The Storytelling Lab

"When you live in alignment with your values, you cause yourself as little suffering as possible in the long term. And that one just always sticks with me because it's really challenging in the short term. But if you have faith in your values and who you are and how you want to show up in the world, then ultimately you're creating a path that's going to serve you for the long term." — Jon BregelWhat happens when the thing you love most… starts breaking you?In this episode, Rain sits down with cinematographer, founder of Variable, and career/life coach for filmmakers, Jon Bregel, to unpack a reality most creatives don’t talk about enough: burnout.After years of success in the film industry, Jon hit a breaking point that forced him to reevaluate everything—his career, his identity, and the story he was telling himself. That journey led him to create The Nourish Community, a space designed specifically to support the mental and emotional health of filmmakers.This conversation goes beyond tactics. It’s about identity, purpose, and how to build a creative life that actually sustains you, instead of slowly draining you.If you’re a filmmaker, creator, or entrepreneur feeling the pressure… this one hits close to home.In this episode, you will learn to:Recognize the early warning signs of creative burnout before it becomes a crisisUse core values as a practical decision-making compassUnderstand the difference between a life coach and a therapist and why creatives may need both for different reasonsReframe career plateaus, pivots, and rest as seasons of inner growth rather than signs of failureBuild or seek out real community as a creative and understand why that distinction changes everythingFollow Jon Bregel:Website → https://www.nourishcommunity.coInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/jonbregelProduction Company → Variable (New York City)Film Referenced: The Baltimorons — directed by J. Duplass, starring Michael Strassner (cinematography by Jon Bregel)And, for more storytelling tips and strategies, visit:Website → https://rainbennett.comPodcast → https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.comOr follow along at:TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficerTwitter/X → https://twitter.com/rainbennettInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennettFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglabYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"If you think the world could be better and you want to change it, you're going to have to come up with a better story and know how to tell it better." —Joseph RommWhat happens when a physicist with a PhD realizes that data, charts, and credentials can't change a single mind, but a story can? Joseph Romm spent years working in climate science and clean energy before arriving at an uncomfortable truth: facts don't persuade people. Emotions do. In this episode, Joseph breaks down the ancient storytelling tools—the figures of speech used by Homer, Shakespeare, Lincoln, and yes, Taylor Swift—that make stories stick, spread, and move people to action.But this episode is about more than communication theory. Joseph and his daughter co-host the podcast Decoding Taylor Swift, where they analyze the storytelling craft embedded in her music. What started as a way to bond with his daughter over song lyrics became a masterclass in how great writers use foreshadow, irony, the hero's journey, and circular narrative structure to create stories that lodge in the brain and don't let go. As a father of a daughter himself, Rain finds this project deeply personal, and the conversation that follows is one of the most layered and surprising in the show's history.Whether you're trying to communicate complex ideas, reach an audience that doesn't share your worldview, or simply connect more deeply with the people you love, this episode gives you the framework to do it. In this episode, you will learn to:• Understand why storytelling is more effective than raw information in shaping beliefs • Recognize how narrative framing influences what people accept as true • Replace ineffective fact-based arguments with story-driven communication • Identify why misinformation spreads faster than truth • Apply narrative thinking to make your ideas more memorable and persuasiveFollow Joseph Romm: Podcast → Decoding Taylor Swift (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/decoding-taylor-swift/id1708550100)Book → How to Go Viral and Reach Millions by Joseph Romm (https://www.amazon.com/How-Viral-Reach-Millions-Shakespeare/dp/1944733779)Books & Talks Referenced: Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Roger Federer's Dartmouth Commencement Speech Steve Jobs' Stanford Commencement Speech The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph CampbellAnd, for more storytelling tips and strategies, visit: Website → https://rainbennett.com Podcast → https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.comOr follow along at: TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficer Twitter/X → https://twitter.com/rainbennett Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennett Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglab YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Marketing might be how you get the first date. But to get the second and third date and hopefully form into a relationship, you have to have a brand." — Rain BennettBrand isn't your logo, your color palette, your fonts, or your tagline.Brand is the story others tell about you. And in this solo episode, Rain breaks down exactly how to influence that story before it gets told without you. As part of the ongoing Narrative Operating System framework from his upcoming book The Chief Storytelling Officer, this episode is your practical guide to building a brand that goes deeper than decoration.Rain walks you through two foundational tools: the Brand Pyramid and the Brand Bible. Using real-world examples from Patagonia, Liquid Death, Apple, Yeti, and even his own mother's real estate business in Eastern North Carolina, he unpacks how the most powerful brands in the world built identity, loyalty, and community.Whether you're building something from scratch or realizing your current brand has drifted off course, this episode gives you the framework to get it back on track. From finding your one-word North Star to running a voice test on your content, Rain arms you with tools you can use this week, and a mindset that will serve your brand for the long run.In this episode, you will learn to:Distinguish between the three types of story every brand carries — the story you tell yourself, the story you tell others, and the story others tell about youBuild your Brand Pyramid from the ground up, starting with a single guiding word that informs every decision you makeCreate a Brand Bible that keeps your voice, visual identity, and messaging consistent across your entire team and every platformUse real brand case studies (Patagonia, Liquid Death, Yeti, Apple) to reverse-engineer what makes brand identity actually stickEvolve your brand intentionally over time through a cycle of inspiration and reflection — without losing who you areEpisodes Referenced:EP 216 — Vision: The Big Future StoryEP 220 — Mission: How You're Going to Get ThereEP 150 — Brand Essence & the Brand Pyramid (Deep Dive)EP 219 — Shane Lucas on Design as StorytellingBook Mentioned: The Chief Storytelling Officer by Rain Bennett → Pre-order now! Release date: August 25thBook Recommendation: If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? by Alan AldaFor more storytelling tips and strategies, visit: Website → https://rainbennett.com Podcast → https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.comOr follow along at: TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficer Twitter/X → https://twitter.com/rainbennett Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennett Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglab YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“When you start to look at things through the lens of story, it helps you appreciate and process what’s going on.” — Corey RosenWhat makes someone lean in when you tell a story instead of tune out? In this episode, Rain sits down with Emmy-nominated TV writer, Moth champion, and brand storytelling expert Corey Rosen to break down the real tactics behind stories that actually land. This is not a fluffy conversation about “storytelling matters.” It’s a practical deep dive into curiosity gaps, emotional stakes, visual detail, and the inner life that gives a story dimension.Corey shares how his background in comedy, television, and live storytelling shaped the way he now teaches stories for every occasion—from keynotes and investor pitches to eulogies, wedding toasts, and brand messaging. They also get into improv, theme parks, AI, and why the future belongs to people who can create connection, not just content.In this episode, you will learn to:Build curiosity early so people care about where your story is goingUnderstand the three elements that make stories feel vivid, human, and memorableUse storytelling to build trust before you try to persuade, pitch, or influenceReframe everyday experiences as story material by noticing what changed and why it matteredSee how storytelling skills transfer across live performance, brand communication, and businessFollow Corey Rosen on:Website → https://www.coreyrosen.comInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/storycoachcoreyLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyrosenstorycoachFor more storytelling tips and tricks:Visit → https://rainbennett.com and https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.comOr follow along at...TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficerTwitter → https://twitter.com/rainbennettInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennettFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglabYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kristen Sweeney, founder of Every Little Word and specialist in B2B, life sciences, and higher education communications, breaks down the invisible work behind strong content. She discusses messaging frameworks, content operations, extracting real insight from experts, differentiating in regulated industries, and making perspective-driven work instead of generic information.

Spade Robinson, screenwriter and story consultant who’s worked with Sundance and development teams, helps writers find emotional truth. She discusses how structure can free creativity. She explores unforgiveness showing up in characters and why outlines end writer’s block. She looks at writers becoming creator-studios and how short-form and brand work shape the future of film.

“The real story is always in the subtext.” — Tal LazarMost people lose their audience the moment they start explaining. In this episode, cinematographer, educator, and author Tal Lazar breaks down why the real story is always in the subtext, and why emotion beats information when you’re trying to persuade, pitch, teach, or lead. We talk about why leaders default to “feature lists,” how filmmakers create coherence across dozens of departments, and why there’s no such thing as a formula for “coverage” if you’re actually telling a story. The throughline is simple: focus on the transformation your audience wants, not the impressive details you’re tempted to showcase. If you’ve been chasing better tools, better tactics, or better talking points, this conversation will pull you back to the skill that makes everything else work.In this episode, you will learn to:Shift your messaging from “what it is” to the transformation it creates for your audience Use subtext intentionally so your communication lands emotionally, not just intellectually Spot the fear-driven habit of over-explaining and replace it with story-first clarity Lead like a director by creating one coherent interpretation across many moving parts Build cinematic impact with fewer resources by knowing what your audience is actually feeling 🔗 Follow Tal on:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/talazarLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/talazarWebsite → https://cinematicimpact.com📚 For more storytelling tips and tricks:Visit → https://rainbennett.comOr → https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.comTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficerTwitter → https://twitter.com/rainbennettInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennettFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglabYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Vision is what inspires your people. Mission is what activates and organizes them.” —Rain BennettWhat good is a bold vision if you don’t have a mission to back it up? In this solo episode, Rain Bennett breaks down why mission is the most misunderstood and most essential piece of a brand’s storytelling system. Using examples from WeWork’s collapse and Airbnb’s legendary collaboration with Pixar, Rain explains how to turn abstract ideas into real-world action through a story-driven mission.If your company struggles to align teams, inspire customers, or scale with clarity, the problem may not be your vision. It may be the lack of a narrative-driven mission. This episode will teach you how to build one that works, aligns, and lasts.In this episode, you will learn to:Find the gap between vision and mission that leads to brand driftCraft a mission that functions like a plotline for your businessAlign internal teams and stakeholders around a shared narrativeUse customer journey mapping as a story structureTranslate lofty goals into repeatable action through story📚 For more storytelling tips and tricks:Visit → https://rainbennett.comOr → https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.comOr following along on...TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficerTwitter → https://twitter.com/rainbennettInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennettFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglabYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Your stories are building bricks of belief in your brand." — Shane LukasHow do you sell something your customer can’t see, touch, or fully understand?Shane Lukas has spent decades helping professional service providers do exactly that by using story as a tool to create trust, clarity, and emotional resonance.In this episode, Rain and Shane explore how narrative makes “invisible” value tangible. From accountants and coaches to consultants and creatives, anyone who delivers a process or service will benefit from Shane’s simple but powerful storytelling framework.Together, they discuss the importance of transformation-driven messaging, the psychology of pre-sale belief, and how to guide your prospects with authentic case studies that show, not just tell, what you really do. This is a masterclass in making your message matter.In this episode, you will learn to:Sell intangible services by framing the emotional outcome, not the technical detailsGuide potential clients through stories that build trust before you pitchUse transformation case studies to prove your value without oversellingUnderstand why people buy with emotion, not logic—even in B2BReframe your sales process as a storytelling journey🔗 Follow Shane on:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/agreatideaWebsite → https://www.agreatidea.comLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-lukas/📚 And for more storytelling tips and tricks:Visit → https://rainbennett.com or https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.comOr follow...TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficerTwitter → https://twitter.com/rainbennettInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennettFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglabYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Everybody in your organization has to be aligned… or it all starts to break down.” — Jensen SavageIf you’ve been muscling your way through growth and wondering why it still feels so hard, this episode is for you.Jensen Savage, founder of Savage Growth Partners, breaks down the true cause of stagnation in business: misalignment.In this conversation, we explore why brute force can’t scale and how systematizing your customer journey can unlock powerful, sustainable growth. Jensen and Rain dig into the often-ignored “connective tissue” between marketing, sales, and operations and show how storytelling is more than messaging and communication—it’s infrastructure.Whether you're a founder, marketer, or small business owner, this episode will help you rethink what’s actually holding you back.In this episode, you will learn to:Understand why growth stalls even when you’re doing everything “right”Uncover the unseen gaps in your customer journey that silently kill momentumMap your marketing to metrics that matter most for service-based businessesBuild systems that turn handoffs into high-performance linksUse story-driven alignment to unify your brand from sales to operations🔗 Follow Jensen on:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/savagegrowthpartnersLinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jensensavageWebsite → https://savagegrowthpartners.com📚 For more storytelling tips and tricks:Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.com, orFollow...TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficerTwitter → https://twitter.com/rainbennettInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennettFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglabYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.