The Storytelling Lab

Rain Bennett
  • 4.7 (46)
  • VISUAL ARTS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Storytelling Lab covers everything you need to know about personal and professional stories to leverage their power to deepen your connections, increase your sales + donations, and serve your audiences better with real-life examples and experts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. The Real Reason Your Brand Feels Disconnected with Rain Bennett

    12/22/2025

    The Real Reason Your Brand Feels Disconnected with Rain Bennett

    “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: Define a brand vision that is resilient, inclusive, and service-orientedAlign your team and decisions around a single, powerful storyAvoid the common mistakes that make most vision statements meaninglessUse real-world case studies to guide your own storytelling strategyCraft a vision that inspires belief, not just activity 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    22 min
  2. The Billion-Person Mission That Started With Bankruptcy with David Meltzer

    12/15/2025

    The Billion-Person Mission That Started With Bankruptcy with David Meltzer

    “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: Reframe failure as the foundation for your most powerful storyCreate a happiness-driven business model that serves and scalesEmbrace vulnerability to build real trust and connectionShift from ego-based identity to a mission-based lifeTeach your team to lead with empathy, clarity, and consistency Follow David on: LinkedIn Instagram TikTok YouTube or pre-order his new book, 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min
  3. How a Local Utility Company Became a Storytelling Powerhouse with Krystal Phillips

    12/08/2025

    How a Local Utility Company Became a Storytelling Powerhouse with Krystal Phillips

    “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: Harness storytelling as a strategic tool, even in “boring” or highly regulated industriesBuild team buy-in by grounding your strategy in community and trustEstablish internal programs that create a pipeline of storytellers inside your organizationHumanize your brand with stories that foster empathy and emotional connectionMeasure the real ROI of storytelling beyond dollars and metrics Follow Krystal on: LinkedIn Instagram 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min
  4. Storytelling That Builds Trust Across Any Organization with Salvatore Manzi

    12/01/2025

    Storytelling That Builds Trust Across Any Organization with Salvatore Manzi

    “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: Align your entire team behind a unified narrative that eliminates confusionUse storytelling frameworks to turn complex data into meaningful messagesBuild trust with audiences by integrating vulnerability into your leadership voiceAvoid common communication pitfalls in both nonprofits and STEM-driven businessesApply the “problem, process, outcome” structure to make your stories more actionable Follow Salvatore on: LinkedIn Instagram or visit his 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min
  5. How to Use Storytelling to Fuel a Content Engine with David Ebner

    11/24/2025

    How to Use Storytelling to Fuel a Content Engine with David Ebner

    “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: Apply the power of a message map to bring structure and purpose to your contentUse storytelling as a system, not just a one-off tacticRethink your marketing metrics and focus on what truly builds trustLeverage long-form cornerstone content to fuel your daily outputAvoid burnout by shifting from production obsession to strategic clarity Follow David on: LinkedIn 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  6. How Personal Stories Build Public Trust in Just 7 Minutes with Aaron Calafato

    11/17/2025

    How Personal Stories Build Public Trust in Just 7 Minutes with Aaron Calafato

    “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: Identify the differences between storytelling as a gift and storytelling as a performanceUse personal stories to create trust, not just attentionBalance art and business while staying true to your valuesBuild long-term brand equity through consistent storytellingAvoid the trap of trying to be “cool” when what people really want is connection Follow Aaron on: YouTube Instagram 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 10m
  7. Building a Narrative Operating System that Scales Your Business

    11/10/2025

    Building a Narrative Operating System that Scales Your Business

    “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: Align every department with one cohesive brand narrativeBuild a storytelling system that fuels marketing, product, and salesUnderstand the difference between story and narrative—and why it mattersUse narrative to drive consistency, connection, and long-term loyaltyEmbrace the CSO role as the protector of your brand’s story DNA 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min
  8. How the Soundtracks of Our Lives Shape who We Become with Patrick Hicks

    10/27/2025

    How the Soundtracks of Our Lives Shape who We Become with Patrick Hicks

    “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: Turn a simple idea into a large, loyal audience by following your own curiosityTell better stories by pairing emotional narratives with musical memoryStructure short-form content that resonates without being overproducedBuild trust and authenticity by leaning into your quirks and imperfectionsBalance creative pursuits with real life while still growing your platform Follow Patrick on: TikTok Instagram 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 4m
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4.7
out of 5
46 Ratings

About

The Storytelling Lab covers everything you need to know about personal and professional stories to leverage their power to deepen your connections, increase your sales + donations, and serve your audiences better with real-life examples and experts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Rain Bennett
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    216
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Rain Bennett
  • Show Website
    The Storytelling Lab

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