This Conversation is with Mary Hamilton who is a storytelling veteran of 42 years at this point (2025). She has written a book on Kentucky folk tales, through a fellowship, and has won a number of awards, including the Kentucky School Media Association for her work in schools. Mary is not just a storyteller but also a producer. We talk about hard stories, and braiding stories and self-reflection. This conversation talks about Mary’s work, other storytellers, mentors, practice, and process. Right now, Mary is “getting stories out of [her] mouth” as she prepares for the Cave Run Festival and Timpanogos where she and I are two of the many storytellers who will be performing in Lehi, Utah.

Mary’s website: https://maryhamilton.info/

And some folks and events which Mary mentions in this conversation.

Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, 4th - 6th September, 2025: https://timpfest.org/

Cave Run, 26th - 27th Sept, 2025: https://www.caverunstoryfest.org/

Liz Lerman’s website (critical response): https://lizlerman.com

Doug Lipman’s website: https://storydynamics.com/

Laura Simms’ website: https://www.laurasimms.com/

Indivisible: https://indivisible.org/

50501: https://www.fiftyfifty.one/

I hope you enjoy this episode!