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. September 25’s theme is “The Long Way Home.” It’s true, it’s personal, it’s LIVE, and it’s gonna be a grand journey. Come get lost and found with us.
Meet Kathleen Taylor
What kind of storyteller are you? What is your storytelling “style”? What kind do you tell?
Not sure I have a style, per se. The kind of story I like to tell is the one you’re not expecting to hear.
How long have you been telling?
Nine years.
What do you do when you’re not storytelling?
Writing, hiking, cooking, resisting.
Does the story you’re telling have a name?
Slow Road.
Tell us a little bit about this story. Why did you choose it for “The Long Way Home”? How are you interpreting the theme?
Specifically, [I’m interpreting it] around the idea that “home” can be a spiritual place.
Any thoughts on how where we live defines who we are? Is “home” a state of mind? Is life a journey?
No, yes, and yes. Although this is easy to say when one is securely housed.
Do you have a dream adventure? A journey you’d love to take? Why?
No. And yes, I do want to walk Japan. I’ve walked the Camino Santiago five times, and perhaps I can shake that up. For sure, I would like to walk another 500-mile path, but is it a dream? Not so sure.
Who is your storytelling idol and why?
Spalding Gray, RIP.
What’s your best piece of advice for someone who is a beginner and wants to learn how to tell a story?
Attend inexpensive open mic events to feel the crowd's support. Maybe jump in? Then, maybe, buy a book to help you (if that's your jam) in terms of learning how to build the architecture of a story.
Why should people come see “The Long Way Home” on September 25?
Stories make your world bigger.
Thanks, Kathleen! If you want to see Kathleen tell her Long Way Home story, she’ll be at our show on September 25!
Kathleen Taylor
is a writer, educator, and storyteller. Trained as a social-cultural psychologist, she believes that art disrupts complacency and that true human inclusion kicks cynicism to the curb. A triple Moth Story Slam winner, Kathleen is easily found on various Bay Area stages. Check her out!
Kathleen has walked the Camino de Santiago five times and says stories make your world bigger. We think she's right, which is why we keep putting people like her on a Sacramento stage. 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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Kathleen is the greatest!