LifeLabNotes

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! They work hard all year - they deserve a month off! "Taking An Elfie" was written by Robyn Roth, and performed by Keith Ferguson (with Robyn Roth featured as the child). Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! "O, Christmas Tree" - a simple phrase that packs an emotional punch. Today's episode is by Gale Brennan Jackson, and although it's technically about her childhood Christmas tree, you may see some of your own family and traditions in this very tender story. Performed by Jenny Flack. Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! It has never been more clear that looking at each other without prejudice would be a very useful thing to a society struggling to hang on to its society-ness. Dictionary dot com defines it thus: A highly structured system of human organization for large-scale community living that normally furnishes protection, continuity, security, and a national identity for its members. Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! Today's episode is a beautiful personal story written by Rikki Schwartz, and performed by Jenny Flack. It's about crossing the lines that make us different, and making a difference in someone's life. Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! There is, perhaps, no time of year more laden with traditions, legends, and folklore than this. So Christmastime is perfect to retell the tale of Saint Pubbins. Performed by Keith Ferguson. Written by our fun-loving, talented friend, Chris Warren Gilbert, gone much too soon. Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! If you've ever tried to settle contentedly into a seasonal job, this episode is for you. "Macy's" was written by Gale Brennan Jackson, and read by Silvie Zamora. Theme music by Scott Passarella and Gary Grantham. Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! "O Triple Conjunction of Bethlehem" was written by Silvie Zamora, and featured the voice talents of Abel Arias and Brett Bayone. Original music by Gary Grantham and Scott Passarella. Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! For some, the only time family gets together is during the holidays. But which holidays? Andy Crocker and Jen Bascom wrote the delightful parody lyrics to this tune about siblings and how easy it can be to get along. Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! It can be tricky to find that healthy balance between gifts for well-deserving family and friends, and the consumerism that can stifle the real meaning of the holidays. One family figured it out. "Brought To You By," written by Silvie Zamora, performed by Abel Arias, Brett Bayonne, Robyn Roth, and Denny Siegel. Gary Grantham and Scott Passarella provide the intro and outro music. Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! Like a mini-culture of its own, every family has its traditions, for every day and for special days. The Weinholds are no different. Well, somewhat different: the geese, the feathers, the Barbies. Brendan Weinhold wrote today's personal story. It was performed by Keith Ferguson. Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! Today's flashback episode takes us to Norway! "Norwegian Christmas" is a story of the personal Christmases of actor/improvisor/writer Jennifer Flack. Written and performed by Jenny, with intro and outro music by Gary Grantham and Scott Passarella. This one may not make you hungry, but it will make you want to hug your loved ones. Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! If you're Simply Having A Wonderful Christmas Time, but you wouldn't mind spicing up your Silent Night, you need a brand new holiday vaudeville tune! Schlep over to our website to read about the actor/improvisor/comedian/writer Denny Siegel, who created this original music. Performed by Denny Siegel and Brett Bayonne, with Scott Passarella and Gary Grantham on piano and percussion. Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic. Today's episode is Lauren Pritchard's personal story, written by Lauren, read by Silvie Zamora.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic. "December Never Comes" was written by Silvie Zamora, and performed by Kiff VandenHeuvel and Keith Ferguson.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic. Today's episode, Tamale Factory, was written by Vanessa Espino and performed by Abel Arias.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic. Today's episode, "Merry Krampus," was written by Silvie Zamora.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic. Today's episode, "Elf Training Camp", was written by Denny Siegel.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic.

It was November of 2016. North Hollywood's El Portal Theatre was visited by a merry cast of talented voice actors, musicians, and audience members. There was chocolate (graciously provided by the delicious El Buen Cacao) and a wintry faerie who, with an audience volunteer, would announce each date to start off the story. We recorded twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories that night and the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once, so we reissued it the following year. And now it's back again, with its cheerful silliness and heartfelt hope! We hope you enjoy it again or anew, as much as we did making it! Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for information about each date's story, its writer and performers, and the musicians who added their magic.

One for sorrow, Two for mirth (or joy, or luck, in some versions), Three for a wedding, four for a birth, (or a death, in some versions), (Three and four are sometimes for "a girl" and "a boy," respectively.)   So many options.  The old nursery rhyme goes on:   Five for silver, Six for gold, Seven for a secret never to be told. Eight for a wish, Nine for a kiss, Ten a surprise you should be careful not to miss, Eleven for health, Twelve for wealth, Thirteen, beware. It's the devil himself.   Look for the signs.

You've got big plans. Worked out every detail. Thought of every contingency. Except one. “12 Elves 'til Christmas” is a story about a dream, a machine, and half a team. [Explicit -- One swear word, bleeped.] Presented by Life Lab Notes - field observations from the lab of Life in a storytelling podcast.  12 Elves 'til Christmas features the voice talents of Claire Barnhart, Keith Ferguson, Ernie Gilbert, Robyn Heller, Chris Mathieu, Phil Ward, and Silvie Zamora. Engineering by Phil Ward. Written and directed by Silvie Zamora. You're always welcome over at LifeLabNotes dot com, and you can find us on Instagram or Facebook @LifeLabNotes. Thanks for listening!

Big news! Life Lab Notes has stumbled upon the remote meeting link and password for the weekly meeting of a certain local chapter of a certain group of elves. Obviously, we cannot divulge our sources. Listen in as Carol tries to control the bunch, especially Dibbles, who's in a mood.  Featuring the voice talents of Claire Barnhart, Keith Ferguson, Ernie Gilbert, Judith Goldstein, Kristen Smith, Inger Tudor, Phil Ward, and Silvie Zamora. Written, directed, produced by Silvie Zamora. Please visit www.LifeLabNotes.com for more info about this episode.

If a radio play and an audio book met at a haunted campfire to share a chilling account of mayhem that takes place in hell and the parking lot of a real estate office, it would sound like this: Whistlebottom - a trespasser's tale. Written and performed by Silvie Zamora. Battle March by Phil Ward. Episode album art by @jamahartart.     

Slowly, guarding herself carefully, Cathy has been opening up to La Señora, but it's going to take one more episode, one more recipe, to help her open up to herself. This is that episode. This is the last installment in our three-part series, Slow Cooker Chronicles - A Fable in Three Recipes. This is Chapter Three: Desimmer (There's more than one way to make hot chocolate.) Featuring the voice talents of Nerea Duhart as Cathy; Graciela Valderrama as La Señora; and Phil Ward as the neighbour. Written by Silvie Zamora and Vanessa Espino, with original music by Phil Ward.

Chapter Two: Slowvember (Giving the Seeds Their Heat) Part two is chock full of flavour and, like any good fable, metaphors. Cathy remembers a little from her last visit with La Señora, but will this month's Tex-Mex Chile con Carne push her further away from herself? Featuring the voice talents of Nerea Duhart (Chiquita/Cathy) and Graciela Valderrama (La Señora). Written by Vanessa Espino and Silvie Zamora. Music by Phil Ward.

Chapter One: Crocktober (Or How To Make Chili Without Your Soul) In this, the first in a three-part series, we meet Cathy, Cathy meets "the crazy lady downstairs" and neither enjoys the chili queso. Featuring the voice talents of Nerea Duhart (Chiquita/Cathy), Graciela Valderrama (La Señora), Robyn Clark (Kid 2), and Silvie Zamora (Kid 1). Written by Vanessa Espino and Silvie Zamora. Music by Phil Ward.

There's a lot of pressure to put out the perfect end-of-year podcast, that is the perfect blend of a thoughtful review of the year, a humourous look at life’s outtakes, and an upbeat toast to the future. Luckily, someone made paper snowflakes and saw a big metaphor; and someone else took a long walk and met a wise man. We present two holiday pieces: The Shape of a Holiday, written and read by Silvie Zamora; and Come Walk With Me, written and read by Christina Wells Campbell.  

We’ve been gathered together for months, hunkered down with our immediate family/household. It hasn’t been easy turning home into home, school, office, some semblance of a gym, storage facility for toilet paper and sanitizing wipes. We’ve had to bob and weave more than usual to make things work. This year, the holidays will be more of the same. Bless this house and pass the wifi. This light, little story is about a simple way to be a best friend. Good luck, everyone. We’ve got this. Written by Silvie Zamora; performed by Silvie Zamora and Phil Ward. Music by Phil Ward.

Just a few thoughts about how connected we all are, and how hard that is to see sometimes. Written and read by Silvie Zamora.

"What do you mean by this haunting of me?" Othello IV.i.14 This unsettling Halloween tale was written by Silvie Zamora and featured Jennifer Flack, Liesel Hansen, Cameron Murphy, Denny Siegel, Phil Ward, and Silvie Zamora. Music by Phil Ward. Thank you for sharing some of your Halloween with us. You can also spend time with us on Facebook and Instagram @LifeLabNotes, and at our website, LifeLabNotes.com.

A brief story about true things that happened in my household and down the street from us. Tabs opened while writing this: bell ringing, bell towers, lightning strikes, ancient prayers, aliens. 

Day 12: “Twelve Drummers Drumming” by Silvie Zamora, was performed by Alexis DeLaRosa, featuring Mel Collins, with Sandra Kinder, Farrah Kiyomura, Jack T. Musgrave, and Jason Yorrick. The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?  With the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.

Listen in on what is surely the earliest recorded standup set in history, in Day 11's episode “Eleven Pipers Piping” by Tom Clark and Silvie Zamora. Performed by Tom Clark, and featuring the voices of Zheryk Badugu, Sarah Parga, Michael Santell, and Rick Steadman. The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?  With the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.

Day 10: “Ten Lords a-Leaping” by Susan C. Hunter. Performed by Wes Weddell, Nick Droz, and Ailisa Newhall. Recorded at The Spare Room, Seattle, Washington. The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?  With the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment. Visit our website for more info on all the artists who participated!

Day 9: “Nine Ladies Dancing” by Silvie Zamora, and performed by Kelley Hazen. Whatever light you have, let it shine. The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?  With the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.

Day 8: “Eight Maids a-Milking” An engaging poem of perfectly eerie exploits. Written by Denny Siegel and performed by Alysha Brady. The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?  With the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.

Day 7: “Seven Swans a-Swimming” by Alina Phelan Ballou and Phil Ward, and performed by Phil Ward. The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?  With the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.

Day 6: Six Geese a-Laying. Have you been working tirelessly? Do you have a “holiday-business-important-event” to attend? Ever feel like nature has it out for you? Then heed this cautionary tale written by Silvie Zamora, and performed by Keith Ferguson, Robyn Roth, and Andrew Stubblefield. The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?  Armed with the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.

In Day 5: Five Golden Rings, the Humanoid Aptitude and Behavioral Inquiry Team are back! L’Seth Navi and Krraz are in possession of something with far-reaching implications. Written by Silvie Zamora, and performed by Keith Ferguson and Silvie Zamora. H.A.B.I.T. opening theme and montage music by Phil Ward. The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?  Armed with the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.

Day 4: Four Calling Birds - A Winter Solstice Poem reminds us the wheel keeps turning and each season brings blessings. Written by Robyn Heller and performed by Liesel Hanson, Robyn Heller, Robyn Roth, and Silvie Zamora. The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?  Armed with the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.

Day 3: "Three French Hens" is written and performed by Claire Barnhart. The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?  Armed with the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.

Day 2: Two very different people find something in common in "Two Turtle Doves," written by Joanne Ke and performed by Keith Ferguson, Liesel Hanson, Lynn Odell, Justin Vasquez, and Silvie Zamora.  The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?  Armed with the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.

Yes, the Twelve Days of Christmas is technically between Christmas and January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?  So we took the gifts listed in that famous carol, and divvied them up amongst our team of crackerjack writers to use as inspiration. The result? Twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces, beautifully performed and produced, for your holiday enjoyment.  Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree - A True Story About My Best Friend Paulette is written by Sherry Coben and performed by Silvie Zamora.  Please visit our website for more info about the brilliant creatives who took part in this twelvetide of merriment!

Our humble Halloween offering is part fairy tale, part parable, part fourth quarter performance meeting. Don't be late - you don't want to upset the chairman. Featuring the voice talents of Keith Ferguson, Brian Hall, Pablo Marz, Alina Phelan, Roxy Shabestari, Justin Vasquez, Silvie Zamora, and special guest Keythe Farley as Satan. For more otherworldly treats, please check out our 2018 series, The 13 Days of Halloween - Invisible. Start with Day 1, "Host" (published on Oct 19, 2018) to learn all about why our dearly departed do what they do. And visit us at LifeLabNotes dot com, on Facebook and Instagram @LifeLabNotes. 

I don't remember where I got the idea that May 16th was National Flash Fiction Day. Maybe I dreamt it. However it entered my brain, I definitely consciously entered it into my calendar, and dutifully reminded myself a few days ago, "I'd better get a very short story ready to post!" May 16th is not National Flash Fiction Day. That'll be in June 15th in the U.K. and the 22nd in New Zealand. I don't know if we even have one in the U.S. But May 16th is International Global Accessibility Awareness Day. For a compelling and vital look at this issue, visit them at www.globalaccessibilityawarenessday.org Whether or not you are a web developer, or a public building owner or manager, or a person who might inadvertently leave a scooter in the middle of a sidewalk, you are a person connected to all the other people. Awareness is a very good thing. It builds strong empathy bones! Oh, yeah. And the flash fiction! It's 368 words. It was written before I realized our official Life Lab calendar was inaccurate, so it has nothing to do with accessibility. (I think.)

With each Life Lab Notes episode, we strive to illustrate how much we humans share, but this episode is perhaps just a bit more personal and universal.  You may never have heard of Sam Christensen, but this episode is still for you. Thanks to Phil Ward for the music and engineering. Visit our website for more info about this episode, and a photo of the sticky note I'm keeping.

It’s December, and time for the final Life Lab Notes episode of the year. The perfect time to check in on our favourite space alien duo - H.A.B.I.T. The Humanoid Aptitude and Behavioral Inquiry Team.  In “Info-Trans Report: The Holidays” we find out what L’Seth Navi and Krraz have been assimilating about some human holidays of fall and winter (spring and summer, in the southern hemisphere, of course). And, for the first time, we meet another Broglian - their Esteemed Sector Commander. Featuring the voice talents of Keith Ferguson and Silvie Zamora, and the engineering, music, and special effects talents of Phil Ward. Special guest Joel Scher as the Esteemed Sector Commander. Written and produced for Life Lab Notes by Silvie Zamora. @LifeLabNotes is on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Before you get to those tricky family gatherings, get yourself to "Warm-Up! The Virtual Reality Immersive Live Holiday Experience!" for a kind of holiday rehearsal. Featuring the voice talents of Keith Ferguson, Phil Ward, and Silvie Zamora, this Life Lab Notes audio Thanksgiving card (and great idea for a weird new business) was written by Silvie Zamora. Enjoy! And add to your visits a stop by our website, LifeLabNotes.com to find out more about us. @LifeLabNotes on Facebook, Twitter, and (our favourite) Instagram.

Spirits, Souls, Beings. Whatever you call them, you can’t see them. But you can hear them. Thirteen souls have been given their earthly voices back for the chance to tell their own stories. Oct 19th through 31st, each episode is a personal look at one immortal being. Episode 13, Home, was written by Robert Stoccardo and Silvie Zamora and performed by Robert Stoccardo. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, @LifeLabNotes, and visit us at www.LifeLabNotes.com

Spirits, Souls, Beings. Whatever you call them, you can’t see them. But you can hear them. Thirteen souls have been given their earthly voices back for the chance to tell their own stories. Oct 19th through 31st, each episode is a personal look at one immortal being. Episode 12, Doubt, was written by Silvie Zamora and performed by Tony DeCarlo. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, @LifeLabNotes, and visit us at www.LifeLabNotes.com

Spirits, Souls, Beings. Whatever you call them, you can’t see them. But you can hear them. Thirteen souls have been given their earthly voices back for the chance to tell their own stories. Oct 19th through 31st, each episode is a personal look at one immortal being. Episode 11, Hunted, was written by Joanna Ke and performed by Cesili Williams. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, @LifeLabNotes, and visit us at www.LifeLabNotes.com