Tell The Bartender - A Storytelling Podcast

In this Episode: 

After taking mushrooms before a comedy show and ending up barefoot in "Tetanus City™" while on the phone with his soon to be ex, Calvin knew something was happening to him emotionally. And that's only the beginning. Calvin shares what helped him during this time, all while making The Bartender laugh/cry.

Plus, a Survivor season 1 spoiler.


In this very special episode, The Bartender and her sister Caroline deconstruct one of the greatest albums from their childhood, (and really, in the entire world,) Cabbage Patch Dreams. They go through song by song and celebrate at the end by performing the crucial duet from Side 2. Difficult harmonies are attempted. Past sibling rivalry is discussed, and healing begins.

Then Michael John Improta carries the theme of childhood trauma and joy by talking about things he feared as a kid. Namely, his prank-playing stepfather.

Direct download: 115_2.mp3
Category:Storytelling -- posted at: 7:33pm EDT

In this Episode:

Rod and Karen met in elementary school, have been together since they were 16 and married in 2002. They talk about their teenage courtship, and Rod has a story about something serious that happened at his high school. (CN: Discussion of sexual assault). Then The Bartender talks with Ash, whose relatives go back generations in the cigar business. She talks about her family, and then gives a masterclass in all things cigars.

Direct download: Episode_114__Smoking_Hot_Love_And_The_Love_Of_Smoking.mp3
Category:Storytelling -- posted at: 12:14pm EDT

Forest Ray was an Army medic in Iraq at the beginning of the war. He talks with The Bartender about the people he met there, cultural similarities and differences, how he felt about leaving, and his thoughts about what's happening currently in Afghanistan with the US troop withdrawal. They also briefly unpack their feelings about Jeff Bezos's penis rocket.

Direct download: Episode_113__The_Friends_We_Made_Along_The_Way.mp3
Category:Storytelling -- posted at: 12:40pm EDT

Have you ever exacted revenge on a bad person, but maybe didn't know how to do it right? Our anonymous guest walks us through a vengeance story that probably should have been handled by experienced tire-slashers, but it was handled nonetheless. PLUS a beautiful song and tribute to DMX from Katharine's elementary school friend Keefe Crawford with The FreeStylists .

CN/TW There is a part of the episode where we discuss sexual assault.

Direct download: Episode_112_2.mp3
Category:Storytelling -- posted at: 1:00am EDT

In this Episode:

Molly Knefel shares a never before told story involving very serious health problems she encountered while receiving IVF treatment. Then Hilary Asare tells The Bartender about her horrible experience with a certain diet company who shall not be named (kidding, it's totally named). Plus, pandemic adventures!

(CN for discussion of IVF and and assisted reproductive technology, and talk of weight and diet programs)

Direct download: Episode_111__Being_Your_Own_Advocate_-_Health_Adventures_Edition.mp3
Category:Storytelling -- posted at: 12:01pm EDT

In this Episode: 

Shaving, amirite? Guests Katie Hartman and Rob Neill each tell stories about some very sensitive hair removal experiences. The Bartender hard relates.

Direct download: Episode_110__A_Close_Shave.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am EDT

In this Episode: 

The Bitchy Waiter makes a triumphant return to talk about being a server during COVID, customers and vaccines (oh my), and Kyra Sims joins The Bartender to tell a story about several first times... in one night.


In this Episode: 

When Susie's daughter started having violent outbursts after their second child was born, the family was told it was just sibling rivalry. It was not. She shares the story of her family's journey over the past decade to find help for her daughter. Then this year, COVID-19 made things even trickier.

Direct download: Episode_108__Not_Home_For_The_Holidays_4.mp3
Category:Storytelling -- posted at: 5:00am EDT

In this Episode: 

Chemda and Keith, co-hosts of the Keith and The Girl podcast, were guests on this show years ago. A lot has changed. Chemda "spills the tea" about her recent divorce and why the relationship of 9 years ended, then Keith talks about a story UNFOLDING AS WE SPEAK about his dad, who recently emailed his ex wife. With her permission, Keith is now responding via email as his ex and is learning, well, a lot about his father. 

Direct download: Episode_86_69__Catfish_in_the_Cradle.mp3
Category:Storytelling -- posted at: 9:05am EDT