podcast
details
.com
Print
Share
Look for any podcast host, guest or anyone
Search
Showing episodes and shows of
Storystruck
Shows
Storystruck
The Magic of Children's Book Illustration With Melquea Smith
In this conversation, Melquea, a children's book illustrator, shares her journey into the world of illustration, emphasizing the importance of diversity and representation in children's literature. She discusses her creative process, the significance of art in society, and the collaboration between authors and illustrators. Melquea highlights how her work aims to reflect the experiences of black and brown children, creating characters that resonate with young readers. The conversation also touches on the craft of writing and illustrating children's books, showcasing the dedication and skill involved in bringing stories to life.Follow Melquea on Instagram: https://www.instagram...
2025-07-30
42 min
Storystruck
Unlocking Creativity: Tarot for Storytelling
In this conversation, Rachel and Neno explore the use of tarot as a tool for storytelling and writing. They share their personal journeys with tarot, discuss the significance of the major and minor arcana, and delve into various methods of interpreting tarot cards for plot development. The discussion emphasizes the fluidity of using tarot in writing, the importance of selecting the right deck, and the potential for tarot to enhance character development and narrative depth.TakeawaysUsing tarot can enhance your storytelling and writing process.Personal journeys with tarot can vary greatly between individuals.Tarot can...
2025-07-24
58 min
Storystruck
Navigating the Writer's Journey: Building Author Friendships with Melissa Olthoff
This episode features an engaging discussion with Melissa Olthoff about her newly released book, *Rise from Ruin*. We delve into the profound importance of friendship within the writing community, revealing how these connections foster creativity and support among writers. As we explore Melissa's journey into writing, she shares her experiences and the pivotal role her friends played in her development as an author. We emphasize the notion that writing is not a solitary endeavor; rather, it flourishes through collaboration and shared insights. Join us as we celebrate the enriching relationships that enhance our craft and inspire us to pursue...
2025-07-16
44 min
Storystruck
The Magic of Story in Nonfiction
In this conversation, Rachel Clair and Neno explore the impact of story in nonfiction books. They discuss how stories evoke emotions, create connections, and enhance learning experiences. The discussion highlights the psychological reasons for integrating stories into nonfiction writing, the transformative power of memoirs, and the ripple effect that impactful storytelling can have on readers' lives. They emphasize that stories not only make information more relatable but also help cement memories and inspire change.Takeaways: Integrating compelling narratives within nonfiction can significantly enhance the reader's emotional connection to the material. Consider the diverse learning styles of...
2025-07-09
34 min
Storystruck
Embracing the Imperfect and the Art of Co-Authoring with Author Marisa Wolf
We are delighted to welcome Marisa Wolf to the Storystruck podcast, a prolific author who has written twelve novels and thirty-five short stories, including collaborations with both emerging and established science fiction authors. We delve into navigating the writing process, particularly the challenge of embracing the imperfect first draft. Then we dive into the joy of collaboration and the vital role of community in the creative journey. You won't want to miss this!Takeaways: Embracing the imperfect first draft is essential for creativity and development. Communication is essential when collaborating on a book with a co-author...
2025-07-02
45 min
Storystruck
Empowering Writers Through Feedback With Editor Denise Madre
In this conversation, Denise Madre, an editor and sensitivity reader, discusses the intricacies of writing, editing, and the importance of sensitivity in storytelling. She emphasizes the need for writers to understand their characters deeply, especially when writing outside their own experiences. The discussion covers the role of sensitivity readers, the challenges of writing characters of color, and the significance of feedback in the writing process. Denise shares insights on how to approach writing authentically and the responsibility that comes with it, ultimately highlighting the power of storytelling to impact readers.Takeaways- Denise Madre is...
2025-06-25
50 min
Storystruck
The Impact of Fiction: Transforming Readers and Society
Join us as we dissect the psychological dimensions of storytelling exploring the profound impact of fiction on individuals and society. We discuss how stories can serve as a means of escape, inspiration, and emotional processing. Plus we'll dive into the psychology behind storytelling, the evolution of narratives, and the importance of character development, particularly in understanding complex villains.Key Takeaways:- Fiction can have a deep impact on our lives.- Stories allow us to escape and process our emotions and serve as inspiration for personal growth.- Fables and folklore...
2025-06-18
33 min
Storystruck
Creative Risk-taking: Author Kacey Ezell's Journey from Writing Military Sci-fi to Fantasy
The episode features an engaging conversation with author Kacey Ezell, who unveils her new book, 'Magelight'. Kacey, a seasoned writer with numerous military science fiction titles to her credit, shares her journey into the fantasy genre, reflecting on how her childhood imagination fueled her passion for storytelling. The hosts, Rachel and Nino, lead Kacey through an exploration of her creative process, the significance of community in writing, and the importance of prioritizing one's artistic endeavors amidst life's many obligations. In her discussion, Kacey emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a sense of joy in writing, even when faced...
2025-06-11
53 min
Storystruck
Unlock your creativity by building a writing ritual (Spoiler alert - it doesn’t have to be perfect)
Writing Rituals That Actually Work (And Why Yours Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect)Struggling to make writing a habit that actually sticks? You’re not alone. In this episode of Storystruck, Rachel and Neno get real about writing rituals—what works, what doesn’t, and why it’s okay to throw out all the “rules.” From blackout poetry and fantasy playlists to grounding meditations and editing at the coffee shop, they share the creative (and chaotic) ways you can carve out space for writing your fiction or nonfiction book.Whether you’re a morning writer with a Vi...
2025-06-04
38 min
The Catholic Morning Show
The Catholic Morning Show - Mackenzie Walters - 01/06/2025
We talk with Mackenzie about her new book entitled "Faith Storytellers: Unleash the power of your story"Mackenzie is a national award-winning journalist, ghostwriter, and owner of StoryStruck Marketing. She offers book outlining workshops for aspiring memoir and nonfiction authors as well as full-service ghostwriting for aspiring nonfiction authors who lack the time or skill to craft their stories. She now lives in West Des Moines, Iowa, with her husband, their two boys, and their dog, Maddie. She enjoys volunteering as a youth group leader, gardening, and baking bread.https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Storytellers-Unleash-Power-Story/dp/B...
2025-01-06
12 min
The Catholic Morning Show
The Catholic Morning Show - 01/06/2025
Today on the Catholic Morning Show:Mackenzie Walters - We talk with Mackenzie about her new book entitled "Faith Storytellers: Unleash the power of your story"Mackenzie is a national award-winning journalist, ghostwriter, and owner of StoryStruck Marketing. She offers book outlining workshops for aspiring memoir and nonfiction authors as well as full-service ghostwriting for aspiring nonfiction authors who lack the time or skill to craft their stories. She now lives in West Des Moines, Iowa, with her husband, their two boys, and their dog, Maddie. She enjoys volunteering as a youth group leader, gardening, a...
2025-01-06
57 min
Nonprofit Storytellers
Why a nonprofit changed its name — and avoided acronyms in the process
Changing the name of a nonprofit is tough. There’s often an affinity or long history to an organization’s name, and it’s not uncommon for an executive director to encounter at least some skepticism when proposing the switch. Executive Director Emily Shields didn’t shy away from a name change, however. She lead the effort to update the name of her organization, from Iowa Association of Community College Trustees to Community Colleges for Iowa. On the Nonprofit Storytellers podcast, we talk about: What prompted the name and brand change How she wa...
2023-07-15
23 min
Nonprofit Storytellers
How an education nonprofit launched and is positioned to scale in Des Moines
How do you launch a nonprofit, find clients, community partners, and supporters? And how do you intentionally make decisions early on so the organization can scale later? Executive Director Noelle Nelson leads the new Avenue Scholars Des Moines organization, an expansion of an Omaha-based nonprofit that guides students through specific career exploration. The initiative doesn’t end after a student graduates high school or even a post-secondary degree or certificate, they stay with the student through getting their first industry job. On the podcast, we talk about launching in the Des Moines area, key...
2023-06-29
21 min
Nonprofit Storytellers
Launching a new nonprofit fundraising event
Dental Connections provides critical dental services to low-income individuals in the Des Moines area, as well as school-based dental services to students who might otherwise fall through the cracks. It’s hard to concentrate in school when you have a toothache; some students even contemplate pulling their own tooth before they learn about — and access — Dental Connections school-based or mobile clinics. When Carly Ross was hired as executive director, part of her goals was implementing a marketing strategy and raising awareness of what supporters saw as a “best-kept secret.” Like many nonprofits, Dental Connections had been operat...
2023-06-17
14 min
Nonprofit Storytellers
A nonprofit's simple, sustainable, four-step fundraising and friendraising model
How do you consistently attract new donors, supporters, volunteers, and connectors? Mosaic is a nonprofit that supports adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Their simple, four-step fundraising model has impacted their organization and created a cycle of new supporters of their services. Bryanne Lang, the Resource Development Manager at Mosaic for its Central Iowa services, shares the fundraising model, and it has been so successful. Our conversation includes: The four steps of introduction, cultivation, solicitation, appreciation How monthly Zoom meetings continue to be an effective approach to introductory meetings How the captured stories of the...
2023-06-06
26 min
Nonprofit Storytellers
How a nonprofit's podcast is reducing the stigma of mental health while promoting their services
How do you reduce the stigma of mental health while raising awareness about your nonprofit’s services? Employee & Family Resources hosts a monthly podcast called Emotion Well, which shares stories of mental health challenges and how individuals have sought support and community through their journey. From cancer diagnosis to a loved one’s suicide, the episodes paint a raw picture of mental health while also tying back to EFR’s services as an employee benefits provider. Offering mental health and wellness services through the workforce is often a first stop on an individual’s mental health jou...
2023-05-26
22 min
Nonprofit Storytellers
Why a nonprofit built relationships with the media — and stoked a local controversy
Eat Greater Des Moines is best known for its food rescue program, but the nonprofit is working to do far more — such as change the food system to make it better for everyone. In this interview with Executive Director Aubrey Alvarez, we discuss the importance of nonprofits reaching out and working with the media, regardless of the public relations or marketing budget. Alvarez has earned a reputation for being bold in sharing (sometimes controversial) stories with newspapers, television stations, business journals, online news outlets, and others. In the podcast, we talk about: Why she reac...
2023-05-16
22 min
Nonprofit Storytellers
How a nonprofit leverages partnerships for their campaign to reduce the stigma of mental illness
The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative is a nonprofit that wants every Iowan can live a healthy life. They work to create awareness and integrate solutions to improve the physical, social, and emotional well-being of Iowans. In May each year, they launch a statewide Mental Health Awareness Month campaign called Make it OK. The goal is to reduce the stigma of having a mental illness. Every nonprofit has a limited budget, and the Healthiest State Initiative is no different. What’s unique is how they’ve developed partnerships across businesses, media, sports, entertainment, and other industries to h...
2023-05-09
27 min
Nonprofit Storytellers
How a statewide nonprofit explains their 40 programs in three words
Have you ever struggled to articulate what your nonprofit does in a clear and concise way? That’s the challenge YSS was facing before they implemented a tagline that helped consolidate their message. More than just a nice sentence, their tagline has become the foundation of their marketing and communication efforts. Since rolling it out, YSS has structured its annual report, a video series, and presentations around a sentence — really, three words — that encompasses its 40 programs. On the Nonprofit Storytellers Podcast, we talk to Kayla Choate, director of marketing and communications at YSS, talks ab...
2023-05-02
21 min
Nonprofit Storytellers
How Des Moines University’s president approached the nonprofit’s board about building a new campus
As president and CEO of Des Moines University, Angela Franklin has led the medical school through one of the most significant changes in its history: Building a new campus west of its current location near downtown Des Moines. On the Nonprofit Storytellers Podcast, Franklin talks about the Purple and Proud Campaign, what presenting such a large vision to the board was like, and how she handled naysayers. On the podcast, you’ll find a full interview that includes the following: How she approached her first year as president How she walked through a mis...
2023-04-25
27 min
Nonprofit Storytellers
How DMU's president approached the nonprofit's board about building a new campus
As president and CEO of Des Moines University, Angela Franklin has led the medical school through one of the most significant changes in its history: Building a new campus west of its current location near downtown Des Moines. On the Nonprofit Storytellers Podcast, Franklin talks about the Purple and Proud Campaign, what presenting such a large vision to the board was like, and how she handled naysayers. On the podcast, you’ll find a full interview that includes the following: How she approached her first year as president How she walked through a mis...
2023-04-25
04 min
Nonprofit Storytellers
Why sharing survivor stories are critical to change, even at nonprofit galas and fundraising events
Ever wondered how sobering your nonprofit's gala speach should be? When Richard Schoeberl, the US team Lead for Hope for Justice, speaks at an event, he doesn’t view at it as entertainment. He wants people to leave with a better grasp of a horrendous crime of human trafficking. He recently was in Iowa to speak at their fundraiser. Some audience members were crying, they were so moved by the stories he shared of individuals — young girls, older women, and others — who had been enslaved. In this podcast, Host Mackenzie Walters talks with Richard...
2023-04-18
23 min
Nonprofit Storytellers
Donations and support increased after a nonprofit published an annual magazine
Why would a publish an annual report that doesn’t look or feel like one? Nonprofit Storytelles host Mackenzie Walters talks with Kate Hayden, who she knows from her journalism days, on an annual magazine that EMBARC published in November 2022. The magazine carried a big announcement: EMBARC was splitting into two organizations. One focuses on serving all immigrants, while one continues to focus on the Burmese community. A former business reporter, Kate is the marketing manager at RIVA, a new name for the nonprofit previously known as EMBARC, as the name EMBARC is be...
2023-04-11
23 min
Nonprofit Storytellers
How a nonprofit uses data to tell 'micro stories' and combat myths about food insecurity
Have you ever needed to combat "myths" about the people you serve? The creation of a data dashboard — a concept often used in businesses, and created for programming at Des Moines Area Religious Council — has proven priceless in shaping the narrative and providing real-time facts about food insecurity in the area. DMARC is an interfaith cooperative that works with 200 faith organizations from five world faith traditions. Serving Central Iowa, the nonprofit is best known for their food pantry network that supports many local pantries. CEO Matt Unger was drawn to their mission because some...
2023-04-10
23 min
Nonprofit Storytellers
How a nonprofit’s storytelling campaign tripled donations
If you’ve ever said that your nonprofit is the “best kept secret” — you’re not alone. Community Support Advocates serves individuals with mental health challenges or disabilities, and president Christina Smith has said they're one of the community's "best kept secrets." Organizations that work directly with CSA know the great work they do to serve members, but outside of those direct partnerships, many don’t know about CSA. With their tried-and-true funding streams declining, Smith knew CSA needed to focus more intentionally on fundraising and marketing efforts. Not only did the not-for...
2023-04-06
22 min
Nonprofit Storytellers
How a brand strategy and color campaign helped define the DSM Airport
Have you noticed how colorful the Des Moines International Airport is? It’s part of an intentional brand strategy — one that Mackenzie discusses with Kayla Kovarna, deputy director of communications and air service development. Their conversation includes insight from Kovarna on: What to do if you can't update your logo, but need a refresh Brand strategy and the smart use of color Launching a new website and action-oriented domain (URL) Their “DSM in the Wild” campaign for inaugural flights How they found funding to help launch Fly DSM Why their target marketing strategy is focused on different t...
2023-04-05
23 min
Nonprofit Storytellers
Welcome to the Nonprofit Storytellers Podcast!
Welcome to the Nonprofit Storytellers Podcast, where we interview nonprofit leaders on how they are sharing their story — their outreach, fundraising, and marketing efforts. I'm Mackenzie Walters. In my work as a journalist and now as a consultant, I’ve found that sharing stories — real life examples or case studies — is the best way for someone to learn, understand, and apply an idea or approach. That’s why I started this podcast. I meet so many amazing nonprofits and association leaders that are rallying people to their mission. They might be launching a new initiative, trying to m...
2023-03-30
01 min
The More Life Podcast
065 The Power of Flexibility: Embracing Chance as Your Business Grows | Mackenzie Walters
This week we're thrilled to have Mackenzie Walters join us! Mackenzie is the CEO and strategist at StoryStruck Marketing, and a champion of asking really good questions. Through the marketing research, marketing strategy, and customer segmentation services, Mackenzie works with professional services and associations to increase revenue, reduce risk, and elevate customer satisfaction. She sat down with us to talk about perspective, embracing change, knowing when to slow down and the realities of "success" means. Listen today!
2023-02-28
32 min
Nurture Small Business
This is How We Do It 🎵 at DCA Virtual – 2022 Rewind
It is out with the old for our year-end Nurture Small Business final podcast episode. Deanne Duncan and Samantha Robbins, our fearless leaders here at DCA Virtual Business Support, join me as we chat about what we’ve learned from 2022. There were many lessons that we hope you also find valuable. Culture shifts, personal growth from adversity, and growing pains retaining our remote team. We’ll tell you about the survey we developed that totally revamped our New Hire Orientation process to create more stability. The duo shared their favorite podcast episodes. Both centered around mental health and p...
2022-12-26
26 min