The Science Of Storytelling With Will Storr - TWMJ #1027

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Mar 15, 2026

Will Storr, author and storytelling researcher who studies narrative psychology, explores why brains prefer stories to facts. He discusses identity, status and why character-driven tales persuade. The conversation covers storytelling in business, risks of AI-made narratives, authenticity, and how stories shape belief without summarizing specific insights.

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ADVICE

Persuade With Story But Ship A Good Product

Use story to persuade people to try products, but ensure the product delivers.
Storr warns marketing can recruit trial, yet the product must be good or the story fails.

INSIGHT

Consciousness Appears As Internal Storytelling

Conscious experience itself is a form of story; novels simulate consciousness.
Storr says when something goes wrong our internal narrative narrows into problem-solving 'movie' mode.

INSIGHT

AI Uses Status Flattery To Build Bonds

AI is already exploiting status psychology by flattering users and creating powerful human-AI relationships.
Storr notes early clumsy compliments can still lead to attachment and even psychosis in edge cases.

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Welcome to episode #1027 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation).

Will Storr is an award-winning author, journalist and storytelling researcher whose work explores one of the most powerful forces shaping human behavior… the stories we tell ourselves about the world. Over the course of a career that blends psychology, neuroscience, investigative journalism and narrative craft, Will has become one of the most compelling voices examining how stories shape identity, belief and culture. His bestselling books include The Science of Storytelling, Selfie: How We Became So Self-Obsessed And What It's Doing To Us, and The Status Game, each offering a deeper look at the hidden forces driving human motivation and social behavior. In his latest book, A Story Is A Deal - How To Use The Science Of Story To Motivate And Persuade, Will explores how storytelling operates as a powerful psychological transaction… a kind of deal between storyteller and audience that shapes what we believe, who we trust and how we act. Drawing on research from neuroscience and psychology alongside examples that range from ancient rituals to modern brand campaigns, Will shows how narratives influence everything from the leaders we follow to the products we buy. In this conversation, Will explores why people so often believe stories before they believe facts, how identity and status shape the narratives we embrace, and why character-driven storytelling remains the most powerful way to influence human behavior. At the same time, he wrestles with the darker side of narrative… the way stories can fuel misinformation, reinforce tribal identities and manipulate audiences when used without care. As artificial intelligence begins to play a role in creating and distributing stories, the conversation also turns to questions of authenticity, creativity and the future of narrative itself. I'm a huge fan of Will's work and it was truly a honor to host him. Enjoy the conversation…

Running time: 54:58.
Hello from beautiful Montreal.
Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts.
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Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Thinking With Mitch Joel.
Feel free to connect to me directly on LinkedIn.
Check out ThinkersOne.
Here is my conversation with Will Storr.
A Story Is A Deal - How To Use The Science Of Story To Motivate And Persuade.
The Science of Storytelling.
Selfie: How We Became So Self-Obsessed And What It's Doing To Us.
The Status Game.
Will's other books.
Follow Will on LinkedIn.
Follow Will on Instagram.
Follow Will on X.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction to Storytelling and Its Significance. (02:47) - The Power of Story in Belief Systems. (05:43) - The Role of Story in Climate Change Narratives. (08:56) - Navigating Complex Conversations and Identity. (11:45) - Storytelling as a Business Tool. (15:41) - Consciousness and Story: An Indivisible Connection. (18:18) - Persuasion vs. Manipulation in Storytelling. (20:29) - AI and the Future of Storytelling. (27:29) - The Emergence of AI-Generated Content. (29:36) - The Emotional Connection to Art. (31:31) - The Future of Cultural Art and AI. (32:54) - AI's Role in Creative Writing. (36:35) - The Formula of Storytelling. (40:39) - The Impact of AI on Writing Quality. (44:14) - The Science of Storytelling. (49:41) - The Role of Character in Business Narratives. (56:34) - Understanding Religion as a Status Game.