In this episode of Some Things Considered, I sit down with Karen Eber — TED speaker, award-winning author of The Perfect Story, and former Fortune 500 executive whose talks have reached millions worldwide. Karen specializes in the science and skill of storytelling, helping leaders and creatives alike use stories to inform, influence, and inspire.

The conversation explores:

• The science of storytelling: what happens in the brain when a story works, and why humans are wired to connect through narrative.

• What makes a story succeed—or fail: common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Trust and connection: how storytellers can build authenticity and credibility with their audiences.

• Inherited stories and bias: recognizing how cultural, familial, and corporate narratives shape our beliefs and choices.

• Choosing which story to tell: balancing timeless themes with timely resonance.

• Introverts as storytellers: why some of the best storytellers aren’t the loudest voices in the room.

• Story in leadership and business: from media to the courtroom to the boardroom, the most effective leaders leverage story to motivate and inspire.

• Data storytelling: transforming raw information into narratives that resonate and drive action.

• Storytelling in the age of AI and misinformation: why the best defense against “bad stories” and fake narratives is to tell better ones.

This episode offers both practical insights and big-picture reflections on how stories shape our lives, our decisions, and our culture.

Instagram: @kareneber1
Twitter: @KarenEber1
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kareneber
Website: kareneber.com

Award-winning author Sean Murphy in conversation with creative thinkers, spanning the literary, music, art, politics, and tech industries. As a cultural critic, professor, founder of a literary non-profit, Sean is always looking to explore and celebrate the ways Story is integral to how we define ourselves, as artists and human beings. This Substack newsletter and weekly podcast peels back the layers of how creativity works, why it matters, how our most brilliant minds achieve mastery. Join us to explore how our most successful and inspired storytellers engage by discussing craft, routines, brand, and mostly through authentic and honest expression.

Website: seanmurphy.net
Substack: seanmurphy.live
Twitter: @bullmurph
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