Storytelling isn’t just for writers or performers—it’s for anyone who wants to share their experiences in a way that connects with others. Often, the most memorable stories come from ordinary or even awkward moments in our lives. One of my favorite exercises to uncover these stories is a game called “That Reminds Me of the Time.” How the Game Works This is a fun exercise I play in my classes, often on the very first day. Participants pair up and take turns sharing small, cond

I woke up in the hallway of the Waikiki Holiday Inn at 3 in the morning, completely naked.  This is the start of a story I tell about sleepwalking out of my hotel room one night on vacation. It’s the start of a journey, not just about what I did, but about who I am.  Every story has two layers: what happened — and what it’s really about.  Most storytellers stop at the surface, focusing on events, actions, and outcomes. But if you want your story to resonate, you need to go de

Storytelling is an art—but sharing your story on stage can feel terrifying. The nerves, the eyes watching, the pressure to deliver—it’s enough to make anyone stumble. The good news? Confidence doesn’t come from winging it. It comes from preparation, focus, and mastering the beginning and ending of your story. Start Strong: Nail Your Opening I ran into Mike Mahony the other day. He works at Pixar Animation Studios, and I met him after his brother Dave took my storytelling work

Have you ever thought, “Who would want to hear my story?”  Maybe you feel like your experiences are too ordinary, too small, or too messy to matter. I’m here to tell you something important: your story matters.  Not someday, not maybe—it matters right now. Here’s the thing: every single person you meet is craving connection. They want to laugh, cry, learn, or just nod along thinking, “Yeah, me too.” And the amazing part? Your story could be the very thing that does that for s