Comedian Bob Smiley has been doing standup for over 20 years all over the United States and Arkansas. He’s written three books for Focus on the Family in the series he created called “The Adventures of Average Boy.” The books, as well as his “The Average Boy Podcast” is aimed at making kids laugh while encouraging them to be the best God created them to be. Bob is also very good at mowing and has a massive hotel shampoo collection.
Transcription available on request.
Kim Weitkamp is an award-winning storyteller, author, singer-songwriter, and humorist. Kim used applied storytelling in her work with adjudicated and at-risk youth for 12 years and now tours full-time and performs regularly at festivals and theaters around the country. She has been a guest editor and contributor for various publications and her material gets regular airplay on Sirius XM and NPR Affiliate Stations. In addition, she has recorded 8 award-winning albums and hosted a morning show for a DOVE Award-winning radio network. Kim has been honored with leadership awards for her coaching and speaking work with internationally known companies like Purina and Edward Jones, as well as nationally recognized nonprofits like Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity, and Conflict Resolution Centers.
Transcription available on request.
Annette Simmons is the CEO of Group Process Consulting and author of five books, including her bestselling book The Story Factor, which was named as one of The 100 Best Business Books of All Time. She has been featured on CNBC’s Power Lunch, NPR’s Market Watch, and on numerous talk radio programs. In this episode, she unpacks the six stories we all need to be able to tell as we share our messages or pass along our values.
Transcription available on request.
Artem Mushin-Makedonskiy is a worldwide leader on using storytelling in organizations and has been studying the field for years, sharing his insights with others. Artem consults on the topics of communication and leadership and is the founder of the Academy Historia, which is dedicated to excellence in communication and storytelling. He also serves as a board member of the Storytelling In Organizations international group and is planning an upcoming international conference called Storyify Your Culture on May 18-20.
Transcription available on request.
Some authors have lived incredible adventures that they can tap into in the stories they tell. That’s certainly true of this week’s guest. First, Don Bentley spent a decade as an Army Apache helicopter pilot. Then, as a decorated war hero, he spent time as an FBI Special Agent, SWAT member, and security consultant for the U.S. Special Operations Community. These days, Don writes riveting action stories that will take your breath away. On this week’s show he shares some of his inspiration for the thrillers he writes and gives us an inside scoop on his latest release, HOSTILE INTENT.
Transcription available on request.
Over the last few weeks I've had the honor of working with the creative writing students at Elizabethton High School in Tennessee as an author in residence. We explored the elements of all great stories, how to write organically (without an outline), and how to critique each other’s work. So, this week on The Story Blender, I decided to take a break from interviewing other storytellers or authors and give the students a chance to share their stories. So, sit back and enjoy some entertaining (and frightening!) stories inspired by the simple prompt: Earth Day.
This is Part 1 of 2.
(We’ll be back next week with an interview with NYT Bestselling author and former FBI agent, Don Bentley.)
Transcription available on request.
Over the last few weeks I've had the honor of working with the creative writing students at Elizabethton High School in Tennessee as an author in residence. We explored the elements of all great stories, how to write organically (without an outline), and how to critique each other’s work. So, this week on The Story Blender, I decided to take a break from interviewing other storytellers or authors and give the students a chance to share their stories. So, sit back and enjoy some entertaining (and frightening!) stories inspired by the simple prompt: Earth Day.
This is Part 2 of 2.
(We’ll be back next week with an interview with NYT Bestselling author and former FBI agent, Don Bentley.)
Transcription available on request.
Carol LaChapelle is a writer, teacher, and the author of Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Stories from Marion Street Press. She received her B.A. in Psychology in 1971) and M.A. in English in 1988 from the University of Illinois/Chicago. From 1986-2011, she was adjunct faculty in writing at UIC, DePaul University, North Park University, and Truman College. She has been teaching workshops for adults in memoir writing and journal writing since 1990.
Beginning in 1992, Carol’s essays and articles have appeared in a variety of publications, both in print and online. These include Notre Dame Magazine, Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical Literary Messenger, and nextavenue.org. She is currently at work on her second book, a memoir.
Transcription available on request.
Carter Wilson is a USA Today bestselling author who has written eight critically acclaimed standalone psychological thrillers as well as numerous short stories. He is an ITW Thriller Award finalist, a four-time winner of the Colorado Book Award, and his works have been optioned for television and film.
Carter lives in Erie, Colorado in a Victorian house that is spooky but isn’t haunted.
…yet.
Transcription available on request.
Eva Marie Everson is a multiple-award winning author and speaker who hails from the picturesque Southern town of Sylvania, Georgia. She is president of Word Weavers International and the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference. She enjoys coaching new authors through her company, Pen in Hand. Eva Marie and her husband make their home in Central Florida and are the parents of three fabulous children who have blessed them with the world’s greatest grandchildren.
(Apart from mine, of course. -Steven)
Transcription available on request.