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The Dr. Rod Berger Channel - Stories That Meet The Moment

The Dr. Rod Berger Channel - Stories That Meet The Moment

Written by: Dr. Rod Berger
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 The Dr. Rod Berger Channel pulls together global stories from around the world through several engaging shows. Dr. Rod Berger explores deep into the minds of those on the frontiers of our society. Uncovering the 'why' behind acclaimed contributors forging their path through life and those new souls just stepping beyond the crowd. Investigating the source of inspiration that drove those who have gone before us, HeadRoom with Dr. Rod Berger, The Narrative Edge, and The Dr. Rod Berger Show, hope to inspire the 'next' in us. Join Dr. Rod and uncover the stories seldom told, adding richness to the narratives within our own lives.The Dr. Rod Berger Channel Social Sciences
Episodes
  • From the Classroom to the C-Suite: Greta Jackson on Culture, Storytelling, and the Human Hum of Organizations

    From the Classroom to the C-Suite: Greta Jackson on Culture, Storytelling, and the Human Hum of Organizations
    May 11 2026
    "From the Classroom to the C-Suite: Greta Jackson on Culture, Storytelling, and the Human Hum of Organizations" In this episode of the CultureCon Catalyst podcast, Dr. Rod Berger sits down with Greta Jackson, Employee Engagement and Culture Enrichment Director at Tegria, and a CultureCon Culture Catalyst. Greta's journey — from third-grade dreamer to middle school English teacher, high school AP Lit instructor, principal, recruiter, and now culture strategist — is a masterclass in following your instincts and letting storytelling lead the way. What we cover: The origin story: How Greta fought her calling to teach, found her way through retail and substitute teaching, and ultimately fell in love with "big toddlers" (aka high schoolers)Storytelling as leadership: Why Greta taught American Literature through the lives of authors — and how that same instinct for origin stories now drives her culture work at TegriaClimate vs. culture: The critical difference between the two, and why listening to the "hum" of an organization is essential for any culture leaderThe soft skills myth: Why Greta reframes "soft skills" as core skills — and how she's been teaching them since her students' desks were their first "offices"Cascading communication: Why pushing messages down the org chart is a game of telephone, and how "job alike" practice sessions help managers truly connect with their teamsAI as a thought partner: How Greta uses AI (including Claude) to process ideas out loud, analyze her blind spots, and build backwards-design frameworks for culture initiativesProactive culture diagnosis: How to tune into an organization's energy before problems surface — and what to do when the vibration feels offFeedback and values in action: Why values aren't posters on a wall, and how honest, real-time conversations are the only way to make them live Connect with Greta Jackson: LinkedIn: Search Greta Jackson, Employee Engagement & Culture Enrichment Director at TegriaCultureCon: culturecon.com About the Host: Dr. Rod Berger is a storyteller, author of The Narrative Edge, and Storyteller in Residence at CultureCon. Are you the author of your story — or a character in someone else's? Find out together. Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1.Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation.Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business.He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming.Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    38 mins
  • The Power of Storytelling in Leadership: Insights from Dr. Marcus Conyers

    The Power of Storytelling in Leadership: Insights from Dr. Marcus Conyers
    May 8 2026
    The Power of Storytelling in Leadership: Insights from Dr. Marcus Conyers Discover how storytelling shapes leadership and innovation. Learn key insights from Dr. Marcus Conyers, founder of BrainSmart, on enhancing organizational effectiveness. In today’s fast-paced world, understanding the power of storytelling in leadership is crucial. How can narratives shape our leadership styles and foster innovation within organizations? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the insights shared by Dr. Marcus Conyers during his conversation with Dr. Rod Berger on "The Narrative Edge." You’ll discover how to leverage storytelling to create impactful connections and drive change in your organization. About Dr. Marcus Conyers Dr. Marcus Conyers is the founder and CEO of BrainSmart, a pioneering organization dedicated to enhancing innovation and productivity in various sectors through brain research. With over 30 years of experience, he has authored 20 books, including the bestseller "Positively Smarter," and has shared his expertise across 30 countries. His journey emphasizes the significance of applying brain science in practical settings, making him a credible voice in the field of leadership and education. The Role of Storytelling in Leadership Storytelling is not just a tool for entertainment; it’s a vital aspect of effective leadership. Here’s why it matters: Building Connections: Stories create emotional connections that facts alone cannot achieve. They help leaders resonate with their teams on a personal level.Fostering Innovation: Sharing stories of past successes and failures encourages a culture of learning and innovation. Leaders can inspire their teams to think creatively by illustrating how challenges were overcome through innovative thinking.Enhancing Communication: A well-told story can simplify complex ideas, making them more accessible to team members. This clarity can drive better understanding and alignment within teams. Key Insights from Dr. Conyers During the conversation, Dr. Conyers shared several key insights that illuminate the relationship between storytelling and leadership effectiveness: 1. The Kaleidoscope of Human Experience: Dr. Conyers highlighted that the human experience is rich and varied. By embracing diverse backgrounds and perspectives, leaders can craft more compelling narratives that reflect the complexity of their teams and the challenges they face. 2. Learning from the Past: He emphasized the importance of reflecting on past narratives to understand what drives success. Leaders should analyze previous experiences to identify patterns and insights that inform future strategies. 3. Creating a Culture of Exploration. Dr. Conyers encourages leaders to foster an environment where exploration and curiosity are valued. This involves encouraging team members to share their stories, insights, and lessons learned, which can lead to collective growth and innovation. Practical Strategies for Leaders To effectively harness the power of storytelling in your leadership approach, consider the following strategies: Share Personal Stories: Open up about your own experiences, including challenges and triumphs. This vulnerability can help build trust and rapport with your team.-Encourage Team Storytelling: Create opportunities for team members to share their own stories. This not only builds connections but also encourages a sense of belonging and collaboration.Use Stories to Communicate Vision: When articulating your organizational vision, frame it within a story. This makes the vision more relatable and inspires your team to work towards a common goal. Conclusion The power of storytelling in leadership cannot be overstated. By integrating narratives into your leadership style, you can foster deeper connections, drive innovation, and create a culture of exploration within your organization. As Dr. Conyers illustrates, every leader has the potential to shape their narrative and inspire others by sharing their story. So, what’s your story? Consider how you can leverage it to enhance your leadership effectiveness Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1.Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO ...
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    51 mins
  • If You're Going To Be A Bear Be A Grizzly - An Intimate Conversation with Author Tom Junod

    If You're Going To Be A Bear Be A Grizzly - An Intimate Conversation with Author Tom Junod
    Apr 29 2026
    A powerful conversation with the incomparable Tom Junod brought to you by Dr. Rod Berger. In the world of memoir writing, the question of identity often looms large. How we define ourselves, the names we carry, and the stories we tell shape our experiences and the narratives we create. In this post, we dive into the profound discussions that emerged from my recent conversation with Tom Junod, a celebrated writer whose memoir, *In the Days of My Youth, I Was Told What It Means to Be a Man', uncovers the complexities of identity through the lens of family, legacy, and storytelling. About Tom Junod Tom Junod is a senior writer for ESPN and has received numerous accolades, including an Emmy and the Dan Jenkins Medal for Excellence in Sports Writing. His previous work has appeared in esteemed publications such as GQ and Esquire, where his profile of Fred Rogers inspired the film *A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood*. In his memoir, Junod reflects on his upbringing and his father's influence, exploring how these experiences have shaped his voice as a writer. The Significance of Names and Identity One of the central themes we discussed was the power of names in shaping our identities. Junod shared his own journey with his name, transitioning from *Lou Genard* to *Tom Junod*. This change was not merely a matter of pronunciation but a reflection of his desire to carve out his own identity separate from his father's legacy. Junod explained how his father's strong presence at the family dinner table often left him feeling overshadowed. He recounts moments of internal struggle where he grappled with his father's expectations and the need to assert his individuality. It wasn't until Junod began writing about his childhood experiences that he found his narrative voice. A pivotal moment for him was recalling the sound of his father's ankles cracking as he got out of bed, a memory filled with love and fear that encapsulated their complex relationship. This moment of clarity allowed Junod to embrace his unique voice in his writing. The Writing Process: From Drafts to Final Product Junod's memoir was not without its challenges. He revealed that the initial draft of the book was a staggering 200,000 words—an overwhelming amount that ultimately led him to reevaluate his approach to storytelling. The process of cutting down his manuscript was painful, as it involved discarding many cherished words that did not serve the narrative's purpose. However, by focusing on the essence of his story, Junod distilled his experiences into a cohesive, impactful memoir. In discussing the importance of voice in memoir writing, Junod emphasized that it is the rhythm and music of one's narrative that resonates with readers. Many memoirs succeed because they convey a distinct voice that carries the emotional weight of the story. The Last Word: A Father's Influence A particularly poignant moment in our discussion revolved around the theme of "the last word" in the context of father-son dynamics. Junod reflected on how his father's dominant personality often left him feeling voiceless at the dinner table. This struggle for agency fueled Junod's desire to become a writer. The need to assert his voice and explore the secrets of his father's life became a driving force in his literary career. He explained that the memoir is not just about recounting memories but also about investigating his father's complexities and the impact on his own identity. Junod's writing captures the duality of his father's influence—both the admiration and the struggle for independence. His memoir becomes a space for exploring these emotions, allowing readers to connect with their own experiences of familial relationships. Tom Junod's memoir serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling in navigating our identities. By reflecting on his experiences, he invites us all to examine our own stories and the names we carry. For more insights on memoir writing and identity, consider exploring Junod's work and the profound lessons woven throughout his narrative. Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1.Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of ...
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    1 hr and 6 mins
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