Story Room Global May 5th 2026

Theme for this month

Life Is Like A Box of Chocolates

“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”was popularised by the film Forrest Gump, but it actually comes from the novel:👉 Forrest Gump written by Winston Groom

About: Story Room Global at Bucketty’s Brewery

The ancient art of storytelling comes to life as six storytellers from diverse walks of life take the stage to share true, deeply personal stories. Set in the warm and friendly atmosphere of Bucketty’s Brewing Co. Brookvale, this unique event invites you to relax with a beer, enjoy a meal, and connect with your community. Expect laughter, drama, and maybe even a few tears as you experience an evening of real stories that entertain, inspire, and bring people together here on the Northern Beaches.

Check out the Bucketty's and the menu   

 https://www.buckettys.com.au/p... 
Please Note:  Venue will be open from 5.15pm allowing time for you to order a meal and have a drink before the entertainment commences at 7pm sharp. 

About Furry Friends

While Bucketty’s is proudly dog-friendly, we kindly ask that you leave your furry friends at home for The Story Room nights. As this is a private event, the space can get quite full, and in respect to our storytellers and the intimate nature of the evening, we appreciate your understanding. Thanks so much for helping us create the best possible environment for everyone involved.

Meet the Storytellers (in no particular order)

Adam Axford

Story Title: "From Normal Choose Magic"

About the story: It's a surprise

A magician, poet, and creative rulebreaker - Adam Axford engineers moments of awe that shift perspectives and challenge people to dream big. Growing up working on street markets across London, Adam embraced an unconventional approach to life and it’s rules. Eventually repurposing his trickster skills, he built a career as a magician and poet. This creative force took him from busking on the streets of London to performing on the Opera House stage, touching countless souls as the journey continues. Through wonder & wordplay, Adam’s driving purpose is to reconnect people with the spark within. Forget normal. Choose MAGIC.

Jane Turner

Story Title- "The Only Chocolate I Don't Like"

Winding up with the only chocolate in the world that I don't like - in fact maybe that could be the title. The content is going to be about the upside of my ????? diagnosis.

Jane is an Author Coach and Publisher who has penned 6 books of her own and helped hundreds of others to become published authors. Best known for the Author Showcase events that she runs at the State Library of NSW, Jane is renowned for her kindness when it comes to helping anyone who is keen to share their story

Simon Harrison

Story Title- "A Nightmare to Remember"

About the story: A lesson in accepting the life you've been given.

Everything changed for me at 15 when l had a life altering accident! The future l had planned and dreamed of was turned upside down and l found myself on a very different path. After a few years in the 'wilderness' , l found radio and managed to turn my life around, carving out a 23 yr career as a race coordinator for Sky Racing Radio. Even though this was my saviour, the enormity of my teenage accident has always hampered me with mental health challenges, through chronic depression, complex ptsd and suicidal ideation. Now l volunteer my time with various charities and organisations as somebody with lived experience, walking alongside others, who have their own struggles. This incredibly rewarding work has been hugely important in my own journey of healing and acceptance. From the stages of grief and loss over the last 30 years to finally coming through the other side, and learning to appreciate the life we have and find joy in the small things, l look forward to sharing this journey of struggle, pain and triumph with you all.

Naomi Cao

Story Title- "Split Happens"

About the Story: Naomi's husband sudden end to their 17 year relationship was a catalyst for her to create a new career

Naomi Cao arrived in Australia at four years old as a Vietnamese refugee. She spent 17 years as a pharmacist and after having her first child, built a children's education business. By every external measure, she had constructed a life that looked exactly right. In 2017, her marriage ended abruptly. She found herself self-representing in the Family Court, navigating one of the most complex and emotionally brutal processes a person can face. Instead of staying there, she built a way out and created her own job title. Today, Naomi Cao is The Architect of Modern Day Separation. As the founder of SPLIT Happens™, her approach to separation coaching and divorce management sits at the intersection of strategy, psychology, practical tools, survival and future planning. She works with individuals, couples and consults to corporates on the hidden and costly impact to companies when relationships breakdown . Naomi has been featured on ABC Radio and in the Sydney Morning Herald, and her voice continues to reach audiences who are ready to stop surviving their separation and start designing what comes next. When she is not redesigning how the world separates, you will find her chasing after three kids, three dogs, and a bearded dragon. She is proof that in beautiful chaos you can still thrive. Naomi believes that separation is not the end it is the beginning of architecture for your future.

Richard Crowle

About the Story - When the road disappeared, everything else became clear

Story Title: Pitch Black Clarity

Most people like to know where they’re going before they set off. Our next speaker prefers to find out along the way. Richard Crowle is an anthropologist, educator, and adventurer who has spent much of his life saying “yes”… and figuring out the details later. He’s cycled over 40,000 kilometres across more than 30 countries — he’s cycled around Australia, through south east Asia, China/Tibet via Everest Base camp and from London to Cape Town. He’s dealt with headwinds, breakdowns, questionable food choices, and moments where common sense probably should have stepped in… but didn’t. Including one night in southern Thailand, riding toward Bangkok in complete darkness… when he ‘spilt all the chocolates’ It’s these moments, where things don’t go to script, that have shaped how he thinks about risk, decision-making, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when you can’t see what’s coming next. His stories are equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking… usually with a lesson learned just after things went wrong. And after everything he’s experienced out there… He still maintains the most dangerous place he’s navigated is a Westfield car park on a Saturday afternoon before Christmas. Please welcome, Richard Crowle.

Kim Berry

Story Title: Forrest Gump's Mama Has A Lot To Answer For

Kim Berry is one of the country's leading journalists on the food and beverage industry, sharing stories about the people, ideas, and innovations shaping this vital sector. It has been said Kim can “see the soul in a tomato canning line” while also being committed to finding the country's best bar. She co-hosts the the premier podcast for the perimenopausal, The Hot Flush, and thinks about doughnuts every day.

Because Everyone has a story! 

Don't miss out - secure your tickets now.