Porchlight Storytelling Series artwork

Porchlight Storytelling Series

62 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★ - 100 ratings

Selected stories from Porchlight, San Francisco's longest-running storytelling series, hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Lisick.

Co-founders Beth Lisick and Arline Klatte invite six people from different backgrounds to tell ten-minute true stories without using notes or memorization.

Performing Arts Arts Comedy live san stories storytelling arline beth francisco klatte lisick
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Episodes

Porchlight: The Bitch is Back: Stories of Resurgence

March 30, 2022 18:01 - 52 minutes - 47.7 MB

The Bitch is Back: Stories of Resurgence Back in hot vax summer of '21, we were so jazzed about coming out of the pandemic. We brought our live show to the courtyard of the historic San Francisco Mint to hear tales of bouncing back, renaissance and reemergence. Stories from business executive Karla Martin, writer and professor Matthew Clark Davison, high school senior and spoken word performer Jyairrah Martin, writer and barman Alan Black and lawyer and artist Matt Gonzalez. Hosted by Arli...

Porchlight Presents: North Beach Episode 8: Graziano Cerchiai

May 17, 2021 14:00 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MB

We wrap up our North Beach series with an interview with Graziano Cerchiai, the patriarch of the city's legendary Bimbo's 365 Club, on his 91st birthday. 

Porchlight Presents: North Beach Episode 7: Jonathan Moscone

April 16, 2021 14:00 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MB

Our guest this week is theater director and current Chief Producer at San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Jonathan Moscone. Jon talks about his North Beach memories, including memorable nights at Tosca, and how the pandemic has unveiled inequities in our society that we cannot ignore. 

Porchlight Presents: North Beach Episode 6: Pia Hinckle

April 02, 2021 15:56 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MB

Author, journalist, and fifth generation San Franciscan Pia Hinckle joins us to talk about growing up and raising her own kids in the city. Topics include her legendary father, journalist Warren Hinckle, and nearly every single bar in North Beach.

Porchlight Presents: North Beach Episode 5: Jack Hirschman

March 19, 2021 14:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MB

Arline and Beth catch up with poet Jack Hirschman.  He looks back on his friendship with Lawrence Ferlinghetti and shares a poem he wrote for Lawrence on the night of his passing.  

Porchlight Presents: North Beach Episode 4: Stacey Lewis

March 05, 2021 15:00 - 38 minutes - 34.9 MB

Arline and Beth catch up with City Lights Books' linchpin Stacey Lewis. She looks back on 25 years at the iconic bookstore and remembers her mentor and friend Lawrence Ferlinghetti.

Porchlight Presents: North Beach episode 3: Lyle Tuttle and Danielle Boiardi

February 19, 2021 16:59 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MB

A year after Tuttle's death, Arline and Beth remember the tattoo icon with his friend and archivist Danielle Boiardi.   

Porchlight Presents: North Beach: Episode 3: Lyle Tuttle and Danielle Boiardi

February 19, 2021 16:59 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MB

A year after Tuttle's death, Arline and Beth remember the tattoo icon with his friend and archivist Danielle Boiardi.   

Porchlight Presents: Peggy Knickerbocker

February 05, 2021 17:54 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MB

Arline and Beth talk to San Francisco legend Peggy Knickerbocker. The cookbook author and gal about town talks about The Dolphin Club, her new memoir, and childhood friends helping get her through the pandemic. Her story about running around North Beach was recorded at Bimbo's in 2018. 

Porchlight Presents North Beach: Episode 2: Peggy Knickerbocker

February 05, 2021 17:54 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MB

Arline and Beth talk to San Francisco legend Peggy Knickerbocker. The cookbook author and gal about town talks about The Dolphin Club, her new memoir, and childhood friends helping get her through the pandemic. Her story about running around North Beach was recorded at Bimbo's in 2018. 

Porchlight Presents North Beach: Episode 1: Jesse DeNatale

January 18, 2021 03:17 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MB

Beth and Arline remember a great show back in 2019 in the perfectly lit, crowded lounge at Bimbo's. Porchlight favorite Jesse DeNatale was there. He spent the pandemic creating a beautiful album "The Wilderness." Hear all about it and the roads that lead us wherever the hell we wind up.

Porchlight Presents: Jesse DeNatale

January 18, 2021 03:17 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MB

Beth and Arline remember a great show back in 2019 in the perfectly lit, crowded lounge at Bimbo's. Porchlight favorite Jesse DeNatale was there. He spent the pandemic creating a beautiful album "The Wilderness." Hear all about it and the roads that lead us wherever the hell we wind up.

Porchlight: Show Me As I Want To Be Seen

October 14, 2019 01:38 - 1 hour - 75.3 MB

We were so excited to join forces with both the Contemporary Jewish Museum and the California Institute for Integral Studies for a night of stories exploring our understanding of self and the fluidity of identity. An amazing group shared personal stories inspired by the CJM exhibition Show Me as I Want to be Seen. The lineup: Kelly Beardsley has been telling wacky stories around SF for the last 15 years.  His stories have been heard on This American Life, The California Report, KQED and ...

Porchlight Presents Green Apple Books' 50th Anniversary Jubilee

September 02, 2019 21:29 - 1 hour - 60.8 MB

A not-to-miss variety show celebrating the wonderment and weirdness of SF's landmark indie bookstore with author Mary Roach, illustrator Wendy McNaughton, Thao of the Get Down Stay Down, Vetiver's Andy Cabic, Forum's Michael Krasny, author Robin Sloan, author and musician Willy Vlautin and more!   Hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Lisick on September 6, 2017 at the Great American Music Hall.  Recorded and Mixed by Brandi Howell

Porchlight's 15-Year Anniversary Show-tacular!

October 13, 2018 17:37 - 1 hour - 99.4 MB

It's our 15th birthday and we're putting on a killer storytelling show to celebrate! BACK IN THE DAY will feature true tales from a stellar assortment of humans including: Muni Diaries founder Eugenia Chien Lawyer, activist, and artist Matt Gonzalez Bartender and writer Ginger Murray Master bookbinder Dominic Riley Writer and contributor to The New Yorker, Vice, and The Guardian, Carvell Wallace Writer, performer Cintra Wilson Musical Guest Sonny Smith with your emcees Arline Klat...

Porchlight + Sketchfest! Bombs Away! Night 1

August 16, 2018 06:25 - 1 hour - 87.8 MB

Porchlight and Sketchfest present: BOMBS AWAY! Stories of Implosions and Explosions With Dana Merwin, Eddie Pepitone. Erin Foley, Karla Martin and Mike Phirman 

Annual Litquake Show! Life During Wartime

March 09, 2018 18:26 - 1 hour - 52.3 MB

Every year, we join forces with the amazing Litquake Literary Festival to bring you a night of stories told by authors and writers. Our theme for this show is ripped from the Talking Heads song “Life During Wartime,” and involves tales of explosive scenarios, epic struggles, and living each day like it could be your last. With Greg Milner, Laurie Notaro, D. Watkins, Jack Boulware, Eric Spitznagel, Bucky SInister, and Pamela Alma Weymouth. Hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Lisick, with music b...

14-Year Anniversary Romp: Identity Crisis!

March 05, 2018 00:58 - 1 hour - 67.9 MB

Who am I? It's a queston that never fails to amuse, confuse, bewilder, and humble us as we plunk along our journey on this earth. To what end, no one knows. To paraphrase Oliver Sacks, it is an enormous privilege and adventure to be a sentient being, a thinking animal, on this beautiful planet. And you are free to have canned fish for lunch every day, if you wish.  As Porchlight celebrates fourteen years of personal storytelling onstage, we look to a theme where storytellers can choose...

Porchlight + Greenhouse: JOBS

August 01, 2016 18:27 - 39 minutes - 18 MB

Porchlight partners with Greenhouse, a software company that optimizes hiring practices, for a show of stories about JOBS. Our storytelling superstars for this special edition include writer/musician Eric Shea, HIV educator Ed Wolf, and producer/comedian Dana Merwin.    Hosted by Arline Klatte at the Hilton Union Square on May 26, 2016. Recorded by PSAV and mixed by Patty Fung.

Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution

June 29, 2016 21:56 - 1 hour - 36.6 MB

Porchlight returns with a Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution edition featuring Wavy Gravy, Bob Barsotti, Eric Shea, Deanne Franklin, Bart Davenport, and Lorrie Murray. Hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Lisick on May 12, 2016 at The Contemporary Jewish Museum. Recorded by Brandi Howell. Mixed by Patty Fung. 

Kitchen Confidential 2016

June 04, 2016 00:12 - 1 hour - 32.4 MB

Kitchen Confidential is back! Hear some of SF's finest onstage with their insider stories about food, restaurants, kitchens, customers, and the vagaries of having a life in the service industry. Writer and restaurant person Karen Leibowitz. Natural foods expert/writer Matt Levine. Cookbook author J. Kenji Lopez-Alt. Comedian Kyle Mizono. Chef/teacher Erika Almeida Mooney and superstar chef Richie Nakano. Hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Lisick on April 13, 2016 at San Francisco's Verdi Cl...

You're Doing It Wrong: SF Sketchfest 2016

March 10, 2016 04:36 - 1 hour - 35.7 MB

You're Doing It Wrong: Stories from Porchlight's annual SF Sketchfest show featuring Beth Lisick and Arline Klatte with guests Iris Haas-Biel, Moshe Kasher, Jackie Kashian, Kyle Mizono and Aparna Nancherla and songs by Bart Davenport. Hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Lisick January 22, 2016 at the Swedish American Hall Recorded by Brandi Howell. Mixed by Patty Fung. 

Kill Your Darlings: The Unpleasant Art of Starting Over. Porchlight + Litquake 2015

December 15, 2015 03:08 - 1 hour - 35.6 MB

Litquake’s edition of the Bay Area’s long-running Porchlight series (15 years!) returns to the festival for a special storytelling night of authors and writers, telling tales on the theme of “Kill Your Darlings.” Featuring stories by Heather Mackey, Martha Tolles, Neal Pollack, Mark Haskell Smith, Siamak Vossoughi and Ali Liebegott. Hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Lisick on October 12, 2015 at San Francisco's Verdi Club. Recorded by Brandi Howell. Mixed by Patty Fung. 

Flip The Switch: Stories of Change In An Instant

November 18, 2015 02:25 - 1 hour - 30.4 MB

It seems like only yesterday that we got some friends together at the Hemlock Tavern to tell us their stories and now BAM, it's somehow 13 years later! Arline, Beth, and Marc celebrate the thrill again as some of our favorite Bay Area storytellers delight and surprise you with the theme Flip The Switch: When Things Change In an Instant. Featuring stories by Virgil Shaw, Tara Jepsen, Scott Kravitz, David Lynch and Dominic Riley. Hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Lisick on June 19, 2015 at Sa...

Last One to Leave Please Turn Out the Lights

May 12, 2015 02:50 - 1 hour - 38.6 MB

A very special edition of the Bay Area’s longest-running storytelling series, now in its 13th year! An evening of unforgettable stories by a stellar cast of feisty San Franciscans who are STILL HERE. So you know: This show is not meant to be a bummer, but rather a rollicking night featuring people who love this city and would prefer to stay here and keep on loving it. Stories from: Tim Redmond, Cammy Blackstone, Rio and Rene Yañez, Marilynn Fowler, Shannon Matesky and Ed Wolf. Also featuring...

Kitchen Confidential 2014

March 20, 2015 02:10 - 1 hour - 38.7 MB

Kitchen Confidential, Porchlight's most anticipated show of the year. Get all the dirt from the top food people in this unapologetically food-obsessed town, as stories from the kitchen, the front of the house, and the food truck are told onstage. Stories from: Chef and TV Personality Joey Altman, James Beard Award Winner and Slanted Door's Charles Phan, Author and St. Vincent Owner David Lynch, Restaurant Family Scion and ll Fornaio Co-Owner Mike Mindel, Writer and Culinary Tour Guide Nina...

Comics Take the Stage: SF Sketchfest 2015

February 17, 2015 01:38 - 1 hour - 38.5 MB

For the fifth year in a row, Porchlight teams up with the San Francisco Sketchfest to bring you a rollicking night of storytelling by a line-up of people in the writing and funny business. Working with the theme FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT, six superstars tell ten-minute stories for your joy and entertainment. Stories from: Shelley McLendon, Derrick Brown, Frank Portman, Phoebe Robinson, Scott Capurro and Ophira Eisenberg.    Hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Lisick on January 25,...

Porchlight Open Door: Scary, Creepy, Not OK!

December 23, 2014 09:20 - 58 minutes - 81 MB

Porchlight Halloween show. Hosted by Arline Klatte and Marc Capelle on October 27th, 2014 at San Francisco's Hemlock Tavern

Brushes with the Other Side of Fame. Porchlight + Litquake 2014

November 25, 2014 04:01 - 55 minutes - 25.3 MB

This installment comes from our collaboration with the yearly Litquake Literary Festival. The theme of the evening was brushes with the other side of fame told by Jennifer Longo, Antonia Crane, Caitlin Doughty, Joshua Safran and Owen Egerton along with songs by Frank Portman. Hosted by Arline Klatte & Beth Lisick on October 13, 2014 at the Verdi Club. Recorded by Paula Junn. Mixed by Patty Fung.

Bay Area Love Stories

October 21, 2014 18:58 - 1 hour - 106 MB

Stories about love and the Bay Area told by Chinaka Hodge, Thao Nguyen, Anthony Bedard, Dana Merwin, John Reichmuth, Hiya Swanhuyser and music by Carletta Sue Kay. Hosted by Arline Klatte & Beth Lisick on September 4, 2014 at the California Academy of Sciences.

Long Walks On The Beach

June 03, 2014 07:07 - 59 minutes - 54.1 MB

Stories about dating told by David Jordan, Russell Gonzaga, Rachel Balik, Heather Marlowe, and Al Luhan.   Hosted by Beth Lisick & Arline Klatte on February 17, 2014 at San Francisco's Verdi Club.

Too Hard To Keep

May 02, 2014 04:12 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MB

Stories about times it was too hard to keep it together, too hard to keep a secret, too hard to keep thinking about, and too hard to keep up.  Told by Michael Bunin, Suzanne Kleid, Brian McMullen, and Rick Oginz. Hosted by Beth Lisick and Arline Klatte on March 20, 2014 at San Francisco's Contemporary Jewish Museum.   

Idol Worship. PL Open Door

March 09, 2014 08:49 - 1 hour - 67.9 MB

Stories of Fans, Stalkers, Acolytes, and Zealots. Hosted by Arline Klatte on February 24, 2014 at San Francisco's Hemlock Club.   

Heartbreak: Porchlight Open Door

February 16, 2014 03:34 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MB

Broken hearts on the stage at Porchlight Open Door. Hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Spotswood on February 25, 2013 at San Francisco’s Hemlock Tavern. 

Tough Crowd

February 01, 2014 09:15 - 1 hour - 65.4 MB

PL+Sketchfest 2014 Stories from comics Nick Thune, Kevin McDonald, April Richardson, Anthony Bedard, Anna Seregina, & Caitlin Gill. Hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Lisick on January 26, 2014 at San Francisco’s Verdi Club. 

Porchlight Open Door: Feast or Famine

December 15, 2013 22:00 - 56 minutes - 77.3 MB

Stories of appetites, obsessions, and hunger pains.  Hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Spottswood on November 25, 2013 at San Francisco’s Hemlock Tavern.  

There Will Be Blood: The Family Show

November 27, 2013 23:28 - 1 hour - 90.6 MB

Extra helpings of family secrets, evil step-grandmothers, famous fathers, and horrible dinner table conversation will be served.  Stories from: Sean Keane, Marianna Cherry, Christopher Caen, Jay Beaman, Karen Duffin and Ali Liebegott.    Hosted by Arline Klatte and Ali Liebegott on November 18, 2013 at San Francisco’s Verdi Club.  

Comics take the stage: Sketchfest 2012

November 12, 2013 07:31 - 1 hour - 86.3 MB

Etiquette advice for stalking celebrities, becoming a man through Bar Mitzvah and phone sex, how breaking bones can be good for your health, and why sometimes you really need a BB gun to take down the Xmas tree.  Stories from: Bobcat Goldthwait, Moshe Kasher, Caitlin Gill, and Anna Seregina.   Hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Lisick on January 20, 2012 at the Purple Onion in San Francisco.  Podcast produced by Briana Breen.

Sometimes It’s Hard To Be A Writer. Porchlight + Litquake 2013

October 28, 2013 01:35 - 52 minutes - 71.9 MB

Stories about Doubt, Debt, Drugs, and Determination:  What to do when your writing session is interrupted by men with guns, how a writer shouldn't plan for her retirement, a writer’s life in the porn industry, and one of Oprah's favorite things that you won't find on The O List. Stories by: Kent Zimmerman, Sandra Tsing Loh, Jerry Stahl, and music by John Vanderslice and Marc Capelle.  From October 14, 2013 at San Francisco's Verdi Club.  Hosted by Beth Lisick and Arline Klatte. Podcast pro...

Exit Interview: Don't Let The Door Hit You On The Ass

October 09, 2013 19:58 - 1 hour - 93.6 MB

Stories of making an exit from: Mike Morasky, Brittney Gilbert, Michael Ching, Broke-Ass Stuart aka Stuart Schuffman, and Kelly Beardsley. Special musical performance by Carletta Sue Kay. Hosted by Arline Klatte and Ali Liebegott on September 16, 2013 at San Francisco's Verdi Club.  Podcast produced by Briana Breen. 

Double Dare: Two Storytellers, One Story

September 21, 2013 00:33 - 1 hour - 93.7 MB

Adventures and escapades with friends and lovers.  The do's and dont's of vacationing with your S.O (platonic or romantic), including what to say when a Guatemalan judge asks you, "Do you know Michael Jordan?"  Also, helpful notes for finding love in a bar in San Francisco or on a street corner in New Orleans. Stories from: Law partners--Whitney Leigh & Matt Gonzalez, Bloggers, columnists, and fabulous gals about town--Melissa Griffen & Beth Spotswood, Artists and lovers--Danny Levesque & J...

Back To School! Porchlight Open Door

August 18, 2013 05:43 - 1 hour - 83.4 MB

Get schooled with these stories from teachers, students, and people learning (or not learning) formative lessons.  Hosted by Arline Klatte and Jack Boulware September 24, 2012 at San Francisco's Hemlock Tavern.  Podcast produced by Briana Breen.

As Luck Would Have It. Porchlight's Eleventh Anniversary Show!

August 04, 2013 09:57 - 1 hour - 97.2 MB

STORIES FROM: British bookbinder—Dominic Riley Writer—April Sinclair  Literary superstar—Michelle Tea YA author and Mr. T. Experience frontman—Frank Portman Poet, actor and storyteller—Hai Ning Luan Musician and talent booker—Anthony Bedard Hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Lisick July 26, 2013 at San Francisco's Verdi Club.  Podcast Produced by Briana Breen

Ready to Wear: The Fashion Show

July 23, 2013 01:26 - 1 hour - 95.2 MB

Mom, philanthropist and former model--Paula Williams Fashion blogger--Adelle McElveen Crafty lady and "What Not To Wear" victim--Pam DeLuco Interior designer--John James Former model turned writer--Meghan Ward Author, teacher and performer--Richard Silberg   From March 21, 2011 at San Francisco’s Verdi Club.

Imposter

June 30, 2013 17:13 - 1 hour - 105 MB

Stories of lies, deception, and trickery from: The Roxie Theatre's--Mike Keegan Artist and radio producer--Stacy Bond Author and Litquake co-founder--Jack Boulware San Francisco real estate agent--Steve Mavromihalis Mills College professor--Maura Finkelstein YA novelist and MR. T Experience frontman--Frank Portman Hosted by Arline Klatte and Jon Moscone June 17, 2013 at San Francisco's Verdi Club.  Podcast produced by Briana Breen.

Kitchen Confidential 2013

May 25, 2013 11:09 - 1 hour - 102 MB

Misbehaving bar patrons, a trip to Mexico to unlock the secret recipe of a magical tostada, harrowing tales of restaurant openings, hitting rock bottom as a waitress, celebrities and reservation booking madness from inside one of New York's top restaurants, and when ramen noodles go wrong.  Stories from: bartender and performer--Jill Vice, Tacolicious executive chef--Telmo Faria, Nopa, Chow, and Kokkari, Chef and co-owner--Laurence Jossel, writer and recovering watiress--Ali Liebegott, owne...

Law & Order. Porchlight Open Door.

May 11, 2013 07:23 - 1 hour - 84.3 MB

Stories of parents and drug dealers, and parents who are drug dealers, an M.P. guarding high value detainees in Baghdad, how not to get into Egypt, lawlessness in Cambodia, spanking, late night run-ins with campus police, what to say when a cop wants to search your vehicle, and bedbugs. Hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Spottswood. Podcast produced by Briana Breen.   From March 25, 2013 at San Francisco’s Hemlock Tavern.

Porchlight + Quiet Lightning

April 27, 2013 07:05 - 1 hour - 90.6 MB

A Porchlight show unlike any other.  Storytellers and readers take the stage for a unique literary, storytelling, and musical mixtape.     Hosted by Arline Klatte and Evan Karp.  Podcast produced by Briana Breen.  From April 15, 2013 at San Francisco’s Verdi Club.

A Brighter New Tomorrow! From the PL Main Stage

April 13, 2013 04:13 - 1 hour - 121 MB

Stories about getting over it and moving on from: Deputy Chief of Staff for Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom--Deirdre Hussey, writer and comedian--Miles K., high school teacher--Karie Rubin, writer and performer--Kurt Bodden, and surprise stoytellers! Hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Spotswood. Podcast produced by Briana Breen.   From January 21, 2013 at San Francisco’s Verdi Club.

Law and Order: Stories from all sides

March 30, 2013 07:55 - 1 hour - 83.8 MB

Stories from: Criminal defense attorney--Renee Paradis Comic and union organizer--Nato Green San Francisco Poilice Department Sergeant--Carl Tennenbaum Chief Judge of the Ninth Circuit--Alex Kozinski Hosted by Arline Klatte and Beth Spotswood.  Podcast produced by Briana Breen. From March 18, 2013 at San Francisco's Verdi Club.