The Story Craft Podcast

Meg and Kyle Adams

Welcome to The Story Craft Podcast, hosted by Meg and Kyle Adams. We believe that your stories are your most valuable assets so we are on a mission to help you use storytelling to build deeper connections and stronger communities. As former journalists and founders of Homeplace Creative, a storytelling firm, Meg and Kyle Adams know that even the smallest stories can be powerful so join in as they show you how to leverage your stories to create connection, empathy, and buy-in.

  1. Apr 28

    54: THALER PEKAR: Stories We Build Together: Listening, Trust, and Connection

    What does it take to truly connect with your audience? How do you move beyond broadcasting your message to co-creating stories that inspire, engage, and build trust? In this episode of The Story Craft Podcast, Dr. Meg Adams sits down with Thaler Pekar, an award-winning expert in institutional storytelling and founder of Thaler Pekar & Partners. For over 18 years, Thaler has guided visionary leaders in crafting narratives that engage audiences worldwide, teaching them to listen, connect, and co-create stories that resonate. Together, we explore: How trust and listening are essential to effective storytellingThe art of co-creating stories with audiences rather than just presenting themEthical considerations in participatory storytellingHow leaders and organizations can foster connection through narrativePractical tips for bringing audience-centered storytelling into your own workThis conversation is a deep dive into how storytelling becomes truly meaningful when it’s collaborative, and how connection and trust are inseparable from the stories we tell. Whole Story Living emphasizes that every story is lived, shared, and received. In this episode, we see this in action: Listening is as important as telling.Storytelling is a shared experience, not a solo performance.The stories that matter are the ones that engage, invite, and transform both teller and listener.This episode is perfect for anyone looking to deepen the connection between their story and the people they serve! If this episode resonates: Follow The Story Craft Podcast for more conversations on storytelling, leadership, and connectionShare this episode with colleagues, leaders, or creatives who want to improve how they listen and communicateLeave a review to help others discover the showAnd if you want guidance on how to craft stories that build trust, foster engagement, and invite participation, this is the work I do through Whole Story Living—helping individuals and teams live and communicate their stories authentically.

    43 min

  2. Apr 21

    53: DAWN ROBINETTE: Becoming Who You Are: Personal Branding & Storytelling in a Polarized World

    How do you communicate who you are… in a world that feels louder, faster, and more divided than ever? In this episode of The Story Craft Podcast, Dr. Meg Adams sits down with Dawn Robinette, an award-winning communications expert and founder of Tale to Tell Communications, to explore the intersection of personal branding, storytelling, and identity in today’s complex communication landscape. With decades of experience in public relations, branding, and campaign strategy, including work with major organizations and cultural initiatives, Dawn brings both expertise and clarity to what it means to build a brand that is not only strategic, but authentic. Together, we discuss: How to communicate who you are with clarity and confidenceThe role of storytelling in shaping your brand and messageHow to navigate communication in a polarized and noisy worldThis conversation is both practical and deeply reflective...inviting you to think not just about how you show up, but why. If this episode resonates: Follow The Story Craft Podcast for more conversations on storytelling, leadership, and communicationShare this episode with a leader, marketer, or creative navigating how to show up authenticallyLeave a review to help others discover the showAnd if you’re looking to bring this kind of clarity and human-centered communication into your team or organization, this is the work I do through Whole Story Living—helping leaders and teams communicate with confidence, build trust, and show up authentically!

    47 min

  3. Apr 14

    52: KYLE ADAMS: How to Tap Into Your Purpose (Without Overthinking It)

    What if purpose isn’t something you find… but something you choose to live into? In this episode of The Story Craft Podcast, Kyle Adams talks about what it really looks like to tap into your purpose, especially in seasons of uncertainty and transition. He explores the tension between waiting for clarity and taking action, and how purpose often reveals itself not in big, defining moments, but in small, intentional choices over time. In this conversation, we talk about: The difference between waiting for clarity and creating momentumHow purpose is often revealed through action, not overthinkingWhat it looks like to navigate transition, risk, and uncertaintyThis episode is a reminder that purpose is something you practice. Whole Story Living reframes purpose as something you live, not something you unlock. It’s found in: The choices you makeThe risks you takeThe work you’re willing to show up forYou don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. You just have to take the next step! If this episode resonates: Follow The Story Craft Podcast for more conversations on storytelling, leadership, and meaningful workShare this episode with someone who’s feeling stuck or searching for directionLeave a review to help others discover the show

    14 min

  4. Apr 7

    51: Whole Story Living: The Story You Live is a Choice

    What if the life you’re living isn’t just something that’s happening to you… but something you’re actively choosing? In this episode of The Story Craft Podcast, I explore one of the core ideas behind Whole Story Living: the story you live is a choice—and that choice is shaped by your values. We’re living in a world that is constantly telling us what to believe, what to prioritize, and who to be. And if we’re not careful, we can end up living out values we never consciously chose. In this episode, I unpack: Why understanding your values is essential to living an aligned, meaningful lifeThe urgency of defining your values in a culture full of competing narrativesHow knowing your values gives you the confidence to speak up and stand firmWhy value conflict isn’t a problem, but a sign you’re actually living authenticallyWhat my Whole Story Living experiment is teaching me about courage, clarity, and conviction.Here’s what I’m learning: When you are truly living into your values, it will create tension. Not everyone will agree with you. Not everyone will understand you. And that might be your sign that you’re finally doing it right. Whole Story Living is about living in alignment. If you’ve been feeling pulled in different directions, unsure of what’s really yours, or hesitant to fully stand in what you believe, this episode reminds you to choose your story, on purpose. If this episode resonated with you, here’s where to start: Reflect: What values are actually shaping your decisions right now?Notice: Where are you staying quiet or small to avoid tension?Choose: What would it look like to live your values more fully this week? And if you’re leading a team, organization, or community…This is the work I do. I help leaders and teams clarify their values, communicate with confidence, and build cultures rooted in trust, connection, and human-centered communication through Whole Story Living. If you’re looking for a speaker or workshop facilitator to help your team: Speak up with clarity and confidenceNavigate tension and value differencesBuild stronger, more connected communicationLet’s connect! I’d love to bring this work to your organization. Email me at megan@homeplacecreativeco.com to learn more about how we can work together!

    14 min

  5. Mar 24

    50: KYLE ADAMS: Wins, Losses, and the Stories We Tell About Success

    In a world that celebrates big wins and visible milestones, what if the most meaningful growth is happening quietly? In this episode of The Story Craft Podcast, Kyle explores a different way of understanding success. He unpacks how we’ve been conditioned to measure our lives through wins and losses and why that framework often misses the deeper, more transformative story unfolding within us. Kyle shares insights from his own coaching journey, reflecting on the slow, often invisible process of growth that doesn’t always translate into immediate results. This conversation invites us to reconsider the metrics we use to define progress and to notice the quieter forms of becoming that shape who we are. Through a Whole Story Living lens, this episode challenges the dominant narrative that success must be loud, fast, and externally validated. Instead, it offers a more grounded, human-centered perspective: growth is often subtle, nonlinear, and deeply personal. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “behind,” stuck, or not seeing the results you expected, this conversation will help you reframe your story and recognize the growth that’s already happening. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why measuring life by wins and losses can limit your perspectiveThe difference between external validation and internal transformationHow to recognize progress when nothing “big” seems to be happeningA Whole Story Living approach to redefining successLearn more about Kyle's creative work as co-founder of Homeplace Creative, here.

    10 min

  6. Mar 11

    49: Whole Story Living: My January Experiment in Becoming the Author of My Story

    What would happen if you decided to become the author of your own life story? In this episode of The Story Craft Podcast, Dr. Meg Adams shares the behind-the-scenes reflection from the first month of her Whole Story Living experiment—a year-long practice of stepping out of algorithm-driven living and reclaiming agency over the stories that shape our lives. January was designed as a reset month: slowing down, creating space to think, and building habits that help us live more intentionally in a world that constantly pulls our attention elsewhere. Meg shares what she learned from protecting her mornings for writing, creating a dedicated space for creative work, stepping back from social media noise, and reconnecting with the deeper narrative of her life and work. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pace of digital life—or like your story is being written by everything except you—this episode will help you begin reclaiming your role as the storyteller. This conversation explores: What it means to become the author of your own story Why digital culture makes it easy to lose narrative agency The first steps of the Whole Story Living framework How small habits—writing, reflection, and attention—help reshape your life narrative What Meg learned during the first month of her year-long experiment This episode is a reflection on agency, creativity, and intentional living—and an invitation to start paying attention to the story you’re telling with your life. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Whole Story Living Substack (follow along with the experiment) Follow the Whole Story Living journey: Instagram: @drmegadamsSubstack: Whole Story Living If you paused long enough to listen to your life right now… What story is asking to be written next? If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to The Story Craft Podcast, share it with a friend, and follow along with Meg’s Whole Story Living field notes on Substack.

    20 min

  7. Mar 3

    48: JENNY YOUNG: Believing in Yourself & Building a Small Business Through Community

    What does it take to believe in yourself when others don’t? And how do you build a thriving small business rooted in relationships instead of algorithms? In this episode of The Story Craft Podcast, Dr. Meg Adams sits down with Jenny Young, founder of SHE Did It Videography, to explore the power of self-trust, community-centered entrepreneurship, and storytelling as a force for local impact. Jenny’s journey from Akron, Ohio to becoming an award-winning videographer serving small businesses and nonprofits across Northeast Ohio is a story of courage, resilience, and returning to your creative roots. A graduate of The University of Akron, Jenny spent years honing her craft—filming up to five videos a week across cities like Wadsworth, Medina, and Cleveland—before launching her own business in 2018. But her success didn’t come from chasing trends. It came from investing in relationships. In this conversation, we talk about: How to believe in yourself when support feels scarce Why community is the strongest marketing strategy for small business owners What it means to build a brand people talk about (“SHE did it!”) The courage it takes to leave stability and start your own creative business How serving small businesses and nonprofits can create ripple effects of kindness Jenny shares how SHE Did It Videography was born from a desire to serve “small first” — making high-quality, accessible video production available to local entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations. Her work isn’t just about content creation; it’s about strengthening the conversation around storytelling, visibility, and generosity in Northeast Ohio. At its core, Jenny’s story is a Whole Story Living story. Whole Story Living is about stepping into authorship — choosing courage over comfort, connection over competition, and contribution over comparison. Jenny embodies: Narrative Aliveness – Returning to the creative spark she had as a child with a camera.Relational Intelligence – Building a business around trust, community boards, and collaboration.Human-Centered Rhythms – Designing a business that works alongside motherhood and family life.The Sacred Ordinary – Seeing videography not just as a career, but as a way of giving back. Her story reminds us that entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. It can be local. It can be relational. It can be rooted. If you’re a creative entrepreneur, small business owner, nonprofit leader, or someone trying to build something meaningful while staying connected to your community — this episode will encourage you to trust your story and take the next brave step. If this episode resonated with you: Subscribe to The Story Craft Podcast Share this episode with a small business owner or creative who needs encouragement Leave a review to help more community-driven entrepreneurs discover this conversation And for more reflections on building a life and business rooted in connection, follow along with Whole Story Living on Substack and Instagram @drmegadams. Because when you believe in your story — even when others don’t — you don’t just build a business. You build a community!

    47 min

  8. Feb 24

    47: Whole Story Living: Reclaiming Your Attention, Identity, and Voice in an Algorithmic World

    What happens when you stop letting algorithms shape your life and start becoming the author of your own story? In this episode of The Story Craft Podcast, Meg introduces Whole Story Living — a human-centered framework for reclaiming your attention, reconnecting with your values, and showing up more fully in your work and relationships. After growing disillusioned with social media, hustle culture, and performative productivity, Meg shares why she’s treating 2026 as a living research experiment: slowing down, listening more deeply, and rebuilding her rhythms around connection, creativity, and meaning. You’ll hear: Why algorithms quietly shape how we think, create, and relate What it means to become the author of your own life instead of a passive consumer The origin of Whole Story Living — and how it blends storytelling, leadership, and embodied presence Simple practices for reclaiming your mornings, your voice, and your inner narrative How small, intentional habit shifts can restore confidence and clarity This episode is both a personal reflection and an invitation — especially for women leaders, creatives, and thoughtful humans who feel tired of being optimized and ready to feel alive again. If you’ve been craving slower mornings, deeper connection, and a more honest relationship with your own story, this conversation is for you. 👉 Follow along with the Whole Story Living experiment Subscribe to Meg’s Substack for monthly field notes, research reflections, and behind-the-scenes insights from this year-long journey — and connect on Instagram @drmegadams for weekly story prompts and practice ideas.

    15 min
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About

Welcome to The Story Craft Podcast, hosted by Meg and Kyle Adams. We believe that your stories are your most valuable assets so we are on a mission to help you use storytelling to build deeper connections and stronger communities. As former journalists and founders of Homeplace Creative, a storytelling firm, Meg and Kyle Adams know that even the smallest stories can be powerful so join in as they show you how to leverage your stories to create connection, empathy, and buy-in.

Information

  • Creator
    Meg and Kyle Adams
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Meg and Kyle Adams
  • Show Website
    The Story Craft Podcast