Spark - True Stories Live

True stories told live across the UK. This week we hear two stories on the theme of ‘Public Humiliation’. Nebiu tells us about laughinstereotypes on a crowded bus and Holly explains how an ex flame reignited but in all the wrong ways. For info on all upcoming events and dates for our brand new night at the Waverley Bar in Edinburgh visit ‘stories.co.uk’ and click the ‘events’ tab. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. This week we hear two stories on the highly relatable theme of ‘Faking it’. Marie tells us about the time she put her body through hell to impress a hot date and Chris recounts the time his ‘faking it’ saw a whole company crash and burn. For info on all upcoming events and event dates for our brand new night at the Waverley Bar in Edinburgh visit ‘stories.co.uk’ and click the ‘events’ tab. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. In this ‘Weddings’ themed episode we hear from Julie and Flemming. Julie takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as she talks us through her three contrasting marriages and Flemming tells us a story to remind us that you are never too old to find true love. For info on all upcoming events including dates for our brand new night at the Waverley Bar in Edinburgh visit ‘stories.co.uk’ and click the ‘events’ tab. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. We kick off a brand new series with a bang – a birthday bang to be precise. Last year our beloved podcast turned ten years old... Yes ten! So to celebrate, we put on a best-of birthday bonanza at London’s prestigious Underbelly Festival Southbank. We invited storytellers old and new to retell one of their favourite stories from events past. Here’s three of the stories we heard there, each told by a Spark storytelling veteran. First we hear from our podcast producer Elle who tells us about the time she went to a not-so-elite sex party. Then we hear from event producer Rachel who talks us through a psychotic episode she once had without realising she was having it. And lastly we hear from Scarlett – Spark’s amazing host and one-time tea dealer – about a party she can’t quite remember but will never forget. For info on all upcoming events and dates for our brand new night at The Waverley Bar in Edinburgh visit ‘stories.co.uk’ and click the ‘events’ tab. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. This week Spark London very fittingly hears two tales about London. Jess tells us about the time a stranger’s kindness helped her turn her life around and Eleanor reveals a time Buckingham Palace got her all hot under the collar - quite literally.BIG NEWS PODCAST FANS: Spark True Stories turns ten this year and to celebrate we will be hosting a live ‘best of’ at the iconic Underbelly Festival Southbank. Grab your tickets to Spark’s ‘Simply the Best’ night on the 12th of June at underbellyfestival.co.uk or visit stories.co.uk for more details. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. This week we christened our new venue The Bill Murray in Angel with two fantastic stories on the theme of ‘Reunion’. Dimitri revels in the time he exacted perfect revenge on two friends and Rachael tells us about when she was locked outside in a very compromising position. Our open mic nights are a great way of getting involved with Spark. To find out about where to find us and when visit www.stories.co.uk and click the ‘events’ tab. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. We’ve seen and heard a lot at Spark - stories that have made us laugh, cringe, cry, gasp, pause for thought, rethink everything. I’d thought we’d seen it all to be honest but in January this year, Peter McCleave took to the stage and asked us to save his life. That was a first. In 2016 Peter, a thirty nine year old triathlete and father of two, was diagnosed with a blood cancer called Myeloma and given seven years to live. Two years in, he now has five. But that doesn’t have to be the case. All Peter needs is someone who is a genetic match to donate their stem cells. In fact, that’s all most people in Peter’s situation need in order to survive. Trouble is around only two percent of the UK’s population is on the stem cell donation register. So Peter is on a mission to get that number up. Getting on the register is simple, pain free and could save someone’s life, so why not register today? To find out more visit: www.10000donors.comCan’t register but still want to help? You can donate to Peter’s just giving page here: https://bit.ly/2WL9QIv See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present one story on the theme of ‘appearances’ from ex health and safety officer Alex. Alex confesses about a moment she let appearances get the better of her and explains why - although it happened twenty years ago - she regrets it to this day!Our open mic nights are a great way of getting involved with Spark. To find out where and when they are visit www.stories.co.uk and click the ‘events’ tab. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this ‘Passion’ themed episode we hear from Steph and Lou.Steph talks candidly about life with borderline disorder and Lou takes us back to an innocent childhood discovery that made her feel like a right merchant banker.Thanks to event host Banke Adeyemo and event producer Charley Harrison.If you love what we do please rate us on iTunes or wherever you listen to your podcasts! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week our ‘Surprises’ themed double bill concludes with stories from Rosemarie and Rick.Rosemarie takes us back to the early noughties and finding love online without the help of apps whilst Rick takes us even further back to the eighties and the time he was approached by an unsavoury character. Our open mic nights are a great way of getting involved with Spark. To find out where and when they are, visit www.stories.co.uk and click the ‘events’ tab. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. This ‘surprises’ themed episode has an unofficial sub-theme of ‘dating’ as we hear from two people about the surprises they’ve encountered when single.David takes us through the various funny mishaps he has had on dating apps and Lucy explains what love is like when there’s a big age gap.Our open mic nights are a great way of getting involved with Spark. To find out where and when they are visit www.stories.co.uk and click the ‘events’ tab. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. In this ‘overthinking’ themed episode we hear from Jen and Holly. Jen tells us how bodily functions on a date got her in the stickiest of situations and Holly explains why her first kiss ended up being with an 83 year old!Our open mic nights are a great way of getting involved with Spark. For more information on these events visit www.stories.co.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. In this episode we hear from Nicola and Andre as they tells us stories on the theme of ‘Identity’. Nicola explains how having a famous sibling has seen her question herself and Andre gives his reasons for changing his name later on in life. Our open mic nights are a great way of getting involved with Spark. For more information on these events visit www.stories.co.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two tales on the theme of Awkward Age, as part of our collaboration with the Children’s Society.In a night of seriously awkward stories, Kate recalls the time too much vodka saw her crash and burn at her first ever pool party and Rachel takes us back to a teenage love she was unable to admit until it was too late.Thanks to the Children’s Society for collaborating with us to make this night a huge success. If you want to find out more about their Seriously Awkward campaign visit: www.childrenssociety.org.uk/seriouslyawkwardSpecial thanks to event producer Banke Adeyemo and host Charley Harrison. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present five stories on the theme of ‘All in’ for a Jerry’s Open House Special.Gravy reminisces about getting his nickname, Charley tells us about the great lengths she went to for her best friend growing up, Dave talks about going full throttle in the name of love, Hayley explains how a stomach bug meant she had to go 'all out' to go all in, and Emma recounts the time she stopped at nothing to prevent a good friend from being deported.Thanks to Sailor Jerry for collaborating with Spark to make this night a huge success. If you want to learn more about Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, or the man himself, visit sailorjerry.com or check out their Facebook - facebook.com/SailorJerryUKPlease always remember to drink responsibly. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. This episode concludes our gal-dem collaboration double bill!In a night devoted to stories on the theme of ‘nostalgia’ from women and non binary people of colour, we hear from Sasha and Lilith. Sasha takes us back to the summers she spent in predominantly white Northern Ireland and Lilith tells us how getting lost as a child saw her dad’s identity brought into question.Thanks to gal-dem for collaborating with us to make this night a huge success. If you want to find out more about what they do visit: www.gal-dem.comSpecial thanks to event producer Jinan Younis and host Banke Adeyemo. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present the first of our gal-dem collaboration double bill!In a night devoted to stories on the theme of ‘nostalgia’ from women and non binary people of colour, we hear from Maiya and Priyal. Maiya tells us about experiencing racial bullying as a child and the novel coping mechanism she devised to deal with it. And Priyal tells us about one of the best friendships she has ever had and how it ended far before it should have.Thanks to gal-dem for collaborating with us to make this night a huge success. If you want to find out more about what they do visit: www.gal-dem.comSpecial thanks to event producer Jinan Younis and host Banke Adeyemo. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two stories on the theme of ‘Bad Timing’. Ashleigh tells us about how bad timing caused her boyfriend to miss a very important appointment for them both. And Banke retells a time of bad timing and sexual assault. Thanks to all our story tellers for a night of candid tales. Thanks also to Charley Harrison for compèring the night, to event producer Ian Barratt and podcast producer Elle Scott.If you love our podcasts, please help us to make more. Go to stories.co.uk/podcast/support to donate. Thank you! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live in venues across the UK. In this ‘Miscommunication’ themed episode, Nadya tells us about a childhood miscommunication involving Nelson Mandela and sibling rivalry and Chloe recounts the time her crush made a very embarrassing mistake. Our open mic nights are a great way of getting involved with Spark. For more information on these events visit www.stories.co.ukThanks to Charley Harrison for compèring the night, event producer Ian Barratt and podcast producer Elle Scott. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live in venues across the UK. In August this year, Helen and Jinan got on stage at the Brixton Ritzy to tell stories on the theme of ‘Periods’... Yep, that’s right folks, MENSTRUATION. Helen recounts the time she was pranked by her period at a work conference and Jinan tells us about getting into a sticky situation the day hers came for the first time. Thanks to Charley Harrison for compèring the night, event producer Ian Barratt and podcast producer Elle Scott.If you love our podcasts, please help us to make more. Go to stories.co.uk/podcast/support to donate. Thank you! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two stories on the theme of ‘Friendship’. Gigi tells us about losing her best friend during the 90’s AIDs epidemic and Caroline recounts a time heartbreak cost her a friendship.Thanks to all our story tellers for a night of raw and poignant tales. Thanks also to Dave Pickering for compèring the night, to event producer Christina Friis Olsen and podcast producer Elle Scott.If you love our podcasts, please help us to make more. Go to stories.co.uk/podcast/support to donate. Thank you! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two stories on the theme of ‘Crossing The Line’. Maria reveals how the traumatic experience of stumbling upon a dead body helped her turn her life around and social worker Beth tells us about the time she had to swallow her pride in the face of everyday sexism. Our open mic nights are a great way of getting involved with Spark. For more information on these events visit stories.co.uk Thanks to Charley Harrison for compèring the night, to event producer Ian Barratt and podcast producer Elle Scott. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two tales on the theme of ‘Feasts’ for a Literary Festival Special. Miranda tells us how she changed someone’s day with a cheese sandwich and Ben recounts the time he was possessed by a woman at a dinner party. Special thanks to The Harris Girl’s Academy who helped put on this special night as part of their annual Literary Festival. Thanks also to compère Dave Pickering, event producer Christina Friis Olsen and podcast producer Elle Scott. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live in venues across the UK. In July this year, Dennis and Andre got on stage at the Hackney Attic in London to tell stories on the theme of ‘Holidays’. Denis tells us about trying and failing to ‘find himself’ in Uganda and Andre admits he still hasn't gotten over a trick his brother played on him as a child when they went on a family holiday. Our open mic nights are a great way of getting involved with Spark. For more information on these events visit stories.co.uk Thanks to Dave Pickering for compèring the night, event producer Christina Friis Olsen and podcast producer Elle Scott. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two stories on the theme of ‘Cutting Corners’. Luke tells us about having toilet troubles in front of comedian Alan Carr and Frances recounts the lengths she went through to see her favourite band perform at Glastonbury. Thanks to Charley Harrison for compèring the night, to event producer Ian Barratt and podcast producer Elle Scott. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. This time three tales on the theme of ‘Adulthood’ from our night at the Hackney Attic. Callan tells us about her experience coming out as bisexual, Ross takes us back to when he got drunk for the very first time and Mackenzie recounts the moment a volcano helped her grow up. Thanks to: all our storytellers, Dave Pickering for compèring the night, event producer Christina Friis Olsen and podcast producer Elle Scott. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live in venues across the UK. In May this year, Scarlett, Brian and Abel got on stage at the Hackney Attic in London to tell stories on the theme of ‘Promises'. Scarlett tells us about the time a very unlikely family member got a tattoo, Brian speaks about finally conquering a life-long speech disorder and Abel recounts the time he was promised the night of his life by two Australian sisters. Our open mic nights are a great way to get involved with Spark. For more information on these events visit stories.co.uk Thanks to Dave Pickering for compèring the night, event producer Christina Friis Olsen and podcast producer Elle Scott. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. Today we have two stories from our night on the theme, ‘Journeys’. Errol takes us back twenty years to his life in prison and Dara recalls the time a religious-looking pastry helped her and her flatmates achieve their dreams. Thanks to: our storytellers, Charley Harrison for compèring the night, Ian Barratt for producing the event and podcast producer Elle Scott. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live in venues across the UK. In April this year, Kate and Elle both got up on stage at the Hackney Attic and told stories on the theme of 'Defining Moments.' Kate recounts what it was like getting a sudden reality check aged thirteen and Elle relives the moment she was expelled from school. Unplanned and totally raw, our open mic nights are a great way to get involved with Spark. For more information on these events visit stories.co.uk Thanks to Dave Pickering for compèring the night, to event producer Christina Friis Olsen and podcast producer Elle Scott. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. This episode we present two tales on the theme of 'Migration'. Daniel tells us what it was like working in an Afghani refugee camp in Greece and Nigerian-born Banke shares her thoughts on living in London post Brexit. Thanks to The Migration Collective for collaborating with Spark to make this night a success. You can discover more about what they do here: https://www.migrationcollective.com/who-we-are/ Thanks to Charley Harrison for compèring the night, to event producer Christina Friis Olsen and our brand-new podcast producer, Elle Scott at Rethink Audio. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. Today we present two stories from our night on the theme, 'Lessons', where we invited back our favourite storytellers as part of the first Tellit Festival. Thanks to Dave Pickering for compereing the night, and to the producers Joanna Yates and Christina Friis Olsen. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

WARNING: the last story contains strong sex references. Neil Denny (Little Atoms), Felix Trench (Wooden Overcoasts) & Alix Fox (Close Encounters, The Modern Mann) offer us three more true stories from this year's London Podcast Festival. Plus! An extra special treat: Martin Austwick (Song By Song) shares a story in song form, in his additional guise as a musician. Thanks to Kings Place for their technical support during the show, Charlie Harrison for her fine presentation skills and Joanna Yates & Matt Hill for producing the night. A rethinkaudio production. For more stories, head to stories.co.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live across the UK. Podcast makers Azariah Williams (The Shapeshifters), Rhianna Dhillon (Back Row) and Dave Pickering (The Family Tree, Getting Better Acquainted), all tell their true stories on the theme of 'Uncharted Territory'. This night was recorded at the London Podcast Festival at Kings Place - thanks to the organisers for sharing the recording with us, and the many audience members who came up after the show to say hello and share your stories. You are the reason we keep making this podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told at Spark's open mic nights and Encore showcases. Today, Jools tells an audience of strangers how he came to meet his first client whilst working as a gigolo in Bristol. To hear our back catalogue of 200 episodes FOR FREE - subscribe to the podcast via stories.co.uk/podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live in venues across the UK. In August this year, Florian and Charley both got up on stage and told these stories of 'D'oh!' - moments where they had an unforgettable moment of regret. Unplanned and totally raw, our open mic nights are a great way to get involved with Spark. For more information on these and our showcase event, Spark Encore, visit stories.co.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

More true stories, told live across the UK. Nira was always interested in numbers, but found his path of discovery blocked many times. Thanks to The Steve Sinnott Foundation for collaborating with Spark to make this night a success. You can support their work at http://www.stevesinnottfoundation.org.uk/donate/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In June Spark presented stories of inspirational teachers and students; stories from educators and from people who have experienced education. In this first story from that night, Theresa tells us about a pupil that made her early life as a trainee teacher a living hell. Thanks to The Steve Sinnott Foundation for supporting this night. Proceeds raised from ticket sales went in support of their campaign for Education for All. You too can help them: http://www.stevesinnottfoundation.org.uk/donate/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live in the UK. Jealousy can completely over-take you, it can ruin a lot of things, and it can meddle when we least desire it. Are you the jealous type who always gets into trouble because of it? Or have you experienced jealousy first hand and in this case; how did it pan out? We have two stories today that will remind you of everything you've regretted in your life. You are welcome. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Oh dear, here we go again: You’ve got yourself into a situation which you really don’t want to be in. Katie & Josh know how you feel, in these two true stories recorded live at the Hackney Attic in August 2016. SPECIAL OFFER: get a free audiobook of your choice with Spark, by using this link: www.audible.co.uk/spark For every person that signs up, Audible gives us ACTUAL CASH, which means we can keep making this podcast. Support us AND get a free audiobook. Do it now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This summer may seem like a distant memory, but for today's Sparkler it's far away from temporally and geographically. On a year break in Thailand, George meets his first love. But is she all that she seems? GIG ALERT: we're taking part in the Tellit Festival, where the story clubs of Britain unite for a weekend of stories. Join us, The Moth, Natural Born Storytellers and more for a celebration of true stories: http://stories.co.uk/events/spark-open-mic-5/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this, our 200th episode, it's business as usual: true stories told live, from venues across the UK. Today, Esther describes how n unplanned trip across France became one of her most memorable summers. GIG ALERT: we'll be hosting a special show at the London Podcast Festival on Saturday 24th September, featuring some of the UK's finest podcasters telling true stories from their lives. Get your tickets here: http://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/spoken-word/spark-london#.V9rC_JMrKRs See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Three true stories told live in the UK, this time at our most recent open mic at the Brixton Ritzy. Remember that surprise party you planned, where the guest of honour never showed up? Or perhaps you realised at the worst imaginable time that you were going to be a parent: surprise!? Beth, Joe and Joe bring their own tales to the stage. Thanks to Meabh for the recording and to Charley for hosting. The live producer was Christina Friis and the podcast producer is Matt Hill of Rethink Audio. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Two more true stories of the kindness of strangers. Krishan discovers his mother unconscious, locked in the car. But who will help a fifteen year old in a hoodie break in? Then, Raphael is trapped in an elevator following an earthquake, with only the emergency operator for company. Thanks for Humans of Greater London for choosing this month's theme and to the huge team of volunteers that make Spark happen every week. Check out our latest shows at stories.co.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live in venues across the UK. Naqi is visually impaired, which leads him to encounter all sorts of strangers as he navigates the London Underground network. Thanks to Humans of London for co-hosting this night at the Exmouth Market Theatre, and to Charley Harrison, Meabh Ritchie and Joanna Yates for supporting our storytellers. Spark - True Stories is produced by Matt Hill for Rethink Audio. Subscribe and never miss another episode: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/spark-true-stories-live/id348365296?mt=2 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Connecting people through true stories. David told this story at our open mic at the Ritzy in Brixton, when the theme was 'Strangers.' Thanks to Christina Friis who produced this night and to Meabh Ritchie for recording the stories. For more episodes, and to attend a live night, be sure to check out our website: stories.co.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories, as told live on stages across the UK. To say goodbye to something familiar can be heartbreaking, difficult and scary. Most of the times however, something new tends to happen, and we realise that the parting wasn’t a goodbye, but a hello to something new. The question is: what happened next? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told across the UK. Two more stories of 'First Dates' taken from the open mic we held in January 2016. In the first story, Anna is accused of discreetly shooting a porn movie. Then, Michael has an idea that involves cherries. If you like our show, help spread the word: go to itunes.com and leave us a review. Thanks for listening! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

WARNING: contains strong sex references Two true stories from our new night in Glasgow, where the theme was Unbecoming. Lachlan is MCing a charity event, but gets sidetracked by an unwelcome tweet. Then, Marie is looking forward to her boyfriend's birthday treat. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Connecting people through true stories. Layla is about to go on her first lesbian date - but is she thoroughly prepared? From March 2016. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True stories told live in the UK. Vanessa is not your typical electrician – as she is constantly reminded in this tale from June 2010, where the theme was Animal Magnetism. Thanks to the Blue Elephant Theatre in Camberwell, who hosted us for a week to tell lots of stories. Check them out in our back catalogue... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Part two of our special in aid of the charity Refugee Aid (Refuaid). Today, Spark regular Julie, herself a refugee from two countries, tells how she escaped Hungary and then Romania during the twentieth century. Later, aid worker Pru tells us what life is like for refugees today, as she experienced in the Aegean area of Greece; the island of Samos. If you can spare a fiver, a tenner, to help our chosen charity, please pledge at stories.co.uk/donate. Thank you. We'll be taking a short break over Easter - stay subscribed to get new episodes as soon as they're launched! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.