Story Matters

In this episode of the podcast, Curt, Kim and Mike reflect on their vacation travels throughout the Caribbean and South America and see what stories inspired/impacted them during their adventures! They also discuss the positive impact that rest and reflection can have on the creative process. Take a listen as we share with each other how travel inspires story. You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com! If you like what you hear, head on over to iTunes and leave us a review!

The conversation continues with our "Story Matters Film Retrospective"! We take a look at Mike's film choice with LA Confidential and its message of police corruption and institutionalized coverup and look how it mirrors so much of the real world that we see today. Then we delve into Curt's pick of The Social Network and its insightful critique of social media and its sharp examination of a system that was specifically created to keep up distracted and addicted to a never-ending validation feedback loop.

Please welcome new co-hosts Kim Whalen and Mike Tobias to the show! Join Curt, Mike and Kim as they take a look at the world through the lens of story. In this episode, we talk about what we've been working on creatively and dive into the first edition of our "Story Matters Film Retrospective" where we take a deep dive into a trio of films that have all come to mean far more to us now years after their release on both a personal and cultural/societal level.

In this episode, I take you back to the first time I donned a costume and became The Texas Ranger, hero of the Wild West. Along my journey into my past, I rediscover the power of embodying a character, the wonder of imagining a world beyond your reality, and the magic of superhero cape made from the leftover scraps at the craft store.

In this special bonus episode of the podcast, David is in WAY over his head on a first date with date Zoe, a comic-book super-fan and cosplay aficionado, at the midnight premiere of Avengers Infinity War. Unfortunately for David, his dad, Bruce, is making the date even more awkward then he could have possibly imagined... This episode is brought to you by the Patrons at Patreon.com/storymatters! Written by Sebastian Gregory, Alex Barrett, Sammi-Jayne Blackman & Curt Mega. Ft. Rachid Fakhoury, & Kim Whalen!

We live in a world of instant connection. The fact that we can share our thoughts and ideas with millions of people all over the world with the tap of a fingertip is an incredible and miraculous thing... right? Or is it? What are the drawbacks? What are the dangers? What do we stand to lose when our entire culture becomes fueled by instantaneous reaction? This episode also features the guest voice talents of Kim Whalen!

In this special POST-OSCARS episode of the podcast, Curt recaps the 2018 Academy Awards, discussing all the big wins and what made this Academy Award's show stand out from year's past! Also featuring the original radio-play "THE NIGHT TOM THE INTERN RUINED THE ACADEMY AWARDS!" about a hapless intern as he single-handedly ruins the Oscars by misplacing an awards envelope on a urinal in the bathroom at the Dolby theatre during the big show. Brought to you by Patreon.com/storymatters!

In this special OSCARS EPISODE, Joey Richter (Tin Can Brothers, Starkid) joins me once again to talk all things Academy Awards and share our takes on this year's nine nominees (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, The Shape of Water, The Post, Phantom Thread, Call Me By Your Name, Darkest Hour, Dunkirk, Lady Bird, and Get Out). We also take a look at 2017 from a cinematic perspective and what it all means going forward for filmmakers, creators, and storytellers both in front of and behind the camera.

In this second part of my conversation with singer, actor, dancer and renaissance man Re'Sean Pates, he takes us back to his small town roots of Toney, Alabama and tells the tale of his surprising, unexpected and incredible journey from his hometown to the sets of Hollywood and stages all over the world to remind us that when we work hard, are excellent in our craft, and stay humble and stay hungry, impossibilities CAN happen!

In this episode of Story Matters, I sit down with my Warbler Brother Re'Sean Pates! A singer, dancer, actor, and artist extraordinaire, Re'Sean is a diverse and multifaceted artist who embraces storytelling in all its forms. From his small town roots in Alabama, to the set of Glee, to stages all over the world alongside Katy Perry, Re'Sean has an amazing story to share full of insight, wisdom, humor and pure inspiration.

This VALENTINE'S DAY EPISODE of Story Matters is all about THE "L" WORD! Love! Romance! Passion! But not in the way you might think... The creative process of storytelling is very much a mirror of romantic relationships; the highs, the lows and everything in-between. This episode also features a special VALENTINE'S THEMED radio play "ALEXA, MY LOVE!" and may make you think a little differently about just how close of a connection and and bond we have to our devices that help (control) us. Love to you all!

Sometimes, the opportunity and success we chase after comes at a price. How much are we willing to sacrifice to live out our dreams?  How much are we willing to inconvenience ourselves? Are we prepared for the success we think we want to have? In this episode, I delve into the sacrifice of what it is to live a life as an artist. I also take some listener questions for our January mailbag! 

It's the ONE year anniversary of Story Matters! I am so grateful for your incredible support over the past year. On this special New Year's Eve anniversary episode, Kim Whalen joins me to talk about the importance of accomplishing one goal at a time and not letting New Year's Resolutions crush your soul. We also discuss our favorite films of 2017 and we take your questions for our December MAILBAG!

In this special CHRISTMAS EPISODE, get into the spirit with "Miracle on the 34th Aisle" - an original audio play followed by a special Christmas poem! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!  All episodes can be listened to at www.storymatterspodcast.com You can support the show directly at Patreon.com/storymatters  

Due to the craziness of December, I've had to step away from the podcast for a few week's due to filming new projects, auditions and writing deadlines! But I will be back in 2018 with a whole new slate of stories and content! Until then, you can find ALL the episodes at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Don't forget the December Patreon Hangout happening December 24th! For info, visit www.patreon.com/storymatters!