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
  • Understanding Culture By Understanding Ourselves with Todd Wuestenberg

    Understanding Culture By Understanding Ourselves with Todd Wuestenberg
    Apr 21 2026
    Building a Thriving Workplace Culture: Insights from Todd Wuestenberg Learn how to cultivate a vibrant workplace culture from Todd Wuestenberg, Chief Culture Officer at Haverkamp Group. Discover strategies for fostering connection and development in organizations. Creating a thriving workplace culture is essential for any organization aiming for long-term success. In this blog post, we delve into insights shared by Todd Wuestenberg, Chief Culture Officer at Haverkamp Group, who believes that culture is not just a side project but a crucial component of any successful business strategy. Understanding Culture: The Kitchen Table Perspective Culture is often shaped by our early experiences, and Todd's upbringing in a small Iowa town exemplifies this. Growing up in a close-knit community of just 1,500 people, Todd experienced a deep sense of connection with others. Conversations around the dinner table were not just about sharing food; they were rich discussions that fostered relationships and a sense of belonging. The Importance of Connection In Todd’s words, "there’s always a sense of being connected, whether it would be with family or community." This connection has greatly influenced his worldview and his approach to creating a culture in the workplace. As organizations grow, the challenge often lies in maintaining that connection, especially when teams scale rapidly. The Concept of Culture Farming Todd introduces the concept of "culture farming," which involves understanding the dynamics of organizational culture as one would understand the intricacies of farming. Just as farmers must consider soil, weather, and seasons, leaders must be aware of the environment in which they cultivate their organizational culture. Patience in Development According to Todd, cultivating culture takes time and requires a patient approach. "Farmers understand that there's a rhythm and there's a process to things," he explains. This philosophy applies to onboarding new employees as well, emphasizing the need for them to understand the organizational values from the outset. The Role of a Chief Culture Officer In a world where titles can often feel redundant, Todd’s role as Chief Culture Officer signifies a commitment to prioritizing culture within the organization. He believes that "words do matter," and having a dedicated position for culture reinforces its importance. Culture as a Blend of People and Processes Todd defines culture as a blend of people and processes. "You could have the best people in the world, but without the right processes, you’re going to lose them," he notes. This duality is essential for creating an environment where employees can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential. The Shift in Perception of Soft Skills Todd emphasizes the importance of soft skills in today’s workplace, arguing that they are not merely an added bonus but rather essential skills for survival in a competitive environment. He highlights how organizations that fail to recognize the value of soft skills may struggle with retention and overall success. Culture as a Strategy Rather than viewing culture as a soft skill, Todd encourages leaders to see it as a strategic necessity. "Culture is integral to the double bottom line," he asserts, indicating that a positive culture not only enhances employee satisfaction but also directly impacts profitability. Addressing Productive Discomfort Todd acknowledges that creating a vibrant culture involves navigating uncomfortable situations. He refers to this as "productive discomfort," where leadership sets the tone for open dialogue and encourages participation from all employees. Everyone's Role in Culture Culture is not solely the responsibility of leadership; every employee contributes to the organizational culture. Todd believes that by fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to participate, organizations can create a thriving culture that adapts to change. Conclusion Cultivating a strong workplace culture is a journey that requires intention, patience, and a focus on connection. By understanding the dynamics of culture and recognizing its importance, leaders can create an environment where employees feel valued and engaged. As Todd Wuestenberg illustrates, culture is not just a task; it is a continuous process that shapes the future of an organization. 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 ...
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    50 mins
  • Three Decades in Hollywood Without Losing the Kid From Atlanta

    Three Decades in Hollywood Without Losing the Kid From Atlanta
    Apr 16 2026
    There's a moment Jhamal Robinson describes that stopped me in my tracks. He's on a global town hall panel at Warner Bros. Discovery, thousands of employees watching on Zoom, and someone asks him point blank: Do you feel like you have to tailor yourself when you walk into a room? His answer comes immediately. Yes. He code-switches. He adjusts. He becomes a version of himself calibrated to make others comfortable. And then, almost in the same breath, he adds the part that carries the real weight: But not when he walks into the Oprah Winfrey Network room. Not there. Because in that room, the adjustment isn't necessary. That contrast, spoken aloud in a company-wide forum, is the kind of truth that doesn't show up on a résumé. This episode of The Narrative Edge is a conversation between two people who met more than 30 years ago, long before either had a title worth mentioning. I sat down with Jhamal, who now serves as the head of US production for unscripted and scripted at Fremantle, and what unfolded was not an interview about career milestones. It was a conversation about what it costs to show up as yourself in rooms that weren't designed with you in mind, and what happens when you decide the cost of pretending is higher. Jhamal's career reads like a map of Hollywood's most significant addresses. Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, A&E, NBC Universal, Yahoo. He's an Emmy winner. He's overseen productions from Stranger Things to The Price Is Right. But the thread that runs through all of it isn't the titles or the logos. It's the question he keeps asking himself, sometimes consciously and sometimes only in retrospect: Was I too much myself? That question haunts more people than will ever admit it. Not just Black executives navigating predominantly white spaces, though Jhamal speaks candidly and specifically about that experience. It haunts anyone who has ever walked out of a meeting wondering whether their full self was the reason the room went quiet. We spend a lot of time in this conversation exploring what code-switching actually feels like from the inside, not as a sociological concept but as a daily tax on a person's energy and sense of self. Jhamal is six foot seven. He's aware that his physical presence can register as intimidating before he's said a single word. So he's spent decades learning how to, as he puts it, bring people into the conversation. That phrase kept coming back. Not "command the room." Not "own the narrative." Bring people in. It's a leadership posture that starts with lowering the barrier rather than raising the flag. One of the most revealing stories he tells is about interviewing for his current role at Fremantle. He met with the CEO, Jen Mullen, for 20 minutes. Walked out convinced he'd bombed it. His mind immediately went to the familiar loop: Should I have code-switched? Should I have performed a different version of myself? Days later, the call came. He got the job. And the lesson landed not as a triumph but as a quiet reckoning. What if showing up as his full self was not the risk he'd always been taught it was, but the thing that actually worked? And what if he'd gotten the job by performing? Then he'd be trapped playing a character indefinitely. We also talked about success and the strange discomfort of not knowing how to measure it. Jhamal describes being one of the first Black members of his college's board of trustees and not realizing it was a big deal. He describes returning to Netflix for a Black employee resource group event a year after leaving, walking in and feeling like a celebrity, not because of his title but because people remembered how he made them feel. Young Black executives approached him to say his LinkedIn posts had mattered, that watching his career gave them permission to imagine their own. He gets visibly moved telling this story, and I think that's the point. The impact that shakes you is almost never the one you planned. Toward the end of our conversation, I asked Jhamal to take me back to the kitchen in Georgia where he grew up. His father cooking dinner. A young kid walking in and saying, Dad, I want to audition for the Mickey Mouse Club. His father doesn't stop stirring. Doesn't laugh. Just says, if that's what you want to do, I fully support you. Jhamal didn't make it on the Mickey Mouse Club. But that moment, that quiet permission to want something and say it out loud, is the origin of everything that followed. His father and mother told him, in their own ways, that his story was being written. It would just take a second. We closed by talking about the responsibility storytellers carry right now, especially as AI reshapes what's possible in production. Jhamal isn't running from technology. He oversaw an AI studio at A&E and is deep into those conversations at Fremantle. But his instinct is grounded in something simple: accuracy matters, and so does feeling. If a story doesn't make you feel something, it doesn't matter how it was made. And ...
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    39 mins
  • Embracing Uncertainty: How to Navigate Life and Work in a Changing World

    Embracing Uncertainty: How to Navigate Life and Work in a Changing World
    Apr 15 2026
    Embracing Uncertainty: How to Navigate Life and Work in a Changing World Discover strategies for thriving amidst uncertainty. Learn from Matthew Caldwell's journey in HR and personal growth, and find your path to resilience. In today’s fast-paced world, many of us grapple with uncertainty—both in our personal lives and within our careers. How can we embrace this uncertainty and transform it into opportunity? In this blog post, we will explore insights from Matthew Caldwell, an organizational development director who shares his journey through personal and professional challenges. From his humble beginnings in a grocery store to navigating the complexities of HR in a state government, Matthew's experiences offer valuable lessons on resilience and adaptability. About Matthew Caldwell Matthew Caldwell is the Director of Organizational Development for the Maine Secretary of State Office. His experience spans various sectors, from grocery retail to healthcare recruitment, and he has played a pivotal role in making Maine a certified age-friendly employer. With a unique blend of humor and insight, Matthew discusses the importance of human connections in the workplace and how they shape our experiences. The Power of Personal Storytelling Matthew believes that our personal stories significantly influence our professional paths. He emphasizes that understanding one’s narrative can help individuals navigate through challenging times. "We live in a world where our personal and professional lives are intertwined," he explains. This perspective is crucial in organizations, as it allows for a more human-centric approach to leadership and employee engagement. Why this matters: In an era where workplaces often prioritize productivity over people, recognizing the value of storytelling can create a supportive environment. -How to apply it: Encourage team members to share their stories, fostering a culture of openness and understanding in your organization. Navigating the Gray in Organizational Culture Matthew’s approach to organizational culture is centered around what he calls "navigating the gray." This involves addressing complex situations that traditional policies may not cover. He notes, "You either name it, or it eats you." This mindset encourages leaders to confront difficult issues head-on rather than avoid them. Common mistake: Many organizations shy away from addressing uncomfortable topics, which can lead to unresolved conflict and a toxic work environment. Actionable step: Develop frameworks for open discussions around sensitive issues, allowing for a more inclusive workplace where everyone’s voice is heard. Building Resilience Through Adaptability Matthew’s journey is marked by his ability to embrace the unknown. From his early days managing a grocery store to transitioning into HR and then state-level organizational development, he has consistently thrived in unfamiliar situations. Why this matters: In today’s rapidly changing work environment, adaptability is essential for both personal and organizational success. How to cultivate it: Foster a culture of continuous learning where employees feel empowered to step outside their comfort zones and explore new roles or responsibilities. The Importance of Community and Support Matthew's experiences highlight the significance of community support, especially during challenging times. He shares how therapy and supportive leadership helped him navigate personal struggles, leading to a renewed focus on helping others. Key insight: Leadership is not just about managing tasks; it’s also about supporting your team through their personal challenges. Actionable step: Implement mentorship programs within your organization to help employees find guidance and support as they navigate their careers. Conclusion Embracing uncertainty is not just a personal journey; it’s a collective organizational effort. By focusing on storytelling, addressing the gray areas, fostering adaptability, and building supportive networks, we can create workplaces that thrive amidst change. As Matthew Caldwell reminds us, it’s about being part of others' stories while navigating our own. So what?This approach not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the organization as a whole. Next step: Reflect on your own story and consider how it shapes your work. Engage with your team, share experiences, and together, navigate the uncertainties of the future. Frequently Asked Questions How can storytelling enhance workplace culture? Storytelling fosters connection and empathy among team members, creating a more supportive and understanding work environment. What does it mean to navigate the gray in organizational culture? Navigating the gray means addressing complex and nuanced situations that may not fit neatly within existing policies, allowing for a more human approach to leadership. How can organizations support employees through personal...
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    50 mins
  • How to Harness the Power of Storytelling in Your Life: Insights from Dr. Darin Eich, a CultureCon Catalyst

    How to Harness the Power of Storytelling in Your Life: Insights from Dr. Darin Eich, a CultureCon Catalyst
    Apr 8 2026
    How to Harness the Power of Storytelling in Your Life: Insights from Dr. Darin Eich, a CultureCon Catalyst Learn how to leverage storytelling for personal growth and connection. Dr. Darin shares insights that resonate with anyone looking to enhance their narrative skills. Storytelling is not just for authors or filmmakers; it’s a powerful tool that can enhance your life and career. I sat down with Dr. Darin, a renowned expert in innovation and storytelling, to explore how we can all harness the power of narrative to foster connection and personal growth. About Dr. Darin Dr. Darin is an innovative leader in storytelling and personal development, with a wealth of experience from organizations like NASA, Adobe, and Nike. His work focuses on helping individuals and teams discover their unique narratives, making him a trusted voice in the world of storytelling. The Importance of Storytelling in Personal Growth Dr. Darin believes that storytelling plays a crucial role in self-discovery. He encourages individuals to view their lives through the lens of the hero's journey, a concept popularized by Joseph Campbell. This framework allows us to identify pivotal moments in our lives and understand how they shape us. By recognizing our own narratives, we can better articulate our experiences and connect with others. Why You Should Embrace Storytelling - Fosters Connection**: Sharing stories creates bonds between people, making interactions more meaningful. - Enhances Communication**: A well-told story can convey complex ideas simply and effectively. - Promotes Reflection**: Reflecting on your own stories can lead to personal insights and growth. How to Find Your Story Dr. Darin emphasizes the importance of introspection in discovering your narrative. He suggests several strategies: - Identify Your Pivotal Moments**: Think about significant events in your life that have shaped who you are today. What lessons did you learn? - Practice Telling Your Story**: Share your story with friends or family to refine your narrative. This will help you gain confidence in your storytelling abilities. - Use the Hero's Journey Framework**: Consider how your experiences align with the stages of the hero's journey. This can help you structure your story effectively. Common Mistakes to Avoid When crafting your story, be cautious of these pitfalls: - Overcomplicating Your Narrative**: Keep your story focused and relatable. - Neglecting Your Audience**: Tailor your story to resonate with your listeners. - Failing to Practice**: The more you practice, the more natural your storytelling will become. Key Takeaways - Storytelling is a vital skill for personal and professional growth. - Embrace the hero's journey to find deeper meaning in your experiences. - Practice sharing your story to build connections and improve your narrative skills. In conclusion, storytelling is an invaluable tool that everyone can benefit from. By recognizing and refining your own narrative, you can foster deeper connections and enhance your personal growth. Want to dive deeper into the art of storytelling? Check out Dr. Darin's resources and workshops for more insights. Frequently Asked Questions What is the hero's journey? The hero's journey is a narrative framework that outlines the stages a hero goes through in a story, including their call to adventure, challenges faced, and eventual transformation. How can storytelling enhance my career? Storytelling can improve your communication skills, making it easier to convey ideas, connect with colleagues, and engage audiences effectively. What are some tips for effective storytelling? Focus on clarity, practice regularly, and tailor your stories to your audience's interests and experiences. 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 ...
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    53 mins
  • Large Language Models, Not Large Meaning Models with CJ Casciotta

    Large Language Models, Not Large Meaning Models with CJ Casciotta
    Apr 2 2026
    There's a moment in every room, every strategy session, every family dinner where someone finally says the thing everyone has been circling. Not a new idea, necessarily, but the buried one. The one that was always there, underneath the decks and the dashboards and the nervous small talk. CJ Casciotta has built a career around finding that moment, and in this episode, we sit down to talk about what happens when you stop treating storytelling as decoration and start treating it as the essential work of making sense of a world that refuses to slow down. CJ and I go back years, and what has always struck me about him is the way he walks into a situation without a predetermined frame. He doesn't arrive with a deliverable in hand. He arrives with questions, and then he digs. He calls it meaning archaeology, this practice of excavating the thing under the thing until a team, a brand, a community can look at what surfaces and say, "Yes, that is what we have been trying to say." It sounds simple. It is not. And it matters now more than it ever has, because we are not living in an era starved for information or attention. We are living in an era starving for formation, for someone who can take the noise and the fragments and turn them into a narrative people can actually hold onto, repeat, and act on. We talk about Reculture, the message studio CJ runs, and what it means to call it a message studio rather than a branding agency or a content shop. The distinction is deliberate. For CJ, messaging strategy looks less like traditional brand guidelines and more like sense-making. Content looks less like posts optimized for clicks and more like what he calls artifacts, pieces that make a story legible in public. That framing alone is worth sitting with: not content as filler, not content as performance, but content as evidence of a story that actually exists beneath the surface. The conversation opens up wide when we get into the tension CJ describes as myth morphing. Every organization, every community, every family carries myths, stories that have held things together for years, sometimes generations. Right now, those myths are being stretched and pulled by cultural volatility, political upheaval, technological disruption, and the sheer speed of change. The question CJ keeps returning to is not whether these myths should change. They will. The question is how you hold onto the center of gravity, the essential truth inside the myth, while letting the rest morph so it stays relevant. And he is honest about the fact that nobody has a playbook for this. Not the smartest executive, not the most decorated strategist. We are all improvising in real time, and that admission itself feels like a kind of clarity. We spend a good stretch of the episode on AI, and what I appreciate about CJ's take is its groundedness. He is not breathless about it and he is not despairing. He is paying attention. He notices that AI has a remarkably identifiable writing voice, and that this actually creates an opening for humans who are willing to do the harder, slower work of cultivating their own voice. In a feed full of outputs that all sound the same, the thing that jumps out is the thing that feels unmistakably human. He makes a point that stopped me: these are large language models, not large meaning models. Language and meaning are not the same thing. We can automate language at scale. We cannot automate the excavation of what that language should actually mean. That work still belongs to us, and it is more valuable now precisely because it is harder to replicate. We also talk about Reculture Live, an event CJ recently produced that brought together immigrants, educators, journalists, activists, and people of faith to sit in close proximity with each other's stories. He opened the event by asking, essentially, why would a message studio put on something like this? His answer is that if you claim to help organizations make sense of this cultural moment, you have to be doing your own research. You have to get close to the people living inside the narratives that everyone else is debating from a distance. What surprised him most was the hope. Not naive optimism, but a grounded, lived-in conviction from people on the ground that there are ways through this time to something on the other side. We close with a conversation about fatherhood, because CJ and I are both dads navigating the same questions every parent faces in a world flooded with screens and shrinking attention spans. His advice is disarmingly simple and entirely earned: curiosity. Not as a buzzword, but as a daily practice. Teaching your kids to use the tools in front of them to discover rather than to numb. And he is quick to say that this starts with us. If we are not staying curious ourselves, researching what our kids are consuming, making hard calls about which platforms stay and which ones go, then we cannot expect them to develop the muscle on their own. It is the oxygen ...
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    37 mins