You Are a Storyteller

In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss why contrast is so crucial in telling a clear story. When you tell stories with intention, there’s no need for confusing characters or overcomplicated plot twists. Instead, simple, straightforward contrast (in characters, settings, and storylines) allows your audience to invest in—and learn from—your story.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” author and screenwriter Brian McDonald is joined by author and scholar Charles Johnson. Charles shares why novelists shouldn’t ever stop learning—“You’re in this for the long haul”—and how a great mentor can help an artist discover smarter, more skillful ways to approach their work.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by writer, performer, and magician Derek DelGaudio, creator of the cathartic theater show (and Hulu special) “In & Of Itself.” Derek shares how his mentors helped him see the importance of developing curiosity—and why he believes vulnerability is the key to truly connecting with his audience.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss why “outer boundaries'' matter in storytelling. Without taking the time to set boundaries in the first act, you miss out on an emotional bond with your audience—and you fail to create parameters for what’s believable in the story that follows.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by actor, writer, and filmmaker Paul Feig, who directed “Ghostbusters,” “A Simple Favor,” and “Last Christmas.” Paul shares how his experiences as a young comedian helped hone his craft—and why he believes in honest stories that entertain audiences responsibly.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss what stories really are—and why we tell them. Because without a shared definition of story, we have no way of knowing if we’re doing it correctly—and risk sacrificing clarity in the process.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by screenwriter, actor, and comedian Carl Gottlieb, co-writer of “Jaws” and its first two sequels. Carl shares how “serving time in the improv trenches” made for better writing—and some secrets he learned in the writing room that helped him craft scripts that come alive.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss how ego gets in the way of the real purpose of storytelling: to help people. When we’re rooted in ego, either because we want to be noticed or because we’re afraid of being vulnerable, we serve ourselves instead of others—and sabotage our message to boot.

In this episode of “Masters of the Craft,” Brian is joined by director and writer Ronnie del Carmen, who received an Academy Award nomination for best original screenplay on Pixar’s animated smash hit, “Inside Out.” Ronnie shares his journey as an artist and talks about the mystical—and often painful—processes creatives face to produce empathetic work that resonates across audiences.

In this episode, Brian is joined by visual development artist and illustrator Claire Keane, whose work is showcased in the beloved films Frozen, Wreck It Ralph, Tangled, and Enchanted. In addition to illustrating a number of children’s books, Claire is also the author and illustrator of the children’s books “Once Upon A Cloud” and “Little Big Girl.”

Brian and Claire chat about the power of curiosity, how creatives develop consistent personal styles, and how she used her own experiences and observations of the people around her to develop the character of Rapunzel.