ODYSSEY STORYTELLING
Southern Arizona’s longest-running live storytelling event
“THE BEST AUDIENCE IN TOWN”
21 years of building community one story at a time
Ouch!, April 2, 2026
Ouch! is for every story that stings, burns, bruises, embarrasses, or leaves a mark, physical or emotional. From broken bones to broken hearts, from epic fails to tiny paper cuts that felt like the end of the world, this theme embraces all forms of “that hurt!”
Curators: Angela Orlando, Rebecca Ursule, and Anna Marie Trester
TIME: DOORS AT 6:30, SHOW AT 7
WHERE: UNION KIVA, UA STUDENT UNION (GROUND FLOOR)
COST: $6 SCHOOL OR MILITARY AFFILIATION; $10 GENERAL
Our April 2026 Storytellers
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Szifra "Shifra" Birke
is a storyteller, tandem cyclist, yogi, and ukulele player. She lives in Tucson and Lowell, MA, with her husband, Jay, and dog, Kobi. For more on her tandem riding and relationship insight: TandemRiding.com. For a link to the story she told on WGBH TV, go to BrowsingThroughBirkes.com.
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Matthew Weatherbee
is a Tulsa, Oklahoma-based storyteller who has been active in live storytelling for five years. He won Ok So Tulsa’s Grand Slam in 2024 and now regularly hosts the monthly story slams for that organization. Matthew and his wife Lora have friends in the Tucson area and enjoy visiting often.
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Susan Smith
New to the Odyssey stage, Susan Smith is a published author, heart attack survivor, women’s heart-health advocate, and storyteller. She’s worked as a banker, jewelry designer, and writing teacher, but writing has always been her passion. She wrote her first book in the 5th grade and a newsletter at age 10.
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Dave Kendall
was born on a farm in Tennessee, surrounded by those Southern characters who knew a thing or two about telling a story. He’s lived and traveled in other places including Texas, New Orleans, Mexico, Central America, and now Tucson. He loves music, writing, traveling, and collecting stories.
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Jodi Engelberg
first set foot in Tucson in the ’60s. She found her way back in the ’70s, and tied the knot here in the ’80s. Now, she’s back for good, proudly calling Tucson home. A lifelong storyteller, today Jodi shares her vivid stories out loud, one tale at a time.
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Eb Eberlein
is committed to retirement. He’s had a lifetime of career changes from cab driver to science teacher, wildland firefighter to wilderness guide (and raised three children along the way). Eb has had a radio presence on KXCI here in Tucson and has performed as a singer-songwriter in many sketchy venues.
Join Our Upcoming Storytelling Events
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Cake
March. 5, 2026 7-9 p.m.
U of A Student Union — Gallagher Theater
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Ouch!
April 2, 2026 7-9 p.m.
U of A Student Union — Kiva Room
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Penalty Box
May 7, 2026 7-9 p.m.
U of A Student Union — Kiva Room
“These events are so fun! And you will be inspired.”
- Susan W.S.
“Last night, storytelling opened something inside of me. I was moved enough by others bravely sharing to tell my family’s fully charged immigration story publicly, as well.”
-Cecilia A.
“Odyssey Storytelling was a great experience for me … the laughter. The shared community building, and an overall great monthly experience.”
-Barbara E.
“Real people, with a little coaching, make their real stories sparkle and shine.”
-Linda R.
Our 2026 Themes
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January
Rebound
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February
Whoopsies
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March
Cake
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April
Ouch!
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May
Penalty Box
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June
Manipulation
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July
Trans -
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August
Special Event (TBA)
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September
Dancing with Demons
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October
Processsion
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November
Adulting
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December
Mystery
Listen to the Odyssey Storytelling Podcast
Pitch a Story
Do you have a story for one of our upcoming themes? The themes are meant to be interpreted from a broad range of perspectives so your story might just be the one we are looking for.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
HAUNTED HANDS
Alma Montañez
The Magic of Storytelling & Community Building
Celebrating The Richness of The Human Experience
Odyssey Storytelling builds community through the art of storytelling. Our monthly event holds space for Tucson community members to take the stage and share a personal story.
The magic of this simple act of sharing their truth in front of a live audience suddenly builds bridges across the human landscape. People of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives join our stage and our audience.
The outcome is a celebration of the richness of the human experience and the fostering of empathy, understanding, and solidarity.
Founded in 2004 by Penelope Starr
Odyssey has helped storytellers of all levels (experienced, or first time) find their voice and share their truth. “Along the way, I learned that profound changes occur when we tell and listen to each other’s stories, how a simple act can build community, dispel prejudices, foster creativity, and help heal.”
Join Us in Creating 20 More Years of Unforgettable Storytelling!
VOLUNTEER
Do You Love Odyssey? Want to help us keep stories alive in Tucson? Join our fun, talented and dedicated team by offering your expertise. Email and let us know how you would like to help.
Support Us
Support Us
Join our Patreon community and play a crucial role in keeping Tucson’s storytelling tradition alive and vibrant. Your monthly support helps sustain our events and foster a dynamic cultural scene. Become a patron today and ensure the continuation of unique, community-driven stories.