We've heard it all before... we rejoice in the retelling!
Missouri Storytelling, Inc.
(MO-TELL)
Welcome to the home of Missouri Storytelling, Inc. MO-TELL
MO-TELL was established in 1984 as Missouri's leading storytelling group for storytellers and listeners alike with the intention to promote and perpetuate storytelling throughout the state.
Throughout our history we have successfully reached Missourians by providing storytelling in the Missouri State Parks. Currently we provide storytellers to 12 state parks and/or historic sites in Missouri. We are seeking support to continue and increase our scope of venues and audiences.
Mission Statement
Missouri Storytelling, Inc. (MO-TELL) is an organization of storytellers and other interested persons dedicated to spreading the joy and the art of storytelling throughout Missouri.
Vision Statement
We envision that every Missourian will hear and share stories and keep the oral tradition alive.
Missouri Storytelling, Inc is a 501 c (3) non-profit membership organization with a board of directors consisting of the following people:
President Joyce Slater joyceslater20@gmail.com
Vice-President Sue Hinkel suehinkel1@gmail.com
Secretary Sue Godsey sgodsey2@gmail.com
Treasurer Jackie Wright jpapawright@sbcglobal.net
Membership Linda Kuntz iharilag@gmail.com
At Large Gary Kuntz galirahi@aol.com
At Large Nancee Walker-Micham walkermicham@gmail.com
At Large Glen "Papa" Wright jpapawright@sbcglobal.net
Emeritus Perrin Stifel pstifelstl@earthlink.net
The Annual meeting is held in January at a designated location.
Activities sponsored by Missouri Storytelling, Inc
• Storytelling in the Missouri State Parks
• The Missouri Liar's Contest
• Storytelling and Story Writing Workshops
Membership Benefits
• Missouri State Park storytelling opportunities
• The Missouri Liar's Contest and educational opportunities
• A Monthly Newsletter
• Web site presence for members
• Affiliation with the National Storytelling Network
• Connection to all storytelling organizations in Missouri
MO-TELL Presents:
MO-Tell Liars Contest, July 10 & 11, 2026
The weekend started with a Friday Night, July 10, concert featuring Perrin Stifel, Joyce Slater, and Elizabeth Ellis. On Saturday, July the day started with a workshop by Elizabeth Ellis titled Courage in Storytelling. After that was lunch and a story swap. Music for the Friday Night Concert and the Liars Contest was performed by Jonny Wood. The link to his music is on the MO-TELL YouTube channel.
The Liars contest started at 2:00 pm and featured 9 storytellers who shared their stories. The links to the stories from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place finishers are listed below and you can listen to any of the storytellers in the contest by going to the MO-TELL YouTube channel as they are all posted there. The winners for the 2026 Liars Concert are:
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First Place - Christine Henderson
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Second Place - Larry Brown
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Third Place - Rosemary Cutrer
Friday Night Concert Tellers
Perrin Stifel: https://youtu.be/1QkxJIL63ag
Joyce Slater: https://youtu.be/T_eXTJw1b9w
Elizabeth Ellis: https://youtu.be/e81OA9e2cvU
Liars Contest Tellers for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place
1st Place - Christine Henderson: https://youtu.be/XD1Y9SrKM5o
2nd Place - Larry Brown: https://youtu.be/6p2Hh0jKfoI
3rd Place - Rosie Cutrer: https://youtu.be/kj3qguwpIVY
Listen to stories from MO-TELL's YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@missouristorytellinginc.5093
Perrin Stifel: https://youtu.be/4I2gRFDSMDM
Lisa Costello: https://youtu.be/uX5vw2NoJ2U
Mary T. Nord: video is no public
Ken Wolfe: https://youtu.be/nVPf2dwgyrw
Jeff Hannah
Biography:
Jeff believes that stories foster human connection, and his storytelling is infused with warmth, humor and humanity.
Specializing in original personal narratives and Tall Tales, Jeff explores the life lessons that (hopefully) make us wiser: quirks and absurdities of modern life, our weird families, coming of age experiences, and even his dog Blue!
An experienced speaker and presenter, Jeff was recognized as the 3rd-biggest liar in the state at the 2024 Missouri Liars Contest (a source of great pride for his weird family, as you might imagine)!
In addition, with more than two decades in corporate coaching, Jeff has taught storytelling to hundreds of leaders and future leaders in numerous industries. In his storytelling workshops, participants learn to find and share their own stories – stories that can build relationships in the workplace, help employees embrace change, and reinforce company culture.
Jeff is a resident of Cape Girardeau MO and is available to travel to your event or organization!