In this episode of Some Things Considered, I sit down with Karen Eber — TED speaker, award-winning author of The Perfect Story, and former Fortune 500 executive whose talks have reached millions worldwide. Karen specializes in the science and skill of storytelling, helping leaders and creatives alike use stories to inform, influence, and inspire.

The conversation explores:

• The science of storytelling: what happens in the brain when a story works, and why humans are wired to connect through narrative.

• What makes a story succeed—or fail: common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Trust and connection: how storytellers can build authenticity and credibility with their audiences.

• Inherited stories and bias: recognizing how cultural, familial, and corporate narratives shape our beliefs and choices.

• Choosing which story to tell: balancing timeless themes with timely resonance.

• Introverts as storytellers: why some of the best storytellers aren’t the loudest voices in the room.

• Story in leadership and business: from media to the courtroom to the boardroom, the most effective leaders leverage story to motivate and inspire.

• Data storytelling: transforming raw information into narratives that resonate and drive action.

• Storytelling in the age of AI and misinformation: why the best defense against “bad stories” and fake narratives is to tell better ones.

This episode offers both practical insights and big-picture reflections on how stories shape our lives, our decisions, and our culture.

Instagram: @kareneber1
Twitter: @KarenEber1
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kareneber
Website: kareneber.com

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

Website: seanmurphy.net
Substack: seanmurphy.live
Twitter: @bullmurph
Instagram: @bullmurph
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphy
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41

In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa Cooper Ellison—author, speaker, trauma-informed writing coach, and host of Writing Your Resilience. Lisa works at the intersection of storytelling and healing, using her personal experiences and clinical training to help writers transform difficult life events into meaningful art. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, HuffPost, Risk!, and more. She recently completed her memoir Please Stage Dive Carefully: How I Survived My Brother’s Suicide and Forgave Myself.

Our conversation explores:

• The multiple hats every modern writer must wear: creator, promoter, brand-builder, and, most importantly, healthy human.

• Why curiosity, empathy, and vulnerability are essential to creativity—and how to cultivate them without burning out.

• What it means to “gaslight-proof” your writing practice and set healthy boundaries.

• How to share your story in an era of oversharing and constant brand-building.

• The intersection of trauma and art, and how to transform pain into powerful creative work.

• Lessons Lisa has learned as a podcaster—from preparation to professionalism—that can serve as a blueprint for others.

• Practices and mindsets that make for a rewarding creative process, including pushing past comfort zones.

• The evolving meaning of “literary citizenship” and why it matters for writers today.

This is part craft talk, part creative therapy session, and part masterclass in how to live a sustainable creative life.

Instagram: @lisacooperellison
Twitter: @LisaEllisonsPen
Facebook: facebook.com/lisacooperellison
Website: lisacooperellison.com

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

Website: seanmurphy.net
Substack: seanmurphy.live
Twitter: @bullmurph
Instagram: @bullmurph
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorSeanMurphy
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sean-murphy-4986b41