Story First Podcast

This week’s episode is an archive conversation from You Are a Storyteller, my earlier podcast cohosted by Jesse Bryan.
In this episode, Jesse and I discuss story structure in real life—how the foundation of storytelling isn’t film, television, novels, or even theater. It’s ordinary human conversation.
People naturally slip into story when they want to explain something, make a point, justify themselves, teach, warn, or connect emotionally. In fact, it’s almost impossible to have a real conversation without quickly moving into narrative.
We talk about how storytelling is a completely natural human behavior, and how many of the principles of story construction can be learned simply by paying attention to the way people speak every day.

This week’s guest is Nadine Takvorian.
Nadine is an author and illustrator whose work focuses on personal storytelling through images. Her graphic novel Armaveni draws from her family’s experience in the Armenian diaspora, using the visual language of comics to explore memory, identity, and history.
In this conversation, we talk about storytelling—specifically stories told with pictures. Nadine shares how she developed her approach to the work, what she’s learned over time, and how she thinks about translating ideas and emotion into visual form.
This is a thoughtful discussion about craft, process, and the discipline of learning how to tell stories in a way that connects.

What does it actually take to master your craft?
In this conversation, Charles Johnson breaks down the reality of becoming a writer—not as inspiration, but as discipline, iteration, and years of deep work.
From writing six unpublished “apprentice novels” to throwing away thousands of pages in pursuit of something better, Johnson shares what it really means to commit to the process. This isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about developing taste, refining your voice, and learning how to solve creative problems over time.
He explores:
Why most writers quit too early—and what it actually takes to get good
The role of revision, and why great work often means throwing most of it away
How “voice” isn’t something you choose—it’s something you earn through experience
Why storytelling is ultimately about logic, structure, and cause-and-effect
The importance of character, emotional honesty, and putting your work to the test
At its core, this episode is about going deeper—into your ideas, your process, and yourself.
Because the work isn’t just about finishing something.
It’s about becoming someone capable of creating it.
So the question is:Are you willing to do the work it takes to get there?

What does it actually mean to be a storyteller?
In this conversation, Scott Morse breaks down the craft behind storytelling—not as writing, drawing, or directing, but as the ability to bring everything together into something cohesive, emotional, and true.
From his early days working with legends like Chuck Jones and Maurice Noble to his experience across comics, animation, and film, Scott shares how great storytelling isn’t about making any one element shine—it’s about knowing when to step back and serve the story.
This episode explores:
Why combining disciplines creates a storytelling “superpower”
The role of humility, collaboration, and trust in creative work
Why less is often more—and how what you don’t show can be the most powerful choice
How great directors protect the story, not their ego
Lessons from mentorship, failure, and learning to take feedback the right way
At its core, this is a conversation about discipline—knowing what matters, cutting what doesn’t, and staying true to the direction of the story.
Because storytelling isn’t about control.
It’s about clarity.
And the question becomes:Are you serving the story—or yourself?

Why is simplicity so hard—and why does it matter so much?
In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood ideas in storytelling and creative work: simplicity. Not simplistic, but precise. Focused. Intentional.
Most people try to solve problems by adding—more backstory, more shots, more detail. But the real craft lies in taking things away. In knowing exactly what to include… and more importantly, what to leave out. Because clarity isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing only what matters.
From filmmaking to design, comedy to music, the same principle shows up again and again: the best work points the audience to one thing—and removes everything else that gets in the way.
This conversation explores why great artists think in terms of precision, how simplicity creates stronger emotional impact, and why ego is often the biggest obstacle to clear storytelling.
If complexity is noise, simplicity is signal.
And the question becomes:Do you know what you’re really trying to say?

What changes when you’ve actually tried to make something?
In this episode, Brian McDonald reconnects with Rob Watzke, a fellow performer from their stand-up days in the 80s. What starts as a reunion quickly turns into a reflection on craft, failure, and the long road of figuring out where you truly belong.
They revisit early ambitions in comedy, the lessons learned from bombing on stage, and the humbling realization that not every path is yours to pursue. From the chaos of stand-up rooms to careers in editing and filmmaking, Rob shares how experience reshapes not just your work — but how you see other people’s work.
It’s a conversation about respect for craft, letting go of ego, and becoming a better audience — and a better artist — over time.
Let’s get started.

What if the biggest problem in storytelling isn’t talent—but clarity?
In this archived episode, Brian McDonald breaks down one of the most common mistakes creators make: a lack of focus. Not knowing what you’re trying to say leads to scattered ideas, unclear characters, and stories that never fully land.
Through simple but powerful examples—from The Three Little Pigs to Finding Nemo—Brian explores why every story must center around a single idea and a single character. Because without focus, there’s no direction—and without direction, you lose your audience.
But focus isn’t just a craft decision—it’s a commitment. It means choosing one idea over many, risking being wrong, and having the courage to fully “go there” emotionally.
This episode goes beyond storytelling. It’s about how focus applies to everything: writing, business, branding, even how we communicate what we believe.
If you’ve ever felt like your work is scattered, unclear, or not hitting the way it should—this conversation will show you why.
And more importantly, what to do about it.

How do you turn imagination into a career?
In this episode, Brian McDonald sits down with Everett Downing — animator, director, and visual storyteller — to talk about the long road into animation and the mindset it takes to keep going when the path isn’t obvious.
Everett shares how drawing became the gateway to storytelling, how persistence and curiosity shaped his career, and why the fundamentals of craft still matter in an industry driven by technology and spectacle.
They explore mentorship, representation, and the importance of finding your own voice while learning from the artists who came before you.
It’s a conversation about discipline, growth, and the quiet determination behind creative success.
Let’s get started.

What makes a scene work?
In this episode of Masters of the Craft, Brian McDonald sits down with writer and producer Al Higgins to break down the five core components every scene must have — and why leaving one out can quietly weaken your story.
From character objectives to conflict, stakes, reversals, and emotional movement, Al walks through the practical architecture beneath great storytelling. But this isn’t just theory — it’s about discipline, clarity, and understanding why structure isn’t restrictive… it’s liberating.
They explore how strong scenes create momentum, how specificity sharpens drama, and why craft is what allows creativity to soar instead of collapse.
This is storytelling at the blueprint level — practical, focused, and built to last.
Let’s get started.

What happens when you get out of your own way?
In this episode, Brian McDonald sits down with Jonny Ashcroft for a deep dive into flow state, that elusive creative space where ego quiets down, time disappears, and the work seems to do itself.
They explore the neuroscience behind flow, the courage it takes to relinquish control, and why stretching just beyond your current abilities is often the gateway to your best work. From professional pressure to creative obsession, they unpack what it means to show up consistently enough that inspiration can find you.
This is a conversation about selflessness, timelessness, and learning how to let the work move through you.
Let’s get started.