Words that Change Lives

What remains when the stories have all been told? In the final episode of Stories in Our DNA , Helen Packham invites listeners into a twilight garden — a place of memory, reflection, grief, transformation, and hope. Through a deeply personal and atmospheric story, she explores the stories we inherit, the stories we outgrow, and the stories we consciously choose to carry forward. Drawing together t...

What if the stories shaping your future aren't the ones you're consuming... but the ones you're carrying? In this powerful episode, Helen explores what it means to become a responsible carrier of story in a world where narratives multiply, spread, distort, and shape reality faster than ever before. Drawing together the themes woven throughout the Stories in Our DNA season, Helen introduces her Sto...

What if the greatest threat to our stories isn’t forgetting, but losing the ability to read them? In this fascinating conversation, Helen speaks with Andrew Warner, Special Projects Director at the Long Now Foundation , an organisation dedicated to fostering long-term thinking over the next 10,000 years. They explore the Rosetta Project, endangered languages, the Digital Dark Age, the 10,000-Year...

What happens when storytelling, consciousness, and artificial intelligence begin to merge? In this thought-provoking episode, Helen Packham speaks with David Lindberg, creator of Nakaya — an AI-generated parallel universe designed to explore human consciousness, inner awakening, creativity, and our relationship with technology. Together, they explore the power of metaphor, mythology, visual storyt...

What if the stories that change us most don’t follow the hero’s journey at all? In this episode, Helen Packham explores three powerful storytelling structures that offer an alternative to conflict-driven narratives: Kishōtenketsu, Ring Composition, and the Braided Narrative. Together, they reveal how stories can create meaning through contrast, reflection, connection, and recognition, not just str...

What if your story doesn’t need trauma, struggle, or a dramatic breakthrough to matter? In this deeply reflective episode, Helen Packham explores how the hero’s journey became the dominant narrative shaping modern culture, business, leadership, and identity. From Hollywood films to personal branding, we’ve inherited the belief that transformation only counts if it’s dramatic, cinematic, and hard-w...

In this episode of Stories in Our DNA , Helen explores one of the most powerful narratives we ever create — the story we tell ourselves about who we are . While storytelling connects us to culture, history and community, it also shapes our identity, beliefs and behaviour . The internal narratives we carry can influence our confidence, our decisions and the way we interpret the world around us. In...

Helen and Jon The Storyteller explore the fundamental role of storytelling in human evolution, its connection to social bonding, and how stories help us navigate uncertainty. They discuss the significance of local legends and folklore, the purpose of stories in conveying moral lessons and entertainment, and the living nature of stories that adapt over time. The conversation emphasises the importan...

Why do stories captivate us while facts often fall flat? In this episode, Helen sits down with Lisa Cron , bestselling author of Wired for Story , to explore the science behind storytelling and why humans are biologically wired to think in narrative. Lisa explains how stories function as a simulation system for the brain , helping us navigate uncertainty, rehearse decisions and understand the worl...

Helen and Marek Kohn explore the deep connections between the earliest forms of human creativity, ancient cave art and the foundational elements of narrative. They dive into how this prehistoric art offers a window into our ancestors' minds, the crucial role of stone tool use in human adaptation, and the importance of cooperation and trust in the structure of early societies. They also consider th...

Why are we addicted to stories? Why do they move us, connect us, and sometimes even save us? In this powerful season opener, Helen takes you back to where storytelling began - the firelight. From ancient myths to neuroscience, from Darwin and Harari to boardrooms and dreams, this episode reveals why storytelling is hardwired into our biology, leadership, and healing. Helen also shares her own stor...

Season 2 is coming. Stories in Our DNA is a journey into the deep past, the stories we live inside now, and the ones we are still writing for the future. Listen to the trailer, and if you want to go deeper, join the listener circle for episode drops, reflection prompts, and my free guide: The Story You Tell Yourself . https://helenpackham.com/podcast-season-2/ Are you ready? Then let’s begin.

In the final episode of this season of the Words That Change Lives podcast, Helen reflects on the highlights, lessons learned, and heartfelt gratitude that have defined a remarkable season. As she presses pause and looks ahead to new opportunities and fresh directions, this last instalment offers listeners an honest and inspiring look back and a glimpse of what's next. Here are the highlights: 00:...

Helen talks to Eleanor Tang-Smith, COO of a fast-growing robotics software company, to unravel the surprising power of pause and “wild creativity” in a tech-driven world.  Drawing from her unique vantage point at the crossroads of robotics and artificial intelligence, Eleanor shares why embracing creativity, critical thinking, and even regular breaks from technology aren’t just nice-to-haves...

Helen and guest Helen Tudor explore the transformative power of pausing, realignment, and truly connecting with your ideal clients. Get ready for refreshing honesty, hands-on advice, and inspiring stories about what happens when you put alignment and joy at the centre of everything you do. Here are the highlights: 00:00 My guest, Helen Tudor, combines strategy and spirituality to help entrepreneur...

How does the way you speak to yourself about alcohol shape your habits, identity and potential? Helen welcomes alcohol mindset coach Anna Donaghey to share eye-opening insights into the stories we tell ourselves about drinking. This episode offers practical, compassionate wisdom on breaking cycles of shame and unlocking a way to rethink the way you drink alcohol. Here are the highlights: 00:00&nbs...

Helen pulls back the curtain to give listeners a candid, behind-the-scenes look into her business and share some important news about the future of the podcast. In this honest and reflective solo episode, she discusses her journey towards recalibrating her business, from recognising burnout and the pitfalls of busy-ness to embracing the power of alignment, clarity, and intentional growth. Here are...

Helen speaks with coach Adam Smith about the stories we tell ourselves and how they shape everything. From negative self-talk to the pressure to prove ourselves, Adam shares how he broke free from old patterns and now helps others do the same. Together, they explore how changing your inner dialogue can shift your whole life.  Starting with just a few simple words. Here are the highlights: 00:...

Helen explores why talented coaches, consultants, and leaders might feel invisible, even with a wealth of expertise at their fingertips.  Through her unique ‘AIR’ process, she unveils strategies to increase your visibility and ensure that your voice is not only heard but resonates powerfully.  Here are the highlights: 00:00 Why experts, coaches and consultants have visibility challenges....

Helen Packham talks to Dr Yin Lu, a distinguished communication scientist and self-styled rhetoric doctor. Despite her early exit in the game show 'Traitors,' Yin shares her expansive knowledge, explaining how emotion and strategic communication play crucial roles in achieving resonance and influence.  Yin and Helen share strategies applicable in our daily lives to win people over and reduce...

Have you ever felt like your words alone aren't making the impact you desire? In this episode, discover how gestures, body language, and facial expressions can amplify your message and create a deeper emotional connection with your audience. With insights from iconic speakers like Steve Jobs and Brené Brown, Helen shares how to elevate your presentations to new heights. Here are the highlights: 01...

What does it really mean to communicate effectively in the digital world, especially for those who are neurodivergent? Helen explores the challenges and experiences neurodivergent individuals face, both in educational settings and the workplace. Joined by guest Lisa Kerr, a neurodiversity coach, they explore why labelling neurodivergent individuals as superheroes can be more harmful than helpful a...

Can sobriety really boost your happiness and productivity by 50%? Helen shares five unexpected wins from her decision to quit alcohol. Through personal stories and insightful reflections, she reveals the profound changes that unfolded beyond just the promise of better health. Tune in and explore how these sober shifts might spark transformation in your own life. Here are the highlights: 01:02 How...

Helen invites Jason Rosoff, the CEO and co-founder of Radical Candor, to share his insights on revolutionising communication in organisations. By delving into the principles of Radical Candor, they discuss how a straightforward approach to caring personally while challenging directly can reshape relationships and yield remarkable results. Can this philosophy truly serve as a compass for more meani...

How can two simple words transform your message and elevate you as a thought leader? In this episode, Helen delves into the concept of "Legacy Phrases," a term she has coined to describe memorable and meaningful phrases that encapsulate your mission, expertise, and values.  Helen explores how these phrases, although simple, can create mindset shifts, motivate audiences, and enhance your reach...