Podcast by Raven Narratives
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Sandra Shellnut told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". From the sun scorched front lines of woodland fires to the silent depth of the ocean floor, Sandra’s life has been a relentless pursuit of the elements. She has navigated the chaotic roar of whitewater rapids and carved lines through the pristine mountain powder, always finding balance in the…
Jessica Randell told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Born and raised in North Carolina by Yankee parents, Jessica is a unique blend of southern warmth and give-it-to-you straight candor. She discovered her religion, Nature, in the Appalachian mountains and has happily transferred her place of worship to the Southern Rockies. Her favorite…
Katie Burford is a veteran Raven Narratives storyteller and told this story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Katie has 2 mostly grown children, 1 ice cream shop, 1 rescue dog, 34 previous addresses, 2 previous careers, 13 years sobriety, 1 raven tattoo, 1 bum ankle from a cheerleading injury, 55 years on the planet, and lots and lots of stories to show for…
Kira Taylor told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Kira has worked in many fields, especially in the nonprofit sector, and is currently enjoying promoting her fantastic town through the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce. She is a gardener, an outdoor adventure enthusiast, a believer in the power of community care, and a serial hobbyist. She lives…
Lynn Soukup told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Lynn is the youngest by 12 years of five siblings. She moved to Cortez, Colorado in 2001, following her parents and favorite sister who all died of cancer in 2008. She's been a teacher all her life, whether of elementary students, or young moms just beginning their families. She suffers from…
Molly Watts told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Molly has been oversharing since she was old enough to talk, and started writing soon after - two habits that have followed her throughout all of life’s chapters so far. She lived several lifetimes before turning 25, collecting stories along the way that are often hard to believe in their…
Lindsay Dozoretz told her story at the Raven Narratives in May of 2026 when the theme was "mom/mothering". Lindsay was the Raven Narratives very first storyteller back in 2016 and is a decade-plus Durango resident after growing up in upstate New York and then globetrotting through early adulthood. She works in renewable energy and teaches yoga, and will never have an office that is not at the…
Featured stories told by audience members at Raven Narratives "gathering" story SLAMs at the Sunflower Theatre on December 5th and the Durango Arts Center on December 6th, 2025. Including stories told by: Bob DiMarco (1:00) Brett LeCompte (6:54) Ali Snowden (14:21) Kirk Anderson (23:08) Kristen Roessler (30:34) Janelle Stewart (37:07) Dave Banks (41:31) Barbara Noseworthy (48:15)
Robin Wolthausen told his story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets". Robin is a lover of nature, beauty, corn, community, our bodies, soccer, and cold beers on the front stoop on a scorching August day after working all day. He cooks some mean ribs and is tired of therapy but still does it. He used to own alpacas and wants to sell…
Robin Mugwort Brodsky told her story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets". When Mugwort is not meandering the globe, she can be found (or not) wandering the canyons of the southwest in search of springs, ancient junipers and petroglyphs. Robin holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and has worked in Outdoor Education and…
Dr. Heidi Steltzer told her story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets". Heidi is a scientist, theologian, and mystic who recently founded the Center for Earth Theology in Cortez, Colorado. She's a scientist who wanted to save the world, a mystic who shows up at church, a speaker and writer who values connection. She's a forever…
Mark Little told his story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets". Mark has done many things. Mark loves cats and sunsets. Mark is unsure about people. Mark tries to make the world a better place by saying things to people in the drive thru at the bank. That’s it. Mark is a simple man.
TJ Zark told their story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets". TJ is a gender-awkward, people-focused, they/them/her creative residing in Southwest Colorado, near a small arts town with two agreeable horses, a dog that wiggles, one that worms, and more friends than one human can count. Their work as a storyteller holds a cohesive…
Aaron Thomas told his story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets". Aaron is a psychotherapist, meditation teacher, and creator of the Authentic Relating Lab – a space for practicing real human connection. He’s passionate about human potential and believes our relationships are where we grow the most. Off the clock, he’s usually…
Dave Butler told his story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets". Dave has been a world traveler and a lover of the obscure and unusual. His creative interests include large, interesting and sometimes difficult projects along with historical research. Vintage equipment, and repurposing space in old homes and buildings are something he…
M Waldron told her story at the Raven Narratives on the Sunflower Theatre stage in September 2025 when the theme was "secrets". M is a poet, performer, explorer, baker, knitter, and geologist. Her one woman show, The Letter C, premiered at The Sunflower Theatre in April 2025 and her book of poetry by the same title is available to purchase. When she isn’t knitting or baking you can find her…
Lindsay describes her attempts at raising chickens and ducks, and how she had to acquire some new skills in managing her flock. She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in late February and early March 2025 when the theme was “trees - rocks - birds”. Originally from rural eastern Canada, Lindsay has worked professionally in environmental science and accounting, but her heart is in…
Tamara describes her time in North Africa studying music and dance, and how her experiences there led to a profound personal transformation. She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in late February and early March 2025 when the theme was “trees - rocks - birds”. Tamara is a Colorado-born mountain lover and music anthropologist, and the world's leading expert in an Algerian ritual healing…
Dave tells the tale of joining an Alaskan fishing crew on a 24-hour halibut run, and how it nearly ruined him. He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in late February and early March 2025 when the theme was “trees - rocks -birds”. Dave is a long-time Durango, Colorado resident who makes his living and spends his free time mostly with activities that begin with the letter “B”,…
Dave describes a friend who made a deep impression on him, and how some friendships can change you forever. He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in late February and early March 2025 when the theme was “trees - rocks -birds”. Dave has been trying to figure it out for a long time. Considering all the thoughts he’s thunk you would think he’s figured it out, but no, he hasn’t. Apparently…
Claudia talks about her mom's challenges and triumphs late in her life, and how birds played an important role in helping her cope with change. She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in late February and early March 2025 when the theme was “trees - rocks - birds”. After growing up in Cortez, Colorado in the 50s and 60s, Claudia moved back after many decades living mostly in Woodland…
Shane tells the story of his solo backpacking trip in the Verde River canyon of Arizona, and how things got weird, and then even weirder, when law enforcement descended on him. He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in late February and early March 2025 when the theme was “trees - rocks -birds”. Shane escaped Los Angeles at 22 years old, after experiencing the muggle equivalent of a…
Sara describes the childhood adventures she had on her family's property in Northeast Texas, and how those experiences help her see her grown-up world with more openness and possibility. She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in late February and early March 2025 when the theme was “trees - rocks - birds”. Sara grew up in the middle-of-nowhere Northeast Texas where she spent her…
Natalie and her partner face a difficult decision that changes them both forever. She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in early October 2024 when the theme was “friendship”. Natalie will always be thrilled to meet people she likes and admires and connects with. She was voted most likely to become the pope by her 8th grade class, which is clearly problematic for so many reasons.…
Amanda describes how a close friend helped her find her place. She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in early October 2024 when the theme was "friendship". Amanda has called many places home, including New Jersey, Germany, Utah, and various parts of Colorado. She currently lives in Mancos and has spent her summer working as a farmhand adapting to the slower pace of life. She hopes to…
Micheal describes his best friend from college and their attempts to test the boundaries of society. He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in early October 2024 when the theme was “friendship”. Michael is a Fort Lewis College professor and former Mayor of Durango. His free time is spent making music, gardening, backpacking, and spending time with his wife and their chickens. The…
Ann goes to her first house party with her high school friends. She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in early October 2024 when the theme was “friendship”. Ann is a Native lady figuring out life and career in the desert. She performs regularly as a stand-up comedian in the the Southwest. Wish her luck as she continues her journey to "find the funny" in life's obstacles. Join us for…
Chad describes how his best friend from middle school shaped the person he is today. He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in early October 2024 when the theme was “friendship”. Chad considers himself a gangly man that is Durango raised and heaven bound. Although he looks like a combination of Pete Davidson and Steve Buscemi, he's never let his looks hold him back. He often uses comedy…
Jennifer describes how the "divine masters" pointed her towards finding her true love. She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in early October 2024 when the theme was “friendship”. Jennifer is a shamanic practitioner who has worked as a shamanic healer, teacher, and mentor for over 20 years. She is also a professional singer/songwriter who toured with Jackson Browne. Nature-based…
Tyler's friends help him take a deeper dive into connection than he ever thought was possible. He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in early October 2024 when the theme was “friendship”. Tyler is a naturalist, herbalist, and medical professional in the four corners region who knows at heart that love and laughter is the best medicine. He has an established meditation practice for 10+…
Shane describes how he discovered his true place in the world while fishing in the rain in Alaska. He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in early June 2024 when the theme was “weather”. Shane was raised the son of pentecostal preacher. He found his childhood backdrops in Florida, Alaska, North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. After graduating High School, Shane went to Tennessee for…
Shandra tells her story of leaving her family and faith behind so that she can lead a more honest life. She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in early June 2024 when the theme was “weather”. Shandra grew up a religious home schooled kid in the mobile homes of Durango, Colorado and has the skills (and lack thereof) to prove it. She makes her living as a seamstress of bike packing gear…
Kelly tells how working as a woman in a wildfire lookout tower changed her. She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in early June 2024 when the theme was “weather”. Kelly joined a wild land fire crew 24 years ago in Oregon, and has been chasing adrenaline for a living, ever since. Her essay about becoming a wild land firefighter, “Anchor Point,” was featured at the April 2023 GetLit!…
Tess tells the story of her difficult relationship with her mother and how she ultimately found redemption on a rainy beach in Florida. Tess told her story at the Raven Narratives events in early June 2024 when the theme was “weather”. Tess is a nature steward and a Colorado native. She lives a holistic lifestyle that encompasses eating dark chocolate often and doing whatever creative activity…
Tim describes a high altitude adventure where he experienced a rare and terrifying natural phenomenon. Tim told his story at the Raven Narratives events in early June 2024 when the theme was “weather”. Tim Hunter is a builder by trade, a scientist by education, and an outdoor recreationalist by avocation. Tim has pursued a wide range of occupations and hobbies including climbing instructor,…
Jamie describes a difficult time in her life when she had to navigate depression and the loss of a friend, and how an encounter with turkey vultures helped her see things in a new light. She told her story at the Raven Narratives events in early June 2024 when the theme was “weather”. Jamie grew up in Durango, Colorado and after high school left to study journalism in Northern California. In 2020…
Chad describes how becoming a new father brought him face-to-face with his ideas of who he was, and what it means to be a father. He told his story at the Raven Narratives events in early June 2024 when the theme was “weather”. Chad has lived his whole life in Colorado. He was born in Denver but his family quickly fled to the forests of Conifer where he was raised. Chad then moved to Durango in…
Christina shares her journey through heartbreaking deception, devastating loss, and the grace of community and continuation.
Tom describes his encounters with fire throughout his life, and how he has come to know fire as an intimate teacher of deep wisdom.
Monique describes leaving her small, rural town to see the world, and the challenges and joys of coming home.
Jim tells his tale of salvaging old wood from railroad snow fences, and how it was too good to last.
Geneva seeks healing in traditional and nontraditional ways, and discovers that uncertainty can be a key to deeper truths.
Margie describes her time as an anthropologist in Alaska and the remarkable woman she met there who survived the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918.
Curt describes raising his three kids and how it has shown him the joys of parenting in the modern era.
Robin's traveling companion Kate teaches her a profound lesson about friendship and letting go.
Bailey wrestles with his identity, but ultimately finds the courage to be his true self.
Ellen describes her path of self-discovery, and the strength and beauty she found along the way.
As a teenager, Kate must contend with the reality of losing her mother, and how it will shape her life going forward.
Sue describes her experiences as a theater actress and the wisdom she learned along the way.
Andy tries to help their mom recover after a stroke.
