The Storytelling Lab

"Yes, it is about you, but it's always about you through the lens of your audience. So think about that as you're crafting the Our Story section." In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, host Rain Bennett delves into the critical role of storytelling in branding and marketing. Through a thorough analysis of various brand stories, including those of a bourbon company, coffee bean company, cooler company, cheese shop, farm, and waste management company, Rain highlights the significance of effectively communicating the brand's unique value proposition in the "Our Story" section of websites and product packaging.He offers valuable insights into how businesses can leverage storytelling to connect with their audience, communicate essential information, and differentiate themselves in the market. This episode is a valuable resource for small business owners looking to enhance their branding, packaging, or overall storytelling strategy. In this episode, you will learn to:Craft compelling product story sections to captivate your audience and drive sales.Uncover other examples of effective brand storytelling that will inspire and guide your own storytelling efforts.Elevate your marketing materials by leveraging the power of storytelling to create a deeper connection with your customers.

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.

"Understanding and controlling the story that you tell yourself is the absolute most important story that you will tell. However, it is often the most overlooked and the most neglected story in your arsenal." - Rain BennettIf you're overwhelmed by the negative self-talk in your head, constantly comparing yourself to others and struggling to execute your goals, you are not alone! The battle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome can be exhausting, and it's time to find a better way to navigate these challenges. Let's explore the difference between self-talk and self-communication and how it can transform your approach to personal and professional growth.In this episode, you will learn how to:Discover how effective self-communication can transform your mindset and boost confidence.Learn the art of setting short-term goals for long-term success and personal fulfillment.Explore the crucial role of listening in enhancing self-communication skills for greater impact.

"Storytelling is about a lot of honesty and being aware that your audience, depending upon who they are and where they're from, when you say a word or a phrase, they may interpret that differently than what you think you heard." —Nelson FarrisIn this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Nelson Farris, the Chief Storyteller at Nike, shares his 50 years of experience and insights on effective storytelling, collaboration, and embracing change. With a background as an athlete and a liberal arts major, Farris emphasizes the power of personal experience and the abundance of stories in sports, offering valuable lessons for marketers and content creators. His deep understanding of storytelling and communication, coupled with his role in Nike's internal culture, highlights the timeless importance of storytelling in shaping brand narratives. His journey from a runner in Southern California to becoming Nike's first chief storyteller showcases his unique perspective and the transformative power of collaboration, making this episode a must-listen for storytellers, content creators, and marketers seeking to foster trust and drive innovation through effective storytelling.In this episode, you will learn to:Uncover the powerful impact of storytelling in sports marketing and learn how it can elevate your brand's message.Explore the evolution of Nike's marketing strategy and gain inspiration for refining your own marketing approach.Embrace the pivotal role of trust and innovation in driving career growth and success.Learn effective strategies for adapting to technological change in business and staying ahead in a competitive market.