Story Babble

It’s hard to believe it’s been 12 years since we performed our final Citrus Valley Playhouse performance which told an improbable tale of the most unique children’s show in American TV history.

Ladmo Bag Envy

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Mark’s daughter, Suzanne, has thought a lot about the stories she tells herself...about herself. Sometimes they hurt. Sometimes they help. Can better stories change your life? 

Suzie Bakes Cake

Our Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation 

We haven’t run out of Ridley’s yet. Mark Ridley is the founder and owner of Detroit’s famous Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle. Think of your favorite comedian. He or she has played the Castle at one time or another. Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres. Tim Allen got his start there. The list goes on. Mark gives us a peek at how the world of stand-up comedy works.

Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Lyricist, David Zippel has worked with a lot of big names in Hollywood and on Broadway. Alan Menken, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Larry Gelbart, and Marvin Hamlisch to name just a few. His credits include City of Angels, The Goodbye Girl, Hercules, Mulan and The Swan Princess. And yet he took the time to talk to little ol’ Storybabble. You’ve heard his stuff. You know how talented and clever he is. You’ll pleased to know he’s as nice as he is witty.

David Zippel

I Can't Believe My Heart Studio Version

I Can't Believe My Heart Live

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation 

Mark and Brian talk to another member of the prolific Ridley clan. In a family that boasts actors, jazz singers, impresarios, and filmmakers, Mike is the touring balladeer, Michigan’s “Michigan Man”. To see his weekly Facebook concert is to see a man who loves music and people in equal measure. And they love him right back.

Mike Ridley on Facebook

Mike Ridley's Website

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Probably more than any person, Lou Florimonte influenced Brian Nissen's acting and writing career. Once a professor at the California Institute of the Arts, Lou is now retired and living in California. He took the time to talk to Brian and Mark about the three most common mistakes a writer can make. This is a Master Class taught by a master of his craft. Enjoy.

Our Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Filmmaker Aaron Meyers is stuck inside just like all the rest of us. But unlike Mark and Brian he’s trying to stay busy. He’s got some tips on how to sharpen your skills in the age of Corona. 

Things For Quarantined Filmmakers To Do!

JUST. GO. FILM. A Motivational Short Film For Creatives

Our Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Mark and Brian talk with Frank Ridley, Brian‘s cousin, who has appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, and even in an opera or two. But perhaps his most memorable role has been Gil Fulbright, a 2016 fake candidate for the US Senate. The so-called Honest Politician campaign was a viral phenomenon, drawing attention to the undue influence of money in politics. 

Gil Fulbright the honest politician

Frank Ridley

Sponsor Forever Young

Hollywood has made a lot of disaster movies. Lifeboat, Tidal Wave, Towering Inferno, Outbreak, Titanic and Contagion just to name a few. Mark and Brian talk about why a tidal wave or a superbug are not always the villain. Also, we ask Thomas Grier, aka NostraThomas, what to expect next from the Coronavirus.

Do you cringe when a protagonist says something like, “I have to keep fighting until I overcome every obstacle.”? We feel your pain. Mark and Brian discuss why it hurts and how to fix it.

Sponsor: Forever Young

Coming Up: TEDx Gilbert