Erin Barker: Why the Axe?

On episode #24 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling! In our followup segment, we talk about upcoming Speak Up shows and messages received from around the world.  Next, we talk about finding and collecting stories in your everyday life using "Homework for Life." We talk about the value of preserving memories for storytelling but also because throwing away memories is something we do every day but later regret.   Then we listen to Erin Barker's story about finding her love for learning thanks to a man with an axe.  After listening, we discuss: The effectiveness of a clear story arc The difference between a funny story and a funny story with real heart and meaning The potential humor of specificity The power and inherent strength demonstrated in authentic, honest self-deprecation  Embedding learning within a story Chekov's gun  Next, we answer questions about starting stories with the word "So" and the economics of storytelling.  Finally, we each offer a recommendation.   LINKS Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks  Lexicon Valley's episode on the increasingly common use of the word "so" and how it's use has change today: https://bit.ly/1GmKTao RECOMMEDATIONS Elysha: Take 5 candy bar Pilot's Frixion Erasable Marker: https://amzn.to/2qshwAB Matt: Clare Johnson's Post-it Note Project: https://bit.ly/2qvtZ6t