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.

October 2024: Creepy 11/13/2024

October 2024: Creepy Strange sounds in the night. Eyes playing tricks (or not). Unexplained phenomena, or wading into unfamiliar territory. Whether you are creeped out or creeped on, enjoy this episode, recorded live at the Screening Room in Tucson, AZ on October 3rd, 2024, where our storytellers will share true stories of unease and fear, or endeavor to dispel general misconceptions of things typically defined as "Creepy." Produced by Ana Montañez Curated by Roscoe Mutz Storytellers include: Steven Braun Mary Jo Pollack Porter McDonald Ames Granados Brian Taraz, aka Satan Candace Ballesteros Molly McCloy (3-minute impromptu story) This episode was recorded and produced by Odyssey Storytelling Podcast host, Steven Braun. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/33918506

September 2024: Manifestations 10/14/2024

September 2024: Manifestations Manifestations … embodiments, surprises, gifts, appearances, things going from abstract to reality, findings. Stories about things that happen, sometimes conjured, sometimes unexpected. On Thursday, September 5, 2024 7 Odyssey storytellers shared their experiences of release and realization, desire, and revelation. Produced by Roscoe Mutz Curated by Laura Porfirio Storytellers include: Jim Lipson Jesseca Banchy Elena Acoba Niccole Radhe Jill Hofer Christina Oré and Ana Ghoreishian This episode was recorded and produced by Odyssey Storytelling Podcast host, Steven Braun. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/33444582

August 2024: Coming to America 09/23/2024

August 2024: Coming to America Refugees share powerful stories of home, displacement, and belonging in this live storytelling event that promises to be hilarious, heartbreaking, and everything in between. Produced by Christina Early, Angela Orlando and Steven Braun Curated by Laura Porfirio and Barbara Eiswerth Storytellers include: Nadiia Hordiienko Simba Rusita Marbelis Isabel Ávila Maluenga Richard Otim This episode was recorded and produced by Odyssey Storytelling Podcast host, Steven Braun. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/33164572

July 2024: Dreamy 09/02/2024

July 2024: Dreamy Dreaminess is different for us all. Maybe the American Dream has changed the trajectory of your life. Maybe you feel uber-connected to Carl Jung. Maybe dreaminess to you is all ethereal vibes and symbolism, deeply personal and life-changing. Or perhaps Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” had a profound impact on you. Come hear 5 stories about how dreaminess has both dragged us down and lifted us out of the darkest spaces. Produced by Laura Porfirio Curated by Kenzie Morgan Storytellers include: Anna Darian Melanie Madden Hussein Al=Baiaty Taylor Baley Ty Young This episode was recorded and produced by Odyssey Storytelling Podcast host, Steven Braun. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/32869322

Southern AZ Senior Pride presents 20/20 Vision: Looking Back and Looking Forward 08/09/2024

Southern AZ Senior Pride presents 20/20 Vision: Looking Back and Looking Forward On June 15, 2024 Odyssey Storytelling partnered with Southern AZ Senior Pride in celebration of their 20th Anniversary. In the words of Executive Director Mary O'Donoghue, "This celebration is a testament to the dedication and commitment of those who have supported Senior Pride over the years...We acknowledge that while much has been achieved, there is still significant work to be done. As we look into the future, we are inspired to continue building an inclusive and equitable environment which promotes good health, safety, and where every individual in our community can embrace their best life!" We at Odyssey Storytelling agree! 20/20 Vision: Looking Back and Looking Forward was recorded live at the Screening Room in Tucson, AZ, produced by Mary O'Donoghue and curated by Penelope Starr. The storytellers were: Nancy Wilsted Sarah Bahnson David Fitzsimmons Lavina Tomar Sandra Butler Cat Belue (3-Minute Impromptu Story) This episode was recorded and produced by Odyssey Storytelling Podcast host, Steven Braun. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/32518387

June 2024: There's An App for that 07/21/2024

June 2024: There's An App for that Seeking a lover, a chimney sweep, a ride to the circus? Need to check your bank balance, play Parcheesi, or crowdfund your wedding? As we all know, "there's an app for that" -- along with almost anything else you can imagine. Join Odyssey storytellers as we tell true stories about all sorts of app experiences! Produced by Roscoe Mutz Curated by Mary Jo Pollack Storytellers include: A.J. Flick Roberto Bourjac Ana Montanez & Will Cole Martha McClements Emily Viola This episode was recorded and produced by Odyssey Storytelling Podcast host, Steven Braun. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/32229522

May 2024: Dirty Jobs 07/07/2024

May 2024: Dirty Jobs I'm a fool to do your dirty work, oh yeah. Join us Thursday, May 2 to hear stories of unsavory, unsanitary, and downright filthy jobs, from the unique individuals who choose these lines of work. Produced by Angela Orlando Curated by Joe Silins Storytellers include: Eric Aldrich Lynne Gillette Alex Byron Mark Kugheit Molly McCloy Spontaneous Storytellers: Kathleen Boyle Ginny Price This episode was recorded and produced by Odyssey Storytelling Podcast host, Steven Braun. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/32040282

April 2024: The Love Boat, Smooth Sailing or Sinking Ship? 06/28/2024

April 2024: The Love Boat, Smooth Sailing or Sinking Ship? Have your dreams flowed smoothly, like sailing on placid seas - or did you find yuorself crashing on hidden rocks? Everyone's got stories - sublime, tragic, outrageous. Love for another person, a dream, or a cup of coffee. Produced by Ethel Lee-Miller Curated by Bella Vivante Storytellers include: Linda Moran Lewis Palmateer Giuliana Fusco Jonathan Grinder Nino Molinaro Jenn Teufel Schoenberger This episode was recorded and produced by Odyssey Storytelling Podcast host, Steven Braun. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/31924932

March 2024: Legacy, Our 20th Anniversary Show 06/10/2024

March 2024: Legacy, Our 20th Anniversary Show Legacy. It could be that antique chair you’ve coveted or a million dollars from the uncle in Zaire you never knew you had. It could be the bump in your nose or your infectious laugh. It could be the dark memory of a relationship gone bad or a ragged 40-year-old concert T-shirt you stole from your BFF. What does legacy mean to you? Produced and curated by Steven Braun Storytellers include: Beth Lisick Kathleen Williamson Angelo Orlando Lisa Floran John Barnes Ana Montañez This episode was produced by Odyssey Storytelling Podcast host, Steven Braun. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/31675697

February 2024: Leap 06/03/2024

February 2024: Leap Stories of leaps into love, leaps of faith, risky (or risqué) leaps, or a literal leap off a cliff. Maybe you were going to leap but didn't ... Produced and Curated by Ana Montañez Storytellers include: Jen Blanco Jesseca Banchy Abby Louise Jensen Arlene Malinowski Dr. Jamal Früster Cortez Spontaneous Storyteller: Jonathan Grinder This episode was produced by Odyssey Storytelling Podcast host, Steven Braun. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/31574127

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. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/29797123

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 /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/29398453

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. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/28901303

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 /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/28733803

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. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/28715423

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. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/28237106

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 /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/27395235

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. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/27021549

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. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/27010890

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. /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/26741553

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 /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/25762791

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 /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/25188039

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 /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/24176712

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 /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/23022590

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 /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/21446153

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 /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/20434415

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 /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/19910183

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 /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/19278134

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 /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/18931745

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 /episode/index/show/odysseystorytelling/id/18337868

The Odyssey Storytelling Podcast

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