Speak Up Storytelling

On episode #62 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! A little bit.  In our follow-up segment, we explain the tragedies that caused us to be absent for the last three weeks. We also congratulate our friends in Australia on their first storytelling show!  Next we offer a new strategy that Matt has been using in the classroom for a decade and recently brought it to his storytelling instruction with great success.  Finally, we each offer a recommendation.   STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019 September 7: “Tests” at Real Art Ways November 2: Great Hartford Story Slam, Hartford Flavor Company November 9: Sara Kaplan: Champion of the World at Emmanuel Synagogue, West Hartford, CT November 23: Twenty-one Truths About Love book release, CT Historical Society, Hartford, CT December 14: “Crafty” at CT Historical Society, Hartford, CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019-2020 October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NCOctober 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripa

On episode #61 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow-up segment, we discuss our magical night of storytelling earlier in the week. We also update listeners on Charlie's health and remind listeners about our upcoming trip to Seattle.  STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019 August 10: Great Hartford Story Slam at Hartford Flavor Company August 17: Solo storytelling show at Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA September 7: “Tests” at Real Art Ways November 2: Great Hartford Story Slam, location TBD November 23: Twenty-one Truths About Love book release, CT Historical Society, Hartford, CT December 14: “Crafty” at CT Historical Society, Hartford, CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health November 9: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society November 16: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society December 6-8: St

On episode #60 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling with special guest Eric Feeney.  In our follow-up segment, we hear from a listener who has found a surprising benefit to Homework for Life and another with storytelling advice for Matt. We also inquire about the possible existence of listeners in the Louisville area. STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019 August 10: Great Hartford Story Slam at Hartford Flavor Company August 17: Solo storytelling show at Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA September 7: “Tests” at Real Art Ways November 2: Great Hartford Story Slam, location TBD November 23: Twenty-one Truths About Love book release, CT Historical Society, Hartford, CT December 14: “Crafty” at CT Historical Society, Hartford, CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health November 9: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society November 16: 

On episode #59 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow-up segment, we inform listeners about Matt's blog and consulting services, and we update them on dates for new ashows and workshops.  STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019 August 10: Great Hartford Story Slam at Hartford Flavor Company August 17: Solo storytelling show at Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA September 7: “Tests” at Real Art Ways November 2: Great Hartford Story Slam, location TBD November 23: Twenty-one Truths About Love book release, CT Historical Society, Hartford, CT December 14: “Crafty” at CT Historical Society, Hartford, CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health November 9: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society November 16: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society December 6-8: Storytelling workshop (advanced), Kripalu Center

On episode #58 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks take their show on the road to Miss Porter's School in Farmington, CT. Today's podcast was recorded in front of a group of students who will be spending the week with Matt, writing, telling stories and learning to podcast.  In our follow-up segment, we will learn about the storytelling possibilities while competing in the sport of curling, and we will go under the podcasting hood to discuss some of the hopefully occasional imperfections in the editing of our podcast.  STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 July 27: Storytelling workshop (advanced), CT Historical Society July 29-August 2: Storytelling bootcamp, CT Historical Society August 17: Storytelling workshop, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health December 6-8: Storytelling workshop (advanced), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health STORYTELLING SH

On episode #57 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, MatthewDicks talks storytelling! In our followup segment, I congratulate listeners on recent success at The Moth.  I also discuss our upcoming shows and workshops:  ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS: August 17: Solo storytelling show at Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 July 27: Storytelling workshop (advanced), CT Historical Society October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginner), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Heath December 6-8: Storytelling workshop (advanced), Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health Next we listen to Matt's story about a difficult medical decision and what it revealed about his marriage to Elysha.  Amongst the many things discussed includes: Identifying the crux of the story "Why do we do the things we do?" Finding the beginning of a story by centering on the end "But" statements in the midst of humor Tonality Truth in storytelling Ending a story effectively

On episode #56 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow-up segment, we update listeners on the status of our cat, Pluto, hear from a storyteller who started Homework for Life at just the right time, and debate the value of memory.  STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 July 27: Storytelling workshop (advanced), CT Historical Society July 29-August 2: Storytelling bootcamp, CT Historical Society August 17: Storytelling workshop, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health December 6-8: Storytelling workshop (advanced), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019 August 10: Great Hartford Story Slam at Hartford Flavor Company August 17: Solo storytelling show at Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA September 7: “Tests” at Real Art Ways In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about how we need to collect the small b

On episode #55 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss some exciting news from the world of the parent and trademark office and from a recent Moth StorySLAM. We also hear from a listener who identifies an unfortunate verbal tic that Matt must now excise from his lexicon.   STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 July 27: Storytelling workshop (advanced), CT Historical Society July 29-August 2: Storytelling bootcamp, CT Historical Society August 17: Storytelling workshop, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health December 6-8: Storytelling workshop (advanced), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019 August 10: Great Hartford Story Slam at Hartford Flavor Company August 17: Solo storytelling show at Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA September 7: “Tests” at Real Art Ways In our Homework for

On episode #54 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we shout out the kindness of several readers of Storyworthy, talk about the concept of 1,000 true fans, read a listener email about a full year of Homework for Life, and offer some opinions on the final episodes of Game of Thrones.   STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 July 27: Storytelling workshop (advanced), CT Historical Society July 29-August 2: Storytelling bootcamp, CT Historical Society August 17: Storytelling workshop, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health December 6-8: Storytelling workshop (advanced), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019 August 10: Great Hartford Story Slam at Hartford Flavor Company August 17: Solo storytelling show at Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA September 7: “Tests” at Real Art Ways In our Homework

On episode #53 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, MatthewDicks talks storytelling! In our followup segment, we read letters about Homework for Life from two of our listeners.  We also discuss our upcoming shows and workshops:  ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS: August 10: Great Hartford Story Slam at Hartford Flavor Company August 17: Solo storytelling show at Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA September 7: “Tests” at Real Art Ways November 2: Great Hartford Story Slam, location TBD December 14: “Crafty” at CHS, Hartford, STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 July 27: Storytelling workshop (advanced), CT Historical Society October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginner), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Heath December 6-8: Storytelling workshop (advanced), Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health Then Elysha departs for the rest of the episode and Matt plays a story of his own.  Amongst the many things he discusses include: Big moments transformed into small, relatable m

On episode #52 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our followup segment, we shout out several dedicated listeners and discuss the benefits of dot journaling.  ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS: June 8: “Nature Calls: Stories of the Outdoors” at Infinity Hall August 10: Great Hartford Story Slam at Hartford Flavor Company August 17: Solo storytelling show, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 July 27: Storytelling workshop (advanced), CT Historical Society October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginner), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Heath December 6-8: Storytelling workshop (advanced), Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health  In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about how a small moment in the present can often be connected to a similar mom

On episode #51 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling and celebrate our one year anniversary with the second half of our live episode! In our followup segment,  ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS: June 8: “Nature Calls: Stories of the Outdoors” at Infinity Hall August 10: Great Hartford Story Slam at Hartford Flavor Company August 17: Solo storytelling show, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health Next we listen to stories by Rachel Leventhal-Weiner and Beverly Brakeman.  Amongst the many things we discuss include: Opening scenes that activate imagination Making a story more about yourself The power of brevity Approaching emotional topics from varying angles The advantages of keeping your story "in the moment" In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about stealing a Homework for Life moment from Elysha, and he talks about how it might be turned i

On episode #50 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling and celebrate our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN OUR FIRST LIVE EPISODE! In our followup segment, we hear from our friends in Australia, who are attending the show virtually! We also hear from a listener who suggests a way of using Facebook to expand your Homework for Life and from another who makes an interesting comparison between listening to music and listening to stories.  ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS: June 8: “Nature Calls: Stories of the Outdoors” at Infinity Hall August 10: Great Hartford Story Slam at Hartford Flavor Company August 17: Solo storytelling show, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA Next we listen to stories by Amanda Coletti and Jack Bourque.  Amongst the many things we discuss include: Opening scenes that activate imagination Avoiding clumping  Strategies for humor in storytelling  The advantages of keeping your story "in the moment" Making your story about something bigger than the story itself The power of vuln

On episode #49 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our followup segment, we hear from a linguist who tries to get Matt out of hot water and we learn about a new and unique way of recording Homework for Life.   ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS: May 18: Speak Up Storytelling: Live podcast recording at CHS June 8: “Nature Calls: Stories of the Outdoors” at Infinity Hall August 17: Solo storytelling show, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about how to dig deeper into story ideas to allow an otherwise surface level story say more. Next we listen to Ted Old's high stakes story about a fourth grade multipliciation contest. After listening, we discuss: The escalation of stakes  Brevity in storytelling  Choosing when and what to describe The advantages of keeping your story "in the moment" The disadvantages of adjectives Making your story about something bigger than the story itself Next, we answer questions about our future employment options

On episode #48 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our followup segment, we hear from listeners who are using Homework for Life in new and interesting ways.  ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS: May 18: Speak Up Storytelling: Live podcast recording at CHS June 8: “Nature Calls: Stories of the Outdoors” at Infinity Hall August 17: Solo storytelling show, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about how identifying your own personal weirdness and asking yourself, "Why do you do the things that you do?" can often lead to new storytelling ideas.  Next we listen to Kat Koppett's story about a big decision involving a stripper pole, a broken popcorn popper, and an Obama impersonator. After listening, we discuss: The power of contrast in storytelling  The pros and cons of constantly dissecting stories The advantages of clearly defined stakes Being in the moment during the telling of a story The BAbC and CABC formats of storytelling  How changing the

On episode #47 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our followup segment, we pass on some advice about computer screens from a listener and an unexpected benefit of Homework for Life from another. Then we solicit some suggestions and advice on publicizing my next novel, Twenty-one Truths About Love.   UPCOMING SHOWS 2019 May 18: Speak Up Storytelling: Live podcast recording at CHS June 8: “Nature Calls: Stories of the Outdoors” at Infinity Hall August 17: Solo storytelling show, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 May 4: Storytelling workshop (beginner), CT Historical Society July 29-August 2: Storytelling bootcamp, CT Historical Society October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginner), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Heath December 6-8: Storytelling workshop (advanced), Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health Then Elysha departs and we listen to my story about trying to rent a car to Boca Raton with an expired driver's license. After listening, I

On episode #46 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our followup segment, we offer a further correction on a previous episode and read a couple emails from listeners about a new baby boy and a recent 100 day Homework for Life champion.  ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS: April 27: "Put Me in Coach: Stories of Athletic Endeavors” at CHS May 18: Speak Up Storytelling: Live podcast recording at CHS June 8: “Nature Calls: Stories of the Outdoors” at Infinity Hall August 17: Solo storytelling show, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about how multiple moments from Homework for Life can be combined into a great story, and how gravity and weight can be added to an anecdote to make something that might seem light and amusing far more meaningful. Next we listen to Corey Jeffrey's story about a trip to Mexico, a hole in a door, and the Backstreet Boys.  After listening, we discuss: The way a moment from the past and the present are fused together t

On episode #45 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our followup segment, we offer some corrections on previous episodes and read an email from a recent 100 day Homework for Life champion.  ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS: April 27: "Put Me in Coach: Stories of Athletic Endeavors” at CHS May 18: Speak Up Storytelling: Live podcast recording at CHS June 8: “Nature Calls: Stories of the Outdoors” at Infinity Hall August 17: Solo storytelling show, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about how a moment that might be embarrassing or small in the minds of some can become a fully realized story when you allow for introspection and the ask yourself this simple question: "Why do you do the things that you do? Next we listen to Jeffrey Freiser's story about a first date and the ensuing adventure.  After listening, we discuss: The unusual role that humor plays in this story The way that different brands of humor achieve different results Telling a

On episode #44 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our followup segment, we introduce the "new" new cover of my next novel, discuss a bizarre coincidence, respond to a heartwarming email from a listener, and ask listeners for feedback on a reward for Homework for Life champions.  ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS: April 14: "Voices of Hope" at the Mandell JJ, West Hartford, CT April 27: "Put Me in Coach: Stories of Athletic Endeavors” at CHS May 18: Speak Up Storytelling: Live podcast recording at CHS June 8: “Nature Calls: Stories of the Outdoors” at Infinity Hall August 17: Solo storytelling show, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about how a simple sentence or two - when the words touch your heart- can be enough to tell a great story.  Next we listen to Sarasweet Rabidoux Kelsey's story about an unfortunate prom encounter.  After listening, we discuss: Subtlety in storytelling The power of nostalgia Great opening lines The connective

On episode #43 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our followup segment, we talk about a moment on a Moth GrandSLAM stage and a moment in a classroom that unearth two potential stories. ALSO, UPCOMING SHOWS: April 14: "Voices of Hope" at the Mandell JJ, West Hartford, CT April 27: "Put Me in Coach: Stories of Athletic Endeavors” at CHS May 18: Speak Up Storytelling: Live podcast recording at CHS June 8: “Nature Calls: Stories of the Outdoors” at Infinity Hall August 17: Solo storytelling show, Taproot Theater, Seattle, WA Then Elysha departs, and we listen to Matthew Dicks's story about an unusual late night walk with a friend.  After listening, we discuss: The best place and most effective way of beginning a story The importance of beginning and ending a story well Choosing appropriate backstory and the most effective way of presenting it in a story Strategies for preserving surprise in a story Volume and pacing during a performance LINKS Homework for Life: