Tell The Bartender - A Storytelling Podcast artwork

Tell The Bartender - A Storytelling Podcast

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

Tell The Bartender is a storytelling podcast hosted by Katharine Heller

Comedy Society & Culture Personal Journals bartender heller katharine story storytelling tell the
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Episode 66: In The Moment

August 25, 2015 18:55 - 52 minutes - 73.3 MB

In this Episode: Ever had to make a life changing decision immediately? We hear from two people who didn't have a lot of time to make an important choice. First, Luke talks about finding himself face to face with someone from his past (who happens to be a member of his church). And then we hear from Jan, a sergeant in the NYPD, who had to bend the rules a bit to help someone in need (it involves a Winnie The Pooh Piglet doll).

Episode 65: There's No Business Like Show Business

August 13, 2015 14:39 - 42 minutes - 39 MB

Steve tells us about the time he was inspired to play music after meeting his idols, The Flaming Lips, who he eventually toured with. That's also when he found out some dreams aren't meant to be followed. And Niabi shares with us why she eventually quit a job as a knife thrower's assistant for The Great Throwdini. 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 64: Well That Was Awkward

July 30, 2015 15:42 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

In this Episode: We hear three stories about some very awkward moments. One of them involves Arianna Huffington, another involves peach schnapps and the cops, and the last involves karaoke, because of course. Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

Episode 63: Pranks Gone Wild

July 15, 2015 18:36 - 33 minutes - 46.3 MB

In this Episode: Jim educates us about "Devil's Night" (the night before Halloween), and how a prank he played on a neighbor went terribly, terribly wrong. Then things got worse.  And The Bartender recalls the time a joke she made got taken a little too seriously. It involves playing in a punk band called "Bitch Chicks On The Rag".  PLUS a listener shout out! Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

Episode 62: Breaking The Law

July 01, 2015 15:45 - 36 minutes - 50.9 MB

In this Episode:  I'll Accept The Charges: Very recently Clementine got a collect call from a correctional facility. It was her long lost uncle asking for help. But as time went on, the only things that started to add up in his story were the phone charges. Then things got weird. Clementine is using her real name but all other names and locations have been changed to protect the innocent - and the guilty. What Could Possibly Go Wrong: Jackson found out the hard way - the very hard way - wh...

Episode 61: Inspired

June 17, 2015 14:18 - 31 minutes - 44.1 MB

In this Episode: In a world where it's easy to lose faith in humanity, The Bartender sat down with two people who are making big changes with small actions to help others, and themselves. Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

Episode 60: Odd Jobs

June 02, 2015 13:43 - 35 minutes - 48.9 MB

In this Episode: Survival jobs - that thing you do while pursuing the other thing you do that doesn't pay all the bills yet. Here are stories from unique individuals who have been there and done that. We hear from a kids soccer referee, a personal assistant, a UPS employee and a bartender from a "Coyote Ugly" type establishment. PLUS listener shout outs! Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

Episode 59: Studio 44

May 06, 2015 14:54 - 1 hour - 66.3 MB

In this Episode: Vegan drag queen Honey LaBronx (AKA Ben Strothmann) just moved into a gorgeous, affordable apartment in Manhattan. How he got it is another story. It involves negotiating with the IRS.  PLUS a fellow podcaster shout out! Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

Episode 58: Subway Subculture

April 22, 2015 13:00 - 32 minutes - 61.8 MB

Genevieve found a purse on a train and hoped to return it to the owner. What she didn't expect was to become deeply entwined with the subjects of its contents. You can read more stories about magic on the NYC subway at her awesome blog, Subway Subculture. PLUS listener shout outs! Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

Episode 57: Goodbyes and Badbyes

April 07, 2015 18:10 - 48 minutes - 66.9 MB

In this Episode: Zhu Yi was unable to be in her home country when her grandmother died, but first she had to find out about it after the fact. Zhu talks about how her eccentric family has influenced her, inspired her, and like many families sometimes had the cops called on them. Then Kerry joins The Bartender for the first ever "Tell The Bartender Theater" segment where they do a dramatic reading of a series of unflattering text messages about Kerry, accidentally sent to Kerry, from a (now...

Episode 56: Dating Fables and Spanking Tables

March 24, 2015 16:04 - 46 minutes - 64.6 MB

In this Episode: "Tyler" tells us the best gift to bring for the host of a private sex party. Hint: it's homemade. Then Keri recalls some shitty dating experiences. Unfortunately, that's literal. Also, have a band or write songs? Submit your own music to be featured on future shows! Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

Episode 55: If You See Something, Say Something (Even If It Takes A Few Years)

March 10, 2015 14:50 - 53 minutes - 74.6 MB

In this Episode: Mike tells a story that he has never told anyone (even his wife) and The Bartender is, for the first time, at a loss for words. Then Tommy talks about the idea of "casual racism", which culminates with a story about what NOT to do when you "see something" suspicious on the train. Like the show?  Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

Episode 54: LIVE with Norm Lewis and The Bitchy Waiter!

February 23, 2015 14:27 - 52 minutes - 72.6 MB

In this Episode: The Bartender is joined by Norm Lewis and The Bitchy Waiter for another wonderful live show. PLUS a listener shout out, and we play Craigslist Ad or Casting Notice with Jordan McDonough! Recorded at Union Hall in Brooklyn, NY. Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

Episode 53: Hits and Misses

February 11, 2015 18:27 - 53 minutes - 49.7 MB

In this Episode: We hear stories from people who have loved, lost, and been punched by strangers. PLUS buy tickets now for Tell The Bartender LIVE on February 18th with Norm Lewis and the Bitchy Waiter! Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

Episode 52: BONUS! The Immortal Serial

February 04, 2015 17:23 - 22 minutes - 43.1 MB

In this Episode: The Serial parody you’ve all been waiting for! Every year, The Bartender’s friends 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 very popular and awesome NPR podcast Serial. Here it is! Conceived by Forest Ray and Jordan Kraft,...

Episode 51: High/Low and Stitch

January 21, 2015 15:14 - 48 minutes - 45.3 MB

In this Episode: Andrea recalls a series of events that lead to a major life change, and Forest talks about performing what should have been a simple procedure during his time as an Army medic in Iraq. PLUS listener shout outs and news about the next Tell The Bartender LIVE! Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!  

Episode 50: Filing Solo

January 04, 2015 06:39 - 1 hour - 57.4 MB

In this Episode: Frankie joins The Bartender to talk about when she first realized that maybe you shouldn't answer the door when you live alone. Even if it's the lead paint inspector. Then Liz tells a very touching story about what she learned from her first love. It also involves a filing cabinet. PLUS listener shout outs and news about the next Tell The Bartender LIVE!

Episode 49: Politics, Facebook and Friendship

December 17, 2014 20:10 - 43 minutes - 59.7 MB

In this Episode: Shawn joins The Bartender to talk about political discourse in the age of social media, "Racebook", and how he handles situations when the police are involved. Then Korde tells a story about a funny coincidence that happened when he first moved to New York. It's kind of beautiful, you guys. PLUS listener shout outs and The Bartender needs your help!

Episode 48: The True Meaning of Thanksgiving, Revealed

November 25, 2014 20:39 - 30 minutes - 58 MB

In this Episode: The Bartender tries to find the true meaning of Thanksgiving. She spoke to her 3 1/2 year old nephew Christian, a friend's 4 1/2 year old daughter Noa, and her friend Simona. They all had some incredible insight. Then Alex tells the story about one particularly interesting Thanksgiving with his family, and manages to sum up the true meaning of this holiday. PLUS listener shout outs and a new episode of The Bartender's advice show with Sally Tamarkin, "The Struggle Bus", is ...

Episode 47: LIVE with Myka Fox and Keisha Zollar!

November 12, 2014 02:14 - 46 minutes - 63.7 MB

In this Episode: The Bartender is joined by Myka Fox and Keisha Zollar for another wonderful live show. PLUS listener shout outs, and we play Craigslist Ad or Casting Notice! Recorded at UCB East, NY, NY as part of the New York Comedy Festival. Like the show? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

Episode 46: Halloween Spooktacular!

October 30, 2014 16:02 - 37 minutes - 71.7 MB

In this Episode: David Lawson joins Katharine to tell the story about, well, the worst thing to happen while leading a "Ghost Tour" in a graveyard in Boston. And Lauren Hennessy is back to talk about a scary thing that happened while in a lighting booth for a show. PLUS listener shout outs, and tickets are available for the next LIVE show for the New York Comedy Festival on November 8th! Like what you hear? Tip The Bartender! Or give it 5 stars!

Episode 45: This Time, It's Personal

October 22, 2014 20:33 - 1 hour - 84.4 MB

In this Episode: The Bartender is joined by herself because her computer somehow lost all of her yet-to-be-released interviews (and all of GarageBand!) so the very special Halloween episode will be up next week BUT Katharine didn't want to leave you hanging. So, for the first time, she is releasing audio from the very personal (and hilarious!) one woman show she did 4 years ago about her (difficult relationship with her) dad. She is very nervous and needs a hug. Enjoy! Like the show? Tip Th...

Episode 44: LIVE with Janeane Garofalo, Mara Wilson and Jeffrey Cranor!

October 08, 2014 01:24 - 1 hour - 30.4 MB

The Bartender is joined by Janeane Garofalo, Mara Wilson and Jeffrey Cranor for another wonderful live show. PLUS listener shout outs, and we play Craigslist Ad or Casting Notice with Jordan McDonough! Recorded at Union Hall in Brooklyn, NY.

Episode 43: There's A First Time For Everything

September 17, 2014 20:31 - 52 minutes - 24.5 MB

In this episode: Kevin Allison walks us through sexual awakenings in his life, and talks about his first time experimenting with BDSM, polyamory, why he is "The Skipper and not Gilligan", and a class he teaches at Kink Camp. Then Meghan Turbitt gets very personal with The Bartender about the first time she had sex, and Katharine in turn shares a very intimate story with Meghan about her hymen. PLUS listener shout outs, and news about the next LIVE show for New York ComicCon's Superweek on ...

Episode 42: An Education

September 01, 2014 15:31 - 1 hour - 31.5 MB

In this episode: The incredibly talented Mychal Denzel Smith is a contributing writer at The Nation, freelances for other major publications, makes frequent appearances on television and is prodigious on Twitter. He also spent four years at a distinguished university but never graduated. This is a story about questioning authority, why it’s so important to do so no matter what the consequences, and, like any great narrative, there is a boat explosion. Ok, he had nothing to do with the boat ...

Episode 41: LIVE with Jamie Kilstein and Chris Gethard!

August 18, 2014 12:42 - 54 minutes - 25.6 MB

The Bartender is joined by Jamie Kilstein and Chris Gethard for another wonderful live show. PLUS a listener shout out, and we play Craigslist Ad or Casting Notice with Shawn T. Andrew! Recorded at Union Hall in Brooklyn, NY.

Episode 40: Get Your Kink On With Bastard Keith (And Constable Teasebottom)

August 05, 2014 00:41 - 45 minutes - 21.1 MB

In this episode: Bastard Keith and The Bartender get personal about kinks, his sexual journey and awakenings, and how he dealt with a heckler at a burlesque show he was hosting. Also, we cover "water sports", creative one-night stands, new ways to describe various sex acts, and there's a special appearance from our new favorite person Constable Teasebottom. This episode is NSFW but really, none of them are.  

Episode 39: First Impressions

July 21, 2014 06:16 - 39 minutes - 18.7 MB

In this episode: Marty Scanlon talks about "The Curry Man" who visits you in your sleep. This is real. And Sally Tamarkin shares a very personal tale about meeting her life long hero under the worst circumstances. PLUS The Bartender tells a story about meeting one of her personal idols AND listener shout-outs, info for some of The Bartender's live shows, and an announcement of a new podcast Katharine will be co-hosting!

Episode 38: Incognito

July 06, 2014 16:15 - 46 minutes - 21.8 MB

In this episode:   Michael Izquierdo went to Canada to relax and work on some creative projects. Canadian immigration had a different idea about who he was. And Jenny Jaffe joins The Bartender to talk about what happens when you don't read the instructions on edible pot chocolate. Let's just say she wasn't quite herself. Sadly, the Canadians didn't get involved. PLUS listener shout outs, Keith and the Girl and Citizen Radio shout outs, and news about the next live show on August 14th!

Episode 37: London Calling

June 23, 2014 15:55 - 1 hour - 60.6 MB

In this Episode: When To Tell The Bartender: Anne Zander used to bartend. She gives some good advice about how not to hit on your server, and speaks from her own personal experience about the one time the tables were turned. It didn't go so well. The X-Pastor: Sean Tucker used to be a pastor. He talks about the fascinating journey that led him away from the church. PLUS listener shout outs and an impromptu appearance from Katharine's favorite Twitter Fat Gay Vegan! Like what you hear? Tip...

Episode 36: Writing, Creating, And The Fine Art Of Getting Someone's Name Right

June 06, 2014 19:19 - 1 hour - 29.3 MB

In this Episode: Jeffrey Cranor, co-creator of the amazing podcast Welcome To Night Vale, talks to the Bartender about art, writing, performing, and what keeps him going. PLUS listener shout outs, Keith and the Girl and Citizen Radio shout outs, and a drink of the week inspired by Welcome To Night Vale! Like what you hear? Tip me! Or give the show 5 stars!  

Episode 35: Caught In The Act

May 25, 2014 16:11 - 42 minutes - 19.2 MB

In This Episode Brokedown Dorm Room: Dylan Marron tells us about the time he was caught in a pretty serious drug bust, unbeknownst to him. UCBanned: Jake Hart was banned from the Upright Citizen's Brigade Theater for a year. He'll explain why. PLUS listener shout outs!

Episode 34: LIVE with Mara Wilson and Wyatt Cenac!

May 13, 2014 14:53 - 59 minutes - 27.3 MB

The bartender is joined by Mara Wilson and Wyatt Cenac for a very special live show about relationships. PLUS listener shout outs, and we play Craigslist Ad or Casting Notice with Matty Blake! Recorded at Union Hall in Brooklyn, NY.

Episode 33: Medical Misadventures

May 01, 2014 14:44 - 59 minutes - 28 MB

In this Episode: Patti Cleary was in her Junior year of college when she noticed something new and different about her backside. She walks us through the very delicate ins and outs of having a pilonidal cyst. Recorded in St. Paul Minnesota! Charlie Kasov was given Zoloft (an antidepressant), among other things, back when it was still being tested on teenagers. Things didn't go so well. PLUS, news about the LIVE show on May 8th with Wyatt Cenac and Mara Wilson, and listener shout outs! Lik...

Episode 32: A Series Of Firsts

April 13, 2014 15:47 - 48 minutes - 22.8 MB

In this Episode: Evan Davis recalls the first time he did comedy, had sex, and got drunk. This did not all happen in one night. Coree Spencer tells about the first time she moved out of her house due to impossible circumstances, and found herself homeless at 17. PLUS, news about the LIVE show on May 8th with Wyatt Cenac and Mara Wilson, and listener shout outs! Like what you hear? Tip me! Or give the show 5 stars!

Episode 31: A 9/11 Story

March 30, 2014 18:05 - 48 minutes - 22.7 MB

In this Episode: Mark Duffy worked in the World Trade Center for 20 years until September 11th, 2001. His son Chris was in school, just a few miles away. The two talk about that day and how they finally found their way home.

Episode 30: LIVE with Janeane Garofalo and Chris Morris!

March 17, 2014 02:15 - 58 minutes - 53.4 MB

On this very special live episode recorded at Union Hall, Brooklyn, the Bartender talks to Janeane Garofalo about comedy, the Puppy Bowl and her new show idea, and the very talented Chris Morris shares a very personal story. PLUS we play Craigslist Ad or Casting Notice with Dan Schachner!

Episode 29: SHORT! A Funny Thing Happened

March 11, 2014 14:49 - 15 minutes - 7.26 MB

In this special short episode, we talk to Jen Collier, a comedian in London. Last week she received an email that told her she was being pulled from a show because there were "too many women" on the bill. Jen tweeted a screenshot of the email and it quickly went viral. Jen joins the bartender to talk about her sudden online fame, being a woman in comedy, and what it feels like to have Sarah Silverman on your side.

Episode 28: The Conspiracy of Silence

March 03, 2014 00:15 - 1 hour - 31 MB

In this Episode: Mike Blejer was 11 years old when his au pair started sexually abusing him. After we hear his story, he talks about how common sexual assault is and why survivors are often hesitant to talk about it. The Bartender then shares her own experience with being molested, and why she hasn't publicly addressed it until recently. PLUS, news about the second guest for the live show with Janeane Garofalo on March 5th, and listener shout outs! 

Episode 27: The Extra Files

February 16, 2014 20:49 - 33 minutes - 15.5 MB

In this Episode:   Corey tells the story about the time he received communion in a church AND a Bar Mitzvah in a van, Libby introduces a new boyfriend to an eccentric family member, and the bartender herself talks about reuniting with her kindergarten sweetheart. PLUS, news about the Live Show/BIRTHDAY EXTRAVAGANZA on March 5th, a drink recipe, and listener shout outs!

Episode 26: Tough Crowd

January 27, 2014 16:52 - 29 minutes - 13.7 MB

In this Episode: Micah tells us about his most difficult heckler (and the life lesson in the bathroom that followed it), and Cecelia shares a short story about her experience with race relations during her time in the Dominican Republic. It involves her dog. PLUS, the first guest is announced for the live show/BIRTHDAY EXTRAVAGANZA on March 5th, and a new drink inspired by a friend! 

Episode 25: LIVE with Blair Koenig and Frank Conniff!

January 12, 2014 17:14 - 53 minutes - 25.2 MB

In this Episode: We did a full length live show at Union Hall and it was wonderful! Many thanks to our incredible guests Blair Koenig (STFU Parents) and Frank Conniff (Mystery Science Theater 3000, Cinematic Titanic, Cartoon Dump, Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell). PLUS Katharine tells a story with the help of the Bitchy Waiter, we play “Craigslist Ad or Casting Notice” with Shawn T. Andrew, and an audience member joins us for the game, “Bar Talk”!

Episode 24: Who's Your Santa?

December 16, 2013 01:13 - 30 minutes - 14.2 MB

In this very special holiday episode, The Bartender talks to both children and adults about their own experiences with the man known as Santa. We also learn about Hannukah Harry, believing in magic, and how cruel some siblings can be. PLUS a new drink recipe, a listener shout-out AND you get to hear the host's sexy head cold voice (again). Happy Holidays!

Episode 23: LA Story/NY Story

December 09, 2013 00:52 - 47 minutes - 22.2 MB

The bartender just got back from LA and boy, does she have some stories to share. The first is from LA where the lovely Danuta talks about how a certain restraining order came to be. And back in NY, the incredible Myka Fox tells a story about a fun coincidence. PLUS news about the live show, some shout outs, and a new drink inspired by LA/Delta/Sky vodka!

Episode 22: On The Road

November 17, 2013 16:40 - 45 minutes - 21.1 MB

Let's travel! In this episode, we hear stories about a road trip, a road accident, and a very special tale from the bartender herself. PLUS a new round of Craigslist Ad or Casting Notice, news about the next live show, and how to make the best Hot Toddy!   

Episode 21: The Military, Sexual Identity, and Pee

November 03, 2013 21:43 - 41 minutes - 19.5 MB

This episode focuses on relationships. We hear from Katharine's upstairs neighbor Niabi who found out the hard way why dating a person outside your age range can have some unforseen consequences. It involves pee. Then Jamie shares his experience about growing up on a military base, and also what it's like to date after identifying as a transexual man. PLUS an announcement about Katharine recording in LA, some listener shout-outs and great music!

Episode 20: On Depression, Drugs, and a Duck

October 20, 2013 19:48 - 44 minutes - 20.8 MB

Citizen Radio's Ninja Kevin opens up about a dark time in his life, and what he did to get better. And then there's the story about the duck.

Episode 19: To Be Young

October 09, 2013 23:03 - 56 minutes - 26.6 MB

They say youth is wasted on the young, but how else can we have made those gutsy, irresponsible decisions that make us who we are today? In this episode we hear from three people who made some risky choices, and how they paid off. PLUS a new drink recipe, listener mail, and everyone's favorite game Craigslist Ad or Casting Notice!

Episode 18: Tales Of Engagement

September 24, 2013 11:52 - 57 minutes - 26.7 MB

Marriage - it's all the rage! But how exactly does one pop the question? We hear four touching, funny and surprising stories from people who wanted to make their engagements as special as possible. 

Episode 17: According To Plan

September 09, 2013 22:04 - 1 hour - 30 MB

In this Episode: Sometimes things in life don't always go according to plan. Like, let's say you spend two months planning a live version of your podcast with some celebrity guests, and it goes great, but there is a technical issue and it didn't record. You know, like that. Well, sadly, the last live show will live on only in the memories of those who were there BUT we have pictures below of the event, and it inspired this episode. Nature, Nurture: When she started a family with her husban...

Twitter Mentions

@citizenradio 2 Episodes
@happierman 1 Episode
@fatgayvegan 1 Episode
@normlewis777 1 Episode
@mychalsmith 1 Episode
@subwaysubcultur 1 Episode