The Science Of Storytelling With Will Storr - TWMJ #1027
Release Date: 03/15/2026
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Thinking With Mitch Joel
Welcome to episode #1053 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). is one of the most influential entrepreneurs and management thinkers of the past two decades. Best known as the creator of the movement, his ideas fundamentally changed how founders, innovators, and established organizations build products, test ideas, and bring innovation to market. His work has shaped startups, Fortune 500 companies, governments, and nonprofits around the world, earning him recognition as one of the defining voices on modern entrepreneurship. In his latest book, , Eric turns his...
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Welcome to episode #1051 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). has built his career at the intersection of data science, artificial intelligence, economics, and decision-making. He leads the Data Science and AI team at , one of Europe's leading economics consultancies, and has become widely recognized for his ability to make complex ideas about data both accessible and deeply human. Many people first encountered Sebastian through his memorable , which cleverly used data to satirize TED Talks themselves, but his work has always been driven by a much bigger question:...
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AI Mindsets With Farid Mheir - TWMJ #1049
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Purpose And Strengthfinding With Tom Rath - TWMJ #1048
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Life Lessons From Google Search With Simon Rogers - TWMJ #1047
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A World Of Intelligent Machines With Steve Brown - TWMJ #1044
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info_outlineWelcome to episode #1027 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation).
Will Storr is an award-winning author, journalist and storytelling researcher whose work explores one of the most powerful forces shaping human behavior… the stories we tell ourselves about the world. Over the course of a career that blends psychology, neuroscience, investigative journalism and narrative craft, Will has become one of the most compelling voices examining how stories shape identity, belief and culture. His bestselling books include The Science of Storytelling, Selfie: How We Became So Self-Obsessed And What It’s Doing To Us, and The Status Game, each offering a deeper look at the hidden forces driving human motivation and social behavior. In his latest book, A Story Is A Deal - How To Use The Science Of Story To Motivate And Persuade, Will explores how storytelling operates as a powerful psychological transaction… a kind of deal between storyteller and audience that shapes what we believe, who we trust and how we act. Drawing on research from neuroscience and psychology alongside examples that range from ancient rituals to modern brand campaigns, Will shows how narratives influence everything from the leaders we follow to the products we buy. In this conversation, Will explores why people so often believe stories before they believe facts, how identity and status shape the narratives we embrace, and why character-driven storytelling remains the most powerful way to influence human behavior. At the same time, he wrestles with the darker side of narrative… the way stories can fuel misinformation, reinforce tribal identities and manipulate audiences when used without care. As artificial intelligence begins to play a role in creating and distributing stories, the conversation also turns to questions of authenticity, creativity and the future of narrative itself. I’m a huge fan of Will’s work and it was truly a honor to host him. Enjoy the conversation…
- Running time: 54:58.
- Hello from beautiful Montreal.
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- Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Thinking With Mitch Joel.
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- Here is my conversation with Will Storr.
- A Story Is A Deal - How To Use The Science Of Story To Motivate And Persuade.
- The Science of Storytelling.
- Selfie: How We Became So Self-Obsessed And What It’s Doing To Us.
- The Status Game.
- Will’s other books.
- Follow Will on LinkedIn.
- Follow Will on Instagram.
- Follow Will on X.
Chapters:
(00:00) - Introduction to Storytelling and Its Significance.
(02:47) - The Power of Story in Belief Systems.
(05:43) - The Role of Story in Climate Change Narratives.
(08:56) - Navigating Complex Conversations and Identity.
(11:45) - Storytelling as a Business Tool.
(15:41) - Consciousness and Story: An Indivisible Connection.
(18:18) - Persuasion vs. Manipulation in Storytelling.
(20:29) - AI and the Future of Storytelling.
(27:29) - The Emergence of AI-Generated Content.
(29:36) - The Emotional Connection to Art.
(31:31) - The Future of Cultural Art and AI.
(32:54) - AI’s Role in Creative Writing.
(36:35) - The Formula of Storytelling.
(40:39) - The Impact of AI on Writing Quality.
(44:14) - The Science of Storytelling.
(49:41) - The Role of Character in Business Narratives.
(56:34) - Understanding Religion as a Status Game.