When literally nothing goes right, how do you respond? By choosing joy over everything else. As presented at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "What Happens Next" on Feb. 25, 2020. Learn more about the series or get tickets to future shows at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

When life handed lemons to this lawyer, she made lemonade (and hot fudge pudding cake and quiche and cheese bread). As presented at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "What Happens Next" on Feb. 25, 2020. Learn more about the series or get tickets to future shows at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

How an Iowan’s long-term stay in Macedonia taught her to focus on what happens now. As presented at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "What Happens Next" on Feb. 25, 2020. Learn more about the series or get tickets to future shows at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

How a near-death experience taught this cancer doctor how to truly live. As presented at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "What Happens Next" on Feb. 25, 2020. Learn more about the series or get tickets to future shows at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

How putting words of loss on paper turned into something special. As presented at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "What Happens Next" on Feb. 25, 2020. Learn more about the series or get tickets to future shows at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

As an anchor at WHO-HD, Erin Kiernan has put her life in the spotlight. During the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "What Happens Next" she shares a part of her life hidden from the bright lights and TV cameras — the highs and lows of trying to start a family. Learn more about the series or get tickets to future shows at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.

Ties that bind over 30 years, suffering, loss and lots of laughs.

Cynthia Hunafa never felt connected to her African roots – until she found Kwanzaa.

This immigrant discovered his passion for balloon art in Iowa and, two decades later, uses it to spread holiday cheer.

How this Iowan navigated a new world in America while trying to hold on to the most prized tradition of her Mexican upbringing: Christmas.

Christmas is a minister’s busy season — and it’s not always very jolly. But this Iowan learned that the darkest time of year may be when people need the most light.

This Iowan always wanted to believe in the supernatural. Then her daughters began seeing ghosts in her home.

How this Iowan embraced her inner child to find her true self.

After her mother’s death, Sandra Rohrer embraced forgiveness and healing while facing her life’s two big mysteries — Who is she? And will her mother’s murder ever be solved?

A 6-year-old’s brush with Johnny Law and lessons learned about redemption.

After suppressing ‘Spirit’ for years, Rachel Corpus finally learned how to share her gift.

Encountering the heartwarming, the hair-raising and the hilarious while sorting out other people’s things.

When Andy Wilson lost his family, he learned forgiveness is what he needed to move on. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

Becoming the first female warden of Iowa’s toughest prison. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

How one Iowan’s view of the Indian Child Welfare Act changed after losing her child to the system. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

Why this Iowan switches diets, and why that’s none of your business. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

How an 18-year-old pursued his athletic dreams in a little state called Iowa. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

Ryan Siskow talks about the importance of opening up to those you love most and coming home. Originally told at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned."

A 22-year journey to the top The Des Moines Storytellers Project’s My Great Adventure, produced by the Des Moines Register, on April 23, 2019, at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.