Story Podcast

How is your work impacting others? Here’s the simple answer: you don’t really know for sure. We might have metrics — profit margins, Google analytics, retweets — but that’s reach, not impact. How is what you do really connecting to other people, changing them and affecting them on a heart level? Part of the reality of living in the liminal space of creativity means learning that while we’re all connected, most of those connections are invisible. That’s something Benjamin Von Wong understands really well. Von Wong’s work lies at the intersection of fantasy and photography and combines everyday objects with shocking statistics. It has attracted the attention of corporations like Starbucks, Dell, and Nike and has generated over 100 million views for causes like ocean plastics, electronic waste, and fashion pollution. Most recently, he was named one of Adweek’s 11 content branded masterminds. Don’t miss this episode of the STORY podcast where we sat down to talk to Benjamin about connection, isolation, and the th

We’re moving into month five of this pandemic. It’s hard to even remember March now, when lockdown felt like kind of a weird novelty. Many of us have gotten used to spending huge chunks of the day stuck with ourselves — and that’s a tough place to be. Or it can be, unless you learn how to utilize it well. That’s something this week’s guest, Thaniya Keereepart, can help you learn to do. Thaniya is a seasoned product executive with over 17 years experience in the media technology space. She’s built three teams from the ground up and helped grow recognizable media brands from start-up mode to structured, scalable companies. Her work has been recognized by numerous awards, including Emmy, Peabody, Adobe MAX, Debby, and the prestigious National Design Award. Thaniya’s connection to storytelling is through an understanding of human-computer interaction, design, and behavioral economics. Her transformative work has shaped the future through tenures at Major League Baseball, TED, and as Head of Product and Creator Ex

The tension. The mystery. The unknown. It’s something that comes up often, especially in this trying season of a global pandemic. Thankfully, that mystery and tension is one Meera Lee Patel’s specialities, and she’s our guest on this week’s episode. Meera is a self-taught writer, artist and best-selling author of books like My Friend Fear: Finding Magic in the Unknown; Made Out of Stars: A Journal for Self-Realization, and Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration. She has worked with companies like Anthropologie, Amnesty International, Spirituality & Health Magazine, Target, Vogue India, Wix and more to help tell stories through campaigns that help us better understand who we are. Listen in as she helps us understand the space we find ourselves in better than most — and how to find your way.

When we talk about stuff like the “messy middle,” or “the tension between the no longer and the not yet,” it can be hard to think of real experts. It’s easy to find people who will share their success stories. It’s also pretty easy to find someone who wants to talk about their dreams. But what about the middle — the part between the vision and the reality?   That’s a little harder, and that’s why we’re so glad to have Jon Acuff joining us on this episode of the Story Podcast.   Jon not only loves that space, but has spent his life helping others learn how to navigate it. He’s a highly successful speaker and communicator, and a New York Times bestselling author.    Listen to Jon share his thoughts about living in tension and how it has been a source of success. If that tension can help Jon create work at the level that he has, imagine what it could do for you.  

Do you ever question your own abilities as an artist, creator, communicator or storyteller? Especially when you’re exposed to the brilliance of one of your creative peers? Jinahie is a gifted spoken word poet and activist who has performed for TEDx, Sundance, the US Department of Education, United Nations, the Smithsonian Institute, the Kennedy Center, and even performed in front of Michelle Obama. She’s also shared the stage with everyone from Lupe Fiasco to Smokey Robinson to the Roots, Angela Davis, the list could go on. While being exposed to Jinahie’s talent and genius may leave you with that feeling of questioning your own abilities, she actually does the opposite. In this episode of the STORY podcast, she will inspire you to be more confident in your own creative uniqueness. Listen now, and allow her words to encourage you.

What is “genius?” Is it something you’re just born with, like freckles or perfect pitch? Or is it something that can be cultivated, like growing a garden or redoing your kitchen? That’s a question that Gillian Ferrabee is interested in. You might have seen Gillian performing on stage, TV or the movies. At the very least, you’re probably familiar with her work as a 12 year veteran at Cirque du Soleil. Now, as the founder of the consulting organization, Kite Parade, Gillian helps people activate and achieve their highest potential for genius. Find out how in this insightful episode of the STORY Podcast.

In this episode, we kick off Season 4 of the STORY Podcast by dipping into the STORY 2016 archives and spending some time with Writer, Poet and Musician, Micah Bournes. Listen in on a thought-provoking and heart-stirring piece of Spoken Word artistry, followed by a glimpse into Micah’s creative process through a short talk that will inspire you to continue faithfully creating and telling stories that need to be told.  

Welcome to Season 4 of the STORY Podcast

John Bucher on Liminal Space

Ken Black on Storytelling and Building Brands

Michael Margolis on Technology and Storytelling

Kevin Carroll on Building a Community

Brad Montague on Looking Into the Future

Vera Leung on Restoring Wonder in Storytelling

Kevin Carroll on Creative Confidence

Jason Jaggard on Redeeming Cliché in Storytelling

CJ Casciotta on Embracing Your Unique "You"

David Paull on Storytelling and Behavorial Science

JJ Heller on Using Melody to Enhance a Good Narrative

Shawn Askinosie on Doing Meaningful Work