Between the Lines: a discussion of “The Storytelling Animal” with Todd Wente

by Liz

I interviewed Todd Wente as we discussed this awesome book on storytelling that I was reading back at the end of 2019, and then didn’t release the interview.

It just didn’t seem like the right time. I don’t know why. But then early last week I realized, I want to listen to that conversation again. That’s the content I want to put out right now. I loved listening to that interview again, and I’m delighted to share it with you.
Both parts are embedded below and I think you’re really going to love both pieces. The Episode Extra in Part One is also a quick, insightful and articulate message from a friend of mine, Josh Curtis. Josh is a performer and educator and has a lovely mind for words. Be sure to listen to the end of the episode to hear his thoughts on how he is using art during this time of social distancing.

“I’ve also relied a lot on my storytelling abilities in the story I am daily telling myself. The one where I am resilient, calm and strong even in upheaval, uncertainty and stress.”

― Liz Christensen

THESE PAST WEEKS WITH STORYTELLING

I have to tell you, these past weeks I have really relied on storytelling: in the way I calmed my youngest child after an earthquake, in the way I’ve communicated with friends over long distances, as I’ve tried my hand at abstract art, written some poetry and continued my work in multiple storytelling industries. I’ve also relied a lot on my storytelling abilities in the story I am daily telling myself. The one where I am resilient, calm and strong even in upheaval, uncertainty and stress.

There’s a lot to unpack in this book and because of when Todd and I recorded it, it’s refreshing to listen to our friendly and upbeat conversation, and to make any other connections in my own mind. I hope you’ll enjoy listening, and–if and as you like–that you’ll tell lots of stories.

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