LifeLabNotes: Recent Episodes
Silvie Zamora
Sketch comedy, personal stories, original music, insightful essays, and short fiction. Life Lab Notes creates and curates episodes that look at life and how it works, and sometimes doesn't work. Each episode is about 15 minutes of entertaining, funny, uplifting, thought-provoking treats.
You’ve got big plans. Worked out every detail. Thought of every contingency. Except one. “12 Elves ’til Christmas” is a story about a dream, a machine, and half a team.
[Explicit -- One swear word, bleeped.]
Presented by Life Lab Notes - field observations from the lab of Life in a storytelling podcast.
12 Elves ’til Christmas features the voice talents of Claire Barnhart, Keith Ferguson, Ernie Gilbert, Robyn Heller, Chris Mathieu, Phil Ward, and Silvie Zamora. Engineering by Phil Ward. Written and directed by Silvie Zamora.
You’re always welcome over at LifeLabNotes dot com, and you can find us on Instagram or Facebook @LifeLabNotes. Thanks for listening!
Big news! Life Lab Notes has stumbled upon the remote meeting link and password for the weekly meeting of a certain local chapter of a certain group of elves. Obviously, we cannot divulge our sources.
Listen in as Carol tries to control the bunch, especially Dibbles, who's in a mood.
Featuring the voice talents of Claire Barnhart, Keith Ferguson, Ernie Gilbert, Judith Goldstein, Kristen Smith, Inger Tudor, Phil Ward, and Silvie Zamora. Written, directed, produced by Silvie Zamora.
Please visit www.LifeLabNotes.com for more info about this episode.
If a radio play and an audio book met at a haunted campfire to share a chilling account of mayhem that takes place in hell and the parking lot of a real estate office, it would sound like this: Whistlebottom - a trespasser's tale.
Written and performed by Silvie Zamora. Battle March by Phil Ward. Episode album art by @jamahartart.
Slowly, guarding herself carefully, Cathy has been opening up to La Señora, but it’s going to take one more episode, one more recipe, to help her open up to herself. This is that episode. This is the last installment in our three-part series, Slow Cooker Chronicles - A Fable in Three Recipes. This is Chapter Three: Desimmer (There’s more than one way to make hot chocolate.)
Featuring the voice talents of Nerea Duhart as Cathy; Graciela Valderrama as La Señora; and Phil Ward as the neighbour. Written by Silvie Zamora and Vanessa Espino, with original music by Phil Ward.
Chapter Two: Slowvember (Giving the Seeds Their Heat) Part two is chock full of flavour and, like any good fable, metaphors. Cathy remembers a little from her last visit with La Señora, but will this month’s Tex-Mex Chile con Carne push her further away from herself?
Featuring the voice talents of Nerea Duhart (Chiquita/Cathy) and Graciela Valderrama (La Señora). Written by Vanessa Espino and Silvie Zamora. Music by Phil Ward.
Chapter One: Crocktober (Or How To Make Chili Without Your Soul)
In this, the first in a three-part series, we meet Cathy, Cathy meets "the crazy lady downstairs" and neither enjoys the chili queso.
Featuring the voice talents of Nerea Duhart (Chiquita/Cathy), Graciela Valderrama (La Señora), Robyn Clark (Kid 2), and Silvie Zamora (Kid 1).
Written by Vanessa Espino and Silvie Zamora. Music by Phil Ward.
There's a lot of pressure to put out the perfect end-of-year podcast, that is the perfect blend of a thoughtful review of the year, a humourous look at life’s outtakes, and an upbeat toast to the future.
Luckily, someone made paper snowflakes and saw a big metaphor; and someone else took a long walk and met a wise man.
We present two holiday pieces: The Shape of a Holiday, written and read by Silvie Zamora; and Come Walk With Me, written and read by Christina Wells Campbell.
We’ve been gathered together for months, hunkered down with our immediate family/household.
It hasn’t been easy turning home into home, school, office, some semblance of a gym, storage facility for toilet paper and sanitizing wipes. We’ve had to bob and weave more than usual to make things work.
This year, the holidays will be more of the same. Bless this house and pass the wifi.
This light, little story is about a simple way to be a best friend.
Good luck, everyone. We’ve got this.
Written by Silvie Zamora; performed by Silvie Zamora and Phil Ward. Music by Phil Ward.
Just a few thoughts about how connected we all are, and how hard that is to see sometimes.
Written and read by Silvie Zamora.
"What do you mean by this haunting of me?" Othello IV.i.14
This unsettling Halloween tale was written by Silvie Zamora and featured Jennifer Flack, Liesel Hansen, Cameron Murphy, Denny Siegel, Phil Ward, and Silvie Zamora. Music by Phil Ward. Thank you for sharing some of your Halloween with us. You can also spend time with us on Facebook and Instagram @LifeLabNotes, and at our website, LifeLabNotes.com.
A brief story about true things that happened in my household and down the street from us. Tabs opened while writing this: bell ringing, bell towers, lightning strikes, ancient prayers, aliens.
Day 12: “Twelve Drummers Drumming” by Silvie Zamora, was performed by Alexis DeLaRosa, featuring Mel Collins, with Sandra Kinder, Farrah Kiyomura, Jack T. Musgrave, and Jason Yorrick.
The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?
With the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.
Listen in on what is surely the earliest recorded standup set in history, in Day 11's episode “Eleven Pipers Piping” by Tom Clark and Silvie Zamora. Performed by Tom Clark, and featuring the voices of Zheryk Badugu, Sarah Parga, Michael Santell, and Rick Steadman.
The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?
With the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.
Day 10: “Ten Lords a-Leaping” by Susan C. Hunter. Performed by Wes Weddell, Nick Droz, and Ailisa Newhall. Recorded at The Spare Room, Seattle, Washington.
The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?
With the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.
Visit our website for more info on all the artists who participated!
Day 9: “Nine Ladies Dancing” by Silvie Zamora, and performed by Kelley Hazen. Whatever light you have, let it shine.
The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?
With the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.
Day 8: “Eight Maids a-Milking” An engaging poem of perfectly eerie exploits. Written by Denny Siegel and performed by Alysha Brady.
The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?
With the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.
Day 7: “Seven Swans a-Swimming” by Alina Phelan Ballou and Phil Ward, and performed by Phil Ward.
The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?
With the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.
Day 6: Six Geese a-Laying. Have you been working tirelessly? Do you have a “holiday-business-important-event” to attend? Ever feel like nature has it out for you? Then heed this cautionary tale written by Silvie Zamora, and performed by Keith Ferguson, Robyn Roth, and Andrew Stubblefield.
The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?
Armed with the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.
In Day 5: Five Golden Rings, the Humanoid Aptitude and Behavioral Inquiry Team are back! L’Seth Navi and Krraz are in possession of something with far-reaching implications. Written by Silvie Zamora, and performed by Keith Ferguson and Silvie Zamora. H.A.B.I.T. opening theme and montage music by Phil Ward.
The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?
Armed with the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.
Day 4: Four Calling Birds - A Winter Solstice Poem reminds us the wheel keeps turning and each season brings blessings. Written by Robyn Heller and performed by Liesel Hanson, Robyn Heller, Robyn Roth, and Silvie Zamora.
The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?
Armed with the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.
Day 3: "Three French Hens" is written and performed by Claire Barnhart.
The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?
Armed with the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.
Day 2: Two very different people find something in common in "Two Turtle Doves," written by Joanne Ke and performed by Keith Ferguson, Liesel Hanson, Lynn Odell, Justin Vasquez, and Silvie Zamora.
The season the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ goes from Christmas to January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?
Armed with the gifts listed in that famous carol as inspiration, our team of crackerjack writers came up with twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces for your holiday merriment.
Yes, the Twelve Days of Christmas is technically between Christmas and January 5th. But here at Life Lab Notes, we figured, just this once, why not lead up to Christmas instead?
So we took the gifts listed in that famous carol, and divvied them up amongst our team of crackerjack writers to use as inspiration. The result? Twelve days of funny, moving, original pieces, beautifully performed and produced, for your holiday enjoyment.
Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree - A True Story About My Best Friend Paulette is written by Sherry Coben and performed by Silvie Zamora.
Please visit our website for more info about the brilliant creatives who took part in this twelvetide of merriment!
Our humble Halloween offering is part fairy tale, part parable, part fourth quarter performance meeting. Don't be late - you don't want to upset the chairman.
Featuring the voice talents of Keith Ferguson, Brian Hall, Pablo Marz, Alina Phelan, Roxy Shabestari, Justin Vasquez, Silvie Zamora, and special guest Keythe Farley as Satan.
For more otherworldly treats, please check out our 2018 series, The 13 Days of Halloween - Invisible. Start with Day 1, "Host" (published on Oct 19, 2018) to learn all about why our dearly departed do what they do. And visit us at LifeLabNotes dot com, on Facebook and Instagram @LifeLabNotes.
I don't remember where I got the idea that May 16th was National Flash Fiction Day. Maybe I dreamt it. However it entered my brain, I definitely consciously entered it into my calendar, and dutifully reminded myself a few days ago, "I'd better get a very short story ready to post!"
May 16th is not National Flash Fiction Day. That'll be in June 15th in the U.K. and the 22nd in New Zealand. I don't know if we even have one in the U.S.
But May 16th is International Global Accessibility Awareness Day. For a compelling and vital look at this issue, visit them at www.globalaccessibilityawarenessday.org
Whether or not you are a web developer, or a public building owner or manager, or a person who might inadvertently leave a scooter in the middle of a sidewalk, you are a person connected to all the other people.
Awareness is a very good thing. It builds strong empathy bones!
Oh, yeah. And the flash fiction! It's 368 words. It was written before I realized our official Life Lab calendar was inaccurate, so it has nothing to do with accessibility. (I think.)
With each Life Lab Notes episode, we strive to illustrate how much we humans share, but this episode is perhaps just a bit more personal and universal.
You may never have heard of Sam Christensen, but this episode is still for you.
Thanks to Phil Ward for the music and engineering. Visit our website for more info about this episode, and a photo of the sticky note I'm keeping.
It’s December, and time for the final Life Lab Notes episode of the year. The perfect time to check in on our favourite space alien duo - H.A.B.I.T. The Humanoid Aptitude and Behavioral Inquiry Team.
In “Info-Trans Report: The Holidays” we find out what L’Seth Navi and Krraz have been assimilating about some human holidays of fall and winter (spring and summer, in the southern hemisphere, of course). And, for the first time, we meet another Broglian - their Esteemed Sector Commander.
Featuring the voice talents of Keith Ferguson and Silvie Zamora, and the engineering, music, and special effects talents of Phil Ward. Special guest Joel Scher as the Esteemed Sector Commander. Written and produced for Life Lab Notes by Silvie Zamora. @LifeLabNotes is on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Before you get to those tricky family gatherings, get yourself to "Warm-Up! The Virtual Reality Immersive Live Holiday Experience!" for a kind of holiday rehearsal.
Featuring the voice talents of Keith Ferguson, Phil Ward, and Silvie Zamora, this Life Lab Notes audio Thanksgiving card (and great idea for a weird new business) was written by Silvie Zamora. Enjoy!
And add to your visits a stop by our website, LifeLabNotes.com to find out more about us. @LifeLabNotes on Facebook, Twitter, and (our favourite) Instagram.
Spirits, Souls, Beings. Whatever you call them, you can’t see them. But you can hear them. Thirteen souls have been given their earthly voices back for the chance to tell their own stories. Oct 19th through 31st, each episode is a personal look at one immortal being.
Episode 13, Home, was written by Robert Stoccardo and Silvie Zamora and performed by Robert Stoccardo.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, @LifeLabNotes, and visit us at www.LifeLabNotes.com
Spirits, Souls, Beings. Whatever you call them, you can’t see them. But you can hear them. Thirteen souls have been given their earthly voices back for the chance to tell their own stories. Oct 19th through 31st, each episode is a personal look at one immortal being.
Episode 12, Doubt, was written by Silvie Zamora and performed by Tony DeCarlo.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, @LifeLabNotes, and visit us at www.LifeLabNotes.com
Spirits, Souls, Beings. Whatever you call them, you can’t see them. But you can hear them. Thirteen souls have been given their earthly voices back for the chance to tell their own stories. Oct 19th through 31st, each episode is a personal look at one immortal being.
Episode 11, Hunted, was written by Joanna Ke and performed by Cesili Williams.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, @LifeLabNotes, and visit us at www.LifeLabNotes.com
Spirits, Souls, Beings. Whatever you call them, you can’t see them. But you can hear them. Thirteen souls have been given their earthly voices back for the chance to tell their own stories. Oct 19th through 31st, each episode is a personal look at one immortal being.
Episode 10, Exit, was written by Rikki Schwartz and performed by Joel Scher.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, @LifeLabNotes, and visit us at www.LifeLabNotes.com
Spirits, Souls, Beings. Whatever you call them, you can’t see them. But you can hear them. Thirteen souls have been given their earthly voices back for the chance to tell their own stories. Oct 19th through 31st, each episode is a personal look at one immortal being.
Episode 9, Cul-de-Sac, was written by Michael Bonnabel and performed by Linda Graves.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, @LifeLabNotes, and visit us at www.LifeLabNotes.com.
Spirits, Souls, Beings. Whatever you call them, you can’t see them. But you can hear them. Thirteen souls have been given their earthly voices back for the chance to tell their own stories. Oct 19th through 31st, each episode is a personal look at one immortal being.
Episode 8, Limbo, was written by Silvie Zamora and performed by Liesel Hanson.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, @LifeLabNotes, and visit us at www.LifeLabNotes.com
Spirits, Souls, Beings. Whatever you call them, you can’t see them. But you can hear them. Thirteen souls have been given their earthly voices back for the chance to tell their own stories. Oct 19th through 31st, each episode is a personal look at one immortal being.
Episode 7, Summoned, was written by Silvie Zamora and performed by Sandra Kinder.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, @LifeLabNotes, and visit us at www.LifeLabNotes.com
Spirits, Souls, Beings. Whatever you call them, you can’t see them. But you can hear them. Thirteen souls have been given their earthly voices back for the chance to tell their own stories. Oct 19th through 31st, each episode is a personal look at one immortal being.
Episode 6, Believe, was written by Phinneas Kiyomura and performed by Darrett Sanders.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, @LifeLabNotes, and visit us at www.LifeLabNotes.com
Spirits, Souls, Beings. Whatever you call them, you can’t see them. But you can hear them. Thirteen souls have been given their earthly voices back for the chance to tell their own stories. Oct 19th through 31st, each episode is a personal look at one immortal being.
Episode 5, Threshold, was written by Silvie Zamora and performed by Jenny Flack and Justin Vasquez.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, @LifeLabNotes, and visit us at www.LifeLabNotes.com
Spirits, Souls, Beings. Whatever you call them, you can’t see them. But you can hear them. Thirteen souls have been given their earthly voices back for the chance to tell their own stories. Oct 19th through 31st, each episode is a personal look at one immortal being.
Episode 4, Sand, was written by Silvie Zamora and performed by Abel Arias.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, @LifeLabNotes, and visit us at www.LifeLabNotes.com
Spirits, Souls, Beings. Whatever you call them, you can’t see them. But you can hear them. Thirteen souls have been given their earthly voices back for the chance to tell their own stories. Oct 19th through 31st, each episode is a personal look at one immortal being.
Episode 3, Periphery, was written by Silvie Zamora and performed by Keith Ferguson.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, @LifeLabNotes, and visit us at www.LifeLabNotes.com
Spirits, Souls, Beings. Whatever you call them, you can’t see them. But you can hear them. Thirteen souls have been given their earthly voices back for the chance to tell their own stories. Oct 19th through 31st, each episode is a personal look at one immortal being.
Episode 2, Maestra, was written and performed by Silvie Zamora.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, @LifeLabNotes, and visit us at www.LifeLabNotes.com
Spirits, Souls, Beings. Whatever you call them, you can’t see them. But you can hear them. Thirteen souls have been given their earthly voices back for the chance to tell their own stories. Oct 19th through 31st, each episode is a personal look at one immortal being.
Episode 1, Host, was written by Silvie Zamora and performed by Rob Thurmond.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, @LifeLabNotes, and visit us at www.LifeLabNotes.com
Life Lab Notes had the great pleasure of attending the Podcast Movement 2018 conference in Philadelphia. Breakfast smoothies at Reading Terminal Market, followed by hours of inspiration and camaraderie, culminating in new ideas, new acquaintances, and new podcasting T-shirts. Success!
This episode was recorded live at the Podcast Pavilion, hosted by Talk Shoe and Heil Sound Pro Audio, so there are happy podcasters milling about in the background. This story was written especially for this live recording, and I'm joined by the cello stylings of Audre Brokes.
The third episode of Life Lab Notes' quirky little alien series, "H.A.B.I.T." This one's called Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc. (Don't worry, there is no Latin in the actual episode.) Krraz and L'Seth Navi have some technical issues, but they don't immediately turn to logic and reason for the solution.
Featuring the voice talents of Keith Ferguson and Silvie Zamora, and the underscoring and SFX talents of Phil Ward, the H.A.B.I.T. series is written and produced for Life Lab Notes by Silvie Zamora.
Look for @LifeLabNotes on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; and @HABITcrew on Instagram.
Each spring, Theatre of NOTE in Hollywood has a mini season of five 10-minute, one-act plays, produced by a professional team of actors and directors. And written by high school kids.
The Young Writers Project has been around for over fifteen years, which means hundreds of students have been coached by professional writers from Theatre of NOTE (in addition to working with their high school drama or English teachers) and hundreds of short plays have been submitted. But only five can be produced each year.
The choosing of which plays to produce is challenging and poignant. All of the plays submitted represent hours of creative work, and some of that work results in a deeply thoughtful and/or surprising piece for these students.
To honour these young writers and Theatre of NOTE and the Young Writers Project, I interviewed some students from a participating school. Ten plays were submitted from their school, one was chosen to be produced. I met with five of these kids to talk about writing, their voice, and not being chosen.
We observe humans. We process these observations. Then we report on our findings, in whatever format strikes our fancy. This month's report is part "Starsky and Hutch" and part "Angie Tribeca," with a theme song in loving homage to The Mod Squad.
Season 2, episode 2 of Life Lab Notes brings us back to the H.A.B.I.T. earth station again, with Krraz and L’Seth Navi, in an episode called, “Talk Human To Me.”
H.A.B.I.T. - The Humanoid Aptitude and Behavioral Inquiry Team is a stealth organization which exists to collect physical data on earth, to explore and examine the behavior modalities of humans, and to do so without interfering with the cultures and societies examined. It’s also an audio fiction comedy series featuring the voice talents of Keith Ferguson and Silvie Zamora, with special guest John Racca, as the Basque TV Announcer. Written and produced for Life Lab Notes by Silvie Zamora. Music by Phil Ward. Mile esker to the family of John Racca for the Basque translation!
Life Lab Notes continues the time-honoured storytelling tradition in the science fiction genre. Presenting the first in a series of short sketches about The Humanoid Aptitude and Behavioral Inquiry Team, a stealth organization which exists to collect physical data on earth, to explore and examine the behaviour modalities of humans, for any possible use to any other species in the Universe. Follow the exploits of L’Seth Navi and Krraz, two H.A.B.I.T. employees stationed in a city somewhere on Earth. You should get to know them. They’re definitely getting to know you. #alienlifeforms #aliens #outerspace #humans #behavior #behaviour #theyliveamongus #sciencefiction #radioplay #audiofiction #comedy #podcast #series #voiceover #voiceacting
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
“Peace” Is it possible that it’s easier to achieve than we grown-ups think it is? Today’s episode features the words of children of various ages, in response to questions about peace. Performed by Abel Arias, Brett Bayonne, Keith Ferguson, Jenny Flack, Robyn Roth, Denny Siegel, Kiff VandenHeuvel, and Silvie Zamora. Original music by Gary Grantham (percussion) and Scott Passarella (keyboard).
This series was an honour and a joy to produce. Many thanks to the cast, contributors, the friendly folks at ComedySportz LA (located in El Portal Theatre, where we recorded before a live audience), and to Josh at MxxMasterSound for capturing it all. Big, loud thanks to those who you can't hear on the podcast. Kimia Behpoornia was our Winter Solstice Elf (who delivered each delicious truffle to the audience members who summoned read each date) and El Buen Cacao provided those chocolates.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
You’ve been given security clearance to enter N.O.R.A.D. on a very important night.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved, and a link to the NORAD Tracks Santa site, which is fantastic!
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
A very young child shares her holiday for the first time, in “A Chanukah Story,” written by Judy Goldstein and performed by Denny Siegel. #holiday #Hanukkah #Chanukah #childhood #sharing #menorah #dreidel #candles
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
Everyone knows it’s hard to fall asleep on Christmas Eve. But, not everyone knows what this kid knows about the season. “Sleep Tight” was written by Silvie Zamora and performed by Abel Arias and Silvie Zamora.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
Today marks the anniversary of the grand opening of the fictional cross-holiday shop, “Judai-Wicca,” which gives today’s episode its name. A delightful sketch written and performed by Robyn Roth and Denny Siegel. (Extra points for tuning in to the 13 Days of Halloween podcast and hearing the Wiccan Sisters walk us through some classic horror films in “The Wiccan Review.”)
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project (and the aforementioned 13 Days of Halloween) and the talented folks involved in all this holiday madness.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
They work hard all year - they deserve a month off! “Taking An Elfie” was written by Robyn Roth, and performed by Keith Ferguson (with Robyn Roth featured as the child).
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
"O, Christmas Tree" - a simple phrase that packs an emotional punch. Today's episode is by Gale Brennan Jackson, and although it's technically about her childhood Christmas tree, you may see some of your own family and traditions in this very tender story.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
It has never been more clear that looking at each other without prejudice would be a very useful thing to a society struggling to hang on to its society-ness. Dictionary dot com defines it thus: A highly structured system of human organization for large-scale community living that normally furnishes protection, continuity, security, and a national identity for its members.
Today's personal story was written by Christine Zirbel and read by Silvie Zamora.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
Today's episode is a beautiful personal story written by Rikki Schwartz, and performed by Jenny Flack. It's about crossing the lines that make us different, and making a difference in someone's life.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
There is, perhaps, no time of year more laden with traditions, legends, and folklore than this. So Christmastime is perfect to retell the tale of Saint Pubbins. Written by Chris Warren Gilbert and performed by Keith Ferguson, today's episode will both educate and amuse.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
If you've ever tried to settle contentedly into a seasonal job, this episode is for you. "Macy's" was written by Gale Brennan Jackson, and read by Silvie Zamora. Theme music by Scott Passarella and Gary Grantham.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
A celebration by any other date would be just as profound.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
For some, the only time family gets together is during the holidays. But which holidays? Andy Crocker and Jen Bascom wrote the delightful parody lyrics to this tune about siblings and how easy it can be to get along.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
It can be tricky to find that healthy balance between gifts for well-deserving family and friends, and the consumerism that can stifle the real meaning of the holidays. One family figured it out. "Brought To You By," written by Silvie Zamora, performed by Abel Arias, Brett Bayonne, Robyn Roth, and Denny Siegel. Gary Grantham and Scott Passarella provide the intro and outro music.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
Like a mini-culture of its own, every family has its traditions, for every day and for special days. The Weinholds are no different. Well, somewhat different: the geese, the feathers, the Barbies. Brendan Weinhold wrote today's personal story. It was performed by Keith Ferguson.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
Today's flashback episode takes us to Norway! "Norwegian Christmas" is a story of the personal Christmases of actor/improvisor/writer Jennifer Flack. Written and performed by Jenny, with intro and outro music by Gary Grantham and Scott Passarella. This one may not make you hungry, but it will make you want to hug your loved ones.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
If you're Simply Having A Wonderful Christmas Time, but you wouldn't mind spicing up your Silent Night, you need a brand new holiday vaudeville tune! Schlep over to our website to read about the actor/improvisor/comedian/writer Denny Siegel, who created this original music. Performed by Denny Siegel and Brett Bayonne, with Scott Passarella and Gary Grantham on piano and percussion.
Thanks for listening!
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
Today's episode is Lauren Pritchard's personal story, written by Lauren, read by Silvie Zamora.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved. There are pictures and bios. Fun!
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
"December Never Comes" was written by Silvie Zamora, and performed by Kiff VandenHeuvel and Keith Ferguson.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved. Do it now!
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
Today's episode, Tamale Factory, was written by Vanessa Espino and performed by Abel Arias.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
Today's episode, "Merry Krampus," was written by Silvie Zamora.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved. You'll like them all!
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
Today's episode, Carol of Contention, was written by Lisa Bode Heard and Christine Zirbel, and performed by Robyn Roth and Silvie Zamora. Original music by Gary Grantham and Scott Passarella.
Head over to the website for more information about the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar project, its contributors and performers. LifeLabNotes.com
Thanks for listening!
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
Today's episode, "Elf Training Camp", was written by Denny Siegel.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
In November of 2016, an intrepid cast, band, and crew entered North Hollywood, California's El Portal Theatre, and set up for the brilliant challenge of recording twenty-five short, holiday-themed stories before a live audience. Like an advent calendar, but with less religious-affiliation and only slightly less chocolate, the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar was born. It was too good to hear just once.
Please visit LifeLabNotes.com for more about this project and the talented folks involved.
It's hard to describe. Writing, recording, and promoting this particular episode was a big slathering of meta frosting on a deja-vu cake. It's also a little serving of chicken-or-the-egg. This episode is about how you name something, and how important is that, anyway?
The Life Lab Notes Polymer Players include: Denny Siegel, Abel Arias, Phil Ward, Silvie Zamora, Robyn Roth, and Keith Ferguson. Today's episode was written by Silvie Zamora, with special thanks to Denny Siegel.
People need to play. They need diversion. They need a good excuse to be silly. Enter, Halloween. Of course, reading books of fiction, going to theatre (doing theatre!), singing, scrapbooking, photography, just about anything creative is so good for the whole person.
But there is something uniquely magical about being served by a barista wearing a viking hat, or the store clerk in a super hero cape, or the guy at the credit union in a padded muscle man shirt.
It's simple, and silly. There's not enough of that in the world. Doesn't mean we stop taking care of business. And by "business," I mean feeding the hungry, caring for the environment, helping those with mental illness and addiction, and other issues that help to create a healthy social climate.
But at Halloween, most definitely, put that giant pretend spider web on your front porch and enjoy the fact that we're all pretending about something.
Just don't drive to work in a witch's hat. (Headroom. You can put it on when you get out of the car.)
A personal story of one woman's journey to her gut instinct self, via the San Luis Obispo Beauty Pageant. Written by Chris Zirbel; Performed by Silvie Zamora.
Back in 1921, sixteen-year-old Margaret Gorman of Washington, D.C., was crowned the very first Miss America. She was awarded $100. There are several ways to calculate the relative value of $100 in 1921 compared to, say, 1983. But if you think about it, there are several ways to figure the relative value of…everything.
As a kid, he was a fighter. He did time. He raised two sons who became soldiers. He went to therapy. Then one day he picked up two hitchhikers and taught them what he knew about getting along.
Today's story is written and performed by Brendan Weinhold.
With his "Memories from a Brief Air Force Career," Jerry Ward unwittingly inspired the crew here at Life Lab Notes in many ways, none of which involve becoming a pilot, all of which involve being a good, steady, attention-paying, adventure-seeking person. This is part of his story, and some of what we learned from it.
This episode was written by Jerry Ward and Silvie Zamora.
The Life Lab Notes theme and underscoring were created by Phil Ward.
"Tempted to Fight" was written and performed by Phil Ward.
Theatre of NOTE in Hollywood, California, produces the Young Writers Project every year, sending writers to coach high school students, selecting shows for production, then giving them their premiere on the Theatre of NOTE stage. Student writers are involved in casting from a pool of professional, working actors. Directors work with the writers as needed during the rehearsal process. This episode explores some of that journey, but mostly our shared journey. (Hint: It may be more shared than you think.)
Before it was a ubiquitous Disney song, it was ubiquitous advice - sometimes, not super helpful. Love, loss, getting help, and finding our own way.
Part 2 of a 3-part series written and performed by Gale Brennan Jackson. An actor, writer, and teacher, she has also held many other unique jobs over the years. In this episode we travel to San Francisco to that time she worked in a truly cool toy store.
Emanuel Collins has been whisked away from danger a couple of times in his life. This is the story of one of those times. Like all stories about humans, there are so many other humans involved - some in central roles, protecting, guiding; some on the periphery, making and enforcing laws that affect other humans.
Many thanks to Emanuel, Pauline, and Meloney Collins. And, because of that whole connection thing, thanks to his mom.
First of a three-part series by Gale Brennan Jackson. It's sort of like "Take a Podcast Listener to Work Day," and she's starting us off with a summer job from the 90s. Enjoy!
After a fun and successful run with the 2016 Audio Advent Calendar, Life Lab Notes goes year-round! In this inaugural episode, we listen in on a conversation between 2016 and 2017. Sketch comedy that has a little something important to say.
Originally published in October 2015, "Monstranto, A Halloween Horror Story," follows the misadventures of an innocent group of teens looking for some Halloween fun. What they discover is chilling "food" for thought. Written by Silvie Zamora; performed by Gary Grantham, Pablo Marz, Jade Puga, Roxy Shabestari, Justin Vasquez, and Phil Ward. Special thanks to Robby Abney, Tessa Coster, and Megan Ward-Baranyay for adding their startled gasps.