Today’s story comes from Debbie Scheer. Debbie is an entertainer, storyteller, auctioneer, MC, Costco enthusiast, and long-time favorite of the show. As you’re listening to her story, keep in mind that it was recorded live at Buntport Theater in December 2019—almost sixteen months ago. The theme of the evening was “Ritual.”

Special thanks to The Milk Blossoms for this episode’s outro music!

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A self-described black nerd shares three true stories about his relationship with sports

Our next story comes from a self-described blerd—”black nerd”—our dear friend Stephen Brackett. As a lyricist, poet, activist, member of The Flobots, founder of Youth on Record, and Colorado’s Music Ambassador, Stephen has long used his intelligence and powerful writing to draw attention to the causes he believes in. In this story, however, he recounts a few times when his physicality and athleticism were put in the spotlight instead. Stephen told this story live to a virtual audience on 17 March 2021; the theme of the show was “Rebound.”

Special thanks to Jobless for this episode’s outro music!

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Your next storyteller is Adrian Mesa. Adrian is a comedian, chef, and actor originally from Hollywood, Florida. He shared this story about his family and their beloved mango tree way back in February 2016, but his experience feels especially relevant these days, as we peek our heads out of the pandemic’s shadow and ponder how we’re going to recover from this year of tragedy—and where we’re going next. Adrian told this story live in front of a packed crowd at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado; the theme of the show was “DIY or Die.” 

Special thanks to TIQ TOK for today’s outro music!

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Three short true stories about saying no

Our next story comes from Bethany Hernandez. Bethany is a `Colorado Springs-based performer and artist who we are lucky enough to sometimes coax back up to Denver, a former home of hers. She’s a favorite of the show and just a treat of a person. For this story, Bethany presents a triptych of “no”—three small stories where she spoke up for herself and felt more powerful for doing so. Bethany told this story live at the Buntport Theater on November 20, 2019. The theme of the evening was “Reply to All.”

Special thanks to Speedboat for today’s outro music.

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Your next storyteller is Laura Bond. Laura has been telling stories at The Narrators since its inception in 2010 and it’s always a treat when she joins us. In this story, Laura talks about her move to Denver, her years as the music editor of Westword, Denver’s alt weekly newspaper, and her brief foray into waiting tables at the Satire Lounge on Colfax Avenue. Laura shared this story in front of a live audience at Buntport Theater in August 2019; the theme of the show was “Transplant.” 

Special thanks to Mama Magnolia for this episode’s outro music.

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A true story about a lie we tell ourselves

Our next story comes to us courtesy of a long-time favorite of The Narrators, Corey Rhoads. He’s a once—and hopefully future—mainstay of the Denver comedy scene, and most folks around town know Corey as a sweet man with a big heart and open arms. In this story, he talks about the seemingly cruel world that we live in and how he struggled to feel a sense of belonging—until a kind stranger gave him a big gift that changed his outlook. This story was recorded live on August 21, 2019 at Buntport Theater in Denver, Colorado; the theme of the evening was “Transplant.”

Special thanks to Knuckle Pups for today’s outro music!

Listen to Erin’s story about her kidney transplant.

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