Talking Our Story: The Story Behind a Family of Storytellers

JAJ Minton
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What happens when an entire family decides to build a creative life together? John, Amy, and Jakob Minton run the YouTube channel Talking Story and write the sci-fi/cosmic horror series Strange Eons under the pen name J.A.J. Minton. On Talking Our Story, John and Amy pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to build stories—and a creative life—together. From origin stories and writing struggles to the everyday chaos of recording and publishing from their home studios, this podcast is a candid look at family, storytelling, and the creative process.

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  1. 5. Mai

    9: Empire Stories (Sn 1 Finale)

    How do you go from being raised on stories to making them side by side?   In the season one finale of Talking Our Story, John and Amy sit down with their son Jakob to tell the behind-the-scenes story of how the Minton family finally became true creative partners. They trace the road from Jakob’s high school comedy skits to college desk comedy and independent filmmaking to writing a science fiction series—all without losing the warmth (or honesty) that comes from being family. This conversation is about timing, trust, and the moment a family stops telling stories to each other—and starts creating them together. Join the Story YouTube: “Talking Story: A Fantastical Fiction Channel”: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Talking_Story⁠ Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok: @jajminton Website: ⁠https://www.jajminton.com⁠ Discord: ⁠discord.gg/talkingstory⁠ Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingStory⁠ Strange Eons, Book One: Discovery, in paperback, ebook, and audio: ⁠https://a.co/d/0e1qP6e2⁠ Music Credit: “New Echota” by Galapaghost via Uppbeat.io

  2. 28. Apr.

    8: Reinvention Stories

    Closing night isn’t the end—it’s the pivot.   In this episode of Talking Our Story, John and Amy talk about what happens after a lifetime in theatre—when the curtain finally comes down and it’s time to become beginners again. They share how “retirement” from the stage didn’t mean stepping away from art but stepping toward a different creative community with new rhythms, new friends, and new ways to push themselves. From releasing an identity built in rehearsal halls to finding joy in news stores and dorms, their conversation explores reinvention as both loss and liberation—and why the storyteller’s work doesn’t end when one chapter closes. Join the Story YouTube: “Talking Story: A Fantastical Fiction Channel”: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Talking_Story⁠ Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok: @jajminton Website: ⁠https://www.jajminton.com⁠ Discord: ⁠discord.gg/talkingstory⁠ Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingStory⁠ Strange Eons, Book One: Discovery, in paperback, ebook, and audio: ⁠https://a.co/d/0e1qP6e2⁠ Music Credit: “New Echota” by Galapaghost via Uppbeat.io

  3. 21. Apr.

    7: Magikal Stories

    Tiny humans. Scary ghosts. Zero chill.   In this episode of Talking Our Story, John and Amy reflect on the intense year they spent working inside a children’s theatre in San Antonio. It was a season of extremes: exhilarating creative highs, exhausting emotional lows, moments of deep joy with fellow artists, and moments that pushed them right to the edge of burnout. They talk candidly about what it’s like to pour everything into a mission-driven artistic space, the beauty of theatre made for and with children, and the quiet warning signs that something sustainable was slipping away. Ultimately, this conversation explores why loving the work isn’t always enough—and how knowing when to walk away can be an act of survival, clarity, and growth. Join the Story YouTube: “Talking Story: A Fantastical Fiction Channel”: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Talking_Story⁠ Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok: @jajminton Website: ⁠https://www.jajminton.com⁠ Discord: ⁠discord.gg/talkingstory⁠ Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingStory⁠ Strange Eons, Book One: Discovery, in paperback, ebook, and audio: ⁠https://a.co/d/0e1qP6e2⁠ Music Credit: “New Echota” by Galapaghost via Uppbeat.io

  4. 14. Apr.

    6: High-Water Mark Stories

    Sleep is optional. Art is not.   In this episode of Talking Our Story, John and Amy trade war stories from the theatre seasons when the casts and budgets are getting larger and the time together was getting shorter. They laugh about creative endeavors achieved on zero sleep. Somewhere between tech week and diaper changes, they stumbled into some of their most honest, focused, and surprisingly powerful artistic moments. A funny, frazzled, and very real look at what happens when ambition, parenthood, and sheer stubborn love for storytelling all pile on at once—and somehow, the show still goes on. Join the Story YouTube: “Talking Story: A Fantastical Fiction Channel”: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Talking_Story⁠ Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok: @jajminton Website: ⁠https://www.jajminton.com⁠ Discord: ⁠discord.gg/talkingstory⁠ Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingStory⁠ Strange Eons, Book One: Discovery, in paperback, ebook, and audio: ⁠https://a.co/d/0e1qP6e2⁠ Music Credit: “New Echota” by Galapaghost via Uppbeat.io

  5. 7. Apr.

    5: Nation of Three Stories

    When did you realize your family was different?   In this episode of Talking Our Story, John and Amy sit down with their adult son Jakob to unpack what it was really like growing up in a family that didn’t do “normal.”  Jakob shares when he first realized that his upbringing was unconventional, how storytelling was taught as a way of life, and how his parents’ intense work ethic became his artistic inheritance. This conversation explores family dynamics, creative identity, and the long-term impact of an upbringing centered on storytelling and imagination. Join the Story YouTube: “Talking Story: A Fantastical Fiction Channel”: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Talking_Story⁠ Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok: @jajminton Website: ⁠https://www.jajminton.com⁠ Discord: ⁠discord.gg/talkingstory⁠ Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingStory⁠ Strange Eons, Book One: Discovery, in paperback, ebook, and audio: ⁠https://a.co/d/0e1qP6e2⁠ Music Credit: “New Echota” by Galapaghost via Uppbeat.io

  6. 31. März

    4: Baby Stories

    Planning a pregnancy while running a professional theatre company is next-level madness.   In this episode of Talking Our Story, John and Amy reflect on when their theatre company hit its stride in its third season, and they made the life‑changing decision to grow their family. They share why adoption was their first choice (and why they ultimately chose a biological path), what it was like performing while expecting, and the joys and heartbreaks of teaching incarcerated young adults the art of theatre. At the turn of the millennium, everything was running at full speed, and this episode captures the headaches, hope, and community that carried them through. Hear about creative lives, family decisions, and the power of community in difficult seasons. Join the Story YouTube: “Talking Story: A Fantastical Fiction Channel”: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Talking_Story⁠ Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok: @jajminton Website: ⁠https://www.jajminton.com⁠ Discord: ⁠discord.gg/talkingstory⁠ Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingStory⁠ Strange Eons, Book One: Discovery, in paperback, ebook, and audio: ⁠https://a.co/d/0e1qP6e2⁠ Music Credit: “New Echota” by Galapaghost via Uppbeat.io

  7. 18. März

    3: Firelight Stories

    There was nothing normal about this courtship.   In this episode of Talking Our Story, John and Amy talk about the craziness and commitment of building their professional theatre company, Firelight Players. They revisit the shows they chose, the constant challenges of a first season, and the most memorable production of all: their wedding. As artists and partners, they grew under pressure, and built a passionate community with the objective of storytelling onstage. Hear the story of creative partnerships, grassroots theatre, and love under the stage lights. Join the Story YouTube: “Talking Story: A Fantastical Fiction Channel”: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Talking_Story⁠ Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok: @jajminton Website: ⁠https://www.jajminton.com⁠ Discord: ⁠discord.gg/talkingstory⁠ Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingStory⁠ Strange Eons, Book One: Discovery, in paperback, ebook, and audio: ⁠https://a.co/d/0e1qP6e2⁠ Music Credit: “New Echota” by Galapaghost via Uppbeat.io

  8. 18. März

    2: Love Stories

    Creativity is their love language.   In this episode of Talking Our Story, John and Amy share how one theatre production was the beginning of their real-life love story. They reflect on the moments that sparked their connection, the challenges and excitement of working together creatively, and how that shared experience laid the foundation for the storytelling life they now build together. What would compel a young couple to give up a normal dating life for the stress and panic of running a professional theatre company? This is a candid look inside that journey. Join the Story YouTube: “Talking Story: A Fantastical Fiction Channel”: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Talking_Story⁠ Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok: @jajminton Website: ⁠https://www.jajminton.com⁠ Discord: ⁠discord.gg/talkingstory⁠ Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingStory⁠ Strange Eons, Book One: Discovery, in paperback, ebook, and audio: ⁠https://a.co/d/0e1qP6e2⁠ Music Credit: “New Echota” by Galapaghost via Uppbeat.io

  9. 18. März

    1: Origin Stories

    Where does a creative life begin?   In this episode of Talking Our Story, John and Amy look back at their families and the experiences that shaped them long before they ever started writing books or recording a YouTube channel. From childhood influences to the pivotal choices that pushed them toward storytelling, they reflect on the risks, doubts, and turning points that led them to pursue creative work and how those decisions eventually brought them together as collaborators. If you’ve ever wondered what leads someone to choose the uncertain path of an artist, this episode explores the roots of that journey. Join the Story YouTube: “Talking Story: A Fantastical Fiction Channel”: https://www.youtube.com/@Talking_Story Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok: @jajminton Website: https://www.jajminton.com Discord: discord.gg/talkingstory Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingStory Strange Eons, Book One: Discovery, in paperback, ebook, and audio: https://a.co/d/0e1qP6e2Music Credit: “New Echota” by Galapaghost via Uppbeat.io

  10. 18. März

    Talking Our Story Trailer

    A behind-the-scenes look at a creative family writing and publishing their sci-fi horror series together. Join the Story YouTube: “Talking Story: A Fantastical Fiction Channel”: https://www.youtube.com/@Talking_Story Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok: @jajminton Website: https://www.jajminton.com Discord: discord.gg/talkingstory Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingStory Music Credit: “New Echota” by Galapaghost via Uppbeat.io

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What happens when an entire family decides to build a creative life together? John, Amy, and Jakob Minton run the YouTube channel Talking Story and write the sci-fi/cosmic horror series Strange Eons under the pen name J.A.J. Minton. On Talking Our Story, John and Amy pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to build stories—and a creative life—together. From origin stories and writing struggles to the everyday chaos of recording and publishing from their home studios, this podcast is a candid look at family, storytelling, and the creative process.

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