Hosts: Amanda Marshall and Skye Hughes
Special Guest: Bonnie Ryanro
Length: Full episode
Listen via: www.ylaaus.com/podclass
🌟 Intro Summary
This week on Podclass, we’re joined by youth leadership powerhouse Bonnie Ryanro for a rich and energising conversation about storytelling and why it’s so much more than just entertainment. From memory to empathy, classroom culture to connection, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have in youth work and education.
With warmth, laughter and honest reflection, Amanda, Skye and Bonnie explore how educators and facilitators can integrate meaningful, authentic stories into everyday practice – and why doing so builds lasting relationships and opens powerful learning opportunities.
đź’¬ Episode Breakdown
🎤 Storytelling Builds Connection
“There’s no one you can’t love if you know their story.” – Amanda
Bonnie shares how storytelling shifted for her when she moved from acting into facilitation. No longer playing a role, she now tells stories as her true self – and that authenticity builds instant connection and trust with young people.
🧠Why Stories Stick
“A person is 22 times more likely to remember information when it’s told as a story.”
The hosts unpack how storytelling engages multiple parts of the brain, supporting deeper learning, emotional connection, and long-term memory. It’s not about information overload – it’s about inviting students to feel the learning.
🌍 Empathy Over Assumptions
“We are wired to make assumptions – until we hear the story.”
Amanda reflects on a powerful moment from a trip to Myanmar where knowing someone’s story instantly shattered a judgement she didn’t even realise she had made. The team discusses how stories can dismantle bias and build compassion.
🧰 Practical Strategies for Educators
Create a Story Bank
Like Bonnie, start a document of personal stories you can draw on. Funny, awkward or meaningful – anything that helps students feel seen and engaged.
Play with Delivery
Use sensory language, tone of voice, body movement and playfulness to bring your stories to life. It’s not about being a performer – it’s about making it real.
Invite Stories from Students
Ask questions that open space for young people to share their own stories. This builds classroom trust and gives every student a voice.
Use Stories as Teaching Tools
Instead of just data or slides, find a story – historical, cultural or personal – that brings your content to life. Then let students continue the story or reflect on their own connections.
Notice and Practise
Start paying attention to the stories that move you – whether from friends, books, or media – and practise retelling them in your own voice.
🎓 Final Thoughts
Storytelling is not just a nice-to-have in education – it’s a tool for empathy, memory, connection and healing. Whether you’re a teacher, coach, facilitator or parent, learning to tell stories (and invite them from others) can transform the way you connect with young people.
And remember: you don’t need to be a performer to be a storyteller. You just need to be human.
đź”— Links and More
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Connect with YEP: https://youthengagementproject.com
Learn more from YLAA: www.ylaaus.com