Speak Up storyteller: Andy Christie

Speak Up is Saturday, March 29th at Real Art Ways in Hartford. Doors open at 7:00 PM. The show begins promptly at 8:00 PM.

We are sold out! There may be some standing room tickets available, but that’s it!

This week we introduce the storytellers who you will be hearing from on Saturday night. Hope to see you there!
_____________________________

Andy Christie is the creator and host of The Liar Show. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, in the Thomas Beller Anthology, Lost and Found: Stories from New York and on WFUV's CityScape. His humor book, I Wasn’t Kidding: How To Commit Suicide So They'll Never Forget It, was published by Random House in the United States and the United Kingdom. Consequently his work can be found on the remainder shelves of two continents.

He is a Moth Urban Storytelling Grand Slam Champion and can be heard on their Peabody Award Winning Radio broadcast, The Moth Radio Hour.

Speak Up storyteller: Kathy Binder

Speak Up is Saturday, March 29th at Real Art Ways in Hartford. Doors open at 7:00 PM. The show begins promptly at 8:00 PM.

We are sold out! There may be some standing room tickets available, but that’s it!

This week we introduce the storytellers who you will be hearing from on Saturday night. Hope to see you there!
_____________________________

Kathy Binder makes her storytelling debut at Speak Up. Kathy left the corporate world in NYC to raise her three wonderful children in West Hartford by way of Providence, RI. When not volunteering for a number of organizations locally, she likes to challenge herself with new ventures. Having recently completed Matthew’s Dicks Speak Up storytelling workshop, taking the stage was a logical next step.

She believes that if you are not occasionally doing something that makes you nervous, you are not taking enough risks in your life. Eddie, her husband of 25 years, is her soul mate and greatest support while her three children, Evan, Aaron and Celia provide an endless supply of great story material.

Speak Up storyteller: Lynelle Abel

Our next Speak Up storytelling event is on Saturday, March 29th at Real Art Ways in Hartford. Doors open at 7:00 PM. The show begins promptly at 8:00 PM.

There are still some tickets available, though we are expecting a sell out, so purchase them now before it’s too late. Tickets available here.

This week we introduce the storytellers who you will be hearing from on Saturday night. Hope to see you there!
_______________________________

Lynelle Abel is a blue collar girl at heart and finds that her best stories come from her small town roots. She credits her keen interest in storytelling to her mother and her 7 brothers and sisters. They are the consummate story tellers – and have shaped Lynelle’s life in indescribable ways through their stories of resilience and humor in the face of incredible hardships.

Lynelle is proud of her not so picture perfect childhood – and while she and her husband went through great lengths to provide a more wholesome life for their two sons – she secretly hopes they are creating their own life stories filled with interesting people, happenings and experiences they’ve had along their journey through life. She can’t wait to hear some of their law and order stories when they are ready to disclose them…

Lynelle holds a master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational psychology and in her now adult white collar world; works as the director of Volunteer Services for Yale-New Haven Hospital and feels genuinely blessed to witness daily the extraordinary acts of kindness from ordinary people.

The Moth: Sit ups

The following is a story that I told at a Moth StorySLAM at Housing Works in New York City last summer. 

The theme of the night was Sweat. I told a story about a cruel physical education teacher and my shameful response to him.

I finished in first place.

Speak Up storyteller: Robert Fiedler

Our next Speak Up storytelling event is on Saturday, March 29th at Real Art Ways in Hartford.

Doors open at 7:00 PM. The show begins promptly at 8:00 PM.

There are still some tickets available, though we are expecting a sell out, so purchase them now before it’s too late. Tickets available here.

This week we introduce the storytellers who you will be hearing from on Saturday night.

Hope to see you there!
_______________________________
Robert Fiedler is a New York raised, Connecticut educated attorney (family law, real estate and criminal law in addition to the assorted odds and ends).

He is the husband to one and father to three. Self-employed, Robert celebrates waking up in the morning and going to sleep at night. He enjoys music, sports, theater, and embarrassing his daughter whenever possible.  

Speak Up storyteller: Phil Woods

Our next Speak Up storytelling event is on Saturday, March 29th at Real Art Ways in Hartford.

Doors open at 7:00 PM. The show begins promptly at 8:00 PM.

There are still some tickets available, though we are expecting a sell out, so purchase them now before it’s too late. Tickets available here.

This week we introduce the storytellers who you will be hearing from on Saturday night.

Hope to see you there!
_______________________________
Phil Woods was born and raised in NJ. He has six brothers and seven sisters (this honed his survival instincts). He spent three years in the Air Force in North Dakota before being kicked out. He graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a degree in chemical engineering.

He is married to Liz Woods, and they have three children. Since he was not fit to work with others, he started and ran Woods Restoration 20 years ago. He’s only been in jail three times. He is currently unemployed, waiting for next offer.

Speak Up storyteller: Robin Gelfenbien

Our next Speak Up storytelling event is on Saturday, March 29th at Real Art Ways in Hartford.

Doors open at 7:00 PM. The show begins promptly at 8:00 PM.

There are still some tickets available, though we are expecting a sell out, so purchase them now before it’s too late. Tickets available here.

This week we introduce the storytellers who you will be hearing from on Saturday night.

Hope to see you there!
_______________________________

Robin Gelfenbien has written jokes for emcee Rosie O’Donnell at The Matrix Awards where featured presenters included Martha Stewart, Rupert Murdoch and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Her original comedy songs have played on Sirius Satellite Radio and The Wiseguy Show hosted by Vinny “Big Pussy” Pastore. She’s been on VH1’s “Awesomely Badder Videos,” AMC’s “Liza Life Coach” with Cheri O’Teri, and she starred in a commercial directed by Spike Lee.

Her critically-acclaimed solo show, “My Salvation Has a First Name (A Wienermobile Journey)” premiered at the New York International Fringe Festival. As a storyteller, Robin has performed at The Moth, RISK!, Mortified, and she is the creator of the monthly storytelling series, “Yum’s the Word,” that features her homemade ice cream cakes. She also created the web series “Auntie, Do Tell” with her 72 year-old aunt, she's been featured in Marie Claire magazine, and she writes for Huffington Post Comedy. www.robingelfenbien.com. @robingelfenbien

The Moth: Deformed Cow and Moonlight Deer

The following is a story that I told at a Moth StorySLAM at Housing Works in New York City in July of last year. 

The theme of the night was Wanderlust. I told a story about my last minute trip to Virginia to see a cow.

I finished in first place.

The Moth: Shoe Thief

The following is a story that I told at a Moth StorySLAM at The Bell House in Brooklyn in March of 2012. 

The theme of the night was Theft. I told a story about the theft of shoes from a local show store.

I finished in first place.

The Moth: Black and White in Washington

The following is a story that I told at a Moth StorySLAM at Housing Works in New York City earlier this year. 

The theme of the night was Summer. I told a story about my pursuit of a girl while working in Washington DC and the unexpected and unfortunate turn that it ultimately took.  

I finished in first place.

The Moth: Trigger Pulled

The following is a story that I told at a Moth GrandSLAM at The Music Hall in Williamsburg in March of last year. 

The theme of the night was The Tipping Point. I told a story about an  armed robbery that I experienced while managing a McDonald’s restaurant.

I finished in second place.

The Moth: The Turtle and Me

The following is a story that I told at a Moth StorySLAM at Villa Victoria in Boston in August of last year. 

The theme of the night was Summer. I told a story about the fate of a snapping turtle at summer camp.

I finished in first place.

My daughter is tougher than a thousand Moth judges.

I competed in a Moth GrandSLAM at The Music Hall in Williamsburg last night and finished in second place. Second place again. By a tenth of a point again.

The only consolation was that I lost to my favorite storyteller of all time, who has beaten me by a tenth of a point more than a few times in my Moth career. If I'm going to lose, I'd prefer to lose to him every time.

In truth, I was also pleased to have told my story well and to have held my own in a field of extraordinary storytellers. It was truly an all-star lineup.

When I woke my four year-old daughter up this morning, she yawned, wiped the sleep from her eyes and asked, “So? Did you win last night?”

“No, sweetie. But I came in second.”

She frowned and made a tiny raspberry sound. Then she sat up, looked me in the eye and said, “C’mon, Daddy. You always come in second place.”

Sometimes a little girl’s assessment of your performance in the privacy of her own bedroom can be tougher to handle than five teams of Moth judges in a room full of 500 people.

Speak Up storyteller: Rachel Leventhal-Weiner

Our next Speak Up storytelling event is on Saturday, January 18, at 8:00 at Real Art Ways in Hartford.

The show is sold out! Hope you got your tickets already!

This week we introduce you to the storytellers who you will be hearing from on Saturday night.

Hope to see you there!
_______________________________

Rachel Leventhal-Weiner is a sociologist mom living in West Hartford.  A native of New Jersey, Rachel has been writing creative stories since she was a little girl and is thrilled for another chance to take the mic with Speak Up at Real Art Ways.

By day, Rachel teaches in the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College. By afternoon, evening, and weekend, you can find Rachel filling every minute of the day with adventures with family and friends. 

She is the mother of two exuberant little girls who keep her on her toes. She loves to cook most things from scratch, wishes she had more time to crochet, and is never going to give up on her dream of running a (half) marathon. She loves a good hike, a great cocktail, and time with her incredible husband, David. Rachel spends her “free” time clicking keys on her laptop and sipping on coffee at Hartford Baking Company, writing scholarly papers and blogging at www.roguecheerios.com.

Speak Up storyteller: John Leahy

Our next Speak Up storytelling event is on Saturday, January 18, at 8:00 at Real Art Ways in Hartford.

Tickets can be purchased online here or purchased at the door, provided that we don’t sell out prior to Saturday.

This week we introduce you to the storytellers who you will be hearing from on Saturday night.

Hope to see you there!
_______________________________

John Leahy works at CT valley electric exchange (Convex) supervising the electric power grid for the State of Connecticut. He spent almost 9 years in the United States Nuclear submarine service.

Married to my wife Alisa, they have father of three daughters. He enjoys golfing, running, traveling and fine Irish whiskey. He was born in New York City and lives in Rocky Hill.

The Moth: The Tyranny of the 10-Speed Bike

The following is a story that I told at a Moth StorySLAM at The Oberon in Boston in May of last year. 

The theme of the night was Envy. I told a story about the realization of the limitations of poverty.

I finished in first place.

Speak Up storyteller: Andrew Mayo

Our next Speak Up storytelling event is on Saturday, January 18, at 8:00 at Real Art Ways in Hartford.

Tickets can be purchased online here or purchased at the door, provided that we don’t sell out prior to Saturday.

This week we introduce you to the storytellers who you will be hearing from on Saturday night.

Hope to see you there!
_______________________________

Andrew Mayo received a Bachelor’s Degree from Princeton University, a Certificate in Jazz and Popular Music Performance from the Hartford Conservatory, a Master’s in Music Education from the Hartt School at the University of Hartford and a 6^th year certificate in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University. His teaching career began with Teach for America in Brooklyn, New York in 1990. He is now the Supervisor for the Department of Fine and Performing Arts for West Hartford Public Schools.

Besides teaching, Andrew is also an avid songwriter and composer, and has written a mix of classical, pop, rock, and folk music for many different projects. Credits include soundtracks for children’s radio (Captain 5-A-Day) and TV show pilots (Let’s Go Mathing), as well the lullaby CD Miracle, created for St. Francis hospital. His rock opera The Clowns was staged in January 2013 at Playhouse on Park in West Hartford, and his next project, a musical for tweens called The Tweets, will be workshopped in July, 2014. Samples of his music can be found at www.andymayomusic.com, www.soundcloud.com/andymayomusic, and www.soundcloud.com/andymayomusicthetweets. Andrew lives with his wife and three children in West Hartford.

Speak Up storyteller: Chris Hall

Our next Speak Up storytelling event is on Saturday, January 18, at 8:00 at Real Art Ways in Hartford.

Tickets can be purchased online here or purchased at the door, provided that we don’t sell out prior to Saturday.

This week we introduce you to the storytellers who you will be hearing from on Saturday night.

Hope to see you there!
_______________________________

Chris Hall is an aerospace engineer by day and an amateur storyteller by night. He can occasionally be seen in Hartford telling tales of his family in Other People’s Stories, and is excited to finally tell a story about himself for a change.

When he is not on stage, Chris enjoys running, volleyball, soul music, and New York style pizza. Originally from Long Island, NY, he now resides in Vernon, CT.

Speak Up storyteller: Jennifer Stanish

Our next Speak Up storytelling event is on Saturday, January 18, at 8:00 at Real Art Ways in Hartford.

Tickets can be purchased online here or purchased at the door, provided that we don’t sell out prior to Saturday.

This week we introduce you to the storytellers who you will be hearing from on Saturday night.

Hope to see you there!
_______________________________

Jennifer Stanish is a teacher, mentor, musician, songwriter, vocal performer, and nature lover. She received a Bachelor's Degree from the Hartt School at the University of Hartford, and her teaching certificate and Master's Degree in Elementary Education from CCSU. She adores her students and has spent her entire teaching career at Wolcott School in West Hartford, CT.  

Her most important role however is mother to her two children. When Jennifer is not in her classroom, she enjoys singing (especially blues and jazz), playing piano and saxophone, camping trips, hiking, bike riding, playing setback, taking pictures, and spending time with family and friends.  Jennifer is happiest when she is outdoors; day - night, winter- summer!  

She has been a resident of Southington her whole life and resides there with her husband, two children, and two funny cats.  A long-time performer, she is excited to do something a little bit different and is thrilled to be a part of Speak Up!

My TED Talk: Speak Less. Expect More.

In August of 2013, I gave a TED Talk on Education and Innovation at the AT&T Conference Center in conjunction with Center for 21st Century Skills.

Unfortunately (and incredibly frustratingly for both me and the producer of the event), the sound on the recording was poor.

I can’t tell you how annoyed we both are. They have hired a sound studio to attempt to clean up the audio, but I’m not holding my breath,

I hope to give this talk again at another TED conference, but until now, this is all I have, poor sound and all.

I’m reposting it by request.