What makes a story powerful enough to inspire action or influence policy?

Piper Hendricks, Founder of Stories Change Power, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to transforming advocacy through storytelling, dives into how personal narratives can become catalysts for activism and policy reform.

She unpacks the importance of listening beyond words to the emotions and lived experiences they convey, and why words, when wielded with intention, are some of our most powerful tools for justice and systemic change.

Piper also reveals how storytelling can illuminate the hidden forces of policy—making the invisible not just visible, but relatable.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How stories influence legislation and public opinion
• The role of storytelling in translating abstract policies into clear, resonant experiences
• The psychological power of language in shaping perceptions and inspiring action
• Why truly impactful advocacy starts with listening to the emotions behind the words
• Practical tips for crafting authentic, persuasive stories that inspire change

Learn more about Piper Hendricks

• Stories Change Power website
• "The Nine Rights" of effective advocacy
• Advocacy training & courses
• Follow on LinkedIn

Learn more about Mary Knox Miller

• Thought Leader Media
• "Human Dispatches" Newsletter
• Follow on LinkedIn

What does it take to create content that truly stands out? Jay Acunzo, celebrated writer, speaker, and host of the "How Stories Happen" podcast, joins us to unpack the art of meaningful storytelling—in all its messy, frustrating, and euphoric parts.

Jay shares why asking better questions can lead to more impactful content and explains how challenging assumptions opens the door to creative breakthroughs. He also introduces his concept of the IP Pyramid, a framework for developing and refining your intellectual property to create truly unique and resonant stories that serve your audience and yourself.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How to reach deeper truths that lead to more meaningful content
• Why developing your IP is less about following templates and more about creative risk taking
• The pitfalls of following best practices too closely—and how to trust your intuition instead
• How to identify the gaps in your storytelling by identifying what truly matters to your audience
• Why embracing constraints can spark creativity and lead to breakthroughs

Learn more about Jay Acunzo

• Website
• "How Stories Happen" Podcast
• "Playing Favorites" Newsletter
• Creator Kitchen (Coaching & Education)
• Follow on LinkedIn
  
  

Learn more about Mary Knox Miller:

• Thought Leader Media
• "Human Dispatches" Newsletter
• Follow on LinkedIn
  
  

How do movements gain enough traction to get people to take concrete action? How does a movement even come to be?

Understanding the nuances of what truly motivates human behavior – not just thoughts and opinions – is crucial for driving meaningful change in our society.

Derrick Feldman, an internationally recognized researcher and advisor on social issues, movements, and consumer public action, brings his expertise to our discussion. We delve into how to ask questions to uncover what people truly believe about social issues, the significance of interpreting intentions versus actions, and the importance of humanizing data when communicating our findings.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How Derrick’s early-career experience in state government galvanized him to dig deeper into what moves people to take action for social change
• The challenges of designing research that accounts for biases from participants, researchers, and even funders.
• Why it’s vital to bring diverse voices and experiences into the room when designing and implementing research
• The power of asking, “Why did you contact me?” when deciding what new projects to take on as a business owner
• The importance of context and storytelling for making sense of data in ways that stick with your audiences or stakeholders

Learn more about Derrick Feldman:

• Website
• Connect on LinkedIn

Learn more about Mary Knox Miller:

• Thought Leader Media
• Connect on LinkedIn