ODYSSEY STORYTELLING
Southern Arizona’s longest-running live storytelling event
“THE BEST AUDIENCE IN TOWN”
21 years of building community one story at a time
Whoopsies, Feb. 5, 2026
Facepalms, a mouthful of foot, and desires for do-overs and takebacks. We’ll hear true stories of mortifying moments, embarrassing gaffes, and more of life’s “Whoopsies” from our storytellers this month.
Curators: Molly McCloy and Roscoe Mutz
TIME: DOORS AT 6:30, SHOW AT 7
WHERE: GALLAGHER THEATER, UA STUDENT UNION (GROUND FLOOR)
COST: $6 SCHOOL OR MILITARY AFFILIATION; $10 GENERAL
Our February 2026 Storytellers
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Katie Trushell
has called Tucson home since 2001. Her interests include candlemaking and talking about perimenopause. She speaks 2.5 languages and has forgotten another 2.5. She relishes contributing as little as possible to the GDP. She loves her public defender job almost as much as she loves her husband and kids.
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Mo Goldman
is an immigration attorney based in Tucson. He is the author of The Last Survivor: Lessons From the Past and the Dying Dream of Freedom. He also has hosted the podcast, Immigration Ain’t Easy. Mo loves snuggling with his rescue dog, Lexi.
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Monica Bauer
is a veteran Odyssey storyteller, most recently featured in “Losing My Religion.” Her plays have been produced Off Broadway, regionally, and internationally. Her novels include The Book of Brad (2023) and The Worst Year of Their Lives (2025), a Tucson Festival of Books semi-finalist. Member, Dramatists and Authors Guilds. More at monicabauer.com.
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Dave Mondy
is a senior lecturer at UA where he teaches Digital Storytelling. His writing has been featured in Best American Food Writing and Best American Sports Writing. He’s won awards for memoir and travel writing and worked for Minnesota Public Radio as a host and writer.
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Quinn Mark
works at La Chaiteria and Stories That Soar! as well as performing with the University of Arizona’s improv troupe, The Charles Darwin Experience.
Save our Saguaros:
A live storytelling event about Invasion, Ignition, and Restoration
Presented by Odyssey Storytelling in partnership with the University of Arizona Institute for Resilience and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Sunday, Feb. 15, 2-4 pm (Doors at 1 pm)
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N. Kinney Rd., Tucson AZ, 85743
Warden Oasis Theater
$15 general public; $10 Desert Museum members
“Invasion, Ignition, Restoration through Art, Education, Science” - a grant-funded project that aims to promote public awareness around the spread of invasive plant species in the Sonoran Desert region.
The spread of invasive grasses increases wildfire risk and decreases native desert biodiversity. Scientists, land managers, tribal leaders, and community members are working together to restore balance and improve resilience for the Sonoran Desert.
At this Odyssey event, 5 storytellers will share personal journeys of discovery, collaboration, and care for our fragile desert ecosystem. Through science and storytelling, this event will explore what it means to live, work, and thrive in this landscape, protecting it for generations.
Join us for an afternoon that bridges art and science, sparking new connections and igniting hope for a more resilient Sonoran Desert.
Join Our Upcoming Storytelling Events
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Whoopsies
Feb. 5, 2026 7-9 p.m.
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Save Our Saguaros
Feb. 15, 2 pm, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
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Cake
March 5, 2026 7-9 p.m.
“These events are so fun! And you will be inspired.”
- Susan W.S.
“Last night, storytelling opened something inside of me. I was moved enough by others bravely sharing to tell my family’s fully charged immigration story publicly, as well.”
-Cecilia A.
“Odyssey Storytelling was a great experience for me … the laughter. The shared community building, and an overall great monthly experience.”
-Barbara E.
“Real people, with a little coaching, make their real stories sparkle and shine.”
-Linda R.
Our 2026 Themes
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January
Rebound
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February
Whoopsies
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March
Cake
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April
Ouch!
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May
Penalty Box
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June
Manipulation
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July
Trans -
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August
Special Event (TBA)
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September
Dancing with Demons
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October
Processsion
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November
Adulting
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December
Mystery
Listen to the Odyssey Storytelling Podcast
Pitch a Story
Do you have a story for one of our upcoming themes? The themes are meant to be interpreted from a broad range of perspectives so your story might just be the one we are looking for.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
HAUNTED HANDS
Alma Montañez
The Magic of Storytelling & Community Building
Celebrating The Richness of The Human Experience
Odyssey Storytelling builds community through the art of storytelling. Our monthly event holds space for Tucson community members to take the stage and share a personal story.
The magic of this simple act of sharing their truth in front of a live audience suddenly builds bridges across the human landscape. People of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives join our stage and our audience.
The outcome is a celebration of the richness of the human experience and the fostering of empathy, understanding, and solidarity.
Founded in 2004 by Penelope Starr
Odyssey has helped storytellers of all levels (experienced, or first time) find their voice and share their truth. “Along the way, I learned that profound changes occur when we tell and listen to each other’s stories, how a simple act can build community, dispel prejudices, foster creativity, and help heal.”
Join Us in Creating 20 More Years of Unforgettable Storytelling!
VOLUNTEER
Do You Love Odyssey? Want to help us keep stories alive in Tucson? Join our fun, talented and dedicated team by offering your expertise. Email and let us know how you would like to help.
Patreon Support
Patreon Support
Join our Patreon community and play a crucial role in keeping Tucson’s storytelling tradition alive and vibrant. Your monthly support helps sustain our events and foster a dynamic cultural scene. Become a patron today and ensure the continuation of unique, community-driven stories.