Story Babble

“A shameless act of self-promotion”. We’ve all heard the phrase. But how do you sell your song, your art, or in Brittni’s case, your book without making a direct appeal. Now that she’s figured out a way to write and get published consistently, Brittni’s navigating the process of promoting her work. And it’s good work. She’s a talent, people. Brittni Miner on Amazon Sponsor: The Forever Young Foundation

Imagine this movie scene: Jesus driving out the moneychangers from the temple. What kinds of things would people be saying? What language would they use? Would some be angry and others frightened? Those are the kinds of questions looping designer, Bernie Van De Yacht of ProADRlooping has to answer while helping to build the human sound bed for the wildly successful series, The Chosen. His credits also include Fargo, Lovecraft Country, and Mom to name just a few. Did we mention he’s also a successful novelist and screenwriter? Bernie and his partner ML Gemmil are quickly becoming Hollywood’s go-to loopers.  proadrlooping.com  Bernie's Amazon Books Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Ken Burns’ didn’t invent the documentary 30 years ago. He just gave it a shot in the arm. Since then, documentaries have taken a thousand directions. The most recent is Operation Varsity Blues: the College Admissions Scandal. Unlike most documentaries, this one has a script, actors, and well-lit scenes. How is that a documentary, you ask. Forever Young Foundation

Though joined by a common theme, Nomadland and Prime Video’s recent release, Bliss, could not have had two more different approaches to the plight of homelessness.   Sponsor: Forever Young Fondation

What happens when an artist, filmmaker, or performer gets caught in a serious indiscretion. Is it still okay to love their art? What are the ethics of this situation? And is it okay to “cancel” an artist for their stupid, insensitive but not illegal remarks? We don’t pretend to have the answers, just a lot of questions. Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

We don’t often have guests come back for a second visit, but then again we don’t often know people who get published for a second time. Kara talks about the challenges and joys of writing for Young Adult readers and offers a little insight on her latest book for Scholastic, One Way or Another.  Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation Kara's book: "One Way of Another" on Amazon https://www.karajmcdowell.com

Let’s face it, due to recent events, it’s hard to talk about anything else. The storming of the capitol got us to thinking about why those visuals struck such a cord? What will turn out to be the most iconic images from that day? Why are Washington landmarks so often used as the backdrops of popular movies? Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Biopics: History or Art? Some biopics cleave to true history and the movie suffers for it. Other biopics set out to “say something”and true history suffers. Is there a balance? What do filmmakers owe to the dead and the living?  Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Mark introduces Brian to a couple of his favorite Christmas shows. Is it possible that anyone could improve on A Christmas Carol. Mark thinks so.  SYSK Selects: The Star Wars Holiday Special of 1978 Mark's Christmas Video 2016 (Episode 1) Mark's Christmas Video 2017 (Episode 2) Mark's Christmas Video 2020 (Episode 3) NEW Forever Young Foundation  

To say Steve Vinovich lucked into a successful acting career wouldn’t be fair. But by his own admission, it’s a little bit true. His career was made, however, with a lot of talent and hard work. Steve’s credits include a prodigious amount of stage, film and TV. His performance as Puffin in the Swan Princess was the pinnacle, of course. (We’re winking here.) He’s got a lot of great stories and one about Seinfeld that will blow your mind. Enjoy.  Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

No good story is devoid of misery. Misery means struggle. And struggle means drama - the heart and soul of every great story. No protagonist, real or fictional, is misery-free.  The Game: Stuff Happens Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

On his wonderful podcast, social thinker, Malcom Gladwell, opines on the power of country music...we did not see that coming. What about you? Country music lover? Hater? Lets talk about it. Well, we’ll talk, you listen.  Revisionist History: The King of Tears Mark's Country Song Apple Music: Send Me Back Home Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

J Bateman is just like us, but a lot more talented. And such a nice guy. Growing up, he didn’t know he wanted to be a composer, but here he is with more than a few movie credits under his belt. If you’ve seen any of the last six Swan Princess sequels (that’s right, there’s ten all together - time to catch up!) then you’ve heard his scoring and songs. Speaking of scores, we felt lucky to have him on Storybabble. Enjoy. Sponsor Forever Young Foundation 

Mark and Brian review and try to fix Brian’s first stab at writing. Sonny Carter is Dead (1972) is the story of a fictitious football superstar who (no surprise here) dies on the field. (Incidentally, the only NFL player to ever die on the field was Chuck Hughes, a wide receiver for Brian’s beloved Detroit Lions in 1971)  Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Great storytellers from Jesus to Modern filmmakers used parables or metaphors. Why not just tell the actual story you want to tell? The Point, an animated film from  the 70s might offer a few clues.  The Point on Apple Music Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation  

Simon Nissen talks about the portrayal of gay men in cinema. Are these portrays doing right by the gay community?  Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

A consummate and versatile actor, Ben did a lot of the heavy lifting for Citrus Valley Playhouse from 2004-2008. But long before we came around Ben had made his mark on Arizona entertainment. Whether it was as a writer and cast member of the Wallace and Ladmo show or the creator of the wildly popular sketch musical GUV! or countless other creations, Ben has distinguished himself as Arizona’s playwright. He’s got some good advice and great stories. Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

If you want to hear two old farts try and make sense of a rap musical, well, then, this episode is for you.  Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation Rapper: Rino

In the world of animation, Ryan Woodward is the ultimate utility man. He’s an A-list character animator, effects animator, and storyboard artist. Check out his social media (@ryanwoodwardart) and you’ll quickly discover he has a massive following for all the right reasons. He’s an iconoclast who refuses to settle. BOTTOM OF THE NINTH Trailer Bottom of the Ninth app (Apple) Ryan on Vimeo The Making of, Thought of You Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation  

Mark and Brian's children take over the podcast for Father's Day. Suzanne Arnett O'Dell, Kate Arnett Mower, and Simon Nissen reveal what it was like being parented by fathers who never fully grew up. Sponsor: The Forever Young Foundation

It’s hard to believe it’s been 12 years since we performed our final Citrus Valley Playhouse performance which told an improbable tale of the most unique children’s show in American TV history. Ladmo Bag Envy Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Mark’s daughter, Suzanne, has thought a lot about the stories she tells herself...about herself. Sometimes they hurt. Sometimes they help. Can better stories change your life?  Suzie Bakes Cake Our Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation 

We haven’t run out of Ridley’s yet. Mark Ridley is the founder and owner of Detroit’s famous Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle. Think of your favorite comedian. He or she has played the Castle at one time or another. Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres. Tim Allen got his start there. The list goes on. Mark gives us a peek at how the world of stand-up comedy works. Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Lyricist, David Zippel has worked with a lot of big names in Hollywood and on Broadway. Alan Menken, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Larry Gelbart, and Marvin Hamlisch to name just a few. His credits include City of Angels, The Goodbye Girl, Hercules, Mulan and The Swan Princess. And yet he took the time to talk to little ol’ Storybabble. You’ve heard his stuff. You know how talented and clever he is. You’ll pleased to know he’s as nice as he is witty. David Zippel I Can't Believe My Heart Studio Version I Can't Believe My Heart Live Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation 

Mark and Brian talk to another member of the prolific Ridley clan. In a family that boasts actors, jazz singers, impresarios, and filmmakers, Mike is the touring balladeer, Michigan’s “Michigan Man”. To see his weekly Facebook concert is to see a man who loves music and people in equal measure. And they love him right back. Mike Ridley on Facebook Mike Ridley's Website Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Probably more than any person, Lou Florimonte influenced Brian Nissen's acting and writing career. Once a professor at the California Institute of the Arts, Lou is now retired and living in California. He took the time to talk to Brian and Mark about the three most common mistakes a writer can make. This is a Master Class taught by a master of his craft. Enjoy. Our Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Filmmaker Aaron Meyers is stuck inside just like all the rest of us. But unlike Mark and Brian he’s trying to stay busy. He’s got some tips on how to sharpen your skills in the age of Corona.  Things For Quarantined Filmmakers To Do! JUST. GO. FILM. A Motivational Short Film For Creatives Our Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Mark and Brian talk with Frank Ridley, Brian‘s cousin, who has appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, and even in an opera or two. But perhaps his most memorable role has been Gil Fulbright, a 2016 fake candidate for the US Senate. The so-called Honest Politician campaign was a viral phenomenon, drawing attention to the undue influence of money in politics.  Gil Fulbright the honest politician Frank Ridley Sponsor Forever Young

Hollywood has made a lot of disaster movies. Lifeboat, Tidal Wave, Towering Inferno, Outbreak, Titanic and Contagion just to name a few. Mark and Brian talk about why a tidal wave or a superbug are not always the villain. Also, we ask Thomas Grier, aka NostraThomas, what to expect next from the Coronavirus.

Do you cringe when a protagonist says something like, “I have to keep fighting until I overcome every obstacle.”? We feel your pain. Mark and Brian discuss why it hurts and how to fix it. Sponsor: Forever Young Coming Up: TEDx Gilbert

Who’s the best TV protagonist of the last decade? Mark and Brian discuss the virtues and failings of a faulted protagonist, and why we should care about them.  Sponsored by the Forever Young Foundation

Masters of their craft, James Adams and Thomas Manning of Epic Light Media, dish on the importance of getting the technical aspects of filmmaking right. Epic Light Media  

Brian calls and talks to Mark as he walks the Anaheim Convention Center for the National Association of Music Merchants 2020 described as “the world’s largest trade-only event for music products, pro audio and event tech industry." NAMM 2020

Sterling Tanner is a happy guy. Why wouldn’t he be? He gets to help people fund their charitable dreams, but almost never asks for money. Such is life for the CEO and Executive Director of Steve Young’s Forever Young Foundation. Sound to good to be true? Give Sterling a listen.  Forever Young Foundation  

This week self-proclaimed Star Wars nerds Carter, Tanner and Heath put forth a dizzying display of Star Wars trivia and analysis, proving that no matter how average or wonderful the latest episode, Star Wars nerds will dissect, ponder and pontificate about it for years to come. Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

We talk to four self-proclaimed Star Wars nerds and one trivia genius to find out if The Rise of Skywalker adds glory or diminishes the Star Wars legacy. This is Part I of a two-part series, but in the tradition of Star Wars, we’re calling it Episode IV. Sci-Fi With Me (Music Video) Sci-Fi With Me (Apple Music) Sci-Fi With Me (Spotify)

Back in the early 30s, the depression hit Mesa Arizona hard. An editor of the local newspaper, John McPhee, had an idea of how to save Christmas. But things didn’t turn out exactly as he had planned. Here’s a live performance Citrus Valley Playhouse performed this back in 2006.

Mark and Brian talk about the extended version of Tom Hanks’ That Thing You Do. Every single scene Hanks cut deserved it. That Thing You do is a clinic on the power of story editing. Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

After becoming a foster parent herself, Anika Robinson realized how nearly impossible the state had made it to provide meaningful care for her “kiddos”. She and two other Arizona foster moms are determined to fix it.  ASA Now ASA Now on Just Serve Forever Young Foundation    

Mark and Brian agree on everything about this film, except, perhaps, the most important part. What is the meaning of JoJo Rabbit?

Got a kid that just won’t relax at night? Have we got a solution for you! The podcast Bedtime History is the creation of our special guest, Breck LeSueur - inspiring stories about great people in history that did great things. Give it a listen. We asked him to do an episode on us. Still waiting to hear back. We’ll keep you posted. Bedtime History Webpage Amelia Earhart Tegla Loroupe  

Jef Amoranto has a powerful need to create. From Indie Rock guitarist to budding filmmaker to choreographer and dancer, Jef can’t turn it off. He talks about how growing up as a lonely immigrant kid and, later, a hard breakup spurred his creativity. Recently his dance group, The Exiles, appeared on NBC’s World of Dance. Jef has some great advice on being a creative. "Windows" Moment Invitational 2019 by Jeff Amoranto The Jukebox Dance Studio Jukebox Family - World of Dance Las Vegas 2017 Redemption: Motiv Crew vs. Exiles - World of Dance 2019

Seth Adam Smith is more than a survivor of crippling depression. He’s the Marketing Director of Anasazi, a program that gives struggling youth a wilderness experience. Helping these “Young Walkers” see themselves as the central figure of their Hero’s journey is prime.  Anasazi Foundation Seth Adam Smith's Blog Forever Young Foundation  

One month from its release in 1994, the Swan Princess movie died...until Producer, Seldon O. Young brought it back to life! Now, 25 years later, the Swan Princess not only lives on, it’s been completely re-mastered and is ready to be enjoyed by a new generation. A gala event on October 24th marks the re-release of the last hand drawn, 2D animated film to be released in theaters. Seldon Young tells the tale in a discussion with Mark Arnett and Brian Nissen, the screenwriter of The Swan Princess. The Swan Princess Website  This podcast is sponsored by The Forever Young Foundation

The Joker has been lauded and lambasted, but you won’t know whether we’re lauders or lambasters until you’ve listened to this episode. When you’re done, you’ll also know how the Joker begins and ends - and a lot of stuff in between. You’ve been warned. We also proudly announce our new Sponsor, Steve Young’s Forever Young Foundation. It’s wonderful to be sponsored by a foundation that’s the opposite of the Joker - good people putting real smiles on faces across the globe. Batman: The Killing Joke Graphic Novel Forever Young Foundation

Brittni Miner comes out of early retirement and returns to storybabble. (aka she took a two hour break from feeding and changing twins.)  She dishes on the rules and practices of good writing all on just a few hours of sleep. Impressive. She seemed to enjoy the break even tough she still had two manage a couple of children. 

In politics, a lot of time and money is spent on crafting the right story for a candidate or a movement. But Tyler Montague was recently awarded “Best Unpaid Political Consultant” by the New Times. Indeed, he’s a master at knowing which story deserves telling. Let everyone else make big bucks, Tyler’s in it for the cause and the love of the fight. The Bob Worsley Piano Ad

Today, a bonus episode. Meet Keira George, the youngest contestant in this year’s international whistling competition! She’s 10. Enjoy. Masters of Musical Whistling 

Is whistling an art form, or is it only something your Dad did while he putzed around the garage? Can whistling be beautiful? Or is it always like nails on a chalkboard? We have the answers, and so would you if you went to an international whistling competition like we did! Masters of Whistling The Musical Diva

He might not be the King of Pop but he’s surely the King of Cinematic Pop. Rob Gardner dishes on his process for creating his symphonic masterpiece. Cinematicpop Rob Gardner Mark Arnett's Album Sugar Cubes on Apple Music

While in Pasadena for the Int’l Whistling Festival, we got to talk to a friend. Stage, film, and TV actor Ray Porter who’s credits include Monk’s nemesis, Dale the Whale. His adventure in a fat suit is not to be missed. Ray also has good advice for aspiring actors.    Ray Porter's Movie and TV Credits Include: Modern Family; The Mentalist; Shameless; Argo; It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia; CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Monk; The Suite Life of Zack & Cody; Will & Grace; ER; Frasier; Almost Famous; and Murphy Brown Ray Porter Narrator: AudioFile