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 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.

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. On June 17, twelve storytellers shared their stories with our audience at The Hangar at New York Wire Works, in downtown York. The theme for our June story slam was BRUSH WITH DEATH. We heard stories about a camping trip gone awry, a complicated pregnancy, and all sorts of medical emergencies. In the end, our winner was Tony Crocamo, who shared a story about following orders during his time in the army during the Vietnam War. Tony earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Natalie Stutzman, who shared about a sudden and extreme illness. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Roth Preap, who told the story of a time during his childhood when he experienced the supernatural. 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 20, nine storytellers shared their stories with our audience at The Hangar at New York Wire Works, in downtown York. The theme for our May story slam was ALL IN THE FAMILY. We heard stories about blood relations, chosen family, sibling pranks, and more. In the end, our winner was Shaun Carter, who shared a story about his contribution to the family Thanksgiving meal. Shaun earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Emily Crockett, who shared about losing herself in a young marriage. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Jason Plotkin, who told the story of crashing a wedding in Ireland. 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 15, fourteen storytellers shared their stories with our audience at The Hangar at New York Wire Works, in downtown York. The theme for our April story slam was MY BETTER HALF. We heard stories about meeting future spouses, helping each other through difficult times, and even one about sharing clothing with a partner of similar stature. In the end, our winner Swapna Deshpande, who shared a story about a patient she worked with through the course of his degenerative illness. Swapna earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Matt McDunnell, who shared about the magic his mom created for an early birthday. Our next story comes from Adam Nugent, who shared his story about the positive effect his wife has had on his early-20s shenanigans. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Doc Yoder, who told the story of meeting a beautiful woman in his college years. 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 18, nine storytellers shared their stories with our audience at The Hangar at New York Wire Works in downtown York. The theme for our March story slam was NO HARD FEELINGS. We heard stories about getting tackled in football games, losing items from the lost & found at a Hollywood hostel, learning to let go, and even one story about Kevin Bacon (not that one). In the end, our winner was Mark Lentz, who shared a story about reflecting on the resentments he carries. Mark earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Eric Zeltmann, who shared about playing tabletop games with his son, and the consequent lessons on losing and winning. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Megan Hine, who tells the story of her pet pig, Kevin Bacon, and how she and her family were at odds on the best way to honor his memory. 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 February 18, six storytellers shared their stories with our audience at The Hangar at New York Wire Works, in downtown York. The theme for our February story slam was CULTURE SHOCK. We heard stories about being made to feel “othered,” what happens when you welcome someone new, and one story about spending a long weekend with four toddlers. In the end, our winner was Marianne Sheely, who shared a story about getting to know her new neighbor. Matt earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Phil Broder, who shared about a memorable experience participating in a kite festival in India. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Tim McGuinness, who tells the story of a time he confused the staff at a KFC far from home. 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 21, ten storytellers shared their stories with our audience at The Hangar at New York Wire Works, in downtown York. The theme for our January story slam was TIPPING POINT. We heard stories about starting a business, new-parent anxiety, and a treacherous solo motorcycle trip. In the end, our winner was Matt McDunnell, who shared a story about bonding with a date about a mutual acquaintance. Matt earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Kimberley Parsley, who shared her story about challenging some of the standards instilled throughout her conservative upbringing as she became a parent. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Bob Ulrich, who recounted the misadventure of setting up a PA system for Elvis Presley. 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 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 19, ten storytellers shared their stories with our audience at Archetype Pizza in downtown York. Our theme this month was COMING HOME. We heard stories about moving, about finding a sense of home, a couple about dogs, and even one about a 50th high school reunion. In the end, our winner was Corey Wolfe, who told a story about how long it took him to move to an apartment across the street. Corey earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our second story comes from Bridget Hudacs, who told us about how, despite her initial resistance, she became a dog mom. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Matt McDunnell. Matt shared what he learned when his mother came home at an inopportune moment. 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 Twitter at @yorkstoryslam, as well as 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 15, ten storytellers shared their stories with our audience at Archetype Pizza in downtown York. Our theme this month was WARNING SIGNS. We heard stories about scary situations, new places and relationships, a highly anticipated celebrity encounter, and of course stories about warning signs that were summarily ignored. In the end, our winner was Beth McLaughlin, who told a story about the times when everything was fine… until she showed up. Beth earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our second story comes from Swapna Deshpande, who told us about a time she got caught up in the anticipation of a celebrity encounter. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Helen Dempsey. Helen shared what she learned while seeking a miracle on a trip to Arizona. 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 Twitter at @yorkstoryslam, as well as on Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel. We hope to see you onstage 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 18, eleven storytellers shared their true stories with our audience at Archetype Pizza in downtown York. We heard stories about riding in the car, riding bikes, delayed and missed flights, and stories about surgery and terminal illness. Our winner was Kat Knapp, who told a story about spending the first summer of her 20s at Cedar Point amusement park. Kat earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our second story comes from Jim Goldsmith, who told us about a recent 500-mile charity ride on his beloved bike. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Monee Myers. Monee shared about a health issue she faced during her senior year of college. 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 Twitter at @yorkstoryslam, as well as 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 June 20, eight storytellers shared their stories with our audience at Archetype Pizza in downtown York. The theme for our June story slam was SUMMER LOVE. We heard stories about connections that spanned decades, the risks in putting yourself out there, and what happens when you don’t close the curtains. In the end, our winner was Mina Edmondson, who shared her story about feeling her brother’s presence and love, even after he’d passed. Mina earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our second story comes from John Joyce, with his story about his fourth-grade classmate Debbie Quinn, and a moment of kindness he never got to re-pay. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Debbie Gable, who shared her story about moving from friends to something more, and all the awkward and sweet moments in between. 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 Twitter at @yorkstoryslam, as well as 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 16, nine storytellers shared their stories with our audience at Archetype Pizza in downtown York.   The theme for our May story slam was LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER. We heard stories about Ouija boards, the power of a good nap when needed, and our mothers’ often outsized influence on our lives.   In the end, we had a tie. Our first winner was Scott Blanchard, who shared his story about a mom’s ability to find anything – and his mom’s sage advice about perseverance.   Scott earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our second winner was Doc Yoder, with his story about the power of written stories when his mother’s memory began to fail.   Doc also earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Mina Edmondson, who shared her story about a time not to take advice from her mother.   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 Twitter at @yorkstoryslam, as well as 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 18, twelve storytellers shared their stories with our audience at Archetype Pizza in downtown York.   The theme for our April story slam was OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED. We heard stories about going above and beyond at work, stepping outside your comfort zone, and the beauty (sometimes) of the unknown.   In the end, we had a tie. Our first winner was Nick Dowling, who shared his story about flexing his muscles beyond his IT role.   Nick earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our second winner was Sarah Chain, who shared a messier side of being a dog mom.   Sarah also earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Jamie Beth Cohen, who told her story about experiencing loss as a school administrator.   Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Jason Plotkin, our reigning champion and Best Storyteller in York, who talks about reuniting with an impactful person later in his career.   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 Twitter at @yorkstoryslam, as well as 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 21, eight storytellers shared their stories with our audience at Archetype Pizza in downtown York.   The theme for our March story slam was HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL. We heard stories about second chances, the search for romantic partners, and the dangers of hope.   In the end, our winner was Mike Reed, with his story of the lead-up to his first junior high basketball shot.   Mike earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our next story comes from Carol Stowell, who shared about the hope she's found in activism.   Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Kir Evancho, who talks about hanging her hopes on romantic relationships.     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 Twitter at @yorkstoryslam, as well as 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 17, nine storytellers shared their stories with our audience at Archetype Pizza in downtown York.   The theme for our January story slam was A TIME LIKE NO OTHER. We heard stories about the birth of a child, shared moments with loved ones, and pre-cellphone era adventures.   In the end, we had a tie. Our first winner was Matt McDunnell, with his story of giving an elementary school bully his comeuppance.   Matt earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Our second winner was David MacVeigh, who shared about the characters he encountered in his role as a public defender.   Our final story on this month’s podcast comes from Michelle Dacey, who shared how her father’s terminal illness brought her family together for a few final days.   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 Twitter at @yorkstoryslam, as well as on Facebook, and watch videos of all the stories from our events on our YouTube channel.

Welcome to the York Story Slam podcast, where we feature select stories from our monthly open mic storytelling events in York, Pennsylvania. On June 21, eight storytellers shared their stories with our audience for our virtual slam. The theme for our June story slam was FATHER KNOWS BEST. We heard stories about lessons learned, thoughtful kindness bestowed, and generational differences. In the end, our winner was first-time storyteller Ryan Roe, with his story about playing in the elementary school band with his dad. Ryan earned a spot in our Grand Slam in November. Next up we have Tony Crocamo, with the story of the first time he shaved. Our final story on this month’s podcast comes another first-time storyteller, Emily Golihew, who shared her story of her relationship with her father. All the winners from this year’s open mic story slam events will return in November to compete for the title of Best Storyteller in York. Updates on our upcoming events and tickets for purchase 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 twitter at @yorkstoryslam, as well as 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.