Story First Podcast

Toby Cypress draws like he’s solving a puzzle — one decision, one shape, one problem at a time. In this conversation, Brian McDonald sits down with the artist behind Land of the Dead to talk about the craft of visual storytelling: clarity, composition, influence, and the long road of learning how to actually see. They dig into the early days at Comic-Con, the grind of art school, why fundamentals...

Claire Keane grew up surrounded by animation legends — but her journey is all her own. As a visual development artist at Disney, she helped shape the look and heart of Tangled and Frozen. In this conversation, Brian McDonald and Claire talk about the beauty of imperfection, the importance of intuition, and how vulnerability leads to the most honest work. They explore the tension between discipline...

From Saturday-morning cartoons to Batter Royale, Leisl Adams has spent her life bringing stories to life—one drawing at a time. In this episode, Brian McDonald talks with Leisl about the curiosity that fuels creativity, the discipline that turns passion into craft, and what it means to keep the fun in art even after it becomes your job. They explore childhood imagination, mentorship, and the invis...

What does it take to make audiences feel something? Ronnie del Carmen — co-director of Inside Out and the artist behind the emotional opening of Up — joins Brian McDonald to talk about the courage it takes to create empathetic work. They explore how vulnerability shapes storytelling, why authenticity hurts (and why it has to), and how the best stories reveal more truth about us than we expect. It’...

Before Pixar became a household name, Jeff Pidgeon was already there, helping define what it felt like to laugh in Toy Story, Monsters Inc., and Up. In this episode, Brian McDonald sits down with Jeff to talk about the craft of storytelling, the spark of Star Wars that shaped a generation, and what it means to stay curious through decades of creative work. They reflect on the power of imagination,...

Before he was Jimmy Fallon’s sidekick, Steve Higgins was shaping comedy history, from The Higgins Boys & Gruber to Saturday Night Live. In this episode, Brian McDonald talks with Steve about the roots of comedy, the rhythm of timing, and the quiet discipline behind making people laugh. They explore what makes a moment funny, how honesty fuels performance, and why the best comedians are really...

Academy Award-winning VFX artist Todd Masters has spent his life shaping worlds you’ve seen but never noticed. From True Blood to Battlestar Galactica, his craft lives in the space between story and illusion. In this conversation, Brian McDonald explores how Todd’s approach to visual effects mirrors the heart of great storytelling, where the best work is often invisible, but deeply felt. Story Fir...

Welcome to STORY FIRST! Ever wonder what makes a story truly great? This week, Brian breaks down the concept of the Armature — the hidden spine that gives every story its strength. It’s the foundation that separates the stories we remember forever from the ones we forget tomorrow. If you’ve ever asked yourself why some films, books, or shows resonate so deeply, this episode is for you. Let’s get s...

Welcome to STORY FIRST! Today’s guest is Treva Silverman, Emmy-winning writer and one of the first women to break through in television comedy. From piano prodigy to sketch writer, Treva’s journey led her to the legendary Mary Tyler Moore Show, where her episodes helped define one of the most beloved sitcoms in TV history. In this conversation with Brian McDonald, Treva opens up about perfectionis...

Welcome to STORY FIRST! Today’s guest is Dawud Anyabwile — award-winning artist, illustrator, and co-creator of the groundbreaking comic Brotherman: Dictator of Discipline. From comics at Black Expos in the ’90s to illustrating Muhammad Ali’s story, Dawud has always forged his own path. In this episode, he and Brian McDonald talk about growing up in Philly, burning his comic collection after reali...

Welcome to STORY FIRST! Today’s guest is none other than Frank Oz — legendary puppeteer, director, and creative mind behind some of the most iconic characters ever brought to life. We talk about the mentors who shaped him, the frustrations that fueled his comedy, and the bravery it takes to bring honesty to performance. From Yoda to the Muppets, Frank shares how personal struggles, trust in vision...

Welcome to the second episode of The Story First podcast! I’m SO excited about today’s guest - Angela Sanders, my friend since the 80s. Angela went from congressional investigator to mystery writer with multiple series including the Joanna Hayworth Vintage Clothing mysteries and The Booster Club capers about a retirement home for petty criminals. We’re talking about her writing process and how she...

Welcome to STORY FIRST! First episode: Disney animation legend Glen Keane from the archives. The man who brought Ariel, Beast, Aladdin, and Pocahontas to life opens up about how he “taps into childhood discovery” to create characters that feel alive. Story First is about getting inside the minds of people who’ve mastered their craft. New conversations and rediscovered archive gems. Let’s get start...

Introduction to Brian McDonald's new podcast on story and craft. If you're familiar with his previous podcast "You Are a Storyteller", this is the new iteration. The show will feature brand-new episodes, as well as archived episodes from the original series.