Changing the Rules

Meaningful stories and how we might tell them to a friendly, supportive group. Transitioning into stories, crafting a good story, middling, competitive vacationing, etc. How do you find your best stories? How to practice and improve your stories?

Four storytellers talk about their experiences creating and sharing stories and how stories enhance their relationships with both family and friends.

Phil discusses "Exploring the Arts" by starting with a piece of art and then combining it with written commentary, music, and verbal comments. He also discusses his involvement in storytelling, ranging from prose to poetry, and how he communicates with his family through poetry.

Tracey Gates, author of "A Few Kind Words," a previous keynote speaker at our Friends Connection Forum, and a previous guest on "Changing the Rules," shares a story that begins with trusting and ultimately comes full circle, back to trust. This is a must-listen-to podcast.

Rebecca Hoffman, owner of Good Egg Concepts, is a marketing & branding consultant based in the Chicago Metro Area. But to me, Rebecca will always be my storytelling coach. Rebecca introduced me to the world of storytelling with some simple but effective ideas that you can use too.

There is nothing like a good story to boost and improve conversation. Meet Geoff Boyer, parent, grandparent, and businessman. Learn how he uses stories across all three platforms.

Both Marybeth and Robin suffered unexpected medical events that derailed their lives and could have derailed them long-term. Yet, both continue today to live their lives under their terms. Support Groups were key to both in achieving what they couldn't do alone.

Stories that bridge the ages are sometimes called Living Stories, Generational stories, or Legacy stories. They're stories that bridge generations and often evolve over time. They can memorialize the original creator. And they can create substantial joy over the years. Listen as Joyce talks about the creation of the "Story of Rover" and how it's traveled through family generations.

In the first of several podcasts on storytelling, host Ray Loewe discusses the importance of the story as an effective means of communication.

Ever felt lost in an art museum?

I used to feel frustrated and intimidated, surrounded by masterpieces I just didn’t get. That changed when I met Joanie—an art appreciation teacher for five-year-olds—who shared her simple yet powerful Five Rules of Art Appreciation. What once felt confusing became truly enjoyable. Tune in to learn how she transformed my perspective—and how her rules might transform yours, too.