The Storytelling Lab covers everything you need to know about personal and professional stories to leverage their power to deepen your connections, increase you...
The Simple Story Framework That Built Pixar’s Greatest Hits
"It's not the frame of your house that makes it a beautiful home—but without it, the house falls apart. It's the same with your story. " — Rain BennettWhat if we told you that some of the best stories of all time—from Toy Story to Finding Nemo—were all built on the same simple 8-step framework? In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain breaks down the Story Spine, a storytelling structure originally developed by improv teacher Kenn Adams and later adopted by the storytelling giants at Pixar.Rain takes us through the full arc of this framework, from its humble beginnings in a California improv class to its now-iconic place in Pixar’s creative process. He shares how this deceptively simple structure helps storytellers stay grounded while crafting emotional, impactful narratives. You’ll also hear real movie examples (like The Goonies and Rocky) broken down with this method, and learn how to apply it to your own work—whether that’s a film, blog post, or Instagram caption. If you want to tell better stories with more clarity and impact, start with the spine.In this episode, you will learn to:Master the art and science of story structure by using the Story Spine to frame compelling narratives with clarity.Unlock the key to narrative flow by linking events with causation, not coincidence.Discover the simple strategy to show transformation with two powerful moments of change: the inciting incident and the climax.Learn how even top storytellers like Pixar use basic structure as a foundation before adding heart, character, and color.Apply a timeless framework to your own content—from short videos to keynote speeches to brand storytelling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Beyond Followers: Creating a True Community Around Your Brand with Cyndi Zaweski
"Social media isn’t just a tool; it’s an opportunity to co-create stories with your audience. They don't need more information. They need insights, emotion, and most importantly, connection." - Cyndi ZaweskiBuilding a supportive community as a solopreneur, artist, or small business owner can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re an introvert. In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain Bennett sits down with storytelling expert Cindy Zaweski to explore how sharing your authentic journey online can create deeper connections and real relationships, not just followers. Cindy shares her path from journalism to marketing, the lessons she learned from burnout, and how she rebuilt her business in a way that aligned with her true passions. If you’re struggling to find your audience, or wondering how to create content that actually resonates, this episode is for you!In this episode, you will learn to:Master the art and science of community building by using storytelling to create real relationships, not just followers.Unlock the key to authentic engagement by shifting your content from information-sharing to insight-driven storytelling.Discover the simple strategy to avoid burnout by aligning your brand storytelling with your true passions and values.Use social media as a storytelling tool to build trust, deepen connections, and strengthen your brand’s identity.Find the courage to pivot and evolve when your business no longer aligns with your goals—and use storytelling to make the transition seamless. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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59:12
Two Simple Words from South Park's Creators to Improve Your Storytelling
"South Park’s creators cracked the code on storytelling, and their method will instantly improve your stories." - Rain BennettIn this episode of the Storytelling Lab podcast, Rain discusses the common pitfalls that storytellers face, particularly the challenge of tying together various elements of a story to maintain audience engagement. But there is a simple yet powerful storytelling principle to help avoid this, straight from the creators of South Park: the "But, Therefore" model. This method ensures that every event in your story is causally linked, keeping your audience engaged and eager to know what happens next.Through examples from popular films and personal anecdotes, Rain illustrates how effective storytelling requires a clear cause-and-effect relationship between events, urging listeners to apply these techniques in their own storytelling endeavors. Whether you’re crafting a film, writing a LinkedIn post, or creating short-form content, this approach will transform how you structure your stories. Tune in to learn how to ditch the "And then…" trap and create stories that truly captivate.In this episode, you will learn:What simple model made the South Park creators excellent storytellersThe "and then..." trap and how easy it is to fall intoHow to structure stories for maximum engagementHow effective stories are made up of cause-and-effect chainsWhy rearranging your story in creative ways doesn't sacrifice the connection of story events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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16:55
How to Turn Your Pain into Purpose By Sharing Your Story with J.R. Martinez
"You've got to get out of your own way. Put yourself out into the world, and just give it to the universe. Lean into the space shared with the world." — J. R. MartinezIn episode 184 of The Storytelling Lab podcast, J.R. Martinez, a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and actor, shares his inspiring journey of resilience and personal growth after being injured in the military. As Martinez recounts his experience of turning pain into power, he delves into the transformative power of mindset, the significance of vulnerability, and the ongoing process of self-discovery. Host Rain Bennett engages in a conversation that sheds light on the impact of challenging conversations, the importance of embracing vulnerability, and finding purpose through shared experiences. Martinez's narrative serves as a powerful example of overcoming adversity and the potential for growth through the shared stories of personal transformation. This episode offers valuable insights for individuals seeking resilience and personal growth, emphasizing the transformative power of mindset and the significance of embracing vulnerability in navigating life's challenges.In this episode, you will learn to:Embrace personal challenges as opportunities for growth.Discover the power of vulnerability in personal development.Utilize storytelling for emotional healing and resilience.Build a sense of community through the sharing of personal stories.Uncover the impact of journaling on mental well-being. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:09:34
Kurt Vonnegut's Simple Theory of the Eight Shapes of Storytelling
"We so rarely stop and realize when we're in good fortune. We don't understand when we're in ill fortune that we won't be there forever. It's just part of the shape of our story." — Rain BennettIn this episode of The Storytelling Lab podcast, Rain Bennett delves into Kurt Vonnegut's "Eight shapes of stories" theory, emphasizing its relevance in understanding the simplicity of storytelling, both in entertainment and real life. Using examples from popular culture, Rain explores each story shape, offering valuable insights that can be applied to various aspects of life and storytelling. This episode serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to better understand their own stories and navigate life's ups and downs with resilience and perspective. Whether one is a writer looking to understand narrative patterns or simply wants to gain a deeper understanding of their own stories, this episode of The Storytelling Lab provides a compelling exploration of storytelling and its relevance to our everyday lives.In this episode, you will learn to:Explore Kurt Vonnegut's shapes of stories theory to unlock the secrets of timeless storytelling structures.Uncover the powerful impact of storytelling on content marketing and how it can elevate your brand's message.Discover how AI technology is revolutionizing the analysis of story shapes, offering new insights into narrative patterns.Dive into the emotional arcs in storytelling and learn how to create compelling, resonant experiences for your audience.Master storytelling techniques that forge deeper connections with your audience, leaving a lasting impression on their hearts and minds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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