The Odyssey Storytelling Podcast
Each month community storytellers take to the Odyssey Storytelling stage to relate true (well, mostly), personal stories loosely related to a pre-chosen theme in front of a live audience. The stories are not read or memorized, they are told from the life experiences and creativity of the teller.
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January 2024: Inner Monologue
02/05/2024
January 2024: Inner Monologue
You know that little voice in your head? Do you ever wonder what someone else is thinking when you see them? Let’s explore the depths of our inner monologues, as our storytellers take the stage to share what that little voice tells them every day! Curated by Lewis Pamateer Produced by Ana Montañez and Roscoe Mutz Storytellers include: Christina Early Steven Braun Czarina Nafarrate Kristina Macholtz Taylor Bailey Spontaneous Storyteller: Karen Wright This episode was produced by Odyssey Storytelling Podcast host, Steven Braun.
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December 2023: Winterizing
01/09/2024
December 2023: Winterizing
Darkness before the light, preparing for the freeze, getting cold, staying warm, hibernating. Tucson fills with tourists and snowbirds, escaping to the sunshine, still our pipes freeze. But like lizards on a warm rock, desert dwellers enjoy the cooler weather. Curated by Penelope Starr & Adam Hostetter Produced by Ana Montañez Storytellers: Silvia Kolchens Susan Friese Jordan Wiley-Hill Lisa Stafford Leigh Mileur Simon Donovan Spontaneous Storyteller: Mary Jo Pollack
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November 2023: Lessons Learned
12/03/2023
November 2023: Lessons Learned
We have all learned a lesson or two in our time. Join curator Jonathan Grinder as he introduces storytellers Brian Taraz, Lewis Palmateer, Rollie Grinder, Dr. Brett Jones, Pablo Valencia, Cecilia Arosemena, and Jon Logan-Rung and the lessons they've learned. This show was produced by the Odyssey Storytelling Podcast host, Steven Braun.
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October 2023: Yikes!
11/21/2023
October 2023: Yikes!
Blood-curdling screams, blushing with mortification, shame and regrets, and whoopsies! Join Odyssey Storytelling as our storytellers take us on a haunted journey through YIKES! situations. Produced and curated by Roscoe Mutz, Yikes! was Odyssey Storytelling's Halloween inspired October theme with storytellers: Hussein Al-Baiaty Jerry (Che) Diaz Liz Baldwin Danny Knee Terri (Tez) Haag The host of the Odyssey Storytelling Podcast is Steven Braun
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September 2023: Arms & Legs, Act Two
11/20/2023
September 2023: Arms & Legs, Act Two
Have you been on your last leg, dealt with the long arm of the law, didn’t have a leg to stand on, risked life & limb, or had a remarkable shot in the arm? Were you armed and dangerous or needed a leg up? Produced by Ana Montañez and curated by the incomparable Mary Jo Pollack, Arms and Legs was a star-studded event, played to a packed audience. The second act of an absolutely fabulous show in front of a near sellout crowd at the Screening Room in Tucson, AZ. The second act storytellers are: Richard Munchkin Molly McCloy Steven Braun The Odyssey Storytelling Podcast is hosted by Steven Braun.
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September 2023: Arms and Legs
10/05/2023
September 2023: Arms and Legs
Have you been on your last leg, dealt with the long arm of the law, didn’t have a leg to stand on, risked life & limb, or had a remarkable shot in the arm? Were you armed and dangerous or needed a leg up? Produced by Ana Montañez and curated by the incomparable Mary Jo Pollack, Arms and Legs was a star-studded event, played to a packed audience. The performance was so spellbinding that only the first half is being posted at this time. The second half will follow shortly. The first act storytellers are: Ethel Lee-Miller Mel Blumenthal Tracey Kurtzman The Odyssey Storytelling Podcast is hosted by Steven Braun.
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DNA
07/06/2023
DNA
What’s in your DNA? Ancestral traits of heroism, artistry, and brilliance … or ancient tales of intrigue and skullduggery? What do you know about the secrets encoded in your chromosomes? On June 1, 2023, five storytellers told true tales about the embedded human software that can enhance or disrupt your sense of who you are and where you’re headed. The storytellers include: Ethel Lee-Miller Dr. Rosalyn Dischiavo Tim Bentley Belle Fitz-Simmons Tez Haag Curated by Jan Stapleman Co-Produced by Ana Montanez and Roscoe Mutz
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March 2023: Upgrade
06/02/2023
March 2023: Upgrade
Upgrades: to a new car, a first-class seat, the dream house, maybe the life you’ve always wanted, stories of upgrades gone well and gone terribly wrong. Is the grass greener? Listen to these fine storytellers to get your answer: Stephanie Lyonga-Farrington, Dr. Brett Jones, Nancy Stanley, Jonathan Grinder, and Zora Thomas. Upgrade was curated and produced by Ana Montanez.
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May 2023: Cycles
06/01/2023
May 2023: Cycles
Wheels turning, seasons changing, and situations running their course. Whether a mode of transportation or periods of time passing, Odyssey Storytellers, Anna Marie Trester, Ames Granados, Tracey Kurtzman, and Andres Portela, share stories of the various “Cycles” of life. Cycles was curated by Laura Porfirio and Marty Dooley.
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January 2023: Obsession
05/04/2023
January 2023: Obsession
Are you infatuated with a Calvin Klein perfume? Did you see the movie “As Good as It Gets” a disturbing number of times? Do you feel an unquenchable urge to wash your hands, even as you read this sentence? That last one could just be a hold over from the recent pandemic. Or, it could be OBSESSION! Whether its unrequited love, paper-folding, the need to constantly organize that unwieldy pantry or any of a thousand obsessions, Odyssey Storytelling offered Tucson storytellers an opportunity to hear and be heard. And Tucson responded in style with: Em Bowen, Czarina Nafarrate, Noel Hennesey, and Dave Fitzsimmons. Obsession was curated by your humble podcast host, Steven Braun and produced by Odyssey Storytelling's executive producer, Ana Montanez.
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December 2022: Imposter
01/29/2023
December 2022: Imposter
Have you ever found yourself slipping into the role of imposter? Have you been duped by a pretender, a conniver, a phony? Did life compel you to orchestrate a ruse, engage in subterfuge, run a con? We’ve all had to alter our personalities to fit in, get by, or measure up but what happens if the deceit goes too far or is used against you? Storytellers include: Adam Maltby Tiara Bertram Lisa Stafford Mary Jo Pollack Molly McCloy We are a nonprofit that relies on proceeds from our live shows to stay financially sustainable. If you love Odyssey as much as we know you do, please help us remain financially stable in these difficult times by becoming an Odyssey Patron at . Or, find us on Zelle using our email () to make a donation. Thank you so much for your support! Odssey Storytelling Presents Imposter was recorded at The Drawing Studio, in Tucson, AZ, on Thursday, December 8, 2022, and was curated by Jan Stapleman and Ana Montañez. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit
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October 2022: Insomnia
12/01/2022
October 2022: Insomnia
Awake again, no shut-eye or rest even though I try my best. Insomnia, that dreaded companion. Tried calming music, melatonin, and meditation- but all I get is aggravation. Relaxing and breathing, no electronics, “highly-recommended” herbal tonics. Yet insomnia has settled in, invisible and inescapable. Will I ever fall asleep? How I long for one that’s deep. Tired and fatigued once more, thanks again to that awful boor. Storytellers include: Ron Lancaster Steven Braun Jerry (Che) Diaz Brian Taraz (aka Satan) We are a nonprofit that relies on proceeds from our live shows to stay financially sustainable. If you love Odyssey as much as we know you do, please help us remain financially stable in these difficult times by becoming an Odyssey Patron at . Or, find us on Zelle using our email () to make a donation. Thank you so much for your support! Odssey Storytelling Presents Insomnia was recorded at The Drawing Studio, in Tucson, AZ, on October 7, 2022, and was curated by Roscoe Mutz and Tony Paniagua. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit
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May 2022: Bulletproof
08/26/2022
May 2022: Bulletproof
Survivors, men and women of steel, getting away with murder. Invulnerable, untouchable (or maybe vulnerable, prone, and touchable). Perhaps, like this episode, refusing to just go away and be forgotten, insisting on being seen and heard no matter the circumstances. Bulletproof! Storytellers include: Sharon Schneiderman Bob Finn Anna Darian Terry Ahearn Ana Montañez We are a nonprofit that relies on proceeds from our live shows to stay financially sustainable. If you love Odyssey as much as we know you do, please help us remain financially stable in these difficult times by becoming an Odyssey Patron at . Or, find us on Zelle using our email () to make a donation. Thank you so much for your support! The Bulletproof show was recorded on May 27th, 2022, and was curated by Steve Braun. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit
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March 2022: Numbers (18th Anniversary Show)
05/05/2022
March 2022: Numbers (18th Anniversary Show)
Numbers are empirical and magical, rigid and flexible, and every part of every day of everybody’s life. They are an exact and a pseudo-science. I’m a six in numerology and a 9 on the Enneagram. They’re frustrating and fun, if you’re keeping score or stats. They can point to a buried treasure on a map, or mark an anniversary, like this show marks Odyssey Storytelling’s 18th! We are a nonprofit that relies on proceeds from our live shows to stay financially sustainable. If you love Odyssey as much as we know you do, please help us remain financially stable in these difficult times by becoming an Odyssey Patron at . Or, find us on Zelle using our email () to make a donation. Thank you so much for your support! The Numbers show was recorded on March 25, 2022, and was curated by Mary Jo Pollack. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit
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November 2021: Campfire Stories
12/10/2021
November 2021: Campfire Stories
Join us for stories around the fire pit! Spooky, scary, the inexplicable and timeless stories we tell each other on a crisp cool night under the stars. Storytellers include: Ana Montañez John Barnes Steve Braun Em Bowen FOUR spontaneous storytellers! We are a nonprofit that relies on proceeds from our live shows to stay financially sustainable. If you love Odyssey as much as we know you do, please help us remain financially stable in these difficult times by becoming an Odyssey Patron at . Or, find us on Zelle using our email () to make a donation. Thank you so much for your support! The Campfire Stories show was recorded on November 5th, 2021, and was curated by Roscoe Mutz. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit
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August 2021: Wasted
09/10/2021
August 2021: Wasted
Odyssey is back! In front of a fully vaccinated crowd in Roscoe's backyard, we gathered in person for the first time in almost two years for drinks, a pool party, and most importantly, local storytelling! Appropriately, the theme was "Wasted," and we had four incredible storytellers, including: Jonathan Grinder Mary Jo Pollack Molly McCloy Roscoe Mutz Two spontaneous storytellers, who normally don't make the final podcast, but we're celebrating, dammit We’re incredibly excited to share that we have officially launched our Patreon site! As you know, we have not charged for shows the entire pandemic, and as I’m sure you can imagine, that has taken it’s toll. As a nonprofit we rely on proceeds from the shows to stay financially sustainable. If you love Odyssey as much as I know you do, please purchase a membership to our shows and help Odyssey reach it’s goal of financial stability. Simply go to . The Wasted show was recorded on August 21st, 2021, and was curated by Roscoe Mutz. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit
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July 2021: Mother
07/30/2021
July 2021: Mother
Mother is a complicated subject for many of us, whether we are mothers ourselves, have memories of our mothers, or have witnessed mothering. Come join our amazing four storytellers who will reflect, muse, and touch your heart with their tales. Storytellers include: Miles Schneiderman Mary Jo Pollack Ethel Lee-Miller Jeremy We’re incredibly excited to share that we have officially launched our Patreon site! As you know, we have not charged for shows the entire pandemic, and as I’m sure you can imagine, that has taken it’s toll. As a nonprofit we rely on proceeds from the shows to stay financially sustainable. If you love Odyssey as much as I know you do, please purchase a membership to our shows and help Odyssey reach it’s goal of financial stability. Simply go to . The Mother show was originally released on July 15th, 2021, and was curated by Sharon Schneiderman. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit
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May 2021: Reversals of Fortune
05/28/2021
May 2021: Reversals of Fortune
Once upon a time kale was used as a colorful, frilly buffet garnish, then thrown away. Nobody ate it. Then, seemingly overnight, everyone started eating kale. Once upon a time Snoop Dog was an anti-establishment gangsta; now he hosts a TV game show and is BFFs with Martha Stewart. Once upon a time nerds were not cool; now geek is chic. These are stories about reversals of fortune. Storytellers include: Troy Larkin Mel Blumenthal Joey Rodgers We’re incredibly excited to share that we have officially launched our Patreon site! As you know, we have not charged for shows the entire pandemic, and as I’m sure you can imagine, that has taken it’s toll. As a nonprofit we rely on proceeds from the shows to stay financially sustainable. If you love Odyssey as much as I know you do, please purchase a membership to our shows and help Odyssey reach it’s goal of financial stability. Simply go to . The Reversals of Fortune show was originally released on May 13th, 2021, and was curated by Steve Braun. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit
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April 2021: Camp
04/30/2021
April 2021: Camp
Camping, tramping, or glamping, the April 2021 Odyssey Storytelling show has it all. An International lineup of eight talented tellers will regale, scare, or entertain you with their outdoor experiences in the wilds of nature! Storytellers include: Drew Cronyn Sally Lanyon Anna Marie Trester Kevin Scott Chess Ron Lancaster Johanne Pelletier Julie Baker We’re incredibly excited to share that we have officially launched our Patreon site! As you know, we have not charged for shows the entire pandemic, and as I’m sure you can imagine, that has taken it’s toll. As a nonprofit we rely on proceeds from the shows to stay financially sustainable. If you love Odyssey as much as I know you do, please purchase a membership to our shows and help Odyssey reach it’s goal of financial stability. Simply go to . The Cultivation show was originally released on April 1st, 2021, and was curated by Mary Jo Pollack. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit
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March 2021: Cultivation
03/15/2021
March 2021: Cultivation
It’s Odyssey’s birthday again! Let’s celebrate with stories of all the beautiful cultures represented in our Odyssey family. We all come from very different backgrounds, races, ethnicities and experiences. These show up in our foods, our languages, the way we speak, what we wear and most of all how we treat each other. That’s the beauty of diversity! In the spirit of Odyssey’s mission to create community one story at a time – come listen, learn and appreciate difference. Storytellers include: Steve Braun Susana Perez-Abreu Blake Gentry Rhonda Wren Liz Rabago Bryan Castle We’re incredibly excited to share that we have officially launched our Patreon site. As you know, we have not charged for shows the entire pandemic, and as you can imagine, that has taken it’s toll. As a nonprofit we rely on proceeds from the shows to stay financially sustainable. If you love Odyssey as much as we know you do, please purchase a membership to our shows and help Odyssey reach it’s goal of financial stability. Simply go to . And since it's our 17th anniversary show, please visit our Facebook page to bid for items in our annual auction fundraiser! The Cultivation show was produced online and curated by Ana Montañez. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit
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Best of 2020
01/22/2021
Best of 2020
After many centuries, 2020 is finally in the rearview mirror, and Odyssey Storytelling is celebrating with our Best of 2020 compilation show! In 2020, we had to cancel our live events due to COVID-19 and go virtual instead, but we remained committed to our goal of celebrating local storytelling. This episode consists of five hand-picked stories from the year that was in Odyssey, including: Ethel Lee-Miller (Quarantine) Yasmin Khan (Vagabond Dreams) Bryan Castle (Black Stories Matter) Bobby Alvarez (Stranger Things) Mort Nathan (Snowflake) Check out the video version here: The Best of 2020 show was curated by Ana Montañez, Roscoe Mutz, Steve Braun, Phil Gordon, and Joe Silins. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit
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December 2020: Snowflake
12/18/2020
December 2020: Snowflake
The primary symbol of the snowflake is uniqueness and individuality. They are delicate, fragile and fleeting.. As snowflakes tumble through the air, swirling and spiraling, they each take a different path to the ground. A beautiful thought for sure but not so fast. To some the term snowflake has taken on a more political connotation to indicate weakness in an opponent. Winter wonderlands, inspiration and family gatherings gone wild! Storytellers include: Pete Christensen Bethany Evans Veneranda Jade Mort Nathan Daniel Rozenstrauch Check out the video version here: The Karma show was recordeo online and curated by Phil Gordon. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit
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November 2020: Karma
11/13/2020
November 2020: Karma
How do you flow on the river of life? Have you received instant rewards, or did they arrive after many twists and turns of the universal flow? Or did punishment come fast as lightning or after many spins around the sun? This one promises to produce instant rewards! Storytellers include: Gail Arrenholz Tim Foran Ron Lancaster Mary Jo Pollack Susan Allen Check out the video version here: The Karma show was recordeo online and curated by Bella Vivante and Ethel Lee-Miller. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit
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An Important Announcement
11/06/2020
An Important Announcement
An important announcement regarding the immediate future of the Odyssey Storytelling Podcast.
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October 2020: Stranger Things
10/09/2020
October 2020: Stranger Things
Worlds turned upside down. Unexpected, unexplained, or under-explained experiences. Familiar face or complete stranger? Things that give you goosebumps or make the hair on your neck stand at attention. Quirky or creepy? A little bit off...or completely off the charts? Get weird, eerie, and/or perplexed with Odyssey as we ponder and attempt to make sense of life’s stranger things. Storytellers include: Cassandra Bendickson Joe Silins Jan Stapleman Ursula Bachofer Linda Ray Robert Alvarez Check out the video version here: The Stranger Things show was recorded online and curated by Steve Braun and Roscoe Mutz. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit
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Miles Schneiderman, Haunted
10/02/2020
Miles Schneiderman, Haunted
For the first time ever, Miles Schneiderman is featuring one of his own stories on the Odyssey Storytelling Podcast...with a twist! After returning the October 2017 Haunted show, where Miles told "The Story of the Haunted Pizza Hut," Miles' mom crashes the podcast studio to talk about how she doesn't remember the Pizza Hut being haunted, and speculates on what might really have happened that night. From Miles' Odyssey bio: Miles Schneiderman is a freelance…everything, basically. Having never fully understood the concepts of “getting a job” or “finding a career,” he is happy to accept money from anyone willing to pay him to do the things he does best. As it happens, those things are primarily writing, podcasting, and all the things that come alongside writing and podcasting, like editing, fact-checking, proofreading, and audio production. He has been published in multiple places, including Yes! Magazine (which is impressive because it’s a well-respected journal of social and political solutions) and the science fiction blog Universes of the Mind (which is less impressive because it’s just a blog that he started one time). He is the host and producer of the Odyssey Storytelling Podcast, co-host and producer of the Smash Fiction Podcast and The NXT Wrestling Fan, and co-host of the Unspoiled! Twilight Podcast. Links to all his work can be found at This story was performed and recorded in front of a live audience at the YWCA in Tucson, AZ, on October 5th, 2017, and was curated by Roscoe Mutz. It was originally released on October 26th, 2017, as part of the episode October 2017: Haunted. For more information about Odyssey Storytelling, please visit .
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Tanu Vyas, Chill
09/18/2020
Tanu Vyas, Chill
We have another story from the December 2019 Chill show for you this week, as newcomer Tanu Vyas takes us along for the ride on her physical and spiritual journey. From Tanu's Odyssey bio: Tanu Vyas was born in Jaipur, India and is an elementary school teacher by profession. She’s also an intuitive healer, does reiki, and holds meditation classes. This story was performed and recorded in front of a live audience at Sea of Glass Center for the Arts in Tucson, AZ, on December 5th, 2019, and was curated by Joe Silins. It was originally released on December 27th, 2019, as part of the episode December 2019: Chill. For more information about Odyssey Storytelling, please visit .
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September 2020: Invisible (A Bilingual Event)
09/11/2020
September 2020: Invisible (A Bilingual Event)
Two versus one, twice as much- or perhaps- just invisible. Bilingual, bicultural and on the border- maybe unwanted, unseen and uncomfortable. However, also proud. “Speak English,” but why not something else? One world, two cultures, three languages in some cases. Invisible or unmistakable? Storytellers include: Czarina Nafarrate Albrecht Classen Alma Rosa Montañez Diego Piña Lopez Consuelo Hernandez Daniel Duncan Check out the video version here: The Invisible show was recorded online and curated by Tony Paniagua. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit
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Cam Juarez, Chill
09/04/2020
Cam Juarez, Chill
Cam Juarez returns to the Odyssey Storytelling Podcast, with his December 2019 story about the concept of "chilling," or "being/staying chill," particularly when life is throwing you weird curveballs and doctors and nurses are glancing warily between you and the tests they've just performed on you with ominously confused looks on their faces. From Cam's Odyssey bio: Cam Juárez was born to migrant farm worker parents in Yuma, Arizona. Cam holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the UofA in Mexican American Studies, Political Sciences, and Urban Planning. His engagement in the community includes being a founding member of the Arizona César E. Chávez Holiday Coalition and a TUSD Governing Board member (2013- 2017). Cam joined the National Park Service in January 2016, and serves as the Community Engagement & Outreach Director for Saguaro National Park. Cam and his wife, Montserrat have a 10 year old son, Julián who is a 5th grader in TUSD. This story was performed and recorded in front of a live audience at Sea of Glass Center for the Arts in Tucson, AZ, on December 5th, 2019, and was curated by Joe Silins. It was originally released on December 27th, 2019, as part of the episode December 2019: Chill. For more information about Odyssey Storytelling, please visit .
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Riley, Second Chances
08/28/2020
Riley, Second Chances
At the November 2019 Second Chances show, the Odyssey crowd was treated to an appearance from Riley, whose unique storytelling style underpins her retelling of events that made her who she is today. From Riley's Odyssey bio: I’m Seminole-Creek from Oklahoma. I was raised by my Grandmother and her sister and spoke only Seminole till I had to go to school at age 6. I’m an artist, head injury survivor, and long-time resident of Tucson, Arizona. I like to cook tasty meals and sometimes do yard work and clay work. This story was performed and recorded in front of a live audience at Sea of Glass Center for the Arts in Tucson, AZ, on November 7th, 2019, and was curated by Ethel Lee-Miller and Bella Vivante. It was originally released on November 29th, 2019, as part of the episode November 2019: Second Chances. For more information about Odyssey Storytelling, please visit .
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