Storylinking

Tom Lietz
  • 5.0 (3)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Storylinking is a podcast for community leaders, storytellers, and creative professionals who want to use the power of storytelling to build stronger, more connected communities. Hosted by Tom Lietz—video producer, documentary filmmaker, and creative director with over 20 years of experience—this show explores how narrative and co-creative processes can drive culture, collaboration, and lasting impact. In each episode, Tom talks with experts and changemakers about real-world strategies for using storytelling to solve tough problems, engage communities, and create systems for sustainable impact. Tune in for insightful conversations, actionable tips, and fresh perspectives on the art and science of community-centered storytelling.

  1. 1D AGO

    Our Missing Infrastructure: Connection as a Civic Necessity, with Aaron Hurst

    How to Design Interpersonal Infrastructure in Your Community Connection is often thought of as a personal responsibility, something each of us has to figure out on our own. Aaron Hurst thinks that framing is part of the problem. As founder of the U.S. Chamber of Connection, he's building an organization that seeks to tackle the problem of loneliness in a truly unique way: treating connection not as a personal challenge but as civic infrastructure that can be designed and built deliberately, even at the scale of a major city. In this episode, Aaron shares what he's learned piloting the first-ever city onboarding program in Seattle, and why he believes building infrastructure for belonging is one of the most urgent civic challenges of our time. Connect with Aaron Hurst: Chamber of Connection https://chamberofconnection.org The Purpose Economy (book) https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Economy-Personal-Community-Changing-ebook/dp/B00JEMUB1S LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/aaronhurst Check out more from Storylinking: Go behind the scenes of this episode: https://storylinking.com/blog/ep16 https://storylinking.com (the full show site) Key moments from this episode: 02:04 How stories shape belonging and why intentional narratives matter 08:46 Why authenticity is the starting point for any community initiative 12:01 The six points of connection and why having a framework changes the conversation 30:01 What community builders can do right now to create on-ramps for the people around them

    39 min

  2. MAR 4

    From Crayola to Community: Elevating Engagement, with Amanda Lea Kaiser

    Creating a Feeling of Belonging in Your Member Community Most membership organizations find reasonable ways to deliver value. They build programs, create resources, and articulate what members get in return for their time and dues. Amanda Lea Kaiser argues that's only half of what creates engagement. The other half (the part that's often missing) is experience: how it feels to be part of the community, how people are welcomed, and whether members can find their people. In this episode, Amanda draws on years of professional experience and qualitative research with membership organizations to explore how community leaders can be more deliberate about the experiences they create: from the story being told in a welcome email to the way a meeting room feels when someone walks in for the first time. Connect with Amanda Lea Kaiser: Amanda's website https://amandaleakaiser.com/ Elevating Engagement (book) https://amandaleakaiser.com/book LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandakaiser/ Check out more from Storylinking: Go behind the scenes of this episode: https://storylinking.com/blog/ep15 https://storylinking.com (the full show site) Key moments from this episode: 07:09 Why experience matters as much as value in member retention 17:43 The six stages of the membership journey and what leaders can do at each one 21:50 The 18-hour rule and what it reveals about how belonging is won or lost early on 37:02 A simple question that can change the way you approach any community interaction

    43 min

  3. FEB 18

    Finding Consistency and Clarity, with Jonathan Stark

    How Consistent Content Creation Builds Clarity, Trust, and Community There aren't many emails I'll open at 6:30am, but Jonathan Stark's daily message is one of them. For nearly a decade, he's been showing up in my inbox with ideas about building value, finding focus, and creating sustainable creative practice. What started for Jonathan as a daily writing habit has grown into something much bigger: a community of around 10,000 people interested in "ditching hourly" billing and learning to create value for the world in new ways. In this episode, Jonathan shares how daily publishing, well-designed systems, and tight feedback loops have helped him clarify his thinking, build trust with his community, and sustain his practice for the long haul. Connect with Jonathan Stark: Jonathan Stark's Website https://jonathanstark.com/ Subscribe to Jonathan Stark's daily email list https://jonathanstark.com/daily Ditching Hourly Podcast https://podcast.ditchinghourly.com/ Check out more from Storylinking: Go behind the scenes of this episode: https://storylinking.com/blog/ep14 https://storylinking.com (the full show site) Key moments from this episode: 04:01 Jonathan's focus, and why he's spent years making the case against hourly billing 09:27 Simplify first, perfect later: Jonathan's approach to sustainable content systems 17:05 The "content solar system" and how to organize your ideas around one central theme 29:31 What it takes to collaborate well and build aligned, purpose-driven communities

    46 min

  4. 04/22/2025

    Why people don't show up (and what we can do about it) with Matt Penniman, Cecilia Sepp, Stacy Averill, and Michelle Thompson-McCune

    Building authentic community engagement, with insights from across the Storylinking community With this episode of Storylinking, we're trying something a little different. Instead of a one-on-one interview, I've pulled together responses from four generous members of the Storylinking community: Matt Penniman, a writer and community advocate; Cecilia Sepp, a longtime association and nonprofit leader; Stacy Averill, a leadership coach and facilitator; and Michelle Thompson-McCune, a co-creative designer who builds with communities. Each of them shares their take on why it's hard to get people to engage, and what's actually worked for them. We talk about trust, fear, making things together, and the small shifts that can help us to create more space for engagement. What I love about the advice shared in this episode is how practical and honest it is. You'll hear reflections on building trust through small commitments, creating room for quieter voices, and how to structure our invitations for participation. Stay tuned to the end, and you'll hear me wrap up the episode with a bit of behind-the-scenes context on how this special format came together, with help from our engaged Storylinking community! Connect with Matt Penniman: http://mattpenniman.com (his website) Bonus book recommendations from Matt: https://www.getitright.earth https://bookshop.org/p/books/pilgrim-at-tinker-creek-annie-dillard/8922929 https://bookshop.org/p/books/piranesi-susanna-clarke/15861178 Connect with Cecilia Sepp: http://roguetulips.com (her consulting/education/podcast/blog website) Check out her book "Association Chapter Systems: From Frustrating to Fruitful" on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1944616454 On Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliasepp/  Connect with Stacy Averill: http://StacyAverill.com (her website) On Linkedi:n http://LinkedIn.com/in/StacyAverill/  Connect with Michelle Thompson-McCune On LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/michelle-mccune-97b5647 You can also follow Workomics at their company website: http://www.workomics.com Workomics is also on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workomics/ Check out more from Storylinking: Go behind the scenes of this episode: https://storylinking.com/blog/ep13 https://storylinking.com (the full show site) Key moments from this episode: 00:29 Intro 01:53 Insights from Matt Penniman on Climate and Communication 07:00 Cecilia Sepp on Nonprofit Leadership and Engagement 11:22 Stacy Averill on Leadership and Vulnerability 20:31 Michelle Thompson-McCune on Co-Creative Design 31:39 Conclusion and Behind The Scenes

    34 min

  5. 02/26/2025

    Engaging with Media for Action (Not Overwhelm) with Tyler Sonnamaker and Jane Bunch

    With this episode of Storylinking, we're trying something new! Instead of the usual one-on-one conversation, I'm sharing a panel discussion from a recent event called The Future is Now, where I had the opportunity to speak alongside journalist Tyler Sonnamaker. The conversation was moderated by Jane Bunch from Revalue, a values-based investment advisory firm. Together, we explore how news and storytelling shape our communities, the responsibilities of storytellers, and the role of local media in building trust and engagement. We dig into why reframing our relationship with media is essential for meaningful participation, how to engage with local and analytical news sources, and how storytelling can serve as a framework for action rather than just passive consumption. We also discuss strategies for focusing on impactful stories, avoiding burnout, and collaborating across diverse perspectives. If we think of stories as tools for shaping our communities, what changes in how we participate? Check out Tyler Sonnemaker and his work: https://kaheawaimedia.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylersonnemaker/ Follow Revalue and their event series The Future Is Now: https://www.revalueinvesting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/revalueinvesting Check out more from Storylinking: https://storylinking.com (the full show site) Key moments from this episode: 01:30 Panel Introduction: The Future is Now 01:50 Meet the Panelists: Tyler and Tom 04:27 The Power of Storytelling in Communities 04:34 Building Trust Through Storytelling 07:27 Engaging with Diverse Perspectives 09:49 Reframing Our Relationship with News 14:57 Self-Care and Collective Action 15:36 Activism and Organizing Through Stories 18:31 Finding Local and Analytical News Sources 23:43 Positive Shifts in Local Media 27:52 Responsibilities and Privileges in Storytelling 32:04 Q&A: Engaging the Media and Community 42:06 Conclusion: Intentional Media Engagement

    44 min

  6. 02/11/2025

    Science and Story - Connecting Cultures, with Cecilia Wandiga

    This episode features Cecilia Wandiga, Executive Director of the Centre for Science and Technology Innovations (CSTI) in Nairobi, Kenya. Cecilia's work brings science and storytelling together in a way that makes complex research practical and relevant for communities facing environmental and climate challenges. In our conversation, we explore how science connects our stories, grounding them in knowledge and shared reality, while storytelling frames science in ways that make it personal, memorable, and actionable. Cecilia shares how CSTI translates climate research into practical solutions for communities, the role of citizen science in driving local engagement, and the barriers that can make scientific progress difficult to implement. We also discuss the importance of trust in community-led initiatives and how meaningful storytelling helps align people around shared goals. If you're thinking about how to make complex ideas more engaging, bring diverse communities into the conversation, or turn specific knowledge into real-world action, you'll want to hear what Cecilia has to say. Connect with Cecilia Wandiga & CSTI: Follow Cecilia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliawandiga/ Follow the Centre for Science and Technology Innovations (CSTI) on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/centre-for-science-and-technology-innovations-csti/ Check out more from Storylinking: Go behind the scenes of this episode: https://storylinking.com/blog/ep11 Full show site: https://storylinking.com Key Moments from This Episode: 01:30 Introducing Cecilia Wandiga and CSTI 02:11 CSTI's Mission and Early Work 03:19 Challenges and Innovations in Climate Adaptation 07:13 The Role of Storytelling in Science Communication 09:38 Personal Background and Influences 24:53 Biochar: A Multifaceted Solution for Energy and Sustainability 35:52 The Ice Block Conundrum: Making New Ideas Familiar 37:12 Citizen Science in Action: Engaging the Public in Research 40:32 How to Successfully Engage Communities in Climate Solutions 43:47 Cultural Barriers to Science and How to Overcome Them 53:49 Staying Optimistic in the Face of Global Challenges 57:20 Practical Advice for Community Builders on Science & Storytelling

    1h 5m

  7. 01/28/2025

    Leading with Curiosity and Bridging Divides, with Mónica Guzmán

    I had the privilege of sitting down with Mónica Guzmán for this episode of Storylinking. Mónica is the Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, the author of "I Never Thought of It That Way," and the host of the podcast "A Braver Way." She's someone I deeply admire for her ability to lean into curiosity and use it as a tool for building trust and understanding across political and cultural divides. In our conversation, we explored how curiosity can help us navigate tough conversations, whether we're engaging with colleagues, family members, or entire communities. Mónica shares powerful insights from her personal journey and professional work, showing us how curiosity isn't just about asking questions, it's about seeing others in their full complexity and finding ways to connect (even and especially when it feels difficult!) If you've been thinking about how to bridge divides in your own community or create a stronger sense of connection in your work, this episode is full of great context and practical advice. Connect with Mónica Guzmán and Braver Angels: Her website, https://www.moniguzman.com/ On instagram, @MoniGuzman Braver Angels, https://braverangels.org/ Her podcast "A Braver Way," wherever you listen or at https://braverangels.org/abraverway/ Her book, "I Never Thought of it That Way," https://www.moniguzman.com/book' Check out more from Storylinking: https://storylinking.com/blog/ep10 (go behind the scenes of this episode) https://storylinking.com (the full show site) Key moments from this episode 01:50 Personal experiences and family debates 03:41 The power of curiosity in journalism 06:51 Human nature and the SOS of sorting, othering, and siloing 09:19 The cost of misplaced beliefs and polarization 13:30 Creating space for curiosity in challenging conversations 13:48 Braver Angels and their mission of depolarization 17:16 Five characteristics of effective conversations 20:56 The structure of bridging conversations 25:00 Withholding judgment and embracing empathy 27:52 The tension between safety and visibility in identity and engagement 28:50 Engaging across divides with intentional dialogue 29:39 Techniques for better conversations and curiosity-driven questions 31:44 The benefits of bridging work in relationships and communities 33:59 Practical advice for leaders: fostering bridging conversations 34:23 Rupture and repair cycles in dialogue 34:56 Using containment to manage difficult conversations 37:13 Bridging for collective impact: engaging new communities 48:19 The importance of honest friction in communities

    53 min

  8. 01/14/2025

    Theatre as a Model for Dialogue and Engagement, with Chad Swan-Badgero

    How theater can create space for meaningful dialogue, build community trust, and inspire engagement among diverse audiences In this episode of Storylinking, Chad Swan-Badgero (founder and artistic director of Peppermint Creek Theatre and program manager for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs) joins host Tom Lietz for a conversation about how theater creates space for communities to navigate tough conversations. From Peppermint Creek's origins to its evolution as a platform for addressing current societal issues, Chad shares his insights on approaches to audience engagement, and the transformative power of participatory storytelling. Key topics include challenges and rewards of community engagement, theater as a model for dialogue and connection, and how bringing diverse audiences together can help us to meaningfully address social issues. We discuss his experiences staging "What the Constitution Means to Me," and explore more broadly how the arts can inspire community revitalization, individual fulfillment, and transformative conversations that extend far beyond the stage. Connect with Chad Swan-Badgero and Peppermint Creek Theatre: Peppermint Creek Theatre: http://peppermintcreek.org Contact Chad: office@peppermintcreek.org Check out more from Storylinking: https://storylinking.com/blog/ep09 (see a picture of the set from "What the Constitution Means to Me" and read more about this episode) https://storylinking.com (the full show site) Key Moments from This Episode 02:02 Chad's Early Journey into Theater 05:51 Founding Peppermint Creek Theater 09:55 Evolving the Mission of Peppermint Creek 14:04 Staging 'What the Constitution Means to Me' 18:23 The Impact of the Show on the Community 29:11 Audience Engagement in Theater 30:27 Nervousness and Excitement in Live Performances 33:52 The Role of Theater in Community Dialogue 39:32 Challenges of Audience Engagement 45:52 The Broader Impact of Arts and Culture 53:21 Personal Reflections and Community Impact 57:52 Taking the Long View

    1 hr
See All (17)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Storylinking is a podcast for community leaders, storytellers, and creative professionals who want to use the power of storytelling to build stronger, more connected communities. Hosted by Tom Lietz—video producer, documentary filmmaker, and creative director with over 20 years of experience—this show explores how narrative and co-creative processes can drive culture, collaboration, and lasting impact. In each episode, Tom talks with experts and changemakers about real-world strategies for using storytelling to solve tough problems, engage communities, and create systems for sustainable impact. Tune in for insightful conversations, actionable tips, and fresh perspectives on the art and science of community-centered storytelling.

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Lietz
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Storylinking

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