Story Conversations

In this episode of Story Conversations, we speak with South African filmmakers Michael James, writer and director, and Sithabile Mkhize, Producer, about their new feature film: “ God’s Work ”. Set in Durban, South Africa, it tells the story of a group of unhoused men navigating survival, poverty, hopelessness and the universal human desire to be seen before disappearing.   The film debut...

Our guest this episode, Emma Keaveney-Roys, chats with us about a journey to becoming an accomplished story teller, which is part of the reason she was recently named one of the UK’s 100 most impressive female entrepreneurs by  Small Business Britain .  Our conversation reveals her curiosity, openness, joy, tenacity, penchant for experimentation, and willing...

When a rare disease strikes, we might be to think only of the small populations of patients who are impacted by any single rare condition as stories too specific to be told. Taken in aggregate, rare disease has a sobering impact on the lived experiences of so many patients but also their families and care givers. There is a chorus of story tellers in rare disease who need to be heard, elevate...

What happens in academic research when the subjects who are being researched are actually empowered to be active participants in the shape of the research process itself? Can the resulting story data yield insights with greater potential to stimulate discovery and change?  Our guest this episode is Judy Pryor-Ramirez, Clinical Associate Professor of Public Service and Faculty Director, Execut...

Everywhere in the world non-profit organizations are challenged to pursue their mission, none more so than arts and cultural organizations like museums, ballet and opera companies, and theaters. Present circumstances with arts funding being cut exacerbates perennial struggles. Arts based non-profit organizations have always sought ways to grow their audiences efficiently, sell more ticke...

Our guest this episode is Giovanni Boivin, the proprietor of The BookLoft, a 50-year-old independent bookstore in Great Barrington Massachusetts in the US.  A “Storyteller turned Storyseller”, Gio (as he is known to staff and customers) turned a grade school love of story to a career that has manifested in creative writing and then relating the stories behind a tourist destination a...

Our guest this episode is Malu Halasa, a prolific and passionate observer of the Middle East through the lens of art and culture.  Our conversation explores how she provides readers with a unique window into the changing mores of the region, having written and edited over 8 anthologies, and several novels and short stories of her own.    Born in Oklahoma, to Jordanian and...

What could be more theatrical than stories told in a courtroom? Especially those told to represent individuals who cannot afford adequate defense when accused of a crime? In this episode we chat with Matt Cleaver, Staff Attorney with Brooklyn Defender Services, a passionate public defender and a human rights activist. Trained in theater, experienced in arts administration and theate...

In this episode we couldn’t be prouder to chat with jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton. A nine-time Grammy nominated artist, with an international performing career, Tierney is known for unique and inventive arrangements of jazz standards and other musical genres, a 20-year relationship with her band, and deft retellings of songs’ stories that we thought we knew. She is now performing own compositi...

In Episode 3 of Season 3 we're thrilled to speak with author and marketing guru Mark Earls. Mark make the brain stuff simple to help brands and businesses understand how people behave. Follow Mark on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-earls-a393982/ or visit his website https://herdhq.com/ for more. Story Conversations is produced by Iambic Creative and Griffin + Skeggs Collaborative . Host...

In Episode 2 of Season 3 we have the privilege of chatting with the inspiring Mary Beech, CMO and Chief Transformation Officer of Scholastic Corporation, the renowned global children’s publisher, education and media company.  It's hard not to think about “story” in the context of a 100 year old brand dedicated to publishing and distributing books that instill a love and passion for reading in...

Welcome to Season 3! In our first episode of Season 3 we speak with the wonderful Emily Weiner (co-founder and Artistic Director) and Susan Goodwillie (Managing Director) from Houses on the Moon theater company: https://housesonthemoon.org We hear all about how and why the company was formed and the philosophy behind their productions that amplify the stories of unheard voices.- including their la...

In this episode we speak with the wonderful Steve McCreary, General Manager of Collings Guitars. We explore why an authentic origin story is important, but also the power of association through storytellers. Who tells the story matters. Learn more about Collings . Story Conversations is produced by  Iambic Creative  and  Griffin + Skeggs Collaborative . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m...

In this episode we speak with the fascinating Glenna Crooks. She's a Ph. D., a public health and policy strategist serving governments, companies, and organizations globally, helping them solve problems to improve health and well-being. And she tells a great story! https://glennacrooks.com/ Story Conversations is produced by  Iambic Creative  and  Griffin + Skeggs Collaborative . Hosted on Aca...

In this week's episode, Susan and Simon talk to Tony Award winning producer Jane Dubin. Jane is a producer for shows like Peter and the Starcatcher and the Prom, and now the lead producer of The Village of Vale. In a previous life she worked in the world of finance. She is also the chair of Houses on the Moon theater company. In the episode we talk about the power of listening to get to the he...

In this episode, Susan and Simon speak with Angel Bellon. Angel is a Senior Director of Insights & Cultural Intelligence at Paramount, and various bios describe him as hybrid strategist and cultural anthropologist. We talk about the importance of stories for marginalised communities and the dangers of taking a broad-strokes approach to people's experiences. Please note - all opinions in th...

In this week's episode we dive into the world of language and literature with the guru (midwife?) that is Roy Peter Clark. Roy is a master in the craft of writing. He has published twenty books, including the go-to reference book for writers - Writing Tools. He has also coached all levels of writer from school age children to Pulitzer Prize winners. There are so many great ideas and stories in thi...

In this week's episode we have the pleasure of speaking with Georgia Stitt. Georgia is a composer, songwriter, musician, teacher... the list goes on. She is also the founder of an organisation called Maestra that champions women and non-binary composers working in theatre. It's a brilliant conversation about the power of music, collaboration, and getting specific in your storytelling. Story Conver...

We're taking a mid-season moment to pause and reflect on where story is at in 2023. It's fair to say that the business story world is being dominated by everyone's favorite topic: large language models/generative AI. Come, hear our thoughts! Story Conversations is produced by Iambic Creative and Griffin + Skeggs Collaborative . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Story Conversations Susan and Simon chat with the hilarious Kate Feeney. Kate is a stand-up, a storyteller, and a people science consultant with Glint - a division of LinkedIn. We talk all things the language we use in our stories matters, holding an audience, and dealing with hecklers! Story Conversations is produced by Iambic Creative and Griffin + Skeggs Collaborative . And y...

In this episode Susan and Simon talk story with professional storyteller and learning specialist Saul Jaffe. It's a fascinating, deep dive into the world of storytelling as an art. We uncover brilliant backstories, learning about removing the space between teller and audience, and the power of adaptation. Story Conversations is produced by Iambic Creative and Griffin + Skeggs Collaborative . Hoste...

Susan and Simon talk story with the fantastic Micah Bucey. Micah is a spiritual leader in New York City. He shares his stories of growing up with his faith and living life as part of a queer community. As well as some fascinating insights into how stories work with faith, Micah shares his thoughts on how we can all work through difficult times. Story Conversations is produced by Iambic Creative an...

In this episode Susan and Simon talk to Lisa Donmall-Reeve, the creative force behind LDR Creative. Lisa shares her story taking us from her days performing on London's West End stages to her role as a film producer in Hollywood. Along the way we learn about how stories require perseverance, need a clear destination, and discovering which parts of a story your audience may want to hear. Story Conv...

In this episode Susan and Simon talk to Jeremy Crisp, managing partner at Nail. He shares highlights of his career and explores everything from embracing growth to A.I. His story is marked by stories of fun and it's this playful outlook that has seen his career span both client and agency side. Story Conversations is produced by Iambic Creative and Griffin + Skeggs Collaborative . Hosted on Acast....

It's season two! In the first episode of our second season, Susan and Simon talk to Jon Chelesnik. We discover the world of sportscasting. Telling the story of a game in realtime, whether that's to picture or purely with sound. Jon shares his thoughts on what makes a great sports storyteller and the discussion covers a wide range of topics. From using the language of your listener to bringing your...