The Starfish Storytellers

In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we sit down with Toronto-based Communications Consultant, Author, and Stand Up Comedian Tovit Neizer to explore the human stories beneath the surface.

From investigative reporting to fiction and family memories, Tovit shares how curiosity and listening have shaped her work - and why some stories stay with us long after we hear them.

In our conversation, we explore:

• Bringing hidden experiences to light·
• Keeping family stories alive across generations
• Listening to caregivers whose families are far away
• Finding the humanity in business communication
• Preserving personal voice when using AI

Want to connect with Tovit? Visit:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tovitneizer/

Website: https://yellowbricks.net/

Listen to The Starfish Storytellers wherever you get your podcasts, including Amazon Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, Pandora, and iHeartRadio. Or watch the full episode on YouTube. Subscribe at blackdogmarcom.com for more stories that make a difference, one story at a time.

In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, We sit down with Toronto-based journalist and writer Jackie Martinz to explore a career shaped by curiosity - from communications and freelance writing to national news and her current role as a segment producer with CTV Your Morning.

Jackie shares why she “just couldn’t stop writing,” how genuine curiosity changes the way journalists listen and interview, and why some of the most memorable stories come from everyday people. She also reflects on covering people affected by devastating wildfires and the resilience that stayed with her long after the assignment ended.

The conversation moves beyond journalism to Jackie’s work on the board of Storytelling Toronto, where the power of creating spaces for people from different cultures, backgrounds, and generations can bring others together to share and hear one another’s stories.

It’s a conversation about following your curiosity, listening without judgment, and recognizing that everyone has something worth sharing. You can listen to The Starfish Storytellers wherever you get your podcasts or watch this episode on YouTube.

What stories will remain when the people we love are no longer here to tell them?

In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, Liana Henry sits down with Toronto-area filmmaker and videographer James Howard, founder of Family History Studio, to explore the power of preserving a life through film.

James's work grew from a deeply personal experience. In 1997, he interviewed his 91-year-old grandmother for nearly five hours, capturing her memories, voice, expressions, and personality on camera. Just two weeks later, she suffered a fall that would ultimately prove fatal. Years later, James did the same for his father, creating a film his dad was able to see shortly before his death.

Those experiences became the foundation for Family History Studio and James's belief that a life story film can become something truly priceless for future generations.

James and Liana talk about why listening may be the most important skill a storyteller can develop, how trust helps people move beyond rehearsed answers to reveal their authentic selves, and why some of the most meaningful stories emerge from the simplest questions.

They also explore the importance of preserving old photographs, home movies, recordings, and family artifacts—and how bringing those pieces together with someone's own voice can create a legacy that lasts for generations.

Because someday, someone you love may want to know what Grandpa sounded like when he laughed, how Mom told the story of meeting Dad, or what childhood experience shaped the person they became. And as James reminds us, you don't know what stories are waiting to be told until you ask.

Learn more about James Howard and Family History Studio:

Website: familyhistorystudio.com

Email: [email protected]

What do repainting mailboxes at eleven years old, surfing in Hawaii, writing 27 books, and delivering more than 2,500 keynote presentations have in common? For Lee Silber, they've all been chapters in a life built by saying "yes" to opportunity.

In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, Liana Henry sits down with entrepreneur, award-winning author, speaker, and self-described "Facilitator of Fun" Lee Silber to explore the stories that have shaped his remarkable career—and the lessons they've taught him about confidence, curiosity, resilience, and the power of storytelling.

Lee shares the deeply personal story of losing his father, why stories connect with audiences more than facts ever can, how following curiosity led him from surf shops to bestselling books, and why confidence often begins by saying yes before you're completely ready.

Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, writer, speaker, marketer, or simply someone looking for inspiration, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, memorable stories, and heartfelt moments that will stay with you long after the episode ends.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why storytelling is the fastest path to connection
• How curiosity can become a career strategy
• Why confidence grows through action—not certainty
• Lessons from Sunshine, Jay Ondo, and the people who changed Lee's life
• How one compliment can transform someone forever
• Why authentic stories will always outperform artificial ones

Connect with Lee Silber:

Website: https://www.leesilber.com

Books on Amazon: Search "Lee Silber" on Amazon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leesilber

What happens when the definition of success you've spent a lifetime pursuing nearly costs you everything?

In this powerful episode, we sit down with executive leader, keynote speaker, and bestselling author Roderick Jefferson to explore the extraordinary story behind his book Stroke of Success. After decades leading global organizations, traveling the world, and reaching the highest levels of corporate leadership, Roderick suffered a devastating stroke in his sleep that left him with just a two percent chance of survival.

What followed wasn't simply a journey of physical recovery. It became a complete redefinition of ambition, leadership, identity, and purpose.

Together, we discuss:

• The hidden cost of relentless ambition
• How success can quietly distance us from the people who matter most
• Lessons learned from surviving a stroke and near-death experience
• Why caregivers deserve far more recognition
• The importance of rediscovering your "why"
• Building boundaries, embracing self-care, and leading with humanity

This conversation is an honest reminder that true success isn't measured by titles, salaries, or frequent flyer miles, but by the lives we touch and the relationships we nurture. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, caregiver, or simply someone navigating life's unexpected turns, Roderick's story will leave you asking one important question:

At what cost are you pursuing success?

Connect with Roderick Jefferson

Website: https://www.roderickjefferson.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roderickjefferson

Order Stroke of Success: https://www.roderickjefferson.com

Storytelling doesn't always happen in sentences, speeches, or traditional narratives.

Sometimes it happens in images, emotions, metaphors, and poems.

In this special Pride Month episode of The Starfish Storytellers, host Liana Henry sits down with poet, artist, educator, and arts advocate Pilar Quintana to explore storytelling through the lens of poetry, identity, and self-expression.

The conversation begins with Pilar's powerful poem, The Problem of Maria, a deeply personal exploration of gender, culture, belonging, and the lifelong search to understand oneself in a world that often demands simple definitions. As a queer, genderqueer Cuban American artist, Pilar shares how poetry became a language for expressing experiences that traditional storytelling sometimes cannot fully capture. In this conversation, Pilar discusses:

• How poetry allows people to express emotions that are difficult to put into words

• The relationship between identity, culture, and storytelling

• Growing up as the child of Cuban immigrants and navigating multiple worlds

• The power of visibility and representation within LGBTQ+ communities

• Why poetry can help people process experiences and emotions in unique ways

• How art and storytelling can create understanding across differences

• The importance of being seen, respected, and recognized for who we truly are

• How anyone can begin telling their story—even if they don't consider themselves a storyteller

Through personal poems, candid reflections, and thoughtful discussion, Pilar reminds us that storytelling isn't always about finding answers. Sometimes it's about creating space for complexity, authenticity, and connection. Because every person deserves to be seen—and every story deserves to be heard. To learn more about Pilar and the Grey Court Poets, visit:

https://www.instagram.com/greycourtpoets/

https://www.youtube.com/GreyCourtPoets

https://www.facebook.com/GreyCourtPoets/

In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we sit down with physical therapist, educator, and author Ron Clinton for a powerful conversation about pain, healing, and the stories we tell ourselves about our bodies. With more than 35 years of experience and extensive training in the McKenzie Method, Ron has helped thousands of patients overcome chronic back, neck, knee, and mobility issues through conservative, evidence-based approaches that often avoid medications, injections, and surgery.

Together, we explore how pain is often misunderstood and how symptoms may originate far from where discomfort appears. Ron shares remarkable real-world stories from his practice, including patients misdiagnosed for years before discovering the true source of their pain. This conversation dives into the emotional side of healing, the importance of movement and self-efficacy, and how mindset, understanding, and patient empowerment can dramatically change recovery outcomes. We also discuss:

• Why storytelling matters in healthcare and rehabilitation
• The connection between movement, independence, and quality of life
• The role of hope and understanding in patient recovery
• Restless Leg Syndrome and emerging insights into possible spinal connections
• Why “movement is medicine” for both physical and cognitive health
• How patients can challenge limiting beliefs about aging and pain

This episode is an inspiring reminder that healing is often a partnership and that sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones we rewrite about ourselves. To learn more about Ron Clinton, visit him at www.kneeandspinept.com. You can listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts.

In a world where attention spans are measured in seconds, clarity isn’t just important—it’s everything. In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we sit down with brand strategist, author, and speaker Orly Zeewy to explore what it really takes to stand out in what she calls a “five-second world.” Orly shares her journey from fine artist to brand strategist, and how a pivotal realization—that businesses often focus on what matters to them instead of their audience—led her to help entrepreneurs turn fuzzy messaging into clear, compelling stories that connect and convert. Through powerful examples and real-world insights, this conversation dives into:

• Why clarity—not volume—is what cuts through the noise
• The biggest mistake businesses make when building their brand
• How to identify your ideal audience (and why you must)
• The role of storytelling in building trust and connection
• Why failure, feedback, and pivoting are essential to success
• The mindset shift behind her upcoming book Why Not Me?

Whether you’re a startup founder, marketer, or business leader, this episode is a reminder that when you truly understand who you are, who you serve, and why it matters—you don’t just get noticed. You get remembered. To learn more about Orly, you can visit her at:

• https://zeewybrands.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlyzeewy/
• https://www.youtube.com/@orlyzeewy
• [email protected]

In telemarketing and lead development, storytelling happens live, unscripted, and often in the first 10–30 seconds of a phone call. While many people think of storytelling as something that happens in books, speeches, or marketing campaigns, a world of call centers proves otherwise. In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we sit down with Ceri Ruenheck, President of IT’S YOUR CALL, a B2B telemarketing services company with more than 30 years of experience helping companies turn conversations into opportunities. In this conversation, Ceri shares insights into:

• How storytelling happens in real-time conversations

• What determines whether someone stays on the line or hangs up

• The role of trust in business communication

• How call guides can support natural, human conversations

• What it takes emotionally to handle rejection and hostility

• Why call center work is often misunderstood

Whether you work in sales, leadership, customer service, or simply want to improve how you communicate with others, this episode offers powerful insights about connection, trust, and the stories we carry for the brands and people we represent. Because sometimes storytelling isn’t about a stage or a spotlight. Sometimes it’s simply a calm voice on the other end of the line.

In addition to watching us live on YouTube, listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Pandora | iHeart Radio

What makes video storytelling actually work for business? In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we sit down with Tim Bradley, founder of Pennant Video, to explore how intentional, authentic video storytelling helps brands clarify their message, build trust, and drive real results. With nearly 20 years of experience in video production and agency leadership, Tim shares how storytelling goes far beyond flashy visuals, and why clarity, confidence, and connection are what truly convert. You’ll learn:

• Why great video storytelling isn’t about production value. It’s about purpose
• How Tim’s Video Marketing Trifecta™ (Anthems, Explainers & Endorsements) helps B2B brands stand out
• How to uncover compelling stories in even the most technical or “unexciting” industries
• The difference between content that exists and stories that actually connect
• The impact powerful storytelling can have on marketing, sales, and brand confidence

Plus, Tim wraps up with a fun Quick Takes round on common storytelling clichés, brand buzzwords, and what every business should know before hitting record. If you care about storytelling that means something - and actually moves people - this episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations on storytelling, branding, and impact!