Title TBD: Tell Me a Story

Ever been to a Banana Republic or Gap store in the ‘90s? Ever hunt the thrift shops for Banana Republic or Gap clothes from the ‘90s?If so, there’s an excellent chance you have something sitting in your closet now that Andy had a hand in designing. In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Andy shares two similar experiences where the work he was doing at that time would later turn around and find him again. Once while on a first date at a Manhattan restaurant where he thought he might get shivved for shouting “hey, man! That’s my shirt!” to a man passing by. And then 30 years later when his teenager daughter came home from the thrift store and mentioned, “I think I got a shirt from that place you worked in your 20s.”There’s a legacy you leave when you make things for other people, because often those things come back around to you in fun and unexpected ways. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Jordan didn’t know a homecoming to his alma mater’s dive bar would change his life, but he did know the woman he met that night, the woman floating above the bar sludge, would be his wife.At least that’s what he told her ex-boyfriend.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Jordan starts with how he met the woman who would be his wife, how he almost messed it up and how they endured long distance romance before he gets to the main event: an elaborate marriage proposal at an NYC art gallery featuring his own painting (he’s not a painter), the mysterious (and completely made up) rules of an art show, a gallery owner he met only a few weeks prior who went above and beyond to help him and an international community of well wishers waiting around to see the proposal. Spoiler alert: the painting now resides in their bedroom.Have a story of your own to share? Please let me know. I’d love to hear it. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

When Daniel was in his first year of college, he started feeling a strange sensation and pain in his leg. Being a sensible young adult male, he actually went to a doctor to get it checked out. He didn’t anticipate testicular cancer. In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Daniel shares his experience in cancer treatment and how facing mortality so young took him to a dark place mentally. However, he also sought counseling (I told you he was a sensible young adult male) and was able to find a path through his physical and mental challenges. Coming out the other side with a hopeful perspective, a commitment to serve others and the blessings of raising his own family.Coincidentally, April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. If you’d like to learn more or provide support, Daniel recommends the Testicular Cancer Foundation. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

A quiet moment of terror, standing at a trash can in an Airbnb, led Ellen to a choice that sparked changing pretty much everything about her life. Bigger changes than a kitchen remodel in the middle of a global pandemic. In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Ellen shares her experience starting anxiety medication, finding support in unique places (like an astrologer with an MBA) and how it led her to take new directions in her life and work.Ellen discusses mental health challenges in this story, puts specific language to those challenges and shares some actions that worked for her. If you’re working through anxiety, depression or other challenges, please don’t wait to reach out for some help. Have a story of your own to share? Please let me know. I’d love to hear it. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

As a young sports reporter in Casa Grande, AZ, Damon was covering local community college and high school sports. That was the case until a press release announced a new professional football league was bringing a team to town for it’s pre-season training.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Damon shares his experience covering the Oregon Lightning Bolts of the Professional Spring Football League, connecting with coach Craig Morton and very nearly taking the field to get a real taste of what it was like to be on the team, not only reporting from the sidelines.It didn’t quite work out in professional sports stardom for Damon, but it was an experience that taught him to say yes to opportunity, because you never know when the door may close.Have a story of your own to share? Please let me know. I’d love to hear it. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

After losing a deeply wanted pregnancy, while also dealing with corporate upheaval, Cassandra found herself doing what she calls “mom math.” These are the constantly ongoing calculations a mother makes to take care of…everything, really.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Cassandra shares a deeply personal experience about the highs and lows of motherhood and career, and the constant calculations that go into finding work/life balance, with the understanding of how that is an impossible task. Mom math means considering everything, often putting the mother’s needs on the backburner, and being left to clean up the mess at the end of the day. And sometimes that mess means staying somewhere she probably should have left years before.At it’s best, corporate America can give you a space to work with purpose, to lift others up and to create a life for yourself and your family. But even at its best, we have to realize the other shoe could drop at any moment and we’ll be a name on a list of people headed out the door.Cassandra has gone on to create community outside of her day gig, which she talks about a little in this story. It’s a reminder to connect with real community, because your “office family” might not be as loyal as you are. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Can you call yourself an American if you haven’t at least sketched out a rough itinerary for cross country road trip? One of those trips where the main goal is seeing things and trying things and maybe even escaping things.Following some unique and terrible health challenges in 2024, Molly felt the call to travel now while she still could and this past summer crossed the U.S and back in about four months.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Molly shares some of the details in what turned out to be a classic American road trip: with all the helpful strangers, off-the-clock mechanics, national parks trolls and crawfish étouffée you would expect.Listen in and I’d dare you not to want to gas up the car and start heading to the farthest coast away from you.You can read Molly’s story (and much more) on her Substack: Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Like many young men coming out of a divorce and struggling with direction in their lives, Mike bought an oversized motorcycle he couldn’t handle. After misjudging a curve, he was flung from the motorcycle at 60 miles an hour. The motorcycle went up in flames and Mike’s leg was demolished.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Mike shares the road he took forward after more than a year of painful physical therapy to get back up and walking on two legs. Not just walking, but running and biking and swimming. Mike’s story isn’t just about deciding to run a marathon after a horrific accident, it’s about resilience, connection through community, overcoming fear, embracing gratitude and discovering what becomes possible when you choose to rebuild your life. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

A young man, son of Italian and Ukrainian immigrants living in Canada, was working as an elevator operator at a medical university in the 1930s before opportunity opened a door to become a medical photographer.That already sounds like the making of a movie, but Andrea’s story starts some years later. The young man is her father and his work in freelance photography included photographing the work of Canadian artist Fred Taylor. Upon meeting, Taylor asked if he could paint the young man’s portrait. And that’s where Andrea’s story starts.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Andrea shares her experience with her father and tracking down Portrait of an Unknown Man about 80 years later and bringing it home to her mother. There’s some mystery, there’s some adventure and there’s some nostalgia in thinking about those we love when they were still growing into the people we knew them to be.Have a story of your own to share? Please let me know. I’d love to hear it. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

A little enthusiasm and a dose of confidence can carry any of us toward wonderful adventures. But sometimes we are reminded we might not be quite ready for the spotlight. In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Amy recounts how bringing the house down at the company talent show as one part of a Sonny & Cher duo led her to take another shot at a dream she had since childhood: auditioning for her favorite musical, South Pacific. Riding high on the standing ovation for her Cher portrayal, she took her place next to the piano player to audition with the song, “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy.” The piano player asked, “what key would you like?” It was at this moment, Amy realized she might be in over her head.“What key? Do we get to pick these things?” she said. It was when the song started she definitely knew she was in over her head. Listen in for a tale of joyful enthusiasm in trying something because you wanted to try.Have a story of your own to share? Please let me know. I’d love to hear it. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

“You have a sister!” is a phrase typically shared with kids on the arrival of a new baby. But sometimes it’s reserved for later in life when you might be a complete grown up with a career and a life and everything. And it might be a total surprise. And that new sister might be 10 years older than you. It might happen.It certainly happened to Kyla. That’s the story she’s telling in this latest installment of the Tell Me a Story series. Listen in to learn how her father (a bit of a “rake,” in what is now my favorite use of the word) shared the news with her and then the aftermath of getting to know her new sibling. Kyla’s sister has an incredible story of perseverance and optimism in her own right, and has in the few short years they’ve had so far become an inspiring, supportive presence in Kyla’s life.Because who wouldn’t want a wise and wonderful older sister?Have a story of your own to share? Please let me know. I’d love to hear it. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Following the loss of her mom, Ruthann was trying to figure herself out. Who exactly was she at her core? She decided the best way to do that would be to try something difficult and well beyond her wheelhouse. How about Arizona’s toughest marathon? A nature trail marathon through the woods and mountains outside of Prescott, Arizona.Did she train? Not really. Did she look at the race map? No. Did she know what a javelina was and not to point her flashlight directly into its face? Also, no.She wasn’t ready, it was very difficult, but she did it. Then she did it again and again, signing up for a series of races to challenge herself physically, mentally and spiritually. In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Ruthann talks about the adventures, the people she met along the way and the lessons she learned as an underprepared, yet determined, marathoner. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Many of us had Covid projects. Those ideas that sparked when we had some time that wasn’t filled with the thought, “what the hell is going on?” My project was this Substack you’re reading, born out of a desire to connect.Mike had a much bigger idea (also inspired by connection) that has grown from a hashtag on LinkedIn into an international recognition program for the communications industry, with no signs of stopping.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Mike explains how moving to Iceland right before the pandemic and the unique solitude of his little rock in the Atlantic Ocean sparked a desire to connect with his peers. With a hashtag in hand and a LinkedIn page (#WeLeadComms), he has grown #WeLeadComms into one of the largest online recognition platforms in the communications industry.Listen in as Mike shares how it’s become a beautiful place for hard-working, passionate professionals all over the world to feel seen and appreciated. That’s something I can appreciate and I feel like the Tell Me a Story series carries some of the same spirit. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Depression was a noisy monster who lived in Heather’s brain. Like a neighbor on the floor above, throwing furniture around, shouting all hours of the night or hosting unwelcome parties. Even in it’s quiet moments, you can hear that neighbor shuffling around on the ceiling above, always there.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Heather shares her story about inviting that noisy monster for a cup of tea - literally. Sitting down, talking and laying some ground rules for how life was going to be moving forward. I appreciate Heather, and anyone else who is willing to share their mental health challenges and share how they’ve found a way through. Nobody is alone and everybody is worthy of the space to feel seen, heard and appreciated. If you’re having a hard time, I hope you connect with Heather’s story. I hope you feel like you can reach out and share as well. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Frank worked 14 years as a police officer. He’s a family man, a helpful neighbor, dutiful church attendee. He checks all the boxes of a lawful, standup guy.But a few years back, he had an experience on a fraud case that shifted his perspective and made him realize there are more shades to life than black and white.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Frank shares his experience investigating a case of stolen identity and how doing the right thing meant a mother was taken from her young family. Immigration is always a heated topic, but I appreciate Frank’s care in sharing this story and how it’s shaped the person he has grown into since this experience. And, perhaps, a little perspective can go a long way in how we talk to each other and live in our communities. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

It’s summer! A time for neighborhood barbecues. A time for sweaty nights in the Dairy Queen parking lot of small southern towns. A time for watching a six-year-old speed off toward the interstate on a homemade go-kart, terrorizing/horrifying the neighbors along the way.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Jason shares the no-helmet, full-throttle thrill ride of his first time on a go-kart. It started simple enough with a six-year-old boy and small town dream.So I climbed on, sat in that low-slung seat and they gave me 3 seconds of instructions — mash this to go, mash this to stop, turn this to steer, and don’t go in the road — and off I went around the house. Slowly, at first, just to get a feel for things. But increasingly faster with each lap around the house, which followed a by-now well-worn dirt path that used to be lush green St. Augustine grass.Look at me. I’m doing it. And on my first try! I. Am. Awesome!And then it happened.You’ll have to listen to hear what happened. Maybe it will inspire a summer adventure of your own. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Katherine Dunham is a name that should be well known - a legendary figure in dance, she was a choreographer, author, anthropologist, social activist, humanitarian and more. Here’s more on her at the Library of Congress.But this is Sukie’s story. In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Sukie takes us on her journey as a dance instructor navigating social issues and dance within the Dunham Technique in order to become a better teacher to all of her students.Dunham’s work and her example is the driving force through Sukie’s experience which has been a roller coaster of humility, vulnerability and learning to overcome her own blind spots while pushing herself as a teacher, dancer and human.To learn more about the Institute for Dunham Technique Certification, visit: DunhamCertification.orgThank you for tagging along with Title TBD and the Tell Me a Story series. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Chad owns a restaurant and has a long, varied career working and leading in restaurants. He’s quick to say any day working in a restaurant could lead to anything - chaos being a frequent experience.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Chad talks about one of this favorite days in the restaurant which became an annual event that only grew in size and evolved to become something even more magical every year.Listen in for a taste of what it’s like working a special day in the year of a restaurant, keeping kids happy and well-sugared and connecting with families who love to come back every year. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Becky spent summers traveling with her sisters, following their mother for her work. One of those summers provided the opportunity to see Washington D.C. at a most opportune time - the 1976 bicentennial celebrations.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Becky shares the adventure of arriving to D.C. and how her mother solved the problem of the rental car company not having the car they reserved. Her mother’s ingenuity led to one of the most memorable sightseeing trips in the back of a cargo van with aluminum folding chairs.Like any good story, it has a lesson that’s endured in Becky’s life in various ways. Not to mention it always sparks a good laugh when her sisters get together. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

“I think I have something you may be interested in,” said the man calling the University of Arizona Museum of Art.He did have something. A something that had experienced a renewed level of interest after a writer on the University of Arizona internal communications team wrote a story about the 30th anniversary of a painting stolen (cut right out of its frame) at the UofA museum in 1985.Woman-Ochre by Willem de Kooning disappeared in plain day and remained an unsolved mystery for 30 years until the owners of a Silver City, NM, antique store realized the painting they picked up at an estate sale was more than they thought.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Doug shares the story behind the story. He was the director of Media Relations and Communications when his team published the anniversary story that sparked (if in a small way) the recovery of the painting.It’s a story of mystery and intrigue any mild-mannered internal communications writer would love to discover.The Woman-Ochre mystery remains in the news until recently, including a documentary. More details can be read at the University of Arizona Museum of Art. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

The science hasn’t been done yet, but it’s likely 98% of teenage boys in the ‘90s discovered sports via EA Sports video games. This is particularly true of hockey - not the most accessible game to get involved in if you lived in Arizona.John was one of those kids. In this installment of Tell Me a Story, John shares his path from the PC to the hockey rink. As one of those Arizona kids, he was off to a later start than most hockey players. He began ice skating lessons at 29.It might be slow progress for a husband and father of two, but he’s been living his hockey dreams for a few years now, being able to sneak in a few hours a week to sharpen his skills - and there’s a lesson in there about sticking with what you enjoy even if you might not be very good at it at first. Keep at it, and you’ll score your first goal. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

The housing industry went bust in 2008. Banking went insane. For so many, it became a time of survival and putting the pieces back together. Elisabeth was one of the many who lost her job as companies were struggling and began laying off employees en masse. In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Elisabeth shares how, while the setback was humbling, she found a surprising and rewarding new path in a job she didn’t even want.Call it a growth mindset if you will, Elisabeth’s curiosity and “the glass isn’t half full, it’s overflowing” attitude opened doors for her and provide an example for anyone working to bounce back from a humbling setback. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

There’s something to be said for putting your head down and charging through a big life change. Or in Kevin’s case, charging through all the big life changes at the same time.In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Kevin talks about uprooting his family, with a newborn in tow, and moving to a new state without a job. It’s the epitome of taking a leap of faith in a new adventure.Now, 18 years later, the daughter he moved across the country is ready to make her own big move to college. And not too long ago, Kevin made some big career changes. Sometimes you have to take a chance. What’s the worst thing that could happen?Enjoying Title TBD and the Tell Me a Story series? Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

In college, not all the important lessons are learned in the classrooms. Sometimes the best lessons come in late night card games with trash-talking roommates. At least that’s what happened for Pinaki.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Pinaki shares about a lesson he learned while on the losing end of a card game against his college roommate, and how that lesson has shaped his approach to…pretty much everything in life.I don’t want to give away the soundbite, because he says it so well and it’s likely going to stick in your brain throughout 2025. Whenever you’re feeling low, facing a challenge or simply want to shut up the guy who’s bragging about his score in the game you are playing, Pinaki’s words will ring in your head.I don’t always share our storytellers day gig, but this one fits as Pinaki’s story has led to the work he’s accomplished with Local Wisdom, where he is CEO and Owner. Check out the link to learn more about his team’s work. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

I promise this will be the most wholesome and charming story you’ll hear today that includes drinking, smoking, all night gambling and men punching each other in the face repeatedly.Coming home on holiday weekends while in college, Jason and his friends congregated to his family barn where Jason’s dad hosted what came to be known as a Poke ‘n Smoke.An old fashioned poke ‘n smoke included boxing matches on the barn’s big screen TV, drinks and cigars, as well as a poker game that lasted until the sun came up.In this Tell Me a Story, Jason recounts the memories with his dad, the love of boxing they shared and how it’s all helped shape how he approaches being a father to his daughters.Thanks for reading Title TBD! This post is public so feel free to share it.Title TBD is a free publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Long before Swifties terrorized their enemies on the internet, the only way to show true devotion to a band was to start a fanzine with your friends and follow the band on the road.That’s exactly what Debra did in the 1980s as a teenage Duranie. A Duranie being those devoted to one of those huge ‘80s bands that continues to endure and was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Duran Duran.Some healthy teenage rebellion led Debra to the band, and in turn she wrote a popular fanzine - when that meant collecting physical mailing addresses and running a lot of photocopies - and then joined a gang of young women who followed Duran Duran across the U.S. for 19 stops of the tour promoting their Big Thing record.In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Debra shares the adventure as well as the fallout after two months of living the rock and roll life (and getting college credit for it).Title TBD is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts like the Tell Me a Story series and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

For those of us who have reached a certain age, there are some inevitable events that are bound to occur. Our parents passing away is one of them.It’s a heavy experience, but it’s also illuminating, heartbreaking, darkly humorous, exhausting and heartening.In this Tell Me a Story, Brindi shares her experience supporting her dad in his last few months, the triumphs and the frustrations, what she learned and the message he wanted to leave behind for his family.As she says, the last few weeks of his father’s life was the love story he wanted to tell his family about how much they meant to him.I appreciate Brindi and feel privileged she felt this was a space she could get real and deep about her experience. And I think if you’re in a similar situation, or if you have experienced this before, you will come away from her story feeling lifted and encouraged. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Tell Me a Story is an audio series of folks sharing moments from their lives - the big and small, fun or heavy. It’s a privilege to have someone share their story with me and to in turn share it with you.Are clowns a key to reclaiming a little joy and humanity in our lives?Maybe.When Terry and his clown troupe visited the Phoenix Children’s Museum a few weeks ago for International Clown Week he went right into entertainment mode - connecting with kids through magic tricks, silly gags, face painting and, more than anything, a few moments of face-to-painted face time.One boy was particularly enthusiastic about the giant pterodactyl Terry painted on the boy’s arm. He came back to thank Terry repeatedly with “this is the best day ever!”It wasn’t until later when the event coordinator let Terry know that just the day before was the boy’s “worst day ever.”Listen to Terry’s story for more about that experience and how a little bit of clowning might be just what we need.You may have heard Terry here before with this previous episode of Tell Me a Story: Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Tell Me a Story is an audio series of folks sharing moments from their lives - the big and small, fun or heavy. It’s a privilege to have someone share their story with me and to in turn share it with you.We often need to get some space between us and the big events in our lives to be able to tell the story.That’s true for Charlie, who across the last decade has, to put it indelicately… been through some s**t.A drunk driver running a red light hit Charlie, who was walking through a cross walk, the same night as his bachelor party, leaving the groom battered, sore and concussed for his wedding day.It only set off a series of issues that flipped his life and what he thought it would be upside down.Charlie took a dark path before reaching out for some help and getting a new perspective on who he is and what he’s capable of doing.It’s not an easy story for him to share but I feel honored and humbled to hear it. I think you will too.And I’m thrilled to see him come out the other side a better man. He’s a good brother.Title TBD is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

"We allowed it to be whatever it was that day."In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Ashley shares her story learning about the power of connection and finding your people through the power of shared experience. She led an event at her company about year into COVID for the women’s employee resource group. It was an opportunity to (virtually) bring together folks for International Women’s Day, but also to turn the release valve on a year of insular living.That event (including a name drop: Ali Wong), and subsequent experiences, helped Ashley trust that in our dark times there will be a community that shows up for us.Her story is about seeing through the darkness of the past few years with the newfound understanding that there is a way through and there are people who will help you along the way.This is true even if you don’t have the courage to raise your hand for help, or if you still feel yourself wading through those dark waters. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

I probably need to clear up that the Zane telling this story is a different Zane than the one who writes this newsletter. If you can believe it, there is another Zane who works in employee communications and is active on LinkedIn. That’s how I “met” Zane.As he was sharing his work and community activities he supports, I knew he’d have a good story to share. I asked and he shared.There are so many different ways we process grief at the death of someone we love. In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Zane talks about his mother’s death three years ago. A unique perspective he brought to his experience was in seeing how the roles in his family have evolved to try to make up for the loss of someone who was such a presence in their lives.He talks about learning to cook, specifically the dishes his mother used to make, and how he was able to share that with his father and sister during the holidays.While there is no easy way to move through grief, when we endure we can better appreciate the person and remember what they gave to us - and sometimes food is that time machine to take us back to a time and place with our loved ones.I wasn’t sure what Chile Colorado meant until I looked it up after Zane mentioned cooking it in the way his mom would prepare it.I now realize it is one of the few things I miss about Arizona. I miss great Mexican food in general. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Recommending Infinite Jest* to your date might not be the key to romantic success, but Windee was willing to overlook it with the man who would become her husband.Among finding literary common ground with your significant other, Windee’s story includes some great questions and even a little advice, such as:* You don’t have to like what each other are reading, but it does help to find audiobooks you can both agree on for those long road trips* Reading and buying books are separate and often unrelated hobbies* Recommending books is painful. What if they hate it? Did the person who reviewed your jury summons questionnaire seek out the book you said you recently read?* There’s no such thing as a guilty pleasureIn case you’re needing a book recommendation, Windee offers up this one: Shark Heart by Emily Habeck.***Windee’s husband, John, would like it known he has never dropped acid.**Whenever possible, I’d encourage you to buy from your local bookstore, but otherwise, this is available all the places books are sold. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Olha was enjoying maternity leave with her new baby and her young son. And then one morning she woke up to the sound of bombs and messages from friends and family that said, “We’re at war.”In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Olha shares about her path out of Ukraine (packing her small car with as many diapers as would fit), trying to keep two kids safe and comfortable (as she often waited until they were asleep before she would cry) and going through the difficult (at best) process of applying for work in her field.I don’t want to give too much away, but I can say her story is in a great place now with a good job, a safe home for her kids and a trip or two to Tim Horton’s.But it’s the path she’s taken that’s proven she is a warrior.As Olha is finding her bearings in Canada, she is offering support and services to job seekers through job search strategies, resume reviews, LinkedIn presence improvement and interview prep. Her career has included experience as a hiring manager and she knows how a job search can be emotionally challenging. She is offering this service free of charge, with the request for donations to her Ukraine fundraiser at Monobank.The best way to reach Olha would be via LinkedIn. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Imagine all the books you’ve read or the movies you’ve seen about the picturesque adventures of young people backpacking across Europe. Meeting strangers who become new friends. The food, museums and the culture of places that many others will never experience.Got it in your mind?Priya did all that. And she did it by herself after her travel partners bailed at the last minute.In this Tell Me a Story, Priya shares her story about backpacking across Europe as a solo female at 25 years old and how taking some thoughtful risks opened doors for unforgettable experiences.She also talks about how an unexpected encounter with the only English language book in the train station bookshop helped shape her trip as she followed in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

David grew up in small town America. He swore he’d never return. The only thing that was going to bring him back was a funeral. That’s exactly what brought him back.In this story, David talks about returning home to take care of family and how it reshaped what he thought his life would be.It all centers around his four-year-old niece who experienced a lot of loss very quickly.Death and losing loved ones changes things in ways we can’t always anticipate, which could be a good thing when you make the best of it for those who are still here.Unrelated from the story he’s telling today, David mentions a play he co-wrote that was later turned into a graphic novel. He’s also written, directed and performed in a lot of stuff that only a weird kid from a small town could grow up to write, direct and perform. Check it all out at his website. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Tony has lived several lives and survived challenges that really should have been the end.It’s through chasing after what brings him joy that’s kept him going. And he’s finding it in an unusual place, at least it is unusual for a 60-year-old beginner.I don’t want to give too much away because Tony gets deep and vulnerable in his story. I first met Tony when he was working as a photojournalist. A multi-award winning, accomplished photojournalist who was gracious enough to visit the college photography club where I was an advisor.He soon moved to Seattle for new opportunities and we lost touch for a stretch of time, for reasons he explains in his story.He continuous to be gracious and giving (and full of surprises) in sharing this story.This might be considered a spoiler, but Tony offers a book recommendation as well:The Amateur Magician’s Handbook by Henry Hay. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Rachel is no stranger to the music stage. She’s also no stranger to taking on challenges that are beyond her comfort zone or thinking deeply on how those challenges can take her new places.Here her talk about attending a summer music camp with her family as well as how her experience singing with bands has influenced her day job and how she views leadership.It’s an interesting glimpse into some of the details of what happens when a vocalist sits in with a band they’ve never performed with, gives minimum instructions and away they go, making music magic.You’ll also hear a little taste of her vocal skills. Very little, nowhere near enough. I didn’t want to demand she sing. Maybe I should have demanded she sing.If you’d love to hear more from Rachel, she produces her own podcast called The Agile Vocalist. She describes it like this:“Agile Vocalist is a way for performing arts lovers to be curious, get inspired by creative careers, and to explore how sound connects all of us to our humanity.”Go here to learn more about Agile Vocalist. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

It’s bloody hot outside. How about a story about Christmas?This isn’t so much a story about Christmas than a story my mom is telling about her grandmother, set at Christmas.I’ve always loved stories about my great grandmother. Her daughter and granddaughter always set her on a pedestal as possibly the most-giving, hardest-working, best-cooking, sweet and patient human being they’ve known.And, here she is on a horse, modeling for a western wear shop in New Mexico.Not only a good person but a badass as well.It might be hot outside, but now is as good time as any to start thinking about a snowy Christmas. It’s also a great time to give your grandma a call, if you’re lucky enough to still have her around. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

As a teenager, Amy went to rock shows and saw someone at the side of the stage with a clipboard. “I want to do that,” she thought. And that’s exactly what she’s done.In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Amy shares some experiences of what it’s like working backstage in the music business as the PR connection between the band and pretty much everyone else in the world. It’s a job that means getting things done. Often strange things like smuggling a shot behind the back of one rock star to give to another rock star. Whatever gets the band in the car, to the meeting and greet and on to the stage.Contrary to what you might think, it’s not all parties and glamour. Rock and roll is a job. A job Amy can never imagine leaving.Get a taste of the acts Amy supports at Atom Splitter PR. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

*Quick Warning: This episode talks about depression, suicide and sexual assault. Less of an anecdote and more of a journey, in this episode of Tell Me a Story, Erica talks about her experience with clinical depression. Including overcoming sexual assault, deconstructing and unlearning ingrained messages from family and church, as well as remaining intentional about working on her mental health.For those of us of a certain vintage, we’re just now learning the language to express our mental health concerns and we’re trying to get comfortable with the idea that it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to question the influences that shaped your growing up. It’s okay to not be okay. Our mental health journeys are heavy, but also hopeful. Seeking help can often make the experience harder before it gets better. And it’s always a work in progress.I hope hearing Erica’s story can help if you’ve been struggling. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Ric launched an Instagram page to share his artwork. It’s bright and fun and charming as heck.It’s also sparking collaboration with his three young children.Ric’s drawing and animating and creating voiceovers to share stories from his childhood. The stories his kids keep asking to hear again and again.In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Ric shares some of the behind the scenes details like which of his kids encouraged him to pick up his pencils and brushes again, which kid seems to be a natural voice over artist and how the project has been a delight for his extended family as well.If we think back, we’ve all got something that resembles that dilapidated picnic table in kid Ric’s backyard, but we also know for sure it’s actually a pirate time machine rocket ship floating among the elephant shaped clouds. Or at least that’s how we imagined it.Follow Ric’s art on Instagram. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

This episode of Tell Me a Story is a little different as almost immediately Anya turned the tables with a question of her own, and this story became more a conversation about being a new parent, enduring the rough first few months with a new baby, our desire to take care of this new life on our own (when we really should be asking for all the help we can get) and more.Anya became a new mother in November 2021, in the midst of COVID and all the weirdness. An extra level of weirdness on top of the already rather weird experience of being a brand new mother.In this Tell Me a Story, she shares her experience trying to navigate a pregnancy, COVID, post-partum depression and more. She shares the lessons she’s learned that might be helpful for other new or soon-to-be-new parents.I appreciate her willingness to be vulnerable. Becoming a parent is beautiful and fun, but it’s also difficult and not fun. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

What does today require? Like any thoughtful artist, Jacob asks and works through the big questions. In the last few months of working with a chronic illness, those big questions have been ever more relevant.In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Jacob talks about navigating his health, challenges with ulcerative colitis, by being more present in his body by connecting with the earth, the sun, his breath. “I love being tuned into being human,” he said. It’s helped him get into a space where he is more focused and present within himself, while also shaping how he reaches out to his community in a meaningful way.I didn’t know what story Jacob would share, but I did know it would be thoughtful and considered and focused on how to support others. And that’s exactly what he delivered.You can also find Jacob on Substack. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

You’re most interesting stories from when you were a teenager are likely not the stories you would freely share with your own children.Heaven forbid they get any ideas.In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Chip shares the story he wishes he would have told his friend’s teenagers.“What was dad or mom like at my age?” could be its own story genre. We’re curious what our parents were like and our children are curious about what we were like. And on it will go through the generations.You know what else will go on through the generations?Teenagers thinking they can outsmart all the adults in the room.Listen in as Chip shares a story about his teenage friends traveling across states, misleading parents, smuggling beer, encountering rather generous cops and more.It’s not the story Chip shared with his friend’s kids, but it should have been.Thank you for reading Title TBD. This post is public so feel free to share it.Also, you can find Chip right here on Substack. He’s a longtime music journalist but writes beyond that subject: Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Add some enthusiasm and a willingness to do whatever (coupled with some talented mentors) and you may find yourself on some unique and uniquely rewarding adventures - like decades of performing in the circus, on stages or really anywhere a crowd might gather.In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Terry shares his start as a performing clown, connecting with Happy Kellems (who would become a friend and mentor) and being backstage with clowns and magicians.It was a different time when the magic wasn’t on a screen, it was within the performer standing in front of you.Thank you for reading Title TBD. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Susan was a volunteer, reading news at a radio station for the benefit of the blind and disabled, when someone from the radio station asked if she’d ever considered becoming a radio DJ. And, oh yeah, there’s an opening on the classical radio station.Susan shares her story of becoming the Saturday night DJ on KBACH for seven years, making classical music more accessible and sneaking her kids onto the New Year’s Eve broadcast.Sometimes the best opportunities come out of nowhere when we think we’re the least ready to take them on. But you do it anyway and good things happen.Thank you for reading Title TBD. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

It’s a privilege to have someone share their story with you. An honor to be present with someone offering vulnerability. A blessing for them to share a hard-earned lesson learned with you.That’s exactly what Adolfo offers with his story about growing up in gangs, losing his father at a young age and how it fractured his family, being the first of his family to attend and graduate college and how he’s worked to come out the other side a better human and father.If the circumstances were slightly different, it’s possible Adolfo would have been another young casualty. In this story, he shares some details of connecting with a classmate who came from a much different life, and how a little perspective can help anyone in their most challenging times.Thank you for reading Title TBD. This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

“You better check yo' self before you wreck yo' self.” - Ice Cube -Much like Ice Cube, we’re big fans of self awareness and personal development. In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Kristin shares a unique path to self awareness and personal discovery that you might have overlooked - astrology. Kristin’s experience with astrology stemmed from a difficult time in her life when she was searching for direction. She took a chance (and a flight) to meet with an astrologer for a reading of her birth chart. The resources it has provided has helped her shape an understanding of who she is and how she works in the world.Listen in and she shares her path into and through astrology as a tool, how it tells us the story of who we are, as well as gives us resources to become a better version of ourselves. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

It’s a turn-of-the-century love story started in a Yahoo chat room. There’s drama, intrigue, interstate travel, car crashes, wicker furniture, Beatles records and more.In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Daniel recounts growing up with a highly-involved mother, falling in love with a girl on the internet, moving away to be with that girl and flipping his life upside down, both metaphorically and literally.In case you’re wondering who the “Britt” is that Daniel is so taken with, you can go back and hear her in the Tell Me a Story archive: Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

To have time with a grandmother, and certainly a great-grandmother, can be a tremendous blessing. Keiona was able to have 21 important, formative years with her great-grandmother. In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Keiona reflects back on the tribute she gave following her great-grandmother’s passing in 2011. She was known by many names, but it’s clear Sister Viola left an imprint on her community and her family that will be felt for generations.Listening in as Keiona shared a typical day in the life of her grandma sparked a lot of memories about my own grandma - the small things that stick with you and color your memory of that person. The dish they always prepared perfectly, the “hard cheese chips” (Cheetos) that were always around, the turns of phrase always delivered with love, even when that phrase was said to straighten out your behavior.We have a soft spot for good grandmas and all that they give to us, and I’m honored Keiona wanted to share this story. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe