Story First Podcast

This week’s guest is Nadine Takvorian. Nadine is an author and illustrator whose work focuses on personal storytelling through images. Her graphic novel Armaveni draws from her family’s experience in the Armenian diaspora, using the visual language of comics to explore memory, identity, and history. In this conversation, we talk about storytelling—specifically stories told with pictures. Nadine shares how she developed her approach to the work, what she’s learned over time, and how she thinks about translating ideas and emotion into visual form. This is a thoughtful discussion about craft, process, and the discipline of learning how to tell stories in a way that connects.

What does it actually take to master your craft? In this conversation, Charles Johnson breaks down the reality of becoming a writer—not as inspiration, but as discipline, iteration, and years of deep work. From writing six unpublished “apprentice novels” to throwing away thousands of pages in pursuit of something better, Johnson shares what it really means to commit to the process. This isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about developing taste, refining your voice, and learning how to solve creative problems over time. He explores: Why most writers quit too early—and what it actually takes to get good The role of revision, and why great work often means throwing most of it away How “voice” isn’t something you choose—it’s something you earn through experience Why storytelling is ultimately about logic, structure, and cause-and-effect The importance of character, emotional honesty, and putting your work to the test At its core, this episode is about going deeper—into your ideas, your process, and yourself. Because the work isn’t just about finishing something. It’s about becoming someone capable of creating it. So the question is: Are you willing to do the work it takes to get there?

What does it actually mean to be a storyteller? In this conversation, Scott Morse breaks down the craft behind storytelling—not as writing, drawing, or directing, but as the ability to bring everything together into something cohesive, emotional, and true. From his early days working with legends like Chuck Jones and Maurice Noble to his experience across comics, animation, and film, Scott shares how great storytelling isn’t about making any one element shine—it’s about knowing when to step back and serve the story. This episode explores: Why combining disciplines creates a storytelling “superpower” The role of humility, collaboration, and trust in creative work Why less is often more—and how what you don’t show can be the most powerful choice How great directors protect the story, not their ego Lessons from mentorship, failure, and learning to take feedback the right way At its core, this is a conversation about discipline—knowing what matters, cutting what doesn’t, and staying true to the direction of the story. Because storytelling isn’t about control. It’s about clarity. And the question becomes: Are you serving the story—or yourself?

Why is simplicity so hard—and why does it matter so much? In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood ideas in storytelling and creative work: simplicity. Not simplistic, but precise. Focused. Intentional. Most people try to solve problems by adding—more backstory, more shots, more detail. But the real craft lies in taking things away. In knowing exactly what to include… and more importantly, what to leave out. Because clarity isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing only what matters. From filmmaking to design, comedy to music, the same principle shows up again and again: the best work points the audience to one thing—and removes everything else that gets in the way. This conversation explores why great artists think in terms of precision, how simplicity creates stronger emotional impact, and why ego is often the biggest obstacle to clear storytelling. If complexity is noise, simplicity is signal. And the question becomes: Do you know what you’re really trying to say?

What changes when you’ve actually tried to make something? In this episode, Brian McDonald reconnects with Rob Watzke, a fellow performer from their stand-up days in the 80s. What starts as a reunion quickly turns into a reflection on craft, failure, and the long road of figuring out where you truly belong. They revisit early ambitions in comedy, the lessons learned from bombing on stage, and the humbling realization that not every path is yours to pursue. From the chaos of stand-up rooms to careers in editing and filmmaking, Rob shares how experience reshapes not just your work — but how you see other people’s work. It’s a conversation about respect for craft, letting go of ego, and becoming a better audience — and a better artist — over time. Let’s get started.

What if the biggest problem in storytelling isn’t talent—but clarity? In this archived episode, Brian McDonald breaks down one of the most common mistakes creators make: a lack of focus. Not knowing what you’re trying to say leads to scattered ideas, unclear characters, and stories that never fully land. Through simple but powerful examples—from The Three Little Pigs to Finding Nemo—Brian explores why every story must center around a single idea and a single character. Because without focus, there’s no direction—and without direction, you lose your audience. But focus isn’t just a craft decision—it’s a commitment. It means choosing one idea over many, risking being wrong, and having the courage to fully “go there” emotionally. This episode goes beyond storytelling. It’s about how focus applies to everything: writing, business, branding, even how we communicate what we believe. If you’ve ever felt like your work is scattered, unclear, or not hitting the way it should—this conversation will show you why. And more importantly, what to do about it.

How do you turn imagination into a career? In this episode, Brian McDonald sits down with Everett Downing — animator, director, and visual storyteller — to talk about the long road into animation and the mindset it takes to keep going when the path isn’t obvious. Everett shares how drawing became the gateway to storytelling, how persistence and curiosity shaped his career, and why the fundamentals of craft still matter in an industry driven by technology and spectacle. They explore mentorship, representation, and the importance of finding your own voice while learning from the artists who came before you. It’s a conversation about discipline, growth, and the quiet determination behind creative success. Let’s get started.

What makes a scene work? In this episode of Masters of the Craft, Brian McDonald sits down with writer and producer Al Higgins to break down the five core components every scene must have — and why leaving one out can quietly weaken your story. From character objectives to conflict, stakes, reversals, and emotional movement, Al walks through the practical architecture beneath great storytelling. But this isn’t just theory — it’s about discipline, clarity, and understanding why structure isn’t restrictive… it’s liberating. They explore how strong scenes create momentum, how specificity sharpens drama, and why craft is what allows creativity to soar instead of collapse. This is storytelling at the blueprint level — practical, focused, and built to last. Let’s get started.

What happens when you get out of your own way? In this episode, Brian McDonald sits down with Jonny Ashcroft for a deep dive into flow state, that elusive creative space where ego quiets down, time disappears, and the work seems to do itself. They explore the neuroscience behind flow, the courage it takes to relinquish control, and why stretching just beyond your current abilities is often the gateway to your best work. From professional pressure to creative obsession, they unpack what it means to show up consistently enough that inspiration can find you. This is a conversation about selflessness, timelessness, and learning how to let the work move through you. Let’s get started.

What happens when your identity becomes part of the story you’re trying to tell? In this episode, Brian McDonald sits down with award-winning writer G. Willow Wilson to talk about faith, imagination, and the responsibility that comes with shaping culture. From creating Kamala Khan in Ms. Marvel to navigating the expectations placed on her as a public voice, Willow reflects on how storytelling can both liberate and complicate the person behind it. They explore representation, artistic freedom, and the tension between writing what’s true to you and what the world expects from you. It’s a thoughtful, candid conversation about craft, belief, and the courage to tell stories that feel personal, even when they reach millions. This is about voice. This is about integrity. This is about telling the story only you can tell. Let’s get started.

Writing isn’t about inspiration. It’s about belief. In this episode, Brian McDonald sits down with Danny Rubin, the writer behind Groundhog Day, to talk about what it really means to build a life around storytelling. From the myth of the “overnight success” to the fear of the blank page, Danny unpacks the invisible work that shapes a writer long before anyone notices the result. They explore why starting is the hardest part, how subtext and reaction reveal character, and why collaboration, when done with trust, makes stories stronger, not weaker. Danny also reflects on authorship, integrity, and the responsibility storytellers carry when shaping emotional experiences for an audience. This is a conversation about patience, clarity, and letting the story tell itself, if you’re brave enough to listen. Let’s get started.

“Overnight success” is almost always a lie we tell ourselves after the fact. In this episode, Brian McDonald revisits a deeply personal conversation about the long road behind creative work, the years of rejection, near-misses, false victories, and quiet perseverance that never make the headline. Through stories of unfinished scripts, shelved projects, hard-earned awards that didn’t change anything, and a graphic novel that took more than a decade to finally see the light of day, Brian unpacks what success actually looks like when you’re living it from the inside. This is a conversation about endurance, grief, belief, and the invisible labor behind work that finally arrives. Not as a miracle, but as inventory that refused to disappear. It’s not easy. It’s not fast. But it’s real. Let’s get started.

Great directing isn’t about control, it’s about trust. In this episode, Brian McDonald talks with writer and director Paul Feig (Freaks and Geeks, Bridesmaids) about creating honest work by making actors feel safe enough to be real. From his early stand-up days to directing some of the most emotionally grounded comedies of the last few decades, Paul breaks down how authenticity, rhythm, and humility shape every decision on set. They explore why truth always outlasts style, how vulnerability fuels comedy, and why the best moments are often the ones you can’t plan for, only recognize when they happen. It’s a masterclass in leadership, empathy, and letting go in service of story. Let’s get started.

Great storytelling isn’t about shortcuts, it’s about process. In this episode, Brian McDonald sits down with storyboard artist Gerald Kaye (Spider-Man, My Adventures with Superman, The Sisters Grimm) to talk about the long road into animation and the lessons learned along the way. They explore mentorship, learning where you are, and why every job — even the in-between ones — shapes your craft. It’s a conversation about focus, fundamentals, and committing fully to the work in front of you. Let’s get started.

Some people spend their whole lives searching for what they’re meant to do. Kira Lehtomaki knew at five years old. In this archive conversation, Brian McDonald talks with Kira — lead animator on Judy Hopps (Zootopia) and animation supervisor on Zootopia 2 — about passion, discipline, and the lifelong drive to get better at your craft. They revisit her path from a determined UW student to rising through the ranks at Disney, the power of mentorship, and the rare joy of doing exactly what you dreamed of, exactly where you dreamed of doing it. It’s a heartfelt episode about obsession, gratitude, and never losing the curiosity that started it all. Let’s get started.

Toby Cypress draws like he’s solving a puzzle — one decision, one shape, one problem at a time. In this conversation, Brian McDonald sits down with the artist behind Land of the Dead to talk about the craft of visual storytelling: clarity, composition, influence, and the long road of learning how to actually see. They dig into the early days at Comic-Con, the grind of art school, why fundamentals matter, and what it takes to develop a style that’s truly your own. It’s a deep, generous look at the artistic mind — from discipline to discovery to the joy of finding the right collaborator at the right moment. Let’s get started.

Claire Keane grew up surrounded by animation legends — but her journey is all her own. As a visual development artist at Disney, she helped shape the look and heart of Tangled and Frozen. In this conversation, Brian McDonald and Claire talk about the beauty of imperfection, the importance of intuition, and how vulnerability leads to the most honest work. They explore the tension between discipline and play, the courage to trust your instincts, and what it really means to “find the character” — both on the page and within yourself. It’s a conversation about art, honesty, and the creative voice that never stops growing. Let’s get started.

From Saturday-morning cartoons to Batter Royale, Leisl Adams has spent her life bringing stories to life—one drawing at a time. In this episode, Brian McDonald talks with Leisl about the curiosity that fuels creativity, the discipline that turns passion into craft, and what it means to keep the fun in art even after it becomes your job. They explore childhood imagination, mentorship, and the invisible work behind storytelling that makes characters—and artists—feel alive. It’s honest, funny, and full of hard-won wisdom from a lifelong student of story. Let’s get started.

What does it take to make audiences feel something? Ronnie del Carmen — co-director of Inside Out and the artist behind the emotional opening of Up — joins Brian McDonald to talk about the courage it takes to create empathetic work. They explore how vulnerability shapes storytelling, why authenticity hurts (and why it has to), and how the best stories reveal more truth about us than we expect. It’s raw, deeply human, and a masterclass in emotional storytelling. Let’s get started.

Before Pixar became a household name, Jeff Pidgeon was already there, helping define what it felt like to laugh in Toy Story, Monsters Inc., and Up. In this episode, Brian McDonald sits down with Jeff to talk about the craft of storytelling, the spark of Star Wars that shaped a generation, and what it means to stay curious through decades of creative work. They reflect on the power of imagination, finding your people, and why the best artists never stop being fans first. It’s nostalgic, funny, and full of heart, everything you’d expect from two lifelong storytellers. Let’s get started.

Before he was Jimmy Fallon’s sidekick, Steve Higgins was shaping comedy history, from The Higgins Boys & Gruber to Saturday Night Live. In this episode, Brian McDonald talks with Steve about the roots of comedy, the rhythm of timing, and the quiet discipline behind making people laugh. They explore what makes a moment funny, how honesty fuels performance, and why the best comedians are really just great storytellers. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and full of creative wisdom. Let’s get started.

Academy Award-winning VFX artist Todd Masters has spent his life shaping worlds you’ve seen but never noticed. From True Blood to Battlestar Galactica, his craft lives in the space between story and illusion. In this conversation, Brian McDonald explores how Todd’s approach to visual effects mirrors the heart of great storytelling, where the best work is often invisible, but deeply felt. Story First with Brian McDonald, where every story begins beneath the surface.

Welcome to STORY FIRST! Ever wonder what makes a story truly great? This week, Brian breaks down the concept of the Armature — the hidden spine that gives every story its strength. It’s the foundation that separates the stories we remember forever from the ones we forget tomorrow. If you’ve ever asked yourself why some films, books, or shows resonate so deeply, this episode is for you. Let’s get started.

Welcome to STORY FIRST! Today’s guest is Treva Silverman, Emmy-winning writer and one of the first women to break through in television comedy. From piano prodigy to sketch writer, Treva’s journey led her to the legendary Mary Tyler Moore Show, where her episodes helped define one of the most beloved sitcoms in TV history. In this conversation with Brian McDonald, Treva opens up about perfectionism, humor as survival, and the human honesty that makes comedy timeless. She shares stories of working with Carol Burnett, creating the character of Georgette, and collaborating with icons like James L. Brooks and Alan Burns. What emerges is a portrait of an artist who combined musical genius, sharp wit, and deep humanity to change the face of television. Let’s get started.

Welcome to STORY FIRST! Today’s guest is Dawud Anyabwile — award-winning artist, illustrator, and co-creator of the groundbreaking comic Brotherman: Dictator of Discipline. From comics at Black Expos in the ’90s to illustrating Muhammad Ali’s story, Dawud has always forged his own path. In this episode, he and Brian McDonald talk about growing up in Philly, burning his comic collection after realizing who was (and wasn’t) represented, and the way hip hop, graffiti, and family traditions shaped his creative vision. It’s a story about independence, representation, and the power of art to tell the truth. Let’s get started.

Welcome to STORY FIRST! Today’s guest is none other than Frank Oz — legendary puppeteer, director, and creative mind behind some of the most iconic characters ever brought to life. We talk about the mentors who shaped him, the frustrations that fueled his comedy, and the bravery it takes to bring honesty to performance. From Yoda to the Muppets, Frank shares how personal struggles, trust in vision, and a deep respect for character shape his work. This one’s about creativity at its most raw and human — the highs, the frustrations, and the moments that make stories unforgettable. Let’s get started.

Welcome to the second episode of The Story First podcast! I’m SO excited about today’s guest - Angela Sanders, my friend since the 80s. Angela went from congressional investigator to mystery writer with multiple series including the Joanna Hayworth Vintage Clothing mysteries and The Booster Club capers about a retirement home for petty criminals. We’re talking about her writing process and how she gets the work done! https://www.angelamsanders.com/

Welcome to STORY FIRST! First episode: Disney animation legend Glen Keane from the archives. The man who brought Ariel, Beast, Aladdin, and Pocahontas to life opens up about how he “taps into childhood discovery” to create characters that feel alive. Story First is about getting inside the minds of people who’ve mastered their craft. New conversations and rediscovered archive gems. Let’s get started. Website: https://glenkeaneproductions.com/

Introduction to Brian McDonald's new podcast on story and craft. If you're familiar with his previous podcast "You Are a Storyteller", this is the new iteration. The show will feature brand-new episodes, as well as archived episodes from the original series.