Even the state's harshest critics have cracking good stories to tell. STORY Sessions, a series of free, live, interactive talks between accomplished South Africans and Durban audiences, has a list of previous guest speakers on which the names of politician Mamphela Ramphele and academic/social commentator Jonathan Jansen feature.Friends and social entrepreneurs Don Muller and Travis Gale founded STORY Sessions based on their belief that gathering around a microphone for a good tale from those with a masterful handle on life can bring communities together."We initially met in London at a Starbucks in Wimbledon, where we explored the idea of doing something significant," says Muller."At first the ideas weren't all about STORY Sessions, but rather a shared mentality about life and work, possibilities for the future, so to speak."Later, through our business, Appletree Culture Catalysts, we began to have more conversations, which eventually led to the idea of STORY Sessions."Putting up a poster began their journey covering 14 different sessions and counting."Moving from deliberating to doing got the project off the ground," says Gale."We knew we had spoken enough and that if we didn't act we would never do anything. So we stopped deliberating and put up a poster. The idea was simple enough and we managed to get the right team together and get organised, but the question still remained - will anyone actually come? The first event proved that Durban needed this and would get behind it. We haven't looked back."That first event featured feted South African percussionist Gareth Gale. Later sessions would feature speakers from across the cultural, social and business landscape.Sessions have included Jonathan Jansen, Gcina Mhlophe, Mamphela Ramphele, Sean Wisedale, Margaret Hirsch, Shaun Tomson, Aaron McIlroy, Matthew Willman and Brad Klynsmith."In terms of who we would love to host, the list is pretty long," says Muller."We are attracted to stories about significance, which involve human beings pushing the boundaries and individuals affecting social change and impacting communities."We would love to host the likes of Gareth Cliff, Julius Malema, Mike Horn, Ryan Sandes, surfers Chris Bertish or Twiggy Baker, and Ban Ki-moon."Is there a gem that has particularly resonated with the duo?"Shaun Tomson talking about conquering Pipeline in Hawaii was profound. His challenge of 'Just turn and paddle' has stuck with us. Sean Wisedale's comments around 'doubt is not an excuse' when it comes to conquering our mountains is something worth reflecting on often. Professor Jansen shared how love can transform a community."We found Gcina Mhlophe to be uplifting and were inspired by the response to Mamphela Ramphele, as we watched friends head out and register to vote for the first time."All of them have had something significant to say," they agree.Muller and Gale hope to evolve the way they run the events and possibly expand them to other cities."We would like to dig a little deeper into how STORY Sessions is impacting on how our audience is living out their own stories."We don't just want to tell stories, we want to see great stories being lived out by those who attend our sessions."Like the STORY Sessions Facebook page or visit storysessions.co.za for updates on upcoming events...