In our first story, Mark Schoenfeld dives into a captivating story of a college sophomore’s unexpected adventure abroad, from a covert mission to buy bootleg DVDs to an even more clandestine identity as an undercover evangelical Christian missionary. What happens when a spontaneous prank involving a Matt Damon look-alike turns serious, forcing a confrontation with an organization that calls itself “the company” and challenges the very meaning of faith? Mark calls his story “What Would Jed Do?”

The image features a man with a beard speaking into a microphone. He is likely performing at an indoor storytelling event. The scene captures the energy of live entertainment and the artistry involved in performance art. The photograph is taken by kmr studios. — photo by kmr studios

Mark Schoenfeld has been a lot of things: a window washer, a screen printer, a public radio host, a middle school teacher, and an adjunct professor to name a few. One thing he’s always been is a writer—of stories, songs, and poems—which led him to earn his MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Montana. A disgruntled Texan, Mark and his family now call western Montana home. His work has appeared in print, online, and on-air, which you can find at markscho.com

In our next story, join Tess Sneeringer, a high school junior on Halloween night 2009, as she navigates an exclusive party, a ninja-clad twin brother, and a sudden police raid that turns into a chaotic scramble for escape. What happens when a misplaced car and a nosy Officer Becky make this unpopular attendee the unlikely culprit for the entire bust? Tess calls her story “A Chance to be Popular”. Thanks for listening.

The image features a woman standing on a stage, holding a microphone. She seems to be engaged in a performance. The scene captures the essence of entertainment and storytelling, highlighting elements such as stage equipment and the art of telling a story. The photo by kmr studios. — photo by kmr studios

Tess Sneeringer has lived in Missoula for six years and landed here after spending the first half of her twenties as an outdoor educator across the American West, far away from her childhood home in Washington, DC. Telling a story for Tell Us Something became a Missoula bucket list item after she saw her first show in 2019. So she told a story in 2021. But then she stayed in Missoula longer than she thought she would so figured she’d do it again. Her first appearance featured a survival story set in the Utah desert, and she’s back on this episode of the podcast with another survival tale – this time of high school social life.

In our next story, Kelley Provost shares her raw and honest journey of self-acceptance and defiance, beginning with a lifelong struggle against body image that culminates in a breast reduction. But just as newfound confidence blossoms on a dream European vacation, a phone call in London’s West End, moments before The Lion King, delivers a life-altering diagnosis that changes everything. Kelley calls her story “Careful Whatchya Wish For”. Thanks for listening.

The image features a woman in an orange dress holding a microphone. She appears to be involved in a performance. The setting is indoors, emphasizing the theatrical aspect of the scene. The photo captures elements of entertainment and performing arts. Photo by kmr studios. — photo by kmr studios

Kelley Provost Kelley Provost is a survivor, a thriver, a liver, and a lover. She loves Duran Duran, fashion, laughing, and dancing. Watching people be proud of themselves is her favorite thing ever. Her goal is to create a community of people who love themselves so much that they inspire others to do the same. A life coach, a life lover, a life LIVER.

Closing out this episode of the Tell Us Something podcast, Jeff Ducklow embarks on an “adventure wish”. A seminary graduate turned sea kayak guide, Jeff recounts the incredibly dangerous decision to paddle toward and touch a Tidewater glacier in Alaska. What began as a bold pursuit of a memorable death could quickly become a fight for survival against one of nature’s most unpredictable forces. Jeff calls his story “A Terrible Idea”. Thanks for listening.

A man is standing in front of a microphone, likely at a concert or talent show. He appears to be addressing an audience. The setting includes audio equipment typical for live events. Photo by kmr studios. — photo by kmr studios

Jeff Ducklow has always loved nature. As a youngster, he spent most of his free time playing in the woods and felt more at home there than he did anywhere indoors. He considered nature his friend even into adulthood when he decided to turn his passion for nature into a career as an adventure guide. Yes, Jeff felt he and nature were buddies. A belief he wholeheartedly embraced until the events in his story that you just heard shook his faith and gave him more insight into the nature of nature.