"Stories set the inner life into motion, and this is particularly important where the inner life is frightened, wedged, or cornered. Story greases the hoists and pulleys, it causes adrenaline to surge, shows us the way out, down, or up, and for our trouble, cuts for us fine wide doors in previously blank walls, openings that lead to the dreamland, that lead to love and learning, that lead us back to our own real lives…” – Clarissa Pinkola Estes

The deeper into the world of story I go, the more I am blown away by its power. It’s not easy, walking the fine line of entertainment and enrichment in our experiential world. People want to be entertained & amused, but they also need to feel seen, heard, and connected to their vitality.

As we saw on Episode 1 of White Lotus, that oh-so-pleasant dysfunctional family pushes back on participating in the hotel’s wellness program, but I think we can agree that they are all in need of a healthy helping of psychological support…

Stories are the gift that help us balance this tug-of-war, with thoughtful messages and inspiring perspectives often cloaked in surprise, intrigue, excitement, and adventure.

When I came up with the name The Storied Experience five years ago, I had no idea what I was tapping into. Maybe on a subconscious level, I knew… but rarely is the cataclysmic power of story discussed in business meetings or coffee chats.

In the last decade, story has been minimized into a mechanical marketing tactic, a blur of 1-second clips pieced together with this week’s trending music. Just to get the booking!

We’ve lost the plot. Literally.

Story used to be how community was built and wisdom was shared, the connective tissue of humanity. Entire festivals, traditions, daily rituals, and cultural experiences were built around local lore.

But now we’ve all become passive story spectators, exposed to hundreds of superficial micro “stories” every day. These are rarely the thoughtfully crafted stories that our ancestors used to create & share. Half the time they aren’t even true stories, definitionally speaking.

They are produced with the intention to entertain and amass attention, likes, and profit. They rarely compel us to take inspired action, they compel us to consume. If a story is shared from a vulnerable place, it’s often because someone is trying to sell something.

People are starved for REAL stories without the strings.

Humans are meaning-making creatures. We naturally seek out stories that help us understand the world around us and our place in it. We look for narratives that offer insights into the human condition, explore universal themes, and provide a sense of purpose.

So where do we go from here?

Get back to the roots of compelling storytelling. Create one ultra-powerful story instead of 100 so-so stories. Recognize that story is more than just words on a page - it's a catalyst. Bring the story to life in fun, thrilling ways that foster belonging and provoke meaningful action.

The best stories move us from spectator to participant. Immersive in the true sense of the word!

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