Tag: podcast

Episode 61 – Anniversary Apart

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We opened our ten-year anniversary season with a virtual tri-flip of stories from across the country. Listen now to hear about a picture-perfect day at Vacation Bible School gone wrong, a revealing trip down Death Road to the Amazon, and an evolving mother-daughter relationship.

We also asked our authors to present their answer to this question: “What are three objects that YOU from 10 years ago would be surprised to know hold such value for you now?”

Anniversary Apart Storytellers and No, YOU Tell It! Creative Team

Fun fact: These stories were performed via Zoom, but the recorded applause is from a No, YOU Tell It! show of yore. 

Anniversary Apart Stories:

  • “Watermelon ‘Sugar'” written by Chris Crowthers, performed by Gaby Martineau and directed by Kelly Jean Fitzsimmons
  • “Bolivia” written by Gaby Martineau, performed by Jenna Struble, and directed by Amanda Sisk
  • “Fifty” written by Jenna Struble, performed by Chris Crowthers, and directed by Amanda Sisk
February 15, 2022 Post Comment Podcast Tags: , , , ,

Episode 56 – Precious (Part 1)

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The top five answers are on the board – name something that is Precious. Our first story delivers us right into the mind of its author. But this seemingly humorous daydream leads her to recollect lost lives and haunting memories that have shaped the way she lives and copes.

Written by Heather Quinlan and read by Sokunthary Svay, here is, “Survey Says”

As you will hear, we asked each of our storytellers to draw and present three grocery items (other than toilet paper) that have become precious to them since we last rehearsed in March when we had to postpone our original show as COVID-19 cases surged in NYC.

What became clear is how much we all have gained a new appreciation for basic necessities.

Top: Sokunthary Svay; Bottom: Heather Quinlan

Switching it up, we’re headed down to the Paradise City where two Cambodian refugee adolescents stumble upon Guns’n’Roses and experience a means of catharsis from Axl’s screeching voice.

Whether searching the library or recording cassettes, the discovery and pursuit of music lead the narrator to find her own voice, even if it takes a lifetime.

Here is “I Heard Some Chords” written by Sokunthary Svay and read for us by Heather Quinlan.

Huge thanks to our friend Amanda Sisk who directed the brush-up rehearsals for our virtual story swaps!

No, YOU Tell It! “Precious” is made possible (in part) by the Queens Council on the Arts with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. 

December 15, 2020 Post Comment Podcast Tags: , , , ,

Episode 50 – Pride and “Snapped!” Bonus

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In celebration of Pride and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, for this, our 50th podcast episode, we wanted to share some of our favorite LGBTQ stories from years past.

First up, from our recent “Snapped!” show at Dixon Place, a drag queen offers handy advice about standing one’s ground in “Lessons from The Queen,” written by Robb Leigh Davis and read for us here by story partner and Lambda Literary fellow, Mariam Bazeed.

Pride. Drag Queens. Courage. It’s all in there.

Click here to read Robb’s story, recently published on The Good Men Project.

Left: Robb Leigh Davis and story partner Mariam Bazeed. Right (top to bottom): Nicholas Maistros, Jeff Wills, Ariel Mahler, and Erika Iverson directs Molly Touger.

Next up, we revisit a show from our previous longtime home, Jimmy’s No. 43 in the East Village.  Author Nicholas Maistros writes of unexpected revelations during a visit with his mother in “Collecting.” Read for us here by his story partner, Jeff Wills, as part of our “Outdated” show.

Click here to give a listen to Nick read Jeff Will’s story “Lost Track” in Episode 41. 

Finally, a superfan desperately wants to connect with the Wonderful Wizard of YouTube, Todrick Hall, in Ariel Mahler’s story “Under the Rainbow, Over the Sea.” Presented here by Ariel’s story partner Molly Touger for our “Blowback” show.

Switching it up, click here to hear Ariel’s performance of Molly Touger’s “And in Local News…” in Episode 37

Speaking their partner’s piece aloud gives a No, YOU Tell It! storyteller the chance to step into another person’s shoes and experience their story on stage, a powerful way to amplify queer voices at a time when their true-life tales need to be heard and shared more than ever.

If you enjoyed these stories, please help us spread the word and share them with your podcasting-loving friends!

June 28, 2019 Post Comment Podcast Tags: , , , , , , ,

Episode 49 – Snapped! Queer Storytelling with a Twist

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What begins as a simple cab ride to the airport becomes a shifting contest of power, imagination, and identity in Naomi Gordon-Loebl’s “Can I See It?” read by Kent D. Wolf in the first half of this special team-up show with Lambda Literary in celebration of Pride and the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.

This story swap, recorded live at Dixon Place on June 11th, 2019, was directed by Mike Dressel who was also our host for the evening.
Story partners Naomi Gordon-Loebl and Kent D. Wolf

Top left: Naomi Gordon-Loebl and Kent D. Wolf; Top right: Naomi Gordon-Loebl; Bottom left: Kent and Naomi; Bottom right: Hugs! Photo credit: David Trudo

Switching it up, in Kent D. Wolf’s story, escape from the isolation of Midwestern farm life lies in a plane ticket for a semester abroad, but first, he must negotiate permission and withstand the disappointment of both parents. Here is Naomi Gordon-Loebl reading “July 1995.”

Click here to see the full set of “Snapped!” photos and LIKE our page on Facebook for more!

June 20, 2019 1 comment Podcast Tags: , , , , , ,

Episode 45 – Mayday (Part 2)

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Angela Cobb’s story is a romantic liaison set against the backdrop of Hurricane Sandy. After the storm subsides, she finds the attempt to recapture that intimacy fraught and even the best-laid plans might require a “Plan B.”

Kicking off the second half of our “Mayday” show, recorded live at The Astoria Bookshop on May 10th, Ryan Holmes performs.

Left: Ryan Holmes and Angela Cobb. Right: Great crowd at The Astoria Bookshop.

Now, switching it up, the narrator of our next story finds his inability to refuse another wedding invitation leading to a series of embarrassing social interactions, forced mirth, and ultimately, a dark conclusion. Here’s Angela Cobb performing “Terror in Virginia” written by Ryan Holmes.

  • Stories directed by Mike Dressel
  • Evening hosted by Kelly Jean Fitzsimmons
  • Podcast narrated by Mike Dressel

For more info on Angela Cobb’s upcoming shows visit

  • Twitter: @angelacobb
  • Instagram: @angelacobbcomedy
  • Facebook: @ Angela Cobb Comedy

Ryan Holmes is the host of the Internet radio show and podcast, BlazinRy Radio, visit http://blazinryradio.com or download the podcast for free at http://bit.ly/blazinryitunes.

May 22, 2018 1 comment Podcast Tags: , ,

Episode 44 – Mayday (Part 1)

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In the first half of our “Mayday” show, recorded live at The Astoria Bookshop on May 10th, Allison Escoto is forced to listen to an unexpected SOS of the heart. Here is M. Skye Holly reading, “Vessel in Distress.”

Top left: M. Skye Holly. Right: Allison Escoto. Group left to right: Kelly Jean Fitzsimmons, M. Skye Holly, Angel Cobb, Ryan Holmes, Allison Escoto, and Mike Dressel

Switching it up, M. Skye Holly goes back to school to receive her MFA in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University and learns the difference between the family you’re given and the family you make. Allison Escoto reads, “Higher Degrees of Grief.”

  • Stories directed by Erika Iverson
  • Evening hosted by Kelly Jean Fitzsimmons
  • Podcast narrated by Mike Dressel

Part 2 is coming soon! SUBSCRIBE and SHARE our Podcast today!

May 15, 2018 1 comment Podcast Tags: , ,

“Mayday” Glory

What a glorious night of story swapping at The Astoria Bookshop. Thank you to everyone who came out on May 10th for our “Mayday” show!

pictured left to right: M Skye Holly, Angela Cobb, Ryan Holmes, and Allison Escoto

Podcast episodes featuring the live show available soon here and on iTunes. SUBSCRIBE today!

May 14, 2018 Post Comment News Tags: , ,

Talking Literary Citizenship with Newtown Literary

Our “Mayday” show is tonight, 6:30 at The Astoria Bookshop! While you wait, give a LISTEN to our own Kelly Jean on Episode 2 of Newtown Literary’s Queens Writes Podcast.

Newtown Literary Alliance Executive Director, Tim Fredrick, and Newtown Literary Editor, Jackie Sherbow, speak with four local Queens writers, Nancy Agabian, Kelly Jean Fitzsimmons, Catherine LaSota, and Joseph Salvatore about literary citizenship—including how to get involved with your literary community and how to write book reviews and author interviews.

May 10, 2018 Post Comment News Tags: , , ,

Episode 43 – Wild Card (Part 2)

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A young man’s obsessive quest to complete a set of Batman trading cards embroils his extended family in a hunt across the borough of Queens.

First up, from our Wild Card show, Raquel Penzo presents Roger Nassar’s story “The Elusive Card #66”

Left to right: Raquel Penzo, Wild Card artwork by Sarah Gentile, Roger Nasser

Switching it up, author Raquel Penzo’s mother once warned her that the second child is usually “spirited” because it has the potential to be a middle child. With the birth of her second daughter, it seems mom really does know best…

Here’s Roger Nasser reading “My Almost Jan Brady.”

These stories were performed live at Jimmy’s No. 43 on Wed, September 17th, 2014.  Curious what our storytellers have been up to since they traded their true-life tales?

This Saturday, Dec 2nd, is special holiday episode (#26) of It’s Getting Tired Mildred, the serial soap opera for the stage created by Roger Nasser and performing monthly at Under St. Marks, NYC.

Raquel I. Penzo is a writer, editor, and literary event curator. Visit La Pluma y La Tinta, which started with three women workshopping stories in a Brooklyn, New York living room, and morphed into an organization focused on inspiring, elevating, and shining a spotlight on diverse writers and poets. Discover readings, workshops, panel discussions, get inspiration & more. Plus, they post tons of great job postings follow on Twitter @laplumaytinta & Facebook fb.me/laplumaylatinta

 

November 30, 2017 Post Comment Podcast Tags: , , , ,

Episode 40 – On the Spot Story Swap!

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When we asked No, YOU Tell It! alums to bring in stories for an impromptu switch-em-up as part of our four-year-anniversary celebration, Mike Dressel and Alexandra Gray – who also happen to be birthday twins – came through in a big way.

Photo credit: Ryan Holmes

Mike Dressel is an integral part of the No, YOU Tell It! creative team. After participating in our second live show, we simply never let him leave. He is the literary voice of reason at each of our story workshop sessions and often directs pieces for our live shows.

You can hear Alex’s work featured in our very first podcast episode, Urban Dwellers, and she’s also participated in numerous alumni workshops and events over the past five years.

Give a listen as these two trade their true-life tales on the spot!!

 

These stories were performed live at Jimmy’s No. 43 on May 11th, 2016. Podcast narrated by Kelly Jean Fitzsimmons.

August 8, 2017 Post Comment Podcast Tags: , , ,
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