On February 10, 2002, Morehead State Public Radio (WMKY) aired the first weekly program of storytelling performed by local, regional, and national storytellers. Locally hosted by Carolyn Franzini, ‘A Time for Tales’ will soon achieve a milestone with the broadcast of its 500th program.
Franzini says she has enjoyed storytelling as an art form since 1986, when she and her family attended the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, Tennessee.
“Our culture has undergone major changes since 2002,” says Franzini. “Many folks spend more time on their phone or internet. As a result of less face-to-face time, fewer personal stories are shared. I feel hearing stories on ‘A Time for Tales’ provides a unique and enjoyable experience for many listeners.”
Franzini says her own life experiences help provide a unique perspective to storytelling with each program featuring stories and songs on selected themes.
“Donald Davis, Bil Lepp, and Don White are three of my favorite storytellers,” comments Franzini. “They tell stories that involve aspects of real life and incorporate humor. I try to select stories by considering the appeal to the listener, length of story, and variety of stories related to the show theme.”
‘A Time for Tales’ is designed for listeners to enjoy the stories and possibly encourage them to share their own stories with family and friends. At the end of each program, Franzini reminds listeners to ‘take time and tell your tale with someone you love.’
“Donald Davis told me years ago that one of the reasons he tells stories is to encourage listeners to realize they too have stories to share,” says Franzini. “Not everyone recognizes the value of their story and may not feel comfortable in sharing their story with others. Following his example, I have facilitated ‘Write Your Story’ groups in Morehead and Fleming County since 2011. Through this experience, they gain confidence to enjoy writing and sharing their stories.”
Franzini says after 20 years and 500 programs, it’s still a pleasure to host ‘A Time for Tales’ to share stories for others to enjoy.
“I love hosting the program because it provides me the opportunity to share great stories with the listeners,” shares Franzini. “I think we learn from others’ experiences. It’s part of our culture. It wasn’t too long ago when folks gathered in the local barbershop or neighborhood café to tell stories. Hopefully, hearing others’ stories will encourage everyone to share their stories.”
The 500th program of ‘A Time for Tales’ is entitled “Days Gone By" with stories by Sheila Kay Adams, Donald Davis, Joe Herrington, Syd Lieberman, and Jackie Torrence. Carolyn Franzini will also read a story entitled "The Flood of '39." The program can be heard on WMKY during Memorial Day weekend at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 26.
WMKY serves more than 20 counties throughout eastern Kentucky from the campus of Morehead State University. Listeners can enjoy WMKY at 90.3FM, online, phone app, or smart speaker (“Play WMKY”). Additional information can be found online at www.wmky.org.