If you love stories and storytellers – then chances are you’ll love VOX RVA – RVA’s newest live storytelling event.
Every month we’ll gather to hear stories from the heart on a different theme. And what better theme to start with than “Beginnings.” It’s up to you to twist the theme into whatever shape you want. Your story might be about the beginning of the worst job you’ve ever had, a relationship, parenthood, learning to drive a race car – anything that is rooted in your own experience and in RVA.
If you’re a fan of the Moth Radio hour, TedXrva or Secretly Y’all then this live, in person event is for you! The show is free and open to the public. Please share this announcement with your networks.
The first VOX RVA storytelling event will take place at Common House on Thursday, October 16, 2025
6 - 7p Socializing with drinks and food for purchase
7 – 8:30p Storytelling
Storytelling guidelines:
How to submit a story: You may submit audio, video or write a short pitch telling us what your story is about. The pitch should be about 2 minutes long and include your name, email, the title of your story and how it connects to RVA. Summarize the arc of your story (beginning, middle and end) and include anything unexpected that happened and how your experience changed you. Submit your idea here.
Response: We will listen to every story pitch, seeking a variety of stories and ones that have unexpected twists and endings.
If Chosen: If you and your story are chosen, then you should plan to arrive at Common House by 7:30p on the night of the show. You will have about 5 minutes to tell your story.
Release: You must sign a release form giving VOX RVA permission to broadcast or digitally publish your story in audio and/or video. (Release Form)
Storytelling Tips:
- Tell, don't read: Your story should be delivered from memory, not read from a paper, to create a strong connection with the audience.
- Start strong: Begin with a great first line that grabs attention and sets up the stakes. Example:
“I move through the world slowly – so the last thing I ever imagined I would do was drive a race car.” - Be authentic: Share your story from the heart to show your authentic self.
- RVA Connection: Make sure to mention RVA (Richmond, Henrico, Hanover, Chesterfield, Ashland) at some point in your story.
Want to tell your story? Register here:
The founders of VOX RVA are Mike Bickett, Co-Founder of Certified Crucial; Steve Lack, Founder of Steve Lack: AUDIO and Meg Lindholm, formerly a Director of Podcasting at VPM. All three have strong ties to RVA’s podcast and storytelling communities. They met through RVA Podcasters – a social meetup group for area podcasters. They realized that the largely Covid-fueled demise of storytelling projects like TEDxRVA and Secretly Y’all left a hole in RVA that sorely needs filling.