Category Archives: Popular Culture

A Japanese Music Lesson in Brand Storytelling, No Translation Needed

THE BEST STORIES don’t need to speak to us in order to speak to us.  Language can be a barrier. We hear the words and instantly create perceptions that may or may not be intended. Words can deceive. That’s why this short film — an advertisement for a Japanese music school called Tosando — isContinue reading “A Japanese Music Lesson in Brand Storytelling, No Translation Needed”

Engagement vs. Enragement: Michael Sam, Richie Incognito, and the Two Sides of Social Media

WHEN MISSOURI FOOTBALL PLAYER Michael Sam revealed he was gay, it was a landmark moment not just for professional sports but also for the power of social media. Within seconds of Sam’s New York Times story and interview on ESPN, we saw a flood of support from players and coaches. We saw quotes of concernContinue reading “Engagement vs. Enragement: Michael Sam, Richie Incognito, and the Two Sides of Social Media”

Breaking the Story Code: Why the Brand Storytelling Hero’s Journey Matters

“The world is shaped by two things – stories told and the memories they leave behind.” – Vera Nazarian, author STORIES ARE PATTERNS. Understanding these patterns, these codes hidden in plain sight, is the key to telling stories in a world of infinite media. Stories today live across paid, earned, owned and shared channels – onceContinue reading “Breaking the Story Code: Why the Brand Storytelling Hero’s Journey Matters”

“Transformation” – Step Four of the Brand Storytelling Hero’s Journey

“The only thing that is constant is change.” – Heraclitus, Greek philosopher  OUR ABILITY TO CHANGE defines us. Star Wars worked because Luke Skywalker became something greater than even he believed was possible, because Han Solo went from heartless smuggler to selfless soldier. Humphrey Bogart had to transform into a freedom fighter for Casablanca toContinue reading ““Transformation” – Step Four of the Brand Storytelling Hero’s Journey”

“Twist of Fate” – Step Three of the Brand Storytelling Hero’s Journey

YOU HAVE CANCER. You go through treatment, get very sick and then, slowly but surely, you get better. The most advanced medical technology available saved your life – but then you drop dead at a backyard party because no one knew basic first aid. This narrative sleight of hand is what I call a “TwistContinue reading ““Twist of Fate” – Step Three of the Brand Storytelling Hero’s Journey”

“Universal Truth” — Step One of the Brand Storytelling Hero’s Journey

IN MY FIRST POST, I briefly described the Brand Storytelling Hero’s Journey, a new model based on the original Hero’s Journey developed by Joseph Campbell. It’s a pattern rooted in mythology which has stood the test of time – and now brands can use a similar approach to tell stories that move people as wellContinue reading ““Universal Truth” — Step One of the Brand Storytelling Hero’s Journey”

Homeless for the Holidays: A Thanksgiving Story

(The following post originally ran Nov. 21, 2007, and has become a Below the Fold holiday tradition of sorts. For those who have read it before, please pardon the repetition — and for those who are reading it for the first time, I hope it serves as a reminder of what this holiday, and beingContinue reading “Homeless for the Holidays: A Thanksgiving Story”

Revisiting the Ghosts of Auroras Past

“If we don’t meet again, your final assignment from me is perhaps the most important lesson you will learn in life. Go to your mother, father, brother and sisters, and tell them with all your heart how much you love them. And tell them you know how much they love you too. Go out ofContinue reading “Revisiting the Ghosts of Auroras Past”