Story Babble

Brittni Miner: “Buy m’Junk.” May 18, 2021

“A shameless act of self-promotion”. We’ve all heard the phrase. But how do you sell your song, your art, or in Brittni’s case, your book without making a direct appeal. Now that she’s figured out a way to write and get published consistently, Brittni’s navigating the process of promoting her work. And it’s good work. She’s a talent, people.

Brittni Miner on Amazon

Sponsor: The Forever Young Foundation

Bernie Van De Yacht: Looping Master Apr 20, 2021

Imagine this movie scene: Jesus driving out the moneychangers from the temple. What kinds of things would people be saying? What language would they use? Would some be angry and others frightened? Those are the kinds of questions looping designer, Bernie Van De Yacht of ProADRlooping has to answer while helping to build the human sound bed for the wildly successful series, The Chosen. His credits also include Fargo, Lovecraft Country, and Mom to name just a few. Did we mention he’s also a successful novelist and screenwriter? Bernie and his partner ML Gemmil are quickly becoming Hollywood’s go-to loopers.

proadrlooping.com

Bernie's Amazon Books

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Operation Varsity Blues: The Future of Documentaries? Apr 07, 2021

Ken Burns’ didn’t invent the documentary 30 years ago. He just gave it a shot in the arm. Since then, documentaries have taken a thousand directions. The most recent is Operation Varsity Blues: the College Admissions Scandal. Unlike most documentaries, this one has a script, actors, and well-lit scenes. How is that a documentary, you ask.

Forever Young Foundation

Operation Varsity Blues: The Future of Documentaries? Apr 07, 2021

Ken Burns’ didn’t invent the documentary 30 years ago. He just gave it a shot in the arm. Since then, documentaries have taken a thousand directions. The most recent is Operation Varsity Blues: the College Admissions Scandal. Unlike most documentaries, this one has a script, actors, and well-lit scenes. How is that a documentary, you ask.

Forever Young Foundation

Operation Varsity Blues: The Future of Documentaries? Apr 07, 2021

Ken Burns’ didn’t invent the documentary 30 years ago. He just gave it a shot in the arm. Since then, documentaries have taken a thousand directions. The most recent is Operation Varsity Blues: the College Admissions Scandal. Unlike most documentaries, this one has a script, actors, and well-lit scenes. How is that a documentary, you ask.

Forever Young Foundation

Nomadland: All wander, no destination? Mar 16, 2021

Though joined by a common theme, Nomadland and Prime Video’s recent release, Bliss, could not have had two more different approaches to the plight of homelessness.

Sponsor: Forever Young Fondation

Hollywood and Cancel Culture Feb 22, 2021

What happens when an artist, filmmaker, or performer gets caught in a serious indiscretion. Is it still okay to love their art? What are the ethics of this situation? And is it okay to “cancel” an artist for their stupid, insensitive but not illegal remarks? We don’t pretend to have the answers, just a lot of questions.

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Kara McDowell Again! Feb 13, 2021

We don’t often have guests come back for a second visit, but then again we don’t often know people who get published for a second time. Kara talks about the challenges and joys of writing for Young Adult readers and offers a little insight on her latest book for Scholastic, One Way or Another.

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Kara's book: "One Way of Another" on Amazon

https://www.karajmcdowell.com

What makes iconic scenes iconic? Jan 20, 2021

Let’s face it, due to recent events, it’s hard to talk about anything else. The storming of the capitol got us to thinking about why those visuals struck such a cord? What will turn out to be the most iconic images from that day? Why are Washington landmarks so often used as the backdrops of popular movies?

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Biopics: History or Art? Dec 31, 2020

Biopics: History or Art?

Some biopics cleave to true history and the movie suffers for it. Other biopics set out to “say something”and true history suffers. Is there a balance? What do filmmakers owe to the dead and the living?

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Homer v Dr Who Dec 24, 2020

Mark introduces Brian to a couple of his favorite Christmas shows. Is it possible that anyone could improve on A Christmas Carol. Mark thinks so.

SYSK Selects: The Star Wars Holiday Special of 1978

Mark's Christmas Video 2016 (Episode 1)

Mark's Christmas Video 2017 (Episode 2)

Mark's Christmas Video 2020 (Episode 3) NEW

Forever Young Foundation

The Luck of the Irish - Steve Vinovich Dec 07, 2020

To say Steve Vinovich lucked into a successful acting career wouldn’t be fair. But by his own admission, it’s a little bit true. His career was made, however, with a lot of talent and hard work. Steve’s credits include a prodigious amount of stage, film and TV. His performance as Puffin in the Swan Princess was the pinnacle, of course. (We’re winking here.) He’s got a lot of great stories and one about Seinfeld that will blow your mind. Enjoy.

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

The Value of Misery in Storytelling and in Life Nov 09, 2020

No good story is devoid of misery. Misery means struggle. And struggle means drama - the heart and soul of every great story. No protagonist, real or fictional, is misery-free.

The Game: Stuff Happens

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Why you love/hate country music Oct 24, 2020

On his wonderful podcast, social thinker, Malcom Gladwell, opines on the power of country music...we did not see that coming. What about you? Country music lover? Hater? Lets talk about it. Well, we’ll talk, you listen.

Revisionist History: The King of Tears

Mark's Country Song Apple Music: Send Me Back Home

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

How to Become a Composer and Just What is Temp Lust? | J Bateman Oct 05, 2020

J Bateman is just like us, but a lot more talented. And such a nice guy. Growing up, he didn’t know he wanted to be a composer, but here he is with more than a few movie credits under his belt. If you’ve seen any of the last six Swan Princess sequels (that’s right, there’s ten all together - time to catch up!) then you’ve heard his scoring and songs. Speaking of scores, we felt lucky to have him on Storybabble. Enjoy.

Sponsor Forever Young Foundation

Sonny Carter is Dead Sep 17, 2020

Mark and Brian review and try to fix Brian’s first stab at writing. Sonny Carter is Dead (1972) is the story of a fictitious football superstar who (no surprise here) dies on the field. (Incidentally, the only NFL player to ever die on the field was Chuck Hughes, a wide receiver for Brian’s beloved Detroit Lions in 1971)

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Metaphors Sep 05, 2020

Great storytellers from Jesus to Modern filmmakers used parables or metaphors. Why not just tell the actual story you want to tell? The Point, an animated film from the 70s might offer a few clues.

The Point on Apple Music

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Are the movies you love gay enough? Aug 25, 2020

Simon Nissen talks about the portrayal of gay men in cinema. Are these portrays doing right by the gay community?

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Ben Tyler: Arizona’s playwright Aug 08, 2020

A consummate and versatile actor, Ben did a lot of the heavy lifting for Citrus Valley Playhouse from 2004-2008. But long before we came around Ben had made his mark on Arizona entertainment. Whether it was as a writer and cast member of the Wallace and Ladmo show or the creator of the wildly popular sketch musical GUV! or countless other creations, Ben has distinguished himself as Arizona’s playwright. He’s got some good advice and great stories.

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Hamilton: Masterpiece or Disasterpiece Jul 21, 2020

If you want to hear two old farts try and make sense of a rap musical, well, then, this episode is for you.

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Rapper: Rino

Does your art have passion? - Ryan Woodward Jun 29, 2020

In the world of animation, Ryan Woodward is the ultimate utility man. He’s an A-list character animator, effects animator, and storyboard artist. Check out his social media (@ryanwoodwardart) and you’ll quickly discover he has a massive following for all the right reasons. He’s an iconoclast who refuses to settle.

BOTTOM OF THE NINTH Trailer

Bottom of the Ninth app (Apple)

Ryan on Vimeo

The Making of, Thought of You

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Father's Day Takeover Jun 20, 2020

Mark and Brian's children take over the podcast for Father's Day. Suzanne Arnett O'Dell, Kate Arnett Mower, and Simon Nissen reveal what it was like being parented by fathers who never fully grew up.

Sponsor: The Forever Young Foundation

A Tribute to the Wallace and Ladmo Show Jun 16, 2020

It’s hard to believe it’s been 12 years since we performed our final Citrus Valley Playhouse performance which told an improbable tale of the most unique children’s show in American TV history.

Ladmo Bag Envy

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Suzanne O'Dell Jun 01, 2020

Mark’s daughter, Suzanne, has thought a lot about the stories she tells herself...about herself. Sometimes they hurt. Sometimes they help. Can better stories change your life?

Suzie Bakes Cake

Our Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle May 25, 2020

We haven’t run out of Ridley’s yet. Mark Ridley is the founder and owner of Detroit’s famous Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle. Think of your favorite comedian. He or she has played the Castle at one time or another. Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres. Tim Allen got his start there. The list goes on. Mark gives us a peek at how the world of stand-up comedy works.

Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

An A List Lyricist: David Zippel May 16, 2020

Lyricist, David Zippel has worked with a lot of big names in Hollywood and on Broadway. Alan Menken, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Larry Gelbart, and Marvin Hamlisch to name just a few. His credits include City of Angels, The Goodbye Girl, Hercules, Mulan and The Swan Princess. And yet he took the time to talk to little ol’ Storybabble. You’ve heard his stuff. You know how talented and clever he is. You’ll pleased to know he’s as nice as he is witty.

David Zippel

I Can't Believe My Heart Studio Version

I Can't Believe My Heart Live

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Mike Ridley: Michigan Man May 04, 2020

Mark and Brian talk to another member of the prolific Ridley clan. In a family that boasts actors, jazz singers, impresarios, and filmmakers, Mike is the touring balladeer, Michigan’s “Michigan Man”. To see his weekly Facebook concert is to see a man who loves music and people in equal measure. And they love him right back.

Mike Ridley on Facebook

Mike Ridley's Website

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Are you breaking the most important writing rules? Lou Florimonte Apr 27, 2020

Probably more than any person, Lou Florimonte influenced Brian Nissen's acting and writing career. Once a professor at the California Institute of the Arts, Lou is now retired and living in California. He took the time to talk to Brian and Mark about the three most common mistakes a writer can make. This is a Master Class taught by a master of his craft. Enjoy.

Our Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Is the Corona virus killing your creativity? Apr 16, 2020

Filmmaker Aaron Meyers is stuck inside just like all the rest of us. But unlike Mark and Brian he’s trying to stay busy. He’s got some tips on how to sharpen your skills in the age of Corona.

Things For Quarantined Filmmakers To Do!

JUST. GO. FILM. A Motivational Short Film For Creatives

Our Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

Frank Ridley, a.k.a. Gil Fulbright the honest politician Mar 30, 2020

Mark and Brian talk with Frank Ridley, Brian‘s cousin, who has appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, and even in an opera or two. But perhaps his most memorable role has been Gil Fulbright, a 2016 fake candidate for the US Senate. The so-called Honest Politician campaign was a viral phenomenon, drawing attention to the undue influence of money in politics.

Gil Fulbright the honest politician

Frank Ridley

Sponsor Forever Young

Picking a villain for a pandemic movie Mar 19, 2020

Hollywood has made a lot of disaster movies. Lifeboat, Tidal Wave, Towering Inferno, Outbreak, Titanic and Contagion just to name a few. Mark and Brian talk about why a tidal wave or a superbug are not always the villain. Also, we ask Thomas Grier, aka NostraThomas, what to expect next from the Coronavirus.

Is your dialogue too “on the nose”? Mar 08, 2020

Do you cringe when a protagonist says something like, “I have to keep fighting until I overcome every obstacle.”? We feel your pain. Mark and Brian discuss why it hurts and how to fix it.

Sponsor: Forever Young

Coming Up: TEDx Gilbert

Walter White vs. Mrs. Maisel Feb 27, 2020

Who’s the best TV protagonist of the last decade?

Mark and Brian discuss the virtues and failings of a faulted protagonist, and why we should care about them.

Sponsored by the Forever Young Foundation

How do the technical aspects of filmmaking affect the story you’re telling? Feb 15, 2020

Masters of their craft, James Adams and Thomas Manning of Epic Light Media, dish on the importance of getting the technical aspects of filmmaking right.

Epic Light Media

Mark goes to NAMM Feb 06, 2020

Brian calls and talks to Mark as he walks the Anaheim Convention Center for the National Association of Music Merchants 2020 described as “the world’s largest trade-only event for music products, pro audio and event tech industry."

NAMM 2020

Can a successful nonprofit afford to never ask for money? Jan 30, 2020

Sterling Tanner is a happy guy. Why wouldn’t he be? He gets to help people fund their charitable dreams, but almost never asks for money. Such is life for the CEO and Executive Director of Steve Young’s Forever Young Foundation. Sound to good to be true? Give Sterling a listen.

Forever Young Foundation

Star Wars Nerds: Episode V (a.k.a. Episode II) Jan 24, 2020

This week self-proclaimed Star Wars nerds Carter, Tanner and Heath put forth a dizzying display of Star Wars trivia and analysis, proving that no matter how average or wonderful the latest episode, Star Wars nerds will dissect, ponder and pontificate about it for years to come.

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

The Rise of Skywalker: Worthy or Unworthy? Jan 15, 2020

We talk to four self-proclaimed Star Wars nerds and one trivia genius to find out if The Rise of Skywalker adds glory or diminishes the Star Wars legacy. This is Part I of a two-part series, but in the tradition of Star Wars, we’re calling it Episode IV.

Sci-Fi With Me (Music Video)

Sci-Fi With Me (Apple Music)

Sci-Fi With Me (Spotify)

The Man Who Killed Santa Claus Dec 23, 2019

Back in the early 30s, the depression hit Mesa Arizona hard. An editor of the local newspaper, John McPhee, had an idea of how to save Christmas. But things didn’t turn out exactly as he had planned. Here’s a live performance Citrus Valley Playhouse performed this back in 2006.

Story Editing: That Thing We Do Dec 17, 2019

Mark and Brian talk about the extended version of Tom Hanks’ That Thing You Do. Every single scene Hanks cut deserved it. That Thing You do is a clinic on the power of story editing.

Sponsor: Forever Young Foundation

It all starts with an idea! Dec 07, 2019

After becoming a foster parent herself, Anika Robinson realized how nearly impossible the state had made it to provide meaningful care for her “kiddos”. She and two other Arizona foster moms are determined to fix it.

ASA Now

ASA Now on Just Serve

Forever Young Foundation

Jojo Rabbit: is it OK to laugh at Hitler? Nov 27, 2019

Mark and Brian agree on everything about this film, except, perhaps, the most important part. What is the meaning of JoJo Rabbit?

Bedtime History Nov 12, 2019

Got a kid that just won’t relax at night? Have we got a solution for you! The podcast Bedtime History is the creation of our special guest, Breck LeSueur - inspiring stories about great people in history that did great things. Give it a listen.

We asked him to do an episode on us. Still waiting to hear back. We’ll keep you posted.

Bedtime History Webpage

Amelia Earhart

Tegla Loroupe

Are you willing to run toward what scares you? Nov 04, 2019

Jef Amoranto has a powerful need to create. From Indie Rock guitarist to budding filmmaker to choreographer and dancer, Jef can’t turn it off. He talks about how growing up as a lonely immigrant kid and, later, a hard breakup spurred his creativity. Recently his dance group, The Exiles, appeared on NBC’s World of Dance. Jef has some great advice on being a creative.

"Windows" Moment Invitational 2019 by Jeff Amoranto

The Jukebox Dance Studio

Jukebox Family - World of Dance Las Vegas 2017

Redemption: Motiv Crew vs. Exiles - World of Dance 2019

Are you writing your own hero’s journey? Oct 28, 2019

Seth Adam Smith is more than a survivor of crippling depression. He’s the Marketing Director of Anasazi, a program that gives struggling youth a wilderness experience. Helping these “Young Walkers” see themselves as the central figure of their Hero’s journey is prime.

Anasazi Foundation

Seth Adam Smith's Blog

Forever Young Foundation

Once Upon a Time... The Swan Princess Movie Almost Died Oct 20, 2019

One month from its release in 1994, the Swan Princess movie died...until Producer, Seldon O. Young brought it back to life!

Now, 25 years later, the Swan Princess not only lives on, it’s been completely re-mastered and is ready to be enjoyed by a new generation.

A gala event on October 24th marks the re-release of the last hand drawn, 2D animated film to be released in theaters. Seldon Young tells the tale in a discussion with Mark Arnett and Brian Nissen, the screenwriter of The Swan Princess.

The Swan Princess Website

This podcast is sponsored by The Forever Young Foundation

The Joker: Self-indulgent or meaningful? Oct 14, 2019

The Joker has been lauded and lambasted, but you won’t know whether we’re lauders or lambasters until you’ve listened to this episode. When you’re done, you’ll also know how the Joker begins and ends - and a lot of stuff in between. You’ve been warned.

We also proudly announce our new Sponsor, Steve Young’s Forever Young Foundation. It’s wonderful to be sponsored by a foundation that’s the opposite of the Joker - good people putting real smiles on faces across the globe.

Batman: The Killing Joke Graphic Novel

Forever Young Foundation

Should writers follow the rules? - Brittni Miner Oct 07, 2019

Brittni Miner comes out of early retirement and returns to storybabble. (aka she took a two hour break from feeding and changing twins.) She dishes on the rules and practices of good writing all on just a few hours of sleep. Impressive. She seemed to enjoy the break even tough she still had two manage a couple of children.

A Winning Message to a Winning Majority - Tyler Montague Sep 27, 2019

In politics, a lot of time and money is spent on crafting the right story for a candidate or a movement. But Tyler Montague was recently awarded “Best Unpaid Political Consultant” by the New Times. Indeed, he’s a master at knowing which story deserves telling. Let everyone else make big bucks, Tyler’s in it for the cause and the love of the fight.

The Bob Worsley Piano Ad

Young Whistler, Old Soul - Kiera George Sep 20, 2019

Today, a bonus episode. Meet Keira George, the youngest contestant in this year’s international whistling competition! She’s 10. Enjoy.

Masters of Musical Whistling

Our Weekend with the World’s Best Whistlers Sep 13, 2019

Is whistling an art form, or is it only something your Dad did while he putzed around the garage? Can whistling be beautiful? Or is it always like nails on a chalkboard? We have the answers, and so would you if you went to an international whistling competition like we did!

Masters of Whistling

The Musical Diva

100 voices + 60 instruments + Rob Gardner = Cinematic Pop Sep 05, 2019

He might not be the King of Pop but he’s surely the King of Cinematic Pop. Rob Gardner dishes on his process for creating his symphonic masterpiece.

Cinematicpop

Rob Gardner

Mark Arnett's Album Sugar Cubes on Apple Music

From Shakespeare to Dale the Whale - Ray Porter Aug 29, 2019

While in Pasadena for the Int’l Whistling Festival, we got to talk to a friend. Stage, film, and TV actor Ray Porter who’s credits include Monk’s nemesis, Dale the Whale. His adventure in a fat suit is not to be missed. Ray also has good advice for aspiring actors.

Ray Porter's Movie and TV Credits Include: Modern Family; The Mentalist; Shameless; Argo; It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia; CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Monk; The Suite Life of Zack & Cody; Will & Grace; ER; Frasier; Almost Famous; and Murphy Brown

Ray Porter Narrator: AudioFile

Jump In and Embrace Your Failures Aug 22, 2019

Mark and Brian talk about Mark’s superpower: knowing that everyone is insecure, which gave him permission and encouragement to jump in and start creating.

Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt

Arnett Confidential: A Mark Arnett Film about ASS

LIVE FROM MESA - America's Funnest Mayor Aug 15, 2019

How Mesa’s Mayor John Giles has used story to get elected and stay in office.

We went to high school with John, so we have some stories to tell. But as he reminded us, he has a few stories himself. Fair enough.

Truth be told, John’s intuition for how to use story to connect with people is in a class by itself. Guess we’ll keep those high school stories to ourselves. Most of them anyhow.

John GIle's Videos:

Mattas vs El Charro

The Sort-of-True Story of Saving the Diving Lady

Westwood High School Flight Song Lyrics:

Go, Westwood, go!

We’re going to ﬁght; We’re ﬁghting right; And right we’ll play.

Go, Westwood, go!

Our spirits high; We’re going to try; We’re on our way.

Go, Westwood, go!

The blue and orange shining ever through

Onward we’ll roll, O mighty, Westwood Warriors, Go!

Do the stories we tell match our values? - scrapbook.com CEO, Drex Davis Aug 08, 2019

Drex Davis, CEO of the most visited papercrafting website in the world, talks about the stories he tells his employees, why he tells them, and what it means for the company. We interrupted him a lot and tried to put him off his game but, as you’ll hear, he just couldn’t stop being interesting.

Cinematic Pop

Arsenic by Retrofitro on Spotify

Scrapbook.com

Story Babble Live (Free) August 9, 2019 ay 7:00 pm. 1818 E Southern Ave, Suite 5 Mesa, AZ 85204 SIgn up on Facebook or just come

The Catapult Guys: Is Your Company Telling the Right Story? Aug 01, 2019

In this episode we talk to Dave Duke and Art Lofgreen of Catapult, a top tier marketing and design company. They explain the importance of story in branding. Preaching to the choir, guys. Then they explain the importance of being strategic and disciplined. Hmmm, never thought of that. Sounds like a lot of work. Download this episode and enjoy the words of geniuses (Art and Dave are interesting too). Catapult Samushrooms

The World of Coke

Story Babble Live (Free) August 9, 2019 ay 7:00 pm. 1818 E Southern Ave, Suite 5 Mesa, AZ 85204 SIgn up on Facebook

Jazz Pianist Steve Culp - Making Music on the Spot Jul 26, 2019

Mark and Brian talk with uber talented jazz pianist, Steve Culp, about how stories work in song. They’re joined by Brian’s daughter and jazz vocalist Emma Nissen. Together they make music on the spot.

Story Babble Live (Free) August 9, 2019 ay 7:00 pm. 1818 E Southern Ave, Suite 5 Mesa, AZ 85204 SIgn up on Facebook

Steve Culp’s Website

Margo Reed (Chubby Hubby)

Great Live Performer Ellis Hall (the Ambassador of Soul)

Mark Arnett Songs on iTunes and Apple Music

Emma Sings Ella Tickets (With Steve Culp) September 21 & 28, 2019, 7:30 pm My First Piano Recital Hall (New Redemption Church) 1818 E Sourthern Ave, Suite 5 Mesa AZ 85204 $20

Was Toy Story 4 One Movie Too Many? Jul 20, 2019

Mark and Brian spoil the heck out of Toy Story 4 and discuss whether it was a worthy add-on to a perfect trifecta of films or a foolhardy venture back into the ring.

Story Babble Live (Free) August 9, 2019 ay 7:00 pm. 1818 E Southern Ave, Suite 5 Mesa, AZ 85204 SIgn up on Facebook

Toy Story 4 imdb

Metamorphosis, Short Film

Marshall Trimble Jul 12, 2019

Mark and Brian interview long time friend and Arizona’s Official State Historian, Marshall Trimble. Here’s a guy who knows how to tell a story! He should. At 80, he’s had a lot of experience, and just keeps getting better.

marshalltrimble.com

Yesterday The Movie Jul 04, 2019

Mark’s brother and law partner, Wayne Arnett, joins Storybabble for a discussion about the movie Yesterday. As a Beatles aficionado, Wayne fills in the gaps and offers his incorrect opinions about the movie.

Yesterday on IMDb

Summer Wind on YouTube

Summer Song on YouTube

National Public Radio Jun 25, 2019

You might not recognize Steve Goldstein and Mark Brodie on the street, but if you’re an NPR listener you’ll instantly recognize the velvety voices of these veteran news reporters for KJZZ. They give Mark and Brian a behind-the-scenes look at the process of making and delivering the news, discuss the National Public Radio stereotype, and offer several critiques of Brian’s haircut.

Baby Boomerang Jun 20, 2019

Brian interviews Mark about his award-winning documentary, Baby Boomerang. And you can watch it free at markarnettfilms.com.

Columnist Chuck Sigars Jun 12, 2019

Mark and Brian talk to Chuck Sigars about his life as a semi-syndicated columnist, his writing process, and his days as an actor which were recently revived in the much-touted independent film Winning Dad.

Find Chuck Sigars' work on his website. ChuckSigars.com

Read his blog about his appearence on Storybabble here.

Jurassic World & Movie Relationships Jun 03, 2019

Mark and Brian use Jurassic World to examine the many relationships that exist in a typical movie, how they add depth and texture to a story, and how all relationships, no matter their significance, need closure for a satisfying ending.

Documentary film about stop-motion animator Phil Tippett

"Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should." Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum)

The Power of Lying May 25, 2019

Mark and Brian discuss Mark’s stint in the hospital resulting in the loss of his gall bladder but the discovery of a transcendent state in which he heals his spirit animal with a little white lie. This gets them thinking: What are our fictitious stories if not lies that have the power to heal?

Links:

Dan Harris' Book 10% Happier

Roma May 14, 2019

Mark and Brian talk about Alfonso Cuarón’s ROMA, 2018 Winner of Best Foreign Language Film and Best Director. While the pace of the film was considered glacial by many, including Mark and Brian, those who stick with it will be rewarded. The film is discussed in detail, so watch it first on Netflix if you’re the kind of person who beats up someone for spoiling a movie. (True story, unfortunately. There’s a link in the notes.) NOTES: Brian was amazed at how they got the dramatic shot of Cleo walking into the ocean. Mark was not. “They build a pier.” He was right. Cuarón explains here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8BanE_LKMQ But Brian remains amazed at how well the rescue action plays with two young children. Brian referenced a New York Times article https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/02/movies/alfonso-cuaron-roma-mexico-city.html in which Cuaron talks about the sights and especially the sounds of his childhood neighborhood of Roma in Mexico City. As for peril that awaits people who spoil movies - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6966361/Man-pictured-beaten-attacked-loudly-revealing-spoilers-new-Avengers-movie.html

Who's the Victor? May 07, 2019

Mark and Brian talk about their first collaborative writing project - “Who’s the Victor?” - Westwood High School’s senior class play for 1979. It was unconventional and a little pretentious, but it was a place to start. The play’s composer, Brian Larson, joins the conversation which asks the questions, “Where do you go to be bad?” Everyone has to start somewhere.

Notes from Camille Apr 15, 2019

Mark tells a story about how he and his wife, Camille, fell in love. Camille is there to make sure he gets it right. Giving and receiving notes is an important part of writing or telling a great story. Here’s some advice on how to do both with grace.

Just for Clicks Apr 08, 2019

Author Kara McDowell discusses her YA book Just for Clicks. She talks about her journey to getting published and explains millennials to Mark and Brian.

Just for Clicks at Amazon

Just For Clicks at Barnes & Noble

Visit Kara’s website at karajmcdowell.com.

You can also find her on Twitter @karajmcdowell and Instagram @karajmcdowellbooks

Watch Mark Arnett’s short film, Clicks on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QY2v1PB-4Os

Writer's Block Apr 01, 2019

Brian explains that the key to overcoming writer’s block is to write the scenes you love, and new ideas will follow. Mark’s trick is to clean his garage so that his mind will work overtime to come up with something great to write so he can stop cleaning the garage.

Three Acts Mar 23, 2019

Brian explains to Mark the “Three Act Structure" that great storytellers use to craft great stories. Mark doesn’t get it.

Free Solo - Not Grow Old Mar 17, 2019

Brian and Mark discuss two recent fantastic documentary films, "Free Solo" and "They Shall Not Grow Old."

Disneyland Mar 11, 2019

Mark reports on his three-day Disneyland adventure with his three seven-year-old grandsons. A place built on story.

Sports Mar 02, 2019

Brian and Mark discuss the story elements in sports that lead us into caring about the outcome of an otherwise meaningless activity.

Bonus Fake News Feb 21, 2019

Listen to Mark and Brian produce the short Fake News.

Fake News Feb 21, 2019

Brian helps Mark rewrite, perform, and produce his short script, "Fake News."

Kate Mower Photo Shoot Feb 15, 2019

Professional photographer, Kate Mower, shares her story and secrets to better photography.

Kevin Nissen Feb 10, 2019

Brain invited his brother, Kevin Nissen to discuss family stories.

Politics and Religion Feb 04, 2019

Brain and Mark discuss politics and religion over Brain’s new video, “Bye Bye, Jeff Flake” featuring Dwain.

Miner Returns Jan 22, 2019

Following up on episode 4, Brittni Miner returns to discuss how her audition went.

This is From Target Jan 10, 2019

Brain & Mark help comic writer and actress, Brittni Miner prepare of an audition.

The Movies that Made Us. Jan 03, 2019

Brian Nissen and Mark Arnett share their top five most influential movies. Mark's list includes: 1. Annie Hall (1977); 2. Life of Brian (1979); 3. Gandhi (1982); 4. Amadeus (1984); and 5. When Harry Met Sally... (1989). Brain's list includes: 1. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975); 2. Annie Hall (1977) & Manhattan (1979); 3. Gandhi (1982); 4. My Life as a Dog (1985); and 5. Breaking Away (1985). Share your list in the comments.

Maria Dec 27, 2018

Mark Arnett demonstrates the power of editing by creating a short piece about how Brian Nissen met his wife, Maria.

I Miss Him "More" Dec 14, 2018

A bonus excerpt containing the production session of "I Miss Him" by performers Britni Miner, Brian Nissen, and Mark Arnett. Enjoy!

"I Miss Him" Dec 14, 2018

Longtime friends and storytellers (Mark Arnett and Brian Nissen) explore the writing process by editing a three-page script entitled "I Miss Him." They also ramble about a lot of other things along the way.

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