Yahoo Autos These 5 Iowans will share life-changing travel stories at the next Des Moines Storytellers Project
We were all standing in one of those casual circles you find yourself forming when you're gathered with close friends.
It was summer in Australia in 2015, and we had just barbecued chicken. (It was my first time, and I burnt it. Bad.) One of my friends suggested we all choose a few songs to play — we represented Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, the United States and beyond. Then we danced on the beach.
It was a small moment, yes, but I'll never forget it. The music my friends chose taught me a lot about them, and, partly because of that night, I pay closer attention to little things — like the favorite songs that light up the people I love.
Many Iowans are well-traveled people. You can hear exceptional stories of travel from five Iowans in the next Des Moines Storytellers event: "Voyages: Life-changing experiences through travel." The show will be held June 14 at 7 p.m. at Des Moines' historic Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave.
In its fifth season, the Register's Storytellers Project is dedicated to the idea that oral storytelling and journalism have the same goals: Serving and reflecting a community while fostering empathy.
Iowans will tell their stories live on stage without notes and from their hearts. They have been coached by Register journalists Rekha Basu, Sarah LeBlanc, Kim Norvell, Hannah Rodriguez and Lee Rood. LeBlanc will host the show.
Tickets for the show, and for each of the remaining shows planned in 2022, are now on sale:
Tickets cost $12 or $28 for VIP, which includes a free drink and treat, and are available to purchase at events.storytellersproject.com or at the Hoyt Sherman Place box office.
Questions about the shows can be directed to events@dmreg.com or 515-619-6548.
Meet our storytellers:
Erik Dominguez
Erik Dominguez is a keynote speaker and a communications and emotional intelligence trainer. He is an Enneagram 2, a CrossFit fanatic, and on a mission to build confidence in others by showing them how to speak their stories.
What do you hope listeners take away from your story?
I hope to remind others to show up authentically, and that home is not as far as we think it may be.
Who or what inspired you to tell your story?
I’m inspired by my love, Whitney, and our two boys, Elias and Ian, who always embrace me exactly as I am.
Brenda McGuire
Brenda McGuire is a world traveler, #1 best-selling author, and international speaker. She loves sharing her travel tips along with tales and misadventures gained from travels to 85 countries on six continents. Through her two international companies — WorldWide Connect and Global Gals — she helps others to successfully live, work and travel the world.
What do you hope listeners take away from your story?
To encourage them to experience, explore and enjoy all this amazing small world has to offer — its people, places and cultures!
Who or what inspired you to tell this story?
My parents, Harold and Ilene Hagen, were my biggest cheerleaders and always encouraged me to travel the world and share what I learned with others.
Akwi Nji
Akwi Nji is an artist creating in words, voice and visual art. Her work and words have appeared on stage from California's Wine Country to New York's Fashion Week and her collaborative partners have included Emmy-award winning composers and nationally-renowned choreographers. She lives in Cedar Rapids, works in Waterloo, shares a home with two daughters and the family pets, and travels solo to stay sane.
What do you hope listeners take away from your story?
I hope it's a chance to reflect on what it means to be family.
Who or what inspired you to tell your story?
My trip back to Cameroon, Africa, as one stop along my lifelong quest for a sense of home and belonging.
Coral Thede
Coral Thede is a spirited performer who entertains audiences around the Midwest and across the globe. She is a singer, storyteller and well-traveled soul. Coral is the creator, producer and host of Des Moines’ best-selling comedy show "Tits Up!" Wherever she goes, light and laughter are sure to follow.
What do you hope listeners take away from your story?
I hope they feel empowered to wear crop tops, book one-way tickets and to always wear extra sunscreen in Barcelona. My hope is that they feel inspired to pursue whatever it is that lights them up and sets a spark in their soul. And to know that when it comes to balancing the light and the darkness, they’re not alone.
Who or what inspired you to tell your story?
The loss of my dad, the light of The Year of Living Coral and the reassurance that stories are meant to be lived and shared.
Robert Warren
Robert Warren was hired as executive director of Hoyt Sherman Place in September of 2015 and was given the new title of chief executive officer in 2021 after successfully leading the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic. His decorated career has included positions such as associate producer at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and director of community engagement at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, Florida.
Warren is very proud father of his two adult sons and his service in the U.S. Army as a communications specialist for White House Communications.
What do you hope listeners take away from your story?
I hope that those who listen to my story will realize how special spending time with your family can be, even in the craziest of circumstances.
Who or what inspired you to tell your story?
The realization that even after family members are long gone, the memories will last your entire lifetime.
Become a teller
The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. None of the storytellers who take our stage are professionals. They are your neighbors, friends or co-workers, and they are coached to tell by Register journalists.
Want to tell your story at one of our upcoming Storytellers Project events? Read our guidelines and submit a story at DesMoinesRegister.com/Tell.
Sarah LeBlanc covers the western suburbs for the Register. Reach her at 515-284-8161 or sleblanc@registermedia.com. Follower her on Twitter at @sarahkayleblanc
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Meet Des Moines Storytellers Project tellers for June 'Voyages' show
