Storyteller, Author, Keynote Speaker, & Teacher

Never Had I Ever Stories
2025-08-23 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | VA
I am excited to premiere a new story for Better Said Than Done, which is only fitting considering the theme – NEVER HAD I EVER.
Join Better Said Than Done Storytelling on August 23, at 7:00pm, at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack in Falls Church, VA, for “Never Had I Ever: stories about firsts, somedays, and nopes,” with emcee Bonnie Gardner and storytellers J.R. Denson, Ravi Pimplaskar, Jessica Robinson, Jack Scheer, Zette St. Charles, Carlos Velazquez, and Zach Wilks.
Details and $15 Tickets here:
bettersaidthandone.org/event/never-had-i-ever/

Reimagining Stories Workshop
2025-08-14 19:30 - 21:00 | VA
A Free Workshop led by Jessica Robinson for the Story Center at the Mid-Continental Public Library
In this interactive workshop with Jessica Robinson, participants will take stories they know well and twist them, reshaping them into something new and different. Students will learn how the terms “fractured” and “braided” apply to stories, when and why to reshape a story, and practical steps to twist a tale. This class is part of the Oral Storytelling Certificate Program as a storytelling elective. This program will be held virtually using Zoom. Registration with a valid email address is required to receive the Zoom link. All start times are Central Time.
FREE but you must register here:
www.mymcpl.org/events/109084/braided-fractured-and-re-imagined-stories-zoom

Legendary Stories
2025-08-07 20:00 - 21:00 | VA
I am excited to emcee a night of Legendary Stories from some of the world’s most legendary storytellers.
Details and registration here:
Legendary Stories

Good Liars Club Festival 2025
2025-08-02 15:00 - 22:00 | VA
I love me some good lies, and the Good Liar’s Club Festival is chock full of the best lies! This year, as in years past, I will be emceeing one showcase and lying in another.
Live on Zoom, Anne Rutherford & Norm Brecke present:
The 2025 Good Liars Club Festival
Sat Aug 2
11am AKDT/ Noon PDT/ 1pm MDT/ 2pm CDT/ 3pm EDT
6 showcases of 24 fabulous liars stretching the truth in good-natured fun.

Showcases run every hour on the hour
One registration link lets you come in and out of the festival as you please.
Donors get a recording of the festival to watch on demand.
Don’t miss the fourth year of this festival of confabulation!

Festival schedule & registration:
https://www.anne-norm.com/2025-glc-festival

At 6:00pm Eastern, I will be telling a lie alongside fantastic fabulators Nancy Wang, Steven Heneger, Claire Hennessy, and emcee extraordinaire Tobey Ishii Anderson.

At 7:00pm Eastern, I get to say whatever I want (it is a lying show!) about the penultimate prevaricators Amanda Lawrence, Chetter Galloway, Clementine Ryder, and Ed Stivender! Oh, am I gonna have fun!

You can too! You can even watch for free, though donations are happily accepted.

Women Tell at the NSN
2025-07-17 12:00 - 2025-07-20 17:00 | VA
I am thrilled to be sharing a story in a Women’s Storytelling Festival showcase at the National Storytelling Network Conference in Georgia this July. Our showcase features storytellers Carmen Agra Deedy, Karin Amano, Lona Bartlett, Lyn Ford, Bonnie Gardner, Jennifer Munro, and me, Jessica Robinson. It really is a phenomenal lineup and I am thrilled to be sharing stories, and the stage, with these women.
The NSN conference runs from July 17 – 20, 2025. It will take place in-person at Kennesaw State University, as well as many of the events being available to watch online, including our women’s showcase.
You can find the complete conference schedule as well as details on how to register to attend in-person or purchase a virtual ticket here.

Hot and Spicy Stories
2025-07-10 20:00 - 21:30 | VA
Better Said Than Done’s Hot and Spicy storytelling show, online.
On July 10, 2025, join storytellers Vicki Bryan, Claire Hennessy, Jessica Robinson, Jude Treder-Wolff and Megan Wells, on Zoom, for Hot and Spicy Stories.
$15 Suggested/$5 Minimum
All Proceeds Split Between Producer and Storytellers
If you miss it live on Zoom, you can watch the recording on Youtube.
Details and tickets here.

Love is Love
2025-06-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N Washington Street, Falls Church, VA, 22046, United States
I am excited to attend and produce the June 28th Better Said Than Done storytelling show, “Love is Love: Stories Honoring All Love.”
Join Better Said Than Done storytelling on June 28th at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack for Love is Love: stories honoring all love, with emcee Jack Scheer and storytellers Phill Branch, Jamie McElhatton, Rajesh Mirchandani, Joe Morice, Vijai Nathan, Ravi Pimplaskar, and Ashlen Renner!
Tickets Here: https://bettersaidthandone.org/event/love-is-love-storytelling/
Love is Love is at Clare and Don’s on June 28, 2025, at 7:00pm. Doors open 6:30pm.
Clare and Don’s Beach Shack is located at 130 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046. A full dinner and bar menu is available for purchase before and during the show. There is plenty of free parking nearby, including a parking garage behind Clare and Don’s.

Storytelling Workshop in Falls Church
2025-06-08 11:00 - 15:00 | VA
Want to learn to tell a personal story, or have the opportunity to practice one you’re already working on? Join Better Said Than Done Executive Director Jessica Robinson for “Spotlight on You,” a 4 hour workshop focused on crafting, sharing, and re-imagining your personal story.
You MUST register in advance to take this workshop.
Details and Registration here: bettersaidthandone.org/event/storytelling-workshop-in-falls-church/

Storytelling in Falls Church
2025-05-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N Washington Street, Falls Church, VA, 22046, United States
Are you having a staycation this Memorial Day weekend? Want to leave the “cook out” to someone else? Well, I have the show for you! Join Better Said Than Done storytellers at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack in Falls Church, VA on May 24th.
I’ll be there. Hope you will too.
The Great Escape Storytelling

Online Storytelling Show
2025-05-15 20:00 - 21:30 | VA
Join Better Said Than Done online on May 15, 2025, for Rise and Shine, with emcee Jessica Robinson and storytellers Walt Belcher, Alton Chung, Lyn Ford, Chetter Galloway, Howard Lieberman, and Linda Schuyler Ford! The show starts at 8:00pm Eastern, on Zoom, and will begin playing on Youtube approximately 24 hours later for ticket holders only.
$15 Suggested/$5 Minimum
All Proceeds Split Between Producer and Storytellers
Details and Tickets Here: bettersaidthandone.org/event/rise-and-shine-storytelling-show-online/
If you miss it live on Zoom, you can watch the recording on Youtube.

SFAP Story Slam
2025-05-06 21:00 - 22:30 | VA
I am the Guest Teller at the May 6th Six Feet Apart Productions Story Slam. Last month the guest teller was Ingrid Nixon, and the last time before that I attended, it was Bil Lepp. So, I am sorry to the May audience that they only get me. But since I am telling a story while votes are being cast, I assume no one will be listening anyway. Which is good, because I plan to sing. 😉
They still have 4 slots available for any storytellers who want to try to win the coveted SFAP mug.
Details and Registration Here.

Storytelling Performance in MD
2025-04-28 19:00 - 20:30 | VA
I am excited to return to Stories in the Round for another solo show. I premiered “Tech Babies” there, the solo show about IVF and prenatal complications that I have performed all over the country, and that makes up three chapters in Stages: My Life in Stories.
But in April, I will be premiering a new solo show. I’m thinking of it as a descent into the mystic, or an ascent into the mythic. Either way, I believe we will start in reality and then step away from mundanity.
Stories In The Round is a storytelling series at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown, 13245 Cearfoss Pike, Hagerstown, MD generally the 4th Monday of the month.
$12 in advance, $15 at the door. Children 12 & older welcome when accompanied by a parent or group leader.
Contact: Fanny Crawford, 301-730-1638 or fanitsky@hotmail.com

Free Storytelling Workshop at Library
2025-04-26 14:00 - 15:30 | VA
Your Personal Brand Storytelling Workshop

Learn how to craft your own personal elevator speech and/or interview pitch using professional storytelling techniques. Attendees will hear tips about storytelling and personal branding, and then have time to work on writing their own story! Session focuses on storytelling techniques with a business focus.
Open to Adults, 18+. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Free
Details Here

Social Media Workshop
2025-04-12 14:00 - 15:30 | VA
In this National Storytelling Network PRO-SIG led workshop, Carol Moore and Jessica Robinson will discuss the media part of social media. This is a follow-up to the first Social Media workshop by Carol Moore and Jessica Robinson last Fall. It will focus on the MEDIA aspects of social media promotions.
Saturday, April 12, 2025
1-2:30 pm CDT
$10 (free for PRO members)
Details and Registration Here

A Reading from Stages
2025-04-10 19:30 - 21:30 | VA
Montgomery County Underground Writers Showcase
Thursday, April 10, 7:30-9:00 PM ET in person at the Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860

Registration is FREE, but required for all.
Register here: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36765/production/1187457?performanceId=11576855.

There are several nearby restaurants: (El Andariego, 108 BBQ & Pizza in Sandy Spring; in nearby Olney, there are chains like Greene Turtle, McDs, Cava Mezze, etc., as well as Salt & Vine, which is a bit more upscale).

The 2025 Women's Storytelling Festival
2025-04-07 20:00 - 2025-04-08 19:00 | Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax, VA, 22030, United States
The live performances have ended, but you can watch all 15 plus hours of recordings, on Youtube, through April 28th. Tickets are on sale through April 8th.
Get your tickets to watch the 2025 Women’s Storytelling Festival here!

The 2025 Women’s Storytelling Festival was truly phenomenal.
I am thrilled to be a featured storyteller in the 2025 Women’s Storytelling Festival in Fairfax City, VA. The festival takes place March 20 – 23, 2025, both in-person in Fairfax, VA, as well as streaming live online, with a one month viewing period after.
The Women’s Storytelling Festival is the only storytelling festival in Northern Virginia, and the only women’s only storytelling festival in the world. It is produced, annually in March, by Better Said Than Done, a Fairfax based nonprofit organization.

Mini Class on Personal Storytelling
2025-03-31 19:00 - 20:30 | VA
Join me online for a short storytelling workshop for storytellers of all levels.
This 90 minute Better Said Than Done workshop will give some insights into what makes a great personal story, how to choose character traits and structures that support a short, personal story, and what to think about in the process of developing a new personal story. During the 90 minutes, participants will be given a writing prompt. A few will have time to share their stories and receive feedback.
Details and Registration here: https://bettersaidthandone.org/event/mini-class-on-personal-storytelling/
Bring ideas for a 5-7 minute story to work on in this 90 minute class. Learn about character development, story structure, and where to begin and how to end, and then spend some time writing. A few participants will be able to share their stories with the class.
This workshop will be recorded and registrants will have access to the recording for one month after.
This storytelling workshop will be led by Jessica Piscitelli Robinson.

Why Not Today Luncheon
2025-03-27 11:30 - 13:30 | VA
Storytelling is a powerful tool , whether using it to communicate a need, a funny incident, or to show how your business can help others. Jessica Robinson, Executive Director of Northern Virginia’s storytelling organization Better Said Than Done, will give some tips and tricks of the storytelling trade.
During this luncheon, she will:
✅ Provide insight into crafting a compelling story
✅ Suggest some ways in which to utilize storytelling in business
✅ Lead a writing exercise for all attendees
Attendees will leave with stories to use as content for their website, blog, or elevator speech.
Details and Registration Here

Generation Women DC
2025-03-26 19:00 - 21:00 | The Speakeasy at Capo Deli
I’m excited to join the cast of Generation DC Women. I hope to see you there.
Join Generation Women DC—the District’s newest, intergenerational storytelling series—for an evening of powerful stories from women and non-binary folks who have faced adversity and emerged stronger. Each storyteller will share a personal experience of overcoming obstacles, embodying resilience, courage, and the unwavering determination that defines strength. It’s a celebration of perseverance, grit, and the triumphs that come from pressing on, no matter the odds.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!

Mad World Stories
2025-02-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N Washington Street, Falls Church, VA, 22046, United States
On February 22, 2025, join Better Said Than Done for A Mad World: Stories about unreal people and situations, with emcee Carol Moore and storytellers Dustin Fisher, Jeanna Lee, Jamie McElhatton, Joe Morice, Ravi Pimplaskar, Jessica Robinson, and Kathy Stershic.
In-Person at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N. Washington St, Falls Church, VA.
6:00pm Show Starts / Doors open at 5:30pm.
Mad World

A full dinner and bar menu is available.
Storytelling is intended for a mature audience.

Featured at The Grapevine
2025-02-12 19:30 - 21:30 | VA
February’s The Grapevine features storytellers Jamie Brickhouse and Jessica Piscitelli Robinson!

Join us on Wednesday, February 12 at 7:30 Eastern at Busboys and Poets Takoma; or, for out-of-towners, via Zoom.

You can register FOR FREE at https://fsgw.org/event-5935630 for access to the live stream or to catch the recorded show later. No registration needed for in-person.

Registrants will get emails with reminders on the date, time, and location, as well as Zoom information. We ask for donations to support our tellers, suggested $20 per person. Donations can be made in person or online before, during, or after the show, at: https://fsgw2.org/grapevine.html

The Grapevine is spoken word performance for adults and teens, celebrating the timeless art of the story, hosted by storytellers Renée Brachfeld and Tim Livengood.

ABOUT OUR TELLERS:
Jamie Brickhouse is a “natural raconteur”, says the Washington Post, and is a multiple Moth StorySLAM champion. Jamie is a fixture on the New York storytelling scene, and has appeared many other places, too. He is the writer/performer of the solo shows, Dangerous When Wet: Booze, Sex, and My Mother; I Favor My Daddy: A Tale of Two Sissies; Pearl Necklace: A Gay Sexcapade; and The Brothers Orphan.

Jessica Piscitelli Robinson is the person behind the annual Women’s Storytelling Festival. She has performed at Exchange Place at the National Storytelling Festival, on WGBH’s “Stories from the Stage,” has been featured in the Stone Soup, Florida, and Hampton Storytelling Festivals, and is a 2023 ORACLE Award recipient. Jessica is the author of the Guide to Personal Storytelling, for Story Crossroads, as well as Stages: My Life in Stories, a memoir in stories.

Your Story and More
2025-02-10 19:30 - 21:30 | VA
I’ll be leading a 5 week storytelling course, online, for Better Said Than Done, starting on February 10th and finishing on March 10th, 2025.
5 two hour classes, over five weeks, to help you develop stories of varying lengths to be performed on stage. Each class will cover a different storytelling theme, with exercises geared to inspire. Students will be able to workshop and hone at least one, and possibly several, stories over the course of 5 weeks.
This workshop is led by Better Said Than Done Executive Director Jessica Piscitelli Robinson. Jessica has led storytelling workshops and presentations for BAE Systems, George Mason University, INOVA Fairfax Hospital, Jack Morton, K4Health at Johns Hopkins University, the George Washington University School of Business, The World Bank, the Brookings Institution, and Atlassian, as well as regularly teaching Better Said Than Done in-house storytelling workshops, and through libraries, senior centers, and adult education centers.

Author Event in Reston, VA
2025-01-26 17:30 - 19:00 | Reston’s Used Book Shop, 1623 Washington Plaza North, Reston, VA, 20190, United States
I am excited to be reading from my new memoir, Stages: My Life in Stories, for the Reston Readings series at Reston’s Used Book Shop!
If you don’t already have a copy, you will be able to purchase the book and I’d be happy to sign your copy.

WTF Storytelling Show
2025-01-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Epicure on King, 703 King St., Alexandria, VA
Better Said Than Done storytelling at Epicure on King, in Alexandria, VA.
Join emcee Bonnie Gardner and storytellers J.R. Denson, Carol Moore, Jessica Robinson, Jack Scheer, and Zach Wilks on January 25th, 2025 for WTactualF: true stories you won’t believe, our first in-person show of the new year, and our first time at this shiny new Epicure.
$15 Tickets Here:
WTF Storytelling at Epicure

Virtual Author Talk and Book Party
2024-12-04 20:00 - 21:00 | VA
On December 4, Claire Hennessy, of Six Feet Apart Productions fame, will be leading a not so serious discussion of books with authors Bil Lepp, Jessica Piscitelli Robinson, and Donna Washington.
The storyteller-authors will discuss their latest books, writing, storytelling, and possibly stray off the path into a few tall tales. They are, after all, storytellers.
This event is free, but you have to register to attend. The link to register is below or click here.
Stages: My Life in Stories was published September 2024 by Tucker DS Press. You can purchase the book through Tucker DS Press here, or find out more about where to meet the author and purchase the book from jessicapiscitellirobinson.com
Find out more about Bil Lepp and Donna Washington, and links to get their books, here!

Storytelling Show in Falls Church
2024-11-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N Washington Street, Falls Church, VA, 22046, United States
Excited to premiere a new story about everybody’s favorite family member in Better Said Than Done’s “A Family Affair: stories that are all relative,” at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack in Falls Church, VA. A full bar and food menu are available.
November 30th is the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Stay local. Avoid traffic. Bring – or avoid – family. Come and hear some great storytelling.
$15 per person tickets here.
On November 30, 2024, join Better Said Than Done for A Family Affair: Stories about family stuff, with Emcee Jessica Robinson and storytellers Bonnie Gardner, David Hollingsworth, Jenn Kamara, Kory May, Sarah Snyder, Zette St. Charles, and Zach Wilks!
In-Person at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N. Washington St, Falls Church, VA.
6:00pm Show Starts / Doors open at 5:30pm.
A full dinner and bar menu is available.

SFAP Online Storytelling Show
2024-11-20 21:00 - 22:30 | VA
I’ll be telling the story of how I wrote my first novel, Caged in this Six Feet Apart Productions online storytelling show, By Hook or By Crook.
This event is a Story Slam – which means there is voting and a winner. At stake is a SFAP coffee mug. I really want that mug! So please register, come to the show, and vote! This is one time your vote really matters. (That was a joke. Voting is important!)

The Inner Loop Literary Reading Series
2024-11-19 19:30 - 22:00 | Sonny’s Pizza, 3120 Georgia Avenue NW., Washington, DC, 20010, United States
I am thrilled to be joining the Inner Loop for their November reading series, featuring A. B. Spellman and 9 local writers (8 plus me) – including Author’s Corner Spotlight Luke Sutherland! It’s FREE and there’s pizza! To be clear, the pizza’s not free, but you can get pizza and listen to literature! Could it get any better?
Mark your calendar, grab your friends, and head to the back patio of Sonny’s Pizza on November 19th at 7:30pm. Whether you’re a bookworm, an inspiring writer, or just enjoy listening to stories, The Inner Loop readings have something for everyone. Our mission is to create an inclusive writing community in DC, so we encourage you to grab some food, a drink, and meet other literature lovers. We can’t wait to see you there!

Author Event at Winchester Book Gallery
2024-11-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Winchester Book Gallery, 7 N Loudoun St, Winchester, VA, 22601, United States
I will be telling stories, taking questions and signing copies of my new memoir, Stages: My Life in Stories, on November 16th, starting at 11:00am, at the Winchester Book Gallery in beautiful Winchester, VA. Come for the books, stay for the stories.
About the Stages: My Life in Stories:
In Stages: My Life in Stories, spoken-word storyteller Jessica Robinson has collected twenty-five stories that span from her childhood in the eighties to the creation of her own children through IVF. The collection is meant to be read as a memoir in stories. Each story is complete in and of itself, but represents a different pivotal moment, a different stage in the life of the storyteller.
“Jessica’s stories create a work of heart. Each chapter reads like a conversation in which I listen to an old friend’s experiences, and recognize my own. Thoughtfully written, presented in pastel touches of humor and pathos, this book is an appreciation of all the colors of a life.”
– Lyn Ford, spoken-word storyteller and author
“Oh, this book is subtle and delightful. At first glance, it’s a memoir, a collection of amusing, moving stories that follow the author through her life. As you reach the end of the book, of course, you see the larger picture, like an image arising out of mosaics.

But it’s also a masterclass on storytelling, and Jessica Piscitelli Robinson a master storyteller. She holds our attention while using a variety of story forms, clearly enjoying playing with screenplays and allusions to Greek myths. Each story wraps up perfectly, making a compelling and complete package.”
– Author Anne Janzer

Publisher Information:
Stages is published by Tucker DS Press
https://www.tuckerdspress.com/books
About The Winchester Book Gallery:
The Winchester Book Gallery is the 51-year old, independent, locally owned bookstore serving the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. As a cornerstone of our community, we offer new books, Local Art, Cards, Book Fairs and Special Orders. The Book Gallery regularly hosts book signings, book clubs and community nights. In addition, we offer everyday discounts for teachers and book clubs. The Winchester Book Gallery inspires, informs and amuses customers with compelling book selections and a diverse selection of other merchandise.
About the Author:
Jessica Robinson is the Founding Executive Director of Better Said Than Done, the Northern Virginia-based storytelling organization that, in addition to its semi-monthly shows, hosts the annual Women’s Storytelling Festival. A spoken-word storyteller, Jessica has performed at Exchange Place at the International Storytelling Festival, on WGBH’s “Stories from the Stage,” and for the Stone Soup, the Washington Folk, the Florida, and the Hampton Storytelling festivals. Jessica is a 2023 ORACLE Award recipient from the National Storytelling Network. In addition to magazines, reviews, and anthologies, Jessica is the author of Caged (under pen name JP Robinson) and co-author of the anthology Roar: True Tales of Women Warriors.

Free and Frightening Storytelling
2024-10-29 19:00 - 20:00 | MLK DC Public Library, 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC, 20001, United States
Join Better Said Than Done storytellers J.R. Denson, Bonnie Gardner, and Jessica Robinson for a terrifying night of stories that will haunt you.
Haunted Stories and Ghastly Tales
Free and open to the public. Come and hear some terrifying tales – if you dare.
Stories are rated – old enough to drive or Metro home by yourself, though you won’t want to be alone.
