

Speak Up Storytelling
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
Mentioned books

Jan 9, 2020 • 1h 4min
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 Love 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 Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicksblog 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-grin-and-bare-it

Jan 1, 2020 • 1h 15min
John Cuyler: "The Cavalry"
Topics discussed include the power of contrast in storytelling, excellent opening sentences, vocalization techniques, and using anecdotes over exposition. The episode also includes advice for new storytellers, practicing storytelling in everyday life, and insights on Homework for Life.

6 snips
Dec 25, 2019 • 1h 31min
Storytelling Forensics: "Searching for the Holy Grail"
Dive into a humorous fifth-grade classroom mishap that sparks a deeper analysis of storytelling. Discover how a teacher forms a bond with a shy student through Monty Python quotes, boosting her confidence. Explore transformative storytelling techniques that highlight a student's growth from shy to expressive. The emotional power of narratives comes to life, showcasing the importance of perseverance in teaching. Celebrate the magic of storytelling, especially during festive seasons, while reflecting on shared experiences that connect us all.

Dec 18, 2019 • 58min
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. Following the stories, Kathy and I discuss each one. We hope you enjoy! LINKS Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling: https://amzn.to/2H3YNn3 Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love: https://amzn.to/2qEByex 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 Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicksblog 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-grin-and-bare-it

Dec 11, 2019 • 49min
Live from Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health with Kathy Binder (Part 1)
Special guest Kathy Binder and the host discuss the power of storytelling in building connections and sharing personal experiences. They share humorous and touching stories, including justifying throwing a shoe at a student and finding connection through Monty Python. The podcast also explores vulnerability, growth, humor, and unique bonds between twins, ending with a parent's acceptance of their daughter's decision to get a tattoo.

Dec 4, 2019 • 1h 12min
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 problem. STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019-2020 December 14: “Crafty” at CT Historical Society, Hartford, CT January 11: “Still Life: Stories of Stopping and Slowing Down” at the Wadsworth Atheneum February 8: “Storytelling for Students at Henry A. Wolcott School, West Hartford, CT March 21: Great Hartford StorySlam, Hartford Flavor Company STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019-2020 February 1: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society February 22: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about an unexpected reaction to jury duty and how that might become a story. We also talk about ways to avoid overcomplicating a story. Next we listen to a story by Joey Meyer. Amongst the many things we discuss include: Saying big, important things by telling the story of a small, brief, encounter Outstanding openings and the power of perpetuating a mystery throughout the story Sliding details about location seamlessly into the narrative Effective sentence structure The hazards of harming animals in a story Next we answer questions from listeners about storytelling for job interviews and how writers can transfer what they do from the page to the stage. Lastly, we each offer a recommendation. RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Fleabag Matt: Mike Birbiglia's "The New One" LINKS Cardboard Knight: http://bit.ly/2YdewZ9 The Robbery: http://bit.ly/2P6339z Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love 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 Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicksblog 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-grin-and-bare-it

Nov 27, 2019 • 2h 4min
"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! STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019-2020 December 14: “Crafty” at CT Historical Society, Hartford, CT January 11: “Still Life: Stories of Stopping and Slowing Down” at the Wadsworth Atheneum February 8: “Storytelling for Students at Henry A. Wolcott School, West Hartford, CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019-2020 December 6-8: Storytelling workshop (advanced), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health January 25: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society February 22: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society LINKS Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love 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 Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicksblog 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-grin-and-bare-it

Nov 21, 2019 • 1h 28min
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” at CT Historical Society, Hartford, CT January 11: “Still Life: Stories of Stopping and Slowing Down” at the Wadsworth Atheneum February 8: “Storytelling for Students at Henry A. Wolcott School, West Hartford, CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019-2020 December 6-8: Storytelling workshop (advanced), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health January 25: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society February 22: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society LINKS Purchase Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling Purchase Twenty-one Truths About Love 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 Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicksblog 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 Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's blog: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-grin-and-bare-it

Nov 12, 2019 • 1h 32min
Chris Gaffney: "Suddenly there was a baby"
Chris Gaffney, the first Great Hartford Storyslam winner, shares his winning story and insights on storytelling techniques. Topics include balancing tone, effective story openings, advancing time in a story, and creating emotional impact. The podcast also discusses upcoming storytelling events, workshops, and personal revelations at the dinner table.

Nov 5, 2019 • 1h 13min
Live from Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health (Part 2)
Special guest Jeni Bonaldo and the host dive into analyzing stories shared at Kripalu Center, exploring unexpected invitations, bonds of compassion, surprise in storytelling, navigating absurdity with humor, and crafting meaningful moments. They reflect on storytelling preferences and collaborations, emphasizing the power of ordinary stories and emotional impacts, ending with a call for audience feedback.