Ep. 15-2025: Samuel Marquis

Have you ever heard of the infamous pirates Captain Kidd and Blackbeard? Have you ever been interested in the golden age of pirates, privateers, and the truth behind the legends? This week, I interview Samuel Marquis, the author of the new book “Captain Kidd: A True Story of Treasure and Betrayal.” Marquis shares fascinating insights on pirates, storytelling, the way fiction wears with truth in legendary stories, and what it means to be “a villain all nations.”
Check it out.

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 14-2025: Michael Carson

This week I catch up with Michael Carson, the president of the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee—the site of the contemporary storytelling revival. We discuss the power of stories to bring joy, to bring healing, and to bring people together. We talk about the dance of audience and teller, how important it is to respond to your listeners even as you tell your story, and why there is no one right way to tell a story. Check it out and learn more about the International Storytelling Center and the amazing programs they offer year round.

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 13-2025: Jaclyn Goldis

This week I chat with suspense author Jaclyn Goldis about her writing process, the importance of curiosity, plunging into reality through fiction, writing advice you’ve heard but should never follow, whether or not to write every day, what success as an author truly looks like (it might surprise you) and more. We also discuss her latest book, The Safari. Check it out!

Transcription available on request.

Ep. 12-2025: Paulette Kennedy

Don’t miss this week’s episode of The Story Blender as I interview gothic novelist Paulette Kennedy. We talk about everything from cemetery rubbings to creating a sense of dread, to how much we love it when characters question their own sanity and travel on a journey of self-awareness through the narrative. What is it that makes a story gothic? How does isolation and self-questioning fit into that genre? You’ll also love her advice on what to do in regard to chasing your dreams.

Transcription available on request.

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.