"Most nonfiction books could’ve been blog posts—but fiction sticks with you for life." — Nathan Baugh

Is fiction just entertainment—or is it the best self-help you’re not reading? In this episode, Rain Bennett sits down with storyteller, writer, and World Builders creator Nathan Baugh to talk about the power of fiction in a world obsessed with productivity, optimization, and self-help checklists.

Together they explore the overlooked lessons hiding in classic novels, the creative trap of only producing for money, and the rising role of AI in the writing world.

Nathan opens up about how he left a traditional job to build a platform as a writer, how he balances client work with his fantasy novels, and why his mission is to simply write stories he’d want to read.

They also break down what makes a twist land, how storytelling frameworks translate across mediums, and the unexpected ways fiction can deepen human connection. If you're trying to create meaningful work in a noisy digital world, this conversation is a breath of fresh air.

In this episode, you will learn to:

• Reframe fiction as a powerful personal development tool, not just an escape or guilty pleasure.
• Balance monetized work with meaningful creative output, even if your art doesn’t pay off immediately.
• Strengthen your audience connection by telling stories about your own struggles, not just giving advice.
• Understand how fiction builds empathy, creativity, and resilience in ways nonfiction often can't.
• Navigate the impact of AI on creative work by doubling down on voice, experience, and storytelling fundamentals.

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What if the stories we’ve been told about psychedelics were wrong? In this episode, Rain Bennett sits down with Paul Austin, founder of Third Wave and Psychedelic Coaching Institute, to explore how microdosing and intentional psychedelic use are helping people heal, focus, connect, and live more purposeful lives.

With a background in education and entrepreneurship, Paul has spent the last decade helping reframe the narrative around substances like psilocybin and LSD—not as dangerous drugs, but as ancient tools being rediscovered for modern growth.

They discuss the data behind microdosing, the role of psychedelics in mental health and creativity, and how narrative shifts in culture require patience, education, and empathy. You’ll also learn how this resurgence intersects with storytelling, business innovation, community building, and AI—and why those looking to find their voice, their path, or their tribe might want to look a little deeper.

Whether you’re skeptical or curious, this conversation will open your mind to the potential of storytelling on a molecular level.

In this episode, you will learn to:

• Understand how to reshape public perception by aligning your message with your audience’s pain points and using stories that connect rather than confront.
• Recognize psychedelics not as escapes, but as tools for transformation—especially in emotional, mental, and professional transitions.
• Explore how microdosing supports clarity, creativity, and behavioral change without overwhelming your daily routine.
• Challenge cultural narratives through storytelling by reframing long-held beliefs with nuance, data, and empathy.
• Draw connections between community, consciousness, and creativity, and see how shared experiences (not solo journeys) are driving a new paradigm of wellness and leadership.

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What makes a story unforgettable? At this year’s Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in Durham, North Carolina, Rain Bennett spoke with three sets of storytellers, each using a different medium, subject, and method—but all working toward the same goal: to move their audience. In this special episode, Rain shares his conversations with Jennifer Tiexiera and Guy Mossman, the co-directors of SPEAK, the film’s star Esther Oyetunji, and Ned Phillips, co-director of The Last Partera.

From the deeply collaborative filmmaking process behind SPEAK, to the competitive, emotionally resonant stage presence of Esther, to Ned’s eight-year journey of capturing the fading legacy of Costa Rican midwifery—this episode is a masterclass in the versatility of documentary storytelling.

You’ll learn how each of these artists found their story, built relationships with their subjects, overcame technical hurdles, and ultimately created something deeply meaningful. Whether you're a filmmaker, writer, speaker, or content creator, this episode will inspire you to embrace your own unique storytelling path.

In this episode, you will:

• Discover the diversity of effective storytelling structures by seeing how different films—with wildly different pacing and tones—can still move audiences equally.
• Learn how collaboration strengthens creative vision, especially in co-directing, editing, and producing documentary projects.
• Explore the emotional precision of live storytelling through Esther’s championship-winning approach to connecting with and transforming her audience.
• Understand how curiosity can lead to powerful stories by following Ned’s journey from a single conversation in Costa Rica to an 8-year labor of love.
• Gain insight into staying the course creatively—how to finish the thing, even when funding dries up, motivation dips, or the world moves on.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.