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Melissa's Storytelling
Melissa Reaves: Storyteller, Executive Storytelling Coach, Keynote
In addition to coaching storytelling for business professionals to shine, Melissa Reaves performs regularly at storytelling venues, sharing personal stories that match a theme thrown to the storytellers. Take a peek at her work.
Where You'll Find Melissa's Stories
Life Is Like A Waiter | The Moth Story Slam
Seeing your parents to the end of their golden years was a gift and also a time of stress as the adult child. We're not taught how to reverse this role, especially when dementia enters the picture. This story was part of my journey with two people I loved dearly. Some adult language present. This (Comedic/Dramatic) story won The Moth Story Slam on NYE, 2020.
Chocolate & Vanilla: How Racism Affected Me
Storyteller Melissa Reaves shares a personal story about how she was raised to be racist by her "kin folk" from Oklahoma. Systemic racism starts early in families and had a lot more power over her decision making than she realized or welcomed. This vulnerable story aired on The Moth at the Berkeley show in September 2020 and took second place. Melissa also won first place at the National Storytellers Network in January 2021.
Cheese Souffle/Comedy, Better Said Than Done
At six, "Missy" learned that her mother was hell-bent on upping her game in the kitchen---and a Cheese Souffle would be their entry into Gourmet "Fancy" cooking. This is a comedic piece that should delight anyone raised in the 70's. This was shared on Better Said Than Done's 2021 Holiday Show.
The Rooster In the Four Square Court
At nine years old, Melissa is the new girl in town. She can't help but notice this small east coast town in Massachusetts really seems allergic to the letter "r" and almost gets her butt kicked for bringing it up with the neighborhood bully, Kevin. Watch them battle it out on the four square court and learn a valuable life lessons about being kind from Mama Hen.
"Waking Up"/Comedic
At 22, Melissa's broken heart and gullible nature, needed some readjusting. So, the Universe sent her on quite a journey with a Psychic. This comedic piece may be one her more embarrassing, and enlightening Life Initiations. Performed at Six Feet Apart Productions December 2021 Story Slam. Melissa was the featured guest teller.
I'll Love You No Matter What (virtual shows)
In honor of Pride, Melissa Reaves appeared on Tell & Act's show in partnership with Harvard's Club Passim virtual show in 2021. This is the journey of a mother watching their child come to terms with their own gender identity---and in that journey, coming out with an entirely new perspective.
The Santa Game (Comedic)
The Thin Line Between The Naughty & The Nice List
In this comedic piece, watch how little "Missy" learns early the truth about Santa Claus. "Don't lie to your kids!" taught by her mother, only went so far, once Missy realized getting the house cleaned and the dog walked using Santa as the lure---proved great for at least awhile. This was performed in Toronto's BUT THAT'S ANOTHER STORY's holiday show in 2021.
Duo-logue: I Wanna Be An Actor!
Storytellers Melissa Reaves and Richard Munchkin grew up in different times, but shared the same dream---and ironically very similar experiences. Watch how they tell their own stories separately as they merge together in this unique format. This show was produced by Grit Stories in June 2021.
Walking Through The Doors of OCD | NAMI
Melissa shares her personal journey with OCD and how to crush it for NAMI Washington's annual fundraiser in November 2020. The OCD management doors open and close constantly. This is a Mother-Daughter journey that finds humor, love, and moments of perseverance. Thank you NAMI Washington, Susan Fee and Kacie Rahm for this opportunity to share.
CW/TW: ADULT LANGUAGE and RELIGIOUS CHALLENGE, OCD
OCD Is A Family Affair-- Ignite Seattle
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is not a laughing matter and affects millions of people. Melissa is passionate about building awareness to change the stigma. It takes a lot of dedicated work for the patient and their family, and there is hope!
This Informational story by Melissa was highlighted as one of the Top 10 Stories of Ignite Seattle's 2019 season. Full Transcript
Covid Cooties from Costco | Quarantine Connection
Seattle's Covid Storytelling: Quarantine Connection, hosted by TEDTalk's Bill Bernat. This is Melissa's funny & reflective journey down the aisles of Costco during quarantine. Enjoy "Keeping the Covid Cooties from Costco."
Working Out with POTUS | The Moth Story Slam
The following story was recorded at The Moth, Bloedel Hall St. Marks, Seattle, WA on June 21st, 2019. Melissa Reaves finds herself working out at a hotel gym when President Obama walks in. Although a little star-struck, she couldn't let the moment pass by without aiming for a heart to heart with POTUS 44.
Sound Effect | KNKX/NPR Guest Storyteller
How a bad fortune telling led to a new outlook
Thirty years ago, I was pretty naive and broken hearted---so what do I do? I seek out the guidance of a psychic. One of more embarrassing moments, but hey---it's a funny way to learn some life lessons! Thank you KNKX for airing it!
Full Transcript (Comedic)
Goldfish | Moth Story Slam, Fremont Abbey
Learn how goldfish are powerful teachers in unexpected ways. A Dramatic story about how Life teaches us lessons in its own way in this Fremont Abbey live Moth Story Slam.
99-Second Story Slams
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