HOW I BECAME A BUSH PILOT in Papua New Guinea

[@jme_a]

I'm an atheist/agnostic and can completely get behind your work despite your religious motivations; you have a job where you're making a real difference to the lives of those you interact with. Love your channel and videos, safe flying Ryan 😁

[@richardsnider3331]

He's helping change lives for eternity.

[@rickbarrington]

Not a Christian but I enjoy your channel and applaud the work your organization does to help native communities. Keep the great content coming!

[@Michael-oy3pz]

Good on you mate, keep doing what you want to do as it’s your life and you can’t get much more satisfaction than helping others. 👍😀

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Well said

[@thomasmuller9243]

It is better to help them to the level they can help themself. Otherwise it is an endless wheel.

[@soidog659]

Well done MBP, respect and well done. A man above men.

[@BillMetter]

When you love your job you will never “WORK” a day in your life! Great job Ryan and god bless.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

No doubt!

[@AltheusGasisi]

Ryan you are wonderful person, I really appreciate your great work in PNG serving the rural areas of PNG! God bless you in your great efforts helping the people of Papua New Guinea.

[@russ2991]

That takeoff runway is rough! I enjoyed the non-aviation information, nice balance and well-explained. TY.

[@RobinMinu-m5c]

Bush Pilot, we much appreciate your Service here in PNG. Tops!

[@MichaelSteeves]

Ryan, my interest in Aviation started with mission aviation while I was growing up in Kenya. I have no problems with you explaining why you are doing what you are doing!

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Thanks Michael

[@williamfenton8733]

You may well be aware of the old saying that has it that there only three types of expatriates in PNG (or indeed the South Pacific) - Missionaries, Mercenaries or Misfits. Those who are there with the purpose to help; those who simply wish to make money and those who are (usually) escaping from the "real world". I was really pleased to ascertain from your warm attitude to the PNG people that you fell into the first group. But as it entirely your business I made no comment. Your story today now empowers me to comment. How wonderful it is to have a sense of purpose, and deliver for others. I salute you. I am not a fan of organised religion but there has been a lot of great humanitarian work done. The legacy of the quick conversion from original beliefs to Christianity is not without issues but I salute what you do when so many of us get no farther than a keyboard. PNG is on rapid path of change ,I hope that many will be able to take the best of scripture and practice and forge their own unique path in the world.

[@qrplife]

I appreciate you telling us more about the missionary aspect of your flying job.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

My pleasure!

[@badinage1]

Man, I love you more and more every day! Ok, “you might agree with that, you might disagree with that, I really don’t care” is one those moments where I perked up and then laughed because as I get to know you better I’m earning more about you and it’s awesome. I used to be an atheist and I won’t get into reasons why I changed but I did. Anyway I just want you to know that over the last week or so I’ve been binge-watching all your stuff. It’s fantastic! I haven’t even finished watching this video yet I just had to make a comment when I heard you say that lol… Thanks man! -Eyan ….. nice name by the way 😉

[@stevenboyd5044]

So cool. Learning all the little things you do like the fuel guy at the end. When I lived in New Zealand I worked in a sawmill with a guy from PNG. He carved me a little statue of Mary holding baby Jesus out of one of our chunky big crayons. Such a cool lad. Biggest smile you've ever seen. Thanks for sharing Ryan.

[@roaldleroux2123]

Hi Ryan. Been watching your video's for months. Fascinating area where you fly and so are your stories with every flight. I am a reborn christian myself and serve in our local congregation as violinist in one of the worship teams. Pray Gods blessing on the work you do. May you hear His voice clearly where you should turn to the left and where to the right. KInd regards Roald le Roux, Pretoria South Africa.

[@victorjaramillo6146]

PERFECT LANDING. YOU ARE VERY GOOD PILOT.

[@kennethperian4370]

Great flying Ryan in joyed it , thanks for showing and telling. have a great one see ya on the next flight or video see ya bye.

[@efoxxok7478]

Ryan I graduated college on an aviation program with the intention of doing exactly what you are doing. Unfortunately I graduated at a time when our economy was down and I couldn’t get the 250 more hours I needed to go into the field. As it turned out it was for the best for me as we had illness in my family that would have required me to come home after only a year or two. I took a job “temporarily” as an air traffic controller, and 30 years later I retired. I thank you for your videos, it lets me know that my desire was for a very necessary service, and I do live somewhat vicariously through your flights. God bless you and your family.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Thanks for sharing, and thank you for watching.

[@Whitesp44]

Good for you, you've found your calling. Not every one does. Imagine flying in a class B airspace most of the time? You are truly flying where you are. Looking forward to that '360 cam! Great video as always.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Thanks. The 360 cam is coming soon to a vlog. I started using them about a week ago.

[@AmerigoMagellan]

Looking forward for the filters on the rest of your cameras, Ryan. 👍🏼

[@judithaaron6985]

I love watching your channel even though I am not a pilot. Not only are your videos very educational about flying, but the scenery is outstanding! With the added story on how you became a missionary bush pilot, today’s video is by far my favorite. I love your heart and admire your determination to find a career that aligns with God’s calling in your life.

[@JacquesButcher]

I second all of that.

[@kovalanpachu]

Amen to that!

[@JonathanKlasen]

Thank you so much Ryan for sharing the story of how you became a bush pilot. You're truly sanctifying your work! God bless :)

[@homienat3374]

Hi mate not really in to the holy thing but keep up ya work as you see fit enjoy ya vids ,safe flights

[@jasoneckhart1997]

Everyone has a place in the ministry. You are just as important as an on the ground missionary. God Bless and keep going. Love how you let us fly with you, so much fun to watch.

[@gillianstewart8442]

You are definitely in the right job Ryan and you are blessed to have it. My cousin and his son are both missionaries of the gospel in Australia and often go to Papua New Guinea to preach, particularly his son. Now I have an idea of what the island looks like. I also really enjoy the views from inside the cockpit as I'm an armchair aviator 🙂 God bless and protect you.

[@traceydeakin6055]

Ryan - Your professionalism shines/21-century technology working for those in need. Delighted to see no COVID issues, unlike the USA.

[@davewestner]

Thanks for sharing your details man. I'm glad you found something that you love to do. Don't blame you for not flying for the airlines....this job is way more fun and I would imagine the non flying aspect of your job is pretty satisfying. FWIW, my German dad did missionary stuff in the 60s in PNG....no idea what outfit he worked with, but he taught mechanic stuff. He used to fly around with the bush pilots when he lived there and loved it. Wouldn't be surprised if he had to do some bush repairs either. I sent him some links to your videos and he totally digs it. Haven't had a chance to talk to him about it yet, but I would imagine it's a pretty cool walk down memory lane for him. Eventually he wound up moving to the Philippines where he met my mom, who worked for the Peace Corps, and getting hitched. And here I am, watching your videos. Cheers

[@BryanEaton]

I'm sure they have to fly mechanics to the bush from time to time.

[@anthonyglee1710]

Great channel. Flying an airliner actually brings real happiness and purpose. Me in the UK, my Mum in Spain, my Dad passes out and I can be with them in hours and make medical arrangements which saved him - all this in a 1st world country. As a person, airliner flying has made me happier and better seeing the world. But great work, regardless if you’re Christian or not. Personally I believe in my own higher power.

[@jipsonteme1031]

Bro , i wish i could joint you ,you doing a really good job serving people in need, God bless.

[@malahammer]

You will need to start up aerial bush package tours soon of all these wonderful PNG airstrips, volcanoes, valley manoeuvres, "fun landings and take offs" and WW2 wreckages. I bags the co-pilot seat on the first tour :) Great stuff as always Ryan.

[@angelpacheco1759]

Hey son I’m an old pilot since 1977 ! I enjoy your videos, they take me back 40’years in the jungles of Venezuela and Brasil

[@mxyzptlyk]

I don't mean to be unkind. Your professionalism is beyond reproach. I have followed quite a few of your videos but the start of every video is like a "Previously on......" TV show. The engine start and the pre-take off checklist are pretty well engrained in the minds of anyone that has seen any previous ten. Other than that the precision flying into challenging airports is superb. Thank you for that.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

I realise that the beginning is a bit repetitive, but 85% of my views are from.non subscribers, so I do it for them.

[@alexandermyrthue1987]

Thats a Fighter pilot sound 4:26 lol 😎

[@joshuapatrick682]

Next hill?! Dude that’s a mountain...thanks for opening up, had an idea based on the name of the channel but good on your bro, help spread the Good News! You get to fly in a remote jungle with almost no traffic, no real hazards, just pure flying bliss! Great stuff.

[@brotherblonde]

God bless you brother! Keep up the good work ensuring the Gospel is spread.

[@mountainmangramps5741]

I appreciate you using your skills to help spread the Gospel. Each one has their part best filled by only that person.

[@TheTruthseeker707]

May the Lord be with you.

[@rodelcapul7453]

As long as you enjoy what you do, that’s where the contentment is. Without the bush pilot, I won’t be able to see and experience journey above Papua. A wonderful landscape to traverse above. Thanks and God bless.

[@Corinthians-jw2vb]

Just a shout out from one missionary to another. God bless you and keep you safe!

[@marcclarke8864]

Good Day. Hi Ryan. I give thanks to the Father for his Blessings. I live on the island of Barbados. I am one of many Aviation enthusiasts on the island and an avid simmer . I enjoy your blog. Nothing better than doing something to the glory. I.will keep you in my prayers and look forward to more content. Stay safe and remain strong in the Lord.

[@rscottadams7082]

Appreciated this video very much. Thanks. I had the privilege of flying with Paul Dye in the Darien many many years ago. 185 w/ STOL. From Panama City out to the Village of Pucaro. Life changing experience.

[@flybyairplane3528]

RYAN, Hello, nice easy trip, , great weather too stay well , cheers 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jameswikstrom4174]

Glad to see someone who is genuine and not doing,something for money or prestige . I can’t think of any type of flying that is more challenging than being a Bush Pilot. I have watched many of your videos and no two are the same. To fly and make videos has to be one of the most challenging professions anyone can peruse. God bless, Ryan,! Thanks for spreading the word to people who have no idea about Christianity.

[@jonathandurfey6661]

My parents worked with Ethnos 360 for 30 years. Most of that time was in Bolivia South America. I lived there for 9 years as a kid. Their last location was at McNeal AZ from 2008 to 2013. My dad was the base maintenance coordinator. My mom worked in the office. I love your videos. Keep them coming.

[@jackdickerson2031]

Ryan, thanks for giving details about the landscape and history of the areas.

[@DanCalloway]

I think it's commendable of you to fly for the Church organization as a missionary bush pilot spreading the Gospel in your own way while serving God at the same time. I'm not a pilot, but was a educator and now that I'm retired, I chose to support the education of a young girl in Nicaragua through my Church and an organization known as Vision Nicaragua. Great flight. Have a good one!

[@paulsinclair3401]

I really appreciate how you want to keep your channel focussed on the flying, but it is really nice and more engaging for a wider audience when you do share a bit more of what you're doing out there and give us glimpses of your work outside the cockpit......... Also, we catch glimpses of the locals watching you and others at the airfields and as much as I enjoy those glimpses, it would be great to see just a little more of them? As I suggested, it makes it all somewhat more engaging to a wider audience and a channel like this could easily hit 1 million subscribers with the wider remit?

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Thanks for the suggestion. I have thought a lot about how I can incorporate more of that kind off content without increasing my workload by double. I'm still trying to figure that out.

[@josephjolly1936]

Thanks for the video. I am glad that you like what you are doing. Safe travels.👍✈️

[@richardstalter5461]

Ryan, I loved this video and your talk about how you became a missionary pilot. That is so refreshing in this day and age when so many people are just focused on how far they can get and how much money they can make. Your professional choice is truly bringing God's word to reality and that is awesome. I so much look forward to your Wed. and Sat. videos. Thank you.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Thank you. And thanks for watching. Glad you enjoy the videos.

[@martin1377]

I am not religious in any way, but these videos are fantastic. I can appreciate everything you are doing. Love watching these, keep up the good work.

[@kathrynaraguz4816]

I love how I watched a more current video (2023/24) and asked you how you got into this work, and where you were in the world and then this video pops up.. God bless you in all you do..

[@DominicSengi]

Hi idol, bushpilot. Enjoyed the flight. I come from the coast further north of wom

[@JerryMandet]

I fly a 1969 Piper Arrow & have been flying for 50 years. I enjoy your videos. You do a great job. I send some of your videos to my son who is working on his private certificate. He wants to be a missionary priest who is able to fly into remote areas.

[@rickgalbraith2752]

Yes, I suspected you were a part of what I first heard of in 1971, back when it was called New Tribes Mission. The fellow I met at a Christian commune called Smyrna, in Toronto, was a son of NTM missionaries, who had been active in South America but I think may have been staying in Florida or Texas.

[@davidjensen1301]

Wow great video took me back 40 yrs spent 10 yrs as a mechanic come sawmiller etc etc missionary. 3yrs Wewak 7yrs Anguganak all our flying with MAF. Loved watching that circuit over the beach bought back great memories. Safe flying keep up the great work. 👍

[@TCovey210]

Actually think it’s pretty cool you are doing what you feel is important. And I love going on flights with you.

[@Citizenoflite]

Liked minded. Never apologize for your faith brother. I enjoy your videos keep them up.

[@alanblackmon-gomasiaonline7255]

I know that this is an older vlog but I love it. We are missionaries here in the Philippines and also in Cambodia and Myanmar. Thank you for you ministry there in PNG.

[@jasonmclean8654]

Thanks!

[@abbieamavi]

*I watched one of the first (and only) video you have on your channel. The one of you landing on that crazy angled grass airstrip in PNG, and I was watching the video with my brother. He said "wow imagine doing that for a job everyday" and I didn't say anything to him at the time, but I was thinking "I will do that one day." I'm a LONG way away from that now, I'm only on my Instrument rating, but I'll be flying in the bush one day soon, and in the meantime, I'm doing youtube too and enjoying my life and working hard. God bless you and keep that plane safe (from dogs too hah), and keep up the great work!* :)

[@genelegear5418]

Thanks for your story, more important things in life than wealth. Thanks for the Rome along. Always enjoy the ride. Stay safe

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

You bet

[@ConstrictedCultivation]

i dont care how you do it, im just super happy you're helping people make their lives better and more fufilling. So thank you for making the world a better place!

[@apat578]

I mean, your name is Missionary Bush Pilot lol, what did people expect? I'm not a believer in higher powers, but I believe people should believe in what makes them happy and share that if it makes them feel purposeful. Enjoy your life and keep it up. I enjoy the aviation sir!

[@patrickmaartense7772]

I agree completely with this comment, always allow people to do what they want/like/love, as long as no one gets hurt , Helping people is a great cause. and yes ,if you love what you do, you will not HAVE TO work, you are HAPPY to work.

[@LuckyLeprechaun100]

@@patrickmaartense7772 if you only define "hurt" as physical harm then you have a very narrow view of the world

[@patrickmaartense7772]

@@LuckyLeprechaun100 no i do not, you can hurt people by all other means.

[@Rhaspun]

@@LuckyLeprechaun100 I wouldn't be so critical of comments of others as many people aren't going to give an in depth explanation for every part of their comment to keep their comment brief.

[@maddiethomas5892]

I love what you said about why you're flying in PNG. I want to serve a mission, too! I hope to go to the Philippines.

[@dougm2745]

I'm not a religious person but respect your work to help other human beings in a remote part of the world.

[@richardhutchings921]

I'm an old Michigander. Left Michigan in 1965, joining the U.S. Air Force. 24+ years later I retired, drove semi for 30 years and retired again. I am in the panhandle of Florida. I love your videos, and love travelling with you. I am originally from Jackson, Mi.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

I grew up in Jackson.

[@yuccaken]

Krykie ! Dingo's on the run ! Bow, wow, wow !

[@lucasd3658]

Gotta love how this looks so much like real life microsoft really did a good job.

[@apat578]

What? Lmao

[@AmerigoMagellan]

LOL!

[@johnjohn3241]

Lmaoooooo

[@lmnopxyz5796]

Bahahahahaha. While it does look like a Microsoft sim at times, I'm pretty sure this is real life. Lol.

[@dbobstoner]

From a church minister and ex-military navigator, your job is wonderful.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Thanks for watching

[@anntaylor3131]

Thank you for sharing your personal story. It was lovely hearing what was behind your calling and what training you had. I have only just discovered your videos ,so will catch up on them . I saw one that said it was your last before returning to USA. May God continue to bless you and keep you safe 🙏

[@davidbright4886]

Interesting story about your background. I stumbled across your channel months ago by KZbin algorithms, but had no idea about your job. My wife has family members that are currently in PNG as missionaries. Pictures were posted of their flight on the type aircraft you fly. I noted the tail numbers of their flights, p2-ntz, and p2-nte. It’s very possible you flew them around. I enjoy your videos. Very informative. Keep up the good job!

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

There is a very high possibility I have flown then around, those are the planes I fly.

[@michaelfranz6937]

This is so interesting because as I began to watch this video I wondered how this all get started for you...and then you announced you would explain! Thanks so much. I am not religious but I admire what you are doing and hope all goes well for you and the people you are helping as well.

[@gsamelon]

I said a few months ago you inspired me to get my PPL at the ripe age of 43. Well, yesterday, one step closer and finished my written exam and have logged almost 10 hours of flight. Thanks for great content and being a good person too.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Great job! That is awesome to hear.

[@byronconn5007]

You got the best office job in the world. You can't see much from 30k ft anyhow. Another outstanding video! From Sunny Florida

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Totally agree

[@iang.8601]

Ryan, I'm still finding your older videos. Interesting to hear how you started your career flying for the missions. It's a bit different to airline flying, bumpy strips, looking out for dogs,pig's, chickens & people. I say that once you have experienced flying in P.N.G it stays in your blood. Thanks for the memories, keep up the good work.

[@jenw1936]

Thankyou! Sharing with my young grandsons 🌟

[@firedog1116]

Awesome videos! Challenging and entertaining flying. Very professional and safe. Very fortunate job. Enjoy! Stay safe.

[@randycrew]

Ryan... we are all happy you’re doing your flying for your described reasons... it’s a wonderful choice you have made and we are all happy for you. You’re bringing a lot of happiness to a lot of people. All the best! PS... “cloud surfing” is the great fun and after 46 years of flying (24,000 hrs) and I retire June of 21, cloud surfing in a 747 is just much fun as in your airplane.have fun.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Thanks so much!

[@randycrew]

@@MissionaryBushPilot by the way, there are 3 videos and the Joe Bag o Donuts has music that stats at :20 and if you ever watched “emergency landing” from the original airport movie... cleverly titled “Airport” you’ll get it. Lol. Next time you hit the sack, as you reflect on your day... remember you have a lot of people that smiled because of you and your work. R

[@randycrew]

@@MissionaryBushPilot Ryan? I just thought of something... I have this interface called EFB Navigator That I have used for years to have for ipad or android (best with GoodReader on iPad) or any device that has PDF viewer... i have all of our flight manuals with asiana airlines on it in one file not multiple files, I don’t use content locker to update I use GoodReader to update. Anyway, I’ll send screen shot of the interface and it’s all about tapping to get to your destination in your manual. I realise you’ve never seen it but when I saw you looking at your MEL made me think of it... I’ll do this at no cost and tailor it anyway you like. It’s very user friendly, very intuitive and easy to make it work for you for quick easy reference. You can visit www.crewtechnology.com and see what it looks like. You don’t have to worry about copywriter issues as this is not going to be sold and just for you. Just let me know. All I will need is your electronic copy of all manuals you want in the EFB navigator, but the only thing I ask is for you to know there are no strings attached. Consider this a donation of my time and perhaps help with your work. Let me know if you would like me to do this for you and you can email me at [e-mail] (I have business email address but we’ll just my personal email for the time being. Randy

[@ribe3434]

Your new image quality is great. Love seeing more details.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Thank you very much!

[@CaptVirtual]

Your a good pilot, a good man, and all your aviation skills are transferrable to many other careers should you choose a new path in the future.

[@hidesG]

What an amazing job and passion! We were headed down that route, but the hubs did not enjoy the A&P part of his degree. He also did not want to fly for the airlines. We ended up at one of the majors with a dispatch job. We use our more than six months off each year to visit missionaries around the world, and support them. We have found a way to balance our passion for missions with his passion for aviation. Love your videos! Many prayers! Thank you for the insight.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Thanks for the prayers. I appreciate it.

[@curtisrhoades6152]

Thank you for sharing your story. I just found on youtube a few days ago and was wondering. People often forget there are more ways to serve as a missionary other than preaching and teaching. Continued prayers for you. -ret Air Force, current Airline maintenance control

[@jackreeves3001]

Great flight Ryan! I enjoy that you enjoy! Your channel is a very easy channel to listen too. Your attitude is marvelous, good luck in your mission. Take care and have a blessed day. Thanks for sharing your time and talent.

[@williamwallacedebruce9221]

Job satisfaction, that's what counts....respect.

[@craymour1897]

As a pilot myself i would say that your job is much more rewarding and challenging.... Keep up the good work !

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

I do get a sense of purpose on each day of flying. I love that part about it.

[@ralfjungnickel1220]

Absolutely nice this vids and suuuper that i found this channel 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@hankbannister]

As a very earthbound person, I never were very interested in aviation, although I have some friends, who are pilots. And now, with 68 and after watching some of your videos, I am fascinated! Thank you for that!

[@Photocollector2010]

How can anyone not like every one of these videos!? Great pass time watching these. And selected screen shots make for good backgrounds on my computer. Thank you for what you are doing!

[@keplerg1]

Very cool! Not a pilot but enjoy the process and scenery. Your personal story is inspirational and fun. Happy Trails...

[@bando404]

This is something I don’t see a lot... beautiful purpose! Good on you man! You should be proud.

[@joycethomas8868]

Very thorough pre-flight check. I like it when the pilot actually thinks about each item, not just spit them out.

[@nojabformeeducateyourself3393]

Love for the job is not a job it’s a passion. Love your videos and looking forward to your 360 cam.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

They are coming to a vlog.next well I think.

[@jdbrown3695]

Thanks for the background. Glad to hear what you are doing. Nice video.

[@falgul21]

Awesome as always !!! Go for your dreams ... congratulations!!! many Blessings !! Thanks for your videos !!

[@plw997]

I enjoy your videos so much. When I was younger I had ambitions to go to South America with Missionary Aviation Fellowship but never took the step. I wish I had. Course when I was looking into it the planes were not like the Turbos you fly. They were Piper Cubs and Cessna 180's and NO GLASS SCREENS !!!!!!! Anyway what you do sure looks like fun and like you say you have a mission and purpose and you are helping people which makes it worth while. Keep up the good work.

[@islander730]

Amen brother God bless

[@IsikeliLesi]

Well done bush pilot

[@trip1]

I don't believe in god but I believe in doing what you love and working to help others is the most rewarding career you can have. Love your videos and do what makes you happy brother! Glad you can live the dream!

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Well said!

[@maienduo]

Wewak my hometown, watching from New England. There is a flying school 10 minutes away, hope to send one of sons there if they have interest in missionary aviation

[@humanbraininrobotbod]

I'm not religious, but I admire your dedication to helping people. Keep it up and stay safe!

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

What gets you to where you are, is your business. I just enjoy to watching your channel and learn about aviation. Many people do what they love they could care less about climbing the "ladder to success"

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

Well, thanks for watching. Glad you enjoy the videos.

[@retrodad6864]

Brilliant Ryan. Really interesting to hear how you became a missionary bush pilot. Laughed at the fuel guy. He would have to be deaf not to hear that! Thanks for posting.

[@MissionaryBushPilot]

He heard it 😁

[@williamfenton8733]

I was told of an incident at Madang where the airport manager got "sparked" (drunk) and went home leaving the airstrip lights off on manual. The scheduled Air Niugini Fokker F28 from Moresby came in and could not turn the lights on from the cabin so rather than return to Moresby, the Captain, knowing where the manager lived, decided on a fast and loud low level pass over his house to attract his attention. An F28 at that speed and altitude attracted the attention of the entire town. But the manager snoozed on. The flight had to return to POM late at night. Aviation in PNG has some really great stories.