Recap: A Night of Incredible “Never Again” Stories, Podcast News, Call for Storytellers and More

📷 kmr studios

As the days grow shorter, and the squirrels are hoarding away the sunflower seeds for their winter snacks, I’ve been enjoying strolling along Rattlesnake Creek on a sunny temperate afternoon. I look forward to gathering bonfires to enjoy the warmth and camaraderie of autumn. It’s a time to slow down, appreciate the beauty of nature, and savor the simple pleasures of life. The leaves of the aspens and cottonwoods are turning fiery shades of orange and red and look incredible against the pines. The air is crisp and cool, carrying the scent of pine needles and fallen leaves. And there isn’t any smoke!

This month in the newsletter, a recap of the September 18th live event on the theme “Never Again”, podcast news, call for storytellers, Board and volunteer opportunities and a storyteller alumni spotlight highlighting three visual artists.

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On September 18th, we had the privilege of hosting a live storytelling event at The Dennison Theatre. The night was filled with laughter, tears, and unforgettable stories.

Thank you to all of our amazing storytellers and audience members for making this event such a special night. We can’t wait to see what incredible stories you’ll share next!

Thank you to everyone who attended. Head over to the blog to check out the photo gallery.

New Podcast episodes

Get ready for two new episodes of Tell Us Something! Part 1 of the “Never Again” stories is available for streaming at tellussomething.org and wherever you get your podcasts. Part 2 drops this Friday. If you missed the show, give them a listen, or relieve the glory!

Listen to the stories.

Call for Storytellers: “Hold My Beer”

Are you ready to share your most daring, reckless, or downright foolish stories? We’re seeking storytellers for our upcoming theme, “Hold My Beer.” Whether it’s a childhood prank gone awry, a risky adventure, or a moment of sheer stupidity, we want to hear your tales! Call to pitch your story: 406-203-4683. As always, our Deaf friends can submit a pitch at [email protected]. The pitch deadline is December 7th. The live event is January 13th.

Tickets are on sale for the January 13th event. You can get your tickets here.

Big thanks to Lisa McKinney over at Blue Dogs Media for the poster artwork. Blue Dogs Media

What? No event in December?

December is packed with activities, and we want to give you a chance to enjoy them all. January is pretty slow events-wise, so let’s try that. Moving the event from December to January also helps us to keep our ticket prices low. Ticket fees through Ticketmaster are generally 20%-30% of the ticket base price. Add the LogjamPresents ticket fee and the tickets would cost in the neighborhood of $30. Get your tickets to the “Hold My Beer” event here.

Join the Board

Tell Us Something is searching for passionate community members to join our Board of Directors! ✨

We believe in the power of storytelling to connect us, inspire empathy, and build a stronger Missoula.

Do you:

• Believe in the magic of storytelling?
• Want to champion local voices?
• Have fundraising or event planning experience?
• If you answered YES, we want to hear from you!

Learn more and apply here.

Volunteer opportunities

Calling all story lovers! Tell Us Something needs YOU!

Help us connect Missoula through the power of storytelling.  Volunteer opportunities available in event planning, marketing, and more!

Sign up for behind the scenes (non-event based) volunteer opportunities.

Alumni Spotlight

Ever wonder what happens to our inspiring Tell Us Something storytellers after they take the stage? The Alumni Spotlight is where we catch up with our storytellers and see how their storytelling journeys have unfolded! Get ready to be amazed by their creativity, resilience, and that they have in the world. This month, it’s all about the visual artists.

Linds Sanders

Linds created the poster for the March 2024 “Close to the Edge” event. [thumbnail] She recently opened her own counseling practice, of which one client said “offers such a safe, genuine, and non-judgmental space for every client. I’ve learned so much from Linds in my time facilitating therapeutic groups with her, and she has so much wisdom to offer as she holds space for whatever you may bring.”

Linds is currently accepting new clients – learn more at treeringscounseling.com.

Linds’ newest body of work debuts this Friday at The Confluence Center, 119 W Main Street.

Listen to Linds’ story here: The Kindness of Strangers – Part 2 – Tell Us Something

Mark Matthews

Enjoying the weather this week, I was out walking around downtown Missoula when I discovered Mark’s newest installation in Allez gallery on Higgins Street. Mark said of it: “The original title for this piece was to be: “Was Mankind Ever Kind?,” but one day, overcome by a wave of optimism and hope, I envisioned my original quartet of dark figures suffocating in a fiery cell as four virtues attempting to prevent the collapse of society. It is not named after the classic four virtues of ancient Greek philosophy, but rather, the virtues that I personally find most important to practice.”

Learn more and purchase the art here. Four Virtues: Love, Kindness, Compassion, Generosity – Mark Matthews — Allez! Missoula (allezmissoula.com)

Mark shared his story about his journey as an artist in March 2024. Listen to his story here: Close to the Edge – Part 1 – Tell Us Something

Karl Stein

Karl Stein started painting when he was ten years old after inheriting his grandfather’s oil paints. In 1969 a Grizzly football scholarship brought him to Montana where he set nine school records his first year, including the still-standing single-season interception record, earning him all American honors and induction into the Grizzly Hall of Fame as part of the championship 1969-18970 team

He painted a traffic signal box at Arthur & Beckwith Streets in Missoula called “Flicker Falls”.

Karl shared his story of hopping trains back in September 2019. Listen to Karl’s story here: Leap of Faith – Part 1 – Tell Us Something

Karl’s website

Are you a Tell Us Something storytelling alumni? Got something cool coming up you want us to feature in the newsletter? Drop us an email to let us know.

Thanks for reading. Have a story worthy day,