As podcasters, we're always looking for ways to captivate our audience and keep them coming back for more. One of the most powerful tools at our disposal is the art of storytelling. In this episode of Podcasting Secrets, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Molly Brandenburg, a true master of the craft. 

 

Molly's journey in the world of audio storytelling is nothing short of remarkable. With a background in theater, voice acting, and advertising copywriting, she unexpectedly transitioned into the world of podcasting. Over the course of her career, Molly has hosted more than 600 podcast episodes for Parcast Studios, covering everything from unexplained mysteries to conspiracy theories.

 

Molly shared invaluable insights on how to become a master storyteller and make the most of this skill in your podcast. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your show to the next level, these five key strategies will help you craft new and intriguing narratives that keep your listeners on the edge of their seats.

1. Find the Theme of Your Story

At the heart of every great story lies its theme - the core message that resonates with your audience. Molly emphasizes the importance of never losing sight of what your story is really about. As you craft your narrative, constantly ask yourself: "What are we telling people?"

 

By immersing yourself in various forms of storytelling, you can be exposed to new forms and methods that can give you new ways to tell your stories. Read extensively, watch movies, and attend theater performances – all of these experiences will help you develop an intuitive sense of what makes a story truly captivating.

 

When approaching a topic for your podcast, take the time to distill it down to its most essential elements and choose to focus and expand on one of them. By finding the essence of your story, you'll create a narrative that resonates on a deeper level with your audience.

2. Structure Your Story Effectively

A well-structured story is like a road map for your listeners, guiding them through your narrative with clarity and purpose. Molly stresses the importance of having a clear structure, regardless of the length of your story.

 

Start by grabbing your audience's attention. Then, get into the details, making sure to clearly establish the conflict or central question of your narrative. As you progress, keep bringing your listeners back to the main thread of the story. Molly cautions against letting your narrative meander too much, as this can cause your audience to "lose the plot."

 

Work towards a satisfying conclusion that ties everything together. Even if you're dealing with a tragic or open-ended story, strive to provide some form of resolution or takeaway for your listeners. This could be a lesson learned, a new perspective gained, or a call to action. People want to feel like they've gained something from the experience of listening to your story.

3. Embrace the "Yes, And" Philosophy

One of the most valuable lessons Molly learned from her background in improvisation is the power of saying "yes and." It means being open to new ideas and opportunities. 

 

It's about building on what's presented to you, whether that's an unexpected tangent in an interview or a new direction for your show. Molly credits this mindset with helping her transition into podcasting when the opportunity presented itself, despite not knowing much about the medium at first.

 

For your own podcast, try to cultivate this spirit of openness and adaptability. When interviewing guests, listen actively for interesting threads you can pull on. Don't be afraid to explore unexpected topics that come up – some of the most compelling stories emerge from these spontaneous moments. Your willingness to say "yes" could lead to fascinating new content and opportunities for your show.

4. Pay Attention to the Details

The devil, as they say, is in the details - and so is the magic of a great story. Paying attention to small details can enrich your narrative and make it more engaging for your listeners.

 

Consider Molly's story about renovating an old restaurant into a theater. What started as a simple anecdote about repainting a room transformed into a captivating tale of the paranormal when she learned about the building's tragic history. By being attentive to these seemingly minor details, she was able to craft a much more compelling narrative.

 

As you research and prepare for your podcast episodes, keep an eye out for these kinds of enriching details. They might include:

 

• Historical context that adds depth to your story
• Unexpected connections between people or events
• Sensory details that help listeners visualize the scene
• Interesting facts or statistics that illuminate your topic
• Personal anecdotes that humanize your subject matter

 

These details are what bring your stories to life and make them memorable for your audience.

5. Be a Good Listener

Perhaps counterintuitively, being a good storyteller starts with being a good listener. This skill is crucial not only for conducting interviews but also for uncovering the stories that are worth telling in the first place.

 

Choosing to really listen to the people you're interviewing or the subjects you're researching can help you find story inspiration. Pay attention to what they're saying, but also to what they're not saying. Look for opportunities to dig deeper into interesting comments or unexpected revelations.

 

When interviewing, resist the urge to stick to a pre-planned set of questions. Instead, be ready to follow intriguing threads as they emerge. People are multidimensional - they often have fascinating stories to tell beyond their professional expertise or the topic at hand.

Crafting Your Storytelling Skills

Mastering the art of storytelling is a journey, not a destination. Like any skill, it requires practice, patience, and a willingness to learn from both your successes and your mistakes. As you work on incorporating these strategies into your podcast, remember that every episode is an opportunity to refine your storytelling.

 

Start by focusing on one aspect at a time. Perhaps in your next episode, you'll pay extra attention to finding the essence of your story. In the following one, you might experiment with your story structure. Over time, these elements will become second nature, allowing you to weave compelling narratives with ease. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new approaches. 

 

At its core, podcasting is about connecting with your audience through shared stories and experiences. By honing your storytelling skills, you're not just improving your podcast - you're creating a more engaging, enriching experience for your listeners.

Key Takeaways:

1. Storytelling is an art that transcends mediums, from literature to theater and film.

 

2. The essence of a story is crucial; always remember what message you're conveying to your audience.

 

3. Good storytelling requires structure: an opening, details, conflict, and, ultimately, a message or resolution.

 

4. Being a good listener is essential for effective storytelling; it helps uncover fascinating details and new directions.

 

5. Improvisation skills can greatly enhance storytelling abilities, teaching you to think in the moment and continue the narrative.

 

6. People are multidimensional; a good interviewer can uncover fascinating stories by encouraging subjects to open up.

 

7. When sharing personal stories, be mindful of unresolved issues and consider the potential impact on relationships.

 

8. Even tragic stories can have positive resolutions if they lead to growth, learning, or positive change.

 

9. When faced with unexpected endings or losses in your career, stay open to new opportunities and paths forward.

 

10. Maintaining vitality in life and storytelling involves continually asking questions and listening for the next answer or path.

 

 

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Thank you for joining me this week. And I wish you success in your storytelling endeavors.