Orcas Islanders will tell their stories of survival  at Random Howse  Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. as part of the “Random Tales” series.

Random Howse owner April Duke came up with the idea of “Random Tales” after listening to popular storytelling podcasts like “The Moth”, “This American Life” and “Snap Judgement.”

“These shows with true stories go from the mundane to the tragic to the spectacular,” said Duke. “They encourage us or make us so grateful we didn’t have to experience that.”

Storytellers for the upcoming event include Bob Friel who will share his shark attack story.  Ken Salt will talk about being trapped in a slot canyon in southern Utah and April Duke will talk abut life at sea.

This reporter Cali Bagby will be sharing a story about my experience as an embedded journalist in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Other storytellers include Jake Perrine, Susan Osborn, Suzanne Olson and Shaiyeda Silverwolf.

“I think true stories are so much more interesting than fiction,” said Duke.  “They make us realize that we are all experiencing this human life in different ways but also the same.  They help us to understand each other much better than talking about the weather or sports or politics. They can bring a community together.”