loved his red ball more than anything. And his mother, Jena, loved her son just as much. And there love endures 100 years later.
Taley-Po
What would you do if you were starving? How far would you go for a meal?
Toppers Bluff
What are ghosts if not History, screaming from the past, refusing to remain silent. These two wrong souls continue to tell their story here in Appalachia.
Gremlins are REAl.
They may not be like in the movies, but that doesn’t make them any less scary!
Crossed Wires
There’s not much more fun that being out in the woods on an ATV. But if you don’t watch where you’re goin’, you liable to lose your head!
The Letterman Jacket.
If you ever see Mary on the side of the road, give her a ride. She only wants to get back home.
The Homecoming Dress.
How much would you pay to be the Homecoming Queen? Is it worth your life?
He Took ‘em
Here is an original Haint tale inspired by a story I heard a long time ago about a man riding home on his horse, and the devil jumped down behind him
The Dinner Bucket
Joel tells an original Appalachian Fable about a mother who gives everything she has to keep her family fed.
Don’t Whistle in the Woods.
In this video, Joel talks about various theories on why whistling in the woods is a bad idea here in the hills of Appalachia.
A Jar of silver
This is an original Haint Tale inspired by Granny Witches and the folk magic practiced in these hills for hundreds of years.
Buttons
I heard this stories years ago and it has stuck with me. It’s one of the first stories I ever told to a crowd.
Old Man Jack
Here’s a recording of a story I told at the 2024 Leslie County Ghost Walk. We’ve all heard about Jack and his adventure climbing the beanstalk. Well, this is a tale about Jack at the end of his life.
Bookings Available
ourmountainseky@gmail.com
(606) 422-6605
I’m available for bookings all across the region for classroom performances, tour groups, private parties, or anyone who loves to hear a good story.