The Starfish Storytellers

In a world where attention spans are measured in seconds, clarity isn’t just important—it’s everything. In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we sit down with brand strategist, author, and speaker Orly Zeewy to explore what it really takes to stand out in what she calls a “five-second world.” Orly shares her journey from fine artist to brand strategist, and how a pivotal realization—that businesses often focus on what matters to them instead of their audience—led her to help entrepreneurs turn fuzzy messaging into clear, compelling stories that connect and convert. Through powerful examples and real-world insights, this conversation dives into:Why clarity—not volume—is what cuts through the noiseThe biggest mistake businesses make when building their brandHow to identify your ideal audience (and why you must)The role of storytelling in building trust and connectionWhy failure, feedback, and pivoting are essential to successThe mindset shift behind her upcoming book Why Not Me?Whether you’re a startup founder, marketer, or business leader, this episode is a reminder that when you truly understand who you are, who you serve, and why it matters—you don’t just get noticed. You get remembered. To learn more about Orly, you can visit her at:https://zeewybrands.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlyzeewy/ https://www.youtube.com/@[email protected]

In telemarketing and lead development, storytelling happens live, unscripted, and often in the first 10–30 seconds of a phone call. While many people think of storytelling as something that happens in books, speeches, or marketing campaigns, a world of call centers proves otherwise. In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we sit down with Ceri Ruenheck, President of IT’S YOUR CALL, a B2B telemarketing services company with more than 30 years of experience helping companies turn conversations into opportunities. In this conversation, Ceri shares insights into:• How storytelling happens in real-time conversations • What determines whether someone stays on the line or hangs up • The role of trust in business communication • How call guides can support natural, human conversations • What it takes emotionally to handle rejection and hostility • Why call center work is often misunderstood Whether you work in sales, leadership, customer service, or simply want to improve how you communicate with others, this episode offers powerful insights about connection, trust, and the stories we carry for the brands and people we represent. Because sometimes storytelling isn’t about a stage or a spotlight. Sometimes it’s simply a calm voice on the other end of the line. In addition to watching us live on YouTube, listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Pandora | iHeart Radio

What makes video storytelling actually work for business? In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we sit down with Tim Bradley, founder of Pennant Video, to explore how intentional, authentic video storytelling helps brands clarify their message, build trust, and drive real results. With nearly 20 years of experience in video production and agency leadership, Tim shares how storytelling goes far beyond flashy visuals, and why clarity, confidence, and connection are what truly convert. You’ll learn:Why great video storytelling isn’t about production value. It’s about purposeHow Tim’s Video Marketing Trifecta™ (Anthems, Explainers & Endorsements) helps B2B brands stand outHow to uncover compelling stories in even the most technical or “unexciting” industriesThe difference between content that exists and stories that actually connectThe impact powerful storytelling can have on marketing, sales, and brand confidencePlus, Tim wraps up with a fun Quick Takes round on common storytelling clichés, brand buzzwords, and what every business should know before hitting record. If you care about storytelling that means something - and actually moves people - this episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations on storytelling, branding, and impact!

Life has a way of delivering unexpected curveballs — moments that force us to stop, reassess, and decide how we’ll move forward. In this powerful episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we welcome Heidi Siefkas, Speaker, Storyteller, Four-Time Author, and Creator of the 'Look Up' Mantra.Heidi shares her extraordinary personal journey - from surviving a life-altering accident to rebuilding her world after profound loss - and how those experiences shaped her belief that perspective is a survival skill. What began as a personal promise to “look up” has since evolved into a global movement, bringing together resilience stories from people across cultures, continents, and lived experiences.Together, we explore:·How resilience doesn’t erase hardship, but helps us keep moving forward·Why perspective is something we return to again and again — not something we “find” once·The common threads that unite global stories of survival, healing, and reinvention·How community, mindfulness, and choice play a role in overcoming life’s hardest momentsThis conversation is an honest, deeply human reminder that even in our darkest seasons, one breath, one shift in perspective, and one story can change everything.To read the stories about ordinary people who have been able to do extraordinary things, pick up Heidi’s book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2yGnrE2.To learn more about Heidi and the ‘Look Up’ mantra, visit https://heidisiefkas.com/.

This episode isn’t just about a man in a red suit. It’s about the art of bringing wonder, joy, and connection to life through storytelling. Santa isn’t merely a holiday figure—he’s a master storyteller, a keeper of tradition, and a living example of generosity in action.From the sparkle in a child’s eyes to the lessons we carry into adulthood, the story of Santa reminds us of kindness, courage, and the enduring power of belief. And who better to take us on this journey than Ed Taylor, one of the most requested Santa actors in the world.You’ve seen him on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE, The Today Show, and The Talk, and in commercials for Chrysler, Kohl’s, and Reddi Whip. For years, Ed has devoted himself to perfecting the magic of Santa—bringing him to life with authenticity and heart, and teaching others to do the same.In this conversation, we’ll explore:✨ How storytelling fuels the Santa tradition✨ Why authenticity and intention matter more than perfection✨ The power of The Golden Christmas™—when a child transitions from believing in Santa to becoming part of Santa✨ Insights from Ed’s book, Bexley & Thayer: The Mystery of Santa Claus, which goes beyond Christmas to explore happiness, confidence, and perseverance: https://bexleyandthayer.com/At its heart, this episode is a celebration of the stories that connect us—and a reminder that belief, generosity, and joy are gifts we can carry all year long.

In a world driven by deadlines, deliverables, and data points, it’s easy to forget that at the heart of every campaign, pitch, or press release… is a story. Storytelling is the thread that connects boardrooms and bedtime routines, brand launches and lullabies.But somewhere along the way - especially for those of us in the business of shaping messages - we can lose touch with the purest form of storytelling: the kind that sparks wonder, invites play, and lives in the imagination of a child.In this episode, Nancy Merrill, a communications consultant turned children’s author of the holiday book Elf Dust, shares her personal story behind the book’s creation, why she believes kids need more imagination, and how her successful PR career coaching executives on how to connect with their teams helped her step into the spotlight as an author.Whether you're a parent, a writer, or someone dreaming of turning an old idea into something new, this conversation will warm your heart and remind you: sometimes the smallest stories have the most lasting magic.

In our interconnected world, telling a great brand story isn’t just about finding the right words. It’s about making sure those words, images, and ideas resonate across cultures. Great storytelling isn’t just about what you say, it’s about how it lands with the people you’re talking to.In this episode, we welcomed multilingual storyteller and brand strategist Christabel Alio. A community manager, content manager, and PR manager, Christabel holds dual Master’s degrees in Corporate Communication and Brand Strategy, specializing in localization, translation, and cross-cultural communication.The art of cultural adaptation in storytelling shapes global brand messages so they align with local values, customs, and expectations without losing their original essence. We discussed why “just translating” isn’t enough, how cultural nuances can make or break a campaign, and Christabel shared some practical strategies that brands can use to connect with audiences in meaningful, authentic ways across different countries.

Storytelling is becoming an essential leadership skill for today’s project managers. Far beyond Gantt charts and spreadsheets, effective project management hinges on the ability to communicate vision, inspire teams, and navigate change with empathy and clarity.In this episode, host Liana Henry sits down with her husband and business partner, Phillip Henry, COO of The Black Dog Group and a certified Project Management Professional, to explore how storytelling can transform the way project managers lead.From guiding multi-million-dollar projects to mentoring enterprise teams, Phillip has seen firsthand that success in project management isn’t just about Gantt charts and deadlines. It’s about the human element.Phillip unpacks how narrative can communicate vision with clarity, inspire teams to work toward a common goal, navigate change with empathy and resilience, turn dry “lessons learned” into engaging, actionable retrospectives, and win true stakeholder buy-in, not just signatures on a plan.Take a listen if you are looking for practical frameworks, pitfalls to avoid, and tips to apply whether you’re managing a marketing campaign, a software rollout, or a community initiative. If you’re ready to lead with more than timelines, this episode is your toolkit.

Great storytelling isn’t just about words - it’s about how they’re spoken. Voiceover brings stories to life, adding depth, emotion, and personality to every message. Whether it’s the excitement of a product launch, the clarity of an explainer video, or the authority of an instructional course, the right voice makes all the difference. A compelling voiceover doesn’t just inform. It connects, engages, and stays with the audience long after they’ve heard it. In this episode, we were joined by CJ Merritt, a voice actor based out of Los Angeles who specializes in providing voiceover services to recognizable brands such as the NBA, Acura, and Snapchat. CJ shared his approach to each different project (since he is always considering the audience while delivering for his clients), how tone evokes emotions, and how AI has shaken up the voiceover industry.

In this episode, we're diving into the world of inclusive storytelling—what it means, why it matters, and how writers can do it better. When authors and creators shape more authentic characters and avoid unconscious bias, they tell stories that reflect the richness of real-world experiences. Our guest, Stacey Parshall Jensen, a Sensitivity Reader, Diversity Editor, and Cultural Consultant, shares how she helps clients deepen character development, what happens when someone writes outside of their own cultural lens, and how she guides clients through the complexities of bias.

Storytelling is an art and a science. It shapes cultures, drives initiatives, and transforms the way we connect with the world. But storytelling isn’t just about entertainment. It’s also a powerful leadership tool. Storytelling influences, inspires, and creates a lasting impact. To all those leaders out there - whether you are in the boardroom, in nonprofits, or in a technical field - remember: how you tell your story can determine how effectively you lead.In this episode, Sally Amkoa, a finance leader for a national insurance company and a leadership storytelling coach, shared her deep love for African storytelling traditions, how she designs storytelling programs for executives, and how she brings impactful storytelling to local nonprofits.

Storytelling is at the heart of every great brand, and one of the most potent storytelling frameworks is the Hero’s Journey. From ancient myths to blockbuster films, this timeless structure captivates audiences and takes them on an emotional journey. When applied to branding, the Hero’s Journey turns customers into protagonists, brands into trusted guides, and products into transformative solutions. In this episode, we hear from Doug Birnbaum, the founder of Branded Content Media - a thriving commercial video and photography production company in Hollywood, dedicated to cinematic brand storytelling. We explored how the Hero’s Journey framework influences brand storytelling and how Doug incorporates it into all his projects.You can learn more about Doug at https://www.dougbirnbaum.com

History isn’t just a record of the past - it’s a lens through which we understand power, deception, and the patterns that continue to shape our world today. Nowhere is this more evident than in the stories of organized crime and financial fraud, where the shadows of history reveal the schemes, betrayals, and high-stakes games that still play out in modern finance. In this episode, we welcomed Stefano Siggia, Anti-Money Laundering Consultant and historical fiction author from Belgium, and dive into the realities of his role and the historical storytelling he is doing, peeling back the layers of financial crimes and espionage to see what lessons they hold for us today.His book “The Iron Shadow”, a wartime novel with a twist, is scheduled to be released on May 22nd and can be found on Amazon.

Broadcast journalism is more than just reporting the news. It’s storytelling in motion, bringing the news to life in an immediate and immersive way. Through powerful narratives, journalists connect audiences to real stories, real people, and real moments, delivering truth with impact, clarity, and urgency.In this episode, we welcomed Nerissa Lamison, an evening news anchor for ABC7 News in Tampa, Florida, and a member of the faculty at Hillsborough Community College’s Radio, Television, and Broadcast program, also in Tampa. We chatted about the realities of busy newsrooms, how fact-checking has ALWAYS been critical in journalism (not just in this era), and all the ways she is guiding the next generation of young reporters to be storytellers.

For attorneys, storytelling is more than just a skill—it’s a critical tool for representing their clients effectively. Whether it’s painting a vivid picture in an opening statement, weaving evidence into a compelling narrative, or delivering a memorable closing argument, the art of storytelling has the power to humanize clients and bring justice to life.In this episode, we welcome Ariel Clemmer, Executive Director of 603 Legal Aid, a legal advice and referral center in Concord, New Hampshire that hosts a central call center for people seeking civil legal assistance. During this show, we dive into how attorneys use storytelling to advocate for their clients, how pro bono work has shaped Ariel’s perspective on the legal system, and how storytelling makes opening and closing statements more compelling and memorable. For more information about 603 Legal Aid, visit https://www.603legalaid.org/

We’re back, and it’s 2025 - can you believe it? In our first episode of the year (and of the new season!), our core group of Liana Henry, Phillip Henry, Jacob Measmer, and Alicia Fiore looked back over our second-year business stories of what we learned and what our predictions for the new year would be. We shared some of our growing pains, talked about hot trends in content development, project management, and marketing, and reminisced about the ways we got to make a difference.

Why are young entrepreneur stories so inspiring and what do we love about them? Besides being nothing short of amazing, they remind us that age is but a number when it comes to innovation and success. Our guest, Nico Hessel - founder of Upwork Outbound - shared his remarkable journey of how he turned his vision into a successful venture at age 21. During this episode, Nico shares his passion for entrepreneurship, the roadblocks he overcame to become successful, and how your only path to failure is when you quit.

Videos bring storytelling into your marketing and connect with your customers in a powerful way. Videos immerse the audience in your content and make them feel like a part of the journey.In this episode, we welcomed Mike Connell, President and Owner of KC Visuals Unlimited, a video production and video marketing company that’s been telling stories through video since 1988. Mike is also the author of “The Book on Powerful Video Marketing: Crushing it With Promos the Convert” which we dig into on the show. Mike talks to us about the importance of scripting, how long it can REALLY take to produce a quality video, when a video series can be useful to developing good B2B storytelling, and the pivotal moments in video history when user-generated content took off.

In this episode, we welcomed Julie Lewis, Senior Pantry Manager at People Helping People, Inc. in Burlington, Massachusetts. Julie shares the realities of local hunger and food insecurity, how to change the assumptions that food pantries are only utilized by the poor, how usage has changed over the last four years, and how the stories about the real people who benefit from and volunteer for the pantry elicit impactful contributions from corporate and community donors. To learn more about People Helping People, Inc. or to make a donation, visit https://peoplehelpingpeopleinc.org/.

Meghan Iris Armstrong is a filmmaker, writer, and artist who breathes life into people's stories through the documentaries she directs and produces. She creates unforgettable experiences with these educational, inspirational, and entertaining film projects for her clients. In this episode, Meghan shares with us how she got into filmmaking, the types of stories she’s told through the films that she produced, and how adding Guided Autobiography is enriching to the clients she serves.

Elaine Brammer, a seasoned business, marketing, and brand perception storyteller, has crafted inspirational stories for companies such as Microsoft and Schneider Electric (among others). She has also authored the book, “Unforgettable: New Rules for Business Storytelling” where she does a fantastic job of sharing her unique storytelling approach that helped her create award-winning content for Fortune 100 companies. In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, Elaine gives listeners an abundance of tips and tricks for developing their corporate storytelling muscles. She explains how to enhance case studies by using stories FIRST in sales calls. She guides us down the “So, what?” trail to unearth the best stories. And she tells us how to master the release form so content can be shared with the world. Don’t miss this episode!

Deb Goeschel, a communications expert and brand storyteller, has helped many small to medium-sized businesses find their voice through the concise, clear, messaging she’s created for them. In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, Deb shares what has been a main challenge for her clients when it comes to conveying their brand story and how she helps them flesh out their BIG WHY. She also walks us through her process for defining an ideal customer profile and why it’s REALLY important for companies to become skilled in conveying their core values in order to attract top talent.

In honor of Pride Month 2024, we were honored to hear our friend Danielle Smith’s Coming AWARE story. This UMM Research Administrator shared her journey of when she came out, how the DEI department at the university is making a difference with their inclusive programming, and how best to connect with your queer colleagues, friends, and neighbors. We also share some resources for anyone who may need help. You can check them out here:GLAAD: https://glaad.org/PFLAG: https://pflag.org/The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

In our next episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we welcome Linda Frederick, an Exercise Physiologist with over 30 years of experience and a Reiki Master Healer. We dug into healing stories and how to use mindfulness to transform your life into wellness. Using “bedtime” stories and supportive women’s stories, Linda shares some tools, tactics, modalities, and easy ideas to help our listeners achieve calming moments so they can recharge in profound ways.To learn more about Linda and her services, visit https://lindashealingwagon.com/

Our next guest on The Starfish Storytellers is my friend Tom Libby. Tom has been a Sales VP and Business Development Executive for over 20 years with a passion for helping companies with sales management and training across many industries. He believes that sales is about solving a problem first. In this episode, Tom shares networking success stories, how to navigate partnerships, and the importance of bringing value to every professional interaction - reminding us that building RELATIONSHIPS should always come before doing business.

“Laugh and the world laughs with you”. Or “Laughter is the best medicine”. These two sayings tout the power of humor. There is something to be said about capturing your audience’s attention by infusing stories with humor. If it makes sense, incorporating a theme or light tone is one of the quickest ways to strike a connection with your audience.In this episode, we welcomed our friend, Scott MacNeil, a Stand-Up Comedian and self-proclaimed one-liner, who has performed with such comedic greats as Emo Philips, Kevin Farley, and Gilbert Gottfried. We got the chance to catch up and chat about becoming a successful comedian, the different styles of comedy that deliver the best storylines, and what it takes to be funny.

Social impact storytelling and donor stories help organizations that are seeking to inspire donors while standing out to touch hearts and evoke empathy. Fundraising storytelling especially fosters connections and drives impactful contributions. In this episode, we welcomed Mary Lyman, Director of Community Relations, and Julie Bloise, Communications and Marketing Director, from the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center in Lawrence, Massachusetts. They shared how they leverage social impact storytelling to support this innovative medical center’s mission of improving the health of the population they serve by providing high-quality, comprehensive services. Through storytelling, we also got the opportunity to illustrate the impact their donors make each year by highlighting their upcoming ‘Making a Difference’ Gala, a main fundraiser for this non-profit organization that serves 68,000 patients across the region.To learn more about GLFHC, visit https://glfhc.org/

This fast-paced episode is about the many nuances of sports storytelling, through the lens of a Correspondent for the talented Boston Bruins NHL hockey team. Our friend, Shawn Hutcheon, a correspondent of the Boston Bruins Media Program for The Fourth Period Magazine, a sports radio commentator, a member of the Professional Hockey Writer’s Association, and a hockey player rep and skills coach, takes us through a day-in-the-life of a sports writer who spends many hours in the Bruins locker room and on the ice coaching future professional players. Shawn points out how writing longer features, where he gets to expand beyond last night’s score, gives the reader a more complete picture of the how and why to an athlete’s style of play. He shares what it’s like to get up close to one’s heroes and how important it is - as a fan - to remember these players are just people too.

Having a place to share your stories, especially where you can get feedback, makes you a proficient storyteller.  This can happen at live events, online in communities, or with story coaches. In this episode, writer, storyteller, and toastmaster Peter Ash stops by to tell us all about the story communities and events he’s been a part of  - such as NEST, Story Space, and Sharing the Fire - and why it’s important to join one. Each one offers the storyteller a different experience but above all, the more you tell your story to an audience, the better you are.

Storytelling in content marketing transforms marketing collateral into effective brand tools. It allows businesses to engage emotionally with their target audience by creating a more memorable customer experience. In this episode, we welcomed Becki Harrington-Davis, Brand Storyteller, Executive Ghostwriter,  and Corporate Comms Professional, who outlines for us the ways that content marketing boosts all types of campaigns. We chat about the power of customer testimonials, why video production is a critical skill for marketers, the best ways to bring storytelling into the typical case study, and how she incorporates AI responsibly into her work. 

Journalists and public relations professionals take us on a journey when they tell a story. To be a good storyteller across the media, you have to be able to get close and convey that. In doing so, you’ll connect with the reader in a memorable way. In this episode, we welcomed our friend Tom Zuppa,  PR Practitioner from John Guilfoil Public Relations and former Managing Editor for The Sun of Lowell.  After an attention-grabbing story he shared (that you’ll want to get lost in), he shared his expertise in storytelling, both as a journalist and in public relations.  Curiosity is # 1 as a journalist and effective communications are key. PR is about reputation management and brand awareness so convey the impact and results. Storytelling across the media may not always be easy, but when you focus on character, dramatic arc, and a sense of place, you can make your stories truly transportive.  

It is really important to know what our predecessors faced in order for us to live the life we have today. Through historical narratives, those of us in the here and now have a way to organize and frame everyday life from a historical orientation to give people a way to situate themselves.   Sharon McDonald, the Historian for Bedford Massachusetts, sat down with us to share how she and the local historical society have been collecting and sharing the stories of Bedford and its residents since 1893. In this episode, she shares what a Historian does, some interesting moments in Bedford history, how the local historical society collects the artifacts and stories of this town, and what goes into researching historical narratives.

In this second episode of our second season, we meet Delaney Gembis, a Social Media Manager at a local Biometrics company and a volunteer social media manager for an animal rescue.When she is not developing organic social media content to build a trustworthy brand image for the company, she’s using her storytelling skills to build engagement for the rescue’s social media community. From content calendars to when NOT to use memes to our opinions about the move to rebrand Twitter to X (and the tumult that followed), Delaney and I talk shop to highlight the ins and outs of corporate storytelling.

When you put a visionary, a problem solver, an organizer, and a creative together, what do you get? Well, our talented core team, of course!In this kick-off episode for 2024, the team at The Black Dog Group sat down to share stories about our first year in business - what challenged us, what we achieved, and what were a few of our favorite things. We make predictions for 2024 in our respective areas, share our feelings about the latest technological boom - AI - and share our goals for the company this year.

Examining our own narratives can help us grow personally, spiritually, or professionally. Sometimes we can get there on our own, but sometimes we need the assistance of a Life Guidance Coach.In this episode, we chat with Jude Mullins, a Reiki Healer, Evidential Medium, and Life Guidance Coach who helps her clients become more attuned and balanced by excavating and examining their own deeply layered stories. By taking all the pieces from all the areas of their lives that may be of concern, Jude helps people release the narratives that can be self-limiting and will often employ the help of loved ones who passed on by sharing their encouraging, loving messages.

In this episode, we welcome Dale Grenfell, Storytelling instructor, presenter, and facilitator who has taken her storytelling skills to the classroom and the stage. She has used storytelling in peace circles and within restorative justice programs both in classrooms and prisons to demonstrate the power of storytelling to heal harm. Storytelling connects when there is discord by bringing vulnerability, forgiveness, and transparency to the table.Through sharing her own memorable stories of the Red Shawl and the Listener on the Train, she takes us on a journey of understanding that drives home why opening space for people to tell their stories is so important to re-establishing balance and peace.

In this episode, we welcomed Elena Ulanovsky, award-winning author, screenwriter, and independent movie producer from Ukraine, who emigrated to Israel and later moved to the US. Elena shared summaries about each book she penned, what she learned along the way, and how some of her fiction was a premonition of the war in Ukraine today. Elena has found that the storytelling in her books and screenplays was the best way for her to express her beliefs and not stay silent about the injustice happening in her country of origin.

In this episode, we welcomed Alison Cservenschi, the Director of the Council on Aging in Bedford, Massachusetts to chat about senior stories and celebrating lives well-lived. Seniors have made decisions that have shaped our lives and communities, and listening to their journeys informs us about the world around us. We talked about how seniors benefit from connecting with each other, the heartfelt stories she hears all day, how the center’s connection with the Veteran’s Administration opens doors to hearing Veteran’s stories, and why taking the time to listen to these stories is an important priority for all of us.To learn more about what Councils on Aging do, visit https://www.ncoa.org/ . To see all of the great programming coming from Bedford, MA, visit https://www.bedfordma.gov/518/Council-on-Aging.

In this special episode we are calling a ‘CEO’s Cut’, I talk about The Superpower of Storytelling, Moth Style. I did this podcast solo to talk about this amazing organization and its concise story framework which I know our listeners would find helpful for telling better stories. As you listen, you’ll hear all the steps you’ll need to get yourself Moth-stage ready. From mining for memories to rehearsing tips, to the power of authentic transformational narratives, Moth stories promote the art and craft of storytelling, by honoring the diversity and commonality of the human experience on a stage built of civility and respect.

In this episode, Awilda Irizzary, Senior Business Advisor at the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, outlines what three things all small businesses must have in order to get started, why so many fail within the first five years, and how brand storytelling is critical to connecting with your target audience. By telling your company story in all the right places, you will evoke emotion, motivate people to act, and build brand loyalty.

In this episode about public speaking, we welcomed long-time Toastmaster Bob Avallone who shared tips for creating memorable speeches and presentations by using storytelling. He walks us through his speech-writing process, encouraging practice, practice, and more practice in a variety of ways - by speaking it, writing it, and recording it. Some of the most noteworthy speeches have stories at their core and, the ones that sound more conversational, will grab and hold your audience’s attention.

In this episode on Social Impact Storytelling, we welcomed two guests - Rev. Annie Gonzalez & Rev. Megan Lynes, First Parish Unitarian and Universalist Pastors in Bedford, Massachusetts. They shared social justice stories about the many ways the congregation is effecting change. From using resources to help other congregations on the front lines of such social issues as climate change, transgender legislation, and immigration to supporting local art programs and empowering youth groups, these two women challenge us to remember - if you can do something, you should do something. To get involved, visit https://www.uua.org/. To learn more about the Bedford First Parish Church, visit https://www.uubedford.org/

In this episode, I welcome my friend and award-winning graphic designer Jeff Surette who drives home how important collaboration is when working with a copywriter. Visuals need to be adapted to complement the message but be sure to not make it all about the artwork. He explains his process for visual flow in order to enhance a story and encourages new designers to just look at the things around them to help them become strong visual communicators.You can learn more about Jeff and his visual wizardry at http://surette.biz/web.php

In this episode, we welcome award-winning journalist, poet, and fiction author Meg Smith who takes us through her passion for writing. Her brilliance and expertise as a journalist shine through as she shares the importance of exploring all sides of an issue, how covering challenging stories is the best teacher, and how the community’s trust in their beat journalist is sacred. Meg lets us in on her poetry publishing process and how an epidemic of medieval times became the relevant backdrop for her fiction collection ‘The Plague Confessor’ - which was published in 2020 - that challenges the reader to examine their own judgments and biases. You can learn more about Meg Smith and purchase one of her poetry books or her short story collection, ‘The Plague Confessor’ at: http://megsmithwriter.com/index.htm

In our next episode, we sat down with our friend Colleen Sgroi, Award-Winning Children’s Book Illustrator and New England hometown favorite Folk Artist and Watercolor Instructor. Colleen shares her journey through book illustration and how a well written story inspires and sparks her memorable designs that help readers better understand what they are reading. We take a nostalgic walk through some classic colonial communities as we hear how her Americana Folk Art comes to life (sometimes in unusual ways). Then we close with her encouragement to budding artists and illustrators to know your worth and don’t sell yourself short. You can learn more about Colleen’s art and illustration at her website: https://www.colleensgroi.com/

In this episode, we welcome Rachel McLean, technology product manager and active member of a professional women’s group. Rachel shares her story and how she went on to land the career she always wanted through sheer determination, perseverance, and a whole lot of smarts. She encourages listeners on a professional path to find a mentor, have clear goals, and rely on other women as their allies.

In this episode, we welcome Leslie Baker, LGBTQ+ advocate and chair of an LGBTQ+ employee group. Leslie shares her own coming out experience, how the current political environment is impacting the LGBTQ+ community, and how important it is - especially for young people - to have a support network behind you when deciding to share your own LGBTQ+ stories.

In our first episode, we welcome Phillip Henry, COO of The Black Dog Group and author of ‘Hunter, Hunted’ - an urban fantasy thriller story. Phillip shares an excerpt of Michael Mahoney’s transfiguration and walks our listeners through storyboarding. He lets us in on the secret that characters create the relationship with you (more often than the other way around), not to rely on flashbacks as a crutch, and why being edited is paramount to your best work.

In this trailer, host and CEO of The Black Dog Group, Liana Henry, shares her own background as a storyteller and why geeking out on story formats is fun, tells her favorite story - The Starfish Story - and reminds listeners about the importance of the ‘Power of One’ when telling their own stories.