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“If your company doesn’t know the story that it’s helping to tell, no marketing campaign is going to save you.” — Rain Bennett
Most businesses mistake their vision for a quarterly goal or a financial target, but that’s not a story anyone wants to join.
In this solo episode, Rain Bennett unpacks the critical difference between vision and mission, showing how your vision acts as the narrative North Star for your entire brand. Rain shares a clear, actionable framework based on Simon Sinek’s “Just Cause” model and explains how the best visions are resilient, inclusive, and service-oriented.
Through two powerful case studies—Patagonia and The People’s Game—Rain illustrates how a well-crafted vision can guide every part of your business, from branding to product development to internal culture.
If you’ve ever struggled to articulate why your company exists beyond just making money, this episode gives you the foundation to start telling a story that actually matters.
In this episode, you will learn to:
For more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.com
Follow on TikTok @chiefstorytellingofficer
Follow on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel
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“I was made from mistakes. I was promoted, protected, loved, and perfected by them.” — David Meltzer
After losing $100 million and hitting rock bottom, David Meltzer rebuilt his life and his business around a mission to empower over 1 billion people to be happy.
In this episode, Rain Bennett sits down with David to explore how storytelling became the vehicle for that transformation.
David opens up about the bankruptcy he once hid from the world, the emotional healing that followed, and the new definition of success that changed everything. They talk about the myth of “give more, get more,” the strategic use of vulnerability, and how to build a brand rooted in service and joy.
If you’ve ever struggled to see the upside in your darkest moments, this conversation will show you how to flip the script and turn your pain into purpose.
In this episode, you will learn to:
Follow David on:
And for more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.com
Follow on TikTok @chiefstorytellingofficer
Follow on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel
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“It’s not just about keeping the lights on—it’s about building a relationship with the people at the end of the line.” — Krystal Phillips, JO-EMC
Storytelling isn’t just for trendy brands or startups.
In this episode, Rain sits down with Krystal Phillips, Communications and Community Relations Manager at Jones-Onslow EMC, to explore how a rural electric co-op built a storytelling culture that would rival any big tech brand.
Krystal reveals the behind-the-scenes thinking that led a utility company to invest in heartfelt video stories, internal leadership programs, and community-first content. Together, they unpack how to measure storytelling ROI when you can’t rely on sales, how buy-in from leadership transforms culture, and why authenticity matters more than production value.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in “unsexy” industries who wants to make storytelling their competitive advantage.
In this episode, you will learn to:
Follow Krystal on:
or visit the JO-EMC website, HERE!
And for more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.com
Follow on TikTok @chiefstorytellingofficer
Follow on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel
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“A shared narrative means everyone in the organization is speaking about the story in the same way.” — Salvatore Manzi
If every person on your team is telling a different version of your brand story, you don’t have a marketing problem—you have a clarity crisis.
In this episode, communication strategist and author Salvatore Manzi joins Rain to break down how to build a shared narrative that aligns everyone in your organization.
From CEOs to customer service reps, consistency in storytelling builds trust, clarity, and emotional resonance. Salvatore shares actionable frameworks for clear and compelling communication, how to blend personal and brand narratives, and why metaphors are essential tools for influence.
Whether you're leading a nonprofit or a global brand, this episode will sharpen your storytelling and unify your message.
In this episode, you will learn to:
Follow Salvatore on:
And for more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.com
Follow on TikTok @chiefstorytellingofficer
Follow on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel
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“A message map is the most underutilized resource for marketers.” — David Ebner
What if the reason your marketing isn’t working has nothing to do with the content itself, but everything to do with the foundation it’s built on?
In this episode, Rain sits down with David Ebner, founder of Content Workshop and one of the clearest voices in content strategy, to unpack why most brand storytelling falls flat. They explore the concept of the message map, how to build a storytelling system that scales, and why trust is the most important marketing metric you’re probably not tracking.
David also opens up about how his background in creative writing fuels his approach to business storytelling, what metrics actually matter, and how emotion creates longevity in brand relationships.
Whether you're a solopreneur or scaling a team, this episode will challenge the way you think about content and give you a smarter path forward.
In this episode, you will learn to:
Follow David on:
or visit the Content Workshop website, HERE!
And for more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.com
Follow on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel
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“The shortest distance between two souls is a story.” — Aaron Calafato
Aaron Calafato doesn’t just teach storytelling—he lives it.
In this episode, we dive into what it really means to lead with story, both as an artist and a business strategist. Aaron shares how he built an audience (and a business) by showing up authentically and consistently, telling personal stories that are never just about him.
We discuss the fine line between self-expression and self-indulgence, how personal narratives can unlock professional growth, and why he refuses to monetize his podcast Seven Minute Stories.
This conversation is full of heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom for anyone trying to build trust through story.
In this episode, you will learn to:
Follow Aaron on:
or listen to his show, Seven Minute Stories, HERE!
And for more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.com
Follow on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel
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“A story is a single arc of transformation. A narrative is the thread that connects them all.” — Rain Bennett
Most businesses think their biggest challenge is marketing. But what if the real issue is story misalignment?
In this solo episode, Rain Bennett introduces the Narrative Operating System—a strategic framework designed to bring your brand's stories into alignment across every department: from vision and mission to product, marketing, advertising, and sales.
This isn't just a branding tool. It’s a storytelling system that ensures your internal culture and external messaging work in harmony.
Rain breaks down each layer of the system and shows how companies can create a brand people don’t just buy from, but they believe in.
You’ll learn why most teams default to their own version of the story, how that causes confusion and erodes trust, and how the Chief Storytelling Officer role solves that. If you’ve ever felt like your message was scattered or your content inconsistent, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to fix it for good!
In this episode, you will learn to:
For more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit my website rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.com
Follow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow me on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow me on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
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“If it makes me curious, then maybe it’ll make someone else curious too.” — Patrick Hicks
What started as a 30-day content challenge became a storytelling movement powered by rock, raw honesty, and curiosity.
In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain Bennett speaks with Patrick Hicks, creator of a viral TikTok account (@patrickhicksmusic), where he tells the stories behind the songs that shaped our lives. With over half a million followers and a growing book project, Patrick has built a creator career that feels authentic, soulful, and sustainable.
They discuss how Patrick’s background in marketing, music, and punk DIY culture gave him the tools to grow his audience without losing his voice. You’ll hear how he balances content creation with a full-time job, why he never polishes his videos, and how he structures stories to connect emotionally—without chasing algorithms.
This episode is a masterclass in following your curiosity, honoring your influences, and building something meaningful on your own terms.
In this episode, you will learn to:
Follow Patrick on:
or subscribe to his Substack here!
And for more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.com
Follow on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel
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"Interviewing is not about taking something—it's about helping them be more of who they are." — Wil Weldon
What if the key to more powerful storytelling lies not in your editing skills—but in your ability to deeply listen?
In this soul-stirring episode, Rain Bennett talks with Wil Weldon, a video journalist, former massage therapist, and Reiki practitioner who’s developed a holistic approach to interviewing called Heart-Forward Storytelling.
They dive into Wil’s new book INNERviewing: Heart-Forward Storytelling and Holistic Communication, which teaches storytellers, coaches, marketers, and everyday humans how to create space for transformational conversations. You’ll learn how principles of energy transfer, intention, and trust can improve your interviews—not just on camera, but in life.
From family storytelling to trauma-informed listening, this episode reminds us that storytelling is more than performance—it's connection at its deepest level.
In this episode, you will learn to:
Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.com
Follow on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel
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"I wanted each character to be complex enough and sympathetic enough that there's some deep reason you could identify in yourself." — Elizabeth Lo
How do you tell a story that's intimate, ethically complicated, and rooted in real-life secrecy—without exploiting your subjects?
In this episode, Rain Bennett speaks with acclaimed documentary filmmaker Elizabeth Lo, director of Mistress Dispeller, one of the most talked-about films this year.
The film follows a professional “mistress dispeller” in China hired to break up extramarital affairs on behalf of betrayed spouses—yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.
Elizabeth opens up about how she gained the trust of real people in real love triangles, how she balanced empathy with narrative clarity, and how she created emotional tension through stillness instead of sensationalism.
They discuss ethical gray areas, building documentaries without control, and letting stories unfold naturally while still crafting a cohesive arc. If you’re a nonfiction filmmaker or just someone interested in telling hard stories with humanity, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode, you will learn to:
For more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.com
Follow on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to the Youtube Channel
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“A story is a singular arc of transformation. A narrative is the thread that ties all your stories together.” — Rain Bennett
Is telling your brand story enough to build a loyal audience?
In this episode, Rain Bennett breaks down the essential but often misunderstood difference between brand story and brand narrative. While most marketers focus on crafting engaging stories, Rain explains why the real secret to lasting brand trust lies in building a clear, consistent narrative thread that connects everything you do, from vision to product to marketing and sales.
He uses powerful metaphors—from Hamilton to the Bible to Christmas lights—to help you see the structure of your storytelling system in a new way.
You’ll also learn how the Chief Storytelling Officer is the guardian of that narrative, ensuring every department speaks in harmony. If you’ve ever felt like your content is scattered or your message is missing the mark, this episode will show you how to realign your storytelling, as well as your business.
In this episode, you will learn to:
For more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit my website rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.com
Follow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow me on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow me on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
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“If you're not leaning into your own abracadabra, you're leaving your competitive advantage on the table.” says magician and marketer, Jimi Gibson.
What if storytelling wasn’t just about clever hooks or flashy content—but instead about casting spells that transform how people feel and act?
In this episode, Rain sits down with Jimi Gibson, a marketing strategist, TEDx speaker, and lifelong magician, to explore the deep parallels between magic and storytelling. Jimi shares how the neuroscience behind awe, attention, and trust can be reverse-engineered into any brand message or business interaction.
He even performs a mind-blowing magic trick live on the show—proving firsthand how story structure mirrors a magic trick’s setup, curiosity, and climax.
Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or content creator, this episode reveals how to tap into your own “abracadabra” and use it to spark genuine human connection.
In this episode, you will learn to:
For more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit my website rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.com
Follow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow me on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow me on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
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“Ownable originality is about creating something uniquely you—something no one else can do, even if they tried.” — Rob Meyers
What does it mean to create something that no one else can replicate?
In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain sits down with Rob Meyers, Managing Director of the creative studio Versus, to explore the concept of “ownable originality.” Rob shares the philosophy behind Versus—one that prioritizes culture over style, curiosity over templates, and meaning over metrics.
The result? A studio that helps brands and creators make work that is not only beautiful, but deeply aligned with who they are.
They discuss the evolving landscape of branded content, how more companies are creating their own original documentaries and films, and why traditional marketing models are no longer enough. Rob also explains how a founder-led, culture-first organization can scale without losing its soul—and how his team’s creative autonomy fuels both client work and original IP like films, books, and games.
If you’re looking for a model that balances creativity, commerce, and community, this conversation will inspire you to reimagine your own storytelling strategy.
In this episode, you will learn to:
For more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit my website rainbennett.com, or
Follow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow me on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow me on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
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“If you write well, readers see your story differently—but they see it. It’s a visual medium, even in text.” — Gary Smith
What happens when a fine art photographer becomes a novelist?
In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain Bennett sits down with Gary Smith, a visual artist turned fiction author, who brings a unique perspective to the craft: writing as seeing.
Gary explains how his background in photography shapes the way he builds scenes, characters, and emotions on the page. His process begins with feeling, moves through visualization, and ends with carefully structured prose that reads like a cinematic experience.
The conversation dives deep into discipline, creativity, character development, and how the act of storytelling can help both writer and reader reflect on life’s deeper questions. Gary shares how years of long-distance running and construction work taught him the habits and resilience that now power his writing routine.
This episode is packed with wisdom for any writer who wants to create stories that resonate visually, emotionally, and philosophically.
In this episode, you will learn to:
For more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit my website rainbennett.com, or
Follow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow me on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow me on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
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“Consistency is not about how often you post—it's about how consistently you show up in your message.” — Renee Frojo
What if the key to growing your brand wasn’t pumping out more content, but going deeper with your message?
In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, host Rain Bennett talks to Renee Frojo, a former journalist turned brand storyteller, about why clarity in your narrative beats consistency in your posting schedule.
Renee breaks down how founders, solopreneurs, and startups can stop chasing viral trends and start building powerful stories that connect, convert, and scale.
From her personal evolution in content marketing to the development of her storytelling retreats and workshops, Renee shares the systems she uses to help brands mine for meaningful stories and communicate with confidence. They discuss how storytelling enhances every part of your business—from sales calls to short-form social content—and why authenticity has its limits when it comes to brand building.
If you're burned out by content creation and looking for a smarter, more resonant approach, this episode will reshape the way you think about storytelling in business.
In this episode, you will learn to:
For more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit my website rainbennett.com, or
Follow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow me on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow me on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
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“The more narrow we get with our prompts, the deeper and more profound the insights become.” — James Warren
How do you uncover what your customers and employees really think—without another boring survey?
In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain speaks with James Warren, the founder of Share More Stories and creator of SEEQ, a storytelling and insights platform that blends the emotional power of stories with the analytical depth of AI.
With a background in brand strategy and corporate leadership, James has pioneered a way to analyze written stories to reveal the underlying emotions, needs, and values of employees, customers, and communities.
James shares how emotional mapping, sensory prompts, and narrative-based strategy help organizations tap into deeper truths that conventional analytics miss. Whether you’re a team leader, marketer, or founder, this episode offers powerful insight into how empathy and data can combine to unlock connection and impact at scale.
In this episode, you will learn to:
For more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit my website rainbennett.com, or
Follow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow me on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow me on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
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“The CSO needs a seat at every department’s table—product, marketing, sales—because story threads through all of it.” — Rain Bennett
Storytelling isn’t just about marketing anymore—it’s about leadership, alignment, and growth.
In this special 200th episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain kicks off Season 14 by exploring the rise of a new essential role in business: the Chief Storytelling Officer.
Whether you’re at a massive company like Nike or a scrappy startup, someone needs to take responsibility for narrative consistency across your entire organization.
Rain shares insights from his interviews with real CSOs, including Nike’s Nelson Farris, and breaks down what this role looks like—why it matters, what it includes, and how to fill it (even if it’s you). From establishing your brand’s core “why” to ensuring cohesion across departments like product, marketing, and sales, the CSO is the linchpin of a modern brand. And as Rain writes his next book on the topic, he’s bringing listeners along for the journey.
This episode sets the stage for a season focused on clarity, alignment, and the systems that make brand storytelling sustainable.
In this episode, you will learn to:
For more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit my website rainbennett.com, or
Follow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow me on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow me on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
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“Think about what your story promises and then ask yourself if you're actually moving toward it.” — Rain Bennett
Tired of overcomplicated storytelling formulas?
In this episode, Rain simplifies the process with a three-step model inspired by bestselling fantasy author Brandon Sanderson: Promise, Progress, Payoff. This framework is rooted in classical storytelling principles but designed for clarity and ease—whether you're telling a short story, a brand narrative, or a social media post.
Rain breaks down what each step means, how to apply it in your work, and why it's so effective at keeping your audience engaged and emotionally invested. You’ll hear examples from The Lion King, Star Wars, and even YouTube tutorials to show how Promise, Progress, and Payoff show up across formats.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by storytelling theory, this episode brings you back to what matters most: clear expectations, forward motion, and satisfying endings.
In this episode, you will learn to:
For more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit my website rainbennett.com, or
Follow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow me on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow me on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
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“If you get your timeline pushed back, think of it as another year to make the story better.” — Erika Arlee
What does it really take to build a sustainable filmmaking career?
In this episode, Rain sits down with Erika Arlee and Kristi Ray, the powerhouse duo behind Honey Head Films, to explore how they’ve grown a production company that balances passion, purpose, and profit.
They share the story of their debut feature A Song for Imogene, and how they expanded it from a short film into a fully realized, distributed feature while staying true to their vision.
Erika and Kristi break down how they built their brand around authentic Southern stories, women filmmakers, and a collaborative, values-driven approach. You’ll learn how they crowdfunded, built community buy-in, and turned obstacles into creative opportunities.
If you’re dreaming of turning your passion for film into a business that lasts, this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom and inspiration.
In this episode, you will learn to:
Follow Honey Head Films on:
Or visit their website HERE!
*** A Song for Imogene is now on Amazon Prime!
For more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit my website rainbennett.com, or
Follow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow me on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow me on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
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“We make our media the same way we make our barbecue, and that’s low and slow.” — Shawn Walchef
How do you run a business and still find time to create content?
In this episode, Rain sits down with Shawn Walchef, owner of Cali BBQ and founder of Cali BBQ Media, to explore how storytelling and content creation aren’t distractions—they’re growth engines. Shawn shares how he went from struggling restaurateur to building a thriving media company on top of his barbecue brand, and why every business today needs to think like a media company.
They break down how to overcome the fear of looking foolish, why quantity and speed matter more than perfection, and how to turn your phone into your most valuable tool.
Shawn also gives practical tips on stacking content, building a team, and staying consistent without burning out. If you’ve ever wondered how to juggle business and content—or whether it’s worth the effort—this episode will change your mindset.
In this episode, you will learn to:
Follow Shawn on:
Or visit his website HERE!
For more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit my website rainbennett.com, or
Follow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow me on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow me on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
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