STORY JAM // music + stories

Story Jam is a premiere music and storytelling show. In this episode, we're treated to a riveting story by Anne Purky, storyteller extraordinaire! Anne is a writer, storyteller, and advocate for those with disabilities. After the story, we'll hear a song which was written by and played at our live show by Stephanie Rogers, Story Jam producer and host. For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. DEAD OR ALIVE by Stephanie Rogers Are you dead or alive Is your heart still yearning I've stayed behind To clean up the mess they found All the sirens that blew They came looking for you As they ripped the babe out of your hands Now you're there in the queue After all you've all you've been through I'm afraid to see how it all ends Do you remember a time Free of cracks and bruises Do they let in the light Or are they closing down On your eyes as they cry While they're fighting for life Though they're hardened and sunken and blind Take your place in the cue Someone's waiting for you They don't know that you still have to die Strength will crumble No one will tell you why I've too been to battle And I, too, have sunken eyes Are you dead or alive Does your heart still yearn CREDITS: Podcast Produced by: Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Music Production: Danny Shaffer Theme Music: Craig J Snider Voiceover: Kenny Burroughs Story: Anne Purky "Dead or Alive" music & lyrics by Stephanie Rogers Piano by Fred Simon Strings by Craig Snider Bass by Rafe Bradford Vocals by Stephanie Rogers Arrangement by Danny Shaffer Support this podcast by becoming a Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast

Story Jam is a premiere music and storytelling show. In this episode, we're treated to a heartfelt story from our PRIDE series by Northwestern University's Communications, Advocacy and Public Engagement Exec and all-around fabulous teller Roderick Hawkins. After the story, we'll hear a song which was written by and played at our live show by the ever-talented Story Jam favorite, Xoe Wise. For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. LILLY'S LESSONS by Xoe Wise I have learned the lessons from Lilly I have learned how to stay strong in my car When I'm driving south on Lake Shore and I think about her I hear her voice ringing in my heart And if all of you start crying right now during this song Don't do that...no pity parties, OK? That's from Roderick's mom This is Lilly's lessons... She says turn that frown upside down right now And go get your mama her gala gown You gotta stay strong against the harm Make sure your dress shows little bit of arm And show some titty...you gotta show some titty You can always change from the food industry at 40 To healthcare? You bet! And when life makes you mad Just blow on something...a clarinet! Lilly's lessons Do say "Gay gay gay," Do what you want with your boday And show a little cleave even on a Monday When they said three to five years She said seven Just give me my gumbo even if you have to USPS it! Lilly's lessons... Take me on a trip Just pack my wheelchair Change your career We need you back in healthcare Pack your itinerlillies Cause we got 8 o'clock Obama white house, congress, King Before the photo hide my cane I don't want it in the photo White house congress take my picture Get the wheelchair out the frame Now wheel me over there take my picture Now please hide my cane And show some titty, show some cleave Nope. No crying. No tears. Doesn't mean you cant have fears It just means fight with everything And you might get a few more years With the FIVE Cs... You got Christ, counseling, community, cannabis, c’dick Christ, counseling, community, cannabis, c’dick Christ, counseling, community, cannabis, c’dick Christ, counseling, community, cannabis We all are full o' shit CREDITS: Podcast Produced by: Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Music Production: Danny Shaffer Theme Music: Craig J Snider Voiceover: Kenny Burroughs Story: Roderick Hawkins "Lilly's Lessons" music & lyrics & guitar by Xoe Wise Support our podcast by becoming a Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast

Story Jam is a premiere music and storytelling show! In this episode, we're treated to an entertaining narrative by international beloved radio host Peter Sagal! After the story, we'll hear a song which was written for it and played at our live show. For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. PAULA Running for my life Not looking a wife I thought I’d wait wait... To date again But then she came along So beautiful like this song And sealed my fate fate (It wasn’t too late) When you never thought your life could start again 'Cause everything you knew before was sink or swim I took her by the hand Mara fell into the sand And l thought uh-oh... Where did she go Wanted to sweep her off her feet Not quite so literally But then she came to…thankfully Everything I knew before was compromise Never thought I’d ever be so satisfied Hey Paula just tell me what to do You’re a most unusual unsuspected guru Paula you’re stern and harsh and you are cruel But Paula…I owe it all to you We got to talking on a run Hoping she wouldn’t bring it up (But well, you know that Paula) She cornered me and tried To force me to abide Until I gave in…she wouldn’t let up Working on a marriage can be toil and strife But Paula will drive ya crazy til you have a brand new wife Hey Paula just tell me what to do You’re a most unusual unsuspected guru Paula you’re stern and harsh and you are cruel But Paula…I owe it all to you CREDITS: Produced by: Danny Shaffer & Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Music Production: Danny Shaffer Theme Music: Craig J Snider Voiceover: Kenny Burroughs Story: Peter Sagal "Paula" music & lyrics by Stephanie Rogers BAND: Guitars: Danny Shaffer Drums: Khari Parker Bass: Rafe Bradford Keys: Fred Simon Vocals: Stephanie Rogers Vocals: Kari Nelson Vocals: Andrew Distel Support our podcast by becoming a Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast

Story Jam is Chicago's premiere music and storytelling show! In this episode, we hear another story by Story Jam favorite, Archy Jamjun. After the story, we'll hear a song which was written for it, played at our live show. For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. THAI CAT I have no impending wife No picket fence in sight Lately I don’t even know Where I go at night All the potential we waste All the self-loathing and hate Wasted negativity Feeling like it’s too late I CAN RECOVER I AIN’T YOUR LOVER I got a Siamese cat he’s like an acrobat With a pelvic thrust a penchant for lust to victimize As loyal as a Thai waiting for me to die I’m on binge, feeling unhinged I’m a kitty bitch I CAN RECOVER I AIN’T YOUR LOVER Thai Cat Why do you treat me Like that CREDITS: Produced by: Danny Shaffer & Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Music Production: Danny Shaffer Theme Music: Craig J Snider Voiceover: Kenny Burroughs Story: Archy Jamjun "Thai Cat" music & lyrics by Stephanie Rogers BAND: Guitars: Danny Shaffer Drums: Chuck Lacy Bass: Bob Lizik Keys: Craig Snider Vocals: Stephanie Rogers Support our podcast by becoming a Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In this episode, we hear a personal story by phenomenal talent Shane Hendrix. After the story, we'll hear a song written specifically for the story, then a brief conversation with Shane and producer Stephanie Rogers. For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. MOTHER MARGO (by S. Rogers) Mother Margo stands before the flag A copy of the gospel In her designer bag She believes in God above Jesus' abiding love But just for some Mother Margo is an almost saint If it weren't for her beliefs She would be great She can laugh and care and hold Do the mother things as told And strike a flame Mother Margo There's so much you don't know Light another candle Goodbye...to the long lost soul I know I'm not alone when I believe We often wish our loved ones Showed up differently It probably serves an awesome laugh To whomever sends the Family matches down Mother Margo There's so much you don't know Light another candle Goodbye...to the long lost soul There are so many people who refuse Who never want to put themselves In other shoes What if love replaced the fear And compassion drew us nearer To our hearts Mother Margo There's so much you don't know Light another candle Goodbye...to the long lost soul Mother Margo stands before the flag A copy of the gospel in her designer bag Credits: Produced by: Danny Shaffer & Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Music Production: Danny Shaffer Theme Music: Craig J Snider Voiceover: Kenny Burroughs Story: Shane Hendrix "Mother Margo" music & lyrics by Stephanie Rogers Band: Guitars: Danny Shaffer Drums: Gerald Dowd Bass: Rafe Bradford Piano: Stephanie Rogers Vocals: Stephanie Rogers Support our podcast by becoming a Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In this episode, we hear a personal story by Steve Glickman followed by a song written for the story, then a brief conversation with Steve and producer Stephanie Rogers. For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. SATISFIED (by Steph Rogers) I had a lovely time Cruising down the coast In my Speedo outfit Mexicali sunset Though it’s all a lie No one has to know it I can almost taste that Drink from a coconut I don’t know Why I had to Live inside a lie But I’m satisfied Dreamboat George can’t know My fake tan’s a prop I’m in my apartment Barely ever come out For 11 years I’ve let no one know it I deceived them all Even I believed it I don’t know Why I had to Live inside a lie But I’m satisfied Every Christmas time I take a little snorkle Or a grand safari You can do it also Just read the web Find a travel blog Learn some foreign words You don’t have to go out I don’t know Why I had to Live inside a lie But I’m satisfied Credits: Producer: Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Music Production: Danny Shaffer Theme music: Craig J Snider Voiceover: Kenny Burroughs Story: Steve Glickman "Satisfied" music & lyrics by Stephanie Rogers Band: 6/12 String Guitars: Danny Shaffer Piano/Bass/Drums: West Montgomery Vocals: Stephanie Rogers Vocals: West Montgomery Backup Vocals/Arrangement: West Montgomery Support our podcast by becoming a Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast.

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In this episode, we hear a personal story by Erica Nicole Clark followed by a song written for the story, then a brief conversation with Margaret and producer Stephanie Rogers. For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. MS. VALENTINE (by Liam Davis) Dear Mrs. T Welcome to Lake Forest, Illinois It's such a joy (she said) To have Erica in class with me I really must say how much I enjoy her company, but... Dear Mrs. T Even though I understand Your husband's on TV Call it intuition a condition Is arousing my suspicion As a trained arithmetician Well it simply does not compute She's guessing, she's probably guessing... Maybe she's cheating, cheating... F Ms. Valentine x4 Dear Mrs. T I understand you didn't make it All the way to college like me But really it is simply public knowledge you see A child from the South Side The outside is automatically unqualified She can't hang It's the order of the universe It's ying yang And so although the way She comes at every problem Makes it easier to solve them I simple have no choice In remedial...math She's guessing, she's probably guessing... Maybe she's cheating, cheating... F Ms. Valentine x4... Credits: Producer: Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Music Production: Danny Shaffer Theme music: Craig J Snider Voiceover: Kenny Burroughs Story: Erica Nicole Clark "Ms. Valentine" music & lyrics by Liam Davis Band: Bass: Rafe Bradford Drums: Gerald Dowd Guitar: Danny Shaffer Guitar/Vocals: Liam Davis Vocals: Sarah Marie Young Vocals: Stephanie Rogers Vocals: Kari Nelson Support our podcast by becoming a Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast.

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers, and original songs written for each story. In our 5th episode, we feature the unstoppable Nestor Gomez. Nestor is a nationally renowned storyteller who has won countless slams, and he produces his own podcast and show, "80 Minutes Around The World: Immigration Stories." We'll hear a story from Nestor, then a sweet song written for Nestor's story, followed by a conversation with Nestor and Story Jam producer Stephanie Rogers. For more information about STORY JAM or our artists and offerings, please visit our website. BADASS DISNEY LATINO PRINCESS When will Disney make princesses male In crowns and jewels and sporting ponytails And turn their white skin brown Put them in a gorgeous gown Make parents tolerant in every town He moved out to the San Francisco west And I hope he doesn’t let it get the best of him He’s Hispanic and he’s gay Let’s pray the world will say Boys look real great in royal lingerie My ex-wife thinks Jehovah knows best We’re not rich or very fancy dressed But we love our son and we’re oh so blessed Cause he’s a badass Disney Latino princess… I remember he was nervous to confess He’d like to claim the throne in a long dress Prone to glitter and Barbie And anything Disney Someday he'll probably make a lovely queen My ex-wife thinks Jehovah knows best We’re not rich or very fancy dressed We love our son and we’re oh so blessed Cause he’s a badass Disney Latino princess Yes he’s a badass Disney Latino princess Credits: Producer: Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Production: Danny Shaffer Theme music: Craig J Snider Voiceover: Kenny Burroughs Story: Nestor Gomez "Badass Disney Latino Princess" music/lyrics by Stephanie Rogers Band: Vocal: Stephanie Rogers Slide guitar: Danny Shaffer Piano: Fred Simon Flute: John Bowes Violin: Anne Harris Get cool stuff! Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast.

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In this episode, we hear a personal story by Margaret Ghielmetti followed by a song written for the story, then a brief conversation with Margaret and producer Stephanie Rogers. For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. CIAO BELLA MAN I was a foolish girl in Florence Panting along the river after you You were a dark and sexy Italian Whom I’d my keys and papers and panties to Well Florence is in Italy With a smile like that you could sucker me I don’t have a backup plan Ciao Bella man Come sucker me again I was captivated cold by your swagger Smitten by the way you said "Prego" Then you drove right off in my FIAT I just sat and watched your stick shift go Well Florence is in Italy With a smile like that you could sucker me I don’t have a backup plan Ciao Bella man Come sucker me Oh Florence is in Italy With a smile like that you could sucker me I don’t have a backup plan Ciao Bella man Come sucker me again... Credits: Producer: Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Music Production: Danny Shaffer Theme music: Craig J Snider Voiceover: Kenny Burroughs Story: Margaret Ghielmetti "Ciao Bella Man" music & lyrics by Stephanie Rogers Band: Bass: Rafe Bradford Drums: Gerald Dowd Guitar: Danny Shaffer Fiddle: Anne Harris Vocals: Sarah Marie Young Vocals: Stephanie Rogers Support our podcast by becoming a Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast.

TRIGGER WARNING: THE SUBJECT MATTER IN THIS STORY IS DISTURBING. ALSO, MATURE LANGUAGE AND THEMES. Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In this first episode of season two, we hear a personal story by Paul Teodo followed by song written for the story and a brief conversation with Paul and Stephanie Rogers. For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. MIRACLE Everybody says run before the trouble comes On the road in the dark Everybody lays low through the afterglow To avoid any harm It would take a miracle to save you Bounty of angels or some light shining through Must be a glow in the deepest dark Heat in the coldest heart Leading the way for a fallen soul When we have lost all hope It would take a miracle to save you Bounty of angels or some light shining through Everybody says run When the trouble comes On the road in the dark Everybody lays low Through the afterglow To avoid harm It would take a miracle to save you Bounty of angels or some light shining through Credits: Producer: Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Music Production: Danny Shaffer Theme music: Craig J Snider Voiceover: Kenny Burroughs Story: Paul Teodo "Miracle" music & lyrics by Stephanie Rogers Song arrangement by Danny Shaffer Band: Vocals: Stephanie Rogers Guitars: Danny Shaffer Violin: Anne Harris Support Story Jam by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast.

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In this episode, we hear a personal story by Nestor Gomez followed by a song written for the story and a brief conversation with Nestor and producer Stephanie Rogers. For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. Credits: Producer: Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Music Production: Danny Shaffer Theme music: Craig J Snider Voiceover: Kenny Burroughs Story: Nestor Gomez "I Voted" music & lyrics by Liam Davis & Stephanie Rogers Band: Guitar/Vocals: Liam Davis Bass: Rafe Bradford Drums: Gerald Dowd Guitar: Danny Shaffer Piano: Fred Simon Sax: John Bowes Vocals: Kari Nelson Vocals: Stephanie Rogers Support Story Jam by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast.

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In our sixth episode, we hear a personal story by Kimmy F. followed by a special song written for the story and a conversation with Kimmy and Stephanie Rogers. For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. GRANDMA SAVES THE DAY Dad’s not straight but he’ll deploy Against the claim bisexual And your mama’s just annoyed When you sing “My Immortal” - “But they won’t leave me alone These wounds don’t seem to heal This pain is just too real…” Think you’re immune to Titanic When you’re chatting AIM Everybody gets aroused By a naked Kate Winslet (as Celine Dion) “Near, far, wherever you are” But Grandma knows what’s up She’s hip and cool as fuck Grandma loves you any way Cause Grandma saves the day... Credits: Producer: Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Production: Danny Shaffer Theme music: Craig J Snider Voiceover: Kenny Burroughs Story: Kimmy F. "Grandma Saves the Day" music/lyrics by Stephanie Rogers Band: Vocals: Stephanie Rogers Guitars: Danny Shaffer Bass: Rafe Bradford Drums: Chris Miskel Piano: Fred Simon Vocals: Cheryl Wilson Support Story Jam by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast.

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In our second episode, we feature the delightful Josh Zagoren, followed by a psychedelic song written for the story and a brief conversation with Josh and producer Stephanie Rogers. For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. NIAGARA FALLS Taking a hit on the open road Beta Band on the stereo A Cheech and Chong zombie apocalypse In a Chevrolet you cannot miss We skipped class We drove too fast Hearing the siren call We never made it to Niagra Falls Nobody drunk no sign of disorder At the Canada border Watch the turns you take too hastily Could wind up in the penitentiary We skipped class We drove too fast Hearing the siren call We never made it to Niagra Falls When you are floating inside a peace dream Revel in mechanic technology We skipped class We drove too fast Credits: Producer: Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Production: Danny Shaffer Theme music: Craig J Snider Intro: Kenny Burroughs Story: Josh Zagoren "Niagara Falls" words & music by Stephanie Rogers Band: Bass: Rafe Bradford Drums: Chris Miskel Keys: Fred Simon Guitar: Dave Hiltebrand Guitar: Danny Shaffer Flute: John Bowes Vocals: Stephanie Rogers

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In our 4th episode, we feature Detroit teller Shannon Cason. We'll hear a story from Shannon, then a rocking song written for Shannon's story, followed by a conversation with Shannon and Story Jam producer Stephanie Rogers. For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. BOY SCOUT When I grew up in my town Special ops and forces were all around They don’t need a reason to convict your ass of treason They’re hunting all the bad guys down You’ll be locked up in jail With no horse or hiking trail You’ll be struck There’s no doubt They’ll throw all your pancakes out When you’re a boy scout If you leave that neckerchief at home They don’t care if you can sail or tie a rope You know it’s getting sadder When pre-teens are battered By the guys from DRAYN-oh You’ll be locked up in jail With no horse or hiking trail You’ll be struck They'll call you out You're guilty without a doubt They'll draw blood Rip you to shreds Take your virtue and badges They've got guns Racist laws too They'll fire at anyone that moves They’ll throw all your pancakes out When you're catching your sea bass or trout They’re turning on Black brothers again Aiming at innocents... And they’ll win (VIOLIN SOLO) You’ll be locked up in jail With no horse or hiking trail You’ll be struck They'll call you out You're guilty without a doubt They'll draw blood Rip you to shreds Take your virtue and badges They've got guns Racist laws too They'll fire at anyone that moves You're a boy scout You're a boy scout A boy scout In America Credits: Producer: Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Production: Danny Shaffer Theme music: Craig J Snider Voiceover: Kenny Burroughs Story: Shannon Cason "Boy Scout" music/lyrics by Stephanie Rogers Band: Vocals: Stephanie Rogers Guitars: Danny Shaffer Bass: Rafe Bradford Drums: Gerald Dowd Violin: Anne Harris B3 organ: Fred Simon Support Story Jam by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/storyjampodcast.

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features top storytellers and original songs written for each story. In our third episode, we feature Chicago diva Lynne Jordan's story about racism, followed by a catchy song written for her story, and a conversation with Lynne and Story Jam producer Stephanie Rogers. For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. PHIL DONAHUE Phil Donahue your son’s a racist And I bet you didn’t even know it You're a liberal everybody loves But you spawned an asshole Stevie Wonder has estranged kids And Joni Mitchell has a daughter Who’s been in jail and hooked on heroin And tried to steal her money When you don’t live up to your mom and dad that’s so sad, that’s so sad When you don’t live up to your mom and dad that’s so sad Martin Sheen is an activist Who played POTUS on Sorkin's West Wing Then there's Charlie, his abusive son To sully his good name When you don’t live up to your mom and dad that’s so sad, that’s so sad When you don’t live up to your mom and dad that’s so sad Phil Donahue your son’s a racist And I bet you didn’t even know it When you don’t live up to your mom and dad that’s so sad, that’s so sad When you don’t live up to your mom and dad that’s so sad Credits: Producer: Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Production: Danny Shaffer Theme music: Craig J Snider Voiceover: Kenny Burroughs Story: Lynne Jordan Song: "When You Don't Live Up" music/lyrics by Stephanie Rogers Band: Lead vocal: Stephanie Rogers Background vocals: Sarah Marie Young Guitars: Danny Shaffer Bass: Rafe Bradford Drums: Gerald Dowd Keys: Fred Simon

Story Jam is a music and storytelling show that features great storytellers and original songs written for each story. In our inaugural episode, we'll hear a funny story by Archy Jamjun, a sassy little song written for his story, and a brief conversation with Archy and Story Jam producer Stephanie Rogers. Story Jam is based in Chicago, IL. Story Jam Studio provides online and in-person classes and workshop on the art of storytelling. For more information about STORY JAM, please visit our website. SCIENTIST You can be a model if you’re pretty Represent a beer or underwear Use Noxzema skin cream when you are dirty Sun-in when you want caucasian hair But it’s very likely that…you suck at math Scientist, you'll never be a scientist You can barely even pass a test in high school Chem incidentally, why bother getting a degree? Coiffing adorably is time better spent It isn’t very nice to state the obvious Keanu only knows one kind of Pi It isn’t too correct to be a brainy snob We all know nerds are smarter than hot guys But it’s very likely that…those guys can’t add Scientist, you'll never be a scientist You can barely even pass a test in high school Chem incidentally, why bother getting a degree? Coiffing adorably is time better spent You can be a model if you’re pretty Represent a beer or underwear Use Noxzema skin cream when you are dirty Sun-in when you want caucasian hair Credits: Producer: Stephanie Rogers Audio Mix/Production: Danny Shaffer Theme music: Craig J Snider Voiceover: Kenny Burroughs Story: Archy Jamjun "Scientist" words/music by Stephanie Rogers Band: Bass: Rafe Bradford Drums: Gerald Dowd Keys: Fred Simon Synthesizer: Craig Snider Guitar: Danny Shaffer Vocals: Stephanie Rogers Support Story Jam!