Navigation Inside the World of Live Storytelling | David Levy of Cincinnati's True Theatre
- Inside the World of Live Storytelling | David Levy of Cincinnati's True Theatre Gregg M. Goldfarb 34:45
What happens when you put someone on stage to tell their personal story in front of their community? Unexpected and unforgettable connection. In this episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, Gregg Goldfarb sits down with David Levy, the Founder and Artistic Director of Cincinnati’s True Theatre, for an eye-opening conversation about the power of unscripted, real-life storytelling.
Inspired by The Moth, David built a thriving storytelling community in Cincinnati where everyday people take the stage to share honest, personal stories around universal themes, from love to crime to the color blue.
In this episode, David pulls back the curtain on how True Theatre operates: how storytellers are selected, how themes are chosen, how live events are produced, and why authenticity—not performance—creates the deepest human connection.
Whether you’re a storytelling enthusiast, a lawyer looking to improve your narrative skills, or simply curious about personal growth and community-building, this episode offers inspiring stories and a roadmap for getting involved (or even launching your own storytelling event).
What to expect in this episode:
- How True Theatre turns ordinary people into unforgettable storytellers
- The secret behind using single-word themes to spark powerful, unexpected stories
- What really happens behind the scenes: pitches, coaching, and picking the perfect lineup
- Why raw, unscripted stories connect audiences more than polished performances
- How storytelling strengthens communities and deepens human connection
- The surprising ways storytelling transforms self-awareness and personal growth
- How to start your own storytelling event (with no prior experience)
- Why authenticity (not perfection) is the ultimate storytelling superpower
- Upcoming themes for True Theatre: True Love (Jan 22, 2026), True Bird, and a return of True Crime
Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t miss our next deep dive on Cut to the Chase: Podcast with Gregg Goldfarb!
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Resources:
- Attend a live True Theatre show or livestream: https://truetheatre.org
- Pitch a story or start a similar event: Email David Levy at dave@truetheatre.org
- Follow @truetheatre on Instagram & Facebook for updates
- The Moth: https://themoth.org
This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.
