The Story Steward Show

In this episode, we’re swinging into one of Disney’s most underrated masterpieces — Tarzan. We’ll unpack how Tarzan’s transformation is driven by one central question: "Where do I belong?" And how that tug-of-war between truth and lie is the heart of every great character arc. If your protagonist feels stuck between two identities, this is the blueprint. Let’s talk legacy, loyalty, and w...

Want to guarantee your reader never turns page two? In this episode, I’m breaking down five deadly sins of story openings — from worldbuilding overload to hiding your protagonist behind four pages of weather descriptions. We’ll cover why info-dumps kill momentum, how delaying the inciting incident loses trust, and what happens when you open with a side character no one asked for. If you want to ho...

In this episode, we’re heading to Mordor. But not to follow Frodo. We’re chasing Gollum. Because every great story has a mirror, a character who reflects your hero’s deepest fear, secret sin, or buried desire. And Gollum? He’s a caution sign. A whisper of what Frodo could become if he gives in. Today, we’ll explore how to use supporting characters to expose your protagonist’s inner battle, and how...

In this episode, we’re digging into one of the most convicting parables Jesus ever told: the Parable of the Talents. We’ll unpack how God wired us for story, why creativity is a Kingdom assignment, and what Scripture really says about wasting what we've been given. If you’ve ever wondered whether your book actually matters — or if you’re “qualified” to write it — this one’s for you.

In this episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite stories of all time — Hamilton . But we’re not talking history. We’re talking heartbreak. We’ll unpack how to write a broken hero like Hamilton — a man who climbs and climbs, only to realize he can never reach enough. And we’ll explore the haunting mirror of Aaron Burr, who spends his whole life waiting… until everything he wants slips away. I’ll...

In this episode, I’m unpacking one of the most powerful truths in storytelling — the reason your character’s goal will never actually satisfy them. It’s called The Gap. Too many characters (and real people) live their lives thinking, “If I just get that one thing… then I’ll be happy.” But they’re wrong. And the gap between where they are and where they think they need to be? That’s where the real...

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most underrated heartbreaks in animation history: the betrayal in Treasure Planet . We’ll break down how Disney built one of the most gut-wrenching moments of backstabbing — and what it teaches us about writing betrayal that actually hurts. This is for storytellers who want to write characters that change us . And yes, we’ll talk about trust, desire, and...

Miles Morales might be the most relatable Spider-Man ever written — and in this episode, I’m breaking down why. I’m diving deep into the psychology of what makes a character actually connect. Not just likable… but real . We’ll unpack Miles’ wound, his longing, and how every choice he makes flows from a deeper fear. If you’re a Christian storyteller who wants to write characters that actually matte...

Be real — you've fallen head over heels for a fictional character before. For me? It was Elizabeth Bennet (don't judge). But here's the thing: there's a psychology behind crafting characters your readers actually fall in love with — and yes, it's biblical.

NaNoWriMo? It’s dead. In this episode, I’m letting you in on what comes next — and it’s called Jesus Writing Month . It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever built. A writing revival for Christian storytellers who know their book is a calling, not a hobby. Let me tell you why it matters. And why I think it’ll change your life.

In this episode, I’m breaking down my all-time favorite storytelling arc: the Lost Man. This powerful framework applies to nearly every unforgettable character—and we’re diving deep into how to write it well. Using The Greatest Showman and It’s a Wonderful Life as examples, we’ll unpack why this storyline hits so hard and how you can use it to elevate your own characters.

God gave you the dream of writing for a reason. This episode is your wake-up call to stop letting fear and the enemy's lies hold you back. We’re diving into why it’s your moral obligation to share the stories God placed on your heart—and how to finally break free and do it.

They were on the verge of greatness… and nearly blew it. This is the wild story from Pixar’s early days—and the wake-up call you need if you’re chasing the wrong dream. One decision. One turning point. Don’t miss this.

You’re burned out and creatively drained. In this episode, I’ll show you how stepping away will reignite your inspiration and why rest isn’t lazy, but a nonnegotiable.

For a long time, I was afraid to share my writing with the world. What if they weren’t good enough? What if people judged me? But God didn’t call me to hide my voice—He called me to use it. In this episode, I’m sharing how Jesus helped me overcome that fear and how you can step boldly into the calling He’s placed on your life too.

Lin-Manuel Miranda didn’t wait for perfection—he said yes first and figured it out later . In this episode we break down his wild success story and what it teaches writers about taking action before you feel ready. 

The most important part of any story is the lie your character believes —and Inside Out 2 nails it visually. In this episode we break down how Pixar shows a lie taking root in the brain and how you can use the same genius techniques to make your story hit like magic.

Every great story has that one moment —the point of no return , where everything changes, and there’s no going back. In this episode, we break down the burn-the-bridge moment using How to Train Your Dragon as the perfect example. Want to make your story unforgettable? This is how you do it.

In this episode, I’ll show you how to craft villains so compelling, they’ll steal the spotlight and make your heroes work twice as hard. Time to level up your bad guys! 

You’ve already failed your New Year’s resolutions? C’mon, dude. No, seriously—it’s not your fault. Resolutions suck. That’s why I’m about to shock you with the secret to getting anything done this week—without willpower, guilt, or burnout. Let’s make writing (or whatever you want) effortless.

In this Christmas special, we’re unwrapping A Christmas Carol to reveal the magic behind a KILLER inciting incident. Discover how Dickens hooks readers from the start—and learn how to kick off your own story with that same unforgettable impact.

In this episode, I'm giving you the straight-up playbook for building a fanbase for your book—even if it’s still a work in progress. From sparking curiosity to creating a buzz that sticks, I’m laying out the exact steps to get readers invested before you even hit ‘The End.’ No fluff, just proven tactics to turn potential readers into raving fans. Ready to build your audience? Let’s dive in!

Today, I’m diving into the art of suspense and why having plot twists is toxic to your story. Using Pride and Prejudice as an example, I’ll explore how slow-burning tension keeps us hooked—and why the best suspense isn’t about shocking moments but building anticipation.

Join me and my friend Steve this week as we dive into the big question: WHY do you write? We're breaking down the "why" that fuels your creativity, drives your momentum, and keeps your passion alive. Plus, we’ve got some fun behind-the-scenes scoops on Hollywood and Chick-fil-A! You won’t want to miss this one—it’s gonna be a blast!

I’m diving into the one reason you should ever use backstory in your writing. With an example from Encanto , I’ll show you how just the right backstory can unlock emotional depth and transform your characters without dragging your story down. If you’ve ever struggled with if or how to reveal your characters’ pasts, this is the insight you’ve been waiting for!