Jo Ann Firestone at the 2017 Couch Stories show during the Nelson Arts Festival. Photo: John Pinel
Jo Ann Firestone is a Nelson teller of tales. A producer and host, Firestone is co-founder of Couch Stories, a storytelling series that started when she worked at the Fresh FM Community Radio station, where she met collaborator Ro Cambridge.
Couch Stories uncovers true stories, told live in a show full of theatre, drama, and comedy. Past guests include Jacinda Ardern and Chris Hipkins.
Jo Ann and co-host John Pinel identify ‘local story miners’: unearthing narratives, giving them a platform, and preserving them for posterity.
Couch Stories celebrates its 19th edition at the Nelson Arts Festival on Wednesday, October 25th and is already sold out. But you can check out past stories at their website here.
Jo Ann tells Maggie Tweedie about the mix of experienced alumni storytellers and newcomers eager to share their stories reclined on the sofa.
Jo Ann Firestone and John Pinel at Couch Stories Photo: Kirsten Cooper from Black Stilts Projects
