STORY JAM // music + stories

Story Jam is a premiere music and storytelling show. In this episode, we're treated to a riveting story by Anne Purky, storyteller extraordinaire! Anne is a writer, storyteller, and advocate for those with disabilities.After the story, we'll hear a song which was written by and played at our live show by Stephanie Rogers, Story Jam producer and host.  For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. DEAD OR ALIVE by Stephanie Rogers Are you dead or aliveIs your heart still yearningI've stayed behindTo clean up the mess they foundAll the sirens that blewThey came looking for youAs they ripped the babe out of your handsNow you're there in the queueAfter all you've all you've been throughI'm afraid to see how it all endsDo you remember a timeFree of cracks and bruisesDo they let in the lightOr are they closing downOn your eyes as they cryWhile they're fighting for lifeThough they're hardened and sunken and blindTake your place in the cueSomeone's waiting for youThey don't know that you still have to dieStrength will crumbleNo one will tell you whyI've too been to battleAnd I, too, have sunken eyesAre you dead or aliveDoes your heart still yearnCREDITS:Podcast Produced by: Stephanie RogersAudio Mix/Music Production: Danny ShafferTheme Music: Craig J SniderVoiceover: Kenny BurroughsStory: Anne Purky"Dead or Alive" music & lyrics by Stephanie RogersPiano by Fred SimonStrings by Craig SniderBass by Rafe BradfordVocals by Stephanie RogersArrangement by Danny ShafferSupport this podcast by becoming a Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast

Story Jam is a premiere music and storytelling show. In this episode, we're treated to a heartfelt story from our PRIDE series by Northwestern University's Communications, Advocacy and Public Engagement Exec and all-around fabulous teller Roderick Hawkins. After the story, we'll hear a song which was written by and played at our live show by the ever-talented Story Jam favorite, Xoe Wise.  For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. LILLY'S LESSONS  by Xoe WiseI have learned the lessons from LillyI have learned how to stay strong in my carWhen I'm driving south on Lake Shore and I think about herI hear her voice ringing in my heartAnd if all of you start crying right now during this songDon't do that...no pity parties, OK? That's from Roderick's momThis is Lilly's lessons...She says turn that frown upside down right nowAnd go get your mama her gala gown You gotta stay strong against the harmMake sure your dress shows little bit of armAnd show some titty...you gotta show some tittyYou can always change from the food industry at 40To healthcare? You bet!And when life makes you madJust blow on something...a clarinet!Lilly's lessonsDo say "Gay gay gay,"Do what you want with your bodayAnd show a little cleave even on a Monday When they said three to five yearsShe said sevenJust give me my gumbo even if you have to USPS it!Lilly's lessons...Take me on a trip Just pack my wheelchairChange your careerWe need you back in healthcarePack your itinerlilliesCause we got 8 o'clock Obama white house, congress, KingBefore the photo hide my caneI don't want it in the photo White house congress take my pictureGet the wheelchair out the frameNow wheel me over there take my pictureNow please hide my caneAnd show some titty, show some cleaveNope. No crying. No tears. Doesn't mean you cant have fearsIt just means fight with everythingAnd you might get a few more years With the FIVE Cs...You got Christ, counseling, community, cannabis, c’dickChrist, counseling, community, cannabis, c’dickChrist, counseling, community, cannabis, c’dickChrist, counseling, community, cannabis We all are full o' shitCREDITS:Podcast Produced by: Stephanie RogersAudio Mix/Music Production: Danny ShafferTheme Music: Craig J SniderVoiceover: Kenny BurroughsStory: Roderick Hawkins"Lilly's Lessons" music & lyrics & guitar by Xoe WiseSupport our podcast by becoming a Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast

TRIGGER WARNING: THE SUBJECT MATTER IN THIS STORY IS DISTURBING.  ALSO, MATURE LANGUAGE AND THEMES. Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In this first episode of season two, we hear a personal story by Paul Teodo followed by song written for the story and a brief conversation with Paul and Stephanie Rogers.   For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. MIRACLEEverybody says run before the trouble comesOn the road in the darkEverybody lays low through the afterglowTo avoid any harmIt would take a miracle to save youBounty of angels or some light shining throughMust be a glow in the deepest darkHeat in the coldest heartLeading the way for a fallen soulWhen we have lost all hopeIt would take a miracle to save youBounty of angels or some light shining throughEverybody says run When the trouble comesOn the road in the darkEverybody lays low Through the afterglowTo avoid harmIt would take a miracle to save youBounty of angels or some light shining throughCredits:Producer: Stephanie RogersAudio Mix/Music Production: Danny ShafferTheme music: Craig J SniderVoiceover: Kenny BurroughsStory: Paul Teodo"Miracle" music & lyrics by Stephanie RogersSong arrangement by Danny ShafferBand:Vocals: Stephanie RogersGuitars: Danny ShafferViolin: Anne HarrisSupport Story Jam by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast. 

Story Jam is a premiere music and storytelling show! In this episode, we're treated to an entertaining narrative by international beloved radio host Peter Sagal! After the story, we'll hear a song which was written for it and played at our live show.  For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. PAULA Running for my lifeNot looking a wifeI thought I’d wait wait...To date againBut then she came alongSo beautiful like this songAnd sealed my fate fate(It wasn’t too late)When you never thought your life could start again'Cause everything you knew before was sink or swim I took her by the handMara fell into the sandAnd l thought uh-oh...Where did she goWanted to sweep her off her feetNot quite so literallyBut then she came to…thankfullyEverything I knew before was compromiseNever thought I’d ever be so satisfied Hey Paula just tell me what to doYou’re a most unusual unsuspected guruPaula you’re stern and harsh and you are cruel But Paula…I owe it all to youWe got to talking on a runHoping she wouldn’t bring it up(But well, you know that Paula)She cornered me and triedTo force me to abide Until I gave in…she wouldn’t let upWorking on a marriage can be toil and strifeBut Paula will drive ya crazy til you have a brand new wifeHey Paula just tell me what to doYou’re a most unusual unsuspected guruPaula you’re stern and harsh and you are cruel But Paula…I owe it all to youCREDITS:Produced by: Danny Shaffer & Stephanie RogersAudio Mix/Music Production: Danny ShafferTheme Music: Craig J SniderVoiceover: Kenny BurroughsStory: Peter Sagal"Paula" music & lyrics by Stephanie RogersBAND:Guitars: Danny ShafferDrums: Khari ParkerBass: Rafe BradfordKeys: Fred SimonVocals: Stephanie RogersVocals: Kari NelsonVocals: Andrew DistelSupport our podcast by becoming a Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast

Story Jam is Chicago's premiere music and storytelling show! In this episode, we hear another story by Story Jam favorite, Archy Jamjun. After the story, we'll hear a song which was written for it, played at our live show.  For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. THAI CAT I have no impending wife No picket fence in sightLately I don’t even know Where I go at nightAll the potential we waste All the self-loathing and hateWasted negativity Feeling like it’s too lateI CAN RECOVERI AIN’T YOUR LOVERI got a Siamese cat he’s like an acrobatWith a pelvic thrust a penchant for lust to victimize As loyal as a Thai waiting for me to dieI’m on binge, feeling unhinged I’m a kitty bitchI CAN RECOVERI AIN’T YOUR LOVERThai CatWhy do you treat meLike thatCREDITS:Produced by: Danny Shaffer & Stephanie RogersAudio Mix/Music Production: Danny ShafferTheme Music: Craig J SniderVoiceover: Kenny BurroughsStory: Archy Jamjun"Thai Cat" music & lyrics by Stephanie RogersBAND:Guitars: Danny ShafferDrums: Chuck LacyBass: Bob LizikKeys: Craig SniderVocals: Stephanie RogersSupport our podcast by becoming a Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In this episode, we hear a personal story by phenomenal talent Shane Hendrix. After the story, we'll hear a song written specifically for the story, then a brief conversation with Shane and producer Stephanie Rogers.   For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. MOTHER MARGO (by S. Rogers)Mother Margo stands before the flagA copy of the gospel In her designer bagShe believes in God aboveJesus' abiding loveBut just for someMother Margo is an almost saintIf it weren't for her beliefsShe would be greatShe can laugh and care and holdDo the mother things as toldAnd strike a flameMother MargoThere's so much you don't knowLight another candleGoodbye...to the long lost soulI know I'm not alone when I believeWe often wish our loved onesShowed up differentlyIt probably serves an awesome laughTo whomever sends theFamily matches downMother MargoThere's so much you don't knowLight another candleGoodbye...to the long lost soulThere are so many people who refuseWho never want to put themselvesIn other shoesWhat if love replaced the fear And compassion drew us nearer To our heartsMother MargoThere's so much you don't knowLight another candleGoodbye...to the long lost soulMother Margo stands before the flagA copy of the gospel in her designer bagCredits:Produced by: Danny Shaffer & Stephanie RogersAudio Mix/Music Production: Danny ShafferTheme Music: Craig J SniderVoiceover: Kenny BurroughsStory: Shane Hendrix"Mother Margo" music & lyrics by Stephanie RogersBand:Guitars: Danny ShafferDrums: Gerald DowdBass: Rafe BradfordPiano: Stephanie RogersVocals: Stephanie RogersSupport our podcast by becoming a Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In this episode, we hear a personal story by Steve Glickman followed by a song written for the story, then a brief conversation with Steve and producer Stephanie Rogers.   For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. SATISFIED (by Steph Rogers)I had a lovely timeCruising down the coastIn my Speedo outfit Mexicali sunsetThough it’s all a lieNo one has to know itI can almost taste thatDrink from a coconutI don’t know Why I had to Live inside a lieBut I’m satisfiedDreamboat George can’t knowMy fake tan’s a propI’m in my apartmentBarely ever come outFor 11 yearsI’ve let no one know itI deceived them allEven I believed itI don’t know Why I had to Live inside a lieBut I’m satisfiedEvery Christmas timeI take a little snorkleOr a grand safariYou can do it alsoJust read the webFind a travel blogLearn some foreign wordsYou don’t have to go outI don’t know Why I had to Live inside a lieBut I’m satisfiedCredits:Producer: Stephanie RogersAudio Mix/Music Production: Danny ShafferTheme music: Craig J SniderVoiceover: Kenny BurroughsStory: Steve Glickman"Satisfied" music & lyrics by Stephanie RogersBand:6/12 String Guitars: Danny ShafferPiano/Bass/Drums: West MontgomeryVocals: Stephanie RogersVocals: West MontgomeryBackup Vocals/Arrangement: West MontgomerySupport our podcast by becoming a Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast. 

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers, and original songs written for each story. In our 5th episode, we feature the unstoppable Nestor Gomez. Nestor is a nationally renowned storyteller who has won countless slams, and he produces his own podcast and show, "80 Minutes Around The World: Immigration Stories."We'll hear a story from Nestor, then a sweet song written for Nestor's story, followed by a conversation with Nestor and Story Jam producer Stephanie Rogers.   For more information about STORY JAM or our artists and offerings, please visit our website. BADASS DISNEY LATINO PRINCESSWhen will Disney make princesses male In crowns and jewels and sporting ponytailsAnd turn their white skin brownPut them in a gorgeous gownMake parents tolerant in every town  He moved out to the San Francisco westAnd I hope he doesn’t let it get the best of himHe’s Hispanic and he’s gayLet’s pray the world will sayBoys look real great in royal lingerieMy ex-wife thinks Jehovah knows bestWe’re not rich or very fancy dressedBut we love our son and we’re oh so blessedCause he’s a badass Disney Latino princess…I remember he was nervous to confessHe’d like to claim the throne in a long dressProne to glitter and BarbieAnd anything DisneySomeday he'll probably  make a lovely queenMy ex-wife thinks Jehovah knows bestWe’re not rich or very fancy dressedWe love our son and we’re oh so blessedCause he’s a badass Disney Latino princess Yes he’s a badass Disney Latino princessCredits:Producer: Stephanie RogersAudio Mix/Production: Danny ShafferTheme music: Craig J SniderVoiceover: Kenny BurroughsStory: Nestor Gomez"Badass Disney Latino Princess" music/lyrics by Stephanie RogersBand:Vocal: Stephanie RogersSlide guitar: Danny ShafferPiano: Fred SimonFlute: John BowesViolin: Anne HarrisGet cool stuff! Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast. 

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In this episode, we hear a personal story by Erica Nicole Clark followed by a song written for the story, then a brief conversation with Margaret and producer Stephanie Rogers.   For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. MS. VALENTINE (by Liam Davis)Dear Mrs. TWelcome to Lake Forest, IllinoisIt's such a joy (she said)To have Erica in class with meI really must say how much I enjoy her company, but...Dear Mrs. TEven though I understandYour husband's on TVCall it intuition a conditionIs arousing my suspicion As a trained arithmeticianWell it simply does not computeShe's guessing, she's probably guessing...Maybe she's cheating, cheating...F Ms. Valentine x4Dear Mrs. TI understand you didn't make it All the way to college like me But really it is simply public knowledge you see A child from the South Side The outside is automatically unqualified She can't hang It's the order of the universe It's ying yangAnd so although the way She comes at every problemMakes it easier to solve them I simple have no choice In remedial...mathShe's guessing, she's probably guessing...Maybe she's cheating, cheating...F Ms. Valentine x4...Credits:Producer: Stephanie RogersAudio Mix/Music Production: Danny ShafferTheme music: Craig J SniderVoiceover: Kenny BurroughsStory: Erica Nicole Clark"Ms. Valentine" music & lyrics by Liam DavisBand:Bass: Rafe BradfordDrums: Gerald DowdGuitar: Danny ShafferGuitar/Vocals: Liam DavisVocals: Sarah Marie YoungVocals: Stephanie RogersVocals: Kari NelsonSupport our podcast  by becoming a Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast. 

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In our sixth episode, we hear a personal story by Kimmy F. followed by a special song written for the story and a conversation with Kimmy and Stephanie Rogers.   For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website.  GRANDMA SAVES THE DAYDad’s not straight but he’ll deployAgainst the claim bisexualAnd your mama’s just annoyedWhen you sing “My Immortal” - “But they won’t leave me aloneThese wounds don’t seem to healThis pain is just too real…”Think you’re immune to TitanicWhen you’re chatting AIMEverybody gets aroused By a naked Kate Winslet(as Celine Dion) “Near, far, wherever you are”  But Grandma knows what’s upShe’s hip and cool as fuck Grandma loves you any wayCause Grandma saves the day...Credits:Producer: Stephanie RogersAudio Mix/Production: Danny ShafferTheme music: Craig J SniderVoiceover: Kenny BurroughsStory: Kimmy F."Grandma Saves the Day" music/lyrics by Stephanie RogersBand:Vocals: Stephanie RogersGuitars: Danny ShafferBass: Rafe BradfordDrums: Chris MiskelPiano: Fred SimonVocals: Cheryl WilsonSupport Story Jam by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast. 

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In our 4th episode, we feature Detroit teller Shannon Cason. We'll hear a story from Shannon, then a rocking song written for Shannon's story, followed by a conversation with Shannon and Story Jam producer Stephanie Rogers.   For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. BOY SCOUTWhen I grew up in my townSpecial ops and forces were all aroundThey don’t need a reason to convict your ass of treasonThey’re hunting all the bad guys downYou’ll be locked up in jailWith no horse or hiking trail You’ll be struckThere’s no doubt They’ll throw all your pancakes outWhen you’re a boy scout If you leave that neckerchief at homeThey don’t care if you can sail or tie a ropeYou know it’s getting sadderWhen pre-teens are batteredBy the guys from DRAYN-ohYou’ll be locked up in jailWith no horse or hiking trail You’ll be struckThey'll call you outYou're guilty without a doubt They'll draw bloodRip you to shredsTake your virtue and badgesThey've got gunsRacist laws tooThey'll fire at anyone that movesThey’ll throw all your pancakes outWhen you're catching your sea bass or troutThey’re turning on Black brothers againAiming at innocents...And they’ll win (VIOLIN SOLO)You’ll be locked up in jailWith no horse or hiking trail You’ll be struckThey'll call you outYou're guilty without a doubt They'll draw bloodRip you to shredsTake your virtue and badgesThey've got gunsRacist laws tooThey'll fire at anyone that movesYou're a boy scoutYou're a boy scoutA boy scoutIn AmericaCredits:Producer: Stephanie RogersAudio Mix/Production: Danny ShafferTheme music: Craig J SniderVoiceover: Kenny BurroughsStory: Shannon Cason"Boy Scout" music/lyrics by Stephanie RogersBand:Vocals: Stephanie RogersGuitars: Danny ShafferBass: Rafe BradfordDrums: Gerald DowdViolin: Anne HarrisB3 organ: Fred SimonSupport Story Jam by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast. 

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In this episode, we hear a personal story by Margaret Ghielmetti followed by a song written for the story, then a brief conversation with Margaret and producer Stephanie Rogers.   For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. CIAO BELLA MAN I was a foolish girl in FlorencePanting along the river after youYou were a dark and sexy ItalianWhom I’d my keys and papers and panties toWell Florence is in ItalyWith a smile like that you could sucker meI don’t have a backup planCiao Bella manCome sucker me againI was captivated cold by your swaggerSmitten by the way you said "Prego"Then you drove right off in my FIATI just sat and watched your stick shift goWell Florence is in ItalyWith a smile like that you could sucker meI don’t have a backup planCiao Bella manCome sucker me Oh Florence is in ItalyWith a smile like that you could sucker meI don’t have a backup planCiao Bella manCome sucker me again...Credits:Producer: Stephanie RogersAudio Mix/Music Production: Danny ShafferTheme music: Craig J SniderVoiceover: Kenny BurroughsStory: Margaret Ghielmetti"Ciao Bella Man" music & lyrics by Stephanie RogersBand:Bass: Rafe BradfordDrums: Gerald DowdGuitar: Danny ShafferFiddle: Anne HarrisVocals: Sarah Marie YoungVocals: Stephanie RogersSupport our podcast by becoming a Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast. 

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In this episode, we hear a personal story by Nestor Gomez followed by a song written for the story and a brief conversation with Nestor and producer Stephanie Rogers.   For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. Credits:Producer: Stephanie RogersAudio Mix/Music Production: Danny ShafferTheme music: Craig J SniderVoiceover: Kenny BurroughsStory: Nestor Gomez"I Voted" music & lyrics by Liam Davis & Stephanie RogersBand:Guitar/Vocals: Liam DavisBass: Rafe BradfordDrums: Gerald DowdGuitar: Danny ShafferPiano: Fred SimonSax: John BowesVocals: Kari NelsonVocals: Stephanie RogersSupport Story Jam by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast. 

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In our second episode, we feature the delightful Josh Zagoren, followed by a psychedelic song written for the story and a brief conversation with Josh and producer Stephanie Rogers.   For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. NIAGARA FALLSTaking a hit on the open roadBeta Band on the stereoA Cheech and Chong zombie apocalypseIn a Chevrolet you cannot missWe skipped classWe drove too fastHearing the siren callWe never made it to Niagra FallsNobody drunk no sign of disorderAt the Canada borderWatch the turns you take too hastilyCould wind up in the penitentiaryWe skipped classWe drove too fastHearing the siren callWe never made it to Niagra FallsWhen you are floating inside a peace dreamRevel in mechanic technologyWe skipped classWe drove too fast Credits: Producer: Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Production: Danny Shaffer Theme music: Craig J Snider Intro: Kenny Burroughs Story: Josh Zagoren "Niagara Falls" words & music by Stephanie RogersBand: Bass: Rafe Bradford Drums: Chris Miskel Keys: Fred Simon Guitar: Dave HiltebrandGuitar: Danny ShafferFlute: John Bowes Vocals: Stephanie Rogers

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story.In our third episode, we feature Chicago diva Lynne Jordan's story about racism, followed by a catchy song written for her story, and a conversation with Lynne and Story Jam producer Stephanie Rogers.   For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. PHIL DONAHUEPhil Donahue your son’s a racistAnd I bet you didn’t even know itYou're a liberal everybody lovesBut you spawned an asshole Stevie Wonder has estranged kidsAnd Joni Mitchell has a daughterWho’s been in jail and hooked on heroinAnd tried to steal her moneyWhen you don’t live up to your mom and dad that’s so sad, that’s so sadWhen you don’t live up to your mom and dad that’s so sadMartin Sheen is an activistWho played POTUS on Sorkin's West WingThen there's Charlie, his abusive sonTo sully his good nameWhen you don’t live up to your mom and dad that’s so sad, that’s so sadWhen you don’t live up to your mom and dad that’s so sadPhil Donahue your son’s a racistAnd I bet you didn’t even know itWhen you don’t live up to your mom and dad that’s so sad, that’s so sadWhen you don’t live up to your mom and dad that’s so sadCredits:Producer: Stephanie RogersAudio Mix/Production: Danny ShafferTheme music: Craig J SniderVoiceover: Kenny BurroughsStory: Lynne JordanSong: "When You Don't Live Up" music/lyrics by Stephanie RogersBand:Lead vocal: Stephanie RogersBackground vocals: Sarah Marie YoungGuitars: Danny ShafferBass: Rafe BradfordDrums: Gerald DowdKeys: Fred Simon

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features great storytellers and original songs written for each story.In our inaugural episode, we'll hear a funny story by Archy Jamjun, a sassy little song written for his story, and a brief conversation with Archy and Story Jam producer Stephanie Rogers. Story Jam is based in Chicago, IL. Story Jam Studio provides online and in-person classes and workshop on the art of storytelling. For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. SCIENTISTYou can be a model if you’re prettyRepresent a beer or underwearUse Noxzema skin cream when you are dirtySun-in when you want caucasian hairBut it’s very likely that…you suck at mathScientist, you'll never be a scientistYou can barely even pass a testin high school Chemincidentally, why bother getting a degree?Coiffing adorably is time better spent It isn’t very nice to state the obviousKeanu only knows one kind of PiIt isn’t too correct to be a brainy snobWe all know nerds are smarter than hot guysBut it’s very likely that…those guys can’t addScientist, you'll never be a scientistYou can barely even pass a testin high school Chemincidentally, why bother getting a degree?Coiffing adorably is time better spent You can be a model if you’re prettyRepresent a beer or underwearUse Noxzema skin cream when you are dirtySun-in when you want caucasian hairCredits:Producer: Stephanie RogersAudio Mix/Production: Danny ShafferTheme music: Craig J SniderVoiceover: Kenny BurroughsStory: Archy Jamjun"Scientist" words/music by Stephanie RogersBand:Bass: Rafe BradfordDrums: Gerald DowdKeys: Fred SimonSynthesizer: Craig SniderGuitar: Danny ShafferVocals: Stephanie RogersSupport Story Jam!