Tell The Bartender - A Storytelling Podcast artwork

Tell The Bartender - A Storytelling Podcast

116 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 94 ratings

Tell The Bartender is a storytelling podcast hosted by Katharine Heller

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Episodes

Episode 116: Opening The Emotional Box One Panel At A Time (AKA The "Waterloo Sunrise")

April 18, 2022 13:24 - 41 minutes - 47 MB

In this Episode:  After taking mushrooms before a comedy show and ending up barefoot in "Tetanus City™" while on the phone with his soon to be ex, Calvin knew something was happening to him emotionally. And that's only the beginning. Calvin shares what helped him during this time, all while making The Bartender laugh/cry. Plus, a Survivor season 1 spoiler.

Episode 115: Cabbage Patch Dreams/Nightmares

January 24, 2022 00:33 - 1 hour - 80.2 MB

In this very special episode, The Bartender and her sister Caroline deconstruct one of the greatest albums from their childhood, (and really, in the entire world,) Cabbage Patch Dreams. They go through song by song and celebrate at the end by performing the crucial duet from Side 2. Difficult harmonies are attempted. Past sibling rivalry is discussed, and healing begins. Then Michael John Improta carries the theme of childhood trauma and joy by talking about things he feared as a kid. Name...

Episode 114: Smoking Hot Love, And The Love Of Smoking

December 11, 2021 17:14 - 1 hour - 92.3 MB

In this Episode: Rod and Karen met in elementary school, have been together since they were 16 and married in 2002. They talk about their teenage courtship, and Rod has a story about something serious that happened at his high school. (CN: Discussion of sexual assault). Then The Bartender talks with Ash, whose relatives go back generations in the cigar business. She talks about her family, and then gives a masterclass in all things cigars.

Episode 113: The Friends We Made Along The Way

August 15, 2021 16:40 - 38 minutes - 43.8 MB

Forest Ray was an Army medic in Iraq at the beginning of the war. He talks with The Bartender about the people he met there, cultural similarities and differences, how he felt about leaving, and his thoughts about what's happening currently in Afghanistan with the US troop withdrawal. They also briefly unpack their feelings about Jeff Bezos's penis rocket.

Episode 112: Ocean's 3

May 31, 2021 05:00 - 57 minutes - 65.5 MB

Have you ever exacted revenge on a bad person, but maybe didn't know how to do it right? Our anonymous guest walks us through a vengeance story that probably should have been handled by experienced tire-slashers, but it was handled nonetheless. PLUS a beautiful song and tribute to DMX from Katharine's elementary school friend Keefe Crawford with The FreeStylists . CN/TW There is a part of the episode where we discuss sexual assault.

Episode 111: Being Your Own Advocate - Health Adventures Edition!

March 24, 2021 16:01 - 1 hour - 74 MB

In this Episode: Molly Knefel shares a never before told story involving very serious health problems she encountered while receiving IVF treatment. Then Hilary Asare tells The Bartender about her horrible experience with a certain diet company who shall not be named (kidding, it's totally named). Plus, pandemic adventures! (CN for discussion of IVF and and assisted reproductive technology, and talk of weight and diet programs)

Episode 110: A Close Shave

March 01, 2021 10:00 - 50 minutes - 57.5 MB

In this Episode:  Shaving, amirite? Guests Katie Hartman and Rob Neill each tell stories about some very sensitive hair removal experiences. The Bartender hard relates.

Episode 109: It's 5:00 Everywhere, with The Bitchy Waiter and Kyra Sims

February 15, 2021 10:03 - 57 minutes - 65.6 MB

In this Episode:  The Bitchy Waiter makes a triumphant return to talk about being a server during COVID, customers and vaccines (oh my), and Kyra Sims joins The Bartender to tell a story about several first times... in one night.

Episode 108: (Not) Home For The Holidays

December 21, 2020 10:00 - 33 minutes - 38 MB

In this Episode:  When Susie's daughter started having violent outbursts after their second child was born, the family was told it was just sibling rivalry. It was not. She shares the story of her family's journey over the past decade to find help for her daughter. Then this year, COVID-19 made things even trickier.

Episode 86/69: Catfish in the Cradle

July 19, 2019 13:05 - 59 minutes - 41.7 MB

In this Episode:  Chemda and Keith, co-hosts of the Keith and The Girl podcast, were guests on this show years ago. A lot has changed. Chemda "spills the tea" about her recent divorce and why the relationship of 9 years ended, then Keith talks about a story UNFOLDING AS WE SPEAK about his dad, who recently emailed his ex wife. With her permission, Keith is now responding via email as his ex and is learning, well, a lot about his father. 

Episode 106: It's Harder To Give Up

December 31, 2018 21:42 - 45 minutes - 31.9 MB

In this Episode:  Jason, a musician and writer from Ontario, Canada, got sick and ended up in the hospital. He came out of a coma to find he had lost the use of his body. Jason talks about his path, being in a wheelchair, and how humor is always ok. Then Laura shares her story about taking risks, ignoring naysayers, and compares notes with The Bartender about being a fellow empath.

Episode 105: Pizza and Photos and Vampires (oh my)

October 25, 2018 19:32 - 34 minutes - 24.1 MB

In this Episode:  Callie and her boyfriend were offered to take free professional couples photos, but they broke up the day before the shoot. So when life gave her lemons, she made pizza. Then T joins The Bartender to talk about acting, their temporary stint as a Jehovah's Witness, and... vampires.

Episode 104: For The Record (Store)

July 26, 2018 16:20 - 38 minutes - 27.5 MB

In this Episode:  When he was in his early 20's, David soon realized that being a writer in LA was a lot harder than he thought. But everything changed one day when he walked into a vintage record store. CN: this conversation has talk of depression and suicidal ideation About The Guest: David Nadelberg is a writer, producer, host, and all around a lovely person. He is the creator of Mortified, a storytelling show where people share embarrassing letters, notes and poems things they wr...

Episode 103: "We Would Have Preferred Phish, Not Actual Fish" And Other Roadblocks While Fighting The Drug War

May 24, 2018 09:00 - 1 hour - 46.8 MB

In this Episode:  Derek Rosenfeld and Tommy McDonald from the The Drug Policy Alliance join The Bartender to talk about various obstacles they've experienced working to end the war on drugs. Derek recounts one bizarre tactic to deter a peaceful protest that involved dead fish, (not to be confused with his favorite band Phish), and Tommy recalls celebrating one of the proudest accomplishment of his career during one of the worst nights of his life. PLUS Katharine shares audio of a beautif...

Episode 102: Rob, and the Concept of Star Stature

April 23, 2018 07:18 - 45 minutes - 31.6 MB

In this Episode:  Ever wonder what it’s like to understudy four roles in a national tour of a Tony award winning Broadway show? Performer Rob Neill joins The Bartender to talk about his touring adventures with Peter and the Starcatcher, why art is more than just a career, what Tom Hanks is like in the event of an emergency, and then accidentally reveals that he babysat for someone very special (to Katharine).

Episode 101: Revoking Your Ancestral Contract

March 22, 2018 13:17 - 29 minutes - 21.2 MB

In this Episode:  Nessa Norich, awesome person and fellow New York Neo-Futurist, joins The Bartender to talk about ancestral trauma, how to move forward when there's a familial elephant in the room, and smashing the f@#k out of patriarchy. Then she sings a beautiful song she wrote. 

Episode 100: Dollar Store Baby Booties, with Flatbush Misdemeanors

February 19, 2018 00:12 - 26 minutes - 19 MB

In this Episode:  What do you get for the man who had everything? Kevin Iso and Dan Perlman from the hit web series Flatbush Misdemeanors join The Bartender to talk about creating content, working with kids, and the time they bought comedian Kevin Hart a gift that maybe wasn't the best idea at the time.

Episode 99: A New Perspective (brought to you by Visual Snow)

January 23, 2018 16:43 - 40 minutes - 28.5 MB

In this Episode:  Vanessa Potter woke up one morning and found herself blind and unable to walk. Hear her talk about recovery, facing fear, and hearing colors. YES, HEARING COLORS. Then Melissa Divaris Thompson shares a story about giving birth to her first child, and the lack of “industry of support” around pregnancy and parenthood.

Episode 98: Dasha, From Russia

December 01, 2017 15:32 - 30 minutes - 21.6 MB

In this Episode:  Dasha, who was born and raised in Russia, recently moved to America after years of living in South Korea. She talks to The Bartender about navigating different cultures, the impact of YouTube on Russian politics, and why she thought Putin was an ok guy until a few months ago.   

Episode 97: The Healthcare Prison Industrial Complex

August 21, 2017 09:00 - 53 minutes - 37.5 MB

In this Episode:  Maggie's brother, who has Asperger's Syndrome, ended up in solitary confinement while in jail after an incident at his group home. She opens up about the complicated and flawed legal system in America, and how it often fails people with special needs. Then The Bartender shares some thoughts about Charlottesville, allyship, and the importance of listening and learning. PLUS a listener shout-out, and a sneak peak into next month's episode.

Episode 96: You're Beautiful

July 07, 2017 22:30 - 49 minutes - 34.7 MB

In this Episode:  When Lynne went out on an audition for print work, she didn't expect the callback to happen so soon, except it was possibly neither an audition nor a callback. Then Betsy shares her experience working with an actor who did more than cross a few lines (and dance classes).

Episode 95: The Sacred Masculine and The Divine Feminism (or a Second Title for Shelton)

May 22, 2017 21:34 - 54 minutes - 38 MB

Writer/Performer/Awesome Person Shelton Pritchard Lindsay talks about the power of performance, and its role in facilitating conversations, reaching across political party lines and uniting the entire world. Sometimes.  Then, Katharine plays a very special audio clip from a very special person (her boyfriend)'s recent graduation speech about being an artist in a capitalist society.

Episode 94: Your Birth Day

April 10, 2017 15:32 - 41 minutes - 29.5 MB

In this Episode:  When Annie was training as a birth doula, she had very strong emotional reactions to some births, which made her look into her own. She talks with The Bartender about how the way we come into this world matters. Oh, and she also tells a story about the time she, for her job, mediated a fight between roommates over a thermostat. And huge thanks to The Black Guy Who Tips Podcast! Listen to them! Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

Episode 93: Sometimes A Bridesmaid, And Traveling Worldwide

February 14, 2017 10:00 - 1 hour - 45.3 MB

In this Episode:  The Bartender talks to Jen Glantz who is a "Bridesmaid for Hire", and has SO MANY QUESTIONS. Then Nancy Halpern shares some of her adventures from when she spent 5 days in Burma, alone, in her 20s. We then bring it back to American politics, the current Muslim "It's-not-a-ban-but-it-is-a-ban" Ban, and the impact of people traveling outside of their comfort zones. Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

Episode 92: Two and a Half Old Bitches

January 11, 2017 02:09 - 51 minutes - 35.9 MB

In this Episode: The Bartender sits down with Idelisse Malavé and Joanne Sandler, the creators and co-hosts of the hit podcast, Two Old Bitches. The two talk about the evolution of their bitchery, the liberation that comes with running out of f$%ks, and how they accidentally became models for pee proof underwear.

Episode 91: The Future of Regular Degular Comedy

November 29, 2016 21:29 - 1 hour - 46.8 MB

In this Episode: The Bartender shares some of her thoughts post election. Then, comedian Jes Tom talks about finding humor in times of despair, the best way to handle misgendering someone, and the time their grandmother got revenge against a school bully at the tender age of 8 after getting out of a Japanese internment camp. Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

Episode 90: Second (or Third, Fourth, Fifth) Chances

November 05, 2016 00:27 - 56 minutes - 39.2 MB

In this Episode: Melani, a single mother at age 41, found love in a hopeless place (an airport hotel in Pittsburgh). After 5 wonderful years with this man, she talks about moving forward after he passed away. Then we hear from Will whose father abandoned his family on Christmas Day when he was 16. He's trying to repair the relationship, and writing a show about it in the process. It involves a nuclear power plant and Brazil, not necessarily in that order.

Episode 89: I... Did Not Know That

October 24, 2016 01:36 - 26 minutes - 18.9 MB

In this Episode: Jen and Alli spend a lot of time on the internet procuring content for their show, but what happens when they meet the face behind the avatar? They talk about lessons learned from strangers on Craigslist, explain what a "Splenda Daddy" is, and expound on Mpregs, Semenology, and women in comedy. You know, the usual. 

Episode 88: He's All That

September 16, 2016 17:31 - 41 minutes - 29.2 MB

In this Episode: Jake wasn’t very popular in high school so he was thrilled when “Emily” wanted to be his girlfriend. When she revealed why she started dating him, Jake thought it couldn’t get any worse. He found out that oh yes, it could.

Episode 87: Service Dogs > Brogressives

September 02, 2016 18:33 - 57 minutes - 40.2 MB

In this Episode: (TW: Rape, Abuse) When Julie was sexually assaulted by the head of a prominent animal rights organization, she learned the limitations of her own rights in the "progressive" community. And then we hear from Tod, who saved a three legged dog and named it named Piggy. But who really saved who?

Episode 86: Family AMIRITE?!?

August 04, 2016 21:59 - 33 minutes - 23.6 MB

In this Episode: Families can be full of drama! From getting a phone call that your grandmother assaulted someone at the nursing home, to hatching several unrealistic plans to run away from your parents, there is still that special something that keeps kin together. In this very special episode, we hear stories about forgetfulness, fights, and forgiveness. Plus Katharine's (almost) 5 year old nephew joins us at the end to provide riveting commentary. He has a lot to say about lobsters.

Episode 85: Rear, Window

July 15, 2016 19:31 - 40 minutes - 55.7 MB

Jillian knew at a young age that she was obsessed with spankings. When she finally found a person who shared her fetish, her eyes were opened up to a whole new world. Unfortunately, someone else was watching.

Episode 84: Monsoon Season

July 01, 2016 19:43 - 28 minutes - 20.3 MB

In this Episode: Andrea was hired by a human rights organization for a short job in India. The work was very fulfilling. She tells us what happened when the job became a little too fulfilling.

Episode 83: Building a Backbone

June 10, 2016 21:12 - 34 minutes - 24.6 MB

In this Episode: High school is hard enough, but what do you do when a gym teacher threatens to expose a secret? Mary faced that challenge, and managed to fight it with a new found superpower. We then hear from Brandon who, on a whim, took a trip to Peru that had him facing some serious fears. Let's just say he may or may have not eaten a rat.

Episode 82: The Big Break(through)

May 26, 2016 14:18 - 33 minutes - 23.9 MB

In this Episode: As someone who has spent most of her life fighting for the rights of others, Mallika Dutt has her share of stories. First, we hear about how she skillfully handled the “casting couch culture” during production of a music video about women’s rights. Then she talks about a recently unearthed traumatic childhood memory that helped her understand her own personal obstacles. Oh, and Mallika makes The Bartender cry when she explains how the power of storytelling can change the w...

Episode 81: Trucker Tales

May 02, 2016 17:08 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MB

Wali, a very safe driver, was recently hired by a trucking company. During his month on the road with a trainer, he learned a lot more than how to make wide turns. PLUS The Bartender has a “New Awesome Podcast” alert – check out The Podcast of Color!

Episode 80: Superman

March 24, 2016 17:27 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MB

In this Episode: When Marc was a teenager, his mother received a call that would change their lives. His father, a New York City policeman, was shot. Hear the touching story about how he learned about his dad's superpower. 

Episode 79: Finding Your Voice

March 11, 2016 22:10 - 1 hour - 45.4 MB

In this Episode: The Bartender was recently approached by a band of Gypsies. Yes, a rock band of brothers who are Gypsies. In this very special episode, we hear about what it was like growing up, what it means to be a Gypsy, and how their band, The MXT, came to be. And then one of the brothers makes The Bartender cry with a moving and inspirational story. Hide your babies... KIDDING! They don't steal babies. But gather your hankies. Then, The Bartender shares a short story about her encoun...

Episode 78: Cool Cats

February 17, 2016 15:21 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MB

In this Episode: Liz was asked to watch a pair of very expensive Bengal cats for a week. Three months later, they were still in her home, and the owner was suspiciously jet-setting the world with her new boyfriend. Or was she? Liz accidentally embarked on a quest for said owner, a journey that involved Tijuana, background checks, monitored phone lines and meth. Then Earl, a musician (and The Bartender's "prom date"), talks about the time he accidentally broke a young fan's heart. He had a ...

Episode 77: Prete Moderno

February 01, 2016 19:40 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

In this Episode: After college, "Rosemary" spent some time in Italy working as a tour guide, learning about local customs and taking in the church. Her roommate was also getting to know the church, biblically. "Rosemary" has chosen to remain anonymous.  PLUS an update to "SquirrelGate", and The Bartender gets sappy on the podcast's three year anniversary. Get tickets to The Struggle Bus Live with Janeane Garofalo and Chemda Hennessy! Monday Feb 8, 2016 Doors: 7:00 PM Show: 7:30 PM $7 Ad...

Episode 76: Risky Business

January 19, 2016 17:18 - 39 minutes - 26.8 MB

In this Episode: Sally, generally a very risk averse person, was pressured into white water rafting. It turns out there's a reason Sally should not go white water rafting. Then Tyler joins The Bartender to talk about an unexpected adventure that ended in a skydiving trip. The skydiving wasn't nearly as exciting as what happened a few hours before. Get tickets to The Struggle Bus Live with Janeane Garofalo and Chemda Hennessy! Monday Feb 8, 2016 Doors: 7:00 PM Show: 7:30 PM $7 Advance / $...

Episode 75: The Story of Chemda

December 28, 2015 14:10 - 50 minutes - 34.3 MB

This very special episode doubles as a birthday present for a dear friend of The Bartender. Chemda Hennessy just celebrated a huge birthday, so Katharine put together stories and messages from some of her many friends, co-workers and admirers. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHEMDA! Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO GOT TELL THE BARTENDER FEATURED ON NPR’S EARBUD.FM!

Episode 74: Return To Burns Night

December 21, 2015 18:56 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MB

Due to popular demand, here is the Serial parody The Bartender made with her talented friends! Every year we get together to celebrate the Scottish tradition of Burns Night, which honors poet Robert Burns. There is haggis, scotch, tartan, scotch, poems, scotch and toasts. This year Forest Ray was given the task to tell the “Immortal Memory” which revolves around a very naughty poem by Burns. So he wrote a spoof of the popular and awesome NPR podcast Serial.

Episode 73: The Universe!

December 03, 2015 17:45 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MB

In this Episode: The universe works in mysterious ways. Just ask Rosa. In a single night, Rosa was able to overcome feelings about something from her past, impress an idol, and get some sweet, sweet action. She also blows The Bartender's mind when Rosa's story ties into something very intimate about Katharine. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO GOT TELL THE BARTENDER FEATURED ON NPR’S EARBUD.FM! Music suggestions this week from Naz T. Nate! Check out his work here. Like the show? Tip The Bartend...

Episode 72: Loosening Up

November 20, 2015 16:57 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MB

In this Episode: How does one break their vagina? Daniella shares with us the intimate details. And Danny tells how he ended up in "conversion therapy" after his very catholic parents found pornography in his room.    

Episode 71: Relationships and Rumblestrips

November 06, 2015 17:06 - 43 minutes - 60 MB

In this Episode: Lana recalls a very special night that made her an honorary New Yorker. It's also a PSA on why you should never share towels. Then Wali talks about growing up Muslim, why he stopped practicing, and how he told his family. Then he and The Bartender tell stories (and secrets) about some of the shenanigans that went down on the Keith and The Girl tour (Wali was the tour bus driver).

Episode 70: A Dud, a Stud and a Flood

October 21, 2015 17:42 - 40 minutes - 55.4 MB

In this Episode: Meredith hadn't had much luck with online dating. This is the story of one date that turned into a shitstorm. Literally. Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars! PLUS this month, since everyone says her voice is soon soothing, if you tip The Bartender $10 or more she will send you a personal audio message of a bedtime story of your choosing (you supply the text).

Episode 69: The Nixon Files

October 07, 2015 16:31 - 36 minutes - 50.2 MB

In this Episode: "Nixon", our anonymous guest, tells The Bartender about the time she started seriously dating a woman whose cancer had just returned. Nixon tried to be a supportive girlfriend during this difficult time, but for some reason all of her efforts fell flat. Turns out there was a totally reasonable explanation. ALSO, The Bartender is going on tour with the comedy podcast Keith and The Girl in October! See show dates here. Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars! P...

Episode 68: Another World

September 23, 2015 11:34 - 48 minutes - 67.7 MB

In this Episode: Ever found yourself completely out of your element? Shari shares her experience with auditioning for American Idol... four times. And Micah and Dan tell us about some otherworldly experiences they both had. It involves an ouija board, American Horror Story, and mushrooms. Not in that order. ALSO, The Bartender is going on tour with the comedy podcast Keith and The Girl in October! See show dates here (more TBA).  Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

Episode 67: Shaken Up

September 08, 2015 16:12 - 37 minutes - 52.4 MB

In this Episode: New York native Anthony survived the devastating LA earthquake of '94. But he soon found out the damage wasn't nearly done. And The Bitchy Waiter is back to tell us what happened to him hours after the last time he was on the show... he isn't proud. PLUS listener shout outs, and The Bartender is going on tour with the comedy podcast Keith and The Girl in October! See show dates here. Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

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