Title TBD: Tell Me a Story

“You have a sister!” is a phrase typically shared with kids on the arrival of a new baby. But sometimes it’s reserved for later in life when you might be a complete grown up with a career and a life and everything. And it might be a total surprise. And that new sister might be 10 years older than you. It might happen.It certainly happened to Kyla. That’s the story she’s telling in this latest installment of the Tell Me a Story series. Listen in to learn how her father (a bit of a “rake,” in what is now my favorite use of the word) shared the news with her and then the aftermath of getting to know her new sibling. Kyla’s sister has an incredible story of perseverance and optimism in her own right, and has in the few short years they’ve had so far become an inspiring, supportive presence in Kyla’s life.Because who wouldn’t want a wise and wonderful older sister?Have a story of your own to share? Please let me know. I’d love to hear it. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Following the loss of her mom, Ruthann was trying to figure herself out. Who exactly was she at her core? She decided the best way to do that would be to try something difficult and well beyond her wheelhouse. How about Arizona’s toughest marathon? A nature trail marathon through the woods and mountains outside of Prescott, Arizona.Did she train? Not really. Did she look at the race map? No. Did she know what a javelina was and not to point her flashlight directly into its face? Also, no.She wasn’t ready, it was very difficult, but she did it. Then she did it again and again, signing up for a series of races to challenge herself physically, mentally and spiritually. In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Ruthann talks about the adventures, the people she met along the way and the lessons she learned as an underprepared, yet determined, marathoner. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Many of us had Covid projects. Those ideas that sparked when we had some time that wasn’t filled with the thought, “what the hell is going on?” My project was this Substack you’re reading, born out of a desire to connect.Mike had a much bigger idea (also inspired by connection) that has grown from a hashtag on LinkedIn into an international recognition program for the communications industry, with no signs of stopping.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Mike explains how moving to Iceland right before the pandemic and the unique solitude of his little rock in the Atlantic Ocean sparked a desire to connect with his peers. With a hashtag in hand and a LinkedIn page (#WeLeadComms), he has grown #WeLeadComms into one of the largest online recognition platforms in the communications industry.Listen in as Mike shares how it’s become a beautiful place for hard-working, passionate professionals all over the world to feel seen and appreciated. That’s something I can appreciate and I feel like the Tell Me a Story series carries some of the same spirit. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Depression was a noisy monster who lived in Heather’s brain. Like a neighbor on the floor above, throwing furniture around, shouting all hours of the night or hosting unwelcome parties. Even in it’s quiet moments, you can hear that neighbor shuffling around on the ceiling above, always there.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Heather shares her story about inviting that noisy monster for a cup of tea - literally. Sitting down, talking and laying some ground rules for how life was going to be moving forward. I appreciate Heather, and anyone else who is willing to share their mental health challenges and share how they’ve found a way through. Nobody is alone and everybody is worthy of the space to feel seen, heard and appreciated. If you’re having a hard time, I hope you connect with Heather’s story. I hope you feel like you can reach out and share as well. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Frank worked 14 years as a police officer. He’s a family man, a helpful neighbor, dutiful church attendee. He checks all the boxes of a lawful, standup guy.But a few years back, he had an experience on a fraud case that shifted his perspective and made him realize there are more shades to life than black and white.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Frank shares his experience investigating a case of stolen identity and how doing the right thing meant a mother was taken from her young family. Immigration is always a heated topic, but I appreciate Frank’s care in sharing this story and how it’s shaped the person he has grown into since this experience. And, perhaps, a little perspective can go a long way in how we talk to each other and live in our communities. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

It’s summer! A time for neighborhood barbecues. A time for sweaty nights in the Dairy Queen parking lot of small southern towns. A time for watching a six-year-old speed off toward the interstate on a homemade go-kart, terrorizing/horrifying the neighbors along the way.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Jason shares the no-helmet, full-throttle thrill ride of his first time on a go-kart. It started simple enough with a six-year-old boy and small town dream.So I climbed on, sat in that low-slung seat and they gave me 3 seconds of instructions — mash this to go, mash this to stop, turn this to steer, and don’t go in the road — and off I went around the house. Slowly, at first, just to get a feel for things. But increasingly faster with each lap around the house, which followed a by-now well-worn dirt path that used to be lush green St. Augustine grass.Look at me. I’m doing it. And on my first try! I. Am. Awesome!And then it happened.You’ll have to listen to hear what happened. Maybe it will inspire a summer adventure of your own. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Katherine Dunham is a name that should be well known - a legendary figure in dance, she was a choreographer, author, anthropologist, social activist, humanitarian and more. Here’s more on her at the Library of Congress.But this is Sukie’s story. In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Sukie takes us on her journey as a dance instructor navigating social issues and dance within the Dunham Technique in order to become a better teacher to all of her students.Dunham’s work and her example is the driving force through Sukie’s experience which has been a roller coaster of humility, vulnerability and learning to overcome her own blind spots while pushing herself as a teacher, dancer and human.To learn more about the Institute for Dunham Technique Certification, visit: DunhamCertification.orgThank you for tagging along with Title TBD and the Tell Me a Story series. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Chad owns a restaurant and has a long, varied career working and leading in restaurants. He’s quick to say any day working in a restaurant could lead to anything - chaos being a frequent experience.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Chad talks about one of this favorite days in the restaurant which became an annual event that only grew in size and evolved to become something even more magical every year.Listen in for a taste of what it’s like working a special day in the year of a restaurant, keeping kids happy and well-sugared and connecting with families who love to come back every year. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Becky spent summers traveling with her sisters, following their mother for her work. One of those summers provided the opportunity to see Washington D.C. at a most opportune time - the 1976 bicentennial celebrations.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Becky shares the adventure of arriving to D.C. and how her mother solved the problem of the rental car company not having the car they reserved. Her mother’s ingenuity led to one of the most memorable sightseeing trips in the back of a cargo van with aluminum folding chairs.Like any good story, it has a lesson that’s endured in Becky’s life in various ways. Not to mention it always sparks a good laugh when her sisters get together. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

“I think I have something you may be interested in,” said the man calling the University of Arizona Museum of Art.He did have something. A something that had experienced a renewed level of interest after a writer on the University of Arizona internal communications team wrote a story about the 30th anniversary of a painting stolen (cut right out of its frame) at the UofA museum in 1985.Woman-Ochre by Willem de Kooning disappeared in plain day and remained an unsolved mystery for 30 years until the owners of a Silver City, NM, antique store realized the painting they picked up at an estate sale was more than they thought.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Doug shares the story behind the story. He was the director of Media Relations and Communications when his team published the anniversary story that sparked (if in a small way) the recovery of the painting.It’s a story of mystery and intrigue any mild-mannered internal communications writer would love to discover.The Woman-Ochre mystery remains in the news until recently, including a documentary. More details can be read at the University of Arizona Museum of Art. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

The science hasn’t been done yet, but it’s likely 98% of teenage boys in the ‘90s discovered sports via EA Sports video games. This is particularly true of hockey - not the most accessible game to get involved in if you lived in Arizona.John was one of those kids. In this installment of Tell Me a Story, John shares his path from the PC to the hockey rink. As one of those Arizona kids, he was off to a later start than most hockey players. He began ice skating lessons at 29.It might be slow progress for a husband and father of two, but he’s been living his hockey dreams for a few years now, being able to sneak in a few hours a week to sharpen his skills - and there’s a lesson in there about sticking with what you enjoy even if you might not be very good at it at first. Keep at it, and you’ll score your first goal. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

The housing industry went bust in 2008. Banking went insane. For so many, it became a time of survival and putting the pieces back together. Elisabeth was one of the many who lost her job as companies were struggling and began laying off employees en masse. In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Elisabeth shares how, while the setback was humbling, she found a surprising and rewarding new path in a job she didn’t even want.Call it a growth mindset if you will, Elisabeth’s curiosity and “the glass isn’t half full, it’s overflowing” attitude opened doors for her and provide an example for anyone working to bounce back from a humbling setback. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

There’s something to be said for putting your head down and charging through a big life change. Or in Kevin’s case, charging through all the big life changes at the same time.In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Kevin talks about uprooting his family, with a newborn in tow, and moving to a new state without a job. It’s the epitome of taking a leap of faith in a new adventure.Now, 18 years later, the daughter he moved across the country is ready to make her own big move to college. And not too long ago, Kevin made some big career changes. Sometimes you have to take a chance. What’s the worst thing that could happen?Enjoying Title TBD and the Tell Me a Story series? Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

In college, not all the important lessons are learned in the classrooms. Sometimes the best lessons come in late night card games with trash-talking roommates. At least that’s what happened for Pinaki.In this installment of Tell Me a Story, Pinaki shares about a lesson he learned while on the losing end of a card game against his college roommate, and how that lesson has shaped his approach to…pretty much everything in life.I don’t want to give away the soundbite, because he says it so well and it’s likely going to stick in your brain throughout 2025. Whenever you’re feeling low, facing a challenge or simply want to shut up the guy who’s bragging about his score in the game you are playing, Pinaki’s words will ring in your head.I don’t always share our storytellers day gig, but this one fits as Pinaki’s story has led to the work he’s accomplished with Local Wisdom, where he is CEO and Owner. Check out the link to learn more about his team’s work. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

I promise this will be the most wholesome and charming story you’ll hear today that includes drinking, smoking, all night gambling and men punching each other in the face repeatedly.Coming home on holiday weekends while in college, Jason and his friends congregated to his family barn where Jason’s dad hosted what came to be known as a Poke ‘n Smoke.An old fashioned poke ‘n smoke included boxing matches on the barn’s big screen TV, drinks and cigars, as well as a poker game that lasted until the sun came up.In this Tell Me a Story, Jason recounts the memories with his dad, the love of boxing they shared and how it’s all helped shape how he approaches being a father to his daughters.Thanks for reading Title TBD! This post is public so feel free to share it.Title TBD is a free publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Long before Swifties terrorized their enemies on the internet, the only way to show true devotion to a band was to start a fanzine with your friends and follow the band on the road.That’s exactly what Debra did in the 1980s as a teenage Duranie. A Duranie being those devoted to one of those huge ‘80s bands that continues to endure and was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Duran Duran.Some healthy teenage rebellion led Debra to the band, and in turn she wrote a popular fanzine - when that meant collecting physical mailing addresses and running a lot of photocopies - and then joined a gang of young women who followed Duran Duran across the U.S. for 19 stops of the tour promoting their Big Thing record.In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Debra shares the adventure as well as the fallout after two months of living the rock and roll life (and getting college credit for it).Title TBD is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts like the Tell Me a Story series and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

For those of us who have reached a certain age, there are some inevitable events that are bound to occur. Our parents passing away is one of them.It’s a heavy experience, but it’s also illuminating, heartbreaking, darkly humorous, exhausting and heartening.In this Tell Me a Story, Brindi shares her experience supporting her dad in his last few months, the triumphs and the frustrations, what she learned and the message he wanted to leave behind for his family.As she says, the last few weeks of his father’s life was the love story he wanted to tell his family about how much they meant to him.I appreciate Brindi and feel privileged she felt this was a space she could get real and deep about her experience. And I think if you’re in a similar situation, or if you have experienced this before, you will come away from her story feeling lifted and encouraged. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Tell Me a Story is an audio series of folks sharing moments from their lives - the big and small, fun or heavy. It’s a privilege to have someone share their story with me and to in turn share it with you.Are clowns a key to reclaiming a little joy and humanity in our lives?Maybe.When Terry and his clown troupe visited the Phoenix Children’s Museum a few weeks ago for International Clown Week he went right into entertainment mode - connecting with kids through magic tricks, silly gags, face painting and, more than anything, a few moments of face-to-painted face time.One boy was particularly enthusiastic about the giant pterodactyl Terry painted on the boy’s arm. He came back to thank Terry repeatedly with “this is the best day ever!”It wasn’t until later when the event coordinator let Terry know that just the day before was the boy’s “worst day ever.”Listen to Terry’s story for more about that experience and how a little bit of clowning might be just what we need.You may have heard Terry here before with this previous episode of Tell Me a Story: Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

Tell Me a Story is an audio series of folks sharing moments from their lives - the big and small, fun or heavy. It’s a privilege to have someone share their story with me and to in turn share it with you.We often need to get some space between us and the big events in our lives to be able to tell the story.That’s true for Charlie, who across the last decade has, to put it indelicately… been through some s**t.A drunk driver running a red light hit Charlie, who was walking through a cross walk, the same night as his bachelor party, leaving the groom battered, sore and concussed for his wedding day.It only set off a series of issues that flipped his life and what he thought it would be upside down.Charlie took a dark path before reaching out for some help and getting a new perspective on who he is and what he’s capable of doing.It’s not an easy story for him to share but I feel honored and humbled to hear it. I think you will too.And I’m thrilled to see him come out the other side a better man. He’s a good brother.Title TBD is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe

"We allowed it to be whatever it was that day."In this episode of Tell Me a Story, Ashley shares her story learning about the power of connection and finding your people through the power of shared experience. She led an event at her company about year into COVID for the women’s employee resource group. It was an opportunity to (virtually) bring together folks for International Women’s Day, but also to turn the release valve on a year of insular living.That event (including a name drop: Ali Wong), and subsequent experiences, helped Ashley trust that in our dark times there will be a community that shows up for us.Her story is about seeing through the darkness of the past few years with the newfound understanding that there is a way through and there are people who will help you along the way.This is true even if you don’t have the courage to raise your hand for help, or if you still feel yourself wading through those dark waters. Get full access to Title TBD at zaneewton.substack.com/subscribe