In the latest episode of Monster Baby , I joined Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland to talk about my new book, A Story for Everything , beginning with a brief look back at my earlier work, Your Story Well Told , and how my understanding of that book has shifted over time. From there, we explore how everyday storytelling shows up in teaching, parenting, feedback, rituals, and the small moments that rarely feel story-worthy while they’re happening. I especially enjoyed reflecting

Stories fail because the audience gets lost. Too much information too soon. No clear turning point. Events that feel disconnected instead of inevitable. What we end up with is not really a story. It is a collection of moments that never quite land. This is where structures can help. I don’t believe there’s a single way to tell a story.  But I do believe that applying and considering structures can help any storyteller to refine and hone their own message while they determine

Storytelling isn’t just for writers or performers—it’s for anyone who wants to share their experiences in a way that connects with others. Often, the most memorable stories come from ordinary or even awkward moments in our lives. One of my favorite exercises to uncover these stories is a game called “That Reminds Me of the Time.” How the Game Works This is a fun exercise I play in my classes, often on the very first day. Participants pair up and take turns sharing small, cond