Speak Up Storytelling
by Matthew and Elysha Dicks
Learn to tell better stories from the producers of Speak Up, a Hartford-based storytelling organization. Bestselling author, 53-time Moth StorySLAM champion, and 7-time GrandSLAM champion Matthew Dicks partners with his wife, Elysha Dicks, to share stories recorded from years of Speak Up shows. More importantly, they offer tips, feedback, strategies, and advice on these stories, all in an effort to help you tell your best stories.
Episodes
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James Bengiovanni: "Game Show Host"
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:...
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"Remembering Your Story" with special guest Thomas Krafft
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"...
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Questions Answered!
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…
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Donna Shubrooks: "Driveway Interview"
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…
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SPECIAL EPISODE #5: Real Life People in a Book - "Twenty-one Truths About Love"
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…
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SPECIAL EPISODE #4: Stumbling Blocks - "Twenty-one Truths About Love"
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…
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SPECIAL EPISODE #3: My Cover Designer and Me - "Twenty-one Truths About Love""
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...
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SPECIAL EPISODE #2: My Editor and Me - "Twenty-one Truths About Love"
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...
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SPECIAL EPISODE #1: The Birth of a Book - "Twenty-one Truths About Love"
In this special episode of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matt and Elysha 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…
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Sue Huggans: "Handling Money"
On episode #112 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are back, talking storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss Elysha's recovery from COVID-19, a public service announcement on birds, upcoming shows and workshops, and more. In our Homework for Life segment…
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"The Other Mother" book launch event
On episode #110 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, we present the virtual launch of Matt's latest novel, "The Other Mother." The show features stories, a musical interlude, interviews, and questions. "The Other Mother" is now available wherever you get books....
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Matthew Dicks: "Wonder Woman Breakdown"
On episode #109 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew Dicks are back, talking storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss future workshops and more. Then Matt breaks down the latest installment of the Wonder Woman franchise, as well as the original Wonder Woman film and Mary…
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Scott Gawlicki: "Body Parts and Gambling"
On episode #108 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are back, talking storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss future workshops and more. In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about finding stories in the quietest of places. Next we listen to a story by...
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David Golder: "The Baby Bird"
On episode #107 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are back, talking storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss future workshops and more. In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about finding and crafting stories from the past. Next we listen to a story…
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Emily Apter: "Time Capsule"
On episode #106 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are back, talking storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss copyright and upcoming shows, workshops, and more. In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about taking advantage of historical moments in time…
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Cathy Dunn: "Roller Blades"
On episode #105 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are back, talking storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss Elysha's recent brush with COVID-19 and our upcoming shows. STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 November 21: "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" at Connecticut...
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John DeMeo: "Johnson's Grocery Store"
On episode #104 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are back, talking storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss our absence, talk about upcoming shows, Speak Up merchandise, and workshops, all online! STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 October 24: "Struggle and Survival"…
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Tracey Segarra: "Waiting for Dad"
On episode #103 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss upcoming shows, Speak Up merchandise, and workshops, all online! STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 August 22: Speak Up at the Connecticut Historical Society (7:00 PM)...
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Storytelling Workshop Sneak Peak
On episode #102 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, we offer you a special treat: A sneak peak into an actual storytelling workshop. Join storytellers Anne Purky, Kim Jordan, Connie Atkisson, Ronna Levy, and Brenda Haynes as they participate in a live storytelling workshop with me. Listen to...
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Ann Guo: "Waiting for an Answer"
On episode #101 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss upcoming shows and workshops, all online! STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 August 22: Speak Up at the Connecticut Historical Society (7:00 PM) (virtual) September 12: Solo...
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Clara and Charlie Dicks: "3-2-1"
On episode #100 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling alongside their kids, Clara and Charlie! In our follow up segment, we thank our listeners for their many kind messages about their 100th episode. In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about...
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Katherine Field: "Cat Versus Dog"
On episode #99 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss firehouse and stripper poles as well as upcoming shows and workshops, all online! STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 July 11: Solo show at MOPCO Improv Theater (7:30 PM)...
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Kat Koppett: "Prayers for Aslan"
On episode #98 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we share emails from listeners and discuss our first Speak Up virtual show. We also discuss upcoming shows and workshops, all online! STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 July 11: Solo…
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Roszena Haskins: "Combination"
On episode #97 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss the events taking place in our country right now and how we hope to begin moving in the right direction. We also discuss upcoming shows and workshops, all online!...
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Kathy Binder: "Permanence and Regret"
On episode #96 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss our absence for the last couple weeks, share emails from listeners around the world, and describe upcoming events. In our Homework for Life segment, I talk about...
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Ron and Marcus Apter: "The Race"
On episode #95 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss recent and future virtual shows, brand new Patreon content, and more. We also share listener insight on virtual meetings and performances. In our Homework for Life...
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Lisa Ferguson: "The Sailboat"
On episode #94 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we share a listener's tip on digital whiteboards and discuss upcoming online events. STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 April 18: Solo show, MOPCO Improv Theater STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS...
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Strategies for Communicating and Performing Via Video Conferencing Platforms
On episode #93 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew Dicks offers strategies and insights into effective communication and performance on video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype, Google Meets, and the like. Consider this a bonus episode for those listeners who have found themselves...
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Monica Malaver: "My American Dream"
On episode #92 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we debut our first bot of content on our Patreon page , announce online workshops and shows, and a weekly free storytelling workshop for families on Facebook Live and…
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Tom Moore: "First Impressions"
On episode #91 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we congratulate listeners on their new baby! We also launch our Patreon campaign, announce an upcoming virtual storytelling workshop and solo show, and a weekly free...
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Ellen Feldman Ornato: "Sisters Fight"
On episode #90 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss the importance of storytelling and self-care in the time of this pandemic. We also read some listeners' emails and discuss events and workshops moving forward....
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Matthew Dicks: Crafting a Story ("News of Divorce")
On episode #89 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew Dicks tries something new. He crafts a brand new story on the spot - something he does in workshops but never before on the podcast. LINKS Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of...
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Matthew Dicks: "Trio" (rebroadcast)
On episode #88 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, I play three of my stories (chosen for a specific reason) with some commentary about the crafting of each. After listening, I discuss: The variety of chronological formats available to storytellers When to choose a specific chronological format...
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Matthew Dicks: "Holding On By a Thread"
On episode #87 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew Dicks analyzes his own story "Holding On By a Thread" in an episode we call Storytelling Forensics. This episode is dedicated to Elysha's grandmother, Nana, who passed away on Sunday. Rest in peace, Nana. LINKS Purchase Storyworthy:...
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Talia Pollock: "Who Am I?"
On episode #86 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss listener comments and upcoming events. STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 February 22: "Leap: Stories of Daring Risks and Epic Failures" at Bears Smokehouse/District, New...
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Lael Lloyd: "I Wanted In"
On episode #85 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss some Homework for Life feedback from listeners and clients, talk about our new Patreon account, and share about upcoming events in the Speak Up realm. STORYTELLING...
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Storytelling Forensics: "Turtle"
On episode #84 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew Dicks analyzes his own story "Turtle" in an episode we call Storytelling Forensics. LINKS Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love…
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Ana Guo: "Crashing"
On episode #83 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we share about upcoming events in the Speak Up realm. STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 February 8: "Storytelling for Students" at Henry A. Wolcott School, West Hartford, CT February…
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John Smith-Horn: "I'm Late"
On episode #82 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we share about upcoming events in the Speak Up realm and thank listeners for some unexpected kindness. STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 February 8: "Storytelling for Students" at…
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Devan Sandiford: "Words Matter"
On episode #81 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we share about upcoming events in the Speak Up realm and update you on the condition of Nana! STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 February 8: "Storytelling for Students" at Henry A....
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Storytelling Forensics: "The Avocado Melt"
On episode #80 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew Dicks analyzes his own story "The Avocado Melt" in an episode we call Storytelling Forensics. LINKS Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling Purchase Twenty-one Truths About...
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John Cuyler: "The Cavalry"
On episode #79 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we we share Homework for Life success stories from several listeners and attempt to shame a sibling into joining her brother and sister in Homework for Life. STORYTELLING…
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Storytelling Forensics: "Searching for the Holy Grail"
On episode #78 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew Dicks analyzes his own story "Searching for the Holy Grail" in an episode we call Storytelling Forensics. LINKS Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling Purchase Twenty-one...
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Live from Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health with Kathy Binder (Part 2)
On episode #77 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, special guest Kathy Binder and I talk storytelling! This week's episode features the first half of a storytelling show at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts as part of a weekend of storytelling instruction.…
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Live from Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health with Kathy Binder (Part 1)
On episode #76 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, special guest Kathy Binder and I talk storytelling! This week's episode features the first half of a storytelling show at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts as part of a weekend of storytelling instruction.…
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Joey Meyer: "Nice job, Joey"
On episode #75 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss last week's book launch event. We also direct listeners to our new Soundcloud account and Matt's updated YouTube channel. We also ask listeners to help solve a...
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"Twenty-one Truths About Love" Book Launch
On episode #74 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, we air the launch of Matthew Dicks's latest novel "Twenty-one Truths About Love." The episode features stories about the publishing of the book, Elysha playing her ukulele and singing for just the third time in public, and much more!…
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Storytelling Forensics: "Naked and Wet"
On episode #73 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew Dicks analyzes his own story, "Naked and Wet," in an episode we call Storytelling Forensics. STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019-2020 November 23: Twenty-one Truths About Love book release, CT Historical Society, Hartford, CT December 14: "Crafty"…
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Chris Gaffney: "Suddenly there was a baby"
On episode #72 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling alongside the first Great Hartford Storyslam winner, Chris Gaffney! In our follow up segment, we discuss (and decide upon) the name for the start-and-stop episode that was so popular with our…
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Live from Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health (Part 2)
On episode #71 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, special guest Jeni Bonaldo and I talk storytelling! This week's episode features the second half of a storytelling show at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts as part of a weekend of storytelling instruction....
About this show
Learn to tell better stories from the producers of Speak Up, a Hartford-based storytelling organization. Bestselling author, 53-time Moth StorySLAM champion, and 7-time GrandSLAM champion Matthew Dicks partners with his wife, Elysha Dicks, to share stories recorded from years of Speak Up shows. More importantly, they offer tips, feedback, strategies, and advice on these stories, all in an effort to help you tell your best stories.
Hosted by
Matthew and Elysha Dicks
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