How Des Moines Register reporter Phillip Sitter found himself in Ukraine in the midst of Russia's war to celebrate a friend's birthday.

This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Travel" on June 18, 2024, at Hoyt Sherman Place.

The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it.

Des Moines Storytellers Project events are filled with neighbors and notables who have a true, first-person story they’re willing to share in 8-10 minutes in front of a live audience.

See past stories, learn how to share your own or grab tickets to a future show at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

The doctor told Diane Kolmer she needed to take a break from her job to relearn to eat and live. A trip to Paris helped change her perspective.

This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Travel" on June 18, 2024, at Hoyt Sherman Place.

The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it.

Des Moines Storytellers Project events are filled with neighbors and notables who have a true, first-person story they’re willing to share in 8-10 minutes in front of a live audience.

See past stories, learn how to share your own or grab tickets to a future show at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

Kory May found racial profiling didn't stop at the Canadian border.

This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Travel" on June 18, 2024, at Hoyt Sherman Place.

The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it.

Des Moines Storytellers Project events are filled with neighbors and notables who have a true, first-person story they’re willing to share in 8-10 minutes in front of a live audience.

See past stories, learn how to share your own or grab tickets to a future show at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

John Sorrell landed in Turkey quite literally in the middle of a coup. How he leaned on curiosity to make it home safely.

This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Travel" on June 18, 2024, at Hoyt Sherman Place.

The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it.

Des Moines Storytellers Project events are filled with neighbors and notables who have a true, first-person story they’re willing to share in 8-10 minutes in front of a live audience.

See past stories, learn how to share your own or grab tickets to a future show at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

Nicole Schrader overcame vacation paralysis to find something meaningful. Now she embraces that fear to live a full life.

This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Travel" on June 18, 2024, at Hoyt Sherman Place.

The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it.

Des Moines Storytellers Project events are filled with neighbors and notables who have a true, first-person story they’re willing to share in 8-10 minutes in front of a live audience.

See past stories, learn how to share your own or grab tickets to a future show at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

Deborah Svec-Carstens found herself by being vulnerable with a tight-knit community in a foreign country after an assault.

This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Community" on Feb. 27, 2024 at Hoyt Sherman Place. 

The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. 

Des Moines Storytellers Project events are filled with neighbors and notables who have a true, first-person story they’re willing to share in 8-10 minutes in front of a live audience.

See past stories, learn how to share your own or grab tickets to a future show at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

Kenny Gaskin spent his childhood looking up to his teachers. Now he's a teacher with DMPS inspiring students and building a classroom community.

This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Community" on Feb. 27, 2024 at Hoyt Sherman Place. 

The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. 

Des Moines Storytellers Project events are filled with neighbors and notables who have a true, first-person story they’re willing to share in 8-10 minutes in front of a live audience.

See past stories, learn how to share your own or grab tickets to a future show at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

Jordan Brooks felt like he didn't belong — until he discovered art. Now he uses it to help others build their communities.

This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Community" on Feb. 27, 2024 at Hoyt Sherman Place. 

The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. 

Des Moines Storytellers Project events are filled with neighbors and notables who have a true, first-person story they’re willing to share in 8-10 minutes in front of a live audience.

See past stories, learn how to share your own or grab tickets to a future show at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

Erlin Kakkanad wasn't embracing her true self when her son asked an innocent question: "Mama, why am I brown?" It led to a long journey of discovery.

This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Community" on Feb. 27, 2024 at Hoyt Sherman Place. 

The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. 

Des Moines Storytellers Project events are filled with neighbors and notables who have a true, first-person story they’re willing to share in 8-10 minutes in front of a live audience.

See past stories, learn how to share your own or grab tickets to a future show at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

Jim Sayers entered an Iowa prison thinking every inmate was the same. He left with a close-knit community.

This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Community" on Feb. 27, 2024 at Hoyt Sherman Place. 

The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. 

Des Moines Storytellers Project events are filled with neighbors and notables who have a true, first-person story they’re willing to share in 8-10 minutes in front of a live audience.

See past stories, learn how to share your own or grab tickets to a future show at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.