The Storytelling Lab

Explore the power of storytelling in branding and marketing. Learn how to craft an engaging 'Our Story' section that resonates with your audience. Discover examples of successful brand narratives, from a bourbon company to a cheese shop, and the common pitfalls to avoid. Uncover strategies to effectively communicate your unique value through compelling narratives. Elevate your marketing materials by creating deeper connections with customers that drive sales and foster sustainability.

In this conversation, Luke Barnett—a writer and director known for the viral short film 'Crossing Over Express'—challenges the notion that filmmaking requires a hefty budget. He shares personal stories, discussing how he transformed grief into compelling narratives and the integral role of collaboration in the creative process. Barnett emphasizes taking action with available resources and building meaningful relationships within the industry. His insights inspire aspiring filmmakers to embrace authenticity and overcome self-doubt while crafting their own stories.

Douglas A. Burton, an author and expert in narrative structures, explores the distinctions between the Hero's Journey and the Heroine's Labyrinth. He shares how his childhood fascination with films like Star Wars shaped his storytelling. Burton discusses the psychological depth of the labyrinth as a metaphor for female internal struggles and societal conflicts. He emphasizes the unique narrative arcs of heroines, contrasting them with traditional hero journeys, and proposes fresh frameworks to understand diverse female experiences in storytelling.

John Allen, known as MrBallen, is a successful YouTuber and master storyteller who crafts suspenseful narratives that captivate audiences. He shares insights on the crucial rhythm of storytelling, emphasizing the ebb and flow of tension. Listeners learn about the power of pacing, vivid imagery, and sensory details in building suspense. John also highlights the immersive experience of live storytelling, contrasting it with digital formats, and discusses the art of crafting captivating narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.

"It was my moment in the universe to make this wrong a right, and I knew I had the skills to do it." - Betsy HesterBetsy Hester's journey into the world of true crime storytelling began during her 25-year teaching career, where she instilled in her students the importance of critical thinking and fact-based research. It was the haunting tale of the Little Rascals daycare scandal that deeply affected her and her husband, a criminal defense attorney, as they were young parents when the story first unfolded. The hysteria and paranoia surrounding the case, along with its connection to the broader phenomenon of satanic sexual abuse cases, sparked a sense of disbelief and intrigue in Betsy. As the story went silent, her husband's persistent words, "Somebody needs to write this book," resonated with her. It was a chance encounter with a central figure of the scandal, Robin, that ignited the spark to tell the compelling and disturbing narrative of a miscarriage of justice. This chance meeting, combined with Betsy's passion for research and storytelling, set her on a path to weave together a story of resilience, faith, and the relentless pursuit of truth in her book 21 Boxes.In this episode, you will be able to:Discover how to craft a compelling narrative that captivates readers.Learn effective strategies for self-publishing your true story and reaching a wider audience.Overcome the challenges of book marketing and learn how to effectively promote to captivated readers.Explore the inspiring journey of exoneration after false accusations and understand the power of resilience in storytelling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jyoti Guptara, a published novelist known for her fantasy thrillers, discusses the dynamic fusion of storytelling and business communication. She shares insights from her unexpected journey into corporate storytelling, emphasizing how effective narratives can captivate and engage audiences. Jyoti reveals the impact of integrating fiction writing skills into professional settings and explores the transformative role of AI in modern storytelling. The episode showcases how crafting compelling stories can revolutionize business practices and enhance connections.

Zainab Olanrewaju, a passionate brand storyteller from Nigeria, discusses the critical role of storytelling in branding. She emphasizes the untapped potential of platforms like LinkedIn for meaningful narratives, highlighting the importance of authenticity and cultural influences in shaping stories. Zainab reflects on her journey from skepticism to advocacy for storytelling, critiquing generic advice and stressing the need for genuine connections. She also touches on the significance of self-care and sleep in enhancing creativity and productivity.

"Understanding and controlling the story that you tell yourself is the absolute most important story that you will tell. However, it is often the most overlooked and the most neglected story in your arsenal." - Rain BennettIf you're overwhelmed by the negative self-talk in your head, constantly comparing yourself to others and struggling to execute your goals, you are not alone! The battle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome can be exhausting, and it's time to find a better way to navigate these challenges. Let's explore the difference between self-talk and self-communication and how it can transform your approach to personal and professional growth.In this episode, you will learn how to:Discover how effective self-communication can transform your mindset and boost confidence.Learn the art of setting short-term goals for long-term success and personal fulfillment.Explore the crucial role of listening in enhancing self-communication skills for greater impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Storytelling is about a lot of honesty and being aware that your audience, depending upon who they are and where they're from, when you say a word or a phrase, they may interpret that differently than what you think you heard." —Nelson FarrisIn this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Nelson Farris, the Chief Storyteller at Nike, shares his 50 years of experience and insights on effective storytelling, collaboration, and embracing change. With a background as an athlete and a liberal arts major, Farris emphasizes the power of personal experience and the abundance of stories in sports, offering valuable lessons for marketers and content creators. His deep understanding of storytelling and communication, coupled with his role in Nike's internal culture, highlights the timeless importance of storytelling in shaping brand narratives. His journey from a runner in Southern California to becoming Nike's first chief storyteller showcases his unique perspective and the transformative power of collaboration, making this episode a must-listen for storytellers, content creators, and marketers seeking to foster trust and drive innovation through effective storytelling.In this episode, you will learn to:Uncover the powerful impact of storytelling in sports marketing and learn how it can elevate your brand's message.Explore the evolution of Nike's marketing strategy and gain inspiration for refining your own marketing approach.Embrace the pivotal role of trust and innovation in driving career growth and success.Learn effective strategies for adapting to technological change in business and staying ahead in a competitive market. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neil Gordon, a public speaking expert and author with a background at Penguin Random House, shares powerful insights on persuasive storytelling. He explores the heart-centered approach to persuasion, emphasizing sincere value. Neil discusses the balance between ego and audience impact in effective storytelling, and unveils the concept of finding your 'silver bullet'—a core idea that captivates. He also highlights the importance of patience in achieving career success and mastering storytelling techniques for impactful presentations.