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

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.

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

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

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

“Kymberlee, how are you always able to take questions and turn them into storytelling opportunities?” That’s the question my client Claire asks me as we’re getting her ready for a big keynote presentation. As I’m quickly thinking about how to answer her, I realize that I mostly do it unconsciously. Yet I know that’s not really a helpful answer, so I replay in my mind the times I’ve recently turned a question into a story. Then it hits me: I’ve been building bridges from questions asked to times in my life that are in some way related to the questions… during handshake moments.  So I explain my thought process to Claire who, during our next coaching sessions, reports that she’s been binging on my technique to great fun and success. She feels like every time she turns a question into a storytelling opportunity, her connection with that other person goes deeper faster. In this installment of the “Storytelling 7 Series” on the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about how you can turn questions into storytelling opportunities, too. I’ll also answer questions like: How can you understand the concept of a handshake as it relates to questions and storytelling? What practical tips can help you improve your storytelling skills with the Handshake Technique? And how do you make your story responses more engaging and relatable using this technique? What you will learn in this episode: How to connect questions to stories using the Handshake Technique How to hone your storytelling skills by classifying and building story arsenals How to make storytelling through this technique more natural and effective 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

It feels like I’m flying all the time while running my software company. Every month, I’m going somewhere to meet clients.  It’s standard practice until, out of nowhere, I have my first anxiety attack. These attacks become serious and start happening randomly on different days at different times of the day. Weeks and months go by, and every single time I step on the plane, an attack triggers. While I’ve been flying on planes my entire life, I find myself having to take medication just to step on to an aircraft. As I’m searching everywhere looking for answers to get to the bottom of what’s going on, I meet with a therapist, Dr. Keith. He asks me a simple question: “Kymberlee, do you think pilots have a fear of flying?” Sounds like a preposterous question, right? So I respond: “Of course not!” Then he advises me to ask the pilot on my next flight what their favorite thing is about flying. I do exactly that. With my heart racing, I board my next flight and ask if I can say a quick hello to the pilot. As I’m having a conversation in the cockpit with this pilot, I quickly learn that his favorite part is the landings. Suddenly, I go from having heart palpitations to laughing and smiling and learning so much about the craft of flying. In the months (and flights) that follow my perspective on flying changes so much that eventually I don’t even need to take the medication anymore. His story changes my story. Speaking of aviation and stories, my special guest, Reyné O'Shaughnessy, is a retired commercial airline pilot and captain with intimate knowledge of mental health. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll hear about the importance of changing the story within the aviation world (and beyond) as it relates to mental health, as well as get answers to questions like: How does the story within the aviation industry regarding changes in mental wellness policy need shifting? And why is it so important to share your stories publicly in the world? What you will learn in this episode: Why the collective mental health story in aviation needs to change How we can adopt a better story through shared responsibility How to prevent your mental health from turning into a story of mental illness Who is Reyné? Captain (ret.) Reyné O'Shaughnessy stands as a prominent figure within the aviation industry for her unwavering dedication to both pilots and the aviation industry. With a remarkable 35-year career as a commercial airline pilot, she has accumulated a vast reservoir of experience, expertise, and proficiency with flight time exceeding 10,000 hours on heavy jet aircraft. Beyond the cockpit, Captain O'Shaughnessy has devoted over a decade to honing her skills as an aviation strategist, with a specific focus on health and mental wellness. Her dedication led her to become a certified practitioner in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) from Brown University. She founded Piloting 2 Wellbeing and co-founded The Aviation Health and Wellbeing Institute, and her holistic approach to aviation has solidified her position as a trailblazer and influencer within the industry. In addition, Captain O'Shaughnessy is the author of the best-selling book, This Is Your Captain Speaking: What You Should Know About Your Pilot's Mental Health. Her insights have been featured on reputable platforms such as Fox News, NBC News, CBS/KDKA, and AOPA, and she is a sought-after speaker at conferences worldwide. Links and Resources Captain Reyné O Piloting 2 Wellbeing The Aviation Health and Wellbeing Institute This Is Your Captain Speaking: What You Should Know About Your Pilot’s Mental Health by Reyné O'Shaughnessy @captain_reyneo on Instagram @piloting2wellbeing on Twitter/X @piloting2wellbeing on Facebook @piloting2wellbeing on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

Glenn, a branding expert, joins to unravel the secret sauce behind memorable brands. They dive into why Liquid Death, a water brand in a cool can, stands out despite its simple product. It's all about the unforgettable stories behind brands. Discover how storytelling creates emotional connections and humanizes your brand. Glenn shares practical strategies to captivate your audience and foster brand loyalty. Learn how to experiment with storytelling methods and measure their impact on your brand's identity.

I’m in prep mode, getting ready to host a standup comedy night. I ask myself:  “What’s it going to take to move this event from good to unforgettable?  Sure people are coming to see comedians who they love and may have been following for years… What can we do to make this experience last and earn a permanent memory in every audience member’s mind? What can we do to make this experience last and earn a permanent memory in every single audience member’s mind?” The answer? It’s all in the details. From eye contact and smiles, to the welcoming and fun atmosphere being directed at each guest from every angle–box office volunteers and snack bar workers, old-time comedy posters and fresh flowers… even the cleanliness of the theater plays a subtle and important role. In other words, it’s in making this entire evening feel like every single detail matters and producing an unforgettable experience in the process. My special guests today, Mo Barrett & Katy Stevens, have made creating unforgettable experiences into an entire business. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, they’ll share how the monotonous and mundane can be disrupted and generate stories that entertain and empower, as well as answer questions such as: How can seeing and appreciating the stories of others deepen your understanding and connection? What effect does allowing your mind to rest have on your story creation and productivity? And how can taking an unconventional approach with your story or Talk produce an experience for your audience that only you can deliver? What you will learn in this episode: Why you need to trust the story your body is trying to write for you How the mundane can make for better stories than grandiose events How you can generate creative story ideas and reconnect with forgotten stories Who are Mo & Katy? Mo Barrett & Katy Stevens are unlikely best friends from two separate worlds who collided at a barbershop brigade singing event. Mo is a retired Air Force Colonel turned public speaker, and Katy is a music and performance instructor turned Mo-wrangler. Together they take stages as corporate entertainers and educators.  Despite all the ways they’re different, they choose to lean into the strength of the things they have in common, recognizing, acknowledging, appreciating and leveraging their respective quirks. Together Mo & Katy disrupt monotony and are building a world filled with unforgettable experiences that entertain and empower by using humor in unexpected ways.  Links and Resources Unforgettable Experiences Email: moandkatyshow@gmail.com Google Maps: Unforgettable Experiences with Mo & Katy “How to be Unforgettable” TEDx Talk Unforgettable Experiences with Mo and Katy podcast @YourUnforgettableExperiences on Facebook @yourunforgettableexperiences on Instagram #tmks #disruptmonotony #hardatquirk #unforgettableexperiences Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

Whenever we do a new TEDx event, our first order of business is finding the theme to get everything flowing. It influences everything we do, from the set design to invited speakers and so much more. So as we come up with theme ideas for our Santa Barbara TEDx event in 2019, nothing is really clicking.  We try phrases, single words, even full sentences and they all fall short. The theme candidates feel very generic and unexciting. Then, it hits me: What if we take a deeper look at the role of stories through three different lenses: stories we tell, stories told to us, and stories we tell ourselves?  The team loves it! We finally have our theme, and it sets in motion our lense through which to look through for all our decision-making. And… our TEDx event ends up to be a huge success that year! No speaking of stories, my incredible guest today, Brandy Gillmore, uses all three of those storytelling lenses in her life’s work. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about her healing journey from an accident in 2003 and what she discovered about the crucial role of stories in mind-body healing. You’ll also get answers to questions like: What are misconceptions in stories about mind-body healing? What is the story connection between our subconscious mind, emotions, and physical health? How can transforming stories you tell yourself lead to life-changing results? What you will learn in this episode: How stories you tell yourself can affect your physical health How understanding the stories you tell yourself can propel you forward or hold you back How stories can help you gain clarity and motivation Who is Brandy? Brandy Gillmore is a researcher, author, and mind-body expert. Spurred on by a debilitating injury from an accident in 2003 that left her disabled, in excruciating pain, and without hope for recovery, she began researching for a cure and discovered obscure research that changed the course of her life and resulted in a complete recovery. Now, she shares this research in her book Master Your Mind and Energy to Heal Your Body, which showcases our power to radically heal our bodies using only our minds. Thanks to her groundbreaking discovery, Brandy has been featured in prestigious medical journals, on notable platforms (such as the Shift Network), and in several documentaries and docuseries including Women’s Health Secrets, Thrive Global, Harper’s Bazaar Brazil, Pain Revealed, and more! She’s also been praised by medical professionals, health and wellness luminaries, global leaders, Hollywood celebrities, corporate tycoons, and people from all walks of life who’ve been captivated by her remarkable insights and results from her work. Links and Resources Brandy Gillmore Brandy’s TEDx Talk: “Could This Be the Missing Link to Your Health?” Master Your Mind and Energy to Heal Your Body by Brandy Gillmore Heal Yourself. Change Your Life podcast See Live Healing on Brandy’s website @brandy.gillmore on Facebook @brandygillmore on Instagram @BrandyGillmore on Twitter/X Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook