Raven Narratives

Sandra Shellnut told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". From the sun scorched front lines of woodland fires to the silent depth of the ocean floor, Sandra’s life has been a relentless pursuit of the elements. She has navigated the chaotic roar of whitewater rapids and carved lines through the pristine mountain powder, always finding balance in the quiet steam of a hidden hot spring. Every stamp on her passport serves as a trophy for her most unique passion: a growing collection of the world’s most remote and beautiful islands.

Jessica Randell told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Born and raised in North Carolina by Yankee parents, Jessica is a unique blend of southern warmth and give-it-to-you straight candor. She discovered her religion, Nature, in the Appalachian mountains and has happily transferred her place of worship to the Southern Rockies. Her favorite entertainment is “Rainbow Concerts” performed by the Randell-Spear Family Band. Jessica’s typical day includes marveling at birds, explaining how the world works in toddler terms, and concludes with huggle snuggle time paired with a “Where’s Waldo?” search.

Katie Burford is a veteran Raven Narratives storyteller and told this story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Katie has 2 mostly grown children, 1 ice cream shop, 1 rescue dog, 34 previous addresses, 2 previous careers, 13 years sobriety, 1 raven tattoo, 1 bum ankle from a cheerleading injury, 55 years on the planet, and lots and lots of stories to show for it.

Kira Taylor told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Kira has worked in many fields, especially in the nonprofit sector, and is currently enjoying promoting her fantastic town through the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce. She is a gardener, an outdoor adventure enthusiast, a believer in the power of community care, and a serial hobbyist. She lives with her husband, two weird dogs, and a rambunctious and kind 5-year-old.

Lynn Soukup told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Lynn is the youngest by 12 years of five siblings. She moved to Cortez, Colorado in 2001, following her parents and favorite sister who all died of cancer in 2008. She's been a teacher all her life, whether of elementary students, or young moms just beginning their families. She suffers from camera shyness and feels that requiring a head shot in a bio borders on cruelty.

Molly Watts told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Molly has been oversharing since she was old enough to talk, and started writing soon after - two habits that have followed her throughout all of life’s chapters so far. She lived several lifetimes

before turning 25, collecting stories along the way that are often hard to believe in their absurdity. These days, life is quieter and more rooted in Dolores, Colorado, which is her genuine dream come true. When she’s not working her day job, you can find her dancing in the kitchen, disappearing in a book, walking along the river, enjoying quality time with her husband and child, or playing music on her Sunday night radio show on KSJD community radio in Cortez, Colorado.

Lindsay Dozoretz told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Lindsay was the Raven Narratives very first storyteller back in 2016 and is a decade-plus Durango resident after growing up in upstate New York and then globetrotting through early adulthood. She works in renewable energy and teaches yoga, and will never have an office that is not at the Smiley Building. She loves frosty trail runs, open-water swimming, the first cup of coffee, snuggle reading sessions on the couch with her kiddo, and continuing to discover new ways to be herself.

Featured stories told by audience members at Raven Narratives "gathering" story SLAMs at the Sunflower Theatre on December 5th and the Durango Arts Center on December 6th, 2025.

Including stories told by:

Bob DiMarco (1:00)

Brett LeCompte (6:54)

Ali Snowden (14:21)

Kirk Anderson (23:08)

Kristen Roessler (30:34)

Janelle Stewart (37:07)

Dave Banks (41:31)

Barbara Noseworthy (48:15)

Robin Wolthausen told his story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets".

Robin is a lover of nature, beauty, corn, community, our bodies, soccer, and cold beers on the front stoop on a scorching August day after working all day. He cooks some mean ribs and is tired of therapy but still does it. He used to own alpacas and wants to sell you some rugs made of their fleece. Robin runs men's groups, retreats, and generally helps himself and others sort through the complexity of what it means to be a man.

Robin Mugwort Brodsky told her story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets".

When Mugwort is not meandering the globe, she can be found (or not) wandering the canyons of the southwest in search of springs, ancient junipers and petroglyphs. Robin holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and has worked in Outdoor Education and Wilderness Therapy. She's just published her first book, "Confessions of a Lazy Cyclist".