Welcome to the Truth in This Art. I'm your host, Rob Lee, and I’m thrilled to be in conversation with my next guest: Jessica Henkin. She's a dedicated professional working in Baltimore City Public School's Office of Early Learning Program. Alongside her commitment to education and special needs, Jessica is deeply passionate about her family, Baltimore City, and fostering connections through storytelling. With a background in improv comedy spanning over two decades in New York City and Baltimore, Jessica co-founded the widely acclaimed Stoop Storytelling, a live show, and podcast featuring ordinary individuals sharing extraordinary true stories about their lives. Her enthusiasm for the power of personal narratives to bring communities together shines through her ongoing involvement in this inspiring project since its inception in 2006.

Today's episode uncovers:

• How true personal stories have the ability to forge deep connections between people and create a sense of community on a profound level.
• Delve into the ethos of Stoop Storytelling, where authenticity and scrappiness are celebrated, giving storytellers the freedom to share their genuine experiences and emotions.
• Discover the significance of diversity in storytelling and the importance of approaching it with respect and sensitivity, ensuring that every voice is heard without exploitation.
• Explore the true essence of Baltimore, a city with a rich and authentic culture that defies negative stereotypes, and celebrate its diverse and vibrant community.
• Delve into Jessica Henkin's creative passions, from early childhood to theater, comedy, and scrappiness, as she shares her admiration for Jim Henson and her dream of working with this legendary creative mind.

Tune in as Jessica Henkin joins Rob Lee on the podcast to discuss the power of true personal stories and the importance of authenticity and diversity in storytelling. They explore the mission of Stoop Storytelling and how it has evolved over the years. Jessica shares memorable responses from the audience and reflects on the impact of rejection on the creative pursuit. They also discuss Jessica's other creative interests, including comedy and improv, and her love for Baltimore as an underdog city.

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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