
Future of StoryTelling (FoST)
The Future of StoryTelling (FoST) is a passionate community of people from the worlds of media, technology, and communications who believe that better stories can create a better future. Join FoST Founder and CEO Charlie Melcher for a series of conversations with expert storytellers from a range of disciplines to learn how they’re navigating the changing media landscape, focusing on how stories can help create positive and lasting change in the world. Conversations address a breadth of topics, from immersive storytelling to emerging technologies, the neuroscience of narrative, and much more. www.futureofstorytelling.org
Latest episodes

12 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 27min
Exploring the Experience Economy — Joe Pine, Revisited
In this engaging discussion, Joe Pine, co-author of the influential book "The Experience Economy," delves into the evolution of economic value from commodities to unique experiences. He highlights how businesses must adapt to rising customer expectations by shifting from products to immersive experiences, with examples from brands like Coca-Cola and Whirlpool. Joe passionately discusses the importance of crafting memorable, emotionally resonant experiences using emerging technologies, paving the way for deeper connections and transformative customer engagement.

Nov 14, 2024 • 25min
Science is a Story — Vivienne Ming, Revisited
Today, we revisit a conversation with Dr. Vivienne Ming, theoretical neuroscientist, author, and serial entrepreneur. Dr. Ming has worked in AI and machine learning for 25 years, inventing multiple systems to improve health outcomes and address social issues. She uses data to help foreground more just and diverse stories—a talent and commitment that now is more important than ever. To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. --© 2024 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Madison Brownin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Vivienne Ming, Amy Snook, Bonnie Eldon, Michael Bass, David Gray, and Megan Worman.

Nov 4, 2024 • 35min
The Story of "The Work of Art" — Adam Moss
In this engaging conversation, Adam Moss, a celebrated magazine editor and author of 'The Work of Art,' shares his insights from interviewing leading creatives like Stephen Sondheim and Sofia Coppola. He delves into the collaborative nature of storytelling, the profound impact of editing on narratives, and his personal transition from magazine writing to book creation. Adam reflects on the allure of artistic artifacts, revealing how unfinished works can illuminate the artist's mindset and drive the creative process.

Oct 17, 2024 • 33min
Cooking and Creativity at Attica — Ben Shewry
Ben Shewry is a chef, author, and co-owner of Attica Restaurant in Melbourne, Australia. Recognized as one of the top restaurants worldwide, Attica offers guests an experience that immerses them in Australia’s unique cuisine. In his new book, Uses for Obsession, and on this episode of the FoST Podcast, Ben discusses how that experience came to be, as well as his personal learnings on creativity and culture in and around the kitchen— insights which are incredibly applicable to any storyteller.To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. --© 2024 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Madison Brownin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Ben Shewry, Amy Snook, Bonnie Eldon, Michael Bass, David Gray, and Megan Worman.

Oct 3, 2024 • 30min
Spherical Storytelling and Shared Reality at Cosm — Neil Carty
Neil Carty, Head of Cosm Studios and Labs, is an innovator in spherical storytelling and immersive experiences. He discusses the evolution of immersive media and how Cosm blends physical and digital elements to create shared realities. The conversation highlights transformative projects like 'Orbital' and the importance of soundscapes in engaging audiences. Carty emphasizes community engagement and emotional connections, asserting that immersive narratives can spark imagination and foster lasting change.

Sep 19, 2024 • 30min
Authentic Brand Engagement at Johnnie Walker Princes Street — Christian Lachel
Christian Lachel, Chief Creative Officer at BRC Imagination Arts, has over 20 years of experience in immersive brand experiences. He shares insights on the groundbreaking Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh, discussing its role in whisky tourism and Scottish culture. Lachel reveals how personalized, AI-driven flavor profiles enhance visitor experiences. He emphasizes the importance of building emotional connections through storytelling, transforming customers into heroes, and fostering meaningful relationships beyond transactions.

Sep 5, 2024 • 30min
Drone Storytelling at New Heights — Kimbal Musk
Kimbal Musk is the cofounder and CEO of Nova Sky Stories, the company that's pushing the boundaries of the new medium of aerial drone storytelling. Combining light and sound to create emotionally resonate experiences, Nova collaborates with some of the best artists of our time to tap into the awe of looking up into the night sky. In this episode, Kimbal discusses their work and the future of this nascent art form. To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. --© 2024 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Madison Brownin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Kimbal Musk, Courtney Walsh, Amy Snook, Bonnie Eldon, Michael Bass, David Gray, and Megan Worman.

Aug 22, 2024 • 37min
The Rise of Uncle Nearest — Fawn Weaver
When Fawn Weaver learned that the first master distiller for Jack Daniel's Distillery was a formerly enslaved man named Nearest Green, she set out to tell his story in the best way she could think of: by creating a whiskey brand that celebrates his legacy. In her new book, Love & Whiskey, Fawn shares what she learned of the incredible friendship between Nearest and Jack, the impact of their relationship, and how she turned that story into the fastest growing whiskey brand in American history.To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. --© 2024 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Madison Brownin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Fawn Weaver, Rhona Davis, Jessica Davis, Amy Snook, Bonnie Eldon, Michael Bass, David Gray, and Megan Worman.

Aug 8, 2024 • 36min
Embodying Empathy with Global X-Perience — DJ Begbie
Hong Kong-based nonprofit Crossroads Foundation brings together those who are in need with those who can provide help. To raise awareness about global issues and create lasting change, they’ve come up with a unique approach: immersive, experiential programs on world need that allow people to have real emotions and foster genuine empathy. Director and senior spokesman DJ Begbie shares what these programs look like and why they're so effective. To learn more, visit our website.--© 2024 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Madison Brownin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to DJ Begbie, Lauren Morrow, Bonnie Eldon, Michael Bass, David Gray, and Megan Worman.

Jul 25, 2024 • 34min
Your Brain is a Storyteller — Theodore H. Schwartz
In his new book, Gray Matters: A Biography of Brain Surgery, neurosurgeon Dr. Theodore Schwartz delves into the history and practice of neuroscience. What he and his fellow scientists have discovered is that our lives are based on stories that our brains construct, and those stories are not fact, but fiction. Ted is certainly not the first guest on this podcast to talk about the relationship between brain science and storytelling— but as a neurosurgeon, he comes at it from a uniquely hands-on perspective. To learn more, visit our website.--© 2024 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Madison Brownin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Ted Schwartz, Lauren Morrow, Bonnie Eldon, Michael Bass, David Gray, and Megan Worman.