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Ashley Zuberi's avatar

This is so fun! What a great example of how to use this platform for good 😊 I’m going to be lurking, watching, and maybe building up the courage to participate!

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Okay...you can do that! But maybe....just jump in? Iyengar or Jivamukti? Iyengar is smart and safe (which is excellent and full of self-love) Jivamukti is over the top, full of the spirit of celebration, and fabulous music. I've done both.And they're both excellent. Both/And not Either/Or. DM me if you have questions. We'd love to have you in the audience and the stage. Always do what works for you. And you may find me nudging you just the tiniest bit. xo

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Ashley Zuberi's avatar

Ah the paradox! I’m #teamyoga. Post-lineage. Both Iyengar and Jivamukti had their fair share of scandals and abuse. Both institutionalized a practice that teaches liberation and freedom. Both created heartfelt communities and systems of practice that healed. We have to live with it all. I’m going to jump in, don’t you worry! Just have to figure out which prompt speaks to me most 🙂

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Nan Tepper's avatar

YUP! To all of it. At one point in another life (because I believe in more than on incarnation in my current life) I taught Jivamukti and ASHTANGA I which I still can't believe. I'm glad you're going to jump in (that summons images of flow-through, no?). Looking forward to hearing which one you choose, Ashley! xo

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Veronika Bond's avatar

Wow! What a great project. Wishing you and everyone loads of Wham Bam Slam Fun and Joy 💃 🎉 💐🎶

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks! Great enough for you to come and play? Love to have you. xo

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Veronika Bond's avatar

I'm not a short story writer (yet)

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Hmmmm. Okay. This is a great way to start. xo

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Rose's avatar

This sounds like fun. Haven't got time at the moment to do it (editing my manuscript) but I DO want to play! Oh, and by the way, you can never use too many hyphens. Bring 'em on!

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Nan Tepper's avatar

We've got 12 months of possibilities! So when you're ready, we'll be waiting. Please tell people? xo

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

You are fabulous, Nan. Love you! xoxo

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Will you play telephone with me, Mary? Will you come tell a story? xo

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Nan, I can’t compete with you. You are the best. I can’t applaud until my hands hurt, though!

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Nan Tepper's avatar

I'm not competing, neither is Eileen. We'll probably tell some stories, at the head and tail of each event, but we're not certain yet. We are in the contest.

And even though it's technically a competition, it's not a competition! Does that make sense? xo

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

It does. One of my nicknames as a kid was “Maybe.”

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Nan Tepper's avatar

I think it might be time for an update...and "maybe" go from that to "I'm in!"

Because life is shorter than we think, and we have to stop putting off the things that make us say "maybe." It's hard, I know, but the more one does it, the easier it gets. AND when I was a kid, my nickname (that I hated) was "Nancy No-No." So takes one to know one. xo

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Maybe.😊

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Mor Pipman's avatar

A. W. E. S. O. M. E.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

HA! I can't wait. I'm so excited. Did you look at the site yet? I miss you! xo

https://www.whambamthankyouslam.com

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Mor Pipman's avatar

Yes! It looks great and I look forward to cheering on the story slammers! xo

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Nan Tepper's avatar

YAY! I'm having so much fun. xo

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Rosemary Writes & Recovers 🌹's avatar

Phenomenal story telling! 🤩🔥👏🏻

I love how you used creativity and humor to educate…and humble..those young men.

I’m gonna try to work up the courage to participate. I was all in until I read it’s going to be recorded and reposted. I see the benefits. I just need to check in with my introvert self. 😬

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks! And, I want you to do this! You can, I promise. Believe it or not, my first go-to is introvert. I still am one. but this set me free in a really meaningful way. And yes, it will be recorded, but the posts will be paywalled if that helps? Always happy to have a conversation about it, too!

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Sandra Ann Miller's avatar

LOL. Too good, Nan. I once dated a guy who said he hated condoms; they were so uncomfortable. He actually did need a Magnum. The brand is was using came from Japan. True story. Love you! xo

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Why, why did he need a MAGNUM? I got that whole damn condom over my head and blew it up to the size of a WATERMELON! That must have been interesting for you...xo

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Sandra Ann Miller's avatar

LOL. It was. But it was more to get him to wear one that wasn’t “uncomfortable”. Men. Everything is a negotiation, and getting them to think it was their idea. xo

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Nan Tepper's avatar

And it's all psychological, and marketing ploys for boosting the most fragile egos. Use the couple of drops of lube trick inside. It really does make it feel better. Of course, this is all anecdotal. The last time I intercoursed with a guy I was 38. And I didn't know these tricks back then, but you can bet he wore a condom! Because with me, it was "no condom, no Nan" all the way. xo

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Sandra Ann Miller's avatar

Right now, I’m in my “I will only have you if you are sweeter than my solitude” era. (Credit to Warsan Shire.) And, yes: No rubber, no way. LOL. xo

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Nan Tepper's avatar

The only thing that's sweeter than my solitude is my solitude plus my two dogs, and a handy-dandy bottle of lube at the ready for when post-menopausal Nan is moved to self-pleasure. No one is better at that than me, and when I'm done, I can roll over and go to sleep by all by myself.

No cuddling or chit-chat necessary. It's a damn good existence! xo

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Sandra Ann Miller's avatar

No notes. xo

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Wendy Wolf's avatar

Hahaha. I didn't know sex ed was one of your superpowers! Do you already have your lineup for the 1st show? Who's in it?

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Nan Tepper's avatar

I was a pro...But please, don't ask me to tell the one about teaching sex workers how to covertly place a rubber on a client's dick without the client being aware of it. I wasn't fond of that demo...but i was good at it. That definitely involved a plastic banana. What can I say? It was my job, I was creative, and I liked playing to an audience. But eww. Gag. Eww. Double gag. xo

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Nan Tepper's avatar

I have 9 of the 10. Not telling all right now. Will do a promo post a week before the slam. xo

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Wendy Wolf's avatar

Did Irena contact you? She wants to do it!

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Stop fishing....I'm top of it! Love you. I'm laughing in my La-Z-Gurl! xo

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Eileen Vorbach Collins's avatar

No surprise that the response has been stellar. I'm excited for you and Other Eileen as you move forward with this awesome project. I envision you both on the Today Show.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

It's so exciting. I don't want to be on the Today Show. Puh, puh, puh. I want Rachel Maddow to interview us. And I love "Other Eileen." But I've known her longer, so I think Other Eileen is actually your new moniker! And my dad's name was Sid, and he had a boyfriend at one point whose name was also Sid, and we referred to him as TOS (The Other Sid). Will you restack this, please? I meant it about playing telephone! When do you come home? I want to chit chat! xo

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Mira Dessy's avatar

Congrats! This sounds fabulous!! I wish you all the best with this amazing project.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Will you tell a story, or come see a slam or two? I hope so! xo

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Mira Dessy's avatar

I love story slams so I'd love to check it out. And maybe see if any of the themes align with what I write, that could be fun too :-D

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Nan Tepper's avatar

I'd love that. AND, this is more of a memoir event. Personal story from your life and experience. The themes are ones that are general enough for just about everyone to relate. Beginning, middle, end...all that! xo

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Jess Greenwood's avatar

I rarely say this to other adults because it can sometimes feel patronizing, but when its meant with sincerity and with absolute awe, which I hope comes through here, it can be powerful. I AM SO FUCKING PROUD OF YOU NAN! This is amazing!!

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Don't you mean "matronizing?" Oh, scratch that! Yes, it can sound patronizing, but I'm fully aware that it's not. I love you, Jess. Thank you, I'm really proud of all of it. I'm very encouraged that this is going to be a successful adventure! xo

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

This is awesome, Nan. Wishing you success and can't wait to follow along!

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thank you, Sue! Maybe you'll tell a story? xo

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

Yep, I can imagine that. Do you create the prompts for the stories, or do people just offer what they want?

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Nan Tepper's avatar

All the themes are listed on the calendar at Wham! Bam! Thank You Slam!

https://www.whambamthankyouslam.com/p/slam-calendar-themes I'm glad!

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

Wow - that was some story. I loved it!!

Congratulations on developing such a creative use of Substack, Nan. Wishing you a wildly successful venture and a treasure trove of great stories!! 💕

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks, Cathy! It's heating up really fast. I'm so thrilled! xo

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Mike's avatar

Nan-Congratulations and wishing you success on your new venture. As always—your stories are inspiring.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks, Mike! I hope you'll come to a show...but I think that might be 5am your time? xo

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Mesa Fama's avatar

I’m so excited!!! And NERVOUS AF for January 🤣🤣🤣 The excitement is winning. 😍😍 I’m so glad you and Eileen are doing this and I can’t wait to see it take off!! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 Love you friend!! Xoxo

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Wendy Wolf's avatar

You're doing it, Mesa? Yayyyyy!!!

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Mesa Fama's avatar

I am!!

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Nan Tepper's avatar

She ARE!

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Nan Tepper's avatar

She sure is! I know. Double YAY! I'll be doing a post before each show, introducing our storytellers, and then the after show post which will include all the videos of the performers. xo

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Wendy Wolf's avatar

I want to know now.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

I understand! xo

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Nan Tepper's avatar

You're going to be great! You radiate "great!" Excited to hear your story. Let me know if you have questions or want support. Love you back! xo

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Rona Maynard's avatar

I will be clapping wildly for the contestants. So exciting.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

I'm SO excited, Rona! On Monday night, we got our first sponsor. A generous donor who wants nothing in return. She just wants to support our endeavor. I'm tremendously moved by their generosity and the enthusiam we're being met with. Imagine that, a sponsor! xo

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Rona Maynard's avatar

Even more exciting than I knew. I can see you two as Substack impresarios.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Right? I was shocked. I'm going to pursue sponsors, I'd already been planning to, but she approached me before I started talking about it. People can be so kind. It's such a lovely feeling to be reminded that generosity can be found in so many places and offered in various forms. xo Impresarios? It's an appropriate word, I suppose. We are definitely building this one relationship at a time. I've already met some beautiful humans. xo

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