Who doesn’t love a good story? Whether you’re reading, watching, or listening---you can be drawn in before you realize it. My guest today knows the power and magic of storytelling---and he’s sharing some of his secrets with us.

Shannon Cason has told stories all over the country with The Moth, Snap Judgment, and his own podcasts, Homemade Stories, and The Trouble. He is the chief educator for the Brutally Honest Storytelling Workshop Series and has worked with several companies, including WBEZ, WDET, and Spotify. He is originally from Detroit, and he’s gracious enough to come on the show to share his knowledge and experience as a dream chaser.

The magic of storytelling

Can you feel it? I’m talking about the moment when you hear a story, and you know whether someone is “putting on a performance,” using a gimmick, or being honest and open. The first thing Shannon noticed about storytellers is that people are drawn to you when you’re authentic and are yourself, especially when polarizing issues are involved. People simply relate more to truth and real life, and we’re drawn to that in stories because it allows us to see ourselves in the story or the experience. That’s the magic of storytelling. 

TWEET: People are drawn to stories because it allows us to see ourselves in the experience. #chasingdreams

Why podcasting?

Have you ever had money that burned a hole in your pocket? Shannon’s first iPhone came as the result of a gambling windfall, and he started listening to podcasts. He had the great idea to mix his love of storytelling with developing his own podcast. He wasn’t satisfied to just “talk,” but wanted full-fledged productions with music and sound effects. Never thinking of this creative endeavor--or any artistic effort--as something that could sustain him financially, he realized that there would be no other job that would bring him as much fulfillment as telling stories and that he could make a living while sharing his stories and chasing his dreams.

TWEET: No other job could bring as much fulfillment as telling stories and chasing his dreams. #chasingdreams

Finding YOUR voice

In storytelling or podcasting, how do you find YOUR voice? You may start out by following and imitating someone else, but Shannon says you have to evolve from that beginning and add your unique style. The beautiful part is when you figure things out and find YOUR voice. You can watch and learn from others, but then put the content through your own filter of truth and authenticity. Find something that isn’t what everyone else is doing. 

TWEET: You have to find your own voice. #chasingdreams

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take--”Find an example of who you’d like to be and backtrack that example to see where they started. Seeing where they came from should inspire you.”

See the behind-the-scenes interview with Shannon for more! www.aimeej21.com/youtube

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:10] How Shannon and I met in 2016
• [1:25] What captured Shannon about storytelling
• [2:50] How storytelling is brutally honest and refreshing
• [6:58] Shannon’s storytelling aspirations
• [9:05] From storytelling to podcasting
• [11:20] Feeling financial pressures and fears
• [13:50] If people didn’t pursue their higher calling
• [17:00] Why we “trap” ourselves into living others’ lifestyles
• [21:19] “Outside the box” thinking
• [22:54] How Shannon put his own spin on his work
• [25:15] How his children are following in his footsteps
• [29:13] One surprising outcome
• [31:49] What’s coming up next for Shannon
• [33:16] ONE action for a dream chaser

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