Resident by Hernan Cattaneo

"You've got to manage both sides. You're the captain of the ship. You let the playful side talk and then you get it organized and manage it. People are dominant on one side or the other, and either side can be very bad if you go to the extreme." — Kim Krizan Recap Kim Krizan co-wrote Before Sunrise, one of the most beloved films of the nineties, without ever having read a script before. She'd been cast by Richard Linklater in Slacker, he read her master's thesis, and said "let's write something." That's how a boy-meets-girl story set over a single evening in Vienna became an Academy Award-nominated trilogy and a touchstone for anyone who believes a conversation can be the whole movie. In this episode, Kim and Rain dig into the craft and philosophy behind that kind of storytelling—dialogue-driven, emotionally subtle, built on psychology rather than plot. They talk about how to balance the two sides of every storyteller's brain, how to collaborate without losing yourself, what regional and cultural differences…

"Advertising is the loudest, most publicly visible, and highest-stakes storytelling that your brand will do. And one misaligned ad can destroy and erode years of trust that you have built." — Rain Bennett ORDER The Chief Storytelling Officer here! https://amzn.to/4A2xxyQ Description Most brands treat advertising like a numbers game. But advertising is still storytelling. In fact, it's the loudest, most publicly visible, and highest-stakes storytelling your brand will ever do. And if that ad is misaligned with your brand narrative, one spot can erase years of trust in a matter of days. In this solo episode, Rain breaks down the advertising chapter of The Chief Storytelling Officer and the role advertising plays in the Narrative Operating System—the tip of the spear, the ask, the first point of contact between your brand and the people you're trying to reach. Using the now-infamous 2019 Peloton holiday ad as a cautionary tale and Aviation Gin's rapid-fire response as a masterclass in brand alignment, Rain…

"Storytelling is local. But we are a global brand, so we do need consistency — and enough flexibility that everything can be used at a local level, because what resonates in China is not the same thing that resonates in Kenya." — Sydnye White ORDER THE CHIEF STORYTELLING OFFICER HERE: https://amzn.to/4gUVhxc How do you keep a brand narrative consistent and cohesive across 177 countries, 10,000 events a year, and millions of athletes, volunteers, coaches, and families? That is the task in front of Sydnye White, VP of Content and Storytelling at Special Olympics global headquarters. And in this episode, she breaks down exactly how she approaches it. Sydnye came to Special Olympics from a broadcast background at Discovery, National Geographic, and NBC News, not because she was chasing a mission but because she needed a job. What she found on her first day—being welcomed by colleagues with intellectual disabilities who didn't care about her resume, only that she showed up authentically—changed everything. Eight…

"You do the story that you want to do because you believe in it and it will find an audience. You have to be passionate about something and not try and hop off what's already out there. You have to absolutely 1000% have a vision." — Leslie Zemeckis Not all stories are treated equally — and Leslie Zemeckis and Sara DiVello are on a mission to change that. In this episode, the co-hosts of the Plot Point podcast, founders of the Santa Barbara Literary Festival and Nantucket Book Festival respectively, and bestselling authors in their own right join Rain to break down why the stories we tend to dismiss — romance, thriller, true crime, comedy — are often doing the most important work of all. We talk about how comedy functions as a doorway to empathy, why chasing trends produces what Leslie calls Skittles books, and how to carry the story of a real person with the care and tenderness you would want someone to take with yours. Sara's research into the Great Migration and pioneering female journalists, and Leslie's…

"The best of the writers know structures are important. And then they forget that they've been intuitively following a structure and tell the world you don't need structure. The rest of the people think they don't need structure and realize by the hundredth page they don't know what the story is going to be." —Anubhav Srivastava What if there was one place where you could brainstorm your story, build your characters, map your world, storyboard your structure, and connect with expert storytellers who could help you take it further? That's exactly what Anubhav Srivastava set out to build. Four years, 17 chapters, and over 2,000 hours into writing his own fantasy fiction novel, Anubhav built VocaTales: a visual story crafting platform designed for planners, organizers, and creative thinkers who need more than a blank page. In this episode, Anubhav breaks down how VocaTales works, how it compares to tools like Scrivener and Miro, and why he built it exclusively for storytellers rather than corporate use cases.…

"A narrative lives or dies on the conviction of the most senior authorized leaders of the organizational system. The story is the strategy. A company without a story is usually a company without a strategy." — Michael Margolis | Storied, Inc. What if your organization's stories were the new code base? In this episode, Rain sits down with Michael Margolis, founder of Storied, Inc., and one of the most respected voices in organizational storytelling and narrative strategy, for a conversation that functions as a masterclass in how language, storytelling, and brand messaging actually drive business outcomes in the age of generative AI. Michael has spent over two decades pioneering narrative as a management discipline, working inside Facebook and Meta across 14 product divisions, advising companies like Google, Shopify, Uber, and NASA, and now serving as an operating partner for narrative at Veridical Ventures. This conversation goes deep into the distinction between story and narrative, two words most marketing…

Pre-Order The Chief Storytelling Officer HERE: https://amzn.to/4eihvql "Commercials interrupt people. Shows invite them into the story world. That is the difference between traditional marketing and storytelling." — Rain Bennett Your marketing campaign strategy is perfectly executed... and it still flops. The visuals are crisp, the copy is tight, and nobody cares. In this solo episode, Rain breaks down the real reason most marketing fails: it isn't a production problem, it's a storytelling problem. When your marketing isn't rooted in a clear brand purpose, it becomes what Rain calls "story yelling," which is loud, scattered, and ultimately forgettable. This is the fifth installment of the Narrative Operating System series, and it's where brand building and marketing strategy finally collide. Rain walks through how the Chief Storytelling Officer fits into your marketing function. Not to replace your CMO, but to ensure every campaign, every message, and every piece of content traces back to the brand narrative…

"A good day is when the flow starts to happen and you kind of lose yourself in it. But you cannot count on those days. So I'm a real believer in grinding — just get in there and take what the defense will give you." — Steven Pressfield ORDER THE ARCADIAN HERE: https://amzn.to/4nYHV5e Steven Pressfield is your favorite writer's favorite writer. But years before his best-selling hits like Gates of Fire and The War of Art, Steven Pressfield didn't sell his first novel until he was 52. After over two decades of trying! In Part 2 of our conversation, he and Rain dig into what kept him going, and what keeps him going still. From his daily gym ritual to his philosophy on the Muse, from building a catalog instead of betting everything on one book to his relationship with mentor Robert McKee, this episode is a masterclass in the long game of creative work. If you're in the weeds, struggling to finish, or wondering whether it's too late, this is the conversation you need to hear. In this episode, you will learn to:…

"Sometimes you write a character that asserts himself—something you didn't plan. It's like he wanted to come back, and he brought his own story with him. It was kind of my job as a writer to ask myself what that story was." — Steven Pressfield ORDER THE ARCADIAN HERE: https://amzn.to/4nYHV5e Steven Pressfield is your favorite writer's favorite writer. And in this episode, Rain sits down with him in person in Los Angeles to talk about the craft behind The Arcadian, the new novel in his Telamon series. What starts as a conversation about a centuries-spanning warrior with a karmic curse quickly becomes a writing advice masterclass in how great fiction actually gets made: through instinct, detail, observation, and a willingness to follow a character wherever he leads. Steven breaks down how he discovered Telamon's immortality only after writing him across multiple books, why physical and historical details are what make the impossible believable, and how a 2500-year-old quote from an ancient Greek philosopher…

"AI was going to get better at technical skills like coding and data analysis much faster than storytelling, because it's much easier to objectively define what is correct code. With storytelling, it's much more ephemeral. AI researchers have called it absurd, trying to quantify what good storytelling is." — Joe Lazer When ChatGPT launched, the headlines were brutal. Storytellers were cooked, creative work was done, they all said. Joe Lazer did what any good journalist would do: he started asking questions. What he found, after two years of salons, research, and interviews with AI developers and future-of-work researchers, was the exact opposite. In this episode, Joe breaks down why AI will make storytelling the most important skill in the new economy. Joe is the co-founder of Contently, author of the new book Super Skill, and one of the sharpest thinkers on the intersection of AI and human-centered storytelling. We get into the neuroscience of why storytelling makes us better at leadership, persuasion, and…

"A living story is immersive, embodied, agentic, responsive, and social. It's stories that we get to be in and experience and live — as opposed to dead stories." —Charlie Melcher Charlie Melcher has been on the cutting edge of storytelling for decades—from designing books with J.J. Abrams and Al Gore to building an app that Steve Jobs fell in love with to producing a 6,000-person immersive storytelling summit. In this conversation, he breaks down what he calls living stories: experiences that are immersive, embodied, agentic, responsive, and social, and why he believes they are the antidote to the loneliness and disconnection fueled by passive media. We cover the neuroscience of multi-sensory learning, the dyslexia origin story that put Charlie on this path, and the moment he walked into his team and said, "We're no longer in the book business." We also get into where AI fits into all of this and why Charlie sees it as the great unlock for immersive storytelling at scale. This one will make you see every…

"Your product is not the features, the specs, it's not what you ship. The product is the experience, the transformation that your customer goes through. It's the change in their lives. That's what you're selling." — Rain Bennett You can have a bold vision, a clear mission, and a brand people believe in... and still fail. Because none of it matters if your product doesn't deliver. In this solo episode, Rain breaks down the fourth layer of the Narrative Operating System: Product, the moment where your story is either proven or broken. Using Nike's grassroots origins and screenwriting software Highland Pro as case studies, Rain shows how the best brands don't build products for their customers—they build them with them. He also introduces the Hub and Spoke Model as a practical framework for keeping every feature and offering tied back to your core brand narrative, and walks through the most common product traps (feature bloat, trend chasing, and data misreading) that cause brands to drift and fracture over…

"CQ — the character quotient — is who you are at the core of your values, and how consistently people can trust you to be that person. That to me is the exponential topper." — Bill Blankschaen Every person has a story no one else has. The problem is most people either don't know how to tell it or don't believe it's worth telling. Bill Blankschaen, author of Your Story Advantage and founder of StoryBuilders, has spent over a decade helping thought leaders (from John Maxwell to Lewis Howes)nfind their story, shape it, and use it to grow their impact, influence, and income. In this episode, Bill breaks down the Story Multiplier Formula, the five traps that keep people from ever telling their story, and why the structure he teaches doesn't constrain you, but actually sets you free to be more creative and more effective. He also walks through IQ, EQ, and the often-overlooked "CQ," and why that last one is the only variable that's entirely your choice. If you've got a message inside you that you haven't figured…

"I wasn't processing and dealing with my own stuff. Somehow I made my way back to storytelling. And that was really, if I could point to two things—my wife and story—those pulled me out." — Ret. Lt. Col. Scott Mann Scott Mann spent nearly two decades as a Green Beret, but the most powerful weapon he ever wielded was his story. In this episode, Scott breaks down rooftop leadership, the concept he coined in Afghanistan after watching storytelling and human connection turn frightened villagers into fighters. What he learned on those rooftops became the foundation for everything he now teaches about leadership, trust, and the courage to be relatable. After leaving the military, Scott hit rock bottom, standing in his closet holding a pistol, lost and without purpose. Storytelling pulled him out. Now he's an author, playwright, and the founder of a nonprofit helping veterans and first responders find their voice. His book The Generosity of Scars and his one-man shows Last Out and 11 Days are taking that message…

"When you live in alignment with your values, you cause yourself as little suffering as possible in the long term. And that one just always sticks with me because it's really challenging in the short term. But if you have faith in your values and who you are and how you want to show up in the world, then ultimately you're creating a path that's going to serve you for the long term." — Jon Bregel What happens when the thing you love most… starts breaking you? In this episode, Rain sits down with cinematographer, founder of Variable, and career/life coach for filmmakers, Jon Bregel, to unpack a reality most creatives don’t talk about enough: burnout. After years of success in the film industry, Jon hit a breaking point that forced him to reevaluate everything—his career, his identity, and the story he was telling himself. That journey led him to create The Nourish Community, a space designed specifically to support the mental and emotional health of filmmakers. This conversation goes beyond tactics. It’s about…

"If you think the world could be better and you want to change it, you're going to have to come up with a better story and know how to tell it better." —Joseph Romm What happens when a physicist with a PhD realizes that data, charts, and credentials can't change a single mind, but a story can? Joseph Romm spent years working in climate science and clean energy before arriving at an uncomfortable truth: facts don't persuade people. Emotions do. In this episode, Joseph breaks down the ancient storytelling tools—the figures of speech used by Homer, Shakespeare, Lincoln, and yes, Taylor Swift—that make stories stick, spread, and move people to action. But this episode is about more than communication theory. Joseph and his daughter co-host the podcast Decoding Taylor Swift, where they analyze the storytelling craft embedded in her music. What started as a way to bond with his daughter over song lyrics became a masterclass in how great writers use foreshadow, irony, the hero's journey, and circular narrative…

"Marketing might be how you get the first date. But to get the second and third date and hopefully form into a relationship, you have to have a brand." — Rain Bennett Brand isn't your logo, your color palette, your fonts, or your tagline. Brand is the story others tell about you. And in this solo episode, Rain breaks down exactly how to influence that story before it gets told without you. As part of the ongoing Narrative Operating System framework from his upcoming book The Chief Storytelling Officer, this episode is your practical guide to building a brand that goes deeper than decoration. Rain walks you through two foundational tools: the Brand Pyramid and the Brand Bible. Using real-world examples from Patagonia, Liquid Death, Apple, Yeti, and even his own mother's real estate business in Eastern North Carolina, he unpacks how the most powerful brands in the world built identity, loyalty, and community. Whether you're building something from scratch or realizing your current brand has drifted off course,…

“When you start to look at things through the lens of story, it helps you appreciate and process what’s going on.” — Corey Rosen What makes someone lean in when you tell a story instead of tune out? In this episode, Rain sits down with Emmy-nominated TV writer, Moth champion, and brand storytelling expert Corey Rosen to break down the real tactics behind stories that actually land. This is not a fluffy conversation about “storytelling matters.” It’s a practical deep dive into curiosity gaps, emotional stakes, visual detail, and the inner life that gives a story dimension. Corey shares how his background in comedy, television, and live storytelling shaped the way he now teaches stories for every occasion—from keynotes and investor pitches to eulogies, wedding toasts, and brand messaging. They also get into improv, theme parks, AI, and why the future belongs to people who can create connection, not just content. In this episode, you will learn to: Build curiosity early so people care about where your story is…

“You can’t even begin to talk about results or impact until you actually put something out into the world.” — Kristen Sweeney What if the real problem with your content isn’t execution, but alignment? In this episode, Kristen Sweeney, founder of Every Little Word, breaks down the invisible work behind great communication: messaging frameworks, internal clarity, operational discipline, and the codified point of view that most companies skip. We explore why B2B brands struggle to articulate what they actually believe, how regulated industries can differentiate without breaking compliance, and why thought leadership without a clear stance is just noise. Kristen also shares how her background in theater shaped her confidence in high-level conversations and why content operations, not just creativity, determine results. If your content feels scattered, generic, or reactive, this episode is your blueprint for fixing it at the foundation. In this episode, you will learn to: Clarify and codify your point of view…

“There is no version of storytelling that does not become therapy.” — Spade Robinson What if the difference between an average story and a great one has less to do with talent or skill and more to do with self-awareness? In this episode, screenwriter and story consultant Spade Robinson breaks down why structure isn’t the enemy of creativity—it’s the foundation that allows it to thrive. We explore how unforgiveness shows up on the page, why most writers avoid the emotional core of their work, and how discipline in story design eliminates writer’s block. Spade also shares hard-earned insights from Sundance and the development world about the changing industry, why writers must think of themselves as studios, and how short-form storytelling and brand partnerships may shape the next era of film. If you care about story craft, emotional truth, and building a sustainable creative career, this conversation will challenge you in all the right ways. In this episode, you will learn to: Strengthen your stories by…

“The real story is always in the subtext.” — Tal Lazar Most people lose their audience the moment they start explaining. In this episode, cinematographer, educator, and author Tal Lazar breaks down why the real story is always in the subtext, and why emotion beats information when you’re trying to persuade, pitch, teach, or lead. We talk about why leaders default to “feature lists,” how filmmakers create coherence across dozens of departments, and why there’s no such thing as a formula for “coverage” if you’re actually telling a story. The throughline is simple: focus on the transformation your audience wants, not the impressive details you’re tempted to showcase. If you’ve been chasing better tools, better tactics, or better talking points, this conversation will pull you back to the skill that makes everything else work. In this episode, you will learn to: Shift your messaging from “what it is” to the transformation it creates for your audience Use subtext intentionally so your communication lands…

“Vision is what inspires your people. Mission is what activates and organizes them.” —Rain Bennett What good is a bold vision if you don’t have a mission to back it up? In this solo episode, Rain Bennett breaks down why mission is the most misunderstood and most essential piece of a brand’s storytelling system. Using examples from WeWork’s collapse and Airbnb’s legendary collaboration with Pixar, Rain explains how to turn abstract ideas into real-world action through a story-driven mission. If your company struggles to align teams, inspire customers, or scale with clarity, the problem may not be your vision. It may be the lack of a narrative-driven mission. This episode will teach you how to build one that works, aligns, and lasts. In this episode, you will learn to: Find the gap between vision and mission that leads to brand drift Craft a mission that functions like a plotline for your business Align internal teams and stakeholders around a shared narrative Use customer journey mapping as a story structure…

“Your stories are building bricks of belief in your brand." — Shane Lukas How do you sell something your customer can’t see, touch, or fully understand? Shane Lukas has spent decades helping professional service providers do exactly that by using story as a tool to create trust, clarity, and emotional resonance. In this episode, Rain and Shane explore how narrative makes “invisible” value tangible. From accountants and coaches to consultants and creatives, anyone who delivers a process or service will benefit from Shane’s simple but powerful storytelling framework. Together, they discuss the importance of transformation-driven messaging, the psychology of pre-sale belief, and how to guide your prospects with authentic case studies that show, not just tell, what you really do. This is a masterclass in making your message matter. In this episode, you will learn to: Sell intangible services by framing the emotional outcome, not the technical details Guide potential clients through stories that build trust…

“Everybody in your organization has to be aligned… or it all starts to break down.” — Jensen Savage If you’ve been muscling your way through growth and wondering why it still feels so hard, this episode is for you. Jensen Savage, founder of Savage Growth Partners, breaks down the true cause of stagnation in business: misalignment. In this conversation, we explore why brute force can’t scale and how systematizing your customer journey can unlock powerful, sustainable growth. Jensen and Rain dig into the often-ignored “connective tissue” between marketing, sales, and operations and show how storytelling is more than messaging and communication—it’s infrastructure. Whether you're a founder, marketer, or small business owner, this episode will help you rethink what’s actually holding you back. In this episode, you will learn to: Understand why growth stalls even when you’re doing everything “right” Uncover the unseen gaps in your customer journey that silently kill momentum Map your marketing to metrics that…

“Every time you press upload, you’re telling the universe this is your part in the grand scheme.” — Elton Anderson, Jr. What if your content wasn’t just a creative outlet, but a mirror for your transformation? In this episode, Rain Bennett sits down with Elton Anderson—a photographer, storyteller, and founder of L10 Media—for a deep, vulnerable conversation on using storytelling to break free of the algorithm, let go of outdated identities, and build a media platform rooted in purpose. Elton shares his own creative pivot, leaving behind a successful photography career and embracing a new chapter built around authenticity, micro media ownership, and spiritual self-alignment. Together, they explore how to attract the right audience by showing up fully as yourself, why resistance is a sign you’re on the right path, and how to build a life and career that flow from the inside out. If you're multi-passionate, burned out by content trends, or questioning how to evolve in public, this episode will show you that…

“If your company doesn’t know the story that it’s helping to tell, no marketing campaign is going to save you.” — Rain Bennett Most businesses mistake their vision for a quarterly goal or a financial target, but that’s not a story anyone wants to join. In this solo episode, Rain Bennett unpacks the critical difference between vision and mission, showing how your vision acts as the narrative North Star for your entire brand. Rain shares a clear, actionable framework based on Simon Sinek’s “Just Cause” model and explains how the best visions are resilient, inclusive, and service-oriented. Through two powerful case studies—Patagonia and The People’s Game—Rain illustrates how a well-crafted vision can guide every part of your business, from branding to product development to internal culture. If you’ve ever struggled to articulate why your company exists beyond just making money, this episode gives you the foundation to start telling a story that actually matters. In this episode, you will learn to: Define a…

“I was made from mistakes. I was promoted, protected, loved, and perfected by them.” — David Meltzer After losing $100 million and hitting rock bottom, David Meltzer rebuilt his life and his business around a mission to empower over 1 billion people to be happy. In this episode, Rain Bennett sits down with David to explore how storytelling became the vehicle for that transformation. David opens up about the bankruptcy he once hid from the world, the emotional healing that followed, and the new definition of success that changed everything. They talk about the myth of “give more, get more,” the strategic use of vulnerability, and how to build a brand rooted in service and joy. If you’ve ever struggled to see the upside in your darkest moments, this conversation will show you how to flip the script and turn your pain into purpose. In this episode, you will learn to: Reframe failure as the foundation for your most powerful story Create a happiness-driven business model that serves and scales Embrace…

“It’s not just about keeping the lights on—it’s about building a relationship with the people at the end of the line.” — Krystal Phillips, JO-EMC Storytelling isn’t just for trendy brands or startups. In this episode, Rain sits down with Krystal Phillips, Communications and Community Relations Manager at Jones-Onslow EMC, to explore how a rural electric co-op built a storytelling culture that would rival any big tech brand. Krystal reveals the behind-the-scenes thinking that led a utility company to invest in heartfelt video stories, internal leadership programs, and community-first content. Together, they unpack how to measure storytelling ROI when you can’t rely on sales, how buy-in from leadership transforms culture, and why authenticity matters more than production value. This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in “unsexy” industries who wants to make storytelling their competitive advantage. In this episode, you will learn to: Harness storytelling as a strategic tool, even in “boring” or highly…

“A shared narrative means everyone in the organization is speaking about the story in the same way.” — Salvatore Manzi If every person on your team is telling a different version of your brand story, you don’t have a marketing problem—you have a clarity crisis. In this episode, communication strategist and author Salvatore Manzi joins Rain to break down how to build a shared narrative that aligns everyone in your organization. From CEOs to customer service reps, consistency in storytelling builds trust, clarity, and emotional resonance. Salvatore shares actionable frameworks for clear and compelling communication, how to blend personal and brand narratives, and why metaphors are essential tools for influence. Whether you're leading a nonprofit or a global brand, this episode will sharpen your storytelling and unify your message. In this episode, you will learn to: Align your entire team behind a unified narrative that eliminates confusion Use storytelling frameworks to turn complex data into meaningful…

“A message map is the most underutilized resource for marketers.” — David Ebner What if the reason your marketing isn’t working has nothing to do with the content itself, but everything to do with the foundation it’s built on? In this episode, Rain sits down with David Ebner, founder of Content Workshop and one of the clearest voices in content strategy, to unpack why most brand storytelling falls flat. They explore the concept of the message map, how to build a storytelling system that scales, and why trust is the most important marketing metric you’re probably not tracking. David also opens up about how his background in creative writing fuels his approach to business storytelling, what metrics actually matter, and how emotion creates longevity in brand relationships. Whether you're a solopreneur or scaling a team, this episode will challenge the way you think about content and give you a smarter path forward. In this episode, you will learn to: Apply the power of a message map to bring structure and…

“The shortest distance between two souls is a story.” — Aaron Calafato Aaron Calafato doesn’t just teach storytelling—he lives it. In this episode, we dive into what it really means to lead with story, both as an artist and a business strategist. Aaron shares how he built an audience (and a business) by showing up authentically and consistently, telling personal stories that are never just about him. We discuss the fine line between self-expression and self-indulgence, how personal narratives can unlock professional growth, and why he refuses to monetize his podcast Seven Minute Stories. This conversation is full of heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom for anyone trying to build trust through story. In this episode, you will learn to: Identify the differences between storytelling as a gift and storytelling as a performance Use personal stories to create trust, not just attention Balance art and business while staying true to your values Build long-term brand equity through consistent storytelling Avoid the…

“A story is a single arc of transformation. A narrative is the thread that connects them all.” — Rain Bennett Most businesses think their biggest challenge is marketing. But what if the real issue is story misalignment? In this solo episode, Rain Bennett introduces the Narrative Operating System—a strategic framework designed to bring your brand's stories into alignment across every department: from vision and mission to product, marketing, advertising, and sales. This isn't just a branding tool. It’s a storytelling system that ensures your internal culture and external messaging work in harmony. Rain breaks down each layer of the system and shows how companies can create a brand people don’t just buy from, but they believe in. You’ll learn why most teams default to their own version of the story, how that causes confusion and erodes trust, and how the Chief Storytelling Officer role solves that. If you’ve ever felt like your message was scattered or your content inconsistent, this episode gives you a clear…

“If it makes me curious, then maybe it’ll make someone else curious, too.” — Patrick Hicks What started as a 30-day content challenge became a storytelling movement powered by rock, raw honesty, and curiosity. In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain Bennett speaks with Patrick Hicks, creator of a viral TikTok account (@patrickhicksmusic), where he tells the stories behind the songs that shaped our lives. With over half a million followers and a growing book project, Patrick has built a creator career that feels authentic, soulful, and sustainable. They discuss how Patrick’s background in marketing, music, and punk DIY culture gave him the tools to grow his audience without losing his voice. You’ll hear how he balances content creation with a full-time job, why he never polishes his videos, and how he structures stories to connect emotionally—without chasing algorithms. This episode is a masterclass in following your curiosity, honoring your influences, and building something meaningful on your own…

"Interviewing is not about taking something—it's about helping them be more of who they are." — Wil Weldon What if the key to more powerful storytelling lies not in your editing skills—but in your ability to deeply listen? In this soul-stirring episode, Rain Bennett talks with Wil Weldon, a video journalist, former massage therapist, and Reiki practitioner who’s developed a holistic approach to interviewing called Heart-Forward Storytelling. They dive into Wil’s new book INNERviewing: Heart-Forward Storytelling and Holistic Communication, which teaches storytellers, coaches, marketers, and everyday humans how to create space for transformational conversations. You’ll learn how principles of energy transfer, intention, and trust can improve your interviews—not just on camera, but in life. From family storytelling to trauma-informed listening, this episode reminds us that storytelling is more than performance—it's connection at its deepest level. In this episode, you will learn to: Create deeper interviews by…

"I wanted each character to be complex enough and sympathetic enough that there's some deep reason you could identify in yourself." — Elizabeth Lo How do you tell a story that's intimate, ethically complicated, and rooted in real-life secrecy—without exploiting your subjects? In this episode, Rain Bennett speaks with acclaimed documentary filmmaker Elizabeth Lo, director of Mistress Dispeller, one of the most talked-about films this year. The film follows a professional “mistress dispeller” in China hired to break up extramarital affairs on behalf of betrayed spouses—yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Elizabeth opens up about how she gained the trust of real people in real love triangles, how she balanced empathy with narrative clarity, and how she created emotional tension through stillness instead of sensationalism. They discuss ethical gray areas, building documentaries without control, and letting stories unfold naturally while still crafting a cohesive arc. If you’re a nonfiction filmmaker or just…

“A story is a singular arc of transformation. A narrative is the thread that ties all your stories together.” — Rain Bennett Is telling your brand story enough to build a loyal audience? In this episode, Rain Bennett breaks down the essential but often misunderstood difference between brand story and brand narrative. While most marketers focus on crafting engaging stories, Rain explains why the real secret to lasting brand trust lies in building a clear, consistent narrative thread that connects everything you do, from vision to product to marketing and sales. He uses powerful metaphors—from Hamilton to the Bible to Christmas lights—to help you see the structure of your storytelling system in a new way. You’ll also learn how the Chief Storytelling Officer is the guardian of that narrative, ensuring every department speaks in harmony. If you’ve ever felt like your content is scattered or your message is missing the mark, this episode will show you how to realign your storytelling, as well as your business. In…

“If you're not leaning into your own abracadabra, you're leaving your competitive advantage on the table.” says magician and marketer, Jimi Gibson. What if storytelling wasn’t just about clever hooks or flashy content—but instead about casting spells that transform how people feel and act? In this episode, Rain sits down with Jimi Gibson, a marketing strategist, TEDx speaker, and lifelong magician, to explore the deep parallels between magic and storytelling. Jimi shares how the neuroscience behind awe, attention, and trust can be reverse-engineered into any brand message or business interaction. He even performs a mind-blowing magic trick live on the show—proving firsthand how story structure mirrors a magic trick’s setup, curiosity, and climax. Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or content creator, this episode reveals how to tap into your own “abracadabra” and use it to spark genuine human connection. In this episode, you will learn to: See storytelling as a biological sequence of connection, curiosity,…

“Ownable originality is about creating something uniquely you—something no one else can do, even if they tried.” — Rob Meyers What does it mean to create something that no one else can replicate? In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain sits down with Rob Meyers, Managing Director of the creative studio Versus, to explore the concept of “ownable originality.” Rob shares the philosophy behind Versus—one that prioritizes culture over style, curiosity over templates, and meaning over metrics. The result? A studio that helps brands and creators make work that is not only beautiful, but deeply aligned with who they are. They discuss the evolving landscape of branded content, how more companies are creating their own original documentaries and films, and why traditional marketing models are no longer enough. Rob also explains how a founder-led, culture-first organization can scale without losing its soul—and how his team’s creative autonomy fuels both client work and original IP like films, books, and games.…

“If you write well, readers see your story differently—but they see it. It’s a visual medium, even in text.” — Gary Smith What happens when a fine art photographer becomes a novelist? In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain Bennett sits down with Gary Smith, a visual artist turned fiction author, who brings a unique perspective to the craft: writing as seeing. Gary explains how his background in photography shapes the way he builds scenes, characters, and emotions on the page. His process begins with feeling, moves through visualization, and ends with carefully structured prose that reads like a cinematic experience. The conversation dives deep into discipline, creativity, character development, and how the act of storytelling can help both writer and reader reflect on life’s deeper questions. Gary shares how years of long-distance running and construction work taught him the habits and resilience that now power his writing routine. This episode is packed with wisdom for any writer who wants to create…

“Consistency is not about how often you post—it's about how consistently you show up in your message.” — Renee Frojo What if the key to growing your brand wasn’t pumping out more content, but going deeper with your message? In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, host Rain Bennett talks to Renee Frojo, a former journalist turned brand storyteller, about why clarity in your narrative beats consistency in your posting schedule. Renee breaks down how founders, solopreneurs, and startups can stop chasing viral trends and start building powerful stories that connect, convert, and scale. From her personal evolution in content marketing to the development of her storytelling retreats and workshops, Renee shares the systems she uses to help brands mine for meaningful stories and communicate with confidence. They discuss how storytelling enhances every part of your business—from sales calls to short-form social content—and why authenticity has its limits when it comes to brand building. If you're burned out by…

“The more narrow we get with our prompts, the deeper and more profound the insights become.” — James Warren How 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:…

“The CSO needs a seat at every department’s table—product, marketing, sales—because story threads through all of it.” — Rain Bennett Storytelling isn’t just about marketing anymore—it’s about leadership, alignment, and growth. In this special 200th episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain kicks off Season 14 by exploring the rise of a new essential role in business: the Chief Storytelling Officer. Whether you’re at a massive company like Nike or a scrappy startup, someone needs to take responsibility for narrative consistency across your entire organization. Rain shares insights from his interviews with real CSOs, including Nike’s Nelson Farris, and breaks down what this role looks like—why it matters, what it includes, and how to fill it (even if it’s you). From establishing your brand’s core “why” to ensuring cohesion across departments like product, marketing, and sales, the CSO is the linchpin of a modern brand. And as Rain writes his next book on the topic, he’s bringing listeners along for the journey.…

“Think about what your story promises and then ask yourself if you're actually moving toward it.” — Rain Bennett Tired of overcomplicated storytelling formulas? In this episode, Rain simplifies the process with a three-step model inspired by bestselling fantasy author Brandon Sanderson: Promise, Progress, Payoff. This framework is rooted in classical storytelling principles but designed for clarity and ease—whether you're telling a short story, a brand narrative, or a social media post. Rain breaks down what each step means, how to apply it in your work, and why it's so effective at keeping your audience engaged and emotionally invested. You’ll hear examples from The Lion King, Star Wars, and even YouTube tutorials to show how Promise, Progress, and Payoff show up across formats. If you're feeling overwhelmed by storytelling theory, this episode brings you back to what matters most: clear expectations, forward motion, and satisfying endings. In this episode, you will learn to: Use Promise, Progress, Payoff…

“If you get your timeline pushed back, think of it as another year to make the story better.” — Erika Arlee What does it really take to build a sustainable filmmaking career? In this episode, Rain sits down with Erika Arlee and Kristi Ray, the powerhouse duo behind Honey Head Films, to explore how they’ve grown a production company that balances passion, purpose, and profit. They share the story of their debut feature A Song for Imogene, and how they expanded it from a short film into a fully realized, distributed feature while staying true to their vision. Erika and Kristi break down how they built their brand around authentic Southern stories, women filmmakers, and a collaborative, values-driven approach. You’ll learn how they crowdfunded, built community buy-in, and turned obstacles into creative opportunities. If you’re dreaming of turning your passion for film into a business that lasts, this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom and inspiration. In this episode, you will learn to: Build an…

“We make our media the same way we make our barbecue, and that’s low and slow.” — Shawn Walchef How do you run a business and still find time to create content? In this episode, Rain sits down with Shawn Walchef, owner of Cali BBQ and founder of Cali BBQ Media, to explore how storytelling and content creation aren’t distractions—they’re growth engines. Shawn shares how he went from struggling restaurateur to building a thriving media company on top of his barbecue brand, and why every business today needs to think like a media company. They break down how to overcome the fear of looking foolish, why quantity and speed matter more than perfection, and how to turn your phone into your most valuable tool. Shawn also gives practical tips on stacking content, building a team, and staying consistent without burning out. If you’ve ever wondered how to juggle business and content—or whether it’s worth the effort—this episode will change your mindset. In this episode, you will learn to: See content as a growth tool,…

“Your story comes from your heart, and then you structure it to deliver it in the best way.” — Rain Bennett Ever hear the term "story beat" and wonder what it really means? In this episode, Rain breaks down the mysterious middle ground between scenes and acts—the story beat. And he uses Blake Snyder’s popular (and sometimes polarizing) Save the Cat beat sheet to do it. You’ll get a clear explanation of what a beat is, how the 15-beat structure works, and why it's helped thousands of storytellers—from screenwriters to brand strategists—craft more compelling narratives. Rain walks you through the full beat sheet, explains how it maps to The Lion King, and shares tips on how to use this structure for your own business, brand, or film storytelling. If you’ve been overwhelmed by big frameworks, this episode will give you a clear, practical tool to work with. In this episode, you will learn to: Define what a story beat is and understand how it fits between scenes and acts. Use Blake Snyder’s 15-beat sheet to…

“People want to feel heard. If you don’t create a collaborative space, they won’t come back.” — Stewart Cohen How do you build a long, successful creative career when you are the brand? In this episode, Rain sits down with director and visual storyteller Stewart Cohen to explore the balance between artistry and entrepreneurship. With decades of experience in commercial production, photography, and branded storytelling, Stewart has mastered the dance of creating great work while sustaining strong client relationships—and still making time for passion projects. They discuss how personal work often leads to professional opportunities, the importance of trust and collaboration, and how to get authentic performances from real people. Stewart shares how his curiosity drives his creativity, why connection is the true metric for success, and why making stuff just for fun might be the smartest business decision you ever make. If you're a storyteller trying to make it in a noisy world, this episode is packed with…

“The stories we take on as children are often the ones we spend the rest of our lives trying to rewrite.” — John Bucher What if the story you’re living isn’t the one you were meant to live? In this episode, Rain sits down with John Bucher, President of the Joseph Campbell Foundation, to explore how the ancient patterns of mythology still shape our modern lives. Together, they dive deep into Joseph Campbell’s enduring influence on storytelling—from Star Wars to brand narratives—and how we can harness those same mythic structures to better understand our own identities and destinies. John shares his personal journey from a small Texas town to becoming a global thought leader in mythology, and how a series of “accidents” and calls to adventure helped him rewrite his life’s story. They also discuss how stories evolve, how to avoid getting stuck in the romanticized “Hollywood version” of your life, and why lived experience will always outshine AI-generated narratives. This is a powerful, heartfelt conversation…

“You don’t just present a pitch—you present a world your audience wants to live in.” — Rain Bennett What do the Gettysburg Address, I Have a Dream, and your next sales pitch have in common? They all follow a specific structure—one that Nancy Duarte calls the Sparkline. In this solo episode, Rain breaks down how this framework works, why it resonates so deeply, and how you can use it to capture attention, build trust, and persuade your audience—whether you're on a stage, pitching a product, or crafting a social post. Rain dives deep into the Sparkline’s rhythm of “what is” and “what could be,” how this pattern mirrors the Hero’s Journey, and why it triggers emotional investment and action. He also explores resistance in storytelling, the power of contrast, and the neuroscience behind narrative immersion. To drive it home, he analyzes Steve Jobs’s legendary 2007 iPhone keynote—step by step. If you want to spark belief in your message, this episode is your blueprint. In this episode, you will learn to: Leverage…

“It’s okay to not be okay. It’s just not okay to stay that way.” — Nina Sossamon-Pogue What 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…