My Storytelling Passion Project

My storytelling Passion Project took off in 2017 when I completed an audio workshop with Peter Payette, Executive Director of Interlochen Public Radio (IPR). I was hooked from the get-go, which isn't surprising since storytelling was what kept me in public relations for a couple decades. In 2018 Peter invited me to join a new Red Pine Radio group of community members learning to make their own radio stories. My PR background served me well, but I quickly realized audio storytelling presented new creative and technical challenges. I've embraced it all and am honored to share the following stories which have aired on IPR. Click the link in each story description to be taken to its IPR page, then click the LISTEN button at the top of the page. Enjoy ... and email me your thoughts HERE.

An up-close encounter with the largest birds in Michigan

August 20, 2021 — As summer shifts to fall … some birds in northern Michigan are preparing for their annual migration. For Sandhill Cranes, that means putting on a little extra weight to help fuel their move. Brian Allen had an unforgettable moment with Sandhill Cranes a few years back. He’s from Manistee and has been birding for decades. It’s a tale so wild … he wonders if anyone would believe him. Reporter Leslie Hamp does … and she has his story RIGHT HERE.

Lucy to the Rescue

April 2021 — Lucy Voss of Traverse City is an avid birder. When she came across a struggling mallard wrapped in plastic, she went right into the water to rescue her. In this sonic ID (aka station identification), she takes Leslie Hamp, Red Pine Radio producer, to the site of the heroic rescue. CLICK HERE to listen.

ice Fishing, No matter the weather

February 2021 — No matter the weather, Westley Allen, a fishing guide, is out on a lake — even in his off hours from Westside Fly Guide in Baldwin, Michigan. In this sonic ID (aka station identification), he shares his passion with Leslie Hamp, Red Pine Radio producer. It's a bitter cold and windy day on Crystal Lake, but that doesn't stop Westley from fishing. CLICK HERE to listen.

Heart stones remind Traverse City woman to choose love over fear

January 27, 2021 — A lot of people are getting out and enjoying nature during the pandemic. One Traverse City woman has a habit of walking the beach ... looking for something. It’s a ritual which has become even more important during days of uncertainty. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp has the story RIGHT HERE.

Art installation ‘Birds Fly In: A Human Refuge’ opens at Oliver Art Center

August 7, 2020 — In 2017, artist Ellie Harold was stuck in traffic in Atlanta. There was road rage all around her, and she started feeling it bubble up inside of her too. She asked herself, “Wouldn’t it be great if people could just have a place to go for a time out?” And so she built one. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp has her story RIGHT HERE.

Coming Home From India

June 10, 2020 — When the pandemic hit, Heather Aldridge wasn’t sure she’d ever get out of India. She was trapped in a hotel for three weeks longing to see her family, friends and Lake Michigan. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp has her story RIGHT HERE.

The Silver Fox of Fencing

April 13, 2020 — Julia Kline went back to fencing so she could spend more time with her teenage daughter. Now she’s ranked nationally at the age of 56. Her coach in Traverse City says she is becoming what is known in the sport as a silver fox. "She may not look like she is dangerous but she will beat younger male fencers because they underestimate her." Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp has her story RIGHT HERE.

He's 80 Pounds Lighter & Never Going Back

January 10, 2020 — John Vinkemulder was overweight most of his adult life. He’d eat a lot and exercise minimally. Then eight years ago his doctor told him he was close to becoming diabetic. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp meets up with John at a Burger King to find out how he turned things around with a plant-based diet. Take a listen in this edition of Points North. John's story begins RIGHT HERE (around 5:00).

Three Artists Reunite for Show 50 Years After High School

June 5, 2019 — At a time when many their age have retired, three northern Michigan artists are reuniting for a multimedia exhibit. They were the stars of the art department at Traverse City Central High School 50 years ago. Now they're getting back together and seeing each other in a whole new light. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp has their story RIGHT HERE.

TC Skier Finds Healing on the Trail

February 8, 2019 — Many of the best cross-country skiers in Michigan will line up in Traverse City this weekend for the 43rd annual North American Vasa ski races. One of those skiers is local resident Anders Gillis, who won the 34-kilometer classic race last year. Anders was not always in shape for a ski marathon. After a personal tragedy, the lifelong athlete fell into depression and put on significant weight. Red Pine Radio producer has his story RIGHT HERE.

An unconventional music student Follows His Passion

January 12, 2019 — Bob Tarkington always wanted to go to music school. So when the Frankfort summer resident retired, he decided to do just that. It took two tries to get accepted, but now Tarkington is a senior in a jazz studies program in Georgia. He says it’s easy to spot him in his school choir: just look for the student with a shock of white hair. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp has his story RIGHT HERE.

Not Everyone Has the Ability to Remember Faces

December 7, 2018 — Imagine not always being able to recognize the faces of the people in your life. For Benzonia resident Cheryl Bartz, it's something she has to deal with daily. It's a condition called prosopagnosia – also called face blindness – and it's more common than you think. Red Pine Radio producer Leslie Hamp has her story RIGHT HERE.

And A Cool Story about Me... By Kandace Chapple for Traverse Magazine, August 2020