Veteran Worcester broadcaster Mike Hsu teams with author, storyteller, and podcaster Jeff Belanger to create Speak Easy Story Night.
Live, true stories take the stage March 12th.
WORCESTER, Mass. February 26, 2026 – Storytellers will take the stage for an unforgettable evening of live, raw, storytelling at Ralph’s Rock Diner in Worcester on Thursday, March 12th at 7:30PM. The event is co-hosted by two veterans of New England media, Mike Hsu and Jeff Belanger. The live stories will be recorded to become part of a new podcast that will highlight storytellers from the region.
“Worcester has such a rich cultural and performance landscape already,” said co-creator Mike Hsu, who is also the morning man for 100 FM The Pike. “We’ve got poetry nights, and a growing stand-up comedy scene, but missing from our city is a storytelling community. Our aim is to create that space and give a voice to those who are ready to share a slice of their lives with others.”
Unlike a traditional lecture series or stand-up comedy, Speak Easy Story Night is focused on authenticity and connection. No reading from notes, no zingers or comedy bits, just raw human experiences that might include laughter, suspense, or deep emotion. Those who attend are invited to put their names in a hat for the opportunity to go on stage and share their story with the audience. Storytellers will have five minutes each to tell their tale, and each event will feature stories with a central theme. The inaugural March 12th show’s theme is: Scared.
“I’m thrilled to partner with Mike Hsu on this new project,” said author and New England Legends television series and podcast host Jeff Belanger. “Something special happens when people share pieces of their lives with others. There’s a bonding that happens when we listen to another person let us in on part of their life experience. Some of the best moments occur after the event is over when the audience mingles with the storytellers.”
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026, 7:30PM
Location: Ralph’s Rock Diner, 148 Grove Street, Worcester, Massachusetts
Tickets: $10 cash at the door. Ages: 21+, food and drinks are available from the bar.
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/905551881836968
Whether you’re a longtime fan of narrative radio and podcasts, or simply love a great true story told live, this event offers a rare chance to experience the magic of storytelling up close, and possibly tell a story of your own.
About Jeff Belanger
Jeff Belanger is the author of over a dozen books. Some of his best-sellers include: Weird Massachusetts, The Fright Before Christmas, Wicked Strange New England, and his memoir, The Call of Kilimanjaro. He’s the host of the New England Legends series on PBS and Amazon Prime, as well as the award-winning weekly podcast of the same name. He was featured in the 100th episode of Stories from the Stage on PBS, and he makes regular appearances on television shows on the Discovery and the History Channel.
About Mike Hsu
After 20 years at the legendary WAAF in Boston, Mike Hsu is now broadcasting from his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts on 100 FM The Pike. Hsu grew up in Natick, Massachusetts, barely attending Natick High School before going to North Adams State College where they were so embarrassed of their association with him they had to change the name of the school. He then moved to Richmond, VA where he worked at WVGO and 106.5 The Buzz while eating as much BBQ as he could handle. You can listen to Mike 6am-10am Monday through Friday on 100 FM The Pike.