The Storytelling Lab

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.

Nathan Baugh, a storyteller and creator of World Builders, discusses the transformative power of fiction as a form of self-discovery. He argues that fiction offers more than just entertainment; it fosters empathy and resilience. Nathan shares his journey from a corporate career to writing, tackling the challenge of balancing passion with financial stability. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on storytelling and the need for human connection in creative processes. Dive into how fiction can be a vital tool for personal growth!

"The drugs we've accepted in society—alcohol, nicotine, caffeine—were chosen for productivity, not well-being." — Paul AustinWhat if the stories we’ve been told about psychedelics were wrong? In this episode, Rain Bennett sits down with Paul Austin, founder of Third Wave and Psychedelic Coaching Institute, to explore how microdosing and intentional psychedelic use are helping people heal, focus, connect, and live more purposeful lives. With a background in education and entrepreneurship, Paul has spent the last decade helping reframe the narrative around substances like psilocybin and LSD—not as dangerous drugs, but as ancient tools being rediscovered for modern growth.They discuss the data behind microdosing, the role of psychedelics in mental health and creativity, and how narrative shifts in culture require patience, education, and empathy. You’ll also learn how this resurgence intersects with storytelling, business innovation, community building, and AI—and why those looking to find their voice, their path, or their tribe might want to look a little deeper. Whether you’re skeptical or curious, this conversation will open your mind to the potential of storytelling on a molecular level.In this episode, you will learn to:Understand how to reshape public perception by aligning your message with your audience’s pain points and using stories that connect rather than confront.Recognize psychedelics not as escapes, but as tools for transformation—especially in emotional, mental, and professional transitions.Explore how microdosing supports clarity, creativity, and behavioral change without overwhelming your daily routine.Challenge cultural narratives through storytelling by reframing long-held beliefs with nuance, data, and empathy.Draw connections between community, consciousness, and creativity, and see how shared experiences (not solo journeys) are driving a new paradigm of wellness and leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennifer Tiexiera, co-director of 'Speak', and her fellow filmmakers explore the art of storytelling. They delve into the collaborative process behind their documentary, showing how teamwork can enhance creative vision. Esther Oyetunji shares her journey as a speaker, emphasizing techniques to inspire audience connection. Ned Phillips discusses capturing cultural narratives in 'The Last Partera', spotlighting the challenges faced over eight years. Together, they highlight the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of nurturing young voices in the industry.