creativity

My Word for 2026 is Momentum

A cinematic back-view of a person wearing a long, flowing red cloak, walking through a sun-drenched forest. They hold a blue and white patterned umbrella as the light filters through the trees, creating a warm, misty glow. The red fabric of the cloak billows out behind them, capturing a sense of graceful movement.
Finding the Moment in Momentum. Photo by Ani Kolleshi on Unsplash

Happy New Year! Each year I select a word to guide my thoughts and actions. In 2025, I chose Rebuild. Now, with that foundation, I’m ready to scale the efforts Iโ€™ve loved most.

2026 at a Glance:

  • The Word: Momentum (finding the moment within the movement).
  • The Focus: Scaling NYC’s Secrets & Lies, adopting a heart dog, and publishing in a dream publication.
  • The Goal: Moving from “rebuilding” to intentional acceleration in community, health, and creativity.

Within the word “Momentum” is the word “Moment”. That’s where I want to be in 2026 – in the moment, in every moment. I want to focus on my lived experience each day.

Even with all the challenges and difficulties in the world, in 2025 I found ways to build community through longer tables and creative projects that inspire wonder and curiosity. It’s made me so happy to reflect on that and think about how that can continue in 2026.

Here are some of the areas that interest me most. What are you thinking of in 2026?

Storytelling

I am beyond thrilled that my show NYC’s Secrets & Lies is back and that so many lovely people have filled out audience and graced the stage with their knowledge and humor. This show encapsulates so many things I love: storytelling, a celebration of NYC, history, laughter, and awe. I know how lucky I am to call this city home and I love nothing more than sharing all the wild stories of our collective past that still exists on every street. I’ve also made some of my very best friends because of this show, and those relationships have saved and transformed my life.

We started doing location-based shows with partners in 2025, the dream I always had, and I can’t wait to create more of those immersive environments for our audiences in 2026. Our show at the Seaport Museum was a huge success and they were wonderful to work with so I’m hoping we can do more projects together.

We’re already working on some fun plans during this very momentous year in our city’s history to celebrate:

  • NYC’s 400th anniversary
  • The country’s 250th anniversary
  • 100th anniversary of Houdini‘s death on Halloween (yep – he was a New Yorker!)
  • National Pet Adoption Week in March
  • Our first outdoor show in April with Natural Areas Conservancy for Earth Day
  • Climate Week shows in San Francisco (nature in the San Francisco area) and in NYC (NYC food history)

A few things we’re considering in addition to our shows:

  • Free field trips where a group of us go to an interesting location in NYC and learn about its history
  • Reading club on historical topics
  • Potluck dinners with historical recipes
  • Entering the Great Borough Bake-off at Museum of the City of New York

Dogs

In January 2024, I lost my soul dog, Phineas, after 13 1/2 years together.2024 was a painful year. Sometimes I could barely breathe because the grief was so heavy. It was the worst grief I’ve ever felt. At the very end of 2024 and through 2025, I fostered 10 dogs through Muddy Paws Rescue and became an active volunteer with the organization. I never imagined I would become as involved as I am. More than anything else I’ve done, fostering and volunteering to save shelter dogs has helped me heal. I still miss Phinny every single day. I will miss him every day for the rest of my life.

2025 taught me how to carry the grief of losing Phinny and the joy of rescuing other dogs like him. He never left me, not really. I feel his spirit with me always. There are, sadly, so many shelter dogs who need forever homes. In 2026, I want to get even more involved with helping more shelter dogs. I don’t know exactly what that looks like yet.

I am ready to adopt my heart dog and especially excited to go through therapy dog training with them. My hope is that we’ll become a certified team so we can visit chemo patients and participate in library programs where kids read to dogs.

Writing

At the end of 2025, I pitched an article to my dream publication and they accepted it! This is the good news I hinted at yesterdayโ€”I’m so thrilled to finally share it. I’m working on the piece right now and will share it once it’s published.

I spent 2025 further honing my writing skills in different genres and formats, and now I’m excited to put more of it out into the world in more publications and platforms. I learn so much as a writer by reading, and I’m trying to read more books and better track the books I read in a fun analog way.

Learning

2025 brought me many opportunities to learn new skills and grow my areas of expertise. Some of them came through work and many of them I explored on my own. I continued my language learning and I want to build on that in the new year. I signed up for Masterclass again because a few of their courses caught my eye and there was a massive 50% off sale for the new year. My interests vary widely so a platform like Masterclass is perfect for me. I loved their programs that I took a few years ago so I’m excited to dive back into it. I’d also like to find more opportunities to learn alongside others.

Nature

In 2025, I graduated with my Master’s in Sustainability Leadership at University of Cambridge. That was an enormous personal and professional accomplishment. I fulfilled my dream of studying abroad with the most incredible group of people who inspire me every day.

I had hoped to transition my full-time work into climate but political circumstances being what they are in the U.S., that didn’t happen. Through writing my Togetherhood newsletter, storytelling, and advocacy work, I’ve been able to be involved with the climate community and aid collective efforts. In 2026, I’d like to explore more ways that I can help even if my full-time work is not rooted in sustainability. Sometimes, dreams take longer than we’d like. The route isn’t as clear as we planned. The planet needs tending, and in 2026 I want to find opportunities to use what I have where I am to be useful.

Travel

In 2025, I finally got to Italy and Scandinavia, two places that have been on my list for some time. In June, I’ll skip back across the pond to reunite with my Cambridge classmates in London for our now-annual get-together. I’m already looking forward to that. I also decided to plan more weekends away. That’s something I don’t typically do. I’m not sure why I’ve not planned that more often – maybe because I love NYC so much and there is always a lot to do here.

In 2026, I’m going to make the effort to explore more and visit more friends who live outside of NYC. I’m hoping to finally get to Asia, another area of the world I’ve not yet visited.

Home and Finance

I’m very lucky to have a stable living situation after years of being a market-rate renter in a city that is insanely expensive. I love my Brooklyn neighborhood and my apartment. In 2025, I crunched the numbers many times and it didn’t make financial sense to buy a place of my own because of the deal I have in my place now and the soaring interest rates and downpayment requirements. I’ll continue to keep an eye on that in 2026 to see if anything changes. In the meantime, I’m working closely with my financial planner to save for a home down the line. I’m also refreshing my space with some new design touches.

Love
Dating apps did not bring me joy in 2025. Even the mechanics of them are off-putting to me. I know they work for lots of people, so I’ve not abandoned them completely. I’d like to put myself in situations to meet more people who share my interests, and maybe that will also include a partner who is as wonderful as my friends. That’s the only kind of partner I’m interested in having. It’s worth trying. At the very least, I’ll meet interesting people who become friends.

Health

And finally, my health is the basis of all my dreams. It’s really true that health is the first wealth. I learned a lot in 2025 about medicine, nutrition, exercise, and the value of rest. I healed from a few injuries and in the process learned how to better care for my body. In 2026, I’d like to refocus on more meditation – that’s a practice I fell away from in 2025 and I always feel better when it’s part of my routine. I experimented a lot with new recipes, and loved the art and eating of cooking and baking. I want to continue that and invite more people to have meals with me in my home.

2025 marked 5 years since my cancer diagnosis and I’m grateful for my restored health. In 2026, I’ll mark 5 years since the end of active treatment and finish taking one of my medications that may also lead to a change in another of my medications. While these are all positive changes, I’m always wary of new meds and med changes because of past experiences I’ve had. I’m exploring ways to support myself in that process – maybe through acupuncture, saunas, and other holistic modalities.

Some closing thoughts

2025 saw a lot of upheaval and pain around the world. Through donations to and volunteering with organizations doing work, I was able to help others and that is something I will always continue to do. Improving the lives of all beings and the planet has to happen as a collective, and I’m looking forward to using my good health, resources, and skills to further cultivate community and cheer loudly for others in 2026.

Happy New Year. I’m glad we’re here together. Long may that continue.

What is one area where you’re looking to find momentum this year?

creativity

I spent 2025 rebuilding

In 2025, I focused on what I could construct. It turns out, community is the strongest foundation. Photo by John Cameron on Unsplash.

Rather than make resolutions, I select a word each year to guide my thoughts and actions. In 2025, I chose “Rebuild.” Looking back at my post from January 1, 2025, I started the year meditating on the Mary Oliver quote: “Listen, are you breathing a little and calling it a life?” I realized I had been waiting for everythingโ€”more time, money, clarity, experience, validationโ€”to finally do the things I wanted to do. I was waiting for permission that only I could give to myself.

In a world that often felt fractured and difficult, I wanted to focus on what I could construct. I spent 2025 building community, seeking advice, iterating, and lifting others up as I rose. This year had many days that broke me down, but it turns out that being broken down is just the first step of a remodel. Each time, I got up a little stronger and more intentional.

I worked hard to be the most generous person in the room, the best listener, and a truly collaborative partner. I couldnโ€™t have done this alone, and I am deeply grateful to the mentors, friends, and all of you who sat in the “construction zone” with me.

I launched my Togetherhood weekly nature newsletter to share the solace I find in the outdoors, and teamed up with a wonderful group of creators to restart NYC’s Secrets & Lies. Both projects were born from the same goal: to ignite curiosity, wonder, and a sense of belonging in a world that can sometimes feel lonely. Beyond my own projects, I worked alongside others as a volunteer with Muddy Paws Rescue and City Harvest to provide safety and care for dogs, people, and the planet.

Amidst the busyness, I kept up with foreign language learning, indulged my love for baking and cooking, and looked after my health. I also spent a lot of quiet time honing my storytelling in ways I didn’t expect; I have some good news and lessons learned to share on that front in January.

Going into 2026, I’m excited to take everything I rebuilt this year and carry it further. More on that tomorrow. Wishing you and yours a bright, happy, and healthy new year.

creativity

Baking up NYC history in cookie form

For the December NYC’s Secrets & Lies storytelling show at the South Street Seaport Museum, I baked 300+ cookies for our guests. All the recipes had a historical backstory and a maritime connection to match the theme of our show and the beautiful venue.

Iโ€™ve gotten messages asking for the recipes and the stories behind them, so here they are! Swipe through the photos to find the recipe cards and the history behind each cookie.

I hope you enjoy baking up a bit of NYC history with:

– The Captain’s Lie (New Amsterdam Lemon Jumbles)

– Sweet Corruption (Spiced Molasses Gingerbread)

– The Original Hustle (Dutch Shortbread Trefoils a la the Girl Scouts)

Since itโ€™s cookie season, I’d love to see your baking pics! Happy baking! โ„๏ธ

creativity

NYC’s Secrets & Lies: The Power of Partnership and Resilience in Live Events

Ashley Semrick, Erin Hunkemoeller, Carla Katz, and Christa Avampato

I’m proud to share that the NYC’s Secrets & Lies holiday show this week about secret NYC maritime history at the South Street Seaport Museum was a huge success! I’m still GLOWING from all the good cheer. โœจ๏ธ

This show is a dream passion project for me, and I feel so lucky to do this work. The phenomenal storytellers, the engaged and joyful audience, and the perfect museum partner team and venue made for such a special holiday celebration. I’m beyond grateful to everyone who came out to the show.

We had a packed house that enjoyed a special evening of history and stories, complete with snack table filled with historically accurate treats that all had a backstory! This event was our first location-based event; all the stories were thematically linked to the space where we performed creating an immersive environment where the audience didn’t just hear the stories but could feel them.

It was also a powerful case study in the critical value of collaboration. Working with the Seaport Museum team was seamless, proving that when partners share a clear vision, we can create an immersive meaningful experience for our audience that stays with them long after the show ends.

Live events are a masterclass in crisis management. As the creator and producer, successfully navigating the unexpected is part of the job description. Though it might sound crazy to some, this is what I love about producing: problem-solving, thinking on my feet, and taking care of everyone involved in making the show possible. The ultimate reward is delivering a high-quality experience for the audience and seeing the talented storytellers shine.

A little behind-the-scenes secret – I was more nervous about this show than any show we’ve ever done. Between my back injury, the cookie baking, a brand new venue with a brand new partner, this being our first location-based show, and a last minute emergency I didn’t expect, my natural stage fright was flying high. But through collaboration and partnership and joy, it all worked out. Once I focused solely on the storytellers, our audience, and our museum partner, the nerves finally faded. We are always stronger and better together.๐Ÿซถ

And good news (a la Buddy the Elf!): I saw a dachshund outside the museum as I arrived and another dachshund outside the museum on my way home. My Phinny is always with me!๐Ÿพ

Thank you again to the phenomenal team, the storytellers, and everyone who came out to support live storytelling and New York history. This is proof that focused passion and strong partnerships can achieve anything!

Below are some photos from the show. Happy Holidays!

creativity

Why Iโ€™m taking โ€œSecrets & Liesโ€ to San Francisco: Discussing climate disinformation and the power of storytelling on the Earthworks podcast

Me at home in Brooklyn (and I took that photo behind me of a branch frosted with ice!)

I am so honored to be the first guest on Marina Psaros‘s new podcast, Earthworks.

We sat down to talk about two things that are deeply personal to me: the urgency of climate action and the power of a good story. Specifically, we discussed how I relaunched my live storytelling game show, NYC’s Secrets & Lies, at the Climate Group‘s Climate Week NYC this year.

Why mix storytelling with climate science? My goal has always been to combat misinformation and disinformation, particularly in climate. In a world of noise, storytelling promotes critical thinking and builds the kind of community and critical thinking we need to tackle big challenges. When we pique someone’s curiosity and wonder, which is what I do with the show and secret history, that encourages the audience want to take action and join a movement.

Big News: We are going to the West Coast! Marina actually reached out to me via LinkedIn when she saw my original post about the show at Climate Week NYC. That one connection has sparked a new plan: We are working to bring NYC’s Secrets & Lies (as San Francisco’s Secrets & Lies!) to SF Climate Week in San Francisco in April 2026!

Listen to our Earthworks episode here: https://www.marinapsaros.com/earthworks/christaavampato

Iโ€™d love to hear what you think about the intersection of history, nature, and storytelling. And to my friends in the Bay Areaโ€”stay tuned. We canโ€™t wait to see you and tell stories together!

creativity

Join me in NYC for free wine and secret holiday maritime stories

It’s official! The tickets for my December NYC’s Secrets & Lies storytelling show at the South Street Seaport Museum are now on sale and they’re only $10

I am so excited for this oneโ€”itโ€™s going to be a gorgeous night of holiday secret stories, exclusive access to the museum’s exhibit on NYC maritime history,ย freeย wine, and free holiday treats with a cast that includes Carla Katz, Erin Hunkemoeller, and Ashley Semrick. ๐Ÿท

We’re expecting a great crowd so don’t wait on this one! Grab your $10 ticket now at https://southstreetseaportmuseum.org/holiday-secrets-lies/

creativity

Be one of our storytellers for NYC’s Secrets & Lies

Iโ€™m so excited to share this update: NYCโ€™s Secrets & Lies, my storytelling show about secret NYC history, is officially looking for new storytellers for our 2026 season!

This show is a dream come true for me and incorporates everything I love – NYC, history, research, game shows, storytelling, and collaboration. We’re thrilled to be back on stage and growing.

Read the full Playbill listing, including the link to submit at http://bit.ly/46UcuAz.

Please feel free to share this with anyone whom you think would be interested.

Here is the full text of the listing:

NYC’s SECRETS & LIES: Storytellers Wanted

PRODUCTION DESCRIPTION:
NYC’s Secrets & Lies is aย critically acclaimed, dynamic live storytelling showย that blendsย deep historical researchย withย high-energy theatrical performance. We bringย little-known NYC storiesย to life, pairing each storyteller’s script withย synchronized, original visual presentationsย (slides/images). Each performer acts as a historian, researcher, and entertainer.


SEEKING DIVERSE STORYTELLERS (18+)

We seek diverse, charismatic performers who are passionate about historical research and engaging presentation.

Storytellers: Individuals comfortable conducting independent historical research, writing a compelling script (typically 8โ€“12 minutes in length), and delivering it with theatrical flair.

Key Skills:

  • Ability to translate complex historical facts into anย accessible, entertaining narrative.
  • Familiarity with creating simple visual aids (slides/Keynote) is helpful, but not required.

Experience: Prior experience in educational performing, tour guiding, or narrative podcasting is a plus, but not a requirement. The only true requirement is a passion for NYC history and a desire to share it with an audience in a fun way.


SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: VIDEO FIRST OPEN CALL

We are accepting self-tape video submissions for the first round. (A phone video is perfectly fine; please minimize the file size.)

Required Materials:

  1. Headshot and Resume/CV:ย Highlight any experience in research, writing, public speaking, performance, or tour guiding.
  2. Short Video (Self-Tape):ย Aย 2-minute excerptย of a historical story or topic you are passionate about. Focus on captivating delivery and clarityโ€”imagine you are telling a fantastic secret tidbit to a good friend.ย No visuals needed.
  3. Cover Letter:ย Please include the following:
  • Relevant experience (research, performance, etc.)
  • Your interest in the show and NYC history.
  • If you’ve seenย NYC’s Secrets & Liesย (or plan to attend in October or December.)
  • Social media handles (if applicable.)

Please submit all materials via email at nycsecretsandlies@gmail.com. Email us if you have any questions.


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: LEARN ABOUT OUR SHOW

To understand the unique blend of entertainment, historical research, and performance, we highly encourage you to attend one of our upcoming live shows:

October Show: “Ghost Stories”

  • Date:ย Tuesday, October 28th, 2025
  • Location:ย The Hidden Jewel Box Theater –ย a secret theater hidden inside Port Authority Bus Terminal!
  • Time:ย Doors 7:30pm; Show 8:00pm
  • Link for Tickets/Info:ย http://lies.eventbrite.com

December Show: “Holiday Maritime History” (includes a holiday party!)

  • Date:ย Thursday, December 11th, 2025
  • Location:ย South Street Seaport Museum (Our Partner)
  • Link to tickets will be available soon and will be emailed to all who submit.

Salary: $50.00 โ€“ $200.00 per show

creativity

The Day I Faced My Biggest Fear and the Night I Tell Stories

Me on stage. Photo by Ashley Semrick and Ell

Five years ago today, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I didn’t know what my future held. My friend, Meg, sat in my surgeon’s office with me and held my hand. A plan came together with my surgeon to not only help me survive, but thrive. I didn’t know what that looked like then, but I know now.

Today, I stand here, stronger and more committed than ever to sharing the stories that matterโ€”the secrets we keep because sometimes they are too frightening to say out loud and the lies we tell ourselves to fake it until we make it so we can survive.

I’m channeling that strength into a story I’ll tell on stage, and I hope you’ll join me for the next chapter on October 28th for NYC’s Secrets & Lies – Ghost Stories!

That October 28th show date is also a very momentous personal anniversary for me: that will mark five years since my bilateral mastectomyโ€”the day I faced my worst fear head-on and the last day there was any sign of cancer in my body. We’re going to celebrate!

Link to tickets and information: http://lies.eventbrite.com

creativity

“The Best Storytelling I’ve Ever Seen in NYC”: Why NYC’s Secrets & Lies is Your Perfect Pre-Halloween Night Out

http://lies.eventbrite.com

The storytellers of NYC’s Secrets & Lies and I have spent the last month celebrating the secrets hidden beneath New York Cityโ€”from the quiet wilderness of Central Park to the forgotten history in the street streets. As October deepens, weโ€™re switching our focus from natureโ€™s secrets to something far more chilling: NYC’s infamous ghosts and the secrets they left behind.

The audience feedback from our last event, NYC’s Secrets & Lies โ€“ Nature, was absolutely overwhelming. Before we dive into the chilling tales planned for October 28th, we want to prove that this is more than just a showโ€”it’s a truly unforgettable New York experience. If youโ€™ve been on the fence, let our past audience convince you to secure your spot for a night of fright, tricks, and treats!

Why the Show Works

We set out to create compelling, high-caliber storytelling, and the response confirmed it. This show isn’t just reciting history; itโ€™s about crafting a narrative that sticks with you long after you leave The Hidden Jewel Box Theater, a secret theater hidden inside Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Here is a glimpse of what audience members said about the last installment:

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Testimonial 1: โ€œFrom the moment I stepped in through the secret door to the moment I left through ANOTHER secret door, this was the best storytelling I’ve ever seen in NYC!”

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Testimonial 2: โ€œI haven’t been this entertained and educated at the same time in a long time. The perfect New York night outโ€”NYC’s Secrets & Lies is a true hidden gem of the cityโ€™s indie arts scene.โ€

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Testimonial 3: โ€œA masterclass in stage presence. The performers brought every secret to life and I had no idea which stories were true and which was the lie! I bought tickets for the next show before I left the theater.โ€

From Nature to Ghosts

Image created by Christa Avampato

The same dedication to research, quality performance, and compelling narrative that wowed the audience last month is now being turned towards the cityโ€™s darker corners.

For NYCโ€™s Secrets & Lies โ€“ Ghost Stories on Tuesday, October 28th at 8pm, we’re diving deep into the true hauntings and the unsettling history that makes New York one of the spookiest places on earth. Expect to hear real, unsettling stories about:

  • The notorious ghosts of Greenwich Villageโ€™s oldest theaters.
  • The dark family secrets buried beneath modern skyscrapers.
  • The lingering spirits tied to a famous Manhattan landmark.

And one big lie! This is an intimate, spine-tingling historical journey just three days before Halloween. Our show is your perfect way to connect with the ghosts of New York’s past. Come early when the doors open at 7:30pm to enjoy some treats, meet the storytellers, and explore The Hidden Jewel Box Theater before it closes and disappears forever!

Space at The Hidden Jewel Box Theater is extremely limited for this one-night-only event. With the clock ticking down to October 28th, tickets are selling fast thanks to the buzz from our last show. Don’t wait to secure your spot!


๐Ÿ‘‰ CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS FOR OCTOBER 28TH ๐Ÿ‘ˆ

http://lies.eventbrite.com

[TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE: http://lies.eventbrite.com]


PS – Keep following our social channels for behind-the-scenes looks at the chilling research for the Ghost Stories show! You can follow me on Instagram and Threads at @christarosenyc and you can follow the show on Instagram at @nycsecretsandlies.

creativity

Head, Heart, and Hands: The Great Triumvirate of Change

Image created by Christa Avampato.

I just attended Dr. Katharine Hayhoe’s Climate Week NYC talk at the American Museum of Natural History, and it was the most empowering climate message I’ve ever heard. It reframes the entire discussion around three simple ideas: Head, Heart, and Hands.

A research-backed truth: Dr. Hayhoe shared that most people in this country and in the world (~60% on both counts) are worried about climate change. We, the worried, donโ€™t need more doom and damning data to get us concerned because weโ€™re already there.

The challenge: Even though weโ€™re worried, we arenโ€™t taking enough action to alleviate our worry because we don’t know what to do about it.

The solution: Sync up our head, heart, and hands โ€“ what Iโ€™m calling the great triumvirate of change โ€“ and sync with others.

Well, thatโ€™s all well and good, but how do we do that? Dr. Hayhoeโ€™s advice: Get clear about what we care about, how climate change will impact what we care about, find others who care about what we care about, and start talking!

Hereโ€™s our action plan:

Head: Define Your Why. Clearly identify exactly why youโ€™re worried. Finish this sentence: “I care about climate because I care about…” How is your personal well-being, favorite place, or dearest value already being affected by climate change? Keep it simple, personal, and jargon-free.

Heart: Connect to Community. Now that you know what you care about, find communities, groups, and individuals who share that passion and are also affected by climate change.

Hands: Turn Conversation into Action. Get in touch with those communities and start talking about your shared worries and values. That act of conversation and connection will lead to meaningful, collaborative action or project to protect what you care about.

Climate change will affect everything everywhere all at once. It is a global issue, and no one will escape it so no matter what you care about, it will be impacted and there are communities of people who care about it, too. Letโ€™s dive into an example from my personal life to see this action plan come to life.

An example:

Head: Iโ€™m worried about climate change because I love New York City. Since most of our city is at or near sea level, we will be subject to serious impacts from sea level rise, and we have a lot of issues now with rain flooding the streets and subways โ€“ our main modes of transportation. We also have a lot of people living in a small amount of space so there is a lot of pollution that impacts our health and well-being, and often crowds out green space, which is causing more heat, dirtier air, and health issues.

Heart: I love this city, and I do believe we can make it greener, cleaner, and healthier for all beings who live here โ€“ people, pets, wildlife, and plants. I want to find other people who also care about nature in NYC.

Hands: I run a live storytelling game show called NYCโ€™s Secrets & Lies all about the secret history of NYC. This month, I decided to make the show all about stories related in nature in NYC and applied to have it become an official Climate Week NYC event. They accepted it (hooray!). I found a terrific venue โ€“ a hidden theater inside Port Authority Bus Terminal (a great tie into the transportation issues impacted by climate change here in NYC!) We had a wonderful cast of storytellers who were enthusiastic about the topic and told a wide range of stories. I also invited Josh Otero from the Natural Areas Conservancy to be our special guest to talk about all of the amazing work they do to make NYC greener and healthier. We had a sold-out show with a waitlist of 33 people, and all of the stories talked about interesting aspects of the history of nature in NYC. We had so much fun, and it was a great way to get the message out there! This show gave me a place to put my worries about climate change and turn them into action with others. Iโ€™m planning to do more of these shows โ€“ stay tuned!  

Our climate anxiety is reaching new heights and as Dr. Hayhoe explained, the way to use that anxiety for good is through stories. Storytelling is about conversations. Every great idea, every meaningful action, every ounce of change – it all begins with a conversation. Get out there, start talking, and see what change you can create with others.