The StoryPod

The StoryPod

Storypod – Where storytelling is about doing, not just learning. Step into Storytelling Immersion—a world where characters come to life, worlds unfold, and plots twist and turn as we dive deep into the art of story. Unlike traditional guides, Storypod is a “learn-by-listening” experience. Through storytelling games, character-building exercises, media discussions, and creative Q&A, each episode immerses you in the craft of storytelling. This isn’t a textbook on “how to,” but a playground for creators, thinkers, and lovers of story to explore, experiment, and let ideas spark and grow. Whether you’re here to refine your skills or simply to revel in the magic of storytelling, Storypod is your space to create, learn, and be inspired.

Episodes

June 6, 2025 16 mins

A Reddit writer wonders: Does giving a Black OC a dead father accidentally feed into a harmful stereotype? In this episode, I respond to the question and share some thoughts on the balance between tragic backstories, character development, and being thoughtful about representation in storytelling.

👉 Where do you draw the line between character pain and problematic tropes? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.


✨ Wel...

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A Reddit writer asks: How do you get dopamine to write? In this episode, I share thoughts on writing motivation, building momentum, and what keeps writers coming back to the page—even when they don’t feel like it. Whether you’re struggling with focus or just trying to stay consistent, these tips can help you make progress without relying on fleeting inspiration.


✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨
Dive into the world of sto...

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A Reddit writer asks for compelling reasons why characters who travel to another world can’t go back home (or might not want to). In this episode, I explore some creative possibilities, from magic and morality to personal choices and consequences.


✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨
Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring characters, worlds, plots, games, and creative writing challenges. The ...

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A Reddit writer asks if a fantasy setting needs to have deeper meaning to be worth using. Can a setting just exist because the author likes it, or should it serve a greater purpose in the story? In this episode, I share my take on the question and why worldbuilding doesn’t always need to be symbolic to be valuable.


✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨
Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring ch...

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You ever watch a movie, read a book, or play a game where a character knows something crucial but refuses to tell the protagonist for no good reason? Yeah… it drives me crazy. In this episode, I rant (just a little) about why this trope bothers me.


✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨
Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring characters, worlds, plots, games, and creative writing challenges. The...

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A Reddit writer is struggling with how to naturally move their characters from one location (the Greenhouse) to the next major plot point (the Citadel). In this video, I go over a few possible ways to handle story progression and make character movement feel organic.


✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨
Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring characters, worlds, plots, games, and creative writ...

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A Reddit writer asks if describing a Black character’s skin as “coffee-colored” is racist. In this video, I share my thoughts on the topic and why word choice matters in storytelling.

✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨
Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring characters, worlds, plots, games, and creative writing challenges. The StoryPod is all about building your storytelling muscles and develop...

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 In this episode, I tackle a Reddit question about refining a powerful and emotional character arc between two brothers. From conflicting motivations to tragic events, this story has a lot of potential—but how can it be taken to the next level? Join me as I explore ways to deepen the emotional stakes, address unresolved plot points, and create a more compelling journey for these characters.
 
✨ Welcome to The StoryPo...

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✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨
Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring characters, worlds, plots, games, and creative writing challenges. The StoryPod is all about building your storytelling muscles and developing muscle memory for crafting amazing stories.

🌐 Website: https://www.creativebff.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_creativebff
🎙️ Podcast: https://storypod.tra...

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What happens when a character’s strength fluctuates dramatically for lore-related reasons unknown to the reader? Inspired by a Reddit question, this episode tackles the challenge of making these shifts feel consistent, logical, and engaging without confusing your audience. We’ll dive into foreshadowing, character dynamics, and how to balance mystery with clarity to keep readers hooked on the story.
 

✨ Welcome to The Sto...

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Why do characters insist on using someone’s full name when confessing their love? In this short Petty Peeve episode, I rant about this storytelling trope and why it grates on my nerves. No solutions, just pure cathartic complaining

✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨
Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring characters, worlds, plots, games, and creative writing challenges. The StoryPod is...

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What happens when a man falls in love with a ghost and wants her to become part of his life—permanently? Inspired by a Reddit question, this episode explores ways to bring a ghostly character back to life without venturing into science fiction.

✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨
Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring characters, worlds, plots, games, and creative writing challenges. The StoryP...

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In this Petty Peeve episode, I’m letting off steam about the frustrating trope of equating strong female characters with being unnecessarily rude or abrasive—and the worst part? It’s never treated as a flaw! Why does this keep happening, and why does it bug me so much? Join me for a cathartic rant about storytelling pet peeves and what makes this one particularly annoying.

JesterBell's Video


✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨<...

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Feeling like your scenes are too short or your chapters are rushing by? Inspired by a Reddit question, this episode dives into practical strategies for extending scenes and making chapters longer without adding unnecessary fluff.

✨ Welcome to The StoryPod! ✨
Dive into the world of storytelling with me as we "do story," exploring characters, worlds, plots, games, and creative writing challenges. The StoryPod is all about ...

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What happens when you combine Storymatic prompts, Dan Harmon's Story Circle, and a love for retro sci-fi cyberpunk? In this episode, we build a thrilling story from scratch! Follow the journey of an apprentice mechanic with big dreams, her sentient robot sidekick, and an engineer on the run as they fight to stop a mega-corporation’s deadly mech project from igniting intergalactic war. Whether it’s the seed of an idea or th...

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Inspired by a Reddit story question, this episode explores the motivations behind an alien surprise attack in a space opera setting. What could be so rare and valuable on Earth that it’s worth triggering an interstellar war? Drawing parallels to historical events like WWII in the Pacific, we brainstorm compelling reasons for alien aggression, their strategic goals, and how these choices can elevate your story.

✨ Welcome to ...

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Eldritch monsters are a staple of sci-fi and horror, but how do you create one that feels fresh, engaging, and suited to a space opera? In this episode, we tackle a Reddit question about avoiding generic Lovecraftian tropes while designing a race of sentient dark matter beings who unwittingly wreak havoc across time. What motivates these creatures, and how can their actions add depth and intrigue to your story? Join me as ...

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 What happens when a chocolatier wields magic? Meet the Chocomancer, a candy-conjuring magician who escaped a gilded prison working for a king. In this episode, we dive into the sweet and bittersweet potential of this character's story. What kinds of adventures could he have? What challenges would he face? And what inner lie or misbelief could shape his journey? Join me as we explore a unique premise brimming with deliciou...

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Immortality might sound like a gift, but for one character, it’s a never-ending nightmare. In this episode, we tackle the challenge of creating meaningful character growth for an immortal being grappling with despair. After centuries of loss, countless wars, and the inevitable death of loved ones, this character faces a new low after being resurrected against his will by cultists. Can an immortal find happiness, and if so,...

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January 24, 2025 20 mins

In this Petty Peeves episode, I’m calling out the overuse of blinking in stories—why it often feels like a wasted action and how it can drain energy from a scene. But it’s not all bad! I’ll also share ways to make blinking meaningful and show how it can actually serve your storytelling when used intentionally. Tune in for a rant with a side of redemption for this overlooked gesture.

Want to submit a story question? Email me...

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