364: The Power of Personal Narratives: April Adams Pertuis on Storytelling

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Ever feel like your story isn't worth telling? You're not alone. April Adams Pertuis, host of the Inside Story podcast, knows that feeling all too well. April is a storytelling expert with over 30 years of experience in broadcasting and production. She's interviewed over 10,000 people and now helps others share their stories through her company, Light Beamers.

In this episode, April reveals how she overcame her own hesitation to share her story and why she believes everyone has a story worth telling. She breaks down the three-part story arc she uses to help clients uncover their transformative experiences and find the courage to share them.

Harry and April also discuss the power of podcasting as a storytelling medium, the challenges of maintaining a show long-term, and how to quickly build trust with interviewees. April shares her "heart math" technique for creating a safe space for vulnerability.

If you've ever doubted the value of your own story or struggled to find your voice, this episode will inspire you to shine your light. Listen now to unlock the transformative power of storytelling in your own life and work.

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5 Key Takeaways

1. Embrace your story, no matter how big or small. Whether you have a complex, messy narrative or feel your life is "vanilla," your experiences are valuable and worth sharing.

2. Focus on the transformation in your story. Move past dwelling on the "before" and highlight how you've grown, what you've learned, and who you've become.

3. Use heart math to connect with interviewees. Enter conversations with genuine openness, compassion, and a desire to listen without judgment. This creates a safe space for authentic sharing.

4. Practice telling your own story. Even if you're used to sharing others' stories, push yourself to be vulnerable and share your experiences. This builds authenticity and connection with your audience.

5. Surround yourself with people who challenge you. Seek out relationships that push you to grow, call out your potential, and refuse to let you play small. This environment fosters continuous personal and professional development.

Tweetable Quotes

"I've probably interviewed 10,000 people in my career, which is pretty significant. And when I saw that on paper, when I did the math, I was like, wow, that's a lot. It's allowed me to really just be present with people and ask questions and let the interview go where it goes."

"The number one rule of storytelling is who is your audience? Remember that first. Who are you trying to reach? It's about them first. It's not about your agenda, your outcomes, your beautiful interview. It's about their story and them."

"I think people are actually surprised about how sharp-tongued I can be. With my clients and people in my inner circle, I will speak freely and say things you need to hear. I'm not going to stand for your mediocrity. If you're playing small, I'm going to call you out on it."

Connect with April

Podcast - https://www.lightbeamers.com/podcast

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lightbeamers

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lightbeamers/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/apriladamstv/

Resources Mentioned

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron - https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252

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