iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Randall

Theo Moudakis @theomoudakis.bsky.social · 22h

Please enjoy my cartoon in today's Toronto Star

77. Improv training taught me… …that my every engagement comes down to me trying to answer, “Who am I?” #Play #improv #games & write spontaneously to enrich your stories, your life & your world at OUT OF OUR MINDS (& ONTO THE PAGE). Learn more at: createdbyrcw.com #writing #creativity

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 20h

In a world built on word-of-mouth, having & being a #champion is everything. If I value our connection & your art, I will share your greatness far & wide. By enhancing the lives of each of my #connections, I make the world a better place for all of us. sowhatsyourstory.ca #storytelling #writing

The backup goalie jumps into the arms of the game-winning goalie in celebration. (Photo by @createdbyrcw)

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to tell stories in the spotlight! Come to TALES TORONTO to hear wonderful storytellers share tales of repeated mistakes & second tries. PWYC. Just show up. www.talestoronto.com #storytelling #personalstories #TorontoEvents

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

76. Improv training taught me… …how to open my eyes to new ideas by literally blurring the boundaries of what is. #Play #improv #games & write spontaneously to enrich your stories, your life & your world at OUT OF OUR MINDS (& ONTO THE PAGE). Learn more at: createdbyrcw.com #writing #creativity

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Although the defined goal of #teaching is to impart understanding & facilitate skill development, my deepest goal is to instill a sense of #possibility, a conviction within my students & clients that they can do this. sowhatsyourstory.ca #storytelling #writing

A young boy is fascinated by a butterfly that on its hand. (Photo by @createdbyrcw)

FULL CAPTION
Although the defined goal of teaching is to impart understanding & facilitate skill development, my deepest goal is to instill a sense of possibility, a conviction within my students & clients that they can do this.

More than any collection of facts or approaches, that conviction will enable them throughout life.

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

It was bound to happen eventually. Funny when it did.

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Ready to celebrate the Hallowe’en season with a howling ghoul night of #storytelling? Paul Hutcheson & Christel Bartelse rise from the crypt with spectral #storytellers for HUTCH’S SPOOKY STORYTIME Terrifying tickets at: www.showpass.com/hutchs-spooky-storytime/ #halloween #TorontoEvents

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

It just occurred to me, @stevedangle20.bsky.social , that I have been a Toronto Marlies season seat holder as long as you've been doing LFRs. So, happy co-anniversary Where you unfortunately got ulcers, however, I was lucky to get two Calder Cup Championships. Come back to CCC, my friend

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

If I lift with the knees & work at it, I can eventually raise you all in celebration of your magnificence. Let the world revel who you are!

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Doing the civic duty today in advanced voting #TorontoProud #TheBeaches

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

75. Improv training taught me… …that opportunities to shine occur every second once we train ourselves to see them. #Play #improv #games & write spontaneously to enrich your stories, your life & your world at OUT OF OUR MINDS (& ONTO THE PAGE) Learn more at: createdbyrcw.com #writing #creativity

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

74. Improv training taught me… …to trust action over words, especially when they don’t align. #Play #improv #games & write spontaneously to enrich your stories, your life & your world at OUT OF OUR MINDS (& ONTO THE PAGE). Learn more at: createdbyrcw.com #writing #creativity #selfexpression

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

You must hook your readers in the first 5 pages And the next 5. And the next 5. And the next 5… Every page, every scene, every line in your story serves a purpose: Hook & hold the reader sowhatsyourstory.ca #storytelling #writing Athletes compete in the hurdles in a scene from Chariots of Fire

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Four World Premieres! Opportunities to Meet the Directors! Connect & Network! So many reasons to come to the 2026 TORONTO CHINESE CANADIAN FILM FESTIVAL Tickets & passes at: www.tccff.ca #filmfests #tccff2026 #tccff #TorontoEvents

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

When there’s something strange at The Garrison, Who ya gon’ call (Yes, Marsha!) To hear somethin’ weird in the story hood, Where ya gon’ go (Ghost Stories!) Tues, Oct 27, it’s GHOST Stories Told Live 2026! Learn more at: ti.to/true-stories... #storytelling #truetales #ghoststories #TorontoEvents

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

73. Improv training taught me… …the peace that comes when I feel ready even without feeling prepared. #Play #improv #games & write spontaneously to enrich your stories, your life & your world at OUT OF OUR MINDS (& ONTO THE PAGE). Learn more at: createdbyrcw.com #writing #creativity

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Understand a #character’s secret terror, the self-belief they dare not allow the light of day, & you will never wonder how they will react in any situation. It will be obvious. sowhatsyourstory.ca #storytelling #writing

A man at a ferry’s stern silhouettes against a foggy Lake Huron. (Photo by @createdbyrcw)

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Some photos from my story presented last night at The Yarn Storytelling. Thanks to the talented, beautiful Panagiota Vogdou for the photos and with Ronit Rubinstein for having me in the line-up #storytelling #childhood #truetales

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

72. Improv training taught me… …why longer timelines produce less imaginative results. #Play #improv #games & write spontaneously to enrich your stories, your life & your world at OUT OF OUR MINDS (& ONTO THE PAGE). Learn more at: createdbyrcw.com #writing #creativity #selfexpression

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Please support local cinemas & second-run movie houses. Help ensure we’ll always be able to fully experience movie magic. sowhatsyourstory.ca #storytelling #writing #filmmaking

Movie patrons in Toronto’s Fox Theatre observing an image of the majestic Oregon coast. (Photos by @createdbyrcw)

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

71. Improv training taught me… …that life is one extended and often overthought improv exercise. #Play #improv #games & write spontaneously to enrich your stories, your life & your world at OUT OF OUR MINDS (& ONTO THE PAGE). Learn more at: createdbyrcw.com #writing #creativity #selfexpression

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

70. Improv training taught me… …that complete failure is more freeing than incremental insufficiency. #Play #improv #games & write spontaneously to enrich your stories, your life & your world at OUT OF OUR MINDS (& ONTO THE PAGE). Learn more at: createdbyrcw.com #writing #creativity

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Write what you know? There is an authenticity that comes from the specificity of your personal expertise. But always remember that it is your expertise. If people can’t understand what you’re saying, all that specificity & authenticity is useless. sowhatsyourstory.ca #storytelling #writing

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

TELL ME A STORY Pick a photo from anywhere and discover a story. #storytelling #writing #imagination #spontaneous

THE PHOTO
A lone kayaker winds their way among large ice formations off the shore of Lake Ontario near Toronto. (Photo via @createdbyrcw)

THE STORY
The winter had been a particularly harsh one, but no one could have called the change of the last few weeks.
Raging winds and blinding snows had combined to cover the coastline with meters of ice, every bit of spray adding another layer to the growing mounds until every attempt to reach the water’s edge meant traversing a minor glacier.
That didn’t stop Phillipe, though. His family was hungry, and the closest food source was under those treacherous waters.
“At least we know the fish will be fresh,” he laughed as he layered up.
“Take your pick, in case you need to chip them from the ice,” his wife replied.
As he slid his kayak under calm skies, Teresa wondered if she would ever see him again.

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

69. Improv training taught me… …the huge difference between relating a story and reliving it. #Play #improv #games & write spontaneously to enrich your stories, your life & your world at OUT OF OUR MINDS (& ONTO THE PAGE). Learn more at: createdbyrcw.com #writing #creativity #selfexpression

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Setting isn’t just where a scene happens & where #characters come together. It is a critical part of the scene that can offer context, set challenges, establish tone & reflect themes. sowhatsyourstory.ca #storytelling #writing

(Left) Floating through the knotted roots of a mangrove swamp in Florida. (Right) The autumn sun warms a pond in New York’s Central Park. (Photos by @createdbyrcw)

FULL CAPTION
Setting isn’t just where a scene happens & where #characters come together.

It is a critical part of the scene that can offer context, set challenges, establish tone & reflect themes.

When you describe the setting, give us enough info to see it easily but leave us enough space to imagine things that you never considered.

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Moudakis for the win (again)

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

I love it when students see feedback as an opportunity to expand their understanding of the skills they’re learning rather than as a condemnation of the work completed. coned.georgebrown.ca/screenwriting #screenwriting #storytelling #feedback #learning @ce-gbpolytech.bsky.social

STUDENT RESPONSES
“Thanks for the kind words & thoughtful comments. This gives me a lot to think on as I refine the story.”

“Thank you so much for the thoughtful & thorough feedback! I really appreciated how many questions & insights you were able to draw from such a short logline.”

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

TELL ME A STORY Pick a photo from anywhere and discover a story. #storytelling #writing #imagination #spontaneous

THE PHOTO
A streetcar ploughs its way down a snowy street amid very light traffic. (Photo via @createdbyrcw)

THE STORY
Sarah and Tony pressed their faces against the living room window, their breath fogging the glass and obscuring their views of the front yard, white with snow.
The storm had not been forecast, spreading quickly from the shores of Lake Huron and blinding the Greater Toronto Area.
They glanced at each other, afraid to say what was obviously on both their minds, doing their damnedest to restrain even the hint of a smile.
“Get back in here and finish your breakfast,” Mom called from the kitchen.
They sprinted across the living room to find mom buttering toast.
“Eat quickly and then get dressed,” Mom continued. “Your dad is driving you to school.”
The smiles faded.

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

68. Improv training taught me… …how to stay in control by relinquishing the need for control. #Play #improv #games & write spontaneously to enrich your stories, your life & your world at OUT OF OUR MINDS (& ONTO THE PAGE). Learn more at: createdbyrcw.com #writing #creativity #selfexpression

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Reposted by Randall

George Brown Polytechnic @gbpolytech.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Today we honour residential school Survivors, their families and communities, and remember the children who never returned home. We recognize that reconciliation requires more than reflection, it calls on us to continue listening, learning and taking meaningful action.

Group of GBP employees wearing orange shirts featuring indigenous designs, participating in the Truth and Reconciliation event. Text reads: "National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A day to honour survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and recognize the lasting impacts of the residential school system. Orange Shirt Day. Wear orange to honour survivors and affirm that Every Child Matters, while reflecting on the ongoing impacts of residential schools."

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

If this request makes you anxious, perhaps you should ask yourself why

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Once the #premise has been established, no matter how insane or unrealistic, everything else must arise logically from the #characters. How they react, what they do, what they say must be consistent with who they are. sowhatsyourstory.ca #storytelling #writing

Ned (Stephen Tobolowsky) disrupts Phil’s (Bill Murray) morning in this moment from 1993’s Groundhog Day.

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

A little Canadian pride over Lake Ontario on a windy Thursday

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

TELL ME A STORY Pick a photo from anywhere and discover a story. #storytelling #writing #imagination #spontaneous

TELL ME A STORY

THE PHOTO
A raccoon cautiously probes the water’s edge in an urban creek, while keeping tabs on the photographer. (Photo via @createdbyrcw)

THE STORY
Morty was not having a good day.
This morning, he had almost ended up being crushed in the back of a garbage truck after falling asleep in a bin that contained the remnants of a family dinner from the local chicken place and a sheet cake for some kid named Eric.
And then Vernon, his brother, had a run-in with one of the local skunks, seriously putting Monty off his food for two hours, something he had never before experienced.
That’s what drove him to the quiet little creek that ran through the park.
A chance to clean his face and muzzle and maybe catch a couple crayfish or dragonfly nymphs.
But that’s when the beagle Teresa started to bay. No, not a good day at all.

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

67. Improv training taught me… …that the critical voice I must guard against most is my own. #Play #improv #games & write spontaneously to enrich your stories, your life & your world at OUT OF OUR MINDS (& ONTO THE PAGE). Learn more at: createdbyrcw.com #writing #creativity #selfexpression

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Let’s demystify #storytelling Any story delivered in any manner is really just a conversation, first with myself & then with a single person engaged in my story Whether on stage, on screen or published, my audience – no matter how large – is always an audience of one sowhatsyourstory.ca #writing

Colour and black-and-white photo of me performing in a storytelling show. (Photos by Victoria Crouchman)

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I have to stop watching the news... Thank you for coming to my TEDgrump

Every minute, around the world, people are making choices that cause harm, destroy lives, cripple societies, erase civilizations, obliterate nature, and threaten the only fully habitable planet we know.

And yet, when I wear fake Groucho glasses in public, I am being immature.

Get your shit together people and then maybe I will consider your judgement of me.

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

TELL ME A STORY Pick a photo from anywhere and discover a story. #storytelling #writing #imagination #spontaneous

THE PHOTO
A small passenger plane approaches the tarmac of the Billy Bishop Airport along Toronto’s waterfront. (Photo via @createdbyrcw)

THE STORY
“I hate this part,” Heather hissed through gritted teeth.
“Relax, it’s been a lovely flight and a smooth landing,” Rich smiled back at her, feeling his hand slowly get crushed in her iron grip.
A sharp bump as the wheels touched down dug her nails deeper into his flesh.
“See, we’re down, safe and sound,” he offered calm while extricating his hand.
The plane’s engines cut, the propellers slowed, and the pilot tapped the brakes to keep everyone on the short tarmac.
“Attention passengers: welcome to Toronto,” the flight attendant called. “Please remain seated as we taxi to the gate.”
“I really hate this part,” Heather repeated to Rich’s confused look. “Now, you get to meet my parents.”

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

66. Improv training taught me… …the impact of emotions on perception. #Play #improv #games & write spontaneously to enrich your stories, your life & your world at OUT OF OUR MINDS (& ONTO THE PAGE). Learn more at: createdbyrcw.com #writing #creativity #selfexpression

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

A major part of getting good at any skill is consistent repetition of that skill set. If you’re unwilling to practice #storytelling, you are unlikely to achieve as much as you could. Write. Write. Write. Even if the #writing isn’t for a story. sowhatsyourstory.ca

Several filled notebooks line a kitchen counter. (Photo by @createdbyrcw)

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

TELL ME A STORY Pick a photo from anywhere and discover a story. #storytelling #writing #imagination #spontaneous

THE PHOTO
A transport ship sits on the lake silhouetted against a fog-shrouded Toronto skyline. (Photo via @createdbyrcw)

THE STORY
The mist rolled in silently over night, a temperature inversion never forecasted.
Initially, the ship’s crew ignored the sudden blinding whiteness. It was just a minor inconvenience that would require slow-going as they left port.
It was too easy to collide with a channel marker or other vessel when visibility was this low.
But departure was two hours away. Preparations needed to be finished.
It wasn’t until the crew radioed for a weather update that anyone noticed the silence. Electronically, the world had vanished.
* * * * *
No one in the Harbour Master’s office could explain the sudden disappearance of the Endora under crystal blue skies.

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

THIS FRIDAY enjoy an evening of manic mayhem & antic anarchy with FUNNY BONE at Sweet Action Theatre See the best (or beast) in #clown, #comedy, #burlesque, #drag & even some #storytelling! And then stay around for OPEN STAGE. Tickets & info at iclown.ca #cabaret #TorontoEvents

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Middle school is Hell, which means all is fair in love and Phys Ed Come hear heartfelt tales of childhood at THE YARN STORYTELLING on Sun, Oct 4 Share in the horror… the horror… the horror Tickets at www.showpass.com/the-yarn-storytelling-minor-flashbacks/ #storytelling #truetales #TorontoEvents

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

65. Improv training taught me… …that greater success comes from inviting someone onto a journey that they then finish rather than me completing it for them. Learn more at: createdbyrcw.com #writing #creativity #selfexpression

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Just as a #character’s actions (or inactions) can reveal a deeper truth about them, so too can subtleties & nuances in speech offer us clues to what they think, feel, fear or deny. sowhatsyourstory.ca #storytelling #writing

Lucy (Sierra Rein) and Jeremy (Mick Bleyer) share a coffee and a look on a New York park bench in this still from short film The Maples.

FULL CAPTION
Just as a #character’s actions (or inactions) can reveal a deeper truth about them, so too can subtleties & nuances in speech offer us clues to what they think, feel, fear or deny.

The subtext of a conversation, the unfinished sentences, the hesitations & carefully times revelations bring power to a scene or film.

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Randall @createdbyrcw.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

TELL ME A STORY Pick a photo from anywhere and discover a story. #storytelling #writing #imagination #spontaneous

THE PHOTO
Headstones marking the graves of men who had fallen in battle during World Wars 1 and 2. (Photo via @createdbyrcw)

THE STORY
Jenna stared blankly at the stones, most faded to incomprehension. She had no idea what she was looking for, only that her grandmother had stopped.
Henry Wallace Cabot. 1894 – 1918.
In the top right corner of the stone was an engraved poppy. And across from that, a maple leaf. Just like all the stones in this part of the cemetery. Otherwise, plain grey sentinels.
“Mother says he was a kind man,” Jenna’s grandmother said in almost a whisper. “But he had a fierce temper when he had reason.”
Jenna shivered as the cold of her grandmother’s hand penetrated her own.
“I only remember that he smelled of hickory smoke,” the elder smiled.
“Henry Wallace Cabot,” Jenna repeated to herself. “A pleasure to meet you.”

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