Shows / The Starfish Storytellers
The Starfish Storytellers
Welcome to The Starfish Storytellers, the podcast that makes a difference, one story at a time, by bringing storytelling to life.
Episodes
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 5, Episode 11: The Grain of Truth - Finding the Human Stories Beneath the Surface with Tovit Neizer
In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we sit down with Toronto-based Communications Consultant, Author, and Stand Up Comedian Tovit Neizer to explore…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 5, Episode 10: Following the Story - Curiosity, Journalism and Connection with Jacqueline Martinz
In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, We sit down with Toronto-based journalist and writer Jackie Martinz to explore a career shaped by curiosity -…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 5, Episode 9: Stories We Leave Behind - Preserving a Life Through the Lens with James Howard
What stories will remain when the people we love are no longer here to tell them? In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, Liana Henry sits down with…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 5, Episode 8: From Surfboards to Standing Ovations - Building a Life Through Stories with Lee Silber
What do repainting mailboxes at eleven years old, surfing in Hawaii, writing 27 books, and delivering more than 2,500 keynote presentations have in common? For…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 5, Episode 7: Stroke of Success - Redefining Ambition, Resilience, and What Matters Most with Roderick Jefferson
What happens when the definition of success you've spent a lifetime pursuing nearly costs you everything? In this powerful episode, we sit down with executive…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 5, Episode 6: The Problem of Maria - Poetry, Identity, and the Power of Being Seen with Pilar Quintana
Storytelling doesn't always happen in sentences, speeches, or traditional narratives. Sometimes it happens in images, emotions, metaphors, and poems. In this…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 5 Episode 5: Rewriting Pain - The Mind, the Body, and the Power of Story with Ron Clinton
In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we sit down with physical therapist, educator, and author Ron Clinton for a powerful conversation about pain…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 5 Episode 4: Standing Out in a 5-Second World - Brand Clarity and the Entrepreneur’s Story
In a world where attention spans are measured in seconds, clarity isn’t just important—it’s everything. In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we sit…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 5, Episode 3: The Other End of the Line - Inside Sales Stories with Ceri Ruenheck
In telemarketing and lead development, storytelling happens live, unscripted, and often in the first 10–30 seconds of a phone call. While many people think of…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 5, Episode 2: Telling Stories That Convert - Video, Brand, and the Power of Visual Storytelling with Tim Bradley
What makes video storytelling actually work for business? In this episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we sit down with Tim Bradley, founder of Pennant Video…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 5, Episode 1: Finding Perspective - Resilience Stories from Around the World with Heidi Siefkas
Life has a way of delivering unexpected curveballs — moments that force us to stop, reassess, and decide how we’ll move forward. In this powerful episode of…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 4, Episode 12: The Story of Santa - How to Bring Magic to Life Through Storytelling with Ed Taylor
This episode isn’t just about a man in a red suit. It’s about the art of bringing wonder, joy, and connection to life through storytelling. Santa isn’t merely…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 4, Episode 11: Reclaiming Wonder - From Corporate Stories to Children’s Magic with Nancy Merrill
In a world driven by deadlines, deliverables, and data points, it’s easy to forget that at the heart of every campaign, pitch, or press release… is a story…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 4, Episode 10: Beyond Translation - Cultural Adaptation in Global Storytelling with Christabel Alio
In our interconnected world, telling a great brand story isn’t just about finding the right words. It’s about making sure those words, images, and ideas…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 4, Episode 9: Project Manager Stories – Narrative Tools for Leading with Clarity and Purpose with Phillip Henry
Storytelling is becoming an essential leadership skill for today’s project managers. Far beyond Gantt charts and spreadsheets, effective project management…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 4, Episode 8: The Power of Voice in Storytelling with CJ Merritt
Great storytelling isn’t just about words - it’s about how they’re spoken. Voiceover brings stories to life, adding depth, emotion, and personality to every…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 4, Episode 7: Going Beyond Bias - Sensitivity, Authenticity & Inclusive Storytelling with Stacey Parshall Jensen
In this episode, we're diving into the world of inclusive storytelling—what it means, why it matters, and how writers can do it better. When authors and…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 4, Episode 6: Guiding Leadership to Inspire through Storytelling with Sally Amkoa
Storytelling is an art and a science. It shapes cultures, drives initiatives, and transforms the way we connect with the world. But storytelling isn’t just…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 4, Episode 5: Crafting Cinematic Brand Stories on the Hero’s Journey with Doug Birnbaum
Storytelling is at the heart of every great brand, and one of the most potent storytelling frameworks is the Hero’s Journey. From ancient myths to blockbuster…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 4, Episode 4: The Intersection of History & Financial Crime with Stefano Siggia
History isn’t just a record of the past - it’s a lens through which we understand power, deception, and the patterns that continue to shape our world today…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 4, Episode 3: Go Behind the Story - A Journalist’s Journey with Nerissa Lamison
Broadcast journalism is more than just reporting the news. It’s storytelling in motion, bringing the news to life in an immediate and immersive way. Through…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 4, Episode 2: Justice in Storytelling - The Art of Advocacy with Ariel Clemmer
For attorneys, storytelling is more than just a skill—it’s a critical tool for representing their clients effectively. Whether it’s painting a vivid picture in…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 4, Episode 1: The Black Dog Group 2025 Founder’s Episode - 2024 in Review
We’re back, and it’s 2025 - can you believe it? In our first episode of the year (and of the new season!), our core group of Liana Henry, Phillip Henry, Jacob…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 3, Episode 7: Inspiring Entrepreneurial Stories from Tomorrow's Trailblazers with Nico Hessel
Why are young entrepreneur stories so inspiring and what do we love about them? Besides being nothing short of amazing, they remind us that age is but a number…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 3, Episode 6: Immerse Your Audience with Video Storytelling w/ Mike Connell
Videos bring storytelling into your marketing and connect with your customers in a powerful way. Videos immerse the audience in your content and make them feel…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 3, Episode 5 - Changing the Narrative of Local Hunger: A Community Pantry’s Battle Against Food Insecurity with Julie Lewis
In this episode, we welcomed Julie Lewis, Senior Pantry Manager at People Helping People, Inc. in Burlington, Massachusetts. Julie shares the realities of…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 3, Episode 4: Narrative Techniques in Filmmaking - Where Storytelling Meets Artistry with Meghan Iris Armstrong
Meghan Iris Armstrong is a filmmaker, writer, and artist who breathes life into people's stories through the documentaries she directs and produces. She…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 3, Episode 3: Business Storytelling Advice for Marketers w/ Elaine Brammer
Elaine Brammer, a seasoned business, marketing, and brand perception storyteller, has crafted inspirational stories for companies such as Microsoft and…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 3, Episode 2: Brand Messaging: Conveying Trust in Your Story w/ Deb Goeschel
Deb Goeschel, a communications expert and brand storyteller, has helped many small to medium-sized businesses find their voice through the concise, clear…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 3, Episode 1: Pride 2024 - An LGBTQ+ Story of Coming AWARE w/ Danielle Smith
In honor of Pride Month 2024, we were honored to hear our friend Danielle Smith’s Coming AWARE story. This UMM Research Administrator shared her journey of…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 2, Episode 11: Healing Stories for Mindfulness and Wellness w/ Linda Frederick
In our next episode of The Starfish Storytellers, we welcome Linda Frederick, an Exercise Physiologist with over 30 years of experience and a Reiki Master…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 2, Episode 10: Insights and Results Through Networking Success Stories w/ Tom Libby
Our next guest on The Starfish Storytellers is my friend Tom Libby. Tom has been a Sales VP and Business Development Executive for over 20 years with a passion…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 2, Episode 9: Telling Humorous Stories Through Stand-Up Comedy w/ Scott MacNeil
“Laugh and the world laughs with you”. Or “Laughter is the best medicine”. These two sayings tout the power of humor. There is something to be said about…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 2, Episode 8: Inspiring Donor Stories w/ Mary Lyman and Julie Bloise of Greater Lawrence Family Health Center
Social impact storytelling and donor stories help organizations that are seeking to inspire donors while standing out to touch hearts and evoke empathy…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 2, Episode 7: Sports Stories Put the Audience in the Game w/ Shawn Hutcheon
This fast-paced episode is about the many nuances of sports storytelling, through the lens of a Correspondent for the talented Boston Bruins NHL hockey team…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 2, Episode 6: So, You Want to Be a Storyteller? The Making of a Skilled Storyteller Through Community w/ Peter Ash
Having a place to share your stories, especially where you can get feedback, makes you a proficient storyteller. This can happen at live events, online in…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 2, Episode 5: Content Marketing - The Backbone of Corporate Storytelling w/ Becki Harrington-Davis
Storytelling in content marketing transforms marketing collateral into effective brand tools. It allows businesses to engage emotionally with their target…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 2, Episode 4: PR and Journalism - Storytelling Across the Media w/ Tom Zuppa
Journalists and public relations professionals take us on a journey when they tell a story. To be a good storyteller across the media, you have to be able to…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 2, Episode 3: Historical Narratives - Framing Everyday Life from a Historical Point of View with Sharon McDonald
It is really important to know what our predecessors faced in order for us to live the life we have today. Through historical narratives, those of us in the…
The Starfish StorytellersSeason 2, Episode 2: Engagement, Impressions, and Making the Connections - Social Media Storytelling with Delaney Gembis
In this second episode of our second season, we meet Delaney Gembis, a Social Media Manager at a local Biometrics company and a volunteer social media manager…
The Starfish Storytellers2024 Episode 1-Founder’s Episode: 1st Year Business Stories and Lessons Learned with The Black Dog Group
When you put a visionary, a problem solver, an organizer, and a creative together, what do you get? Well, our talented core team, of course! In this kick-off…
The Starfish StorytellersEpisode 15: Narratives through Life Guidance and Mediumship with Jude Mullins
Examining our own narratives can help us grow personally, spiritually, or professionally. Sometimes we can get there on our own, but sometimes we need the…
The Starfish StorytellersEpisode 14 - The Power of Stories to Heal: Why the Act of Storytelling Makes a Difference with Dale Grenfell
In this episode, we welcome Dale Grenfell, Storytelling instructor, presenter, and facilitator who has taken her storytelling skills to the classroom and the…
The Starfish StorytellersEpisode 13 - International Storytelling: Historical Fiction with Elena Ulanovsky
In this episode, we welcomed Elena Ulanovsky, award-winning author, screenwriter, and independent movie producer from Ukraine, who emigrated to Israel and…
The Starfish StorytellersEpisode 12: Senior Stories: Celebrating Lives Well-Lived with Alison Czervenschi
In this episode, we welcomed Alison Cservenschi, the Director of the Council on Aging in Bedford, Massachusetts to chat about senior stories and celebrating…
The Starfish StorytellersEpisode 11: The Superpower of Storytelling, Moth Style with Liana Henry
In this special episode we are calling a ‘CEO’s Cut’, I talk about The Superpower of Storytelling, Moth Style. I did this podcast solo to talk about this…
The Starfish StorytellersEpisode 10: Small Business Storytelling for the Entrepreneur that Grows Businesses with Awilda Irizarry
In this episode, Awilda Irizzary, Senior Business Advisor at the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, outlines what three things all small…
The Starfish StorytellersEpisode 9: Storytelling from the Podium - Achieving Public Speaking Mastery with Bob Avallone
In this episode about public speaking, we welcomed long-time Toastmaster Bob Avallone who shared tips for creating memorable speeches and presentations by…
The Starfish StorytellersEpisode 8: Social Impact Storytelling with Rev.’s Annie Gonzalez & Megan Lynes
In this episode on Social Impact Storytelling, we welcomed two guests - Rev. Annie Gonzalez & Rev. Megan Lynes, First Parish Unitarian and Universalist Pastors…
The Starfish StorytellersEpisode 7: Visual Wizardry in Graphic Design Storytelling with Jeff Surette
In this episode, I welcome my friend and award-winning graphic designer Jeff Surette who drives home how important collaboration is when working with a…
The Starfish StorytellersEpisode 6: Imagination and Rhythm in Poems and Fiction with Meg Smith
In this episode, we welcome award-winning journalist, poet, and fiction author Meg Smith who takes us through her passion for writing. Her brilliance and…
The Starfish StorytellersEpisode 4: Visual Journeys through Art and Book Illustration: Telling a Timeless Story with Colleen Sgroi
In our next episode, we sat down with our friend Colleen Sgroi, Award-Winning Children’s Book Illustrator and New England hometown favorite Folk Artist and…
The Starfish StorytellersEpisode 3: Women’s Stories of Success and Empowerment with Rachel McLean
In this episode, we welcome Rachel McLean, technology product manager and active member of a professional women’s group. Rachel shares her story and how she…
The Starfish StorytellersEpisode 2: Stories of Courage and Authenticity: LGBTQ+ Pride 2023 with Leslie Baker
In this episode, we welcome Leslie Baker, LGBTQ+ advocate and chair of an LGBTQ+ employee group. Leslie shares her own coming out experience, how the current…
The Starfish StorytellersEpisode 1: Developing Your Storyboard as an Author with Phillip Henry
In our first episode, we welcome Phillip Henry, COO of The Black Dog Group and author of ‘Hunter, Hunted’ - an urban fantasy thriller story. Phillip shares an…
The Starfish StorytellersTrailer: Welcome to The Starfish Storytellers!
In this trailer, host and CEO of The Black Dog Group, Liana Henry, shares her own background as a storyteller and why geeking out on story formats is fun…