The Story Room April 1 2025

Theme for this month

Out Of The Blue

Tales of unexpected surprises, and moments that come out of nowhere

About:The Story Room 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. 

Meet the Storytellers (in no particular order)

Phoenix Montgomery

Phoenix is a mentalist, hypnotist, and keynote speaker known for blending psychology, intuition, and entertainment. With over two decades of experience, he has performed on numerous times on national television, opened for world-famous rock stars, and consulted for blockbuster Hollywood films, such as XMEN. Beyond entertainment, he has worked for twenty years as a professional firefighter and has also been a key consultant in research involving psychology and intuition for the University of New South Wales. His work explores human perception, influence, and the human mind, often using his skills to reveal truths and clear up misconceptions. Two particular experiences profoundly shaped his understanding of truth and curiosity, which turned into a life-long journey exploring taboo topics while advocating for open-minded scepticism, culminating in the revelations of “Saucery 

Ashley Kalagian Blunt

Ashley Kalagian Blunt is the number one bestselling author of Dark Mode, a psychological thriller published in multiple territories and languages, and shortlisted for the 2024 ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year, the Ned Kelly Awards for Best Crime Fiction, and the Danger Award for Debut Fiction. Her earlier books are How to Be Australian, a memoir, and My Name Is Revenge, collected fiction and essays. Ashley has appeared at Bloody Scotland, Sydney Writers’ Festival, Brisbane Writers’ Festival and Newcastle Writers’ Festival, and is a Moth StorySLAM winner. She co-hosts James and Ashley Stay at Home, a podcast about creativity, writing and health. Her next thriller, Cold Truth, is out now.

Ian Westmoreland

Ian Westmoreland is a passionate and inspiring speaker, mentor, and the founder of Kintsugi Heroes, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges. Inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi, Ian embraces the beauty of imperfection and the strength found in overcoming adversity. After a profound life event in 2013, Ian left a successful 42-year career in IT to focus on volunteer work, eventually founding Mentoring Men in 2018 to provide free mentoring services across Australia. Ian's heartfelt approach and dedication have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, and the Order of Australia Award in 2024. His dynamic speaking engagements and impactful storytelling resonate deeply with audiences, encouraging them to transform their hardships into opportunities for growth and resilience. Through Kintsugi Heroes, Ian continues to empower individuals to see their past struggles as essential parts of their unique and beautiful life stories.

Helen O'Connor

A graduate from Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts, Helen has worked extensively in Australian film, TV and theatre. Her film credits include Kennedy Millers Wreck on the Sinson and Baby, Boys in the Island, Till There was You, Out of the Body, The Beast, Frauds, Spider and Rose, Natalie Wood: Lost Child, Gingers and the award-winning docudrama Dr Bogle and Mrs Chandler. For TV she has appeared in many Aussie series including Flying Drs. A Country Practice, GP, Medivac, Police Rescue, Grim Pickings, Relative merits, Loveless, The Girl from Tomorrow and Tomorrow’s End, Headstart, White Collar Blue, Outriders, Don’t Blame Me, Snobs, all Saints, Home and Away, Packed to the Rafters Breakers, Crownies and Rake. Most recently she performed in the all-girl comedy web-series Chan and Dee’s Drink Tank which she co-wrote with Claire Haywood. Her theatre Includes credits Antigone, Great Expectations, On the Wallaby, No Worries, On Top of The World, Europe, I hate Hamlet, Quartermaine’s Terms, Strait and Narrow, Milo, Women of Troy, Lipstick Dreams (which she co-wrote with Simon Hopkinson), Miss Reardon Drinks a Little and Catholic School Girls, Wild Think, The lives of Evy (Stevphen Sewell). Lucy Kirkwood’s International hit The Children and most recently Stephen Sewell’s latest work, Partying with Manson for The Adelaide Fringe>

Scott Eastaway

Born and bred in Melbourne. Played AFL and Cricket. Moved to Sydney in 1994.
Left school at 16 and is a trade qualified refrigeration mechanic, worked in the corporate world for 20 years before starting a successful Consulting business. Spent 11 years working in Darwin.

Enjoys an early morning frolic in the ocean down at Dee Why Beach.

First time storyteller who has lived an ordinary life.

Oksana Koriakova

Oksana Koriakova is a Marketing & Brand Engagement Expert and Entrepreneur.

She started her sales career at the age of 7. Thanks to her ability to talk to strangers

Since making Australia home she started a couple of businesses that over the years became Award-winning. Currently, as a founder of Impero, she works with clients on brand engagement and developing cool and fun ideas using memorable promotional products. She is especially passionate about products with a purpose that are ethically sourced and sustainable.

With more than 25 years in business, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to each project and is a lover of business, human connections, personal growth and doing things differently.

Oksana is outside the box thinker and super-connector. Currently, Oksana writing a book with the title: “Not another freaking water bottle” Ask her why.

As a guest speaker and mentor, Oksana regularly shares insights about brand strategy and growth at marketing panels and conferences and has been interviewed on numerous business podcasts and industry news.

Oksana is a lover of personal development, theatre, travel and has been a yoga practitioner for over a decade.

Because Everyone has a story! 

Don't miss out - secure your tickets now.