
Storytelling School
One significant change in business and the world-at-large in the past couple of decades is the rise of the storyteller. Join International Speaking Strategist and Detective of Story Kymberlee Weil each week as she, along with her notable guests, take you behind the curtain to explore the world of first person high stakes storytelling. Each episode is designed to give you tools, techniques and tactics that you can put to use immediately. If you’re ready to be seen, up your speaking game, increase your confidence, grow your audience and expand your influence, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome.
Latest episodes

Nov 13, 2024 • 27min
How Thinking Like a Magician Can Create Captivating Stories
It’s the early 2000s, and I’m between sessions at the TEDx conference. As I go to grab a coffee, I notice this crowd forming nearby. Naturally curious, I wander over there to see what the fuss is about. In the middle of this crowd is a guy with a deck of cards doing a magic trick. But it’s not just the trick itself that’s amazing; it’s the effect it’s having on everyone around him. None of us can take our eyes off of him. It’s like we’re collectively holding our breath being caught in the moment as he performs trick after trick after trick. Like everyone else around me, I’m completely captivated, marveling at what’s happening. “How does he do this?” I think to myself. I don’t know how one person with just a deck of cards can make an entire group of strangers feel so connected, so in awe together. I realize at this point that it’s not all about the magic. It’s like this magician has created a shared experience of wonder for all of us and telling a story without even saying a single word. He wraps up the show, the crowd disperses, and I go stand in line to get my coffee still buzzing from the experience. I turn to my husband Mark and ask, “Who is that guy?” Mark smiles and says, “That’s David Blaine.” Wow, I was completely unaware that I’d been watching one of the most famous magicians in the world! Yet what sticks with me, even all these years later, isn’t just who he is; it’s that unforgettable feeling of awe he created for everyone in that moment. So many magicians have that same capacity to captivate their audience. Rick Gerber is a professional magician who has been spending his entire life performing in multiple countries and every state in the U.S. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll hear about how thinking like a magician can help you discover creative solutions that’ll create astonishing stories that linger in people’s minds. You’ll also get answers to questions such as: In what ways can you creatively engage with your audience to enhance the storytelling experience? How can you get into the flow state as you perform your Talk or story? And how can embracing the unexpected lead to surprising discoveries that create unforgettable stories for your audience? What you will learn in this episode: How closely observing your audience for clues benefits your storytelling How you can captivate your audience with a shared experience at the very beginning Why you need to know your audience to set the right tone from the start Who is Rick? For over 40 years, Rick Gerber has been traveling the world creating laughter and gasps of astonishment at high-profile special events, trade shows, and as the headliner aboard some of the world’s most prestigious cruise ships. He has performed his incredible magic in all fifty states and over forty-five countries. Presidents, kings, and megastars in movies, TV, and music have witnessed firsthand his ability to distort reality before their watchful eyes. Rick became the youngest performer at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood at 10 years old. At age 21, he was put under contract with Budweiser and performed for them full-time at trade shows and special VIP events around the globe for decades. Most recently, he was elected by his magician peers to the Board of Directors of the prestigious Academy of Magical Arts--home at the World-Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA. Today, Rick’s Fortune 500 clients read like a Who’s Who of the corporate world--Monster Energy, T-Mobile, GE, Acura, DIRECTV, Coca-Cola, Dell Technologies, Nestlé, and hundreds of smaller businesses as well. Whether it's attracting crowds and gathering leads at trade shows, performing at special events, mingling in VIP hospitality suites, producing magic-themed events, or performing his stage show at corporate sales meetings for hundreds or thousands of attendees, companies can always count on him to deliver. Links and Resources Rick Gerber @rickgerbermagic on LinkedIn @rickgerbermagic on Instagram Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

Nov 6, 2024 • 18min
Why You Need Stakes in Storytelling
I’m helping my client Barbara get ready for one of the biggest Talks of her career. She’s preparing to stand on stage in front of thousands of people (with even more watching live online). She shares her draft with me. It’s meticulous and packed with very specific, insightful information. Yet, there’s no sense of urgency or consequence. It’s just data, so I don’t feel anything. I point this out to her gently, and I can sense her reluctance to dive deeper and reveal something personal, vulnerable even. However, I know her message won’t resonate with the audience if they can’t truly feel what’s on the line. So I ask her, “Barbara, what’s at stake here? What will it mean for you, your team, or even your vision if this Talk goes well… or if it doesn’t?” She starts opening up and admits that this Talk is a critical moment for her in her business, leadership, and potentially her legacy. That’s all I need to hear! With that information, I help her weave those stakes into her message through stories so that it gives the audience a reason to care and feel connected to her. Fast forward to the moment when she steps up to the mic. The difference is undeniable! Not only does she deliver a polished speech; she’s sharing a story with everything on the line! I watch as the audience is drawn in, invested in her outcome, and hanging on every word… and all because she chose to add stakes. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about the power of stakes in storytelling. I’ll dive into why stakes are the heartbeat of stories, three ways to categorize them, and how you can use them right away to transform your message. I’ll answer questions such as: What is an example of a story with stakes versus one without? How can adding stakes bridge the gap between the story of the product or service you’re selling and the consumers you want to sell it to? And how do you add stakes to your story so that your audience feels a connection to you? What you will learn in this episode: What stakes are in storytelling and why they matter How to identify and amplify stakes in your stories How to get others to care about your story’s outcome through stakes A little about me: Hi there. I’m Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I’ve had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I’ve seen what works when influencing change and what doesn’t. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That’s why I’m building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people’s lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You’ll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can’t tell stories or don’t have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There’s no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it’s your turn... If you’re ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you’ve come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

Oct 10, 2024 • 22min
How Comedy and Storytelling Can Turn Anxiety to Empowerment
It's time for my first theatrical performance. I've memorized my lines and have been rehearsing relentlessly. I am ready to go. As I'm standing backstage, I suddenly notice my leg is shaking. And then I feel sweat dripping down my back. Oh. And my breathing is really rapid. I think to myself, how can I possibly be this nervous? I've done all the work. I've prepared like crazy. I'm hitting all my cues. Why am I feeling this way? And at that moment, I realize this is actually a familiar feeling. I felt this way as an athlete just before leaving the dugout to hit the softball mound. I felt this way as a speaker just before leaving the safety of my curtain backstage and stepping into the spotlight. This feeling that I'm feeling actually just means I care. I want to do well. I wanna do well for the audience. And it's with this realization that I notice the shaking has actually stopped and my breathing is almost back to normal. All of a sudden, the curtain opens and off I go. And that first performance becomes a huge success and sets me up on the path for many, many more theatrical experiences to follow. And speaking of theatrical experiences, my special guest today, Luis Moro, knows all about being on all different sides of the curtain. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about how comedy can play a transformative role in our lives, why comedy isn’t just for entertainment, and much more. Luis will also answer questions like: How can you make sure your audience walks away changed or uplifted? How can comedy be a tool for both personal empowerment and human connection? And why is it important to tailor your performances to meet your audience’s needs? What you will learn in this episode: The importance of versatility and how different roles within the theater (and life!) can enhance each other How authentic comedy can be a catalyst for personal change and empowerment The significance of adapting stories to connect with diverse audiences Why willingness to alter one's approach or story is crucial in any creative endeavor Who is Luis? Luis Moro is a dynamic storyteller and comedian known for his multifaceted approach to the arts and life. He has embraced a diverse range of roles, from acting and writing to producing and performing, which has enriched his ability to connect with audiences across different platforms. He is particularly noted for his ability to infuse comedy with meaningful insights that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. Luis believes in authenticity and self-reflection, believing in storytelling and its power to change and impact lives. Through his work, he aims to provoke thought and ignite transformation, using his comedic talents not just to entertain but to enlighten. Moreover, as a devoted father, Luis leverages his personal experiences to impart wisdom and raise awareness about the importance of one's word and personal integrity, both in everyday life and on stage. Links and Resources Luis Moro @aluismoro on Instagram @LuisMoro on Facebook Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

Oct 1, 2024 • 29min
How Story Can Help You Cultivate Courage and Bridge Divisions
It’s the third night of a very intense survival training course with a Green Beret guy. I haven’t slept or showered. I’m muddy and exhausted and just want to go home to Santa Barbara. I tell myself I just need to make it through one more night and this will all be behind me. When it’s time to call it a night, I am given a choice: I can either sleep in my tent or in this lean-to I’ve built. The lean-to is essentially a hole in the dirt with some twigs on it. At this moment, I’d love nothing more than to be at a resort, yet I remind myself I came to this insane training for a challenge. So I say, “Fine. I’ll sleep in this lean-to.” I trek down the road around the bend and shimmy myself into this little hole in the dirt. I can’t even see the base camp anymore. I can hear every sound around me as I lay there, and I realize that I’ve never been alone like this before. But hey, it’s fine! “I’m fine; in just hours, I can go home,” I think to myself. Then, after slightly dozing off, I wake up to this crunching sound just off in the distance. It’s coming towards me, and I keep telling myself everything’s fine. Then the crunch gets louder and faster until, in the moonlight, I see it: the tusk of a wild boar!?! I lie there, frozen and deciding whether or not to scream, when I remember something: animals sense fear. So I need to be strong, be still, be silent, and stick this out. While it’s rooting around my head, something suddenly distracts it, and it runs off into the forest. And when morning arrives, I get out of the lean-to, go back to camp, and announce I survived. The Green Beret guy says, “Yeah. Good job Kymberlee.” Here’s the deal: I am committed to affecting change in our world. With change comes challenges. With challenges comes fear. That means that different levels of fear are always coming up for me. What this unforgettable experience has taught me is that we must cultivate your courage. And when I think of courage, I can’t help but think of that Green Beret guy who has become a dear friend. His name is Retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann. Scott is with us today in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast to discuss the transformative power of thematic stories of survival and courage and answer questions like: What is the significance of storytelling leadership roles? What do personal stories that resonate with others have in common? And why is your delivery of a story as important as its content? What you will learn in this episode: How storytelling can help you cultivate courage and de-escalate fear What kind of questions lead to powerful stories that can bridge divisions What three storytelling myths cause you to avoid telling your stories Who is Scott? Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Scott Mann is a former U.S. Army Green Beret with tours all over the world including Colombia, Peru, and multiple tours in Afghanistan. He is a warrior storyteller and the founder of Rooftop Leadership, where he shares the rapport-building and storytelling skills he learned in Special Forces to help today's leaders make better human connections in high-stakes, low-trust engagements. Scott is the author of the instant New York Times Best-Seller, Operation Pineapple Express, a third-person narrative detailing the harrowing stories of the veterans, volunteers, and Afghan allies who navigated the U.S. abandonment of Afghanistan in August of 2021. The Gary Sinise Foundation partnered up with Scott to bring his play, Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret, to stages across the country to provide healing for our veterans and families of the fallen, as well as provide insight for our citizens on the personal cost of the longest war in our nation’s history. Links and Resources Scott Mann Scott Mann’s Patreon @ScottManAuthor on Facebook @scottmannauthor on Instagram @davidscottmann on LinkedIn @TheScottMannChannel on YouTube Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

Sep 5, 2024 • 27min
How the Price of Admission in Storytelling Creates Deeper Audience Connection
I’m coaching multiple speakers for an upcoming TEDx event. During the kickoff meeting with one particular speaker, I ask him, “Okay, what’s your idea worth spreading?” He replies, “Kymberlee, that’s easy. I’m going to talk about the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.” I think, “Wait, what? If this is what you’re focusing on for your TEDx Talk, we definitely need to make 30-year fixed-rate mortgages interesting and shift the audience’s perspective because this isn’t a very sexy topic.” So I ask him, “All right. What’s your earliest memory related to money?” He tells me, “Well, when I was little, I used to go door-to-door selling acacia flowers. That’s when I first realized that people would exchange dollars for something they value.” I stop him right there and say, “That’s the story we need to tell. It’s how the audience will connect with you.” Once an audience cares about you, you’ve earned the right to teach them about what you care about. So he delivers his TEDx Talk and opens with his acacia flower story. Last week, his Talk hit one million views! And perhaps many of those viewers’ perspectives on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have changed as a result. Speaking of which, my guest Josh Lowman changes the public's point of view often and affects change with every organization and brand he works with. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about the power of multiple story viewpoints, the price of admission in storytelling to create a deeper connection with your audience, and more. Josh will also answer questions such as: How can you think about point-of-view in story in a different way? What effect does authentic vulnerability in storytelling have on a platform where that’s not typically expressed (like LinkedIn)? And why is change an essential element for stories? What you will learn in this episode: Why switching point-of-view is a powerful tool in capturing your audience’s attention What admission price in storytelling is necessary to grow and resonate with an audience How you can become a much better writer and improve your storytelling sentence-by-sentence Who is Josh? Josh Lowman is the founder and CEO of Gold Front, a category design studio based in San Francisco, California. He has worked with more than 40 C-suite executives and teams to create new categories and market them to their customers. He believes that category design and creation provide the path for business owners and CEOs to cut through the noise and reach their audience. Links and Resources: Gold Front @joshlowman on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

Aug 28, 2024 • 31min
Why Storytelling Belongs in the Classroom and Boardroom
I’m running a high-energy speaker training event, and everyone is buzzing with excitement as we stand in a circle, introducing ourselves. Each attendee shares their role and a fun fact. Among them is a CEO of a tech company who loves bagels, a marketing director obsessed with villas in Rome, and an entrepreneur who just secured his first round of funding. The introductions continue, one after another, until it’s time for my team to introduce themselves. Our first team member steps forward and says, “Hi, I’m Sandy Zabarsky. I’ve spent the last 27 years in prison and just got out.” The room falls silent. I can feel the weight of all eyes on me, then shifting to each other, and back to me. Sandy continues, “I served as an educator and administrator in juvenile halls and juvenile camps. Today, I’m here to help turn your challenges into stories your audience will never forget.” A collective breath is released from the room. You see, Sandy happens to be my mom. She was an English major and dedicated her career to helping the underdog–particularly disadvantaged youth entangled in the criminal justice system. She assisted these kids in earning their GED, offering them a glimmer of hope and a chance at a different story. Throughout her career, my mom impacted the lives of thousands of kids. Her unwavering commitment to changing their narrative and giving them a new possibility transformed their futures, making them very different from the ones they had while inside the system. There are so many like my mom out there, including my special guest Alfonso Paz. He brings to life a different possibility for the people he works with whether they’re students, educators, or business owners. And through his company Vibix Learning, he is transforming education by helping to create healthier, more inclusive school environments. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about the power of storytelling in education, business, and personal growth. Alfonso will share his experience of using storytelling to pitch to investors and the impact its made, discuss the effectiveness of short-form storytelling, and so much more. He’ll also answer questions such as: How does storytelling help bridge emotional gaps and foster compassion? Why is short-form storytelling particularly effective in high-stakes environments? And why is the struggle such an essential part of the storytelling process? What you will learn in this episode: How storytelling creates deeper connections and fosters compassion that spurs action Why concise stories effectively convey messages to engage audiences How storytelling can be used to help enhance emotional intelligence Who is Alfonso? For close to 30 years, Alfonso Paz has been helping underrepresented students and families in Los Angeles’s East Hollywood area have greater opportunities and access to college and other post-secondary options. He is the co-founder and CEO of Vibix Learning, which transforms education by enhancing emotional well-being through its innovative Collective Care Continuum (C3) model, integrating emotional intelligence and mental wellness support to create healthier, more inclusive school environments. Alfonso’s experiences have solidified his belief that it does take an entire village to raise a child to be a successful contributing member of society. He believes that while traditional schools can provide a foundation for positive change, the strong partnerships between families, schools, and communities will provide a greater influence on a student's life and prepare them to contribute to a united, stronger, and healthier society. Through Vibix Learning, he recognized that the greatest effect he could have would be to "re-teach" educators how to listen to the students and staff, recognize everyone’s needs, and define the best way forward for each student and staff member. Once schools and administrators saw his methods' incredible effect on the student's lives–both in and out of the school environment–he became a sought-after coach and advisor. Links and Resources: Vibix Learning PazLo Education Foundation @alfonsopaz-vibix on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

Aug 21, 2024 • 29min
How the Power of Play Can Change a Challenging Story
Amid travel chaos, one couple decides to transform frustrating delays into a playful adventure. They explore how humor can lighten challenging situations, ultimately creating memorable experiences. The conversation dives into the power of personal narratives, the healing nature of improv comedy, and how storytelling fosters connections and empathy. Learn how lightheartedness can reshape our stories and encourage us to embrace creativity, even in tough times.

Jul 17, 2024 • 22min
How Sharing Raw Stories Can Provide Healing and Hope
I’m working with a new client, Leonard, who is completely new to first-person true storytelling. He has lived through several unbelievable situations, and I know others need to hear his stories. So I challenge him to tell a story to open his next podcast. He responds: “I can’t do that. My listenership will drop if I do.” When I ask him why, he says, “No one’s going to care about my story.” Yet, what if only one person needs to hear your story to change their life? After I pose that question to Leonard, he reluctantly agrees and shares one of his craziest stories on his next episode. The response? Several listeners emailed him saying things like: “Your story was exactly what I needed to hear today.” “Your story reminded me of a similar situation I went through.” “Your story has given me the courage to tell my story.” We tell our stories in service to others, and it takes bravery to be vulnerable with your story. Leonard did it, as did my guest today, Krishnni Khanna. She has told her real raw story on both the TEDx stage and in her newly released book, simply because she wants to help others. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about the importance of sharing difficult stories as a way to process experiences and help others feel less alone. Krishnni will share her story of ostracization as a young girl who migrated to the U.S., as well as answer questions such as: What can happen as a result of sharing your vulnerable story? Why are the words you use in your Talk or story so important? And what’s a really powerful way to end a speech or story? What you will learn in this episode: Why personal stories serve as powerful hooks for your speech How to use words and visual descriptions to enhance your stories How to instill inspiration and motivation in others through your raw stories Who is Krishnni? Krishnni Khanna was born in India in 2007 and moved to the United States with her parents in 2017. She’s a high schooler, author, and TEDx speaker who advocates for the inner well-being of youth. In 2022, she created Detoximind (www.detoximind.com), a student-led movement through which Krishnni and her team bring peer-based support to teens and youth grappling with stress, shame, exclusion and isolation. She currently resides in Austin, Texas with her parents and their puppy Yuki. Krishnni’s first novel I AM NOT WHO YOU SEE launched in June 2024. Many of the protagonist’s experiences in the book are inspired by Krishnni’s highs and lows as a 10-year-old immigrant in America, and how she rebuilt her sense of self and regained her identity in her new surroundings. Links and Resources Krishnni Khanna I AM NOT WHO YOU SEE by Krishnni Khanna “How Does a Lie Become True?” | Krishnni Khanna | TEDxYoungstown @krishnni-khanna on LinkedIn @krishnnikhanna on Instagram Detoximind Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

Jul 10, 2024 • 30min
How Storytelling Can Transform Awareness
It's 2017, and I'm meeting with our TEDxSantaBarbara team, preparing to plan our next year's TEDx event. As we start discussing the hundreds of speaker applications we've received, it feels incredibly hard to narrow down our selections with so many wonderful candidates. That's when it hits me. What if we focus on the idea first and the person second? In other words, what if we identify the most important and urgent ideas we want to cover and then consider all the applications, recommendations, and research to find the strongest person with subject matter expertise in that area? Our team loves this approach, and we immediately engage in healthy dialogue, even debate, about which ideas our world and our community need the most right now. One of the ideas that rises to the top of the list unanimously is human trafficking. Fast forward many months later, the speaker we choose delivers an incredible Talk, not only highlighting the issue of human trafficking but also discussing actionable solutions. And now her TEDxSantaBarbara Talk has earned over 400,000 views and counting. This means more than just a number; it signifies that by sharing her Idea Worth Spreading, she has initiated change on a global scale. This means change in awareness, change in mindset, and change in action. My special guest today is that very same speaker. Megan Rheinschild is Director of the Victim Assistance Program at the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office and directs the Countywide Sexual Assault Response Team, which provides medical-legal forensic exams and advocacy to survivors of human trafficking, child abuse, and sexual assault. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, we’ll explore the issue of human trafficking and the power of storytelling in raising awareness and creating change and get answers to questions such as: What are some common misconceptions of human trafficking? How can storytelling foster empathy and understanding? And what can the average person do to make a difference? What you will learn in this episode: How human trafficking can occur in any community or city Why it’s difficult to break free from exploitation when trafficking victims form a bond with their traffickers How storytelling is a powerful tool in raising awareness and creating empathy How we can make a difference by providing love, acceptance, and support to vulnerable individuals Who is Megan? Megan Rheinschild serves as the Director of the Victim Assistance Program at the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office. In this role, she oversees a countywide initiative that delivers comprehensive services, support, and advocacy for victims of violent crime and their families. Ms. Rheinschild has been instrumental in forming the Human Trafficking Victim Advocacy Program and establishing the multi-agency Countywide Human Trafficking Task Force in 2013. This task force aims to identify and investigate human trafficking cases and address the complex needs of survivors through collaborative efforts with local, regional, and state partners. Additionally, she directs the Countywide Sexual Assault Response Team, a partnership involving Law Enforcement, Public Health, Rape Crisis Centers, and Child Welfare Services. This team provides medical-legal forensic exams and advocacy to survivors of human trafficking, child abuse, and sexual assault. Links and Resources Megan Rheinschild: Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) The Face of Human Trafficking | Megan Rheinschild TEDx Santa Barbara Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

Jun 12, 2024 • 31min
How Surrender, Resiliency and Reconciliation Create Impactful Storytelling
I’m on stage performing at Santa Barbara Improv. My scene partner and I are playing a game of He Said, She Said which goes like this: After every line of dialogue from one person, their scene partner will then narrate something physical for them to do. For instance, let’s say that I say to my scene partner, “I’m so angry at you right now.” My partner then narrates something like, “She said while jumping up and down on one foot.” And I actually have to do the thing. So we’re in the middle of a mob scene digging a hole, and my partner says, “She says while taking a cigar out of her back pocket and lighting it.” Being a dedicated athlete my whole life, I never learned how to light a cigar. So when I pretend to do it, I fumble around with it which causes the audience to lose it so much that my scene partner keeps on narrating me lighting cigars. Pretty soon, I’m losing it too, almost crying because I’m trying to hold in my laughter so much. It turned into a delightful disaster on stage, yet one that ends up being one of my funniest bits. My special guest today can certainly relate. Polo Reo Tate is a comedian herself as well as an author, actress, keynote speaker, philanthropist, podcaster, and so much more. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll hear how she champions authenticity and resiliency through storytelling and beyond and get answers to questions such as: Why do you have an innate Improv storytelling ability? How do the rules of Improv storytelling mirror the rules of life? How does reconciling within yourself the low points of your life impact your power as a speaker and storyteller? And what role does your physicality play in enhancing your stories? What you will learn in this episode: Why you have to get your story on paper, even if you never share it How you can get unusual story inspiration from mundane situations How craft and intuition interconnect when preparing and giving a presentation Who is Polo? As an author by soul, actor by trade, artist at heart, and uplifter to the core of her being, Polo Reo Tate redefines what it means to be a Renaissance Woman. From a myriad of life experiences, she intimately understands the transformational value in mindfully getting to know ourselves wholly and love ourselves unconditionally in order to live fully in the freedom of our own authenticity. Her supreme love for people, and the clarity with which she sees and celebrates the superpowers of those around her, allows her to help elevate the energy of any relationship or situation brought forth by a client. Whether she is in front of a camera, a crowd, or the company of one, Polo revels in the kinetic web of creativity that is born from every interaction, every co-creation. She lives each moment to the fullest, lets no one take her joy, and avidly operates from the belief that we can do anything upon which we set our minds, hearts, and spirits. She welcomes and invites you to embrace your own infinite possibility, embody the loving being that you are, and feel the power and the pleasure of being fully present in your own life. Links and Resources Polo Reo Tate Books by Polo Tate “How to find Comedy, Joy, and Fulfillment in Life” | Polo Reo Tate | TEDxYoungstown @ThePoloREOTateChannel on Youtube Soulgasm podcast @PoloReoTate on Facebook @polot8 on X/Twitter @poloreotate on Instagram @poloreotate on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook