Meet the 5 Iowans who will share travel stories at the next Des Moines Storytellers Project

Kim Norvell, Des Moines Register
Updated ·3 min read

Five Iowans will share stories of how travel changed their lives at the next Des Moines Storytellers Project event.

"Travel" takes place at 7 p.m. June 18 at Des Moines' historic Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave.

In its seventh 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 Paris Barraza, Ronna Faaborg, Kim Norvell, Lee Rood and F. Amanda Tugade. Rood will host the show.

Tickets cost $14 or $30 for VIP, which includes a free drink and treat, and are available to purchase through Ticketmaster or at the Hoyt Sherman Place box office.

Our last show this year is:

  • Overcoming — Oct. 22

Questions about the show can be directed to events@dmreg.com or 515-619-6548. More information, including how to submit a story to tell live on stage, can be found at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

Meet our storytellers:

Diane Kolmer

Diane Kolmer
Diane Kolmer

Diane Kolmer lives in West Des Moines with her husband of 41 years and their dog, Nellie. Her last job was as a lobbyist for the phone company. An inveterate letter to the editor writer and amateur poet, she also does color projects with adult coloring books.

Kory May

Kory May
Kory May

Kory May is a podcaster, professional storyteller and coach, improv comic and native Iowan. He lives by the motto: Live an adventurous life and you won’t be bored. Tell adventurous stories and those around you won’t be bored. At 57, life is good and the stories are only getting better.

Nicole Schrader

Nicole Schrader
Nicole Schrader

Nicole Schrader is a Beaverdale native who has lived in and/or traveled to many U.S. states, Europe, South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Currently, she spends her leisure time adventuring with her two children, practicing yoga and mindfulness, and promoting courage and positive connections. She works in private practice as a mental health therapist.

Phillip Sitter

Phillip Sitter
Phillip Sitter

Phillip Sitter has been a community journalist in the Midwest for more than seven years and currently is the Des Moines Register's western suburbs reporter. Phillip is a native of Illinois, but in addition to Indiana, Missouri and Iowa, he has lived, studied or worked in New Orleans, Louisiana, Washington, D.C. and London. He also has deep personal connections to Ukraine.

John Sorrell

John Sorrell
John Sorrell

John Sorrell, a Johnston resident, brings a global perspective honed from 15 years in Asia. Armed with a Ph.D. in hermeneutics, he serves as executive pastor at Northpoint Church, intertwining scholarly insight with spiritual leadership. Passionate about bridging cultures, he fosters unity, understanding, and partnerships within his community.

The Des Moines Storytellers Project is presented by the Des Moines Register and supported by Noah's Ark Ristorante.
The Des Moines Storytellers Project is presented by the Des Moines Register and supported by Noah's Ark Ristorante.

Hear past stories from the Des Moines Storytellers Project

The Des Moines Storytellers podcast is the perfect way to revisit favorite stories or hear ones that you've missed. Look for us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcasting platform.

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This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines Storytellers lineup for 'Travel,' tickets on sale