logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2022
1h 4m

How To Tell A Captivating Story | Cathe...

Jonathan Fields / Acast
About this episode

Did you ever wish you could be that person who captivated a room, a gathering, an audience, a date with a story that cast a spell, moved them deeply, then left you both more connected and alive? Transformed even? Yeah, you’re not alone. We all live lives filled with stories worth telling, but so often we don’t realize it. And few of us know “how” to tell those stories in a way that brings others in close, then leaves them changed. Most just think it’s a God-given ability. 


But, what if it wasn’t? What if it was a skill anyone - including you - could learn? Would you want that? My guest today, Catherine Burns, believes it is. And, if there’s anyone I’d believe, it’s her. Catherine is the long-time Artistic Director at The Moth, the global phenomenon dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling.


In our conversation today, you'll hear us dive into many of the ideas, tips, and strategies from her newest book, How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth, which she co-wrote with fellow The Moth directors, Meg Bowles and Jenifer Hixson. If you've ever wondered why we care so much about stories in the first place or what elements make for a good story, you're in for a treat in this episode because Catherine and I dive deeper into the art of storytelling and what it takes for anyone, and we mean anyone, to craft a story worth listening to. 


You can find Catherine at: Website | The Moth InstagramTwitter


If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Zoe Chance about language, stories, and influence.


Check out our offerings & partners: 



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Yesterday
How to Turn an Emotional Transition Into a Beautiful Celebration | Tembi Locke
When New York Times bestselling author Tembi Locke faced sending her only child to college, she created what she calls a "college moon" - a transformative journey through Sicily that offers fresh wisdom for anyone navigating major life transitions.In her new audio memoir, Someday ... Show More
55m 46s
Oct 6
Simple Food & Lifestyle Choices That Protect Your Brain | Austin Perlmutter, MD
Every choice you make today is rewiring your brain, shaping not just how you think and feel, but who you become.In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Austin Perlmutter, author of Brain Wash: Detox Your Mind for Clearer Thinking, Deeper Relationships, and Lasting Happiness, reveal ... Show More
1h 9m
Oct 2
Harness the Power of Deep Listening to Transform Your Relationships | Emily Kasriel
Former BBC executive Emily Kasriel reveals eight practical steps to transform any conversation through the art of deep listening, from healing family relationships to bridging seemingly impossible divides.Drawing from research across boardrooms and conflict zones, she shares surp ... Show More
55m 48s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2023
Author Interview: Jeannie Marshall's "All Things Move: Learning to Look in the Sistine Chapel"
Hello, listeners! I’ve got a special surprise for you this week. I’ve been waiting to share this amazing conversation that I enjoyed recently with expat and author Jeannie Marshall about her lovely book, All Things Move: Learning to Look in the Sistine Chapel. What do we hope to ... Show More
37m 24s
Apr 2024
Karen Kingsbury: Someone Like You
Karen Kingsbury knows a thing or two about writing books, with over 70 of them published. She joins the Lautners today to discuss her first film adaptation of a novel, Someone Like You, with part of the proceeds going to 10 non-profits, one of them being Lemons! Karen shares how ... Show More
50m 55s
Aug 2021
2066: Build Your Boundaries by Catherine of Common Sense Living on Learning to Lean Into The Discomfort
Catherine of Common Sense Living tells you how to build your boundariesEpisode 2066: Build Your Boundaries by Catherine of Common Sense Living on Learning to Lean Into The DiscomfortCatherine is a blogger and founder of Common Sense Living. She enjoys cooking, reading and has rec ... Show More
7m 57s
Oct 2023
Cathy’s Learnings from James Clear LIVE – Atomic Habits Event
Listen in as Cathy shares her personal experience at the James Clear LIVE event with Atomic Habits author, James Clear. You’ll hear as Cathy discusses her biggest learnings, including what she resonated most with during the event.These learnings are wonderfully insightful for eve ... Show More
26m 42s
Aug 2023
Asking for what we need, by Kathryn Nicolai
Kathryn Nicolai, creator of the Nothing Much Happens podcast, learns at an early age to diminish her own needs. She never wants to become a problem for other people, so she pretends like she’s always okay. When she gets an opportunity to study abroad in Italy, a difficult experie ... Show More
35m 17s
Dec 2023
Self-Reflection in Eight Steps with Actress Stephanie Szostak
As we head into the New Year, many of us have self-improvement plans for 2024. But what if what you really need is a little time for self-reflection? Join us as today’s guest, “A Million Little Things” and “The Devil Wears Prada” actor Stephanie Szostak, shares the eight self-ref ... Show More
29m 38s
Oct 2022
2507: How To Let Go of Sentimental Items by Courtney Carver
Courtney Carver talks about how to let go of sentimental itemsEpisode 2507: How To Let Go of Sentimental Items by Courtney CarverCourtney Carver was stopped in her tracks with a scary MS diagnosis after decades of debt, discontent, and trying to do it all. She had to slow down, p ... Show More
9m 41s