Willy Claflin is a master at telling stories, and his stuffed sidekick, Maynard Moose, is quite unique. As the only authentic Native American Moose currently on the festival circuit, Maynard is the last known teller of ancient Mother Moose Tales. A favorite duo at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, Willy and Maynard have been traveling and working together since 1977. They turn familiar classics upside down and keep their audiences wondering where they’re headed as they attempt to catch a breath between laughs. As you spend time with Willy and Maynard, you’ll discover stories you’ve never h ..read more

It’s no wonder British storyteller Simon Brooks has been telling stories since childhood—he was often taken to the places where those stories began: ancient hills, standing stones, and castles. A master storyteller, Brooks tells folktales and historical tales along with personal stories and humorous tales. He has taught and performed at libraries, schools, colleges, festivals, camps, and museums. He has engaged and transfixed audiences with his powerful performances throughout the New England area, the United States, and Europe. With his Celtic bodhrán and unique tales, he combines the intensi ..read more

Regi Carpenter had a nervous breakdown when she was 16. But instead of defining her teenage years as discouraging and sad, it was instead a real turning point, Carpenter says. “It was very positive. It became a story of recovery.” Carpenter, now 64, is not afraid to share very personal stories. “I heard somebody tell a personal story, so I went looking for the stories I could share. I feel very alive when I’m telling my stories—the shared experience, the shared humanity. It’s fun,” she says. “I think we need to listen to stories. Here in the world, it’s what we can do to heal ourselves and gi ..read more

Randy Evensen’s favorite storytelling audience is his grandchildren—especially when they’re around a campfire. And, since his retirement from teaching first and second grades, he’s been telling stories at local elementary schools every week. He loves that. “It’s just been fun. I love to come in and get a kid fix!” Evensen said. Randy is 66 years old with eight children and 16 grandchildren, and has taught school for 35 years. This year will be Randy’s first time telling at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, though he told a story at the National Storytelling Festival’s Story Slam and has at ..read more

Nestor Gomez has faced a variety of mighty challenges in his life—including having to deal with a stuttering problem. He used to be afraid to speak up in public. So, when people hear he has won 66 Moth SLAMS (a storytelling contest that requires quick thinking and fast talking), they are understandably surprised! Gomez says the SLAMS force him to come up with stories under pressure. Gomez was born in Guatemala and lived in the United States undocumented for years before becoming a citizen, so his life has provided plenty of material to draw upon. He told his first story at a Chicago Moth SLAM ..read more

Megan Wells has been telling stories for 40 years, since she was seven, and is described by her daughters as a storytelling jukebox. “Put a quarter in and pick your favorite!” “I find joy in storytelling. I was in theater. I was a reader,” Wells said. “Then I saw a play and realized books could come alive.” She describes story like crayons. “It absolutely is magic. We create our best world in stories. Storytelling gives us courage. You’re less alone when you hear a story that resonates. A story can buffer and protect and comfort.” Wells didn’t have storytellers in her life. Her father was a jo ..read more

Whether it’s funny or poignant, sad or joyful, a story has the power to connect people on a deeper level, says storyteller and first-class fiddler Josh Goforth. “I just love a good story,” Goforth says. “I learn so much from watching other tellers.” Josh grew up in Madison County, North Carolina, surrounded by the music and stories of his ancestors. At the age of four, he was already playing the piano in church. “I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Folks loved a good tune and a good tale. Many times, I would go to someone’s house to learn a fiddle tune and walk out with a goo ..read more

Doug Elliott says he tells stories because he’s celebrating nature. Stories just evolve from that, he believes. His stories are organic and unique and are usually told (or sung) to the harmonica. Originally from Maryland, Doug has made his living for years as a traveling herbalist—gathering and selling herbs, teas, and natural remedies. When he noticed bee hives all over Utah, he says it kind of inspired him to investigate and share stories of honeybees. “I’ve been a naturalist since I was a little kid. I tell snake tales and fishing stories. I have a whole set about honeybees,” he said. Doug ..read more