Healing Stories Alliance
2025-10-05 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Kind Stories in Concert. Our theme for Oct. 5th is “The Power of Community”

Date: October 5, 2025
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm EDT
(Open Mic Story Share and Reflection: last half hour)
Format: The story session opens with a concert of seasoned tellers Jim Brule, Rishi Nixon, Elisa Pearmain, and Jessica Robinson, sharing stories with themes of kindness and the Power of Community. During the second half of the gathering, audience members are invited to share a story, moment, or reflection about kindness or community that emerged for them as listeners. With emcee Lee-Ellen Marvin.
Purpose: We all need a little more kindness and community in our lives. Perhaps a story can take us there.

Register here to Receive a FREE Zoom Link: https://www.simpletix.com/e/kind-stories-in-concert-oct-5-2025-tickets-234224
Click to Donate and help make programs like this possible: https://square.link/u/d9xbGN2I

Human beings are essentially social creatures and we need community to survive and thrive. For some, communities can be made of like-minded souls, families, co-workers, or neighbors. In these challenging times, the power of community will help us find ways to resist unacceptable changes and threats. Join us for traditional and contemporary stories about successful and kind communities shared by both professional tellers and community tellers and see what memories of community emerge for you.

Otherworldly Stories
2025-10-09 20:00 - 21:30
I am looking forward to emceeing this virtual storytelling show. Join me, and Better Said Than Done, on Zoom for some Otherworldly Stories.
October 9th, 2025, at 8:00pm Eastern / 5:00pm Pacific for Otherworldly Stories, with storytellers Norm Brecke, Karen Golden, Steve Henegar, Tobey Ishii Anderson, Andy Russell, and Hope Wilder.
Tickets, from $5, here.

Reading at 804 Lit
2025-10-11 19:00 - 20:30
I’ll be reading from my one year old memoir Stages: My Life in Stories at 804 Lit.
October 11, 2025
7:00pm Open / 7:30pm Readings
804 Lit is located at 804 Quintana Place NW in Washington, DC
As a reminder, we ask that people do not park on Quintana Place because it’s a narrow street with people who are very attached to their spots. The surrounding streets, 8th, 9th, Quackenbos, all have parking.
FREE, but you must register in advance here.
The readings start at 7:30p after a half hour of conversation and wine, and we’ll have an intermission after the first three readers.
As usual, the series will include some readings and question and answer sessions to follow alongside snacks and drinks. We provide some wine and snacks but people are encouraged to contribute as well. It’s also encouraged to just support us via Venmo or newly released books as well!
Please note, I only have a handful of copies of the book left. (I’ll order more soon but they won’t be in in time.) If you still haven’t gotten your copy, I’ll have some books for sale and will be signing books, if you want that.

Ghost Stories at the DC Public Library
2025-10-22 19:00 - 20:30
On October 22, join storytellers Silvana Clark, J.R. Denson, Jessica Robinson, and Zach Wilks, for a night of terrifying tales at the Haunted Library.
Bring snacks and hot beverages and join us on the First Floor of the MLK DC Public Library.
Details here.
This concert is FREE and open to the public, but intended for a mature audience.

Family Friendly Frightening Stories
2025-10-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Franklin Park, 36441 Blueridge View Ln., Purcelville, VA, 20132-3565, United States
Join me and some other wonderful entertainers at Franklin Park, in Loudoun County, VA, for Halloween in the Park. I’ll be telling stories along the Trick-or-Treat Trail.

Join Better Said Than Done storytellers Jennifer Hine and Jessica Robinson for stories along the Trick or Treat Trail, at Halloween in the Park, at Franklin Park, in Loudoun County, VA.

In addition to storytelling, there will be pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, games, face painting, live animals, inflatables, vendors and more! All for free.

Scary Storytelling Workshop
2025-10-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcelville, VA
We’re gonna get a little scary at this next storytelling workshop at Franklin Park Arts Center. I mean, it’s October 30th. We can’t just ignore the ghost in the room.
Whether you want to work on crafting a personal story, or a scary story, this workshop will work for you.
Bring ideas for a 5-7 minute “scary” story to work on in this 90-minute class. Learn about character development, story structure, and how to build fear and dramatic tension into stories, and then spend some time writing. A few participants will be able to share their stories with the class and help prepare you for our Storytelling Open Mic nights beginning in November. Instructor: Jessica Robinson, Better Said Than Done storytellers.
Details and Registration Here

Soap Box Storytelling in Falls Church VA
2025-11-08 18:00 - 20:00
On November 8, 2025, join Better Said Than Done storytelling at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack for Soap Box Stories, with emcee Jessica Robinson and storytellers Catherine Calvin, Bonnie Gardner, John Kreul, Joe Morice, Ravi Pimplaskar, Zette St. Charles, and Cyndi Wish. Ya’ll can listen while we get up on our Soap Box and tell you some stories!

Reading at The Inner Loop
2025-11-10 19:00 - 22:00 | Shaw’s Tavern, 520 Florida Ave. NW, District of Columbia, 20001, United States
I’m excited to be reading from my story in the new anthology, America’s Future, from Washington Writers Publishing House, at The Inner Loop!

WHEN: Monday, November 10th from 7-10 pm
WHERE: Shaw’s Tavern, 520 Florida Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20001

The Inner Loop is known for their lively, inclusive, monthly reading series. Several contributors to America’s Future will be reading from the book, and the book will be available for purchase!

This event is FREE AND OPEN TO ALL (RSVPS are requested).

Storytelling Open Mic
2025-11-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcelville, VA
(Ages 12+) The mic is yours! Bring a prepared story that is 5-7 minutes in length in any format and step up to the mic to share it the others in this community series. Each month, we will host an open mic evening followed by a 30-minute performance from a professional storyteller. With special guest storyteller Jessica Robinson, Better Said Than Done’s Executive Director.
Listeners and storytellers are welcome — everyone needs a ticket.
November theme: Family & Food For Thought
Storytellers will sign up when arriving and if there are more tellers that time, we’ll draw names at random for a turn at the mic.

Joyful Storytelling Show
2025-12-04 19:00 - 21:00
I’m excited to emcee and give a heartfelt toast at Better Said Than Done’s Year-End Celebration and Storytelling show. Join us on December 4th for “Joy to the World,” a storytelling show with recipes! With emcee Jessica Robinson and storytellers Alton Chung, Jane Dorfman, Lyn Ford, Claire Hennessy, Eric Johnson, Anne Rutherford, Ria Spencer, Lisa Trank, and Carlos Velazquez! With our Year-in-Review Video, and a time for toasting!
Tickets, starting at $2, here:
2025 Joyful Stories Show

Stories of Joy
2025-12-14 14:00 - 16:30
Stories of Joy and Connection: A hopeful storytelling concert with Laura Packer and friends
Join storyteller Laura Packer for stories that remind us that hope, joy, and connection still abound, that darkness will pass, and we have each other. Laura and her guests will share stories that remind us that we are stronger when we act together, that empathy is a virtue, and that your light matters. Guest tellers include Andrea Kamens, Cooper Braun-Enos, Elizabeth Ellis, Jessica Piscitelli Robinson, and Laura Simms.
A portion of the proceeds of this event will support Roots of Empathy, a four-star charity.
This program will be live on zoom at 1pm Central Time on Sunday, December 14. It will be recorded for those who cannot attend the live show.
Register here

Yuletide Folly with SFAP
2025-12-16 20:00 - 21:00
After much coaxing and a little begging, I finally relented and agreed to tell a story on the end of year special produced by my best frenemy Claire Hennessy and her better half Regina Stoops, the duo at the helm of the West Coast’s answer to Better Said Than Done – Six Feet Apart productions (SFAP).
I joke, as that is our way (Claire and I publicly roast each other daily) but the show will be fantastic – not only because I’m proud of the story I shared. The show is pre-recorded, but the video premieres on Youtube on December 16th.
Watch Party
Tuesday Dec 16th at 5pm PT/ 8pm ET

Link to register for free Watch Party
https://holidayhijinksdec16.eventbrite.com

Storytelling Open Mic Holiday Theme
2025-12-19 18:00 - 20:30 | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcelville, VA
The theme is Holidays and you can tell any kind of story you want, or just come and listen. In addition to the open mic, Better Said Than Done Executive Director Jessica Robinson will also be telling some holiday stories.
The mic is yours! Bring a prepared story that is 5-7 minutes in length in any format and step up to the mic to share it with others in this community series. Listeners and storytellers are welcome!
What stories do you have of holiday celebrations — the best of times, the celebrations gone wrong, the people involved, the traditions that make your holidays memorable? We can’t wait to hear all about it.
Both storytellers and listeners need a ticket. Storytellers will be assigned a time upon arrival.
Details and Tickets Here

ASST NYE Story Blowout
2025-12-31 13:00 - 2026-01-01 01:00
I’m thrilled to be telling a story with the Good Liars Club’s hour of storytelling during Artists Standing Strong Together’s New Year’s Eve Story Blowout. The storytelling programming starts at 1:00pm Eastern on December 31st and runs until 1:00am Eastern on January 1, 2026. I’ll be telling my story in the 10pm hour, East Coast time.
This online storytelling program has become a beloved annual tradition for the ASST community, always free and open to the public.
Register here.
To donate to this annual fundraiser, click here: https://bit.ly/blowoutdonate

Stories of Birth through Death
2026-01-08 20:00 - 21:30
Join Better Said Than Done online on January 8, 2026 for Birth, School, Work, Death: Stories About Life, with emcee Jessica Robinson and storytellers Heather Forest, Chetter Galloway, Amanda Lawrence, Roopa Mohan, Jo Radner, and Linda Yemoto.
Details and Tickets Here

$15 Suggested/$5 MinimumAll Proceeds Split Between Producer and Storytellers
If you miss it live on Zoom, you can watch the recording on Youtube.

Stories of Change
2026-01-31 18:00 - 20:00 | Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N Washington Street, Falls Church, VA, 22046, United States
On January 31, join me at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack for Better Said Than Done’s “A New Leaf: Stories about change,” with emcee Jessica Robinson and storytellers Bill Grella, Jennifer Hine, Tim Livengood, Carol Moore, Joe Morice, and Zach Wilks.
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.
Details and Tickets Here

Winter Storytelling Workshops
2026-02-02 19:00 - 2026-02-15 21:00
Join me online this winter for a series of storytelling workshops to warm your soul. The first workshop, on February 2nd, is Personal Storytelling. Register for one or all five.
Details and Registration Here
You can register to take all five classes, or just choose the one you want to attend. The idea of the five week course is to tie each of these varied themes together into a comprehensive study and exercise in storytelling. Registering for all five costs a little less, but each week’s class is also designed to stand on it’s own.
Generally, each workshop will start with a lesson, followed by time for attendees to write and work on a story, and end with story sharing. Those who sign up for all five weeks will be given first opportunity to share stories and receive feedback. All workshops will be recorded and all registrants will receive the recording, as well as course materials, for the session they registered for.
Some of the workshops have been previously presented. They have been updated and altered for this course, but, if you’ve attended in the past, some of the lesson will be familiar.
The first workshop is on February 2, 2026 and the fifth is on March 2, 2026. Each week starts at 7:00pm Eastern and will end at approximately 9:oopm. The zoom link to attend will be sent on the morning of that day’s workshop, and the recording will be sent within 48 hours.

Braided, Fractured, and Re-Imagined Stories
2026-02-09 19:00 - 21:00
Register HERE for:
Braided, Fractured, and Re-imagined Stories
Think outside the story box. In this interactive workshop, participants will take stories they know well and twist them, reshaping them into something new and different. After defining “fractured” and “braided,” we’ll focus on when and why to reshape a story. This is a broad workshop meant to inspire writers to explore different ideas for story crafting.
The workshop will start with a lesson, followed by time for attendees to write and work on a story, and end with story sharing. This workshop will be recorded and all registrants will receive the recording to review after the workshop concludes.
This workshop is led by Better Said Than Done Executive Director Jessica Piscitelli Robinson.
Jessica will be leading a workshop on Braiding Stories on February 16th. Register here.
The Fractured Fairytales and Re-Imagined Stories Workshop will be on February 23rd. Register here.

The Grapevine 2026
2026-02-11 19:30 - 21:00 | Busboys and Poets, 235 Carroll St NW, Washington DC, DC, 20012, United States
Join The Grapevine Storytelling Series on Wednesday, February 11 at 7:30 Eastern at Busboys and Poets Takoma or via Zoom. Our featured tellers this month are Jessica Piscitelli Robinson and Chetter Galloway!

Register or learn more: https://fsgw.org/event-6452023

This event is FREE, and 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.

Braiding Stories
2026-02-16 19:00 - 21:00
You can register to take all 5 weeks of winter workshops (including this one) starting on February 2, and running through March 2, HERE.
Or, register HERE for:
Braided Storytelling
In this workshop, we’ll define “braided stories,” discuss different types of braided tales, and also when and if it makes sense to intertwine multiple stories. Then we’ll dig into some techniques on how to craft a braided story. Participants will spend some time working and weaving their own tales, and then will be given the chance to share a story. This workshop will be recorded and all registrants will receive the recording to review after the workshop concludes.
This workshop is led by Better Said Than Done Executive Director Jessica Piscitelli Robinson.

Stories about Games, Cheats, and Tricks
2026-02-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N Washington Street, Falls Church, VA, 22046, United States
Details and Tickets Here: bettersaidthandone.org/player-stories-about-games/
I am so looking forward to emceeing this show!
On February 21, join us at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack for “Player: Stories about games, cheats, and tricks,” with emcee Jessica Robinson and storytellers Catherine Calvin, J.R. Denson, Bonnie Gardner, Rajesh Mirchandani, Ravi Pimplaskar, and Jack Scheer.
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.

Fractured and Re-Imagined Stories
2026-02-23 19:00 - 21:00
Register HERE for:
Fractured and Re-imagined Stories
Think outside the story box. In this interactive workshop, participants will take a fairytale they know well and turn it on it’s head, take a well-known story and make it their own. In Fractured and Re-imagined, students will learn how to change, fracture and imagine a fresh take on a classic tale. This is a broad workshop meant to inspire writers to explore different ideas for story crafting.
The workshop will start with a lesson, followed by time for attendees to write and work on a story, and end with story sharing. This workshop will be recorded and all registrants will receive the recording to review after the workshop concludes.
This workshop is led by Better Said Than Done Executive Director Jessica Piscitelli Robinson.

Stories Across Mediums
2026-03-02 19:00 - 21:00
Register HERE for:
Storytelling Across Mediums
Write a story for the page, and then adapt it for performance. Or perform a story and then work to get it published. Learn how to take a story and change the way you craft it for the chosen medium – print, or stage. We’ll also discuss how to alter performance for a virtual or physical stage.
The workshop will start with a lesson, followed by time for attendees to write and work on a story, and end with story sharing. This workshop will be recorded and all registrants will receive the recording to review after the workshop concludes.
This workshop is led by Better Said Than Done Executive Director, and author of the memoir-in-stories, Stages: My Life in Stories, Jessica Piscitelli Robinson.

FSGW Mini-Fest
2026-03-07 12:00 - 17:00
Lots of folk music, storytelling, familiar faces, and FREE family friendly fun at the Folklore Society of Greater Washington’s Mini-Fest. I’ll be telling stories with “A Touch of Magic” from 12:30pm – 1:00pm.
See you at Browne Academy, 5917 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria, VA on March 7th!
Details here: fsgw.org/mini-fest

Women's History Proclamation & Reception
2026-03-10 18:00 - 19:30
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Proclamation, 7 pm
Reception, 6 pm
City Hall
10455 Armstrong St.
Fairfax, VA
The Commission for Women invites you to be part of this event celebrating Women’s History Month! Everyone is welcome!
With a sneak-peak Women’s Storytelling Festival Performance! (From me – Jessica Robinson)

Abigail: Founding Mother
2026-03-14 15:00 - 16:30
To be clear, I am not performing at this event, but I will be introducing Mrs. Abigail Adams to Fairfax, VA. And I did have a hand in arranging her visit. Megan Wells is a powerhouse, just like the women she’s portraying. Do not miss seeing this FREE event!
Details here: bettersaidthandone.org/abigail-adams-founding-mother/
Registration not required. Just show up and enjoy!
In Abigail: Founding Mother, national award-winning actor and storyteller, Megan Wells, brings Abigail Adams to life. In this humorous and historically accurate portrayal, Megan Wells vivifies the full measure of Abigail’s contribution to our democracy. Behind the scenes but very firm, Abigail rode the risky edge of feminine power. Not too much, not too little – choose your words carefully – just right. Relevant, moving and wry with wit, Megan’s Abigail awakens new perspectives of how we must “remember the ladies.”
Abigail: Founding Mother
March 14, 2026, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Historic Blenheim, 3610 Blenheim Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030
Free
Intended for ages 12 and up.
Thank you to the Fairfax City Commission on the Arts for making this program possible.

Abigail’s friend, Eliza Hamilton, will be appearing at The Women’s Storytelling Festival, in Fairfax City, March 19 – 22, 2025. They are both on the most intimate terms with Ms. Wells.

The 2026 Women's Storytelling Festival
2026-03-19 18:30 - 2026-03-22 17:00
I’m thrilled to once again emcee a showcase at the Women’s Storytelling Festival.
The 2026 Women’s Storytelling Festival will take place March 19 – 22, 2026, starting with a virtual only showcase on the 19th and continuing in-person at the Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030 through March 22nd.
The Women’s Storytelling Festival Main Page
The WSF Tickets Page
The Women’s Storytelling Festival, produced annually in March by Better Said Than Done, is a festival celebrating all women and gender nonconforming spoken-word performing artists. The festival debuted in March 2020 in Fairfax City, VA. The stories shared at the first festival were no different than what you’d hear at any festival. There were folk tales, historical tales, personal stories, myths, legends, and lying. The one difference was that all the voices were female. And that one difference was key.
This is a storytelling festival, like any other. However, when women feel safe and heard, like we are in a space where our stories are given equal attention, the performances, and the stories themselves, are different. There is a hum of feminine power that runs through the festival even when the stories are about Jack, Coyote, Anansi, or that thing that happened that one time at work. We are are human. We are storytellers. We are women. Hear us tell.
The Women’s Storytelling Festival is intended for a mature audience.

The Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival
2026-04-10 11:30 - 2026-04-11 17:00
You can watch the Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival online, or join me in Georgia at this beautiful mountain resort, to take in the sites, the fresh air, and the storytelling! Or watch online, from wherever you are. I’m telling in the Regional voices and Ghost stories concerts.
www.gamountainstoryfest.org
The 12th annual
Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival!
April 10-11, 2026
in-person at
The Ridges Resort in Hiawassee, GA and online

Wildcard Story
2026-04-16 18:00 - 20:00
WILDCARD is back at Old Soul The Alley for our final night in this space, and it just happens to land the night before our big Nutshell show.
So we’re leaning in:
Think of this as the pre-party.
What is WILDCARD?
WILDCARD is our monthly live storytelling open mic where anyone can step up and tell a true, personal story.
10 storytellers drawn at random from the NOT HAT 8-minute stories Featured storytellers A room full of people actually listening
It’s a little looser than Nutshell. A little more chaotic. And always magical.

Featuring!
Jessica Robinson: (Yes, that Jessica. She’ll also be on the Nutshell stage the next night )
Alex Paez: A Sacramento favorite! Sharp, funny, heartfelt, and always worth showing up for.
Two Nights, One Story World
If you’re coming to Nutshell on April 17, here’s the move:
Buy your Nutshell ticket first Screenshot it and show tix guy Aaron littleplasticmen@yahoo.com Go to WILDCARD tickets Select “I bought a Nutshell ticket!” Our Tix Guy Aaron will approve you
That means you get into WILDCARD for free(usually $15)
Why come to both?
WILDCARD is where stories are tried, stretched and risked.
Nutshell is where everything comes together.
Come to WILDCARD and you might see someone tell their first story or end up in the NOT HAT yourself
Then come back Friday and see a fully crafted night at The Sofia.
It’s a very good combo.
The Details
Thursday, April 16 6PM (come early for seats, sips, and nibbles) Old Soul Coffee Co. | The Alley (Sacramento)
$15 FREE with Nutshell ticket (see above)
This is one of our last nights at Old Soul before we move to our new home at Teneral in May.
If you’ve been meaning to come—or come back—this is a really good one.
Put your name in the NOT HAT.Or come cheer for the people who do.
Either way, you belong here.

Story In a Nutshell
2026-04-17 19:00 - 21:00
I’ll be performing in Sacramento, CA in In a Nutshell, a storytelling series featuring mostly true stories. Sadly, my arch-nemesis, Claire Hennessy, is also in this show. But as she’s also hosting me in her show the following night, I suppose I’ll have to play nice.
Take this Job and… features storytellers Claire Hennessy, Gloria Jones, Jessica Robinson, and Corey Rosen telling mostly true stories.
