Tales Told

Send us Fan MailEpisode 8 Show notesThis episode introduces the Tellin’ Tales Theatre Ambassador Program—a leadership development initiative empowering young adults with and without disabilities to share their lived experiences. This episode features two remarkable storytellers from the Young Adult Writers Workshop performance in July of 2025.. Together, these stories highlight the profound strength, resilience, and independence of a new generation finding their voices. Featured Stories“Betrayal in My Bedroom” Logan Czernia shares the shattering moment she discovered her father was a pathological liar and gambler who went so far as to fake his own death online. After a childhood built on manipulation and broken promises, uncovering the truth allowed Logan to finally cut ties and reclaim her life. Today, she finds ultimate liberation in her hard-won independence and passion for live music.“The Day That Changed My Life” In this moving story, Amethyst Tamley shares the turning point that saved her life. Overwhelmed by dark thoughts, Amethyst found the courage to admit she wasn't safe and ask for help. Her journey through inpatient mental health treatment provided vital coping skills, a supportive community, and a triumphant return to college.Note to Listeners: This episode discusses suicidal ideation. If you are struggling, please call or text 988 (US) to reach the 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the podcast! Today, we feature two stories originally performed in Tellin' Tales Theatre’s Ensemble Showcase in October of 2025. Both writers are part of our ensemble—a collaborative group of theater artists with and without disabilities who work closely together to enhance the mission of the company. Enjoy these uniquely unforgettable perspectives! Featured Stories“The Wrath of Carbondale" -By Michael Herzovi Two students in power wheelchairs get stranded at night when a battery dies. With no accessible transit in sight, campus security "saves" them in the most bizarre way possible: loading them—still in their chairs—into the back of a bouncing pickup truck. Hear this terrifyingly funny ride unfold“Bottom Feeder” -By Judith HardingEver wanted to stick it to a multi-millionaire art mogul? Working in a museum basement, a self-described "bottom feeder" spends her days packing unsold inventory. When a mountain of overpriced Jeff Koons books lands on her cart, she finds the perfect, hilariously petty way to speak truth to power. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode highlights two storytellers from “Hands Up Forgiveness,” performed live in March 2025 at Northeastern Illinois University. This performance shared real-life experiences that reveal the transformative power of compassion, wisdom, and kindness in the face of pain and betrayal. Featured Stories“My Rhythm My Way” - Victoria Boateng shares powerful story of a woman on the autism spectrum who finds her voice through music. From early silence and bullying to self-acceptance and triumph as a djembe drummer, she shows how art, resilience, and community can transform struggle into strength.“Say Grace” - Rose Chord shares a raw journey from growing up in a rigid, religious family to claiming her identity as a queer woman and finding healing through chosen family. Her story explores grace, anger, self-acceptance, and the courage to walk away from those who could not love her fully.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this special episode, we highlight young writers with disabilities from Tellin’ Tales Theatre’s Young Adult Writers Workshop. Through humor and resilience, they challenge stereotypes and celebrate personal growth.Featured Stories:“Trust the Knitters You Must” – Eli Walsh resists attending an adult sleepaway camp for people with disabilities, feeling kidnapped by his parents. But unexpected friendships, anarchist lawyers, and a canceled lube wrestling event transform the weekend into one of his best."Tim Bannon: Never Give Up!" – Tim Bannon shares his journey from struggling in gym class to playing high school football. Overcoming exclusion and setbacks—including a painful gym wall collision—he proves that perseverance, friendships, and sports can turn obstacles into victories.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode, we highlight the Hands Up! storytelling series, a unique program that provides adults from diverse backgrounds—with and without disabilities—a platform to explore controversial issues through personal storytelling. The series fosters understanding by reversing the lens on these topics and focusing on our shared humanity.Featured Stories“Be Safe” - Stephen Donart marched in pride parades with his saxophone adorned in rainbow leis, only to later navigate an HIV diagnosis and the stigma that followed. His journey from secrecy and shame to self-acceptance and love is one of resilience and transformation. “Finally Nekkid” - Robert Teverbaugh explores an unexpected romance that defied fear and personal doubts, leading to a lifelong partnership built on trust, vulnerability, and an unwavering bond. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode explores stories from Tellin’ Tales’ “Hands Up” series.  This series tackles topic including race, faith, and disability through diverse personal stories that connect past and present, broadening perspectives and celebrating unique journeys of resilience and growth.Featured Stories:“God is in the Numbers” - Shui Sherard’s childhood curiosity about math and time sparks a lifelong spiritual journey through various religions, leading to the realization that faith transcends words and study, existing in the spaces beyond human understanding.“My Brother's Funeral” - Dr. Arthur C. Donart’s story reflects on life’s journey, weaving experiences in education, service, and faith to show how personal history and changing times shape values, connections, and the meaning of purpose. Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode of Tellin’ Tales Tales Told features inspiring stories of resilience and creativity, including a wheelchair ballet dancer breaking barriers and a breast cancer survivor redefining her path. Celebrate strength and new beginnings!Featured Stories:“I Am A Force” - Ladonna Freidheim’s story celebrates resilience and transformation, highlighting how individuals overcome obstacles—like disability and illness—to redefine themselves through creativity, strength, and determination, inspiring new beginnings beyond adversity.“Still a Woman?” - Suzanne Metzel reflects on her family’s breast cancer legacy and her own journey through diagnosis, surgeries, and motherhood. Despite scars and losses, she embraces resilience, redefining womanhood beyond physical perfection and celebrates survival and strength.Support the show

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Tales Told, a storytelling podcast from Tellin’ Tales Theatre! In our first episode, meet hosts Shui and Rob, and hear powerful true stories by founder Tekki Lomnicki and storyteller Josh Friedberg—exploring body image, disability, vulnerability, and self-acceptance. Real stories, real voices. Featured Stories:Clothing Optional  -  Tekki Lomnicki shares her journey of vulnerability and self-acceptance at a clothing-optional hot springs retreat. Through humor and vivid storytelling, she reveals how shedding clothes becomes symbolic of shedding shame. The story celebrates healing, human connection, and the power of being seen exactly as you are.He Didn’t Beat Me Up - Josh Friedberg’s story is a powerful journey of self-acceptance as an autistic, gay man facing mental illness, bullying, and body shame. A moment of unexpected kindness from a straight classmate saved his life and helped shift his self-perception. Today, he embraces his identity and knows his body is beautifulLink to Transcription:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C36CDXh8zR4TNQhI5JM-bnNp-oKrAuOv/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113209359933137905337&rtpof=true&sd=trueSupport the show