The jagged peaks of the Blue Ridge offered a stark contrast to Michigan's flat horizon, a visual balm that soothed the ever-present hum of his managerial duties. As Pharmacy Operations Manager at Carilion Clinic, Clint thrived on order, the meticulous arrangement of medications mirroring the structured rhythm of his days. Though the mountains offered a certain peace, a quiet hum that resonated with a part of him he hadn't known existed, little did he suspect the delightful chaos – the transformative journey – that lay just beyond the predictable routine.
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The Call to Adventure: While pursuing his Master's degree in Leadership, a professor had offhandedly mentioned Toastmasters International as a powerful tool for developing executive presence. The idea resonated, a small seed planted in Clint's mind. Later, facing a particularly challenging presentation at work where he felt his message had fallen flat, the memory of Toastmasters resurfaced with renewed urgency. Inspired by the potential to command a room and articulate his vision, he became a Charter Member of Carilion Clinic Toastmasters, sensing a tangible opportunity for growth. The call was clear: hone his voice, sharpen his leadership through the power of public speaking.
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Refusal of the Call: The neatly organized spreadsheets of his workday seemed to mock the unstructured commitment of Toastmasters. Dinner needed to be on the table by six, homework checked with meticulous care, and a precious few hours of sleep salvaged before another demanding shift at the pharmacy. The idea of voluntarily adding another evening commitment felt like balancing one too many fragile plates. While he intellectually understood the value, the initial spark of enthusiasm for public speaking began to dim under the weight of his responsibilities, the comfortable inertia of his routine holding him firmly on the familiar shore.
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Meeting the Mentor: One Tuesday afternoon in the hospital cafeteria, Clint found himself sharing a table with Robert, a seasoned professional known not only for his sharp business acumen but also for his captivating presentations. Robert possessed a natural ease on stage, a twinkle in his eye that hinted at stories waiting to be told. As Clint recounted a humorous mishap from his Michigan childhood, Robert leaned forward, genuinely engaged. "Clint," he said, a warm smile spreading across his face, "you have a real knack for that. The way you painted that picture, I could almost see it happening." Later, Robert elaborated, "You know, Clint, you're not just about presenting data and managing operations. There's a storyteller in you, waiting to be heard." Robert's words were a gentle nudge, helping Clint recognize the deep-seated joy he found in weaving narratives, a passion he hadn't fully acknowledged beneath the surface of his professional identity.
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Crossing the Threshold: Robert, sensing Clint's burgeoning interest, didn't just offer encouragement; he presented a tangible invitation. "If you truly want to explore this storytelling thing, you need to go to Sounds of the Mountains Storytelling Festival," he declared, sliding a brochure across the table. "It's a weekend immersed in the oral tradition, the real heart of it." Hesitantly, a flicker of excitement battling his ingrained practicality, Clint took the brochure. The vibrant images of people sharing stories under a starlit sky felt a world away from the sterile environment of the pharmacy. After a brief internal debate, weighing the commitment against the undeniable pull of this newfound curiosity, Clint registered for the festival. He was stepping out of the familiar territory of corporate management and venturing into the unknown, exhilarating landscape of spoken narratives.
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Tests, Allies, and Enemies: Sounds of the Mountains was a revelation, a sensory feast of voices rising and falling, weaving tales of humor that brought tears to the eyes and stories of heartbreak that resonated deep within. It was there, amidst the vibrant energy, that Clint met Gayle, a storyteller with a contagious laugh and an encyclopedic knowledge of the local storytelling scene. Gayle immediately took Clint under his wing, introducing him to other tellers and enthusiastically sharing information about the Virginia Storytelling Alliance and their upcoming summer workshop. Clint felt an immediate connection, a sense of belonging he hadn't anticipated. However, the thought of transforming this passion into a profession felt like scaling a daunting peak. He knew the intricacies of pharmaceutical regulations but was utterly clueless about entrepreneurship, marketing his voice, or the practicalities of earning a living through spoken words. Self-doubt gnawed at him, whispering anxieties about failure and financial insecurity. Yet, Gayle and the other welcoming storytellers became invaluable allies, offering encouragement, sharing their own often-bumpy journeys, and providing a supportive network in this unfamiliar terrain.
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The Approach of the Inmost Cave: Driven by a growing sense of purpose, Clint eagerly anticipated the three-day summer workshop. He felt a nervous flutter of excitement as he drove to the retreat center, the prospect of learning from Master Storyteller Elizabeth Ellis both thrilling and slightly intimidating. This workshop was his "inmost cave," a dedicated space to delve deep into the craft. Elizabeth's presence was magnetic, her wisdom radiating as she guided the participants through the nuances of narrative. Her insights on excavating the emotional core of personal anecdotes, structuring them into compelling arcs, and forging a genuine connection with an audience were transformative, unlocking something within Clint he hadn't known existed.
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The Ordeal: Empowered by the workshop, Clint felt a burgeoning confidence, but the idea of truly calling himself a storyteller still felt distant. He delved deeper into the storytelling world, discovering the National Storytelling Network and the annual Tellabration! event – a global celebration of the art. The thought of sharing his own stories on such a public stage sent a jolt of both terror and exhilaration through him. This was his ordeal, the moment of truth. To truly embrace this path, he had to step into the spotlight. He committed himself fully, spending hours rehearsing his stories, meticulously refining each word and gesture, preparing to take the leap of faith from enthusiastic amateur to potential professional.
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The Reward: Clint's first Tellabration! performance was a revelation. As he shared a carefully crafted tale from his childhood, he felt a palpable connection with the audience. Laughter rippled through the room at the humorous moments, and a hush fell during the more poignant parts. The energy exchange was electric, a profound sense of shared humanity. The positive reception wasn't just encouraging; it was a validation, a deep knowing that resonated within him. This is it, he thought, a sense of purpose settling firmly in his soul. The reward was not just the applause but the profound realization of his true calling. Emboldened, he took the plunge, officially launching his storytelling business: Storytelling Connections, with the simple yet powerful vision of “Connecting Stories and People.”
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The Road Back: Eager to cultivate the local storytelling community that had welcomed him, Clint collaborated with other Roanoke Valley tellers, and "Let Me Tell Ya!" was born – a monthly gathering in a cozy bookstore, a space for sharing stories and offering mutual support. The group thrived, a vibrant network of passionate individuals weaving their narratives together. Then, with a suddenness that shocked the world, the COVID-19 pandemic descended. The bookstore doors closed, in-person meetings became a distant memory, and the lively hum of shared stories was replaced by an unsettling silence. Clint's nascent dream felt fragile, threatened by the very circumstances that demanded connection. The road back to the vibrant energy of live storytelling seemed impossibly long and shrouded in uncertainty.
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The Resurrection: During a socially distanced walk in the park, Clint found himself talking with Paul, a wise mentor and fellow storyteller known for his gentle demeanor and insightful observations. Paul, even behind his mask, exuded a warmth that had always been comforting. As Clint voiced his discouragement, Paul listened patiently. "Clint," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners, "the stories don't disappear just because we can't gather in the same room. The need for connection is stronger than ever." He paused, then with a thoughtful nod, suggested, "Why not take Let Me Tell Ya! online? Zoom is a wonderful tool. It's not the same, but it's a way to keep the stories alive, to keep the community connected." The idea sparked a flicker of hope in Clint's heart. It wasn't the same, but it was a way forward, a resurrection of his stalled dream in a new, unexpected form.
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The Return: Embracing the virtual landscape, Let Me Tell Ya! not only continued its monthly guild meetings online but ingeniously expanded its offerings. A virtual story swap was introduced, open to anyone who wished to share their tales, regardless of location. The digital space, initially a barrier, became a bridge, transcending geographical boundaries. Storytellers from across Virginia, the United States, and even as far as Europe began to log in, drawn to the warmth and camaraderie of the online community. Recognizing the hunger for deeper learning, Clint also launched a virtual book club focused on the art of personal narrative, further enriching the community and helping even more individuals discover and share their own stories. The once-fragile network had not only survived but had grown and diversified in unexpected ways.
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The Freedom to Live: With the pandemic receding into the rearview mirror, the energy for live storytelling surged back with renewed vigor. Let Me Tell Ya! flourished, producing engaging events in local libraries, historical museums, and vibrant community festivals, providing cherished platforms for both seasoned tellers and enthusiastic newcomers to share their voices. Clint spearheaded the successful launch of the first Liars Contest in Southwest Virginia, a raucous celebration of tall tales that brought laughter echoing through the valley. He also brought in renowned Master Storyteller Antonio Rocha for an inspiring workshop and a captivating headline performance, further enriching the local storytelling scene and drawing enthusiasts from across the region. And now, standing on the precipice of July 2025, Clint felt a profound sense of gratitude and fulfillment as he prepared to accept the coveted ORACLE award from the National Storytelling Network, a resounding testament to his dedication and leadership in serving the Mid-Atlantic storytelling community. From a pharmacy operations manager seeking a new adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Clint had not only found it but had woven himself into the very fabric of its cultural landscape, a vital thread in the rich tapestry of storytelling, living a life infused with the profound joy of connecting stories and people, a true hero in his own unfolding narrative.