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. The theme for September 25 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 Maryam Moosavi
What kind of storyteller are you? What is your storytelling “style”? What kind do you tell?
Not sure about this one!
How long have you been telling?
My first real story was about a year ago, but I’ve been storytelling through stand-up comedy since 2018.
What do you do when you’re not storytelling?
I love so many kinds of art! I like to spend my time lettering, collaging, and taking photos.
Does the story you’re telling have a name?
Maybe we could call it “Are We Home Yet?”
Tell us a little bit about this story. Why did you choose it for “The Long Way Home”? How are you interpreting the theme?
My story is about a long night stranded in San Francisco. It’s a classic Dude, Where’s My Car? scenario that almost ends a friendship. Thankfully, it has a happy ending, and I even learned a little life hack!
Any thoughts on how where we live defines who we are? Is “home” a state of mind? Is life a journey?
I genuinely feel like home is wherever your people are!
Do you have a dream adventure? A journey you’d love to take? Why?
I don’t necessarily have the travel bug, but I love photography and sometimes daydream about taking photos all around the country.
Who is your storytelling idol and why?
Mike Birbiglia, because he has mastered the balance of tragedy and comedy in a story, and his pacing sometimes lulls me into a trance!
What’s your best piece of advice for someone who is a beginner and wants to learn how to tell a story?
We don’t need every detail, and things can be embellished! Yes, the truth can be interesting in its own right, but don’t feel obligated to it.
Why should people come see “The Long Way Home” on September 25?
I think people should come see any of your storytelling shows because they make us all feel more human and more connected!
Thanks, Maryam! If you want to see Maryam tell her Long Way Home story, she’ll be at our show on September 25! Also, Maryam told one of my favorite stories at Nutshell last year. Have you heard it? It is worth a listen:
Maryam Moosavi
got her start 7 years ago in Sacramento, where she produced shows like Living Room Live and Comedy in the Park. Today, she is a regular at Laughs Unlimited and Punch Line and performs all over the Bay. She works a grocery store job by day and pursues comedy at night, and her immigrant parents are very proud of her.
Maryam bags groceries by day, does comedy by night, and says home is wherever your people are. For a couple of hours on September 25, her people are us, and you. Paid subscriptions are how we make sure storytellers like Maryam get paid for showing up, and how we keep The Nutshell True Story Hour podcast free for everyone, including her sexting story, which you really should hear (link above!). If these spotlights are your thing, consider joining us. xoxo, Amy
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