

Future of StoryTelling (FoST)
Future of StoryTelling
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 3, 2020 • 25min
Vivienne Ming
Theoretical neuroscientist and founder of Socos Labs Vivienne Ming discusses her work using data and technology to augment humans and tell stories that can change the world.--© 2020 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherExecutive Producer, Carolyn MerrimanAssociate Producer, Luke Gernertin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerExecutive Producer, Mike RugnettaEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Vivienne Ming, Sasha Newton, Bonnie Eldon, Shannon Fanuko, Meghal Janardan, Zoe Margolis, Vanina Morrison, and Megan Worman.

Aug 20, 2020 • 27min
Kwame Alexander
Bestselling author and poet Kwame Alexander discusses his work, his passion for promoting diverse voices, subjects, and styles in children's literature, and how better stories can help empower the next generation.--© 2020 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherExecutive Producer, Carolyn MerrimanAssociate Producer, Luke Gernertin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerExecutive Producer, Mike RugnettaEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Kwame Alexander, Carmen Oliver, Bonnie Eldon, Shannon Fanuko, Meghal Janardan, Zoe Margolis, Vanina Morrison, and Megan Worman.

Aug 6, 2020 • 24min
Alex McDowell
Legendary production designer Alex McDowell discusses his work in world-building for films. He reflects on childhood imagination, art school, and the punk music scene. McDowell shares insights from working on Minority Report and emphasizes the importance of research. He emphasizes empowering the next generation and merging different capabilities in storytelling.

Jul 23, 2020 • 25min
Wendy Calhoun
Peabody award-winning writer Wendy Calhoun discusses the diversification of Hollywood, the particular strengths of television as a medium, and the responsibility that comes with writing TV episodes that will be viewed by millions.--© 2020 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherExecutive Producer, Carolyn MerrimanAssociate Producer, Luke Gernertin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerExecutive Producer, Mike RugnettaEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Wendy Calhoun, Bonnie Eldon, Shannon Fanuko, Meghal Janardan, Zoe Margolis, Vanina Morrison, and Megan Worman.

Jul 9, 2020 • 28min
Jacob Collier
Grammy-award winning musician and YouTube star Jacob Collier discusses his unique approach to creativity and how he bridges the intellectual and the emotional in his art.--© 2020 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherExecutive Producer, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Luke Gernertin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerExecutive Producer, Mike RugnettaEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Jacob Collier, Chris Taillie, Bonnie Eldon, Shannon Fanuko, Meghal Janardan, Zoe Margolis, Vanina Morrison, and Megan Worman.

Jun 25, 2020 • 25min
Karen Palmer
Artist and filmmaker Karen Palmer discusses her work using neuroscience and artificial intelligence to create emotionally-responsive stories that help people understand their own subconscious biases.--© 2020 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011 Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherExecutive Producer, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Luke Gernert in collaboration with Charts & Leisure Founder, Jason OberholtzerExecutive Producer, Mike RugnettaEditor, Garrett CroweMix and Music, Michael Simonelli With special thanks to Karen Palmer, Bonnie Eldon, Shannon Fanuko, Meghal Janardan, Zoe Margolis, Vanina Morrison, and Megan Worman.

Jun 20, 2020 • 27min
Jose Antonio Vargas
Pulitzer prize-winning journalist, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, and Define American founder Jose Antonio Vargas is a leading voice for the human rights of immigrants in America. In this episode, Jose discusses his life as an undocumented immigrant and his work using storytelling to shift the cultural narrative on immigration.--© 2020 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherExecutive Producer, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Luke Gernertin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerExecutive Producer, Mike RugnettaEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Jose Antonio Vargas, Jonathan Yu, Bonnie Eldon, Shannon Fanuko, Meghal Janardan, Zoe Margolis, and Megan Worman.

Jun 12, 2020 • 26min
Catherine Burns
Catherine Burns, Artistic Director of The Moth, discusses the organization's history, the importance of listening, and how stories can bridge the personal and the universal.--© 2020 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherExecutive Producer, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Luke Gernertin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerExecutive Producer, Mike RugnettaEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Catherine Burns, Emily Couch, Jano Tantongco, Bonnie Eldon, Shannon Fanuko, Meghal Janardan, Zoe Margolis, and Megan Worman.

Jun 4, 2020 • 30min
The Need for New Stories — Van Jones
Political commentator and activist Van Jones discusses the power of stories in fighting against injustice, the influence of comic books on activism, the significance of wearing purple as a tribute to Prince, the need for storytelling in the Black community to promote oneness, and the importance of superheroes and supporting Dreamcore.

May 21, 2020 • 27min
Human Stories, Human Connections — Rainn Wilson
Rainn Wilson discusses the need for positive stories on the internet, what it took to create the iconic Dwight Schrute character, and his high school radio show where he read Dr. Seuss poems in between punk rock songs.--© 2020 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherExecutive Producer, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Luke GernertIn collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerExecutive Producer, Mike RugnettaEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Rainn Wilson, Carlton Norris, Bonnie Eldon, Shannon Fanuko, Meghal Janardan, Zoe Margolis, and Megan Worman.