October
Kimberly Weitcamp
Wednesday, Oct 16th 11-1 PST
The Art & Craft of How To Tell A Better Story:
Expand your storytelling skills in this dynamic, hands-on session, Kim combines her extensive experience in storytelling, songwriting, and humor to guide participants through the core elements of compelling narratives. Attendees will explore techniques for capturing attention, building emotional connections, and effectively structuring stories, gaining tools to engage and inspire any audience.
Kim Weitkamp is an acclaimed storyteller, author, singer-songwriter, and humorist, known for blending humor, music, and heartfelt narratives in her performances. Raised in Amish Country with a deep love for folk music and storytelling, Kim’s warm voice and engaging presence captivate audiences nationwide. Her accolades include the Blue Ridge Excellence in the Arts Award, Toastmasters International Leadership in Communication Award, and multiple Storytelling World Awards.
Amy Bluemel
Discovering the Lost Stories
Thursday, Oct 24th 11-1 PST
Amy will be sharing her process of uncovering the almost lost stories of her lineage, and then share these stories so that they can live on and be remembered, the wisdom and teaching can be received, and awake the lost stories living within each of us.
Amy Bluemel is an award-winning Chickasaw storyteller, artist, and educator who shares her Southeastern Native American heritage through dynamic performances and traditional stomp dances with her troupe, Hithla. As a cultural ambassador, she has presented at renowned institutions like the Smithsonian, connecting audiences to Chickasaw history, language, and values. In addition to her storytelling, Amy is a children’s author, using her stories to preserve Indigenous wisdom for future generations while inspiring appreciation for Native American culture.
December
Yeye Luisah Teish
A Calabash of Cowries: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times.
Yeye Teish will share myths and stories from the sacred orature of the West African diaspora. These stories demonstrate Universal Archetypes and illustrate the timeless truths about our relationship to Nature and Spirit. This story sharing includes exercises and rituals to embody the wisdom of these ancient truths. The session is enjoyable and inspiring.
Luisah Teish is a writer, performance artist and Yoruba priestess. She is the author of several books, most notably Jambalaya: The Natural Woman’s Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals.
She is the director of the Jambalaya School of Ancient Mysteries and Sacred Arts Center which grants a certificate in Artistic and Spiritual Activism.
Asher Lyons
Mythology Unveiled: Exploring Ancient Narratives and Timeless Themes: is a course that invites participants to explore myths from cultures like Greek, Norse, and Egyptian. Through engaging lectures and discussions, students will uncover archetypes and symbols that have shaped human storytelling. With Asher’s guidance, participants will analyze these tales, their cultural significance, and their ongoing influence in today’s art, literature, and collective consciousness. Ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of mythology’s transformative power in personal and societal narratives.
Asher Lyons is the founder of Medicine Theater, a program dedicated to helping people of all ages find joy, healing, and liberation through spontaneous play, improvisation, and storytelling. With nearly 20 years of experience, Asher believes true freedom comes from connecting to our creative spirit and the natural world. His journey began in 2003 as an instructor with the San Francisco Mime Troupe’s Youth Theatre Project, where he guided inner-city youth in creating original plays. This experience inspired him to launch Medicine Theater, offering transformational creative expression for both youth and adults.
January 2025
Ann Randolf
Transform Your Inner Critic(s) into Compelling Characters
Ann Randolph is a celebrated writer, performer, and teacher known for her raw, deeply authentic solo shows and her transformative writing workshops. Drawing on her own life experiences, she guides participants in her "Write Your Life" workshops to explore and share their truths, embracing vulnerability as a source of strength. Her work, lauded by figures like Mel Brooks, has been showcased nationally, blending humor and heartfelt storytelling. Ann’s mission is to empower others to share their stories with honesty and courage.
February
Jacqui Bushell
Josh Schrei
Cosmologies and Mythologies of the World
Joshua Michael Schrei is a writer, teacher, and lifelong student of global cosmologies and mythologies, with a focus on the Indian subcontinent. Over 16 years, he has taught intensive courses in cosmology, mythology, and somatic disciplines, and has lectured on art and mythology worldwide. Founder of The Emerald Podcast, Josh explores the intersection of imagination, art, and storytelling, with his writing featured in several books. He is currently studying the animist goddess traditions of India and their relevance to embodied landscapes.
March
Lewis Mehl-Madrona
Healing practices from Lakota, Cherokee and Cree traditions, and how they intersect with conventional medicine.
Dr. Lewis Mehl-Madrona is a physician, author, and pioneer in integrating Indigenous wisdom with modern medicine, especially through narrative and storytelling in healing. With a background in family medicine, psychiatry, and clinical psychology from Stanford and the University of Vermont, he has taught at various institutions and is known for his "Coyote Trilogy" (Coyote Medicine, Coyote Healing, Coyote Wisdom). A member of the Cherokee and Lakota tribes, he founded the Coyote Institute to promote Indigenous approaches to mental health, emphasizing storytelling as a tool for resilience and transformation.
April
Liz Lerman
Choreographing our Futures: Reclaiming Embodied Knowledge
LLiz Lerman is a choreographer, performer, writer, and educator known for blending dance with public engagement across diverse fields—from shipbuilding to physics. A MacArthur “Genius” and United States Artists Ford Fellow, she founded the multi-generational Liz Lerman Dance Exchange in 1976, which became a leader in contemporary dance. Recently an artist-in-residence at Harvard, Liz also conducts residencies on her Critical Response Process and the art-science intersection at institutions like Yale and the University of Maryland. Her book, Hiking the Horizontal: Field Notes from a Choreographer, was published in 2011.
May
Bayo Akomolafe
Healing The Hero’s Journey
Dr. Bayo Akomolafe, a Nigerian philosopher, author, and activist rooted in Yoruba traditions, is known globally for his work on posthumanism and civilizational change. Founder of The Emergence Network, he engages communities worldwide in addressing pressing challenges and hosts the course “We Will Dance with Mountains.” A lecturer at Pacifica Graduate Institute, Dr. Akomolafe is affiliated with institutions like UC Berkeley’s Othering and Belonging Institute and the Schumacher Centre. Honored with various awards, he has authored These Wilds Beyond Our Fences and We Will Tell Our Own Story.
Nick Boraine
Disturbing the Narrative - Truth, Tricksters, and Transformation
You will be learning to unwind inherited narratives that affect the past, present and future. It’s a deep dive into embracing narrative complexity, developing a dialogue with your ancestors and recognizing that all writing is social justice.
Nick is a South African actor, voice artist, writer, and director based in Los Angeles. He holds a BA in Dramatic Art and is pursuing an MFA in screenwriting. With experience in theater, film, and television, Nick has voiced video games and animated productions. For 20 years, he has been Associate Artistic Director of Global Arts Corps, whose play *Truth in Translation* toured globally, exploring South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This experience deepened his commitment to storytelling as a tool for promoting dialogue. Nick lives with his wife, actress Louise Barnes, and their daughter, Scarlett.
Celia Alario
Public Speaking + Your Voice Heard
Celia Alario is a seasoned communications strategist, media coach, and facilitator known for her work in social justice and environmental activism. With over 25 years of experience, she provides media strategy, spokesperson training, and public speaking coaching for human rights and climate justice campaigns. As an educator, Celia has taught Environmental Communications at UC Santa Barbara and contributes to Spirituality & Health magazine as "The Spiritual Activist." Living in southeastern Utah, she integrates activism with personal practices like yoga and community engagement, helping others amplify their voices for lasting social impact.
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