Welcome to the West Chester Story Slam podcast! Well, we’ve completed our ninth season of West Chester Story Slam. On November 13th, the ten winning storytellers from the 2018 season competed for the title of Best Storyteller in West Chester. The Grand Slam was held on the big stage at the Chester County Historical Society and we had 260 people attend the event. Thank you to all who came out. After the stories were told, we ended up in a tie! I’m thrilled to announce the best storytellers in West Chester for 2018 are Diane Yannick and Cynthia Angst. Diane Yannick has been telling stories for six years, and she has been in the grand slam every year. It was great to see her take home the trophy. The theme for the night was Happy Days, and Diane’s story was a reminder of the small moments in our lives.  Our co-winner for 2018 was Cynthia Angst. Cynthia had won the Grand Slam back in 2015, so she becomes the first storyteller to have her name engraved on the Storytellers Cup twice!   All the stories told on this night were insightful, and you can check them out on the West Chester Story Slam YouTube Channel. We’re including one more story on the podcast today. Steve Kernaghan told his first story in September, and won that night. He came to the big stage with this tale how he chose a musical instrument that changed his life.    Well, that’s our podcast! If you are a fan of the West Chester Story Slam podcast - please let your friends know, or write a review on iTunes.

West Chester Story Slam

Grand Slam - Happy Days

Welcome to the West Chester Story Slam podcast! We have three stories from our October Story Slam! The theme was Fright Night, and we heard some excellent and frightening stories. We had an interesting visit from the Tankel brothers, who have undertaken a rather spooky hobby, so we’ve put them both on this podcast. First up, Ethan Tankel won our story slam with his tale of getting caught behind a fence.  Now, let’s hear from Ethan’s brother, Eric Tankel, who spearheaded these adventures. Here’s Eric. Now, a different type of Fright Night Story, this one from Jack Kennedy. Don’t forget, only a few seats remain for the 2018 Grand Slam, which takes place on Tuesday, November 13th at the Chester County Historical Society. If you want to see the winning storytellers from the 2018 season live as they compete for the best storyteller in West Chester, pick up your tickets at our website before they sell out. Well, that’s our podcast for this month! If you are a fan of the West Chester Story Slam podcast - please let your friends know, or write a review on iTunes. 

Fright Night

Welcome to the West Chester Story Slam podcast! Today we have three stories from our September Story Slam! The theme was Panic Switch! At our Panic Switch Story Slam, Steve Kernaghan won a slot to compete in the grand slam. Steve is a local teacher, and his story had everyone in the room on the edge of our seats. Here’s Steve. Next up is a first-time storyteller, Jeremiah Kane, recalling a memorable moment from the Phillies Parade.  Our final story is from the winner of the 2017 Grand Slam. Paul Heck tells about a trip to Bangkok and a clash of cultures. If you have not met Paul, it’s good to know he is rather tall, which mean he towered above the crowd in Thailand. Paul will be returning to compete in the 2018 Grand Slam, which takes place on Tuesday, November 13th at the Chester County Historical Society. If you want to see the winning storytellers from the 2018 season live as they compete for the best storyteller in West Chester, pick up your tickets at wcstoryslam.com before they sell out. If you are a fan of the West Chester Story Slam podcast - please let your friends know, or write a review on iTunes.  I’m Jim Breslin, thanks so much!

Panic Switch

Welcome to the West Chester Story Slam podcast! Today we have three stories from our August Story Slam!! The theme was Sick! Our live events are held at Side Bar in downtown West Chester. If you’d like to see stories told live, pick up your tickets at our website. We only have two more events before the Grand Slam! Our winner for the Sick Story Slam was Cathy Sikorski. Cathy told a story about needing assistance after a dangerous fall. Next up is Luke Stromberg. Luke tells about the excitement of attending his first writing conference. Our final story comes from Tom Bottiger. Tom tells about finding himself in a sticky situation after falling ill. Only two more Story Slams this season. Pick your date - our theme on September 11th is Panic Switch and our theme on October 9th is Fright Night! Order your tickets at wcstoryslam.com. And if you want to tell a story, buy your ticket and then see me - Jim - when you arrive! All the info you need can be found at wcstoryslam.com. Well, that’s our podcast for this month! If you are a fan of the West Chester Story Slam podcast - please let your friends know, or write a review on iTunes. We are also looking for a podcast sponsor for the 2018 season, if interested, email us at wcstoryslam@aol.com for more info. Thanks so much!

Sick!

Welcome to the West Chester Story Slam podcast! Thanks for listening!  Today we have three stories from our July Story Slam!! The theme was Family Feud!  Our winner for the Family Feud Story Slam was Luanne Sims. Luanne told of her ongoing battle of pranks with her brother.  Next up is a story from Chuck Bauerlein, who recalls the tense times between his family and their new neighbors.  Our final story comes from Jon Taylor, a first-time storyteller. This story cracked the audience up. Here’s Jon.  Hey, this summer could be when you catch a Story Slam! On August 14th Story Slam will be here soon and the theme is Sick! Tickets are on sale now! And if you want to tell a story, buy your ticket and then see me - Jim - when you arrive! All the info you need can be found at our website.  Well, that’s our podcast for this month! If you are a fan of the West Chester Story Slam podcast - please let your friends know, or write a review on iTunes. We are also looking for a podcast sponsor for the 2018 season, if interested, email us at wcstoryslam@aol.com for more info.  

Family Feud

Welcome to the West Chester Story Slam podcast!   Today we have three stories from our June Story Slam, which was themed “Road Trip!” Our live events are held at Side Bar in downtown West Chester. If you’d like to see stories told live, pick up your tickets at our website. Seats for these events do sell out. Our winner for the Road Trip Story Slam was Patrick Carmody. Pat had an interesting take on the term of “road trip.” Here’s Pat. Pat Carmody was our 2012 Grand Slam winner, and will be competing in the 2018 Grand Slam set for November 13th. Mark your calendar!   Next up, first time storyteller Jamie Ingram! Jamie told this story about a road trip he took as a young man, and the unique hospitality he experienced in the midwest. We love first time storytellers! Thanks for taking the mic and telling your story Jamie. Our final story is also from a first time storyteller, and it’s a rather personal story from Peter Doris. I’ll just say watching Peter tell this story live, my heart was palpitating quite a bit. Here’s Peter. Thanks for sharing your story Peter.  Hey, this summer could be when you catch a Story Slam! On July 10th, our theme is Family Feud! And August 14th, the theme is Sick! Tickets go on sale the day after each month’s story slam.  And if you want to tell a story, buy your ticket and then see me - Jim - when you arrive! All the info you need can be found at wcstoryslam.com. Well, that’s our podcast for this month! If you are a fan of the West Chester Story Slam podcast - please let your friends know, or write a review on iTunes. We are also looking for a podcast sponsor for the 2018 season, if interested, email us at wcstoryslam@aol.com for more info.

Road Trip

Welcome to the West Chester Story Slam podcast! Cynthia Angst won our May Story Slam, which was themed “Good Vibrations!” Cynthia won the prized pint glass and has earned a slot in the Grand Slam, which will take place in November! Okay, we had a few audio issues at our story slam so we’re going back into the archives for our next story - and we’re traveling to Lancaster! This story was told in March 2015  at Lancaster Story Slam by one of our favorite storytellers - Frank Melvin. Frank always cracks us up and we have a blast in Lancaster. I’m sure you know our West Chester Story Slam takes place on the second tuesday of each month, well, our Lancaster Story Slam always takes place on the fourth tuesday of the month - and it’s held at Tellus360 right in downtown Lancaster. Come on out! Okay, let’s play one more story. This is a classic, one of the most popular stories, and it was told by Terry Heyman way back in February of 2012. The theme of the night was Fiction Romance, but there is no doubt Terry was feeling good vibrations on the night this story transpired. Hey, this summer could be when you catch a Story Slam! On June 12th, our theme is Road Trip! On July 10th, our theme is Family Feud! And August 14th, the theme is Sick! Tickets go on sale the day after each month’s story slam. And if you want to tell a story, buy your ticket and then see me - Jim - when you arrive! All the info you need can be found at our website. Well, that’s our podcast for this month! If you are a fan of the West Chester Story Slam podcast - please let your friends know, or write a review on iTunes. We are also looking for a podcast sponsor for the 2018 season, if interested, email us at wcstoryslam@aol.com for more info.  

Good Vibrations

Welcome to the West Chester Story Slam podcast! Evidently, people love their work stories. Our theme in April was “It’s My Job.” and we had a sold out crowd. Fourteen storytellers put their name in the hat, and believe it or not, we actually got to all of them! If you haven’t been to one of our live events, 2018 should be your year. Check out our website for upcoming events and plan your next date night! Okay, so we were listening to work stories. Paul Heck won the night with his story of becoming a lawman for a night. Without further ado, here’s Paul. Paul Heck has earned a slot in the 2018 Grand Slam, where he will actually be defending his title of Best Storyteller in West Chester. Paul won the 2017 Grand Slam and we’re glad he’ll be back on the big stage in November. Our second story is from David Smith. David is a prolific storyteller who often tells at events from Philly out to Lancaster. Here’s David. David is producing a live storytelling event geared towards people who work in non-profits. Mission Story Slam is taking place on May 22nd at Yards Brewing in Philly. To learn more, check out Mission Story Slam on LinkedIn. Let’s hear from another former Grand Slam Champion. For years, Cynthia Angst worked in children’s theater, and she shares some of her memories. Cynthia Angst was the 2015 Grand Slam champion. Since we told fourteen stories at out Its My Job Story Slam, let’s sneak one more story into the podcast. Jane Butler tells about one of her first jobs, doing important research on a rather sensitive subject matter.  FYI - this story may not be appropriate if you have little kids in the room. Jane Butler is currently working on her memoir, which details her life growing up in a rather secluded wooded estate where her father was a groundskeeper. It’s fascinating stuff, and we hope will be finding a publisher soon. Our May 8th Story Slam is themed GOOD VIBRATIONS! Tickets are moving fast so don’t delay!   If you are interested in attending one of our Story Slams live, here are some tips. West Chester Story Slam is held on the second Tuesday of the month. Seats do sell out so you want to plan ahead. And if you want to tell a story, buy your ticket and then see me - Jim - when you arrive! All the info you need can be found at wcstoryslam.com. Well, that’s our podcast for this month! If you are a fan of the West Chester Story Slam podcast - please let your friends know, or write a review on iTunes. We are also looking for a podcast sponsor for the 2018 season, if interested, email us at wcstoryslam@aol.com for more info. Thanks so much for listening!

It's My Job

Welcome to the West Chester Story Slam podcast! We had so much fun in March when we listened to Chaos stories. When the night was over, our winning storyteller was none other than Steve Clark. Steve will be heading to our Grand Slam in November. Steve Clark is Philadelphia’s most prolific storyteller. His story about running in the Philadelphia Marathon has been featured on the Moth podcast, and Steve has won the First Person Arts Grand Slam twice. Steve also runs a monthly comedy show called Trump’s America. Congratulations Steve! Our second story is from India Henderson. As you’ll hear, India is a college freshman who is doing great things. She starts out thanking me for the college advice I’d dished out in my story that night. It’s a joke you’d only understand if you were there! Anyway, here’s India. Our final story is from another prolific storyteller - Pat Carmody. Pat told this story about the importance of writing letters in the digital age.  Our April Story Slam is themed IT’S MY JOB!! Tickets are moving fast so don’t delay!   If you are interested in attending one of our Story Slams live, here are some tips. West Chester Story Slam is held on the second Tuesday of the month. Seats do sell out so you want to plan ahead. And if you want to tell a story, buy your ticket and then see me - Jim - when you arrive! All the info you need can be found at wcstoryslam.com. Well, that’s our podcast for this month! If you are a fan of the West Chester Story Slam podcast - please let your friends know, or write a review on iTunes. We are also looking for a podcast sponsor for the 2018 season, if interested, email us at wcstoryslam@aol.com for more info. Thanks for listening!

Chaos!

Welcome to the West Chester Story Slam podcast! We are in the midst of our ninth season of West Chester Story Slam! Hard to believe! Have you been to one of our live events yet? You can check out the themes, the dates and more at our website!   Our February event was themed “Breathless” and the stories did just that - left us breathless. We had a great mix of seasoned storytellers and first-timers take the stage - and our audience was amazing! Our winner was David Smith, who told this breathless tale. Our next story comes from the 2017 Grand Slam winner - Paul Heck. Paul told us this hilarious story of working on a farm.  Our final story comes from Tommy Highland! Our March Story Slam is themed CHAOS! Tickets are moving fast.  If you are interested in attending one of our Story Slams live, here are some tips. West Chester Story Slam is held on the second Tuesday of the month. Seats do sell out so you want to plan ahead. And if you want to tell a story, buy your ticket and then see me - Jim - when you arrive! All the info you need can be found at wcstoryslam.com. Well, that’s our podcast for this month! If you are a fan of the West Chester Story Slam podcast - please let your friends know, or write a review on iTunes. We are also looking for a podcast sponsor for the 2018 season, if interested, email us at wcstoryslam@aol.com for more info. Thanks for listening!

Breathless

Welcom to the West Chester Story Slam podcast, and the start of our ninth season!   Our 2018 season started with the theme “Embarrassing Moments!” Diane Yannick won the night with her touching story of a few recent embarrassing moments she has had, and how they’ve left her to reflect on her life. Here’s Diane. Diane has earned a slot in our Grand Slam, which will be in November. Congratulations Diane! If you’ve been thinking of telling a story but wanted some guidance, you might want to check out our storytelling workshop on Wednesday, March 21st. This is a two-hour workshop that covers what makes a good story, story structure, and creative language.  Our next story comes from Dara Zuckernick, who recalled an awkward night on the stage at a childhood concert. Here’s Dara.   Our final story is from Patrick Carmody, who discussed how the concept of parents who embarrass their children is a sort of family legacy. Here’s Patrick. If you are interested in attending one of our Story Slams live, here are some tips. West Chester Story Slam is held on the second Tuesday of the month. Seats do sell out so you want to plan ahead. And if you want to tell a story, buy your ticket and then see me - Jim - when you arrive! All the info you need can be found at wcstoryslam.com. If you are a fan of the West Chester Story Slam podcast - please let your friends know, or write a review on iTunes. We are also looking for a podcast sponsor for the 2018 season, if interested, email us at wcstoryslam@aol.com for more info. 

Embarrassing Moments

Welcome to the West Chester Story Slam podcast! On November 7th we held our 8th Annual Grand Slam and it was a remarkable night! We had such an interesting mix of stories on the theme of Pressure. We heard from previous Grand Slam champions such as Patrick Carmody, Aaron Mills, and Cynthia Angst. We also heard great tales from a few storytellers who have graced the big stage before, such as Peter Cunniffe, Diane Yannick, Cindy Heffron, and David Smith. First-timers to the Grand Slam stage included Robin Renn, Kennan Flanagan, Jack Kennedy, and Paul Heck. And it was Paul Heck who won the title of Best Storyteller in West Chester. Paul had the sold out crowd collectively holding our breath as he told of one pressure filled situation.   Paul’s name will be engraved on the Storyteller’s Cup and he will henceforth be known as 2017’s Best Storyteller in West Chester. Congratulations Paul! Our next storyteller is Cynthia Angst. Cynthia’s story had the crowd cringing and laughing with this tale of a mishap at her workplace. Cynthia was the Grand Slam champion in 2015. She is scheduled to compete in this year’s Lancaster Story Slam Grand Slam on November 28th. Good luck Cynthia! Did you know you can watch all the stories on the West Chester Story Slam YouTube channel? It’s true. Over 750 stories are now up on Youtube. Check them out. Our final story comes from Peter Cunniffe. Peter tells about a pressure many young men have felt at least once in their lives. Peter Cunniffe was the Delco Story Slam Grand Slam champion in 2015. Thanks for sharing your story with us Pete. Okay, we’re taking a month off but In early December, we’ll be posting the entire 2018 season dates and themes. If you are interested in attending one of our Story Slams live, here are some tips. West Chester Story Slam is held on the second Tuesday of the month starting in January. Seats do sell out so you want to plan ahead. And if you want to tell a story, buy your ticket and then see me - Jim - when you arrive! All the info you need can be found at wcstoryslam.com. Well, that’s our podcast for this month! If you are a fan of the West Chester Story Slam podcast - please let your friends know, or write a review on iTunes.

Grand Slam - Pressure

Welcome to the West Chester Story Slam podcast! Our theme for October was Close Calls, and this was one of the rowdiest nights we’ve had in a long time! David Smith won the night. David has told stories several times over the past two years, but he kind of disappeared for a few months. When I asked him what happened, he said, wait and hear my story! The next Close Calls story comes from our friend Nick Kupsey. Nick gets pretty personal in this story, and I’m so glad he told it. . I don’t do this often, but this next story was told by me, Jim Breslin. I think it’s a good story for Halloween season because it’s kind of creepy.  Okay, just a reminder that our Grand Slam is November 7th. Check wcstoryslam.com to see if tickets remain. In early December, we’ll be posting the entire 2018 season dates and themes. Well, that’s our podcast for this month! If you are a fan of the West Chester Story Slam podcast - please let your friends know, or write a review on iTunes.  Thanks so much!

Close Calls

elcome to the West Chester Story Slam podcast! Our September Story Slam was themed School Days and we heard some awesome stories from all angles of taking part in our education system - from being a teacher, being a student, and being a parent of a student. The judging was very tight, but in the end Kennan Flanagan won the Story Slam with this tale about making a once in a lifetime deal. Here’s Kennan. Have you marked your calendar? The 2017 Grand Slam will be held on November 7th at the Chester County Historical Society. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, October 11th. It’s gonna be a blast! Our next storyteller is a first-timer! Christi Parker tells about the dangers of getting involved with the administration of her kids’ school. This story was an audience favorite - and the video has been shared all over Facebook.  After her story, Christi told us that the administrator has been known to share his version of the story at cocktail parties. So funny. Thanks Christi! Our final story is from the prolific storyteller Patrick Carmody. Visiting your child’s class can be awkward, and Pat visiting his daughter was no exception. Here’s Pat! If you are interested in attending one of our Story Slams live, here are some tips. West Chester Story Slam is held on the second Tuesday of the month. Seats do sell out so you want to plan ahead. And if you want to tell a story, buy your ticket and then see me - Jim - when you arrive! All the info you need can be found at wcstoryslam.com. If you are a fan of the West Chester Story Slam podcast - please let your friends know, or write a review on iTunes. Thanks for listening!

School Days

Welcome to the West Chester Story Slam podcast! Our August Story Slam was themed Identity Crisis, and we heard some fascinating stories about mistaken identities, faked identities, and more. We ended the night with a three way tie - so I had to reconvene our judges to decide who would walk away with the night’s prized pint glass. Lucky for you, today you’ll get to hear all three of the stories in our podcast and make your own decision. When the judges reconvened and and cast their second votes, first-time storyteller Paul Heck stood tall. Here is Paul’s story. As I mentioned, Paul was a first time storyteller, and he didn’t put his name in the hat until intermission. He will now be one of our storytellers competing in the Grand Slam. Have you marked your calendar? The Grand Slam will be held on November 7th at the Chester County Historical Society. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, October 11th. Arianna Scavetti is our next storyteller. Arianna has told some fun stories, but this story about mistaken identity was a great way to kick off our story slam.  Our final storyteller is Steve Clark from Philadelphia. Steve Clark has been called Philadelphia’s Best Storyteller by Philly Magazine. He has won multiple First Person Arts Grand Slams and hosts a few events, including a storytelling Open Mic at City Tap - Logan and Trump’s America - A Comedy Show in Kensington. Tickets for our September 12th Story Slam, which is themed School Days, are going quick. If you are interested in attending one of our Story Slams live, here are some tips. West Chester Story Slam is held on the second Tuesday of the month. Seats do sell out so you want to plan ahead. And if you want to tell a story, buy your ticket and then see me - Jim - when you arrive! All the info you need can be found at our website. If you are a fan of the West Chester Story Slam podcast - please let your friends know, or write a review on iTunes.

Identity Crisis

Monthly Story Slam based in West Chester, PA