Storytelling

### **THE BEAR** presents: **COLD** *A night of true, personal storytelling* Winter has a way of showing us where warmth is missing — and where it suddenly appears. This month at **THE BEAR**, we explore the theme COLD: stories about distance and closeness, breaking the ice, emotional frost, quiet loneliness, or jumping into cold water — literally or metaphorically. On stage, everyday people from Berlin share true, personal stories, told live and without notes. No acting. No fiction. Just real experiences, shared in a warm, cozy atmosphere. You don’t need to know anyone. You don’t need to be “into storytelling.” **Just come, listen, and be part of the room.** **🔥 What to expect** • 8 short, true stories (about 5–7 minutes each) • Live music throughout the night • A relaxed, welcoming audience • Laughter, honesty, and moments of quiet connection **We start as strangers — and often leave feeling a little closer.** **🎤 Want to tell a story?** Anyone can put their name into our legendary hat. Names are drawn at random — courage counts more than experience. If you’d like feedback on your story beforehand, just write to us. hello(at)thebear-storytelling.de **💬 Language note** Stories are told in English (and sometimes German). **Everyone is welcome — listeners and storytellers alike.** **If winter feels cold, let’s warm up together.** **We’d love to have you there 🐻✨** 🎤 Open Stage · True personal stories (5 minutes) 🗓️ **Thursday, Feb 19, 2026 · 19:00** 📍 Theatre Pool, Berlin 👉 **[Tickets:](https://www.eventbrite.de/e/the-bear-berlin-presents-cold-stories-about-breaking-the-ice-tickets-1980509250482?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1*1q61529*_up*MQ..*_ga*NzgxMjIwNDM3LjE3NjgzNDM1OTA.*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3NjgzNDM1OTAkbzEkZzAkdDE3NjgzNDM1OTAkajYwJGwwJGgw)**[ €15–20 (sliding scale donation)](https://www.eventbrite.de/e/the-bear-berlin-presents-cold-stories-about-breaking-the-ice-tickets-1980509250482?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1*1q61529*_up*MQ..*_ga*NzgxMjIwNDM3LjE3NjgzNDM1OTA.*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3NjgzNDM1OTAkbzEkZzAkdDE3NjgzNDM1OTAkajYwJGwwJGgw) ## **Our Mission** ## *THE BEAR* **has grown into one of Berlin’s most beloved live storytelling events: a place where strangers become a community through the simple act of listening.** Supported by: [THE BEAR e.V. ](https://deref-web.de/mail/client/3fe0d0dh9KM/dereferrer/?redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fthebear-storytelling.us6.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3Db5d7f087b587f8f081c447437%26id%3Dfc0e2d8df3%26e%3D711d4db9af), [Moving-Speaker.com](https://www.moving-speaker.com/), [Female Speaking Berlin](https://www.femalespeakingberlin.com/), and [Experience Berlin Youtube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@Berlin-Videos).

Drunk driving is not cool, but drunk writing is! This is a community event for writers, with drinks! Work on your own projects or use the creative writing prompts provided. Join us at Das Gift, where we will have focused 20 minute writing sprints, with breaks in between. Das Gift is at Donaustraße 119, 12043, Berlin.

Ready to break routine and try something new? Every Thursday evening, we turn a simple rehearsal room into a space for play, connection, and creativity. No scripts, no pressure—just two hours of pure improvisation. 
Through theatre games, storytelling, and spontaneous scenes, you’ll discover how to:
• Think faster and trust your instincts.
• Collaborate with people you’ve just met.
• Let go of self-judgment and enjoy the unexpected. 
💡 No acting background needed—if you can listen, laugh, and say “yes”, you’re ready. 
Your Facilitator – Marianne 
A theatre director and improvisation facilitator, Marianne has led workshops in Berlin, Düsseldorf, and London. Her approach is playful, inclusive, and focused on creating a supportive space where everyone can shine. 
📅 When & Where
🗓 Thursdays, 18:30–20:30
📍 Boxhagener Straße 18, 10245-
🔗 Sliding Scale Tickets – 5 € / 10 € / 15 €12 spots only – book in advance to secure your place. 
💬📲 Can't make it but you want to be part of the community? Here‘s the link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EcNOFzscHnYBeUxUkNjsXP?mode=ems_copy_c 
Come curious, leave inspired! 
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/improv-thursdays-tickets-1586525694059?aff=oddtdtcreator

Come along, grab a coffee, shut up, and write! We will do at least two sessions of each 45 minutes of writing and two breaks. We will start the first writing session at 10:45. For space reasons we only allow a limited number of attendees, so please update your RSVP if you can't come. We'll probably be grouped around the large table in the back room's center. In the summer, also outside. Looking forward to seeing you there!

IMAGINATION UNFURLED: Write More, Write Better, Write Naturally - Part 1 - with Clare Wigfall Starting February 19th, 2026 (in-person) - seven sessions DATES: Thursday afternoons - February 19th to May 21st, 2026 TIME: 13:30-15:30 WHERE: Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, address on registration CLASS SIZE: capped at 11 students COST: 257 euro + MwSt (total 306 EUR) Registration: [imagination.unfurled@gmail.com](mailto:imagination.unfurled@gmail.com) With over twenty years of teaching experience, British Faber author and BBC National Short Story Award winner Clare Wigfall has developed a method that guarantees to inspire your imagination and consistently brings extraordinary results. Whether you are an experienced writer or a total beginner, her intention is to break down the barriers that inhibit, so that the creative process can come naturally. Under her gentle guidance, this perfectly-structured course of generative writing workshops will allow you to develop a body of new work and experiment with different techniques. By design, Part One of this course does not include a formal workshopping element, but does allow for opportunities to share your work. You’ll also be introduced to inspirational and thought-provoking fiction by established authors and will have a chance to hone your critical skills through group discussion of these texts. Clare’s workshops have a proven track record of inspiring award-winning, publishable writing, and her students have been accepted to prestigious Masters programmes and found professional writing careers. This course will work you hard and provide challenges and surprises, but it also promises lots of fun and laughter, as well as much stimulation and encouragement from the others in the group. Shortlisted for the 2023 European Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Humanities and Social Sciences and professor of Creative Writing at Bard College Berlin, Clare’s teaching has a playful inventiveness and energy that never fails to inspire, and her classes foster a warm multicultural writing community, both in-person and online, creating connections that last long beyond the close of the course. “Clare brought an immense knowledge of literature, a familiarity with the creative process and ways to kickstart it, and, much rarer, the ability to put people at ease, and allow them to open up without self-consciousness. There was an openness and collective energy from the group (although we were never in the same room), which is a testimony to the skill of the teacher. The class gave me a new slant on the writing process, and it taught me a lot about myself as a writer.” Laurie Snowden, Berkeley, California To register, ask questions, or to join the mailing list to be kept informed about future online and in-person classes, contact Clare via [imagination.unfurled@gmail.com](mailto:imagination.unfurled@gmail.com)

**A practical approach to understanding, creating and maintaining balance across 6 dimensions of sustainability.** A talk and workshop by Scott Bolden, co-founder of Baumhaus Berlin. What does it mean to live a sustainable life while contributing to creating a sustainable society and world? What are some practical and effective ways in our daily life to achieve these objectives in the short and long term? **PEACES is an acronym** describing six integrated areas of sustainability (**Personal, Ecologic, Aesthetic, Cultural, Economic & Social**) where we as individuals as well as organizations can have direct and positive impact on ourselves each other and the world right now. During this short workshop, Scott will explain the framework and give practical examples in the context of how the framework applies to what happens in everyday life. Participants of all levels of experience are invited to join in the conversation and also identify some practical steps that they can start taking on their path towards living a sustainable life. • Please arrive early enough to have time to explore and settle in so we can get the most out of our time together • Bring a notebook and an open mind... Workshop places are limited, please confirm participation with a short email to info@baumhausberlin.de with the subject: PEACES Donate-as-you-feel after the workshop (includes coffee, tea & snacks) We ask participants to consider: • their personal budget • the value of their experiences during the workshop in the Baumhaus • the value of supporting the Baumhaus so that we can continue facilitating these and various other types of experiences \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- support Baumhaus crowdfunding campaign ( https://www.goodcrowd.org/saving-das-baumhaus ) Baumhaus Berlin Gerichtstr. 23 VH Eg 13347 Berlin

📆 Agenda * 19:00 Welcome to the PUB (Python Users Berlin) – setting up * 19:15 Main talk * 20:00 Lightning talks * 20:30 Social gathering 🎙 Main talk by [@esc](https://github.com/esc): Whirlwind tour of [Numba](https://github.com/numba/numba) In this talk I will take you on a whirlwind tour of Numba -- the Python just-in-time (JIT) compiler. I will equip you with with a mental model of how Numba works and what it is good at. At the end, you will be able to decide if Numba could be useful for you. 📚 Resources * https://github.com/esc/numba-talk ⚡️ Lightning talks Time will be open at the end of the night for lightning talks (short 5 minute presentations). Please bring your ideas and inspirations with.

**Where Your Child’s Imagination Becomes a Real-Life Storybook!** *Note: this is a free event and joining is through approval. Please find the form at the bottom of the description.* Every child is a natural-born storyteller. At Little Storysmiths, we provide the canvas, the technology, and the guidance to turn those "Once upon a times" into **a professional, physical book your child can hold in their hands and keep forever.** This is a 3-hour creative adventure designed for kids aged 5 - 7. We use a blend of traditional storytelling, hands-on drawing, and cutting-edge Generative AI to help children express their wildest ideas. While the kids focus on the fun, we focus on the skills: **articulation, problem-solving, and creative confidence.** ### **📝 What to Expect: The Creative Journey** **1\. Dreaming Up the Story** \- Using frameworks used by world\-class studios like Pixar\, we guide your child through creating a hero\, a challenge\, and a triumphant ending\. Parents will act as "Master Scribes\," helping us capture these ideas in a simple digital form\. **2\. Bringing Characters to Life** \- Your child will describe their main character in vivid detail\. Your child will sketch their character to ground their imagination in reality\. **3\. The Magic of AI** \- We introduce the kids to "The Helpful Robot" \- a friendly AI that takes their verbal descriptions and sketches and helps turn them into stunning\, book\-quality illustrations\. The future of creativity\! **4\. The Grand Pitch** \- Every child gets their "Author Moment\." They will present their character and story to the group\, building vital communication skills and pride in their work\. ### **📚 The "Little Storysmiths" Keepsake** The workshop doesn’t end when you leave the room. * The Digital Preview: You will receive a PDF version of your child’s story shortly after the workshop. * The Physical Book: About a week later, you will receive a high-quality, printed storybook authored and directed by your child. It is a one-of-a-kind treasure for your bookshelf. ### **📚 Story reading party!** Join us in the story reading party where kids bring their physical, printed books and proudly read their stories to friends and family! Your friends are invited! ### **Workshop Details at a Glance** * Ages: 5 - 7 years old. * Tools Provided: All drawing materials, prompts, and AI software. * Takeaway: 1 x Digital Storybook, 1 x Physical Printed Book (printed later) * Story reading party: follow-up event where kids can read from their physical books to friends and family **\#\#\# Form to register \-** [https://berlinbusinessinstitute.com/little-storysmiths/](https://berlinbusinessinstitute.com/little-storysmiths/)

**Come together. Write. Support each other.** • Du schreibst einfach gern – egal ob Buch, Blog, Poesie oder Tagebuch? • Du vermisst Gespräche über das Schreiben und das, was dabei entsteht? • Du wünschst dir mehr Zeit zum Schreiben – und Menschen, die ähnlich ticken? Kreativ sein verbindet — und genau dafür ist dieser *Social Writing Club* da. Dieser Club ist für Menschen, die gerne schreiben und Lust haben, das nicht immer allein zu tun: gemeinsam Zeit verbringen, schreiben, sich austauschen und ganz nebenbei neue Menschen kennenlernen – in einem entspannten, offenen Rahmen. Ganz gleich, wo du gerade mit dem Schreiben stehst: Du bist willkommen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wir treffen uns einmal im Monat in einem Café am Platz der Luftbrücke in Kreuzberg/ Tempelhof. **Es gibt kein Thema, keinen Input, kein Feedback.** Jede\*r schreibt für sich, an dem, was gerade da ist – im eigenen Tempo, auf die eigene Art. Zwischendurch und danach gibt es Raum für Gespräche: über das Schreiben selbst oder einfach über das Leben. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . **So läuft ein Treffen ab** Wir kommen entspannt an, bestellen etwas und richten uns ein. Der Vormittag besteht aus **einer Schreibeinheit**. Wir schreiben in Stille – nebeneinander, konzentriert, jede\*r für sich. Zum Abschluss gibt es Zeit zum Ankommen miteinander: Kennenlernen, Austauschen, Zuhören. Alles kann, nichts muss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . **ℹ️ Hinweise** * Wir treffen uns in einem Café und sind dort normale Gäste. Also plane bitte ein, dort etwas zu bestellen. * Die Teilnahme selbst ist kostenlos. Um die monatlichen Meetup-Gebühren zu decken, freue ich mich über einen freiwillige **Spende** **von** **2 € bis 5 €** – vor Ort in **bar** oder per **PayPal**. * Eine Vorbereitung ist nicht erforderlich. Alles, was du brauchst, ist das, woran du schreiben willst – handschriftlich oder digital. * Die Treffen finden auf Deutsch statt. 🇩🇪 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 🗓️ **Agenda** **11:00 – 11:15 Uhr** Ankommen, Begrüßung, Einrichten & etwas bestellen **11:15 – 12:45 Uhr** Stille Schreibeinheit (konzentriertes Schreiben, jede\*r für sich – gerne Kopfhörer mitbringen, falls es im Café etwas lauter wird) **12:45 – 13:30 Uhr** Austausch & Ausklang

**Wie gut ist dein Deutsch? Mach unseren kostenlosen Deutsch-Einstufungstest!** Im Sprachenatelier kannst du kostenlos dein Niveau testen, bevor du deinen Sprackurs beginnst! Der Test dauert nur 15-20 Minuten und du solltest ihn spätestens 2 Wochen vor deinem Kursebeginn machen. Melde dich hier auf unserer Webseite dafür an: **https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/de/topic/5472.einstufungstest-deutsch.html** Wir freuen uns auf euch!

RSVP on Luma: https://luma.com/66zp1utm Silent Reading / Creating Club is a gathering for people who enjoy focusing together in public. Bring a book, a notebook, a sketchpad, knitting needles — whatever you’d like to spend a quiet hour with. All projects and all participants are welcome. ​This year is about creating more — quietly, consistently, imperfectly — and shaping environments that support that. If you’re building something of your own, you’re especially welcome here. ​We’re building a community of readers and creators who value depth, presence, and shared silence. The magic isn’t just in the quiet hour — it’s in the people who return and make it feel like a familiar room. ​(Please RSVP “yes” only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and others on the waitlist.) ​This quiet ritual unfolds at **W66 Café**. ​There’s no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the café and don’t bring outside drinks 🙂 ​No assignments. No pressure. No productivity race. Just a shared hour of intentional silence, followed by relaxed conversation. 🕰 Our Agenda ​**10:30 – 11:00** Arrivals, ordering drinks/food, light social time ​**11:00 – 12:00** The Great Quiet Hour (Read. Write. Sketch. Code. Think. Sit.) ​**12:00 – 12:30** Optional socializing — share what you were reading or creating, or simply continue in quiet focus. ## **​🏡 House Guidelines** ​To keep this space calm and welcoming for everyone: ​• Silence during the focus hour (no calls or conversations) • Phones on silent mode • If using a laptop, please avoid meetings or audio — headphones welcome • Arrive before 11:00 if possible to minimize disruptions

**How good is your German? Take our free [German Placement test online!](https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/en/topic/5474.german-placement-test.html)** At [Sprachenatelier](https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/en) you can test your level for free before you start your language course! The test takes only 15-20 minutes and you should take it at least 2 weeks before your course starts. Sign up for it here on our website: [www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de](https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/en/topic/5474.german-placement-test.html) **We look forward to seeing you!**

Für Abonnenten vom "Autobiografischen Schreiben" von Text Collective Berlin ist die Teilnahme an der Veranstaltung kostenlos. Wenn du kein Abonnement hast, bitten wir dich um einen Teilnahmebeitrag von zehn Euro. Hier buchen: [https://textcollective.de/autobio](https://textcollective.de/autobio) Es handelt sich um einen moderierten Workshop für autobiografisches Schreiben in einem sicheren Raum für Selbstreflexion, Erinnerungen und persönliche Geschichten. **Jeden dritten Samstag des Monats von 15:00 bis 17:00 Uhr in der ufaFabrik Tempelhof** **Über den Workshop** Welche Geschichten tragen wir in uns? Welche Erinnerungen wollen erzählt, verstanden oder neu betrachtet werden? Dieser Workshop versteht sich als sicherer Raum, in dem es ermöglicht werden soll, Erlebnisse und Gefühle zu teilen. Das autobiografische Schreiben dient als Werkzeug der Selbstreflexion und inneren Klärung. **Was dich erwartet:** In diesem Workshop arbeiten wir mit gezielten Impulsen, die helfen, eigene Erinnerungen und Lebenserfahrungen in Worte zu fassen. Du schreibst vor Ort, kannst deine Texte mit der Gruppe teilen (freiwillig!) und erhältst achtsames Feedback. Die Atmosphäre ist vertraulich und unterstützend. Hier dürfen auch schwierige Themen Raum finden. In dieser geschützten Umgebung entsteht der Mut, tiefer zu gehen und sich auf den eigenen Lebensweg einzulassen.

[*Registration form required below*] **Interested in Japanese sword fighting or Japanese culture? Come join a trial and experience the traditional Samurai art at Katori Shintō-ryū in Schöneberg.** **Trial Fee**: **25€**/ session (2hr). Classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 19:00 to 21:00. **!!SIGN UP HERE**: [Katori Shinto-ryū Berlin Sign-up (google.com)](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBt4A13VgnEcgQQ2PDaruthmYMRWineG4KtUCKsuC9KBsCUQ/viewform) Registration is required before your participation so that we can prepare enough training equipment. **Address**: Belziger Str. 25, 10823 Berlin. **No previous experience required!** The classes are in English and German. **Our website**: [Kenjutsu Berlin - Official school of Katori Shinto-ryu in Berlin (katoriberlin.org)](https://katoriberlin.org/) **Katori Shintō-ryū** is one of the oldest Japanese sword fighting traditions (koryū) still practised today and is recognized by the Japanese government as a cultural intangeable asset. The school was founded in the middle of the 15th century by Iizasa Chōisai Ienao at the Katori Shrine (Katori jingū) and has become the origin of numerous other martial arts schools over the course of its almost 600-year history. The training consists of the continuous repetition of fixed sequences of movements (kata) and includes the use of classic Japanese weapons such as the sword (iai-jutsu, battō-jutsu, ken-jutsu, ryōtō-jutsu, kodachi-jutsu), the long staff (bō-jutsu), the lance (naginata-jutsu) and the spear (sō-jutsu), as well as unarmed disciplines, tactics and spiritual aspects. **The Katori Berlin dojo** is the only official shibu of Otake Nobutoshi-shihan’s dojo Shinbukan in Germany and fully dedicated to the transmission and study of one martial tradition: Tenshinshō-den Katori Shintō-ryū. Through these efforts we aim to contribute to the cultural preservation of this martial tradition. The dojo has one officially appointed shidosha. **Our sensei**: Sebastian Graetz has been active in martial arts since 1997. After almost 15 years of taekwondo in Berlin, he started with Katori Shintō-ryū in Asia in 2014. Since then, he has studied in Japan with Ōtake Risuke-shihan and Ōtake Nobutoshi-shihan, and in Vietnam with Malte Stokhof-shihandai. In 2023, he received his Menkyo license and permission to set up a training group in Berlin the following year.

The topic for February is "Transitions" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Join us for a vibrant gathering that honors the heart and hustle of local entrepreneurs. It Takes a Village is more than an event it’s a movement to uplift and spotlight small business owners who pour passion into their craft and creativity into our community. From authors and bakers to jewelry makers, t-shirt designers, candle crafters, and beyond. This is your chance to meet the makers, support their work and celebrate the spirit of collaboration. **_Expect_** * Local vendors showcasing handmade goods * Live demos and storytelling from featured creators * Food, music, and community vibes * Opportunities to shop, connect and be inspired * Celebrate the power of small businesses and we all rise

Thursdays just got smarter (and sassier). 🧠🍻 Join us at TownHall Short North for Trivia Night with Marquis—where the questions are fun, the competition is friendly, and the vibes are immaculate. Grab your crew, sip something good, and prove you know random facts you absolutely shouldn’t.

#### Turning Rentals Into Income: How Investors Pay Off Properties Faster #### **Featuring Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** #### A lot of people get into real estate because they want freedom. Then they buy a rental…and realize most of the rent goes straight to the bank. They technically own property, but the mortgage controls the income. And waiting 30 years for properties to be paid off doesn’t feel realistic. This meetup is about understanding a different way to think about rental properties… one that focuses on paying them off sooner so the income is actually usable. **Featured Guest Speaker: John Blackburn** We’re excited to welcome John Blackburn as our guest speaker for this event. John has been actively investing in real estate since 2006 and has: * Been involved in **5,000+ real estate transactions** * Helped investors **acquire over $150 million in rental property** * **Raised more than $100 million** in private capital John didn’t start with family money or shortcuts. He built his portfolio by focusing on clear systems, real numbers, and long-term strategy. For this meetup, John will walk through how investors shift their focus from simply owning rentals to building properties that eventually pay them…without a mortgage attached. **What You’ll Learn** John will break down, in simple terms: * Why most rental properties don’t produce much usable income early on * Why buying more rentals isn’t always the answer * How investors structure their properties to pay off mortgages in a fraction of the time * How properties can work together to eliminate debt faster * What changes once rentals become free and clear This approach is often referred to as an accelerated paydown strategy — using rental income intentionally to reduce debt sooner, rather than waiting decades for mortgages to run their course. John will also share a simple calculator you can use to see how this works with real numbers and realistic scenarios. **The Core Idea** When a rental has a mortgage, the rent has one job: **pay the bank.** When a rental is paid off, the rent has a different job: **pay you.** Most people only see one timeline…30 years. This session shows how investors shorten that timeline and gradually increase their income as properties become free and clear. **Who This Event Is For** This event is for people who want more than just “owning rentals” on paper. * Rental owners who are tired of most of the rent going to the bank and want a clearer path to real, usable income * New investors who want to understand how rental properties actually build wealth over time before jumping in * People with capital who want to invest in real estate with intention and a long-term plan * Anyone serious about freedom and curious how rental properties transition from debt-heavy assets into income-producing ones **Event Details** **Location:** Ohio Brewing Company - 421 E 2nd Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 **Date & Time:** January 25th, 6–8 PM (Doors open at 5:30) **Cost:** Free (Seats are limited - RSVP required) **👉 Get your FREE TICKET [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/turning-rentals-into-income-how-investors-pay-off-properties-faster-tickets-1980492192461?aff=cicmeetupapp)** If you’ve ever wondered how rental properties actually turn into freedom —this is the room to be in.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Good Cafe](https://goodcafeeaston.com/)!

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).