Join us for an unforgettable night of true, personal stories about being pushed to the limit—and discovering what we're capable of when the heat is on. From unexpected setbacks and high-stakes situations to moments that demand courage, creativity and a little quick thinking, our storytellers find themselves facing challenges they never saw coming. It's heartfelt, hilarious, sometimes harrowing, and proof that whether the fire is literal or figurative, sometimes the only way through is to face it head-on.
Hosted by Julio Chavez and Brad Lawrence.
Doors at 7:00 pm. Show starts 7:30 pm.
Stories by:
Lawrence Neals is multi-hyphenate entertainer, producer, director, cosplayer and lifelong unashamed Geek. Born, bred, and still a proud resident of "New York City…center of the universe!” Aside from a short stint of insanity serving as flight deck crew on US NAVY aircraft carriers (including the USS Enterprise, his Geek heart is proud to say) he's spent his entire life neck deep in the world of the Arts starting as a boy soprano for the NY Philharmonic to international solo performer in his one man shows "Nightshift: Tribute to Motown and Soul" & "Soul Amazing: A Tribute to Luther Vandross." When he isn’t up to his eyeballs singing in any one of the three bands he fronts as lead vocalist, band leader or Musical Director, he can be found expressing his love for all things Geek cultured from Star Trek to the MCU as a cosplayer and as creator and host of the GeekLifeRules: NY Cosplay Cabaret. This is his first foray into storytelling in this format and he's excited to hear the tales of his fellows and share one of his own and give thanks for the opportunity to participate.
Sarah Berryman-Shaw: I am a PhD student at the University of Leeds, where my research focuses on the behavioural and mechanistic effects of environmental stressors on insect species. In particular, I investigate how climate change and pesticide exposure influence insect behaviour, physiology, and underlying biological processes, with a primary focus on honeybees and ants.
My research aims to improve our understanding of how these important insects respond to environmental change and the potential consequences for their survival, resilience, and ecological roles. Through my work, I hope to contribute to a better understanding of the challenges facing insect populations and the importance of protecting biodiversity in a changing world.
Summer Yang works as a clinical bioinformatician at NYU Langone Health, where she works at the intersection of cancer diagnostics, data, and patient care. Outside of work, she enjoys food adventures, taking care of her plant babies, and exploring the outdoors. Originally from China and now based in New York City, Summer is drawn to storytelling because it creates a space for vulnerability, human connections and offers a chance to experience the many different paths people take through life.
