Themes & Calendar of Events
Take a gander at the themes for 2026, pick a theme and jump in. We want to hear what you have to say.
We produce one story slam a month, each with an original theme. This is the schedule for the slams and themes.
If you publish on Substack and want to tell a story at our slam, choose a theme or two. Then message Nan and she’ll tell you what comes next.
Are you looking for great entertainment? Do you want to tell a story, but want to check us out first?
As an audience member, this schedule’s for you, too.
Choose 1 show, or all 12!
We have 10 storyteller spots available in each show
All shows are at 5pm ET, the third Saturday of the month.
C’mon, you know you want to, message us and tell us you’re in.
May (Mothers and Daughters) is booked. All other months are available. Come tell a story!
Audience members, buy your tickets OR for a much better value, become a paid subscriber. That will give you access to all events (first come, first, served) and all the paywalled posts.
We didn’t want to call it the V-word, because yawn. Or Galentine’s Day, because that’s just goofy. We’re harder-edged than that. Come, tell those love stories. We all have ‘em. They don’t have to have happy endings. Because is that even a thing? Prove us wrong. We dare you.
Our storytellers for The Love Boat:
Kari Bentley-Quinn, Rachel Kramer Bussel, Sarah Hauser, Kara Westerman (she/her), Amanda Jaffe, Jennifer Silva Redmond, Janine De Tillio Cammarata 🖊️, Kelly Thompson TNWWY, Susan Kacvinsky, Irena Smith, and one from Nan Tepper and another from Eileen Dougharty.
Is there anything else to say at this point? We think so. This isn’t just about the ERA. Bring it, sisters. Let’s make Phyllis Schlafly squirm in her grave for the being the traitor who pushed to derail the amendment to the Constitution, back when it still was respected.
As of 2.20.26:
We have two open storyteller spots for this event, so if you’re considering this one, grab it before it’s booked. This is a banner event. Feminism and usurping the patriarchy should be front and center right now. Take away a woman’s rights?
We’re moving in the wrong direction. BRING your fire, your fable, your cautionary tale.
It’s April 18. Did you pay your federal taxes on the 15th?
We’re told that death & taxes are the two things we can be sure of; but I’m re-evaluating the “taxes” part.
Do you want to support a corrupt fascist government run by evil and blatant idiocy? I sure don’t. The last thing I want to do is line the monster’s pockets with hard-earned dough.
Are you as tempted as I am to forgo filing your federals? I’m on an extension so I have space to mull.
If you don’t feel like talking about your taxes, write something about the thing we’re absolutely certain will happen to all of us. Sooner or later. I guarantee it.
How do you feel about this one sure thing? Dying? Does it scare you? Our culture is terrified of death. It’s certainly terrified of aging. Look at the lengths we go to to stay young. Tell us? Are you good with it? Are you in denial? I was for a really long time.
The thing is, until we can let go of our fear of death, we can never live fully.
Enough said. You know what to do. This month’s event filled up the fastest. Seems a lot of us have mothers.
Wow, two “enough said” slams in a row. Now, that’s winning, huh?
By now, we’ll know what kind of travesty the orange buffoon created on the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Plenty to write about on this topic, without ever mentioning his name or deeds.
The team at WBTYS now holds citizenship in the United States of Vajajay.
Our “borders” are closed to all buffoons––forever––orange or not.
Yes, indeedy. On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified, finally allowing(?) women the right to vote. Ratification did not ensure full voting rights, though. Many women remained unable to vote long into the 20th century because of discriminatory state voting laws.
And yes, we’re referring to people of color. 106 years later, there still isn’t full parity. There are people out there––mostly men–– who’d like to rescind our rights again. Where’s Mrs. Pankhurst when we need her the most?
What does that word mean to you? Is differently-abled a better euphemism? With the rise of embracing neurodivergence, there’s an opportunity to acknowledge the various ways humans function. One person’s “disability” is another person’s superpower. Perspective matters. Let’s recognize each others’ gifts.
It’s a two-fer month! Queer Coming Out AND Halloween, and they go great together. Throw on that feather boa, some fabulous drag and let’s scare people. You know who they are. We’ll bring the candy, and not the cheap stuff.
That could mean so many things…have fun with it during retail hell month, which starts in August and never seems to end.
And no matter what anyone says, turkey sucks.
December 19, 2026 at 5pm ET
This is one of Nan’s favorite subjects. What does it mean to you? What do you think of when you hear that word? Is it about shopping, feeding the hungry, paying it forward? How do we approach the world around us? Do we come from a place of bounty? Or scarcity and fear?
Nan…okay, I did it. 🫣I looked at the themes and my heart walked itself over to January 17: My Body, My Rules. That’s the story I’m ready to tell terrified or not.🥹😬 Count me in. I’ll email you as well so we can start shaping this. And please hold my hand… I’ve never done anything like this and my nervous system is already sweating. 😅💛🫣😬
I'll take "Mothers & Daughters" please for, my sanity and the sanity of others.