Story Babble

Solid Advice About Storytelling (mingled with nonsense)

Brittni Miner: “Buy m’Junk.”

“A shameless act of self-promotion”. We’ve all heard the phrase. But how do you sell your song, your art, or in Brittni’s case, your book without making a direct appeal. Now that she’s figured out a way to write and get published consistently, Brittni’s navigating the process of promoting her work. And it’s good work. She’s a talent, people. Brittni Miner on Amazon Sponsor: The Forever Young Foundation

05-18
38:19

Bernie Van De Yacht: Looping Master

Imagine this movie scene: Jesus driving out the moneychangers from the temple. What kinds of things would people be saying? What language would they use? Would some be angry and others frightened? Those are the kinds of questions looping designer, Bernie Van De Yacht of ProADRlooping has to answer while helping to build the human sound bed for the wildly successful series, The Chosen. His credits also include Fargo, Lovecraft Country, and Mom to name just a few. Did we mention he’s also a successful novelist and screenwriter? Bernie and his partner ML Gemmil are quickly becoming Hollywood’s go-to loopers.  proadrlooping.com  Bernie's Amazon Books Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

04-20
39:51

Operation Varsity Blues: The Future of Documentaries?

Ken Burns’ didn’t invent the documentary 30 years ago. He just gave it a shot in the arm. Since then, documentaries have taken a thousand directions. The most recent is Operation Varsity Blues: the College Admissions Scandal. Unlike most documentaries, this one has a script, actors, and well-lit scenes. How is that a documentary, you ask. Forever Young Foundation

04-07
28:01

Nomadland: All wander, no destination?

Though joined by a common theme, Nomadland and Prime Video’s recent release, Bliss, could not have had two more different approaches to the plight of homelessness.   Sponsor: Forever Young Fondation

03-16
31:05

Hollywood and Cancel Culture

What happens when an artist, filmmaker, or performer gets caught in a serious indiscretion. Is it still okay to love their art? What are the ethics of this situation? And is it okay to “cancel” an artist for their stupid, insensitive but not illegal remarks? We don’t pretend to have the answers, just a lot of questions. Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

02-22
32:06

Kara McDowell Again!

We don’t often have guests come back for a second visit, but then again we don’t often know people who get published for a second time. Kara talks about the challenges and joys of writing for Young Adult readers and offers a little insight on her latest book for Scholastic, One Way or Another.  Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation Kara's book: "One Way of Another" on Amazon https://www.karajmcdowell.com

02-13
26:59

What makes iconic scenes iconic?

Let’s face it, due to recent events, it’s hard to talk about anything else. The storming of the capitol got us to thinking about why those visuals struck such a cord? What will turn out to be the most iconic images from that day? Why are Washington landmarks so often used as the backdrops of popular movies? Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

01-20
19:11

Biopics: History or Art?

Biopics: History or Art? Some biopics cleave to true history and the movie suffers for it. Other biopics set out to “say something”and true history suffers. Is there a balance? What do filmmakers owe to the dead and the living?  Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

12-31
30:51

Homer v Dr Who

Mark introduces Brian to a couple of his favorite Christmas shows. Is it possible that anyone could improve on A Christmas Carol. Mark thinks so.  SYSK Selects: The Star Wars Holiday Special of 1978 Mark's Christmas Video 2016 (Episode 1) Mark's Christmas Video 2017 (Episode 2) Mark's Christmas Video 2020 (Episode 3) NEW Forever Young Foundation  

12-24
30:55

The Luck of the Irish - Steve Vinovich

To say Steve Vinovich lucked into a successful acting career wouldn’t be fair. But by his own admission, it’s a little bit true. His career was made, however, with a lot of talent and hard work. Steve’s credits include a prodigious amount of stage, film and TV. His performance as Puffin in the Swan Princess was the pinnacle, of course. (We’re winking here.) He’s got a lot of great stories and one about Seinfeld that will blow your mind. Enjoy.  Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

12-07
36:43

The Value of Misery in Storytelling and in Life

No good story is devoid of misery. Misery means struggle. And struggle means drama - the heart and soul of every great story. No protagonist, real or fictional, is misery-free.  The Game: Stuff Happens Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

11-09
26:03

Why you love/hate country music

On his wonderful podcast, social thinker, Malcom Gladwell, opines on the power of country music...we did not see that coming. What about you? Country music lover? Hater? Lets talk about it. Well, we’ll talk, you listen.  Revisionist History: The King of Tears Mark's Country Song Apple Music: Send Me Back Home Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

10-24
30:01

How to Become a Composer and Just What is Temp Lust? | J Bateman

J Bateman is just like us, but a lot more talented. And such a nice guy. Growing up, he didn’t know he wanted to be a composer, but here he is with more than a few movie credits under his belt. If you’ve seen any of the last six Swan Princess sequels (that’s right, there’s ten all together - time to catch up!) then you’ve heard his scoring and songs. Speaking of scores, we felt lucky to have him on Storybabble. Enjoy. Sponsor Forever Young Foundation 

10-05
34:25

Sonny Carter is Dead

Mark and Brian review and try to fix Brian’s first stab at writing. Sonny Carter is Dead (1972) is the story of a fictitious football superstar who (no surprise here) dies on the field. (Incidentally, the only NFL player to ever die on the field was Chuck Hughes, a wide receiver for Brian’s beloved Detroit Lions in 1971)  Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

09-17
35:17

Metaphors

Great storytellers from Jesus to Modern filmmakers used parables or metaphors. Why not just tell the actual story you want to tell? The Point, an animated film from  the 70s might offer a few clues.  The Point on Apple Music Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation  

09-05
22:21

Are the movies you love gay enough?

Simon Nissen talks about the portrayal of gay men in cinema. Are these portrays doing right by the gay community?  Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

08-25
39:45

Ben Tyler: Arizona’s playwright

A consummate and versatile actor, Ben did a lot of the heavy lifting for Citrus Valley Playhouse from 2004-2008. But long before we came around Ben had made his mark on Arizona entertainment. Whether it was as a writer and cast member of the Wallace and Ladmo show or the creator of the wildly popular sketch musical GUV! or countless other creations, Ben has distinguished himself as Arizona’s playwright. He’s got some good advice and great stories. Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

08-08
46:38

Hamilton: Masterpiece or Disasterpiece

If you want to hear two old farts try and make sense of a rap musical, well, then, this episode is for you.  Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation Rapper: Rino

07-21
41:25

Does your art have passion? - Ryan Woodward

In the world of animation, Ryan Woodward is the ultimate utility man. He’s an A-list character animator, effects animator, and storyboard artist. Check out his social media (@ryanwoodwardart) and you’ll quickly discover he has a massive following for all the right reasons. He’s an iconoclast who refuses to settle. BOTTOM OF THE NINTH Trailer Bottom of the Ninth app (Apple) Ryan on Vimeo The Making of, Thought of You Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation  

06-29
35:29

Father's Day Takeover

Mark and Brian's children take over the podcast for Father's Day. Suzanne Arnett O'Dell, Kate Arnett Mower, and Simon Nissen reveal what it was like being parented by fathers who never fully grew up. Sponsor: The Forever Young Foundation

06-20
36:14

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