From Cork to New York is not your typical storytelling podcast; it is a dedicated exploration of the transformative alchemy that occurs when ancient narratives meet modern souls. Hosted by Jim Brulé, a professional storyteller and author based in the forests of Central New York, and Maria Gillen, a storyteller broadcasting from the "Rebel City" of Cork, Ireland, the show serves as a bridge across space, time, and borders.

The partnership between Jim and Maria is a testament to the very connection they champion. Their professional relationship began online, blossomed during a week-long storytelling festival in Marrakech, and has now "flowered" into this collaborative digital hearth. Beyond their deep roots in the corporate world, both hosts felt a distinct "calling" toward storytelling, recognizing its unique power to make the unsayable sayable and to lift the human heart. Their shared love for technology allows them to bring these traditional oral arts into the modern era, proving that the shortest distance between two people is, indeed, a story.

What truly unites them, though, is their love of stories filled with heart wisdom from multiple cultures, especially those from ancient times. By listening carefully to stories from these cultures, and then retelling them with that same open heart, Maria and Jim create a sacred space for all to share.

Listeners can expect a new episode every couple of weeks. Each session features Jim and Maria sharing stories and engaging in deep discussions about how these narratives help navigate our physical, emotional, social, and spiritual selves. They view storytelling not merely as entertainment or performance, but as a tool for personal and global transformation.

As the series progresses, the hosts will welcome guest storytellers into their "stone soup of story," adding new perspectives and cultural flavors to the conversation. Whether you are looking to connect with your ancestors or seeking a new way to view the world, Jim and Maria invite you to "pull up a chair by the fire."

They say that the shortest distance between two people is a story.

I'm Jim Brule, and I'm joining you from the forests of Central New York.

I'm Maria Gillen, and I'm speaking to you from the Rebel

City, Cork, in the south of Ireland.

You know, we're here to tell stories, but not for entertainment.

We're not here to perform;

we're here to share the alchemy of stories with you.

Stories are our tradition.

They link us back deep into the past, to the Ancestors, and they link

us forward to all those that will hear our stories in future times.

I just have to say, Maria, this is the culmination of a relationship that

started online that blossomed in person in Marrakesh, and now here we are, flowering

in a new way around the world together.

Absolutely amazing.

And we often say when we meet, Jim, the power of story to wipe out, you know,

space and time and boundaries and borders.

Stories make the unsayable sayable, and they lift the heart.

They connect us.

They do.

They lift us, they connect us, and they give us the chance to see the

world differently, to transform ourselves and the world around us.

So that's why we're here and that's what we're gonna be doing.

Yeah, it amazes me as well that our story roads are so similar.

Because both of us have spent time deep in the corporate world.

Both of us have really enjoyed it and love going back now, you know,

uh, we both love technology, which is amazing in this world of storytelling.

I really think that story called both of us as well.

This really feels like my calling that I've been called to tell stories.

Yes.

Lots of time in corporate world, but I will tell you, for

a long time in storytelling.

Same.

So what should you as a listener expect from us?

Well, every couple of weeks we're gonna share stories between us.

And then discuss how these stories help us navigate not

only our worlds, but our souls.

Yeah.

You know, stories reach all parts of us, our physicality, the language, which

is the paint brush of the storyteller, our emotional selves, our social selves

for sure, and our spiritual selves.

And every, every so often, probably more and more often, as time goes by,

we'll be bringing in other storytellers as our guests to put them into this

wonderful stone soup of story and see what the new stew emerges each time.

Yes.

And of course you'll be able to find us on your favorite podcast,

whatever your app is, don't miss us.

We'll be having the kettle on and we'll be looking forward to seeing you.

So don't forget, this is our new podcast: From Cork to New York.

You can find us in your favorite podcast app or on the web at Cork2NY.com.

That's cork, the number two, ny.com.

Be sure to join us.