In this heartfelt session, Peter Aguero shares a touching story about holiday gift exchanges with his mother. Tracey Segarra reflects on her complex bond with her Jehovah's Witness mother-in-law, while Steve Glickman lightheartedly narrates his disastrous attempt to escape a snowy Christmas. Dawn Fraser describes her family's Caribbean culinary traditions, and Bernie Somers recounts his comedic missteps leading to a first kiss. These personal stories weave together themes of family connection, cultural diversity, and the joy and chaos of the holidays.

Monte Montepare, a comedian and adventure guide from Breckenridge, Colorado, shares his exhilarating tales of glacier guiding in Alaska. He captivates listeners with his experiences of inspiring nervous hikers to embrace the wilderness. Monte recounts a dramatic fall into a crevasse, revealing the vulnerability and teamwork crucial in crisis moments. He also shares a humorous birthday story, inviting laughter and audience participation while celebrating the art of storytelling. His adventures weave together excitement, danger, and joy in the heart of nature.

Usra Ghazi, a storyteller with a flair for the dramatic, reminisces about her rebellious teenage camping escapade filled with laughter and lessons. Nadia Hakim hilariously shares a cringe-worthy childhood mishap involving depilatory cream, highlighting the absurdities of adolescent beauty standards. Their tales dive into the humor and chaos of youth, reflecting on friendship, insecurity, and the journey of growing up, all while capturing the spirit of exploration and self-discovery.

Harriet Jernigan, a writing and rhetoric teacher at Stanford, shares a humorous encounter with her idol, Maya Angelou, that mixes anxiety with joy. Mandy Gardner details an emotional visit to poet Anne Sexton's grave, exploring themes of identity and connection through literature. Both storytellers highlight the profound lessons learned from meeting literary legends, emphasizing the unfulfilled admiration and mentorship found in these interactions. Their experiences weave a rich tapestry of inspiration that resonates with anyone who has idolized great figures.

Stacey Bader-Curry, a real estate broker and storyteller, shares her touching journey of donating part of her liver to her husband. Kristin Huang, a primary care physician, discusses finding confidence in her unique voice despite her initial shame. Veteran firefighter Sivad Johnson reflects on his bravery and the personal loss that drove him to conquer his fear of public speaking. Meanwhile, Mary-Claire King, a renowned geneticist, reveals the emotional hurdles she faced while making groundbreaking discoveries in breast cancer research.

Pastor Herbert Broome, a retired automotive sales consultant and community activist from Mississippi, shares his family's remarkable involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. He reflects on a visit to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. Through personal anecdotes, Broome recounts a childhood memory from 1963, revealing the bonds of family life amidst civil rights struggles. The conversation emphasizes how storytelling can build community and foster empathy, making history feel alive and relevant.

Elizabeth Gray humorously reflects on aging and body image after a revealing moment at a story slam. Neema Avashia shares a poignant tale of grief and community response to gun violence from her experiences as a civics teacher. Jennifer Birmingham recounts the ups and downs of her divorce, finding unexpected wisdom from a taxi driver. Erik Heen opens up about reconciling with his stepdaughter after a challenging period, emphasizing healing and understanding within family dynamics.

Iain Kerr, a whale biologist and innovator, shares his adventure in using Snotbot, a drone, to collect whale samples during a thrilling live demonstration. Carolyn Meyer, a spirited author in her 80s, reveals her humorous journey through online dating, embracing new connections and challenges. Roseline Orwa discusses her transformative work with the Rona Foundation in Kenya, advocating for vulnerable children and women's empowerment. Their compelling stories inspire listeners to think boldly and redefine their own life paths.

Rose Laughlin, a Midwest lawyer with a passion for theater, shares her unexpected challenges playing Jesus in a school production, highlighting gender role limitations in performance. Honor Finegan recounts her inspiring journey auditioning for Annie, reflecting on how her tough upbringing shaped her dreams. Both stories illustrate the transformative power of theater and the deep connections forged between performers and audiences, leaving listeners with a sense of community and resilience.

In this special Veterans Day gathering, Mike Scotti, a former U.S. Marine, shares his journey of finding meaning after combat. 97-year-old Dawn Seymour vividly recounts her experiences as a Women Airforce Service Pilot flying B-17s during WWII. Bill Krieger opens up about the bedtime routines with his daughter amid his deployment to Iraq, while William Cole reflects on serving in the segregated 93rd Infantry Division in the South Pacific. Their stories highlight courage, camaraderie, and the lasting impact of war on family and identity.