Welcome to Nutshell’s Storyteller Spotlight, where we give you a chance to get to know this month’s storytellers a little more. We asked our four storytellers to answer a few questions about stories and storytelling. October 16’s theme is “DARK HEARTS.” It’s true, it’s personal, it’s LIVE, and it’s gonna be a dark but beautiful journey. Come shine a light with us. OUR SHOW IS EARLY THIS MONTH! MARK YOUR CALENDAR! (And tix are 20% cheaper in advance!)
Meet David Rodriguez
What kind of storyteller are you? What is your storytelling “style”? What kind do you tell?
I’m not entirely sure. I like to find humor in everything and to explore dark themes.
How long have you been telling?
About 7 years. An early date with my now-wife to a Moth event led me down this path.
What do you do when you’re not storytelling?
I’m the program director at a nonprofit childcare center.
Does the story you’re telling have a name?
No, but I would love to figure one out.
Tell us a little bit about this story. Why did you choose it for “DARK HEARTS”? How are you interpreting the theme?
My story is about healing from grief. That process takes you to some pretty dark places, especially when the relationship you’re grieving was complicated, or the circumstances were traumatic.
Any thoughts on what it means to commune with the darker side of life? How do we face what is harder, darker, more negative or less rosy?
I truly believe the darkness is always there. A life spent trying to ignore it is no life at all. The darkness is coming for all of us. Might as well find a way to have fun with it.
Do you celebrate spooky season? What’s the best way to Halloween? Favorite trick? Favorite treat?
[David declined to answer.]
Who is your storytelling idol and why?
Fathers giving father-of-the-bride toasts who have big muscles but are deeply uncomfortable, doing their very best.
What’s your best piece of advice for someone who is a beginner and wants to learn how to tell a story?
Reexamine the memories at the center of your story like a tourist; notice things you’ve never noticed.
Why should people come see “DARK HEARTS” on October 16?
Well, when it comes to my story, if you are struggling with the loss of a loved one or with supporting a loved one through addiction, I hope my story will have something to offer you.
Thanks, David! If you want to see David tell his DARK HEARTS story, he’ll be at our show on October 16!
David Rodriguez
first took the stage to impress his date at a story slam competition. Years later, he’s a two-time Moth GrandSlam champion and is married to his story-slam date. David is the program director at St. Vincent’s Day Home, an Oakland nonprofit that provides child care for families in need.
We asked David why people should come, and he hopes that if you’re grieving someone, or trying to hold on to someone in the middle of an addiction, his story will have something in it for you. That’s what we hope all these stories do for you, help you shine a light into the dark. Paid subscriptions are how we make sure our storytellers get paid for it, and how we keep The Nutshell True Story Hour podcast free for everyone. If these spotlights are your thing, consider joining us. xoxo, Amy
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