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 HicksWhat 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 platformFollow Patrick on:TikTokInstagramor subscribe to his Substack here!And for more storytelling tips and tricks,Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.comFollow on TikTok @rainbennett.storyellerFollow on Twitter @rainbennettFollow on Instagram @rainbennettFollow on Facebook @thestorytellinglab Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Interviewing as a Tool for Trust, Healing, and Human Connection with Wil Weldon
"Interviewing is not about taking something—it's about helping them be more of who they are." — Wil WeldonWhat if the key to more powerful storytelling lies not in your editing skills—but in your ability to deeply listen?In this soul-stirring episode, Rain Bennett talks with Wil Weldon, a video journalist, former massage therapist, and Reiki practitioner who’s developed a holistic approach to interviewing called Heart-Forward Storytelling.They dive into Wil’s new book INNERviewing: Heart-Forward Storytelling and Holistic Communication, which teaches storytellers, coaches, marketers, and everyday humans how to create space for transformational conversations. You’ll learn how principles of energy transfer, intention, and trust can improve your interviews—not just on camera, but in life.From family storytelling to trauma-informed listening, this episode reminds us that storytelling is more than performance—it's connection at its deepest level.In this episode, you will learn to:Create deeper interviews by minimizing your ego and agendaApply Reiki-inspired principles to your communication processBuild trust and energy in storytelling relationships without manipulationPreserve your family’s legacy through intentional, heart-centered conversationsRedefine interviewing as a collaborative, healing experience—not an extractive oneFor more storytelling tips and tricks,Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.comFollow on TikTok @rainbennett.storyellerFollow on Twitter @rainbennettFollow on Instagram @rainbennettFollow on Facebook @thestorytellinglab Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Ethics of Filming Real Love Triangles in Mistress Dispeller with Elizabeth Lo
"I wanted each character to be complex enough and sympathetic enough that there's some deep reason you could identify in yourself." — Elizabeth LoHow do you tell a story that's intimate, ethically complicated, and rooted in real-life secrecy—without exploiting your subjects?In this episode, Rain Bennett speaks with acclaimed documentary filmmaker Elizabeth Lo, director of Mistress Dispeller, one of the most talked-about films this year.The film follows a professional “mistress dispeller” in China hired to break up extramarital affairs on behalf of betrayed spouses—yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.Elizabeth opens up about how she gained the trust of real people in real love triangles, how she balanced empathy with narrative clarity, and how she created emotional tension through stillness instead of sensationalism.They discuss ethical gray areas, building documentaries without control, and letting stories unfold naturally while still crafting a cohesive arc. If you’re a nonfiction filmmaker or just someone interested in telling hard stories with humanity, this episode is a must-listen.In this episode, you will learn to:Earn the trust of documentary subjects by building long-term, authentic relationshipsLet stories unfold naturally instead of forcing a narrative structureNavigate ethical storytelling with sensitive, real-world materialUse stillness and silence to create emotional tensionAlign your personal values with the stories you choose to tellFor more storytelling tips and tricks,Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.comFollow on TikTok @rainbennett.storyellerFollow on Twitter @rainbennettFollow on Instagram @rainbennettFollow on Facebook @thestorytellinglab Subscribe to the Youtube Channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Brand Stories Grab Attention, But Brand Narratives Build Movements
“A story is a singular arc of transformation. A narrative is the thread that ties all your stories together.” — Rain BennettIs telling your brand story enough to build a loyal audience?In this episode, Rain Bennett breaks down the essential but often misunderstood difference between brand story and brand narrative. While most marketers focus on crafting engaging stories, Rain explains why the real secret to lasting brand trust lies in building a clear, consistent narrative thread that connects everything you do, from vision to product to marketing and sales.He uses powerful metaphors—from Hamilton to the Bible to Christmas lights—to help you see the structure of your storytelling system in a new way.You’ll also learn how the Chief Storytelling Officer is the guardian of that narrative, ensuring every department speaks in harmony. If you’ve ever felt like your content is scattered or your message is missing the mark, this episode will show you how to realign your storytelling, as well as your business.In this episode, you will learn to:Distinguish between brand story and brand narrative—and why both are essentialUse narrative as a strategic compass for every department in your businessBuild trust and loyalty by aligning all stories under one cohesive threadCreate a system (not just content) to sustain long-term brand impactStep into the Chief Storytelling Officer role and protect your narrative across platformsFor more storytelling tips and tricks,Visit my website rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.comFollow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyellerFollow me on Twitter @rainbennettFollow me on Instagram @rainbennettFollow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab Subscribe to my Youtube Channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Stories are Spells: Marketing Lessons from a Magician with Jimi Gibson
“If you're not leaning into your own abracadabra, you're leaving your competitive advantage on the table.” says magician and marketer, Jimi Gibson.What if storytelling wasn’t just about clever hooks or flashy content—but instead about casting spells that transform how people feel and act?In this episode, Rain sits down with Jimi Gibson, a marketing strategist, TEDx speaker, and lifelong magician, to explore the deep parallels between magic and storytelling. Jimi shares how the neuroscience behind awe, attention, and trust can be reverse-engineered into any brand message or business interaction.He even performs a mind-blowing magic trick live on the show—proving firsthand how story structure mirrors a magic trick’s setup, curiosity, and climax.Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or content creator, this episode reveals how to tap into your own “abracadabra” and use it to spark genuine human connection.In this episode, you will learn to:See storytelling as a biological sequence of connection, curiosity, and closureUse the magician’s mindset to build anticipation and deliver transformationApply the three-part structure of a magic trick to your content and copywritingTranslate your personal quirks into brand authenticity and visibilityReframe timing as a tool for trust—not just attentionFor more storytelling tips and tricks,Visit my website rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.comFollow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyellerFollow me on Twitter @rainbennettFollow me on Instagram @rainbennettFollow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab Subscribe to my Youtube Channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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