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In this powerful episode, we highlight the Hands Up! storytelling series, a unique program that provides adults from diverse backgrounds—with and without disabilities—a platform to explore controversial issues through personal storytelling. The series fosters understanding by reversing the lens on these topics and focusing on our shared humanity.

Featured Stories

“Be Safe” - Stephen Donart marched in pride parades with his saxophone adorned in rainbow leis, only to later navigate an HIV diagnosis and the stigma that followed. His journey from secrecy and shame to self-acceptance and love is one of resilience and transformation.

“Finally Nekkid” - Robert Teverbaugh explores an unexpected romance that defied fear and personal doubts, leading to a lifelong partnership built on trust, vulnerability, and an unwavering bond.

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This episode explores stories from Tellin’ Tales’ “Hands Up” series. This series tackles topic including race, faith, and disability through diverse personal stories that connect past and present, broadening perspectives and celebrating unique journeys of resilience and growth.

Featured Stories:

“God is in the Numbers” - Shui Sherard’s childhood curiosity about math and time sparks a lifelong spiritual journey through various religions, leading to the realization that faith transcends words and study, existing in the spaces beyond human understanding.

“My Brother's Funeral” - Dr. Arthur C. Donart’s story reflects on life’s journey, weaving experiences in education, service, and faith to show how personal history and changing times shape values, connections, and the meaning of purpose.

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This episode of Tellin’ Tales Tales Told features inspiring stories of resilience and creativity, including a wheelchair ballet dancer breaking barriers and a breast cancer survivor redefining her path. Celebrate strength and new beginnings!

Featured Stories:

“I Am A Force” - Ladonna Freidheim’s story celebrates resilience and transformation, highlighting how individuals overcome obstacles—like disability and illness—to redefine themselves through creativity, strength, and determination, inspiring new beginnings beyond adversity.

“Still a Woman?” - Suzanne Metzel reflects on her family’s breast cancer legacy and her own journey through diagnosis, surgeries, and motherhood. Despite scars and losses, she embraces resilience, redefining womanhood beyond physical perfection and celebrates survival and strength.

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Welcome to Tales Told, a storytelling podcast from Tellin’ Tales Theatre! In our first episode, meet hosts Shui and Rob, and hear powerful true stories by founder Tekki Lomnicki and storyteller Josh Friedberg—exploring body image, disability, vulnerability, and self-acceptance. Real stories, real voices.

Featured Stories:

Clothing Optional - Tekki Lomnicki shares her journey of vulnerability and self-acceptance at a clothing-optional hot springs retreat. Through humor and vivid storytelling, she reveals how shedding clothes becomes symbolic of shedding shame. The story celebrates healing, human connection, and the power of being seen exactly as you are.

He Didn’t Beat Me Up - Josh Friedberg’s story is a powerful journey of self-acceptance as an autistic, gay man facing mental illness, bullying, and body shame. A moment of unexpected kindness from a straight classmate saved his life and helped shift his self-perception. Today, he embraces his identity and knows his body is beautiful

Link to Transcription:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C36CDXh8zR4TNQhI5JM-bnNp-oKrAuOv/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113209359933137905337&rtpof=true&sd=true

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