Sweet summertime has arrived in the Midwest. It’s time for long days full of sunshine, grilling, boating and floating on our many lakes and gathering around bonfires to tell tall tales under the starry sky. And to honor sweet summertime, I’d like to focus on storytelling this month. 

I have had the pleasure of being related to arguably one of the most gifted storytellers to ever spin a yarn, my Uncle Jack or “Tortuga Jack,” as he’s known in his neck of the woods. It seems every story the man tells is a work of art. Not just the words he chooses, but the inflection in his voice, the animated look on his face—the delivery is always such a treat for the listener. To have a room full of people (or in his case an entire fleet of tourist kayakers) waiting with bated breath for the next plot twist is an admirable skill that takes practice. As a testament to his skills, this particular artist was recently named the 2022 Poet Laureate of Key West. 

For great storytelling, check out the podcast This American Life with Ira Glass. I got hooked on Ira pre-podcast when This American Life was a radio show on Sunday nights. The program showcases storytelling in its finest form with artful delivery, right down to the accompanying music. Fun fact: In 2019 I was interviewed by a producer of the show for a potential story about living and dying while waiting for PET scan results. They ultimately scrapped the idea, but I still count it as my own near-celebrity moment. 

My personal favorite episode comes from 2016, One Last Thing Before I Go. This episode focuses on saying goodbye and engages the listener through a chilling story from the Cuban Missile Crisis. The men who have their finger on the button waiting to determine what’s next call home for what may be the last time. The most striking part? What they decide to talk about and what they avoid in these moments. All three stories in this episode resonated with me as I am always grappling with my own final goodbye as I continue to balance on the tightrope of a terminal illness. I am certain this series offers something for everyone as the show dates back to 1995. Check it out here: www.thisamericanlife.org

If you’re itching to do more than listen, “The Moth” podcast features fascinating storytelling and tools to teach the art of storytelling. The podcast is dedicated to cultivating great storytelling with “StorySlam” events in different cities. All storytellers are welcome to share a five minute story with the audience. Each live venue event has a different story theme. If you’re not able to catch a story slam, fear not. The Moth website offers “Storytelling School” the second Tuesday of every month. Each session highlights a different crafting strategy complete with a video of a story followed up with writing prompts.

The Moth’s Story Slam events are certainly on my bucket list. And if they ever make their way to Wisconsin, I will get to the event. However, I have been lucky to dip into a local non-profit, Storycatchers. The purpose of this organization is “to create community through shared story space, believing we all have stories to tell.” Even the mission statement is validating for those of us wary of our skills. 

Storycatchers holds live events, very similar to the Moth’s Story Slams. Each event has a different theme and community members are able to share stories in an incredibly supportive setting. This organization has been particularly thoughtful when it comes to venues. Picture a beautiful old chapel or an outdoor patio adorned with sparkly lights making the experience magical for the listener and the storyteller. I have found myself laughing hysterically and depending on the theme and storyteller, wiping tears. What I find most dynamic about the events is how healing and empowering storytelling can be for everyone involved. And witnessing a storyteller beam as listeners hang on each word is mesmerizing. And as a storyteller, feeling the energy of an engaged audience is pure magic.

Stay tuned for next month’s post, which will feature brand new resources to explore.

Kate is a member of several AFC circles. She is an avid reader who enjoys sharing exciting, new resources focusing on personal, professional and spiritual growth. Kate is a freelance writer residing in Northeast Wisconsin with her husband and three teenage children.