Hi I’m Sam.
STORIES TALK GOOD is my storytelling project grown around the idea that stories are the best way to make sense of what's happening here.
I’ve never read The Canterbury Tales because Geoff Chaucer talks weird. But I know the basic premise: a group of pilgrims—not the turkey-cooking New Englanders, the mutton-eating Old Englanders—are traveling to a holy place, and to pass the time, they tell stories. Because, as this site’s name says: stories talk good.
I used to think life was a story. I still do. But I believe now it’s less like a great adventure and more like a long journey home. And to pass the time, we tell stories.
But here’s where we leave Chaucer behind:
We tell stories not just to pass the time, but to remind each other who we are, what we’re doing, where we’re going, and that home is a real place—and someday, we will get there.
That’s why stories talk good.
Does it cost money?
Nope. My stories are free and they come out on Thursdays.
But for paid subscribers, I also write Sam’s Column—where I talk about anything from the art of storytelling, the adventures of fatherhood to how sad I am that churches don’t have fellowship halls anymore. Those come out on Tuesdays.
If you’d like to support my writing, paid subscriptions are a huge help. They make it possible for me to keep writing.
Are there benefits for paid subscribers?
Yes! if you support me with a paid subscription, you’ll get:
Access to Sam’s Column.
My Christmas Letter, where we all gather around the Substack fireplace and share what we’re thankful for.
It’s my way of saying thanks for keeping Stories Talk Good alive and well.
A few reader comments:
“A good story—which you tell, write, and show—is the prime mover of our hearts.” - Rick
“Keep up the good work! I am an enthusiastic reader/listener. Glad to be able to support your work.” - Danny
“I really want to support you because I’m your biggest fan well second biggest behind Emily…..well third biggest behind Emily and Abigail and of course I love your stories and I love you.” - My mom
