You Are a Storyteller

In this episode, Brian and Jesse explore the cyclical nature of stories, and how the classics of yesterday are fodder for the new ideas of today. From “The Ugly Duckling” to “The Epic of Gilgamesh” and “Star Trek” to “Moby Dick,” ingesting stories that have stood the test of time will help you use those stories to navigate your life and to become a better storyteller.

In this episode, Brian is joined by director, producer, actor, and legendary puppeteer Frank Oz. Frank is known for performing such iconic characters as Yoda, Cookie Monster, Miss Piggy, and Grover, and for directing movies such as “The Indian in the Cupboard,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Death at a Funeral,” and the captivating off-Broadway one-man stage show, “In & Of Itself.”

Welcome to “Masters of the Craft,” a new conversational series with author and filmmaker Brian McDonald. In the first episode, Brian is joined by screenwriter and playwright Danny Rubin, best known for his work on the beloved movie “Groundhog Day” (1993). Danny talks about his journey to becoming a writer, how he honed his craft, and how he uses his experiences to teach others how to write in the entertainment industry.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse discuss the importance of consuming quality content as a storyteller—because in order to create something meaningful today, you have to have studied the work of master storytellers yesterday. We invite you to expand your palate and embark on the 30-Day Story Challenge, where you’ll watch hand-picked movies to help you and other committed storytellers hone their craft.

In this episode, Brian and Jesse talk about the civil unrest sparked by the killing of George Floyd, Brian’s personal experience in the entertainment industry as a black writer, and unpack how you can use what you have to make a difference and help change systemic racism, prejudice, and social injustice.

Be sure to watch Brian’s award-winning film, “White Face.”

During any time of crisis, people search for answers and seek out resources that help them understand ways to cope. In this episode, Brian and Jesse delve deeper into the meaning of “survival information,” how it relates to stories of crises, and how these stories resonate with their listeners during difficult times.

In this episode of “You Are a Storyteller,” Brian and Jesse discuss Brian’s book, “The Golden Theme,” and how all stories share one big message: that we are all the same.

“You Are a Storyteller” is produced in Seattle by Belief Agency.

“The Golden Theme,” by Brian McDonald: https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Theme-Writing-Highest-Denominator/dp/0998534412/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1586812033&sr=8-1

On this week's episode of You Are A Storyteller, Brian McDonald and Jesse Bryan talk about what it means to be brave and how bravery can impact your stories.

This program is produced in Seattle, WA by Belief Agency.

On this week's episode of You Are A Storyteller, Brian McDonald and Jesse Bryan talk about how the principles of story structure apply to all areas of life, not just screenwriting and filmmaking.

This program is produced in Seattle, WA by Belief Agency

Show notes/references:

https://youtu.be/4yOjts0tpco

https://vimeo.com/341942802

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5vXEY3gI2Z/

On this week's episode, Brian and Jesse discuss focus—specifically how it relates to each character in your story.

This program is produced in Seattle, WA by Belief Agency