How to Tell Great Stories Podcast

HTTGS Audio Podcast: Cardinal Rule #5 - Know Your Emotions

Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Cardinal Rules of Storytelling #5 - Know Your Emotions

You have been asked to give remarks at a memorial service. Perhaps you have been tapped to give the toast at your best friend’s wedding. Or maybe you have been tasked with giving remarks at your mentor’s retirement dinner. Each of these experiences have one thing in common, they might elicit strong emotions from the speaker.

The best way to tackle such challenging opportunities is to use: Cardinal Rule No. 5: Know Your Emotions

Listen to the latest episode of the How to Tell Great Stories podcast to find out how to manage your emotions and deliver memorable remarks.

Listen above or wherever you find your favorite podcast.Apple Podcast: https://bit.ly/httgspodapple Spotify - https://bit.ly/httgspodspotifyiHeart Radio - https://bit.ly/httgspodiheartCastbox - https://bit.ly/httgspodcastboxPocketcast - https://bit.ly/httgspodpocketcast

Each of these tested Cardinal Rules will help you become better at telling the stories that matter most to you.

The first 4 Cardinal Rules are: 1) Write it Out!2) Start with ONE Story3) Kill the Darlings, and 4) Avoid Fillers

What You’ll Receive From How to Tell Great Stories when you upgrade to paid:

✅ 1 Monthly Deep Dive Case Study - Reviewing exceptional storytelling✅ One-on-One Consultation Opportunities - Access to work directly with me to jump-start the power of your storytelling✅ Early Access and Discounts - Workshops and trainings

Get full access to How to Tell Great Stories at howtotellgreatstories.substack.com/subscribe

HTTGS Audio Podcast: Cardinal Rule #4 - Avoid Fillers

Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson — Tue, 26 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Cardinal Rules of Storytelling #4 - “Avoid Fillers”

Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson continues with the Cardinal Rules of Storytelling. The first 3 rules are: 1) Write it Out!; 2) Start with ONE Story; and 3) Kill the Darlings. You can listen to any or all of these by clicking: HTTGS PODCASTS

Now it’s time to rid yourself of needless communication calories. Let’s move to:

Cardinal Rule No. 4: “Avoid Fillers”

Each of these tested Cardinal Rules will help you become better at telling the stories that matter to you the most.

If you’d like the article version of this Cardinal Rule, just CLICK HERE.

What You’ll Receive From How to Tell Great Stories when you upgrade to paid:

Get full access to How to Tell Great Stories at howtotellgreatstories.substack.com/subscribe

HTTGS Audio Podcast: Cardinal Rule #3 - Kill the Darlings

Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson — Mon, 18 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Cardinal Rules of Storytelling #3 - “Kill the Darlings!”

Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson continues with the Cardinal Rules of Storytelling. The first 2 rules, “Write it Out!” and “Start with ONE Story” helped to lay a solid foundation. Now it’s time to up the ante and get a little physical!

Cardinal Rule No. 3: “Kill the Darlings”

Each of these tested Cardinal Rules will help you become better at telling the stories that matter to you the most.

To read the article version of Cardinal Rule No. 3, just CLICK HERE.

What You’ll Receive From How to Tell Great Stories when you upgrade to paid:

Get full access to How to Tell Great Stories at howtotellgreatstories.substack.com/subscribe

HTTGS Audio Podcast: Cardinal Rule #2 - Start with ONE Story!!

Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson — Wed, 13 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Cardinal Rules of Storytelling #2 - “Start with ONE Story!”

Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson continues with the Cardinal Rules of Storytelling. The first rule, “Write it Out!” started us off, now it’s time to continue the journey.

Cardinal Rule No. 2 reminds us to always, “Start with ONE Story!”

Each of these tested Cardinal Rules will help you become better at telling the stories that matter to you the most.

To read the article version of Cardinal Rule No. 2, just CLICK HERE

What You’ll Receive From How to Tell Great Stories when you upgrade to paid:

Get full access to How to Tell Great Stories at howtotellgreatstories.substack.com/subscribe

HTTGS Audio Podcast: Cardinal Rule #1 - Write it Out!

Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson — Thu, 07 May 2026 19:06:46 GMT

Cardinal Rules of Storytelling #1 - “Write it Out!”

Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson begins his podcast series on the Cardinal Rules of Storytelling. Each of these tested Cardinal Rules will help you become better at telling the stories that matter to you the most.

To read the article version of Cardinal Rule No. 1, just CLICK HERE

What You’ll Receive From How to Tell Great Stories when you upgrade to paid:

Get full access to How to Tell Great Stories at howtotellgreatstories.substack.com/subscribe

HTTGS Audio Podcast: Conversation w/Rick Martin author of "Unmasked: Overcoming Death"

Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 05:01:00 GMT

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

To celebrate the new year, we have an engaging, impactful and inspirational podcast conversation with master communicator and author, Rick Martin.

Rick Martin is a master storyteller! He was a producer of exceptional new stories at media giant CNN. He would later bring his expertise to the world of government communications, where he helped shape and share the stories that informed constituents. Unfortunately, Rick was struck by COVID-19 and endured a long period of illness and eventually recovery. While not where he was prior to the illness, Rick has returned to his first love, communications, with a new outlook on life forged by literally facing death.

Rick is still determined to share the lessons he’s learned both prior to COVID and what he’s learned about himself since his illness. His book, “Unmasked: Overcoming Death,” is a testimony to his family, faith and the power of forgiveness. I know you will enjoy this episode of “How to Tell Great Stories!”

What You’ll Receive From How to Tell Great Stories when you upgrade to paid:

Share Your Thoughts Below and Restack it for others!!!

Get full access to How to Tell Great Stories at howtotellgreatstories.substack.com/subscribe

How to Tell Great Stories Podcast: The Darling Killed the Eulogy

Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Imagine sitting in the funeral of a life-long family friend. Your emotions are all over the place. You don’t remember a time in your life when you didn’t know her. You know it’s time to say good-bye, but it’s difficult. You are preparing for the eulogy because you really want to receive words of comfort. But then the eulogist begins and you have no idea what is happening.

That was my recent experience at a funeral. The eulogist was clearly enamored with a literary darling and it led to one of the most bizarre eulogies I’ve ever experienced. This eulogy is why I’m passionate about Cardinal Rule No. 3 of Storytelling: Kill the Darlings.

Catch the most recent episode of “How to Tell Great Stories: The Darling Killed the Eulogy.” Watch above or listen via one of the podcast apps below:

* Apple Podcast

* Spotify

* Pocket Cast

* Substack Podcast

What You’ll Receive From How to Tell Great Stories when you upgrade to paid:

Share Your Thoughts Below and Restack it for others!!!

Get full access to How to Tell Great Stories at howtotellgreatstories.substack.com/subscribe

What is a Great Story?

Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 18:23:15 GMT

What is a great story?

I’ve been asked this question on many occasions. We know how we feel when we’ve heard, read or watched a great story. A great story resonates with us and tends to linger. It can be as comforting as warm cookies and milk (dairy or non-dairy). It can make us shake our heads at its brilliance or rattle our fists in rage. It can twist and contort us into an emotional pretzel or leave us in a silent state of awe. A great story can make us laugh so hard we are crying or cry so hard we can’t imagine ever smiling again.

Given the power of a great story, I decided to share my thoughts on what makes a story great. Enjoy and click the video below.

Subscribers … Join the chat and share 1 thing (or more) you think helps to make a “great story.”

What You’ll Receive From How to Tell Great Stories when you upgrade to paid:

Get full access to How to Tell Great Stories at howtotellgreatstories.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to How to Tell Great Stories

Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:36:58 GMT

Begin your journey as a skilled and confident communicator today.

Subscribe to How to Tell Great Stories!!

Get full access to How to Tell Great Stories at howtotellgreatstories.substack.com/subscribe