Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about The Story Collider? You’re in the right place. This FAQ page covers common questions about our podcast, live storytelling shows, science storytelling workshops, submissions, events, and accessibility. Whether you want to tell a story, attend a show, or learn more about our programs, you’ll find helpful information below.

Is The Story Collider educational?

Our shows are designed first and foremost as storytelling experiences, not lectures. The science in our stories is shared through personal narrative rather than formal teaching — we focus on the human side of science, not classroom instruction.

That said… we can’t promise you won’t learn something along the way. Any curiosity, insight, or unexpected knowledge gained is a delightful side effect of great storytelling.

Is The Story Collider suitable for kids or students?

The Story Collider primarily creates storytelling experiences for adult audiences. Many live shows take place in venues that serve alcohol, and stories may include mature themes or language.

For younger audiences, we recommend science organizations and programs specifically designed for children, such as museums, zoos, planetariums, and youth-focused science initiatives. Some podcast episodes that are not marked “Explicit” may be appropriate for older students, but we encourage parents and educators to preview episodes before sharing.

How can I tell a story at a Story Collider live show?

Visit our submissions page and send us your story pitch. We look for true, personal stories with a clear narrative arc—especially moments of change, growth, or realization—and where science plays a meaningful role in that journey.

The Story Collider produces regular live shows in select cities and has a limited travel budget, so most storytellers are booked locally. We encourage you to submit even if you don’t live near a host city—your story may still be a great fit for future opportunities, including the podcast.

Can I tell a story at The Story Collider if I’m not a scientist?

Absolutely. You don’t need a scientific degree or professional research background to tell a story at The Story Collider. What matters is that science plays a meaningful role in your experience.

We believe science is part of everyday life and belongs to everyone. Patients, teachers, students, family members, field workers, and curious observers all have powerful stories to tell about how science has shaped their lives.

What counts as a “personal story” at The Story Collider?

At The Story Collider, a personal story is a true, firsthand experience told by the person who lived it. Stories must center on your own life, choices, challenges, or discoveries—not fictional narratives, historical retellings, or stories about someone else.

We focus on lived experience because personal storytelling creates powerful connection, trust, and emotional impact with audiences.

Can I give a lecture, presentation, or academic talk at The Story Collider?

No. The Story Collider shows are built around personal storytelling, not lectures, presentations, or academic talks. We focus on true stories from lived experience rather than formal explanations of research or data.

Science is part of the story—but it’s shared through narrative, emotion, and personal perspective, not slides or teaching.

Why focus on personal storytelling instead of traditional science education?

That’s a fair question. The Story Collider complements science education by focusing on the human side of science. While we’re not a lecture series, personal stories can build emotional connection, empathy, and trust—key ingredients for meaningful public engagement with science.

Research supports this approach. Studies, including work by science education researcher Dr. Jeff Schinske, have found that exposure to scientists’ personal stories can increase students’ interest in science and help them see a place for themselves in scientific fields.

Storytelling doesn’t replace education—it expands how people connect with science, making it more relatable, memorable, and inclusive.

I’ve never told a story on stage before — does The Story Collider coach storytellers?

Yes. At The Story Collider, every storyteller works one-on-one with a producer in the weeks leading up to the show, plus participates in a group rehearsal shortly before the event. We guide you through shaping your story, refining your narrative arc, and feeling confident on stage.

You can also find tips on getting started on our storytelling resources page.

Does my story have to be about science to be featured on The Story Collider?

Yes. At The Story Collider, every story includes a meaningful connection to science. That could involve research, medicine, technology, the environment, education, or simply how science has shaped your life or decisions.

If your story doesn’t have a science angle, there are many wonderful storytelling organizations that showcase other kinds of experiences, and we’re happy to point you toward those.

What does “a story about science” mean?

At The Story Collider, “science” is broad. It includes traditional scientific fields as well as technology, medicine, math, and social sciences like economics and sociology.

A story about science is one where science meaningfully shapes what happens—whether it drives the events, influences decisions, or helps the storyteller understand their experience. Stories don’t have to take place in a lab or be told by a professional scientist. We believe science is part of everyday life and can be experienced by anyone.

Does The Story Collider fact-check the stories on the podcast and live shows?

The Story Collider presents true, personal stories based on the lived experiences of our storytellers. We do not conduct formal fact-checking in the way a news outlet or academic journal would. However, if scientific details raise questions during the story development process, we work with storytellers to clarify and confirm information.

Our focus is on personal narrative and engagement rather than formal science education. That said, we do not present stories that function as advertising, promote harmful misinformation, or contradict well-established scientific evidence (for example, claims against vaccines or climate science).

Storytellers share their own perspectives and experiences, which do not necessarily represent the views of The Story Collider or its staff.

Can storytellers use notes, slides, or PowerPoint during Story Collider shows?

No. Story Collider performances are designed to feel conversational and personal—more like sharing a story with a friend than giving a lecture—so we don’t use slides or visual aids on stage.

That said, accessibility comes first. If you have memory-related needs or another reason notes would help you tell your story comfortably, we’re happy to accommodate. You’re welcome to bring notes on stage—just let us know in advance so we can support you.

Do all live Story Collider stories appear on the podcast?

No. While the The Story Collider podcast features stories recorded at our live shows, only a portion are selected for the weekly podcast episodes.

Each year, we produce dozens of live storytelling shows featuring hundreds of storytellers. Podcast stories are chosen through a nomination and review process led by our producers, screeners, and volunteers, with roughly one-third of live stories ultimately appearing on the podcast.

Storytellers are always welcome to request their raw audio and event photos. Just email our team to make a request.

What cities does The Story Collider host live storytelling shows in?

The Story Collider currently has home stages in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, St. Louis, Atlanta, Phoenix, London, and Toronto. We also produce one-off and special storytelling events in additional cities and at conferences around the world.

To stay updated on upcoming live shows, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest event announcements.

How can I start a Story Collider show in my community?

The easiest way to launch a science storytelling show is by joining the The Story Collider Network. Network producers get access to our Producers Guide, a private Slack community, and support from experienced staff and organizers. Your show can also submit stories to our podcast, with honoraria for selected storytellers and producers. Best of all, joining is free.

Does The Story Collider offer science storytelling workshops or training?

Yes. The Story Collider offers science storytelling workshops and science communication training in a range of formats. Our programs help scientists, students, educators, and professionals develop the skills to communicate their work with clarity, empathy, and impact through storytelling.

More than 90% of workshop participants report they are more likely to use storytelling techniques in their future outreach and public engagement. We work with major research universities, state schools, community colleges, scientific conferences, nonprofits, and corporate clients.

Learn more on our Education page.

Does The Story Collider produce sponsored storytelling events?

Yes. The Story Collider partners with organizations, universities, conferences, and companies to produce sponsored science storytelling events. We’ve collaborated with groups ranging from major research institutions to science media organizations to create impactful live shows.

Events can be private or open to the public and may feature storytellers from within your organization, from our broader community, or a mix of both.

For information on formats, rates, and availability, please contact our team.

Can I advertise on The Story Collider podcast?

Yes. Podcast advertising for The Story Collider is managed by our partner, True Native Media. They handle pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll sponsorships.

To explore advertising opportunities, please contact True Native Media directly through their website.

How can I donate to support The Story Collider?

Thank you for your interest in supporting The Story Collider. You can become a monthly supporter through our Patreon program, where members receive an ad-free version of the podcast and access to exclusive bonus content. We also welcome both monthly and one-time donations through our website.

Your support helps us share more true, personal stories about science through our podcast, live shows, and educational programs. We’re deeply grateful for every contribution that helps us reach new audiences and communities.

Does The Story Collider provide accessibility services such as sign language interpretation?

Yes, accessibility services are available by request. If you plan to attend a The Story Collider event and need accommodations such as sign language interpretation or other accessibility support, please contact us in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.