How Des Moines Register reporter Phillip Sitter found himself in Ukraine in the midst of Russia's war to celebrate a friend's birthday. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Travel" on June 18, 2024, at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. D…

The doctor told Diane Kolmer she needed to take a break from her job to relearn to eat and live. A trip to Paris helped change her perspective. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Travel" on June 18, 2024, at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can te…

Kory May found racial profiling didn't stop at the Canadian border. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Travel" on June 18, 2024, at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moines Storytellers Project events are filled with neighbors and …

John Sorrell landed in Turkey quite literally in the middle of a coup. How he leaned on curiosity to make it home safely. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Travel" on June 18, 2024, at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moines Stor…

Nicole Schrader overcame vacation paralysis to find something meaningful. Now she embraces that fear to live a full life. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Travel" on June 18, 2024, at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moines Stor…

Deborah Svec-Carstens found herself by being vulnerable with a tight-knit community in a foreign country after an assault. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Community" on Feb. 27, 2024 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moines S…

Kenny Gaskin spent his childhood looking up to his teachers. Now he's a teacher with DMPS inspiring students and building a classroom community. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Community" on Feb. 27, 2024 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can…

Jordan Brooks felt like he didn't belong — until he discovered art. Now he uses it to help others build their communities. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Community" on Feb. 27, 2024 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moines S…

Erlin Kakkanad wasn't embracing her true self when her son asked an innocent question: "Mama, why am I brown?" It led to a long journey of discovery. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Community" on Feb. 27, 2024 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyon…

Jim Sayers entered an Iowa prison thinking every inmate was the same. He left with a close-knit community. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Community" on Feb. 27, 2024 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moines Storytellers Proj…

From homemade school clothes to weekly chore lists, Louise O'Donnell's parents showed their 13 children what it was like to put family first. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Family" on Oct. 24, 2023 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell …

Ehsan Shaban found family in Iowa when he fled the war in Afghanistan. They were refugees themselves. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Family" on Oct. 24, 2023 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moines Storytellers Project even…

Luisita McBurney found herself alone after arriving in the U.S. So she created the Filipino American Society so other immigrants wouldn't feel stuck This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Family" on Oct. 24, 2023 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone ca…

Sonya Jackson's great aunt Lulu was the first Black woman in Iowa to earn a Ph.D. What lessons she and her grandmother taught her growing up. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Family" on Oct. 24, 2023 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell …

Sam Blum always felt like an outcast, until he found others like him at metal shows across Iowa and the world. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Family" on Oct. 24, 2023 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moines Storytellers Pro…

Monica Leo was part of the only Western puppeteer troupe to be invited to East Berlin in the '80s, where she learned maybe we're more alike than we are different. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Travel" on June 20, 2023 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story a…

It wasn't clear that Keith Knapp would make it out of Argentina before the country closed its borders at midnight. He had just minutes to spare. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Travel" on June 20, 2023 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can te…

Olesya Holker started traveling as a child with her mother, a Russian actress. Her most notable trip started in Las Vegas and eventually led to Iowa. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Travel" on June 20, 2023 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone c…

Shir Agha Safi grew up around war and later fought in the Afghan National Army. Now he's fighting to help other refugees in Iowa live good lives. This story was first told during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Travel" on June 20, 2023 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can t…

Susan Sims wanted to see the real China after studying in Taiwan in 1986, though she didn't have much but the clothes on her back. A hilarious adventure ensued. Susan told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Travel" on June 20, 2023 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and eve…

Sarah Trone Garriott realized her first impressions of a couple she helped marry while an intern Lutheran minister were wrong. How scripture helped her realize that. Sarah told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's “Love” on Feb. 14, 2023 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and …

Years of therapy and self love led to a new life for Sam Freese after their husband, who had increasingly become withdrawn, was criminally charged. Sam told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's “Love” on Feb. 14, 2023 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it…

As a wife of a man 20 years older, Anissa Deay is moving from partner to caretaker and learning about the complications that come with it. Anissa told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's “Love” on Feb. 14, 2023 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des …

From his mother walking up a flight of steps to see him in a play, to his father getting her out of bed each day: How love defined a relationship with illness. Patrick told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's “Love” on Feb. 14, 2023 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and ever…

Dan Douglas first met his wife 52 years ago when he served in Botswana for the Peace Corps. Dan told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's “Love” on Feb. 14, 2023 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moines Storytellers Project events are filled with…

Guillermo Romano Ibarra's friend, Justin, was there for him in ways he couldn't anticipate when he was seriously injured in a crash. Guillermo told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's “Generosity” on Dec. 13, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. D…

Yenny Soley felt alone coming to the U.S. from Venezuela. The kindness of two strangers that would become like family helped turn her life around. Yenny told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's “Generosity” on Dec. 13, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can …

Rusty Johnson couldn't have survived without the help of his many foster parents, teachers, neighbors and others who supported him along the way. Rusty told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's “Generosity” on Dec. 13, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can t…

A friend helped pay for Stevie Lang's therapy, which put her on a new path in life. Stevie told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's “Generosity” on Dec. 13, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moines Storytellers Project events are filled wit…

Patsy Shors was out on her brother's paper route when a stranger offered them a ride. The mysterious woman ended up giving them hundreds of dollars in cash. Patsy told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's “Generosity” on Dec. 13, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and eve…

Billy Weathers, also known as B.WELL, the artist and philanthropist will not compromise until his vision is realized. But his obsession stems beyond that. Billy told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's “Obsessions" on Oct. 25, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and every…

Cody Goodwin lived and breathed wrestling for 14 years — but he hated it. Now an award-winning journalist at the Des Moines Register, he's fallen back in love with the sport. Cody told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's “Obsessions" on Oct. 25, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. You can follow his reporting at DesMoinesRegister.com. T…

Tim Johnson made it his mission to let no Iowan go hungry. His life's calling came after he nearly drowned in Puerto Rico. Tim told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's “Obsessions" on Oct. 25, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moines Storyt…

From an imaginary duck friend named Bego to a children's museum — How Julie Burtnette's imagination has added magic to her life. Julie told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's “Obsessions" on Oct. 25, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moine…

It took a two-year stay in federal prison for Randy Brown to turn his life around — for the better. Warning: This story includes discussion of addiction, the death of children and sexual offenses. Randy told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Bad Advice" on Aug. 30, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Proje…

Rick Kievits was determined to stay in the United States after a year studying abroad. But he took bad advice that led to a visa denial. Rick told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Bad Advice" on Aug. 30, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. De…

At 40, Julie Gammack was craving something new. So despite her friends' advice, she left her longtime job — only to have it fall apart 6 weeks later. Julie told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Bad Advice" on Aug. 30, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone c…

Kiranmai Yarlagadda was taught to keep all emotions to herself, leading to shyness and insecurity. But she overcame that with the help of her daughter. Kiranmai told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Bad Advice" on Aug. 30, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and every…

Gality Levy Freylack knew she should have said no when her father asked to take a secret trip to visit her grandparents in Tel Aviv. Following the trip she spent decades listening to bad advice. Galit told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Bad Advice" on Aug. 30, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project…

It took three trips around the world for Brenda McGuire to find the love of her life — a man she could have met in Des Moines. Brenda told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Voyages" on June 14, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moines St…

Akwi Nji found herself on a plane back to Africa after her father's sudden death. She feared the distance with family she hadn't seen for two decades. Akwi told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Voyages" on June 14, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can …

Erik Dominguez' life in Tucson was awkward and hard. So when he was called back to a conference there, he dreaded what the visit would dredge up. Erik told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Voyages" on June 14, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell …

When Coral Thede's father died, she traveled the world to find peace and a new outlook on life. Coral told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Voyages" on June 14, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moines Storytellers Project events are fi…

What was supposed to be a picturesque family vacation turned into one wild ride for Robert Warren. Think a packed car, contraband cigarettes and a tiny fishing lodge. Robert told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Voyages" on June 14, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story…

Every year Tony Dahlman gets a call on his birthday from Saddam Hussein. He shares the backstory and how this tradition showcases an act of familial love. Tony told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Growing Up" on April 26, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and every…

How one Iowan made the bold move to join her small-town boys’ wrestling team and helped pave the way for generations of female athletes to come. Aymi told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Growing Up" on April 26, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can te…

Jim Ramm grew up as a half-Asian boy in the Midwest. He shares how he embraced forgiveness after hearing negative stereotypes about his Japanese culture throughout his childhood. Jim told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Growing Up" on April 26, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyon…

Jeff Clothier shares how a sabotaged prom date turned into a lifelong friendship. Jeff told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Growing Up" on April 26, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moines Storytellers Project events are filled with n…

Blake Carlson's grandma "never really grew up." He tells how her eccentricities helped him to embrace his disability. Blake told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Growing Up" on April 26, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moines Storytel…

One man’s lessons in writing love songs. Chad Elliot told this story at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Love" on Feb. 15, 2022.Af Des Moines Register