Campfire Tales sprung to life because I have terrible stage fright.

I have terrible, unequivocal, out of body, hand-wringing stage fright. And, I don’t like it.

Additionally, I am incredibly stubborn.

When my father died in Feb 2023, I realized I wanted to tell stories about him. I wanted to keep his wildly odd legacy alive, to share the complex details of our relationship and the funny / dramatic tales from my wackadoo childhood.

When I gave his eulogy I was barely able to speak. I was sad, yes but mostly I was overwhelmed with the terror of public speaking. Yet I knew how badly I wanted to share his stories - grief & stubbornness compelled me to conquer my stage fright.

I joined Toastmasters in Feb of 2024.

I started out with a very clear intent: never, ever get on a stage and tell a story but, to be able to, just in case.

Then, less than a year after joining Toastmasters I told my first story live, on stage at The Moth

I was so scared that I could barely let go of my own hands. And I spoke so fast. I can’t really tell you how it went but I won 3rd place :). I knew having accomplished that first run I could actually get better at storytelling, I just needed to practice, a lot. I couldn’t wait to get back up there and try again.

One week later I put my name in the hat with my story prepared, fingers crossed, excited, nervous and on theme.

And…

10 names were called but not one of them was mine.

I left sad (and a bit relieved) but mostly disappointed that I didn’t get to do the one thing I needed to do and banish my stage fright forever.

Turns out, I really don’t like fate or names in hats or random circumstances hindering my ability to get better at something.

Also it turns out, many of my story telling friends have faced the similar limits of wanting a stage but not having access to one.

So I decided to make a new one and I brought along some amazing people to help - and now, I cannot wait to hear your stories too!

🔥 Ryan