storyOS (STORY)

Zimbabwe has about 13 million people in it, and twelve psychiatrists. Yes, twelve. That’s a problem for Dixon Chibanda, who cares deeply about mental health. He can’t really expect each psychiatrist in his native country to take on a little over a million patients, so he started thinking about what they did have: grandmas. What does this have to do with your work as a storyteller? Everything. Don't miss this incredible episode of the STORY Podcast.

Do you feel like you don't have a story? Or that your story isn't worthy of telling? This week's episode we talk about the one thing that will make or break a story. And you'll be surprised at how liberating it will be to hear what it is. This will help you tell your story, no matter how big or small it may seem to you.

To gain access to more resources like this one, go to STORYcraft.co. To learn more about STORY, visit STORYGatherings.com.

MacKenzie Huynh is a Creative Lead at Pinterest where she found a space where her storytelling abilities and creativity collided. She's been working on a campaign this year about stepping into a "What if" moment, to push people to embrace that thing that they want to do. 

MacKenzie's "What if" moment happened on the STORY 2017 stage where she shared the fact that giving a talk was her one thing that she was scared to do. She ended up being one of our highest rated speakers. During this conversation you'll learn how to step into these moments and how shifting your perspective can change everything about your work and your life.

To learn more about STORY visit www.storygatherings.com.

Writer and Director, Seth Worley, got his start filming video effect tutorials. Now, you can find him working on projects for JJ Abrams and starting his own company called Plot Devices. But how did he get there? We talk about that and so much more, this week on the STORY Podcast.

To learn more about STORY, visit www.STORYgatherings.com 

What happens if your story doesn't get heard? What if your message doesn't resonate, and falls flat or you don't get the sale?    In this episode, jump into the storytelling type we call, "The Amplifier." We do so by dipping into the STORY archives and listening in on some wisdom from a talk from Ben Stewart, co-founder of Louder Agency. You'll be reminded of story's greatest power, and how to amplify your stories so they connect with others, change hearts and minds and help you achieve your storytelling goals.

Dr. Seuss may be the most successful and creative children's author of all time, so there's a lot that we can learn from him. This particular story is applicable to any project that you may be working on, big or small.

For more creative tips and resources, visit www.STORYCraft.co. To learn more about STORY, visit www.STORYGatherings.com.   

In this episode, Harris III and executive coach Shane McKenzie dive deeper into the critical role of communication in leadership. 70% of conversations are characterized by misunderstanding and misconception; Shane talks about practical strategies for providing clear expectations and direction. You'll also learn:

• The five most important questions every team member is silently asking
• How to shift from judgment to curiosity in your leadership approach
• The importance of tapping into individual motivation when setting expectations
• How to use curiosity to elevate your team's thinking and problem-solving skills

Whether you're an experienced leader or a new manager, this episode offers practical tools to enhance your communication skills and leadership effectiveness. Shane's insights on curiosity-driven leadership can help you create a more motivated, innovative, and productive work environment. By applying these principles, you'll be better equipped to navigate the complex landscape of team dynamics and drive meaningful results in your organization.

As we continue to unpack the Investigator Storytelling Type, we pull from our latest STORY Round Table conversation with David Paull and Kristina Henkai. In this episode, we hear David share the way he approaches his work utilizing a framework he dubs Behavioral Storytelling. What he shares on this episode is so practical and applicable to every storytelling type and has been an important litmus test for everything we do at STORY. This episode is for more than just the Investigators, and for this reason we always encourage you to listen in on each of the types because it’s a great way to figure out where the holes or gaps exist in what you’re doing.

Curious of what STORY 2018 will be like this year? Tune in to get a special preview from the STORY Team about the theme, the speakers and the format of this year's event. 

Learn more and secure your ticket for this year's event at story2018.com

During part 2 of this conversation with Seth Worley, we talk about some of the exercises and tools that Seth uses to grow as a storyteller. 

To learn more about Seth and his work, visit https://plotdevices.co/. To learn more about STORY, visit www.storygatherings.com.

In this powerful second part of our series with Michelle Hord, you'll dive deeper into her extraordinary journey of resilience and leadership. Listen as Michelle shares intimate details about overcoming personal tragedy and transforming her pain into purpose. This conversation brings insight on:

• The meaning behind "The Other Side of Yet" and choosing hope over fear
• How storytelling and journaling can be powerful tools for healing and growth
• Bridging the gap between creative and corporate worlds in professional settings
• Strategies for finding common ground and fostering collaboration in diverse teams
• Practical advice for navigating creative challenges and budget constraints
• The importance of resilience and adaptability in leadership

This episode offers a unique blend of personal story and professional wisdom, providing inspiration and practical takeaways for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills, overcome adversity, or bridge divides in their workplace.

Links:

1. Gabrielle's Wings
2. Michelle Hord
3. Story Salons

David Hutchens is a writer and storytelling consultant who works with leaders and companies to help them tell their story. He claims that if you're the leader, you are the narrator and he's on a mission to help companies transform their systems by helping them write their stories. 

To learn more about David, visit http://www.davidhutchens.com/. To gain access to more resources and to learn more about STORY, visit www.storygatherings.com.

These simple steps could help you get unstuck when working on a new idea. Listen to this quick 5 minute conversation to learn how to break through your next creative block.

To gain access to more resources and creative tips, visit www.STORYCraft.co. To learn more about STORY, visit www.STORY2018.com

I think all of us can feel tempted towards cynicism these days. However we need to remember that change is possible, and we need to help inspire others to believe it too. That’s how Dr. Chené Swart sees it. She’s a narrative coach and consultant who helps people, organizations and communities with a technique called “narrative therapy,” teaching them to understand their own stories better.

When we talk about stuff like the “messy middle,” or “the tension between the no longer and the not yet,” it can be hard to think of real experts. It’s easy to find people who will share their success stories. It’s also pretty easy to find someone who wants to talk about their dreams. But what about the middle — the part between the vision and the reality?   That’s a little harder, and that’s why we’re so glad to have Jon Acuff joining us on this episode of the Story Podcast.   Jon not only loves that space, but has spent his life helping others learn how to navigate it. He’s a highly successful speaker and communicator, and a New York Times bestselling author.    Listen to Jon share his thoughts about living in tension and how it has been a source of success. If that tension can help Jon create work at the level that he has, imagine what it could do for you.  

John Bucher on Liminal Space

As artists and storytellers, it seems like we give fear a lot of power in our narrative. But what if we could shift the way that we view fear and the effect that it has on us and our creative work? 

Jason Michaels is a speaker and illusionist who has had to face a lot of fears in his career. During this week's episode we talk about how he overcame them and how you can too. 

To gain access to more resources, visit STORYCraft.co. To learn more about STORY, visit STORY2018.com.

How is your work impacting others? Here’s the simple answer: you don’t really know for sure. We might have metrics — profit margins, Google analytics, retweets — but that’s reach, not impact. How is what you do really connecting to other people, changing them and affecting them on a heart level? Part of the reality of living in the liminal space of creativity means learning that while we’re all connected, most of those connections are invisible.

That’s something Benjamin Von Wong understands really well. Von Wong’s work lies at the intersection of fantasy and photography and combines everyday objects with shocking statistics. It has attracted the attention of corporations like Starbucks, Dell, and Nike and has generated over 100 million views for causes like ocean plastics, electronic waste, and fashion pollution. Most recently, he was named one of Adweek’s 11 content branded masterminds.

Don’t miss this episode of the STORY podcast where we sat down to talk to Benjamin about connection, isolation, and the thin lines between the two, and so much more.

The tension. The mystery. The unknown. It’s something that comes up often, especially in this trying season of a global pandemic. Thankfully, that mystery and tension is one Meera Lee Patel’s specialities, and she’s our guest on this week’s episode.

Meera is a self-taught writer, artist and best-selling author of books like My Friend Fear: Finding Magic in the Unknown; Made Out of Stars: A Journal for Self-Realization, and Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration.

She has worked with companies like Anthropologie, Amnesty International, Spirituality & Health Magazine, Target, Vogue India, Wix and more to help tell stories through campaigns that help us better understand who we are.

Listen in as she helps us understand the space we find ourselves in better than most — and how to find your way.

Do you ever find yourself waiting for inspiration to strike? Or waiting for the big idea to just come to you? This week we talk about how you have to meet your creative work in the middle and how to do just that.

To access more creative resources and learn more about STORY, visit storycraft.co

Join Harris and two members from the Istoria team, Angie Kline and Ben Stewart, as they continue to unpack the reasons behind storytelling's buzzword status and its enduring application in our digital age. In this engaging discussion, you'll explore:

• The unexpected ways storytelling manifests in our daily lives, from personal relationships to parenting
• How narrative techniques can transform complex business concepts into accessible ideas
• The evolution of emotional intelligence across generations and its impact on storytelling
• The paradox of increased connectivity and rising loneliness in the digital era
• Practical strategies for leveraging storytelling to foster genuine human connections

This episode challenges conventional thinking about storytelling, revealing its broad applicability beyond marketing and business. Whether you're a seasoned storyteller or new to the concept, you'll gain fresh perspectives on how narrative shapes our world and influences our interactions. Discover why storytelling isn't just a trend, but a fundamental aspect of human experience that's more crucial than ever in our technology-driven society.

CJ Casciotta on Embracing Your Unique "You"

It’s one thing to know that stories have power. It’s another to learn how to invite the power of story into your spaces. And sometimes, the most important thing you do is nothing at all besides invite others to the table. That’s a lesson David Hutchens knows well.

He’s worked with companies like Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart, GE, and so many others, helping them learn about things like strategy and leadership, as well as ethics and corporate responsibility. But what does that have to do with the work you’re doing, regardless of the spaces you’re doing it in? It turns out, everything, because all of David’s work is rooted in his deep understanding of narrative. In this episode, David generously passes some of that understanding along to us.

Countless myths, books, movies, and even leadership principles have been built using the hero's journey model. But what if today's complex problems demand a new approach? Listen in as John Bucher introduces the concept of the collective hero's journey, offering a fresh perspective on leadership and storytelling for our interconnected world.

You'll learn:

• Why the traditional individual hero's journey model may be limiting in today's world
• How to shift your mindset from solo heroism to collective leadership
• Ways to identify your unique role within a larger team or movement
• Strategies for navigating group dynamics and avoiding blame in collective efforts
• How to balance personal growth with collective achievement

John Bucher is a renowned mythologist and story expert who has been featured on the BBC, the History Channel, the LA Times, and on numerous other international outlets. He serves as Executive Director for the Joseph Campbell Foundation and is a writer, podcaster, storyteller, and speaker. Holding a PhD in Mythology & Depth Psychology, he integrates scholarly insights with practical storytelling techniques, exploring the profound connections between myth, culture, and personal identity.
 
Whether you're a leader, creative professional, or someone passionate about making a difference, this episode will equip you with a fresh perspective on leadership and storytelling. By embracing the collective hero's journey, you'll be better prepared to tackle the complex challenges of our time and inspire others to join you in creating meaningful change.

Resources and links:

• Telling a Better Story Website
• Story Salons

We don’t like to talk about disappointment in the creative field is. Creativity is a risk and risks, by their very nature, have a pretty high rate of failure. Those stories don’t get told very much, for obvious reasons. But by not telling those stories, we reinforce this idea that unless you’re hitting success after success, you’re a total failure and should give up.

Take a listen to Cress Williams from the 2020 STORY Stage. Cress is an actor, known for his roles on Black Lightning, Hart of Dixie, and Prison Break.

You may have heard the story about how the Chinese word for “crisis” can be represented as “opportunity.” As it turns out, that’s not quite accurate. The word is more like “a crucial point” — the moment right before a big change.

There’s still a lesson there for us, but it’s a pretty nuanced one, and that’s something John Bucher understands well. John is the Creative Director for the Joseph Campbell Foundation in Hollywood, who understand the ideas of story and myth about as well as anyone.

Take a listen to John’s talk from the STORY 2020 stage as he explores the concept of embracing these crucial points in the midst of dark moments.

Need an easy framework while writing your next story? Listen to this week's episode as we talk about the 5 key elements that are needed to tell a great story. 

For more resources and creative tips, visit www.STORYCraft.co. For more information about STORY, visit www.STORYGatherings.com. 

Michael Margolis on Technology and Storytelling

Do you sometimes wonder if you have a story? Or maybe you know that you have one, but you're not sure how to tell it in a compelling way. This framework could help shape you tell your story in a way that will help with your leadership, your community and inspire those around you.

To gain access to more resources visit STORYCraft.co. To learn more about STORY, visit STORYGatherings.com.

We continue to explore the Revolutionary Storytelling Type. Revolutionaries are a powerful group of individuals that are on the cusp of almost all change and are constantly rewriting and shifting narratives through their work. The work that Revolutionaries do is the reason that many of us tell stories. We desire change. Disruption. Something better. 

 

In this episode, we pick up for part 2 of our Round Table discussion with John Bucher and Jason Jaggard. One thing John said on this Round Table that is worth highlighting is, “I refuse to live in a world where this does NOT exist, and I will move heaven and earth until it exists.” It is that passion that makes the Revolutionary so powerful. Listen in to hear more about what he can’t live in a world without. 

In this thought-provoking episode, you'll hear from executive coach Shane McKenzie as he challenges common perceptions about leadership and accountability. Shane presents a fresh perspective on handling team dynamics, particularly when people fail to meet expectations. Shane helps us reframe accountability as a conversation rather than a punishment, and provides practical steps for having effective accountability conversations. You'll also learn:

• Why people are not the problem, but the solution
• The importance of leaders modeling accountability themselves
• Insights into the current leadership crisis and how to address it
• Ways to maintain healthy relationships while being candid about performance issues

Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring one, this episode offers valuable insights on fostering a culture of accountability and growth within your team or organization. Shane's approach encourages curiosity, empathy, and proactive leadership, providing you with tools to navigate challenging situations and drive better outcomes.

What if we could keep creating and never give up? That kind of hope feels a little bit harder to hold on during times like these, doesn't it? Morgan Harper Nichols is a poet, a music artist and a visual artist, and in this talk delivered live at STORY, she shared about how she’s found joy in the everyday, despite the heaviness so often felt in the world around her, and how that joy permits her to keep creating. Want to learn to do the same? Listen in on this first episode of Season 5 of the STORY Podcast.

Try this the next time that you feel like you're hitting a creative block. It might help you get unstuck.

For more creative tips and resources, visit STORYCraft.co. To learn more about STORY, visit www.STORY2018.com.

JJ Heller on Using Melody to Enhance a Good Narrative

CJ Casciotta is an author, speaker, and brand consultant who has worked with companies like Whole Foods and Lululemon to help them find their unique identity. During this conversation we talk about the importance for finding and embracing your weird, especially in the digital age. 

To learn more about CJ and order his new book, visit cjcas.com/.

To learn more about STORY, visit STORY2018.com

In this episode, we take one more trip to Neverland via a virtual STORY Town Hall to debrief the STORY 2022 conference and allow our STORY community to ask all their post-STORY 2022 questions. Think of this as an expanded version of the Behind-the-Scenes Breakout Experience at the event. We put a massive amount of focus and energy on creating an intentional experience every year at STORY from the ground up, and in this episode, we talk about how STORY is not just a theme slapped on posters and websites. We share about our process and how we think long and hard about how we want everything to flow, feel, and communicate, taking you on a journey that hopefully leaves you feeling inspired and able to ask bigger questions about what’s possible. And if that means putting a mermaid in the fountain in downtown Nashville, that means we get that mermaid. Listen in!

Each week, the STORY team is going to bring you a creative tip that will impact your work and life in five minutes or less. No matter what vein of work you are in or what kind of medium you use to tell your story, these five minutes will help you to create your best, most creative work.

This week will talk about how to ask the right questions and why this is the first step to discovering the right answers.

For more creative tips and resources, visit www.storycraft.co.

Some stories are a way of making sense of the world. Life can seem confusing or random, so we fit all the details into a story to help us figure out what’s going on. That’s useful, as long as we’re telling beautiful, compassionate, loving stories. But sometimes, lazy stories get told that write off other people’s experiences with prejudice or stereotypes. That’s something Krish Kandiah is out to change.   He is the Founder and Director of the adoption and fostering charity Home for Good, and he wants to make sure that the kids in the adoption and foster care systems aren’t abandoned to bad stories. There’s so much we all can learn from his work as storytellers, and he has some incredible stories of his own. Listen in on this week's episode of the Story Podcast.

Maggie Gaudaen in a Senior Creative Director at the award-winning digital agency, ISL. We had a chance to have a conversation with her about the difference between art and creativity and telling stories in the commercial space, all in front of a live audience in DC.

For more creative resources, visit www.STORYCraft.co. To learn more about STORY, visit www.STORY2018.com.  

Where do you start when it comes to creating something? Do you start with a need? Is it your job? Or do you create something simply because it’s something that you want to see in the world? We tackle those questions and so much more, this week on the STORY Podcast with filmmaker and storyteller, Jason Russell.

To learn more about Jason, head over to alittleradical.com/. To learn more about STORY, visit www.STORYGatherings.com. 

One of those tropes you hear a lot about out there is how much children have to teach us, but if you think about it, we don’t really live that way. We call people who are acting inappropriate “childish.” But there’s a big difference between what is child-ish and child-like. What would it look like to live a life that is child-like, while growing up in ways that leave what is child-ish behind? Maybe kids really do have something to teach us? That’s the life Brad Montague is living.

 

He’s the guy behind the Kid President web series who also writes for Joanna Gaines’ The Magnolia Journal and all sorts of other amazing projects. He’s written multiple books, including his new book, The Circles All Around Us, which is hitting shelves later this month! Brad has spent his life trying to figure out what kids get right and it’s made a huge difference. He thinks what he’s learned can make a difference in your own life too. If you won’t listen to the kids, maybe you’ll listen to the guy who listens to kids. Listen in on some of Brad’s talk from STORY 2020 here on this episode of the STORY podcast.

In this special episode, we look ahead to STORY 2020 with our director and curator, Harris III as he unpacks the intentional design of this year’s virtual experience. Whether you’re attending STORY 2020 or not, this episode is rich with insights into the planning and creative process behind producing the event, making it relevant to anyone who wants to creates great experiences for others.

If you already have a ticket, listen to this short episode to learn more about what to expect between now and STORY, and how to fully prepare for our time together as a community.

Last week, we were listening in on the Round Table conversation that I had with David Paull and Kristina Henkai about the Investigator. David talked about behavioral storytelling, breaking it down into the practical RESPCT framework. On this episode, we pick back up with the second half of the conversation and dive into the necessary practice of continually asking yourself  “but why” within your business. 

In my own business practices, this question is something we’re constantly asking and digging deeper on so that as we push out content, write copy, create events, or help clients, we’re operating from a deep understanding of what’s needed and why it matters. 

Listen in on how you can implement this right away to see results and gain clarity and traction in your own business.

In this inspiring episode, you'll get a unique glimpse into the world of creative leadership through the eyes of siblings Samantha and Aaron Edwards, co-founders of the Charles Group. You'll learn:

• The challenges and benefits of combining family dynamics with professional leadership
• Strategies for bridging the gap between creative and business mindsets
• How to create space for creativity in leadership and vice versa
• The importance of transparency and caring leadership in building a strong team culture
• Insights on their innovative "Family First" initiative and its impact on their company

This episode offers valuable lessons on fostering collaboration, communication, and mutual respect in creative enterprises, whether you're a creative professional, a business leader, or an entrepreneur wearing both hats. Discover how the Edwards siblings have turned potential conflicts into strengths, creating a thriving agency that values both creativity and effective leadership.

We’re moving into month five of this pandemic. It’s hard to even remember March now, when lockdown felt like kind of a weird novelty. Many of us have gotten used to spending huge chunks of the day stuck with ourselves — and that’s a tough place to be. Or it can be, unless you learn how to utilize it well.

That’s something this week’s guest, Thaniya Keereepart, can help you learn to do. Thaniya is a seasoned product executive with over 17 years experience in the media technology space. She’s built three teams from the ground up and helped grow recognizable media brands from start-up mode to structured, scalable companies. Her work has been recognized by numerous awards, including Emmy, Peabody, Adobe MAX, Debby, and the prestigious National Design Award.

Thaniya’s connection to storytelling is through an understanding of human-computer interaction, design, and behavioral economics. Her transformative work has shaped the future through tenures at Major League Baseball, TED, and as Head of Product and Creator Experience at Patreon. If you’re wondering what to do with some newfound alone time, she’s got some really great advice. Don’t miss this episode.

Have you ever held on to an idea so tightly that you didn't leave room for improvements or perhaps an even better idea? This week we talk about why you must be willing to fall out of love with an idea in order to come up with something better.

To gain access to more creative resources, visit STORYcraft.co.

Sometimes the smallest actions can really boost your work ethic and level of creativity. This week's tip is an easy action that few of us actually participate in, but could change the trajectory of our work. 

To gain access to more creative tips and resources, visit www.STORYCraft.co. To learn more about STORY, visit www.STORYGatherings.com.  

In this episode, join Harris III and Istoria team members Ben Stewart and Angie Kline as they dive deep into the world of storytelling in business, and how the team applies it to the work they do on a daily basis. The team talks about why storytelling has become a buzzword and whether it's still relevant, as well as the difference between superficial storytelling and authentic brand narratives. You'll hear:

• How Disney uses storytelling to create magical experiences for guests
• Why every interaction, from marketing emails to customer service, tells a story
• How nonprofits can use storytelling effectively without exploiting their causes
• The importance of connecting through stories before focusing on conversions

If you're a marketing professional, business owner, or simply curious about the power of storytelling, this episode offers valuable insights into how stories shape our perceptions, influence behavior, and build lasting connections. Discover why storytelling isn't just a trend, but an essential skill for anyone looking to make an impact in today's business world.

As we dive into part 2 of our Round Table conversation with Kevin Carroll and Louis Richardson around the connector, if you haven’t listened to part 1 yet, go back and listen to episode 13 so that you have context around the continuation of this incredibly deep and rich conversation around what it means to be a Connector. On this episode, Kevin and Louis both share great insights into their purpose and focus as Connectors and the power of seeking connection not titles. It is these simple vantage points that can really help give you a picture of what it means at the heart of Connection.

On this episode, we feature two incredible conversations — the first from the STORY stage with Chris Wall and Andrew Peterson of the Wingfeather Saga series, and the second is a post-STORY sit-down with Angel Studios. These two have created not just an incredible series for families, but they went about it in a unique way that can be an inspiration to get you to start thinking about and implementing the way you approach the work you do in brand new ways. Listen in!

 

Learn more about The Wingfeather Saga’s upcoming release at WingfeatherSaga.com. If you’re curious to learn more about the innovative stuff that Angel Studios is up to, check them out at and Angel.com.

In case you missed the news, we’ve been listening to the heartbeat of culture all around us, having deep conversations with leaders within our community, and staying curious about the future. For all these reasons, we’ve decided as a team to move away from large events filled with hundreds or thousands of people, for at least a season, to enable us to focus on other new and exciting ways of serving storytellers and the work you do. Listen to this announcement to learn more about the future of STORY.

We often talk about what you should do while creating and telling a story, but this week we talk about what NOT to do. 

For more creative tips and resources visit www.STORYCraft.co. To learn more about STORY, visit www.STORYgatherings.com.

Danae is a Managing Principle at one of our favorite companies, Visioneering Studios. They work with clients to help their offices and stores tell their stories. Danae believes that design principals, from all disciplines, should create solutions that address our most pressing cultural and social issues. We talk about management, the creative process and so much more during this incredible conversation.

We loved learning from her during this episode and we can't wait to learn from her on the #STORY2018 stage! Learn more at www.STORY2018.com.

During an interview with writer and spoken word poet, Micah Bournes, we talked about the creative process and being vulnerable with your work. But he also had something very important to say about the dreaded writer's block. Listen to this week's episode to learn how to overcome it.

For more resources and to listen to the full interview with Micah, visit www.STORYCraft.co. To learn more about STORY, visit www.STORYgatherings.com.    

In this episode, we pulled a clip from our recent Artisan STORY Round Table conversation with none other than our friend, Morgan Harper Nichols. Morgan is a well known artist, poet, and musician and you’ve probably seen her work pinned somewhere on Pinterest, re-posted all over Instagram, or maybe in Target, Anthropologie, Crate and Barrel. This episode is powerful because Morgan shares how she world through her art and reminds us how “trends will comakes sense of her me and go, but people will always be human.” We can chase the latest and greatest fads in our industries, but the stories that we tell are meant to hit deeper than that, because the aptly called, “human condition” doesn’t change. This episode just might be the gut-check you need for yourself.

Abigail Fuller talks to us about how she uses food to tell a story.

Wonder is pertinent to your creative work. If you aren't wired for curiosity and imagination, creating something new will always be difficult. This is why this week's tip is so important, but it's also very simple. Listen in to see how this one act could reawaken wonder in you.

To gain access to more resources visit STORYCraft.co. To learn more about STORY and our 2018 conference, visit STORY2018.com.

We are moving on to the next Storyteller Type in our 5 part series, and this one is the Artisan. Many in the STORY community will identify as Artisans because they are deeply passionate about their art and the story it tells those who view or interact with it. From paint on canvas, to carefully crafted lines in poetry, to movement of bodies through dance, to notes that seem to float off of sheet music, Artisans use a variety of mediums to intertwine their heart and message. 

This is exactly why we wanted to kick off the Artisan series with Academy Award Winning costume designer, Ruth Carter. She has dreamt up the way her costumes and designs guide and deepen the stories of those that wear them. Her work has been featured in movies such as Selma, Malcolm X, and Black Panther to name a few, and she is not only brilliant, but deeply connected to the way that costumes tell stories of their own. Don’t miss this conversation, and all the wisdom shared that you can apply to the stories you tell, regardless of the way you create.

Matthew Luhn is a 20 year Pixar veteran, who worked on some of their biggest films including Up, Finding Nemo, Toy Story, Monster’s Inc, Cars and so many others. He began as an animator, but most of his career at Pixar was in the key role of Story Supervisor. He now spends his time as a branding consultant, a creative writing instructor and a workshop leader.

During this conversation you'll learn about Matthew's journey to Pixar, how to bounce back from failure and how to create space for your best creative work.

Learn more about STORY at www.storygatherings.com. Learn more about our members-only platform STORY Craft at STORYCraft.co.

This week's #STORYCraft tip might help your team come up with the best idea you've ever had. 

Listen to this week's creative tip and learn how this one thing can change how you brainstorm.

When's the last time that you hit pause on Netflix and drove to the movie theater? During this week's STORY Craft episode we talk about how going to the theater can boost your creativity. 

To gain access to more creative tips and other resources visit www.storycraft.co. To learn more about STORY visit www.STORY2018.com.

Are you thinking big enough when it comes to your power? At the heart of being an Amplifier and storyteller, is a desire to chase and hope for impact. Something that moves the needle and creates solutions for the future. As we wrap up the Amplifier portion of this storytelling series, listen as Ben Von Wong explains how he uses a focus on solutions to create change vs. a sole focus on the problem that will make you want to get up and DO for all the right reasons.

In this illuminating conversation with Sarah Selecky, dive into the transformative power of embracing both childlike wonder and conscious influence in your creative work. Through a heartwarming story about a two-year-old's visit to her home, Sarah reveals how returning to a state of pure curiosity can revolutionize your creative process. In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to recapture the genuine curiosity and wonder of childhood in your creative work
• The power of keeping an "influence journal" and why tracking your influences matters
• Why acknowledging inspiration from others strengthens rather than diminishes your work
• Practical ways to integrate both childlike wonder and conscious influence into your creative practice

Tune in to learn why the harmonization of elements can be as powerful as conflict resolution in storytelling. You'll discover why acknowledging your influences strengthens rather than weakens your work, and learn about a fascinating alternative to Western storytelling structure that could transform how you approach narrative creation.

LINKS:

• Sarah Selecky
• Preorder Story is a State of Mind

We’re so used to living in stories that sometimes we don’t even recognize them. It’s like how fish don’t know they’re wet. It takes a really keen mind to not just know a good story when it sees one, but put it together in a way others can understand and find themselves in. Documentary filmmakers are especially great at this, where others might just use rolls and rolls of b-roll, they see a narrative that just needs a little bit of structure.

This week on the STORY Podcast, we learn from a storyteller who is excellent at this very subject, Yogi Roth. Yogi seeks to uncover the humanity in sports around the globe. He’s a Pac-12 Networks college football analyst, filmmaker, scholar, New York Times bestselling author, coach, speaker and world traveler. He’s the kind of guy who can watch a football game and see not just a series of plays, but a real plot. And his take on the intersection of artistry and athletics is so insightful. Don’t miss this illuminating conversation between Yogi and Harris.

During this week's #STORYCraft episode, we'll talk about the one act that you have to make time for in your creative process. No matter what canvas you are creating with, this step will help make you're project better.

Learn more about the producers of STORY at www.storygatherings.com. To gain access to more resources and creative content, visit www.STORYcraft.co 

As we close out this season of the STORY Podcast, we are also closing out this chapter of STORY Conference. Over the last seven years, this conference has touched thousands of lives and changed the landscape of storytelling. On this episode, we sit down with members of the STORY team to discuss favorite memories from STORY Conferences past. Listen in and come trip down memory lane with us!

If you have a favorite STORY memory, we’d love to hear it! Send us a note at harris@storygaterings.com

One cause of writer’s block isn’t that we run out of ideas, it’s a fear that the ideas we do have are bad ones. We don’t want to keep writing, keep painting, keep creating — whatever it is — because we’ve got a feeling that the next steps just aren’t very good and we’d rather not create at all than create something that sucks. 

Seth Worley knows that fear. He’s a writer and director who’s done videos for Bad Robot Sandwich Video and Red Giant, where he’s the senior content creator. He’s also helped create some really great tools for writers like the Storyclock Workbook. He says that the key to getting around making bad art is just to go ahead and make bad art and explains why the secret to making good art is making bad art. Take a listen.

Increasing your narrative intelligence gives you the power to reshape your personal story, improve your relationships, and become a more effective leader and communicator. In this final episode of our four-part series with Michael McRay, we're digging into practical ways you can apply narrative intelligence in your daily life.

Throughout the conversation, we'll explore practical exercises to enhance your narrative intelligence, how you can use story structures as tools for self-awareness, and the connection between vulnerability, authenticity, and effective storytelling. We'll also share how to identify and reframe limiting personal narratives, along with resources and tools to continue developing your narrative intelligence.

By applying these insights, you'll be better equipped to navigate challenges, inspire others, and create meaningful change in your life and work. Whether you're a leader looking to motivate your team, a creative professional aiming to produce more impactful work, or someone seeking personal growth, this episode offers concrete strategies to help you harness the transformative power of story in all aspects of your life.

Links and Resources:

1. Becoming Restoried
2. Leadership Story Deck
3. The Storytelling Leader Online
4. John Bucher Books
5. Wisdom of Wow
6. Story Salons

In this final interview, Shane McKenzie dives deep into the often misunderstood concept of accountability in leadership. Both seasoned leaders or those simply interested in personal development will benefit from this episode. Listen as Harris III and Shane bring fresh perspective on leadership that can transform your approach to work and life. You'll learn:

• How accountability isn't about punishing mistakes, but a powerful tool for personal and organizational growth
• The importance of setting and modeling standards as a leader
• The crucial difference between being accountable to others versus being accountable for them
• Practical strategies for creating a culture of respect and influence, rather than manipulation

Join Harris III and Shane McKenzie as they close out this conversation, and share honest reflections on common leadership struggles and offer valuable insights to overcome them.

LINKS:

1. Leadership Cohort with Shane McKenzie
2. Istoria Collective

In this episode, we officially kick off our next type, the Investigator. Investigators are an integral part of the storytelling process because they provide the data, research, and facts that help give stories the depth and roots necessary for momentum to be achieved. Though they are anchored in analytics and statistics, which is how they find the truths to their work, they are also logical, innovative, adaptable, calculated, and always in pursuit of truth. One such Investigator that I have learned so much from over the years is David Paull. Combining storytelling and behavioral science, David is the co-founder and CEO of Lillian Labs, a messaging and research consultancy that helps craft, test, and refine stories and content. A few years back, I sat down with David to break down just what his job entails, and why it matters in the context of storytelling, and let me just say, it was such a brilliant and thoughtful way of understanding not just stories as we know them, but why they have the impact they have on a waiting world.

Ken Black is the former VP of Design Future at Nike and a creative powerhouse in the world of sports and design. In this inspiring episode, Ken shares his wealth of experience and insights on leadership, creativity, and standing out in a crowded field. You'll learn the importance of having a clear vision, not getting bogged down in the "how" too early, and why authenticity is crucial in leadership. 

Additionally, Ken will challenge you on:

• How to lead from the center of who you are
• The value of "building in public" and articulating your vision to attract help and support
• How to balance organizational goals with your unique leadership style
• Lessons from the Chicago Bulls on teamwork and individual authenticity
• The concept of "don't bring sand to the beach" and how to be distinctive in your field

Whether you're a leader in a large organization, an entrepreneur, or a creative professional, this episode offers valuable perspectives on making your mark and leading with authenticity.

LINKS:

1. Story Salons
2. Istoria Collective

In this inspiring episode, we hear from Michelle Hord, a former NBC Universal executive and bestselling author, as she shares her powerful insights on creativity, leadership, and resilience. Listen as Michelle recounts her journey from television producer to corporate leader, and learn how she discovered the importance of bridging the gap between creative and corporate worlds. You'll gain valuable perspective on:

• The power of storytelling in all aspects of business
• How to foster a growth mindset and encourage creativity in leadership
• The connection between creativity and resilience in facing life's challenges
• The importance of embracing possibility and vulnerability in leadership

Michelle also touches on her personal story of tragedy and resilience, offering a glimpse into how she used creativity to rebuild her life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills, foster resilience, and embrace creativity in their personal and professional lives.

Links:

1. Story Salons
2. Michelle Hord

Kevin Carroll on Building a Community

David Paull on Storytelling and Behavorial Science

What is the Creative Revolution? It's the time that we are living in right now. If you've ever struggled with identifying as a "creative" this conversation is for you. If you're proud of of being a "creative", this conversation is for you. 

Todd is the author of 4 books all about living the creative life. He’s a speaker, a consultant, and he also hosts the podcasts “The Accidental Creative” and “Herding Tigers” where he delivers weekly tips and ideas for staying prolific, brilliant and healthy.

Todd can also add STORY 2018 speaker to his resume. We're so excited to learn from him this Fall. If you don't have you ticket yet, head on over to www.STORY2018.com to snag your seat now! 

What is “genius?” Is it something you’re just born with, like freckles or perfect pitch? Or is it something that can be cultivated, like growing a garden or redoing your kitchen?

That’s a question that Gillian Ferrabee is interested in. You might have seen Gillian performing on stage, TV or the movies. At the very least, you’re probably familiar with her work as a 12 year veteran at Cirque du Soleil. Now, as the founder of the consulting organization, Kite Parade, Gillian helps people activate and achieve their highest potential for genius.

Find out how in this insightful episode of the STORY Podcast.

To kick off 2018, we gathered some of the most successful and creative people that we know to talk about how they set their year up for success. It was two hours jam packed with incredibly useful information. 

You can hear some of the insightful conversation during this first episode of Season 02 of the STORY Podcast. If you want to watch full replay of the interactive live stream with Jason Jaggard, Gillian Ferrabee, Jon Acuff, Brad Montague, Nikkolas Smith and Jim Krueger CLICK HERE.

You will need to sign up for a free membership on our brand new site, STORY Craft. When you create an account, you will gain access to other talks from our annual conference. We hope that you'll join us!

Amena Brown is an author, speaker and spoken word poet who strings words into beautiful phrases while speaking truth. During this conversation she talks about embracing vulnerability in her work, dealing with criticism and how storytellers can shift cultures through creativity.

She gave a powerful talk at STORY 2017 that was a blend of spoken word and soul-filled creative genius. It was one of our top rated presentations and you can view it now on STORYCraft.co if you become a premium member.

Let’s be honest...getting a new perspective is harder than it sounds. It’s not just shaking your head and trying harder. It’s not just a gut check. It’s a real mental move — a shift in your whole way of being. It’s about being aware of your awareness, and taking control of it, and that’s a huge part of navigating the kind of spaces we’re finding ourselves these days in a healthy way.

In this episode of the STORY Podcast, Apollo Robbins speaks to these very ideas. He’s an American sleight-of-hand artist, security consultant, self-described gentleman thief, and deception specialist.

Forbes has called him “an artful manipulator of awareness.” Obviously there are lots of ways a guy like Apollo can use his talents — and he does. But he can also teach us how to do what he does — take control of our own awareness. Don’t miss this insightful episode.

Are you aware of the narratives that shape your everyday life? Special guest Michael McRay joins Harris III to dive deep into the concept of narrative intelligence and the fundamental role that storytelling plays in the human experience. 

Explore why story is best understood as the operating system (OS) of the human brain, and how the stories we tell ourselves shape our beliefs, drive our behavior, and ultimately influence every aspect of our lives. Learn about the difference between narrative and story, and discover how storytelling has been leveraged in marketing, politics, and religion to influence and connect with people on a profound level.

Learn to increase your narrative intelligence, and you'll gain more agency over your stories, rewrite your limiting beliefs, and become a better leader and communicator in your personal and professional life.

Whether you're a creative looking to tell more impactful stories, a leader seeking to inspire and influence others, or simply someone who wants to better understand the power of narrative in your own life, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to awaken to the power of story and embark on a journey towards greater narrative intelligence.

In a time when information is abundant yet comprehension is scarce, it's more important than ever to understand how our brains work and why. That's why we're so excited to introduce you to the next evolution of the STORY podcast: storyOS.

This season, we'll be diving deeper than ever into narrative intelligence and the framework our brains use to understand stories. You'll learn how to leverage the power of story to craft compelling narratives, build community, and create lasting change.

Practicing this simple exercise can help combat your inner critic before they even speak. Listen to this short episode to learn how.

To gain access to more creative tips and resources, visit STORYCraft.co. To learn more about STORY, visit www.STORYgatherings.com.  

John Bucher and Jason Jaggard are incredible Revolutionaries, a type of storyteller who is drawn to leverage the power of story to positively change the future. They press into the world around them to be everything they were meant to be, whether that’s through publishing, deep critical thinking, guiding others to their max potential through coaching, and so much more. Listen in on part one of a conversation about how revolutionaries begin with the stories they tell themselves, and how you can do the same.

To kick off 2019, we gathered some of the most successful and creative people we know to discuss how they set their year up for success. 

You can hear some of the insightful conversation during this first episode of Season 03 of the STORY Podcast. 

If you're looking for a small way to shake up your work week and get your creative juices flowing - this week's tip is for you.

To gain more access to additional resources and premium content, visit STORYCraft.co. To learn more about STORY, visit STORY2018.com.

What's the difference between your limbic and executive brain? And why is it important to stay in your limbic state while creating? Learn why it's best to create without rules and before looking at your phone in the morning during this week's STORY Craft episode. This could be key for your next project.

To listen to Ally Fallon's conversation and gain access to other resources, go to www.storycraft.co

Welcome to Season 4 of the STORY Podcast

In this candid and insightful episode, you'll hear from executive coach Shane McKenzie as he shares his personal journey and hard-earned wisdom about leadership. You'll learn:

• Why leadership is often misunderstood and how to reframe your perspective on it
• The sacrifices required for effective leadership and why many shy away from them
• How personal narratives and past experiences shape our views on leadership
• The importance of empathy and self-awareness in leadership roles
• How to start changing organizational culture by focusing on your own growth first

Shane offers practical advice for navigating leadership challenges at any level of an organization. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or someone who's skeptical about leadership, this episode offers a refreshingly honest look at what it really means to lead. Shane's personal anecdotes and lessons learned provide valuable insights that can help you become a more effective influencer and change-maker in your sphere of influence.

Tune in to hear an intimate conversation with Sarah Selecky about the transformative power of writing and storytelling as host Harris III sits down with Selecky to explore why some stories feel transactional while others touch our souls. In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to recognize when a story needs to be written versus when you're forcing it
• Why personal development and creative expression are inherently linked
• How to approach writing as a sacred practice rather than just a business tool
• The importance of listening to your unconscious mind in the creative process

You'll also learn about the difference between writing for the market versus writing from inner necessity, discover how stories can actually write us, and understand why the creative process is as much about personal growth as it is about the final product. Whether you're an aspiring writer or simply someone who appreciates the craft of storytelling, this episode offers fresh insights into the magical relationship between creator and creation.

LINKS

1. Sarah Selecky
2. Istoria Collective

If you warm up your body before a workout, why not warm up your mind before a meeting or getting started on your next project? This week's creative tip will help you get your creative juices flowing when you need it the most.

For more resources from STORY, check out www.storycraft.co

As we continue our conversation around the Storytelling type, the Artisan, this episode features our friend, wildly talented Nashville fine artist, Ed Nash, alongside our mutual friend, acclaimed photographer, Allen Clark. You’ll hear Ed as he discusses not only HIS connection to the world around him, but to what he’s creating and the story he hopes it tells, but how it’s interpreted by those that experience it. If you haven’t already taken our Storyteller Type Assessment, please do it, it’s quick, and it will help you follow along on these conversations regardless of which type you are, because learning about different types will help you leverage and understand the skills that they bring to the table like you never expected. 

Jason Jaggard on Redeeming Cliché in Storytelling

As we continue to unpack the Connector Storytelling Type, we would be remiss to not include one of our favorite Connectors…Mr. Brad Montague. If you’ve been around the STORY community for a while, you are very familiar with his genus. Brad is an incredible creator and storyteller who approaches all of his work with a vision for making the world a better place. Whether it’s through his book, Being Better Grown-ups, his wildly successful Kid President video series, or his critically acclaimed children’s book, The Circles All Around Us, Brad’s passion for guiding people together is deep and compelling. We dug back into the archives, and found this talk from STORY 2018 because as timely as this talk about the future was back in 2018, it's still applicable - possibly even more so - in 2022. There are so many unknowns, uncertainties, disconnections, and fears swirling around these days, but  despite the crushing weight of all these uncertainties, there is still hope because we choose to remember it exists. Listen in.

Writer and teacher Sarah Selecky explores the vital role of white space in creativity and life in this illuminating episode. Drawing from her experience as a Gen X creator straddling pre and post-social media worlds, she shares how intentional spaces away from digital noise can transform both our creative process and daily living. Sarah shares her personal experiment of taking a year-long social media hiatus while running an online business, demonstrating how reducing digital noise doesn't necessarily impact business growth. You'll learn:

• How white space isn't just absence of activity - it's where processing, growth, and authentic creation happen
• That most people encounter 4,000-10,000 messages daily, making intentional white space more crucial than ever
• Small changes can create significant shifts in attention and creativity
• Social media and digital platforms are designed to hijack attention through endless scrolling and engagement tactics

This episode offers particular value for writers, creators, and anyone seeking to cultivate more meaningful engagement with their work and life, showing how white space can be the key to unlocking both creativity and personal growth in our hyper-connected world. Join us for a conversation that delves into practical strategies for reclaiming attention and creating space for deeper wisdom to emerge.

LINKS:

• Sarah Selecky
• STORY 2025

How you fill your calendar says a lot about you and your work. How can you use it to value yourself and your creativity. Listen to this week's STORY Craft episode to find out.

To gain access to more resources, visit STORYCraft.co. To purchase tickets to STORY 2018, visit STORY2018.com.

With our thriving community of writers of all types, we wanted to highlight this breakout from STORY 2022 with our friends, David Goetz and Melissa Parks from Journey Sixty6. Journey Sixty6 helps coach and guide their community through things such as manuscript review, writing coaching, and what to do with your manuscript as you edit and get it prepped for publishing or review. Writing can be an isolating experience, and Journey Sixty6 has positioned themselves to be the community for those in that gap between wanting to write and publishing. 

 

Even if you’re thinking, “I’m not writing a book, or even a writer at all”, still listen in because you never know what the future holds as you continue on your creative journey! To learn more about David and Melissa and what they’re doing through Journey Sixty6, check them out at JourneySixty6.com 

What does one of the most successful storytellers do every single day? Find out on this week's STORY Craft Episode and learn a simple way to stimulate your creativity on a daily basis.

To gain access to more resources and connect to the STORY Community, visit STORYCraft.co. Learn more about our workshops and gatherings, click here.

We've all been there. Unhappy with where our project sits, unsure of where the story should go next. Try this fun exercise the next time that you don't know how the story should develop.

To gain access to more resources and creative tips, visit www.STORYCraft.co. To learn more about STORY, visit www.STORYGatherings.com.    

Finding your purpose is a huge deal — for everyone, obviously, but younger generations are especially pursuing purpose-driven work. A Society for Human Resource Management study found that 94 percent of Millennials want to use their skills to benefit a cause. Another survey found that 63 percent of millennials believe the primary purpose of companies should be to make a difference instead of make a profit.

But artist and author Shabazz Larkin has a surprising take on the subject, suggesting that what we’re really looking for isn’t exactly purpose, but something else. Listen in...he might just change your mind on what we talk about when we talk about purpose.

Do you ever question your own abilities as an artist, creator, communicator or storyteller? Especially when you’re exposed to the brilliance of one of your creative peers?

Jinahie is a gifted spoken word poet and activist who has performed for TEDx, Sundance, the US Department of Education, United Nations, the Smithsonian Institute, the Kennedy Center, and even performed in front of Michelle Obama. She’s also shared the stage with everyone from Lupe Fiasco to Smokey Robinson to the Roots, Angela Davis, the list could go on.

While being exposed to Jinahie’s talent and genius may leave you with that feeling of questioning your own abilities, she actually does the opposite.

In this episode of the STORY podcast, she will inspire you to be more confident in your own creative uniqueness. Listen now, and allow her words to encourage you.