We’re calling this special episode of Cross Lab…Cross Pollination!

Hosts Steve Hohman and Olivia Espinosa are bringing together their community of theater makers and professional storytellers for a powerful conversation.

Our guests—Cecelia Kouma, Mabelle Reynoso, and Arturo Medina from Playwrights Project—are producers, actors, playwrights, and educators who teach playwriting in prisons.

Tune in as they share their work, their wisdom, and storytelling techniques that can transform how you build narratives in the courtroom.

Instagram @playwrightsproject

What’s covered in this episode: 

• How to turn facts into a story—even if you don’t think you're a storyteller
• 4 story kickstarters for a compelling narrative
• The essential hook that makes your listener root for your client
• Why “falling in love” with your client is non-negotiable
• The no-brainer step to make your opening statement click with your fact-finders

Time Stamps

00:00 What’s this special episode of Cross Lab all about?

5:23 About Playwrights Project and their work in carceral spaces

11:29 The power of storytelling for healing and transformation

17:32 Where to start—4 storytelling lifelines when you’re buried under a mountain of facts

25:30 How to unlock your client’s real story—and why they’re giving you the “safe” version

32:40 What the best attorneys we’ve seen have in common

39:23 The #1 thing your listener needs for a story to land and feel real

49:00 How to make sure your story is fleshed out and accessible for anyone (perfect for an opening statement!)

1:06:03 Don’t think you're a storyteller? Here’s the cure.

To get free resources for your next trial go to HausImprov.com