Podcasts about Storytelling

Today's tour through the Cabinet focuses on some weird and wacky ways humans have interacted with their environment. Order the official Cabinet of Curiosities book by clicking here today, and get ready to enjoy some curious reading! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod welcome Texas native and professional photographer Russell Graves.From roaming creeks as a kid to becoming one of the most recognized outdoor photographers in the country, Russell shares stories of wildlife, teaching, hunting, fishing, and why capturing a trophy buck on camera might be harder than doing it with a bow.This episode dives into the intersection of conservation and creativity as Russell Graves discusses wildlife photography, outdoor education, and his passion for protecting public lands.For more info:Hackberry Farm Nature Photography WorkshopsRussell Graves WebsiteThe Wildlife Photo Show YouTubeRussell Graves FBRussell Graves InstagramSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Today we're welcoming T. Christian Helms, Founder and Creative Director of Helms Workshop, an award-winning branding agency known for building brands that truly connect.https://www.linkedin.com/in/tchristianhelms/T. Christian's WebsiteOver the past 15 years, Christian has led creative strategy for beloved names like Jack Daniel's, Hershey, Austin Beerworks, and Howler Brothers—helping them clarify their voice, tell authentic stories, and bring creative visions to life.But what makes Christian's creative journey especially powerful is the transformation behind the work. After years struggling with an undiagnosed illness, he rebuilt his life and his business using the same creative tools he teaches—clarity, storytelling, curiosity, and purpose. Today he helps companies and creators alike rediscover their creative spark and turn ideas into meaningful impact.Rebuilding Through CreativityChristian, your story includes a long period of illness and recovery—and ultimately a complete personal and creative reset. How did those challenges shape the way you think about creativity, purpose, and your role as a storyteller and brand builder?The Spark of Curiosity and PlayYou often talk about the importance of curiosity and play in breaking out of creative ruts. How do you intentionally bring curiosity into your process, both for yourself and for the brands you help shape?Storytelling as StrategyYour agency is known for helping brands find their soul and voice. What's your approach to uncovering an authentic story—whether you're working with a global brand like Jack Daniel's or an emerging creative business?Rebuilding Creativity After BurnoutMany of our listeners have faced burnout, adversity, or seasons where their creative energy felt depleted. From your own journey, what have you learned about restoring creativity when the tank feels empty?Creating Meaningful ImpactYou've said that great design connects—and great stories endure. What does “impact” look like to you now? And how can today's creators translate their ideas into work that actually makes a difference for others?Christian, for creatives who are listening and may be at a crossroads—professionally, personally, or creatively—what's one small step they can take today to reconnect with their creative spark?”Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters, fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order with the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com.And before you go, download your free e-book A World of Creativity, featuring insights and interviews from the podcast. Visit mark-stinson.com

From February 13 to 19, Film at Lincoln Center will present “Looking for Ms. Keaton,“ a retrospective film series honoring the late Diane Keaton. FLC programmer Maddie Whittle joins us to preview the series and take calls from listeners on their favorite Diane Keaton performances.

Before Sara Blakely became the founder of Spanx, her life looked nothing like a success story. She failed the LSAT twice, was told she was "too short" at a Disney audition, and spent seven years selling fax machines door to door—hearing no over and over again. What changed everything wasn't luck. It was how she treated rejection. Instead of seeing discomfort as failure, she treated it like training. In Part 2 of our Develop Your Voice Impact series, Krista Donargo, SGA unpacks how Blakely learned to fail forward, show up before things felt polished, and turn a scrappy idea into a billion-dollar brand without investors, a roadmap, or industry experience. From there, we zoom out to a skill every leader needs but few are ever taught: storytelling. Storytelling isn't fluff—it's a leadership tool. Stories activate emotion and logic, reduce resistance to change, and help people trust, understand, and follow your ideas. Whether you're leading a team, speaking on stage, guiding clients, or showing up online, how you communicate matters just as much as what you're saying. This is exactly the work we do inside our Voice of Impact Mini Intensives, to help leaders identify the stories they need to tell, shape them with intention, and deliver them with confidence, clarity, and authority. These high-touch intensives are designed to help your voice match the level of leadership you're stepping into—without scripts, gimmicks, or overproduction. If you've ever struggled to get people to understand, trust, or act on your ideas, this episode will change how you think about communication—and what's possible when you learn to use your voice with intention. Because growth doesn't require perfection. It requires conviction, connection, and the willingness to be uncomfortable long before the results show up. Resources → Learn more about our Voice of Impact Mini Intensives → Join the Fierce Factor Society → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: @kaeli.lindholm Additional Ways to Connect: Book a Discovery Call: Ready to scale with intention? Let's map out your next strategic move. KLC Consulting Website Kaeli on LinkedIn

The strongest brands don't shout—they earn trust over time. That's how Nikki Little approaches her work. She's the CMO and co-owner at Franco, a women-owned, Detroit-based integrated communications agency with more than 60 years of history. After a full-circle career that took her from early agency life to leading social and communications teams, Nikki now helps shape Franco's future with a purpose-driven, human-first approach to brand building, storytelling, and leadership. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why modern brand builders must accept that total control is a myth and focus on reputation monitoring instead The difference between consistent storytelling and repetitive messaging across integrated channels How to apply Brené Brown's Strong Ground principles to build a solid brand foundation Why employee alignment is the first step in closing the authenticity gap with your customers How to treat AI as an overzealous intern rather than a replacement for strategic relationships Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:34) Authenticity in the Age of Unpolished Content (03:37) Understanding Your Audience and the Brand Core (05:22) The Myth of Total Brand Control (07:25) Navigating Critics and the Crisis Plan (10:10) Storytelling as a Tool for Trust Building (12:45) Internal Culture and the Authenticity Gap (15:12) Leadership Examples: Brené Brown and Liz Plosser (19:51) Rumbling with AI in a Human Business (25:30) Brands That Make Us Smile (28:33) Where to Find Nikki Little About Nikki Little Nikki Little is the CMO and co-owner at Franco, a Detroit-based, women-owned integrated communications agency with a 60-year legacy. With a career spanning early agency life to leading complex social and communications teams, Nikki specializes in a purpose-driven, human-first approach to brand building and leadership. She is a recognized expert in navigating the intersection of PR, digital strategy, and authentic storytelling, helping brands find their "core" to build lasting trust in a critical and fast-moving digital environment. What Brand Has Made Nikki Smile Recently? Nikki shared two brands that recently stood out: Chevy, for their deeply authentic "Memory Lane" holiday commercial that mastered the art of non-cheesy storytelling, and Mabel's Labels, for their proactive customer service that turned a lost shipment into a "customer for life" experience. Resources & Links Check out the ⁠Franco website⁠. Connect with Nikki Little on ⁠LinkedIn.⁠ Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠Amazon/Audible⁠, ⁠TuneIn⁠, and ⁠iHeart⁠. Rate and review on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ and ⁠Spotify⁠ to help others find the show. Share this episode — ⁠email a friend or colleague⁠ this episode. Sign up for my ⁠free Story Strategies newsletter⁠ for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the ⁠Marketing Podcast Network⁠. Until next week, I'll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journey with us as we review Acts 3 where Peter heals the beggar at the Temple. We'll also spend time reviewing this month's memory verse (2 Corinthians 5:21), and playing a round of Guess the Imposter.

Meet Chef Patty, a food entrepreneur who turned homesickness for Nigerian food into a thriving food truck empire. In Episode 198 of On the Delo, Delo sits down with Chef Patty to explore how she traded healthcare administration for authentic West African cuisine, built Lasgidi Cafe from the ground up with just $50K, and is now planning a brick-and-mortar location to scale her vision. From selling 50 tickets to backyard pop-up events in two weeks to serving 112 meals per shift, Chef Patty shares the real story of building a culturally rich brand in Phoenix's competitive food scene.In this deep dive, you'll hear about the challenges of launching a mobile kitchen, the gas leak incident that nearly ended everything, how she balances family, adjunct teaching, and entrepreneurship, and her strategic menu design that uses gateway dishes like suya tacos to introduce customers to authentic Nigerian flavors. She also opens up about the importance of community partnerships, staying accessible to customers, and keeping her social media authentic—because authenticity, she believes, is what builds lasting loyalty. If you're an entrepreneur, foodie, or anyone interested in how resilience, cultural pride, and smart strategy combine to build a sustainable business, this conversation is for you.Chapter Guide (Timestamps):(0:00 - 2:15) Intro, Delo's Cold Open, and Meeting Chef Patty(2:16 - 5:30) From Healthcare Administration to Nigerian Food: The Homesickness That Sparked It All(5:31 - 10:45) The Pop-Up Events That Changed Everything: 50 Tickets Sold in Two Weeks(10:46 - 15:20) Building the Food Truck: Investment, Timeline, and the Leap from Pop-Ups to Mobile(15:21 - 20:30) Balancing Family, Teaching, and Entrepreneurship: How Chef Patty Manages It All(20:31 - 25:15) Operations Deep Dive: Local First Arizona, Eastlake Kitchen, and Serving 112 Meals Per Shift(25:16 - 30:00) The Gas Leak Crisis: When Things Go Wrong and How to Keep Going(30:01 - 36:00) Menu Strategy and Gateway Dishes: How Suya Tacos and Loaded Fries Introduce Nigerian Cuisine(36:01 - 40:15) Storytelling, Community Collaboration, and Building Brand Loyalty Through Authenticity(40:16 - 43:43) Four to Six Month Timeline for Brick-and-Mortar, Social Media Strategy, and Where to Find Chef Patty

Three Part Article on the History of Fallout: https://gameinformer.com/FalloutOralHistoryCheck out Jess' appearance on KingsCast: https://www.youtube.com/@KingFanMan/videosJoin our Discord:https://discord.gg/cVSN65jJoin in the Roundtable Fun with our Character Generators!Fallout 76: https://tinyurl.com/F76GeneratorFallout 4: https://tinyurl.com/Fallout4GeneratorFallout New Vegas: https://tinyurl.com/NewVegasGeneratorFallout 3: https://tinyurl.com/F3GeneratorThe NEW New Vegas Character Generator! DONATE:  https://fightcf.cff.org/site/TR/?fr_id=7889&pg=team&team_id=90760Shop:  optimistic.threadless.com/Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/asapodcastingEmail: thefalloutfeed@gmail.comWeb: http://www.asapodcasting.com/#/the-fallout-feed/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheFalloutFeedFB: facebook.com/groups/askyrimaddictpodcastSupport the show

In this episode, we break the thermometer and watch the mercury spill out as we discover that temperature is far stranger than it seems. We first ran this episode in 2021: Five stories that run the gamut from snakes to stars. We start out underwater, with a species of snake that has evolved a devious trick for keeping warm. Then we hear the tale of a young man whose seemingly simple method of warming up might be the very thing making him cold. And Senior Correspondent Molly Webster blows the lid off the idea that 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is a sound marker of health. In this episode, we break the thermometer and watch the mercury spill out as we discover that temperature is far stranger than it seems. We first ran this episode in 2021: Five stories that run the gamut from snakes to stars. We start out underwater, with a species of snake that has evolved a devious trick for keeping warm. Then we hear the tale of a young man whose seemingly simple method of warming up might be the very thing making him cold. And Senior Correspondent Molly Webster blows the lid off the idea that 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is a sound marker of health. EPISODE CREDITS:Reported by - Lulu Miller and Molly WebsterProduced by - Becca Bressler, Lulu Miller and Molly Websterwith help from - Carin LeongFact-checking by - Emily KriegerSign up for our newsletter!! It includes short essays, recommendations, and details about other ways to interact with the show. Signup (https://radiolab.org/newsletter)!Radiolab is supported by listeners like you. Support Radiolab by becoming a member of The Lab (https://members.radiolab.org/) today.Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @radiolab, and share your thoughts with us by emailing radiolab@wnyc.org.Leadership support for Radiolab's science programming is provided by the Simons Foundation and the John Templeton Foundation. Foundational support for Radiolab was provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Dr. Aammton Alias has a work retreat in the jungle. And when he gets there… he's gotta go.Thank you, Dr. Aammton, for sharing your story with Spooked!Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if your greatest strength is the very thing you've been taught to hide? In today's powerful conversation, George sits down with Dr. Brent Ridge to explore what it really means to be visible, not just in business, but in life. This episode isn't about playing a role. It's about owning your identity, amplifying your impact, and letting authenticity lead the way.Dr. Brent Ridge, physician, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Beekman 1802, joins George for a vulnerable and energizing conversation about showing up with your full self. From boardrooms to barnyards, Brent shares the lessons he's learned about leadership, identity, partnerships, and purpose. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to lead with integrity, embrace your story, and build something lasting from the inside out.This episode is a masterclass in courage, creativity, and conscious entrepreneurship.What You'll Learn In This Episode:Why visibility is a form of serviceHow to integrate identity into your business without losing yourselfThe real cost of not telling your truthHow to honor both structure and soul in leadershipWhy longevity requires a deeper foundation than just success Key Takeaways:✔️Visibility without vulnerability leads to burnout.✔️Storytelling builds connection but only if it's authentic.✔️Your brand is your mirror. Lead with alignment, not performance.✔️Great partnerships are rooted in clarity, not compromise.✔️Seasons of reinvention are necessary for sustained relevance. Timestamps & Highlights:[00:00] – Opening thoughts & the invitation to be fully seen[06:30] – Brent's path from medicine to Beekman 1802[12:45] – Leading a brand rooted in kindness[17:20] – Navigating identity, visibility & leadership[25:50] – When partnership becomes the business superpower[33:15] – Reinvention as a path to longevity[40:05] – The hidden cost of suppressing your truth[47:10] – Being present vs. being productive[53:50] – Words of wisdom for anyone afraid to be seen Connect with Dr. Brent RidgeCo-founder of Beekman 1802Follow Brent on Instagram:@joshandbrentFacebook: Beekman 1802TikTok: @beekman1802YouTube: @joshandbrentbeekmanYour Challenge This Week:If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs permission to be seen for who they really are.Tag  @itsgeorgebryant and @joshandbrent to continue the conversation.The Alliance – Join our community of purpose-driven entrepreneurs scaling with connection over chaos.1:1 Coaching – Ready to build a business rooted in who you are, not just what you do? Apply now.Live Retreats – Get in the room where transformation happens. Find upcoming events: mindofgeorge.com/retreat 

Film editor Andy Jurgensen had a lot to contend with when working on Paul Thomas Anderson's acclaimed film 'One Battle After Another.' He had to edit chase scenes, make sure the comedy of the story came through, and showcase many powerhouse performances. His work earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Editing. Jurgensen speaks about putting the movie together as part of our ongoing series "The Big Picture," spotlighting Oscar nominees who work behind the camera.

[REBROADCAST FROM September 22, 2025] A new exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art spotlights the work of John Wilson, a Boston-born artist who dedicated his career to creating art about the Black American experience. Curators Jennifer Farrell and Leslie King Hammond discuss "Witnessing Humanity: The Art of John Wilson," which is showing at the Met through February 8, 2026.

When people think of America's war for independence, they often think of "the shot heard 'round the world" in Concord. But just weeks after the Declaration was signed, British forces clashed with the Continental army in Brooklyn, and New York City became a battleground, and subsequently wound up under British control for several years. Dominique Jean-Louis, chief historian at the Center for Brooklyn History, talks about their new exhibit "The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered," on display at the CBH through the end of 2026.

The exhibit "Noguchi's New York" explores how Isamu Noguchi relationship with New York transformed the city even when thwarted by Robert Moses. It displays a survey of 50 of his works and animations of projects that were never realized. Noguchi Museum curator Kate Wiener & museum director Amy Hau discuss the exhibit, and the historical impact of the groundbreaking designer.

In a world of shifting policies and "Wild West" internet searches, how do you find the truth? This episode dives into the recent major changes in the caregiver support world, including the transition of AlzAuthors under the leadership of All Home Care Matters. We move past the industry headlines to focus on the human element: why community is the only thing that keeps a caregiver sane when the ground is shifting. Inside the Conversation: Vetting the Noise: Why "human-filtered" information is the best defense against the costly misinformation and false promises targeting caregivers today. The Power of Storytelling: How memoirs and fiction provide the "me too" moments and emotional escape that medical manuals simply cannot offer. The "First 48" Strategy: Lance shares his personal journey of being "new to the wheel" and why professional healthcare often misses the human needs of the family. Bridging the Gap for 2026: As the "Silver Tsunami" peaks, we discuss how veterans can support the massive new wave of caregivers entering the trenches this year. Our Guest: Lance A. Slatton Lance A. Slatton, CSCM The Senior Care Influencer & President of AlzAuthors Lance A. Slatton is a healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience and is widely recognized as "The Senior Care Influencer." He is a Senior Case Manager at Enriched Life Home Care Services and the host of the award-winning podcast and YouTube channel, All Home Care Matters. Lance's leadership in the industry was solidified in early 2026 when he was named President of AlzAuthors, a global community of over 400 authors sharing authentic dementia stories. A prolific writer and advocate, Lance is a monthly columnist for McKnight's Home Care News and the author of the All Home Care Matters' Official Family Caregivers Guide. Notable Achievements: 2024 & 2025: Named Top Healthcare Influencer of the Year. YouTube Silver Creator Award: Recognizing excellence in healthcare media. Academy of Interactive Visual Arts: Juror (2023–2025). "50 Under 50": Recognized by the New York City Journal.

Powered by CJ Moneyway Entertainment and Bleav Network Welcome back to The CJ Moneyway Show — where faith, leadership, and legacy meet real-world impact. In this episode, CJ sits down with Venchele Saint Dic — an award-winning author, speaker, public health advocate, and founder of MESFAMI Care Inc., a community-rooted organization supporting women, immigrants, and historically marginalized voices. Venchele's mission is personal — born from lived experience, cultural identity, and her passion for writing as resistance. With a unique lens that bridges empathy and policy, she offers a bold vision for what public health can look like when it centers healing, advocacy, and voice. Inside the episode: The connection between narrative and well-being Why faith and self-determination are public health tools How Venchele turned trauma into testimony The real meaning of empowerment in advocacy What every leader and creative should know about community impact Whether you're a changemaker, policy advocate, or someone simply trying to reclaim their story — this conversation is your reminder: healing is public, and your voice has power. Available now on all platforms https://pod.link/1707761906 https://cjmoneyway.com https://www.youtube.com/@themoneywayshow8493  •Listen Everywhere → https://pod.link/1707761906 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-c-j-moneyway-show/id1707761906 Website → https://cjmoneyway.com YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@themoneywayshow8493 Podmatch → https://www.joinpodmatch.com/cjmoneyway3206 ️ Rate the Show → https://ratethispodcast.com/cjmoneyway Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 02:05 – Venchele's Journey to Public Health 06:50 – Founding MESFAMI Care Inc. 12:10 – Writing as a Tool for Justice & Healing 17:30 – The Power of Faith in Public Wellness 23:40 – Advocacy, Empathy & Policy in Practice 30:00 – What Empowerment Really Means 35:45 – Final Reflections & Resources Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if protecting the ocean did not have to come with fear, guilt, or doom and gloom?In this episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, marine biologist and podcast host Andrew Lewin shares how storytelling, curiosity, and human connection can inspire real action for ocean conservation. Andrew is the host of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast and founder of the Speak Up For Blue Podcast Network, with more than 1,800 episodes dedicated to making ocean science accessible and hopeful.Rich and Andrew dive into the realities of marine conservation, the myths surrounding sharks and orcas, the power of podcasting as a tool for change, and why connecting emotionally with nature matters more than facts alone. They also discuss advocacy, mental health in science, veteran focused conservation work, and how one voice truly can make a difference.This is a thoughtful, inspiring conversation for anyone who cares about the planet, meaningful storytelling, and using their voice to create positive change.Send us a textVote for us hereHarford County Health DepartmentTo protect, promote, and improve the health, safety, and environment of Harford County residents.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCast Subscribe by Email

You don't need to go very far to find a curious story. Sometimes you don't even need to leave the dinning room. Order the official Cabinet of Curiosities book by clicking here today, and get ready to enjoy some curious reading!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Classic RISK! episode from our early years when Brian Finkelstein, Carrie Wade and Matt Oberg told true stories at the live RISK! show for the 2013 LA Storytelling Festival.

A tale from Singapore about two kind widows who help all their neighbours and finally are rewarded for their goodness with a magnifient surprise.  An episode from Journey with Story, a storytelling podcast for kids ages 4-10.  (duratioin - 12 minutes) We are thrilled to announce that Million Podcasts has featured Journey with Story in SIX of their "Best Podcasts", including Best Kids Podcasts, and Best Storytelling Podcasts. Million Podcasts Be sure and check out some terrific resources for raising kids who LOVE to read by  signing up for my newsletter at www.journeywithstory.com If your little listener wants to ask us a question or send us a drawing inspired by one of our episodes, send it to us at instagram@journeywithstory.  Or you can contact us at www.journeywithstory.com.  We love to hear from our listeners. If you enjoy our podcast, you can rate, review, and subscribe at here Did you know Kathleen is also a children's picture book author, you can find out more about her books at www.kathleenpelley.com   To download this month's free coloring sheet,  simply subscribe to my Patreon here, it's free! By subscribing, you not only support our mission to ignite imagination through enchanting fairy tales but also receive exclusive benefits like monthly free coloring sheets corresponding to our podcast episodes, and more! Your support means the world to us and enables us to continue creating captivating content for children everywhere. Thank you for joining us on this adventure!  

Hey Friends~  This week is Children's Authors and Illustrators Week! And on TLOP,  we're celebrating an imaginative storyteller who helps kids grow brave, curious, and confident. So it felt like the perfect time to discuss: what shapes an author who writes stories that help children feel brave and confident? In this episode, I talk with children's author Rella B. about imagination, courage, and the heart behind stories that invite kids to embrace who they are. It's a conversation about wonder, creativity, and why storytelling matters at every age. Always cheering you on!  Dinalynn CONTACT the Host, Dinalynn:  hello@thelanguageofplay.com COMMENT? QUESTION?  Leave a voice message!  https://castfeedback.com/play ABOUT THE GUEST:  Rella B's transformation from a career-focused adult to a passionate advocate for the magic of childhood has resonated with countless families worldwide. Her belief that work and play should be inseparable companions has shaped her mission to provide young readers with captivating tales that not only entertain but also instill valuable life lessons. In the spirit of curiosity and courage, Rella B's journey reminds us all that there's no age limit on dreaming, exploring, and discovering the joy in everyday moments. CONTACT THE GUEST:   Info@rellabbooks.com https://rellabbooks.com/ YouTube.com/@Rellabbooks All Socials are @Rellabbooks   February - Honoring & Highlighting Children's Authors for a month!   Constance Lewis: Emotions   Connect: https://www.colorfulcapesoffeelings.com/ Jason Heffler: Children's speech disorders   Connect: linktr.ee/jasonheffler Terry Lilga:  Rhyming   Connect: https://terrililgabooks.com/ Claire Miller: Storytelling with kids   Connect: www.clairemillerauthor.co.uk     Highlighted Authors This Month: 226 Constance Lewis: Using Colors To Get Through Big Feelings 214 Wonder About Stuttering and Fluency? Jason Heffler Shares What Is Helpful From Personal Experience 218 Terri Lilga: Why Is Rhyme So Important? Using Literature To Teach Beyond The Words 243 Claire Miller: The Power of Storytelling to Build Confidence & Connection MORE RESOURCES I APPROVE AND YOU MAY LOVE:  Sign up for a family trip to Costa Rica!!   2026 is a year for deeper connection at Family Talks Retreat in Costa Rica

While most people know Roald Dahl from his beloved books like Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Matilda and BFG, not as much is known about his life away from writing. A new documentary podcast looks at his history as a fighter pilot, intelligence officer and his work in science. Host and creator Aaron Tracy discusses "The Secret Life of Roald Dahl."

In 2023, NYC musician and venue owner Jesse Malin suffered a spinal stroke that paralyzed him below the waist. Through physical therapy, he can now cover short distances with the help of a walker. And starting later this month, he'll take the stage and share the story of his recovery in a a one-man show off-Broadway called "Silver Manhattan." He previews the show and performs live in studio.

Why stories beat pitches, why showing up still matters, and what this series is about.Eric Kasimov sits down with Mitch Long to kick off The Long Game. Mitch has been in the insurance business for over 30 years. He started with a pager and a roll of quarters. He built his book by showing up every Tuesday until people just started handing him the business. Now he's here to have conversations with business owners about how they got where they are — the real version, not the LinkedIn version.What We Talk About:Criminal justice major to insurance salesmanThe 93-year-old woman and the bell storyWhy face-to-face still matters (and why it's not enough anymore)Pagers, Blackberries, and the quarantine pivotThe buggy whip salesman problemNIL, college sports, and what it means to stay relevantChapters:00:14 – What this show is and how conversations work01:00 – Mitch's path into insurance08:27 – Podcasting as a way to connect13:00 – Old school meets new school21:30 – Adjusting how you reach people23:45 – Pagers, payphones, and quarters26:00 – Blackberry, Gateway, and what happens when you don't evolve28:00 – The buggy whip salesman30:00 – Mitch's grandfather sold matches31:30 – MC Hammer selling records out of his trunk32:01 – NIL and financial literacyConnect with Mitch LongLinkedIn | KazInsuranceMore from the KazSource NetworkAmbient Influence in Content — KazCMThe Benefits and Issues of NIL — SportsEpreneurIs College Still Worth It? — Entrepreneur PerspectivesAbout This Podcast and SeriesThe Long Game is a series under Entrepreneur Perspectives. Produced by QuietLoud Studios — a modern media network and a KazSource brand.Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:X | LinkedInCredits:Music by Jess & Ricky — SoundCloud

In this episode of the Observatory Podcast, Scott and LaRae Wright sit down with Nathan Chase Plummer and Zaid Plummer to explore the story behind Guardian Mansion — a bold cross-country move, a historic restoration, and a shared vision rooted in partnership, creativity, and purpose.Together, they reflect on how a simple dream of restoring historic spaces evolved into a life-changing journey. Nate and Zaid share how they discovered the Kentucky property, what it felt like stepping into the mansion for the first time, and how the process of renovation mirrors deeper themes of identity, resilience, and co-creation. This episode dives into the emotional realities behind chasing big dreams — the hard days, the unexpected beauty, and the profound connection that comes from building something meaningful together.Timestamps:[00:00:18] Introducing Nate and Zaid Plummer and the story of Guardian Mansion[00:01:05] Early dreams of restoration and historic properties[00:05:17] First conversations about buying and restoring old buildings[00:09:51] Working through challenges together and trusting the vision[00:12:54] Discovering historic architecture styles and the “Second Empire” home[00:15:54] Traveling to Kentucky and arriving at the Bluegrass region[00:17:43] Turning into the driveway — the first emotional moment seeing the mansion[00:26:40] The deeper meaning behind restoring a historic space[00:38:15] Creative vision, storytelling, and preserving history[00:52:20] The realities of renovation and learning as you go[01:04:30] What Guardian Mansion represents todayNoteable Quotes:“I would love to buy it and renovate it and restore it.” – Nate Plummer [05:17]“The houses we were drawn to were the antebellums or the Greek revivals — like this house, a second empire.” – Nate Plummer [12:54]“Sometimes we have really hard days. But, we work.” – Zaid Plummer [10:08]“We flew into Lexington airport where my family for years had lived and done the horse business.” – Nate Plummer [16:03]“A dream together...” – Zaid Plummer [01:14:43]Relevant links:Follow the adventure here: Guardian Mansion YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GuardianMansionGuardian Mansion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guardianmansion/Also, listen to Nate's story;  coming out at 30, business & authorship, meeting Zaid — the big wedding, and manifestation of the Guardian: here! Subscribe to the podcast: Apple PodcastProduced by NC Productions

On this episode of The ToosDay Crüe, hosts Jake and Stephen welcome U.S. Army Veteran Richard Spegal, a Pennsylvania National Guard officer, former 82nd Airborne soldier, and acclaimed author of dark fantasy and paranormal fiction. Richard is the creative force behind worlds like Eternal Nights and the Wolves & Ravens trilogy—stories filled with magic, mystery, moral risk, and the shadows most fiction avoids. Frustrated by adult readers being underserved in fantasy and paranormal genres, Richard set out to write the books he wanted to read—stories that don't sugarcoat consequences and force characters to confront hard truths. After choosing family over continued active combat service, Richard now balances military leadership, fatherhood to four daughters, and a writing career rooted in myth, folklore, and lived experience. His storytelling explores identity, sacrifice, and how much truth can survive in darkness. This conversation dives into service, creativity, fatherhood, faith in imagination, and why fiction matters—especially when it dares to ask the questions we avoid out loud.

Andre Agassi's autobiography is a brutally honest story about a tennis legend who hated the game that made him famous. Agassi traces his journey from a harsh, obsessive childhood training regimen to superstardom, burnout, rebellion, and eventual redemption—revealing the psychological cost of greatness, the search for identity beyond winning, and how he ultimately found purpose on his own terms. This book was as good as everyone says it is. You should read it. Episode sponsors: ⁠ Ramp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ gives you everything you need to control spend, watch your costs, and optimize your financial operations —all on a single platform. Make history's greatest entrepreneurs proud ⁠⁠⁠by going to Ramp and learning how they can help your business save time and money.⁠⁠⁠ Automate compliance, security, and trust with Vanta.⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Vanta helps you win trust, close deals, and stay secure—faster and with less effort⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠ Make sure you go to VANTA.COM/FOUNDERS and you'll get $1000 off. Collateral⁠⁠ transforms your complex ideas into compelling narratives. Collateral crafts institutional grade marketing collateral for private equity, private credit, real estate, venture capital, family offices, hedge funds, oil & gas companies, and all kinds of corporations. Storytelling is one of the highest forms of leverage and you should invest heavily in it.

[REBROADCAST FROM June 11, 2025] Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr's third album, Bloom is "a love letter to relationships of all types." He discusses his love for classic 90's film, incorporating 00's R&B aesthetics, and other inspirations for the album.

The sound design team behind the blockbuster "F1" has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Sound. Supervising sound editors Al Nelson and Gwendolyn Yates Whittle and re-recording mixer Juan Peralta discuss the complicated process of capturing the sounds of a Formula One race, collisions and all. This interview kicks of our annual "Big Picture" series highlighting Oscar nominees who worked behind-the-scenes to make movie magic in 2025. 

What does a retired USAF fighter weapon systems officer write after decades at NORAD? Join host Khudania Ajay (KAJ) with author Terrence Rotering as we explore the creation of his ten-book Chronicles Series, an epic multiverse where fantasy, science fiction, and spiritual warfare collide. We discuss the "godwinks" that guided the writing, the unique "egg within an egg" narrative structure, and how his work empowers readers to see they are already equipped for their own battles, unlike the heroes of Tolkien or Lewis. This masterclass unveils the process of building a complete saga and the mindset of a storyteller who has navigated both real-world missions and fictional multiverses. Explore the art of epic storytelling at https://kajmasterclass.com.=========================================*KAJ Masterclass*A video-first, conversation-led knowledge platform featuring thoughtful conversations with leaders, professionals, authors, and experts across leadership, business, health, technology, and the changing world of work. Each conversation is designed to help people learn, reflect, and take meaningful action.

Journalism is under fire at a moment when truth, accountability, and public trust matter more than ever. In this episode, Kara Duffy sits down with Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and investigative podcaster Maggie Freleng to unpack how media, power, the justice system intersect, and where they break down. Maggie shares how her reporting on wrongful convictions, policing, and systemic corruption led her into investigative podcasting, why blurred lines between journalism, influencers, and creators demand stronger ethics, and how privilege shapes whose cases receive public attention. Together, they discuss jury bias, misinformation, class inequality, and what it means to be an advocate in a system that often protects itself over people. 00:00 Introduction to the Guest: Maggie Freleng 01:26 Maggie's Journey into Journalism 05:16 The Changing Landscape of Journalism 09:17 The Role of Independent Journalism 19:00 Maggie's Personal Reflections and Life Choices 26:31 Reflecting on Personal Experiences and Wrongful Convictions 27:31 The Jury System and Its Impact on Justice 31:13 Choosing Between Bench Trials and Jury Trials 32:25 Karen Reed Case: A Litmus Test for Public Awareness 36:36 The Role of Police and the Concept of Defunding 40:23 Addressing Income Inequality and Class Wars 42:33 Empowering Women to Take Action 44:26 Exciting Updates on Season Three 45:30 The Power of Women and Multitasking 49:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week at ease, we're joined by bestselling author and religious scholar Dr. Reza Aslan for a deep, curious, and open-hearted conversation about belief. From childhood faith to adult skepticism, we explore how religion, spirituality, and culture shape the ways we seek meaning in our lives. Reza helps us understand how belief systems offer clarity, connection, and compassion. No matter where you're at on your inner journey, this episode invites you to think more expansively about what you believe, and why. Enjoy!EASE: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ease?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@easeradio?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51x8OhqmT9r3HLyenR52ER?si=448c0315affb48a7NAILEA: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/naileadevoraTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@billlnaiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/naileadevoraJUSTUS BRYCE:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justusbrycee/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justilocksSegments:00:00 Intro01:03 Why Do We Avoid Talking About Religion?07:20 Identity and Beliefs09:42 We've Always Had a Soul12:04 Religion is Psychology16:20 Tapping In To Our Souls18:59 Is Our Soul....Us?20:30 How Manifestation Affects Us22:05 The Rise of The Non-Affiliated26:30 The Appeal of Religion28:58 The Appeal of Atheism 31:24 Storytelling is The Foundation of Being Human32:43 What Does "Non-Affiliated" Say About Our Generation?33:58 Audience Questions36:43 How Can Exploring Our Own Beliefs Help Us Find Ease?

What story are you really telling; and is anyone listening?In this episode, Bill Gallagher is joined by Dan Grech, storyteller, strategist, and founder of BizHack Academy, to unpack the real reason most small businesses struggle: they skip the story and jump straight to the sell.Dan shares how storytelling builds emotional connection, why most entrepreneurs fail to clarify their message, and how safe spaces for vulnerability unlock real transformation. From strategy to execution, this conversation will help you rethink how you communicate, connect, and lead.Topics explored in this episode:(03:30) The Power of Storytelling in Business*Emphasis on emotional storytelling and the “why” behind a brand*Dan talks about how stories humanize a brand and build authentic connection.*He highlights the idea of ‘heart' in storytelling(11:45) Teaching Strategy + Tactics*Dan explains the importance of combining big-picture strategy with technical execution*Discusses how people often jump into tactics without clarifying their message or audience*You can't out-hustle a bad strategy(17:15) Why Most Small Businesses Struggle*Many don't know how to tell their story*They try to mimic big brands, but it backfires*Small businesses must: sell the mission, not the product.(55:10) Creating Safe Space for Vulnerability*The best coaching relationships allow founders to admit fears, doubts, and confusion*Dan believes real transformation happens when people are seen and heard first*The most powerful thing we can do is sit with someone in their story and not try to fix it.Thanks to Dan Grech for being on the show!Dan's website: https://dangrech.com/ & https://bizhack.com/Connect with Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dangrechBill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth.Join Bill in the Growth Navigator Coaching Program: https://ScalingCoach.com/workshopBill on LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/BillGallBill on YouTube: https://www.YouTube.com/@BillGallagherScalingCoachVisit https://ScalingUp.com to learn more about Verne Harnish, our team of Scaling Up Coaches, and the Scaling Up Performance Platform, which includes coaching, learning, software, and summit. We share how the fastest-growing companies succeed where so many others fail. We help leadership teams with the biggest decisions around people, strategy, execution, and cash so that they can scale up successfully and beat the odds of business growth.Did you enjoy today's episode? If so, then please leave a review! Help other business leaders discover Scaling Up Business with Bill Gallagher so they, too, can benefit from the ideas shared in these podcasts.Subscribe via Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PGhWPJSubscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PKe00uBill on Facebook:

Katherine Rogue started not four years ago, but is wasting no time, spending as much time on stage as possible. She and Dan chat about coming up in comedy in a rural area, the trap that is feeling like you have to write new material weekly for the same crowd, and how having a background in other art forms has helped with stage presence. Also, how being observant while out helps with material, the “club” that is comedy, the vital importance of being able to pivot to other material, and the age-old advice of being honest about your time. Crowd work, comedy festivals, and if Dan has ever experienced a break-up! This episode covers it all!Katherine RogueKatherine Rogue is the matriarch of the Blacksburg, VA comedy scene. Her minivan humor can take a sharp turn as she explores observations from parenting, general life, and the upcoming doom of menopause.  Katherine has been a first-round loser in Game of Jokes, the Ultimate Comic Challenge, and Blue Ridge Comedy Knockout. She produces shows in the New River Valley of Virginia and performs throughout Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Tennessee.https://linktr.ee/ComediansGoneRogueOur Sponsors Visit any of the following sponsors and use promo code "AOBPOD" at checkout to receive:20% off an item at Liqure Gummies: https://liqure.com/ 15% off an item at Old Glory: https://oldglory.com/ 20% off an item at Aspire Drinks: https://aspiredrinks.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-comedy-podcast--5788059/support.Art of Bombing:"Nobody Had a Podcast Called The Art of Bombing" Theme by John Hult https://johnhult.bandcamp.com/album/half-a-life-to-recoverWebsite: http://artofbombingpod.comLinks: https://linktr.ee/artofbombingpodBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-art-of-bombing-a-guide-to-stand-up-comedy--5788059/support.Hosts:Dan Bublitz Jr: http://www.danbublitz.com/ Larry Smith: https://larrysmithcomedy.com/

Most curiosities happen at ground level, but today's tour takes us into the skies. Order the official Cabinet of Curiosities book by clicking here today, and get ready to enjoy some curious reading!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lex Gillette is a 5-time medalist at the Paralympic Games, and a world record holder in the long jump, but he's more than that too. As he learns to navigate the world after losing his sight, he's worried about being left out and overlooked — or, just as bad, being seen only in terms of his disability and his athletic gifts. Lex shares the story of how he began to forge his identity on his own terms, creating a spotlight that he steps into with his entire being.Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Back from the SCBWI conference in New York, Sam Cotterill and Lee White recap the trip, from funny stories to biggest takeaways (plus tips on how to make the most of conferences like these).  3 Point Perspective Podcast is sponsored by SVSLearn.com, the place where becoming a great illustrator starts!Click here for this episode's links and show notes.

In this episode of The Cabin, we sit down with Matt Hamilton to talk about his journey from growing up in Wisconsin to standing on top of the Olympic podium. He shares what it actually takes to compete in curling at the highest level, behind-the-scenes stories from the Olympics, and so much more. Tune in now!The Cabin is presented by the Wisconsin Counties Association and this week we're featuring Brown County; wicounties.orgThe Cabin is also presented to you by:GHT; wcaght.orgShop DW; shop.discoverwisconsin.com

Designer, craftsman, artist and educator, Norman Teague, grew up in Chicago absorbing the sounds, colors, textures and vibes of his “hood,” fancy cars, and Auntie Aretha's painting. A highschool Drafting elective was his first real step into the design field, which he then traversed with aplomb through an MFA at SAIC, to the Venice Architecture Biennale, to MoMA, to the design team of the Obama Presidential Center. At the helm of his namesake design studio, he's built a storied, critically acclaimed career, and a powerful legacy of challenging the design canon, cultural storytelling, and educating generations of future designers.Images and more from Norman Teague on our website!Special thanks to our sponsor: Wix Studio is a platform built for all web creators to design, develop, and manage exceptional web projects at scale.Clever is hosted & produced by Amy Devers, with editing by Mark Zurawinski, production assistance from Ilana Nevins and Anouchka Stephan, and music by El Ten Eleven.SUBSCRIBE - listen to Clever on any podcast app!SIGN UP - for our Substack for news, bonus content, new episode alertsVISIT - cleverpodcast.com for transcripts, images, and 200+ more episodesSAY HI! - on Instagram & LinkedIn @cleverpodcast @amydeversSpecial thanks to our sponsors!Wix Studio is a platform built for all web creators to design, develop, and manage exceptional web projects at scale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new PBS documentary series focuses on the intertwined relationships between the Black and Jewish communities in America throughout the centuries. Directors Phil Bertelson and Sara Wolitzky discuss the documentary, "Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History," which premieres on PBS on February 3.

This year marks a big change the life of the Sundance Film Festival. Founder Robert Redford died in 2025, and 2026 is the final year that the festival was held in Park City, Utah, before moving to Boulder, Colorado. Senior entertainment writers at The Hollywood Reporter David Canfield and Mia Galuppo discuss their new piece, "The Ultimate Sundance Oral History: 'Screaming, Crying and Almost Throwing Up,'" what the festival has meant to indie film in America, and what the future may hold. Plus, listeners share their own experiences with Sundance.

This Black History Month is of particularly historical importance, as 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Month's founding by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Dr. Karsonya "Kaye" Wise Whitehead is the current president of ASALH, as well as a professor and the founding executive director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice at Loyola University Maryland. Dr. Kaye discusses 100 years of Black History Month, and how she's reflecting on the history of ASALH this February.

Reggie takes us on a ride through his unforgettable family vacations, from road trips in the family van with snacks, music, and laughs, to life-changing visits to Shriners Hospital in Galveston. Between fun, family bonding, and the journey toward getting his first full head of hair, this chapter is a mix of humor, heart, and eye-opening experiences that shaped him growing up. Book TitleMUFUCKABook ChapterChapter Four: Family VacationAudibleMUFUCKA on AudibleAmazonMUFUCKA on AmazonSupport the show

Today, we welcome Dennis Welch — a lifelong songwriter and creative force who is now experiencing a remarkable musical renaissance in his sixties. Dennis has written more than 500 songs, published two books, played concerts far and wide, and built a body of work anchored in one central identity: storyteller.Dennis's WebsiteDennis on YouTube@Poo_Welch on InstagramDennis's Facebook pageAfter recording an album in 2000, Dennis continued writing but went 18 years without releasing new music… until a single moment changed everything. When his longtime friend, Little River Band guitarist Rich Herring, heard one of Dennis's songs, he offered to produce a single — which turned into an album, and then another, all landing on the first Grammy ballot in multiple categories.His newest album, Strong, released this July, continues this extraordinary creative chapter. Dennis's message is simple but powerful: Never give up. Keep creating. You never know what's around the next corner.A Renaissance at Sixty: Why Now?Dennis, your story is such a powerful example of perseverance. After releasing an album in 2000, you kept writing but didn't return to the studio for nearly two decades. What was happening creatively during those years — and what made this the right moment to reemerge?The Song That Changed EverythingWhen Rich Herring heard one of your songs and offered to produce a single, it sparked an entire new era of your career. Tell us about that moment. What did you feel when you realized this might be the beginning of something big?Storytelling as Your LegacyYou've said that if you could be remembered for just one word, it would be storyteller. How does storytelling show up in your songwriting today, and how has your perspective evolved across 500+ songs?Three Albums, Two Grammy Ballots, and a Creative SurgeWhat Love Makes Us Do and If I Live to Be a Hundred both made the first Grammy ballot in five categories — and now you've released Strong. What themes, emotions, or experiences shaped this newest album?Advice for Creatives Who Feel “It's Too Late”Your message is incredibly encouraging: Don't ever give up. Tune out the naysayers. Do what you're here for. What do you want other artists — especially those who feel their creative window is closing — to understand from your journey?Dennis, if you could leave our listeners with one thought about sustaining creativity across a lifetime — what would it be?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Listeners can enjoy 10% off your first order — just use the code CREATIVITY at checkout at...

Go to www.LearningLeader.com for full show notes This is brought to you by Insight Global. If you need to hire one person, hire a team of people, or transform your business through Talent or Technical Services, Insight Global's team of 30,000 people around the world has the hustle and grit to deliver. My Guest: Dan Coyle is a New York Times bestselling author who's spent the last two decades studying what makes great teams great. He wrote The Talent Code, The Culture Code, and now Flourish—books that have shaped how millions of people think about skill development, team culture, and meaningful connection. He works with the Cleveland Guardians as a special advisor on culture and performance. We recorded this one together in Cleveland. Notes: Find your yellow doors. Most of us go through life looking for green doors (clearly open paths) and red doors (obviously closed paths). But yellow doors are different. They're out of the corner of your eye, things that make you uncomfortable or feel brand new. That's where life actually happens. We think life is a straight line from A to B to C, but it's not. Life isn't a game... It's complex, living, shifting. Yellow doors are opportunities to create meaningful connections and explore new paths. "Life deepens when we become aware of the yellow doors, the ones we glimpse out of the corner of our eye." The craft journey always involves getting simpler. Simple is not easy. The great ones have their craft to where there's a simplicity to it. In this world of clutter and noise, it's easy to want to compete with energy and speed, but the stuff that really resonates is quieter and simpler. Be a beginner again in something. With climbing, Dan's at the very bottom of the craft mountain. With writing, he's somewhere in the middle. It's fun to have a couple of zones in your life where you're a beginner. It's liberating, but it also develops empathy. Some stuff looks very simple, but isn't. Every good story has three elements. There's some desire (I want to get somewhere), there's some obstacle (this thing standing in my way), and there's some transformation on that journey. Teaching teaches you. Coaching Zoe's writing team helped Dan, and then Zoe ended up coaching Dan. It was never "let me transmit all my wisdom to my daughter." It was a rich two-way dialogue that helped both of them. Suffering together is powerful. Doing hard things together with other people, untangling things together (literally and figuratively), and being vulnerable together. That's culture code stuff. Whether it's skiing with your kids, seeing them fall and get back up, or being trapped underground like the Chilean miners. Behind every individual success is a community. Dan dedicates all his books to his wife, Jenny (except one). Growing up, he had this idea of individual success, individual greatness. But when you scratch one of those individual stories, what's revealed is a community of people. Jenny is the ecosystem that lets Dan do what he does. Going from writing project to writing project, hoping stuff works out, exploring... it's not efficient. It's not getting on the train to work and coming home at five o'clock. It's "I think I need to go to Russia" or "I need to dig into this." She's been more than a partner, an incredible teammate.  Great organizations aren't machines; they're rivers. The old model of leadership is the pilot of the boat, the person flipping levers who has all the answers. That's how most of us grew up thinking about leaders. But Indiana football, the SEALs, Pixar... when you get close to these organizations, they're not functioning like machines. Machines are controlled from the outside and produce predictable results. These organizations are more like energy channels that are exploring. They're like rivers. How do you make a river flow? Give it a horizon to flow toward (where are we going?), set up river banks (where we're not gonna go), but inside that space create energy and agency. Questions do that. Leaders who are good at lobbing questions in and then closing their mouth... that's the most powerful skill. Great teams have peer leaders who sacrifice. Since Indiana football's fresh in our minds... Peer leaders who sacrifice for the team are really big. Fernando Mendoza got smoked, battered, hammered, and he kept going without complaint. In his interview afterward, he talks about his teammates. That's the DNA of great teams. Adversity reveals everything. The litmus test: in moments of terrible adversity, what's the instinct? Are we turning toward each other or away from each other? You could see it in that game. The contrast between the two teams. When things went bad, they responded very differently. The coach isn't as important as you think. Coaches can create the conditions for the team to emerge, but great teams sometimes pit themselves against the coach. The US Olympic hockey team of 1980 would be an example. They came together against Herb Brooks. So coaching sets the tone, but it's not as big a part of DNA as people think. Curiosity keeps great teams from drinking their own Kool-Aid. The teams that consistently succeed don't get gassed up on their own stuff. They don't believe in their success. They're not buying into "now I'm at the top of the mountain, everything's fine." They get curious about that next mountain, curious about each other, curious about the situation. They're willing to let go of stuff that didn't work. Honor the departed. When someone gets traded in pro sports, it's like death. Their locker's empty like a gravestone. What the coach at OKC does: on the day after somebody gets traded, he spends a minute of practice expressing his appreciation for that person who's gone. How simple and human is that? How powerful? What makes people flourish is community. It's not a bunch of individuals that are individually together. Can they connect? Can they love their neighbor and support their neighbor? That's magical when it happens. The Chilean miners created civilization through rituals. 33 men, 2,000 feet underground, trapped for 69 days. The first couple hours went as bad as it could. People eating all the food, scrambling, yelling. Then they circled up and paused. The boss took off his helmet and said, "There are no bosses and no employees. We're all one here." Their attention shifted from terror and survival to the larger connection they had with each other. They self-organized. Built sleeping areas, rationed food, created games with limited light. Each meal they'd share a flake of tuna at the same time. When they got contact with the surface, they sang the Chilean national anthem together. They created a little model civilization that functioned incredibly well. Stopping and looking creates community. What let the miners flourish wasn't information or analysis. It was letting go. Having this moment of meaning, creating presence. All the groups Dan visited had this ability in all the busyness to stop and ask: What are we really about? What matters here? What is our community? Why are we here? What is bigger than us that we're connected to? They grounded themselves in those moments over and over. Getting smart only gets you so far. There's a myth in our culture that individuals can flourish. You see someone successful and think "that individual's flourishing." But underneath them, invisibly, they're part of a larger community. We only become our best through other people. We have a pronoun problem: I, me, when actually it's we and us. Self-improvement isn't as powerful as shared improvement. Ask energizing questions. "What's energizing you right now?" is a great question. "What do you want more of?" "What do you want to do differently?" (not "what are you doing poorly"). "Paint a picture five years from now, things go great, give me an average Tuesday." What you're trying to do is get people out of their narrow boredom, let go a little, surrender a little, open up and point out things in the corner of their eye. When things go rough, go help somebody. Craig Counsell on how to bounce back when you're having a bad day: "I try to go help somebody." That's it. Create presence conditions. The ski trips, the long drives, the shared meals, no phones. Schedule them. This is how connection happens, whether it's with your family or your people at work. Leaders who sustain excellence are intensely curious. Dan walked into the Guardians office expecting to pepper them with questions. The opposite happened. Jay, Chris, and Josh kept asking him question after question, wanting to learn. Leaders who sustain excellence have this desire to learn, improve, get better. Ask better questions. Actually listen. Ask follow-up questions. Curiosity is also the ultimate way to show love. Reflection Questions Dan says yellow doors are "out of the corner of your eye, things that make you uncomfortable or feel brand new." What's one yellow door you've been walking past lately? What's stopping you from opening it this week?The Chilean miners' boss took off his white helmet and said, "There are no bosses and no employees." Think about a moment of adversity your team is facing right now. Are you turning toward each other or away? What's one specific action you could take this week to help your team turn toward each other? Dan emphasizes we have a "pronoun problem" (I, me vs. we, us) and that "self-improvement isn't as powerful as shared improvement." Who are the 2-3 people you could invite into your growth journey right now? What would it look like to pursue excellence together instead of alone?

[DATA CORRUPT]

In exchange for their stories... this one got to me.

The police searched for months. The story was all over the news.