Hi All!
Yes, it was our maiden voyage and the storytellers were GREAT. Every single story was beautiful. I had to watch it today, because I missed things here and there, while fulfilling hosting duties There’s a lot on the backend to do while we’re live.
Anyone out there have Zoom Webinar co-host experience? I’ve got a gig for you. DM me.
The voyage? Mostly smooth sailing, though once in a while we encountered rough seas. All will be worked out as we go forward. The feedback’s been fabulous. If you were there and want to share observations, please DM Nan. I want to hear all of it so we can make this as good as it can be.
For those of you who had trouble accessing the webinar, you’ll be able to see the show right here. For this first post of this first show, there’s no paywall. I want you to see what it’s all about, and then if you want to tell a story, or sign on to support this project as a paid subscriber, you’ll have more info. 2 months in, WBTYS is on its way to being a Substack Bestseller. We have you to thank for that, you began backing us before our first show!
I’m verklempt, simply verklempt.
Eileen and I are storytellers, too. We won’t compete the slams, but we will tell stories. Eileen opened the show, and I bookended before our audience voted for the winner.
She did great. I didn’t do as well, making lots mistakes, going over 4 minutes, and stumbling around. Just goes to prove, even experienced storytellers have off days.
I took the liberty of recording my story again, because I’m vain, and embarrassed, and kind of in charge of this thing we’re doing. Let’s just call it a perk…or privilege?
I’ll be sharing the messy one in a separate post. I promise!
And now, without further nan-ado, the stories.
The premiere show of Wham! Bam! Thank You! Slam!
Oh, and as expected, Slamone was a no-show. But she did sign the winner’s check, before she ditched us.
My Body, My Rules.
Eileen was the opening act.
The Storytellers:
If you love a particular story or all of them, and want to find out more about each writer, or subscribe to their stack, click the button under their bios.
Marya Hornbacher took first place, received the check from Slamone, and spent it all ($100) on one pack of cigs. Yeah, that’s how far our money goes these days.
Smoke ‘em up, Marya!
And Nan told the last story of the slam, and then she had a little private cry. Relief, mostly that it went well, but was laser-point focused on doing a blow-by-blow inventory of herself, where she fell short, and where improvements will be made. Let’s just chalk it up to perfectionist fretting that needs to be taken to a 12-step meeting, pronto!
You can attend any slam live (12 of ‘em) if you reserve early, or in replay by becoming an annual paid subscriber because the replays will be for paid subscribers only.
You’ll get 2 shows for free and support this project at a time when building community is essential to our well-being as feminists and women everywhere.
We’re speaking up, we’re speaking out, and we need you to help us do that!
Please comment below and give generous shout-outs to all the storytellers for their wonderful courage and powerful tales! They took a chance and graced us with their brilliance.
Our next show is February 21, 2026 on Zoom. The theme is The Love Boat. That should be fun! Stay tuned for more details.
