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
Penalty Box, May 7, 2026
A whistle blows, the hand goes up…somebody’s going to the penalty box. Have you ever been caught doing something you shouldn’t have, had a time out, been to prison, sat facing the corner? Or maybe you were the one calling “foul” and issuing the sentence. Whatever the case, we’ve got stories from the “Penalty Box.”
Curator: Steven Braun
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 May 2026 Storytellers
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Jen Zimmerman
is a Scorpio who uses tarot the way others use Google Maps — she just prefers a more mysterious route. She van camps with her dog, believes strangers are just destiny wearing a disguise, and thinks grandchildren and good coffee are proof the universe occasionally nails it.
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Doug Minder
is a third-generation Tucson native with a career in behavioral health. Outside of work, he enjoys powerlifting, hiking, and spending time in the desert. He is engaged to his fiancée, Roxanne, and has two cats, Finn and Delilah.
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Michele Smith
was born in Kansas City, learned to rollerskate in Little Rock, was educated and went to concerts in Atlanta and Athens, and now pokes people with needles in Tucson. Her favorite things are walking, people, and coffee shops. She has a cute fluffy orange cat named Meow Meow.
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Lisa Mandelbaum
was born in New Jersey and has lived all over Northern California, finding her place in Tucson. When Lisa is not performing music, improv, and storytelling, she works as an acupuncturist and herbalist. A former English teacher, Lisa loves to read and tell a good story.
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Brian Taraz
has been in Tucson about 18 years. Loves this place and its people. Some folks know him by another name. He’s been doing a radio show on KTDT FM (downtownradio.org) Wednesday nights from 5-7 p.m. since 2016. It’s called “Satan Loves You.” Hehe. Enough said.
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Ames Granados
is a writer/performer, Moth StorySLAM winner, and an Encore Producers Award recipient from the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Her work appears in The Best of F*ST! Anthology Volume 2 and on YouTube. Ames teaches creative writing and is excited to return to the Odyssey stage!
Join Our Upcoming Storytelling Events
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Penalty Box
May 7, 2026 7-9 p.m.
U of A Student Union — Kiva Room
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Manipulation
June 4, 2026 7-9 p.m.
U of A Student Union - Union Kiva
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Trans -
July 9, 2026
U of A Student Union - Union Kiva
“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.