CANTON — North Country Public Radio’s “The HOWL Podcast” began releasing new episodes of their storytelling show on Wednesday, now in its fourth season. The program is hosted by Ethan Shantie and is a co-production of NCPR in Canton and the Adirondack Center for Writing in Saranac Lake. “The HOWL Podcast” features true stories told with no notes by North Country community members, recorded live on stage at story slams in bars, theaters and other venues around the region. Special, longer episodes have also been recorded at the station’s studio in Canton and are available exclusively on the podcast. It’s all part of a North Country storytelling tradition fostered by NCPR and ACW.

This season will feature exciting and never-before-told stories from North Country community members, including one storyteller who learned how to cook while incarcerated, and a woman who was serenaded by one of the Beach Boys in the middle of a crowded restaurant. Rebecca Donnelly, president of Potsdam Pride, and NCPR’s Radio Bob are also featured guests.

“Getting to share the stories of the North Country is a dream come true,” Shantie said. “As we get into our fourth season, I can’t help but reflect on how great it’s been to bring these stories to a wider audience. These stories are powerful and, I think, really make a difference in people’s lives.”

Shantie has been with the station since 2019 and has hosted “The HOWL Podcast” since 2023. The show has been downloaded over 70,000 times since launching, with audience members listening from across the U.S. and Canada, and as far away as Brazil and the United Kingdom.

NCPR is sharing even more stories this season, too, with “The HOWL Newsletter.” In the email-only bulletin, Shantie offers stories about ill-fated road trips, punk concerts gone awry and more. Plus, he’ll recommend books and albums that tell great stories themselves. It’s also where you can find out about upcoming live story slams around the North Country. Subscribers get exclusive access to pitch their story and potentially appear on upcoming episodes of the podcast.

“‘The HOWL Podcast’ is part of what makes the North Country — and NCPR — special,” NCPR Station Manager Mitch Teich said. “It’s an honor to be the conduit for people to share their personal stories with a wider audience, both in person and on our podcast. I hope people take the time to listen and enjoy the season.”

Teich hosts many of the live story slams at community venues, alongside ACW’s Nathalie Thill.

“The HOWL Podcast” is available on all streaming services, at the station’s website, and through the NCPR mobile app. Episodes are available each Wednesday at midnight. Fans can also listen to more than 30 additional episodes from past seasons.