Choosing Peace - Stories for the Whole Family by Motoko and Antonio Rocha

Gather your family for great stories from great storytellers about peacemakers and reflections on forgiveness, reconciliation, and understanding.

(0:00) Introduction by host Sam Payne.

(1:44) "It Takes Two" by Motoko. A deeply personal story about meeting a man who carries painful war stories connected to her culture, and her efforts to build a bridge of understanding and peace across historical wounds.

(14:20) "Learning to Let Go" by Sam Payne. A moving personal story about his grandfather, Gordon W. Pappas, reflecting on his experiences as a prisoner of war and how he ultimately learned to let go of the rancor of war through forgiveness.

(17:44) "My Monk" by Antonio Rocha. A heartfelt story about his cousin who, despite his outwardly gruff and sometimes mean demeanor, embodied compassion, humility, and a glimpse of heaven for Antonio.

Stories bring us together and the stories on The Apple Seed will spark memories that you can share with the people you love. The Apple Seed is a storytelling podcast by BYUradio and is hosted by Sam Payne.

The Apple Seed is produced by Sam Payne, Wendy Folsom, and Brian Tanner.

Assistant Producers Madie Clasby, Garrett Gunnell, Keri Griggs, Paige Jensen-Rutter, and Kay Hendrickson.

Post-Production Supervisor Trent Reimschussel.

Editor Madie Clasby.

Production Audiovisual Technician DJ Cromarty.

Post-Production Audio Engineers Taehyeon Ted Kim and Kiplin Merril.