The Storytelling Lab

“The more narrow we get with our prompts, the deeper and more profound the insights become.” — James WarrenHow do you uncover what your customers and employees really think—without another boring survey?In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain speaks with James Warren, the founder of Share More Stories and creator of SEEQ, a storytelling and insights platform that blends the emotional power of stories with the analytical depth of AI.With a background in brand strategy and corporate leadership, James has pioneered a way to analyze written stories to reveal the underlying emotions, needs, and values of employees, customers, and communities.James shares how emotional mapping, sensory prompts, and narrative-based strategy help organizations tap into deeper truths that conventional analytics miss. Whether you’re a team leader, marketer, or founder, this episode offers powerful insight into how empathy and data can combine to unlock connection and impact at scale.In this episode, you will learn to:Uncover hidden truths by using storytelling as a data collection method for organizational insightBridge the gap between emotional intelligence and analytics by using tech tools like AI and NLP without sacrificing humanityDesign better prompts that help employees and customers recall deeper, more meaningful storiesStrengthen both employee and customer experience (EX and CX) by listening to the emotions that drive behaviorUse stories to create authentic culture alignment across leadership, brand, and communityFor more storytelling tips and tricks,Visit my website rainbennett.com, orFollow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyellerFollow me on Twitter @rainbennettFollow me on Instagram @rainbennettFollow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab Subscribe to my Youtube Channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the essential role of the Chief Storytelling Officer in today's businesses. This role transcends marketing, impacting leadership and growth across departments. Learn how a CSO ensures brand consistency and engages both internal and external stakeholders with aligned messaging. Insights from industry leaders reveal the importance of crafting a cohesive narrative that enhances brand identity. Tune in for tips on making storytelling a pivotal aspect of your organization!

Discover a simplified three-step storytelling model inspired by Brandon Sanderson: Promise, Progress, and Payoff. This framework cuts through complex narratives, making it easier to engage audiences in any format—be it a novel, brand story, or social media post. The importance of establishing clear expectations early on is emphasized, along with the need for meaningful character development and satisfying endings. Explore relatable examples from classics like The Lion King and modern brands to see how this model keeps audiences emotionally invested.

In this engaging discussion, Erika Arlee and Kristi Ray, the dynamic duo behind Honey Head Films, dive into the journey of creating their debut feature, 'A Song for Imogene.' They explore how to balance artistic integrity with the practical needs of indie filmmaking, emphasizing community engagement and authentic storytelling. The duo shares inspiring insights on navigating obstacles, the essential role of film festivals, and the power of collaboration. They reveal secrets to building a sustainable career while staying true to their values and vision.

Shawn Walchef, owner of Cali BBQ and founder of Cali BBQ Media, shares his journey of transforming his barbecue brand into a media powerhouse. He emphasizes that storytelling can drive business growth, not just be an afterthought. Overcoming the fear of looking foolish, valuing quantity over perfection, and utilizing simple tools like smartphones are key topics. Shawn also provides practical advice on stacking content and maintaining consistency, turning content creation into a seamless part of any business.

Dive into the intriguing world of story structure with an exploration of story beats. Discover how Blake Snyder's 15-beat framework can sharpen your narrative skills. Analyze familiar stories, like The Lion King, to see how these beats shape character development. Learn the balance between flexibility and structure, empowering you to tell your story with clarity. Plus, find inspiration to share your voice and stories for community growth.

Stewart Cohen, a seasoned director and visual storyteller, shares his insights on crafting a lasting creative career while maintaining artistic integrity. He emphasizes the importance of trust and collaboration in client relationships, revealing how personal projects can fuel professional growth. Stewart discusses the art of making non-actors comfortable on camera to achieve genuine performances. His curiosity and passion for storytelling not only enhance his creativity but also highlight why enjoying the process can lead to smarter business decisions.

John Bucher, President of the Joseph Campbell Foundation, is a leading voice in mythology. He discusses how ancient myths shape modern stories and our identities. Bucher reflects on his journey from Texas to a global thought leader, emphasizing the transformative power of personal narratives. They dive into the relevance of Campbell's theories, explore how stories evolve, and warn against the pitfalls of living out a 'Hollywood version' of life. The conversation also touches on the tension between humanity and AI in storytelling.

Uncover the secrets of powerful speeches through the Sparkline framework, which contrasts current reality with future aspirations. Discover how this structure resonates deeply, echoing the Hero’s Journey and triggering emotional engagement. Learn to avoid common pitfalls in presentations by balancing tension with transformation. Delve into storytelling analysis with Steve Jobs’s iconic 2007 iPhone launch as a prime example. Whether crafting a pitch, speech, or social media post, this insight promises to transform your communication skills.

“It’s okay to not be okay. It’s just not okay to stay that way.” — Nina Sossamon-PogueWhat do you do when life knocks you flat? Former U.S. gymnast turned Emmy-winning journalist, tech exec, and resilience coach Nina Sossamon-Pogue has fallen—and learned how to get back up more times than she can count. In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain sits down with Nina to explore how we build personal resilience, reframe failure, and use storytelling to take control of our lives when everything feels out of control.They dig into Nina’s practical “T.H.I.S.” framework, which helps people process failure, navigate identity loss, and shift the narrative they’re stuck in. This conversation blends the science of mindset with the art of storytelling to help high achievers—and anyone in a “now what?” moment—redefine success and take back authorship of their lives. If you’ve ever felt lost in the messy middle of your story, this one’s for you.In this episode, you will learn to:Zoom out on your life story using Nina’s “lifetime timeline” exercise to shift from tunnel vision to long-term perspective.Assess and strengthen your support system by identifying who’s helping and who’s hurting in your current chapter.Isolate the moment to reduce anxiety and take meaningful action in the present, rather than spinning in regret or fear.Reframe the stories you tell yourself to stop self-sabotaging with catastrophizing and overgeneralizing thoughts.Move through “Now What?” moments with intention by defining your next chapter based on who you want to become—not just what’s happened to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.