Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. The theme for our September story slam was HOMESICK. We heard stories about missing home, redefining one’s sense of home, and one about staying home sick from school. In the end, our winner was Sarah Chain, who shared her story about saying goodbye to her grandparents’ home. Sarah earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November.  Next up we have Thaddeus Abbott, who talks about finding an answer to the complicated question "Where are you from?" Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Joanna Kopinetz. Joanna shared her story about traditions around food, and how she brought some of them with her when she immigrated to the U.S. All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York at our Grand Slam event in November. Updates on our events are available on our website, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter.  A big thank-you to our 2021 sponsor, KBG Injury Law, whose generous support is making this season possible. We hope to see you virtually or on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

York Story Slam

Homesick

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. The theme for our July story slam was GREAT ESCAPES. We heard stories about narrowly missing trouble with the authorities, escaping from undesirable circumstances, and even one story about being terrified on a kiddie ride at Dutch Wonderland. In the end, our winner was Traci Neal, who shared her story about how she overcame her fear and found a way out.  Traci earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Next up we have Jackson Gillman, who shared his story of spending the night in a jail cell. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Mark Lentz. Mark shared the story of a particularly treacherous wintertime backpacking trip. All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York. Updates on our events are available on our website, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter.  A big thank-you to our 2021 sponsor, KBG Injury Law, whose generous support is making this season possible. We hope to see you virtually or on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Great Escapes

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. The theme for our June story slam was HAPPY DAYS. We heard stories about happy childhood moments from the perspectives of both child and parent, perspective gained during the pandemic, and reminiscing before walking a daughter down the aisle to the altar. In the end, we had a tie! Our first winner was Jamie Beth Cohen, who shared how partying as a young person has affected the rest of her life. Our second winner was Randy Schulz, who shared his story of preparing to walk his daughter down the aisle. Jamie Beth and Randy earned spots in our Grand Slam in November.  Next up we have Tony Crocamo, who told the story of his first fishing trip. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Elizabeth Erenberg. Liz shared about the lessons she's taken from her family's isolation during the pandemic. Updates on our events are available on our website, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter.  A big thank-you to our 2021 sponsor, KBG Injury Law, whose generous support is making this season possible. We hope to see you virtually or on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Happy Days

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. On May 18th, eight storytellers shared their stories with our audience for our virtual slam. The theme for our May story slam was DON’T TELL MOM. We heard stories about getting away with it, not getting away with it, and coming clean decades after the fact. Mina Edmondson won with a powerful story about when you should tell mom. Next up we have Domenic Sciortino, who told the story of how he cracked the plastic bubble window on the roof of his dad's van, and how he finally came clean about it. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Steph Holmes. Steph painted a picture of how her mom always seemed to have eyes in the back of her head, never missing anything. All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York. Updates on our events are available on our website, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter.   A big thank-you to our 2021 sponsor, KBG Injury Law, whose generous support is making this season possible. We hope to see you virtually or on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Don't Tell Mom

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. The theme for our April story slam was WIN, LOSE, OR DRAW. Happily, we mostly heard stories of wins — and even the stories of losing at first led to happy results in the end. Erin Marsicano won with her story about overcoming her childhood shyness by participating in pageants. Next up we have Eric Aycock, who shared a story about how a college game of tag gone wrong led to longer-term wins. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from our first Canadian participant, Soo Jeong, hereby making York Story Slam international! Soo shared her story of expectation vs. reality on a trip to Thailand. Updates on our events are available on our website, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter.  A big thank-you to our 2021 sponsor, KBG Injury Law, whose generous support is making this season possible. We hope to see you virtually or on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Win Lose or Draw

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. The theme for our March story slam was TMI. We heard stories of teachers giving too much information, a childbirth story, and miscellaneous stories of sex, drugs, and nuclear power plants. In the end, our winner was Sean Steel, with his story about being an Uber driver and getting truly much too much information from two of his passengers.  Next up we have David Smith, who shared about a scary moment in his teens, and how it stuck with him over time. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Ginger Bova. Ginger remembers the details of giving birth to one of her kids. Updates on our events are available on our website, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on twitter, Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. A big thank-you to our 2021 sponsor, KBG Injury Law, whose generous support is making this season possible. We hope to see you virtually or on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

TMI - March 2021

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania.   The theme for our February story slam was EMBARRASSING MOMENTS.  In the end, our winner was Tony Crocamo, with his story about the time he assisted his wife when her car broke down. Next up we have Steph Holmes, who shared about a gift she received from her would-be mother-in-law, and the lesson she was able to glean from it.  Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Rita Whitney. Rita shared her story of a mural project that taught her a lot about working and building trust in community.  Updates on our events are available on our website, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. Please follow us on twitter and Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. A big thank-you to our 2021 sponsor, KBG Injury Law, whose generous support is making this season possible. We hope to see you virtually or on stage soon! Thanks for listening!

Embarrassing Moments

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. The theme for our January story slam was FRESH START. One of our winners was Mark Lentz, with his story of growing up with an abusive father and finding ways to channel his anger. Mark earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Next up is our second winner, Edward Vasta, who shared about a day trip where he had his first experience with skiing. Edward also earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Eileen Joyce. Eileen shared her story of preparing for an inevitable career change, away from her pet tiger. Tickets for our events are available on our website, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on twitter Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. A big thank-you to our 2021 sponsor, KBG Injury Law, whose generous support is making this season possible. We hope to see you on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Fresh Start

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. In November, the eleven winners from our monthly open mic story slams returned to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York.  The theme for the evening was GIFTS.  Rachel Palepale won with her story of coming to terms with a gift she didn’t ask for.  Rachel took home the trophy and bragging rights as the Best Storyteller in York. Next we have a story from Brad Jennings, who shared his story of attending a Phillies game for his daughter’s 4th birthday. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Mina Edmondson. Mina told the story of a very special guest for her teenage daughter’s birthday sleepover. We'd like to extend huge thanks to KBG Injury Law for sponsoring this year's Grand Slam.  The themes for our 2021 season have already been announced on our website, so take a look and plan to join us in January and all year long! While you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on twitter and Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. We hope to see you on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Grand Slam - Gifts

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. Our theme for the evening was GOOSEBUMPS. We heard stories about haunted houses, ghosts, and a psychotic cat who looked like Norman Bates. The evening resulted in a tie between Michael Sirianni and Rita Whitney, both of whom earned spots in our Grand Slam in November. Michael shared his story about a former bandmate with whom he lost touch. Next up is our second winner, Rita Whitney. Rita told a story about a night she spent completely terrified in San Diego. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Chris Smith. Chris recounted strange goings-on from the house where he lived while he was in college in 1969. Updates on our events are available on our website, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on twitter , Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. Big thanks to our 2020 sponsor, KBG Injury Law, whose generous support is making this season possible. We hope to see you virtually or on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Goosebumps

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. On September 15, eight storytellers shared their stories with our audience.Our theme for the evening was TEEN SPIRIT. We heard stories about a first-ever unchaperoned road trip, a pie-eating contest, and teenage pranks pulled on a teacher. Our winning story this month came from Par Bowman, who told us about the time she channeled Eliza Doolittle of My Fair Lady, and entered a beauty pageant. Par earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November! Next up is a story from Randy Schulz, who told his story of Gloria, the vehicle that carried him and his friends from Illinois to Florida in the 1970s. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Jamie Beth Cohen. Jamie Beth shared her story of high school prom, and the distance we have yet to go in creating inclusive communities. All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York. Updates on our events are available on our website and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on twitter , Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. Big thanks to our 2020 sponsor, KBG Injury Law, whose generous support is making this season possible. We hope to see you virtually or on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Teen Spirit

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. On August 18th , eight storytellers shared their stories with our audience.  Our theme for the evening was BAD IDEA. We heard stories about defying death, encounters with law enforcement and wild animals, getting tattoos in questionable environments, and even one story about a guinea pig riding the family dog like a horse. In the end, our winner was reigning Grand Slam champion, Mina Edmondson, who told us about the time she took her four children on a spaceship to the moon. Mina earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November to defend her title! Next up is a story from Par Bowman, who told one of the cautionary tales she shares with her children — about how she got her second tattoo Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Paul Armstrong. Paul shared the real story behind his mother's account of the time he and his brother took their Christmas wagon out for a spin. All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York. Updates on our events are available on our website, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on twitter , Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. Big thanks to our 2020 sponsor, KBG Injury Law, whose generous support is making this season possible. We hope to see you virtually or on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Bad Idea

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. On July 21st, our theme for the evening was ROAD TRIP. We heard stories about teenage shenanigans, traveling in beat-up clunker automobiles, and sidekicks with names like Fry, Fish, and Foot.  In the end, we had a tie! Our first winning storyteller was Steph Holmes, who shared the story of a trip that helped her find her passion and path in life.  Steph earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November! Our second winner for the evening was Jamie Beth Cohen, who shared her story of the time she and her brother were in danger on a road trip.  Jamie Beth also earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November!  Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Paul Armstrong. Paul remembered his own coming-of-age story from his senior year of high school. All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York. Updates on our events are available on our website, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on twitter , Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. Big thanks to our 2020 sponsor, KBG Injury Law, whose generous support is making this season possible.   We hope to see you virtually or on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Road Trip

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania.  On June 16th, eight storytellers from York, Lancaster County, Philadelphia, Virginia, and Denver shared their stories with our audience. Our theme for the evening was PET PEEVES. We heard stories about things that get on people’s nerves, ways that people get on others’ nerves, and even a story about a pet who was constantly peeved.    In the end, Brad Jennings won with his story about anxiety over finding enough space in the overhead compartment on an airplane. Brad earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November, a familiar space for him, as Brad was our very first Grand Slam champ back in 2016 and has emceed the Grand Slam every year since. Next up is a story from Summer Gonter, who shared a story about her angry-old-man cat, Bill. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Keith Bailey. Keith shared his story with a bit of a twist:  How HIS driving is a pet peeve for others. All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York.  Updates on our events are available on our website, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on twitter , Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel.  Big thanks to our 2020 sponsor, KBG Injury Law, whose generous support is making this season possible.   We hope to see you virtually or on stage soon! Thanks for listening!

Pet Peeves

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. On May 19, eight storytellers shared their stories with our audience for our second virtual slam. Our theme for the evening was GROWING PAINS. We heard stories about the trials and tribulations of growing up, and about learning moments inside and outside of school. In the end, first-time storyteller Rachel Palepale won with her story about lessons she took away from an abusive relationship. Rachel earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Next up is a story from Mina Edmondson, who shared a moving story about what happened on the day she wore her Easter outfit to school.  Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from David Smith. David shared his story of a time he was distracted in algebra class in seventh grade. All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York. Updates on our events are available on our website, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on twitter, Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. Big thanks to our 2020 sponsor, KBG Injury Law, whose generous support is making this season possible. We hope to see you virtually or on stage soon! Thanks for listening. 

Growing Pains

A monthly podcast featuring three stories chosen from live story slams in York, PA. Learn more at yorkstoryslam.com.