Long Story Short
By Beth LaMontagne Hall
For over five years, Beth LaMontagne Hall has hosted the series featuring stories from professional writers, performers, and people who have no public speaking experience at all. The stories may be unpolished, but they are always honest. Sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking (usually a little of both) Long Story Short aims to bring stories from average people to the stage in hopes of making the world a little closer.
Long Story ShortNov 19, 2020
Healing Within Us with Imani Quinn - Episode 24
Keeping with our spiritual exploration this winter, we have another interview with Imani Quinn, a mystic and quantum oracle who talks to Julia Christian about how storytelling is connected to our spiritual selves.
As a quantum oracle, Imani explores how every aspect of our physical self connects to our spiritual and conscious selves. Her work as a healer is deeply rooted in energy, helping people understand Chackra’s and energy blocks, as well as incorporating some astrology and tarot. She talks about how therapy and quantum healing can go hand in hand, why honesty is essential to storytelling, and how telling stories and listening to stories can bring greater understanding of spiritualism and healing, ourselves and each other.
If you are interested in spiritualism, energy, astral plains, moving beyond your physical body and the work of healers, give a listen.
Imani Quinn is a multi-hyphenate, biracial mystic artist. A Quantum Oracle healer, and host of The Modern Mystic Chronicles podcast, inspiring curiosity through storytelling of mystic living. She is also co-author of Astrology SOS, with Hardie Grant Publishing. To find out more about her work, booking a session or listening to her podcast check out her website www.imaniquinn.com or instagram @imanirachelquinn.
Finding Love - Episode 23
Just in time for Valentine's Day, an episode all about finding love and falling in love. Both of these stories discuss unlikely paths to finding love, with lots of laughs along the way.
The first story is from Rachel Forrest, a writer and food critic with a killer sense of humor, especially when it comes to her own life. Here she tells a touching story of loving someone and letting them go, and if they really do return. This story is from the March 2016 show Past Lives.
The second story is from Erin Laplante, who isn’t one to hold back when it comes to observation about her life and the people she’s dated, or tried to date, or that tried to date her. In this story, told at the June 2018 show, Changes, you’ll get a cathartic release and a good laugh from Erin’s dating adventures.
Should Have Known Better - Episode 22
What happens when we think we're right and end up being so completely wrong? This episode includes two stories about a time someone acted on impulse, thought they were making the right choice, only to regret that decision later.
The first story by Lisa Langevin is about how heartache and seeking a new direction in life can leave you unprepared to fully assess your surroundings. It’s a misjudgment you feel both physically and emotionally. This story was told at the March 2020 show, Denial.
The second story is from Heather Armitage, told at the June 2020 show With Friends Like These. It touches on that feeling of heading toward doom in slow motion and how having good friends is essential to survival.
For more information about Long Story Short, getting tickets to our live shows, or how to become a storyteller, go to https://longstoryshortpod.com/
Star Signs with Ellen Bowles - Episode 21
As we enter a new year, it is a perfect time to look inward, look to the year ahead, and consider our purpose in the world. It's also a perfect time to share this interview with Ellen Bowles, an artist, astrology and Tarot reader, and ancestral healer from Los Angeles, CA.
In this interview with former Long Story Short intern Julia Christian, Ellen discusses the difference between pop culture astrology and true astrology work, how understanding the energy of the universe can give us insight into ourselves, and the importance of representation in astrology and spiritualism.
Ellen Bowles, an artist, astrology and Tarot reader, and ancestral healer from Los Angeles, CA. Ellen’s life’s work stemmed from her creativity in illustration, creative direction, and fashion. Her spiritual practice is still deeply intertwined within her art, as her subject matter is inspired by goddesses and divine deities. Ellen's practice contains the use of modalities such as candle magic, ancestral healing, Tarot readings, moon magic, astrology, and much more, which she offers through individual readings and birth chart analysis sessions and monthly workshops she hosts on spiritual topics.
Ellen is the former co-host of The Woke Mystixpodcast, a space dedicated to spirituality, astrology, and magic from the perspective of two non-conforming women of color. She is also a writer and co-author of ASTROLOGY SOS: An Astrological Survival Guide to Life, published by Hardie Grant UK.
If you like our show, please subscribe, rate and review! You can also find us @longstoryshort3s on Instagram.
To learn more about Long Story Short and sign up for email alerts about upcoming live shows, go to https://longstoryshortpod.com/
Being Young - Episode 20
Youth is wasted on the young, or so they say. This episode explores the way we see the world and the choices we make when we are young.
The first story is from Dylan Haigh, the art director for Pete & Gerry's Organic Eggs, from the September 2019 show "Breaking All the Rules." We first hear Dylan talk about his many arrests as a teen the final arrest which made him reevaluate the path his life was taking.
The episode also features Erin Laplante, of Portland, Maine, who takes us on a hilarious tour of her younger years. Like so many teen girls, she pines for cute boys, yet just can't seem to nail the cool moves. This story was performed at the 2016 show "Past Lives."
Photo Story with Michael Cinquino - Ep. 19
We explore storytelling, photography and acting in this episode with Michael Cinquino, a photographer and trained actor who splits time between New York and Portsmouth, NH. Michael discusses how photographers help their subjects show their true selves, how he’s learning the craft of filmmaking, and how performing can reveal the true meaning of a piece.
You can check out Michael’s short film, “12 Frames” at https://www.sohocreativestudio.com/12frames
In this interview episode, Beth and Michael also talk about how storytelling is closely connected to the process of recovery and overcoming substance misuse. He shares his story of getting sober and how storytelling was instrumental in his personal recovery.
Upcoming Live Show in Portsmouth
If you like our show, please subscribe, rate and review! You can also find us @longstoryshort3s on Instagram. You can also get tickets to our next live show on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at 3S Artspace now! The show, Family Heirloom, features four storytellers talking about all things family and the objects we use to remember the ones we love. Tickets available here: https://www.3sarts.org/performances/performance/Long-Story-Short:-Family-Heirloom?performanceid=5329
Seasons Change - Episode 18
Life unfolds slowly. We get sucked up in our day-to-day, with work, school, kids and the latest binge-worthy TV show. Then one day we look around and see that things are completely unlike what we expected. Sometimes it's when life throws you for a loop, like in Raya Al-Hashmi's story about reckoning with her father's absence. Other times, it's a slow burn, like in Brooke Williams' story about how the ambitious, artistic 20-something she once was faded into the background as marriage, kids and homeownership took priority.
In this episode, we examine how "seasons change" in our lives and the ways in which we come to accept the passage of time. Al-Hashmi told her story at the December 2018 show, Family Ties, giving a touching, and at time heartbreaking, overview of what it's like to deal with the choices of our parents, and the need to have answers. Williams told her story at the March 2019 show, Regrets Only Please, highlighting how age has a funny way creeping up on you and the reminders we get in our 40s about the things we once dreamed of doing, but likely never will.
If you like our show, please subscribe, rate and review! You can also find us @longstoryshort3s on Instagram.
To learn more about Long Story Short and sign up for email alerts about upcoming live shows, go to https://longstoryshortpod.com/
What Would You Do? - Episode 17
How are we supposed to act in an extraordinary situation? When logic is telling us one thing, but our hearts say to do another. This episode, all about reactions to strange situations and how to make difficult decisions. The first story, from Ryan Van Dalinda, revisits his time in Los Angeles, trying to make it in show business and finding a different kind of job in the process. From the March 2020 show Denial, Ryan touches on the ways we act foolishly when we want something so bad, and how people in a city of dreams can take advantage.
The next story is from Charlene Thorburn, a Long Story Short fan favorite. This physician assistant talks about the time she volunteered to be a living organ donor, and what was behind her difficult decision not to do it. Charlene told this gripping story at the March 2019 show, Regrets Only Please.
If you like our show, please subscribe, rate and review! You can also find us @longstoryshort3s on Instagram.
To learn more about Long Story Short and sign up for email alerts about upcoming live shows, go to https://longstoryshortpod.com/
Dark Tales: Spooky Stories for Halloween - Episode 16
Who's ready for Halloween? This show features spooky tales told at Portsmouth Halloween Parade fundraisers held at 3S Artspace. If you haven’t been to Portsmouth, NH at Halloween time, it's worth the trip. The city goes all out with a community-run Halloween parade that nothing short of an impressive show of creativity and creepiness. Anyone can join the parade, which is probably wide it draws hundreds of participants, musicians and floats, and about 10 fold the number of spectators.
The first story on this episode is from Kristen Ringman, a fantastic horror and fantasy writer, who shares a story from her book I Stole You, Stories from the Fae, which was a Lambda Literary Finalist in LGBTQ Science fiction, fantasy and horror. This story is a mesmerizing tale about a woodland supernatural creature longing for human connection and the consequences that come from trying to seek it.
The next story we have is a story from Long Story Short advisory board member Mark Michael Adams with this "true" story about exploring an abandoned prison at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. This prison is a looming castle over the Piscataqua River between Portsmouth and Kittery, Maine, made famous for being one of the most fearsome military brigs in all of the armed services. Known as the Alcatraz of the East, legend has it that if anyone escaped, the Marine guarding that prisoner would have to serve the remainder of his sentence. The prison closed in 1974 and has since been empty--with plenty of local conjecture as to what secrets might be inside. Here, Mark talks about a night he and his friends dared enter the secure facility and the supernatural occurrences they witnessed there.
The Portsmouth Halloween Parade is a community-funded event that relies on donations. Please consider making a donation at https://www.portsmouthhalloweenparade.org/ or attending one of their spooky fundraisers:
Fri Oct 1 – Rock Show @ Press Room, 8pm
Thu Oct 21 – SCARY-oke @ Daniel Street Tavern (aka D Street), 9pm
Fri Oct 22 – Movie Night @ Liar’s Bench, 8pm
Sat Oct 23 – Pumpkin SMASH @ Portsmouth Farmer’s Market*, 8am – 1pm
Sun Oct 24 – Halloween Costume Paddle Contest @ Pierce Island, 11am – 12pm
Wed Oct 27 – Flatbread Community Night @ Flatbread Portsmouth, 3pm – 9pm
Thu Oct 28 – Undead Beat Night @ Book and Bar, 7pm
For the most up-to-date information, check their Facebook page.
For more information about Long Story Short and the live shows, go to https://longstoryshortpod.com.
Swipe Right - Episode 15
There's a lot more to someone's story than just their words. Body language or facial expressions help us get the full meaning. But what about audio-only media? Podcasts and radio? What happens between the words that help reveal the depth of the story?
This episode, we talk with writer and podcast producer Amor Yates about the craft of creating stories in podcasts. Yates is the Producer for Design Museum Everywhere’s weekly podcast, Design is Everywhere. Originally from Los Angeles, Amor discovered her love for audio storytelling at her KCRW internship in Santa Monica. There, she produced her first feature on the value of a community college education. Amor studied abroad in New Zealand where she wrote about tech news for an online publication. She graduated with a B.A. from UC Davis and has written and reported on topics of education, dating, travel, the restaurant industry, and technology. Before joining the team, Amor produced narrative-style podcasts, including We met on Tinder. Amor is based in New York City and loves sloths.
To connect with Long Story Short and learn about our live shows, go to https://longstoryshortpod.com.
Close to You - Episode 14
In this episode are two joyful stories of remembrance. The first from Chuck McMahon, Content Director of Tiny Bully agency in NH, author and former reporter, who talks about becoming a father in a way I rarely hear men do. The second story is from Jessica Bacon, a long-time Long Story Short participant who honors her brother on what would have been his 49th birthday with a collage of stories about his mischievous spirit and love for cars. If you appreciate classic vehicles, you've gotta catch this one.
If you like our show, please subscribe, rate and review! You can also find us @longstoryshort3s on Instagram.
To learn more about Long Story Short and sign up for email alerts about upcoming live shows, go to longstoryshortpod.com/
We've Got Some Big News - What's Ahead for Long Story Short
We've got big news, including new episodes dropping this fall and winter. If you've been missing stories from us, make sure to check out the new episodes with archival stories from some of the most popular shows, as well as new interviews with writers, photographers, podcasters and even a mystic oracle. There's more in this little minisode, so make sure to give a quick listen to hear about all we have planned.
While you're at it, check out the new Long Story Short logo, designed by Amy Jane Larkin, a LSS Advisory Board member and graphic artists with And How, an Arundel, Maine-based 3D animation and graphics design studio. Learn more at: https://madebyandhow.com/
We've also got a live show coming up on September 8 at 7pm at 3S Artspace. To get tickets and learn more, give a listen, and then go to https://www.3sarts.org/
What Could Go Wrong - Ep 13
Have you ever sat down in class only to realize you forgot there's a test that day? Or decided to show off your water skiing skills (despite never being on them) and fallen flat on your face? What Could Go Wrong is a meme for a reason - everyone's been caught off guard trying to fake it until they make it. In this episode, we have two stories about diving into a situation only to realize they are in way over their heads.
First is Heather Armitage, a library and hilarious storyteller who launches this teen drama about disobeying parents off with a bang. Her story was recorded live at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth, NH as part of the September 2019 show, Breaking All the Rules.
Next is Tristan Law, a LSS Advisory Board member and talent booker in New Hampshire. Before he was booking national acts at some of oldest and most popular music venues in the state, he was a bartender - which is fodder for many stories right there. If you've ever had a nightmare about entering a room completely unprepared, this story is for you.
If you like our show, please subscribe, rate and review! You can also find us @longstoryshort3s on Instagram.
To learn more about Long Story Short and sign up for email alerts about upcoming live shows, go to https://longstoryshortpod.com/
Another Minisode! - June 2021
There are some great events coming up in June, including another Long Story Short live show. But that's not all. There are storytelling events around New England and beyond that celebrate diverse voices and explore identity in honor of both Pride Month and Juneteenth. Give a listen and if you're looking for more info, check out the links we've included here.
Long Story Short live show at 3S Artspace - SOLD OUT! - But virtual tickets still available at https://www.3sarts.org/
The Moth Virtual Story Slam: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eastern-virtual-storyslam-rhythm-registration-146794266603?_ga=2.149402166.1098958053.1621987323-1685510138.1620154924
Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival: https://flatwatertales.com/
Black History Trail Juneteenth 2021: https://www.facebook.com/events/black-heritage-trail-of-new-hampshire/juneteenth-2021-art-of-the-story-exploring-how-dna-powers-a-changing-narrative/495019428514881/
Life's a Drag: https://www.3sarts.org/
At Your Service - Ep. 12
The live stories are back! We've got two stories about the ins and outs of serving others. Whether it's the service industry or the health care industry or elder care, it takes a special temperament to provide great service.
The episode features Dagan Migirditch, co-owner of Liar Bench Brewing Company, based in Portsmouth, NH and Larry Clow, a writer, editor and frequent trivia champion. Both are exceptional writers whose talent shines through in their storytelling style and comedic timing.
Dagan's story is from the 2015 show "The Waiting Game" and Larry's story is from the 2016 show "Past Lives."
To learn more about Long Story Short and sign up for email alerts about upcoming live shows, go to https://longstoryshortpod.com/
For tickets to the June 9 live show at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth, NH, got to https://www.3sarts.org/
Stories With Puppets: Interview With Pat Spalding - Ep. 11
Beth talks with storyteller, performer and former puppeteer Pat Spalding, one of the people behind the storytelling series True Tales Live. They discuss Pat's early days of telling stories through puppets, monologue-style storytelling, and how Covid has her writing all new material. This episode is chock full of wisdom about crafting and rehearsing stories for the stage. It's a must listen for anyone who wants to get into storytelling, or would like to up their performance game.
To connect to Long Story Short and learn more about our upcoming live shows, go to https://www.longstoryshortpod.com/
To watch Pat Spalding's show, We Stayed Together for the Puppets, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igpfaYAibw4&authuser=1
Great Performances - Ep. 10
Beth shares two stories from Rob Richards and Catherine Stewart, two performers with extensive theater backgrounds. The episode highlights excellent writing and execution that transcend the genre and elevate the art of storytelling.
Long Story Short is a storytelling series for people of all levels and is often a place for beginners to showcase their stories and build their performance chops. However, there are highly experienced storytellers and performers who take the stage at 3S Artspace to share their work. Here are two of those stories.
To connect to Long Story Short and learn more about our upcoming live shows, go to https://www.longstoryshortpod.com/
It's a Minisode! - April 2021
Want to know about storytelling events are happening in April? Beth's got a brief Northern New England round up in this inaugural minisode. The focus is our neck of the woods, Northern New England, but in the months ahead we plan to highlight more virtual events and in-person shows outside our region too.
If you have an event you'd like mentioned in May, go to https://www.longstoryshortpod.com/ contact page to send Beth the info.
What Makes a Story? w/ Stephanie Lazenby - Ep. 9
Beth talks to Stephanie Lazenby who wrote, co-directed and starred in the one-woman show, "Where Do I Begin?" about her experiences growing up in the Bronx in the 70s and 80s. It is a nostalgic, music-infused show that explores her relationship with her dad, as well as how music and objects throughout our lives impact memory. The show was performed at the West End Theatre in Portsmouth, NH in January 2021 as part of the New Hampshire Theatre Project's SoloStage Series.
In this two-part interview, Beth and Stephanie talk about the struggles of being creative during the pandemic, overcoming the inner voices that infuse self-doubt, and take on the question, "What makes a good story?" These interviews were recorded in February 2021.
To connect to Long Story Short and learn more about our upcoming live shows, go to https://www.longstoryshortpod.com/
Fathers and Daughters - Episode 8
Family relationships are complicated. It's why so many people bring stories about parents, siblings, children and in-laws to the Long Story Short stage. In this episode, Beth has two stories about the dad-daughter dynamic. Storytellers include Charleen Thorburn telling a touching story that had the audience reaching for the tissues at the March 11, 2020 show, Denial; and Nel Dennett with a hilarious story from the September, 19, 2018 show, What I Thought I Knew.
For more information about the 2021 live shows, go to https://www.longstoryshortpod.com/
The Business of Storytelling - Episode 7
What makes a story resonate? How can you get a message to break through? On this episode, Beth talks to marketing pro Mike Teixeira, co-founder of Crackle PR and founder of DECK presentations. They talk about story structure, developing plot and the hero's journey, as well as what storytelling for business really means and what companies need to do to make it work.
Beth also discussed the themes for the 2021 Long Story Short live shows at 3S Artspace. The first show, It's All Relative, will be on Wednesday, April 14. This live streamed show will include some audience involvement, a hallmark of the Long Story Short live shows for the past five years.
For tickets, go to https://www.3sarts.org/
To get info about upcoming shows and how to become a storyteller, join our email list at https://www.longstoryshortpod.com/
Uh-Oh with Paul Doncaster - Episode 6
This story was recorded on February 4 and is part of a new, ongoing series of interviews Beth is conducting on different approaches to storytelling.
For more information about the Long Story Short series and the live shows for 2021, go to www.longstoryshortpod.com.
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Join our email list: www.longstoryshortpod.com/contact
Better Left Unsaid - Episode 5
Everyone can think of a time they were told something they wish they could unhear. This episode explores the concept of unwanted information with two stories that offer big surprises at the end. From confessions to invitations, these are two stories Beth selected because they stuck with her long after the show.
Featuring:
Lovey Roundtree Oliff is the host of The pod Caste System with Lovey, a highly-rated show about the intersection of culture, pop culture and race. Listen to The pod Caste System here.
Michael Boulerice is the author of The Adventures of Kung Fu Mike and the Magic Sunglasses: A Confession by Michael Boulerice, which can be found on Amazon.
For more information about Long Story Short or to inquire about being a guest of the podcast or a live show featured storyteller, go to longstoryshortpod.com.
To stay connected and to get updates about up coming live shows, follow us on Instagram @longstoryshort3s or on Facebook.
Holidaze - Episode 4
It's that time of year! We bring you two holiday stories--one winter one summer--to get you in the spirit. We have stories from Amy Jane Larkin and Austin Sorrette about what happens when friends and family gather together, and Beth talks about what she misses most about getting together for the live shows.
As part of the season, please consider giving to those in need, whether it's to feed the body or the spirit.
3S Artspace: https://www.3sarts.org/support
Footprints Food Pantry: https://www.footprintsfoodpantry.org/
Cross Roads House: https://www.crossroadshouse.org/
Pink Pumpkin - Episode 3
One of the unique things about the Long Story Short live show is the Pink Pumpkin. During each show a volunteer from the audience is selected to come up on stage and tell a story based on that night's theme to open the second half. Not even the host knows what's going to happen! This episode features two stories told by Pink Pumpkin volunteers. One about a series of events launched from a wrong numbers and another about the memories we create as kids around the adults in our lives.
Disaster - Episode 2
Some disasters are personal and some are more global. On the eve of the 2020 election, this episode explores two kinds of disasters through two styles of storytelling. Featuring Brian Gruhn and Cathy Wolff telling stories recorded live at the 3S Artspace theater in Portsmouth, NH.
The Way We Were - Episode 1
It's been a long time coming. The long-running live storytelling series, Long Story Short, is now a podcast featuring true stories about love, disaster, and the most embarrassing moments of our lives. The first episode features Gail Knowles, who talks about falling off her motorcycle and falling in love, and Justin Kelcourse, who found himself in a dangerous situation in Paris with his girlfriend, a wheel a cheese, and a lot of regret he had not learned French in high school.