Podcast
Narrative Voices
Hosted by Keith Haney · EN
Step into the world behind the words with “Narrative Voices: Unveiling the Art of Storytelling.” This podcast brings you intimate, inspiring conversations with today’s most compelling authors, storytellers, and creative minds. Each episode explores the heart of the storytelling process—from the first spark of inspiration to the challenges, breakthroughs, and passions that shape unforgettable narratives.
Whether you’re a book lover, an aspiring writer, or simply captivated by a well‑told story, Narrative Voices offers a rich, behind‑the‑scenes look at the craft of writing. Discover how creators develop characters, build worlds, overcome obstacles, and bring their visions to life across genres including fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, memoir, poetry, and more.
What you’ll experience:
In‑depth interviews with authors and storytellers from diverse backgrounds.
Insightful discussions on creativity, writing techniques, and narrative structure.
Inspiring stories about the artistic journey—from idea to publication.
Practical wisdom for writers at any stage of their craft.
A deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling to connect, transform, and inspire.
If you’re passionate about books, creativity, and the art of storytelling, this podcast is your new essential listen. Join us and be inspired by the voices that bring stories to life.
Subscribe today and explore the narratives behind the narratives.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Unlocking Influence: The Secret Sauce of Storytelling
Mar 2500:35:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Becoming Bridge Builders, host Rev. Dr. Keith Haney talks with Bill Blankschaen, founder of Story Builders, about the transformative power of storytelling. They explore how each person has a unique story that can give a competitive edge in leadership and influence. Bill shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, the importance of structuring messages effectively, and how storytelling helps build trust in today's skeptical world. The conversation also covers the vision behind Story Builders and future goals to help others tell their stories.TakeawaysEveryone has a story worth telling.Your story gives you a unique advantage.Overcoming the normalcy trap is crucial.Confidence traps can hinder storytelling.The storytelling structure is essential for effective communication.Attention, tension, connection, solution, and action are key steps.Intentional storytelling builds trust.Your message should serve others, not just yourself.The first step in writing a book is clarity on the main message.Legacy is about living a story worth telling.Links referenced in this episode:mystorybuilders.comyourstoryadvantage.com
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Leading with Kindness: Christy Pretzinger on Building a Thriving Workplace Culture
Mar 1700:35:32Tap to summarizeToday, we dive deep into the transformative power of kindness in leadership with Christy Pretzinger, the owner and CEO of WG Content. Christy not only leads a successful agency but has also fostered a workplace culture where kindness, personal growth, and inclusivity reign supreme. She shares her insights on how leaders can cultivate environments where people thrive, emphasizing that true leadership begins from within. Our conversation explores her book, *Cultural Balance Sheet*, which challenges leaders to prioritize culture as a key asset rather than a mere buzzword. Get ready to learn about practical strategies for weaving kindness into the fabric of your organization and ensuring that your team feels valued and empowered every day.In this episode of the Becoming Bridge Builders podcast, host Keith Haney speaks with Kristy Pretzinger, CEO of WG Content, about the importance of kindness in leadership and workplace culture. Kristy shares insights from her book, 'Cultural Balance Sheets,' emphasizing the need for personal growth, the role of culture in business success, and the challenges women face in leadership roles. The conversation explores how to create environments where people can thrive, the significance of hiring for culture fit, and the impact of kindness on organizational performance.The conversation with Christy Pretzinger reveals the profound impact of kindness in leadership and workplace culture. As the owner and CEO of WG Content, Christy illustrates how leading with compassion not only fosters personal growth but also enhances overall business success. She emphasizes that leaders must first focus on their own growth for their organizations to thrive. By sharing personal anecdotes and insights from her journey, Christy highlights the importance of creating environments where employees feel valued and empowered. She discusses the concept of the 'Cultural Balance Sheet', a framework she developed to help leaders assess and cultivate a thriving workplace culture. This episode is a treasure trove of strategies for leaders looking to make a genuine difference in their teams, encouraging them to prioritize kindness and inclusivity as foundational elements of their organizational culture. Through engaging dialogue, Christy and Keith explore practical ways to implement these ideas in day-to-day operations. Christy shares innovative practices from her agency, such as 'Kindness Counts' events and monthly values recognition, which serve to keep the team aligned with their core principles. The discussion also touches on the challenges of maintaining culture in a virtual environment, emphasizing the need for intentionality and creativity in fostering connections among remote teams. Ultimately, the episode serves as an inspiring reminder that cultivating a kind culture is not just beneficial for employee well-being, but also essential for long-term organizational success.Takeaways:The importance of creating a workplace culture rooted in kindness and inclusivity cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts employee satisfaction and retention.Leaders must recognize that their personal growth is intricately linked to their businesses, emphasizing the mantra that you are your business.Christy highlights that kindness in the workplace is not weakness but strength, and it requires boundaries and clarity to truly thrive.In the age of virtual work, intentionality in building team connections is crucial, especially when fostering a culture aligned with core values.Links referenced in this episode:christypretzinger.comwgcontent.com
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The Real Confidence Blueprint: Transform Your Mindset and Life
Feb 2500:34:56Tap to summarizeToday, we're diving into the transformative journey of building real confidence with our incredible guest, Simone Knego. With her wealth of experience as an international speaker, author, and confidence expert, Simone shares her insights on reconnecting with our worth and navigating the chaotic beauty of life. She reveals her unique framework, the Real Method, which empowers individuals to embrace their failures, respect themselves, and live without limits. We’ll explore her personal stories, including her inspiring climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, and how they shaped her understanding of self-worth. Get ready for a conversation filled with authenticity, practical tools, and a dash of humor that might just help you redefine what confidence means in your own life.Engaging and thought-provoking, this episode of Narrative Voices features Simone Knego, whose journey from self-doubt to self-assurance is both inspiring and relatable. With her upcoming book 'Real Confidence', Simone introduces listeners to her 'Real Method', a roadmap for individuals seeking to reclaim their worth and lead fulfilling lives. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on pivotal moments that shaped her understanding of confidence, including her ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, which served as a powerful metaphor for overcoming life's challenges. Simone's candid sharing of her struggles, including the impact of societal expectations on self-perception, resonates deeply. One standout message is her belief that confidence is not an inherent trait, but a skill that can be developed through practice and perseverance. The episode offers practical exercises and mindset shifts that listeners can implement immediately, fostering a sense of empowerment. With a focus on authenticity and realness, Simone encourages us to embrace our failures and to prioritize self-respect, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to bolster their confidence and redefine their personal narrative.Takeaways: The podcast emphasizes the importance of authentic self-expression, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys and experiences. Simone Knego discusses her 'Real Method', which focuses on self-respect, learning from failures, and pursuing personal desires without limits. Listeners are reminded that confidence is a skill built over time, not a fixed trait that one either possesses or lacks. Simone shares her insights on navigating self-doubt and the value of vulnerability in conversations with others during difficult times. The conversation highlights the necessity of self-care, particularly for women balancing multiple responsibilities like family and career. The hosts underscore the idea that living without limits involves rejecting societal pressures and recognizing one's inherent worth. Links referenced in this episode:https://simoneknego.com/method-how-to-build-confidence/https://simoneknego.com/https://simoneknego.com/book/5geQe5QhWX0LQMnhRzOi
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Empowering Women: Julie Barth's Mission of Compassion
Feb 1100:27:56Tap to summarizeJoin us as we dive into a powerful conversation with Julie Barth, a remarkable woman whose journey through love, loss, and resilience is nothing short of inspiring. In our chat, we explore the essence of her upcoming memoir, which captures her experiences as a mother of six while navigating the profound challenges of her husband's illness and her daughter's special needs. Julie shares how these life-altering events shaped her mission as the founder of Colin James BARS Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women-led households in crisis. Her story emphasizes the importance of compassion, the strength found in vulnerability, and the need for caregivers to seek support rather than isolate themselves. We hope that by listening to Julie's insights, you’ll find the courage to embrace your own journey and recognize the power of community in times of hardship.Takeaways: Julie Barth's journey through loss, love, and perseverance deeply informs her writing and advocacy work. Her experience as a caregiver highlights the importance of community support during difficult times of crisis. The memoir shares raw, authentic stories that remind us how precious and fragile time really is. Julie emphasizes the need for caregivers to reach out and not isolate themselves during challenging circumstances. Her nonprofit aims to support women-led households, helping them avoid poverty during crises. Julie hopes her legacy will inspire compassion and action in others to support those in need. Links referenced in this episode:juliebarthauthor.comcjboutreach.org
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Surviving a Sociopath: Kevin Hughes' Powerful Story
Feb 1100:39:50Tap to summarizeKevin Hughes shares his incredible journey of resilience and healing from a childhood marked by poverty, abuse, and the challenges of being raised by a sociopathic mother. In his debut book, "SocioMom," he reveals the profound impact these experiences had on his life and the long path to recovery that followed. Throughout our conversation, we dive deep into themes of identity, survival, and redemption, discussing how they resonate with readers and how they shaped Kevin's understanding of forgiveness and trust. He emphasizes the importance of leaning into spirituality and mental health as vital components of overcoming trauma. Join us for an inspiring discussion that highlights the power of storytelling and the strength found in vulnerability, proving that no matter the odds, we can all find a way to thrive.Kevin Hughes, a renowned author and mental health advocate, shares his compelling journey from a childhood filled with trauma to a life dedicated to helping others. Growing up in Lynchburg, Virginia, he faced the challenges of poverty and abuse, experiences that would shape his future and inform his work. In this conversation, he discusses the pivotal moments in his life, including his service in the Navy and his eventual decision to write his debut book, 'Social Mom.' This powerful narrative explores the complexities of his relationship with his sociopathic mother and how he navigated years of disassociation. Hughes emphasizes the themes of resilience, identity, and redemption, providing listeners with a deep understanding of how overcoming such challenges can lead to personal growth and healing. As he shares his insights on forgiveness and the importance of mental health, listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences and the ways they can find healing in their journeys.Takeaways: In this episode, Kevin Hughes shares his incredible journey of overcoming adversity through resilience and faith, emphasizing how mental health is an essential part of overall health. Kevin's powerful story highlights the importance of seeking help and trying different approaches when faced with challenges, underscoring that change often requires stepping out of one's comfort zone. The conversation delves into the complex nature of forgiveness, particularly in the context of forgiving one’s abuser, illustrating how this process can be both challenging and transformative. Through discussing his book, SocioMom, Kevin reveals the difficulties of writing about his traumatic past, while also expressing the healing power of sharing one's story with others. Kevin emphasizes that trauma and mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of their background or upbringing, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their experiences. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to embrace their own narratives and understand that sharing their stories can inspire change and healing in themselves and others.
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Transforming Education: Insights from Dr. James Lane
Jan 1800:48:04Tap to summarizeLeaders, change-makers, and visionaries are at the heart of this episode, as we dive into the transformative world of education with Dr. James Lane. With a career that has influenced educational systems from local districts to the federal level, Dr. Lane shares his unique journey from a musician to an esteemed educational leader, emphasizing the importance of being great at the jobs we currently hold. This episode is not just a narrative of his accomplishments but a heartfelt exploration of equity in education and the pressing teacher shortage crisis facing our schools today. Dr. Lane's insights into how educators can inspire change and why teacher support is vital in overcoming challenges are thought-provoking and resonate deeply with anyone invested in the future of education. We also discuss the misconceptions about education that many hold, shedding light on the realities faced by educators and the importance of community engagement in supporting schools. As we delve deeper, Dr. Lane shares pivotal moments in his career that shaped his leadership style, emphasizing the significance of building trust with educators and parents alike. His approach to leadership is rooted in the belief that understanding the needs of those around us is crucial for effective decision-making. This episode serves not only as a platform for Dr. Lane's work but also as a call to action for listeners to engage in their local education systems, advocating for better pay, resources, and support for teachers. The conversation culminates in a powerful message about the collective responsibility of communities to foster a nurturing environment for both educators and students. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on how to advocate for change, the importance of knowing their local representatives, and the vital role they play in shaping the future of education. The episode underscores that while the challenges in education are substantial, the solutions lie within our reach, provided we are willing to engage and work collaboratively towards a common goal. Takeaways: Education leaders need to focus on being great in their current roles before aspiring to higher positions, as emphasized by Dr. Lane's advice to 'be great where you are'. Dr. Lane's journey from a musician to an educational leader showcases how passions can evolve into impactful careers that prioritize student outcomes and community engagement. The teacher shortage crisis is primarily driven by inadequate pay and challenging working conditions, making it essential for communities to advocate for better support for educators. Engaged parents are vital for student success; they should actively participate in their children's education and collaborate with teachers to enhance the school experience for all students. Dr. Lane's new role at University Instructors aims to address the critical need for quality educators in classrooms, highlighting the importance of effective staffing solutions in education. The future of education will rely on community involvement and innovative strategies to elevate teaching standards and support educators in their mission to foster student success. Links referenced in this episode:leadingwithlaserfocus.comdrjameslane
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Unleashing Negative Emotions for Leadership Growth
Jan 601:06:40Tap to summarizeIn this enlightening conversation, Dr. Keith Haney speaks with Dr. Greg Stewart about the intersection of leadership, personal growth, and emotional intelligence. Dr. Stewart shares insights from his book, i3 for Leaders,' emphasizing the importance of embracing negative emotions as tools for growth. He introduces the iCubed framework for processing emotions and discusses the significance of critical thinking and spiritual development in effective leadership. The conversation also touches on balancing career ambitions with personal life and the importance of proactive teachability in overcoming blind spots. Dr. Stewart's legacy aspirations and the feedback he receives from readers further enrich this thought-provoking dialogue.TakeawaysNegative emotions can be powerful tools for growth.Reflect on your responses during difficult times.Focus on solutions rather than problems.Creating a mission statement aligns with personal values.Critical thinking is essential for effective leadership.Emotional intelligence and personality interplay in leadership.Spiritual development is crucial for authentic leadership.Proactive teachability helps eradicate blind spots.Every decision is driven by emotional goals.Legacy is about continuous growth and integrity.
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Jenna Udenberg: A Voice for Inclusion
Dec 500:34:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Keith Haney speaks with Jenna Udenberg, a disability advocate and author, about her journey living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and her efforts to promote accessibility and inclusion. Jenna shares her experiences growing up with a disability, the challenges she faced, and how these experiences shaped her perspective on advocacy. She discusses her memoir, 'Within My Spokes,' and her nonprofit, Above and Beyond with You, which aims to improve community accessibility. Jenna emphasizes the importance of storytelling, empathy, and the need for honest conversations about disability.
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Building Thriving Organizations: The Role of Teamwork
Dec 300:35:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Becoming Bridge Builders, host Keith Haney speaks with Faith Clarke, an organizational health and teamwork specialist. They explore the importance of teamwork, inclusion, and purpose-driven leadership in organizations. Faith shares her journey from engineering to her current role, emphasizing the need for organizational health that prioritizes people. The conversation delves into the overlooked aspects of team dynamics, the significance of onboarding processes, and practical steps leaders can take to enhance team health and performance. Faith's insights highlight the ethical considerations of leadership and the impact of nurturing relationships within organizations.
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The Wisdom of Ignorance: Innovation with Alan Gregerman
Nov 1900:33:40Tap to summarizeTakeaways: Alan Gregerman's concept of enlightened ignorance emphasizes that not knowing can be a strength in innovation. The Wisdom of Ignorance challenges the belief that expertise is always necessary for breakthrough ideas. Curiosity is an innate human trait that can unlock new ways of thinking and problem-solving. Leaders often struggle with connecting their organization's purpose to individual roles in achieving success. Innovation should not only come from experts but can emerge from anyone willing to ask questions and explore. The book highlights six traits crucial for unlocking innovation: purpose, humility, curiosity, respect, future focus, and a touch of paranoia. Links referenced in this episode:alangregerman.com
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