Archive for July 2018
Speak Up Storytelling #10: Kristin Budde
Episode #10 of Speak Up Storytelling is now ready for your listening pleasure. On this week’s episode, we talk about finding and crafting stories in your everyday life using my strategy “Homework for Life.” I describe how searching for stories in your present day life can unearth moments from the past that you can’t believe that…
Read MoreWhy a poached egg is funny
I performed in a show in Maine earlier this week called Sound Bites. In addition to telling a story, I also served as the emcee for the evening, introducing storytellers and bantering a bit between stories. Doing my best Elysha Dicks impression. During one of the stories, a storyteller talked about how she can’t cook…
Read MoreIt’s weird that religious folk are so often filled with hate.
I may be a reluctant atheist, but I like this church sign a lot. It makes me wonder: How hateful and ignorant must you be to stand against same sex marriage, gender neutral restrooms, and the happiness of my LGBTQ friends because it’s what The Bible says while blatantly ignoring so many of The Bible’s…
Read MoreSwimming in a chlorinated pool is just like taking a bath
Elysha and I disagree. I contend that if you’ve spent the day swimming in a chlorinated pool, there is no need to take a bath or shower because your skin is perfectly clean. Maybe even cleaner than simply taking a bath or shower. Chlorine is, after all, a powerful element. Elysha argues that a day of…
Read MoreGoggles
Each of my children own a pair of goggles, and I hate them so very much. Most of the children who frolic at the lake where we are spending many of our summer days are wearing goggles, and I despise every pair. I did not own goggles when I was growing up. As far as…
Read MoreBaby jumping is a real thing, and it’s really, really stupid.
It’s often considered to be culturally insensitive to criticize specific cultures or religions for rituals, practices, or celebrations that don’t align with our own positions or values. I think that as long as you’re willing to accept the scrutiny and criticism of others without acting like someone has just murdered your family, it’s perfectly acceptable…
Read MoreMattress PSA
I know it might seem a little odd to purchase a mattress via a homemade sign planted on the corner across the street from a gas station. And yes, the fact that the creator of this sign felt it necessary to indicate that the mattress was “Brand new!!” might also be a little disconcerting. And…
Read MorePeople. Not places or things.
Elysha and I celebrated our anniversary on Sunday by taking the kids to the place where we were married 12 years ago: The Lord Thompson Manor in Thompson, CT The kids were so excited to see the place that they have heard about so often, and for Elysha and me, it was a wonderful walk…
Read MoreListen to smart people plus me
I appeared on two podcasts recently that I really enjoyed. Both are hosted by people who I could talk to forever. You can find both podcasts wherever you get your podcasts, or you can click the links below to listen online. Slate’s The Gist with Mike Pesca Mike and I speak about storytelling, film, Bruce…
Read MoreSpeak Up Storytelling #9: Alan Mackenzie
Episode #9 of Speak Up Storytelling is now ready for your listening pleasure. On this week’s episode, we talk about finding and crafting stories in your everyday life using my strategy “Homework for Life.” I describe how doing a deep dive on a particular day of your life can help you find stories and explain how…
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