Explore every episode of the podcast Storytelling School
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Why Sharing Difficult Stories Can Change Lives | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:31:43 | |
I'm a freshman at the University of Hawaii, living the dream on a full-ride softball scholarship. One night during finals week, my roommate and I decide to take a break from studying and grab a bite to eat. On our way back to the dorms, riding our mopeds, the unthinkable happens and I get hit… by a cement truck. I wake up five days later in the hospital with massive head injuries and indescribable pain. The doctor tells me that my sense of taste and smell is gone, permanently. For years, I don’t talk about the accident. I think, who wants to hear a story like that? It feels too random, too graphic, and definitely too personal. Until one day I work up the courage to share it on stage. And something unexpected happens: People respond. They come up to me, asking questions, and wanting to hear more - not about the accident itself but about the comeback. They’re curious about how I found my way from a hospital bed back to the softball field and how that journey changed who I was. That experience taught me something powerful. So often we judge our own stories too harshly. We convince ourselves that no one will care, that our experiences are too strange, too painful, or too irrelevant to share, but sometimes, the story we most want to hide is exactly the story someone else needs to hear, and joining me in this episode of Storytelling School is someone who can really help attest to that, my special guest today, Cameron Stout. Cam is a respected CLE speaker, financial services defense litigator, mental wellness advocate and founder of Stout Heart, Inc. - and someone who truly knows exactly what it means to speak your truth inside of a story, especially when that truth is raw, personal, and might feel like too much. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, we talk about how sharing personal stories, even those that feel too raw or heavy, can be incredibly powerful and impactful. We’ll also answer questions such as: How can you find the courage to share your personal stories? How can cultivating humility and self-awareness enhance one's ability to inspire and lead others? What fears or hesitations might be holding you back from sharing your authentic story, and how can you overcome them? In what ways can focusing on the process rather than the outcome lead to more fulfillment and growth? How can building on humility and self-awareness enhance one's ability to inspire and lead others? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Cam? Cameron “Cam” Stout is a respected CLE speaker, financial services defense litigator, and mental wellness advocate who founded Stout Heart, Inc. After experiencing a major depressive episode in 2013 that led to hospitalization, Cam began a journey of recovery through therapy, support, and self-care, which he now shares in talks across the country. A Princeton graduate and father of two, he lives in Marin County, CA, where he remains active in sports and serves as an elder at Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church. Links and Resources | |||
| How Embracing Imperfection Can Transform Your Storytelling | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:30:25 | |
It's the early 2000s, and I get invited to speak in New York to a room full of tech heavyweights - people and thought leaders I dreamed of being in front of. I am determined to crush it, so I do what any overachiever would: I obsess. I write, rewrite, and practice endlessly. No improvising. No mistakes. I even buy a stiff, serious outfit that doesn’t feel like me but seems like something a “real” speaker would wear. On the day of the event I deliver my Talk flawlessly, every word in place. The audience claps, though I leave feeling like something is off. It was perfect, yes, but ultimately flat. I felt like I had given a transcript instead of a speech. Fast-forward three years later, and I’m at TED for the first time. 5 days filled with 80 speakers. It hits me that the Talks that tend to stay with me aren’t the perfectly polished ones. They’re the raw, real, unfiltered ones. No armor, no script… just humans being human. And that’s when I decide I am done choosing robotic over real. The Talks that move us, that shift our hearts and minds, are the ones that breathe. They make us feel like we’ve experienced something rare. And speaking of showing up with unfiltered and raw authenticity, my special guest today, Michelle Claffey, embraces that wholeheartedly. Michelle is a leadership and team coach, with a background in organic chemistry, who specializes in helping leaders and organizations embrace authenticity, courage, and confidence. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn how effective leadership and communication benefits from being authentic and vulnerable. We’ll also answer questions such as: How can you move from simply delivering information to creating an authentic, immersive experience for your audience? How can you use the power of storytelling to connect and motivate? How can you reframe your perspective and shift the narrative to empower yourself and inspire others? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Michelle? Michelle Claffey is a leadership and team coach who specializes in helping leaders and organizations embrace authenticity, courage, and confidence. With a background in organic chemistry and a career shift into coaching, she truly brings a unique perspective to her work and is passionate about empowering others to find their authentic voice and lead with impact. She often incorporates storytelling and interactive experiences into her workshops and facilitation. Links and Resources | |||
| How Stand-Up Can Help Your Stories Stand Out | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:27:31 | |
I’m on the East Coast about to speak at a corporate event filled with tech leaders of a very large company. As I’m backstage, the CEO comes up to me and says, “Remember Kymberlee, these are incredible people who are amazing at what they do, yet they aren’t really bought into the idea of storytelling in the business environment.” With that, I’m introduced and take the stage. After the applause dies down, I can tell the mood in the room is quite serious. So I have everyone stand up and start an icebreaker exercise. That’s when I hear the first person laugh. And then the next, and the next, and pretty soon the whole room is laughing, connecting, and having fun. The energy in the room has shifted. At the end of the session, I ask them what some of their most memorable moments from the day are. Without skipping a beat, they pointed out the laughter during the icebreaker changed their internal story. We know that laughter does a body and a brain good. Jason Love spreads that joy everywhere he goes. He’s a nationally touring standup comedian who has appeared on TV in a few places you may have heard of, like Comedy Central and HBO. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll hear his insights on connecting with diverse audiences in storytelling through devices like humor and lessons we can learn from comedic storytellers, as well as get answers to questions like: How can you begin testing new material for a story, Talk, or performance? Why are people drawn to comedic storytellers like Dave Chappelle and Martin Lawrence? And what’s it like to navigate in the world currently as a comedic storyteller or performer? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Jason? Jason Love is a nationally touring headliner who has appeared on HBO, Comedy Central, America’s Got Talent, and Dry Bar Comedy. His clips are played daily on Sirius XM, and he is a crowd favorite on cruise ships. L.A. Weekly named him “one of the top ten comics to watch.” His non-profit, Love & Laughter, brings free shows to the cancer support community, and he’s represented by Levity Entertainment and 800 Pound Gorilla. Links and Resources | |||
| How Thinking Like a Magician Can Create Captivating Stories | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:27:14 | |
It’s the early 2000s, and I’m between sessions at the TEDx conference. As I go to grab a coffee, I notice this crowd forming nearby. Naturally curious, I wander over there to see what the fuss is about. In the middle of this crowd is a guy with a deck of cards doing a magic trick. But it’s not just the trick itself that’s amazing; it’s the effect it’s having on everyone around him. None of us can take our eyes off of him. It’s like we’re collectively holding our breath being caught in the moment as he performs trick after trick after trick. Like everyone else around me, I’m completely captivated, marveling at what’s happening. “How does he do this?” I think to myself. I don’t know how one person with just a deck of cards can make an entire group of strangers feel so connected, so in awe together. I realize at this point that it’s not all about the magic. It’s like this magician has created a shared experience of wonder for all of us and telling a story without even saying a single word. He wraps up the show, the crowd disperses, and I go stand in line to get my coffee still buzzing from the experience. I turn to my husband Mark and ask, “Who is that guy?” Mark smiles and says, “That’s David Blaine.” Wow, I was completely unaware that I’d been watching one of the most famous magicians in the world! Yet what sticks with me, even all these years later, isn’t just who he is; it’s that unforgettable feeling of awe he created for everyone in that moment. So many magicians have that same capacity to captivate their audience. Rick Gerber is a professional magician who has been spending his entire life performing in multiple countries and every state in the U.S. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll hear about how thinking like a magician can help you discover creative solutions that’ll create astonishing stories that linger in people’s minds. You’ll also get answers to questions such as: In what ways can you creatively engage with your audience to enhance the storytelling experience? How can you get into the flow state as you perform your Talk or story? And how can embracing the unexpected lead to surprising discoveries that create unforgettable stories for your audience? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Rick? For over 40 years, Rick Gerber has been traveling the world creating laughter and gasps of astonishment at high-profile special events, trade shows, and as the headliner aboard some of the world’s most prestigious cruise ships. He has performed his incredible magic in all fifty states and over forty-five countries. Presidents, kings, and megastars in movies, TV, and music have witnessed firsthand his ability to distort reality before their watchful eyes. Rick became the youngest performer at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood at 10 years old. At age 21, he was put under contract with Budweiser and performed for them full-time at trade shows and special VIP events around the globe for decades. Most recently, he was elected by his magician peers to the Board of Directors of the prestigious Academy of Magical Arts--home at the World-Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA. Today, Rick’s Fortune 500 clients read like a Who’s Who of the corporate world--Monster Energy, T-Mobile, GE, Acura, DIRECTV, Coca-Cola, Dell Technologies, Nestlé, and hundreds of smaller businesses as well. Whether it's attracting crowds and gathering leads at trade shows, performing at special events, mingling in VIP hospitality suites, producing magic-themed events, or performing his stage show at corporate sales meetings for hundreds or thousands of attendees, companies can always count on him to deliver. Links and Resources | |||
| Why You Need Stakes in Storytelling | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:17:56 | |
I’m helping my client Barbara get ready for one of the biggest Talks of her career. She’s preparing to stand on stage in front of thousands of people (with even more watching live online). She shares her draft with me. It’s meticulous and packed with very specific, insightful information. Yet, there’s no sense of urgency or consequence. It’s just data, so I don’t feel anything. I point this out to her gently, and I can sense her reluctance to dive deeper and reveal something personal, vulnerable even. However, I know her message won’t resonate with the audience if they can’t truly feel what’s on the line. So I ask her, “Barbara, what’s at stake here? What will it mean for you, your team, or even your vision if this Talk goes well… or if it doesn’t?” She starts opening up and admits that this Talk is a critical moment for her in her business, leadership, and potentially her legacy. That’s all I need to hear! With that information, I help her weave those stakes into her message through stories so that it gives the audience a reason to care and feel connected to her. Fast forward to the moment when she steps up to the mic. The difference is undeniable! Not only does she deliver a polished speech; she’s sharing a story with everything on the line! I watch as the audience is drawn in, invested in her outcome, and hanging on every word… and all because she chose to add stakes. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about the power of stakes in storytelling. I’ll dive into why stakes are the heartbeat of stories, three ways to categorize them, and how you can use them right away to transform your message. I’ll answer questions such as: What is an example of a story with stakes versus one without? How can adding stakes bridge the gap between the story of the product or service you’re selling and the consumers you want to sell it to? And how do you add stakes to your story so that your audience feels a connection to you? What you will learn in this episode:
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: | |||
| How Comedy and Storytelling Can Turn Anxiety to Empowerment | 10 Oct 2024 | 00:22:21 | |
It's time for my first theatrical performance. I've memorized my lines and have been rehearsing relentlessly. I am ready to go. As I'm standing backstage, I suddenly notice my leg is shaking. And then I feel sweat dripping down my back. Oh. And my breathing is really rapid. I think to myself, how can I possibly be this nervous? I've done all the work. I've prepared like crazy. I'm hitting all my cues. Why am I feeling this way? And at that moment, I realize this is actually a familiar feeling. I felt this way as an athlete just before leaving the dugout to hit the softball mound. I felt this way as a speaker just before leaving the safety of my curtain backstage and stepping into the spotlight. This feeling that I'm feeling actually just means I care. I want to do well. I wanna do well for the audience. And it's with this realization that I notice the shaking has actually stopped and my breathing is almost back to normal. All of a sudden, the curtain opens and off I go. And that first performance becomes a huge success and sets me up on the path for many, many more theatrical experiences to follow. And speaking of theatrical experiences, my special guest today, Luis Moro, knows all about being on all different sides of the curtain. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about how comedy can play a transformative role in our lives, why comedy isn’t just for entertainment, and much more. Luis will also answer questions like: How can you make sure your audience walks away changed or uplifted? How can comedy be a tool for both personal empowerment and human connection? And why is it important to tailor your performances to meet your audience’s needs? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Luis? Links and Resources | |||
| How Story Can Help You Cultivate Courage and Bridge Divisions | 01 Oct 2024 | 00:29:05 | |
It’s the third night of a very intense survival training course with a Green Beret guy. I haven’t slept or showered. I’m muddy and exhausted and just want to go home to Santa Barbara. I tell myself I just need to make it through one more night and this will all be behind me. When it’s time to call it a night, I am given a choice: I can either sleep in my tent or in this lean-to I’ve built. The lean-to is essentially a hole in the dirt with some twigs on it. At this moment, I’d love nothing more than to be at a resort, yet I remind myself I came to this insane training for a challenge. So I say, “Fine. I’ll sleep in this lean-to.” I trek down the road around the bend and shimmy myself into this little hole in the dirt. I can’t even see the base camp anymore. I can hear every sound around me as I lay there, and I realize that I’ve never been alone like this before. But hey, it’s fine! “I’m fine; in just hours, I can go home,” I think to myself. Then, after slightly dozing off, I wake up to this crunching sound just off in the distance. It’s coming towards me, and I keep telling myself everything’s fine. Then the crunch gets louder and faster until, in the moonlight, I see it: the tusk of a wild boar!?! I lie there, frozen and deciding whether or not to scream, when I remember something: animals sense fear. So I need to be strong, be still, be silent, and stick this out. While it’s rooting around my head, something suddenly distracts it, and it runs off into the forest. And when morning arrives, I get out of the lean-to, go back to camp, and announce I survived. The Green Beret guy says, “Yeah. Good job Kymberlee.” Here’s the deal: I am committed to affecting change in our world. With change comes challenges. With challenges comes fear. That means that different levels of fear are always coming up for me. What this unforgettable experience has taught me is that we must cultivate your courage. And when I think of courage, I can’t help but think of that Green Beret guy who has become a dear friend. His name is Retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann. Scott is with us today in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast to discuss the transformative power of thematic stories of survival and courage and answer questions like: What is the significance of storytelling leadership roles? What do personal stories that resonate with others have in common? And why is your delivery of a story as important as its content? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Scott? Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Scott Mann is a former U.S. Army Green Beret with tours all over the world including Colombia, Peru, and multiple tours in Afghanistan. He is a warrior storyteller and the founder of Rooftop Leadership, where he shares the rapport-building and storytelling skills he learned in Special Forces to help today's leaders make better human connections in high-stakes, low-trust engagements. Scott is the author of the instant New York Times Best-Seller, Operation Pineapple Express, a third-person narrative detailing the harrowing stories of the veterans, volunteers, and Afghan allies who navigated the U.S. abandonment of Afghanistan in August of 2021. The Gary Sinise Foundation partnered up with Scott to bring his play, Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret, to stages across the country to provide healing for our veterans and families of the fallen, as well as provide insight for our citizens on the personal cost of the longest war in our nation’s history. Links and Resources | |||
| How the Price of Admission in Storytelling Creates Deeper Audience Connection | 05 Sep 2024 | 00:27:28 | |
I’m coaching multiple speakers for an upcoming TEDx event. During the kickoff meeting with one particular speaker, I ask him, “Okay, what’s your idea worth spreading?” He replies, “Kymberlee, that’s easy. I’m going to talk about the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.” I think, “Wait, what? If this is what you’re focusing on for your TEDx Talk, we definitely need to make 30-year fixed-rate mortgages interesting and shift the audience’s perspective because this isn’t a very sexy topic.” So I ask him, “All right. What’s your earliest memory related to money?” He tells me, “Well, when I was little, I used to go door-to-door selling acacia flowers. That’s when I first realized that people would exchange dollars for something they value.” I stop him right there and say, “That’s the story we need to tell. It’s how the audience will connect with you.” Once an audience cares about you, you’ve earned the right to teach them about what you care about. So he delivers his TEDx Talk and opens with his acacia flower story. Last week, his Talk hit one million views! And perhaps many of those viewers’ perspectives on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have changed as a result. Speaking of which, my guest Josh Lowman changes the public's point of view often and affects change with every organization and brand he works with. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about the power of multiple story viewpoints, the price of admission in storytelling to create a deeper connection with your audience, and more. Josh will also answer questions such as: How can you think about point-of-view in story in a different way? What effect does authentic vulnerability in storytelling have on a platform where that’s not typically expressed (like LinkedIn)? And why is change an essential element for stories? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Josh? Josh Lowman is the founder and CEO of Gold Front, a category design studio based in San Francisco, California. He has worked with more than 40 C-suite executives and teams to create new categories and market them to their customers. He believes that category design and creation provide the path for business owners and CEOs to cut through the noise and reach their audience. Links and Resources: | |||
| Why Storytelling Belongs in the Classroom and Boardroom | 28 Aug 2024 | 00:30:47 | |
I’m running a high-energy speaker training event, and everyone is buzzing with excitement as we stand in a circle, introducing ourselves. Each attendee shares their role and a fun fact. Among them is a CEO of a tech company who loves bagels, a marketing director obsessed with villas in Rome, and an entrepreneur who just secured his first round of funding. The introductions continue, one after another, until it’s time for my team to introduce themselves. Our first team member steps forward and says, “Hi, I’m Sandy Zabarsky. I’ve spent the last 27 years in prison and just got out.” The room falls silent. I can feel the weight of all eyes on me, then shifting to each other, and back to me. Sandy continues, “I served as an educator and administrator in juvenile halls and juvenile camps. Today, I’m here to help turn your challenges into stories your audience will never forget.” A collective breath is released from the room. You see, Sandy happens to be my mom. She was an English major and dedicated her career to helping the underdog–particularly disadvantaged youth entangled in the criminal justice system. She assisted these kids in earning their GED, offering them a glimmer of hope and a chance at a different story. Throughout her career, my mom impacted the lives of thousands of kids. Her unwavering commitment to changing their narrative and giving them a new possibility transformed their futures, making them very different from the ones they had while inside the system. There are so many like my mom out there, including my special guest Alfonso Paz. He brings to life a different possibility for the people he works with whether they’re students, educators, or business owners. And through his company Vibix Learning, he is transforming education by helping to create healthier, more inclusive school environments. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about the power of storytelling in education, business, and personal growth. Alfonso will share his experience of using storytelling to pitch to investors and the impact its made, discuss the effectiveness of short-form storytelling, and so much more. He’ll also answer questions such as: How does storytelling help bridge emotional gaps and foster compassion? Why is short-form storytelling particularly effective in high-stakes environments? And why is the struggle such an essential part of the storytelling process? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Alfonso? For close to 30 years, Alfonso Paz has been helping underrepresented students and families in Los Angeles’s East Hollywood area have greater opportunities and access to college and other post-secondary options. He is the co-founder and CEO of Vibix Learning, which transforms education by enhancing emotional well-being through its innovative Collective Care Continuum (C3) model, integrating emotional intelligence and mental wellness support to create healthier, more inclusive school environments. Alfonso’s experiences have solidified his belief that it does take an entire village to raise a child to be a successful contributing member of society. He believes that while traditional schools can provide a foundation for positive change, the strong partnerships between families, schools, and communities will provide a greater influence on a student's life and prepare them to contribute to a united, stronger, and healthier society. Through Vibix Learning, he recognized that the greatest effect he could have would be to "re-teach" educators how to listen to the students and staff, recognize everyone’s needs, and define the best way forward for each student and staff member. Once schools and administrators saw his methods' incredible effect on the student's lives–both in and out of the school environment–he became a sought-after coach and advisor. Links and Resources: | |||
| How the Power of Play Can Change a Challenging Story | 21 Aug 2024 | 00:28:36 | |
My husband and I are driving to the airport for a family reunion when we both get pings on our phones. There’s a global outage. We check our tickets and plane reservations–they’re all fine. We head to the airport, and everything seems okay. The airline confirms our flight is on time, so we’re good to go. An hour later, we get a delay, yet they assure us everything will be fine. Another hour passes and there’s another delay. They tell us again that we’ll make our connecting flight, and everything will be okay. Finally, we board the plane. It takes off and lands at LAX, where we discover we’ve missed our connecting flight. They promise us they’ll put us on another one. My dad is texting, worried about the global outage. I reassure him that we’re fine and on the next flight…except that flight gets canceled, too, as does the next one. Around us, people are angry, yelling into their phones, and sleeping on the floor. Others are shouting at the airline staff who can’t do much about the situation. At this point, I turn to my husband and ask, “What if this were fun?” From that moment, we strive to make it fun. We start trekking through five terminals until we find the AmEx Lounge. We get playful and interact with people in character, indulge in some childhood comfort food of grilled cheese, and end up laughing and having a great time. Fifteen hours later, with the global outage continuing, we return home having never reached our destination. However, we chose to make the experience fun when everyone else seemed to be falling apart. My special guest, Sebastian Conelli, is an incredible actor, comedian, improviser who knows a thing or two about having fun. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about the power of choosing to have fun and be playful, even in challenging situations. You’ll also discover how to create connections with your audience, the value of being vulnerable and sharing one's inner thoughts and feelings in storytelling, and get answers to questions like: How can awareness and being present in the moment enhance the impact of a story or performance? What are some specific ways in which Improv can enhance public speaking and personal confidence? And what techniques can you use to ensure that an audience connects with unusual or unexpected behaviors in a story? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Sebastian? Sebastian Conelli is an actor, comedian and improviser from New York. Sebastian has been performing and teaching improv for over 13 years. Sebastian is a part of the legendary improv team The Stepfathers (UCB), the best improv show in NY Raaaatscraps, and is a cast member of the longest-running improv show in NY, Asssssscat (UCB). Sebastian is the host of the successful podcast LOUD ABOUT NOTHING. You also might have seen Sebastian doing small parts on Max, Apple TV, Netflix, and in the 2024 Palme D'or winner Anora. Links and Resources | |||
| How Sharing Raw Stories Can Provide Healing and Hope | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:21:36 | |
I’m working with a new client, Leonard, who is completely new to first-person true storytelling. He has lived through several unbelievable situations, and I know others need to hear his stories. So I challenge him to tell a story to open his next podcast. He responds: “I can’t do that. My listenership will drop if I do.” When I ask him why, he says, “No one’s going to care about my story.” Yet, what if only one person needs to hear your story to change their life? After I pose that question to Leonard, he reluctantly agrees and shares one of his craziest stories on his next episode. The response? Several listeners emailed him saying things like: “Your story was exactly what I needed to hear today.” “Your story reminded me of a similar situation I went through.” “Your story has given me the courage to tell my story.” We tell our stories in service to others, and it takes bravery to be vulnerable with your story. Leonard did it, as did my guest today, Krishnni Khanna. She has told her real raw story on both the TEDx stage and in her newly released book, simply because she wants to help others. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about the importance of sharing difficult stories as a way to process experiences and help others feel less alone. Krishnni will share her story of ostracization as a young girl who migrated to the U.S., as well as answer questions such as: What can happen as a result of sharing your vulnerable story? Why are the words you use in your Talk or story so important? And what’s a really powerful way to end a speech or story? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Krishnni? Krishnni Khanna was born in India in 2007 and moved to the United States with her parents in 2017. She’s a high schooler, author, and TEDx speaker who advocates for the inner well-being of youth. In 2022, she created Detoximind (www.detoximind.com), a student-led movement through which Krishnni and her team bring peer-based support to teens and youth grappling with stress, shame, exclusion and isolation. She currently resides in Austin, Texas with her parents and their puppy Yuki. Krishnni’s first novel I AM NOT WHO YOU SEE launched in June 2024. Many of the protagonist’s experiences in the book are inspired by Krishnni’s highs and lows as a 10-year-old immigrant in America, and how she rebuilt her sense of self and regained her identity in her new surroundings. Links and Resources | |||
| How Storytelling Can Transform Awareness | 10 Jul 2024 | 00:30:06 | |
It's 2017, and I'm meeting with our TEDxSantaBarbara team, preparing to plan our next year's TEDx event. As we start discussing the hundreds of speaker applications we've received, it feels incredibly hard to narrow down our selections with so many wonderful candidates. That's when it hits me. What if we focus on the idea first and the person second? In other words, what if we identify the most important and urgent ideas we want to cover and then consider all the applications, recommendations, and research to find the strongest person with subject matter expertise in that area? Our team loves this approach, and we immediately engage in healthy dialogue, even debate, about which ideas our world and our community need the most right now. One of the ideas that rises to the top of the list unanimously is human trafficking. Fast forward many months later, the speaker we choose delivers an incredible Talk, not only highlighting the issue of human trafficking but also discussing actionable solutions. And now her TEDxSantaBarbara Talk has earned over 400,000 views and counting. This means more than just a number; it signifies that by sharing her Idea Worth Spreading, she has initiated change on a global scale. This means change in awareness, change in mindset, and change in action. My special guest today is that very same speaker. Megan Rheinschild is Director of the Victim Assistance Program at the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office and directs the Countywide Sexual Assault Response Team, which provides medical-legal forensic exams and advocacy to survivors of human trafficking, child abuse, and sexual assault. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, we’ll explore the issue of human trafficking and the power of storytelling in raising awareness and creating change and get answers to questions such as: What are some common misconceptions of human trafficking? How can storytelling foster empathy and understanding? And what can the average person do to make a difference? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Megan? Megan Rheinschild serves as the Director of the Victim Assistance Program at the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office. In this role, she oversees a countywide initiative that delivers comprehensive services, support, and advocacy for victims of violent crime and their families. Ms. Rheinschild has been instrumental in forming the Human Trafficking Victim Advocacy Program and establishing the multi-agency Countywide Human Trafficking Task Force in 2013. This task force aims to identify and investigate human trafficking cases and address the complex needs of survivors through collaborative efforts with local, regional, and state partners. Additionally, she directs the Countywide Sexual Assault Response Team, a partnership involving Law Enforcement, Public Health, Rape Crisis Centers, and Child Welfare Services. This team provides medical-legal forensic exams and advocacy to survivors of human trafficking, child abuse, and sexual assault. Links and Resources | |||
| How to Make Numbers Unforgettable Through Story | 06 Jun 2025 | 00:17:58 | |
It’s 2006. I am sitting in the audience at TED surrounded by visionaries, innovators, and thought leaders. The energy in the room is electric and everyone is buzzing with anticipation about who’s going to take the stage next and what new insight we’ll walk away with. When the next speaker, a Swedish professor specializing in global health and data, is introduced, I brace myself for a dry, academic talk full of statistics and charts. Instead, the speaker starts moving across the stage with visible, infectious enthusiasm, pointing at animated visuals and telling a story through data. Slowly, the entire audience becomes captivated. He isn’t just presenting facts; he is truly humanizing them. Each statistic becomes a character, each data point a moment in a story, and by the end, what started as numbers on a screen has been transformed into something deeply human and emotionally resonant. I remember thinking: this is what it looks like when data and storytelling meet. The numbers didn’t fade away; they stayed with me… and still do to this day. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you will learn how data can be brought to life with storytelling. In the process, you’ll discover why providing context, characters, and consequences makes things more memorable and impactful for the audience, and you’ll get answers to questions like: What are some key elements to focus on when using storytelling to make data more impactful? Why is it important to earn the right to share data by first setting the stage with a story? What are some common pitfalls to avoid when trying to combine data and storytelling? What you will learn in this episode:
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 | |||
| How Surrender, Resiliency and Reconciliation Create Impactful Storytelling | 12 Jun 2024 | 00:30:34 | |
I’m on stage performing at Santa Barbara Improv. My scene partner and I are playing a game of He Said, She Said which goes like this: After every line of dialogue from one person, their scene partner will then narrate something physical for them to do. For instance, let’s say that I say to my scene partner, “I’m so angry at you right now.” My partner then narrates something like, “She said while jumping up and down on one foot.” And I actually have to do the thing. So we’re in the middle of a mob scene digging a hole, and my partner says, “She says while taking a cigar out of her back pocket and lighting it.” Being a dedicated athlete my whole life, I never learned how to light a cigar. So when I pretend to do it, I fumble around with it which causes the audience to lose it so much that my scene partner keeps on narrating me lighting cigars. Pretty soon, I’m losing it too, almost crying because I’m trying to hold in my laughter so much. It turned into a delightful disaster on stage, yet one that ends up being one of my funniest bits. My special guest today can certainly relate. Polo Reo Tate is a comedian herself as well as an author, actress, keynote speaker, philanthropist, podcaster, and so much more. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll hear how she champions authenticity and resiliency through storytelling and beyond and get answers to questions such as: Why do you have an innate Improv storytelling ability? How do the rules of Improv storytelling mirror the rules of life? How does reconciling within yourself the low points of your life impact your power as a speaker and storyteller? And what role does your physicality play in enhancing your stories? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Polo? As an author by soul, actor by trade, artist at heart, and uplifter to the core of her being, Polo Reo Tate redefines what it means to be a Renaissance Woman. From a myriad of life experiences, she intimately understands the transformational value in mindfully getting to know ourselves wholly and love ourselves unconditionally in order to live fully in the freedom of our own authenticity. Her supreme love for people, and the clarity with which she sees and celebrates the superpowers of those around her, allows her to help elevate the energy of any relationship or situation brought forth by a client. Whether she is in front of a camera, a crowd, or the company of one, Polo revels in the kinetic web of creativity that is born from every interaction, every co-creation. She lives each moment to the fullest, lets no one take her joy, and avidly operates from the belief that we can do anything upon which we set our minds, hearts, and spirits. She welcomes and invites you to embrace your own infinite possibility, embody the loving being that you are, and feel the power and the pleasure of being fully present in your own life. Links and Resources
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| How to Turn Questions into Storytelling Opportunities: The Handshake Technique | 07 Jun 2024 | 00:11:44 | |
“Kymberlee, how are you always able to take questions and turn them into storytelling opportunities?” That’s the question my client Claire asks me as we’re getting her ready for a big keynote presentation. As I’m quickly thinking about how to answer her, I realize that I mostly do it unconsciously. Yet I know that’s not really a helpful answer, so I replay in my mind the times I’ve recently turned a question into a story. Then it hits me: I’ve been building bridges from questions asked to times in my life that are in some way related to the questions… during handshake moments. So I explain my thought process to Claire who, during our next coaching sessions, reports that she’s been binging on my technique to great fun and success. She feels like every time she turns a question into a storytelling opportunity, her connection with that other person goes deeper faster. In this installment of the “Storytelling 7 Series” on the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about how you can turn questions into storytelling opportunities, too. I’ll also answer questions like: How can you understand the concept of a handshake as it relates to questions and storytelling? What practical tips can help you improve your storytelling skills with the Handshake Technique? And how do you make your story responses more engaging and relatable using this technique? What you will learn in this episode:
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: | |||
| Shifting the Mental Health Story Within the World of Aviation (and Beyond) | 29 May 2024 | 00:29:06 | |
It feels like I’m flying all the time while running my software company. Every month, I’m going somewhere to meet clients. It’s standard practice until, out of nowhere, I have my first anxiety attack. These attacks become serious and start happening randomly on different days at different times of the day. Weeks and months go by, and every single time I step on the plane, an attack triggers. While I’ve been flying on planes my entire life, I find myself having to take medication just to step on to an aircraft. As I’m searching everywhere looking for answers to get to the bottom of what’s going on, I meet with a therapist, Dr. Keith. He asks me a simple question: “Kymberlee, do you think pilots have a fear of flying?” Sounds like a preposterous question, right? So I respond: “Of course not!” Then he advises me to ask the pilot on my next flight what their favorite thing is about flying. I do exactly that. With my heart racing, I board my next flight and ask if I can say a quick hello to the pilot. As I’m having a conversation in the cockpit with this pilot, I quickly learn that his favorite part is the landings. Suddenly, I go from having heart palpitations to laughing and smiling and learning so much about the craft of flying. In the months (and flights) that follow my perspective on flying changes so much that eventually I don’t even need to take the medication anymore. His story changes my story. Speaking of aviation and stories, my special guest, Reyné O'Shaughnessy, is a retired commercial airline pilot and captain with intimate knowledge of mental health. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll hear about the importance of changing the story within the aviation world (and beyond) as it relates to mental health, as well as get answers to questions like: How does the story within the aviation industry regarding changes in mental wellness policy need shifting? And why is it so important to share your stories publicly in the world? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Reyné? Captain (ret.) Reyné O'Shaughnessy stands as a prominent figure within the aviation industry for her unwavering dedication to both pilots and the aviation industry. With a remarkable 35-year career as a commercial airline pilot, she has accumulated a vast reservoir of experience, expertise, and proficiency with flight time exceeding 10,000 hours on heavy jet aircraft. Beyond the cockpit, Captain O'Shaughnessy has devoted over a decade to honing her skills as an aviation strategist, with a specific focus on health and mental wellness. Her dedication led her to become a certified practitioner in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) from Brown University. She founded Piloting 2 Wellbeing and co-founded The Aviation Health and Wellbeing Institute, and her holistic approach to aviation has solidified her position as a trailblazer and influencer within the industry. In addition, Captain O'Shaughnessy is the author of the best-selling book, This Is Your Captain Speaking: What You Should Know About Your Pilot's Mental Health. Her insights have been featured on reputable platforms such as Fox News, NBC News, CBS/KDKA, and AOPA, and she is a sought-after speaker at conferences worldwide. Links and Resources
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| Why You Need to Tell Stories to Build Your Brand | 22 May 2024 | 00:25:49 | |
“What’s the difference between the brands everyone talks about and the ones we can’t remember?” That’s the question that me and my colleague Glenn are pondering over coffee this week. He expresses surprise at the over $1 billion valuation of the brand Liquid Death. “They sell water in a can. It’s just water,” he tells me. Yet their success doesn’t surprise me because they sell it in a cool can (with a cool slogan) and have a unique, edgy, unforgettable story their fans love to tell and show off. It’s not just about what you sell; it’s also about the stories you tell regarding your products, services, and brand. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn how some of the world’s most iconic and successful brands use storytelling to captivate, engage, and build connections with their audience. In the process, you’ll discover why you need to tell stories to build your brand, too, and get answers to questions like: What are the keys to using stories for captivating, engaging, and building relationships with your brand’s customers or clients? What are some practical strategies you can use for brand building with storytelling? How can you measure the impact of your storytelling on your audience? What you will learn in this episode:
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: | |||
| How Unforgettable Experiences Make for Unforgettable Stories | 15 May 2024 | 00:33:06 | |
I’m in prep mode, getting ready to host a standup comedy night. I ask myself: “What’s it going to take to move this event from good to unforgettable? Sure people are coming to see comedians who they love and may have been following for years… What can we do to make this experience last and earn a permanent memory in every audience member’s mind? What can we do to make this experience last and earn a permanent memory in every single audience member’s mind?” The answer? It’s all in the details. From eye contact and smiles, to the welcoming and fun atmosphere being directed at each guest from every angle–box office volunteers and snack bar workers, old-time comedy posters and fresh flowers… even the cleanliness of the theater plays a subtle and important role. In other words, it’s in making this entire evening feel like every single detail matters and producing an unforgettable experience in the process. My special guests today, Mo Barrett & Katy Stevens, have made creating unforgettable experiences into an entire business. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, they’ll share how the monotonous and mundane can be disrupted and generate stories that entertain and empower, as well as answer questions such as: How can seeing and appreciating the stories of others deepen your understanding and connection? What effect does allowing your mind to rest have on your story creation and productivity? And how can taking an unconventional approach with your story or Talk produce an experience for your audience that only you can deliver? What you will learn in this episode:
Who are Mo & Katy? Mo Barrett & Katy Stevens are unlikely best friends from two separate worlds who collided at a barbershop brigade singing event. Mo is a retired Air Force Colonel turned public speaker, and Katy is a music and performance instructor turned Mo-wrangler. Together they take stages as corporate entertainers and educators. Despite all the ways they’re different, they choose to lean into the strength of the things they have in common, recognizing, acknowledging, appreciating and leveraging their respective quirks. Together Mo & Katy disrupt monotony and are building a world filled with unforgettable experiences that entertain and empower by using humor in unexpected ways. Links and Resources
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| The Power of Storytelling in Mind-Body Healing | 08 May 2024 | 00:26:44 | |
Whenever we do a new TEDx event, our first order of business is finding the theme to get everything flowing. It influences everything we do, from the set design to invited speakers and so much more. So as we come up with theme ideas for our Santa Barbara TEDx event in 2019, nothing is really clicking. We try phrases, single words, even full sentences and they all fall short. The theme candidates feel very generic and unexciting. Then, it hits me: What if we take a deeper look at the role of stories through three different lenses: stories we tell, stories told to us, and stories we tell ourselves? The team loves it! We finally have our theme, and it sets in motion our lense through which to look through for all our decision-making. And… our TEDx event ends up to be a huge success that year! No speaking of stories, my incredible guest today, Brandy Gillmore, uses all three of those storytelling lenses in her life’s work. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about her healing journey from an accident in 2003 and what she discovered about the crucial role of stories in mind-body healing. You’ll also get answers to questions like: What are misconceptions in stories about mind-body healing? What is the story connection between our subconscious mind, emotions, and physical health? How can transforming stories you tell yourself lead to life-changing results? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Brandy? Brandy Gillmore is a researcher, author, and mind-body expert. Spurred on by a debilitating injury from an accident in 2003 that left her disabled, in excruciating pain, and without hope for recovery, she began researching for a cure and discovered obscure research that changed the course of her life and resulted in a complete recovery. Now, she shares this research in her book Master Your Mind and Energy to Heal Your Body, which showcases our power to radically heal our bodies using only our minds. Thanks to her groundbreaking discovery, Brandy has been featured in prestigious medical journals, on notable platforms (such as the Shift Network), and in several documentaries and docuseries including Women’s Health Secrets, Thrive Global, Harper’s Bazaar Brazil, Pain Revealed, and more! She’s also been praised by medical professionals, health and wellness luminaries, global leaders, Hollywood celebrities, corporate tycoons, and people from all walks of life who’ve been captivated by her remarkable insights and results from her work. Links and Resources
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| How Fierce Civility Creates Win/Win Stories | 01 May 2024 | 00:28:11 | |
As a kid growing up, I get to spend time with two families. On one side is my mom and stepdad, and on the other is my dad and stepmom. Being the only child in both families, I spend holidays at one house and then the other. Trick or treating on Halloween with one family earlier in the evening and the other later in the evening. I even have two different celebrations on my birthday. Everything is separate...until 2010 when I decide to run a TEDx event for the first time and realize quickly that I need help. So Mom, an English major, offers to help with speakers. My stepmom helps with overseeing and running registration and volunteers. My stepdad has experience with stage managing and works with me behind the stage with the tech team and speakers. And Dad helps with all onsite needs including fine-tuning the sets and becomes our X-factor. While my two families have very different values, beliefs, and even rules, they do have one thing in common: they have tremendous love to give and they come together civilly for a collective cause that is bigger than any one of us individually. They volunteer at our TEDx event to help change the world through spreading ideas. Now my special guest today, Joe Weston, teaches people how to not only be civil to each other but fiercely so in order to influence what happens next in their stories. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about why we get caught in a repetitive story of arguing and fighting with others. You’ll also discover keys to creating stories of mutual empowerment between people and get answers to questions like: How are power dynamics at the core of stories that fuel fights? What has helped create a universal mindset that helps facilitate arguments? What’s an example of how a challenging life story can positively impact others? And how can the process of working on your first TEDx Talk change the story you tell yourself about public speaking? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Joe? Joe Weston is an international thought leader, lecturer, author, consultant, coach, trainer, and advocate for lasting peace. Born in Queens, NY and raised in a volatile, argumentative environment, he was determined to understand the roots of conflict and find another way to safely address problems. So he went on a worldwide quest and studied diverse traditions such as various martial art forms, meditation, contemplative practices, neuroscience, communication models, and more. Eventually, Joe ended up living in the Netherlands for 18 years where he expanded his vision of human solidarity that transcended nationality, race, religion, political ideology, and economic status and led to creating programs in the U.S., Europe, and some of the most conflict-ridden regions in the world. His career as a conflict prevention specialist spans over 30 years, and he’s a highly sought-after facilitator for individuals, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits worldwide. Links and Resources
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| How Crafting Event Experiences Can Create Memorable Stories | 15 Mar 2024 | 00:27:34 | |
I’m ready to dazzle! I have on my heels, my dress, and my glitter as I enter the doors of Blaisdell Arena and make my way to my seat near the front row. I can feel my heart racing with anticipation. Then, the lights go out. The fog on stage gets thicker. The familiar beat begins, and it’s as if my heart starts to beat with it in unison. Suddenly, the backup singers take their places on the stage. And through the haze, I finally see him. As he comes into focus, there’s cheering, and screaming, and some nearby me are even crying. We’re all so excited to see what we’ve been looking forward to for months: Prince performing live on stage, in person, in living color! At that moment, we’re all in the middle of this story happening around us. Years later, I can recall where I sat, what I thought, and who I was with that evening. That’s what a powerful experience that earns a permanent place in the memory can do. Starting from his days as a civil engineering student, my special guest Adam Metwally is all about creating experiences for others using a combination of his various interests, knowledge, and experience. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll hear how he emphasizes the power of creating memorable experiences, his tips on building genuine confidence and its role in storytelling, and so much more! You’ll also get answers to questions like: How do you build trust and connection as an interviewer of those who want to share stories? How can better understanding your influence affect the story of others and, in turn, impact your own? And why is genuine authenticity essential for effective storytelling? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Adam? Adam Metwally loves to connect and riff with intelligent and interesting people to expand his insight, perspective, and knowledge. He reads voraciously and has an unending curiosity about the world around him. Politely persistent but extremely extroverted, his interests include business psychology, mindset, finance, music, spirituality, and sports like yoga, snowboarding, running, and basketball. With deep curiosity and an environment that fosters growth through impactful projects, Adam aims to take the wide variety of intersecting and specific knowledge he’s developed over the last decade to learn quickly and contribute world-class ideas to organizations. He then uses his organizational skills, persistence, and focus to push those ideas into outcomes. Links and Resources | |||
| Storytelling Seven: Why Mastering Eye Contact is Crucial for Storytellers | 09 Mar 2024 | 00:10:13 | |
I’m on a Zoom call rehearsing with a group of speakers who are getting ready for an upcoming TEDx event. Yet something’s off. After finishing her run, one speaker admits, “I don’t really feel like I’m connected.” And that’s when I realize something. She’s scanning the room and not really seeing anyone. It’s like she’s talking into the void. So I say, “Try focusing on one person at a time, like you’re talking directly to that particular person. Then focus on the next person, and then the next.” I have everybody take a turn at this. They’re hesitant at first. Yet over the next few weeks, they start making genuine connections with their audience even though it’s through the screen. It’s incredible to see and just another powerful reminder of the magic of eye contact. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, we continue our Storytelling Seven series where you’ll learn why mastering eye contact is such a crucial element in storytelling and public speaking. In the process, you’ll also find out: Why can eye contact make or break your presentation? What specific considerations should you keep in mind for eye contact in virtual presentations? And how can you practice making eye contact in your speech or story? What you will learn in this episode:
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: | |||
| How Humor and Storytelling Converge | 06 Mar 2024 | 00:21:49 | |
I’m standing backstage with my dad in a room full of speakers who are getting ready to make their TEDx debuts. We’ve been working for over eight months for this moment, yet the nervous energy in the room is palpable. So Greg, the event organizer, takes the microphone and gives a short, inspirational talk. Then he stops, walks over to my dad and hands him the microphone. Dad clears his throat and says, “What did the fish say when it ran into the wall?” And that joke breaks open a dam of levity that helps take the energy from trepidation to confidence and readiness for the stage. Humor can be a game-changer. And in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about how humor affects stories, the different types of humor you can deploy, how you can play with humor to find what works for you and your audience, and the pitfalls you need to avoid when using it as a device. In the process, you’ll get answers to questions such as: Why is humor so effective in storytelling and speaking? How do you choose a style of humor and start experimenting with it? And what can go wrong when using humor in your stories and speeches? What you will learn in this episode:
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: | |||
| Why Many Stories Fall Flat in the Final 10 Seconds | 22 May 2025 | 00:20:15 | |
I am coaching a speaker as she prepares for one of the biggest keynotes of her career. Her story is powerful, full of resilience and triumph. As she runs through her story, I am captivated... until it just... stops. She smiles, says thank you, and that’s it. There is no call to action and no invitation. I deliver the news, gently: her ending isn’t serving her or the audience. She pushes back because she doesn’t want to sound salesy. And while I do definitely understand her concerns, I explain that, while her story hits hard, her ending needs to hit home. So we roll up the sleeves and get back to work, keeping the emotional core intact and reshaping her closing into a call to action that mirrors the emotional arc of her story. And guess what? It doesn’t feel forced; her final line ties back to her opening message and invites the audience to step into their own transformation. When she takes the stage, the response is absolutely incredible. After delivering her Talk, a flurry of people approach her. One of them ends up booking her. Another one wants to feature her in an article. One person even tells her that the challenge she issued changed something significant for them. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn why having a CTA (Call To Action) at the conclusion of your story is so important. In the process, you’ll discover why your CTA needs to be consistent with the emotional tone of your story, and get answers to questions like: How can you get your message to ripple out further than the audience in front of you? What kind of change could you inspire if your story didn’t simply end with “The End”? How do you turn an emotional story into impactful action? What you will learn in this episode:
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 | |||
| Why Your Storytelling Needs a Dash of Surprise | 22 Feb 2024 | 00:18:31 | |
I’m at the Annoyance Theater in Chicago taking a week-long intensive Improv class. In the middle of a scene with my scene partner, I have this brilliant idea. So I start forcing the scene in the direction I have in mind. My partner follows along…and the whole scene ends up being pretty flat and predictable. After we’re done, the instructor says, “Kymberlee, I have a note for you. Allow yourself to be surprised on stage rather than in control.” What if we apply the same principle to our presentations? How would that change us and the audience? In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn why it’s important to allow yourself to be surprised on stage as a speaker or storyteller and how that leads to more dynamic, memorable presentations, Talks, and stories.. I’ll share examples of embracing unexpected moments and answers questions like: Why are spontaneity and authenticity crucial for effective speaking and storytelling? What impact can unexpected moments have on the audience? And what techniques can you use to create an authentic connection with your audience? What you will learn in this episode:
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: | |||
| Why Every Storyteller Needs a Stack of Sticky Notes | 20 Feb 2024 | 00:13:28 | |
I’m in the final planning stages for Story to Standing Ovation, our annual live event, when my dad randomly stops by to drop something off. He comes toward my office, stops in the doorway, and says, “What the heck is that?” As he points at my sliding glass doors, I tell him, “This is my brain on sticky notes.” What he’s looking at is three days of our event broken down, sticky style. These aren’t just randomly placed sticky notes, either. I have these organized in full outline form and broken down into topics and categories. Some of the sticky notes are in bold, others are in different colors, and still others are highlighted. Whenever I plan an event, a Talk, or even a story, I need to visually see the pieces. And even though I’ve tried other ways, this adhesive square playground is the planning method that works best for me. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn how a simple tool like sticky notes can revolutionize the way you plan your stories, speeches, workshops, and other events and get answers to questions like: What are the advantages of using sticky notes for story and other event planning? What do you need to consider when choosing your workspace for sticky notes? And what two things must you do to eliminate the confusion of working with your sticky note outline later on? What you will learn in this episode:
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: | |||
| How to Begin Your Story With a Bang | 08 Feb 2024 | 00:10:13 | |
One sentence from a stranger is all it took to ignite the biggest epiphany of my life. I’ll explain. I’m sitting in the audience at my first TED conference, enraptured by all the speakers when a guy comes on stage who I’ve never heard of before. He starts showing some of the most beautiful and haunting images I’ve ever seen. Then he says something offhand that gives me chills… Speaking of the impact of words, welcome to the next episode in our “Storytelling Seven” series! Today on the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about how to capture your audience’s attention from the very beginning by starting your story off with a bang. I unpack the power of using hook statements by answering questions like: What is a hook, and how does using one in your story engage your audience? How do you craft an effective hook statement? How does FDR’s first inaugural address illustrate the power of a great story hook? What you will learn in this episode:
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: | |||
| How Stories Cultivate Speaking Confidence | 31 Jan 2024 | 00:16:19 | |
I’m catching up with my Aunt Marie about everything that’s happening in life. She asks me, “Do you have any performances or events coming up?” I do. Our annual three-day immersive speaker bootcamp is coming up at the end of February. For those three days, I get to be on stage helping people take their speaking to the next level. “I don’t know how you do it,” my aunt replies. “Growing up, you were always so good in front of a crowd. You had no fear. I could never do that.” And the more we talk about all the times I was in the spotlight growing up, the more I think, “Is confidence really cultivated? Is it a natural ability we’re born with, or can it be learned?” In my most recent Masterclass, too, quite a few attendees expressed a desire to be more confident. So in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, we’ll explore confidence in relation to communication, storytelling, and public speaking and get answers to questions such as: What two elements does confidence as a speaker or storyteller really come down to? What does having confidence as a speaker or storyteller really mean? What three areas will help you cultivate your confidence when speaking or telling stories? What you will learn in this episode:
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: | |||
| Skyrocketing Your Success With Storytelling | 24 Jan 2024 | 00:06:35 | |
It’s 2016 and 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 this storytelling knowledge has given him a new competitive edge. Fast forward in time a few years later 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 apply what he learned at my workshop: How to tell a great short story. So if you want to know: How can you use storytelling as your superpower and get others to choose you in a highly competitive playing field over your competition? And what powerful insider techniques do great storytellers use to get such great results? 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 that teaches you how to skyrocket your success with story. What you will learn in the Masterclass:
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: | |||
| So You Think You Want to Become a Storyteller… Amplifying Your Expansion | 17 Jan 2024 | 00:24:04 | |
It’s 2015, and I’ve just started training in Improvisational comedy. Every Wednesday night, I attend Alan Irwin’s Improv classes at Santa Barbara Improv. Weeks turn into months, and my fondness for Improv grows into an addiction. I want to learn more, absorb more, and grow faster! So I start keeping a notebook of all the games we play and capturing all the critical class lessons and sound bites. I even stay after to ask for notes on my performance. Yet, I still crave more and want to accelerate my learning beyond the pacing of one class a week. I ask Alan for private coaching and, while he doesn’t do it very often, he agrees. Those one-on-one sessions are a game changer for me. They help deepen my understanding of the craft of Improv and allow me to significantly expand my knowledge. Thanks to his feedback from just a few of these private lessons, I end up at a completely different level. So many of us want to accelerate our growth, amplify our learning, and expand our skills fast. How do we do that as speakers and storytellers? In this continuation of our “So You Think You Want to Become a Storyteller” series on the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn where to start, how to accelerate your learning and grow with your audience, and how to keep track of your progression as you amplify the expansion of your speaking craft. I’ll answer questions like: How do you personalize your development plan to become a master storyteller or speaker? How can you accelerate your success and make stories more engaging and memorable? How can you leverage digital platforms, networking, and collaborations to become more visible and expand your reach? How can you get more opportunities to practice storytelling and teach your expertise? And how do you integrate continuous learning into a busy schedule? What you will learn in this episode:
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: | |||
| Why Authenticity Cannot be Denied In Storytelling | 10 Jan 2024 | 00:34:12 | |
I’m at the main TEDx event, sitting in the theater next to a lady who’s captured my attention. Her name is Carrie, and she’s impeccably dressed. I can’t help but fixate on her outfit! So as I’m chatting with her, I compliment her on her dress. She thanks me and says she’s a designer who makes custom dresses for her clients based on their unique measurements. In addition to wanting to get a tape measure and order a custom-made dress of my own from her right then and there, I have to ask her out of curiosity, “How did you get started in the fashion business?” “I believe the fashion industry has it wrong,” she responds. “It should be about role models, not runway models.” She feels fashion needs to highlight the humans wearing the clothes, instead of the clothes themselves. Not only does she go on to debut at New York Fashion Week with this campaign, she’s also one of the first designers to feature a model in a wheelchair on the runway. She’s challenging societal norms and giving voice to a segment that doesn’t always have a voice and doing so in an industry that is set in its ways in certain aspects. As someone who identifies as a non-binary gay cowboy, my special guest today also highlights marginalized voices in his work. Shawn-Caulin Young is an acclaimed LGBTQ+ actor, writer, director, and film and TV producer. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, he’s here to talk about the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in his storytelling journey and the impact these qualities have in storytelling to bring to life the experiences of marginalized communities. He also answers questions such as: What story imprisons too many actors, writers, and other artists? How can you get to your breakthrough moment of authenticity as a storyteller? What’s one thing that instantly disarms any resistance others might have to sharing their stories? And how can you use the breath to help you handle fear and enhance your presence and creativity with storytelling? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Shawn-Caulin? Shawn-Caulin Young is an acclaimed LGBTQ actor, writer, director, and film and TV producer whose storyteller roots extend deep into the arid expanses of Farmington, New Mexico amidst the vibrant tapestry of the Navajo Nation. He’s the youngest of four whose distinct, artistic voice has been shaped by his unique upbringing amidst the professional horse racing world where he identifies as a non-binary gay cowboy. As a beacon for LGBTQIA+ narratives, Shawn-Caulin has garnered acclaim across the spectrum of his various roles. His artistic voyage began in the corridors of high school drama, eventually propelling him to the prestigious Hartt School (UHA) in Connecticut, culminating in a BFA in Acting. His journey, enriched by classical training in England, led him to the vibrant streets of New York City, marking the beginning of an illustrious career in film and television. Known for his transformative and heartfelt performances in Godless, Santa Clarita Diet, True Detective, and notably in the film The Hammer, Shawn-Caulin has etched a place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. He also received the esteemed Screencraft Fellowship in 2022 for his work delving deep into the fabric of the Southwest (and beyond) and championing the untold stories of underrepresented communities with a keen eye on identity and perseverance. His scripts are not just tales but lifelines to the unsung experiences echoing from the underdog's world. Beyond the camera, Shawn-Caulin is a seasoned horseman and a devoted mentor, guiding young artists in the art of storytelling and filmmaking. His artistic journey, dotted with significant accolades and an undying passion for storytelling, continues to push the boundaries of creative expression. His commitment to diversity and authenticity makes his body of work not just entertaining but profoundly impactful and inspiring for storytellers and audiences alike. Links and Resources | |||
| Storytelling Seven: How to Influence Your Own Story | 05 Jan 2024 | 00:08:17 | |
I’m teaching an Improv class where everyone is doing an exercise called “Headlines”. We’re standing in a circle on stage, and one by one, we each share an outlandish headline we’ve made up on the spot. But there’s a twist: each person has to start their headline with the last word from the previous person’s headline. So, for example, if the prior person says, “Life found on planet Pluto” as their headline, the next person has to start their headline with the word “Pluto”. It’s a hilarious exercise that has us holding our tummies from laughing so hard. One week later, I’m meeting with a client who says to me: “I’m thinking about the year ahead, and there are so many things I want to do and create. I don’t know where to start.” In that moment, my mind goes back to the Headline game. So I ask her: “What if we fast-forward a year? In your favorite publication, there’s a headline about you, your business, your life. What does that headline say?” She loves the idea of doing this exercise! And I invite you to do the same in the first episode of a new podcast series I’m calling the Storytelling Seven, where you get bite-sized tools and tactics you can put in practice right now to take yourself to the next level. Today on the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about how you can use the Headline exercise to set goals and create a vision for the story of your future. You’ll get answers to questions like: How can headlines be used as teasers for stories? How do you create a headline and reverse-engineer the actions needed to achieve it? And why is celebrating your success so important? What you will learn in this episode:
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: | |||
| How Story Affects Our Creative Identity | 27 Dec 2023 | 00:27:41 | |
I’m working with a new client who is getting ready for a huge keynote speech. He tells me that he felt like his last speech completely fell flat and the audience felt disengaged. So I ask him: “Did you use storytelling in any way in your last speech?” “No, of course not,” he responds. In his view, story wasn’t appropriate for his last talk because it was very data-heavy. So I challenge him. “Since you are in the scientific community,” I say, “what if, as an experiment, you add a story to this upcoming Keynote to bring the data to life?” I give him some background about why and how story works. And in the end, he trusts me and delivers his Keynote to a huge standing ovation. To this day, he continues using story in his scientific presentations. We might think we need to deliver data in a straightforward way. Yet our brains are wired to remember stories so much better than facts. There are studies that show people retain up to 70% of the information shared through story, as opposed to only 5-10% when it’s just presented as data. My special guest today, Genein Letford, deals in data through her work in Brain-Centric Design and a curriculum rooted in neuroscience and cognitive psychology. And in this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll hear about the connection between the brain and storytelling and narrative, as well as get answers to questions like: How does your brain respond when you hear a story? What is intercultural creativity, and how does it tie into story? How does your cultural development and competency impact your creative thinking and agility in various aspects of life? And how can you use the arts to increase your ability to tell stories? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Genein? Genein is a national thought leader and creator of the concept of Prismatic Leadership, Intercultural Creativity®, and NeuroSomatic Creativity®. She is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of CAFFE Strategies, LLC which is a consulting, coaching, and training company that trains C-Suite executives and employees to create sustainable organizational equity and inclusion strategies based on neuroscience while unleashing their innovative thinking for themselves and in their businesses. Her 7 Gems of Intercultural Creativity is a leading framework that supports organizations and corporations in their diversity and inclusion development while developing critical cognitive tools for creative thinking. Genein holds degrees in psychology and educational development from UCLA and CSUN, is certified in Brain-Centric Design, and roots her curriculum in neuroscience and cognitive psychology. She believes creative thinking thrives best in an inclusive environment, and she is often called ‘America’s Creative Coach’ for her work in reigniting intercultural creativity within our workforce. Links and Resources | |||
| How to Craft Persuasive Stories | 20 Dec 2023 | 00:36:23 | |
In a small village, a young shepherd boy is given the task of guarding the sheep. He’s the type of boy who wants entertainment and perhaps even attention. So he suddenly cries out, “Wolf!” Hearing this, all the villagers come rushing to his aid. When they arrive, there’s no wolf to be seen. So they get back to their daily lives. Then they hear the boy cry “Wolf!” again. The villagers run over and still, they don’t see a prowling threat to their flock. This happens again and again. They hear the “warning,” rush over, and each time they don’t find a wolf, their trust in the shepherd boy diminishes. Then, one day, a wolf does suddenly appear to threaten the sheep. When the boy cries “Wolf!” this time, the villagers ignore him. So the wolf is free to feast on the flock, and the boy is left with a hard lesson to learn about telling the truth. Why does this well-known fable work so well as a memorable and persuasive teaching tool (in this case, for the importance of honesty)? In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll get a deeper look into why this fable works along with other powerful insights on how to craft persuasive stories. You’ll also hear examples of persuasive storytelling in action and discover answers to the following: What are the important elements that make a story persuasive? How can storytellers balance facts and emotions to persuade effectively? And what common mistakes should you avoid making in persuasive storytelling? …and much more! What you will learn in this episode:
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: | |||
| How Storytelling Can Unlock Opportunities and Shape Reality | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:29:26 | |
I’m running a high-stakes speaking event and, as I always do, I have everyone share their name and something interesting that may not be on their bio. We go around, one by one, with people sharing surprising facts and fun stories. The energy is light and full of laughter. Until we get to the last person who says, “Hi. I'm Sandy Zabarsky, and I just got out of prison.” The whole room goes silent, and you can hear a pin drop. All eyes are on her, and for a split second, you can almost see the assumptions kicking in. Is she really just out of prison? Did I even hear that right? She continues and says, “I've been an educator for most of my career. I’ve worked in the juvenile justice system, and I recently retired. So yes, I’ve been in prison, so to speak, for almost my entire career.” In an instant, the meaning of her words changes completely. The tension in the room releases and transforms. Sandy Zabarsky, also known as my mom, knew that education could change the trajectory of a life by rewriting their story. She helped these kids earn their GEDs because that piece of paper could mean the difference between repeating the cycle or stepping into something new, giving them options and opportunities they might not have had otherwise. When we look at storytelling it isn’t just about entertainment or children’s books; it’s how we shape reality, and no one knows that better than my special guest today. Professor Dr Ger Graus OBE is a globally recognized education leader, known for his innovative approach to children's learning. Having held key roles at KidZania and the Children’s University, he also serves as a professor and advisor to various global education organizations.
Who is Dr. Graus? Links and Resources | |||
| How Data and Details Can Tell Real Stories in Healthcare | 13 Dec 2023 | 00:26:13 | |
It’s 1990. Five days after my moped accident with a cement truck, I wake up in my hospital room. The doctor comes in and says, “Kymberlee, you’re going to have headaches for likely the rest of your life. You’ll probably have trouble with balance too. You’ll need plastic surgery on your face. And you may have lost your sense of taste and smell forever.” I’m thinking, “How is this possible?” I can deal with all the other things he said and anything else I have to do. Yet how could I have lost two of my senses forever? I spend weeks and months trying to make sense of it and trying to get my senses back. I’m doing everything I can to taste or smell something--anything--again. Nothing works. A few more months go by when I’m at a different doctor’s office for a checkup. I tell him what’s going on and ask why it’s happening to me. He explains to me: “Our brains are connected to cranial nerves that affect our taste and smell. If those nerves are slightly damaged, they can grow back. If they’re severed, however, there’s nothing that can be done.” So my cranial nerves are severed. Despite not liking hearing that news, it finally helps me understand the story of what’s going on in my body. And knowing that… changes everything. My special guest today, Amy Zolotow, is a healthcare operations leader who thrives on finding the real story in the data. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about storytelling within the healthcare space as it relates to data, connections, and humans in the medical field. You’ll also get answers to questions like: How does learning the stories of the people around you in a time of crisis help you (and them) after? How does story help bridge the disconnection gap people have with data in the healthcare industry? What role does artificial intelligence (AI) play in the story of patients and practitioners in healthcare? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Amy? An accomplished healthcare operations leader, Amy Zolotow thrives in complexity. Whether leading cross-functional teams or finding the real story in data, Amy drives lasting change in dynamic, matrixed healthcare environments. She consistently strives for shared language, community building, and technology adoption--all with an eye on the most effective patient and employee experience. Amy’s work at the operational level has explored the impact of AI, matching organizational and human needs to technological merit. She has lent her expertise as a moderator and speaker at Ai4 and a panelist and Ambassador for AIMed, leading vital discussions on the importance of responsible and thoughtful AI adoption and implementation in healthcare. Her career includes business and operational leadership roles at Johns Hopkins International, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Mercy Personal Physicians. Currently, she also serves as a Healthcare Advisor at ScaleHealth and Principal Solutions Architect, Healthcare and AI at Synthminds. Links and Resources | |||
| Telling Fifty Weeks of Stories: “Mic Drop” Moments | 06 Dec 2023 | 00:29:26 | |
I almost don’t do it. Normally, a Storytelling School Podcast episode lasts around 30 minutes with a special guest (or myself) delivering mic drop moments and storytelling nuggets of pure gold. Yet, for the 100th episode, I do something special; I collect these moments and golden nuggets from the first 99 episodes and put them all together in a single show. The episode runs over an hour. Does anyone want to listen for that long? Yes! It works so well and I get so many positive comments that I’m commemorating another milestone for the podcast by doing it again! In this special episode, we’re celebrating over 150 episodes of the Storytelling School Podcast with more ‘write-them-down’ worthy mic drop moments from special guests and yours truly. So get ready to take notes as you hear these powerful storytelling ideas and perspectives that can make a significant difference in your business and life. Enjoy. 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: | |||
| How to Impart Life Lessons Through Educational Storytelling | 29 Nov 2023 | 00:27:27 | |
I’m sitting in the living room at eight years old when my mom walks in and says, “Kymberlee, I have a surprise.” It’s not a holiday or my birthday, so there's nothing particularly special about this night… yet. So what’s the big surprise? “Tonight is going to be movie night.” Now there’s one particular well-loved book I read over and over again and keep on the nightstand by my bed so I recall all my favorite moments within its pages: Charlotte’s Web. The TV comes on, and we start watching the movie version of Charlotte’s Web, in living color on the screen. And as with the book, I’m mesmerized seeing what I’ve imagined in my mind so many times come to life right in front of me. I can’t help but watch it over and over again, just like with reading the written version. Why was I so obsessed with this story? Was it the narrative? The plot? The characters? The scenery? The messages? I’d say it’s all of the above. My special guest today, Rene Rawls, lives in this world of educational storytelling herself as an author, screenwriter, and teacher. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about her proverb detective, how storytelling can provide a lot of good life lessons, and the power of telling stories about yourself and others that make you happy. You’ll also get answers to questions such as: What’s one way you can increase a young child’s learning through stories? How does writing stories help you discover things about yourself? How can you and your kids better understand the lessons that proverbs can teach? And what’s one major difference between the same story written in book vs. screenplay form? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Rene? Growing up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as the daughter of an elementary school librarian and a lawyer, Rene Rawls has evolved into becoming an educational storyteller who’s dedicated to inspiring tots, tweens, and teens to do the right thing through the content she creates. For years, she used her platform as a teacher to impart both academic and life lessons to her students throughout the USA. But when she became a writer, her classroom exponentially expanded to include kids all over the world! Rene firmly believes that what children see in the media can be just as impactful as what they don’t see, especially if they don’t see themselves. So, she creates content for that unseen child. Not only has her work been celebrated by national and international audiences, but her stories have been acknowledged by the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and the Fred Rogers Productions Writers’ Neighborhood. After writing Sule and the Case of the Tiny Sparks, Rene received the Mandela Day/Tribeca All Access Award, and the script was produced as an animated short film. In addition, her picture book, Sule and the Case of the Tied-up Lion, was selected as one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Indie Books of 2021, and it received the Kirkus star. Rene’s passion for writing and teaching has led to her intentionally telling stories that capture those precious, magical moments of learning in awe-inspiring and fun ways. Her heart simply melts when she’s asked by kids to create more content. Links and Resources: | |||
| How to Turn Small Talk into Stories | 22 Nov 2023 | 00:10:36 | |
I’m at a family gathering when a family friend remarks about the weather. “It’s cold outside.” Others agree. Someone chimes in about the wind. Then someone else mentions that it hasn’t rained in a while. Oof. I can't take it anymore. I have to step in. “Rain makes me think of snow. And snow makes me think of the time Dad decided it would be a brilliant idea to go out and tie an inner tube to the back of the rental car so my best friend, Nikki, and I can ride it.” As 10-year-olds, Nikki and I love this idea. So we wedge ourselves into the inner tube together while my dad gets behind the wheel and starts driving down the snow-covered road. Yet, it doesn’t all go according to plan… As I relay the story to everyone of how this inner tube adventure goes down, I look around the table and realize everyone is laughing! And all of a sudden, I’m laughing with them at the ridiculousness of the situation. My story does the trick. Not only does this conversation become more lively and fun, it also reminds my dad of his own story about growing up on the farm. And for the next two hours, we take turns around the table telling hilarious true tales. With the holidays coming up, there’s going to be lots of dinners and parties with family and friends. So how do we take the chit-chatty conversations that often go on during these events and turn them into storytelling adventures for everyone there? In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn how to turn conversations from small talk into story time and get answers to questions like: Where do you begin when you want to change up the energy of a conversation? And how can turning small talk into stories affect the interaction between you, friends, and family years from now? What you will learn in this episode:
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: | |||
| From Storyboard to Spotlight: Your 90-Day Storytelling and Speaking Countdown | 15 Nov 2023 | 00:30:31 | |
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:
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: | |||
| How Untold Stories Affect You | 08 Nov 2023 | 00:24:39 | |
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:
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 | |||
| How Pairing Stories with Music Can Open Up New Possibilities | 01 Nov 2023 | 00:26:51 | |
“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:
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: | |||
| How Sharing Your Story Can Help Break Down Barriers | 25 Oct 2023 | 00:27:37 | |
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:
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 | |||
| Why Holding Back Can Enhance Your Storytelling | 18 Oct 2023 | 00:29:23 | |
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:
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: paperhammer@hotmail.com, paperhammer@gmail.com, or paperhammer@mac.com Labyrinth of Light: A Journey Into Cinema by Michael Stinson | |||
| How Play Can Bring Your Storytelling to a ‘10’ | 11 Oct 2023 | 00:28:21 | |
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:
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: | |||
| How Sharing Stories Can Build Rapport in Unpredictable Situations | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:27:20 | |
It’s the end of 2002 and I am fully immersed in the world of technology, running a bicoastal tech event. Over lunch with a new connection, we start unraveling a really wild idea - what if we were to build a software application using technology that has never been combined before? Just for fun, we scribble our ideas onto a napkin. A few days later, something truly incredible happens. We get invited to build this software for the TED Conference. I think to myself, This is way out of my league. We have no team. No roadmap. Just a napkin. And only eight weeks to somehow make this happen. However, the chance to create something that the world has never seen before is way too thrilling to ignore, so within a weekend, we pull together a team from all over the U.S. and Canada. Eight weeks go by, and we barely sleep. There are moments where I wonder, Is this a huge mistake? Day after day, though, fueled by adrenaline and sheer audacity, we keep pushing forward. When TED arrives, we hold our breath as we unveil our creation. Guess what? Not only does it work, but people engage with the software in ways we never even imagined. In that moment – watching as people interact and seeing our vision come to life – it truly hits me that we did it. And that moment changes everything. As it turns out, a little innovation and audacity can rewrite the rules in a life-altering way. Someone who knows all about that is today's guest, Gina Osborn. After nearly three decades in law enforcement chasing Cold War spies, foiling terrorist plots, and tracking down cybercriminals, this is just another day on the job for her. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, you’ll learn about the best way to build rapport, whether the glass ceiling is just a state of mind, and the consequences of choosing a hill to die on. You’ll also get answers to questions like: How do real-life experiences shape the way we tell and also interpret stories? How can unexpected challenges or turning points redefine the course of a story - or of a life? And how do you get wary people to trust you? What you will learn in this episode:
Who is Gina? After her retirement in 2018, Gina became a sought-after keynote speaker, using her real-life experiences to educate and inspire audiences. She is also the host of the upcoming podcast Making Maverick Moves which will feature trailblazers who challenge norms and redefine success! Links and Resources | |||
| How Your Reactions Influence the Stories You Tell | 04 Oct 2023 | 00:26:32 | |
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:
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
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| How Connections and Community Change Your Story | 27 Sep 2023 | 00:33:25 | |
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:
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: | |||
| When Comedy Meets Choreography in Storytelling | 20 Sep 2023 | 00:28:02 | |
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:
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: | |||
| How Storytelling Can Skyrocket Your Success | 13 Sep 2023 | 00:06:35 | |
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:
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: | |||