Episodios

  • The One Thing Every Storyteller Misses About Their Audience with Jon Bregel

    The One Thing Every Storyteller Misses About Their Audience with Jon Bregel
    Apr 6 2026
    "When you live in alignment with your values, you cause yourself as little suffering as possible in the long term. And that one just always sticks with me because it's really challenging in the short term. But if you have faith in your values and who you are and how you want to show up in the world, then ultimately you're creating a path that's going to serve you for the long term." — Jon Bregel


    What happens when the thing you love most… starts breaking you?


    In this episode, Rain sits down with cinematographer, founder of Variable, and career/life coach for filmmakers, Jon Bregel, to unpack a reality most creatives don’t talk about enough: burnout.


    After years of success in the film industry, Jon hit a breaking point that forced him to reevaluate everything—his career, his identity, and the story he was telling himself. That journey led him to create The Nourish Community, a space designed specifically to support the mental and emotional health of filmmakers.


    This conversation goes beyond tactics. It’s about identity, purpose, and how to build a creative life that actually sustains you, instead of slowly draining you.


    If you’re a filmmaker, creator, or entrepreneur feeling the pressure… this one hits close to home.


    In this episode, you will learn to:

    • Recognize the early warning signs of creative burnout before it becomes a crisis
    • Use core values as a practical decision-making compass
    • Understand the difference between a life coach and a therapist and why creatives may need both for different reasons
    • Reframe career plateaus, pivots, and rest as seasons of inner growth rather than signs of failure
    • Build or seek out real community as a creative and understand why that distinction changes everything


    Follow Jon Bregel:

    Website → https://www.nourishcommunity.co

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jonbregel

    Production Company → Variable (New York City)

    Film Referenced: The Baltimoreans — directed by J. Duplass, starring Michael Strassner (cinematography by Jon Bregel)


    And, for more storytelling tips and strategies, visit:

    Website → https://rainbennett.com

    Podcast → https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.com


    Or follow along at:

    TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficer

    Twitter/X → https://twitter.com/rainbennett

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennett

    Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglab

    YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    56 m
  • What a Father Daughter Podcast About Taylor Swift Taught Me About Story with Joseph Romm

    What a Father Daughter Podcast About Taylor Swift Taught Me About Story with Joseph Romm
    Mar 30 2026
    "If you think the world could be better and you want to change it, you're going to have to come up with a better story and know how to tell it better." —Joseph Romm


    What happens when a physicist with a PhD realizes that data, charts, and credentials can't change a single mind, but a story can?


    Joseph Romm spent years working in climate science and clean energy before arriving at an uncomfortable truth: facts don't persuade people. Emotions do.


    In this episode, Joseph breaks down the ancient storytelling tools—the figures of speech used by Homer, Shakespeare, Lincoln, and yes, Taylor Swift—that make stories stick, spread, and move people to action.


    But this episode is about more than communication theory. Joseph and his daughter co-host the podcast Decoding Taylor Swift, where they analyze the storytelling craft embedded in her music. What started as a way to bond with his daughter over song lyrics became a masterclass in how great writers use foreshadow, irony, the hero's journey, and circular narrative structure to create stories that lodge in the brain and don't let go.


    As a father of a daughter himself, Rain finds this project deeply personal, and the conversation that follows is one of the most layered and surprising in the show's history.


    Whether you're trying to communicate complex ideas, reach an audience that doesn't share your worldview, or simply connect more deeply with the people you love, this episode gives you the framework to do it.


    In this episode, you will learn to:

    • Understand why storytelling is more effective than raw information in shaping beliefs

    • Recognize how narrative framing influences what people accept as true

    • Replace ineffective fact-based arguments with story-driven communication

    • Identify why misinformation spreads faster than truth

    • Apply narrative thinking to make your ideas more memorable and persuasive


    Follow Joseph Romm: Podcast → Decoding Taylor Swift (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/decoding-taylor-swift/id1708550100)

    Book → How to Go Viral and Reach Millions by Joseph Romm (https://www.amazon.com/How-Viral-Reach-Millions-Shakespeare/dp/1944733779)


    Books & Talks Referenced:

    Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

    Roger Federer's Dartmouth Commencement Speech

    Steve Jobs' Stanford Commencement Speech

    The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell



    And, for more storytelling tips and strategies, visit:

    Website → https://rainbennett.com

    Podcast → https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.com


    Or follow along at:

    TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficer

    Twitter/X → https://twitter.com/rainbennett

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennett

    Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglab

    YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    52 m
  • Your Internal Story vs. Your Customer's Story | The Real Brand Difference

    Your Internal Story vs. Your Customer's Story | The Real Brand Difference
    Mar 26 2026
    "Marketing might be how you get the first date. But to get the second and third date and hopefully form into a relationship, you have to have a brand." — Rain BennettBrand isn't your logo, your color palette, your fonts, or your tagline.Brand is the story others tell about you. And in this solo episode, Rain breaks down exactly how to influence that story before it gets told without you. As part of the ongoing Narrative Operating System framework from his upcoming book The Chief Storytelling Officer, this episode is your practical guide to building a brand that goes deeper than decoration.Rain walks you through two foundational tools: the Brand Pyramid and the Brand Bible. Using real-world examples from Patagonia, Liquid Death, Apple, Yeti, and even his own mother's real estate business in Eastern North Carolina, he unpacks how the most powerful brands in the world built identity, loyalty, and community.Whether you're building something from scratch or realizing your current brand has drifted off course, this episode gives you the framework to get it back on track. From finding your one-word North Star to running a voice test on your content, Rain arms you with tools you can use this week, and a mindset that will serve your brand for the long run.In this episode, you will learn to:Distinguish between the three types of story every brand carries — the story you tell yourself, the story you tell others, and the story others tell about youBuild your Brand Pyramid from the ground up, starting with a single guiding word that informs every decision you makeCreate a Brand Bible that keeps your voice, visual identity, and messaging consistent across your entire team and every platformUse real brand case studies (Patagonia, Liquid Death, Yeti, Apple) to reverse-engineer what makes brand identity actually stickEvolve your brand intentionally over time through a cycle of inspiration and reflection — without losing who you areEpisodes Referenced:EP 216 — Vision: The Big Future StoryEP 220 — Mission: How You're Going to Get ThereEP 150 — Brand Essence & the Brand Pyramid (Deep Dive)EP 219 — Shane Lucas on Design as StorytellingBook Mentioned: The Chief Storytelling Officer by Rain Bennett → Pre-order now! Release date: August 25thBook Recommendation: If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? by Alan AldaFor more storytelling tips and strategies, visit: Website → https://rainbennett.com Podcast → https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.comOr follow along at: TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficer Twitter/X → https://twitter.com/rainbennett Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennett Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglab YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    33 m
  • What Live Storytelling Can Teach Every Brand with Corey Rosen

    What Live Storytelling Can Teach Every Brand with Corey Rosen
    Mar 11 2026
    “When you start to look at things through the lens of story, it helps you appreciate and process what’s going on.” — Corey Rosen


    What makes someone lean in when you tell a story instead of tune out?


    In this episode, Rain sits down with Emmy-nominated TV writer, Moth champion, and brand storytelling expert Corey Rosen to break down the real tactics behind stories that actually land.


    This is not a fluffy conversation about “storytelling matters.” It’s a practical deep dive into curiosity gaps, emotional stakes, visual detail, and the inner life that gives a story dimension.


    Corey shares how his background in comedy, television, and live storytelling shaped the way he now teaches stories for every occasion—from keynotes and investor pitches to eulogies, wedding toasts, and brand messaging. They also get into improv, theme parks, AI, and why the future belongs to people who can create connection, not just content.


    In this episode, you will learn to:

    • Build curiosity early so people care about where your story is going
    • Understand the three elements that make stories feel vivid, human, and memorable
    • Use storytelling to build trust before you try to persuade, pitch, or influence
    • Reframe everyday experiences as story material by noticing what changed and why it mattered
    • See how storytelling skills transfer across live performance, brand communication, and business


    Follow Corey Rosen on:

    Website → https://www.coreyrosen.com

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/storycoachcorey

    LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyrosenstorycoach


    For more storytelling tips and tricks:

    Visit → https://rainbennett.com and https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.com


    Or follow along at...

    TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficer

    Twitter → https://twitter.com/rainbennett

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennett

    Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglab

    YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 h y 1 m
  • The Real Work Behind a Great Content Strategy with Kristen Sweeney

    The Real Work Behind a Great Content Strategy with Kristen Sweeney
    Mar 2 2026
    “You can’t even begin to talk about results or impact until you actually put something out into the world.” — Kristen Sweeney


    What if the real problem with your content isn’t execution, but alignment?


    In this episode, Kristen Sweeney, founder of Every Little Word, breaks down the invisible work behind great communication: messaging frameworks, internal clarity, operational discipline, and the codified point of view that most companies skip.


    We explore why B2B brands struggle to articulate what they actually believe, how regulated industries can differentiate without breaking compliance, and why thought leadership without a clear stance is just noise.


    Kristen also shares how her background in theater shaped her confidence in high-level conversations and why content operations, not just creativity, determine results. If your content feels scattered, generic, or reactive, this episode is your blueprint for fixing it at the foundation.


    In this episode, you will learn to:

    • Clarify and codify your point of view before producing a single piece of content
    • Extract real insight from subject matter experts instead of settling for surface-level answers
    • Build messaging foundations that reduce friction across teams and client communication
    • Differentiate in crowded B2B and regulated industries without sacrificing accuracy
    • Move from informational content to perspective-driven leadership


    Follow Kristen Sweeney:

    Website → https://www.everylittleword.com

    LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristensweeney



    For more storytelling tips and strategies, visit:

    Website → https://rainbennett.com

    Podcast → https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.com


    Or follow along at:

    TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficer

    Twitter/X → https://twitter.com/rainbennett

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennett

    Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglab

    YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    49 m
  • The Courage to Face What Your Story Is Really About with Spade Robinson

    The Courage to Face What Your Story Is Really About with Spade Robinson
    Feb 23 2026
    “There is no version of storytelling that does not become therapy.” — Spade Robinson


    What if the difference between an average story and a great one has less to do with talent or skill and more to do with self-awareness?


    In this episode, screenwriter and story consultant Spade Robinson breaks down why structure isn’t the enemy of creativity—it’s the foundation that allows it to thrive.


    We explore how unforgiveness shows up on the page, why most writers avoid the emotional core of their work, and how discipline in story design eliminates writer’s block.


    Spade also shares hard-earned insights from Sundance and the development world about the changing industry, why writers must think of themselves as studios, and how short-form storytelling and brand partnerships may shape the next era of film.


    If you care about story craft, emotional truth, and building a sustainable creative career, this conversation will challenge you in all the right ways.


    In this episode, you will learn to:

    • Strengthen your stories by confronting the internal human question driving them
    • Use structure as a creative advantage rather than a limitation
    • Eliminate writer’s block by building a strong outline before drafting
    • Understand art and commerce must work together in today’s industry
    • Position yourself as a creator-studio in an attention-driven economy


    Follow Spade Robinson on:

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/spaderobinson

    LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/spade-robinson-5588a231/

    Website → https://www.atlantafilmproject.com/


    And for more storytelling tips and tricks:

    Visit → https://rainbennett.com or https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.com


    Or, follow along at...

    TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficer

    Twitter → https://twitter.com/rainbennett

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennett

    Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglab

    YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 h
  • Cinematography and Storytelling Beyond the Technique with Tal Lazar

    Cinematography and Storytelling Beyond the Technique with Tal Lazar
    Feb 16 2026
    “The real story is always in the subtext.” — Tal Lazar


    Most people lose their audience the moment they start explaining.


    In this episode, cinematographer, educator, and author Tal Lazar breaks down why the real story is always in the subtext, and why emotion beats information when you’re trying to persuade, pitch, teach, or lead.


    We talk about why leaders default to “feature lists,” how filmmakers create coherence across dozens of departments, and why there’s no such thing as a formula for “coverage” if you’re actually telling a story. The throughline is simple: focus on the transformation your audience wants, not the impressive details you’re tempted to showcase.


    If you’ve been chasing better tools, better tactics, or better talking points, this conversation will pull you back to the skill that makes everything else work.


    In this episode, you will learn to:

    • Shift your messaging from “what it is” to the transformation it creates for your audience
    • Use subtext intentionally so your communication lands emotionally, not just intellectually
    • Spot the fear-driven habit of over-explaining and replace it with story-first clarity
    • Lead like a director by creating one coherent interpretation across many moving parts
    • Build cinematic impact with fewer resources by knowing what your audience is actually feeling



    🔗 Follow Tal on:

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/talazar

    LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/talazar

    Website → https://cinematicimpact.com


    📚 For more storytelling tips and tricks:

    Visit → https://rainbennett.com

    Or → https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.com

    TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficer

    Twitter → https://twitter.com/rainbennett

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennett

    Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglab

    YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    51 m
  • The Most Misunderstood Piece of Brand Missions

    The Most Misunderstood Piece of Brand Missions
    Feb 10 2026
    “Vision is what inspires your people. Mission is what activates and organizes them.” —Rain Bennett


    What good is a bold vision if you don’t have a mission to back it up?


    In this solo episode, Rain Bennett breaks down why mission is the most misunderstood and most essential piece of a brand’s storytelling system.


    Using examples from WeWork’s collapse and Airbnb’s legendary collaboration with Pixar, Rain explains how to turn abstract ideas into real-world action through a story-driven mission.


    If your company struggles to align teams, inspire customers, or scale with clarity, the problem may not be your vision. It may be the lack of a narrative-driven mission.


    This episode will teach you how to build one that works, aligns, and lasts.


    In this episode, you will learn to:

    • Find the gap between vision and mission that leads to brand drift
    • Craft a mission that functions like a plotline for your business
    • Align internal teams and stakeholders around a shared narrative
    • Use customer journey mapping as a story structure
    • Translate lofty goals into repeatable action through story


    📚 For more storytelling tips and tricks:

    Visit → https://rainbennett.com

    Or → https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.com


    Or following along on...

    TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficer

    Twitter → https://twitter.com/rainbennett

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennett

    Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglab

    YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    21 m