The Narrators

Our story today comes from Denver comedian and dear friend of The Narrators, Christie Buchele. Christie told this story at our 8th anniversary show back in March, with a little help from fellow comedian and friend of the show Talitha K. Each story that night was accompanied by sound painting, a.k.a. live improvised music from our pals at Playground Ensemble. The whole evening was an interesting experiment, full of bumps and surprises and supremely real moments. The story you’ll hear today was one of our favorites of the night. Christie's story was told live on 21 March 2018 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was “Keeping Up.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's story was told by AJ Shaw at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern in San Diego on 10 April 2018. The theme was "Clubs." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's story comes from teacher and Colorado native, Courtney LeDuc. Courtney's story was recorded live on 21 February 2018 in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "Warning Signs." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, we've got a special treat for you—here's that magical DJ set from Butch Rosser's story. Be sure to find him on Twitter to share props and digital high-fives! 1) Party Ben • Queen x Cypress Hill • We Will Jump You 2) DJ BC • Snoop Dogg feat. Pharrell x Nu Shooz • Snoop's Nu Shooz 3) DJ Benny C • Gym Class Heroes x Timbaland • the Way I Get Your Clothes Off4) pomDeter • nine inch nails x carly rae jespen • Call Me A Hole 5) DJ Johnny Gunz • Miley Cyrus x Young Gunz • We Can't Stop, Won't Stop6) Marc Johnce • Miley x Ace of Base • the Sign in the U.S.A 7) Hathbanger • Notorious B.I.G. x Miley • Party & Bullshit (In the U.S.A.)8) DJ Lobsterdust • Miley x Calvin Harris • Wrecking So Close 9) Mad Mix Mustang • the Outfield x Calvin Harris feat. Ellie Goulding • Your Love I Need10) DJ Payroll • Bon Jovi x Daft Punk •Daft Prayer 11) DJ Schmolli • Robyn x AC/DC • Dancing On My Own All Night Long12) D.veloped • Empire of the Sun x Avicii feat. Aloe Blacc • Waking From A Dream 13) Voicedude • Ylvis x Michael Jackson • Fox Thriller14) Mad Max Mustang • Gotye x Aaliyah • Are You That Somebody That I Used To Know? 15) DJ Fox • Vanilla Ice x Ke$ha • Ice Ice Tik Tok16) DJ Topcat • Indeep x Run-DMC • It's Like Indeep 17) Disfunctional DJ • John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John x Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg • You're the One That I Want In the Next Episode18) DJ Tripp • Wreckx-N-Effect x M.I.A. • Paper Rump 19) Dan Mei & Marc Johnce • Backstreet Boys x Snow Patrol • Chasing Cars That Way20) Richard X • Jarvis Cocker x Mazzy Star • Into U Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's story was told by Butch Rosser at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern in San Diego on 10 April 2018. The theme was "Clubs." BONUS: We have published the epic DJ set mentioned in Butch's story. Listen to it here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's story comes from Adrian Holguin, an actor and educator who is currently in his 25th year of teaching high school mathematics—a truly superhuman feat. This story was recorded live on 21 February 2018 in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "Warning Signs." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peace Corps veteran Jeremy Bauer told this story—his first ever at The Narrators—at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern in San Diego in February 2018. The theme was "Warning Signs." If you are one of our podcast listeners who doesn't live in Denver, we want to say how much we appreciate you—thanks for listening. And please, say hello sometime via email or Facebook! We'd love to hear from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story comes from writer and librarian Daniel Alvarez. His story is about the kind of childhood tomfoolery that makes you look back and feel thankful that faces usually grow back. Daniel told this story live on 17 January 2018 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "Big Shot." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenny Minniti-Shippey is not only one of the biggest boosters of The Narrators San Diego, she is one of our most outstanding storytellers. She told this story at the August 2017 show at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern. The theme was "Crossing Over." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan Scott-Frazier is a former director and animator of Japanese manga and a long-time favorite of the show. Her story about translating a heartfelt meeting between artists Monkey Punch and Mort Drucker was told live at Buntport Theater in Denver, CO on 20 December 2017. The theme of the evening was "Chance." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arthur Salm is the former book review editor and columnist for the San Diego Union-Tribune. He told this story at Tiger!Tiger! Tavern on 13 February 2018. The theme was "Warning Signs." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story comes from former slam poet and Colorado native Elle Stevens. This story was recorded live on 20 December 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "Chance." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When he’s not writing product descriptions for oscilloscopes, Richard Freeland tells stories in San Diego. He told this one on 12 December 2017 at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern. The theme of the evening was "Chance." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story comes from Denver comedy legend, John Novosad. He told this story about the 90s, divorce, life as a standup comic, and collateral damage in front of our live audience on 15 November 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "Under Your Skin." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mona de Vestel is a writer who grew up in Brussels and now lives in San Diego. She told this story on 12 December 2017 at Tiger!Tiger! Tavern. The theme of the evening was "Chance." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story comes from one of our favorite humans, Stephen Brackett. He's the emcee Brer Rabbit of the Denver hip-hop group the Flobots, co-founder of Youth on Record and in our opinion, an all-around great guy. This story was recorded live on 18 October 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "In the Dark." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's story comes from Denver writer and comedian, Byron Graham. He told this story about his brother locking him in a cabinet which he describes as "about the size of a child’s coffin" on 18 October 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "In the Dark." Please subscribe to this podcast for weekly updates on our events and our Facebook page for all the latest details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story comes from sociology professor, actor, and writer, Jimiliz Valiente-Neighbors. This story was recorded live on 14 November 2017 at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern in San Diego. The theme of the evening was "Under Your Skin." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 146: Here's a story from long-time friend and first time storyteller Carlos Madrid. His story was recorded live on 20 September 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, CO. The theme of the evening was "Space." Please subscribe to this podcast for weekly updates on our events and our Facebook page for all the latest details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story come from show favorite, Irene Bonner. This story was recorded live on 12 September 2017 at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern in San Diego, California. The theme of the evening was “Space.” Please make sure to subscribe to this podcast and keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story comes from show favorite and one of Denver's most beloved actors, Steven Burge. Steven's story was recorded live on 20 September 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, CO. The theme of the evening was "Space." Please subscribe to this podcast for weekly updates on our events and keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for all the latest details. Alright, on with the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story comes from storyteller, Ellen Wright. Ellen told this story about herself, her brother, and the fluctuating space between them at our San Diego show last month.This story was recorded live on 12 September 2017 at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern in San Diego, California. The theme of the evening was “Space.” Please make sure to subscribe to this podcast and keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's story comes from very special first-time storyteller, Sonya Eddy. Sonya told this story about a painful ski trip last month at the High Plains Comedy Festival. This story was recorded live on 26 August 2017 at the Hi-Dive in Denver, CO. The theme of the show was "Eating it." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story about a botanical cultural exchange on the border of Tijuana and San Diego comes from Daniel Watman. This story was recorded live on 8 August 2017 at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern in San Diego, California. The theme of the evening was "Crossing Over." Please subscribe to this podcast for weekly updates on our events and keep an eye on our Facebook page for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story comes from Chicago-based stand-up comic Kellye Howard. Her story was recorded live on 16 August 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, CO. The theme of the evening was "Crossing Over." Please subscribe to this podcast for weekly updates on our events and keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest details. See you soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we'll hear from first-time storyteller, Sarah Goltz. Told on the theme of "Crossing Over," Sarah talks about a time when she unknowingly witnessed a monumental crossing. This story was recorded live on 8 August 2017 at the Tiger! Tiger! Tavern in San Diego. Please subscribe to this podcast for weekly updates on our events and keep an eye on our Facebook page for additional details. See you soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedy has always been in this show's DNA—The Narrators was founded by a comic and funny folks have been sharing stories since our first show in 2010. Today's story comes from Christie Buchele, one of our absolute favorites comics and storytellers, talking about her relationship with the art form—and booze, the substance that often fuels it. Christie's story was recorded live on 19 July 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "Bars.” Please subscribe to this podcast for weekly updates on our events and keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest details. See you soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's story comes from Laura Bond, one of our all-time favorite storytellers. Laura's story reminds us that when faced with a nemesis, one can stand tall on both real and imaginary mountains. Laura's story was recorded live on 19 July 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "Bars." Please subscribe to this podcast for weekly updates on our events and keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest details. See you soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's story comes from Lisa Hemminger. Beginning with the theme of "Bars," Lisa follows a thread past a Pool Shark, through a relationship, and into a mausoleum. This story was recorded live on 11 July 2017 at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern. Enjoy! Please subscribe to this podcast for weekly updates on our events and keep an eye on our Facebook page for additional details. See you soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This story comes from Andrew Curtis Forlines, Denver comedian and organizing member of Secular Hub, a non-profit, Humanist community center in Five Points. This story was recorded live on 21 June 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "Road Trip." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we planned on doing a show in Tijuana to celebrate the one year anniversary of the dance studio/community space Huerto, we knew we wanted to highlight trans-border culture by letting the storytellers present in whatever language they felt most comfortable speaking in. We ended up having half of the stories told in Spanish—and something remarkable happened. Even though the storytellers and the audience didn't necessarily speak the same language, all of the elements of a Narrators show were there, from the reactions of the audience to the storytellers as they moved through their narratives, the clear development of trust and warmth that happens between the storyteller and the people listening, the intent and the focus of the space on sharing and being shared with. It’s where the magic of the show resides and it was a true delight to experience it outside of the boundaries of language. It had us excited about the prospect of hosting more shows in México and we plan on doing just that—so stay tuned. Por ahora, disfruten de la primera historia que publicamos en el podcast en español, contada por Alfredo Araujo, escritor de Tijuana. Esta historia fue grabada en vivo en Huerto en Tijuana, Baja California el 27 de junio. El tema de la velada fue "Hacer Que Dure." Please subscribe to this podcast for weekly updates on our events and keep an eye on our Facebook page for additional details. See you soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story is about love—the sweet, swift, sometimes bloody kind—and comes from comedian Mallory Wallace. This was Mallory's second and final performance at The Narrators before leaving Colorado and moving to Nebraska. Congratulations, Lincoln, you're one lucky town. Mallory's story was recorded live on 21 June 2017 at the Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "Road Trip." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story comes from John Shaw, sharing for the first time with The Narrators. John's story was recorded live on 13 June 2017 at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern in San Diego. The theme of the evening was "Road Trip." Please subscribe to this podcast for weekly updates on our events and keep an eye on our Facebook page for additional details. See you soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story comes from our recent all-refugee special. Karak Miakol, a women’s rights activist and founder of Women Who Grow, shares her story about fighting for an education as a young girl in South Sudan. This story was recorded live on 31 May 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "Home." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story comes from San Diego writer, preacher, and stand-up comedian, Kirk Faulkner. His story about proselytizing in Siberia for the Mormon church—and then falling from grace—was recorded live on 14 June 2016 at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern in San Diego. The theme of the evening was "Ink." Please subscribe to this podcast for weekly updates on our events and keep an eye on our Facebook page for additional details. See you soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story comes from one of The Narrators' favorite storytellers, Taylor Gonda. Taylor is a podcast host, DJ, Denver icon and, sadly for all of us in Colorado, a soon-to-be resident of Los Angeles. California, please take care of our good friend. Taylor's story of awkward infatuation was recorded live on 17 May 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "Fashion Victim." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story comes from writer and former humor columnist, Jackie Jones. Starting with a red skirt, Jackie weaves in and out of the pieces of clothing hanging from her family tree. This story was recorded live on 6 May 2017 at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern in San Diego. The theme of the evening was "Fashion Victim." Please subscribe to this podcast for weekly updates on our events and keep an eye on our Facebook page for additional details. See you soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story was too absurd to be told by just one storyteller, so Hannah Duggan and Denver co-host Erin Rollman broke their story into two parts— chronicling their run-in with a cat-stealing witch and a novelty showerhead in Winnipeg, Canada. Hannah and Erin are founding members of Buntport Theater, the home of our Denver show, and two of our favorite people on the planet. This story was recorded live on 19 April 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "Jinx." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story comes San Diego artist, Nik Molitor— sharing this triumphant tale about making the best out of shitty situation. This story was recorded live on 9 May 2017 at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern in San Diego. The theme was "Fashion Victim." Subscribe to this podcast for weekly updates on events and keep an eye on our Facebook page for additional details. See you soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, first-time storyteller Angela Daniels tells us about her email address—and all the other Angelas who seem to want a piece of it. This story was recorded live on 19 April 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, CO. The theme of the evening was "Jinx." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the spring of 2017, we hosted a special benefit show for Denver Zine Fest, an annual celebration of independent zine makers taking place this June, put on by our pals at the Denver Zine Library, one of the world's largest collections of zines in North America. The audience got an introduction to the world of zines, made their own blank mini-zine at the beginning of the show, and then doodled away while local zinesters shared stories. At the end, members of the audience took the stage to share their tiny creations—and they were incredible. If we learned one thing, it's that people really love their dogs. This week's episode features one of the stories from that night, a story from the founder of the Denver Zine Library and one of our all-time favorite storytellers, Kelly Shortandqueer. Kelly's story was recorded live on 11 April 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado; the theme of the evening was "Firsts." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's story comes from a special show we hosted at DINK, the Denver Independent Comic and Arts Expo, in the spring of 2017. As part of an all-artist lineup, author and professor Steven Graham Jones shared a story about Dr. Doom, The Beyonder, and the mystery of darkness that inspires his writing. This story was recorded live on 8 April 2017 at the McNichols Civic Center Building in Denver, Colorado. The theme was "Drawing a Line." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This story about a short and peculiar list comes from first-time storyteller Sarah Nathan. Sarah's story was recorded live on 11 April 2017 at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern in San Diego. The theme of the evening was "Jinx." Subscribe to this podcast for weekly updates on events and keep an eye on our Facebook page for additional details. See you soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story comes from Eryc Eyl. Eryc's story was recorded live on 15 February 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "Red Handed." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story comes from Mariana Martinez Esténs, a marmalade fairy, yoga studio owner, and journalist based in Tijuana, Mexico. This cautionary tale about schoolyard kisses, masculinity, and hamsters was recorded live on 14 March 2017 at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern in San Diego. The theme of the evening was "Popular." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 118: Today's story comes from University of Denver philosophy professor Sarah Pessin. Sarah's story was recorded live on 18 January 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "Dropping the Ball." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 117: Today's story comes from one of our favorite storytellers, Arthur Salm. Arthur is the former book review editor and columnist for the San Diego Union-Tribune and author of the novel Anyway. This story was recorded live on 14 March 2017 at Tiger!Tiger! Tavern in San Diego, California. The theme of the evening was "Popular." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's story comes from Meghan DePonceau. Meghan is a Denver comedian and the chief of 5280Comedy.com, a top resource for all things comedy in Denver. This story was recorded live on 18 January 2017 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the evening was "Dropping the Ball." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s story is about control—the anxiety of knowing when to take it, and the grace required to let it go. This story was told by Breeann Kirby live on 14 February 2017 at Tiger! Tiger! Tavern in San Diego. The theme of the evening was "Red-Handed." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's story comes from Joe Phillips, who, in his own words, "is an actor and bartender approaching middle age," but we know he's so much more. This story was recorded live on 21 December 2016 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado; the theme of the evening was "Parents Just Don't Understand." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices