Storytelling with Linda McLachlan

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storytelling
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How can storytelling techniques be used effectively in podcasting to create compelling narratives?

The discussion reveals the power of asking consistent questions to uncover unique stories.

“It really depends on the person and their storytelling style— how tangential we get. So some of them, it’s like a chainsaw that you have to go in with— a chainsaw first, and that’s the first edit.” ~ Linda McLachlan (6:35)

Episode

The conversation explores storytelling as a central element in podcasting, emphasizing its role in creating engaging narratives. Linda discusses using consistent questions to uncover unique stories while following a structured story arc inspired by workshops like Bernadette Jiwa’s Story Skills. She describes how this approach helps craft compelling episodes, balancing predictability and surprise. Editing styles are also addressed, with Linda explaining how some episodes require significant reworking to achieve clarity and impact.

The discussion touches on influences, mentioning podcasts like “On Being” by Krista Tippett and books by Brene Brown as inspirations for exploring human connection and vulnerability. Linda also reflects on the creative freedom podcasting offers, encouraging creators to embrace restrictions as opportunities for innovation while staying true to their personal vision. The conversation concludes with practical advice for aspiring podcasters, underscoring the importance of authenticity and the freedom to experiment.

Takeaways

The importance of storytelling in podcasting — Structured storytelling can create compelling and engaging episodes.

The use of consistent questions — Repeatedly asking similar questions can uncover diverse and unique stories.

The role of editing — Editing styles vary significantly depending on the guest’s storytelling style.

Inspiration from other creators — Works by Krista Tippett and Brene Brown serve as examples of engaging narrative creation.

Creative freedom in podcasting — Podcasting offers flexibility and freedom to experiment with ideas and formats.

Resources

The Arena Podcast — Linda’s podcast exploring human stories through structured storytelling.

On Being — A podcast by Krista Tippett focused on deep conversations about meaning and faith.

A Bit of Optimism — Simon Sinek’s podcast sharing optimistic ideas and conversations.

Wisdom Shared — Carole Blueweiss’ podcast featuring diverse personal stories.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Thank you @craigconstantine, I think the best part is at the 13:47 point. :laughing:

Here are a few of the podcasts we talked about and a few more that after I thought about it, are perhaps better examples of ‘storytelling’.

Serial - The Improvement Association was amazing.
OnBeing (love the spin off Poetry Unbound too). Not really story telling but great skill in the interview and guiding her guests in telling their story.
A Bit of Optimism - his recent Episode 36: The Awesome Responsibility with Kyle Carpenter I thought was particularly great but Kyle was also a great teller of his own story.
Hard Times & Hope - Love the structure @JuleKucera uses.

Thanks for the conversation!

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@thearena Linda, thanks for your kind words. Regarding structure, you and I are doing such similar things with our structure–the same/almost the same questions and looking to create the classic three-act structure for the storyline. And like you, I’m continually amazed by the variety/surprise/emotional geography of guest’s responses.

@craigconstantine Thank you for creating this podcast (as well as this community)! I like this ‘behind the curtain’ view of how other podcasters approach their storytelling/podcasting/etc.

Thank you both!

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My Pleasure! Thanks for the feedback. :slight_smile: Grab a spot: How to be a guest on the companion podcast

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Oh this is weird–I’m listening to you on a podcast right now so when I got your reply my initial reaction was, “How can Craig answer while he’s in the middle of a conversation?”
:rofl:

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update: I’ve added a transcript to the original post. Enjoy!

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Based on this episode, I created a written-to-be-read article, On Storytelling.

I’d love to do more of these, but I need to wait until we have more supporting members to offset the cost of the transcriptions.

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