Des Moines Storytellers

When literally nothing goes right, how do you respond? By choosing joy over everything else. As presented at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "What Happens Next" on Feb. 25, 2020. Learn more about the series or get tickets to future shows at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

When life handed lemons to this lawyer, she made lemonade (and hot fudge pudding cake and quiche and cheese bread). As presented at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "What Happens Next" on Feb. 25, 2020. Learn more about the series or get tickets to future shows at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

How an Iowan’s long-term stay in Macedonia taught her to focus on what happens now. As presented at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "What Happens Next" on Feb. 25, 2020. Learn more about the series or get tickets to future shows at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

How a near-death experience taught this cancer doctor how to truly live. As presented at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "What Happens Next" on Feb. 25, 2020. Learn more about the series or get tickets to future shows at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

How putting words of loss on paper turned into something special. As presented at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "What Happens Next" on Feb. 25, 2020. Learn more about the series or get tickets to future shows at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

As an anchor at WHO-HD, Erin Kiernan has put her life in the spotlight. During the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "What Happens Next" she shares a part of her life hidden from the bright lights and TV cameras — the highs and lows of trying to start a family. Learn more about the series or get tickets to future shows at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

Ties that bind over 30 years, suffering, loss and lots of laughs.

Cynthia Hunafa never felt connected to her African roots – until she found Kwanzaa.

This immigrant discovered his passion for balloon art in Iowa and, two decades later, uses it to spread holiday cheer.

How this Iowan navigated a new world in America while trying to hold on to the most prized tradition of her Mexican upbringing: Christmas.

Christmas is a minister’s busy season — and it’s not always very jolly. But this Iowan learned that the darkest time of year may be when people need the most light.

This Iowan always wanted to believe in the supernatural. Then her daughters began seeing ghosts in her home.

How this Iowan embraced her inner child to find her true self.

After her mother’s death, Sandra Rohrer embraced forgiveness and healing while facing her life’s two big mysteries — Who is she? And will her mother’s murder ever be solved?

A 6-year-old’s brush with Johnny Law and lessons learned about redemption.

After suppressing ‘Spirit’ for years, Rachel Corpus finally learned how to share her gift.

Encountering the heartwarming, the hair-raising and the hilarious while sorting out other people’s things.

When Andy Wilson lost his family, he learned forgiveness is what he needed to move on. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

Becoming the first female warden of Iowa’s toughest prison. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

How one Iowan’s view of the Indian Child Welfare Act changed after losing her child to the system. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

Why this Iowan switches diets, and why that’s none of your business. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

How an 18-year-old pursued his athletic dreams in a little state called Iowa. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

Ryan Siskow talks about the importance of opening up to those you love most and coming home. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

A 22-year journey to the top The Des Moines Storytellers Project’s My Great Adventure, produced by the Des Moines Register, on April 23, 2019, at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.

Why this Iowan signed up to go to war at 58 The Des Moines Storytellers Project’s My Great Adventure, produced by the Des Moines Register, on April 23, 2019, at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.

How a dream to folk-n-roll on the road became an inward journey The Des Moines Storytellers Project’s My Great Adventure, produced by the Des Moines Register, on April 23, 2019, at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.

How lessons learned in the Alaskan bush make their way into this Iowa teacher’s classroom every day. The Des Moines Storytellers Project’s My Great Adventure, produced by the Des Moines Register, on April 23, 2019, at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.

How a refugee went from living in a Thailand camp to navigating the hard twists and turns of the United States. The Des Moines Storytellers Project’s My Great Adventure, produced by the Des Moines Register, on April 23, 2019, at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.

How a self-described ‘moron’ found himself alone above the Arctic Circle. The Des Moines Storytellers Project’s My Great Adventure, produced by the Des Moines Register, on April 23, 2019, at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.

How two activists conquered the world.

I was too focused on social media and my relationship suffered.

Finding self-love in the age of social media

How this pastor learned to let go and find love,

How a Republican and Democrat cancelled each other’s votes.

Brian Lenz, a retired Air Force fuels officer, was on the last flight out of Vietnam in 1973. He hasn’t spoken about his deployment since.

Before immigrating to America, he spent some of his youth in a Cambodian child labor camp. Here’s why Staff Sgt. James Suong decided to serve.

Major Jodi Marti joined the Iowa Army National Guard — and lead the first female engagement team in Afghanistan.

He signed on the dotted line, but Larry Wohlgemuth had no idea what he was to come. An honorably discharged airman 1st class reflects on his time in bootcamp.

Joining the Iowa National Guard to pay for college, 1st Lt. Miranda Pleggenkuhle’s perspective is transformed when her younger sister joined, too.

Joining the military is family tradition. But it wasn’t until 1st Sgt. Sara Maniscalco Robinson volunteered for a military museum that she realized her calling.

Kay Graham’s big sister, always quick with advice, taught her a new word she’d soon regret using. It was just one piece of an unforgettable trip together.

After immigrating to the U.S. from India, Amar Sinha knew he needed his other siblings to be whole and not wobble.

How his brother’s suicide taught Craig VandeVenter the importance of saying people’s names out loud.

How being the youngest of 11 siblings taught Matt Glenn about family.

Jovan Johnson thought there were cracks in the foundation of his family. Turns out, they opened to a door instead.

For Colleen Kelly Powell, It turns out, Des Moines is an easy place to run into a half-sibling who may or may not know you exist.

How this Iowa family used the NFL draft process to select their prize-winning show pigs.