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PODCAST

The Storytelling Lab

The Storytelling Lab covers everything you need to know about personal and professional stories to leverage their power to deepen your connections, increase your sales + donations, and serve your audiences better with real-life examples and experts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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All Episodes

21:46

The Real Reason Your Brand Feels Disconnected with...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/12/22

“If your company doesn’t know the story that it’s helping to tell, no marketing campaign is going to save you.” —Rain BennettMost businesses mistake their vision for a quarterly goal or a financial target, but that’s not a story anyone wants to join.In this solo episode, Rain Bennett unpacks the critical difference between vision and mission, showing how your vision acts as the narrative North Star for your entire brand. Rain shares a clear, actionable framework based on Simon Sinek’s “Just Cause”

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26:47

The Billion-Person Mission That Started With...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/12/15

“I was made from mistakes. I was promoted, protected, loved, and perfected by them.” — David MeltzerAfter losing $100 million and hitting rock bottom, David Meltzer rebuilt his life and his business around a mission to empower over 1 billion people to be happy.In this episode, Rain Bennett sits down with David to explore how storytelling became the vehicle for that transformation.David opens up about the bankruptcy he once hid from the world, the emotional healing that followed, and the new

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51:37

How a Local Utility Company Became a Storytelling...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/12/08

“It’s not just about keeping the lights on—it’s about building a relationship with the people at the end of the line.” — Krystal Phillips, JO-EMCStorytelling isn’t just for trendy brands or startups.In this episode, Rain sits down with Krystal Phillips, Communications and Community Relations Manager at Jones-Onslow EMC, to explore how a rural electric co-op built a storytelling culture that would rival any big tech brand.Krystal reveals the behind-the-scenes thinking that led a utility company to

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55:02

Storytelling That Builds Trust Across Any...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/12/01

“A shared narrative means everyone in the organization is speaking about the story in the same way.” — Salvatore ManziIf every person on your team is telling a different version of your brand story, you don’t have a marketing problem—you have a clarity crisis.In this episode, communication strategist and author Salvatore Manzi joins Rain to break down how to build a shared narrative that aligns everyone in your organization.From CEOs to customer service reps, consistency in storytelling builds

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54:08

How to Use Storytelling to Fuel a Content Engine with...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/11/24

“A message map is the most underutilized resource for marketers.” — David EbnerWhat if the reason your marketing isn’t working has nothing to do with the content itself, but everything to do with the foundation it’s built on?In this episode, Rain sits down with David Ebner, founder of Content Workshop and one of the clearest voices in content strategy, to unpack why most brand storytelling falls flat. They explore the concept of the message map, how to build a storytelling system that scales, and

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1:09:45

How Personal Stories Build Public Trust in Just 7...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/11/17

“The shortest distance between two souls is a story.” — Aaron CalafatoAaron Calafato doesn’t just teach storytelling—he lives it. In this episode, we dive into what it really means to lead with story, both as an artist and a business strategist. Aaron shares how he built an audience (and a business) by showing up authentically and consistently, telling personal stories that are never just about him. We discuss the fine line between self-expression and self-indulgence, how personal narratives can

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24:11

Building a Narrative Operating System that Scales...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/11/10

“A story is a single arc of transformation. A narrative is the thread that connects them all.” — Rain BennettMost businesses think their biggest challenge is marketing. But what if the real issue is story misalignment?In this solo episode, Rain Bennett introduces the Narrative Operating System—a strategic framework designed to bring your brand's stories into alignment across every department: from vision and mission to product, marketing, advertising, and sales.This isn't just a branding tool. It’s

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1:04:25

How the Soundtracks of Our Lives Shape who We Become...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/10/27

“If it makes me curious, then maybe it’ll make someone else curious, too.” — Patrick HicksWhat started as a 30-day content challenge became a storytelling movement powered by rock, raw honesty, and curiosity.In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain Bennett speaks with Patrick Hicks, creator of a viral TikTok account (@patrickhicksmusic), where he tells the stories behind the songs that shaped our lives. With over half a million followers and a growing book project, Patrick has built a creator

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51:34

Interviewing as a Tool for Trust, Healing, and Human...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/10/20

"Interviewing is not about taking something—it's about helping them be more of who they are." — Wil WeldonWhat if the key to more powerful storytelling lies not in your editing skills—but in your ability to deeply listen?In this soul-stirring episode, Rain Bennett talks with Wil Weldon, a video journalist, former massage therapist, and Reiki practitioner who’s developed a holistic approach to interviewing called Heart-Forward Storytelling.They dive into Wil’s new book INNERviewing: Heart-Forward

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57:04

The Ethics of Filming Real Love Triangles in Mistress...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/10/13

"I wanted each character to be complex enough and sympathetic enough that there's some deep reason you could identify in yourself." — Elizabeth LoHow do you tell a story that's intimate, ethically complicated, and rooted in real-life secrecy—without exploiting your subjects?In this episode, Rain Bennett speaks with acclaimed documentary filmmaker Elizabeth Lo, director of Mistress Dispeller, one of the most talked-about films this year.The film follows a professional “mistress dispeller” in China

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21:42

Brand Stories Grab Attention, But Brand Narratives...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/10/06

“A story is a singular arc of transformation. A narrative is the thread that ties all your stories together.” — Rain BennettIs telling your brand story enough to build a loyal audience?In this episode, Rain Bennett breaks down the essential but often misunderstood difference between brand story and brand narrative. While most marketers focus on crafting engaging stories, Rain explains why the real secret to lasting brand trust lies in building a clear, consistent narrative thread that connects

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55:07

Stories are Spells: Marketing Lessons from a Magician...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/09/29

“If you're not leaning into your own abracadabra, you're leaving your competitive advantage on the table.” says magician and marketer, Jimi Gibson.What if storytelling wasn’t just about clever hooks or flashy content—but instead about casting spells that transform how people feel and act?In this episode, Rain sits down with Jimi Gibson, a marketing strategist, TEDx speaker, and lifelong magician, to explore the deep parallels between magic and storytelling. Jimi shares how the neuroscience behind

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49:39

Why Ownable Originality Is the Only Differentiator...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/09/22

“Ownable originality is about creating something uniquely you—something no one else can do, even if they tried.” — Rob MeyersWhat does it mean to create something that no one else can replicate?In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain sits down with Rob Meyers, Managing Director of the creative studio Versus, to explore the concept of “ownable originality.” Rob shares the philosophy behind Versus—one that prioritizes culture over style, curiosity over templates, and meaning over metrics.The

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57:18

Turning Emotions Into Images on the Page with Gary Smith

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/09/15

“If you write well, readers see your story differently—but they see it. It’s a visual medium, even in text.” — Gary SmithWhat happens when a fine art photographer becomes a novelist?In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain Bennett sits down with Gary Smith, a visual artist turned fiction author, who brings a unique perspective to the craft: writing as seeing.Gary explains how his background in photography shapes the way he builds scenes, characters, and emotions on the page. His process begins

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59:37

Why Connection Beats Consistency in Content Marketing...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/09/01

“Consistency is not about how often you post—it's about how consistently you show up in your message.” — Renee FrojoWhat if the key to growing your brand wasn’t pumping out more content, but going deeper with your message?In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, host Rain Bennett talks to Renee Frojo, a former journalist turned brand storyteller, about why clarity in your narrative beats consistency in your posting schedule.Renee breaks down how founders, solopreneurs, and startups can stop chasing

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1:03:51

Unlocking Emotional Insights with Story-Driven Data...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/08/25

“The more narrow we get with our prompts, the deeper and more profound the insights become.” — James WarrenHow do you uncover what your customers and employees really think—without another boring survey?In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain speaks with James Warren, the founder of Share More Stories and creator of SEEQ, a storytelling and insights platform that blends the emotional power of stories with the analytical depth of AI.With a background in brand strategy and corporate leadership,

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18:23

The Rise of the Chief Storytelling Officer Role

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/08/19

“The CSO needs a seat at every department’s table—product, marketing, sales—because story threads through all of it.” — Rain BennettStorytelling isn’t just about marketing anymore—it’s about leadership, alignment, and growth.In this special 200th episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain kicks off Season 14 by exploring the rise of a new essential role in business: the Chief Storytelling Officer.Whether you’re at a massive company like Nike or a scrappy startup, someone needs to take responsibility for

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21:55

Brandon Sanderson’s Simple Storytelling Model that...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/07/14

“Think about what your story promises and then ask yourself if you're actually moving toward it.” — Rain BennettTired of overcomplicated storytelling formulas?In this episode, Rain simplifies the process with a three-step model inspired by bestselling fantasy author Brandon Sanderson: Promise, Progress, Payoff. This framework is rooted in classical storytelling principles but designed for clarity and ease—whether you're telling a short story, a brand narrative, or a social media post.Rain breaks

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1:08:25

How to Make Indie Filmmaking Sustainable with Erika...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/06/23

“If you get your timeline pushed back, think of it as another year to make the story better.” — Erika ArleeWhat does it really take to build a sustainable filmmaking career?In this episode, Rain sits down with Erika Arlee and Kristi Ray, the powerhouse duo behind Honey Head Films, to explore how they’ve grown a production company that balances passion, purpose, and profit.They share the story of their debut feature A Song for Imogene, and how they expanded it from a short film into a fully realized,

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59:27

Turn Your Content Into a Show They Can't Stop...

The Storytelling Lab ·

2025/06/16

“We make our media the same way we make our barbecue, and that’s low and slow.” — Shawn WalchefHow do you run a business and still find time to create content? In this episode, Rain sits down with Shawn Walchef, owner of Cali BBQ and founder of Cali BBQ Media, to explore how storytelling and content creation aren’t distractions—they’re growth engines. Shawn shares how he went from struggling restaurateur to building a thriving media company on top of his barbecue brand, and why every business today

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216 results

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