Storytelling School

It's Saturday morning. I'm headed out for coffee with friends after a kickboxing class. As I get out of my car in the parking lot, my phone starts blowing up with text messages. I look down and see that they're coming from a number I don't recognize. I start reading. "You don't know me," the message says, "but you worked with my wife several years ago on her TEDx Talk. I was wondering if you had time to help me get ready for mine?" I text back saying I can and ask, "When's your TEDx Talk?" "Tonight," he answers back. So I cancel the rest of my Saturday plans. And for the next six hours we work like crazy to get him ready for the spotlight that night. His Talk ends up being a huge success. Yet I can only imagine how much more incredible it would have been with more time to work on it. I get asked all the time, "What's the ideal countdown for a Talk? What should I have on my calendar from the time I'm invited to speak to when I'm standing there in the spotlight?" It varies depending on time, place, and preparedness ahead of time. So many different factors come into play. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn how to take your speech or story from the storyboard to the spotlight in 90 days. I'll unpack a few areas for you to consider as you hit different time milestones along the way and answer questions like: What do you need to ask yourself to help you design the content for your Talk? How do you choose the story (or stories) you want to tell in your speech? What logistics of your Talk do you need to consider and confirm ahead of time? How can you make practicing your speech fun instead of monotonous? What do you need to consider about how you look, sleep, and eat (especially as you get closer to the Talk)? What you will learn in this episode: What three objectives to keep in mind when you're preparing your speech How knowing the logistics of your Talk ahead of time sets you up for your best self What you can do at the venue on the day to keep yourself relaxed and ready to go A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm getting a speaker ready to hit the TEDx stage. He has a completely unique take on what it means to be of service in the hospitality industry. So I ask him: "What story are you going to tell to set up your Idea Worth Spreading?" He says that he has a story about a client… and another about a vendor… which is when I interject: "Hang on, hang on. What personal story do you have that allows us to feel how committed and passionate you are about this idea?" His response? "The audience doesn't want to hear about me." "What if they do?" I reply. "What if by sharing a real, even vulnerable story, the audience can get to know, like, and ultimately trust you?" He goes for it, and his Talk ends up being a huge success! Several weeks after it goes live, he tells me he wants to do it again. The process of sharing his personal story was incredibly valuable for the audience and very therapeutic for him, as well. My special guest today, Alisha Kalisher, has also found therapeutic value in her passion. She's a professional vocalist and songwriter and has a Master's degree in Depth Psychology and Creativity with an emphasis on Arts and Humanities. And in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn how she uses creative expression as a mechanism to help heal the stories of trauma survivors, as well as get answers to questions such as: Why is the area of creative expression so important to study? How can people get around the fear of stories they don't want to tell? Why is play in creative expression essential for both the mind and body? And how does vulnerability in storytelling connect us all? What you will learn in this episode: How untold stories affect you (either when you keep them to yourself or finally share them) How creative expression can help you with the stories you fear telling How using a playful storytelling process can influence songwriting Who is Alisha? Alisha Kalisher is a professional vocalist and songwriter living in Altadena, California. She has achieved many accolades and awards, performed on late-night television, awards shows, with orchestras across the United States, and some of LA's most notable venues, as well as written many songs for film, and television with her husband. She also collaborated with her husband on their project The Sheen, as contributors to the Meta Music Initiative. While music has been a big part of her life, she has always been an avid seeker and student in the study of humanity. In conjunction with her studies as a graduate student, receiving a master's degree in Depth Psychology and Creativity with an emphasis in the Arts and Humanities, she has gathered a collection of songs to release her album Center Line. Alisha's graduate education ignited a passion for the therapeutic value of creative expression. She is currently a student at the Expressive Arts Institute where she is training to become an Expressive Arts Facilitator. In 2022, she founded the Bella Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization that believes in promoting and providing healing experiences through the creative and expressive arts to support and empower survivors of trauma. Links and Resources Alisha Kalisher Bella Arts Foundation @alishakalisher on Instagram Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

"You should reach out to Joni." I'm reading a text from my step-mom and she is suggesting I contact a dear friend of hers because her focus on Musical Improv can take performances to the next level. I've met Joni and she's fantastic. The challenge is: I'm directing a big Improv show this Friday… and it's already Tuesday. So there's not much time to bring her in. I'm thinking, "What if introducing music now ends up throwing off the performers or intimidating those who aren't so musically inclined?" I decided to go for it anyway. I invited Joni to our Tuesday evening class so she could be part of our rehearsal and get to know the players before Friday's show. And I create a game set list that involves everyone–from those highly inclined in Musical Improv to those who have zero experience. I want them all to feel like musical superheroes. After the class is over, my phone starts blowing up with text messages from different students. Everyone loved the addition of Joni and her music. And she had a great time too! Experiences like this are just a reminder that it's good to mix things up sometimes. When you try new things and put yourself even a little out of your comfort zone, you open yourself up to a new story of possibility. And when it comes to music, my special guest Dan Kalisher knows a lot about mixing it up. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn how music can impact the story you're telling (whether in a performance or a Talk), as well as get answers to questions such as: Why does music transcend spoken language? And what's one reason why people can feel creatively stuck or like they've hit a roadblock? What you will learn in this episode: How the emotional side of storytelling in front of a live audience differs from that in a studio How location can influence you as a storytelling artist What key aspect can help you keep your creativity well-flowing Who is Dan? Dan Kalisher is a session guitar and pedal steel player, producer, and songwriter based in Los Angeles. He has played all over the world performing and recording with artists such as Noah Cyrus, Grace Potter, Louis Tomlinson, Fitz and the Tantrums, Bea Miller, AJ McClean, Don Felder, Matthew Morrison, JC Chasez, and Jesse McCartney. He has also performed at countless music festivals, with regional orchestras nationwide, and has appeared on several major network morning and late-night television shows. As an award-winning songwriter and producer, Dan has over 25 placements of original music in network TV and worldwide ad campaigns. Most recently, he contributed over 100 original songs for the Meta Sound Collection. Links and Resources: @dankalisher on Instagram @dankalisher on TikTok Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's the second round of selecting speakers for an upcoming TEDx event. I'm there with our committee on either side of me, facing a speaker standing in front of us. I ask her: "Why are you the right person to speak on this topic?" She says she's not a professional speaker. She doesn't like being on stage at all, and in fact, her knees are shaking just talking to us. And then she goes on: "This issue of human trafficking in our city is vitally important. It is dangerous, and we need to raise awareness on what's happening, how it's happening, why it's happening, and what we can do about it. No one else was coming to talk about this so here I am." Because of her expertise on this topic, her commitment to affecting change, and her role within the city, she was selected to speak at this particular upcoming TEDx event. Sometimes, it's the conversations we don't want to have that are the most necessary. Tackling delicate, even dangerous issues is where change can begin with a new perspective, insight, or action. It all starts with a story. And my special guest today, James Joyce III, has direct experience with having delicate conversations. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll hear about his perspective on telling tough stories and get answers to questions like: How can stories break down barriers? How has music served as a cultural storytelling vehicle for Black Americans? And what role does storytelling play in being a journalist or political candidate? What you will learn in this episode: How sharing your story through conversations can spark a movement How an iconic superhero slogan reflects a journalistic approach to storytelling What five guiding principles of story engagement you should follow Who is James? Originally from Maryland, James Joyce III is an award-winning journalist, educator, public servant, civil rights activist, and social entrepreneur. He founded Coffee with a Black Guy (CWABG) which serves as a safe place for interactive, community conversations about a variety of issues from the perspective of a Black man. It's been a growing, grassroots effort hosted by him and his team to help put an end to racism. Known as a sturdy leader and champion for justice, Joyce has served on various advisory boards in the Santa Barbara area. For much of the past decade, he was District Director for California State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (Ret.), who represented nearly 1 million constituents within Santa Barbara and Ventura counties until December 2020. Currently, he's serving as adjunct faculty for the Santa Barbara City College Career Skills Institute. He's also on the board for the Common Table Foundation (formerly the Lois and Walter Capps Project), Sanctuary Centers of Santa Barbara, TV Santa Barbara, as well as the national board for Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB). Joyce was runner-up in the 2021 Santa Barbara mayoral election, securing 27 percent of the votes cast among six candidates. Now, Joyce leverages more than two decades of public service and journalism experience to provide impactful insight for groups and individuals seeking to gain better cross-cultural understanding. Links and Resources Coffee With a Black Guy @Coffeewblackguy on Facebook @coffeewblackguy on Twitter/X Coffee With a Black Guy on Youtube @cwabg on Instagram @cwabg on Threads @cwabg on LinkedIn James Joyce III on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm in a law class at Pepperdine, studying for my MBA. In our first assignment, we're supposed to take this unbelievable amount of text and turn it into an outline using a very specific structure and methodology. I'm thinking, "Why do we need to outline? I just read all of this text and highlighted certain sections of it in detail. It's fine. Plus, It seems like a waste of time. And aren't all outlines the same anyway? Why is structure so important?" I begrudgingly do the assignment and turn it in. Then we get our next assignment… more outlining! Next assignment? Alas more outlining again! By the middle of the semester, something dawns on me: I start to realize that I'm looking at paragraphs of text completely differently. I can pinpoint what matters most even faster. At the end of the semester… I am an outlining Ninja. This skill that I learned in my Graduate Studies has turned out to be a tool that I use to this very day. Every time I read any block of text I can't help but condense it down to its most essential elements which has definitely helped influence my path of specializing and Short Form Communications. I love to take complex things and condense them down to their most essential elements, especially in storytelling. The elements we use in stories really matter–to the listener, to the memories we can create in the minds of our listener, and to the integrity of the story. Michael Stinson has an incredible career exploring and teaching the cinematic art of storytelling, in addition to many other forms. And today on the Storytelling School Podcast, he's here to talk about how stories bind the world, share the tools he uses to explain storytelling, reveal what keeps an audience engaged, and tell us: How can experiencing different cultures influence your storytelling? Why is it a mistake to tell everything in your story? What's the best way to create suspense, and what other tools are essential for storytelling? And how are cinematic journeys like cathartic, storytelling labyrinths for the audience? What you will learn in this episode: How you can craft the most effective personal narrative to tell others Why suspense is so effective for audience engagement (and how it differs from surprise) What three flavors of conflict you can choose in your story Who is Michael? Michael Stinson is the professor of Film and Media Studies at Santa Barbara City College where he has taught courses in film studies, film production, screenwriting, film editing, cinematography, and directing for over two decades. He is also the author of Labyrinth of Light: A Journey Into Cinema and has co-directed the 10-10-10 filmmaking and screenwriting competition at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival for the past 20 years. Prior to film school, Michael spent a decade abroad as a photojournalist based in Europe and the Far East. He worked for five years as a screenwriter for the Hollywood studios after earning a Master's degree in Film and Television from UCLA. Then, he began teaching at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and has taught courses in film and media at the University of Rome, New School University, and Los Angeles Film School. Michael is a Member Emeritus of the Writers Guild of America, Society of American Travel Writers, and PEN America. Currently, he directs international film programs in Rome, Paris, and Tokyo. Residing in Santa Barbara, California, he also now divides his time between a Craftsman bungalow built by the town barber in 1906 and a Cheoy Lee sailboat moored in the harbor. Links and Resources: Email Michael: [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected] Labyrinth of Light: A Journey Into Cinema by Michael Stinson Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm about to speak to a room full of CEOs. These CEOs know there's a guest speaker, yet the topic has not been revealed. Because I've been told that this group loves to be challenged and pushed outside their comfort zone, I come in and start my Talk with an unusual request. I have everyone stand up and form a big circle. Then I invite them, one at a time, to step into the middle of this circle and introduce themselves with their name and in the form of any character they wish. After which everyone in the room repeats that person's name and character in unison. This is an Improv game called Character Intro. To demonstrate, I start things off and it goes around the circle. When the game circles back around to me, I say to everyone: "Great work. That's a level one or two. Let's do it again, same character, but take it up to a five or six. What would that look like?" So we do it again, each person taking their character up a few notches in whatever way that looks like for them. After the second round, I say: "We're getting warmer. Now I'd like to invite you to step into the middle of the circle at a 10." When this third round gets to the fourth person, he suddenly leaps into the air and somersaults forward into the circle as his character to cheers and laughter. This whole exercise is meant to demonstrate that we, regardless of what we do, always have an opportunity to be at a 10. It's up to you how you want to enter the room and communicate, which is something that my special guest, Maja Watkins, is an expert at helping others (especially kids) do. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about how to apply Improv in situations where you can really use this skill on a deeper level and get answers to questions like: How do storytelling games contribute to social and emotional learning? How can you adapt storytelling games and Improv exercises for a different audience? What story should adults be telling themselves about play? And what makes applied Improv so powerful? What you will learn in this episode: How Improv and playfulness can help kids on the autism spectrum with story How to bring light to frustrating moments in your daily story How Improv and making story connections can help form friendships Who is Maja? Maja is a mother, author, education consultant, and non-profit founder living in Los Angeles, California. She holds a degree in Child Development and is also a graduate of The Second City in Hollywood where she studied Improvisation and sketch comedy. Through her work with children in various settings, and her experience growing up with a brother on the autism spectrum, she has developed an understanding of how powerful communication is for all people. Maja is the author of The Brain's Playground: Using Improv Games To Teach Social and Emotional Learning as well as the author of a parenting guidebook titled 10 Minutes of Play for 10 Days. The Brain's Playground includes her valuable research, data, and curriculum. Right now, she works as a Play Specialist focusing on inclusion using her curriculum designed to allow children and young adults to reach their highest potential in whichever way they feel most comfortable. Her newest project is a script putting her true stories with kids to life in a preschool animated pilot! Links and Resources: Maja Watkins The Brain's Playground and 10 Minutes of Play for 10 Days by Maja Watkins @majawatkins on Instagram @majawatkins on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm in Los Angeles at the beginning of my Improv exploration. During an advanced class I'm taking, I go out on stage to do my scene. As I'm sitting there, painting my nails in this scene, my scene partner comes in and starts suddenly lighting fireworks and firecrackers all around me. I go on painting my nails, not reacting to the situation. The instructor stops the scene right there and says, "Kymberlee, react." I'm thinking, "What do you mean? I'm focused. I'm painting my nails." She responds, "I need you to react with the fireworks going on around you. What's your point of view on that? Do you care? Do you not care? Even if you don't, we need you to react in some way." Lightbulb moment. So often, we as storytellers and speakers are so focused on getting to the end of the story or the speech. We're trying to make sure we deliver every line and paragraph correctly that we forget to react and respond to what just happened. And oftentimes, that reaction might just be internal. My guest today, Niccole Thurman, lives a life reacting as an actress, writer, and Improv performer. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll hear about how she does it and answers questions like: What's the difference in choosing how you react within a role or character in life (or through Improv) versus a scripted version? What different facets can flow into creating a variety of characters? And what can you do when you're having trouble adapting to a role or character? What you will learn in this episode: How to best get into the head of a character you're creating (or co-creating) How to deal with rejection as a storyteller (or in life generally) What story element truly makes comedy work and go viral Who is Niccole? Niccole Thurman is a Los Angeles-based actress and WGA award-winning writer. She is the voice of Jabberjaw, Squiddly Diddly and Dee Dee Sykes in the HBOMax series Jellystone. Her past work includes voiceovers and appearances on: Grace and Frankie and Desperados (Netflix); Kenan , Indebted, and Superstore (NBC); A Black Lady Sketch Show (HBO); and Shrill (Hulu). She was also a correspondent on Comedy Central's The Opposition w/ Jordan Klepper. As a writer Niccole has worked on the ESPYs, the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards (hosted By Jimmy Kimmel), Sherman's Showcase (AMC), Baking It (Peacock), Haute Dog (HBO Max), Phoebe Robinson's show Everything is Trash (Freeform), and Robert Smigel's Let's Be Real (Fox). Links and Resources Niccole Thurman @niccolethurman on Instagram @niccolethurman on Twitter Truth in Comedy: The Manual for Improvisation by Charna Halpern, Del Close, and Kim "Howard" Johnson Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's 2012. My software company is working with one of the largest advertising agencies in the world. They have tremendous expertise they can share with their clients. They're so large, though, that they're completely siloed and can't easily share this organizational knowledge quickly. The agency's chief strategic and chief technology officers have a vision to unite their worldwide employees so they can do this at the drop of a hat. And that's where my company comes in. We're hired to work with their CTO to provide instant access to all talent across their organization. We build data bridges to different technologies on different platforms located at different places around the world. It's some pretty fancy stuff, and we really have to roll up our sleeves on this huge undertaking. Nothing like this has been done before. Once our software is in place, the agency can access the intelligence of everyone in their entire global organizational community for the good of their clients in just a couple of clicks. For them, we created a new story where connecting to talent can be quick, efficient, and a game changer in their business. My special guest today, Etienne de Bruin, has spent a career in software development and inside the C-suite. In this episode of The Storytelling School podcast, you'll learn how he drives the vision and execution of multiple stories for various organizations around the world and get answers to questions such as: What role does a chief technology officer (CTO) play in the story of a company? And how does Etienne's company help support the story of CTOs everywhere? What you will learn in this episode: How the common image of a CTO is different than the real story How making connections can change your story How to keep people in a community engaged in sharing stories Who is Etienne? Etienne de Bruin began his career as a software developer in his native South Africa before moving to Germany, where he joined a startup building innovative products in the data encryption space. Then he moved to San Diego, where he managed the supply chain and business intelligence of a biotech startup. From 2005 to 2015, Etienne co-founded a company, where he served as CTO, navigating SaaS product development in a rapidly scaling environment and establishing himself as a highly effective C-level executive. After serving many organizations as advisory board member or CTO, Etienne founded 7CTOs, a peer group and coaching organization supporting CTOs, technical founders, and other executive leaders. Links and Resources: 7CTOs 7CTOs 0111 Conference Etienne de Bruin @etdebruin on Twitter @etdebruin on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm preparing for my 5th-level Black Belt test. As part of the test, we have to create and perform a series of movements - with or without weapons - to show the Grandmaster and test board that we're capable at this level. Oh, and it has to be 100% unique and created from scratch. So this is high-stakes stuff. I know I need to come up with something that I've never done before. Ideas start coming to me and I dismiss them one by one, like train cars passing by. Then, it hits me! I'm a storyteller and an Improv performer. Even though this is a Martial Arts test, I need to tell a story that's never been told before. Now, this is already an unusual approach since most martial artists aren't thinking about going to the mat to tell a story. Yet in my case, it needs to happen because this is how I think and who I am. I come up with a fantastic narrative. I'm in Tokyo enjoying my tea when I go over to the window. Suddenly, intruder after intruder comes through it and attacks me! I started doing all types of maneuvers, using household items around me as weapons to disarm and dispose of the invaders. In the end, it's just me sipping on my glass of tea with all this carnage on the floor around me. And while I can't prove it, I swear I see a little moisture in the Grandmaster's eyes… and he normally doesn't show his emotions. And that's the power of a great story. You know you've done good when your audience can feel what you (or the characters in your story) feel. And that brings me to my special guest today, Sarah Jenkins, who is a master at bringing comedic stories to life without saying a word. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn how she does it through choreography and imagery and get answers to questions like: What makes comedic short-form storytelling so special? Why does harder not equate to being better in story form? How can you know why an organic joke (not written on the page) lands for an audience or not? And what kind of mistake should you avoid that a lot of storytellers and speakers make? What you will learn in this episode: What it means to be "in service of the joke" in comedic storytelling Why the steps you take as you tell your story don't matter What has to be in your story to make it memorable and effective Who is Sarah? Sarah Marie Jenkins is a California native residing in NYC. She has been dance captain and associate choreographer for numerous shows, as well as the choreographer for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix, Mr. Mayor on NBC, and Girls 5 Eva on Peacock. Recently, she starred as Peter Pan in the first ever remounting of Jerome Robbins Broadway at the MUNY, as well as in the Cathy Rigby version of the show (as her successor). Before that, Sarah was seen as Jennyanydots in the revival of CATS on Broadway. She has also been on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Law & Order: SVU, and performed on the Today Show and Bonnie Hunt Show. Her national tours and musical work include Legally Blonde, Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby, Guys & Dolls, Swing!, Can-Can, Honeymoon in Vegas, and The Nutty Professor (directed by Jerry Lewis). When she's not working on the stage or screen, Sarah has a successful photography business specializing in headshots for actors of all ages. Links and Resources: @SarahMJenkins on Instagram @SarahJenkinsPhoto on Instagram Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's 2016. I'm putting on a high-stakes speaking and storytelling workshop. One of the attendees "Shawn" is the CEO of a tech company, and he's not buying the idea of using storytelling to raise money and land deals. I say to him, "Give me two days. But you've got to play all in. Are you in?" Despite his skepticism that anything will drastically change for him, he reluctantly agrees. When the workshop concludes, he feels he has a new competitive edge with this storytelling knowledge. Fast forward in time to two weeks ago when we run into "Shawn". He reveals that he's practiced that workshop training ever since it ended and landed a life-changing deal with one of the largest software companies in his industry! He completely attributes his success to his ability to what he learned at my workshop: How to tell a great short story. So if you want to know: What powerful insider techniques do great storytellers use to get such great results? And how can you use storytelling as your superpower and get others to choose you in a highly competitive playing field over your competition? Then I've got you covered! Today's episode switches things up a bit. It's very short and all about the Masterclass I'm offering (I only do this a couple of times a year!) that teaches you how to skyrocket your success with story. What you will learn in the Masterclass: Why stories matter (with proven results) How stories work (with a behind-the-scenes unpacking) What change you can make to any story for dramatic effect What crucial element every story needs What essential question you must ask when using stories for business A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teaching my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Free Masterclass: Skyrocket Your Success With Storytelling Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

We're sitting around a fire pit at my Master's Circle retreat for speakers, looking out at the ocean as the sun is setting. One of our Mastermind members asks: "Kymberlee, what comes before the story?" He continues to elaborate: "Let's say I'm doing a Keynote. Do I walk on stage and immediately start telling the story, or is there something I say before I start the story?" There are a few impactful ways to bridge into your story. So I start taking him through my ideas as the fire continues glowing in the background. And as I'm sharing, I begin to realize that I need to share this with you and talk about this topic on the podcast! So in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, we're continuing our "So You Think You Want to Become a Storyteller" master series where you'll learn seven ways you can transition into your story and get answers to questions like: Why should you keep your story transition short? And what does using all of these bridging techniques do for your audience? What you will learn in this episode: How to use relevance and alignment to bridge to your story fast How to use a mini story to help set up your main story How to use a teaser or curiosity gap as a story bridge A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Free Masterclass: Skyrocket Your Success With Storytelling Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I've just finished speaking at a live event when one of the attendees approaches me and asks: "Was your whole story about the moped accident true?" "Yes," I reply. "All of it?" he asks incredulously. "Everything you did to get back on the softball mound as a pitcher? The part about using martial arts to get your balance back? And you completely lost your sense of taste and smell?" I affirm that yes, all of it is true. See, he'd been thinking that I made these things up just to enliven my story. I tell him, "Our true stories can often be way better than fiction." When we look back on our lives, we may discover moments more heroic than any we could have made up. And whether or not the story you're sharing is true or fiction, it's the truth within the story that helps our audience learn, gain perspective, and make different choices than they otherwise would've made. And that leads me to my special guest today, Wendy Whitman. Wendy is an author and award-winning expert on murder crimes in America. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, she's here to dig into the world of story through the lens of crime and answer questions like: How do you approach dry subjects (like legal cases) and craft them for better audience engagement? What toll does it take on you to cover murder crimes day in and day out? And how is storytelling different for a TV-viewing audience versus a book-reading one? What you will learn in this episode: How to approach telling a true crime story with care What you can do to help prevent yourself from having your story cut short Why we are captivated by true crime stories Who is Wendy? Wendy Whitman is an author and expert on the subject of murder in the U.S. She worked for comedians Lily Tomlin and George Carlin before attending Boston University School of Law. After graduating from law school, she embarked on what turned out to be a 20-year career in television covering crime. Fifteen of those years were spent as an executive producer for Court TV. Then Wendy spent another few years on HLN for the Nancy Grace show, where she appeared on air as a producer/reporter covering almost every major high-profile murder case in the country. During her tenure at Court TV, she received three Telly Awards and two GLAAD nominations. Since turning her attention to writing, she has published two crime thriller novels: Premonition and its sequel Retribution, which was released on July 25, 2023. Links and Resources: Wendy Whitman Premonition and Retribution by Wendy Whitman "Murder is Murder: Lessons Learned from a Dog Meat Trade Survivor" @wendywhitmanauthor on Instagram Wendy Whitman on Facebook Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's 1999. I'm attending Pepperdine University for my MBA program when I ask myself, "What else can I do?" I decide to learn computer programming at UCLA. In my first class there, I'm sitting in a room filled with other students and realize two things: First, I'm one of only three female students in a class of over 40 people. And second, I love everything about this training and want to learn more! So I start reading books and learning as fast as I can, noticing all the while that there aren't many female authors and role models in tech. Yet, I'm still hungry to learn as much as I can and want to accelerate my training. Thanks to a magazine ad, I sign up for the Web 99 Conference in San Francisco and listen in fascination to Lynda Weinman talk about Flash technology. It makes me realize that I want to do this for my career. I walk up to her after her Talk to introduce myself and discover she's holding her first-ever workshop on Flash in Ojai, California. She personally invites me to sign up, and I go for it! Thanks to Lynda's guidance, I move from that workshop to teaching classes for her, writing two books on Flash technology, running a Flash-focused tech event, and co-founding my own software company. My story changed just from casually taking a computer class in college… and all because someone believed in and opened doors for me. And my special guest today has made it his business to do the same for others. Mike Roberts helps underrepresented people break into tech and companies build high-performance engineering teams out of often overlooked talent. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about how creating opportunities for the marginalized can change the trajectory of their story and get answers to questions like: Why does storytelling help those with social anxiety? How does having different skill sets affect the future of your story's path? And why is software engineering both a science and, like storytelling, an art? What you will learn in this episode: How being a trailblazer can influence other people's stories (even for generations) How learning to tell stories is like learning how to play an instrument Why it's better to tell your story in the present tense Who is Mike? Mike Roberts is the founder and CEO of Creating Coding Careers (CCC), an innovative nonprofit organization committed to diversifying the tech community and creating equitable opportunities for individuals pursuing a career in the industry. He is passionate about helping underrepresented people break into tech and helping companies build high-performance engineering teams out of often-overlooked talent. Mike has launched more than 100 student careers and has grads working at IBM/RedHat, Apple, WalmartLabs, Sony, AWS, Facebook, Deloitte, and many more amazing tech companies. His superpower is helping gritty people grow and get better at writing quality software. Links and Resources: Creating Coding Careers @merobertsjr on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm on the last day of a five-day, 12-hour daily intensive Improv class at The Annoyance Theatre. Our instructor comes in and has us count off by threes. Once that's done, he instructs us to find everyone else with the same number. Then he tells us: "Whoever's in your group, you all are now an Improv team. And you're going to perform tonight live on the main stage for a public audience." I'm thinking, "These teams are made up of people I barely know." They come from all around the world with different backgrounds, styles, strengths, and varying levels of Improv experience. And that's when I realize that's what's so cool about this whole thing! We can bring all that to the table in our performance. My made-up-on-the-spot team and I spend the rest of the day creating, refining, rehearsing, and doing it over again, based on our collective suggestions and ideas as a collective. That night, when we hit the stage and show our stuff, it's a huge success. And I know a big part of it is due to the collective diversity of the group and the openness to learning from each other as well as respecting and honoring everyone's contribution. Speaking of spotlights and collectives, today's special guest, Lindsay Ravage, is a veteran of the Improv community in addition to working as an actress. And in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, she's here to dive into how the world of Improv can influence you as a storyteller and answer questions such as: Why are you already an experienced Improv storyteller, even if you've never performed it on a stage? How does having trust in others influence the ability to create a bigger story? Why is it so important for kids at a young age to learn how to express themselves and be creative in telling stories? And how do shared experiences make for powerful storytelling? What you will learn in this episode: Why saying "yes" opens the door for new stories to occur How an audience's response to your narrative can affect your storytelling in real-time Why having a first-person point of view makes your story more interesting Who is Lindsay? Growing up just outside of New York City, Lindsay Ravage fell in love with the stage at a young age. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southern California's Theatre School and studied at the esteemed British Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. She is also a graduate of The Second City Conservatory program and UCB Improv program and has performed Improv all over Los Angeles in various Improvisation and sketch troupes. In addition to still acting in commercials and television, she has worked as a casting associate for some of the most successful commercial casting offices in Los Angeles. Lindsay has also worked with children most of her adult life. But she felt there was a lack of theatre classes in the L.A. area for her own kids. Wanting to create a fun and creative outlet for non-professional kids, she started Tiny Spotlight--Los Angeles' premiere children's theater academy that offers musical theater, Improv, and sketch comedy classes to kids aged 3-11. These classes are taught by top-notch directors in a real theatre setting. They're designed as fun-filled performance experiences to build confidence and let kids know that their ideas are important and what they have to say matters. Tiny Spotlight classes are held at the charming Two Roads Theater in Little Tujunga Village in the heart of Studio City, California, and at The Pico Theatre in West LA. Links and Resources: Tiny Spotlight @tinyspotlight on Instagram @tinyspotlight on Facebook The Annoyance Theatre & Bar Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's circa 2010 and I'm running the software company I co-founded with my husband Mark. One of our clients is among the largest advertising agencies in the world and they're preparing a big pitch for Nike. The stakes couldn't be higher for them to win this business. Since our software creates communities and includes a customized matching engine, the Chief Strategy Officer uses it to search for all worldwide employees of his agency who have a passion for photography and clubbing. He finds them instantly within a couple of clicks and gives them a challenge: "Tonight, go to the clubs in your area and take pictures of all the trainers you see." He wants them to photograph people's sneakers at the clubs in Berlin, Tokyo, Budapest… wherever they may be. By Monday, they're able to use those photos to show Nike that they're able to activate a global community to come together in this way… and also that they have a pulse on what's happening in youth culture around the world. This way, they can influence what happens next in Nike's story. Speaking of activating global communities, my guest today, Tyler Skinner, has also spent a good part of her career focusing on bringing women together to create something for the greater good. And in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn how making connections (whether it's two or three people or more) can be life-changing for a person or a business and get answers to questions such as: How do you take a dire situation and use it to influence or change the stories of others (or create a new one for yourself)? Why is vulnerability as a storyteller not always about sharing sad things? And what can happen when you put your story out there for the first time? What you will learn in this episode: How ripples can turn into waves that expand the stories of multiple people How to shake yourself out of a story you no longer want to experience How naming your year can have a significant impact on you and your story Who is Tyler? Tyler is the CVO and Founder of Connected Communities and Women Making Waves and also serves as President for the Central Coast Chapter of NAWBO (National Organization for Women Business Owners). As a multi-passionate entrepreneur, she has reinvented herself again and again to create and cultivate connections and community collaborations that enhance social & cultural shifts by bringing people together to believe in something bigger than themselves and to see the magic in motivating others. During the 2020 pandemic, she launched the platform Women Making Waves as a leadership development program of dedicated women committed to co-creating a future where they can personally & professionally emerge to lead in a new way. Tyler is building a revolution of women through curated workshops, events, and adventures to allow women to see, do, and be more because women deserve to be supported and seen. Links and Resources: Women Making Waves | @women.making.waves on Instagram Connected Communities National Organization for Women Business Owners (NAWBO) - Central Coast Tyler Skinner (coming soon) | @thetylerskinner on Instagram Storytelling School Podcast: "How to Name Your Year" The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel Shinn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's 2018. I'm working with a Syrian-born American filmmaker named Sam to get him ready to hit the TEDx stage. We're forming the foundation of his Talk--his idea worth spreading--when I ask him, "Why was making this particular film so important to you?" And he responds, "It's imperative to amplify the voices of what Syrians are going through. Their voices are muted right now and giving voice to the voiceless should be an obligation. That's why people literally risked their lives to make this film." With that, we have his idea worth spreading: For society to survive, the voices of repressed people must be revived. By the way, Sam's film, Little Gandhi, becomes the first official Oscar entry for Best Foreign Language Film and goes on to win several awards. And most importantly of all, Sam's willingness to stand up for and speak on what he believes has changed individual and collective stories around the world...which leads me to my special guest today! Lynn Andrews is a versatile artist who has been standing up for what she believes, literally. As a singer, actress, and writer, she has a stake in bringing stories to life as part of her life's work and is fresh off the picket line protesting as part of the SAG-AFTRA strike. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, listen in as she and I dive into the idea of using your story to stand up and speak up, whether your voice matters at all, and how to influence the stories that are told. You'll also discover the answer to questions such as: What's it like participating in a community of storytellers standing up for themselves? What's one thing you need to be mindful of as you speak up for your cause during a protest or strike? What opportunity can you choose to take with an Improv performance, beyond the humor? And why does your profession not matter when it comes to storytelling? And along the way, you'll hear about trimmed trees, strongly-worded umbrellas, memorable theater moments, and more! What you will learn in this episode: Why your voice matters in changing an unfolding story Why people sometimes hesitate to speak up with their story How to get an audience to love a villainous character Who is Lynn? Lynn Andrews, an artist excelling as an actor, singer, and writer, was born in Denver, Colorado. Her passion for the arts led her to pursue training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City. Lynn won the coveted role of Miss Hannigan in the national tour of Annie. The New York Times praised her, saying she "has a wonderful way with a shimmy." During her time in New York, Lynn showcased her singer-songwriter abilities as one-third of the girl group The Shirtwaist Sisters, highlighted by the NPR Tiny Desk competition. In 2017, Lynn made her way to Los Angeles, where she appeared in popular television shows like The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, and Dead To Me, as well as the critically acclaimed film The Dark and the Wicked. Her recent appearances on The Resident and American Auto continue to solidify her status as an accomplished and skillful performer. Links and Resources: @fakelynnandrews on Instagram @fakelynnandrews on Tik Tok The Shirtwaist Sisters on Spotify The Annoyance Theatre & Bar Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm a sixth grader with a dream: I want to be Student Body President. So I get to work on dazzling my fellow students, relentlessly preparing and rehearsing every word of my speech for days and days, night after night… even into the early mornings. And then, the big day arrives. It's time to give my speech! I'm sitting onstage with two other candidates. Both of them deliver their speeches to huge applause from the student body. Suddenly, I'm next up, and I'm shaking! I nervously get up from my chair, make my way to the podium, place my prepared speech in front of me, and start reading. A few paragraphs in, I notice the restlessness in the auditorium. Some students are looking around the room, others are beginning to talk to their neighbor, and there's even one guy, Stu, asleep in the front row! I can't believe what I'm seeing! Instead of treading on with what isn't working, I take my speech, crumple it up, and throw it onto the floor. Then, I start speaking from my heart... and I hear a smattering of applause. As I continue, the applause gets louder and louder until the entire audience jumps to their feet. I learn a valuable lesson: stop trying to be something you're not. Just be yourself and share your ideas and what you feel in the moment. That way, you're memorable in a way others can't ignore! My guest today, Intae Kim, has lived his life being memorable while bringing various film and TV characters to life. And in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, he's here to share how doing the unexpected differentiates you from other speakers and storytellers and allows you to reap the greatest benefits. He also answers questions such as: What attribute is at the core of your audience feeling connected to you? And what does it take to make people fall in love with you as a storyteller? What you will learn in this episode: How to honor the truth in your story in a way that activates you and your audience What one aspect gets other people invested in your story Why some stories fall flat and don't work Who is Intae? Growing up in the Boston area, Intae Kim was preternaturally interested in stories. As a voracious reader, social parrot, and frequent make-believer, Intae loved learning more about our world and exploring imaginary ones whenever he had the chance. These passions only grew stronger after he traveled across the country. Not only did his initial pursuit of a Cognitive Studies major at UC Berkeley eventually morph into dual degrees in English and Theater, but his subsequent move to Los Angeles led to a career in the Performing Arts. Intae's first big splash in Hollywood took the form of a scene-stealing turn in Monday, a short film that went on to win first place in HBO's inaugural APA Visionaries Competition. Since then, he has worked on stage, on screen, and in the voiceover booth on projects as varied as Fargo (FX), How to Get Away With Murder (ABC), Succession (HBO), and Tom Clancy's The Division: Hearts On Fire (Audible). He is grateful for the chance to tell stories for a living and to continue learning more about our world and exploring imaginary ones. Links and Resources: @theintaenet on Twitter Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm walking off the stage after giving a Keynote at a Southern California university. A few of the audience members make their way over to me. "Kymberlee," one of them says, "Your presentation was so captivating! I was glued to your every word." I worked very hard on this particular Talk, so getting this feedback feels amazing! And as I'm driving away from the event, I start thinking about what exactly made it so captivating. Was it the stories I told? Or how I moved on stage? Or something else? The analytical side of my brain kicks in and starts trying to reverse-engineer the Talk that earned me such a glowing review. And I realize that I made several critical choices that, joined together, form a blueprint for being captivating on stage. So today on the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn strategies to help you dial into your own captivation skills so you too can experience your audience's unwavering attention. You'll also discover: What mistake do many speakers and storytellers make when beginning their presentation? How can you stop your audience in their tracks right away? How do you use visuals to enhance (and not take away from) your audience's experience? What's one captivation technique that many speakers and storytellers aren't taught? And how do you "earn the right to deliver the next section" of your Talk to your audience? What you will learn in this episode: How to use storytelling to maintain your audience's attention throughout your Talk How different delivery techniques and vocal variety can keep your audience engaged How to keep your audience engaged through the use of exercises A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teaching my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm invited to a very high-level martial arts seminar to provide communications training to the attendees. These attendees are not your average martial artists, however: they train governments and militaries all over the world. And they've all traveled here for this event. Tommy, the person running the event, starts the morning by having everyone gather around him. He reaches into his duffel bag, pulls something out, and holds it in front of each person, inviting them to take a calculated risk. Silence. But then, slowly, one by one they all rise to the challenge… until there's just one person left in the room who hasn't tried it yet. Me. Even though I'm not here to show off any martial arts skills, everyone's eyes are still on me because they know I'm a martial artist, too. And now everyone is waiting - and watching - to see what I'm going to do next. So what exactly was this experiment, and how did I respond to the challenge? Today on the Storytelling School Podcast, we mix things up with a brand new "Exploring Stories" master series where I dive into one aspect of storytelling or a piece of a story and show how you can use these insights, tools, and perspective to take your storytelling to the next level. And in this episode, I reveal the calculated risk that I (and the other martial artists) took that day and the powerful lesson it taught me. I'll also teach you: Why do calculated risks make for such great stories to tell? And what's the one caveat you need to be careful of when it comes to storytelling? What you will learn in this episode: What kinds of calculated risks you can take as a speaker or storyteller How you can enter into a story and its lesson How your story can have multiple lessons (and what influences which lesson you teach) A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teaching my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm at a TED event when Sarah Silverman takes the stage. She launches into her comedy set and as she gets going, I notice something interesting. A couple of jokes in, some people in the audience are already laughing hysterically. But others are fidgeting and looking uncomfortable with some of her content. My husband Mark turns to me and says, "Stand-up comedy is hard." I agree and whisper back, "Yeah - that's why they invented Dad jokes. That's much easier - they're like training wheels for laughter." Stand-up on the other hand is another league and I'd rather leave to the professionals - like my special guest today. Emily Walsh is a stand-up comedian who performs all over the world. And today on the Storytelling School Podcast, she shares how the worlds of comedy and story intertwine from her perspective. In this episode, you'll hear about approaches to comedy shows and being a different version of yourself on stage (even if just slightly), as well as hear answers to questions such as: How do you navigate the challenging waters of potentially offensive jokes to your audience? What role does story play in comedic content creation? How can you ease people into your jokes and get them comfortable with you as you tell your story? And what's the one thing you don't want to leave your audience with? What you will learn in this episode: What the first thing is that you must learn in any performance or presentation How to discover the kind of material that will work for your audience most of the time What you can do to re-engage a disengaged part of your audience Who is Emily? Emily Walsh is a comedian who performs nightly in bars and comedy clubs across New York City. Originally from Boston, Emily moved to New York City after college to pursue her dream of painting scenery for theatre, film and television. She still paints sometimes because comedy doesn't provide health insurance. Emily was recently featured on Kevin Hart's Lyft Comics on Peacock. Her festival credits include HBO's Women in Comedy Festival, SF Sketchfest, West End Festival in Atlanta, Boston Comedy Festival, the Out of Bounds Festival in Austin, and the Rogue Island Comedy Festival in Newport, Rhode Island. She also co-hosts the podcast Alone at Lunch, part of the Morbid podcast network on Wondery, and hosts and co-produces a monthly show at Pete's Candy Store in Brooklyn called Golden Ticket. Links and Resources: Alone at Lunch Yeet the Rich @thefunnywalsh on Instagram @thefunnywalsh on Tik Tok @thefunnywalsh on Twitter @thefunnywalsh on Youtube Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm at an Improv class doing a scene with a partner when the instructor stops us. He says to me, "When you think about your character you just acted out, what was their point of view? What was their philosophy?" I'm thinking, "Philosophy?! This is Improv! I barely know my character's name, let alone what my character's philosophy is." I tell him that I have no idea. And then he gives me a piece of advice that has stuck with me: knowing your character's philosophy, point of view, or how they see the world will influence what you say, how you say it, your voice, your body language--everything. Even though in Improv we don't have any time to set up a whole backstory for our character, just having that awareness of their philosophy helps you as a performer. It changed me. And my special guest today, Jillian Paige, lives in the world of perspective from the point of view of a classically-trained singer, actress, and instructor. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll hear about how you can take performance training to a whole new level in your storytelling (or anything you do). We'll also answer questions like: What is the Meisner technique, and how is it similar and different to Improv? How can repetition help ground and calm you before a performance or audition? How can you practice avoiding inattentional blindness when speaking or performing? And what is the "liking gap" and how can you use it in your storytelling to take it to the next level? Along the way, you'll hear about Marlon Brando's influence on Hollywood acting, the operatic singer who cried from letting go, the 90-second audition gone wrong, and so much more! What you will learn in this episode: How using the Meisner technique can affect the story you experience How Meisner can help you move past the story of not feeling good enough Why a "f*$% it" mentality can be crucial to keeping your audience engaged Who is Jillian? Jillian Paige is the Founder of Meisner in Music, the premier class to infuse the Meisner technique with singing. Jillian received her master's in music theatre from Oklahoma City University, her bachelor's in classical vocal performance from Belmont University, and studied Meisner under Terry Martin (a direct pupil of Meisner's) and Ted Wold. Jillian is based out of New York City and has performed with companies such as Actors Theatre of Louisville, the Nashville Opera, and Kentucky Opera. She is passionate about helping singers maintain beautiful singing while achieving emotional freedom and impulsivity in the moment. Links and Resources: Meisner in Music @MeisnerinMusic on Instagram @meisnerinmusic on Tik Tok @JillianPaige on Instagram "Inattentional Blindness" | Youtube "The Liking Gap" | Psychology Today Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

With each podcast episode we release, I send an email out with a story to highlight it. My favorite part of these emails is the "PS" where I can spotlight news, make announcements, or ask you a question. So I'm working on the email last week and thinking about what I can put in the PS. And I get the idea to ask about what you'd like to see in a future episode. The only question is... will anybody take the time or be brave enough to write back? No need to worry, though, because you guys sent in some fantastic suggestions. And in this continuation of our "So You Think You Want to Become a Storyteller" series, my husband Mark and I are going to dive into one of them: What are the biggest mistakes storytellers and speakers make, and how can we avoid them? Today on the Storytelling School Podcast, we're tackling what I call "slaying the snafus." You'll learn about the 10 most common snafus you'll want to slay right now and hear answers to questions like: What things can you work on while rehearsing your speech or story to enhance it for the audience? How can you avoid overloading your audience with information? What is the biggest snafu of all, especially for those who speak for a living? What are some easy ways to build a connection to your audience? And how do you avoid just regurgitating or mimicking someone else's ideas? What you will learn in this episode: What to do to better manage the time you have to talk or tell your story How to structure your story or speech so that your audience can follow How to take advantage of visuals in your speech or story presentation A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's 2003. I'm at my very first TED event and I'm in the computer industry. Over a period of five days, I'm not hearing typical presentations on one subject matter. Instead, I am listening to Talks about nanotechnology, robotics, cancer cure research, and a variety of other topics that I never would have had access to otherwise. At first I'm thinking that these Talks are way over my head. Yet soon I find that my exposure to these ideas help me build a completely new point of view around my company and how I treat family, friends, and clients. These influences stick with me and I still practice them to this day. When you take lessons from one field of study and apply them to another, it can explode your momentum in your field of expertise. For instance, I'd hear a TED Talk on creativity and approach a project differently with that in mind. Or I'd slightly change the nature of a conversation with a client because of what I'd heard about a new development in artificial intelligence. These are what I call lateral lessons. And you can do the same thing, too--use lateral lessons to help build out your body of work and what you offer to the world. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn about the lateral lessons that the world of Improv can teach you so you can apply these lessons in your life. I'll teach you these concepts through stories of backstage preparations, spilled tea, and the danger of doing Improv. And you'll also find out answers to questions like: What concept helps you stop paralysis by analysis when you're about to present or perform? How can you make certain parts of your presentation (or your life or business story) more interesting? And what goes on in the mind of an Improv performer? What you will learn in this episode: What simple gesture sparks connection and security for a presenter or performer How one change can lead to changing everything about what you do What it means to prepare (but not plan) as a speaker, performer, or storyteller A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teaching my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm meeting with one of my clients. And she says to me, "Kymberlee, every time I ask you, 'How are you doing?' you always say, 'I'm amazing.' How is that possible, and how can I do it too?" It's simple. I tell her, "I've designed my life around everything I love to do." I love speaking, and I know that the best ones are great storytellers. I've gone from not knowing where to start with a story to doubling down on it and having it as a core component of what I do and teach... I heard that Improv Comedy improves you as a speaker. And now I've gone from shaking with fear before I even got on stage for my first Improv class to teaching it every week and performing it multiple times a month... I've been an athlete all my life and use the lessons I've learned from over 30 years as a martial artist to influence how I teach and how I see the world... All of these career choices haven't happened by chance. I've basically designed my future. And you can do it too. My special guest today, Dane Howard, is an entrepreneur who has led teams around the world in designing world-class products for services and brands. And today on the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll learn how design can inspire a plethora of stories and hear answers to questions like: Why does design force you to become a better storyteller? What's it like to be in the process of redefining your current story? How can visualizing allow you to extract and string parts of your story together? And how do companies like eBay and Amazon develop stories for their products and brands? What you will learn in this episode: What journey lines are and how they relate to storytelling Why rehearsing the future is required to become a great designer and storyteller How using AI can help you bring implausible stories to life Who is Dane? Dane is a strategic design leader & entrepreneur, willing to wear many hats. He's led globally distributed teams for world-class products, services, and brands and served in principal design, operational, and leadership roles for companies like BMW, MLB, Microsoft, eBay, Samsung, Amazon, and more. Since 2015, he's launched global experiences in several companies and led and grown remote and distributed teams. And all the while, he focused on scaling the design process across multiple business domains for growth-stage companies and beyond. Dane is also an author, speaker, artist, and father. He launched Dane Howard Studio in early 2023, which is a collaborative studio specializing in generative AI, design, and fine art for commercial and residential projects across apparel, fashion, sports, and exhibit design. He is also an advisor to standbeautiful.me, an anti-bullying movement promoting the acceptance of self and others. Links and Resources: Dane Howard Dane Howard Studio @implausible_creatures on Instagram @danehoward on Linked Stand Beautiful Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's 2006. TEDx announces that they're holding the first-ever TEDx University. They invite all of us who are attendees to submit a description of what we want to share and teach the group. And a handful will be selected to do Talks. At this point, I'm not a speaker; I'm still in the technology industry. Still, I know exactly what I want to do. I want to teach the other attendees something that makes me feel like a badass whenever I do it... I'm going to teach them how to break boards with their bare hands! So I present my crazy idea for selection: Mind Over Wood. And… I get chosen as one of only 30 speakers out of over a thousand people! Excited, I get to work right away on writing my Talk and start picturing myself speaking in front of world leaders, neuroscientists, and billionaires... Wait. World leaders. Neuroscientists. Billionaires. I start thinking, "Who am I to teach anything to a roomful of those people? What if they laugh at me, or even worse, walk right out of the room?" So on the day of TEDx University, I'm nervously standing in front of the room. I see the editor of Forbes to the left, three rows back. I see the founder of Flickr walk into the room on the right. I realize there's a Nobel Prize winner sitting in the front row. But I'm also feeling good about my Talk because I've been rehearsing it relentlessly. So OK, it's go time! I take a deep breath and begin. And I can't tell you how many people came up afterward to tell me how impactful my presentation was. Wow. At that moment I realize how fun this was and am astonished that people get to do this… for a living... including my incredible guest today! Adiel Gorel is sought-after as an international speaker and recently joined the TEDx stage. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, he talks about how discovering something that exists only in the U.S. motivated him to help others change one area of their unfolding life story. He also answers questions such as: What's the biggest financial gift you can add to your story in the U.S. (if you're not already)? What should you do before you close your story in a Talk (which many people don't do)? Why does storytelling belong in the real estate industry? And what do you want to have at the ready when someone asks you a question like, "What do you do?" What you will learn in this episode: How sharing a more relatable story in drier subject areas helps with your message Why the short story form is a more effective format for spreading your message today How breaking the rules can open doors and create an even better story Who is Adiel? Adiel Gorel is a CEO, author, and international speaker with a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University and a lifetime passion for engaging audiences of all sizes in multiple languages. His company International Capital Group (ICG) is a leading real estate investment firm in the San Francisco Bay. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, he has not only invested in hundreds of properties for his own portfolio but also successfully assisted thousands of investors with purchasing more than 10,000 properties in the U.S. As a six-time published author, Adiel's books cover topics ranging from building wealth to breathing correctly. From being a Computer Science instructor at Stanford to creating public TV specials, his life's work is to challenge conventions in order to offer insight on how everyone can improve their health, build their wealth, and live a better life. He has two grown kids and currently resides in the Bay Area. Links and Resources: Adiel Gorel ICG Real Estate Investments Adiel Gorel's TEDx Talk - From Fear to Fortitude: Inflation, Time, and Debt for Lifelong Wealth @adielgorel on Instagram @AdielGorelSpeaker on Facebook @adielgorel on LinkedIn @ICGRE on Twitter @AdielGorel on Youtube Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

My husband Mark and I are back in California after our Hawaiian vacation. We loved the kayak adventure we had there, so we decide to get a two-person kayak. But not just any kayak. We need one that's built for speed. It's not as stable as others, but it's going to go fast and be so exciting! We take this kayak out on a maiden voyage and, after tipping over into the ocean a couple of times, we get the hang of it. We're having the best time paddling, and we go several miles out. So far out that the shore looks like a speck of land... Then I feel it. Something has hit the bottom of the kayak. What the?? I think, "We're in the middle of nowhere. How could we have hit something?" I keep paddling... and it happens again. BUMP! Mark says he sees… A FIN, and we go silent and still. If we tip over again, we're done. The shark bumping into our boat is going to get us, and no one will ever know what happened because we're so far offshore. And all of a sudden, the creature jumps out of the water, spins, and goes back in. And another. And another... We're inside a pod of 40 or 50 dolphins! What was a terrifying moment becomes magical! Sometimes in life, what scares us turns out to be a gift that not only changes the story of our experience, but also the lessons we learn so we can help others. Speaking of stories changing our experience, my special guest today, Adrienne Smith, is an athlete and entrepreneur who has had that happen, many times over. Adrienne is building an intuition-based wellness movement. And in this episode of the Storytelling School podcast, you'll learn lessons about the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we can create in this world, through her experiences. Plus, you'll hear her stories about rowing across the Pacific with a four-person team, earning Adrienne a world record title, and how her daughter recently reiterated the feebleness of trying to force things, along with answers to questions like: What's an example of a mindset shift that changes your story when things aren't working out? How can you create stories in even the most unusual and uncomfortable situations? How can incorporating storytelling change you as a public speaker? And what can you do to visualize in a way that'll help you create the future story you want to see happen? What you will learn in this episode: How circumstances can sometimes redirect you to change your story Why force can just complicate things and make your story take longer to unfold How listening influences the story you tell other people Who is Adrienne? As a mom, athlete, and business owner, Adrienne Smith has an appreciation for the strategies necessary to overcome obstacles and reach success. Drawing on firsthand knowledge of how it feels to be stuck when striving to accomplish goals, she is enthusiastic about sharing systems that help others transform anxiety, get organized and motivated, and most importantly, reignite a passion for life. Adrienne is building a movement of expanded awareness to cure the personal energy crisis in our world through creative connection, storytelling, and intuition-based wellness programs. She helps individuals and teams make the seemingly impossible possible - like she demonstrated by setting a new World Record rowing across the Pacific Ocean with her team. Links and Resources: Aligned Living Now @theadriennesmith on Instagram @poweradrienne on Facebook @theadriennesmith on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

At the age of 101, my grandmother, Beverly's, dementia is really starting to show. I'm over at her house one day when her new social worker comes by. I hear him talking to one of her caregivers in the other room. She says to him, "Sometimes Beverly says she wants to go home. Yet, she's in her own home. So when Beverly says that, we just tell her, 'You ARE home.' But it doesn't really register." He responds, "Beverly is simply looking for a safe space. So rather than trying to battle with her, all you need to do is remind Beverly that she is 100% safe and everything is fine." As I listen to this conversation, I find myself smiling and feeling happy that she has someone besides myself advocating for her... and someone helping the caregivers too, offering them a different perspective instead of telling them that they're doing it wrong. My guest today, Dr. Karen Federici, also advocates on behalf of others. She's an award-winning family physician and an expert in breastfeeding. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you'll hear all about her story on advocating for others and answers to questions like: How is your Talk enhanced when you use story versus when you don't? What role does storytelling play in the work that doctors do, and how can healthcare professionals integrate it into their own work? And what can you do to redirect the story you're hearing from those you serve in your profession to better help them? What you will learn in this episode: How a story not going to plan can set you up for a new (and even better) story How other people's unhelpful advice can hinder your emerging story Why sometimes the real story isn't where the main focus is Who is Dr. Federici? Inspired by her own experience as a new mother, Karen Federici, MD saw a genuine need for doctors who championed breastfeeding. So she became that doctor, leaving her career as an actuary behind. Now, she's an award-winning physician and breastfeeding expert. Dr. Federici founded Family First, a practice centering around primary care for women and children and breastfeeding medicine, after completing her residency in 2006. Recently, she founded TeleLact which provides expert lactation support through telehealth to expand access to quality care for breastfeeding moms. Last year, she opened the first and only donor human milk dispensary in her region. As part of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and with a certification in family medicine, Dr. Federici volunteers as a clinical preceptor, teaching breastfeeding medicine to students and fellow physicians. Not enough families have access to a doctor with knowledge on breastfeeding. So she likes to direct them to her TEDx Talk to help spread the word so that they can positively impact breastfeeding, advocate for themselves, and encourage their doctors to seek more education on the subject. Links and Resources: TeleLact Family First Dr. Federici's TEDx Talk @dr.karen.federici on Instagram @telelact247 on Facebook Dr. Federici on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm working with a client in one of my Mastermind programs. She asks, "Kymberlee, what's the difference between a story that we will remember versus one we will forget?" At that moment, I can choose to hit the surface level and talk about story elements… or I can go deeper and talk about the science. I choose to get all science-y. And once I'm done going in-depth with my answer, she says it's given her a completely new understanding of the power of storytelling (woohoo)! Today on the Storytelling School podcast, join me as we dive headfirst into exploring the scientific principles that give storytelling the mesmerizing power to captivate us all. I reveal some mind-blowing facts about storytelling and answer questions such as: What exactly makes stories so irresistible? How is storytelling like a high-stakes poker game? How does the power of storytelling go beyond entertainment, and what intellectual benefits does it provide? Why have stories been used throughout history to inspire change? And how has technology shaped the landscape of storytelling? What you will learn in this episode: What key ingredients (honed over centuries) keep you hooked on stories How your brain helps you attain an emotional connection to storytelling How storytelling has made an impact in different domains A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teach my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram

It's Tuesday morning, and I'm so excited! I'm leading a storytelling workshop for a group of speakers and entrepreneurs who give presentations as part of the work they do. To start, I ask all of them what their objectives are for the training. One person raises their hand and says, "I really need help with rehearsing." Two other participants agree... and it seems odd to me. Rehearsals have been such an important part of my life since I was a kid, whether it was training for a big softball game or a martial arts test. It's the same with preparing for a big speaking engagement, so I'm surprised to hear how many people struggle with the rehearsal process. And after discussing it with the group a bit, I quickly realize that not everyone shares my passion (or obsession - ha!) for rehearsing. What happens next? Join me in the continuation of the "So You Think You Want to Become a Storyteller" master series as I share my simple rehearsal rituals you can use to prepare yourself for a speech or story presentation. You'll hear answers to questions like: Where can you practice, and how do you create a practice zone for your speech or story? How long and how often should you practice? Why do you need to plan practice sessions? Should you practice your Talk or story with an audience or not? And what are some effective ways to practice your presentation? What you will learn in this episode: How to plan practicing your Talk or story (and how using stickie notes can help) What you should (and shouldn't) do two weeks before your presentation Why performance needs to be a key part of practicing your speech or story A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teaching my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram

Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my grandmother, nicknamed Moo. We always had fun; we'd play, make things up, sing songs, write poems… just be creative together. As she gets older, though, and reaches 100 years old, she develops dementia. Sometimes she's with us and other times not. I go over to her house one afternoon, and she's super happy and pleasant and lovely... yet she doesn't know who I am. And I'm her only grandchild! I start to get a little frustrated because I want that connection with Moo again. So I begin to bring up things from our past and ask her if she remembers what we did together. Did she remember rolling down the hill together at La Brea Tar Pits? Or that time we made a crazy salad and water went everywhere? She doesn't. As I grasp for more things, I recall one song she taught me that has two verses. One verse is very slow and methodical, the other goes very, very fast, and they're meant to be sung by two people in tandem. So I start singing the fast verse. And pretty soon without any prodding, Moo starts singing the slow verse. And for that one moment, we connect again, sharing a reality with both of us present that melts my heart. That's the power of music. It can stop time. My special guest today, Laura Hall, has spent a career in music, song, and sound. In this episode of the Storytelling School podcast, she talks about finding your voice in storytelling through her lens of Musical Improv and answers questions like: What drives a scene in an Improv story when it's combined with music--the scene or the song? When can Improv help you with your audience as a speaker or storyteller, (in non-Improv situations)? How does variety make you a better storyteller? And how can you start sharing your stories and ensure that you get helpful feedback? What you will learn in this episode: How music and Improv work together to bring stories to life Why finding and connecting to the truth of your story is vital for audience reception What you can do to change the fear story you're telling yourself before a performance Who is Laura? Laura Hall got her start as an Improv Musician performing with The Second City National Touring Company of Chicago. While in Chicago, she worked with almost every Improv theater in town and used Improv to create original musicals at The Annoyance Theater. She also played in cover and original bands, did solo piano work, played recording sessions, and taught at The Old Town School of Music. After moving to Los Angeles, Laura studied music for film and television and focused on songwriting and original musicals with Theater-A-Go-Go. She has worked with several Improv groups worldwide such as Second City Hollywood, iO West, and others, and taught Music Improv extensively with her husband Rick Hall. Laura performed on every season of the American version of Whose Line Is It Anyway? with hosts Clive Anderson, Drew Carey, and Aisha Tyler. She's also toured extensively with Drew Carey and the Improv All Stars, including performances at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall and a USO tour of the Middle East. In addition, she's performed with Whose Line Live at the Adelphi, the Palladium, and Royal Albert Hall theatres in London. You can find out more about Laura on her website. Links and Resources: Laura Hall @laurahallmusic on Instagram @LauraHallMusic on Facebook @LauraHallMusic on Twitter @laurahall2306 on Youtube Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm 12 years old. It's summertime, and we're on our annual family trip to Bainbridge Island off the coast of Seattle. I love going on these trips, and one of my favorite things about them is getting to see family friends Bob and Denise perform in a different play. This particular summer they're doing The Pirates of Penzance. After the show is over, Bob and Denise walk up to me and ask, "Kymberlee, what was your favorite part?" I'm thinking that since they're both in it, I don't really want to pick sides. So I talk about everything: the amazing set design, Bob's incredible costume, Denise's epic singing, the cool set, the fantastic dancing, the memorable characters... After each mention, Bob and Denise just stare at me. But I can't pick just one thing; I love it all! Years later, I realize that what I loved most was… The live experience of story! Seeing it played out right in front of my eyes and ears made each story unforgettable. My special guest today, Mary Lauren, tells stories in multifaceted ways. She directs them, writes them, produces them, performs them, and choreographs them. And in this episode of the Storytelling School podcast, we dive into her tips and techniques on bringing stories to life with questions like: How do you know if a particular story you want to tell is important? What should you always do when you get handed a script for your role? What's the benefit of playing darker characters? And what can you do when you're struggling to connect to your story? What you will learn in this episode: How you can bring truth to a character in your story What storytelling aspect can initially stymie a new storyteller Why listening is the key to everything as a performer and storyteller Who is Mary? Mary Lauren is a passionate and multifaceted artist who loves to tell stories. She has had work seen Off-Broadway and regionally as a director, writer, performer, producer, and choreographer. She's a proud member of the Actors' Equity Association (AEA) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Mary has written several new works, in addition to choreographing and acting as the lead dancer in the short film Dream of Spring (which has been featured in festivals all over the world). Some other acting credits include: The Last 5 Years, Gypsy, Sarah Was Mine, Sophia!, My Shadow and Me, and Hamlet. For almost 20 years, Mary has directed and educated artists. As artistic director of Heart String Theatrical, she created the streaming live/filmed piece Loving You Always. Her cabarets have raised money for artists and for organizations including the NAACP and ACLU. Mary also serves as the Youth Artistic Director at AMT Theatre, a new Off-Broadway Theater in Times Square. She loves working with young artists and finds inspiration from their exuberance and stories. Over 50 productions with young artists have been directed by her including original pieces and published works like Seussical, Annie, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Beauty and the Beast, and more. Links and Resources: Mary Lauren @MaryLaurenW on Instagram @MaryLaurenOnline on Facebook AMT Theatre @HeartStringTheatrical on Instagram Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm a high school freshman. It's 2 o'clock in the morning on a school day and I can't sleep, so I get up and wander into our living room. My Dad's in there taking notes and reviewing video footage of our rival softball team we're set to play later that day. He's the head coach of our varsity team and often sends someone to scout out the opponent, so this is a common scene in our household. I say to him, "Dad, why do you spend so much time researching other teams?" "Because the more effort you put in behind the scenes, the more success you'll have when it's game time," he explains. That knowledge bomb was spot on and Dad was right. All those nights and obsessing over the details was worth it since we never lost a single in-league game over the four years I played high school softball. Crazy, right?!? And my special guest today, Marc Bonanni, knows all about research and dissecting what works when it comes to storytelling. In this episode of the Storytelling School podcast, we explore breakdowns and deep dives of story using his encyclopedic knowledge of everything Broadway and Musical Theatre. Marc also answers questions like: What's the difference between film and theater regarding what's essential to make a story? What can you use as a performer to make your storytelling successful? Why has Marvel Studios succeeded with their stories when others have failed (and in what way do their movies resemble musicals)? And what makes a character work well (or not work at all)? What you will learn in this episode: What your responsibility is as a storyteller How the public mindset can affect the success of a story How decades-old, discarded stories can take on new life Who is Marc? Marc Bonanni is a Musical Theatre Historian based in Brooklyn, NY. He has a beautiful wife who works on Broadway and two amazing, if dramatic, daughters. His YouTube channel, Broadway By Ghostlight, has featured several Broadway and television favorites and is slowly growing to become a favorite among the theater crowd. When not knee-deep in editing his videos, Marc is usually attending a Broadway show or napping. Links and Resources: Broadway By Ghostlight on YouTube @BwayGhostlight on Twitter @BwayGhostlight on Instagram Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

My husband Mark and I are at a venue about to give a presentation on the new software application we've developed. It's a big deal! We're in our hometown with a room full of people waiting, and this is the first time we're showing off what we've created. Standing at the front of the room and getting ready to start, we're plugging in our computers to test everything, and… There's no internet?!? Our software needs the internet to run so we start panicking. The audience is getting restless now because we're late in starting our presentation. Trying to maintain our composure, Mark and I decide to switch to our PowerPoint presentation which we've worked on for weeks and weeks. We fire up the projector and… the light bulb isn't working and we can't see our slides! People are running around the room now, trying to get the internet up and the projector working. Cue mild-to-escalating freaking out mode. So I take Mark behind the curtain, put my hands on his shoulders, and say, "I know everything's going wrong, and I've got your back. Let's just.. tell our story." We come back out to face the audience and tell them the story of how we created our software application, why it matters and what our vision is for its future. And… it turns out to be a huge success! In this installment of the "So You Think You Want to Become a Storyteller" series, I dive deep into how public speakers can use storytelling to capture an audience's attention and answer so many good questions like: How can a personal story help you build rapport in your audience right away? How does storytelling help make meaty content about dry subject matters in speeches and presentations more relatable and memorable? And how can you tell a story to an audience who shares an experience you've never had? What you will learn in this episode: How voice changes, body language, and facial expressions enhance storytelling and audience engagement How storytelling helps establish and bolster your credibility How stories can be used to inspire action or motivate your audience to make a change A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teaching my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram

It's a Tuesday night. I'm teaching my Improv class and ask the students to tell me one reason why they came. "I want to work on character voices tonight," says one person. A few others in the room are here for that too. "I want to work on being more physical tonight," says another student who also has others echoing the same sentiment. Then a third person pipes up with, "I want to escape." It's so silent you can hear a pin drop. He goes on to say, "I've gotten some really tough news today and just want to leave the outside world behind. I just want to play. I just want to laugh." And so I tell him, "You're in the right place. You have 100% permission to play." Sometimes, we just need a change in our story. We need to escape in order to create a different chapter or trajectory, and sometimes that results in something incredibly delicious (even beyond our wildest dreams). Singer and songwriter Priska, my special guest today, has used music to not only change her story but also the lives of so many. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, she talks about the power of positive internal dialogue, why surface appearances don't always tell the real story, storytelling through song as a sensitive person, and the transformative power of stories. She also answers questions like: How can a traumatic experience actually open up your curiosity about yourself and the world and the stories you create from it? What needs to happen to make the resolution of a story worth it? And how important is it for people to hear diverse voices tell their stories? What you will learn in this episode: How isolation can have an effect on your ability to create stories How music can help you redefine your internal story Why the world needs to know the stories of your heritage Who is Priska? Priska is a Taiwanese-American singer and songwriter from Los Angeles, California who, despite her small stature, will draw you in with her big voice and intimate lyrics. She has performed and competed in various international showcases and singing competitions. In 2018, she released her debut EP State Change which features soaring vocals, lush instrumentation, and cinematic lyrics. A lifelong lover of feeling out songs with her heart, Priska will take you on an emotional journey that involves heartache, loss, and learning to carve your own path. In August of 2020, she started the podcast Two Horny Goats with director and friend Roxy Shih, where the two chat about food, sexuality, and the damaging effects of Asian-American stereotypes. Links and Resources: Two Horny Goats podcast State Change - Spotify | iTunes @priskamusik on Instagram @priskamusik on Facebook @priskamusik on Youtube @priskacooks on TikTok Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

"Hello, Master Kymberlee." I'll never forget hearing those words for the first time. I'd just earned my Fourth-Degree Black Belt in Dynamic Circle Hapkido. And standing in the dojo, after receiving that greeting from a fellow martial artist, makes me reflect on my 20+ years of Martial Arts training. In that moment, I can't help but think about what it truly means to master something. Fast forward to real-time today on the eve of my Fifth-Degree Black Belt Test. The actual test I have coming up is simply a moment in time. The pursuit of mastery, though, is an evolving adventure on every level, and the gift of mastery is an entire story of evolved learning, growth, accomplishment, and surprise based on a singular skill. Adam C. Hall has spent a good part of his career studying for mastery of the intellectual kind. And as my special guest on today's episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, he and I unpack and get into this world of genius, mastery, and success by delving into questions like: What is genius, really, and how does it tie into the story of your potential? What bonus benefit comes out of sharing your traumatic stories? Why is there no such thing as bad stories? And where does relatability in your story ultimately come from? What you will learn in this episode: What long-lasting impact freeing yourself from old stories can have How to find the story you want to tell to an audience What helps your story come alive more than mere words can Who is Adam? Adam C. Hall is an intellectual master. He's the creator of the Genius Process and founder and CEO of Genius Studios. He has three decades of experience as an impact investor and entrepreneur. He's trained in shamanism and is a teacher of A Course in Miracles. And since 2007, he has been conserving land and working with global evolutionary leaders as the founder of the EarthKeeper Alliance. Adam is also a four-time published author whose teachings integrate science, spirituality, and success. He's been a featured presenter at numerous summits and conferences, guested on over 100 radio and TV shows, and given more than 40 speeches and keynote addresses. Currently residing in Santa Barbara, California, he's the proud father of three daughters and grandad to seven granddaughters. Links and Resources: Adam C. Hall [email protected] @the_geniusstudio on Instagram @EarthKeeperAdam on Facebook Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's 2002. I've just come up with a brilliant idea with someone I met at a networking event. We're in the right place at the right time as this idea involves the creation of a software application that's never been done before. We get the greenlight to develop this software application for TED. But there's a problem... As a technologist who has written books on Flash programming, I have a vision for how this might work. Yet I'm not a designer. However, I happen to be running a technology conference and know that the best designers and developers in the world are right there! So we ask for the best to come on board and help this idea take shape by creating an email titled, "Want to Play?" in the subject line. Eight weeks later, we unveil this back-of-the-napkin idea to HUGE success! And it is 100% because of the design, interaction with the software, and what the experience felt like for clients. My special guest today, Ryan Ford, has over two decades of experience as a professional, award-winning designer influencing the stories of products, companies, and brands. And today on the Storytelling School Podcast, he joins me to talk about how the world of design and the world of storytelling intertwine. So if you're curious to know: What's the difference between people's perception of design and its reality? How can you cater your story to different audiences when pitching ideas? How does the design process itself parallel storytelling? Then tune in as we cover it all. And along the way, you'll be treated to stories involving anime, outcasts, an ice cream cone-licking sloth, and one movie studio's ability to drive your emotions better than most businesses you'll encounter. What you will learn in this episode: Why design and storytelling go hand-in-hand Why you should look at audience first, then story second How you can successfully reposition a long-told story with a simple change Who is Ryan? Ryan Ford is an accomplished designer and leader with over 24 years of design experience. He's built design teams and helped businesses that have had significant cultural impact such as Chime, Deviantart, and Crunchyroll. Among his many other acknowledgements, he received recognition from the California Senate for contributions to eco sustainability through design. Ryan focuses his time on authoring transformative design thought pieces and mentoring young designers, when not enjoying time in his day job or with his family. Links and Resources: Ryan Ford Ryan's article - "Design is not a formula, it's an odyssey: replacing the Double Diamond" @ryanford on LinkedIn @ryanford on Medium @ryanford on Mastodon Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm lying in a hospital bed after my cement truck accident in Hawaii. While I survived, the doctor comes into the room and tells me that something didn't: "Kymberlee, I'm sorry to tell you this, but you've lost your taste and smell forever." When I get released, I'm craving everything you can imagine. I want to smell and taste it all, especially chocolate chip cookies. But I can't, and my friend says to me, "Why don't you just eat rice cakes from now on? Doesn't matter what you eat." So that's what I do, for years and years. I kind of give up on the pleasure of food and eating. But then I start dating a guy who happens to be a chef. He comes over to my house and is horrified at the contents of my fridge: Red Bull, PowerBars, and vodka. That's all that's in there! That was my diet at the time. In the months and years to follow, he completely transforms my relationship with food. Instead of eating to survive, I learn to appreciate food again... But not just any food. I notice how my body feels when I eat certain kinds of food and realize that what I put into my body matters. I start eating healthy food because I feel it nourishing my body in a way food hadn't before. My special guest today, Michael Kuech, also had a health scare that precipitated a change in his experience with food. Now, he has an entire business based on what you put on your plate. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, we talk about food as a risk factor, why healthy eating can be easier (and more fun) than you think, and the emotional connectivity of the foods you choose. If you're curious to know: How can you enjoy eating healthy as a measure to restore or keep your health story on the right track? What simple thing can you do right now to start rewriting your current eating story into a more healthy one? And how soon will you be able to tell the difference in your body and how you feel? Then tune in to hear about the doctor visit that changed everything, the woman whose wedding ring wouldn't fit, and much more! What you will learn in this episode: How stories you tell yourself can influence your eating habits Why adding a healthy eating story into your daily life can be quick, easy, and fun What you can do to break down your emotional connectivity to what you eat Who is Michael? Michael Kuech is a sought-after speaker who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 24. While recovering, his then-girlfriend Kristel helped boost his immunity with superfoods and a plant-based eating plan. Together, they started their B corp company Your Super--a company with a mission to improve people's health with the power of super plants. Your Super went from just the two of them in Kristel's kitchen to an international community of over a million health-conscious enthusiasts that has sold products worth over $200 million. They work with small farmers to provide the cleanest superfood mixes, plant-based proteins, and organic snacks for everyday health, detoxing, immunity, hormone health, and gut support. Michael has been featured on shows and in publications like The Doctors, Good Day L.A., CheddarTV, People, Well+ Good, Real Simple, Parade, InStyle, and more. Recently, he and Kristel were married and just welcomed their first mini-plant lover, a baby boy they named Leo. And when not residing in Los Angeles, they go wherever their farmers have an extra hammock. Links and Resources: Your Super Your Super Life: 100+ Delicious, Plant-Based Recipes Made with Nature's Most Powerful Superfoods by Kristel de Groot & Michael Kuech @kristelandmichael on Instagram @yoursuperfoods on Instagram Michael's TEDx Talk - "One Big Threat to Humanity Is What's On Our Plates" Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

At eight years old, my Dad is living on a farm in Illinois. It's Christmas morning and time to open presents. His brother opens his first; it's a new train set and he's ecstatic! But my Dad notices that there's no gift with his name on it under the tree. Did he do something wrong? Are his parents upset with him? These thoughts run through his head when his parents tell him, "Your gift is outside by the barn. Go ahead!" So my dad goes outside, and there's a Shetland pony waiting for him! Now, he's never been around ponies. They don't even have horses of any kind. Yet dad and this pony (who he names Captain) become the best of friends. They're inseparable! He even teaches Captain how to shake hands! Sixty years later, my Dad still tells me stories about the antics he and Captain got up to and the lessons he learned that still affect him to this day. My special guest today is a pioneer in so many ways, and his own bond with a four-legged friend provided the spark to change his life and the lives of others. Duey Freeman is a licensed therapist and "horse whisperer" who not only has amassed stories through his own incredible life but is also changing the life stories of his clients. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, he talks about how his work helps those with stories involving attachment issues, we explore the relation between storytelling and relationship development, and he answers questions like: Why are horses so good at helping those suffering from stories of traumatic events? And how are we physiologically affected by the stories we tell (or hear from others)? What you will learn in this episode: How relationships in the wild affect stories of survival How storytelling can influence your nervous system What primarily causes attachment between two beings (in stories and real life) Who is Duey? As the co-founder of the Gestalt Equine Institute of the Rockies, Duey Freeman is a sought-after teacher, trainer, licensed therapist, and equine professional worldwide. He developed and taught practical attachment and human development theories to thousands of university students. He also has nearly 80,000 direct client hours, supervises therapists and graduate students, and has people from all over the world come to study with him. It was Duey's bond with his beloved horse Jake (who passed away in 2015) that helped him embody tenderness, strength, and authenticity in his relations and work. He's exploring new horizons in facilitating men's growth work because, for him, Gestalt and Relational Horsemanship aren't just approaches; they're how he walks through the world. In addition, Duey does business and land consultations for new equine therapy sites. Links and Resources: Duey Freeman Gestalt Equine Institute of the Rockies Colorado Ecotherapy Institute @dueyfreeman on Instagram Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm running TEDxSantaBarbara in 2017 with my husband Mark. Our committee is gathering to select the speakers for the upcoming event, and we're going through hundreds of applications. One particular application stands out with a bold statement. It claims that half of all blindness in the world is just a 10-minute surgery away from being cured. That's an idea that absolutely deserves to be heard far and wide. But is it real? Is it actually possible? To find out, we interview the doctor behind the idea and discover that not only is it real, but it'll change cataract surgery as we know it! We unanimously invite him to speak at our TEDx. And now, I've invited that doctor onto the Storytelling School podcast. In this episode, I talk with special guest Dr. Jeffrey Levenson about what has changed since his TEDx Talk in 2017, how one person who watched his Talk was inspired to fund 10000 eye surgeries, and the remarkable story behind his passion for affordable and accessible cataract surgery to all. He answers questions like: How does the rate of blindness in poor communities affect the story of those around them? What happened to him recently that changed the trajectory of his story and that of a thousand people (and potentially more)? What are doctors doing overseas for just $50 to change the story for blind people in poor countries (and is it happening in the U.S., too)? What you will learn in this episode: What the essence of a story is Why you should never give up on telling your story What makes for the most impactful stories Who is Dr. Levenson? Jeffrey Levenson, MD is a Florida based eye surgeon and the founder of Jacksonville's Gift of Sight Program, a program that has for over 30 years assured that no one in North Florida is blind for want of a cataract surgery, regardless of their ability to pay. He's also the Chief Medical Officer of SEE International, a Santa Barbara based charity dedicated to the end of needless blindness around the world. He has spent the last ten years working around the globe to promote a re-engineered variant of cataract surgery that's less expensive, equally effective, and suitable to low resource communities. Half of all the blindness in the world is people who need a 10 minute surgery. It doesn't have to be that way. His TEDxSanta Barbara Talk points the way. Links and Resources: Ending Preventable Blindness: reinventing cataract surgery | Jeffrey Levenson | TEDxTalk SantaBarbara 1,000 Blind People See For The First Time | MrBeast | Youtube SEE International Gift of Sight Levenson Eye Associates Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's 2015, and I'm ready to take the next leap. I've been working with speakers one-on-one for a while and want to try my hand at hosting my own event. Except, I've never done this before, and if I do it… will anyone even come to it? How long should it be? What content should I cover? And what about the whole performance aspect of speaking? These are the questions going through my mind when I realize that I need to ask my Improv mentor, Alan Irwin, to join me in co-hosting this event. So I reach out to him: "Hey, Alan. Want to play? This is what I'm thinking. What do you think?" He loves the idea and soon we're planning all the details for our dream speaker power event on napkins and stickie notes. On June 12th 2015, we host our very first live event and haven't stopped since. And today, I've invited my event co-hosting partner in crime back on the Storytelling School Podcast. He and I have gained many insights and fielded many questions after years of running these events. So in this episode, we talk about how these workshops help you, as a speaker or storyteller, effectively express your message to an audience. We touch on developing and refining your ideas on your terms, including humor in your speech, and overcoming fear related to public speaking by answering questions like: How can you effectively dig deep into exploring the ideas and stories you want to share with an audience? What's the formula for adding humor to your Talk, and how does humor benefit you as the speaker or storyteller? How can you work on the fear you feel when telling a story or sharing your ideas in a presentation? And how does Improv influence you as a communicator or storyteller? What you will learn in this episode: How immersion helps you embody your stories and ideas What approach to take if you want to incorporate humor into your speech How to take on a character when you're afraid of giving a Talk or sharing your story Who is Alan? Storytelling has played a role in both of Alan Irwin's careers in different ways. He recently retired from a career spent in the infrared industry as a senior software engineer by day. However, he stumbled into Improvisational Comedy in his 30s and by night has performed it for over 30 years, while also spending most of that time teaching Improv. Improvisation has transformed Alan's teaching. His secret weapon lies in his penchant for making complex subjects accessible and fun. It has served him well worldwide in speaking engagements on a wide range of other topics, from robotics to crisis intervention (including suicide prevention). He's taken on the task of communicating very complex ideas to others in tech (and his interests, like geek culture and cheesemaking). Links and Resources: Santa Barbara Improv Story to Standing Ovation - Speaker Bootcamp Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

"Black belt, don't think!" Those deep, stern words from the Grandmaster echo across the dojo and ring in my ears like a loudspeaker at full volume. Eight fellow black belts surround me in a circle with weapons in their hands while I have none. We're doing a dynamic circle knife drill exercise where, one by one, they attack and I have to disarm each weapon and take the attacker down while avoiding injury myself. When the exercise begins, I'm full of adrenaline and can feel my heart racing like a race car at the Indy 500. I'm trying to outthink my opponent, contemplating their next move, pre-planning my next move, and overthinking the entire scenario. I'm not trusting myself or my instincts. While I manage to avoid what would be serious injury on the street, my movements aren't fluid at all! Grandmaster calls me out and starts the exercise over. I take a slow breath and turn around in a circle to look at each of my eight opponents. "Begin!" the Grandmaster orders. I… close my eyes. Now that I've removed my sense of sight, I'm relying solely on sound, touch, and trust in myself. Each black belt yells "Ki-ai" and initiates their attack. I respond and disarm the first one, then the next, and the next. The disarming goes significantly better, and I'm reminded of how powerful the senses are and how harder the others work when you take one away. In this next episode of the "So You Think You Want to Become a Storyteller" master series, I talk about how the five senses can enrich your storytelling. Once again, I have my interviewer extraordinaire (Mark) ask me some tough questions on this topic such as: How do you incorporate the senses into your storytelling and make your stories come alive? Do you even need all five senses, or will just one or two do fine? And can you overuse senses in your stories? What you will learn in this episode: -How you can use the senses to describe anything in a story -What sense tends to get overused and underused by storytellers -How you can use the five senses to evoke specific emotions in your story A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teaching my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram

I'm in high demand as a high school softball pitcher. Colleges want to recruit me like crazy to come play for their school. The all-expense-paid recruiting trips begin. There's one to a college with snow on the ground which appeals to me because I'm a snow skier, too. There's another college where the coaches are amazing, and another one with an unstoppable team. Then I get an invitation from a college coach I'm not familiar with. I'm a Southern California girl thinking of sticking close to home on the West Coast, and this school is a little far away. Yet since these recruiting trips consist of people wining and dining you - so to speak - for a couple of days, I figured there's no harm in at least going out there for a visit. I'm thinking, "I've never been to the islands, so it's fine. It'll be a fun weekend." When the plane lands and I get off, though, my body is tingling. I love the smell of the air, the flowers, the palm trees and the ocean, and right then and there, I decide, "Yes, I'm ready to sign and I'm going to the University of Hawaii." Plot twist! I was going in one direction, playing it safe. Then I had this opportunity to step out in another direction. I knew nobody in Hawaii and was hours (and an ocean) away from home… and I was willing to take the risk. Doing so changed my life! My guest today, Candice Michelle, has lived her own life full of plot twists. And in this episode, she talks about the many facets of her story including acting out a story live in front of 100,000+ people, a lesson learned from pro wrestler Ric Flair, and more! Plus, she'll answer questions such as: How does listening to your gut drastically affect or change the course of your life story? How does the professional wrestling world create stories and characters for its audience? And why does winning a WWE title mean so much, even in an industry like sports entertainment where the ending to the story is planned? What you will learn in this episode: How your intuition can throw plot twists into your story How the philosophy of wrestling matches resembles storytelling Why struggles are the best story gifts Who is Candice Michelle? Candice Michelle had to overcome the odds even before she was born. Due to complications from her father's health, her mother's doctors urged her to abort her pregnancy. But her mom braved the pregnancy anyway and gave birth to a healthy baby girl who grew up in Milwaukee as a Green Bay Packers fan. At 18, Candice Michelle followed her heart and moved to Hollywood to pursue modeling. She became a WWE Diva Search Contestant, was the first to win the wrestling organization's Women's Championship title, and even got to pose on the cover of Playboy. She also went on to become a WWE 24/7 Champion. You might have seen her in Super Bowl commercials every year, too, as the GoDaddy Girl. An injury ended Candice Michelle's wrestling career, but it wasn't the end of her championship reign. Now happily married for 20 years and a mother to three beautiful girls, she's a champ coach who lives, eats, and trains 24/7 and focuses on helping others through crises and regaining their joy. Links and Resources: Candice Michelle @mrs_candice_michelle on Instagram Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm preparing to teach my Mastermind class about being a premium brand. But there's one issue: I'm tired of using the same old Apple, Ritz Carlton, Mercedes types of examples… As I'm sipping on my homemade matcha latte, it hits me. I have the answer right in the palm of my hand! I remember being out of matcha and scouring the Internet looking at one site after another to find one that stands out. As I land on a particular matcha website, I see it has a STORY around the product. As I continue reading, I learn about matcha: all the different varieties, where a particular grade of matcha comes from, and the actual people who grow it. I'm hooked and I purchase it. When it arrives on my doorstep, I realize that everything about this experience is different. Right from the get-go, I'm unboxing this very carefully, noticing the beautifully tissue-wrapped product, and the invoice even has a handwritten thank you note on it. I can't remember the last time a company hand wrote a thank you note on their invoice. This kind of detail, service, and interaction really illustrate what premium brand experiences are made of! Premium brands aren't just selling products; they're truly selling an experience. And this particular one changed my relationship with matcha forever. If you've listened to my show for a while, you know I can't live without my matcha latte. So it should be no surprise that I'd eventually bring a matcha expert onto the show. This week, I talk with Eric Gower, the founder of the very company I just described, Breakaway Matcha! Eric and his matcha business have certainly made me a customer for life! In this episode, he discusses how story infiltrates everything he does in his business and takes us on a deep dive into matcha tea. If you're curious to know: What is matcha? How does it affect your external and internal story? And what about storytelling makes it one of the most effective things you can do for sales? Then tune in as Eric talks about how his introduction to matcha has influenced his life story, explains how metaphors helped him finally understand Bitcoin, demonstrates how he uses storytelling to sell matcha tea, and so much more! What you will learn in this episode: How metaphor makes the message of your story go deeper What two storytelling factors in sales provide the basis for repeat customers How all-around trust serves you in telling an effective story Who is Eric? Eric Gower is an author, editor, private chef, cooking teacher, and the founder of Breakaway Matcha. He developed an obsession with extreme-grade matcha while living and working in Japan for 16 years. He thought it should be much easier for people to find. A decade later, his determination paid off as he opened the doors to his company. The main goal of Breakaway Matcha is making great matcha accessible to anyone. Eric has formed close relationships with those in Japan who cultivate and process it. The company specializes in sourcing exceptional matcha, blending and distributing it worldwide, and educating consumers and food service professionals on matcha preparation and service. In addition, he works with local ceramicists and artists to create beautifully-designed, special teaware that brings the best out of matcha and enhances its enjoyment. So if you're looking for a transcendent matcha experience, Breakaway Matcha stops at nothing to keep you as happy and healthy as possible! You can access it along with ceramics and other teaware through Eric's website. Links and Resources: Breakaway Matcha @breakawaymatcha on Instagram Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's showtime. I'm wickedly nervous as I prepare to deliver my monologue in my very first acting class. I've been rehearsing relentlessly and memorizing my script so that I don't forget any of my character's dialogue. I begin. And not two minutes into it, my teacher Peter stops me. What he says next changes me--not just as an actor, but as a speaker, storyteller, and communicator. He tells me, "Kymberlee, I want you to live in the line you are in. Don't worry about what's going to happen. Good acting is when you risk losing the next line." Whoa. What if we all lived in the line we're in during conversations with loved ones at home or associates in everyday life? As a voiceover artist and actress, my special guest this week, Kate Marley, does this in spades. And in this episode, she's here to talk all about it and answer questions like: What can anyone bring into a story character to give it life? How powerfully do shared stories affect you emotionally, both inside and outside of a community? What you will learn in this episode: Why purpose is such an essential storytelling element How story and art help you reconnect to your authentic self How shared stories shift previously-stuck perspectives and help others Who is Kate? Kate Marley is a full-time artist in visual art, acting, and photography in Los Angeles, California. She graduated and obtained her degree from Ithaca College's Musical Theatre program and is a proud member of the Actors Equity and SAG-AFTRA. Despite her musical days feeling far away, she still has a lifelong goal of telling stories and communicating with various audiences in her current fields of work. Currently, Kate spends most of her time acting and directing in voiceover and selling her artwork locally, always meeting new people and sharing new stories in the process. You can connect with her and find her work through her websites, Kate Marley and Jungmisul. Links and Resources: Kate Marley Jungmisul Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm at The Groundlings Theatre for an Improv class. We're doing two-person scenes when our instructor says it's time for a drill. "This next exercise is a way to go deeper into your characters, fast." For each pair, he instructs one person to start with a mundane statement about the other. The second person repeats the statement and adds something about what it means. Then it goes back to the first person to repeat the added-on part of the statement and add something else about what that means. Kymberlee: Carl, you look lonely standing here by the punchbowl all by yourself. Carl: I look lonely standing here by the punchbowl all by myself, and what that means is I'm not very good at social events. K: You're not very good at social events, and what that means is you prefer to have fun where you don't have to talk to people. C: I prefer to have fun where I don't have to talk to people, and what that means is I'm really into gaming. And so on it goes, until the instructor says, "Scene!" to end the exercise. That simple made-up scene gives us lots of information about our characters in only a couple of sentences. In our world, we as communicators have so much we want to share. But sometimes we get stuck in expressing the meat of it in a way that resonates with our audience. When you tap into your feelings, you get to the heart of your story faster! My guest today, Jane Lui, knows all about storytelling in a variety of ways. She does it through singing, composing, acting, producing, and so much more. In this episode, she talks about how she brings stories to life through her work with emotion leading the way and answers questions like: In what ways can you start to build your story if you're stuck? And how can you make your story more interesting for your audience? What you will learn in this episode: What really lies behind the magic of storytelling How you can structure your story to get people's attention How you can bring out the layers and multiple facets of your story Who is Jane? Jane Lui is a singer, songwriter, composer, and actress who goes by the stage name Surrija (sur-rye-ya). Originally from Hong Kong, she grew up playing piano. She immigrated to the Bay area and started listening to everything from 1930s oldies to 1990s Bjork. After obtaining her Bachelor of Music in Choral Conducting, Jane released three albums on Youtube that gained a strong following. Then she evolved into her self-titled concept album SURRIJA based on Picasso's lovers and demonstrated her own growth as both a woman and musician, from classical training to electro-pop artistry. The album, which received a 2021 Best Pop Album nomination at the San Diego Music Awards, features drummer Matt Chamberlain who has also worked with artists such as David Bowie and Fiona Apple. In addition to Chamberlain, Jane also collaborated with Kate Earl, Melissa Polinar, Son Lux, Tom Brousseau, Vienna Teng, and more. Currently, she's a cast member and co-music director of Lauren Yee's Cambodian Rock Band. She also composed for the theater productions All's Well That Ends Well and Secret in the Wings. Links and Resources: SURRIJA @janelui on Twitter @surrija on Instagram @surrija on Facebook Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm about to deliver a Talk, and I want to open it with a really good story I remembered from a couple of months ago. The problem is I can't find it anywhere! I look at my whiteboard, thinking, "Surely, I scribbled a little message about it somewhere there." Nope. I search my notebooks. Zip. I sort through my stacks of sticky notes, and still nothing. After spending over two hours hunting for this story, I decide, "That's it! From now on, I'm putting all my stories in one spot, once and for all!" So I create a story arsenal where I can find all of my stories and never run out of ideas. Today, that arsenal is one of my most valuable business assets. How did I do it? Find out in this episode of the "So You Think You Want To Become a Storyteller" master series as I also answer questions such as: Why do you need a story arsenal? How do you use it? When do you add to it? And how do you keep it organized? What you will learn in this episode: How to record story ideas in your arsenal How to organize story ideas to find them as you need them What to do when you can't immediately record a story idea in your arsenal A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teaching my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram

I'm running my software company in 2015 when this email comes in. As we open it, we're beside ourselves with excitement because it represents the opportunity of a lifetime. We've been selected as one of the very few technology companies to present at the DEMO conference. I eagerly read the details, including how much time presenters have to speak. I'm looking for our company's name, and I don't see us among the slots for the 20-minute presentations… nor the 5-minute ones... nor the 3-minute ones. I get down to the 1-minute presentations and see us listed there. Cue the freaking out. We only have 60 seconds to get on stage and talk about our entire software company and everything we do to a roomful of the most influential people in the world! So what do we do? Something completely different of course. My co-founder Mark and I get on stage and ask everybody in the audience to stand up. Then one by one, we ask for anyone belonging to certain groups of people to sit down until eventually only the investors in the room are left standing. Making a joke about how they're the ones everyone else in the room wants to most meet, we quickly explain that that's how our software works. It takes complex bits of data and narrows it down to the five people you need to meet. Our 1-minute presentation was a huge success! It opened so many doors afterward. And it happened because we chose to create an experience for our audience that built a relationship. My special guest today, Neal Bloom, knows all about relationship-building from both the entrepreneurial perspective and the investor perspective. In today's show, he talks about story as it relates to the work he does and answers questions like: What deeper levels of connection can change the trajectory of your life or business? What money stories impact entrepreneurs when it comes to the investor industry (and vice versa)? And how does telling your story open up new avenues or doors of opportunity for you and others? What you will learn in this episode: How connections can be a life or business story game changer What makes for a great story in your business pitch How story pivots can make you more backable as an entrepreneur Who is Neal? Neal Bloom used to think he'd go into one of the family businesses. Instead, he graduated with an engineering undergraduate degree and worked on NASA's Space Shuttle program. Since then, he's obtained his M.B.A. with an emphasis on entrepreneurship and marketing. Neal co-founded a company to help new graduates visually brand themselves using their existing classwork as work experience. After selling the company in 2019, he went on to build Interlock Capital, an investment community of domain expert operators to close the gap between capital and subject matter experts. Now, Neal serves as the Managing Partner of the venture capital firm, in addition to being CEO of communication firm Rising Tide Partners. Additionally, Neal has launched multiple companies in the education technology and talent technology space, invested in over 50 startup technology companies, amplified the story of governments to help attract innovative businesses to their city, and mentored hundreds of founders to leap into or keep building quality businesses. Links and Resources: Rising Tide Partners Interlock Capital @NealBloom on Twitter Neal Bloom on LinkedIn Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

It's 2014. As the year draws to a close, all of my friends come up with their New Year's resolutions, ranging from dropping bad habits to losing weight. But while I create my list of resolutions on the eve of the new year, I realize it isn't going to work. Sure, I write them out every year with the best intentions in mind, but I forget some of them by February and even blow by others in January. At the end of the year, when reflecting back, it's the goals I haven't reached that make me feel like I'm failing. Walking on the beach that morning with my matcha latte, I wonder, "What if there were a new way to set intentions for the year ahead? What if those intentions actually made a significant difference in our lives?" Then it hits me. Instead of doing the usual thing, I'm going to give the upcoming year a short, memorable, spicy name. I'm going to name my year based on who I want to become, not who I am today. No more lists, no more forgetting, no more failing. I will live into what I've named my year with every decision I make and every action I take. What happens as a result? Everything. Outcomes change based on what I name my year, and it has such a profound effect on me that I start teaching others to do it and have incredible transformations of their own. Now it's your turn! In this short but very special episode, I talk about changing your year (and your life) with one, simple word or phrase and demonstrate why it works better than your typical New Year's resolution. What you will learn in this episode: How to create a new story of yourself and your life by naming your year Why you shouldn't keep this new story of yours a secret from others How to check in daily to ensure your story stays on track throughout the year A little about me: Hi there. I'm Kymberlee. As a Speaking Strategist and founder of Storytelling School, I've had the pleasure of working with over 500 speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs worldwide for over a decade. No matter if those folks were getting ready to take the TED or TEDx stage or preparing for a high-stakes presentation with everything on the line, my specialty is High Stakes Short Form Communication. I've seen what works when influencing change and what doesn't. It turns out storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your arsenal. That's why I'm building a movement of master storytellers to affect change in the world on a global scale to help people tell real stories that have influence and impact. With effective storytelling, you change people's lives. Since competition for potential client attention is fierce, a story can make the difference between being memorable or irrelevant. You'll find me sharing my matcha tea mishap to discuss perfectionism, my quest for Bruce Lee and Hello Kitty art to explore kindness, or the six months of live blade training I underwent to illustrate presence. I spend my days showing the power of using stories to help cement ideas and bring lessons to life and teaching my clients to do the same. If you think business owners can't tell stories or don't have stories to share with their clients, staff, donors, followers, or investors, I invite you to reconsider your perspective. There's no better place than in business to tell your stories so audiences, no matter how big or small, can understand how you think and what you value. Now it's your turn... If you're ready to become a master storyteller and effect change in our world, you've come to the right place. Links and Resources: Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram

As a 14-year-old, I'd rather do a million other things than clean. So I'm not happy when my dad tells me, "Our renters just moved out, so it's time to clean the house before the new renters move in." He notices the look on my face and says, "When I moved to California after high school, I put a down payment on a rental house that turned into two houses, then three houses, and many more. One day, you'll appreciate these rental houses because making smart choices with your money today will result in financial freedom tomorrow." Fast forward to today, and Dad was right. The financial choices we make now do impact our future selves, something my special guest today also knows very well. Dylan Bain focuses his life's work on the stories that happen as a result of the financial choices we make. In this episode, he tells us all about it. So if you're curious to know: How can you tell the difference between you writing your money story and the story writing you? How can money stories from your childhood impact you as an adult, even if you have very different financial circumstances? How do you unpack the emotional charge from your financial story to get different results? And why does storytelling garner success or breakthroughs when you do it in your line of work? Then tune in as we touch on the emotional factor of money, other life area stories resembling your money story, the power of storytelling in your profession, and navigating (possibly opposite) money stories between couples. Along the way, Dylan shares stories about a pair of rotting shoes, generational food culture, a bored CFO, a fraudulent principal, an uncomfortable wife, and how all that can have an impact on your money story or the stories you tell others. What you will learn in this episode: Why your money story doesn't actually start with you How to adopt a different money story to replace the old one Why you should think again if you think storytelling won't work in your profession Who is Dylan? Dylan Bain is a financial coach who specializes in helping others rewrite their money stories. His own journey began eight years ago when he left his job teaching math to pursue an accounting career in grad school while raising his family. Wanting to leave his former life of welfare and multiple jobs behind, he rewrote the script of his life and found peace in financial security. He discovered others wanted to follow a similar path, too, so he began coaching in earnest. Since Dylan quit his math teacher job, he's gone from food stamps to financial sovereignty. He believes that people view money, at its core, with fear and mystery when it doesn't have to be that way. So he brings a holistic approach when it comes to financial relationships. Working through his company Fiscally Savage, he focuses on coaching clients on the emotions of money, seeing a budget as a statement of shared values, and finding ways to control their financial lives and live freely. Links and Resources: Fiscally Savage @fiscallysavage on Instagram @fiscallysavage on Facebook @fiscallysavage on Twitter Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook

I'm coaching a client on her TEDx Talk and she says, "Kymberlee, I don't know if I can get through this story I'm telling. Every single time I get to a certain part, I start crying and I can't even stop!" Having an emotional response like that means you're very present in your storytelling - which is what you want! So I tell her, "Try refocusing on your audience while you're telling the story. How can you serve them?" In other words, focus on what the audience needs and take care of them instead of focusing internally on yourself. She tries it and… it changes everything! She can share her stories with minimal tears while in service to her audience. My special guest today, Eric Hodgdon, is all too familiar with telling hard stories. In this episode, he's here to share his incredibly valuable perspective on that side of storytelling and answer questions like: How do you know your story is the right one to tell? How can you conclude hard stories for your audience? And how can you prepare yourself to deliver a difficult story to an audience? What you will learn in this episode: How telling difficult stories can help you and others heal How to know when you're ready to share a difficult story How to keep your story fresh and lively through repeated rehearsals Who is Eric? Eric Hodgdon is a speaker, author, and coach who knows first-hand the struggle after losing a loved one. After his 15-year-old daughter Zoi's death to suicide in early 2014, he grew frustrated with grief support resources focused on survival as the endgame of a grief journey. So for the past 8 years, he's made it his mission to change the way we approach grief support and coached and trained thousands of women and men on how to navigate one of the worst setbacks in life. Eric has spoken on a TEDx stage (with Kymberlee as his coach) and authored the Amazon bestselling book A Sherpa Named Zoi. Currently, he works 1-on-1 with clients to help them survive first, then get back up and ultimately live beyond the loss of their loved one. He's most active on Instagram where he posts every week about how to move from struggle to strength in the face of loss. Links and Resources: Free Grief Support Guide A Sherpa Named Zoi by Eric Hodgdon @ericbhodgdon on Instagram @Getup8 on Facebook Free Facebook Grief Support Group: Let's Walk Together Storytelling School Website @storytellingschool on Instagram @storytellingSchool on Facebook