Passion Project with Cat Margulis

Paul Zak is a professor of economics, psychology and management at Claremont Graduate University, as well as a tech entrepreneur, whose current company, Immersion Neuroscience, is a software platform that allows anyone to measure what the brain loves in real-time to improve outcomes in entertainment, education and training, advertising and live events. Paul is also an author and regular TED speaker. His newest book, Immersion: The Science of the Extraordinary and Source of Happiness, is out now.

In his interview for The Power of Story, Paul explains what the brain loves about story, and shares what immersion really is, as well as how storytelling can create extraordinary experiences that transform audiences.

In this interview for The Power of Story, a Passion Project series of talks that took place in Fall 2022, Cat talks to Kendall Haven, a master storyteller who has performed for over 6.8 million worldwide during his 32-year career and who has led the research effort for the National Storytelling Association into the architecture of effective stories and into the process of story-based influence and persuasion. An internationally recognized expert on the neuro-science of story, Kendall created the first detailed, tested model of story that accounts for the neurology of how narrative material is processed, understood, remembered and recalled. He has published 34 books of and on the science and use of stories and of/on storytelling and has won 20 major awards for his writing and performance storytelling. In this interview, Kendall shares what's happening in the brain when story is happening and what we can learn about it to be more effective communicators, storytellers and influencers. He also shares the keys to a great story and a hack to find out what your idea audience wants and the best way to deliver your message to them.

For more on The Power of Story, visit Getthepowerofstory.com and access more great interviews, post-show Q&As, workshops and more!

In this interview for The Power of Story, a Passion Project series of talks that took place in Fall 2022, Cat talks to Susie Jaramillo, a Latina, Emmy-nominated director, illustrator, storyteller and creator with a vision to help kids learn through character-driven stories and play. Inspired by a world of cultures and seeking to bring to life diverse stories that weren't being told, Susie co-founded Encantos, which includes the Emmy-nominated and 2x Kidscreen award-winning bilingual preschool brand Canticos, Tiny Travelers, a brand designed to introduce children to the countries and cultures of the world, and the latest series, Skeletina and the In-Between World. In her interview for The Power of Story, Susie talks about why OwnVoices matter, how to build a business out of books and why purpose-driven stories are good for business. She also shares what kind of story wins her heart, and what readers, and publishers, are looking for in a book today.

For more on The Power of Story, visit Getthepowerofstory.com and access more great interviews, post-show Q&As, workshops and more!

In this interview for The Power of Story, a Passion Project series of talks that took place in Fall 2022, Cat talks to Angus Fletcher, a Professor of Story Science at Ohio State's Project Narrative. Angus's research explores why children are more creative than computer AI—and how to use literature, art and stories to increase innovation, resilience and joy. His work has been called "mind-blowing" by Malcolm Gladwell and "life-changing" by Brene Brown and has been field tested everywhere from public elementary schools to US Special Operations. In this interview, Angus talks about our infinite capacity for creativity and stories, how stories contribute to healing, innovation and resilience, and how when we change our stories, we can change our lives. He also shares what our kids really need to thrive in the world today and beyond.

For more on The Power of Story, visit Getthepowerofstory.com and access more great interviews, post-show Q&As, workshops and more!

In this interview for The Power of Story, a Passion Project series of talks that took place in Fall 2022, Cat talks to Anna Sinclair, a Canadian award-winning entrepreneur, businesswoman and investor. She's the CEO of Total Mom Inc, which produces programs, event experiences, products and services that take moms from overwhelmed to supported personally and professionally. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women In Canada, Anna has been featured in Forbes both as a contributor and Forbes Business Council member. She is a community builder and mental health advocate, and is passionate about normalizing motherhood and business. In this interview, Anna talks about the keys to a successful business pitch, and why sharing your story is so important, whether you're looking to enrol investors, clients and customers, or partners. She also shares some tips and advice on the best ways to deliver your message, and what NOT to do. (Hint, there's more here than meets the eye.)

For more on The Power of Story, visit Getthepowerofstory.com and access more great interviews, post-show Q&As, workshops and more!

In this interview for The Power of Story, a Passion Project series of talks that took place in Fall 2022, Cat talks to Matthew Dicks, an internationally best-selling author whose books include Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Art of Storytelling. Matthew has performed for audiences around the globe, and teaches storytelling and public speaking throughout the world to individuals, corporations, school districts, hospitals, universities and more. In his interview for The Power of Story, Matthew shares his time-saving hacks and secrets to his prolific output and how he's written a blog post every day for 19 years, not to mention countless books, talks and other projects. He also shares the 3 S's of storytelling—no matter the message, or the platform.

For more on The Power of Story, visit Getthepowerofstory.com and access more great interviews, post-show Q&As, workshops and more!