Ep212: The Science of Storytelling, Why We Need Stories, and How to Rewrite Our Own | with Will Storr

This podcast episode explores the science behind storytelling and its impact on human beliefs, perception, and personal transformation. The speaker emphasizes that storytelling is a fundamental cognitive process and discusses different approaches to storytelling, debunking the notion of a one-size-fits-all formula. The episode also delves into the intriguing relationship between human beliefs and denial, using the Holocaust denial as an example. The purpose and significance of stories, the role of character development in driving the plot, the importance of change and causality in storytelling, and the power of perception and attention are all explored. The episode also discusses the Kuleshov Effect in filmmaking, the impact of IMAX movies on attention, personal projects as a means of fulfillment, and the connection between goals and storytelling in different cultures. Overall, this podcast episode showcases the complexity and influence of storytelling in various aspects of human life.