Michael Kasony-O’Malley’s Sacred Family Lore:
The Blue-Collar Wit & Wisdom
of Youngstown, Ohio and Beyond
Michael places his Family Stories of Blue-Collar Wit and Wisdom under the heading “Sacred Stories.” These memories, tall family tales, and lore are reflections – glimmers and glimpses – of the ancestors. The stories may bring tears or laughter, shock or wonder, but they inevitably invite us to cross the boundaries of space and time. It is the work of every storyteller to preserve that which is worthy of preservation. It is the work of Michael to preserve and share his Family Stories of Blue-Collar Wit and Wisdom from Youngstown, Ohio and Beyond.
For pricing and scheduling details on Michael’s FAMILY STORIES OF BLUE-COLLAR WIT & WISDOM, CONTACT US.
MICHAEL & BLUE-COLLAR WIT & WISDOM: Michael Kasony-O’Malley grew up in Struthers, a small blue-collar suburb of Youngstown, Ohio. Michael jokes that he was 18 years old before he found out that not everybody’s dad works in a steel mill!
Michael’s Irish and Slovak ancestors came to Western Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Michael has the honor of being the youngest child of the youngest child of Slovak immigrants (on his mother’s side) and the youngest child of the youngest child of the youngest child of Irish immigrants (on his father’s side).
Michael grew up in a community of aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends. He has lovely memories (and terrific stories!) of his two grandmothers born in 1882 and 1892.
He also holds tales of his two grandfathers in his heart, even though these men died in 1929 and 1931.
Michael’s childhood home life was saturated in story. The tradition continues with Michael and his wife Ali, their four children, two grandchildren, extended family, and community of friends. It has been commonly said, “For there to be great poets, there must be great audiences.” It is equally true that for there to be great storytellers, there must be great story listeners. Michael is fortunate to be from a culture where storytelling and story listening were – and are – revered.
O’Malley offers several hours worth of Youngstown (and Struthers!) stories of family lore as he shares The Blue-Collar Wit & Wisdom of Youngstown, Ohio and Beyond.
Michael’s two areas of storytelling focus are (A) Mythos & Folk Lore and (B) Sacred Stories. Given his focus on Sacred Stories, Michael the Storyteller’s repertoire also includes hours worth of stories with these four other themes related to Sacred Stories :
• Sacred Stories of our Earth & Its Stewardship
• Bible Stories & Christian Legends
• Buddhist Stories of Saints & Sinners
• Wisdom Tales from Around the World (especially for Children)
Michael also has Multiple Themes for his Mythos & Folk Lore Storytelling Programs.
For pricing, scheduling, and further details about any of Michael‘s Storytelling Programs, click here to CONTACT US.
Those with an interest in Michael FAMILY STORIES of BLUE-COLLAR WIT & WISDOM may also be interested in Mišhko Mícheál’s Public Talks and Workshops, such as…
• Blue-Collar Buddhism: A Memoir
• Irish Lore and Celtic Spirituality
• Slavic Ritual & Slovak Lore: An Introduction
Michael regularly integrates Mindfulness Practices into his programming. Additionally, Mišhko Mícheál offers one-on-one coaching as a Mindfulness Coach. For more info on any of these programs, simply CONTACT US.