Episodes
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"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 captivating audiences.
Drawing parallels to a roller coaster ride, Bennett emphasizes the necessity of changing the positive/negative "charges" of each scene with polarity shifts.
He explores the application of the "but/therefore" model and provides insightful analyses of real-life examples and the movie "Braveheart" to illustrate the ebb and flow of shifting energy in storytelling.
This episode serves as a resource for aspiring storytellers, content creators, and marketers looking for help understanding the rhythm of storytelling. Rain's practical guidance and emphasis on avoiding monotony offer valuable insights for creators seeking to enhance their storytelling skills.
In this episode, you will learn to:
Uncover the FOUR types of polarity shiftsUse Positive & Negative "charges" to increase tension in your storyIdentify the "turning point" of each scene.Discover the Value that is the top priority for your protagonist.Break down your story into little pieces — "micro stories" — that present significants changes to the narrative.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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"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 company, cheese shop, farm, and waste management company, Rain highlights the significance of effectively communicating the brand's unique value proposition in the "Our Story" section of websites and product packaging.
He offers valuable insights into how businesses can leverage storytelling to connect with their audience, communicate essential information, and differentiate themselves in the market.
This episode is a valuable resource for small business owners looking to enhance their branding, packaging, or overall storytelling strategy.
In this episode, you will learn to:
Craft compelling product story sections to captivate your audience and drive sales.Uncover other examples of effective brand storytelling that will inspire and guide your own storytelling efforts.Elevate your marketing materials by leveraging the power of storytelling to create a deeper connection with your customers.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Missing episodes?
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"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 Barnett
In 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 that a significant budget is necessary to produce a short film, emphasizing the value of taking action and creating with the resources at hand.
Barnett also highlights the importance of building relationships in the creative industry, discussing how supportive networks of collaborators are essential for bringing projects to life. His personal experiences, from the success of his film 'The Crossing Over Express' to his upcoming project 'Epilogue,' offer practical guidance and encouragement for aspiring storytellers and creatives.
Barnett's emphasis on authenticity, emotional depth, and relatability in storytelling provides valuable lessons for individuals navigating the creative industry.
If you're looking to gain insights into overcoming creative barriers, taking control of your career, and bringing meaningful stories to life, this episode is a must-listen!
In this episode, you will learn to:
Discover the secrets to creating impactful films on a shoestring budget.Overcome creative blocks in filmmaking and unlock your artistic potential.Build lasting relationships in the film industry and open doors to new opportunities.Understand the profound impact of personal narratives on filmmaking and audience engagement.Uncover effective strategies to promote indie films and reach niche audiences.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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 Burton
Growing up in the 80s, Douglas Burton was immersed in a world of iconic films that ignited his imagination. From Star Wars to Raiders of the Lost Ark, these stories captured his attention and left an indelible mark on his storytelling journey.
However, it wasn't until the late 90s that Douglas stumbled upon the concept of the Hero's Journey, and it was like finding fire. Intrigued by the idea of a single narrative pattern that repeats in some of his favorite stories, he delved into an obsessive study of the Hero's Journey, taking meticulous notes and watching movies with a newfound purpose.
But as he began to write his own historical fiction novel with a female lead, Byzantine Empress Theodora, he faced a daunting realization – the Hero's Journey didn't fit the structure of his story.
This unexpected twist in his writing journey led him to explore alternative narrative frameworks, ultimately shaping his unique perspective on storytelling and the nuances of diverse narratives.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Navigate through the intricate paths of the Heroine's Labyrinth, discovering the unique storytelling elements it offers.Distinguish the distinct nuances between Hero's and Heroine's narratives, unlocking a deeper understanding of character arcs.Explore the powerful impact of archetypes in storytelling, tapping into universal themes that resonate with audiences.Harness the transformative power of storytelling for personal growth, unlocking new perspectives and insights.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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"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 Bennett
In this episode of The Storytelling Lab podcast, Rain Bennett dives into the captivating storytelling techniques of YouTuber and storyteller John Allen, also known as "MrBallen" on YouTube and TikTok.
Rain shares his personal experience attending Mr. Ballen's first-ever live storytelling tour and highlights the importance of pacing in building tension within a narrative. The conversation emphasizes the importance of pacing in building tension within a narrative, emphasizing the impact of vivid descriptions and sensory details in storytelling.
If you're looking to enhance your storytelling abilities and captivate your audience, this episode offers a compelling discussion on the art of storytelling and the techniques employed by successful storytellers, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about crafting compelling narratives.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Skillfully build tension in your storytelling narratives for maximum impact.Discover the secrets to building a captivating storytelling YouTube channel.Master the techniques for effective storytelling that will keep your audience hooked.Engage your audience with live storytelling tours that leave a lasting impact.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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"It was my moment in the universe to make this wrong a right, and I knew I had the skills to do it." - Betsy Hester
Betsy 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 affected her and her husband, a criminal defense attorney, as they were young parents when the story first unfolded. The hysteria and paranoia surrounding the case, along with its connection to the broader phenomenon of satanic sexual abuse cases, sparked a sense of disbelief and intrigue in Betsy.
As the story went silent, her husband's persistent words, "Somebody needs to write this book," resonated with her. It was a chance encounter with a central figure of the scandal, Robin, that ignited the spark to tell the compelling and disturbing narrative of a miscarriage of justice. This chance meeting, combined with Betsy's passion for research and storytelling, set her on a path to weave together a story of resilience, faith, and the relentless pursuit of truth in her book 21 Boxes.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Discover how to craft a compelling narrative that captivates readers.Learn effective strategies for self-publishing your true story and reaching a wider audience.Overcome the challenges of book marketing and learn how to effectively promote to captivated readers.Explore the inspiring journey of exoneration after false accusations and understand the power of resilience in storytelling.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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"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 Guptara
Curious 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, a published novelist known for fantasy thrillers, discovered the power of storytelling in business during a residency in Geneva. While conducting research for a novel in the UN environment, Jyoti observed that even accomplished executives and experts struggled to engage their audience.
It was during casual conversations over dinner or coffee that Jyoti noticed these individuals come alive through storytelling, which sparked a realization. Drawing from a decade of writing experience, Jyoti saw an opportunity to help business professionals communicate effectively by integrating fiction writing skills. This unique perspective, combining the art of storytelling with business communication, offers a fresh approach to engaging and influencing others.
In this episode, you will learn how to:
Master the art of captivating business storytelling that engages and influences executives.Unlock the power of integrating fiction writing skills into your business communication for impactful storytelling.Discover the pivotal role of AI in modern storytelling and how it can revolutionize your business narratives.Cultivate a culture of storytelling within your organization to foster connection, understanding, and engagement.Explore the immersive potential of virtual reality and gamification in corporate training for enhanced learning experiences.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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"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 Olanrewaju
If you're feeling overwhelmed and struggling to find your unique storytelling style, then you are not alone!
Are you constantly comparing yourself to others and feeling like you're not making any progress? Let's change that today.
Today my guest is Zainab Olanrewaju, a passionate brand storyteller, dedicated to helping businesses thrive through the power of words. Hailing from Nigeria, Zainab's approach to storytelling is influenced by the rich cultural history of West Africa, allowing her to craft narratives that deeply resonate with her audience.
Zainab's journey as a storyteller began with skepticism from others who doubted the financial viability of storytelling. Despite the initial resistance, she remained determined to pursue her passion for writing.
Zainab's conviction in the power of storytelling was further reinforced as she realized the untapped potential for brands to connect with their audiences through compelling narratives. Despite encountering skepticism regarding the relevance of storytelling in the digital age, Zainab remained steadfast in her belief.
Zainab's journey serves as a testament to the profound impact of storytelling in forging connections and enhancing brand engagement.
In this episode, you will learn how to:
Uncover the impact of storytelling on brand success and how it can elevate your business to new heights.Explore the journey of transitioning to a storytelling career and the opportunities it presents for personal and professional growth.Discover the pivotal role of the chief storyteller in businesses.Understand the importance of weaving personal experiences into storytelling.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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"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 Bennett
If 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 self-doubt and imposter syndrome can be exhausting, and it's time to find a better way to navigate these challenges.
Let's explore the difference between self-talk and self-communication and how it can transform your approach to personal and professional growth.
In this episode, you will learn how to:
Discover how effective self-communication can transform your mindset and boost confidence.Learn the art of setting short-term goals for long-term success and personal fulfillment.Explore the crucial role of listening in enhancing self-communication skills for greater impact.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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"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 Farris
In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Nelson Farris, the Chief Storyteller at Nike, shares his 50 years of experience and insights on effective storytelling, collaboration, and embracing change.
With a background as an athlete and a liberal arts major, Farris emphasizes the power of personal experience and the abundance of stories in sports, offering valuable lessons for marketers and content creators.
His deep understanding of storytelling and communication, coupled with his role in Nike's internal culture, highlights the timeless importance of storytelling in shaping brand narratives.
His journey from a runner in Southern California to becoming Nike's first chief storyteller showcases his unique perspective and the transformative power of collaboration, making this episode a must-listen for storytellers, content creators, and marketers seeking to foster trust and drive innovation through effective storytelling.
In this episode, you will learn to:
Uncover the powerful impact of storytelling in sports marketing and learn how it can elevate your brand's message.Explore the evolution of Nike's marketing strategy and gain inspiration for refining your own marketing approach.Embrace the pivotal role of trust and innovation in driving career growth and success.Learn effective strategies for adapting to technological change in business and staying ahead in a competitive market.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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"Persuasion is ultimately about convincing others that change is possible." —Neil Gordon
Want 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 persuasive storytelling.
This episode's guest is Neil Gordon, a public speaking expert, author, and content creator.
Neil brings a wealth of experience in cultivating persuasive communication, formerly working with best-selling authors at Penguin Random House.
He now focuses on helping speakers find their "silver bullet" that elevates them among the other thought leaders and experts in their space.
In this episode, you will learn how to:
Captivate an audience with effective public speaking techniques.Unlock the secrets to crafting content strategies that persuadeDevelop a compelling elevator pitch that leaves a lasting impression and opens doors to new opportunities.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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"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 Aedo
Have 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 the stories you've been told and rewrite your own narrative, then you are not alone!
This episode's guest is Jay Aedo, the author of Conscious Bible Stories.
Rooted in a Christian upbringing, Jay embarked on a journey to dissect and reconstruct traditional stories, seeking to empower individuals through a reevaluation of their beliefs. Through his work on Conscious Bible Stories, Jay aims to provide a fresh perspective on historical tales, guiding listeners towards increased self-awareness and personal reflection.
His candid approach and transformative experiences offer valuable insights into the evolution of personal narratives and the profound influence of historical stories on our lives.
In this episode, you will learn how to:
Explore the path to spiritual growth by questioning and reevaluating religious stories and teachings.Unlock the transformative role of storytelling in achieving spiritual enlightenment and self-discovery.Learn the art of creating children's books with conscious and empowering messages that inspire young minds.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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"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 working. And you also don't want to miss out on a good gig.
So you go back and forth with offers and counteroffers and ultimately someone feels like they've "lost." But what if I told you there's a better way to negotiate?
It's all about changing perspectives and crafting compelling narratives in the minds of your potential clients.
Let's dive into the power of storytelling to create win-win-win situations in negotiations and elevate your success in securing better deals and partnerships.
In this episode, you will learn how to:
Master the art of creating win-win situations in negotiations and elevate your deal-making game.Harness the power of storytelling to captivate your audience and boost your sales success.Uncover effective strategies for increasing your speaking fees and maximizing your earning potential.Strengthen client relationships through collaborative approaches, leading to long-term partnerships and increased sales opportunities.Learn the secrets of converting potential clients through the persuasive force of storytelling, unlocking new business prospects.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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"The most important part of a conversation happens when you're not talking. You know what you believe. If you're talking to someone and you're constantly repeating what you already know, you're doing it wrong." — Riaz Patel
Have you ever been told to just put yourself out there in order to overcome judgment and vulnerability, only to end up feeling more alone and disconnected?
Today, we dive into the transformative power of authentic storytelling and entertainment to cultivate genuine connections and embrace vulnerability. It's time to rewrite the narrative and find hope in true human connection.
This episode's guest is Riaz Patel, the creator of ConnectEffect.
Riaz Patel is an entertainment and television producer who has created an interactive live experience designed to address loneliness and polarization.
Patel's initiative caters to diverse audiences, including colleges, conferences, and community health programs, aiming to combat the prevailing mental health crisis and foster intergenerational connections. With a strategic focus on leveraging entertainment as a catalyst for emotional shifts and enhancing human connections, Patel has created something truly unique that shrinks the gap between the "screen world" and the "real world."
In this episode, you will learn how to:
Master the art of connecting through entertaining interactions.Discover the antidote to isolation and loneliness through live experiences.Unlock the untold advantages of intergenerational connections.Conquer judgment and vulnerability in social interactions.Harness the power of storytelling for personal and societal transformation.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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"You don't learn by thinking and reading. You learn by doing."
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the endless debate between learning and doing in creative storytelling, then you are not alone!
The struggle to balance theory and action can leave you feeling stuck, constantly questioning where to begin and how to make progress.
It's time to break free from this cycle and find a more effective approach to enhance your storytelling skills.
In this episode, you will learn how to:
Conquer analysis paralysis and unleash your creativity to produce compelling stories and content.Ignite your creative journey by learning why taking action is crucial for your growth as a storyteller.Strike the perfect balance between structure and creativity to craft impactful and engaging stories.Discover how to find your unique voice and captivate your audience through the art of storytelling.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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"When you tell a story and there's no old you versus new you, you don't have a story." — Sun Yi
Want to captivate your audience with compelling storytelling that leaves them hanging on your every word? Learn the powerful secret to crafting engaging stories that will have your listeners hooked from start to finish. Get ready to transform your storytelling abilities and deepen your human connection like never before.
This episode's guest is Sun Yi, founder of the brand agency Night Owls and the storytelling community Night Owl Nation.
With over 20 years of experience in web design, Sun Yi has honed a diverse skill set encompassing coding, design, film, photography, and copywriting.
Despite not initially identifying as a storyteller, Sun's innate talent led her to develop a successful course on storytelling for freelance creators and freelancers, attracting over 28,000 students. His dedication to ongoing learning and enthusiasm for teaching make him a valuable asset for personal brands looking to elevate their storytelling capabilities, particularly within the marketing domain.
In this episode, you will learn how to:
Discover the power of vulnerability in storytelling to create deeper human connections and resonate with your audience on a new level.Explore effective techniques for teaching in online communities, unlocking the potential to engage and inspire your learners in a virtual setting.Uncover the distinctions between personal and corporate storytelling, revealing how each approach can uniquely impact your audience and message.Learn how to capture and leverage personal moments for storytelling, and use the "Myth/Truth Sandwich" to change with way people think.Avoid common beginner mistakes in storytelling, gaining insight into pitfalls to sidestep and setting yourself on the path to impactful and authentic storytelling.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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"Your voice is the thing about you that's so unique, that's going to make people crave the things that you're making. It's like a fingerprint. Nobody can replicate it."
If you're feeling overwhelmed and stuck in a never-ending cycle of overthinking your first draft, and you're struggling to make progress on your book, then you are not alone!
It's time to break free and find a writing routine that works for your real life. Let's get you on track to finish that first draft and move closer to your goal of becoming a successful author.
Ally Fallon is a prolific author and writing coach, with a passion for helping aspiring writers bring their stories to life.
As a self-starter who's navigated the challenges of the publishing world 14 times herself, Ally offers practical insights and actionable tips for first-time authors. Her journey from being an introverted journal writer to a published author is both inspiring and relatable, making her the perfect guest to share valuable strategies for developing a clear controlling idea and establishing a consistent writing routine.
In this episode, you will learn how to:
Unleash your unique writing style with effective voice-finding techniques.Discover the powerful mental health benefits of writing and how it can transform your well-being.Learn how to balance a full-time job while writing your book and make progress towards your dream.Master practical strategies tailored for first-time book authors to overcome common hurdles and achieve success.Create a nurturing and inspiring environment to fuel your creativity as an artist and bring out your best work.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Are you tired of being told that you have to be a master storyteller to succeed in business?
You've probably been feeling the pressure to craft the perfect story, follow the hero's journey, and do everything the gurus say, only to end up with lackluster results.
Guess what? Your business communication can thrive without being a storytelling genius.
Let's flip the script and what you thought you knew about storytelling for marketing!
In this episode, you will learn how to:
Uncover simple yet effective storytelling techniques that will elevate your business's communication strategy.Learn how to use storytelling to create a loyal community around your brand and foster meaningful connections.Master a long-term content strategy that will fuel sustainable growth for your business or brand.Find and embrace your authentic voice in storytelling to stand out and resonate with your audience.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Want to immerse your audience into your story, making them feel like they're living it rather than just reading about it?
If you're a writer looking to enhance your storytelling skills, I've got the solution for you.
Listen to this episode to steal shot styles from cinematographers to improve the imagery of your writing.
Let's make your stories come to life!
In this episode, you will learn how to:
Master visual storytelling techniques to captivate your audience and bring your stories to life.Harness the power of cinematography in your writing to create vivid and immersive narratives that resonate with readers.Unlock the secrets of crafting impactful establishing shots to set the stage for compelling storytelling.Elevate your content creation skills to engage and enthrall your audience with every word.Seamlessly transition between scenes in your storytelling to keep readers hooked and eager for more.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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"I'm a business owner, not an influencer. So I'm not trying to just have random stories out there for no reason. I need to market myself in a way that grows my business in a way that my business is what I want it to be."
Do you wish you understood how to create simple content that actually SELLS? Then you need to listen to this social media storytelling creator.
Mackenzie Heflin is a content creator specializing in building online communities through strategic storytelling. With a background in network marketing, she gained valuable experience in community development and the impact of authentic storytelling. Mackenzie's transition across different social media platforms, from Facebook to TikTok, exemplifies her versatility in effectively applying storytelling methods to written and video content.
In this episode, you will learn how to:
Understand how to create content like a business owner should, instead of an influencerUse psychological hacks in your stories to keep your followers engagedLearn how to actually sell to the community that you've cultivatedHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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