

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

Dec 21, 2023 • 34min
Systems for Immersive Storytelling — Les Enfants Terribles
The high-touch, immersive storytelling of theater company Les Enfants Terrible’s show Alice’s Adventures Underground is made possible by a complex system behind the scenes. On this episode of the FoST Podcast, Creative Director James Seager and Artistic Director Oliver Lansley pull back the curtain to give us a special look at the magic that the audience doesn’t see.For additional links, information, and more, visit our website.--© 2023 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 & LeisureExecutive Producer, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett CroweMix, Andrew AtkinMusic and Final Assembly, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to James Seager, Oliver Lansley, Laura Nicholson, Bonnie Eldon, Elisabeth March, David Gray, Amy Snook, and Megan Worman.

6 snips
Dec 7, 2023 • 47min
Solving the Leadership Crisis — Ajaz Ahmed
AKQA is not just one of the most successful design and innovation agencies in the world— it’s also a workplace that allows creative people to truly thrive. On today’s episode of the FoST Podcast, AKQA founder and CEO Ajaz Ahmed discusses his principles of leadership and how AKQA serves its clients, employees, and community.For additional links, information, and more, visit our website.--© 2023 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 & LeisureExecutive Producer, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett CroweMix, Andrew AtkinMusic and Final Assembly, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Ajaz Ahmed, Bonnie Eldon, Elisabeth March, David Gray, Amy Snook, and Megan Worman.

25 snips
Nov 16, 2023 • 59min
Humanity Is First — Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Alejandro G. Iñárritu, a celebrated filmmaker known for 'Birdman' and 'The Revenant,' discusses his journey from Hollywood to creating the immersive VR installation 'Carne y Arena.' He emphasizes how technology can convey powerful narratives that foster empathy, especially for marginalized groups like immigrants. Iñárritu critiques trends in VR, advocating for a focus on emotional engagement rather than mere spectacle. He also reflects on the moral responsibility of storytellers and the importance of inspiring future generations amidst a negative media landscape.

Nov 2, 2023 • 28min
A Strong Voice — Maira Kalman
Maira Kalman, an artist and author known for her smart, funny style, talks about her diverse projects and collaborations, the influence of her mother and the importance of collaboration, her journey of pursuing passion and staying true to her voice, her relationship to publishing and self-publishing, and the inspiring story of the John J. Harvey fireboat and the role of art and craft in storytelling.

Oct 19, 2023 • 50min
The Craft of Experience Design — Abraham Burickson
Abraham Burickson, leader in experience design, discusses crafting transformative experiences with Odyssey Works, exploring frames in perception, the physicality of events, levels of immersion, and the ethical responsibilities of creating impactful moments.

Oct 5, 2023 • 51min
Photos and Stories — Stephen Shore
On this special episode of the Future of StoryTelling Podcast, pioneering photographer Stephen Shore talks about the craft of photography, tells stories from his illustrious career, and shares his philosophy on art and life.For additional links, information, and more, visit our website.--© 2023 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 OberholtzerExecutive Producer, Mike RugnettaEditor, Garrett CroweMix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Stephen Shore, Bonnie Eldon, Meghal Janardan, Elisabeth March, Michael Bass, David Gray, and Megan Worman.

Sep 21, 2023 • 27min
At AREA15, Space is Content — Winston Fisher
AREA15 is the world’s first district dedicated entirely to immersive entertainment. Leading it is CEO Winston Fisher, whose real estate background gives him a unique perspective on location-based entertainment. Today on the FoST Podcast, Winston discusses how space can be considered content, what he’s learned from AREA15, and what a 21st century business model looks like.For additional links, information, and more, visit our website.--© 2023 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 OberholtzerExecutive Producer, Mike RugnettaEditor, Garrett CroweMix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Winston Fisher, Bonnie Eldon, Meghal Janardan, Elisabeth March, Michael Bass, David Gray, and Megan Worman.

Sep 7, 2023 • 29min
Mess and Magic in Advertising — David Lubars
As Chief Creative Officer of BBDO Worldwide, David Lubars is constantly adapting to change— a skill that has allowed him to lead the agency to become the most creatively recognized in the world. On today’s episode of the FoST podcast, David shares his insights on how BBDO creates magic in an environment full of mess.For additional links, information, and more, visit our website.--© 2023 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 OberholtzerExecutive Producer, Mike RugnettaEditor, Garrett CroweMix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to David Lubars, Bonnie Eldon, Meghal Janardan, Elisabeth March, Michael Bass, David Gray, and Megan Worman.

Aug 24, 2023 • 31min
Return on Impact with National Geographic — Kaitlin Yarnall
The mission of the National Geographic Society is to illuminate and protect the wonder of the world. Chief Storytelling Officer Kaitlin Yarnall, her team, and the storytellers they fund aim to achieve this goal by telling the right story in the right way to the right person. On today’s episode of the FoST podcast, Kaitlin shares insights on impact storytelling from one of the biggest scientific and educational nonprofits in the world.For additional links, information, and more, visit our website.--© 2023 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 OberholtzerExecutive Producer, Mike RugnettaEditor, Garrett CroweMix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Kaitlin Yarnall, Bonnie Eldon, Meghal Janardan, Elisabeth March, Michael Bass, David Gray, and Megan Worman.

Aug 10, 2023 • 39min
Behind the Beanie Bubble — Kristin Gore & Damian Kulash
In their new film, The Beanie Bubble, co-directors Kristin Gore and Damian Kulash look closely at the hopes and delusions behind a consumerist craze– and, perhaps, behind our society as a whole. On today’s episode of the FoST Podcast, Charlie sits down with this dynamic duo to explore their creative process, the themes of their film, and collaboration as a married couple.For additional links, information, and more, visit our website.--© 2023 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 OberholtzerExecutive Producer, Mike RugnettaEditor, Garrett CroweMix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Kristin Gore, Damian Kulash, Bonnie Eldon, Meghal Janardan, Elisabeth March, Michael Bass, and Megan Worman.