Story Podcast

Nikkolas Smith is an artist, author, activist, and Disney Imagineer who loves telling powerful stories through his art. His work has been featured on CNN and in Lionsgate films. He has used his gift as an artist and a Master of Architecture to assist in the construction of our favorite Disney parks in Florida, California, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. During this conversation you will learn how to spark important conversations with art and the importance of discipline while creating. Learn more about STORY at www.storygatherings.com

Sarah Dubbeldam, Editor-in-chief and Creative Director of Darling Magazine, has successfully launched a brand that has disrupted the conversation. Darling Magazine is a beautifully crafted publication that has turned into a lifestyle brand that is empowering women through carefully curated content every day. Sarah has a lot to say about the struggles of balancing her creativity with becoming an entrepreneur and leader of a company. She also has some incredible insight into what it takes to be a writer, create a lifestyle brand that aligns with a mission, and why the voice of Darling needs to be heard. Learn more about Darling at www.darlingmagazine.org and STORY at www.storygatherings.com.

As we walk into 2017, we couldn't think of a better guest to kick off this year on our podcast than the always inspirational, Brad Montague. During this conversation, we talked a lot about where our inspiration comes from, our creative process, and why we can't not create. Brad is the creative genius behind the viral sensation, Kid President, as featured on Rainn Wilson's SoulPancake. Brad is a writer, director, and father who believes that if kids and grown-ups work together, we can change the world. Learn more about STORY at www.storygatherings.com

“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the great occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness.” ― Bob Hope We wanted to help you recall some special moments during this Holiday season, in hopes to awaken a child-like wonder for this season. Listen in as we share some of our favorite memories, and some of your stories from Christmas past. We hope that you and your family create more beautiful moments during the next week or so and that you keep re-discovering that child-like wonder throughout the year. Merry Christmas from all of us at STORY!

Vice President of Production at National Geographic, Matt Renner, knows a thing or two about finding a story. After spending time on the Bering Sea to film "The Deadliest Catch" and piecing an Emmy-winning storyline together, he is taking on his next project that will take viewers to space. While creatively pushing the limits, the new series "Mars", is part present-day documentary, part fictional futuristic storytelling. And it's inspiring imaginations everywhere. During this insightful conversation with Matt, you'll learn how to find a compelling story, how to push the boundaries, and what it means to hustle.

Chief Creative of the Global Franchise Group at DreamWorks Animation, Rick Rekedal has quite a bit to say about storytelling. During this informative conversation you'll learn about the creative process that DreamWorks goes through during a film release, the strategy behind the way that stories are told, and where storytelling is going in the future as technology continues to change. This #STORY2016 presenter will have your wheels spinning as you think about how to put your next creative work out into the world.

Author and entrepreneur, Jason Jaggard was voted one of #STORY2016's favorite presenters. He captivated and challenged the audience to tap into a life beyond their imagination. And this podcast is no different. Listen as we discuss the role of spirituality in creativity, setting goals and reaching your maximum potential in all aspects of your life.

Steven Chaparro is the Head of Business Development at Visioneering Studios where they work with organizations to tell their story through architecture and design. During this conversation, you'll learn about spacial storytelling and how to showcase your company's DNA through architecture. We also talked about how to combat the struggle of comparison, dealing with criticism as an artist, and what it means to discover your "dream job". And if you're a coffee connoisseur, you'll love the conversation we have about the rise of the coffee culture. Learn more about the work that Steven does at https://stevenachaparro.com/

Micah is an extremely talented writer, poet, and communicator. If you were at #STORY2016, you witnessed him silence a room with his incredible work. We loved sitting down with him to talk about his creative process, the rules of writing, and the role that storytellers can play in our society's story as it relates to racism and justice. He even shared a couple of his incredible poems with us that are sure to inspire and challenge you.

We got to sit down with Hank Fortener backstage at STORY 2016 to talk about his life as a communicator, entrepreneur, and podcaster. We loved hearing his insight to what pushes him to start something new. In this episode, you'll learn about the role envy plays in his life as a storyteller and what pushes him to constantly create new things. Be sure to check out World Adoption Day and how you can get involved on November 15th here: http://worldadoptionday.org/

Hannah Brencher is an author, TED speaker, and entrepreneur. We got to sit down with her backstage at STORY 2016, and it was a lot of fun. She has a way with words and we were exited to talk to her about her creative process, especially since she is in the middle of writing her second book. In this episode, you will learn how to create boundaries and what role social media should play in your creative process. Hannah also gives some great advice for anyone who is a writer.

Dan Goods is the "Visual Strategist" for NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab where he develops creative ways to communicate complex concepts by transforming them into meaningful stories that can be universally understood. His work can be seen in museums, airports, and outer space. In this episode, you'll learn what it takes to make stories meaningful and unforgettable and the best question to ask while creating a new project. Learn more about Dan at directedplay.com

Hollywood veteran producer, Gary Foster is known for his projects such as Tin Cup and Sleepless in Seattle. But we were really excited to have a conversation about how his latest project, Denial came to fruition. The movie recounts Deborah E. Lipstadt's legal battle for historical truth against David Irving, who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust denier. It's a story that needs to be told, and we loved hearing how and why Gary fought for the movie to be made. He has so much great advice for producers who have a story to be told.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with President of The Giving Keys, Brit Gilmore, as we discuss the storytelling nature of The Giving Keys, and what she has learned by leading an impact-driven brand with over 70 employees, many of whom have transitioned out of homelessness. We love The Giving Keys story...don’t miss this opportunity to learn first-hand from Brit’s experience as the leader of a company changing the world.

We got to have an incredible conversation with author, speaker, an entrepreneur, Annie F. Downs. We learned so much from her as she talked about how she became a writer, what it's like to lead a team, and why you shouldn't quit. If you want to hear more from Annie, check out her podcast called That Sounds Fun over on www.anniefdowns.com/

We loved sitting down with CJ Casciotta to talk about what it means to embrace our weirdness. CJ is a creative director who has worked with brands like Whole Foods and charity:water to help them tell their stories. He now has his own podcast called "Sounds Like a Movement" where he has talked with people like Seth Godin, Krista Tippet, and Tony Hale. Listen to this episode and learn how to embrace your weirdness, because "in a sea of same, weird wins."

We sat down with Cole NeSmith to talk about cultivating art, creating a community, and how Orlando used art to heal after the Pulse tragedy. Cole is an artist, actor, writer, producer, and the executive director of the Creative City Project, an annual arts event in Downtown Orlando featuring collaborations with Cirque du Soleil, Orlando Ballet, The CFCArts Orchestra, and over 1000 artists, performers, and musicians.

We got to have a lively conversation with poet, activist, and educator, Nikki Giovanni to talk about storytelling, how to stay hopeful, and the importance of finding your own voice. Nikki is currently a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech where she continues to write and contribute to important cultural conversations.

We sat down with Jeremy Cowart to talk about how he deals with criticism, his daily schedule and rhythm, his fears for the future, and what it's like to attempt to raise $2 million on Kickstarter for a hotel that could change the world.

Welcome to the STORY Podcast, a series of unique conversations to fuel the creative class and leave you inspired to do your best, most meaningful work.