As the new year unfolds and we step into fresh beginnings, there’s something magical about gathering together to share our stories — especially stories about turning a page, starting again and discovering what’s possible on the other side of change.
For Janel Schermerhorn, storytelling isn’t just an art form — it’s a practice of courage, reflection and connection. A two-time Moth Story Slam winner and enthusiastic participant in The Moth’s workshops, Schermerhorn knows how powerful it can be to stand (or sit) in front of an audience and say, “This is true. This is mine.” It’s in that spirit that she celebrates one of The Moth’s most inspiring events of early 2026: the “New Leaf | First-Timers” StorySLAM in Birmingham, Alabama.
A Stage for Bold Beginnings
On January 26, 2026, Saturn Birmingham will host an evening of live storytelling built around the theme New Leaf. This StorySLAM is especially welcoming to first-time storytellers—inviting anyone who has never stepped onto a Moth stage before to share a five-minute true story about a new chapter, a brave pivot, or the messy beauty of leaving something behind.
Whether someone moved across the country to chase a dream, ended a long chapter to make room for a blossoming future, or simply chose to let go of what no longer served them, New Leaf highlights the moments of transition that shape who we become. These are the kinds of stories that remind us that every ending holds the seeds of a beginning.
Welcoming New Voices & Shared Humanity
What makes New Leaf especially exciting is its open-mic nature. Like other StorySLAMs hosted by The Moth — a nonprofit organization dedicated to the craft of true, personal storytelling — it’s not about polished performance but about honest human experience. Each storyteller has just five minutes, with no notes allowed, to speak their truth and connect with the audience.
This accessibility is part of what makes The Moth so beloved across cities and communities: every voice matters and every story has the potential to resonate — with laughter, reflection, or heartfelt recognition.
Why New Leaf Matters
For Janel Schermerhorn, events like New Leaf are more than entertainment — they’re opportunities for collective empathy. Whether you come to listen or to tell your own story, gatherings like this show us that beginnings don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. They simply have to be honest.
As we navigate our own fresh starts this year — big or small — “New Leaf” reminds us that letting go can open space for growth and telling our stories can help us see just how far we’ve come.
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