Meet the 4 Iowans who will tell us what they're obsessed with at the next Storytellers
Four Iowans will share what they're obsessed with at the next Des Moines Storytellers Project event.
"Obsessions: Our unabashed passions, from relationships to hobbies — and everything in between" takes place at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at Des Moines' historic Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave.
In its fifth season, the Register's Storytellers Project is dedicated to the idea that oral storytelling and journalism have the same goals: Serving and reflecting a community while fostering empathy.
Iowans will tell their stories live on stage without notes and from their hearts. They have been coached by Register journalists Teresa Albertson, Francesca Block, Stephen Gruber-Miller, Ronna Faaborg, Kim Norvell and Lee Rood. Gruber-Miller will host the show.
Tickets for the show, and for the remaining show planned in 2022, are now on sale at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers:
Tickets cost $12 or $28 for VIP, which includes a free drink and treat, and are available to purchase through Ticketmaster or at the Hoyt Sherman Place box office.
Health and safety measures will be reviewed before each show. Questions about the shows can be directed to events@dmreg.com or 515-619-6548.
Meet our storytellers:
Julie Burtnette
After stints in lifeguarding, retail, food service, glorious pizza making and 10 years teaching junior high language arts, Julie Burtnette is now a librarian for a preschool-8th grade school and co-founder of a children’s museum. Lina Parker is a pen name who aspires to be a published author. She uses a pen name so she can try not to overthink how her words could embarrass or affect her four lovely daughters, hot husband, her crazy mom or her other passion projects.
Who or what inspired you to tell your story?
My daughter Riley, 15, inspired me since she's an extremely judgy teen and I hate when I don’t have a good answer when she asks me what I’m working on because I don’t want to disappoint her. I asked her what she thought I was obsessed with and she gave her answer, "children's museums," with a "duh" in her tone.
What do you hope listeners take away from your story?
I'd love people to allow themselves to imagine. As the Queen of Hearts in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" said, "I daresay you haven't had much practice. When I was younger, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."
Cody Goodwin
Cody Goodwin is a sports writer for the Des Moines Register. He primarily covers wrestling. When he’s not watching wrestling, writing about wrestling or talking about wrestling, he’s usually reading or at the gym.
Who or what inspired you to tell your story?
I’ve made a career out of telling other people’s stories. I felt like it was time to share mine.
What do you hope listeners take away from your story?
That most of us will probably go pro in something other than sports, but sports is often a vehicle that helps us navigate the rest of our lives.
Tim Johnson
Tim Johnson is a very lucky man. He lives in Johnston with his spouse, June, and their basset, Millie. They have two children and four grandchildren. Tim has degrees from the University of Minnesota and Iowa State University in agronomy and crop physiology and production. He retired in January 2020.
Who or what inspired you to tell your story?
My grandkids inspired me to tell this story. I want them to see it as an example of how they can make a difference in this world.
What do you hope listeners take away from your story?
Life is full of obsessions. Some obsessions burn hot and quickly die out. Others are like background noise directing us to a higher purpose.
Billy 'B.WELL' Weathers
Local hip-hop artist, humanitarian and creator, Billy "B.WELL" Weathers, was named the Des Moines Education Association Volunteer of the Year in April 2020; American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa Iowan of the Year in July 2020; Des Moines Register “People to Watch in 2021” in January 2021; Simpson College Recent Alumni Humanitarian Award in November 2021; and Business Record 40 Under 40 Award in April 2022 for his work in founding a local nonprofit organization, the B.WELL Foundation, which strives to build stronger futures for youth and lift them to a place of prosperity.
Who or what inspired you to tell your story?
A best friend. A light. Somebody I still hold near and dear to my heart.
What do you hope listeners take away from your story?
Inspiration to step fully into their path, light and legacy.
Kim Norvell is the director of content for the Des Moines Storytellers Project. Reach her at knorvell@dmreg.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines Storytellers Project 'Obsessions': Meet the storytellers
