What Lingers

In this episode of What Lingers, professional hiker Shilletha, known as Dragonsky on the trails, shares her remarkable journey of traversing the Appalachian Trail and beyond. Amidst facing racist and hateful backlash from an online hiking community to confronting the physical and emotional challenges of through-hiking, Shilletha reveals the complexities of her life as a Black queer woman in a predominantly white, male-dominated sport. She candidly discusses her struggles with depression and anxiety and how nature sometimes exacerbated and sometimes healed these mental health challenges. She recounts vivid and harrowing encounters, including being helicoptered off a mountain and walking in grizzly bear territory alone. Shilletha's story is one of resilience and empowerment, where nature becomes both a sanctuary and a battleground for her mental wellbeing. Listen as she revisits discovering a sense of belonging both on the trail and in sharing her powerful story.

Shilletha Curtis' book is called Pack Light. You can connect with her on Instagram @i_am_dragonsky.

Hosts: Cristian Figueroa and Liz Melchor. Produced by Jonny Bunyan. Edited by Liz Melchor.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John manages a tricky feat: he tells a very funny story about death. In our conversation with him, he opens up about his unique experiences as a tour operator dealing with the unexpected deaths of tourists abroad. From his first encounter with a fatal heart attack to managing logistical challenges and emotional impacts, John shares how these moments shaped his approach to life and death. Hosts Cristian and Liz delve into the complexities of his role, the dark humour needed to cope, and confronting his own mortality. 

John Hooker is a British storyteller with a sense of humour whose material comes from 40 years of being a passionate global events specialist. He is now enjoying life at an easier pace in Lisbon, Portugal. You can connect with him on Instagram and Linkedin.

Hosts: Liz Melchor & Cristian Figueroa

Produced by: Jonny Bunyan in Lisbon, Portugal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Origins, Outtakes & One Late Christmas Special: The Story Behind Us, The Podcast, and Storytelling Lisboa

Who says you can't celebrate Christmas whenever you want? We're wrapping up our first season with a festively delayed holiday special featuring the whole gang - Liz, Cristian, and producer Jonny, plus guest appearances from your favorite storytellers. Get to know the team behind Lisbon's favorite storytelling night as we reveal how chance meetings led to something special, what values keep our community thriving, and what really happened behind the scenes while creating this podcast. Stay for the bloopers at the end - we've got enough to fill a Christmas stocking! Consider it our gift to you and good news: Season 2 is already in the works!

Hosts: Liz Melchor, Cristian Figueroa & Jonny Bunyan

Produced & Edited by Jonny Bunyan in Lisbon, Portugal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of What Lingers, Cristian Figueroa takes the stage to share a deeply personal journey that began with an unexpected HIV diagnosis at the age of 22. Recorded live at Tribe Social Club in Lisbon, Cristian recounts his experience of navigating the complexities of his health, the stigma surrounding HIV, and the transformative impact of sharing his story with others. Joined by hosts Liz Melchor and Jonny Bunyan, Cristian opens up about the emotions tied to his diagnosis, the challenges of coming out as a gay man in a conservative society, and the journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment.

As the conversation unfolds, Cristian reflects on the lessons learned through his struggles, the importance of community support, and how vulnerability can lead to healing. This episode not only sheds light on the realities of living with HIV but also emphasizes the necessity of open dialogue and testing in combating stigma. Cristian's story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of sharing one's truth.

You can find more about Cristian Figueroa on Instagram @cuerpouniverso.

Follow Storytelling Lisboa on Instagram to stay updated on our live events and connect with Lisbon’s vibrant storytelling community.

This episode was recorded live at Tribe Social Club bringing the unique atmosphere of Lisbon’s storytelling scene to life.

Hosts: Liz Melchor & Jonny Bunyan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this poignant episode of What Lingers, Emanuele shares a heartfelt story about his relationship with his father. As he reflects on their complex bond, Emanuele delves into the memories that shaped him, from childhood weekends filled with high-tech gadgets to the literary treasures found in his father's eclectic library. With a mix of humor and vulnerability, he explores the lingering impact of his father's unconventional beliefs, including a fascination with aliens and holistic healing.

Join hosts Cristian Figueroa and Liz Melchor as they engage Emanuele in a thought-provoking conversation about the challenges of reconciling past experiences with present realities. This episode not only pays tribute to Emanuele's father but also invites listeners to ponder the intricate dynamics of family relationships and the legacies we inherit.

You can find more about Emanuele Capparelli on Instagram @immanuelkapa or on his website. Follow Storytelling Lisboa on Instagram to stay updated on our live events and connect with Lisbon’s vibrant storytelling community. This episode was recorded live at Tribe Social Club bringing the unique atmosphere of Lisbon’s storytelling scene to life.

Hosts: Liz Melchor & Cristian Figueroa

Produced by: Jonny Bunyan in Lisbon, Portugal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What Lingers, we dive into the captivating story of a transformative journey from Germany to an eco-village in Portugal. After a breakup, Sylvia decided to leave behind Germany, cycling 3,000 kilometers to find a new sense of community. Along the way, expectations collided with reality. Join hosts Cristian and Liz as they explore more about this journey of self-discovery and the lessons learned in a community that challenged long-held beliefs.

Sylvia studied filmmaking and photography at the Academy of Media Arts in Cologne, Germany. Since 2014 she's been working as a freelance director, writer, editor and photographer in the arts, advertising and TV. But first and foremost, Sylvia is a passionate storyteller, philanthropist, and cycling addict. She currently has one foot in Germany and one foot in Portugal.You can find her on Instagram at @sylvia_borges_

Follow Storytelling Lisboa on Instagram to stay updated on our live events and connect with Lisbon’s vibrant storytelling community.

This episode was recorded live at LX Brewery, bringing the unique atmosphere of Lisbon’s storytelling scene to life.

Hosts: Liz Melchor & Cristian Figueroa

Produced by: Jonny Bunyan in Lisbon, Portugal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex is a theater kid who finds himself in a comedic predicament while navigating the streets of Sydney. As Alex recounts his youthful misadventure of getting lost and resorting to improv in a British accent, he reflects on themes of identity, performance, and the lengths we go to connect with others. While this episode will make you giggle, it also raises deeper questions about how we present ourselves to the world. With the backdrop of a live audience at LX Brewery in Lisbon, the conversation unfolds into a rich exploration of accents, personal history, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Discover more about Alex, his unique relationship with performance, and how storytelling serves as both a coping mechanism and a source of joy. As always, the episode invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the stories that linger within us all.

You can find Alex on Instagram at @alexand_erleon Follow Storytelling Lisboa on Instagram to stay updated on our live events and connect with Lisbon’s vibrant storytelling community. This episode was recorded live at LX Brewery, bringing the unique atmosphere of Lisbon’s storytelling scene to life.

Hosts: Liz Melchor & Cristian Figueroa

Produced by: Jonny Bunyan in Lisbon, Portugal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt episode of What Lingers, storyteller Marco takes us on a rollercoaster ride through his unexpected love story that blossomed in the most unconventional way. From a seemingly innocent Slack message to a memorable first date involving foot massages and tequila, Marco shares the highs and lows of his relationship with Lisa, illuminating the complexities of love, support, and heartbreak. Marco reflects on the struggles of communication, the weight of emotional vulnerability, and the lessons learned through his experiences. 

This episode not only captures the essence of a love story but also invites listeners to ponder the lingering questions that arise when relationships evolve and change. Join us for an evening filled with laughter, tears, and profound insights as Marco revisits a tale that continues to shape his understanding of love.

You can find Marco on Instagram at @marcodpatricio What Lingers is a podcast from Storytelling Lisboa. Follow Storytelling Lisboa on Instagram to stay updated on our live events and connect with Lisbon’s vibrant storytelling community. This episode was recorded live at LX Brewery.

Hosts: Liz Melchor & Cristian Figueroa

Produced by: Jonny Bunyan in Lisbon, Portugal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this poignant episode of What Lingers, we welcome Ana, a therapist who shares her deeply personal story intertwined with themes of love, loss, and the quest for understanding. As she reflects on her complicated relationship with her grandmother, Ana reveals how a family history marked by mental illness shaped her life choices and career. With sensitivity and honesty, she recounts her experiences working with clients like Bruno and Maria, illustrating the power of connection and the importance of being present for those in need.

Learn more about Ana Filipa Lopes on her website. What Lingers is a podcast from Storytelling Lisboa. Follow Storytelling Lisboa on Instagram to stay updated on our live events and connect with Lisbon’s vibrant storytelling community. This episode was recorded live at LX Brewery, bringing the unique atmosphere of Lisbon’s storytelling scene to life.

Hosts: Liz Melchor & Cristian Figueroa

Produced by: Jonny Bunyan in Lisbon, Portugal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What Lingers, Benny takes us on a wild journey from Montreal to New York City, where a chance encounter on a dingy overnight bus leads to unexpected romance and hilarity. With his signature unapologetic style, Benny recounts his flirtation with Diogo, their awkward attempts at communication, and a memorable coffee date that sets the stage for a steamy adventure in Central Park.

As Benny navigates the challenges of being a gay man in a conservative society, he shares the importance of openness and vulnerability in storytelling. His candidness about sex and relationships not only entertains but also educates, breaking down barriers and inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences.  Join hosts Cristian Figueroa and Liz Melchor as they dive deeper into Benny's narrative, exploring themes of sexual identity, the power of storytelling, and the beauty of seizing opportunities. This episode was recorded live at LX Brewery in Lisbon, Portugal. 

Follow Benny Augello on Instagram @mrfrizzle86 to keep up with his storytelling. This episode was recorded live at LX Brewery.What Lingers is a podcast from Storytelling Lisboa. Stay connected by following us on Instagram @storytellinglisboa for updates on our events and episodes.

Hosts: Liz Melchor & Cristian Figueroa

Produced by: Jonny Bunyan in Lisbon, Portugal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.