Steve Brouse: "Everything Happens for a Reason"

On episode #37 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling along with storyteller and guest host Steve Brouse! In our followup segment, we talk about how a listener is using Homework for Life to remain in communication with his son, who is completing basic training. We also review listener feedback on the epic debate over the description of telepathy in Maire Greene's story. In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about turning an unexpected snowball fight into a story that pushes back against conventional norms, and Steve Brouse shares his Homework for Life moment, combining two moments into a single idea for a story. Next we listen to Steve Brouse's story of a missed phone call and all that happened because of it. After listening, we discuss: The value of opening windows into worlds we might not otherwise ever see Effective ways of teaching our audience about content needed to understand our stories (without bringing the story to a halt) When and how to use humor effectively in a story The way in which the crafting of a story can also be a discovery process for the storyteller Managing emotions during the telling of a story Identifying and fully developing critical scenes in a story Next, we answer a question about teaching storytelling to children. Finally, we each offer a recommendation. LINKS 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's weekly newsletter: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicks-subscribe Subscribe to the Speak Up newsletter: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-speak-up RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Crashing on HBO Matt: Commissioning portraits of meaningful places for loved ones (via Etsy) Steve: Puzzles comprised of family photos (via Shutterfly)