Podcasts about unitarian universalist society

This week were joined by return guest Kevin Cookman to talk about the Sepulveda Unitarian Universalist Society, aka the Onion Church in North Hills!

Talking about epigenetics, the world stage, politics, the astrological events affecting all of us and oh yes, religion too. We are diving deep into beautiful topics today! I was thrilled to share some space with Caryn Terres as she shares her wealth of knowledge of astrological events that are impacting us and affecting our politics right now. I didn't think we would talk about politics, but we dive into it with some interesting questions to ponder. Do you really know how a bill is made? If you don't, go to Caryn's website and you will see where you can get a FREE pdf that teaches you about this.Caryn shares about her background in the Catholic Church, then moving to Utah and joining the  Unitarian Universalist Society church and then the Mormon Church for 18 months before she was kicked out. Caryn shares a unique perspective growing up in Utah not being Mormon and the perspectives gained from different religions. This interview was fun, crazy thought provoking and filled with lots of information you will be grateful you know now. Connect with Caryn through her website: https://www.heartwombleadership.com/Get your copy of Magdalene Codes here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BG3DKJSM?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_ts_PJ8A423SX4BKDXSVZQ83 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BG3DKJSM?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_ts_PJ8A423SX4BKDXSVZQ83)Learn more about my Elevated Life Mastermind: https://www.amandajoyloveland.com/elevatedmastermindLet's stay in touch!IG: @amanda.joy.lovelandFB Amanda Joy Lovelandwww.amandajoyloveland.comYouTube: Amanda Joy Loveland

When faced with difficulty, we instinctively tighten up. The tension focuses our attention onto the world around us to go after something we want or get away from something threatening. But sometimes there is no solution out there: There are no other jobs. The disease has no cure. The relationship strain is unresolvable. The friend who died just isn’t returning. These are the truly difficult times. To thrive during truly difficult times we have to turn our attention inward and learn how to be with the instinctual tightening in a relaxed and open way.This episode with Doug Kraft was recorded at a service given by the Unitarian Universalist Society of Sacramento. Support the show (http://www.easingawake.org/donations.html)

On episode #86 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss listener comments and upcoming events.  STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 February 22: “Leap: Stories of Daring Risks and Epic Failures” at Bears Smokehouse/District, New Haven, CT March 21: Great Hartford StorySlam, Hartford Flavor Company April 4: “Pity the Fool: Stories of Fools and Foolishness” at the Unitarian Universalist Society, Manchester, CT April 5: Voices of Hope storytelling showcase, Mark Twain House, Hartford, CT April 18: A Night of Storytelling with Matthew Dicks, MOPCO Improv Theater, Schenectady, NY STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020 February 22: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society March 7: Storytelling workshop (Master class), CT Historical Society March 21: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society April 18: Storytelling workshop (beginner), MOPCO Improv Theater, Schenectady, NY July 27-31: Storytelling boot camp, CT Historical Society In our Homework for Life segment, I talk about how contrast can often serve as an effective engine for storytelling.  Next we listen to a story by Talia Pollock.   Amongst the many things we discuss include: Humor The raising of stakes throughout a story Allowing important moments to linger  Strategic characterizations of characters Bending stories to fit the needs of the speaker Next we answer a question about the cost of living a certain kind of life.    Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.  RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Cheer on Netflix Matt: Calling for help in grocery stores LINKS Pre-order Party in my Plants: https://partyinmyplants.com/the-book/ 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/35Mz1xS  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

On episode #85 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss some Homework for Life feedback from listeners and clients, talk about our new Patreon account, and share about upcoming events in the Speak Up realm.  STORYTELLING SHOWS 2020 February 22: “Leap: Stories of Daring Risks and Epic Failures” at Bears Smokehouse/District, New Haven, CT March 21: Great Hartford StorySlam, Hartford Flavor Company April 4: “Pity the Fool: Stories of Fools and Foolishness” at the Unitarian Universalist Society, Manchester, CT April 5: Voices of Hope storytelling showcase, Mark Twain House, Hartford, CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2020 February 22: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society March 7: Storytelling workshop (Master class), CT Historical Society March 21: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society April 18: Storytelling workshop (beginner), MOPCO Improv Theater, Schenectady, NY July 27-31: Storytelling boot camp, CT Historical Society In our Homework for Life segment, I talk about a moment on my spreadsheet that did not require human interaction, and then I outline the story for the audience.  Next we listen to a story by Lael Lloyd.   Amongst the many things we discuss include: Pacing Holding back information to propel a story forward Painting a clear picture in the audience's mind by using fewer words. Transition that cut into scenes Specificity and clarity at the end of stories Next we answer questions about Elysha's favorite story and how to record anecdotes for future use.   Lastly, we each offer a recommendation.  RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Octopus Dreaming: http://bit.ly/2UIuWJ1 Matt: TED: How to Tell a Story: http://bit.ly/2UFgFNo 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/35Mz1xS  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

Streets of Kowloon (We Love Hong Kong) ft. the SuVee Gees - The Blisco Brothers Band; Theory - No Pi Filter; 花火 Firework - Utopian, Dark Circles (Qrt version) - Bruce Hunnisett; Geeknotes: 12/01 - What's Really Going On in Hong Kong, Unitarian Universalist Society of SF, 12/06 - National Climate Strike & March for Green New Deal, BlackRock HQ, SF, 12/07 - Palestinian Holiday Crafts Fair, Middle East Children's Alliance, Berkeley; Practice - Phantom Solar Test; My House - JUNK!

On episode #72 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling alongside the first Great Hartford Storyslam winner, Chris Gaffney! In our follow up segment, we discuss (and decide upon) the name for the start-and-stop episode that was so popular with our listeners.  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 April 4: Speak Up at the Unitarian Universalist Society, Manchester, 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 In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about how a story can hinge on the way a conversation can suddenly change the way you see the world.  Next we listen to the winning story from the very first Great Hartford Storyslam, told by Chris Gaffney. Amongst the many things we discuss include: Balancing tone in a story with a combination of humor, tension, suspense, and more.  Effective choices for the opening a story The effective advancing of space and time for both time and verisimilitude in a story Preserving surprise by allowing the audience to experience the events of a story in a way that is similar to how the storyteller experienced them The value (and possible danger) of subtlety in storytelling  Then we answer a listener questions about evoking emotion from an audience and make some recommendations.  RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: What Your Child Would Tell You About ADHD If They Had the Words Matt: The 22 Rules of Storytelling According to Pixar Chris: Newspapers LINKS Uncommon Discourse: http://uncommondiscourse.com 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

Spangula - Marmaleene and the Moondusters; Theory - Power Loop Strip Down; River Dry - Budjerah, Bother Me - Drastic Park, Crawl The Night - Bare Bones, You Said - Altai; Geeknotes: 11/03 - Impeachment, mass protest & the urgency to end the Trump Pence regime, Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco, 11/08 - Collisions SF Opening Night with Filmmaker In Person, Roxie Cinema, SF, 11/09 - 3rd i’s San Francisco International South Asian Film Festival 2019; Practice - Phantom Solar; Unholy (Feat. Camille Foley) - Surf Dad

On episode #68 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow up segment, we discuss last week's episode and plans for an upcoming episode. We also discuss a recent review of the podcast and decisions related to the use of profanity in storytelling. Elysha also congratulates listeners for their recent ukulele playing,.  STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019-2020 November 2: Great Hartford Story Slam, Hartford Flavor Company November 9: Sara Kaplan: Champion of the World at Emmanuel Synagogue, West Hartford, CT 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 April 4: Speak Up at the Unitarian Universalist Society, Manchester, CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health November 9: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society November 16: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society 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 In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about a strategy to find hidden stories in your life via seemingly microscopic moments, and an especially useful strategy to use if you're trying to find a story to match a theme Next we listen to a story by Bobby Klau. Amongst the many things we discuss include: Humor in storytelling through word choice, tonality, and misdirection Scene setting and re-establishing Singing as a part of storytelling The crucial "but" at the beginning of stories Rounding out stories and indicating the importance of every word of the story by bringing early elements into later parts of a story  RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: The Crane Wife Matt: Nicholson Baker Text from The Anthologist "And then a man of forty or so, with a French accent, asked, 'How do you achieve the presence of mind to initiate the writing of a poem?'   And something cracked open in me, and I finally stopped hoarding and told them my most useful secret.   The only secret that has helped me consistently over all the years that I've written.   I said, 'Well, I'll tell you how. I ask a simple question. I ask myself: What was the very best moment of your day?'   The wonder of it was, I told them, that this one question could lift out from my life exactly what I will want to write a poem about.   Something I hadn't known was important will leap out and hover there in front of me, saying I AM—I am the best moment of the day.   'Often,' I went on, 'it's a moment when you're waiting for someone, or you're driving somewhere, or maybe you're just walking across a parking lot and admiring the oil stains and the dribbled tar patterns.   One time it was when I was driving past a certain house that was screaming with sunlitness on its white clapboards, and then I plunged through tree shadows that splashed and splayed across the windshield.   I thought, Ah, of course—I'd forgotten.   You, windshield shadows, you are the best moment of the day."   ~ Nicholson Baker, from The Anthologist   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

On episode #67 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew Dicks talks storytelling. A solo show in which I critique one of my own stories.  In our follow-up segment, I read an amazing email from a fan in Oxford, England and remind you about some upcoming events.  STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019-2020 November 2: Great Hartford Story Slam, Hartford Flavor Company November 9: Sara Kaplan: Champion of the World at Emmanuel Synagogue, West Hartford, CT 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 April 4: Speak Up at the Unitarian Universalist Society, Manchester, CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health November 9: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society November 16: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society 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 Next we listen to a story by me, Matthew Dicks. Unlike previous solo shows, I do things a little differently this week. Instead of listening to the story and then offering some thoughts, I play the story in full and then play it again, stopping at various points to provide insight.  I'm trying something new. I hope you like it! 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

On episode #66 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling. In our follow-up segment, we ask for advice about our cat, which isn't really followup, but desperate times call for desperate measures.  STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019-2020 November 2: Great Hartford Story Slam, Hartford Flavor Company November 9: Sara Kaplan: Champion of the World at Emmanuel Synagogue, West Hartford, CT 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 April 4: Speak Up at the Unitarian Universalist Society, Manchester, CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health November 9: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society November 16: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society 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 In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about a moment from a recent storytelling competition and discusses how finding moments of surprise in our lives often lead to the best stories. He also discusses not giving up on stories or assuming that stories can only serve one purpose.  Next we listen to a story by Carla Katz.  Amongst the many things we discuss include: Humor in storytelling Managing listener's expectations by letting them know what to wonder about and what to let go Creating moments of emotional resonance in an otherwise hilarious story Rounding out the arc of a story  Presenting new or unknown information within appropriate context so as to make that information clear enough Next we answer a listener question about how Matt became a a storyteller and how the Speak Up partnership works. Credit is also  given to Steve Zimmer, Erin Barker, Catherine Burns, George Dawes Green, and especially Jenifer Hixon as mentors of the craft.   Finally, we each offer a recommendation.   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 RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Weeknight Dinner Around the World Matt: The Story Collider's new bonus episode (featuring Erin Barker and Liz Neeley)

On episode #65 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling. In our follow-up segment, we read a listener's email about a filmmaker using a transition strategy mentioned on the podcast to great effect.   STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019-2020 November 2: Great Hartford Story Slam, Hartford Flavor Company November 9: Sara Kaplan: Champion of the World at Emmanuel Synagogue, West Hartford, CT 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 April 4: Speak Up at the Unitarian Universalist Society, Manchester, CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health November 9: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society November 16: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society 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 In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about a moment from his week of camp with students that would serve him well in certain spaces but might not be suited for stages like The Moth or Speak Up for specific reasons. Next we listen to a story by Elva Guo.  Amongst the many things we discuss include: The power of surprise and strategies used to preserve surprise Embedding a small but universal truth into a much larger, less universal story The importance of scene setting  Next we answer a listener question about stories in the hotel industry.   Finally, we each offer a recommendation.   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 RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Outschool: https://outschool.com Matt: The Best Obituary Ever, and the Wacky Funeral That Followed

Matthew And Elysha step away for the mics for a week to offer you a rebroadcast of episodes 6 and 7 of the podcast, which feature the 2018 book launch event of Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling. STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019-2020 November 2: Great Hartford Story Slam, Hartford Flavor Company November 9: Sara Kaplan: Champion of the World at Emmanuel Synagogue, West Hartford, CT 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: Speak Up at the Wadsworth Atheneum April 4: Speak Up at the Unitarian Universalist Society, Manchester, CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health November 9: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society November 16: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society 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

Matthew And Elysha step away for the mics for a week to offer you a rebroadcast of episodes 6 and 7 of the podcast, which feature the 2018 book launch event of Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling. STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019-2020 November 2: Great Hartford Story Slam, Hartford Flavor Company November 9: Sara Kaplan: Champion of the World at Emmanuel Synagogue, West Hartford, CT 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: Speak Up at the Wadsworth Atheneum April 4: Speak Up at the Unitarian Universalist Society, Manchester, CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health November 9: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society November 16: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society 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

On episode #64 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow-up segment, we read a listener's email about diversity in storytelling, and we discuss our previous storytelling show and upcoming retreats.  STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019-2020 November 2: Great Hartford Story Slam, Hartford Flavor Company November 9: Sara Kaplan: Champion of the World at Emmanuel Synagogue, West Hartford, CT 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: Speak Up at the Wadsworth Atheneum April 4: Speak Up at the Unitarian Universalist Society, Manchester, CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health November 9: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society November 16: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society 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 In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about a moment that many friends and readers thinks is highly storyworthy but he does not. It's a conversation about how the most exciting moments from our lives don't always make the best stories.  Next we listen to a story by Amanda Caverzasi.  Amongst the many things we discuss include: The power of speaking a universal truth when so many are willing to say it aloud Releasing the power of the imagination when describing setting through brevity The power of circularity in storytelling Next we answer listener questions about finding the courage to be vulnerable and when to deploy humor in a sad story.   Finally, we each offer a recommendation.   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 RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Modern Love's Tiny Love Stories: https://nyti.ms/2maz31z Matt: The 25 Most Important Characters of the Last 25 Years: http://bit.ly/2kEqNWT

On episode #63 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our follow-up segment, we read listeners' emails about diversity in storytelling, the intersection between vulnerability and social media, and another way of approaching Homework for Life. We also announce our latest partnership with a fantastic new venue.   STORYTELLING SHOWS 2019-2020 September 7: “Tests” at Real Art Ways November 2: Great Hartford Story Slam, Hartford Flavor Company November 9: Sara Kaplan: Champion of the World at Emmanuel Synagogue, West Hartford, CT 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: Speak Up at the Wadsworth Atheneum April 4: Speak Up at the Unitarian Universalist Society, Manchester, CT STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS 2019 October 4-6: Storytelling workshop, Art of Living Retreat, Boone, NC October 25-27: Storytelling workshop (beginners), Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health November 9: Storytelling workshop (Beginner), CT Historical Society November 16: Storytelling workshop (Advanced), CT Historical Society 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 In our Homework for Life segment, Matt talks about a brief but important moment that took place beside a baggage carousel in an airport and how storyworthy moments can sometimes happen in the blink of an eye.  Next we listen to a story by Esam Boray.  Amongst the many things we discuss include: The power of contrast in storytelling Turning a story about something huge and incomprehensible into something much smaller and universalCombining anecdotes into a more cohesive narrative The importance of knowing key characters in a story well before putting them into action Slowing down key moments in stories to allow the action to unfold for your listeners We then answer a listener questions about noticing and documenting small changes over time, avoiding over-rehearsing a story, and managing my Homework for Life spreadsheet.  Finally, we each offer a recommendation.   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 RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: When characters in musicals transition from speaking to singing - http://bit.ly/2kfjzbZ Matt: The Rewatchables - https://www.theringer.com/the-rewatchables

Maureen, host, talks with Rabbi Steven Lewis of Temple Ahavat Achim in Gloucester, Rev, Susan Moran of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport, and Pastor Anne Deneen of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gloucester/Lanesville about the blue side of the holidays and what you can do to cope.

[Katee and Corbin are beavering away at their residencies this week, so enjoy this rebirthed episode.  –Dave] Alison Oliver is a sexuality educator at the university level, and also for the Unitarian Universalist Society's sex ed program known as Our Whole Lives.  Unlike what most of us get in schools, public or private, OWL is … Continue reading What Comprehensive Sex Ed Looks Like: Our Whole Lives (Rebirthed) →

Called by a unanimous vote by the Active Members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent on May 27, 2018, the Rev. Steven Protzman began his ministry with us on August 1, 2018. The Reverend Steven Protzman is a native Midwesterner and grew up in Missouri and Iowa.  He holds an undergraduate degree in architecture from Iowa State University and his previous career was as a pipe organ designer for several major American organ builders.  He is a 2009 graduate of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, New Brighton, Minnesota and was ordained in 2010 at the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis.  Steven has served the Unitarian Universalist Society, Coralville, Iowa (previously the Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City, Iowa) since 2011 as its settled minister. Steven is an outgoing extrovert who loves to socialize and meet new people.  He is also passionate about nature, especially wolves, eagles and the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, is an avid country western dancer, and  enjoys gardening, the arts, hockey, good food of all kinds, architecture, and exploring new places.  While in Iowa, he rediscovered the rugged beauty of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas and vacationed down there for several years, exploring caves, rivers, forests, springs and the natural beauty of that part of the country. Steven believes in the power of Unitarian Universalism to transform people’s lives, to invite us to discover our fullest, most authentic selves, to guide us into deeper relationship with the Holy, and to challenge us to offer our lives in service to a world that needs the love and the gifts each of us has to share. If you would like more information about Rev. Steven, you can check out his website at http://www.uuministry.com/stevenprotzman The password: M2FK}JtsZ6

Alison Oliver is a sexuality educator at the university level, and also for the Unitarian Universalist Society's sex ed program known as Our Whole Lives.  Unlike what most of us get in schools, public or private, OWL is comprehensive.  Even the most detailed conversation with one's parents can't hope to cover everything OWL does in … Continue reading What Comprehensive Sex Ed Looks Like: Our Whole Lives →

On this episode, host Betsy Kim talks to Nutritionist Alisa Scherban and Compassionfest 2017 organizer Tabitha Logan about vegetarianism, veganism, and New Haven's annual Compassionfest, a vegan potluck for which will be held January 14 at the Unitarian Universalist Society of New Haven.

Unitarian Universalist Society of GenevaRev. Dr. Lindsay Bates

Maia Aziz P.S.W., C.L.Y.L., C.H.P., writes and speaks on living a life of love and laughter. President-Elect of The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, Maia is joined each week on Morning Moments With Maia...Conversations of Love and Laughter by an eclectic lineup of guests who live their lives with love and laughter and work to help others do the same. www.withloveandlaughter.ca     Kate Offer, Bay Area melodramatic soprano, would like you to know that she is very, very important and special and has done many wonderful and exciting musical things that would make you say, “Wowza!” and “Gee Whiz!” and “Didgeridoo!” She says she lip syncs perfectly for a number of estimable (but easily-fooled) organizations like Cappella SF, the SF Symphony Chorus, and the Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco.  Other bamboozled victims include Volti, the Vallejo Choral Society, the Cal Berkeley Alumni Chorus, Berkeley Contemporary Opera, West Edge Opera, Oakland Opera, Piedmont Light Opera, Goat Hall Theater, Miss Lilly’s All-Star Jazz Hands Kazoo Band and Buffet, and the Alameda Civic Light Opera.  (One of those might be fictional) Kate was voted the "2012 Best Featured Actress in Musical" by BroadwayWorldSF.com.  Learn more about Kate at- www.kateoffer.com

     Rev. Joe Cherry - What Moment  Brought Tears To Your Eyes? -  Tell That Story! Rev. Cherry is  minister at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Cleveland. Before  moving to Cleveland he and his partner the Reverend Denis Paul  lived in the  Central Valley of California, where they both had ministries. Joe was the only  minister serving three counties while there. Joe has been a UU for 19 years and his home church is the First Unitarian Society of Chicago.  He graduated from the Meadeville Lombard Theological School. He also served  at the UU church in Dukinfield, UK. (About 8 miles East of Manchester) for a summer internship.  Questions for Joe that you'll hear the answers to: What was your experience in the UK UU Church? What special project have you worked on? What is the biggest pain people are expressing when they are coming into Unitarian Universalism? How do we let people more fully know that this faith can be for them. What is the biggest hurdle to get over in order to express Unitarian Universalism? Are we lost for words when trying to explain Unitarian Universalists to people? What's the best way to speak about Unitarian Universalism with ease? Joe's Gems: "As your minister it isn't important what you believe or where you end up. What's important is that you're  engaged in the process..." "...helping people to come to a place of greater peace." "We have a homecoming experience as we discover we are UU." "What moment in your life since being a UU brought tears to your eyes? that's what you should be talking about." Joe turned the interview on me asking: "What is it about you that makes you one of us (a UU)" How will you answer this question? Popular Quotes Rev. Joe Referred To: If it is not the desire for heaven or social approval, it is the desire for the feeling of self-satisfaction which comes from following the dictates of conscience or from retaining one’s self-respect by being true to one’s ideals. – Marshall M. Knappen, Tudor Puritanism "I am a human being, nothing human is alien to me." - Terence (2nd century) Joe's published Prayer he created in a workshop that has been used in various venues from General Assembly (GA) to the Selma worship service. "If we have any hope of improving the world and ourselves we must be bold enough to step into our discomfort, brave enough to be clumsy there, and loving enough to forgive ourselves and each other. May we as a people of faith be so bold, so brave, and so loving."   Final Credits: music thanks to: "Carefree", "Open Those Bright Eyes", "Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

June 6, 2010 was a landmark day for Michael Dowd as an evangelist of the evolutionary perspective in American churches.  This was the day that he delivered his boldest sermon ever, titled "The New Atheists As God's Prophets."  People's Church of Ludington, MI was his first religious venue for this title.  He will reprise this sermon on July 11 at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Syracuse, NY, then twice in August in Oklahoma City: first at Mayflower Congregational Church and then at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral.  This sermon offers the ideas first presented on September 6, 2009, in the sixth podcast of this series, and which Michael presented as a blogpost on June 4. Michael's aim is this: “I want to encourage religious people not to get defensive when the New Atheists are attacking religion or attacking concepts of God. Instead, recognize that they are fulfilling the role of a prophet."