York Story Slam

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. On June 16, nine storytellers shared their stories with our audience at The Hangar, recently relocated to the Grotto Community Center in the heart of downtown York. Our theme for our June story slam was OVERDOING IT. We heard stories about a difficult hike in 90-degree heat, the constant chaos of raising five children, and even one about doing a bit too much to celebrate the freedom of getting out of jail. In the end, our winner was Vi Mayen-Abreu, who shared a story about their aunt and sister going full “Karen” to get into an amusement park. Vi earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Ava Belmont, who shared a story about a time when being an overachiever caught up with her. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Denise, who shared about trying to dip her toe back into dating for the first time in a long time. All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return at the end of the season to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York at our Grand Slam. Updates on our events are available on our website, YorkStorySlam.com, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. We hope to see you on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. On May 19, eight storytellers shared their stories with our audience at The Hangar, recently relocated to the Grotto Community Center in the heart of downtown York. Our theme for our May story slam was FORK IN THE ROAD. We heard stories about big life changes, facing difficult decisions, directions determined by circumstance or serendipity, and even one about a possible supernatural encounter. In the end, our winner was Sam Schindler, who shared a story of re-examining some of what he’d been taught growing up. Sam earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Ron Benenson, who shared a story about a trip to the movies that might have changed his life. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Marianne Sheely, who shared about making new friends in her retirement community. All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return at the end of the season to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York at our Grand Slam. Updates on our events are available on our website, YorkStorySlam.com, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. We hope to see you on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. On April 21, nine storytellers shared their stories with our audience at The Hangar, recently relocated to the Grotto Community Center in the heart of downtown York. Our theme for our April story slam was FOOD FOR THOUGHT. We heard stories about cruise ship dinners, expanding palates, and one about the effects of drinking cabbage juice. In the end, our winner was Mike Reed, who told the story of one of his earliest experiences with sushi. Mike earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Dru Peters, who recalled “the butter test” from her childhood dinner table. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Gary White, who shared about transitioning from Maryland to his new home of York. All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return at the end of the season to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York at our Grand Slam. Updates on our events are available on our website, YorkStorySlam.com, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. We hope to see you on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. On March 17, eight storytellers shared their stories with our audience at The Hangar, recently relocated to the Grotto Community Center in the heart of downtown York. Our theme for our March story slam was GOOD LUCK/BAD LUCK. We heard stories about injuries that brought silver linings, good and bad surprises, and one about taking small children to the zoo on an interesting day. In the end, our winner was Dave Smith, who shared the story of facing difficult odds as a person with historically bad luck. Dave earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Tony Crocamo, who shared his story about his father's disdain for gambling. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Wendy Smith, who recalled a job interview experience from when she first moved to the area. All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return at the end of the season to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York at our Grand Slam. Updates on our events are available on our website, YorkStorySlam.com, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. We hope to see you on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. On January 20, nine storytellers shared their stories with our audience at The Hangar, recently relocated to the Grotto Community Center in the heart of downtown York. Our theme for our January story slam was MAKING MOVES. We heard stories about relocating, changing careers, and what to do when you have to start over. In the end, our winner was Mark Lentz, who recalled abrupt moves to escape a turbulent childhood home. Mark earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Etta Sedit, who shared about her experiences interacting with Yorkers when she first moved to town. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Stephen Thomas, who told a story about visiting Arizona for a desert gardening project. All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return at the end of the season to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York at our Grand Slam. Updates on our events are available on our website, YorkStorySlam.com, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. We hope to see you on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania.   On November 18, nine winners from our monthly open mic story slams returned to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York. We gathered at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts in downtown York, who have hosted all 10 of our annual Grand Slams in the beautiful Capitol Theatre.   The theme for the evening was OOPS. We heard stories about encounters with sea and land creatures, standing up to authority, and lessons learned from a younger generation.   In the end, our winner was Matt McDunnell — our very first two-time Grand Slam Champion — who shared his story about an accident with his mother’s glass China cabinet.   Matt took home the trophy and bragging rights as the Best Storyteller in York. Next up we have a story from Mike Reed, who told his story about his efforts to make it to vacation in time for the big game.   Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Mark Lentz, who shared his story about developing his approach as a wrestling coach.   The themes for our 2026 season have already been announced on our website, YorkStorySlam.com, so take a look. While you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter, the easiest way to know when tickets go on sale to join us in January and all year long at our NEW location on the first floor of the Grotto Community Center at 17 East Philadelphia Street in the heart of downtown York. You can also follow us on Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel.   We hope to see you on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania.   On October 21, eight storytellers shared their stories with our audience at The Hangar at New York Wire Works, in downtown York.   Our October story slam was open theme. We heard stories about eventful excursions with family, celebrity encounters at the White House, and navigating all the complexities of love and loss.   In the end, our winner was Danton Spina, who shared his story about scheming a way to earn the affection of his middle school Spanish teacher.   Danton earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Helen Dempsey, who shared a story about her run-in with the law when crossing international borders.   Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Randall Arthur, who told a story of the time he couldn’t muster planting his garden, and nature saved the day.   All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return at the end of the season to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York at our Grand Slam.   Updates on our events are available on our website, YorkStorySlam.com, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel.   We hope to see you on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania.   On September 16, six storytellers shared their stories with our audience at The Hangar at New York Wire Works, in downtown York.   The theme for our September story slam was WTF? We heard stories about perplexing childhood experiences, interactions with animals, and one about a wrong turn in an elementary school spelling bee.   In the end, our winner was Mike Reed, who shared his story about some of the stupidest questions he’s ever heard.   Mike earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Meg Wheeler, who remembers attending a Pride march in DC and seeing the AIDS memorial quilt on display on the National Mall in 1993.   Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Tad Mundis, who told a story of the time he was left in charge of the family dog from his childhood   All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return at the end of the season to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York at our Grand Slam.   Updates on our events are available on our website, YorkStorySlam.com, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel.   We hope to see you on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. On August 19, seven storytellers shared their stories with our audience at The Hangar at New York Wire Works, in downtown York. The theme for our August story slam was DAILY GRIND. We heard stories about first jobs, career trajectories, and “other duties as assigned.” In the end, our winner was Debbie Gable, who shared a story about how much she has always loved to work, and some of her key takeaways as she nears retirement. Debbie earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Mike Reed, who shared a story about lessons learned in his first jobs as a blacktop paver and a reporter. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Rachael Prensner, who told the story of the chaos she experienced in her first foray into waitressing. All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return at the end of the season to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York at our Grand Slam. Updates on our events are available on our website, YorkStorySlam.com, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. We hope to see you on stage soon! Thanks for listening.

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. On July 15, eight storytellers shared their stories with our audience at The Hangar at New York Wire Works, in downtown York. The theme for our July story slam was OLD FRIENDS. We heard stories about making friends on the internet, embarrassing moments only old friends could share, and even one about the draft lottery. In the end, our winner was Paul Boddy, who shared a story about attending the Army/Navy game over the years with a college friend. Paul earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Meg Wheeler, who shared a story about her first friends as a child. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Jai Jayaram, who told the story of his oldest friend from the village where he was raised. All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return at the end of the season to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York at our Grand Slam. Updates on our events are available on our website, YorkStorySlam.com, and while you’re there, you can sign up for our monthly newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. We hope to see you on stage soon! Thanks for listening.