Storytelling School

It's one of my three-day events that I'm running, and as I always do, I have everyone gather in a circle one at a time, I have everyone say their name and say one fun fact that would not be on their bio, so we go around, and person after person is introducing themselves, and we get to the last person who says, “Hi. I'm Sandy Zabarsky, and I just got out of prison.” The whole room goes silent and you can honestly hear a pin drop. Everyone's eyes are just on her, and for a split second, you can almost feel their assumptions kicking in. Like, what does she mean? Is she really just out of prison? Did I even hear that right? Then, she continues and says, “I've been an educator for most of my career. I work in the juvenile justice system, and I recently retired, so yes, I have just gotten out of prison, so to speak, and I spent my entire career there.” In that moment, the meaning of her words completely changed. The whole room, the feeling of the room, changes because what she says, it makes her work relevant and completely has a plot twist in the middle of this exercise because what mattered to her more than anything else is that it wasn't only about working in prison, but for her, it was helping the kids get their GEDs. That was really important because she knew that a piece of paper could mean the difference between them having a completely different life story and repeating the same pattern. Sandy Zabarsky, also known as my mom, helped me in many, many, many events throughout my career, helping us really look at storytelling in a different way. She helped me realize that storytelling isn't just about entertainment or something to read as a book here or a movie there. Instead, storytelling is about how we shape reality, and that's exactly what my guest today does. Professor Dr. Ger Graus OBE is a globally recognized education leader, known for his innovative approach to children's learning. Having held key roles at KidZania and the Children's University, he serves as a professor and advisor to various global education organizations, and has received numerous accolades, and he understands today's aspect of storytelling better than most people. You'll get answers to questions like: Why is storytelling so important in education? How does it impact learning? What are some hidden narratives in education that actually shape decisions and opportunities? How could storytelling be integrated into school curriculums? What benefits would it offer students? What common misconceptions exist about new technology in education? How can we change our mindset to embrace change instead of resisting it? What you will learn (about) in this episode: The power of perspective in storytelling and how a dramatic introduction can immediately shift perceptions How stories make learning more meaningful than rote memorization The value of personal narratives and how everyone, younger and older, has valuable stories to share How many people believe their stories aren't "big" enough but that storytelling is about connection and expression Finding humor and humanity in stories and how storytelling helps us process emotions and connect with others Who is Ger? Professor Dr. Ger Graus OBE is a globally recognized leader in education, known for his unique and innovative approach to children's learning. He was the first Global Director of Education at KidZania and the founding C.E.O. of the Children's University, advocating for equity, creativity, and progress in education. He currently serves as a Visiting Professor at the National Research University in Moscow, a Professor of Practice at the University of Cumbria, and a PhD Advisory Council member at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. He holds advisory roles with various global education organizations, including Bett's Global Education Council and Dubai Future Councils, and he has received multiple accolades, including an OBE in 2014 and the Global Education Leadership Award in 2018. His professional autobiography, Through a Different Lens: Lessons from a Life in Education, is set for publication in 2025 via Routledge. Links and Resources Dr. Ger Graus' Website Dr. Ger Graus on LinkedIn Pre-Order Through a Different Lens Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's the end of 2002 and I am fully immersed in the world of technology, running a bicoastal tech event. Over lunch with a new connection, we start unraveling a really wild idea - what if we were to build a software application using technology that has never been combined before? Just for fun, we scribble our ideas onto a napkin.  A few days later, something truly incredible happens. We get invited to build this software for the TED Conference. I think to myself, This is way out of my league. We have no team. No roadmap. Just a napkin. And only eight weeks to somehow make this happen.  However, the chance to create something that the world has never seen before is way too thrilling to ignore, so within a weekend, we pull together a team from all over the U.S. and Canada. Eight weeks go by, and we barely sleep. There are moments where I wonder, Is this a huge mistake? Day after day, though, fueled by adrenaline and sheer audacity, we keep pushing forward. When TED arrives, we hold our breath as we unveil our creation. Guess what? Not only does it work, but people engage with the software in ways we never even imagined. In that moment – watching as people interact and seeing our vision come to life – it truly hits me that we did it. And that moment changes everything. As it turns out, a little innovation and audacity can rewrite the rules in a life-altering way. Someone who knows all about that is today's guest, Gina Osborn. After nearly three decades in law enforcement chasing Cold War spies, foiling terrorist plots, and tracking down cybercriminals, this is just another day on the job for her. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about the best way to build rapport, whether the glass ceiling is just a state of mind, and the consequences of choosing a hill to die on. You'll also get answers to questions like:  How do real-life experiences shape the way we tell and also interpret stories? How can unexpected challenges or turning points redefine the course of a story - or of a life? And how do you get wary people to trust you? What you will learn in this episode: How being innovative and audacious can lead to unexpected success How role models can help shape our beliefs about what's possible How careers can be redefined by both adversity and opportunities The importance of collaboration and persistence when taking on a challenge Why preparation and resilience are important in any career - especially a dangerous one Who is Gina? Gina Osborn spent 28 years in law enforcement where she took on espionage, terrorism, and cybercrime. Initially beginning her career in 1986 as a Counterintelligence Special Agent in the U.S. Army handling high-profile Cold War espionage cases in Europe, she transitioned in 1996 by joining the FBI, where she investigated Asian Organized Crime, supervised counterterrorism operations in Southeast Asia, and led major cybercrime cases. After her retirement in 2018, Gina became a sought-after keynote speaker, using her real-life experiences to educate and inspire audiences. She is also the host of the upcoming podcast Making Maverick Moves which will feature trailblazers who challenge norms and redefine success! Links and Resources Gina Osborn on LinkedIn Gina Osborn on Facebook Gina Osborn on Instagram Gina Osborn on YouTube Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's 2014. As the year draws to a close, all of my friends come up with their New Year's resolutions, ranging from dropping bad habits to losing weight. But while I create my list of resolutions on the eve of the new year, I realize it isn't going to work. Sure, I write them out every year with the best intentions in mind, but I forget some of them by February and even blow by others in January. At the end of the year, when reflecting back, it's the goals I haven't reached that make me feel like I'm failing. Walking on the beach that morning with my matcha latte, I wonder, “What if there were a new way to set intentions for the year ahead? What if those intentions actually made a significant difference in our lives?”  Then it hits me. Instead of doing the usual thing, I'm going to give the upcoming year a short, memorable, spicy name. I'm going to name my year based on who I want to become, not who I am today.  No more lists, no more forgetting, no more failing. I will live into what I've named my year with every decision I make and every action I take. What happens as a result? Everything. Outcomes change based on what I name my year, and it has such a profound effect on me that I start teaching others to do it and have incredible transformations of their own. Now it's your turn! In this short but very special episode, I talk about changing your year (and your life) with one, simple word or phrase and demonstrate why it works better than your typical New Year's resolution. What you will learn in this episode: How to create a new story of yourself and your life by naming your year Why you shouldn't keep this new story of yours a secret from others How to check in daily to ensure your story stays on track throughout the year A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teaching my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm in a high-stakes game throwing pitch after pitch after pitch for the University of Hawaii. I feel the ball roll off of my fingers in a perfect spin towards the catcher's mitt. Then, I notice a sharp, burning pain in my finger, glance down, and see that I've worn a hole all the way down to the bone! The coaches grab me and take me over to the athletic trainer. Wasting no time, they inject my finger with shots of corticosteroid. It numbs everything to the point where I can't even feel my fingers. So I go back on the field and keep pitching like nothing's wrong. At the time, I'm thinking that this is just what it takes to be tough. Yet, looking back on it years later, was that really the best solution: to mask the pain and toss me back out there? There was probably a better way to do things, which is not just true in sports but in business as well. How often do entrepreneurs and CEOs mask burnout, overwhelm, and inefficiency instead of getting to the root of what's really going on? My special guest Dr. Jeremy Bettle has seen this phenomenon in sports and spent years developing systems to help high-performance athletes achieve world-class results and experience true vitality. Now, he's expanding these principles to everyone! In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll discover the link between an optimal health story full of vitality and lifestyle choices. Dr. Bettle will challenge the narrative of what we think health is and answer questions like: How can you use your imagination to help you obtain a more optimal health story? What are the real health factors that indicate a long life story? And what's an example of a success story that illustrates the transformative power of targeted training and mindset shifts? What you will learn in this episode: How the story of athletic training parallels the non-athletic world Why the biohacking trend is a distraction from the real health story  How sleep impacts your brain (and, by extension, your entire body's narrative) Who is Jeremy? Dr. Jeremy Bettle holds a PhD in Human Performance and is an internationally recognized expert in the field with nearly 20 years at the forefront of high-performance sports. Renowned as an innovator and disruptor, Jeremy developed world-class systems for athlete care and optimization that set new industry standards. Jeremy and his wife Michelle founded Vitality Collective in January 2024, where he now brings these cutting-edge principles to the broader field of longevity, helping individuals leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of optimal health and vitality.   Links and Resources Vitality Collective @vitalitycollectivemontecito on Instagram Vitality Collective on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm in my martial arts class where we're deep into advanced weapons training. On this day, our Grandmaster tells us that we're going to have a special guest instructor join us. I'm thinking, “I've got the basics down with my knife. I've practiced them and know the foundation, so is this really going to be that different?” Then Grandmaster Yarrow walks in and starts his workshop. Within minutes, he's showing us knife techniques that I've never considered and didn't even know were possible! Suddenly, everything I thought I knew about knife work feels limited. A tension arises as I watch him demonstrate these unfamiliar techniques. Part of me wants to dismiss what I'm seeing, yet another part of me is intrigued and, to be honest, a little uncomfortable. Doubtful thoughts start to creep in. “Have I been doing this wrong all along? What if there's much more I don't know?” This tug of war is happening inside me when something clicks. I start to realize that Grandmaster Yarrow is showing me a whole new world of possibilities. The real value isn't just in the techniques he's teaching us; it's also in the reminder to keep an open mind and not limit your possibilities. Sometimes, the greatest breakthroughs come in those moments when you're willing to explore something new, maybe even something risky you've never tried before, and step outside of your usual way of doing things to discover hidden gifts and insights. Similarly to those like Grandmaster Yarrow, my special guest today Lisa Franz has built a career helping people see new possibilities, insights, and stories from an external and internal perspective. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll hear about finding freedom and personal transformation by embracing discomfort, breaking through limiting beliefs, and making mindful choices with food to increase self-awareness of your internal stories about eating and fitness. Lisa will also touch on the significance personal stories in connecting with others, as well as answer questions like: How are transitions in certain areas like an unfolding of your life story? How can you break through internal stories about food and fitness that no longer serve you? And why do personal stories make relationships between coaches and clients more effective? What you will learn in this episode: How finding freedom in food choices can help you shape your lifestyle story How your transformation can inspire others to change their story, too How slowing down can help take your internal food story to the next level Who is Lisa? Lisa Franz has a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science, Health Promotion, and Nutrition. She is the owner and head coach at Nutrition Coaching and Life and host of the Nutrition and Life Podcast. After struggling through various diets herself, she learned about evidence-based ways to change weight and body composition and has been fascinated with nutrition and building muscle ever since. As a digital nomad (originally from Germany, currently residing in Colombia) and someone who loves to travel and explore (51 countries and counting), Lisa feels like the right knowledge when it comes to nutrition and training has provided her with strategies that allow her to live a life she enjoys in a body she loves. She aims to show and teach others that the same is possible for them, guiding them away from frustration about food and their bodies towards experiencing joy and contentment. Links and Resources: Nutrition Coaching and Life Nutrition and Life Podcast @nutritioncoachingandlife on Instagram @nutritioncoachingandlife on YouTube Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

A few years ago, I'm coaching a speaker for her first big keynote. We rehearse endlessly, tweaking every word and gesture. On the day of the event, I'm sitting in the audience feeling a mix of pride and nervousness for her. She walks onto the stage confidently. Just as she starts her opening story, the microphone cuts out, and the room goes silent. All you can hear is the awkward shuffle of the tech team rushing around to fix it. She freezes for a second, and I can see the panic in her eyes. She glances at me, and I give her a small nod; that's our code for, “You've got this.” After taking a deep breath, she raises her voice and speaks to the room. Without a working mic, she owns the silence and wins back the audience with confidence and a bit of humor. The tech team gets the mic working halfway through her presentation, yet by this point, she already has the room in the palm of her hand. She ends her keynote and receives a standing ovation. You don't have to be flawless to be a great speaker. It's how you handle the unexpected that makes you memorable which is a storytelling lesson everyone can learn. In this installment of the “Storytelling 7 Series” on the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn how to find stories like these hiding out in the open. I'll also answer questions like: What do the biggest speeches, most viral videos, and most shared social media posts have in common? And where are stories hiding and waiting to be told? What you will learn in this episode: Why small, ordinary stories matter so much What questions to ask yourself to help uncover hidden stories What to do once you've found one story in plain sight to tell A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm on the East Coast about to speak at a corporate event filled with tech leaders of a very large company. As I'm backstage, the CEO comes up to me and says, “Remember Kymberlee, these are incredible people who are amazing at what they do, yet they aren't really bought into the idea of storytelling in the business environment.” With that, I'm introduced and take the stage. After the applause dies down, I can tell the mood in the room is quite serious. So I have everyone stand up and start an icebreaker exercise. That's when I hear the first person laugh. And then the next, and the next, and pretty soon the whole room is laughing, connecting, and having fun. The energy in the room has shifted. At the end of the session, I ask them what some of their most memorable moments from the day are. Without skipping a beat, they pointed out the laughter during the icebreaker changed their internal story. We know that laughter does a body and a brain good. Jason Love spreads that joy everywhere he goes. He's a nationally touring standup comedian who has appeared on TV in a few places you may have heard of, like Comedy Central and HBO. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll hear his insights on connecting with diverse audiences in storytelling through devices like humor and lessons we can learn from comedic storytellers, as well as get answers to questions like: How can you begin testing new material for a story, Talk, or performance? Why are people drawn to comedic storytellers like Dave Chappelle and Martin Lawrence? And what's it like to navigate in the world currently as a comedic storyteller or performer? What you will learn in this episode: What attitude you can take with you anytime you perform or tell a story How you can adapt your story or Talk to diverse audiences How you can be completely present before a story or Talk Who is Jason? Jason Love is a nationally touring headliner who has appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, America's Got Talent, and Dry Bar Comedy. His clips are played daily on Sirius XM, and he is a crowd favorite on cruise ships. L.A. Weekly named him “one of the top ten comics to watch.” His non-profit, Love & Laughter, brings free shows to the cancer support community, and he's represented by Levity Entertainment and 800 Pound Gorilla. Links and Resources Jason Love @jasonlovecomedy on Instagram @jasonlovecomedy on TikTok @jasonlovecomedy on Facebook Craig Shoemaker The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut  Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life by Steve Martin Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's the early 2000s, and I'm between sessions at the TEDx conference. As I go to grab a coffee, I notice this crowd forming nearby. Naturally curious, I wander over there to see what the fuss is about. In the middle of this crowd is a guy with a deck of cards doing a magic trick. But it's not just the trick itself that's amazing; it's the effect it's having on everyone around him. None of us can take our eyes off of him. It's like we're collectively holding our breath being caught in the moment as he performs trick after trick after trick. Like everyone else around me, I'm completely captivated, marveling at what's happening. “How does he do this?” I think to myself. I don't know how one person with just a deck of cards can make an entire group of strangers feel so connected, so in awe together. I realize at this point that it's not all about the magic. It's like this magician has created a shared experience of wonder for all of us and telling a story without even saying a single word. He wraps up the show, the crowd disperses, and I go stand in line to get my coffee still buzzing from the experience. I turn to my husband Mark and ask, “Who is that guy?” Mark smiles and says, “That's David Blaine.” Wow, I was completely unaware that I'd been watching one of the most famous magicians in the world! Yet what sticks with me, even all these years later, isn't just who he is; it's that unforgettable feeling of awe he created for everyone in that moment. So many magicians have that same capacity to captivate their audience. Rick Gerber is a professional magician who has been spending his entire life performing in multiple countries and every state in the U.S. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll hear about how thinking like a magician can help you discover creative solutions that'll create astonishing stories that linger in people's minds. You'll also get answers to questions such as: In what ways can you creatively engage with your audience to enhance the storytelling experience? How can you get into the flow state as you perform your Talk or story? And how can embracing the unexpected lead to surprising discoveries that create unforgettable stories for your audience? What you will learn in this episode: How closely observing your audience for clues benefits your storytelling How you can captivate your audience with a shared experience at the very beginning Why you need to know your audience to set the right tone from the start Who is Rick? For over 40 years, Rick Gerber has been traveling the world creating laughter and gasps of astonishment at high-profile special events, trade shows, and as the headliner aboard some of the world's most prestigious cruise ships. He has performed his incredible magic in all fifty states and over forty-five countries. Presidents, kings, and megastars in movies, TV, and music have witnessed firsthand his ability to distort reality before their watchful eyes. Rick became the youngest performer at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood at 10 years old. At age 21, he was put under contract with Budweiser and performed for them full-time at trade shows and special VIP events around the globe for decades. Most recently, he was elected by his magician peers to the Board of Directors of the prestigious Academy of Magical Arts--home at the World-Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA. Today, Rick's Fortune 500 clients read like a Who's Who of the corporate world--Monster Energy, T-Mobile, GE, Acura, DIRECTV, Coca-Cola, Dell Technologies, Nestlé, and hundreds of smaller businesses as well. Whether it's attracting crowds and gathering leads at trade shows, performing at special events, mingling in VIP hospitality suites, producing magic-themed events, or performing his stage show at corporate sales meetings for hundreds or thousands of attendees, companies can always count on him to deliver. Links and Resources Rick Gerber @rickgerbermagic on LinkedIn @rickgerbermagic on Instagram Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm helping my client Barbara get ready for one of the biggest Talks of her career. She's preparing to stand on stage in front of thousands of people (with even more watching live online).  She shares her draft with me. It's meticulous and packed with very specific, insightful information. Yet, there's no sense of urgency or consequence. It's just data, so I don't feel anything. I point this out to her gently, and I can sense her reluctance to dive deeper and reveal something personal, vulnerable even. However, I know her message won't resonate with the audience if they can't truly feel what's on the line. So I ask her, “Barbara, what's at stake here? What will it mean for you, your team, or even your vision if this Talk goes well… or if it doesn't?” She starts opening up and admits that this Talk is a critical moment for her in her business, leadership, and potentially her legacy. That's all I need to hear! With that information, I help her weave those stakes into her message through stories so that it gives the audience a reason to care and feel connected to her. Fast forward to the moment when she steps up to the mic. The difference is undeniable! Not only does she deliver a polished speech; she's sharing a story with everything on the line! I watch as the audience is drawn in, invested in her outcome, and hanging on every word… and all because she chose to add stakes. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about the power of stakes in storytelling. I'll dive into why stakes are the heartbeat of stories, three ways to categorize them, and how you can use them right away to transform your message. I'll answer questions such as: What is an example of a story with stakes versus one without? How can adding stakes bridge the gap between the story of the product or service you're selling and the consumers you want to sell it to? And how do you add stakes to your story so that your audience feels a connection to you? What you will learn in this episode: What stakes are in storytelling and why they matter How to identify and amplify stakes in your stories How to get others to care about your story's outcome through stakes A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's time for my first theatrical performance. I've memorized my lines and have been rehearsing relentlessly. I am ready to go.  As I'm standing backstage, I suddenly notice my leg is shaking. And then I feel sweat dripping down my back. Oh. And my breathing is really rapid. I think to myself, how can I possibly be this nervous? I've done all the work. I've prepared like crazy. I'm hitting all my cues. Why am I feeling this way? And at that moment, I realize this is actually a familiar feeling. I felt this way as an athlete just before leaving the dugout to hit the softball mound. I felt this way as a speaker just before leaving the safety of my curtain backstage and stepping into the spotlight. This feeling that I'm feeling actually just means I care. I want to do well. I wanna do well for the audience. And it's with this realization that I notice the shaking has actually stopped and my breathing is almost back to normal. All of a sudden, the curtain opens and off I go. And that first performance becomes a huge success and sets me up on the path for many, many more theatrical experiences to follow.  And speaking of theatrical experiences, my special guest today, Luis Moro, knows all about being on all different sides of the curtain. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about how comedy can play a transformative role in our lives, why comedy isn't just for entertainment, and much more. Luis will also answer questions like: How can you make sure your audience walks away changed or uplifted? How can comedy be a tool for both personal empowerment and human connection? And why is it important to tailor your performances to meet your audience's needs?  What you will learn in this episode: The importance of versatility and how different roles within the theater (and life!) can enhance each other How authentic comedy can be a catalyst for personal change and empowerment The significance of adapting stories to connect with diverse audiences Why willingness to alter one's approach or story is crucial in any creative endeavor Who is Luis? Luis Moro is a dynamic storyteller and comedian known for his multifaceted approach to the arts and life. He has embraced a diverse range of roles, from acting and writing to producing and performing, which has enriched his ability to connect with audiences across different platforms. He is particularly noted for his ability to infuse comedy with meaningful insights that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. Luis believes in authenticity and self-reflection, believing in storytelling and its power to change and impact lives. Through his work, he aims to provoke thought and ignite transformation, using his comedic talents not just to entertain but to enlighten. Moreover, as a devoted father, Luis leverages his personal experiences to impart wisdom and raise awareness about the importance of one's word and personal integrity, both in everyday life and on stage. Links and Resources Luis Moro @aluismoro on Instagram @LuisMoro on Facebook Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's the third night of a very intense survival training course with a Green Beret guy. I haven't slept or showered. I'm muddy and exhausted and just want to go home to Santa Barbara. I tell myself I just need to make it through one more night and this will all be behind me. When it's time to call it a night, I am given a choice: I can either sleep in my tent or in this lean-to I've built. The lean-to is essentially a hole in the dirt with some twigs on it. At this moment, I'd love nothing more than to be at a resort, yet I remind myself I came to this insane training for a challenge. So I say, “Fine. I'll sleep in this lean-to.” I trek down the road around the bend and shimmy myself into this little hole in the dirt. I can't even see the base camp anymore. I can hear every sound around me as I lay there, and I realize that I've never been alone like this before. But hey, it's fine!  “I'm fine; in just hours, I can go home,” I think to myself. Then, after slightly dozing off, I wake up to this crunching sound just off in the distance. It's coming towards me, and I keep telling myself everything's fine. Then the crunch gets louder and faster until, in the moonlight, I see it: the tusk of a wild boar!?! I lie there, frozen and deciding whether or not to scream, when I remember something: animals sense fear. So I need to be strong, be still, be silent, and stick this out. While it's rooting around my head, something suddenly distracts it, and it runs off into the forest. And when morning arrives, I get out of the lean-to, go back to camp, and announce I survived.  The Green Beret guy says, “Yeah. Good job Kymberlee.” Here's the deal: I am committed to affecting change in our world. With change comes challenges. With challenges comes fear. That means that different levels of fear are always coming up for me. What this unforgettable experience has taught me is that we must cultivate your courage. And when I think of courage, I can't help but think of that Green Beret guy who has become a dear friend. His name is Retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann. Scott is with us today in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast to discuss the transformative power of thematic stories of survival and courage and answer questions like: What is the significance of storytelling leadership roles? What do personal stories that resonate with others have in common? And why is your delivery of a story as important as its content? What you will learn in this episode: How storytelling can help you cultivate courage and de-escalate fear What kind of questions lead to powerful stories that can bridge divisions What three storytelling myths cause you to avoid telling your stories Who is Scott? Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Scott Mann is a former U.S. Army Green Beret with tours all over the world including Colombia, Peru, and multiple tours in Afghanistan. He is a warrior storyteller and the founder of Rooftop Leadership, where he shares the rapport-building and storytelling skills he learned in Special Forces to help today's leaders make better human connections in high-stakes, low-trust engagements. Scott is the author of the instant New York Times Best-Seller, Operation Pineapple Express, a third-person narrative detailing the harrowing stories of the veterans, volunteers, and Afghan allies who navigated the U.S. abandonment of Afghanistan in August of 2021. The Gary Sinise Foundation partnered up with Scott to bring his play, Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret, to stages across the country to provide healing for our veterans and families of the fallen, as well as provide insight for our citizens on the personal cost of the longest war in our nation's history. Links and Resources Scott Mann Scott Mann's Patreon @ScottManAuthor on Facebook @scottmannauthor on Instagram @davidscottmann on LinkedIn @TheScottMannChannel on YouTube Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm coaching multiple speakers for an upcoming TEDx event. During the kickoff meeting with one particular speaker, I ask him, “Okay, what's your idea worth spreading?” He replies, “Kymberlee, that's easy. I'm going to talk about the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.”  I think, “Wait, what? If this is what you're focusing on for your TEDx Talk, we definitely need to make 30-year fixed-rate mortgages interesting and shift the audience's perspective because this isn't a very sexy topic.”  So I ask him, “All right. What's your earliest memory related to money?” He tells me, “Well, when I was little, I used to go door-to-door selling acacia flowers. That's when I first realized that people would exchange dollars for something they value.”  I stop him right there and say, “That's the story we need to tell. It's how the audience will connect with you.” Once an audience cares about you, you've earned the right to teach them about what you care about. So he delivers his TEDx Talk and opens with his acacia flower story. Last week, his Talk hit one million views! And perhaps many of those viewers' perspectives on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have changed as a result. Speaking of which, my guest Josh Lowman changes the public's point of view often and affects change with every organization and brand he works with. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about the power of multiple story viewpoints, the price of admission in storytelling to create a deeper connection with your audience, and more. Josh will also answer questions such as: How can you think about point-of-view in story in a different way? What effect does authentic vulnerability in storytelling have on a platform where that's not typically expressed (like LinkedIn)? And why is change an essential element for stories? What you will learn in this episode: Why switching point-of-view is a powerful tool in capturing your audience's attention What admission price in storytelling is necessary to grow and resonate with an audience How you can become a much better writer and improve your storytelling sentence-by-sentence Who is Josh? Josh Lowman is the founder and CEO of Gold Front, a category design studio based in San Francisco, California. He has worked with more than 40 C-suite executives and teams to create new categories and market them to their customers. He believes that category design and creation provide the path for business owners and CEOs to cut through the noise and reach their audience. Links and Resources: Gold Front @joshlowman on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm running a high-energy speaker training event, and everyone is buzzing with excitement as we stand in a circle, introducing ourselves. Each attendee shares their role and a fun fact. Among them is a CEO of a tech company who loves bagels, a marketing director obsessed with villas in Rome, and an entrepreneur who just secured his first round of funding.  The introductions continue, one after another, until it's time for my team to introduce themselves. Our first team member steps forward and says, “Hi, I'm Sandy Zabarsky. I've spent the last 27 years in prison and just got out.”  The room falls silent. I can feel the weight of all eyes on me, then shifting to each other, and back to me.  Sandy continues, “I served as an educator and administrator in juvenile halls and juvenile camps. Today, I'm here to help turn your challenges into stories your audience will never forget.”  A collective breath is released from the room. You see, Sandy happens to be my mom. She was an English major and dedicated her career to helping the underdog–particularly disadvantaged youth entangled in the criminal justice system. She assisted these kids in earning their GED, offering them a glimmer of hope and a chance at a different story. Throughout her career, my mom impacted the lives of thousands of kids. Her unwavering commitment to changing their narrative and giving them a new possibility transformed their futures, making them very different from the ones they had while inside the system. There are so many like my mom out there, including my special guest Alfonso Paz. He brings to life a different possibility for the people he works with whether they're students, educators, or business owners. And through his company Vibix Learning, he is transforming education by helping to create healthier, more inclusive school environments. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about the power of storytelling in education, business, and personal growth. Alfonso will share his experience of using storytelling to pitch to investors and the impact its made, discuss the effectiveness of short-form storytelling, and so much more. He'll also answer questions such as: How does storytelling help bridge emotional gaps and foster compassion? Why is short-form storytelling particularly effective in high-stakes environments? And why is the struggle such an essential part of the storytelling process?  What you will learn in this episode: How storytelling creates deeper connections and fosters compassion that spurs action Why concise stories effectively convey messages to engage audiences  How storytelling can be used to help enhance emotional intelligence Who is Alfonso? For close to 30 years, Alfonso Paz has been helping underrepresented students and families in Los Angeles's East Hollywood area have greater opportunities and access to college and other post-secondary options. He is the co-founder and CEO of Vibix Learning, which transforms education by enhancing emotional well-being through its innovative Collective Care Continuum (C3) model, integrating emotional intelligence and mental wellness support to create healthier, more inclusive school environments. Alfonso's experiences have solidified his belief that it does take an entire village to raise a child to be a successful contributing member of society. He believes that while traditional schools can provide a foundation for positive change, the strong partnerships between families, schools, and communities will provide a greater influence on a student's life and prepare them to contribute to a united, stronger, and healthier society. Through Vibix Learning, he recognized that the greatest effect he could have would be to "re-teach" educators how to listen to the students and staff, recognize everyone's needs, and define the best way forward for each student and staff member. Once schools and administrators saw his methods' incredible effect on the student's lives–both in and out of the school environment–he became a sought-after coach and advisor. Links and Resources: Vibix Learning PazLo Education Foundation @alfonsopaz-vibix on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

My husband and I are driving to the airport for a family reunion when we both get pings on our phones. There's a global outage. We check our tickets and plane reservations–they're all fine. We head to the airport, and everything seems okay. The airline confirms our flight is on time, so we're good to go. An hour later, we get a delay, yet they assure us everything will be fine. Another hour passes and there's another delay. They tell us again that we'll make our connecting flight, and everything will be okay. Finally, we board the plane. It takes off and lands at LAX, where we discover we've missed our connecting flight. They promise us they'll put us on another one. My dad is texting, worried about the global outage. I reassure him that we're fine and on the next flight…except that flight gets canceled, too, as does the next one. Around us, people are angry, yelling into their phones, and sleeping on the floor. Others are shouting at the airline staff who can't do much about the situation. At this point, I turn to my husband and ask, “What if this were fun?” From that moment, we strive to make it fun. We start trekking through five terminals until we find the AmEx Lounge. We get playful and interact with people in character, indulge in some childhood comfort food of grilled cheese, and end up laughing and having a great time. Fifteen hours later, with the global outage continuing, we return home having never reached our destination. However, we chose to make the experience fun when everyone else seemed to be falling apart. My special guest, Sebastian Conelli, is an incredible actor, comedian, improviser who knows a thing or two about having fun. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about the power of choosing to have fun and be playful, even in challenging situations. You'll also discover how to create connections with your audience, the value of being vulnerable and sharing one's inner thoughts and feelings in storytelling, and get answers to questions like: How can awareness and being present in the moment enhance the impact of a story or performance? What are some specific ways in which Improv can enhance public speaking and personal confidence? And what techniques can you use to ensure that an audience connects with unusual or unexpected behaviors in a story?  What you will learn in this episode: How your approach to a situation can transform the story of your experience How Improv helps you stay grounded and make stories more impactful and authentic How personal challenges and experiences can be transformed into compelling narratives Who is Sebastian? Sebastian Conelli is an actor, comedian and improviser from New York. Sebastian has been performing and teaching improv for over 13 years. Sebastian is a part of the legendary improv team The Stepfathers (UCB), the best improv show in NY Raaaatscraps, and is a cast member of the longest-running improv show in NY, Asssssscat (UCB). Sebastian is the host of the successful podcast LOUD ABOUT NOTHING. You also might have seen Sebastian doing small parts on Max, Apple TV, Netflix, and in the 2024 Palme D'or winner Anora.  Links and Resources @sebastianconelli on Instagram Loud About Nothing RaaaatScraps Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm working with a new client, Leonard, who is completely new to first-person true storytelling. He has lived through several unbelievable situations, and I know others need to hear his stories. So I challenge him to tell a story to open his next podcast. He responds: “I can't do that. My listenership will drop if I do.” When I ask him why, he says, “No one's going to care about my story.” Yet, what if only one person needs to hear your story to change their life? After I pose that question to Leonard, he reluctantly agrees and shares one of his craziest stories on his next episode. The response? Several listeners emailed him saying things like: “Your story was exactly what I needed to hear today.” “Your story reminded me of a similar situation I went through.” “Your story has given me the courage to tell my story.” We tell our stories in service to others, and it takes bravery to be vulnerable with your story. Leonard did it, as did my guest today, Krishnni Khanna. She has told her real raw story on both the TEDx stage and in her newly released book, simply because she wants to help others. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about the importance of sharing difficult stories as a way to process experiences and help others feel less alone. Krishnni will share her story of ostracization as a young girl who migrated to the U.S., as well as answer questions such as: What can happen as a result of sharing your vulnerable story? Why are the words you use in your Talk or story so important? And what's a really powerful way to end a speech or story? What you will learn in this episode: Why personal stories serve as powerful hooks for your speech How to use words and visual descriptions to enhance your stories How to instill inspiration and motivation in others through your raw stories Who is Krishnni? Krishnni Khanna was born in India in 2007 and moved to the United States with her parents in 2017. She's a high schooler, author, and TEDx speaker who advocates for the inner well-being of youth. In 2022, she created Detoximind (www.detoximind.com), a student-led movement through which Krishnni and her team bring peer-based support to teens and youth grappling with stress, shame, exclusion and isolation. She currently resides in Austin, Texas with her parents and their puppy Yuki. Krishnni's first novel I AM NOT WHO YOU SEE launched in June 2024. Many of the protagonist's experiences in the book are inspired by Krishnni's highs and lows as a 10-year-old immigrant in America, and how she rebuilt her sense of self and regained her identity in her new surroundings. Links and Resources Krishnni Khanna I AM NOT WHO YOU SEE by Krishnni Khanna “How Does a Lie Become True?” | Krishnni Khanna | TEDxYoungstown @krishnni-khanna on LinkedIn @krishnnikhanna on Instagram Detoximind Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's 2017, and I'm meeting with our TEDxSantaBarbara team, preparing to plan our next year's TEDx event. As we start discussing the hundreds of speaker applications we've received, it feels incredibly hard to narrow down our selections with so many wonderful candidates. That's when it hits me. What if we focus on the idea first and the person second? In other words, what if we identify the most important and urgent ideas we want to cover and then consider all the applications, recommendations, and research to find the strongest person with subject matter expertise in that area? Our team loves this approach, and we immediately engage in healthy dialogue, even debate, about which ideas our world and our community need the most right now. One of the ideas that rises to the top of the list unanimously is human trafficking. Fast forward many months later, the speaker we choose delivers an incredible Talk, not only highlighting the issue of human trafficking but also discussing actionable solutions. And now her TEDxSantaBarbara Talk has earned over 400,000 views and counting. This means more than just a number; it signifies that by sharing her Idea Worth Spreading, she has initiated change on a global scale. This means change in awareness, change in mindset, and change in action.  My special guest today is that very same speaker. Megan Rheinschild is Director of the Victim Assistance Program at the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office and directs the Countywide Sexual Assault Response Team, which provides medical-legal forensic exams and advocacy to survivors of human trafficking, child abuse, and sexual assault. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, we'll explore the issue of human trafficking and the power of storytelling in raising awareness and creating change and get answers to questions such as: What are some common misconceptions of human trafficking? How can storytelling foster empathy and understanding? And what can the average person do to make a difference?  What you will learn in this episode: How human trafficking can occur in any community or city Why it's difficult to break free from exploitation when trafficking victims form a bond with their traffickers How storytelling is a powerful tool in raising awareness and creating empathy How we can make a difference by providing love, acceptance, and support to vulnerable individuals Who is Megan? Megan Rheinschild serves as the Director of the Victim Assistance Program at the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office. In this role, she oversees a countywide initiative that delivers comprehensive services, support, and advocacy for victims of violent crime and their families. Ms. Rheinschild has been instrumental in forming the Human Trafficking Victim Advocacy Program and establishing the multi-agency Countywide Human Trafficking Task Force in 2013. This task force aims to identify and investigate human trafficking cases and address the complex needs of survivors through collaborative efforts with local, regional, and state partners. Additionally, she directs the Countywide Sexual Assault Response Team, a partnership involving Law Enforcement, Public Health, Rape Crisis Centers, and Child Welfare Services. This team provides medical-legal forensic exams and advocacy to survivors of human trafficking, child abuse, and sexual assault. Links and Resources Megan Rheinschild: Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) The Face of Human Trafficking | Megan Rheinschild TEDx Santa Barbara Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm on stage performing at Santa Barbara Improv. My scene partner and I are playing a game of He Said, She Said which goes like this: After every line of dialogue from one person, their scene partner will then narrate something physical for them to do. For instance, let's say that I say to my scene partner, “I'm so angry at you right now.” My partner then narrates something like, “She said while jumping up and down on one foot.” And I actually have to do the thing. So we're in the middle of a mob scene digging a hole, and my partner says, “She says while taking a cigar out of her back pocket and lighting it.” Being a dedicated athlete my whole life, I never learned how to light a cigar. So when I pretend to do it, I fumble around with it which causes the audience to lose it so much that my scene partner keeps on narrating me lighting cigars. Pretty soon, I'm losing it too, almost crying because I'm trying to hold in my laughter so much. It turned into a delightful disaster on stage, yet one that ends up being one of my funniest bits.  My special guest today can certainly relate. Polo Reo Tate is a comedian herself as well as an author, actress, keynote speaker, philanthropist, podcaster, and so much more. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll hear how she champions authenticity and resiliency through storytelling and beyond and get answers to questions such as: Why do you have an innate Improv storytelling ability? How do the rules of Improv storytelling mirror the rules of life? How does reconciling within yourself the low points of your life impact your power as a speaker and storyteller? And what role does your physicality play in enhancing your stories? What you will learn in this episode: Why you have to get your story on paper, even if you never share it  How you can get unusual story inspiration from mundane situations How craft and intuition interconnect when preparing and giving a presentation Who is Polo? As an author by soul, actor by trade, artist at heart, and uplifter to the core of her being, Polo Reo Tate redefines what it means to be a Renaissance Woman. From a myriad of life experiences, she intimately understands the transformational value in mindfully getting to know ourselves wholly and love ourselves unconditionally in order to live fully in the freedom of our own authenticity. Her supreme love for people, and the clarity with which she sees and celebrates the superpowers of those around her, allows her to help elevate the energy of any relationship or situation brought forth by a client.  Whether she is in front of a camera, a crowd, or the company of one, Polo revels in the kinetic web of creativity that is born from every interaction, every co-creation. She lives each moment to the fullest, lets no one take her joy, and avidly operates from the belief that we can do anything upon which we set our minds, hearts, and spirits. She welcomes and invites you to embrace your own infinite possibility, embody the loving being that you are, and feel the power and the pleasure of being fully present in your own life. Links and Resources Polo Reo Tate Books by Polo Tate “How to find Comedy, Joy, and Fulfillment in Life” | Polo Reo Tate | TEDxYoungstown @ThePoloREOTateChannel on Youtube Soulgasm podcast @PoloReoTate on Facebook @polot8 on X/Twitter @poloreotate on Instagram @poloreotate on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

“Kymberlee, how are you always able to take questions and turn them into storytelling opportunities?” That's the question my client Claire asks me as we're getting her ready for a big keynote presentation. As I'm quickly thinking about how to answer her, I realize that I mostly do it unconsciously. Yet I know that's not really a helpful answer, so I replay in my mind the times I've recently turned a question into a story. Then it hits me: I've been building bridges from questions asked to times in my life that are in some way related to the questions… during handshake moments.  So I explain my thought process to Claire who, during our next coaching sessions, reports that she's been binging on my technique to great fun and success. She feels like every time she turns a question into a storytelling opportunity, her connection with that other person goes deeper faster. In this installment of the “Storytelling 7 Series” on the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about how you can turn questions into storytelling opportunities, too. I'll also answer questions like: How can you understand the concept of a handshake as it relates to questions and storytelling? What practical tips can help you improve your storytelling skills with the Handshake Technique? And how do you make your story responses more engaging and relatable using this technique? What you will learn in this episode: How to connect questions to stories using the Handshake Technique How to hone your storytelling skills by classifying and building story arsenals How to make storytelling through this technique more natural and effective A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It feels like I'm flying all the time while running my software company. Every month, I'm going somewhere to meet clients.  It's standard practice until, out of nowhere, I have my first anxiety attack. These attacks become serious and start happening randomly on different days at different times of the day. Weeks and months go by, and every single time I step on the plane, an attack triggers. While I've been flying on planes my entire life, I find myself having to take medication just to step on to an aircraft. As I'm searching everywhere looking for answers to get to the bottom of what's going on, I meet with a therapist, Dr. Keith. He asks me a simple question: “Kymberlee, do you think pilots have a fear of flying?” Sounds like a preposterous question, right? So I respond: “Of course not!” Then he advises me to ask the pilot on my next flight what their favorite thing is about flying. I do exactly that. With my heart racing, I board my next flight and ask if I can say a quick hello to the pilot. As I'm having a conversation in the cockpit with this pilot, I quickly learn that his favorite part is the landings. Suddenly, I go from having heart palpitations to laughing and smiling and learning so much about the craft of flying. In the months (and flights) that follow my perspective on flying changes so much that eventually I don't even need to take the medication anymore. His story changes my story. Speaking of aviation and stories, my special guest, Reyné O'Shaughnessy, is a retired commercial airline pilot and captain with intimate knowledge of mental health. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll hear about the importance of changing the story within the aviation world (and beyond) as it relates to mental health, as well as get answers to questions like: How does the story within the aviation industry regarding changes in mental wellness policy need shifting? And why is it so important to share your stories publicly in the world? What you will learn in this episode: Why the collective mental health story in aviation needs to change How we can adopt a better story through shared responsibility How to prevent your mental health from turning into a story of mental illness Who is Reyné? Captain (ret.) Reyné O'Shaughnessy stands as a prominent figure within the aviation industry for her unwavering dedication to both pilots and the aviation industry. With a remarkable 35-year career as a commercial airline pilot, she has accumulated a vast reservoir of experience, expertise, and proficiency with flight time exceeding 10,000 hours on heavy jet aircraft. Beyond the cockpit, Captain O'Shaughnessy has devoted over a decade to honing her skills as an aviation strategist, with a specific focus on health and mental wellness. Her dedication led her to become a certified practitioner in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) from Brown University. She founded Piloting 2 Wellbeing and co-founded The Aviation Health and Wellbeing Institute, and her holistic approach to aviation has solidified her position as a trailblazer and influencer within the industry. In addition, Captain O'Shaughnessy is the author of the best-selling book, This Is Your Captain Speaking: What You Should Know About Your Pilot's Mental Health. Her insights have been featured on reputable platforms such as Fox News, NBC News, CBS/KDKA, and AOPA, and she is a sought-after speaker at conferences worldwide. Links and Resources Captain Reyné O Piloting 2 Wellbeing The Aviation Health and Wellbeing Institute This Is Your Captain Speaking: What You Should Know About Your Pilot's Mental Health by Reyné O'Shaughnessy @captain_reyneo on Instagram @piloting2wellbeing on Twitter/X @piloting2wellbeing on Facebook @piloting2wellbeing on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

“What's the difference between the brands everyone talks about and the ones we can't remember?” That's the question that me and my colleague Glenn are pondering over coffee this week. He expresses surprise at the over $1 billion valuation of the brand Liquid Death. “They sell water in a can. It's just water,” he tells me. Yet their success doesn't surprise me because they sell it in a cool can (with a cool slogan) and have a unique, edgy, unforgettable story their fans love to tell and show off. It's not just about what you sell; it's also about the stories you tell regarding your products, services, and brand. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn how some of the world's most iconic and successful brands use storytelling to captivate, engage, and build connections with their audience. In the process, you'll discover why you need to tell stories to build your brand, too, and get answers to questions like: What are the keys to using stories for captivating, engaging, and building relationships with your brand's customers or clients? What are some practical strategies you can use for brand building with storytelling? How can you measure the impact of your storytelling on your audience? What you will learn in this episode: How stories create a powerful emotional connection and lasting memory for your brand How to use story to humanize your brand, share its values and mission, and build an engaging community around it How to leverage different platforms for and measure the impact of effective brand storytelling A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm in prep mode, getting ready to host a standup comedy night. I ask myself:  “What's it going to take to move this event from good to unforgettable?  Sure people are coming to see comedians who they love and may have been following for years… What can we do to make this experience last and earn a permanent memory in every audience member's mind? What can we do to make this experience last and earn a permanent memory in every single audience member's mind?” The answer? It's all in the details. From eye contact and smiles, to the welcoming and fun atmosphere being directed at each guest from every angle–box office volunteers and snack bar workers, old-time comedy posters and fresh flowers… even the cleanliness of the theater plays a subtle and important role. In other words, it's in making this entire evening feel like every single detail matters and producing an unforgettable experience in the process. My special guests today, Mo Barrett & Katy Stevens, have made creating unforgettable experiences into an entire business. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, they'll share how the monotonous and mundane can be disrupted and generate stories that entertain and empower, as well as answer questions such as: How can seeing and appreciating the stories of others deepen your understanding and connection? What effect does allowing your mind to rest have on your story creation and productivity? And how can taking an unconventional approach with your story or Talk produce an experience for your audience that only you can deliver? What you will learn in this episode: Why you need to trust the story your body is trying to write for you How the mundane can make for better stories than grandiose events How you can generate creative story ideas and reconnect with forgotten stories Who are Mo & Katy? Mo Barrett & Katy Stevens are unlikely best friends from two separate worlds who collided at a barbershop brigade singing event. Mo is a retired Air Force Colonel turned public speaker, and Katy is a music and performance instructor turned Mo-wrangler. Together they take stages as corporate entertainers and educators.  Despite all the ways they're different, they choose to lean into the strength of the things they have in common, recognizing, acknowledging, appreciating and leveraging their respective quirks. Together Mo & Katy disrupt monotony and are building a world filled with unforgettable experiences that entertain and empower by using humor in unexpected ways.  Links and Resources Unforgettable Experiences Email: moandkatyshow@gmail.com Google Maps: Unforgettable Experiences with Mo & Katy “How to be Unforgettable” TEDx Talk Unforgettable Experiences with Mo and Katy podcast @YourUnforgettableExperiences on Facebook @yourunforgettableexperiences on Instagram #tmks #disruptmonotony #hardatquirk #unforgettableexperiences Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

Whenever we do a new TEDx event, our first order of business is finding the theme to get everything flowing. It influences everything we do, from the set design to invited speakers and so much more. So as we come up with theme ideas for our Santa Barbara TEDx event in 2019, nothing is really clicking.  We try phrases, single words, even full sentences and they all fall short. The theme candidates feel very generic and unexciting. Then, it hits me: What if we take a deeper look at the role of stories through three different lenses: stories we tell, stories told to us, and stories we tell ourselves?  The team loves it! We finally have our theme, and it sets in motion our lense through which to look through for all our decision-making. And… our TEDx event ends up to be a huge success that year! No speaking of stories, my incredible guest today, Brandy Gillmore, uses all three of those storytelling lenses in her life's work. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about her healing journey from an accident in 2003 and what she discovered about the crucial role of stories in mind-body healing. You'll also get answers to questions like: What are misconceptions in stories about mind-body healing? What is the story connection between our subconscious mind, emotions, and physical health? How can transforming stories you tell yourself lead to life-changing results? What you will learn in this episode: How stories you tell yourself can affect your physical health How understanding the stories you tell yourself can propel you forward or hold you back How stories can help you gain clarity and motivation Who is Brandy? Brandy Gillmore is a researcher, author, and mind-body expert. Spurred on by a debilitating injury from an accident in 2003 that left her disabled, in excruciating pain, and without hope for recovery, she began researching for a cure and discovered obscure research that changed the course of her life and resulted in a complete recovery. Now, she shares this research in her book Master Your Mind and Energy to Heal Your Body, which showcases our power to radically heal our bodies using only our minds. Thanks to her groundbreaking discovery, Brandy has been featured in prestigious medical journals, on notable platforms (such as the Shift Network), and in several documentaries and docuseries including Women's Health Secrets, Thrive Global, Harper's Bazaar Brazil, Pain Revealed, and more! She's also been praised by medical professionals, health and wellness luminaries, global leaders, Hollywood celebrities, corporate tycoons, and people from all walks of life who've been captivated by her remarkable insights and results from her work. Links and Resources Brandy Gillmore Brandy's TEDx Talk: “Could This Be the Missing Link to Your Health?” Master Your Mind and Energy to Heal Your Body by Brandy Gillmore Heal Yourself. Change Your Life podcast See Live Healing on Brandy's website @brandy.gillmore on Facebook @brandygillmore on Instagram @BrandyGillmore on Twitter/X Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

As a kid growing up, I get to spend time with two families. On one side is my mom and stepdad, and on the other is my dad and stepmom. Being the only child in both families, I spend holidays at one house and then the other. Trick or treating on Halloween with one family earlier in the evening and the other later in the evening. I even have two different celebrations on my birthday. Everything is separate...until 2010 when I decide to run a TEDx event for the first time and realize quickly that I need help. So Mom, an English major, offers to help with speakers. My stepmom helps with overseeing and running registration and volunteers. My stepdad has experience with stage managing and works with me behind the stage with the tech team and speakers. And Dad helps with all onsite needs including fine-tuning the sets and becomes our X-factor. While my two families have very different values, beliefs, and even rules, they do have one thing in common: they have tremendous love to give and they come together civilly for a collective cause that is bigger than any one of us individually. They volunteer at our TEDx event to help change the world through spreading ideas. Now my special guest today, Joe Weston, teaches people how to not only be civil to each other but fiercely so in order to influence what happens next in their stories. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about why we get caught in a repetitive story of arguing and fighting with others. You'll also discover keys to creating stories of mutual empowerment between people and get answers to questions like: How are power dynamics at the core of stories that fuel fights? What has helped create a universal mindset that helps facilitate arguments? What's an example of how a challenging life story can positively impact others? And how can the process of working on your first TEDx Talk change the story you tell yourself about public speaking? What you will learn in this episode: What influences the argumentative stories we tell ourselves and each other What kind of exercise can help you transition from story to training in your Talk or presentation Why simply writing the ideal Talk isn't enough for a good presentation Who is Joe? Joe Weston is an international thought leader, lecturer, author, consultant, coach, trainer, and advocate for lasting peace. Born in Queens, NY and raised in a volatile, argumentative environment, he was determined to understand the roots of conflict and find another way to safely address problems. So he went on a worldwide quest and studied diverse traditions such as various martial art forms, meditation, contemplative practices, neuroscience, communication models, and more. Eventually, Joe ended up living in the Netherlands for 18 years where he expanded his vision of human solidarity that transcended nationality, race, religion, political ideology, and economic status and led to creating programs in the U.S., Europe, and some of the most conflict-ridden regions in the world. His career as a conflict prevention specialist spans over 30 years, and he's a highly sought-after facilitator for individuals, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits worldwide. Links and Resources Joe Weston Joe's TEDx Talk: “Say Goodbye to Chronic Niceness” Fierce Civility and Mastering Respectful Confrontation books by Joe Weston @joewestonauthor on Facebook @fiercecivility on Instagram Joe Weston on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm ready to dazzle! I have on my heels, my dress, and my glitter as I enter the doors of Blaisdale Arena and make my way to my seat near the front row. I can feel my heart racing with anticipation.  Then, the lights go out. The fog on stage gets thicker. The familiar beat begins, and it's as if my heart starts to beat with it in unison. Suddenly, the backup singers take their places on the stage. And through the haze, I finally see him. As he comes into focus, there's cheering, and screaming, and some nearby me are even crying. We're all so excited to see what we've been looking forward to for months: Prince performing live on stage, in person, in living color! At that moment, we're all in the middle of this story happening around us. Years later, I can recall where I sat, what I thought, and who I was with that evening. That's what a powerful experience that earns a permanent place in the memory can do.  Starting from his days as a civil engineering student, my special guest Adam Metwally is all about creating experiences for others using a combination of his various interests, knowledge, and experience. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll hear how he emphasizes the power of creating memorable experiences, his tips on building genuine confidence and its role in storytelling, and so much more! You'll also get answers to questions like: How do you build trust and connection as an interviewer of those who want to share stories? How can better understanding your influence affect the story of others and, in turn, impact your own? And why is genuine authenticity essential for effective storytelling?  What you will learn in this episode: How to bring out and develop the story within an event What the keys are to getting good stories out of other people How to build genuine confidence and why it is key to authenticity Who is Adam? Adam Metwally loves to connect and riff with intelligent and interesting people to expand his insight, perspective, and knowledge. He reads voraciously and has an unending curiosity about the world around him. Politely persistent but extremely extroverted, his interests include business psychology, mindset, finance, music, spirituality, and sports like yoga, snowboarding, running, and basketball. With deep curiosity and an environment that fosters growth through impactful projects, Adam aims to take the wide variety of intersecting and specific knowledge he's developed over the last decade to learn quickly and contribute world-class ideas to organizations. He then uses his organizational skills, persistence, and focus to push those ideas into outcomes. Links and Resources Adam Metwally The One Time Podcast: Apple | Spotify @meetwally on Instagram @adammetwally on LinkedIn @adam.metwally on Facebook @metwally on TikTok @ManTalks on Instagram Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm on a Zoom call rehearsing with a group of speakers who are getting ready for an upcoming TEDx event. Yet something's off. After finishing her run, one speaker admits, “I don't really feel like I'm connected.”  And that's when I realize something. She's scanning the room and not really seeing anyone. It's like she's talking into the void. So I say, “Try focusing on one person at a time, like you're talking directly to that particular person. Then focus on the next person, and then the next.” I have everybody take a turn at this. They're hesitant at first. Yet over the next few weeks, they start making genuine connections with their audience even though it's through the screen. It's incredible to see and just another powerful reminder of the magic of eye contact. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, we continue our Storytelling Seven series where you'll learn why mastering eye contact is such a crucial element in storytelling and public speaking. In the process, you'll also find out: Why can eye contact make or break your presentation? What specific considerations should you keep in mind for eye contact in virtual presentations? And how can you practice making eye contact in your speech or story? What you will learn in this episode: How eye contact helps you as the speaker or storyteller How eye contact serves as a bridge between you and your audience How to overcome the challenges of mastering eye contact A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm standing backstage with my dad in a room full of speakers who are getting ready to make their TEDx debuts. We've been working for over eight months for this moment, yet the nervous energy in the room is palpable.  So Greg, the event organizer, takes the microphone and gives a short, inspirational talk. Then he stops, walks over to my dad and hands him the microphone. Dad clears his throat and says, “What did the fish say when it ran into the wall?” And that joke breaks open a dam of levity that helps take the energy from trepidation to confidence and readiness for the stage. Humor can be a game-changer. And in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about how humor affects stories, the different types of humor you can deploy, how you can play with humor to find what works for you and your audience, and the pitfalls you need to avoid when using it as a device. In the process, you'll get answers to questions such as: Why is humor so effective in storytelling and speaking? How do you choose a style of humor and start experimenting with it? And what can go wrong when using humor in your stories and speeches?  What you will learn in this episode: What types of humor you can deploy in speaking and storytelling How to integrate and experiment with humor to find what fits best What not to do with humor in your speeches and stories A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm at the Annoyance Theater in Chicago taking a week-long intensive Improv class. In the middle of a scene with my scene partner, I have this brilliant idea. So I start forcing the scene in the direction I have in mind. My partner follows along…and the whole scene ends up being pretty flat and predictable. After we're done, the instructor says, “Kymberlee, I have a note for you. Allow yourself to be surprised on stage rather than in control.” What if we apply the same principle to our presentations? How would that change us and the audience? In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn why it's important to allow yourself to be surprised on stage as a speaker or storyteller and how that leads to more dynamic, memorable presentations, Talks, and stories.. I'll share examples of embracing unexpected moments and answers questions like: Why are spontaneity and authenticity crucial for effective speaking and storytelling? What impact can unexpected moments have on the audience? And what techniques can you use to create an authentic connection with your audience? What you will learn in this episode: How the element of surprise affects your audience psychologically How you can embrace the unexpected as a speaker or storyteller on stage How an open, flexible approach can transform your audience's experience A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm in the final planning stages for Story to Standing Ovation, our annual live event, when my dad randomly stops by to drop something off. He comes toward my office, stops in the doorway, and says, “What the heck is that?” As he points at my sliding glass doors, I tell him, “This is my brain on sticky notes.” What he's looking at is three days of our event broken down, sticky style.  These aren't just randomly placed sticky notes, either. I have these organized in full outline form and broken down into topics and categories. Some of the sticky notes are in bold, others are in different colors, and still others are highlighted. Whenever I plan an event, a Talk, or even a story, I need to visually see the pieces. And even though I've tried other ways, this adhesive square playground is the planning method that works best for me. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn how a simple tool like sticky notes can revolutionize the way you plan your stories, speeches, workshops, and other events and get answers to questions like: What are the advantages of using sticky notes for story and other event planning? What do you need to consider when choosing your workspace for sticky notes? And what two things must you do to eliminate the confusion of working with your sticky note outline later on? What you will learn in this episode: How to brainstorm and categorize ideas on sticky notes How to structure your sticky notes in the outlining process How to use sticky notes to help you transition between sections A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

One sentence from a stranger is all it took to ignite the biggest epiphany of my life.  I'll explain. I'm sitting in the audience at my first TED conference, enraptured by all the speakers when a guy comes on stage who I've never heard of before. He starts showing some of the most beautiful and haunting images I've ever seen. Then he says something offhand that gives me chills… Speaking of the impact of words, welcome to the next episode in our “Storytelling Seven” series! Today on the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about how to capture your audience's attention from the very beginning by starting your story off with a bang. I unpack the power of using hook statements by answering questions like: What is a hook, and how does using one in your story engage your audience? How do you craft an effective hook statement? How does FDR's first inaugural address illustrate the power of a great story hook? What you will learn in this episode: What a well-crafted hook does for your story and presentation What different forms hook statements can take in your story How a memorable story hook impacts your listeners A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm catching up with my Aunt Marie about everything that's happening in life. She asks me, “Do you have any performances or events coming up?” I do. Our annual three-day immersive speaker bootcamp is coming up at the end of February. For those three days, I get to be on stage helping people take their speaking to the next level. “I don't know how you do it,” my aunt replies. “Growing up, you were always so good in front of a crowd. You had no fear. I could never do that.” And the more we talk about all the times I was in the spotlight growing up, the more I think, “Is confidence really cultivated? Is it a natural ability we're born with, or can it be learned?” In my most recent Masterclass, too, quite a few attendees expressed a desire to be more confident. So in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, we'll explore confidence in relation to communication, storytelling, and public speaking and get answers to questions such as: What two elements does confidence as a speaker or storyteller really come down to? What does having confidence as a speaker or storyteller really mean? What three areas will help you cultivate your confidence when speaking or telling stories?  What you will learn in this episode: How to visualize your success as a confident speaker or storyteller Why telling true stories helps raise your confidence level How embracing your speaking or storytelling mistakes builds confidence A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's 2016 and I'm putting on a high-stakes speaking and storytelling workshop. One of the attendees “Shawn” is the CEO of a tech company, and he's not buying the idea of using storytelling to raise money and land deals. I say to him, “Give me two days. But you've got to play all in. Are you in?”  Despite his skepticism that anything will drastically change for him, he reluctantly agrees.  When the workshop concludes, he feels this storytelling knowledge has given him a new competitive edge. Fast forward in time a few years later when we run into “Shawn”. He reveals that he's practiced that workshop training ever since it ended and landed a life-changing deal with one of the largest software companies in his industry! He completely attributes his success to his ability to apply what he learned at my workshop:  How to tell a great short story. So if you want to know: How can you use storytelling as your superpower and get others to choose you in a highly competitive playing field over your competition? And what powerful insider techniques do great storytellers use to get such great results?  Then I've got you covered! Today's episode switches things up a bit. It's very short and all about the Masterclass I'm offering that teaches you how to skyrocket your success with story. What you will learn in the Masterclass: Why stories matter (with proven results) How stories work (with a behind-the-scenes unpacking) What change you can make to any story for dramatic effect What crucial element every story needs What essential question you must ask when using stories for business A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Free Masterclass: Skyrocket Your Success With Storytelling Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's 2015, and I've just started training in Improvisational comedy. Every Wednesday night, I attend Alan Irwin's Improv classes at Santa Barbara Improv. Weeks turn into months, and my fondness for Improv grows into an addiction. I want to learn more, absorb more, and grow faster!  So I start keeping a notebook of all the games we play and capturing all the critical class lessons and sound bites. I even stay after to ask for notes on my performance. Yet, I still crave more and want to accelerate my learning beyond the pacing of one class a week. I ask Alan for private coaching and, while he doesn't do it very often, he agrees.  Those one-on-one sessions are a game changer for me. They help deepen my understanding of the craft of Improv and allow me to significantly expand my knowledge. Thanks to his feedback from just a few of these private lessons, I end up at a completely different level. So many of us want to accelerate our growth, amplify our learning, and expand our skills fast. How do we do that as speakers and storytellers?  In this continuation of our “So You Think You Want to Become a Storyteller” series on the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn where to start, how to accelerate your learning and grow with your audience, and how to keep track of your progression as you amplify the expansion of your speaking craft. I'll answer questions like: How do you personalize your development plan to become a master storyteller or speaker? How can you accelerate your success and make stories more engaging and memorable? How can you leverage digital platforms, networking, and collaborations to become more visible and expand your reach? How can you get more opportunities to practice storytelling and teach your expertise? And how do you integrate continuous learning into a busy schedule? What you will learn in this episode: How to come up with a development plan for mastering storytelling How you can use your audience to help you accelerate your growth What to look for to assess your storytelling and speaking progress over time A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Santa Barbara Improv Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm at the main TEDx event, sitting in the theater next to a lady who's captured my attention. Her name is Carrie, and she's impeccably dressed. I can't help but fixate on her outfit! So as I'm chatting with her, I compliment her on her dress. She thanks me and says she's a designer who makes custom dresses for her clients based on their unique measurements. In addition to wanting to get a tape measure and order a custom-made dress of my own from her right then and there, I have to ask her out of curiosity, “How did you get started in the fashion business?” “I believe the fashion industry has it wrong,” she responds. “It should be about role models, not runway models.” She feels fashion needs to highlight the humans wearing the clothes, instead of the clothes themselves. Not only does she go on to debut at New York Fashion Week with this campaign, she's also one of the first designers to feature a model in a wheelchair on the runway. She's challenging societal norms and giving voice to a segment that doesn't always have a voice and doing so in an industry that is set in its ways in certain aspects. As someone who identifies as a non-binary gay cowboy, my special guest today also highlights marginalized voices in his work. Shawn-Caulin Young is an acclaimed LGBTQ+ actor, writer, director, and film and TV producer. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, he's here to talk about the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in his storytelling journey and the impact these qualities have in storytelling to bring to life the experiences of marginalized communities. He also answers questions such as: What story imprisons too many actors, writers, and other artists? How can you get to your breakthrough moment of authenticity as a storyteller? What's one thing that instantly disarms any resistance others might have to sharing their stories? And how can you use the breath to help you handle fear and enhance your presence and creativity with storytelling? What you will learn in this episode: Why stories have the power to keep you safe (or cause self-inflicted harm) What impact embracing authenticity, vulnerability, and dis-likability have in storytelling How you can create a safe space for others to share their story Who is Shawn-Caulin? Shawn-Caulin Young is an acclaimed LGBTQ actor, writer, director, and film and TV producer whose storyteller roots extend deep into the arid expanses of Farmington, New Mexico amidst the vibrant tapestry of the Navajo Nation. He's the youngest of four whose distinct, artistic voice has been shaped by his unique upbringing amidst the professional horse racing world where he identifies as a non-binary gay cowboy. As a beacon for LGBTQIA+ narratives, Shawn-Caulin has garnered acclaim across the spectrum of his various roles. His artistic voyage began in the corridors of high school drama, eventually propelling him to the prestigious Hartt School (UHA) in Connecticut, culminating in a BFA in Acting. His journey, enriched by classical training in England, led him to the vibrant streets of New York City, marking the beginning of an illustrious career in film and television. Known for his transformative and heartfelt performances in Godless, Santa Clarita Diet, True Detective, and notably in the film The Hammer, Shawn-Caulin has etched a place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. He also received the esteemed Screencraft Fellowship in 2022 for his work delving deep into the fabric of the Southwest (and beyond) and championing the untold stories of underrepresented communities with a keen eye on identity and perseverance. His scripts are not just tales but lifelines to the unsung experiences echoing from the underdog's world. Beyond the camera, Shawn-Caulin is a seasoned horseman and a devoted mentor, guiding young artists in the art of storytelling and filmmaking. His artistic journey, dotted with significant accolades and an undying passion for storytelling, continues to push the boundaries of creative expression. His commitment to diversity and authenticity makes his body of work not just entertaining but profoundly impactful and inspiring for storytellers and audiences alike. Links and Resources Shawn-Caulin Young @shawncaulinyoung on Instagram Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm teaching an Improv class where everyone is doing an exercise called “Headlines”. We're standing in a circle on stage, and one by one, we each share an outlandish headline we've made up on the spot. But there's a twist: each person has to start their headline with the last word from the previous person's headline. So, for example, if the prior person says, “Life found on planet Pluto” as their headline, the next person has to start their headline with the word “Pluto”. It's a hilarious exercise that has us holding our tummies from laughing so hard. One week later, I'm meeting with a client who says to me: “I'm thinking about the year ahead, and there are so many things I want to do and create. I don't know where to start.” In that moment, my mind goes back to the Headline game. So I ask her: “What if we fast-forward a year? In your favorite publication, there's a headline about you, your business, your life. What does that headline say?” She loves the idea of doing this exercise! And I invite you to do the same in the first episode of a new podcast series I'm calling the Storytelling Seven, where you get bite-sized tools and tactics you can put in practice right now to take yourself to the next level.  Today on the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about how you can use the Headline exercise to set goals and create a vision for the story of your future. You'll get answers to questions like: How can headlines be used as teasers for stories? How do you create a headline and reverse-engineer the actions needed to achieve it? And why is celebrating your success so important? What you will learn in this episode: How to influence your own story by creating a headline What steps to take to create your headline when setting goals Why celebrating success is a necessity A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm working with a new client who is getting ready for a huge keynote speech. He tells me that he felt like his last speech completely fell flat and the audience felt disengaged. So I ask him: “Did you use storytelling in any way in your last speech?” “No, of course not,” he responds. In his view, story wasn't appropriate for his last talk because it was very data-heavy. So I challenge him. “Since you are in the scientific community,” I say, “what if, as an experiment, you add a story to this upcoming Keynote to bring the data to life?”  I give him some background about why and how story works. And in the end, he trusts me and delivers his Keynote to a huge standing ovation. To this day, he continues using story in his scientific presentations. We might think we need to deliver data in a straightforward way. Yet our brains are wired to remember stories so much better than facts. There are studies that show people retain up to 70% of the information shared through story, as opposed to only 5-10% when it's just presented as data. My special guest today, Genein Letford, deals in data through her work in Brain-Centric Design and a curriculum rooted in neuroscience and cognitive psychology. And in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll hear about the connection between the brain and storytelling and narrative, as well as get answers to questions like: How does your brain respond when you hear a story? What is intercultural creativity, and how does it tie into story? How does your cultural development and competency impact your creative thinking and agility in various aspects of life? And how can you use the arts to increase your ability to tell stories? What you will learn in this episode: How your creativity identity is driven through narrative and can influence others Why creative agility is necessary for everyone in a changing world How relatability helps your story reach a new level for your audience Who is Genein? Genein is a national thought leader and creator of the concept of Prismatic Leadership, Intercultural Creativity®, and NeuroSomatic Creativity®.  She is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of CAFFE Strategies, LLC which is a consulting, coaching, and training company that trains C-Suite executives and employees to create sustainable organizational equity and inclusion strategies based on neuroscience while unleashing their innovative thinking for themselves and in their businesses. Her 7 Gems of Intercultural Creativity is a leading framework that supports organizations and corporations in their diversity and inclusion development while developing critical cognitive tools for creative thinking.  Genein holds degrees in psychology and educational development from UCLA and CSUN, is certified in Brain-Centric Design, and roots her curriculum in neuroscience and cognitive psychology. She believes creative thinking thrives best in an inclusive environment, and she is often called ‘America's Creative Coach' for her work in reigniting intercultural creativity within our workforce. Links and Resources CAFFE Strategies, LLC Genein Letford @genein on LinkedIn @geneinletford on Instagram @GeneinLetford on Twitter @GeneinSpeaks on Facebook Hidden Potential by Adam Grant Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

In a small village, a young shepherd boy is given the task of guarding the sheep. He's the type of boy who wants entertainment and perhaps even attention. So he suddenly cries out, “Wolf!” Hearing this, all the villagers come rushing to his aid. When they arrive, there's no wolf to be seen. So they get back to their daily lives. Then they hear the boy cry “Wolf!” again. The villagers run over and still, they don't see a prowling threat to their flock. This happens again and again. They hear the “warning,” rush over, and each time they don't find a wolf, their trust in the shepherd boy diminishes.  Then, one day, a wolf does suddenly appear to threaten the sheep. When the boy cries “Wolf!” this time, the villagers ignore him. So the wolf is free to feast on the flock, and the boy is left with a hard lesson to learn about telling the truth. Why does this well-known fable work so well as a memorable and persuasive teaching tool (in this case, for the importance of honesty)? In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll get a deeper look into why this fable works along with other powerful insights on how to craft persuasive stories. You'll also hear examples of persuasive storytelling in action and discover answers to the following: What are the important elements that make a story persuasive? How can storytellers balance facts and emotions to persuade effectively? And what common mistakes should you avoid making in persuasive storytelling? …and much more! What you will learn in this episode: How the structure of your story contributes to its persuasiveness How advertisers, brands, charities, and politicians use story elements to persuade your decisions How persuasive story elements help take complex or abstract issues and make them personal and compelling A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's 1990. Five days after my moped accident with a cement truck, I wake up in my hospital room. The doctor comes in and says, “Kymberlee, you're going to have headaches for likely the rest of your life. You'll probably have trouble with balance too. You'll need plastic surgery on your face. And you may have lost your sense of taste and smell forever.” I'm thinking, “How is this possible?” I can deal with all the other things he said and anything else I have to do. Yet how could I have lost two of my senses forever? I spend weeks and months trying to make sense of it and trying to get my senses back. I'm doing everything I can to taste or smell something--anything--again. Nothing works. A few more months go by when I'm at a different doctor's office for a checkup. I tell him what's going on and ask why it's happening to me. He explains to me: “Our brains are connected to cranial nerves that affect our taste and smell. If those nerves are slightly damaged, they can grow back. If they're severed, however, there's nothing that can be done.” So my cranial nerves are severed. Despite not liking hearing that news, it finally helps me understand the story of what's going on in my body. And knowing that… changes everything. My special guest today, Amy Zolotow, is a healthcare operations leader who thrives on finding the real story in the data. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about storytelling within the healthcare space as it relates to data, connections, and humans in the medical field. You'll also get answers to questions like: How does learning the stories of the people around you in a time of crisis help you (and them) after? How does story help bridge the disconnection gap people have with data in the healthcare industry? What role does artificial intelligence (AI) play in the story of patients and practitioners in healthcare? What you will learn in this episode: How a deceased loved one's story can be changed through your memories Why you sometimes need to dig beyond the data to find the full story How important AI is for the story of the healthcare industry, now and in the future Who is Amy? An accomplished healthcare operations leader, Amy Zolotow thrives in complexity. Whether leading cross-functional teams or finding the real story in data, Amy drives lasting change in dynamic, matrixed healthcare environments. She consistently strives for shared language, community building, and technology adoption--all with an eye on the most effective patient and employee experience. Amy's work at the operational level has explored the impact of AI, matching organizational and human needs to technological merit. She has lent her expertise as a moderator and speaker at Ai4 and a panelist and Ambassador for AIMed, leading vital discussions on the importance of responsible and thoughtful AI adoption and implementation in healthcare. Her career includes business and operational leadership roles at Johns Hopkins International, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Mercy Personal Physicians. Currently, she also serves as a Healthcare Advisor at ScaleHealth and Principal Solutions Architect, Healthcare and AI at Synthminds. Links and Resources Amy on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I almost don't do it. Normally, a Storytelling School Podcast episode lasts around 30 minutes with a special guest (or myself) delivering mic drop moments and storytelling nuggets of pure gold. Yet, for the 100th episode, I do something special; I collect these moments and golden nuggets from the first 99 episodes and put them all together in a single show. The episode runs over an hour. Does anyone want to listen for that long?  Yes! It works so well and I get so many positive comments that I'm commemorating another milestone for the podcast by doing it again! In this special episode, we're celebrating over 150 episodes of the Storytelling School Podcast with more ‘write-them-down' worthy mic drop moments from special guests and yours truly. So get ready to take notes as you hear these powerful storytelling ideas and perspectives that can make a significant difference in your business and life. Enjoy. A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teaching my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm sitting in the living room at eight years old when my mom walks in and says, “Kymberlee, I have a surprise.” It's not a holiday or my birthday, so there's nothing particularly special about this night… yet. So what's the big surprise? “Tonight is going to be movie night.”  Now there's one particular well-loved book I read over and over again and keep on the nightstand by my bed so I recall all my favorite moments within its pages: Charlotte's Web. The TV comes on, and we start watching the movie version of Charlotte's Web, in living color on the screen. And as with the book, I'm mesmerized seeing what I've imagined in my mind so many times come to life right in front of me. I can't help but watch it over and over again, just like with reading the written version. Why was I so obsessed with this story? Was it the narrative? The plot? The characters? The scenery? The messages? I'd say it's all of the above. My special guest today, Rene Rawls, lives in this world of educational storytelling herself as an author, screenwriter, and teacher. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about her proverb detective, how storytelling can provide a lot of good life lessons, and the power of telling stories about yourself and others that make you happy. You'll also get answers to questions such as: What's one way you can increase a young child's learning through stories? How does writing stories help you discover things about yourself? How can you and your kids better understand the lessons that proverbs can teach? And what's one major difference between the same story written in book vs. screenplay form? What you will learn in this episode: Why you should thank the antagonists of your story, in fiction and real-life How awareness of the story you tell yourself about yourself makes a difference How backstory can change your perspective on life and those around you Who is Rene? Growing up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as the daughter of an elementary school librarian and a lawyer, Rene Rawls has evolved into becoming an educational storyteller who's dedicated to inspiring tots, tweens, and teens to do the right thing through the content she creates. For years, she used her platform as a teacher to impart both academic and life lessons to her students throughout the USA. But when she became a writer, her classroom exponentially expanded to include kids all over the world! Rene firmly believes that what children see in the media can be just as impactful as what they don't see, especially if they don't see themselves. So, she creates content for that unseen child. Not only has her work been celebrated by national and international audiences, but her stories have been acknowledged by the Iowa Writers' Workshop and the Fred Rogers Productions Writers' Neighborhood. After writing Sule and the Case of the Tiny Sparks, Rene received the Mandela Day/Tribeca All Access Award, and the script was produced as an animated short film. In addition, her picture book, Sule and the Case of the Tied-up Lion, was selected as one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Indie Books of 2021, and it received the Kirkus star. Rene's passion for writing and teaching has led to her intentionally telling stories that capture those precious, magical moments of learning in awe-inspiring and fun ways. Her heart simply melts when she's asked by kids to create more content. Links and Resources: Sule the Proverb Detective Sule and the Case of the Tiny Sparks - YouTube @rnrawls on Instagram Rene on LinkedIn Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm at a family gathering when a family friend remarks about the weather.  “It's cold outside.”  Others agree. Someone chimes in about the wind.  Then someone else mentions that it hasn't rained in a while. Oof. I can't take it anymore. I have to step in. “Rain makes me think of snow. And snow makes me think of the time Dad decided it would be a brilliant idea to go out and tie an inner tube to the back of the rental car so my best friend, Nikki, and I can ride it.” As 10-year-olds, Nikki and I love this idea. So we wedge ourselves into the inner tube together while my dad gets behind the wheel and starts driving down the snow-covered road. Yet, it doesn't all go according to plan… As I relay the story to everyone of how this inner tube adventure goes down, I look around the table and realize everyone is laughing! And all of a sudden, I'm laughing with them at the ridiculousness of the situation. My story does the trick. Not only does this conversation become more lively and fun, it also reminds my dad of his own story about growing up on the farm. And for the next two hours, we take turns around the table telling hilarious true tales. With the holidays coming up, there's going to be lots of dinners and parties with family and friends. So how do we take the chit-chatty conversations that often go on during these events and turn them into storytelling adventures for everyone there? In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn how to turn conversations from small talk into story time and get answers to questions like: Where do you begin when you want to change up the energy of a conversation? And how can turning small talk into stories affect the interaction between you, friends, and family years from now? What you will learn in this episode: How to segue a conversation from mundane to memorable How specific words can help you turn small talk into a story What stories are, down to their simple core A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's Saturday morning. I'm headed out for coffee with friends after a kickboxing class. As I get out of my car in the parking lot, my phone starts blowing up with text messages. I look down and see that they're coming from a number I don't recognize. I start reading. “You don't know me,” the message says, “but you worked with my wife several years ago on her TEDx Talk. I was wondering if you had time to help me get ready for mine?” I text back saying I can and ask, “When's your TEDx Talk?” “Tonight,” he answers back. So I cancel the rest of my Saturday plans. And for the next six hours we work like crazy to get him ready for the spotlight that night. His Talk ends up being a huge success. Yet I can only imagine how much more incredible it would have been with more time to work on it. I get asked all the time, “What's the ideal countdown for a Talk? What should I have on my calendar from the time I'm invited to speak to when I'm standing there in the spotlight?” It varies depending on time, place, and preparedness ahead of time. So many different factors come into play. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn how to take your speech or story from the storyboard to the spotlight in 90 days. I'll unpack a few areas for you to consider as you hit different time milestones along the way and answer questions like: What do you need to ask yourself to help you design the content for your Talk? How do you choose the story (or stories) you want to tell in your speech? What logistics of your Talk do you need to consider and confirm ahead of time? How can you make practicing your speech fun instead of monotonous? What do you need to consider about how you look, sleep, and eat (especially as you get closer to the Talk)?  What you will learn in this episode: What three objectives to keep in mind when you're preparing your speech How knowing the logistics of your Talk ahead of time sets you up for your best self What you can do at the venue on the day to keep yourself relaxed and ready to go A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm getting a speaker ready to hit the TEDx stage. He has a completely unique take on what it means to be of service in the hospitality industry. So I ask him: “What story are you going to tell to set up your Idea Worth Spreading?” He says that he has a story about a client… and another about a vendor… which is when I interject: “Hang on, hang on. What personal story do you have that allows us to feel how committed and passionate you are about this idea?” His response? “The audience doesn't want to hear about me.” “What if they do?” I reply. “What if by sharing a real, even vulnerable story, the audience can get to know, like, and ultimately trust you?” He goes for it, and his Talk ends up being a huge success! Several weeks after it goes live, he tells me he wants to do it again. The process of sharing his personal story was incredibly valuable for the audience and very therapeutic for him, as well. My special guest today, Alisha Kalisher, has also found therapeutic value in her passion. She's a professional vocalist and songwriter and has a Master's degree in Depth Psychology and Creativity with an emphasis on Arts and Humanities. And in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn how she uses creative expression as a mechanism to help heal the stories of trauma survivors, as well as get answers to questions such as: Why is the area of creative expression so important to study? How can people get around the fear of stories they don't want to tell? Why is play in creative expression essential for both the mind and body? And how does vulnerability in storytelling connect us all? What you will learn in this episode: How untold stories affect you (either when you keep them to yourself or finally share them) How creative expression can help you with the stories you fear telling How using a playful storytelling process can influence songwriting Who is Alisha? Alisha Kalisher is a professional vocalist and songwriter living in Altadena, California. She has achieved many accolades and awards, performed on late-night television, awards shows, with orchestras across the United States, and some of LA's most notable venues, as well as written many songs for film, and television with her husband. She also collaborated with her husband on their project The Sheen, as contributors to the Meta Music Initiative.  While music has been a big part of her life, she has always been an avid seeker and student in the study of humanity. In conjunction with her studies as a graduate student, receiving a master's degree in Depth Psychology and Creativity with an emphasis in the Arts and Humanities, she has gathered a collection of songs to release her album Center Line. Alisha's graduate education ignited a passion for the therapeutic value of creative expression. She is currently a student at the Expressive Arts Institute where she is training to become an Expressive Arts Facilitator. In 2022, she founded the Bella Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization that believes in promoting and providing healing experiences through the creative and expressive arts to support and empower survivors of trauma. Links and Resources Alisha Kalisher Bella Arts Foundation @alishakalisher on Instagram Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

“You should reach out to Joni.” I'm reading a text from my step-mom and she is suggesting I contact a dear friend of hers because her focus on Musical Improv can take performances to the next level. I've met Joni and she's fantastic. The challenge is: I'm directing a big Improv show this Friday… and it's already Tuesday. So there's not much time to bring her in.  I'm thinking, “What if introducing music now ends up throwing off the performers or intimidating those who aren't so musically inclined?” I decided to go for it anyway. I invited Joni to our Tuesday evening class so she could be part of our rehearsal and get to know the players before Friday's show.  And I create a game set list that involves everyone–from those highly inclined in Musical Improv to those who have zero experience. I want them all to feel like musical superheroes. After the class is over, my phone starts blowing up with text messages from different students. Everyone loved the addition of Joni and her music. And she had a great time too! Experiences like this are just a reminder that it's good to mix things up sometimes. When you try new things and put yourself even a little out of your comfort zone, you open yourself up to a new story of possibility. And when it comes to music, my special guest Dan Kalisher knows a lot about mixing it up. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn how music can impact the story you're telling (whether in a performance or a Talk), as well as get answers to questions such as: Why does music transcend spoken language? And what's one reason why people can feel creatively stuck or like they've hit a roadblock? What you will learn in this episode: How the emotional side of storytelling in front of a live audience differs from that in a studio How location can influence you as a storytelling artist What key aspect can help you keep your creativity well-flowing Who is Dan? Dan Kalisher is a session guitar and pedal steel player, producer, and songwriter based in Los Angeles. He has played all over the world performing and recording with artists such as Noah Cyrus, Grace Potter, Louis Tomlinson, Fitz and the Tantrums, Bea Miller, AJ McClean, Don Felder, Matthew Morrison, JC Chasez, and Jesse McCartney. He has also performed at countless music festivals, with regional orchestras nationwide, and has appeared on several major network morning and late-night television shows.  As an award-winning songwriter and producer, Dan has over 25 placements of original music in network TV and worldwide ad campaigns. Most recently, he contributed over 100 original songs for the Meta Sound Collection.  Links and Resources: @dankalisher on Instagram @dankalisher on TikTok Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's the second round of selecting speakers for an upcoming TEDx event. I'm there with our committee on either side of me, facing a speaker standing in front of us. I ask her: “Why are you the right person to speak on this topic?” She says she's not a professional speaker. She doesn't like being on stage at all, and in fact, her knees are shaking just talking to us. And then she goes on: “This issue of human trafficking in our city is vitally important. It is dangerous, and we need to raise awareness on what's happening, how it's happening, why it's happening, and what we can do about it. No one else was coming to talk about this so here I am.” Because of her expertise on this topic, her commitment to affecting change, and her role within the city, she was selected to speak at this particular upcoming TEDx event. Sometimes, it's the conversations we don't want to have that are the most necessary. Tackling delicate, even dangerous issues is where change can begin with a new perspective, insight, or action.  It all starts with a story.  And my special guest today, James Joyce III, has direct experience with having delicate conversations. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll hear about his perspective on telling tough stories and get answers to questions like: How can stories break down barriers? How has music served as a cultural storytelling vehicle for Black Americans? And what role does storytelling play in being a journalist or political candidate? What you will learn in this episode: How sharing your story through conversations can spark a movement How an iconic superhero slogan reflects a journalistic approach to storytelling  What five guiding principles of story engagement you should follow Who is James? Originally from Maryland, James Joyce III is an award-winning journalist, educator, public servant, civil rights activist, and social entrepreneur. He founded Coffee with a Black Guy (CWABG) which serves as a safe place for interactive, community conversations about a variety of issues from the perspective of a Black man. It's been a growing, grassroots effort hosted by him and his team to help put an end to racism. Known as a sturdy leader and champion for justice, Joyce has served on various advisory boards in the Santa Barbara area. For much of the past decade, he was District Director for California State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (Ret.), who represented nearly 1 million constituents within Santa Barbara and Ventura counties until December 2020. Currently, he's serving as adjunct faculty for the Santa Barbara City College Career Skills Institute. He's also on the board for the Common Table Foundation (formerly the Lois and Walter Capps Project), Sanctuary Centers of Santa Barbara, TV Santa Barbara, as well as the national board for Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB). Joyce was runner-up in the 2021 Santa Barbara mayoral election, securing 27 percent of the votes cast among six candidates. Now, Joyce leverages more than two decades of public service and journalism experience to provide impactful insight for groups and individuals seeking to gain better cross-cultural understanding. Links and Resources Coffee With a Black Guy @Coffeewblackguy on Facebook @coffeewblackguy on Twitter/X Coffee With a Black Guy on Youtube @cwabg on Instagram @cwabg on Threads @cwabg on LinkedIn James Joyce III on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm in a law class at Pepperdine, studying for my MBA. In our first assignment, we're supposed to take this unbelievable amount of text and turn it into an outline using a very specific structure and methodology. I'm thinking, “Why do we need to outline? I just read all of this text and highlighted certain sections of it in detail. It's fine. Plus, It seems like a waste of time. And aren't all outlines the same anyway? Why is structure so important?”  I begrudgingly do the assignment and turn it in.  Then we get our next assignment… more outlining! Next assignment? Alas more outlining again!  By the middle of the semester, something dawns on me: I start to realize that I'm looking at paragraphs of text completely differently. I can pinpoint what matters most even faster.  At the end of the semester… I am an outlining Ninja.  This skill that I learned in my Graduate Studies has turned out to be a tool that I use to this very day.  Every time I read any block of text I can't help but condense it down to its most essential elements which has definitely helped influence my path of specializing and Short Form Communications. I love to take complex things and condense them down to their most essential elements, especially in storytelling.  The elements we use in stories really matter–to the listener, to the memories we can create in the minds of our listener, and to the integrity of the story. Michael Stinson has an incredible career exploring and teaching the cinematic art of storytelling, in addition to many other forms. And today on the Storytelling School Podcast, he's here to talk about how stories bind the world, share the tools he uses to explain storytelling, reveal what keeps an audience engaged, and tell us: How can experiencing different cultures influence your storytelling? Why is it a mistake to tell everything in your story? What's the best way to create suspense, and what other tools are essential for storytelling? And how are cinematic journeys like cathartic, storytelling labyrinths for the audience? What you will learn in this episode: How you can craft the most effective personal narrative to tell others Why suspense is so effective for audience engagement (and how it differs from surprise) What three flavors of conflict you can choose in your story Who is Michael? Michael Stinson is the professor of Film and Media Studies at Santa Barbara City College where he has taught courses in film studies, film production, screenwriting, film editing, cinematography, and directing for over two decades. He is also the author of Labyrinth of Light: A Journey Into Cinema and has co-directed the 10-10-10 filmmaking and screenwriting competition at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival for the past 20 years.  Prior to film school, Michael spent a decade abroad as a photojournalist based in Europe and the Far East. He worked for five years as a screenwriter for the Hollywood studios after earning a Master's degree in Film and Television from UCLA. Then, he began teaching at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and has taught courses in film and media at the University of Rome, New School University, and Los Angeles Film School.  Michael is a Member Emeritus of the Writers Guild of America, Society of American Travel Writers, and PEN America. Currently, he directs international film programs in Rome, Paris, and Tokyo. Residing in Santa Barbara, California, he also now divides his time between a Craftsman bungalow built by the town barber in 1906 and a Cheoy Lee sailboat moored in the harbor. Links and Resources: Email Michael: paperhammer@hotmail.com, paperhammer@gmail.com, or paperhammer@mac.com  Labyrinth of Light: A Journey Into Cinema by Michael Stinson Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm about to speak to a room full of CEOs. These CEOs know there's a guest speaker, yet the topic has not been revealed. Because I've been told that this group loves to be challenged and pushed outside their comfort zone, I come in and start my Talk with an unusual request.  I have everyone stand up and form a big circle. Then I invite them, one at a time, to step into the middle of this circle and introduce themselves with their name and in the form of any character they wish. After which everyone in the room repeats that person's name and character in unison. This is an Improv game called Character Intro. To demonstrate, I start things off and it goes around the circle. When the game circles back around to me, I say to everyone: “Great work. That's a level one or two. Let's do it again, same character, but take it up to a five or six. What would that look like?” So we do it again, each person taking their character up a few notches in whatever way that looks like for them. After the second round, I say: “We're getting warmer. Now I'd like to invite you to step into the middle of the circle at a 10.” When this third round gets to the fourth person, he suddenly leaps into the air and somersaults forward into the circle as his character to cheers and laughter. This whole exercise is meant to demonstrate that we, regardless of what we do, always have an opportunity to be at a 10. It's up to you how you want to enter the room and communicate, which is something that my special guest, Maja Watkins, is an expert at helping others (especially kids) do. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about how to apply Improv in situations where you can really use this skill on a deeper level and get answers to questions like: How do storytelling games contribute to social and emotional learning? How can you adapt storytelling games and Improv exercises for a different audience? What story should adults be telling themselves about play? And what makes applied Improv so powerful? What you will learn in this episode: How Improv and playfulness can help kids on the autism spectrum with story How to bring light to frustrating moments in your daily story How Improv and making story connections can help form friendships Who is Maja? Maja is a mother, author, education consultant, and non-profit founder living in Los Angeles, California. She holds a degree in Child Development and is also a graduate of The Second City in Hollywood where she studied Improvisation and sketch comedy. Through her work with children in various settings, and her experience growing up with a brother on the autism spectrum, she has developed an understanding of how powerful communication is for all people. Maja is the author of The Brain's Playground: Using Improv Games To Teach Social and Emotional Learning as well as the author of a parenting guidebook titled 10 Minutes of Play for 10 Days. The Brain's Playground includes her valuable research, data, and curriculum.  Right now, she works as a Play Specialist focusing on inclusion using her curriculum designed to allow children and young adults to reach their highest potential in whichever way they feel most comfortable. Her newest project is a script putting her true stories with kids to life in a preschool animated pilot! Links and Resources: Maja Watkins The Brain's Playground and 10 Minutes of Play for 10 Days by Maja Watkins @majawatkins on Instagram @majawatkins on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm in Los Angeles at the beginning of my Improv exploration. During an advanced class I'm taking, I go out on stage to do my scene. So I'm sitting there, painting my nails in this scene, when my scene partner comes in and starts suddenly lighting fireworks and firecrackers all around me. I go on painting my nails, not reacting to the situation. The instructor stops the scene right there and says, “Kymberlee, react.”  I'm thinking, “What do you mean? I'm focused. I'm painting my nails.” She responds, “I need you to react with the fireworks going on around you. What's your point of view on that? Do you care? Do you not care? Even if you don't, we need you to react in some way.” Lightbulb moment.  So often, we as storytellers and speakers are so focused on getting to the end of the story or the speech. We're trying to make sure we deliver every line and paragraph correctly that we forget to react and respond to what just happened. And oftentimes, that reaction might just be internal.  My guest today, Niccole Thurman, lives a life reacting as an actress, writer, and Improv performer. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll hear about how she does it and answers questions like: What's the difference in choosing how you react within a role or character in life (or through Improv) versus a scripted version? What different facets can flow into creating a variety of characters? And what can you do when you're having trouble adapting to a role or character? What you will learn in this episode: How to best get into the head of a character you're creating (or co-creating) How to deal with rejection as a storyteller (or in life generally) What story element truly makes comedy work and go viral Who is Niccole? Niccole Thurman is a Los Angeles-based actress and WGA award-winning writer. She is the voice of Jabberjaw, Squiddly Diddly and Dee Dee Sykes in the HBOMax series Jellystone. Her past work includes voiceovers and appearances on: Grace and Frankie and Desperados (Netflix); Kenan , Indebted, and Superstore (NBC); A Black Lady Sketch Show (HBO); and Shrill (Hulu). She was also a correspondent on Comedy Central's The Opposition w/ Jordan Klepper. As a writer Niccole has worked on the ESPYs, the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards (hosted By Jimmy Kimmel), Sherman's Showcase (AMC), Baking It (Peacock), Haute Dog (HBO Max), Phoebe Robinson's show Everything is Trash (Freeform), and Robert Smigel's Let's Be Real (Fox). Links and Resources Niccole Thurman @niccolethurman on Instagram @niccolethurman on Twitter Truth in Comedy: The Manual for Improvisation by Charna Halpern, Del Close, and Kim “Howard” Johnson Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's 2012. My software company is working with one of the largest advertising agencies in the world. They have tremendous expertise they can share with their clients. They're so large, though, that they're completely siloed and can't easily share this organizational knowledge quickly. The agency's chief strategic and chief technology officers have a vision to unite their worldwide employees so they can do this at the drop of a hat. And that's where my company comes in. We're hired to work with their CTO to provide instant access to all talent across their organization. We build data bridges to different technologies on different platforms located at different places around the world. It's some pretty fancy stuff, and we really have to roll up our sleeves on this huge undertaking. Nothing like this has been done before. Once our software is in place, the agency can access the intelligence of everyone in their entire global organizational community for the good of their clients in just a couple of clicks. For them, we created a new story where connecting to talent can be quick, efficient, and a game changer in their business. My special guest today, Etienne de Bruin, has spent a career in software development and inside the C-suite. In this episode of The Storytelling School podcast, you'll learn how he drives the vision and execution of multiple stories for various organizations around the world and get answers to questions such as: What role does a chief technology officer (CTO) play in the story of a company? And how does Etienne's company help support the story of CTOs everywhere? What you will learn in this episode: How the common image of a CTO is different than the real story How making connections can change your story How to keep people in a community engaged in sharing stories Who is Etienne? Etienne de Bruin began his career as a software developer in his native South Africa before moving to Germany, where he joined a startup building innovative products in the data encryption space. Then he moved to San Diego, where he managed the supply chain and business intelligence of a biotech startup. From 2005 to 2015, Etienne co-founded a company, where he served as CTO, navigating SaaS product development in a rapidly scaling environment and establishing himself as a highly effective C-level executive. After serving many organizations as advisory board member or CTO, Etienne founded 7CTOs, a peer group and coaching organization supporting CTOs, technical founders, and other executive leaders. Links and Resources: 7CTOs 7CTOs 0111 Conference Etienne de Bruin @etdebruin on Twitter @etdebruin on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm preparing for my 5th-level Black Belt test. As part of the test, we have to create and perform a series of movements - with or without weapons - to show the Grandmaster and test board that we're capable at this level.  Oh, and it has to be 100% unique and created from scratch. So this is high-stakes stuff. I know I need to come up with something that I've never done before. Ideas start coming to me and I dismiss them one by one, like train cars passing by. Then, it hits me! I'm a storyteller and an Improv performer. Even though this is a Martial Arts test, I need to tell a story that's never been told before. Now, this is already an unusual approach since most martial artists aren't thinking about going to the mat to tell a story. Yet in my case, it needs to happen because this is how I think and who I am. I come up with a fantastic narrative. I'm in Tokyo enjoying my tea when I go over to the window. Suddenly, intruder after intruder comes through it and attacks me! I started doing all types of maneuvers, using household items around me as weapons to disarm and dispose of the invaders. In the end, it's just me sipping on my glass of tea with all this carnage on the floor around me. And while I can't prove it, I swear I see a little moisture in the Grandmaster's eyes… and he normally doesn't show his emotions. And that's the power of a great story. You know you've done good when your audience can feel what you (or the characters in your story) feel. And that brings me to my special guest today, Sarah Jenkins, who is a master at bringing comedic stories to life without saying a word. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn how she does it through choreography and imagery and get answers to questions like: What makes comedic short-form storytelling so special? Why does harder not equate to being better in story form? How can you know why an organic joke (not written on the page) lands for an audience or not? And what kind of mistake should you avoid that a lot of storytellers and speakers make? What you will learn in this episode: What it means to be “in service of the joke” in comedic storytelling Why the steps you take as you tell your story don't matter What has to be in your story to make it memorable and effective Who is Sarah? Sarah Marie Jenkins is a California native residing in NYC. She has been dance captain and associate choreographer for numerous shows, as well as the choreographer for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix, Mr. Mayor on NBC, and Girls 5 Eva on Peacock.  Recently, she starred as Peter Pan in the first ever remounting of Jerome Robbins Broadway at the MUNY, as well as in the Cathy Rigby version of the show (as her successor). Before that, Sarah was seen as Jennyanydots in the revival of CATS on Broadway. She has also been on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Law & Order: SVU, and performed on the Today Show and Bonnie Hunt Show.  Her national tours and musical work include Legally Blonde, Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby, Guys & Dolls, Swing!, Can-Can, Honeymoon in Vegas, and The Nutty Professor (directed by Jerry Lewis). When she's not working on the stage or screen, Sarah has a successful photography business specializing in headshots for actors of all ages.  Links and Resources: @SarahMJenkins on Instagram @SarahJenkinsPhoto on Instagram Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's 2016. I'm putting on a high-stakes speaking and storytelling workshop. One of the attendees “Shawn” is the CEO of a tech company, and he's not buying the idea of using storytelling to raise money and land deals. I say to him, “Give me two days. But you've got to play all in. Are you in?”  Despite his skepticism that anything will drastically change for him, he reluctantly agrees.  When the workshop concludes, he feels he has a new competitive edge with this storytelling knowledge. Fast forward in time to two weeks ago when we run into “Shawn”. He reveals that he's practiced that workshop training ever since it ended and landed a life-changing deal with one of the largest software companies in his industry! He completely attributes his success to his ability to what he learned at my workshop:  How to tell a great short story. So if you want to know: What powerful insider techniques do great storytellers use to get such great results? And how can you use storytelling as your superpower and get others to choose you in a highly competitive playing field over your competition?  Then I've got you covered! Today's episode switches things up a bit. It's very short and all about the Masterclass I'm offering (I only do this a couple of times a year!) that teaches you how to skyrocket your success with story. What you will learn in the Masterclass: Why stories matter (with proven results) How stories work (with a behind-the-scenes unpacking) What change you can make to any story for dramatic effect What crucial element every story needs What essential question you must ask when using stories for business A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teaching my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Free Masterclass: Skyrocket Your Success With Storytelling Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

We're sitting around a fire pit at my Master's Circle retreat for speakers, looking out at the ocean as the sun is setting. One of our Mastermind members asks: “Kymberlee, what comes before the story?” He continues to elaborate: “Let's say I'm doing a Keynote. Do I walk on stage and immediately start telling the story, or is there something I say before I start the story?” There are a few impactful ways to bridge into your story. So I start taking him through my ideas as the fire continues glowing in the background. And as I'm sharing, I begin to realize that I need to share this with you and talk about this topic on the podcast! So in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, we're continuing our “So You Think You Want to Become a Storyteller” master series where you'll learn seven ways you can transition into your story and get answers to questions like: Why should you keep your story transition short? And what does using all of these bridging techniques do for your audience? What you will learn in this episode: How to use relevance and alignment to bridge to your story fast How to use a mini story to help set up your main story How to use a teaser or curiosity gap as a story bridge A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Free Masterclass: Skyrocket Your Success With Storytelling Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook