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How are you augmenting your intelligence — artificially or artfully? And which approach is actually sustaining your brand? Bruno Sarda, EY Americas Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader, Top 10 Global Sustainability Influencer, and host of the Sustainability Matters podcast, joins Park Howell on the Business of Story to explore the intersection of AI, storytelling, and ESG strategy. Bruno has spent 25+ years helping organizations turn sustainability from a compliance checkbox into a culture-defining competitive advantage. In this conversation, he reveals why the current wave of deregulation is actually strengthening the business case for sustainability — and how AI is simultaneously the greatest superpower and the most significant threat facing ESG leaders today. You'll discover: • Why deregulation is shifting sustainability from compliance to culture • How to use AI as a force multiplier — without losing your brand's authentic voice • The real environmental cost of AI and what responsible adoption looks like • Why employee engagement is the most underrated sustainability metric • How to become the Chief Translation Officer your organization needs We all have magic now. The question is whether you know how to cast the spell. Hosted by Park Howell | businessofstory.com

Why the Last Couch You'll Ever Buy Is the Most Radical Business Idea in America, with Shawn David Nelson What does it take to build a brand designed to last forever — in an industry built on replacement cycles? Shawn David Nelson started Lovesac at 18 with a hand-sewn bean bag made from his parents' chopped-up camping mattresses. He paid $25 to register the company. Today, Lovesac (NASDAQ: LOVE) operates 300+ showrooms, employs 2,000 people, and is one of the fastest-growing furniture brands in America — anchored by a product philosophy so counterintuitive it sounds almost reckless. They want you to buy their couch once. And keep it for the rest of your life. In this episode, Shawn shares the full arc: winning $1 million on Richard Branson's Fox reality show The Rebel Billionaire in 2004, surviving Chapter 11 bankruptcy two years later, and 10x-ing the company by purging 90% of their SKUs to focus on one brilliant product — the Sactionals modular sectional sofa system. He unpacks the demonstration marketing strategy that turned a showroom into a live brand story experience, the forever philosophy that redefines what sustainability really means, and the Shawnisms from his new book Let Me Save You 25 Years that distill 25 years of hard-won entrepreneurial wisdom. Park also runs Lovesac through the StoryCycle Genie brand analysis — and the results land remarkably close to Lovesac's own mission carved on the wall at headquarters: "We will inspire humankind to buy better stuff." What You'll Discover: • Why demonstration marketing drives 90% of Lovesac's business — and how it converts a showroom into a live brand story • How the forever philosophy turns sustainability from a marketing claim into an engineering commitment • The Shawnism that saved Lovesac from bankruptcy: "You can quit or you can keep going" • Why Lovesac is onshoring manufacturing to the U.S. — and why robots in America will be cheaper than Vietnam • How brand storytelling is 50% of building a remarkable product company — and why Shawn admits it's actually closer to 90% Find Shawn at Lovesac.com and on all social platforms @ShawnOfLovesac. His book and podcast Let Me Save You 25 Years are available wherever you get your books and podcasts. Subscribe to the Business of Story wherever you get your podcasts.

BGBrand Genius Genie™ Sent on 3/26/2026, 3:09:10 PM On it — working through Steps 6, 9, and 10 now. Let me start with the Libsyn description. Step 6: Libsyn Episode Description What if the story your business is telling the world is completely out of sync with the story your numbers are telling you? Nick Jain, co-founder of Eagle Rock CFO, has spent his career helping $5–$50M businesses close that gap. A Harvard MBA who graduated top of his class, with degrees in math and physics, Nick has turned around and scaled three companies up to $100M in revenue — across trucking, software, and eCommerce. Now he delivers Fortune 500-level financial intelligence to growth-stage businesses through an AI-native hybrid model that costs roughly 5% of a traditional fractional CFO. In this episode, Park and Nick explore why most entrepreneurs are flying blind on their own financials — and what to do about it. You'll discover: Why cash flow and profit are not the same thing — and why confusing them can sink a healthy business Which metrics matter at $2M that will actively mislead you at $10M A simple CFO decision framework for evaluating new hires, major purchases, and debt How AI is democratizing financial intelligence for businesses that couldn't afford it before The UVP Nick coined live on air: "Machines handle your data. Experts handle your future." Get Nick's free 30-minute cash flow diagnostic (for businesses $5M+) and try Eagle Rock CFO's free AI dashboard at EagleRockCFO.com. The Business of Story is hosted by Park Howell, creator of the Story Cycle System™ and the ABT narrative framework. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

What if the skill that made us human is the same one that will keep us relevant in the age of AI? Joe Lazauskas — CMO of Pepper, co-founder of Contently, and author of Super Skill: Why Storytelling Is the Superpower of the AI Age — spent five years inside AI companies researching exactly that question. His answer: storytelling isn't just surviving the AI revolution. It's the one skill the machines can't replicate. In this conversation with host Park Howell, Joe reveals why AI slop is flooding the web and driving up the value of authentic human voices, the four story elements — relatability, ease, novelty, and tension — that make any audience stop and listen, and how to use AI as a creative amplifier without ever letting it replace your voice. You'll also hear the science behind the vulnerability loop, why Kurt Vonnegut's rejected thesis turned out to be right all along, and how the Neanderthals — despite having bigger brains — lost to homo sapiens because they had no Wi-Fi. Joe also shares a special 20% discount offer exclusively for Business of Story listeners — including a signed copy of Super Skill, access to his Storytelling in the AI Age course, live office hours, and yes, dope socks. Guest: Joe Lazauskas | CMO, Pepper | Author, Super Skill Subscribe: storytellingedge.substack.com Connect: Joe Lazauskas on LinkedIn Podcast: The Art of the Zag with Shane Snow Test your brand story free: businessofstory.com

Don't Ever Waste a Heartbeat: How Open Heart Surgery Unlocked Rachel McCord's True Purpose What happens when the woman producing 19 shows, running a Hollywood media network, and appearing on national television is quietly fighting to stay alive? That's the story Rachel McCord tells in this raw, remarkable episode of the Business of Story. Meet Rachel McCord Rachel McCord is the founder of The McCord List, a Hollywood media network that produces McCordless Today — a daily talk show airing on network television and streaming on Roku, Apple TV, Samsung, and Amazon. She's the author of You Can't Heal Your Life, But I Know a Guy, and the co-founder of Viral Brand, a creator marketing company that has launched campaigns for some of the biggest films and TV shows in the world. But before any of that, Rachel was a girl who moved 33 times before she was 16, grew up in multiple trailer parks in Georgia, and began working 13-hour days at a pizzeria at age 13 — not because she had to, but because she was battling depression and didn't want to go home. What You'll Discover in This Episode The hidden cost of success nobody talks about. Rachel was running the education for the world's largest fashion trade show, building a seven-figure media network, and appearing on national television — while simultaneously fighting PTSD, suppressed childhood memories, suicidal depression, and a heart condition that was quietly marching her toward heart failure. How EMDR therapy unlocked a missing chapter of her life. A chance encounter with a therapist led Rachel to a session that recovered years of suppressed childhood memories in a single afternoon — memories she had blocked as a protective response to severe early trauma. The Jerusalem moment that changed everything. Two months before her EMDR breakthrough, Rachel stood in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and begged God to heal her broken heart — not knowing how much healing was still ahead. Open heart surgery at 32 — and the peace that surprised everyone. When Rachel was diagnosed with severe mitral valve prolapse and told she needed open heart surgery (a procedure one in five patients don't survive), she discovered something unexpected: she was ready. The two weeks before surgery became the catalyst for her book. The three-part framework from her book. Get real and honest about your life. Starve fear, feed faith. Do what you're here for. Rachel breaks down each principle and why self-help alone — no matter how many books you read — can't do what faith can. The StoryCycle Genie brand assessment. Park ran Rachel's brand through the StoryCycle Genie before the episode. Rachel shares what it validated, what gaps it revealed, and why she immediately started planning how to use it for her own show hosts. Resources Mentioned Rachel McCord: themccordlist.com Viral Brand social media analysis (free for listeners): themccordlist.com You Can't Heal Your Life, But I Know a Guy by Rachel McCord Free StoryCycle Genie brand assessment: storycyclegenie.ai EMDR therapy information: emdria.org Subscribe to the Business of Story Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and all major platforms. Join 5,000+ subscribers at businessofstory.com/newsletter.

Your audience doesn't understand your message first—they feel it. In today's noisy world, tone is the hidden ingredient that makes your brand story resonate, build trust, and spark a real connection. On this episode of the Business of Story, Park Howell welcomes Charly Tate, founder and Chief Kindling Officer at Kindling Works and host of the Tater Thoughts podcast. With over a decade in communications, storytelling, and marketing—and a background in music—Charly helps founders and business owners find clarity in chaos and connection through intentional, heartfelt storytelling. Listen in to discover: Why tone is the first thing your audience notices—even before your message How to uncover and express your authentic brand voice The biggest mistakes brands make with tone—and how to fix them for lasting impact Charly shares her journey from rebuilding after real estate to launching her consultancy, the lessons she learned from Queen, and actionable steps you can take to audit your own brand's tone. Ready to move from background noise to a story your audience can't forget? Tune in now and start making your brand truly resonate. Learn more about Charly at kindlingworks.com.

Unlocking predictable growth starts with one thing: message market match. In this episode, Park Howell welcomes Charles Gaudet—CEO of Predictable Profits, creator of The Predictable Profits Operating System™, and "The CEO Whisperer" (Yahoo Finance)—to reveal why so many founders get stuck working harder for less. You'll learn how to escape the founder's trap by aligning your brand story with the real needs of your market. Charles shares how to identify your true super consumer (and why most ICPs miss the mark), the data-driven secrets to effortless lead generation, and the frameworks that have helped his clients generate over $100 million in revenue. If you want to make marketing easier, scale beyond yourself, and build a business that thrives without your constant hustle, this episode is for you. Listen now and unlock your message market match.

Discover how to make your message truly heard with Dan Manning, former fighter pilot, speechwriter, and military diplomat turned professional storyteller. In this episode, Dan reveals his simple, repeatable "Before, Change, After, Meaning" framework that helps founders and executives communicate ideas that move people to action. Learn why understanding your audience's pain is the secret to engagement, how scenes—not just stories—create connection, and what military storytelling can teach you about clarity and impact. Dan's clients have raised millions in investment, sold millions in products, and landed dream jobs at Fortune 10 companies—all by using stories that stick. If you want actionable steps to clarify your message, inspire your audience, and drive real results, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear practical frameworks, high-stakes lessons, and storytelling secrets that will transform the way you communicate and lead.

Unlocking Post-Click Success: How to Convert Clicks into Customers with Shamir Duverseau Are you pouring budget into digital ads, getting plenty of clicks—but not enough conversions? You're not alone. Most marketers focus on getting the click, but the real opportunity comes after. In this episode of the Business of Story, Park Howell sits down with Shamir Duverseau—founder of Smart Panda Labs and former marketing leader at Disney, Marriott, Southwest Airlines, and NBC Universal—to reveal why the post-click experience is the most overlooked (and profitable) part of your marketing funnel. Shamir shares his journey from running campaigns for iconic brands to building a framework that helps businesses turn website visitors into loyal customers. You'll learn: The psychology behind why prospects vanish after the click How to align marketing, IT, and product teams for seamless digital journeys Simple tweaks that can dramatically increase your conversions Proven strategies for building trust and removing friction on your site How to use research and feedback to continually improve your results Whether you're a startup founder or an enterprise marketer, you'll discover actionable steps to transform your website into a conversion engine and get more from the traffic you already have.

Finding the Right Story for Your Audience with Lee Schneider Are you telling your story in a way that truly connects with your best customers? Most businesses try to be everything to everyone, but the real magic happens when you focus on the 20% of your audience that delivers 80% of your results. In this episode of the Business of Story, host Park Howell welcomes Lee Schneider—founder of Red Cup Agency, award-winning podcast producer, USC professor, and veteran storyteller whose credits include Good Morning America, Dateline NBC, and documentaries for the History Channel, Court TV, and more. What you'll learn: How to identify and tell the right story for your specific audience The three essential stories every business needs to win trust and drive action Practical ways to test and refine your narrative for real-world impact Whether you're a startup founder, entrepreneur, or creative professional, you'll discover actionable storytelling techniques to help you stand out, build credibility, and grow your business. About Lee Schneider: Lee draws on decades of experience in media-making, screenwriting, and education to help leaders transform complex concepts into projects that get funded. He's also the creator of the Storyline Sessions masterclass and a leading voice in podcast production. Related Episodes: The Writer's Journey with Christopher Vogler How to Build a Story Library for Your Brand Making Your Customer the Hero Connect with Lee: Get Lee's free storytelling starter kit at redcupagency.com/storybusiness

Unlock the secret to recruiting top talent with storytelling! In this episode, Park Howell welcomes Jeff Hyman—author of "Recruit Rockstars"—to reveal how the ABT narrative framework can transform your hiring process. Discover why stories attract missionaries (not mercenaries), how to make your job postings irresistible, and the role of AI in scaling your employer brand. Whether you're an HR leader, hiring manager, or job seeker, you'll learn actionable strategies to build a team that stays for the mission, not just the money. Listen now and make your next hire a rockstar! Test the strength of your brand story on the StoryCycle Genie® for FREE. Story on! ≈Park

Discover how to transform "artificial intelligence" into "artful intelligence" and inspire your brand storytelling in this must-listen episode of the Business of Story. Park Howell is joined by Jen Perry, Executive Creative Director at Vagrants, who shares her journey from building creative teams for brands like JetBlue, IKEA, and Dunkin' Donuts to leading Vagrants' evolution into a creative powerhouse. You'll learn why "artificial intelligence" is a branding problem, and how reframing it as "artful intelligence" helps you keep your storytelling human, emotionally resonant, and truly impactful—even as you embrace the latest technology. Jen reveals practical strategies for using emotional intelligence in your creative process, building lasting client relationships, and coaching teams to bold, effective ideas. Plus, you'll hear a real-world case study from Tom Schwab of Interview Valet on how the StoryCycle Genie™ platform delivers artful, brand-aligned content that saves hours and elevates quality. Listen now to discover: How to blend AI and empathy for better brand stories Why artful intelligence is your creative edge Actionable steps to inspire your team and audience For more insights and resources, visit businessofstory.com.

Chris Vogler, legendary story consultant and author of The Writer's Journey, joins Park Howell to reveal how the Hero's Journey is more than a Hollywood formula—it's a living, breathing blueprint for personal and brand transformation. You'll discover why wish fulfillment is at the heart of every great brand story, how to turn obstacles ("threshold guardians") into opportunities, and why stories have the power to heal, orient, and energize us in a chaotic world. Chris shares behind-the-scenes stories from Disney, explains the science of story energy, and offers practical advice for marketers, leaders, and anyone looking to create deeper connections with their audience. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or searching for your own path, this episode will help you unlock the universal patterns that move people—and move the world. Related Episodes: • How to Use The Hero's Journey in Business and In Life, With John Bucher • Robert McKee: The Science of Story • Park Howell: The ABT Framework for Business

The content marketing pioneer who coined the term in 2001 reveals the urgent reality: creators have 12-24 months to build discoverable human audiences before AI-generated synthetic content makes it nearly impossible. The 99% Problem and the Vinyl Solution Joe Pulizzi drops a startling statistic: 99% of content being created today is heavily influenced by AI. Instagram recently admitted they can't keep up with the flood of AI content and won't even try to block it. But Joe isn't running from AI—he's running WITH it while building something AI can't replicate: authentic human relationships with loyal audiences. His "vinyl strategy": While 99% of content becomes synthetic commodity, human creators can become the premium 1% that builds small audiences who know, like, and trust them. What You'll Learn In this episode, discover: • Why being KNOWN (not famous) is your only competitive moat in the AI age • The urgent 12-24 month window to build your audience before discoverability becomes impossible • Joe's 30-minute daily AI practice using ChatGPT as co-CEO, health coach, and financial advisor • How to find your "tilt"—that one thing you're exceptionally good at for a specific audience • Why email and owned audiences matter more than algorithm-dependent platforms • Why Joe stopped his 527-episode podcast to focus on ONE thing: his newsletter The Tilt • The generational advantage Baby Boomers and Gen Xers have (and how to leverage it) • How to use AI as collaborator while maintaining your authentic voice About Joe Pulizzi Joe Pulizzi is founder of Content Marketing Institute and The Tilt, bestselling author of seven books including Epic Content Marketing (named a Must-Read Business Book by Fortune Magazine) and Burn the Playbook. He coined the term "content marketing" in 2001 and received the Content Council's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. He successfully exited CMI in 2016. His two weekly podcasts include the award-winning This Old Marketing with Robert Rose (the longest-running marketing news podcast) and Content Inc. (recently concluded after 527 episodes). His foundation, The Orange Effect, delivers speech therapy and technology services to over 450 children in 40+ states. Key Takeaways Curiosity is one of the most human traits—point it in the right direction and opportunities emerge. Block 30 minutes daily for AI experimentation. Write down the 10 things that make you uniquely you. Then start building your audience on ONE platform where you own the relationship. The future belongs to the curious and the known. Episode: 551 Guest: Joe Pulizzi Host: Park Howell Show: Business of Story Topics: AI, Content Marketing, Creator Economy, Audience Building, Synthetic Content, Personal Branding, Newsletter Strategy, Career Development, Retirement Planning

Why This Episode Matters This milestone 550th episode brings the Business of Story full circle to its foundational inspiration: Joseph Campbell and the Hero's Journey. Host Park Howell interviews John Bucher, PhD, Executive Director of the Joseph Campbell Foundation, revealing why the Hero's Journey is more than a story framework - it's a neurological blueprint for business success. What You'll Discover The Neuroscience of Storytelling Modern research shows the Hero's Journey mirrors the exact neurological patterns your brain uses to solve problems. When you structure business communications around this framework, you're speaking the native language of human decision-making. How Customers Really Make Decisions John Bucher reveals the truth most businesses miss: Customers make emotional decisions first, gather evidence to support those feelings second, then justify logically third. As Robert McKee said, "The conscious mind is simply the PR department that justifies all the decisions the emotional subconscious mind makes." This is why stories (which communicate feelings) are more powerful than data alone. The Two Paths to Business Transformation Discover how the "Call to Adventure" manifests differently for entrepreneurs versus managers: • Entrepreneur's Journey: Driven by dissatisfaction, voluntarily leaves comfort zone, proactively pursues opportunity • Manager's Journey: Forced by circumstances, faces organizational changes, adapts to involuntary transitions Understanding both paths helps you connect with any audience. Your Customer Is the Hero (Not Your Brand) The positioning shift that transforms marketing from pushy to magnetic: Your brand is Yoda, not Luke Skywalker. You're the mentor providing guidance, not the hero seeking glory. John explains: "We all trust ourselves more than we trust anyone else. When we create the framework for listeners to tell themselves the story, it's so much more powerful." What You're Really Selling "Chevrolet doesn't sell automobiles, they sell freedom." Customers don't buy based on specifications - they buy emotional stories about what products enable in their lives. You're selling transformation, not products. From Intuitive to Intentional Storytelling We're all natural storytellers, but there's a difference between intuitive and intentional storytelling. Learn how to replicate storytelling success consistently without becoming a story theorist. The Hero's Journey as Life Instruction Manual Christopher Vogler calls the Hero's Journey "an instruction manual for life." John Bucher agrees: "No matter how good things are going, bad times always come. That road of trials is something we all keep returning to." The framework helps you recognize patterns, identify mentors, and embrace transformation as natural. Guest Expert John Bucher, PhD, is a renowned mythologist and story expert who has been featured on the BBC, the History Channel, the LA Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and numerous other international outlets. He serves as Executive Director for the Joseph Campbell Foundation and is a writer, storyteller, and speaker. John has consulted and worked with government and cultural leaders around the world, as well as organizations such as HBO, DC Comics, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, A24 Films, Atlas Obscura, and The John Maxwell Leadership Foundation. He is the author of six influential books on storytelling and has worked with New York Times best-selling authors, YouTube influencers, Eisner winners, Emmy winners, Academy Award nominees, magicians, and cast members from Saturday Night Live. Holding a PhD in Mythology & Depth Psychology, he integrates scholarly insights with practical insights, exploring the profound connections between myth, culture, and personal identity. His expertise has helped shape compelling narratives across various platforms, enriching the way stories are understood, told, and experienced globally. Website: tellingabetterstory.com Episode Highlights • The Deathbringer and Lifebringer Native American story that illustrates what you're really selling in business • Why Joseph Campbell opposed dogmatic application of the Hero's Journey (and championed diverse adaptations) • Park Howell's synchronicity experience: Lights flickering when mentioning Campbell's death anniversary • How Park's career demonstrates multiple hero's journeys (agency founder at 35, story consultant at 55) • The Refusal of the Call in sales: Why customer resistance is a natural stage, not permanent barrier • John Bucher's accidental hero's journey (enrolled in music program, ended up in film/TV by mistake) • The Fundamental Attribution Error and how it affects business communication • Why the Hero's Journey is a form (not formula) - the tango dancing metaphor • How to use storytelling language to create deeper listening and engagement Resources Mentioned Quick Introduction (3 minutes): "What It Takes to Be a Hero" by Matthew Winkler (TED-Ed video) - Created by a teacher to help struggling teens understand they're not alone Accessible Learning: • "The Writer's Journey" by Christopher Vogler (5th edition) • "The Power of Myth" book and PBS series with Bill Moyers (6 one-hour episodes) • "Finding Joe" documentary Deep Study: • "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" by Joseph Campbell (1949 - warning: very arcane) New Release: • "Joseph Campbell on the Hero's Journey" - Joseph Campbell Essentials series pocket gift book (available on Amazon) Business Application: • Story Cycle System by Park Howell • Venables Bell & Partners Audi campaigns (perfect 30-second Hero's Journey examples) Key Quotes John Bucher on Decision-Making: "When we understand story, we start to get shortcuts into the thinking of people behind how they make decisions." On Campbell's Philosophy: "Joseph Campbell was not a fan of dogma. He was interested in putting things out on the table for thoughtful engagement and good conversation." On Story Power: "Stories bypass the head and go straight to the heart. We've heard it all before in business - we're looking for different ways to bring information that hold just a bit of surprise." Park Howell on Intentional Storytelling: "We are all by nature intuitive storytellers. But you can become an intentional storyteller simply by understanding these frameworks." On Story as Operating System: "Storytelling is the software that drives the hardware of the operating system - our meaning-making machine in our limbic system, hippocampus, and amygdala." Connect John Bucher: tellingabetterstory.com Joseph Campbell Foundation: jcf.org (weekly newsletter available) Park Howell: businessofstory.com Story Cycle System: businessofstory.com/story-cycle-genie Related Episodes • Episode 425: The ABT Framework Explained - Mastering And-But-Therefore for Business • Episode 380: Customer Journey Mapping with Story Frameworks • Episode 510: Brand Archetypes in Action - Finding Your Authentic Voice About Business of Story The Business of Story podcast helps business professionals, marketers, and entrepreneurs master the power of strategic storytelling. Host Park Howell, creator of the Story Cycle System, interviews world-class experts on applying narrative frameworks to business growth, customer engagement, and brand development. Subscribe: businessofstory.com/podcast