Liz Warren | Storyteller

Anthony Bourdain: Storyteller? by Tricia Phillips

As I sit at home on my day off wondering what I could possibly blog on related to storytelling, I procrastinate by partaking in the art, for lack of seriously better words, of "Netflixing."

I watch episode after episode of anything with Anthony Bourdain.  “Parts Unknown” or “No Reservations” – either will do.  That’s when it hit me.  I enjoy watching Bourdain for his ability to tell the story he is living through narration of his endless travels and epicurean adventures.

It is not the same as being in the presence of a storyteller, but I find myself wondering if Bourdain would be able to tell a spellbinding story.  He has the experiences to tell, and quite the past.  He has written a book, but we know that does not make one a storyteller.  I find myself wondering does he write his own narration, I mean he is the only one that can say what he felt at the time it happened.  He is also the only one that can reflect on them and revaluate those feelings.

Storyteller or not he had me captivated for a marathon of procrastination.  In the end it did motivate me to work on what I need to carry out.  Now back to the continuous viewing of episode after episode.  Who knows? Maybe I can pick something up from Mr. Bourdain.

4 responses to “Anthony Bourdain: Storyteller? by Tricia Phillips”

  1. Crystal Avatar
    Crystal

    I just passed an evening with Anthony Bourdain. The food and the culture gave me much to ponder. The images of chefs cooking are vivid in my mind. I think his show is a story of sorts. At the very least, it drove me to dig deeper into a geographical area, its food and its lore. Storytelling and food go hand in hand. Thanks for the post.

    Reply
  2. JamesI Avatar
    JamesI

    One of my favorite shows of Mr. Bourdain is when he goes to New Mexico and and spends a night camping out in the Malpais national monument. I had driven through that area just before seeing the episode. He shared the story of the people he was with in good storyteller form, and I can imagine sitting at his feet listening to him tell of his exploits. Thank you for the post.
    James

    Reply
  3. Sean Buvala Avatar
    Sean Buvala

    I think he would be a great storyteller. A TV show can use story but there’s not storytelling going on, if you stay with the concept that an audience is required in the moment of telling. Watching him for years, I think he’d probably be a blast at a slam. Who knows?

    Reply
  4. Gail Kimzin Avatar
    Gail Kimzin

    We all admire Anthony Bourdain for his unusual travel experiences. Most of us concur that he has potential to become a great storyteller. However, the mundane and ordinary make excellent stories knowing how to craft. A day in the life of “who knows who” or the one time that “who knows who” did “who knows what” are also excellent prospects. What does Anthony have over you and me? Nothing, absolutely nothing.

    Reply

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