The Storytelling Lab

“If it makes me curious, then maybe it’ll make someone else curious, too.” — Patrick HicksWhat started as a 30-day content challenge became a storytelling movement powered by rock, raw honesty, and curiosity.In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain Bennett speaks with Patrick Hicks, creator of a viral TikTok account (@patrickhicksmusic), where he tells the stories behind the songs that shaped our lives. With over half a million followers and a growing book project, Patrick has built a creator career that feels authentic, soulful, and sustainable.They discuss how Patrick’s background in marketing, music, and punk DIY culture gave him the tools to grow his audience without losing his voice. You’ll hear how he balances content creation with a full-time job, why he never polishes his videos, and how he structures stories to connect emotionally—without chasing algorithms.This episode is a masterclass in following your curiosity, honoring your influences, and building something meaningful on your own terms.In this episode, you will learn to:Turn a simple idea into a large, loyal audience by following your own curiosityTell better stories by pairing emotional narratives with musical memoryStructure short-form content that resonates without being overproducedBuild trust and authenticity by leaning into your quirks and imperfectionsBalance creative pursuits with real life while still growing your platformFollow Patrick on:TikTokInstagramor subscribe to his Substack here!And for more storytelling tips and tricks,Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.comFollow on TikTok @rainbennett.storyellerFollow on Twitter @rainbennettFollow on Instagram @rainbennettFollow on Facebook @thestorytellinglab Subscribe to the YouTube Channel

"Interviewing is not about taking something—it's about helping them be more of who they are." — Wil WeldonWhat if the key to more powerful storytelling lies not in your editing skills—but in your ability to deeply listen?In this soul-stirring episode, Rain Bennett talks with Wil Weldon, a video journalist, former massage therapist, and Reiki practitioner who’s developed a holistic approach to interviewing called Heart-Forward Storytelling.They dive into Wil’s new book INNERviewing: Heart-Forward Storytelling and Holistic Communication, which teaches storytellers, coaches, marketers, and everyday humans how to create space for transformational conversations. You’ll learn how principles of energy transfer, intention, and trust can improve your interviews—not just on camera, but in life.From family storytelling to trauma-informed listening, this episode reminds us that storytelling is more than performance—it's connection at its deepest level.In this episode, you will learn to:Create deeper interviews by minimizing your ego and agendaApply Reiki-inspired principles to your communication processBuild trust and energy in storytelling relationships without manipulationPreserve your family’s legacy through intentional, heart-centered conversationsRedefine interviewing as a collaborative, healing experience—not an extractive oneFor more storytelling tips and tricks,Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.comFollow on TikTok @rainbennett.storyellerFollow on Twitter @rainbennettFollow on Instagram @rainbennettFollow on Facebook @thestorytellinglab Subscribe to the YouTube Channel

"I wanted each character to be complex enough and sympathetic enough that there's some deep reason you could identify in yourself." — Elizabeth LoHow do you tell a story that's intimate, ethically complicated, and rooted in real-life secrecy—without exploiting your subjects?In this episode, Rain Bennett speaks with acclaimed documentary filmmaker Elizabeth Lo, director of Mistress Dispeller, one of the most talked-about films this year.The film follows a professional “mistress dispeller” in China hired to break up extramarital affairs on behalf of betrayed spouses—yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.Elizabeth opens up about how she gained the trust of real people in real love triangles, how she balanced empathy with narrative clarity, and how she created emotional tension through stillness instead of sensationalism.They discuss ethical gray areas, building documentaries without control, and letting stories unfold naturally while still crafting a cohesive arc. If you’re a nonfiction filmmaker or just someone interested in telling hard stories with humanity, this episode is a must-listen.In this episode, you will learn to:Earn the trust of documentary subjects by building long-term, authentic relationshipsLet stories unfold naturally instead of forcing a narrative structureNavigate ethical storytelling with sensitive, real-world materialUse stillness and silence to create emotional tensionAlign your personal values with the stories you choose to tellFor more storytelling tips and tricks,Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.comFollow on TikTok @rainbennett.storyellerFollow on Twitter @rainbennettFollow on Instagram @rainbennettFollow on Facebook @thestorytellinglab Subscribe to the Youtube Channel

“A story is a singular arc of transformation. A narrative is the thread that ties all your stories together.” — Rain BennettIs telling your brand story enough to build a loyal audience?In this episode, Rain Bennett breaks down the essential but often misunderstood difference between brand story and brand narrative. While most marketers focus on crafting engaging stories, Rain explains why the real secret to lasting brand trust lies in building a clear, consistent narrative thread that connects everything you do, from vision to product to marketing and sales.He uses powerful metaphors—from Hamilton to the Bible to Christmas lights—to help you see the structure of your storytelling system in a new way.You’ll also learn how the Chief Storytelling Officer is the guardian of that narrative, ensuring every department speaks in harmony. If you’ve ever felt like your content is scattered or your message is missing the mark, this episode will show you how to realign your storytelling, as well as your business.In this episode, you will learn to:Distinguish between brand story and brand narrative—and why both are essentialUse narrative as a strategic compass for every department in your businessBuild trust and loyalty by aligning all stories under one cohesive threadCreate a system (not just content) to sustain long-term brand impactStep into the Chief Storytelling Officer role and protect your narrative across platformsFor more storytelling tips and tricks,Visit my website rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.comFollow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyellerFollow me on Twitter @rainbennettFollow me on Instagram @rainbennettFollow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab Subscribe to my Youtube Channel

“If you're not leaning into your own abracadabra, you're leaving your competitive advantage on the table.” says magician and marketer, Jimi Gibson.What if storytelling wasn’t just about clever hooks or flashy content—but instead about casting spells that transform how people feel and act?In this episode, Rain sits down with Jimi Gibson, a marketing strategist, TEDx speaker, and lifelong magician, to explore the deep parallels between magic and storytelling. Jimi shares how the neuroscience behind awe, attention, and trust can be reverse-engineered into any brand message or business interaction.He even performs a mind-blowing magic trick live on the show—proving firsthand how story structure mirrors a magic trick’s setup, curiosity, and climax.Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or content creator, this episode reveals how to tap into your own “abracadabra” and use it to spark genuine human connection.In this episode, you will learn to:See storytelling as a biological sequence of connection, curiosity, and closureUse the magician’s mindset to build anticipation and deliver transformationApply the three-part structure of a magic trick to your content and copywritingTranslate your personal quirks into brand authenticity and visibilityReframe timing as a tool for trust—not just attentionFor more storytelling tips and tricks,Visit my website rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.comFollow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyellerFollow me on Twitter @rainbennettFollow me on Instagram @rainbennettFollow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab Subscribe to my Youtube Channel

“Ownable originality is about creating something uniquely you—something no one else can do, even if they tried.” — Rob MeyersWhat does it mean to create something that no one else can replicate?In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain sits down with Rob Meyers, Managing Director of the creative studio Versus, to explore the concept of “ownable originality.” Rob shares the philosophy behind Versus—one that prioritizes culture over style, curiosity over templates, and meaning over metrics.The result? A studio that helps brands and creators make work that is not only beautiful, but deeply aligned with who they are.They discuss the evolving landscape of branded content, how more companies are creating their own original documentaries and films, and why traditional marketing models are no longer enough. Rob also explains how a founder-led, culture-first organization can scale without losing its soul—and how his team’s creative autonomy fuels both client work and original IP like films, books, and games.If you’re looking for a model that balances creativity, commerce, and community, this conversation will inspire you to reimagine your own storytelling strategy.In this episode, you will learn to:Define your brand through culture, not content volume or visual styleBuild a studio or agency that empowers creativity across departmentsMake the case for long-form storytelling and brand-backed originalsBalance client work with internal creative projects to retain passionLead with values and build trust as your most irreplaceable assetFor more storytelling tips and tricks,Visit my website rainbennett.com, orFollow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyellerFollow me on Twitter @rainbennettFollow me on Instagram @rainbennettFollow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab Subscribe to my Youtube Channel

“If you write well, readers see your story differently—but they see it. It’s a visual medium, even in text.” — Gary SmithWhat happens when a fine art photographer becomes a novelist?In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain Bennett sits down with Gary Smith, a visual artist turned fiction author, who brings a unique perspective to the craft: writing as seeing.Gary explains how his background in photography shapes the way he builds scenes, characters, and emotions on the page. His process begins with feeling, moves through visualization, and ends with carefully structured prose that reads like a cinematic experience.The conversation dives deep into discipline, creativity, character development, and how the act of storytelling can help both writer and reader reflect on life’s deeper questions. Gary shares how years of long-distance running and construction work taught him the habits and resilience that now power his writing routine.This episode is packed with wisdom for any writer who wants to create stories that resonate visually, emotionally, and philosophically.In this episode, you will learn to:Develop a storytelling mindset that starts with feeling and translates to visual scenes on the pageBuild a daily writing practice grounded in discipline, not motivationUse your life experience to create authentic, layered charactersSee your scenes cinematically and structure your chapters like movie framesUnderstand how self-publishing can be a fulfilling and strategic path for fiction writersFor more storytelling tips and tricks,Visit my website rainbennett.com, orFollow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyellerFollow me on Twitter @rainbennettFollow me on Instagram @rainbennettFollow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab Subscribe to my Youtube Channel

“Consistency is not about how often you post—it's about how consistently you show up in your message.” — Renee FrojoWhat if the key to growing your brand wasn’t pumping out more content, but going deeper with your message?In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, host Rain Bennett talks to Renee Frojo, a former journalist turned brand storyteller, about why clarity in your narrative beats consistency in your posting schedule.Renee breaks down how founders, solopreneurs, and startups can stop chasing viral trends and start building powerful stories that connect, convert, and scale.From her personal evolution in content marketing to the development of her storytelling retreats and workshops, Renee shares the systems she uses to help brands mine for meaningful stories and communicate with confidence. They discuss how storytelling enhances every part of your business—from sales calls to short-form social content—and why authenticity has its limits when it comes to brand building.If you're burned out by content creation and looking for a smarter, more resonant approach, this episode will reshape the way you think about storytelling in business.In this episode, you will learn to:Reframe consistency by focusing on a cohesive brand narrative rather than daily content outputIdentify emotionally resonant stories through Renee’s “story mining” frameworkApply short-form storytelling techniques that stand out in crowded digital spacesBuild trust and credibility with authentic vulnerability—without oversharingDesign storytelling-driven case studies that simplify your value and deepen engagementFor more storytelling tips and tricks,Visit my website rainbennett.com, orFollow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyellerFollow me on Twitter @rainbennettFollow me on Instagram @rainbennettFollow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab Subscribe to my Youtube Channel

“The more narrow we get with our prompts, the deeper and more profound the insights become.” — James WarrenHow do you uncover what your customers and employees really think—without another boring survey?In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain speaks with James Warren, the founder of Share More Stories and creator of SEEQ, a storytelling and insights platform that blends the emotional power of stories with the analytical depth of AI.With a background in brand strategy and corporate leadership, James has pioneered a way to analyze written stories to reveal the underlying emotions, needs, and values of employees, customers, and communities.James shares how emotional mapping, sensory prompts, and narrative-based strategy help organizations tap into deeper truths that conventional analytics miss. Whether you’re a team leader, marketer, or founder, this episode offers powerful insight into how empathy and data can combine to unlock connection and impact at scale.In this episode, you will learn to:Uncover hidden truths by using storytelling as a data collection method for organizational insightBridge the gap between emotional intelligence and analytics by using tech tools like AI and NLP without sacrificing humanityDesign better prompts that help employees and customers recall deeper, more meaningful storiesStrengthen both employee and customer experience (EX and CX) by listening to the emotions that drive behaviorUse stories to create authentic culture alignment across leadership, brand, and communityFor more storytelling tips and tricks,Visit my website rainbennett.com, orFollow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyellerFollow me on Twitter @rainbennettFollow me on Instagram @rainbennettFollow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab Subscribe to my Youtube Channel