The Storytelling Lab
The Storytelling Lab covers everything you need to know about personal and professional stories to leverage their power to deepen your connections, increase your sales + donations, and serve your audiences better with real-life examples and experts.
Episodes
Why the Stories We Dismiss Are Often the Ones We Need Most with Leslie Zemeckis and Sara Divello
"You do the story that you want to do because you believe in it and it will find an audience. You have to be passionate about something and not try and hop off what's already out there. You have to absolutely 1000% have a vision." — Leslie ZemeckisNot all stories are treated equally — and Leslie Zemeckis and Sara DiVello are on a mission to change that. In this episode, the co-hosts of the Plot Po
The Complete Creator Framework Every Storyteller Needs with Anubhav Srivastava
"The best of the writers know structures are important. And then they forget that they've been intuitively following a structure and tell the world you don't need structure. The rest of the people think they don't need structure and realize by the hundredth page they don't know what the story is going to be." —Anubhav SrivastavaWhat if there was one place where you could brainstorm your story, bui
How to Build Narrative Architecture Before AI Builds It for You with Michael Margolis
"A narrative lives or dies on the conviction of the most senior authorized leaders of the organizational system. The story is the strategy. A company without a story is usually a company without a strategy." — Michael Margolis | Storied, Inc.What if your organization's stories were the new code base? In this episode, Rain sits down with Michael Margolis, founder of Storied, Inc., and one of the mo
The Content Cascade Strategy Every Brand Needs Right Now
Pre-Order The Chief Storytelling Officer HERE: https://amzn.to/4eihvql"Commercials interrupt people. Shows invite them into the story world. That is the difference between traditional marketing and storytelling." — Rain BennettYour marketing campaign strategy is perfectly executed... and it still flops. The visuals are crisp, the copy is tight, and nobody cares. In this solo episode, Rain breaks d
Steven Pressfield Was 52 (!) Before His First Novel Sold
"A good day is when the flow starts to happen and you kind of lose yourself in it. But you cannot count on those days. So I'm a real believer in grinding — just get in there and take what the defense will give you." — Steven PressfieldORDER THE ARCADIAN HERE: https://amzn.to/4nYHV5eSteven Pressfield is your favorite writer's favorite writer.But years before his best-selling hits like Gates of Fire
Why Most Writers Build Characters Completely Wrong with Steven Pressfield
"Sometimes you write a character that asserts himself—something you didn't plan. It's like he wanted to come back, and he brought his own story with him. It was kind of my job as a writer to ask myself what that story was." — Steven PressfieldORDER THE ARCADIAN HERE: https://amzn.to/4nYHV5eSteven Pressfield is your favorite writer's favorite writer.And in this episode, Rain sits down with him in p
Why Storytellers Are More Valuable in the Age of AI with Joe Lazer
"AI was going to get better at technical skills like coding and data analysis much faster than storytelling, because it's much easier to objectively define what is correct code. With storytelling, it's much more ephemeral. AI researchers have called it absurd, trying to quantify what good storytelling is." — Joe LazerWhen ChatGPT launched, the headlines were brutal. Storytellers were cooked, creat
Your Audience's Senses Are Craving This Storytelling Technique with Charlie Melcher
"A living story is immersive, embodied, agentic, responsive, and social. It's stories that we get to be in and experience and live — as opposed to dead stories." —Charlie MelcherCharlie Melcher has been on the cutting edge of storytelling for decades—from designing books with J.J. Abrams and Al Gore to building an app that Steve Jobs fell in love with to producing a 6,000-person immersive storytel
How a Narrative Operating System Solves the Product Problem That Kills Every Brand
"Your product is not the features, the specs, it's not what you ship. The product is the experience, the transformation that your customer goes through. It's the change in their lives. That's what you're selling." — Rain BennettYou can have a bold vision, a clear mission, and a brand people believe in... and still fail. Because none of it matters if your product doesn't deliver. In this solo episo
The Story Advantage and Why Nobody Has the Same One as You with Bill Blankschaen
"CQ — the character quotient — is who you are at the core of your values, and how consistently people can trust you to be that person. That to me is the exponential topper." — Bill BlankschaenEvery person has a story no one else has. The problem is most people either don't know how to tell it or don't believe it's worth telling. Bill Blankschaen, author of Your Story Advantage and founder of Story
How the Generosity of Scars Makes Your Story More Powerful with Scott Mann
"I wasn't processing and dealing with my own stuff. Somehow I made my way back to storytelling. And that was really, if I could point to two things—my wife and story—those pulled me out." — Ret. Lt. Col. Scott MannScott Mann spent nearly two decades as a Green Beret, but the most powerful weapon he ever wielded was his story.In this episode, Scott breaks down rooftop leadership, the concept he coi
The One Thing Every Storyteller Misses About Their Audience with Jon Bregel
"When you live in alignment with your values, you cause yourself as little suffering as possible in the long term. And that one just always sticks with me because it's really challenging in the short term. But if you have faith in your values and who you are and how you want to show up in the world, then ultimately you're creating a path that's going to serve you for the long term." — Jon BregelWh
What a Father Daughter Podcast About Taylor Swift Taught Me About Story with Joseph Romm
"If you think the world could be better and you want to change it, you're going to have to come up with a better story and know how to tell it better." —Joseph RommWhat happens when a physicist with a PhD realizes that data, charts, and credentials can't change a single mind, but a story can? Joseph Romm spent years working in climate science and clean energy before arriving at an uncomfortable tr
Your Internal Story vs. Your Customer's Story | The Real Brand Difference
"Marketing might be how you get the first date. But to get the second and third date and hopefully form into a relationship, you have to have a brand." — Rain BennettBrand isn't your logo, your color palette, your fonts, or your tagline.Brand is the story others tell about you. And in this solo episode, Rain breaks down exactly how to influence that story before it gets told without you. As part o
What Live Storytelling Can Teach Every Brand with Corey Rosen
“When you start to look at things through the lens of story, it helps you appreciate and process what’s going on.” — Corey RosenWhat makes someone lean in when you tell a story instead of tune out? In this episode, Rain sits down with Emmy-nominated TV writer, Moth champion, and brand storytelling expert Corey Rosen to break down the real tactics behind stories that actually land. This is not a fl
The Real Work Behind a Great Content Strategy with Kristen Sweeney
“You can’t even begin to talk about results or impact until you actually put something out into the world.” — Kristen SweeneyWhat if the real problem with your content isn’t execution, but alignment? In this episode, Kristen Sweeney, founder of Every Little Word, breaks down the invisible work behind great communication: messaging frameworks, internal clarity, operational discipline, and the codif
The Courage to Face What Your Story Is Really About with Spade Robinson
“There is no version of storytelling that does not become therapy.” — Spade RobinsonWhat if the difference between an average story and a great one has less to do with talent or skill and more to do with self-awareness? In this episode, screenwriter and story consultant Spade Robinson breaks down why structure isn’t the enemy of creativity—it’s the foundation that allows it to thrive. We explore h
Cinematography and Storytelling Beyond the Technique with Tal Lazar
“The real story is always in the subtext.” — Tal LazarMost people lose their audience the moment they start explaining. In this episode, cinematographer, educator, and author Tal Lazar breaks down why the real story is always in the subtext, and why emotion beats information when you’re trying to persuade, pitch, teach, or lead. We talk about why leaders default to “feature lists,” how filmmakers
The Most Misunderstood Piece of Brand Missions
“Vision is what inspires your people. Mission is what activates and organizes them.” —Rain BennettWhat good is a bold vision if you don’t have a mission to back it up? In this solo episode, Rain Bennett breaks down why mission is the most misunderstood and most essential piece of a brand’s storytelling system. Using examples from WeWork’s collapse and Airbnb’s legendary collaboration with Pixar, R
When Your Brand Design Tells the Right Story with Shane Lukas
“Your stories are building bricks of belief in your brand." — Shane LukasHow do you sell something your customer can’t see, touch, or fully understand?Shane Lukas has spent decades helping professional service providers do exactly that by using story as a tool to create trust, clarity, and emotional resonance.In this episode, Rain and Shane explore how narrative makes “invisible” value tangible. F
Your Brand's Growth Problem Isn't What You Think It Is with Jensen Savage
“Everybody in your organization has to be aligned… or it all starts to break down.” — Jensen SavageIf you’ve been muscling your way through growth and wondering why it still feels so hard, this episode is for you.Jensen Savage, founder of Savage Growth Partners, breaks down the true cause of stagnation in business: misalignment.In this conversation, we explore why brute force can’t scale and how s
What Happens When YOU Become the Story with Elton Anderson, Jr.
“Every time you press upload, you’re telling the universe this is your part in the grand scheme.” — Elton Anderson, Jr.What if your content wasn’t just a creative outlet, but a mirror for your transformation? In this episode, Rain Bennett sits down with Elton Anderson—a photographer, storyteller, and founder of L10 Media—for a deep, vulnerable conversation on using storytelling to break free of th
The Real Reason Your Brand Feels Disconnected with Rain Bennett
“If your company doesn’t know the story that it’s helping to tell, no marketing campaign is going to save you.” — Rain BennettMost businesses mistake their vision for a quarterly goal or a financial target, but that’s not a story anyone wants to join.In this solo episode, Rain Bennett unpacks the critical difference between vision and mission, showing how your vision acts as the narrative Nor
The Billion-Person Mission That Started With Bankruptcy with David Meltzer
“I was made from mistakes. I was promoted, protected, loved, and perfected by them.” — David MeltzerAfter losing $100 million and hitting rock bottom, David Meltzer rebuilt his life and his business around a mission to empower over 1 billion people to be happy.In this episode, Rain Bennett sits down with David to explore how storytelling became the vehicle for that transformation.David opens up ab
How a Local Utility Company Became a Storytelling Powerhouse with Krystal Phillips
“It’s not just about keeping the lights on—it’s about building a relationship with the people at the end of the line.” — Krystal Phillips, JO-EMCStorytelling isn’t just for trendy brands or startups.In this episode, Rain sits down with Krystal Phillips, Communications and Community Relations Manager at Jones-Onslow EMC, to explore how a rural electric co-op built a storytelling culture that would
Storytelling That Builds Trust Across Any Organization with Salvatore Manzi
“A shared narrative means everyone in the organization is speaking about the story in the same way.” — Salvatore ManziIf every person on your team is telling a different version of your brand story, you don’t have a marketing problem—you have a clarity crisis.In this episode, communication strategist and author Salvatore Manzi joins Rain to break down how to build a shared narrative that aligns ev
How to Use Storytelling to Fuel a Content Engine with David Ebner
“A message map is the most underutilized resource for marketers.” — David EbnerWhat if the reason your marketing isn’t working has nothing to do with the content itself, but everything to do with the foundation it’s built on?In this episode, Rain sits down with David Ebner, founder of Content Workshop and one of the clearest voices in content strategy, to unpack why most brand storytelling falls f
How Personal Stories Build Public Trust in Just 7 Minutes with Aaron Calafato
“The shortest distance between two souls is a story.” — Aaron CalafatoAaron Calafato doesn’t just teach storytelling—he lives it. In this episode, we dive into what it really means to lead with story, both as an artist and a business strategist. Aaron shares how he built an audience (and a business) by showing up authentically and consistently, telling personal stories that are never just about hi
Building a Narrative Operating System that Scales Your Business
“A story is a single arc of transformation. A narrative is the thread that connects them all.” — Rain BennettMost businesses think their biggest challenge is marketing. But what if the real issue is story misalignment?In this solo episode, Rain Bennett introduces the Narrative Operating System—a strategic framework designed to bring your brand's stories into alignment across every department: from
How the Soundtracks of Our Lives Shape who We Become with Patrick Hicks
“If it makes me curious, then maybe it’ll make someone else curious, too.” — Patrick HicksWhat started as a 30-day content challenge became a storytelling movement powered by rock, raw honesty, and curiosity.In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain Bennett speaks with Patrick Hicks, creator of a viral TikTok account (@patrickhicksmusic), where he tells the stories behind the songs that shaped
Interviewing as a Tool for Trust, Healing, and Human Connection with Wil Weldon
"Interviewing is not about taking something—it's about helping them be more of who they are." — Wil WeldonWhat if the key to more powerful storytelling lies not in your editing skills—but in your ability to deeply listen?In this soul-stirring episode, Rain Bennett talks with Wil Weldon, a video journalist, former massage therapist, and Reiki practitioner who’s developed a holistic approach to inte
The Ethics of Filming Real Love Triangles in Mistress Dispeller with Elizabeth Lo
"I wanted each character to be complex enough and sympathetic enough that there's some deep reason you could identify in yourself." — Elizabeth LoHow do you tell a story that's intimate, ethically complicated, and rooted in real-life secrecy—without exploiting your subjects?In this episode, Rain Bennett speaks with acclaimed documentary filmmaker Elizabeth Lo, director of Mistress Dispeller, one o
Brand Stories Grab Attention, But Brand Narratives Build Movements
“A story is a singular arc of transformation. A narrative is the thread that ties all your stories together.” — Rain BennettIs telling your brand story enough to build a loyal audience?In this episode, Rain Bennett breaks down the essential but often misunderstood difference between brand story and brand narrative. While most marketers focus on crafting engaging stories, Rain explains why the real
Stories are Spells: Marketing Lessons from a Magician with Jimi Gibson
“If you're not leaning into your own abracadabra, you're leaving your competitive advantage on the table.” says magician and marketer, Jimi Gibson.What if storytelling wasn’t just about clever hooks or flashy content—but instead about casting spells that transform how people feel and act?In this episode, Rain sits down with Jimi Gibson, a marketing strategist, TEDx speaker, and lifelong magician,
Why Ownable Originality Is the Only Differentiator Left with Rob Meyers
“Ownable originality is about creating something uniquely you—something no one else can do, even if they tried.” — Rob MeyersWhat does it mean to create something that no one else can replicate?In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain sits down with Rob Meyers, Managing Director of the creative studio Versus, to explore the concept of “ownable originality.” Rob shares the philosophy behind Ve
Turning Emotions Into Images on the Page with Gary Smith
“If you write well, readers see your story differently—but they see it. It’s a visual medium, even in text.” — Gary SmithWhat happens when a fine art photographer becomes a novelist?In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain Bennett sits down with Gary Smith, a visual artist turned fiction author, who brings a unique perspective to the craft: writing as seeing.Gary explains how his background i
Why Connection Beats Consistency in Content Marketing with Renee Frojo
“Consistency is not about how often you post—it's about how consistently you show up in your message.” — Renee FrojoWhat if the key to growing your brand wasn’t pumping out more content, but going deeper with your message?In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, host Rain Bennett talks to Renee Frojo, a former journalist turned brand storyteller, about why clarity in your narrative beats consisten
Unlocking Emotional Insights with Story-Driven Data and AI with James Warren
“The more narrow we get with our prompts, the deeper and more profound the insights become.” — James WarrenHow do you uncover what your customers and employees really think—without another boring survey?In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain speaks with James Warren, the founder of Share More Stories and creator of SEEQ, a storytelling and insights platform that blends the emotional power o
The Rise of the Chief Storytelling Officer Role
“The CSO needs a seat at every department’s table—product, marketing, sales—because story threads through all of it.” — Rain BennettStorytelling isn’t just about marketing anymore—it’s about leadership, alignment, and growth.In this special 200th episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain kicks off Season 14 by exploring the rise of a new essential role in business: the Chief Storytelling Officer.Wheth
Brandon Sanderson’s Simple Storytelling Model that Always Works
“Think about what your story promises and then ask yourself if you're actually moving toward it.” — Rain BennettTired of overcomplicated storytelling formulas?In this episode, Rain simplifies the process with a three-step model inspired by bestselling fantasy author Brandon Sanderson: Promise, Progress, Payoff. This framework is rooted in classical storytelling principles but designed for clarity
How to Make Indie Filmmaking Sustainable with Erika Arlee and Kristi Ray
“If you get your timeline pushed back, think of it as another year to make the story better.” — Erika ArleeWhat does it really take to build a sustainable filmmaking career?In this episode, Rain sits down with Erika Arlee and Kristi Ray, the powerhouse duo behind Honey Head Films, to explore how they’ve grown a production company that balances passion, purpose, and profit.They share the story of t
Turn Your Content Into a Show They Can't Stop Watching with Shawn Walchef
“We make our media the same way we make our barbecue, and that’s low and slow.” — Shawn WalchefHow do you run a business and still find time to create content? In this episode, Rain sits down with Shawn Walchef, owner of Cali BBQ and founder of Cali BBQ Media, to explore how storytelling and content creation aren’t distractions—they’re growth engines. Shawn shares how he went from struggling resta
Save the Cat (and Your Story) with Blake Snyder’s Beat Sheet
“Your story comes from your heart, and then you structure it to deliver it in the best way.” — Rain BennettEver hear the term "story beat" and wonder what it really means? In this episode, Rain breaks down the mysterious middle ground between scenes and acts—the story beat. And he uses Blake Snyder’s popular (and sometimes polarizing) Save the Cat beat sheet to do it.You’ll get a clear explanatio
The Key to Building a Creative Career That Actually Lasts with Stewart Cohen
“People want to feel heard. If you don’t create a collaborative space, they won’t come back.” — Stewart CohenHow do you build a long, successful creative career when you are the brand? In this episode, Rain sits down with director and visual storyteller Stewart Cohen to explore the balance between artistry and entrepreneurship. With decades of experience in commercial production, photography, and
Joseph Campbell’s Legacy of Myth and Why It Still Matters with John Bucher
“The stories we take on as children are often the ones we spend the rest of our lives trying to rewrite.” — John BucherWhat if the story you’re living isn’t the one you were meant to live? In this episode, Rain sits down with John Bucher, President of the Joseph Campbell Foundation, to explore how the ancient patterns of mythology still shape our modern lives. Together, they dive deep into Joseph
Nancy Duarte's Sparkline: The Secret Structure Behind Every Great Speech
“You don’t just present a pitch—you present a world your audience wants to live in.” — Rain BennettWhat do the Gettysburg Address, I Have a Dream, and your next sales pitch have in common? They all follow a specific structure—one that Nancy Duarte calls the Sparkline. In this solo episode, Rain breaks down how this framework works, why it resonates so deeply, and how you can use it to capture atte
How to Build Resilience and Rewrite Your Story with Nina Sossamon-Pogue
“It’s okay to not be okay. It’s just not okay to stay that way.” — Nina Sossamon-PogueWhat do you do when life knocks you flat? Former U.S. gymnast turned Emmy-winning journalist, tech exec, and resilience coach Nina Sossamon-Pogue has fallen—and learned how to get back up more times than she can count. In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain sits down with Nina to explore how we build perso
Fiction Storytelling as a Form of Self-Discovery with Nathan Baugh
"Most nonfiction books could’ve been blog posts—but fiction sticks with you for life." — Nathan BaughIs fiction just entertainment—or is it the best self-help you’re not reading? In this episode, Rain Bennett sits down with storyteller, writer, and World Builders creator Nathan Baugh to talk about the power of fiction in a world obsessed with productivity, optimization, and self-help checklists. T
Psychedelics, Creativity, and the Future of Work in the Age of AI with Paul F. Austin
"The drugs we've accepted in society—alcohol, nicotine, caffeine—were chosen for productivity, not well-being." — Paul AustinWhat if the stories we’ve been told about psychedelics were wrong? In this episode, Rain Bennett sits down with Paul Austin, founder of Third Wave and Psychedelic Coaching Institute, to explore how microdosing and intentional psychedelic use are helping people heal, focus, c
Create Impact with Your Documentary through Characters, Culture, and Collaboration
"It's not just what you say—it's how you say it. And who you're saying it to." — Esther OyetunjiWhat makes a story unforgettable? At this year’s Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in Durham, North Carolina, Rain Bennett spoke with three sets of storytellers, each using a different medium, subject, and method—but all working toward the same goal: to move their audience. In this special episode, R
How to Learn, Adapt, and Build a Lasting Business on Social Media with Keenya Kelly
"You have to give yourself permission to be terrible at being a business owner when you start." — Keenya KellyIn a world where social media platforms change by the week, how do you stay visible, build a loyal audience, and run a profitable business? Keenya Kelly has done just that—amassing over 500,000 TikTok followers and building a thriving brand across multiple platforms. In this episode of The
The Simple Story Framework That Built Pixar’s Greatest Hits
"It's not the frame of your house that makes it a beautiful home—but without it, the house falls apart. It's the same with your story." — Rain BennettWhat if we told you that some of the best stories of all time—from Toy Story to Finding Nemo—were all built on the same simple 8-step framework?In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain breaks down the Story Spine, a storytelling structure origin
Beyond Followers: Creating a True Community Around Your Brand with Cyndi Zaweski
"Social media isn’t just a tool; it’s an opportunity to co-create stories with your audience. They don't need more information. They need insights, emotion, and most importantly, connection." - Cyndi ZaweskiBuilding a supportive community as a solopreneur, artist, or small business owner can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re an introvert. In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain Bennett
Two Simple Words from South Park's Creators to Improve Your Storytelling
"South Park’s creators cracked the code on storytelling, and their method will instantly improve your stories." - Rain BennettIn this episode of the Storytelling Lab podcast, Rain discusses the common pitfalls that storytellers face, particularly the challenge of tying together various elements of a story to maintain audience engagement. But there is a simple yet powerful storytelling principle to
How to Turn Your Pain into Purpose By Sharing Your Story with J.R. Martinez
"You've got to get out of your own way. Put yourself out into the world, and just give it to the universe. Lean into the space shared with the world." — J. R. MartinezIn episode 184 of The Storytelling Lab podcast, J.R. Martinez, a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and actor, shares his inspiring journey of resilience and personal growth after being injured in the military. As Martinez recount
Kurt Vonnegut's Simple Theory of the Eight Shapes of Storytelling
"We so rarely stop and realize when we're in good fortune. We don't understand when we're in ill fortune that we won't be there forever. It's just part of the shape of our story." — Rain BennettIn this episode of The Storytelling Lab podcast, Rain Bennett delves into Kurt Vonnegut's "Eight shapes of stories" theory, emphasizing its relevance in understanding the simplicity of storytelling, both in
The Art of Crafting Simple and Authentic Stories Using Limited Resources with Rodes Phire
"A great story will always win and find its home and its place in the world. So get better, do better, be better. And if you're in it to win it, then you stay with it and you evolve." — Rodes PhireIn this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rodes Phire, an independent filmmaker, dives deep into her directorial debut film, Farewelling, and shares her insights on the challenges and triumphs of independ
The 6 Emotional Story Shapes that Science Found Resonate with Audiences Most
"It's okay for you to use inspiration from other stories that have been there. The point is for you to know how do you tell your story differently" — Rain BennettIn this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain dives into the emotional arcs of stories, drawing from his experience as a filmmaker and author.He discusses the six emotional story shapes artificial intelligence identified through Project G
Top 3 Screenwriting Lessons Learned from My First 3 Screenplays
"You have to show up every day and produce because you need the reps. And that is because you need the data from those reps. You can't take one shot in the dark—one stab at it with your one idea—and it not work out, and learn anything valuable from that experience." - Rain BennettIn this episode of the Storytelling Lab podcast, Rain Bennett shares his personal journey as a storyteller and screenwr
Content Creation Secrets: How I Grew to One Million TikTok Followers with David Griffiths
"Once I found my way through the jungle of social media, I found that when I was authentic and spoke from my heart, it resonated with a tribe. That was my tribe." — David GriffithsIn this episode of The Storytelling Lab, host Rain Bennett sits down with David Griffiths, a successful content creator and musician, to delve into the power of authentic storytelling. David's journey was profoundly infl
Banking Brand Confidence: Tactics to Build Trust, Add Value, and Make More Money with Pia Silva
"You're hiring me because you believe I know better, and you shouldn't hire me if you don't think that." - Pia SilvaIn this episode of The Storytelling Lab, branding expert Pia Silva shares her expertise on building authentic brand identities for small service-based businesses.Pia emphasizes the importance of crafting branding based on the genuine experiences of the client, rather than creating an
Using Biometric Data to Create Visual Stories that Heal Trauma with Sarah Hill
"All companies need chief storytellers. If you don't know where to find them, hire a former journalist." - Sarah HillIn this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Sarah Hill, the Chief Storyteller and CEO of Healium, shares her journey from journalism to entrepreneurship, highlighting the transformative power of immersive storytelling experiences. Sarah Hill's journey into immersive storytelling began
Captivate Your Audience By Shifting the Scene Polarity in Your Story
"Variation is the first key to keeping people engaged. Visual variation, tonal variation, variation in shots, variation in speed and pace and tempo, and all of that. When you become monotonous, you become boring. When your story becomes boring, people will tune out."In episode 176 of The Storytelling Lab, Rain delves into the art of storytelling, highlighting the crucial role of tension in captiva
The 3 Things Your “Our Story” Section Must Have (and Most Don't!)
"Yes, it is about you, but it's always about you through the lens of your audience. So think about that as you're crafting the Our Story section." In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, host Rain Bennett delves into the critical role of storytelling in branding and marketing. Through a thorough analysis of various brand stories, including those of a bourbon company, coffee bean company, cooler c
Just Go Make It: Lessons on Bringing Your Story to Life with Luke Barnett
"I refuse to listen to the 'I need $25,000 to go make something.' You might need $25,000 to make that thing that you're talking about, but go make something else, you know?" - Luke BarnettIn this episode of The Storytelling Lab, filmmaker Luke Barnett shares valuable insights on the art of storytelling and the practicalities of bringing creative visions to life. He challenges the misconception tha
Hero's Journey vs Heroine's Labyrinth: Understanding Two Powerful Story Structures with Douglas A. Burton
The labyrinth, while it may be a metaphor for sociocultural conflicts, the choices you have to make at home in your culture in order to succeed, which have consequences. While that works there, it also works as psychologically, because it's an inward journey." - Douglas BurtonGrowing up in the 80s, Douglas Burton was immersed in a world of iconic films that ignited his imagination. From Star Wars
The Secret to Building Tension in MrBallen's Suspenseful Stories
"Tension is the driving force behind any good story. You need to do is understand that it is a constant ebb and flow of tension. You're increasing the tension and you're releasing the tension. That is the rhythm of storytelling. That's all storytelling is, is cause and effect." - Rain BennettIn this episode of The Storytelling Lab podcast, Rain Bennett dives into the captivating storytelling techn
The Edenton Seven: Telling the True Story of a Daycare Witch Hunt with Betsy Hester
"It was my moment in the universe to make this wrong a right, and I knew I had the skills to do it." - Betsy HesterBetsy Hester's journey into the world of true crime storytelling began during her 25-year teaching career, where she instilled in her students the importance of critical thinking and fact-based research. It was the haunting tale of the Little Rascals daycare scandal that deeply affec
The Domino Framework: A Simple Structure for Impactful Business Stories with Jyoti Guptara
"The next revolution in information won't be about knowledge. It will be about implementation, because we all know so much more than we're able to put into practice." - Jyoti GuptaraCurious about how a novelist and business storyteller found their way to a cutting-edge technology summit? Discover how this unexpected journey led to a groundbreaking intersection of creativity and AI. Jyoti Guptara,
Embracing LinkedIn to Find Your Voice as a Brand Storyteller with Zainab Olanrewaju
"I just felt like we didn't have enough storytellers for brands on LinkedIn. Storytelling is the new deal and brands are lacking when it comes to writing stories. So I decided to just focus more on writing stories for brands, just to let them know that we are not doing that boring content anymore." - Zainan OlanrewajuIf you're feeling overwhelmed and struggling to find your unique storytelling sty
From Self-Talk to Self-Communication: Realigning Your Inner Narrative
"Understanding and controlling the story that you tell yourself is the absolute most important story that you will tell. However, it is often the most overlooked and the most neglected story in your arsenal." - Rain BennettIf you're overwhelmed by the negative self-talk in your head, constantly comparing yourself to others and struggling to execute your goals, you are not alone! The battle with se
How Trust, Innovation, and Collaboration Shaped Nike's Storytelling Strategy with Nelson Farris
"Storytelling is about a lot of honesty and being aware that your audience, depending upon who they are and where they're from, when you say a word or a phrase, they may interpret that differently than what you think you heard." —Nelson FarrisIn this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Nelson Farris, the Chief Storyteller at Nike, shares his 50 years of experience and insights on effective storytelli
The Silver Bullet: Boiling Your Core Idea Down to One Sentence with Neil Gordon
"Persuasion is ultimately about convincing others that change is possible." —Neil GordonWant to captivate your audience with compelling storytelling and persuasive communication? You're about to discover a game-changing solution that will elevate your ability to engage and persuade. Are you ready to transform your communication game and leave a lasting impact? Let's dive in and unlock the power of
Rewriting the Stories from Our Past to Liberate Our Future with Jay Aedo
"If you can't sell your story to somebody else, you're not buying it yourself. You're trying to create stories that are valuable, and if they're not valuable to anybody else, they're not really that valuable." —Jay AedoHave you found yourself questioning the impact of historical stories on your beliefs and spiritual growth, but unsure of where to start? If you're feeling hesitant to challenge
How I Increased My Speaking Fee 400% by Creating a Win-Win-Win Story
"Negotiating is easy when everybody wins. So if you can create a win-win-win story in the minds of your clients or your potential clients, it is going to help you convert sales every time."Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a negotiation, trying to get the best deal for your sales but ending up feeling frustrated? You may have been told to stick to your price, but deep down, you know it's not w
How an Entertainment Experience is Bridging Divides and Connecting Strangers with Riaz Patel
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