We don't make a habit of bringing you stories from the same people, but on this occasion we've made an exception: this is Kirby (who we featured last year) on her most recent trip to support a refugee camp on the Greek island of Leros.We'll be hosting a night of stories from those connected to the refugee crisis in the Middle East and Europe on the 25th February, with stories from both aid workers and refugees now living in London. Please join us - all proceeds to two refugee charities - full details at stories.co.uk.

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Ever made a promise you couldn’t keep? The turning of the calendar invites refreshed perspectives and hopeful dreams; it calls for something different and the anticipation of a new beginning. But how do we make sure we keep the promises to ourselves we swore to honor, and what can we expect from this turning of time?On today's podcast, we present two stories from our open mic in Hackney, where this month we told tales of 'Resolutions.'

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Sofie Hagen was our guest of honour at our birthday celebrations last month - here she tells her first true story for Spark.Then, audience member Andre steps onto the stage to share his story 'sparked' by what he's heard that evening. For more stories from this night, check out our podcast feed - where you can also find over 180 other true stories.Thanks to Charley Harrison for hosting our special night - and to you for listening.

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Since December 2007, Spark has hosted hundreds of nights, featuring thousands of true stories, podcasting to hundreds of thousands of listeners - all from regular people like you.At our recent birthday spectacular THERE WAS NO THEME and no running order; every story was 'sparked' by something we've just heard, in some sort of open-mic verbal relay race.Confused? So were we. Did it work? Have a listen to part one and find out...

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Four short stories from assorted open mics we've held recently. Angelica discovers her rebellious side with her boyfriend. Then, Virginie recounts a chance meeting with a mysterious stranger. Finally, a mother and son get on stage to tell their stories of Christmas.If you’ve subscribed to our podcast recently, you may have noticed a problem downloading older episodes. We’ve fixed the problem now - so there’s now over 180 shows to enjoy at feed.stories.co.ukMerry Christmas, from all of us at Spark.

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Spark recently spent a few weeks working with the HIV charity Body & Soul, based just around the corner from one of our favourite venues: the Exmouth Market Theatre in central London.Established in 1996, Body & Soul is a pioneering UK charity dedicated to transforming the lives of children, teenagers and families living with, or affected by HIV.Here we present three true stories from the night. Whilst delayed by friends, Dexter discovers a love of the written word; next, Munya's vacation in Cancún turns sour as soon as he boards a moped - and finally, Milton tells us how a new job led to a personal revelation...Special thanks to Body & Soul and the storytellers for letting us release these stories to you, and to Jen Carpenter who produced the night with support from Gigi Hanna, Andy Bodle & Ian Barratt. You're all ace.For more information, and to support Body & Soul, please visit www.bodyandsoulcharity.org

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Warning: contains references to suicide.One more story from our collaboration with Mind in Haringey, where we told stories of 'Multicultural Minds.' Tottenham resident Shannon tells this ultimately uplifting story of coming to terms with her mental health.Thanks for Kelsey for the recording and the show's producers, Joanna Yates and Dave Pickering. Spark - True Stories is a Rethink Audio production by Matt Hill.BRISTOL: we have a show coming to you this Sunday (29th November) at the Bristol Fringe Cafe Bar; full details at stories.co.uk

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TRIGGER WARNING: this episode discusses physical abuse and suicide.Off the back of a successful partnership in 2014, Spark hosted another night with charity Mind in Haringey on the theme of mental health. Research shows that there’s much more that can be done to understand how mental health is understood and experienced in different cultures. How does our culture shape what we see as mental health or ill health, what has your experience been?If you've been affected by the themes within this programme, there's always someone who can help. Please visit mind.org.uk for more information.Many thanks to Kelsey Daly for recording this episode, event producer Joanna Yates and host Dave Pickering,

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Part two of our night of true stories from Exmouth Market in London. Lauretta starts a new job at a prestigious milliners, making hats by royal appointment... but can she impress her highness?Then we welcome comedians Sarah Benetto (Storytellers Club) and Jojo Georgio for two stories of tomboyism, to coin a phrase.Thanks to Charley Harrison who compered the night and to Spark regulars Joanna Yates, Ian Barratt and Louise Adams for their support.

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Part 1 of 2. Every day we are given clear instructions about how to behave. These orders come from passers-by, window displays, bus ads or perhaps the supermarket.Phrases like 'be a man' or 'that's not very ladylike' seep their way into our unconscious and lie there, heavy and immovable. On this battlefield, we must stop and take stock of our moments of weakness, as well as our moments of bravery. And one night in October, Spark audiences came together to stop and celebrate;l pause and acknowledge. Together we told stories of our experiences on this theme.Many thanks to the charity Tender for suggesting the theme. You can find out more about their work at tender.org.uk

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