The Storytelling Lab

"I refuse to listen to the 'I need $25,000 to go make something.' You might need $25,000 to make that thing that you're talking about, but go make something else, you know?" - Luke BarnettIn this episode of The Storytelling Lab, filmmaker Luke Barnett shares valuable insights on the art of storytelling and the practicalities of bringing creative visions to life. He challenges the misconception that a significant budget is necessary to produce a short film, emphasizing the value of taking action and creating with the resources at hand. Barnett also highlights the importance of building relationships in the creative industry, discussing how supportive networks of collaborators are essential for bringing projects to life. His personal experiences, from the success of his film 'The Crossing Over Express' to his upcoming project 'Epilogue,' offer practical guidance and encouragement for aspiring storytellers and creatives. Barnett's emphasis on authenticity, emotional depth, and relatability in storytelling provides valuable lessons for individuals navigating the creative industry. If you're looking to gain insights into overcoming creative barriers, taking control of your career, and bringing meaningful stories to life, this episode is a must-listen!In this episode, you will learn to:Discover the secrets to creating impactful films on a shoestring budget.Overcome creative blocks in filmmaking and unlock your artistic potential.Build lasting relationships in the film industry and open doors to new opportunities.Understand the profound impact of personal narratives on filmmaking and audience engagement.Uncover effective strategies to promote indie films and reach niche audiences.

The labyrinth, while it may be a metaphor for sociocultural conflicts, the choices you have to make at home in your culture in order to succeed, which have consequences. While that works there, it also works as psychologically, because it's an inward journey." - Douglas BurtonGrowing up in the 80s, Douglas Burton was immersed in a world of iconic films that ignited his imagination. From Star Wars to Raiders of the Lost Ark, these stories captured his attention and left an indelible mark on his storytelling journey. However, it wasn't until the late 90s that Douglas stumbled upon the concept of the Hero's Journey, and it was like finding fire. Intrigued by the idea of a single narrative pattern that repeats in some of his favorite stories, he delved into an obsessive study of the Hero's Journey, taking meticulous notes and watching movies with a newfound purpose. But as he began to write his own historical fiction novel with a female lead, Byzantine Empress Theodora, he faced a daunting realization – the Hero's Journey didn't fit the structure of his story. This unexpected twist in his writing journey led him to explore alternative narrative frameworks, ultimately shaping his unique perspective on storytelling and the nuances of diverse narratives.In this episode, you will be able to:Navigate through the intricate paths of the Heroine's Labyrinth, discovering the unique storytelling elements it offers.Distinguish the distinct nuances between Hero's and Heroine's narratives, unlocking a deeper understanding of character arcs.Explore the powerful impact of archetypes in storytelling, tapping into universal themes that resonate with audiences.Harness the transformative power of storytelling for personal growth, unlocking new perspectives and insights.

"Tension is the driving force behind any good story. You need to do is understand that it is a constant ebb and flow of tension. You're increasing the tension and you're releasing the tension. That is the rhythm of storytelling. That's all storytelling is, is cause and effect." - Rain BennettIn this episode of The Storytelling Lab podcast, Rain Bennett dives into the captivating storytelling techniques of YouTuber and storyteller John Allen, also known as "MrBallen" on YouTube and TikTok.Rain shares his personal experience attending Mr. Ballen's first-ever live storytelling tour and highlights the importance of pacing in building tension within a narrative. The conversation emphasizes the importance of pacing in building tension within a narrative, emphasizing the impact of vivid descriptions and sensory details in storytelling.If you're looking to enhance your storytelling abilities and captivate your audience, this episode offers a compelling discussion on the art of storytelling and the techniques employed by successful storytellers, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about crafting compelling narratives.In this episode, you will be able to:Skillfully build tension in your storytelling narratives for maximum impact.Discover the secrets to building a captivating storytelling YouTube channel.Master the techniques for effective storytelling that will keep your audience hooked.Engage your audience with live storytelling tours that leave a lasting impact.

"It was my moment in the universe to make this wrong a right, and I knew I had the skills to do it." - Betsy HesterBetsy Hester's journey into the world of true crime storytelling began during her 25-year teaching career, where she instilled in her students the importance of critical thinking and fact-based research. It was the haunting tale of the Little Rascals daycare scandal that deeply affected her and her husband, a criminal defense attorney, as they were young parents when the story first unfolded. The hysteria and paranoia surrounding the case, along with its connection to the broader phenomenon of satanic sexual abuse cases, sparked a sense of disbelief and intrigue in Betsy. As the story went silent, her husband's persistent words, "Somebody needs to write this book," resonated with her. It was a chance encounter with a central figure of the scandal, Robin, that ignited the spark to tell the compelling and disturbing narrative of a miscarriage of justice. This chance meeting, combined with Betsy's passion for research and storytelling, set her on a path to weave together a story of resilience, faith, and the relentless pursuit of truth in her book 21 Boxes.In this episode, you will be able to:Discover how to craft a compelling narrative that captivates readers.Learn effective strategies for self-publishing your true story and reaching a wider audience.Overcome the challenges of book marketing and learn how to effectively promote to captivated readers.Explore the inspiring journey of exoneration after false accusations and understand the power of resilience in storytelling.

"The next revolution in information won't be about knowledge. It will be about implementation, because we all know so much more than we're able to put into practice." - Jyoti GuptaraCurious about how a novelist and business storyteller found their way to a cutting-edge technology summit? Discover how this unexpected journey led to a groundbreaking intersection of creativity and AI. Jyoti Guptara, a published novelist known for fantasy thrillers, discovered the power of storytelling in business during a residency in Geneva. While conducting research for a novel in the UN environment, Jyoti observed that even accomplished executives and experts struggled to engage their audience. It was during casual conversations over dinner or coffee that Jyoti noticed these individuals come alive through storytelling, which sparked a realization. Drawing from a decade of writing experience, Jyoti saw an opportunity to help business professionals communicate effectively by integrating fiction writing skills. This unique perspective, combining the art of storytelling with business communication, offers a fresh approach to engaging and influencing others. In this episode, you will learn how to:Master the art of captivating business storytelling that engages and influences executives.Unlock the power of integrating fiction writing skills into your business communication for impactful storytelling.Discover the pivotal role of AI in modern storytelling and how it can revolutionize your business narratives.Cultivate a culture of storytelling within your organization to foster connection, understanding, and engagement.Explore the immersive potential of virtual reality and gamification in corporate training for enhanced learning experiences.

"I just felt like we didn't have enough storytellers for brands on LinkedIn. Storytelling is the new deal and brands are lacking when it comes to writing stories. So I decided to just focus more on writing stories for brands, just to let them know that we are not doing that boring content anymore." - Zainan OlanrewajuIf you're feeling overwhelmed and struggling to find your unique storytelling style, then you are not alone!Are you constantly comparing yourself to others and feeling like you're not making any progress? Let's change that today.Today my guest is Zainab Olanrewaju, a passionate brand storyteller, dedicated to helping businesses thrive through the power of words. Hailing from Nigeria, Zainab's approach to storytelling is influenced by the rich cultural history of West Africa, allowing her to craft narratives that deeply resonate with her audience.Zainab's journey as a storyteller began with skepticism from others who doubted the financial viability of storytelling. Despite the initial resistance, she remained determined to pursue her passion for writing.Zainab's conviction in the power of storytelling was further reinforced as she realized the untapped potential for brands to connect with their audiences through compelling narratives. Despite encountering skepticism regarding the relevance of storytelling in the digital age, Zainab remained steadfast in her belief.Zainab's journey serves as a testament to the profound impact of storytelling in forging connections and enhancing brand engagement.In this episode, you will learn how to:Uncover the impact of storytelling on brand success and how it can elevate your business to new heights.Explore the journey of transitioning to a storytelling career and the opportunities it presents for personal and professional growth.Discover the pivotal role of the chief storyteller in businesses.Understand the importance of weaving personal experiences into storytelling.