Explore every episode of the podcast The Odyssey Storytelling Podcast

On February 6, 2025 five storytellers took the Odyssey stage with "Queens," sharing their unique interpretations of the theme. In this episode you will experience tales that explore facets of queenship, from the regal to the shocking to the amusing. 

The storytellers were:
Alexandra "Spiritual Cloud" Gutierrez
Jennifer Teufel Schoenberger
Jennifer Blanco Thomas
Lisa Floran
Rick "Wind" Herrera

Produced by Angela Orlando
Curated by Laura Porfirio

This episode was recorded and produced by Odyssey Storytelling Podcast host, Steven Braun

The music appearing in this episode was:
"Swamptown Shuffle" by Henry W. Jones
"Surefire Rag" by /henry Lodge
"Sentimental Rag" by Mabel Tilton

Whether it’s a person we love, a place we cherish, or even just a feeling, a Safe Space brings us peace throughout our life’s journey. We rang in 2025, with six members of our Tucson community sharing about how they found their safe spaces!

The storytellers were:
Anna Darian
Jodi Engelberg
Ana Montanez
Elena Acoba
Emily Viola

Produced by Angela Orlando
Curated by Lewis Palmateer

The music appearing in this episode was:
"Kansas City Rag" by James Scott
"Dill Pickles Rag" by Charles Leslie Johnson
"Cannonball Rag" by Merle Travis

This episode was recorded and produced by Odyssey Storytelling Podcast host, Steven Braun

Upcycle: “The act of taking something no longer useful to you and giving it a second life and new function so that the finished product becomes more practical, valuable, and beautiful than it was.” 

Like turning wooden pallets into patio furniture, leaving a boring job for a new challenge, or saving your kitchen scraps to make beautiful compost. Have you upcycled a relationship lately? What needs to be upcycled in your life?

In this episode of the Odyssey Storytelling Podcast, seven storytellers relate their experiences of Upcycling. Those storytellers include:

Harrison Orr
Natasha Winnik
Mohammed Al-Sammak
Lynne Gillette
Jonathan Grinder
Carmelene Melani Siani

Produced and curated by Penelope Starr and Adam Hostetter

This episode was recorded and produced by Odyssey Storytelling Podcast host, Steven Braun

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

Spontaneous Storyteller: Jonathan Grinder

This episode was produced by Odyssey Storytelling Podcast host, Steven Braun.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 https://www.patreon.com/odysseystorytelling. Or, find us on Zelle using our email (odysseystorytelling@gmail.com) 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 http://www.odysseystorytelling.com

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 https://www.patreon.com/odysseystorytelling. Or, find us on Zelle using our email (odysseystorytelling@gmail.com) 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 www.odysseystorytelling.com

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 https://www.patreon.com/odysseystorytelling. Or, find us on Zelle using our email (odysseystorytelling@gmail.com) 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 www.odysseystorytelling.com

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 https://www.patreon.com/odysseystorytelling. Or, find us on Zelle using our email (odysseystorytelling@gmail.com) 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 www.odysseystorytelling.com

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 https://www.patreon.com/odysseystorytelling. Or, find us on Zelle using our email (odysseystorytelling@gmail.com) 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 www.odysseystorytelling.com

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 https://www.patreon.com/odysseystorytelling.

The Wasted show was recorded on August 21st, 2021, and was curated by Roscoe Mutz. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit www.odysseystorytelling.com

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 https://www.patreon.com/odysseystorytelling.

The Mother show was originally released on July 15th, 2021, and was curated by Sharon Schneiderman. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit www.odysseystorytelling.com

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 https://www.patreon.com/odysseystorytelling.

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 www.odysseystorytelling.com

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 https://www.patreon.com/odysseystorytelling.

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 www.odysseystorytelling.com

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 https://www.patreon.com/odysseystorytelling.

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 www.odysseystorytelling.com

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:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz9yaDWnbQE 

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 www.odysseystorytelling.com

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:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ucm7go7vGyM 

The Karma show was recordeo online and curated by Phil Gordon. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit www.odysseystorytelling.com

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:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA4uaOorOxY

The Karma show was recordeo online and curated by Bella Vivante and Ethel Lee-Miller. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit www.odysseystorytelling.com

An important announcement regarding the immediate future of the Odyssey Storytelling Podcast.

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:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmU63LO5gTA

The Stranger Things show was recorded online and curated by Steve Braun and Roscoe Mutz. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit www.odysseystorytelling.com

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 www.mjschneiderman.com

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 www.odysseystorytelling.com.

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 www.odysseystorytelling.com.

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:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkLlu82Gx2I

The Invisible show was recorded online and curated by Tony Paniagua. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit www.odysseystorytelling.com

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 www.odysseystorytelling.com.

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 www.odysseystorytelling.com.

"Spirits" was a theme that could have been (and was) interpreted in any number of ways. However, it was also the October 2019 show, and Sergio Gonzalez went straight for the Halloween angle. Of course, it helped that Sergio attended one of the most haunted schools in America, and he has the stories to prove it! From his Odyssey bio:

Sergio M. Gonzalez has been a Tucson resident for about 4 years. Prior to Tucson, Sergio lived in Phoenix but is originally from El Paso, TX. He resides with his wife, son, three dogs and two birds. He is a lover of nerd culture, movies (especially horror and super hero films) and plays both saxophone and bass. The life lived has provided a number of stories, including this one...

This story was performed and recorded in front of a live audience at Sea of Glass Center for the Arts in Tucson, AZ, on October 3rd, 2019, and was curated by Phil Gordon. It was originally released on October 25th, 2019, as part of the episode October 2019: Spirits. For more information about Odyssey Storytelling, please visit www.odysseystorytelling.com.

The essence of our organization is to create community one story at a time. We hold space for people to tell their stories and, share their lived experiences and, more importantly, for others to simply listen. Time and again this has created connections and strengthened our Tucson community. Odyssey Storytelling is proud to present a special event to honor and enhance Black voices. Many storytelling organizations have held similar shows across the country, and similarly we are donating any proceeds for this event to the Tucson chapter of the NAACP.

Storytellers include:

• Bryan Castle
• Stephanie Lyonga
• Davia Moore
• Bo Phillips
• Martha T. and William O. Wills

Stay tuned after the stories for an interview with Doris Snowden, president of the Tucson NAACP, conducted by Odyssey executive director Ana Montañez, followed by a final message from the Wills family about Sunshine Ministries.

Check out the video version here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW1cDzY2kwI

The Black Stories Matter show was recorded online and curated by Darryl Graves. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit www.odysseystorytelling.com

It's only been eleven months since Karla Campillo-Soto told her story at the September 2019 Disaster show, but trust us, it's worth hearing again. Using her experience with the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, she tells a gripping tale of family, resilience, and being okay when disaster strikes. From Karla's Odyssey bio:

Born in Mexico in 1973, Karla Campillo-Soto came to the U.S. in her early twenties as a teacher. Karla’s love for storytelling started when she had the opportunity to listen to a nationally recognized storyteller who came to her school …and it was love at first sound. Karla currently resides in Douglas with her husband and her three children. She is a big fan of Tucson Tellers of Tales and has had the opportunity to tell her stories at the National Library of Congress.

This story was performed and recorded in front of a live audience at Sea of Glass Center for the Arts in Tucson, AZ, on September 5th, 2019, and was curated by Molly McCloy and Roscoe Mutz. It was originally released on September 27th, 2019, as part of the episode September 2019: Disaster. For more information about Odyssey Storytelling, please visit www.odysseystorytelling.com.

When Troy Larkin returned to the Odyssey stage for the December 2018 "Mortified" show, anyone who had seen him tell stories before knew that he was probably going to be talking about his balls. But that knowledge did not prepare the audience for what came next. Suffice it to say that you'll have to listen to the episode to discover the specific type of fruit that was, at one point, the same size as one of Troy's testicles. From his Odyssey bio:

Troy E. Larkin is a lawyer by day and silly-heart by night.  He loves writing, movies, television, and singing poorly to the radio.  Before losing a dare requiring him to move to Tucson, he worked at the Screen Actors Guild in Hollywood and spent his days lollygagging about on beaches in Southern California.

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 6th, 2018, and was curated by Roscoe Mutz. It was originally released on December 28th, 2018, as part of the episode December 2018: Mortified. For more information about Odyssey Storytelling, please visit www.odysseystorytelling.com.

It was nearly two years ago that Manny Mejias stepped onto the Odyssey stage for his public service announcement, which, to paraphrase the man himself, blew our hair back. One of the most singularly powerful stories in Odyssey history, Manny spoke to us about his journey, advised us to listen to kids and give them what they need, and reminded us to love one another. From Manny's Odyssey bio:

Manuel “Manny” Mejias serves as a Reentry Coordinator for Pima Prevention Partnership where he works with the Fortaleza Reentry Collaborative.  Manny is responsible for the day-to-day coordination of the Fortaleza Programs. Manny has more than 20 years of experience working reengagement projects with high risk multicultural offenders.  Manny’s volunteer experience includes public speaking and presentations of his “Choices” and “Manny’s Story” videos.  Manny serves on the Safety and Justice Challenge Steering Committee and is a volunteer board member for the Primavera foundation.

This story was performed and recorded in front of a live audience at Sea of Glass Center for the Arts in Tucson, AZ, on August 2nd, 2018, and was curated by Sharon Schneiderman. It was originally released on August 31st, 2018, as part of the episode August 2018: Red Flags. For more information about Odyssey Storytelling, please visit www.odysseystorytelling.com.

Award-winning author Nooshie Motaref showed up to the May 2018 Fake show with an interesting interpretation of the theme: the idea of a "fake door." In explaning this idea, she told the story of her departure from her native Iran after the ascension of Ayatollah Khomeini, and the difficult journey that ultimately took her to the United States. From Nooshie's Odyssey bio:

Nooshie Motaref, author of award winning novel, Tapestries of the Heart, has gone through many challenging life experiences unlike many women from the Middle East. Her new book, Land of Roses and Nightingales: Seven Adventures of a Persian Girl, is due to come out in May. She left Iran to find freedom. Now in Oro Valley, she tells stories of strong women. She frequently gives speeches on several subjects related to her birthplace including its culture, traditions and religion. Her purpose is to familiarize Western audiences with Iranian life and ethnicity.

This story was performed and recorded in front of a live audience at Sea of Glass Center for the Arts in Tucson, AZ, on May 3rd, 2018, and was curated by Tracy Kurtzman. It was originally released on May 28th, 2018, as part of the episode May 2018: Fake. For more information about Odyssey Storytelling, please visit www.odysseystorytelling.com.

A vagabond is a person who wanders from place to place without a home or job. Right now we find ourselves confined and unable to wander to escape the summer swelter like years past. While the idea of being footloose and fancy free and living on the road is appealing, so are the comforts of stable housing and employment/income during this time of economic upheaval. For Odyssey Storytelling's third online show, we invite you to leave these concerns behind and join us on a journey of exploration, adventure, discovery, possibility, and exhaustion as we hear from several tellers sharing their stories of life on the road.

Storytellers include:

• Joe Pagac
• Carrie Lipnick
• Paul Barach
• Yasmin Khan

Check out the video version here:

https://youtu.be/_Na8CVySybs

The Vagabond Dreams show was recorded online and curated by Joe Silins. For more information on Odyssey Storytelling, please visit www.odysseystorytelling.com

Additional music for this episode:

Frogs Legs Rag by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5761-frogs-legs-rag License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/