In this episode, I dive into the power of dignity, respect, and love with storyteller and author Joseph Bolton. Together, we explore the inspiring real-life journey of his ancestor, Mitio Goku, an Algonquin woman from 17th century Quebec whose life is described by the words dignity, respect, love, and courage. Joseph, who wrote "Old Grandmother's Tree," shares how her story shaped his own values and family legacy. We talk about self-worth, overcoming adversity, and honoring our roots—plus how he intertwined folklore and magic into retelling her tale. If you’re curious about ancestry, finding meaning in hardship, or want to hear about universal themes told through folktales, you won’t want to miss this heartfelt conversation. Tune in to discover what it really means to live with dignity, respect, and love—even in the face of loss.
Connect with Joseph Bolton
In this episode, Joseph Bolton shares the inspiring story of his ancestor Mitio Goku and the lessons of dignity, respect, and love woven into his books. To explore her remarkable journey and Joseph’s creative retelling in the universal language of folktales, visit oldgrandmotherstree.com and find his books “Old Grandmother's Tree” on Amazon. Connect through his website to learn more, get in touch, or discover sample illustrations and background on the series
Learn more:
Website: https://oldgrandmotherstree.com/
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Chapters
[00:00:00] Shaping Life by Values
[00:01:09] Joseph Bolton’s Creative Journey
[00:01:14] The Legacy of Mitio Goku
[00:04:42] Defining Dignity, Respect, Love
[00:06:03] Self-Respect and Inner Worth
[00:08:29] Hardship, Loss, and Resilience
[00:13:19] Ancestral Story Continues
[00:13:42] Introducing Old Grandmother’s Tree
[00:16:13] Folklore as a Universal Language
[00:21:25] Researching Roots and Family
[00:24:32] Sharing Family Stories Forward
[00:25:31] Final Reflections and Connections