Share

cover art for How To Tell A Captivating Story |  Catherine Burns

Good Life Project

How To Tell A Captivating Story | Catherine Burns

Did you ever wish you could be that person who captivated a room, a gathering, an audience, a date with a story that cast a spell, moved them deeply, then left you both more connected and alive? Transformed even? Yeah, you’re not alone. We all live lives filled with stories worth telling, but so often we don’t realize it. And few of us know “how” to tell those stories in a way that brings others in close, then leaves them changed. Most just think it’s a God-given ability. 


But, what if it wasn’t? What if it was a skill anyone - including you - could learn? Would you want that? My guest today, Catherine Burns, believes it is. And, if there’s anyone I’d believe, it’s her. Catherine is the long-time Artistic Director at The Moth, the global phenomenon dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling.


In our conversation today, you'll hear us dive into many of the ideas, tips, and strategies from her newest book, How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth, which she co-wrote with fellow The Moth directors, Meg Bowles and Jenifer Hixson. If you've ever wondered why we care so much about stories in the first place or what elements make for a good story, you're in for a treat in this episode because Catherine and I dive deeper into the art of storytelling and what it takes for anyone, and we mean anyone, to craft a story worth listening to. 


You can find Catherine at: Website | The Moth InstagramTwitter


If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Zoe Chance about language, stories, and influence.


Check out our offerings & partners: 

More episodes

View all episodes

  • Are You Languishing? Escape the Epidemic of Emptiness | Corey Keyes

    01:14:05|
    Are you languishing - feeling that gnawing sense of emptiness despite checking all the society's boxes? Renowned sociologist Corey Keyes, author of "Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down," reveals powerful practices to reignite your passion, purpose and human connections - the key ingredients to flourishing mental health. Discover an insightful path to feeling vibrantly alive.You can find Corey at: Google Scholar | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Daniel Kahneman about the way we make decisions.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • Ultimate Stress and Anxiety Hack: Flip Your Body’s Safety Switch! | Stephen Porges, Ph.D. and Seth Porges

    57:28|
    How feeling safe impacts your health, creativity and human connections - Unlocking the science of the Polyvagal Theory with pioneering neuroscientist Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. and his son Seth Porges, based on their book Our Polyvagal World: How Safety and Trauma Change Us.Discover the hidden power of regulating your nervous system to reduce anxiety, optimize well-being and unleash your full human potential.You can find Stephen & Seth at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dr. Jud Brewer about anxiety, safety, and habits.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • How Wearable Tech & AI Read Your Mind (and What to Do About It) | Nita A. Farahany

    54:56|
    Brace Yourself for the Decoding of Private Thoughts by Consumer Gadgets - Everyday devices like headphones and watches could soon interpret your brain activity and inner experiences. Nita A. Farahany, author of "The Battle for Your Brain: Defending the Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology," unveils the remarkable potential and alarming risks of this emerging neurotechnology. Get ready to rethink assumptions!You can find Nita at: Website | LinkedIn | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Adam Grant about rethinking.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • Introducing: Self Conscious with Chrissy Teigen

    35:37|
    It’s a new Well-being podcast from Audible hosted by Chrissy Teigen. Throughout the series, Chrissy explores the cutting edge of personal development with some of the world’s leading experts and authors in the wellness space. In this episode, psychologist and author of Hidden Potential, Adam Grant, inspires Chrissy to rethink how persistence, mentorship, and embracing discomfort can unlock hidden greatness.You can find Self-Conscious with Chrissy Teigen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, or head to audible.com/Chrissypodcast to find out more.
  • The Secret Ingredient to a Dream Career and Life | Jenny Wood

    01:05:42|
    Former Google executive Jenny Wood reveals how traits we're often told to suppress - like being weird, shameless, or obsessive - can become unexpected superpowers for success in her new book "Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It." Through stories like chasing her future husband off a NYC subway and leading billion-dollar operations, Jenny shows how embracing these characteristics unlocks extraordinary potential in work, relationships, and life.You can find Jenny at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dan Pink about experiencing regret.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • Unconventional Success: How Tiny Experiments Change Everything | Anne-Laure Le Cunff

    59:51|
    Former Google executive turned neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff reveals how breaking free from prescribed life scripts opened the door to genuine fulfillment through experimentation. In this rich conversation about her book Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World, she shares a practical framework for transforming life's uncertainties into opportunities for growth and self-discovery - whether you're questioning your career path, relationships, or daily habits.You can find Anne-Laure at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations where I shared my 2x20 project all about my own tiny experiments.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • A Surprisingly Simple Way to Heal Chronic Pain that ACTUALLY Works? | Nicole Sachs, LCSW

    01:05:22|
    Renowned therapist Nicole Sachs shares her revolutionary mind-body approach to releasing chronic pain and anxiety in this profound discussion of her book "Mind Your Body: A Revolutionary Program to Release Chronic Pain and Anxiety." Learn how unresolved emotions manifest as physical symptoms - and Sachs' practical steps to break this cycle. Envision rediscovering an active, vibrant life free from chronic illness.You can find Nicole at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Bessel van der Kolk about integrating trauma.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • Healing Trauma: Powerful Insights and Strategies That Work | Spotlight Convo

    56:26|
    Have you ever felt stuck in past trauma or like you had to hide your true self? Join Alex Elle, bestselling author of How We Heal, and Arielle Estoria, author of The Unfolding, as they share profound insights on writing as a catalyst for radical self-love, befriending fear, and peeling back layers to reclaim your vibrant, unapologetic identity.Episode TranscriptYou can find Alex at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with AlexYou can find Arielle at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with ArielleCheck out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • Groundbreaking Cancer Research: How Common Meds May Change the Game | Matthew D. Park, PhD

    01:00:48|
    Could aging immune cells actually be triggering cancer growth? Groundbreaking immunologist Matthew Park reveals surprising research showing our body's own myeloid cells may suppress cancer-killing cells as we get older - and how existing medications could help reset this deadly process. An eye-opening look at a new frontier for preventing and treating cancer through the years.You can find Matthew at: Website | Linkedin | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Tim Spector about eating for health.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes