Ep. 11-2025: David Newton

This week on The Story Blender I sit down with award-winning sports journalist David Newton to talk about when the rubber meets the fans at a NASCAR race, his work at ESPN, writing about Tiger Woods’ early career, and even Cam Newton’s outlandish style choices. From his decades of experience, David shares the importance of tapping into the human drama—including struggles and obstacles—no matter what type of story you might be writing or telling. Listen in for his unique advice on finding the story behind the story when telling your own tales.

Transcription available on request.

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Ep. 10-2025: Zack Davisson

My guest this week is an award-winning translator author and folklorist who's written extensively on Japanese ghost stories and supernatural stories from  and has translated many tales from Japanese into English for the first time. He has also lectured on folklore and manga throughout the United States and Europe.

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 9-2025: C I Jerez

This week I caught up with Latina author C.I. Jerez whose new book AT THE ISLAND’S EDGE releases in March. We discuss leaning into the interiority of your characters, getting to know them over time, finding your voice, and letting the story tell itself to you. Give it a listen!

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 8-2025: Mark Alpert

This week, acclaimed science thriller author Mark Alpert joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about how not to say everything all at once in your story, creating enough mystery and intrigue to keep readers flipping pages, why you should apply for a writer residency, how to use a flare to keep polar bears at bay in the Arctic, the best way for aliens to invade earth (it’s not what you think!), whether AI will become our overlord and more. Check it out!

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 7-2025: Adam Booth

This week I catch up with acclaimed storyteller Adam Booth. We talk about reading the room, creating space in your story, and dancing with the audience. We also chat about whether or not to script out content and the importance of establishing normalcy at the start of a storytelling program to presentation. Adam tours throughout the country, performing his stories for young and old alike and I’m sure you’ll love his insights and perspective.

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Transcription available on request.

Ep. 6-2025: Tom Morrisey

This week I speak with novelist, storyteller, and world-renowned speech writer Tom Morrisey on the keys to storytelling for leaders. Learn why people have a short attention span these days (it’s not the reason you might think), why stories work so well for building trust, and three reasons you should be telling stories in your work to inspire and motivate those you lead. We also chat about our upcoming Storytellingkeys.com Summit in Tennessee in April. Give it a listen, and join us April 8-10 for our first, live, in-person Storytelling Keys Leadership Summit!

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 5-2025: Nicholas Tomnay

Listen to a fascinating conversation with filmmaker and screenwriter Nicholas Tomnay as we talk about whether stories reflect culture or alter it, why you should avoid Toxic Carrots, and the difference between twists and reveals. We also discuss his latest film, “What You Wish For.” Give the episode a listen and then check out the movie after you hear Nicholas’s insights into the writing process!

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 4-2025: Mike Thompson

Have you ever wanted to write a script for Hollywood? If so, then you’re going to love this week’s episode of The Story Blender. Screenwriter and script consultant Mike Thompson joins me. He has sold projects to Columbia Pictures, New Line Cinema, Universal, Paramount, NBC, CBS, and many others. We talk about fusing character and concept, coming up with pitches and loglines, the engine that propels every story forward, the secrets to writing scripts that sell, and more. Check it out!

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 3-2025: Rowan Gibson

This week I talk with Rowan Gibson, an international business consultant, keynote speaker, and innovator who has told stories in over 60 countries. According to Forbes, Rowan Gibson is “one of the most recognized thought leaders in business innovation.” We talk about everything from telling stories in the corporate world to what it takes to make a James Bond story work to thinking outside the box (and redefining what the box is), and more. Give it a listen. Check it out!

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 1-2025: Eric Drooker

This week I chat with acclaimed artist and American Book Award-winning graphic novelist, Eric Drooker. We talk about vulnerability in storytelling and art, the importance of communicating your vision, and the importance of telling the stories that lie closest to your heart. It’s a wide ranging conversation that explores the significance of stories and art, and even touches on the paradox of holding onto hope in a world that is so often hopeless. Give it a listen!

Transcription available on request.