
This Week’s Episode:
I’m backstage at a TEDx event and everyone’s nervously preparing themselves. As I’m getting ready to announce a 16-year-old speaking for the first time, I see her do something that makes my jaw drop. She’s taking off her shoes, about to go on stage barefoot.
Now anyone, much less a teenager, would be nervous giving a high stakes talk at a TEDx yet Chloe Howard was no ordinary teenager. Her going on stage barefoot was a huge deal because she was born with a foot deformity and got bullied as a result. Bare feet and all, she ended up delivering the talk of a lifetime, and I’m proud to have her as my guest today on the Storytelling School Podcast!
In this episode, Chloe talks about living with her deformity and using her story to promote healing within herself and others. Listen as we talk about why she made the choice to walk on that stage barefoot, what internal stories need changing, and the impact of taking on empowering labels like resilience.
What you will learn in this episode:
- Why stories have the power to heal yourself and others
- Why storytelling is inherent to all people
- How the labels you choose to give yourself shape your story
Who is Chloe Howard?
Chloe Howard is an author and speaker. Born with a severe foot deformity, she has endured bullying, several operations, and other daunting challenges but has met them all with grace and determination. The turning point in her life came when she met and spoke with Bono (yes, of U2 fame) who offered her powerful words about fighting against injustice.
Since then, Chloe has lifted herself and others from past shame and guilt with her TEDx talks and books where she reveals the truth we all need to hear: only you determine your labels, not society. After she suffered a hate crime, she ditched the “victim” label ascribed to her and replaced it with resilience. Now she challenges people worldwide to “stand beautiful” and embrace that we all were made for more.

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JULIAN REEVE
SPEAKER, AUTHOR, FORMER MUSIC DIRECTOR OF HAMILTON
JUNA KOLLMEIER
ASTROPHYSICIST, TED SPEAKER
LTC (RET.) SCOTT MANN
GREEN BERET, ENTREPRENEUR, STORYTELLER, TRAINER, COACH, AUTHOR