TopPodcast.com
Menu
  • Home
  • Top Charts
  • Top Networks
  • Top Apps
  • Top Independents
  • Top Podfluencers
  • Top Picks
    • Top Business Podcasts
    • Top True Crime Podcasts
    • Top Finance Podcasts
    • Top Comedy Podcasts
    • Top Music Podcasts
    • Top Womens Podcasts
    • Top Kids Podcasts
    • Top Sports Podcasts
    • Top News Podcasts
    • Top Tech Podcasts
    • Top Crypto Podcasts
    • Top Entrepreneurial Podcasts
    • Top Fantasy Sports Podcasts
    • Top Political Podcasts
    • Top Science Podcasts
    • Top Self Help Podcasts
    • Top Sports Betting Podcasts
    • Top Stocks Podcasts
  • Podcast News
  • About Us
  • Podcast Advertising
  • Contact
Not in our directory?
Add Show Here
Podcast Equipment
Center

toppodcastlogoOur TOPPODCAST Picks

  • Comedy
  • Crypto
  • Sports
  • News
  • Politics
  • True Crime
  • Business
  • Finance

Follow Us

toppodcastlogoStay Connected

    View Top 200 Chart
    Back to Rankings Page
    Arts

    Speak Up Storytelling

    Learn to tell better stories from the producers of Speak Up, a Hartford-based storytelling organization. Bestselling author, 53-time Moth StorySLAM champion, and 7-time GrandSLAM champion Matthew Dicks partners with his wife, Elysha Dicks, to share stories recorded from years of Speak Up shows. More importantly, they offer tips, feedback, strategies, and advice on these stories, all in an effort to help you tell your best stories.

    Advertise
    • Apple Podcasts
    • Google Play
    • Spotify
    Latest Episodes:
    Tom Reed Swale: Awfully Young Jan 14, 2019
    Show notes

    On episode #32 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

    In our followup segment, we talk about new workshop dates and links, an email from a merchant marine, and a girl crush on Elysha.

    In our Homework for Life segment, we talk about finding and collecting stories while visiting familiar locations and how some of them could be stories.

    Next we listen to Tom Reed Swale's story about love on a college campus.

    After listening, we discuss:

    1. The power of self deprecating humor

    2. The best places to start stories

    3. Enhancing the power of surprise in a story

    4. Capturing mood and tone through inflection

    5. The hazards of cultural references

    6. Avoiding the de-activating of your audience's imagination

    Next, we answer questions about telling stories that cast people in a negative light and the possibility of two people sharing a stage to tell a story.

    Finally, we each offer a recommendation.

    LINKS

    Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne

    Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com

    Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks

    Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's weekly newsletter: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicks-subscribe

    Subscribe to the Speak Up newsletter: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-speak-up

    Peter Aguero and Sara Peter's TED Talk: https://bit.ly/2Ciqgir

    She Held My Hand: https://bit.ly/2TPb5o6

    RECOMMEDATIONS

    Elysha:

    • Pilot G2 pens (.7 and .38)
    • SeeSaw
    • Stickers

    Matt

    • Heavyweight

    David Ring: "The Promise of Summer" Jan 07, 2019
    Show notes

    On episode #31 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

    In our followup segment, we talk about two emails received related to Homework for Life, including a sample of Homework for Life from the 1800's!

    Next, we talk about finding and collecting stories in your everyday life using "Homework for Life." We talk about the value of waiting to tell a story, the possibility that you are in the midst of a story, and the way that some stories can stretch across decades.

    Next we listen to David Ring's story about a trial, a possible death penalty, and a hit ordered on his life.

    After listening, we discuss:

    1. A great first sentence

    2. The way that choices about description and learning description in a certain way can help tell the story

    3. The power of contrast in description

    4. "Nonfiction" in storytelling

    5. The appropriate absence of humor in storytelling

    6. The elimination of "I remember..." from stories

    Next, we answer questions about using Homework for Life to recapture recorded memories and the differences between personal narrative storytelling and the telling of folktales, fables, fiction, or informational text.

    Finally, we each offer a recommendation.

    LINKS

    Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne

    Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com

    Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks

    Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's weekly newsletter: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicks-subscribe

    Subscribe to the Speak Up newsletter: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-speak-up

    RECOMMEDATIONS

    Elysha:

    • Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett https://amzn.to/2AzQUTG
    • Meanwhile by Jules Feiffer https://amzn.to/2SFZGqv
    • Cookies by Amy Krouse Rosenthal https://amzn.to/2RBX1AO
    • You May Want to Marry My Husband by Amy Krouse Rosenthal https://nyti.ms/2mNuQg1

    Matt

    • Born a Crime: Stories of a South African Child https://amzn.to/2FivM7V

    • Trevor Noah's "The Brick https://bit.ly/2NR9XAF
    Chuck Fedolfi: "Boo" Dec 31, 2018
    Show notes

    On episode #30 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

    In our followup segment, we talk about upcoming dates (including a workshop in Seattle this summer) and Matt's weekly newsletter.

    Next, we talk about finding and collecting stories in your everyday life using "Homework for Life." We talk about fusing a moment of realization onto an ongoing experience to illustrate that realization clearly for an audience.

    Next we listen to Chuck Fedolfi's story about his dog, Boo, and the inspiration derived from Boo's struggle.

    After listening, we discuss:

    1. The effective use of time shifts in storytelling

    2. Getting and keeping a story moving

    3. Turning a potential anecdote into an actual story

    4. The power and hazards of ambiguity

    5. Ways to improve a moment of surprise

    Next, we answer questions about the difference between telling stories formally and informally, the ways that Matt's Homework for Life spreadsheet is structured, and the writing of effective storytelling pitches.

    Finally, we each offer a recommendation.

    LINKS

    Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne

    Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com

    Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks

    Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's weekly newsletter: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicks-subscribe

    Subscribe to the Speak Up newsletter: http://www.matthewdicks.com/subscribe-speak-up

    RECOMMEDATIONS

    Elysha:

    • Collect Christmas ornaments commemorating events in your life

    Matt

    • The Middle: Watch How a Pop Hit Is Made: https://bit.ly/2rDaAl2

    Christina Fedolfi: "Sue" Dec 24, 2018
    Show notes

    On episode #29 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

    In our followup segment, we talk about an error in a previous podcast, upcoming dates (including a workshop in Seattle this summer), a Pulp Fiction secret, and more.

    Next, we talk about finding and collecting stories in your everyday life using "Homework for Life." We talk about the C-A-B-C format for storytelling and how it can be applied to a simple moment with a father and son.

    Next we listen to Christina Fedolfi's story about mishaps and adventures while preparing for a big bike race.

    After listening, we discuss:

    1. The effective use of humor in this story in particular

    2. The B-A b-C format for storytelling

    3. Creating a mental schema to assist an audience

    4. The power of setting a scene at all times

    5. Ways to improve a moment of surprise

    Next, we answer questions about storytelling and Homework for Life with children, the gender gap in storytelling, and remembering the details in Homework for Life for the future.

    Finally, we each offer a recommendation.

    LINKS

    New York City Public Library appearance registration

    What Was Inside the Glowing Briefcase in Pulp Fiction: https://bit.ly/2V5AZFs

    Momento app: momentoapp.com

    Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne

    Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com

    Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks

    Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's weekly newsletter: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicks-subscribe

    RECOMMEDATIONS

    Elysha:

    • My Mother Was Nuts by Penny Marshall: https://amzn.to/2AcwqQU

    • Spiderman in the Spiderverse

    Matt

    • How Star Wars Was Saved in the Edit: https://bit.ly/2LwLWeD

    Erica Donahue: "The Trunk" Dec 17, 2018
    Show notes

    On episode #28 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

    In our followup segment, we talk about upcoming Speak Up events, offer insight on Tasmanian Devils, respond to some listener emails about PTSD, and apologize for failing to record a new episode last week.

    Next, we talk about finding and collecting stories in your everyday life using "Homework for Life." We talk about the value of finding "worsts" in your life, then we talk about how to apply perspective to your Homework for Life in an effort to find more stories.

    Next we listen to Erica Donahue's story about attending college in rural Virginia as a fish out of water.

    After listening, we discuss:

    1. The effective use of details in a story

    2. The broadening of stakes

    3. The power of contrast

    4. The avoiding of thesis statements

    5. The value of the slow reveal

    Next, we answer questions about effective transitions and how and when to tell stories involving trauma.

    Finally, we each offer a recommendation.

    LINKS

    New York City Public Library appearance registration

    Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne

    Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com

    Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks

    Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's weekly newsletter: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicks-subscribe

    Your geographic opposite: www.antipodesmap.com

    This Is Going to Suck: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3J4Q5c1C1w

    RECOMMEDATIONS

    Elysha:

    • My Name is Yeh: http://mynameisyeh.com

    • Epicurious: www.epicurious.com

    Matt:

    • 52 Things I Learned in 2018: https://bit.ly/2Uez6FS

    Sam Carely: "Bet Wetter [rebroadcast] Dec 10, 2018
    Show notes

    The combination of Hanukah and an injury (happily not too serious) to our son's foot has made it impossible to record a new episode for you this week, so please enjoy this rebroadcast of one of our most popular episodes ever.

    Elysha and I will be back next week with a brand new episode.

    Happy Hanukah to all of our Jewish listeners!

    _____________________________________

    On episode #4 of Speak Up Storytelling, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

    We talk about about finding excellent stories in your everyday life using my strategy "Homework for Life" and the importance of transformation in storytelling.

    Then we listen to Sam Carley's story about a challenging bus ride through an Indian desert with the possible girl of his dreams, followed by commentary and critique, including:

    1. The ideal arc of a story
    2. Describing human beings in stories
    3. Limiting unnecessary description
    4. Advancing time in a story

    Next, we answer listener questions and offer recommendations.

    LINKS

    Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne

    Speak Up storytelling: http://speakupstorytelling.com

    Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com

    Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks

    RECOMMENDATIONS

    Queer Eye for the Straight Guy: https://www.netflix.com/title/80160037

    Evernote: https://evernote.com

    Kathy Binder: "Claire?" Dec 03, 2018
    Show notes

    On episode #27 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling alongside storyteller Kathy Binder.

    In our followup segment, we talk about upcoming Speak Up events, respond to listener comments, and offer another shout-out to our fans down under.

    Next, we talk about finding and collecting stories in your everyday life using "Homework for Life." We talk about a single word (spoken on episode #26 of this podcast) can amount to a Homework for Life moment, and how that might be used in a story (including how to frame the story)

    Next we listen to Kathy Binder's story about breaking down on the Taconic Parkway on a frigid, winter night with a newborn.

    After listening, we discuss:

    1. The effective use of humor in storytelling
    2. The beauty if a story's imperfection
    3. Coincidence stories
    4. The preservation of surprise
    5. Maintaining important ideas throughout a story
    6. Nervous as a part of public storytelling and speaking
    7. The importance of stating stakes early
    8. Techniques for shortening stories

    Next, we answer questions about hints to winning Moth and other competitive storytelling events and the responsibility of the storyteller and the audience.

    Finally, we each offer a recommendation.

    LINKS

    New York City Public Library appearance registration

    Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne

    Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com

    Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks

    Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's weekly newsletter: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicks-subscribe

    The Robbery: https://bit.ly/2DWczc2

    The Promise: https://bit.ly/2zGe4au

    RECOMMEDATIONS

    Elysha:

    • Ear Hustle: https://www.earhustlesq.com
    • Station Eleven: https://amzn.to/2ncRSR6

    Matt:

    • Shocking Secrets of Food Commercials: https://bit.ly/2rgJOOV
    • The Art of Manliness: https://bit.ly/2KOny87

    Kathy Binder

    • Stay Tuned with Preet: https://n.pr/2FgAY9Q
    Linda Storms: "The Dog" Nov 26, 2018
    Show notes

    On episode #26 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk storytelling!

    In our followup segment, we talk about upcoming Speak Up events, respond to listener comments, and offer a shout-out to our fans down under.

    Next, we talk about finding and collecting stories in your everyday life using "Homework for Life." We talk about how the moments that we find using Homework for Life might represent the mid-point in a story rather than the end. We also talk about how doing Homework for Life can allow you to examine your life more often and more fully.

    Next we listen to Linda Storms' story about running for her life at the ripe old age of six.

    After listening, we discuss:

    1. The power of embodying your former self when telling a story
    2. The power of the perfect ending to a story
    3. The spooling out of details slowly to preserve surprise and suspense
    4. The effects of raising the stakes throughout a story
    5. The way in which the physical description of a person can say a great deal about that person
    6. Allowing the beginning and ending of a story to engage in a conversation with each other
    7. The difference between an episode from our lives and a real moment from our lives

    Next, we answer questions about our worst storytelling moments ever and the variety of motivations that bring storytellers to the stage.

    Finally, we each offer a recommendation.

    LINKS

    Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne

    Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com

    Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks

    Subscribe to Matthew Dicks's weekly newsletter: http://www.matthewdicks.com/matthewdicks-subscribe

    The Robbery: https://bit.ly/2DWczc2

    RECOMMEDATIONS

    Elysha:

    • The New York Times Modern Love column: https://nyti.ms/2n8KC8Y
    • Modern Love - The Podcast: https://wbur.fm/2GGaSRf
    • "You May Want to Marry My Husband" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal https://nyti.ms/2mNuQg1

    Matt:

    • Oversimplified (Youtube): https://bit.ly/2yatIvQ
    Renae Edge: "Heard It In a Love Song" [rebroadcast] Nov 19, 2018
    Show notes

    Happy Thanksgiving to all of our listeners in the United States.

    Elysha and I are taking the holiday off and rebroadcasting episode #14, which features the joyous story of Renae Edge.

    We thought it would be perfect for a Thanksgiving Day listen.

    We'll be back next week with a brand new episode.

    ______________________________________________

    On episode #14, Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk about finding excellent stories in your everyday life using Matthew's strategy "Homework for Life," including moments that storytellers see but non-storytellers might not.

    Then we listen to Renae Edge's story about finding her voice for the first time, followed by commentary and critique, including:

    1. The effective use of backstory or flashbacks in a story
    2. The components of an especially effective beginning to a story
    3. Singing in stories
    4. Strong feelings about dream sequences
    5. Specificity of names

    Elysha and Matt then answer listener questions about building a story with flashbacks and telling effective best man speeches.

    Lastly, Matt and Elysha each offer a recommendation.

    LINKS

    Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne

    Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com

    Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks

    Malcolm Gladwell's "Her Way" (Moth story): https://bit.ly/1ngfYQp

    RECOMMENDATIONS

    Elysha: Our family's ice cream adventures - https://bit.ly/2N0yIa3

    Matt: Memento in order - https://vimeo.com/194394156

    Jenny Steadman: "Cheese and Crackers" Nov 12, 2018
    Show notes

    On episode #25 of the Speak Up Storytelling podcast, Matthew and Elysha Dicks are joined by storyteller Danielle Dnes to talk storytelling!

    In our followup segment, we talk about upcoming Speak Up shows and messages received from around the world.

    Next, we talk about finding and collecting stories in your everyday life using "Homework for Life." Danielle recently reached the 100 day mark in her Homework for Life and shared it with Matt and Elysha. We poke through the 100 days to find some stories that Danielle didn't initially see upon first glance.

    Then we listen to Jenny Steadman's story about the pressures of playing golf with her grandfather and his pals.

    After listening, we discuss:

    1. Effective character and location descriptions
    2. Planting seeds early in a story that will sprout later
    3. The best way to repeat a laugh line throughout a story
    4. Pacing and pausing
    5. "The curse of knowledge" in storytelling

    Next, we answer questions about a storytelling improv game that we use in workshops and is detailed in Storyworthy. We even play a round to demonstrate.

    Finally, we each offer a recommendation.

    LINKS

    Homework for Life: https://bit.ly/2f9ZPne

    Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling: https://amzn.to/2RIHR9g

    Matthew Dicks's website: http://www.matthewdicks.com

    Matthew Dicks's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/matthewjohndicks

    RECOMMEDATIONS

    Elysha:

    • How to Listen to REM's Final Years: https://bit.ly/2zJeAUt

    Matt:

    • Scriptnotes: The Podcast: http://johnaugust.com/scriptnotes
    Previous 1 8 9 10

    Related Podcasts

    Fresh Air

    1

    Fresh Air Arts
    Twenty Thousand Hertz

    2

    Twenty Thousand Hertz Arts
    The Black Tapes

    3

    The Black Tapes Arts
    Snap Judgment

    4

    Snap Judgment Arts
    Here’s The Thing with Alec Baldwin

    5

    Here’s The Thing with Alec Baldwin Arts
    The NoSleep Podcast – Creative Reason Media Inc.

    6

    The NoSleep Podcast – Creative Reason Media Inc. Arts
    footer-logo

    Contact Us

    Toll Free: 844-670-7747

    Links

    • Home
    • Top Charts
    • Networks
    • Apps
    • Independents Podcasts
    • Podcast Advertising
    • Podcast News
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Analytics & Insights

    Stay Connected

      Privacy, Terms of Use & Our Code of Ethics Protecting Content Creators Copyrights