The Story Lab

Jonathan Howard
  • 5.0 (8)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The go-to podcast for business owners and marketers who want to harness the power of storytelling to stand out, connect, and grow their brands using the power of stories. 

  1. 4D AGO

    Value Content is Dead Because It Doesn't Build Connections | Ep 21

    Send us Fan Mail Value Content is Dead Because It Doesn't Build Connections For years, we’ve been told to “just give more value.” More tips. More how-to’s. More frameworks. But here’s the truth… That approach isn’t working anymore. In today’s content landscape, your audience doesn’t need more information. They can get that anywhere, instantly. What they’re actually looking for is connection. In this episode of The Story Lab, Jonathan breaks down why value-heavy content is blending you in instead of helping you stand out, and what you should be doing instead if you want to be remembered, trusted, and hired. What You’ll Learn Why “giving value” is no longer enough to grow your businessThe difference between information and connection (and why it matters)Why your content might be helpful… but not convertingHow to turn your teaching into content people actually feelA simple 3-part method to create content that connects and convertsKey Takeaway If your content is all teaching, you might be respected… but you won’t be remembered. And if you’re not remembered, you’re not chosen. Try This Before you post your next piece of content, ask yourself: What’s the story behind this?Where did I learn this the hard way?How can I make someone feel this instead of just understand it?Because your goal isn’t just to teach. It’s to connect. Work With Me If you’re ready to stop blending in and start showing up with content that actually connects and converts, check out the Unforgettable Impact Collective. This is where we take your ideas, your story, and your personality and turn it into a clear, repeatable content system that gets you seen. Enjoying The Story Lab? If this episode hit for you, make sure to follow the show and leave a review. Tell me what landed. Tell me what didn’t. I read all of it, and it helps me make the show even better for you. Support the show

    12 min

  2. MAR 9

    From Vague to Memorable: A Better Way to Tell Your Story | Ep 20

    Send us Fan Mail From Vague to Memorable: A Better Way to Tell Your Story with Russell Van Brocklen What makes a story stick? In this episode of The Story Lab, Jonathan sits down with Russell Van Brocklen to explore why many stories fall flat and how the right words can transform the way we communicate. Russell shares his remarkable journey from struggling with dyslexia and having a first-grade reading and writing level to developing a process that helps people think more clearly, communicate more effectively, and build stories that people actually remember. Together, they walk through a practical storytelling exercise that helps you move from vague messaging to a clear, memorable narrative. By identifying the hero, narrowing in on the right action word, uncovering the real obstacle, and asking “why” until you reach the deeper truth, you can turn a simple idea into a powerful story. If you’ve ever struggled to explain what you do, connect your work to your audience, or make your message stand out, this episode will give you a new way to approach storytelling. In this episode we discuss • Russell’s journey overcoming dyslexia and how it shaped his work • Why vague language weakens your message • How identifying the “hero” strengthens your story • The importance of choosing the right action word • How to uncover the real obstacle in your story • Why asking “why” repeatedly helps reveal the deeper meaning behind your message • A practical framework for building clearer and more memorable stories Connect with Russell Learn more or reach out at: https://dyslexiaclasses.com Russell offers a free 30-minute session if you want to explore how this storytelling process could apply to your work. Enjoying The Story Lab? If this episode gave you a fresh way to think about storytelling, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who could use help making their message more memorable. Because the right story is often the difference between being heard and being remembered. Support the show

    18 min

  3. FEB 23

    Confusion Isn’t a Strategy: Create Success By Controlling Your Narrative | EP 19

    Send us Fan Mail Episode Title: Confusion Isn’t a Strategy: Create Success By Controlling Your Narrative Episode Summary: If people can’t explain what you do in five seconds, they’re not “still warming up”… they’re gone. In this episode, Jonathan breaks down a simple narrative control playbook to help you get clear, build trust faster, and stop competing on price. You’ll learn how to write a sharp “I help” statement, set narrative pillars so content gets easier, and create weekly narrative assets that act like receipts for your brand. Plus, how to handle messy moments and brand hiccups without making it worse. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why clarity speeds up sales (and confusion kills momentum)How narrative control makes you a category of oneThe “I help” statement formula that makes your value instantly obviousThe 3 narrative pillars that guide your content: POV, Process, ProofHow to create one narrative asset per week (so your brand has receipts)What to do in a crisis: name it, own it, anchor what happens nextSimple homework to clarify your narrative this weekKey sound bites: “Clarity speeds up sales.”“Be truthful and honest in crises.”“Confusion is not a brand strategy.”Episode chapters: 00:00 Owning Your Narrative00:51 The Importance of Clarity in Sales02:05 Establishing a Unique Position04:42 Crafting Your “I Help” Statement05:25 Defining Narrative Pillars06:54 Creating Narrative Assets09:17 Handling Narrative Crises12:21 Homework for Narrative ControlHomework (do this after you listen): Write your “I help” statement and make it pass the 5-second test.Choose your 3 narrative pillars:POV: what you believe that changes how people thinkProcess: how you do what you doProof: results, receipts, transformationsPost one narrative asset this week (client win, behind-the-scenes, belief flip, or mini case study).DM Jonathan your “known for” statement and he’ll tell you if it’s clear.Connect with Jonathan: Follow/subscribe to The Story LabLeave a rating + share this episode with a friend who’s ready to stop sounding like everyone elseDM Jonathan your “I help” statement for a quick clarity checkKeywords/SEO tags: narrative control, storytelling, personal branding, clarity, messaging, sales, marketing, content creation, brand strategy, narrative pillars, crisis management, reputation management Support the show

    14 min

  4. FEB 9

    Content Creator Money Chaos: The 10-Minute System That Saves Your Sanity | Ep 18

    Send us Fan Mail Content Creator Money Chaos: The 10-Minute System That Saves Your Sanity Money stress steals your creativity. In this episode of The Story Lab, Jonathan sits down with accountant and creator Ralph Estep Jr. to break down a simple money system you can run in about 10 minutes a week. We cover separating business and personal money, tracking income across platforms like Stripe and PayPal, building a tax savings habit so April doesn’t jump-scare you, and the “profit first” approach that helps you pay yourself without wrecking your business. In today’s episode, we’re taking a detour from storytelling and talking about something that keeps you out of the kind of story you do not want… like tax panic, financial chaos, and realizing your “great month” wasn’t actually that great once the fees and subscriptions hit. Accountant and creator Ralph Estep Jr. joins Jonathan to break down what he calls “content creator money chaos” and the simple system that gets you out of it. The goal is not to turn you into an accountant. The goal is to give you clarity, reduce stress, and protect your creative energy so you can actually focus on creating. What you’ll learn Why the first move is separating business and personal money (no more mixing and hoping)The easiest way to track everything using bank feeds and simple accounting softwareWhy Stripe and PayPal aren’t banks and what to do insteadHow to avoid tax-time surprises with a dedicated tax savings accountThe “Profit First” setup: operations + taxes + profit (aka paying yourself without chaos)Why subscriptions are “death by a thousand cuts” and how to audit themWhat makes an expense deductible: not just the receipt, but the business purpose and storyHow financial clarity gives you more freedom, and more freedom leads to better contentQuick takeaway Separate and track. Do those two things and you’re ahead of most creators. Timestamped Chapters 00:00 Intro + meet Ralph Eastep Jr.01:30 “Content creator money chaos” and why systems matter03:00 Tools, subscriptions, and the invisible money leaks03:45 Step 1: Separate business and personal money04:30 Step 2: Track everything (bank feeds, software, weekly check-ins)07:40 Creating a weekly money rhythm08:00 “Pay yourself first” with 3 accounts (ops, taxes, profit)10:20 Subscription audits + auto-renew traps11:50 How money clarity protects your creativity14:00 How long it takes and what changes (better decisions, real clarity)16:25 Deductions: “routine and necessary” and why the story matters20:40 The big takeaway: Separate + track21:10 Where to find Ralph + how he helps23:30 Wrap upIf you’re done winging it with money and want a clean system, Ralph offers a free 15-minute discovery call. Go to contentcreatorsaccountant.com/helpme to book. Links Book a free 15-minute discovery call: contentcreatorsaccountant.com/helpmeWebsite: contentcreatorsaccountant.com Support the show

    23 min

  5. JAN 26

    How to Share Client Wins Without Sounding Like You’re Bragging | Ep. 17

    Send us Fan Mail How to Share Client Wins Without Sounding Like You’re Bragging If posting testimonials makes you feel like a walking infomercial… you’re not alone. Most “client win” posts fall flat because they skip the story and jump straight to the ending. You know the ones: “Highly recommend!” “So inspiring!” Cool. But nobody shares praise. They share recognition. In this episode of The Story Lab, I’m showing you how to turn a testimonial into a story your audience can actually see themselves in, so it lands as relatable (not braggy). You’ll learn my 6-part framework:  Before, Trigger, Shift, After, Scene, and Cost. Then you’ll learn how to turn one review into three pieces of content: The Client Story PostThe Lesson PostThe Behind-the-Scenes PostEpisode Chapters (Timestamps) 00:00 Intro 00:43 Why testimonials feel awkward (and why they usually fall flat) 02:30 The real reason people share content: recognition, not praise 03:25 What most testimonials are missing: movement (before → after) 04:05 The framework: Before, Trigger, Shift, After 05:00 Add the two power-ups: Scene + Cost 06:30 The full 6-part checklist (everything you need, nothing you don’t) 07:10 Real example: breaking down a Google review step-by-step 09:10 Turning the same review into Post #1: The Client Story 11:05 Turning the same review into Post #2: The Lesson 12:55 Turning the same review into Post #3: Behind the Scenes 14:40 Your assignment: turn one testimonial into three posts 15:40 DM prompt: “Make it a story” (send me your review screenshot) 16:15 Outro + leave a review for the show The Review We Break Down (Real Example) Annelie Roux (Local Guide • 9 reviews • 19 photos) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  “Having let my Instagram account drift into digital limbo with only an occasional post, declining reach, and loosing followers, I knew I needed to revamp my personal brand before launching my Digital Divas channel on Chatter Social, but I kept putting it off for ‘more important’ things. Enter: Jonathan Howard’s Signature Style Challenge — the exact kick in the derrière and accountability I knew I needed. Jonathan’s prompts weren’t just ‘helpful tips.’ They were strategic, creative, and delivered with the kind of clarity that cuts through excuses. The live Zoom sessions and private Facebook group made it feel like a real-time bootcamp — minus the pressure, but with all the fire. The feedback? Actual guidance, not fluff. I walked away with a sharper voice, a distinctive style, and content I’m proud to post. If you’ve been circling the drain of ‘I’ll fix my brand soon’… this challenge is for you. For less than a coffee, you’ll get a full-on creative intervention. What You’ll Learn How to share client wins without sounding like you’re braggingThe 6 ingredients that make testimonials feel like a real storyHow to turn one review into three content postsHow to write client wins that make people think: “Wait… that’s me.”Your Quick Assignment Grab one testimonial and answer: Before: Where were they?Cost: What was it costing them to stay there?Trigger: What made them finally act?Shift: What changed during the work?After: What’s different now?Scene: What moment or feeling makes it real?Then write: Client story postLesson postBehind-the-scenes postOne review. Three posts. No scrambling for Support the show

    11 min

  6. JAN 12

    Why You Don’t Have a Choice Anymore: Adam Torres on Personal Brand | Ep. 16

    Send us Fan Mail Why You Don’t Have a Choice Anymore: Adam Torres on Personal Brand | Ep. 16 In this special episode of The Story Lab, Jonathan sits down with Adam Torres, co-founder of Mission Matters Media, to talk about the truth people avoid: opting out of a personal brand is still a personal brand and it’s usually not helping you. Adam shares how he went from managing nearly $200M in finance to building a media company and completing 6,000+ interviews, and why he used to be totally anti-branding until he saw what works. You’ll learn how to use “pocket stories” to connect with different audiences, why repeating your message is how you become known, and how to tell your story in different lengths, from an 8-second hook to long-form conversations. If you’ve been stuck in “I don’t want to be cringe online,” this episode is your permission slip to show up in a way that actually fits you. What we cover Why “not having a personal brand” is still a loud messageAdam’s transition from finance to media and what sparked itThe cringe factor: why most people avoid personal branding (and how to do it right)Authenticity: how to show up without performing for the algorithm“Pocket stories”: choosing the right story for the right audienceWhy repeating your story builds trust and authorityStorytelling at different lengths: 8 seconds, 15 seconds, 1 minute, and beyondAdam’s short-form framework: hook fast, move from basic to complexHow podcasting expands your reach and opens doors you cannot knock onWhy launching messy beats waiting for perfectAction Steps Google yourself and audit what shows up (or doesn’t).Build a “story file”: 5 pocket stories you can tell in 8 seconds, 60 seconds, and 5 minutes.Pick one message you want to be known for and repeat it on purpose.If you want to expand your network fast, launch a podcast and invite the people you want to learn from.Guest + Links Adam Torres (Co-founder, Mission Matters Media) Instagram: @AskAdamTorresResources + agency infSupport the show

    19 min

  7. 12/29/2025

    Winning Stories Rely On Details: Make Them See It, So They Trust It | Ep. 15

    Send us Fan Mail Winning Stories Rely On Details: Make Them See It, So They Trust It Most business owners don’t have a storytelling problem. They have a detail problem. “I used to be shy” is information, but “I hid under a pile of coats at family gatherings so nobody would talk to me” is a scene.  And scenes are what make people listen, trust, and remember you. In this episode of The Story Lab, I break down why details create instant credibility, how to turn summaries into scenes, and a simple 3-question exercise you can use to upgrade any story you tell in your content. What You’ll Learn Why details create trust faster than “expert” statementsThe difference between a summary and a scene (and why most content stays forgettable)The 3 types of details that make stories hit:Sensory details (what you saw, smelled, heard, felt)Specific details (what actually happened, not the vague version)Emotional truth (the unpolished thought in the moment)Build A Scene in 60 Seconds: A simple exercise to turn any business moment into a story people feelIf your stories aren’t landing, don’t change your whole brand. Change your details. Try the scene exercise and tell one story as a scene this week. Want help turning your experiences into stories that connect and convert? You know where I will be! Support the show

    9 min

  8. 12/15/2025

    AI Made Content Effortless, But Effortless Content Doesn't Get You Seen | Ep 14

    Send us Fan Mail AI Made Content Effortless, But Effortless Content Doesn't Get You Seen with Special Guest Wes Towers  AI made content effortless. But effortless content doesn’t get you seen. Because when everything is easy to publish, it’s also easy to ignore. And the real casualty in the AI age is trust. In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Wes Towers (Uplift 360) to talk about what actually cuts through the digital haze: a clear point of view, human texture, and storytelling that feels lived-in, not manufactured. Wes shares a surprisingly powerful exercise that starts with your behind-closed-doors frustrations about your industry and flips them into your strongest differentiator. The stuff you can’t stand becomes the signal that attracts the right people and quietly repels the wrong ones. Which is not a bug, it’s the whole point. We also unpack why the old funnel is eroding, what Wes calls “search everywhere optimization,” and why your website still matters, just later in the decision journey. If you’re tired of posting into the void and ready to build authority that feels earned, this episode is your playbook. What You’ll Learn Why AI content created a trust drought and what to do about itHow to uncover your differentiator using “the dark side” of your industryWhy a grounded contrarian point of view is a visibility cheat codeWhat “search everywhere optimization” is and how it works across platformsWhy people hit your website later now, when they’re closer to buyingHow stories and case studies add weight, warmth, and credibilityGuest Bio Wes Towers is the founder of Uplift 360. For 20+ years, he’s helped real-world businesses, especially builders and trades, turn websites and SEO into steady, qualified work. No fluff. No jargon. Clear strategy, clean execution, and results you can see on the calendar and in the bank. Links Uplift 360: uplift360.com.au Support the show

    13 min
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About

The go-to podcast for business owners and marketers who want to harness the power of storytelling to stand out, connect, and grow their brands using the power of stories. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Howard
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Story Lab
  • Show Website
    The Story Lab