Make less strangers in the world.
Storytelling is a form of resistance. It’s the very best way in to the hard conversations. Front Porch Sessions is not your typical storytelling show. Everyone shows up to tell their story, including the listeners. It’s time to open your hearts, and it’s also time to do the work. You’ll never forget it.
You Are Not Alone:
The Gift of Fear
Friday, October 17
7 - 8:30pm
Kickstand Comedy
Connection. Companionship. Community. It starts with a story.
Join us for a special evening of storytelling that explores the many ways fear shows up in our lives and how it can protect us, guide us, and even transform us. Four Portland storytellers take the mic to share real, honest, funny, and tender stories.
This isn’t a night about avoiding fear, but about reimagining it; as a signal, a compass, a gift. Whether you’ve faced down big moments of danger, wrestled with quiet anxieties, or simply want to hear how others navigate the unknown, you’ll find connection and community here.
Come alone, bring some friends or make it part of a date night. All are welcome. Come for the stories. Stay for the reminder that we’re all braver and more connected than we think.
Our featured storytellers for this show are Alex Dang, Courtenay Hameister, Darshanpreet Gill, and Jamiel Brown.
You Are Not Alone is part of a storytelling series hosted by Lauren Sinner & Chris Williams that centers human connection in all its messy, beautiful, and surprising forms. Come as you are. Leave with a little more of what we all need.
WHY.
CONNECTION:
Stories connect strangers through what neuroscientists call "empathic transportation" which binds listeners in an intangible but powerful way.
STORY.
IT’S BRAIN FOOD:
A story activates parts in the brain that allows the listener to turn the story into their own ideas and experiences thanks to a process called neural coupling. (Stories bring brains together).
MATTERS.
WARM FUZZIES:
Storytelling is known to increase levels of Oxytocin, a hormone that promotes the feeling of love, bonding and well-being in your body.
TELL.
BE UNDERSTOOD:
Stories help us understand other people and their perspectives.
YOUR.
BE ENGAGED:
65% of our daily conversations are based on storytelling.
STORY.
BE REMEMBERED:
Stories are up to 22 times more memorable than facts and figures alone. The human brain is more engaged by storytelling than by simple logical facts.
Speakers
Shout Outs
“Chris has created an avenue to engage in more intimate exchange of our varied lived experiences. These sessions recognize the tremendous opportunity to lean into one another as we try to create meaning from the texture of suffering, triumph, and every moment in between.”
— Karina España, Storyteller
“Front Porch Sessions was an outlet for me as an aspiring storyteller to share a part of my story. I felt seen, heard, and supported by the audience and the prompts to unpack the session. I’m grateful for this space and the community offered through this platform. Thank you.”
— Kary Youman, Storyteller
“Front Porch Sessions provides what all humans are needing—connection through shared vulnerability. Not sure where Chris gets all these amazing storytellers, but he has a wide network of amazing and powerful people.”
— Drew Holguin, Storyteller
Work with Us
Corporate workshops, private events and one-on-one coaching are available with FPS. Find out more and let’s chat.
