Tales Told

Tellin' Tales Theatre
  • 5.0 (2)
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Tales Told, the new monthly podcast from Tellin’ Tales Theatre, hosted by Robert Teverbaugh and Shui Sherrard, celebrates the art of storytelling from our past performances. Each episode shines a light on the diverse voices and talents of people with and without disabilities within our community, echoing the Tellin’ Tales mission to amplify stories that connect, inspire, and empower. 

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Don't Go There: Finding Divinity and Owning Desire (Featuring Kimberly Rob Baker and Kimberly Thalia)

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the podcast! Today, we bring you two live performances from Tellin' Tales Theatre’s March 2026 show, Hands Up. Don't Go There!. Both storytellers dive headfirst into forbidden territory, breaking free from rigid expectations to embrace their true identities. They show us the courage, humor, and heart it takes to cross lines and rewrite your own narrative. Let’s listen in.  Featured Stories “Which One of You is the Man" -By Kimberly Robb Baker After years of suppressing her tomboy spirit in a heteronormative marriage, the narrator enters the queer dating scene and faces a new hurdle: the "useless sapphic" paralysis. Overcoming societal romantic conditioning, she takes a leap of faith to initiate with her now-partner, Kim. Together, they build a love free from rigid gender expectations, finding an expansive horizon where partnership transcends traditional roles.  “Seek and Ye Shall Find” -By Kimberly Thalia Disillusioned by strict Catholic dogma, the storyteller seeks a deeper spiritual connection, leading her to Wicca and a 1995 Pagan festival in Indiana. Welcomed by a warm community, she participates in a transformative ritual invoking divine archetypes. The experience sparks a profound awakening—a vision of inner light and personal divinity—marking the moment she truly found her spiritual home as a witch.  Support the show

  2. Aug 24

    Reinvented & Unbroken ( Featuring Mary Hobein and Israel Antonio)

    Send us Fan Mail Today, we’re sharing stories performed in the Tellin’ Tales Touring Show, I Am Who I Am. Get ready for funny, touching, and personal vignettes from seasoned performers living with disabilities—offering an inspiring message of independence, self-worth, and navigating the world on their own terms.   Featured Stories “Re-inventing Superwoman" -By Mary Hobein  Conditioned by a lifetime of put-others-first perfectionism, a woman faces severe physical collapse and a painful spiral of guilt. Confronting her deep-seated need to carry every burden, she embarks on a journey to re-invent herself—discovering that her true worth lies not in what she does, but in who she is.  “Worthy of Love” -By Israel Antonio After confusing a castmate's affection with interest, a blind actor realizes his habit of self-deprecating humor stems from past heartbreak and insecurity. By forgiving childhood rejections and focusing on his inherent worth, he shifts from self-sabotage to self-love—finally stepping into his own greatness, confidence, and magnetic appeal.  Support the show

  3. Aug 7

    Reclaiming Independence & Finding Hope (featuring: Logan Czernia & Amethyst Tamley)

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 8 Show notes This episode introduces the Tellin’ Tales Theatre Ambassador Program—a leadership development initiative empowering young adults with and without disabilities to share their lived experiences. This episode features two remarkable storytellers from the Young Adult Writers Workshop performance in July of 2025.. Together, these stories highlight the profound strength, resilience, and independence of a new generation finding their voices.  Featured Stories “Betrayal in My Bedroom” Logan Czernia shares the shattering moment she discovered her father was a pathological liar and gambler who went so far as to fake his own death online. After a childhood built on manipulation and broken promises, uncovering the truth allowed Logan to finally cut ties and reclaim her life. Today, she finds ultimate liberation in her hard-won independence and passion for live music. “The Day That Changed My Life” In this moving story, Amethyst Tamley shares the turning point that saved her life. Overwhelmed by dark thoughts, Amethyst found the courage to admit she wasn't safe and ask for help. Her journey through inpatient mental health treatment provided vital coping skills, a supportive community, and a triumphant return to college. Note to Listeners: This episode discusses suicidal ideation. If you are struggling, please call or text 988 (US) to reach the 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone. Support the show

  4. Jul 1

    Bouncing Trucks & Petty Revenge (featuring: Michael Herzovi & Judith Harding)

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the podcast! Today, we feature two stories originally performed in Tellin' Tales Theatre’s Ensemble Showcase in October of 2025. Both writers are part of our ensemble—a collaborative group of theater artists with and without disabilities who work closely together to enhance the mission of the company. Enjoy these uniquely unforgettable perspectives!  Featured Stories “The Wrath of Carbondale" -By Michael Herzovi  Two students in power wheelchairs get stranded at night when a battery dies. With no accessible transit in sight, campus security "saves" them in the most bizarre way possible: loading them—still in their chairs—into the back of a bouncing pickup truck. Hear this terrifyingly funny ride unfold “Bottom Feeder” -By Judith Harding Ever wanted to stick it to a multi-millionaire art mogul? Working in a museum basement, a self-described "bottom feeder" spends her days packing unsold inventory. When a mountain of overpriced Jeff Koons books lands on her cart, she finds the perfect, hilariously petty way to speak truth to power.  Support the show

  5. May 30

    Finding the Frequency: Music, Identity, and Unconditional Grace (Featuring: Victoria Boateng & Rose Chord)

    Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights two storytellers from “Hands Up Forgiveness,” performed live in March 2025 at Northeastern Illinois University. This performance shared real-life experiences that reveal the transformative power of compassion, wisdom, and kindness in the face of pain and betrayal.  Featured Stories “My Rhythm My Way” - Victoria Boateng shares powerful story of a woman on the autism spectrum who finds her voice through music. From early silence and bullying to self-acceptance and triumph as a djembe drummer, she shows how art, resilience, and community can transform struggle into strength. “Say Grace” - Rose Chord shares a raw journey from growing up in a rigid, religious family to claiming her identity as a queer woman and finding healing through chosen family. Her story explores grace, anger, self-acceptance, and the courage to walk away from those who could not love her fully. Support the show

  6. May 2

    Knitters, Anarchists, and Friday Night Lights (Featuring: Tim Bannon & Eli Walsh)

    Send us Fan Mail In this special episode, we highlight young writers with disabilities from Tellin’ Tales Theatre’s Young Adult Writers Workshop. Through humor and resilience, they challenge stereotypes and celebrate personal growth. Featured Stories: “Trust the Knitters You Must” – Eli Walsh resists attending an adult sleepaway camp for people with disabilities, feeling kidnapped by his parents. But unexpected friendships, anarchist lawyers, and a canceled lube wrestling event transform the weekend into one of his best. "Tim Bannon: Never Give Up!" – Tim Bannon shares his journey from struggling in gym class to playing high school football. Overcoming exclusion and setbacks—including a painful gym wall collision—he proves that perseverance, friendships, and sports can turn obstacles into victories. Support the show

  7. Apr 6

    Finding Freedom in Truth and Love (Featuring: Stephen Donart & Robert Teverbaugh)

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode, we highlight the Hands Up! storytelling series, a unique program that provides adults from diverse backgrounds—with and without disabilities—a platform to explore controversial issues through personal storytelling. The series fosters understanding by reversing the lens on these topics and focusing on our shared humanity. Featured Stories “Be Safe” - Stephen Donart marched in pride parades with his saxophone adorned in rainbow leis, only to later navigate an HIV diagnosis and the stigma that followed. His journey from secrecy and shame to self-acceptance and love is one of resilience and transformation.  “Finally Nekkid” - Robert Teverbaugh explores an unexpected romance that defied fear and personal doubts, leading to a lifelong partnership built on trust, vulnerability, and an unwavering bond.   Support the show

  8. Feb 28

    Beyond the Math: Faith, Memory, and the Spaces Between (Featuring: Shui Sherard & Dr. Arthur C. Donart)

    Send us Fan Mail This episode explores stories from Tellin’ Tales’ “Hands Up” series.  This series tackles topic including race, faith, and disability through diverse personal stories that connect past and present, broadening perspectives and celebrating unique journeys of resilience and growth. Featured Stories: “God is in the Numbers” - Shui Sherard’s childhood curiosity about math and time sparks a lifelong spiritual journey through various religions, leading to the realization that faith transcends words and study, existing in the spaces beyond human understanding. “My Brother's Funeral” - Dr. Arthur C. Donart’s story reflects on life’s journey, weaving experiences in education, service, and faith to show how personal history and changing times shape values, connections, and the meaning of purpose.   Support the show

  9. Jan 25

    Beyond the Canvas: Body, Identity, and Unyielding Strength (Featuring: Ladonna Freidheim & Suzanne Metzel)

    Send us Fan Mail This episode of Tellin’ Tales Tales Told features inspiring stories of resilience and creativity, including a wheelchair ballet dancer breaking barriers and a breast cancer survivor redefining her path. Celebrate strength and new beginnings! Featured Stories: “I Am A Force” - Ladonna Freidheim’s story celebrates resilience and transformation, highlighting how individuals overcome obstacles—like disability and illness—to redefine themselves through creativity, strength, and determination, inspiring new beginnings beyond adversity. “Still a Woman?” - Suzanne Metzel reflects on her family’s breast cancer legacy and her own journey through diagnosis, surgeries, and motherhood. Despite scars and losses, she embraces resilience, redefining womanhood beyond physical perfection and celebrates survival and strength. Support the show

  10. Jan 5

    Uncovered & Understood (Featuring: Tekki Lomnicki & Josh Friedberg)

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Tales Told, a storytelling podcast from Tellin’ Tales Theatre! In our first episode, meet hosts Shui and Rob, and hear powerful true stories by founder Tekki Lomnicki and storyteller Josh Friedberg—exploring body image, disability, vulnerability, and self-acceptance. Real stories, real voices.  Featured Stories: Clothing Optional  -  Tekki Lomnicki shares her journey of vulnerability and self-acceptance at a clothing-optional hot springs retreat. Through humor and vivid storytelling, she reveals how shedding clothes becomes symbolic of shedding shame. The story celebrates healing, human connection, and the power of being seen exactly as you are. He Didn’t Beat Me Up - Josh Friedberg’s story is a powerful journey of self-acceptance as an autistic, gay man facing mental illness, bullying, and body shame. A moment of unexpected kindness from a straight classmate saved his life and helped shift his self-perception. Today, he embraces his identity and knows his body is beautiful Link to Transcription:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C36CDXh8zR4TNQhI5JM-bnNp-oKrAuOv/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113209359933137905337&rtpof=true&sd=true Support the show

  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Tales Told, the new monthly podcast from Tellin’ Tales Theatre, hosted by Robert Teverbaugh and Shui Sherrard, celebrates the art of storytelling from our past performances. Each episode shines a light on the diverse voices and talents of people with and without disabilities within our community, echoing the Tellin’ Tales mission to amplify stories that connect, inspire, and empower. 

Information

  • Creator
    Tellin' Tales Theatre
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tales Told
  • Show Website
    Tales Told