The Story Blender

Mar 06 2025 268 ep. 49 mins 34

The Story Blender Podcast artwork

WHERE GREAT STORYTELLERS SHARE THE SECRETS TO GREAT STORYTELLING. Hosted by Steven James.

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Ep. 9-2025: C. I. Jerez

Mar 06 2025 40 mins

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!

Ep. 8-2025: Mark Alpert

Feb 26 2025 52 mins

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

Ep. 7-2025: Adam Booth

Feb 20 2025 47 mins

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

Ep. 6-2025: Tom Morrisey

Feb 12 2025 62 mins

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

Ep. 5-2025: Nicholas Tomnay

Feb 05 2025 41 mins

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

EP.4-2025: Mike Thompson

Jan 30 2025 47 mins

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, t

EP. 3-2025: Rowan Gibson

Jan 24 2025 49 mins

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 thin

Ep. 2-2025: Steven James

Jan 15 2025 52 mins

This week we flip the script as bestselling author D.P. Lyle interviews me about my latest book on the craft of writing—DELVE, PIVOT, PROPEL. We talk about what led me to write in the first place, what set me back five years in my writing journey, what a “pivot” is and why authors should include one in every scene, and one piece of advice I would give to my younger self. Chec

Ep. 1-2025: Eric Drooker

Jan 13 2025 61 mins

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

Kiran Singh Sirah

Dec 25 2024 53 mins

This week I talk with Kiran Singh Sirah, an award-winning Storytelling Industry leader and Past President of the International Storytelling Center. His work in peace-building through storytelling has received recognition from UNESCO, The White House, and The United Nations. Kiran and I explore the power of stories to build bridges and understanding between different groups and cult