Episodes

  • James Bengiovanni: “Game Show Host”
    Aug 2 2021

    On episode #116  of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are back, talking storytelling!

    In our follow up segment, we discuss our return to posting new episodes and our upcoming shows and workshops.

    • August 18: Speak Up at Hill-Stead Museum (6:00 PM EST)
    • August 20-21: Storytelling Workshop (Phoenicia Playhouse, Woodstock, NY)
    • August 21: Speak Up at the Phoenicia Playhouse, Woodstock, NY (7:00 PM EST)
    • October 23: Speak Up at The Wadsworth Atheneum (7:00 PM EST) Tickets available soon!
    • December 4: Speak Up at The Connecticut Historical Society (7:00 PM EST)

    In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about finding stories through contrast. 

    Next we listen to a story by James Bengiovanni.

    Amongst the many things we discuss include:

    1. Authenticity of voice
    2. Capturing secondary characters in meaningful ways
    3. Raising the stakes
    4. The art of “the pause”
    5. Powers of location
    6. Alternatives to the impulse to play jokes loudly
    7. The importance of ending in the heart of the storyteller

    Next we answer questions about using stories in cover letters and job interviews.

    Lastly, we each offer a recommendation. 

    RECOMMEDATIONS

    Elysha:

    • Crip Camp Documentary (Netflix)

    Matt:

    • How Walking Can Build Up the Brain by. Gretchen Reynolds (NYTimes)

    _________________________________________________________

    Support Speak Up Storytelling through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/speakupstorytelling

    Speak Up merch at Cotton Bureau: https://bit.ly/3gc1h35

    Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling: 

    https://amzn.to/2H3YNn3

    Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne

    Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com

    Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel:

    https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks 

    Matthew Dicks's blog:

    https://matthewdicks.com/blog

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • "Remembering Your Story" with special guest Thomas Krafft
    Apr 16 2021

    On episode #115 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and special guest Thomas Krafft talk storytelling!

    In our follow up segment, we discuss new content on our Patreon page and upcoming shows and workshops.

    • April 21: Humor in Storytelling (8:00 PM EST) (4 weeks)
    • April 24: "School Days" (7:00 PM EST)
    • May 15: Storytelling workshop (beginners) (9:30 AM EST)

    In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about the way that a simple statement, when given enough thought and consideration, can produce a story.  

    Next Matt and Thomas discuss strategies for remembering content for the stage, incluidng:

    1. Memorizing versus remembering
    2. Strategies for practicing aloud
    3. Strategies for recording
    4. Active listening
    5. The reverse memory palace

    Lastly, we each offer a recommendation. 

    RECOMMEDATIONS

    Thomas:

    • Geocaching 

    Matt:

    • Photo rotation
      _______________________________________________

    Support Speak Up Storytelling through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/speakupstorytelling

    Speak Up merch at Cotton Bureau: https://bit.ly/3gc1h35

    Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling
    https://amzn.to/2H3YNn3

    Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne

    Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com

    Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel:
    https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks 

    Matthew Dicks's blog:
    https://matthewdicks.com/blog

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 28 mins
  • Questions Answered!
    Apr 8 2021

    On episode #114 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are back, talking storytelling! And answering your questions! 

    In our follow up segment, we discuss new content on our Patreon page and upcoming shows and workshops.

    • April 21: Humor in Storytelling (8:00 PM EST) (4 weeks)
    • April 24: "School Days" (7:00 PM EST)
    • May 15: Storytelling workshop (beginners) (9:30 AM EST)

    In our Homework for Life segment, Elysha explains to Matt how one of his Homework for Life entries can make a great story. 

    Next we answer lots of listener questions!

    Lastly, we each offer a recommendation. 

    RECOMMEDATIONS

    Elysha:

    • Wandavision on Netflix
    • Moby Dicks in Pictures by Matt Kish

      _______________________________________________

    Support Speak Up Storytelling through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/speakupstorytelling

    Speak Up merch at Cotton Bureau: https://bit.ly/3gc1h35

    Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling
    https://amzn.to/2H3YNn3

    Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne

    Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com

    Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel:
    https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks 

    Matthew Dicks's blog:
    https://matthewdicks.com/blog

    Two Little Jewish Dicks:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIrItw1hsSI

    Shoe Thief:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl_gQhsPqXA

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Donna Shubrooks: "Driveway Interview"
    Mar 16 2021

    On episode #113 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are back, talking storytelling!

    In our follow up segment, we discuss new content on our Patreon page and upcoming shows and workshops.

    • March 20: "Weddings Behind the Scenes" (7:00 PM EST)
    • April 21: Humor in Storytelling (8:00 PM EST) (4 weeks)
    • April 24: "School Days" (7:00 PM EST)
    • May 15: Storytelling workshop (beginners) (9:30 AM EST)

    In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about the way that Homework for Life can help illuminate a story that took years to complete. 

    Next we listen to a story by Donna Shubrooks.  

    Amongst the many things we discuss include:

    1. Humor strategies in storytelling

    2. Dispensing information without leaving the confines of the story 

    3. Spooling

    4. Openings 

    5. Avoiding describing scenes after the fact

    Next we answer questions about subtle stories and storytelling introductions.  

    Lastly, we each offer a recommendation. 

    RECOMMEDATIONS

    Elysha:

    • https://www.cookingwithshereen.com

    Matt:

    • Speck of Dust by Sarah Silverman (Netflix) 

      _______________________________________________

    Support Speak Up Storytelling through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/speakupstorytelling

    Speak Up merch at Cotton Bureau: https://bit.ly/3gc1h35

    Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling
    https://amzn.to/2H3YNn3

    Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne

    Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com

    Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel:
    https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks 

    Matthew Dicks's blog:
    https://matthewdicks.com/blog

    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • SPECIAL EPISODE #5: Real Life People in a Book - "Twenty-one Truths About Love"
    Feb 22 2021

    In this special episode of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast,  Matthew Shepard and Steve Brouse talk about what it's like to become characters in a book of fiction and other oddities in the  creation of Matt's novel, "Twenty-one Truths About Love," a book written entirely in list form.

    In this series of 5 episodes, Matt, along with Elysha, several friends, his editor, and the illustrator of the cover, will pull back the curtains on publishing. They'll talk about the writing process, creativity, collaboration, stumbling blocks, and more.  

    "Twenty-one Truths About Love" is now available in paperback and can be purchased wherever you get books. 

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    45 mins
  • SPECIAL EPISODE #4: Stumbling Blocks - "Twenty-one Truths About Love"
    Feb 22 2021

    In this special episode of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matt and storyteller Jeni Bonaldo talk about the stumbling blocks that occurred in the writing of Matt's novel, "Twenty-one Truths About Love," a book written entirely in list form.

    In this series of 5 episodes, Matt, along with Elysha, several friends, his editor, and the illustrator of the cover, will pull back the curtains on publishing. They'll talk about the writing process, creativity, collaboration, stumbling blocks, and more.  

    "Twenty-one Truths About Love" is now available in paperback and can be purchased wherever you get books. 

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • SPECIAL EPISODE #3: My Cover Designer and Me - "Twenty-one Truths About Love""
    Feb 21 2021

    In this special episode of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matt and designer Kerri Resnick talk about the creation of Matt's novel, "Twenty-one Truths About Love," a book written entirely in list form.

    In this series of 5 episodes, Matt, along with Elysha, several friends, his editor, and the illustrator of the cover, will pull back the curtains on publishing. They'll talk about the writing process, creativity, collaboration, stumbling blocks, and more.  

    "Twenty-one Truths About Love" is now available in paperback and can be purchased wherever you get books. 

    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • SPECIAL EPISODE #2: My Editor and Me - "Twenty-one Truths About Love"
    Feb 21 2021

    In this special episode of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matt and editor Hannah Braaten talk about the creation of Matt's novel, "Twenty-one Truths About Love," a book written entirely in list form.

    In this series of 5 episodes, Matt, along with Elysha, several friends, his editor, and the illustrator of the cover, will pull back the curtains on publishing. They'll talk about the writing process, creativity, collaboration, stumbling blocks, and more.  

    "Twenty-one Truths About Love" is now available in paperback and can be purchased wherever you get books. 

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins