The Starfish Storytellers

di Liana Henry

Stagione 5

Season 5, Episode 6: The Problem of Maria - Poetry, Identity, and the Power of Being Seen with Pilar Quintana

Storytelling doesn't always happen in sentences, speeches, or traditional narratives. Sometimes it happens in images, emotions, metaphors, and poems. In this special Pride Month episode of The Starfish Storytellers, host Liana Henry sits down with poet, artist, educator, and arts advocate Pilar Quintana to explore storytelling through the lens of poetry, identity, and self-expression. The conversation begins with Pilar's powerful poem, The Problem of Maria, a deeply personal exploration of gender, culture, belonging, and the lifelong search to understand oneself in a world that often demands simple definitions. As a queer, genderqueer Cuban American artist, Pilar shares how poetry became a language for expressing experiences that traditional storytelling sometimes cannot fully capture. In this conversation, Pilar discusses: • How poetry allows people to express emotions that are difficult to put into words • The relationship between identity, culture, and storytelling • Growing up as the child of Cuban immigrants and navigating multiple worlds • The power of visibility and representation within LGBTQ+ communities • Why poetry can help people process experiences and emotions in unique ways • How art and storytelling can create understanding across differences • The importance of being seen, respected, and recognized for who we truly are • How anyone can begin telling their story—even if they don't consider themselves a storyteller Through personal poems, candid reflections, and thoughtful discussion, Pilar reminds us that storytelling isn't always about finding answers. Sometimes it's about creating space for complexity, authenticity, and connection. Because every person deserves to be seen—and every story deserves to be heard. To learn more about Pilar and the Grey Court Poets, visit: https://www.instagram.com/greycourtpoets/ https://www.youtube.com/GreyCourtPoets https://www.facebook.com/GreyCourtPoets/

S5 · E6

11 giu 2026

44:35

Season 5 Episode 5: Rewriting Pain - The Mind, the Body, and the Power of Story with Ron Clinton

In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we sit down with physical therapist, educator, and author Ron Clinton for a powerful conversation about pain, healing, and the stories we tell ourselves about our bodies. With more than 35 years of experience and extensive training in the McKenzie Method, Ron has helped thousands of patients overcome chronic back, neck, knee, and mobility issues through conservative, evidence-based approaches that often avoid medications, injections, and surgery. Together, we explore how pain is often misunderstood and how symptoms may originate far from where discomfort appears. Ron shares remarkable real-world stories from his practice, including patients misdiagnosed for years before discovering the true source of their pain. This conversation dives into the emotional side of healing, the importance of movement and self-efficacy, and how mindset, understanding, and patient empowerment can dramatically change recovery outcomes. We also discuss: Why storytelling matters in healthcare and rehabilitation The connection between movement, independence, and quality of life The role of hope and understanding in patient recovery Restless Leg Syndrome and emerging insights into possible spinal connections Why “movement is medicine” for both physical and cognitive health How patients can challenge limiting beliefs about aging and pain This episode is an inspiring reminder that healing is often a partnership and that sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones we rewrite about ourselves. To learn more about Ron Clinton, visit him at www.kneeandspinept.com. You can listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts.

S5 · E5

14 mag 2026

36:03

Season 5 Episode 4: Standing Out in a 5-Second World - Brand Clarity and the Entrepreneur’s Story

In a world where attention spans are measured in seconds, clarity isn’t just important—it’s everything. In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we sit down with brand strategist, author, and speaker Orly Zeewy to explore what it really takes to stand out in what she calls a “five-second world.” Orly shares her journey from fine artist to brand strategist, and how a pivotal realization—that businesses often focus on what matters to them instead of their audience—led her to help entrepreneurs turn fuzzy messaging into clear, compelling stories that connect and convert. Through powerful examples and real-world insights, this conversation dives into: Why clarity—not volume—is what cuts through the noise The biggest mistake businesses make when building their brand How to identify your ideal audience (and why you must) The role of storytelling in building trust and connection Why failure, feedback, and pivoting are essential to success The mindset shift behind her upcoming book Why Not Me? Whether you’re a startup founder, marketer, or business leader, this episode is a reminder that when you truly understand who you are, who you serve, and why it matters—you don’t just get noticed. You get remembered. To learn more about Orly, you can visit her at: https://zeewybrands.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlyzeewy/ https://www.youtube.com/@orlyzeewy orly@zeewybrands.com

S5 · E4

9 apr 2026

44:58

Season 5, Episode 3: The Other End of the Line - Inside Sales Stories with Ceri Ruenheck

In telemarketing and lead development, storytelling happens live, unscripted, and often in the first 10–30 seconds of a phone call. While many people think of storytelling as something that happens in books, speeches, or marketing campaigns, a world of call centers proves otherwise. In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we sit down with Ceri Ruenheck, President of IT’S YOUR CALL, a B2B telemarketing services company with more than 30 years of experience helping companies turn conversations into opportunities. In this conversation, Ceri shares insights into: • How storytelling happens in real-time conversations • What determines whether someone stays on the line or hangs up • The role of trust in business communication • How call guides can support natural, human conversations • What it takes emotionally to handle rejection and hostility • Why call center work is often misunderstood Whether you work in sales, leadership, customer service, or simply want to improve how you communicate with others, this episode offers powerful insights about connection, trust, and the stories we carry for the brands and people we represent. Because sometimes storytelling isn’t about a stage or a spotlight. Sometimes it’s simply a calm voice on the other end of the line. In addition to watching us live on YouTube, listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Podcasts | Pandora | iHeart Radio

S5 · E3

12 mar 2026

30:44

Season 5, Episode 2: Telling Stories That Convert - Video, Brand, and the Power of Visual Storytelling with Tim Bradley

What makes video storytelling actually work for business? In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we sit down with Tim Bradley, founder of Pennant Video, to explore how intentional, authentic video storytelling helps brands clarify their message, build trust, and drive real results. With nearly 20 years of experience in video production and agency leadership, Tim shares how storytelling goes far beyond flashy visuals, and why clarity, confidence, and connection are what truly convert. You’ll learn: Why great video storytelling isn’t about production value. It’s about purpose How Tim’s Video Marketing Trifecta™ (Anthems, Explainers & Endorsements) helps B2B brands stand out How to uncover compelling stories in even the most technical or “unexciting” industries The difference between content that exists and stories that actually connect The impact powerful storytelling can have on marketing, sales, and brand confidence Plus, Tim wraps up with a fun Quick Takes round on common storytelling clichés, brand buzzwords, and what every business should know before hitting record. If you care about storytelling that means something - and actually moves people - this episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations on storytelling, branding, and impact!

S5 · E2

12 feb 2026

42:07

Season 5, Episode 1: Finding Perspective - Resilience Stories from Around the World with Heidi Siefkas

Life has a way of delivering unexpected curveballs — moments that force us to stop, reassess, and decide how we’ll move forward. In this powerful episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we welcome Heidi Siefkas, Speaker, Storyteller, Four-Time Author, and Creator of the 'Look Up' Mantra. Heidi shares her extraordinary personal journey - from surviving a life-altering accident to rebuilding her world after profound loss - and how those experiences shaped her belief that perspective is a survival skill. What began as a personal promise to “look up” has since evolved into a global movement, bringing together resilience stories from people across cultures, continents, and lived experiences. Together, we explore: ·How resilience doesn’t erase hardship, but helps us keep moving forward ·Why perspective is something we return to again and again — not something we “find” once ·The common threads that unite global stories of survival, healing, and reinvention ·How community, mindfulness, and choice play a role in overcoming life’s hardest moments This conversation is an honest, deeply human reminder that even in our darkest seasons, one breath, one shift in perspective, and one story can change everything. To read the stories about ordinary people who have been able to do extraordinary things, pick up Heidi’s book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2yGnrE2.To learn more about Heidi and the ‘Look Up’ mantra, visit https://heidisiefkas.com/.

S5 · E1

8 gen 2026

48:02

Stagione 4

Season 4, Episode 12: The Story of Santa - How to Bring Magic to Life Through Storytelling with Ed Taylor

This episode isn’t just about a man in a red suit. It’s about the art of bringing wonder, joy, and connection to life through storytelling. Santa isn’t merely a holiday figure—he’s a master storyteller, a keeper of tradition, and a living example of generosity in action. From the sparkle in a child’s eyes to the lessons we carry into adulthood, the story of Santa reminds us of kindness, courage, and the enduring power of belief. And who better to take us on this journey than Ed Taylor, one of the most requested Santa actors in the world. You’ve seen him on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE, The Today Show, and The Talk, and in commercials for Chrysler, Kohl’s, and Reddi Whip. For years, Ed has devoted himself to perfecting the magic of Santa—bringing him to life with authenticity and heart, and teaching others to do the same. In this conversation, we’ll explore: ✨ How storytelling fuels the Santa tradition ✨ Why authenticity and intention matter more than perfection ✨ The power of The Golden Christmas™—when a child transitions from believing in Santa to becoming part of Santa ✨ Insights from Ed’s book, Bexley & Thayer: The Mystery of Santa Claus, which goes beyond Christmas to explore happiness, confidence, and perseverance: https://bexleyandthayer.com/ At its heart, this episode is a celebration of the stories that connect us—and a reminder that belief, generosity, and joy are gifts we can carry all year long.

S4 · E12

8 dic 2025

52:54

Season 4, Episode 11: Reclaiming Wonder - From Corporate Stories to Children’s Magic with Nancy Merrill

In a world driven by deadlines, deliverables, and data points, it’s easy to forget that at the heart of every campaign, pitch, or press release… is a story. Storytelling is the thread that connects boardrooms and bedtime routines, brand launches and lullabies. But somewhere along the way - especially for those of us in the business of shaping messages - we can lose touch with the purest form of storytelling: the kind that sparks wonder, invites play, and lives in the imagination of a child. In this episode, Nancy Merrill, a communications consultant turned children’s author of the holiday book Elf Dust, shares her personal story behind the book’s creation, why she believes kids need more imagination, and how her successful PR career coaching executives on how to connect with their teams helped her step into the spotlight as an author. Whether you're a parent, a writer, or someone dreaming of turning an old idea into something new, this conversation will warm your heart and remind you: sometimes the smallest stories have the most lasting magic.

S4 · E11

17 nov 2025

55:03

Season 4, Episode 10: Beyond Translation - Cultural Adaptation in Global Storytelling with Christabel Alio

In our interconnected world, telling a great brand story isn’t just about finding the right words. It’s about making sure those words, images, and ideas resonate across cultures. Great storytelling isn’t just about what you say, it’s about how it lands with the people you’re talking to. In this episode, we welcomed multilingual storyteller and brand strategist Christabel Alio. A community manager, content manager, and PR manager, Christabel holds dual Master’s degrees in Corporate Communication and Brand Strategy, specializing in localization, translation, and cross-cultural communication. The art of cultural adaptation in storytelling shapes global brand messages so they align with local values, customs, and expectations without losing their original essence. We discussed why “just translating” isn’t enough, how cultural nuances can make or break a campaign, and Christabel shared some practical strategies that brands can use to connect with audiences in meaningful, authentic ways across different countries.

S4 · E10

13 ott 2025

58:45

Season 4, Episode 9: Project Manager Stories – Narrative Tools for Leading with Clarity and Purpose with Phillip Henry

Storytelling is becoming an essential leadership skill for today’s project managers. Far beyond Gantt charts and spreadsheets, effective project management hinges on the ability to communicate vision, inspire teams, and navigate change with empathy and clarity. In this episode, host Liana Henry sits down with her husband and business partner, Phillip Henry, COO of The Black Dog Group and a certified Project Management Professional, to explore how storytelling can transform the way project managers lead. From guiding multi-million-dollar projects to mentoring enterprise teams, Phillip has seen firsthand that success in project management isn’t just about Gantt charts and deadlines. It’s about the human element. Phillip unpacks how narrative can communicate vision with clarity, inspire teams to work toward a common goal, navigate change with empathy and resilience, turn dry “lessons learned” into engaging, actionable retrospectives, and win true stakeholder buy-in, not just signatures on a plan. Take a listen if you are looking for practical frameworks, pitfalls to avoid, and tips to apply whether you’re managing a marketing campaign, a software rollout, or a community initiative. If you’re ready to lead with more than timelines, this episode is your toolkit.

S4 · E9

15 set 2025

47:14

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