Storylines Live

Most organizations stumble into crises because they’re unprepared. But what if a simple, strategic plan could save your reputation when it matters most? In this episode of Storylines Live, Vendilli’s crisis experts, Jeremy Church and Paul Furiga, reveal the secrets behind mastering pressure, delivering authentic messages, and training your team to respond with confidence. Imagine knowing exactly how to handle tough questions under fire, avoiding common pitfalls like rambling or appearing inauthentic on camera. Jeremy shares how body language, key message pyramids, and live-fire simulations turn anxiety into authority, and how your team can practice their story until it’s second nature. Paul introduces the groundbreaking crisis message pyramid, a roadmap that keeps your communication clear and consistent in moments of chaos. Get strategic insights on crisis planning, from identifying your most likely scenarios to conducting quarterly drills that prepare your organization for the unexpected. Failure to plan can cost your company more than you think, from damaged reputation to lost trust that takes years to rebuild. This episode dives deep into how proactive training and an environment like Vendilli’s state-of-the-art studio elevate your crisis response from reactive to ready. Whether you’re a CEO, communications professional, or crisis team member, you’ll discover practical tactics to stop the bleeding, control the narrative, and maintain credibility when it’s do-or-die. Perfect for leaders committed to safeguarding their reputation, this episode delivers proven frameworks, real-world examples like BP’s Gulf spill, and straightforward steps to make crisis communication second nature. Don’t wait until an emergency strikes. Tune in now and learn how to turn pressure into your most powerful story asset. When it comes to protecting your brand, preparedness is everything. Episode Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Your Story 07:36 Crisis Communication Essentials 13:53 Learning from Crisis Examples 21:41 Understanding Issues vs. Crises 24:54 Preparing for Crisis Management Show Notes Learn more about Vendilli’s crisis communications capabilities by visiting https://www.vendilli.com/crisis-communications. Connect with Tara on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/taradarazio/. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/. Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/churchjeremy/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most sales are won, or lost, before you even say the first word. Jorge Chavez of Topaz Sales Consulting reveals why the real key to closing deals isn’t what you say, but how you build trust through storytelling. Instead of focusing on hard pitches or high-pressure tactics; Jorge prioritizes creating authentic relationships that lead clients to buy because they trust you and see their pain being understood. In this episode of Storylines Live, Jorge breaks down the counterintuitive concept that sales is rooted in relationships, and explains how to shift from transactional to transformational conversations. Discover how asking the right questions, listening deeply, and aligning your solutions with what clients truly value can turn prospects into loyal advocates. You'll learn why the biggest competitor isn’t the competition but the status quo, and how most sales fail because they ignore the emotional pain that drives decision-making. Jorge also explores the importance of silence, curiosity, and genuine inquiry in today’s short-attention-span world, where capturing interest in fewer than eight seconds is critical. Whether you’re a sales leader, entrepreneur, or anyone looking to influence more effectively, this episode reveals how mastering storytelling transforms your ability to connect, influence, and close. If you believe that trust and authenticity are the future of sales, this episode is a must-listen. Jorge Chavez’s insights will challenge your thoughts on selling and empower you to craft your own compelling business story that attracts clients naturally and ethically. Perfect for sales professionals, leaders, or anyone eager to build meaningful relationships that drive results, this is your blueprint to transforming transactions into trusted partnerships. Show Notes Connect with Jorge on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrchavez/. Learn more about Topaz Sales Consulting and check out their resources at https://www.topazsalesconsulting.com/. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most companies overlook the secret ingredient that can transform their decision-making and leadership: understanding the diverse minds in the room. Kylee Ingram, Co-founder of Wizer, reveals how decision science and cognitive diversity can slash errors by 30% and boost innovation by 20%. In this episode of Storylines Live, she shares her extraordinary journey from sports television and documentaries to pioneering decision intelligence. You'll discover how Wizer’s innovative platform maps the unseen biases and decision styles that shape organizational success. Kylee breaks down her groundbreaking decision profiles, the seven key ways people approach problems, and explains how this diversity can uncover hidden talent, foster inclusive teamwork, and lead to smarter, faster choices. Paul and Kylee explore real stories, like how a disaster at the Adelaide Writers Festival was misread due to lack of diverse perspectives, highlighting the enormous stakes of faulty decision processes. This episode is essential listening for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone eager to unlock the full potential of their teams. If you're serious about making better, bias-free decisions that inspire action and drive growth, you’ll want to hear Kylee’s insights on creating workplaces that listen, adapt, and thrive. Whether you're leading a startup or part of a large organization, understanding the science of decision-making can be your game-changer. 👉 Don’t forget to visit https://www.wizer.business/ to complete your own decision profile. Show Notes Connect with Kylee on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleeingram/. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/. Check out Dr. Juliet Bourke’s book, Two Heads Are Better Than One at https://www.wizer.business/resources/which-two-heads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Storylines Live, Paul sits down with John Geraci, President and Founder of Ci2 Advisors, to explore the significance of storytelling in business. John shares his unique journey from military service to business leadership, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and the role of storytelling in inspiring teams and driving transformation. The conversation delves into the use of AI in enhancing storytelling practices and the impact of personal connections in business success. John also discusses his passion for mentorship and helping individuals grow through storytelling techniques. Listeners who are interested in a free pass to one of Ci2’s open workshops, a $500 value, can email John at jgeraci@ci2advisors.com. Be sure to mention Storylines Live in your message! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Storylines Live, we welcome Josh Troche, Owner of Pedal Stomper Productions, a company that helps businesses and leaders of all types get their stories out in a way that creates great results. Josh is a video and audio podcasting expert and a business podcasting professor. He shares his best podcasting tips, emerging trends, why he thinks your CEO needs an internal podcast and the power of partnerships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Storylines Live, we're honored to feature Perry Rearick, podcast host and former senior director of publishing at Life Science Connect. Perry is a U.S. Army veteran with a career that spanned more than 28 years, serving in roles from the Middle East to the Pentagon. Perry established Mungadai Consulting, an agency that helps develop and execute content marketing strategies for a variety of B2B and B2C businesses, in large part because of what he learned about the power of storytelling in his many challenging government roles. He discusses his career path, including the critical military lesson to embrace and seek out difficulty, and his later experience as a public affairs officer and working in the Pentagon. Perry explains how Life Science Connect helps innovators in the fragmented life sciences landscape, who need strategic partners to advance drug therapies, connect with solution providers through a series of digital communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jon Morris, Founder & CEO of Fiscal Advocate Inc., has spent decades as business leader in both the marketing and financial spaces. After growing his own marketing agency into one of the largest in the world, Jon transitioned into the financial industry to help people run better organizations and produce better results. In this episode, Jon and Paul discuss how data and numbers can help tell company stories, the importance of spending money on sales and marketing to grow faster, and how to serve customers more profitably. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Furiga, our Chief Storyteller, and Tara, our Content Manager, are back in the studio to dive into the powerful connection between storytelling and brand building. In this episode, they explore how stories shape the way audiences perceive and connect with a company, share practical strategies for weaving storytelling into your marketing efforts, and unpack the psychology behind why storytelling resonates so strongly with people, driving loyalty and long-term impact. They also highlight some of the most memorable storytelling campaigns from brands like Apple and Coca-Cola, and examine what made them so effective and how businesses of any size can learn from their successes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special 50th episode of Storylines Live, Chief Storyteller and host Paul Furiga is joined by Content Manager Tara Darazio to reflect on the journey so far. Podcasting is no small endeavor, and after 50 episodes, Paul shares what he's learned—offering insights and lessons for anyone curious about launching or growing their own podcast. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the show, this milestone episode is packed with reflection, gratitude, and practical advice from the frontlines of storytelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Furiga, our Chief Storyteller and host, is back for another episode of Chapters with Paul featuring Tara Darazio, our Content Manager. With decades of professional writing experience and a few books under their belts, Paul and Tara have overcome the often intimidating process of writing a book. In this episode, they discuss how they became interested in books, the writing process, the differences and similarities between writing fiction and nonfiction, and the importance of writing with the right people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ivy Slater, CEO of Slater Success, has spent almost two decades partnering with hundreds of C-Suite executives and upper-level managers to reenergize their businesses, revive stagnant sales, and develop actionable plans designed to outperform previous income projections. In this episode, Ivy and Paul discuss her journey of building a business, finding work that is fulfilling, the importance of supporting women business owners, and facilitating relationships that lead to success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hunt, Founder and CEO of Amazing Cities, is a local government expert and thought leader who specializes in finding innovative solutions to create amazing cities and towns. With a diverse background in local government, community revitalization, and business consulting, Jim brings a unique skill set to his work. In this episode, Jim and Paul discuss the importance of storytelling and relatability in local government and why cities need branding. Jim also dives into his tenure as a mayor and council member, doing the grunt work, how he helps cities as a consultant, and the importance of working for your constituents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Furiga, our Chief Storyteller and host, is back in the hot seat. In this episode, Tara and Paul discuss the psychology of how people digest content based on the pseudoscientific approach to learning styles called neurolinguistic programming (NLP). They share how to uncover your own learning style, why brands need to tailor their Capital S Story towards all types of learners, and how  to select the right channels to effectively reach all learning styles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It can be challenging for professionals in any industry to disconnect their professional worth from their self-worth and successfully avoid burnout. Jordan Sanders, DMD, has decades of experience in dentistry and has witnessed firsthand how important mental health and resilience are in the workplace. In this episode, Jordan and Paul discuss his transition from a dental practice to building an education platform for dentists and other professionals, the challenges of balancing technical skills with business acumen, and the significance of mindfulness in professional development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Almost a decade ago, Rene Morozowich decided to pivot her career and become a freelance web developer. As a solo business owner with a passion for helping other small businesses succeed, there’s nothing Rene loves more than helping service businesses showcase their offerings by building and supporting websites and collaborating on email marketing. In this episode, Rene and Paul discuss her professional journey and expertise, what makes her different from competitors, her podcast, and why storytelling is essential for connecting with people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laurie Barkman, the business transition sherpa, is the former CEO of a $100 million revenue company that was sold to a Fortune 50. For more than a decade, Laurie has guided business owners and entrepreneurs through the often overwhelming process of transition planning, ensuring they let go when they’re ready and get rewarded for their hard work. In this episode Laurie and Paul discuss the inspiration behind her business title, why stories matter in the world of M&A, and how she works with her clients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Furiga, our Chief Storyteller and host, is back in the hot seat. In this episode, Tara and Paul discuss the impacts of AI on the marketing and PR industries. They share how large language models (LLMs) are trained, the risks of using free versions of AI tools for thought leadership, how to efficiently and properly utilize AI in marketing and PR, why AI cannot replace professional workers, and what trusted resources are out there for professionals in the marketing and PR industries navigating the world of AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Furiga, our Chief Storyteller and host, is back in the hot seat. In this episode, Tara and Paul use their decades of industry experience to debunk press release myths, revealing how PR extends far beyond basic announcements. They explore common press release pitfalls, the evolution of news wires, and how to craft pitches that truly resonate with journalists. Learn to move beyond generic releases and unlock the real power of strategic PR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Claire E. Parsons embodies a holistic approach to her professional life. For over a decade, Claire has served her community through dedicated legal work, from guiding local governments to litigating complex cases. However, her commitment extends beyond the courtroom. In this episode, Claire and Paul discuss how her passions, coupled with her expertise in mindfulness and compassion, shape her approach to law and life.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Furiga, our Chief Storyteller and host, is back in the hot seat. In this episode, Paul takes us through his professional journey: his early years working in journalism in Washington D.C., his transition to working in crisis PR for major companies, and the creation of WordWrite. He also discusses WordWrite’s growth over the years, his book, his passions outside of work, and how he fuels his creativity through his band, The Altered Egos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices