Story Babble

Are you writing your own hero’s journey?

October 28, 2019 17:53 - 36 minutes - 67.5 MB

Seth Adam Smith is more than a survivor of crippling depression. He’s the Marketing Director of Anasazi, a program that gives struggling youth a wilderness experience. Helping these “Young Walkers” see themselves as the central figure of their Hero’s journey is prime. Anasazi Foundation Seth Adam Smith's Blog Forever Young Foundation

Once Upon a Time... The Swan Princess Movie Almost Died

October 20, 2019 01:12 - 33 minutes - 62 MB

One month from its release in 1994, the Swan Princess movie died...until Producer, Seldon O. Young brought it back to life! Now, 25 years later, the Swan Princess not only lives on, it’s been completely re-mastered and is ready to be enjoyed by a new generation. A gala event on October 24th marks the re-release of the last hand drawn, 2D animated film to be released in theaters. Seldon Young tells the tale in a discussion with Mark Arnett and Brian Nissen, the screenwriter of The Swan Pr...

The Joker: Self-indulgent or meaningful?

October 14, 2019 09:00 - 34 minutes - 63.9 MB

The Joker has been lauded and lambasted, but you won’t know whether we’re lauders or lambasters until you’ve listened to this episode. When you’re done, you’ll also know how the Joker begins and ends - and a lot of stuff in between. You’ve been warned. We also proudly announce our new Sponsor, Steve Young’s Forever Young Foundation. It’s wonderful to be sponsored by a foundation that’s the opposite of the Joker - good people putting real smiles on faces across the globe. Batman: The Kill...

Should writers follow the rules? - Brittni Miner

October 07, 2019 11:33 - 43 minutes - 78.9 MB

Brittni Miner comes out of early retirement and returns to storybabble. (aka she took a two hour break from feeding and changing twins.) She dishes on the rules and practices of good writing all on just a few hours of sleep. Impressive. She seemed to enjoy the break even tough she still had two manage a couple of children.

A Winning Message to a Winning Majority - Tyler Montague

September 27, 2019 02:00 - 29 minutes - 54.6 MB

In politics, a lot of time and money is spent on crafting the right story for a candidate or a movement. But Tyler Montague was recently awarded “Best Unpaid Political Consultant” by the New Times. Indeed, he’s a master at knowing which story deserves telling. Let everyone else make big bucks, Tyler’s in it for the cause and the love of the fight. The Bob Worsley Piano Ad

Young Whistler, Old Soul - Kiera George

September 20, 2019 05:16 - 4 minutes - 8.61 MB

Today, a bonus episode. Meet Keira George, the youngest contestant in this year’s international whistling competition! She’s 10. Enjoy. Masters of Musical Whistling

Our Weekend with the World’s Best Whistlers

September 13, 2019 05:30 - 33 minutes - 61.2 MB

Is whistling an art form, or is it only something your Dad did while he putzed around the garage? Can whistling be beautiful? Or is it always like nails on a chalkboard? We have the answers, and so would you if you went to an international whistling competition like we did! Masters of Whistling The Musical Diva

100 voices + 60 instruments + Rob Gardner = Cinematic Pop

September 05, 2019 20:09 - 29 minutes - 54.9 MB

He might not be the King of Pop but he’s surely the King of Cinematic Pop. Rob Gardner dishes on his process for creating his symphonic masterpiece. Cinematicpop Rob Gardner Mark Arnett's Album Sugar Cubes on Apple Music

From Shakespeare to Dale the Whale - Ray Porter

August 29, 2019 21:00 - 24 minutes - 45.1 MB

While in Pasadena for the Int’l Whistling Festival, we got to talk to a friend. Stage, film, and TV actor Ray Porter who’s credits include Monk’s nemesis, Dale the Whale. His adventure in a fat suit is not to be missed. Ray also has good advice for aspiring actors. Ray Porter's Movie and TV Credits Include: Modern Family; The Mentalist; Shameless; Argo; It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia; CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Monk; The Suite Life of Zack & Cody; Will & Grace; ER; Frasier; Almo...

Jump In and Embrace Your Failures

August 22, 2019 20:22 - 30 minutes - 55 MB

Mark and Brian talk about Mark’s superpower: knowing that everyone is insecure, which gave him permission and encouragement to jump in and start creating. Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt Arnett Confidential: A Mark Arnett Film about ASS

LIVE FROM MESA - America's Funnest Mayor

August 15, 2019 10:00 - 22 minutes - 40.3 MB

How Mesa’s Mayor John Giles has used story to get elected and stay in office. We went to high school with John, so we have some stories to tell. But as he reminded us, he has a few stories himself. Fair enough. Truth be told, John’s intuition for how to use story to connect with people is in a class by itself. Guess we’ll keep those high school stories to ourselves. Most of them anyhow. John GIle's Videos: Mattas vs El Charro The Sort-of-True Story of Saving the Diving Lady...

LIVE FROM MESA - America's Funnest Mayor

August 15, 2019 10:00 - 22 minutes - 40.6 MB

How Mesa’s Mayor John Giles has used story to get elected and stay in office. We went to high school with John, so we have some stories to tell. But as he reminded us, he has a few stories himself. Fair enough. Truth be told, John’s intuition for how to use story to connect with people is in a class by itself. Guess we’ll keep those high school stories to ourselves. Most of them anyhow. John GIle's Videos: Mattas vs El Charro The Sort-of-True Story of Saving the Diving Lady...

Do the stories we tell match our values? - scrapbook.com CEO, Drex Davis

August 08, 2019 18:28 - 41 minutes - 76.1 MB

Drex Davis, CEO of the most visited papercrafting website in the world, talks about the stories he tells his employees, why he tells them, and what it means for the company. We interrupted him a lot and tried to put him off his game but, as you’ll hear, he just couldn’t stop being interesting. Cinematic Pop Arsenic by Retrofitro on Spotify Scrapbook.com Story Babble Live (Free) August 9, 2019 ay 7:00 pm. 1818 E Southern Ave, Suite 5 Mesa, AZ 85204 SIgn up on Facebook or just come

The Catapult Guys: Is Your Company Telling the Right Story?

August 01, 2019 18:01 - 37 minutes - 69.2 MB

In this episode we talk to Dave Duke and Art Lofgreen of Catapult, a top tier marketing and design company. They explain the importance of story in branding. Preaching to the choir, guys. Then they explain the importance of being strategic and disciplined. Hmmm, never thought of that. Sounds like a lot of work. Download this episode and enjoy the words of geniuses (Art and Dave are interesting too). Catapult Samushrooms The World of Coke Story Babble Live (Free) August 9,...

Jazz Pianist Steve Culp - Making Music on the Spot

July 26, 2019 05:02 - 34 minutes - 63.5 MB

Mark and Brian talk with uber talented jazz pianist, Steve Culp, about how stories work in song. They’re joined by Brian’s daughter and jazz vocalist Emma Nissen. Together they make music on the spot. Story Babble Live (Free) August 9, 2019 ay 7:00 pm. 1818 E Southern Ave, Suite 5 Mesa, AZ 85204 SIgn up on Facebook Steve Culp’s Website Margo Reed (Chubby Hubby) Great Live Performer Ellis Hall (the Ambassador of Soul) Mark Arnett Songs on iTunes and Apple Music Emma Sings Ella T...

Was Toy Story 4 One Movie Too Many?

July 20, 2019 02:10 - 33 minutes - 61.3 MB

Mark and Brian spoil the heck out of Toy Story 4 and discuss whether it was a worthy add-on to a perfect trifecta of films or a foolhardy venture back into the ring. Story Babble Live (Free) August 9, 2019 ay 7:00 pm. 1818 E Southern Ave, Suite 5 Mesa, AZ 85204 SIgn up on Facebook Toy Story 4 imdb Metamorphosis, Short Film

Marshall Trimble

July 12, 2019 05:12 - 34 minutes - 62.3 MB

Mark and Brian interview long time friend and Arizona’s Official State Historian, Marshall Trimble. Here’s a guy who knows how to tell a story! He should. At 80, he’s had a lot of experience, and just keeps getting better. marshalltrimble.com

Yesterday The Movie

July 04, 2019 20:16 - 46 minutes - 85.7 MB

Mark’s brother and law partner, Wayne Arnett, joins Storybabble for a discussion about the movie Yesterday. As a Beatles aficionado, Wayne fills in the gaps and offers his incorrect opinions about the movie. Yesterday on IMDb Summer Wind on YouTube Summer Song on YouTube

National Public Radio

June 25, 2019 15:59 - 47 minutes - 86.4 MB

You might not recognize Steve Goldstein and Mark Brodie on the street, but if you’re an NPR listener you’ll instantly recognize the velvety voices of these veteran news reporters for KJZZ. They give Mark and Brian a behind-the-scenes look at the process of making and delivering the news, discuss the National Public Radio stereotype, and offer several critiques of Brian’s haircut.

Baby Boomerang

June 20, 2019 10:00 - 39 minutes - 71.6 MB

Brian interviews Mark about his award-winning documentary, Baby Boomerang. And you can watch it free at markarnettfilms.com.

Columnist Chuck Sigars

June 12, 2019 17:11 - 31 minutes - 44.6 MB

Mark and Brian talk to Chuck Sigars about his life as a semi-syndicated columnist, his writing process, and his days as an actor which were recently revived in the much-touted independent film Winning Dad. Find Chuck Sigars' work on his website. ChuckSigars.com Read his blog about his appearence on Storybabble here.

Jurassic World & Movie Relationships

June 03, 2019 23:55 - 39 minutes - 71.5 MB

Mark and Brian use Jurassic World to examine the many relationships that exist in a typical movie, how they add depth and texture to a story, and how all relationships, no matter their significance, need closure for a satisfying ending. Documentary film about stop-motion animator Phil Tippett "Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should." Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum)

The Power of Lying

May 25, 2019 16:57 - 42 minutes - 76.9 MB

Mark and Brian discuss Mark’s stint in the hospital resulting in the loss of his gall bladder but the discovery of a transcendent state in which he heals his spirit animal with a little white lie. This gets them thinking: What are our fictitious stories if not lies that have the power to heal? Links: Dan Harris' Book 10% Happier

Roma

May 14, 2019 00:16 - 50 minutes - 92.4 MB

Mark and Brian talk about Alfonso Cuarón’s ROMA, 2018 Winner of Best Foreign Language Film and Best Director. While the pace of the film was considered glacial by many, including Mark and Brian, those who stick with it will be rewarded. The film is discussed in detail, so watch it first on Netflix if you’re the kind of person who beats up someone for spoiling a movie. (True story, unfortunately. There’s a link in the notes.) NOTES: Brian was amazed at how they got the dramatic shot of ...

Who's the Victor?

May 07, 2019 16:49 - 36 minutes - 67.1 MB

Mark and Brian talk about their first collaborative writing project - “Who’s the Victor?” - Westwood High School’s senior class play for 1979. It was unconventional and a little pretentious, but it was a place to start. The play’s composer, Brian Larson, joins the conversation which asks the questions, “Where do you go to be bad?” Everyone has to start somewhere.

Notes from Camille

April 15, 2019 18:05 - 31 minutes - 30.3 MB

Mark tells a story about how he and his wife, Camille, fell in love. Camille is there to make sure he gets it right. Giving and receiving notes is an important part of writing or telling a great story. Here’s some advice on how to do both with grace.

Just for Clicks

April 08, 2019 18:11 - 56 minutes - 103 MB

Author Kara McDowell discusses her YA book Just for Clicks. She talks about her journey to getting published and explains millennials to Mark and Brian. Just for Clicks at Amazon Just For Clicks at Barnes & Noble Visit Kara’s website at karajmcdowell.com. You can also find her on Twitter @karajmcdowell and Instagram @karajmcdowellbooks Watch Mark Arnett’s short film, Clicks on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QY2v1PB-4Os

Writer's Block

April 01, 2019 10:00 - 28 minutes - 51.3 MB

Brian explains that the key to overcoming writer’s block is to write the scenes you love, and new ideas will follow. Mark’s trick is to clean his garage so that his mind will work overtime to come up with something great to write so he can stop cleaning the garage.

Three Acts

March 23, 2019 20:18 - 57 minutes - 105 MB

Brian explains to Mark the “Three Act Structure" that great storytellers use to craft great stories. Mark doesn’t get it.

Three Acts

March 23, 2019 20:18 - 57 minutes - 106 MB

Brian explains to Mark the “Three Act Structure" that great storytellers use to craft great stories. Mark doesn’t get it.

Free Solo - Not Grow Old

March 17, 2019 14:52 - 37 minutes - 69.3 MB

Brian and Mark discuss two recent fantastic documentary films, "Free Solo" and "They Shall Not Grow Old."

Disneyland

March 11, 2019 04:38 - 56 minutes - 103 MB

Mark reports on his three-day Disneyland adventure with his three seven-year-old grandsons. A place built on story.

Sports

March 02, 2019 23:44 - 38 minutes - 70.1 MB

Brian and Mark discuss the story elements in sports that lead us into caring about the outcome of an otherwise meaningless activity.

Bonus Fake News

February 21, 2019 23:00 - 22 minutes - 21.5 MB

Listen to Mark and Brian produce the short Fake News.

Fake News

February 21, 2019 22:52 - 36 minutes - 34.3 MB

Brian helps Mark rewrite, perform, and produce his short script, "Fake News."

Kate Mower Photo Shoot

February 15, 2019 11:00 - 38 minutes - 36.6 MB

Professional photographer, Kate Mower, shares her story and secrets to better photography.

Kevin Nissen

February 10, 2019 22:30 - 56 minutes - 52.9 MB

Brain invited his brother, Kevin Nissen to discuss family stories.

Politics and Religion

February 04, 2019 04:19 - 1 hour - 68 MB

Brain and Mark discuss politics and religion over Brain’s new video, “Bye Bye, Jeff Flake” featuring Dwain.

Miner Returns

January 22, 2019 00:05 - 39 minutes - 37.4 MB

Following up on episode 4, Brittni Miner returns to discuss how her audition went.

This is From Target

January 10, 2019 11:00 - 43 minutes - 40.9 MB

Brain & Mark help comic writer and actress, Brittni Miner prepare of an audition.

The Movies that Made Us.

January 03, 2019 11:00 - 45 minutes - 42.9 MB

Brian Nissen and Mark Arnett share their top five most influential movies. Mark's list includes: 1. Annie Hall (1977); 2. Life of Brian (1979); 3. Gandhi (1982); 4. Amadeus (1984); and 5. When Harry Met Sally... (1989). Brain's list includes: 1. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975); 2. Annie Hall (1977) & Manhattan (1979); 3. Gandhi (1982); 4. My Life as a Dog (1985); and 5. Breaking Away (1985). Share your list in the comments.

Episodes