Joel Madison — Learning How You Learn

Joel Madison — Learning How You Learn

When Joel Madison and I sat down to record this conversation, we started somewhere I didn't expect: school. Neither of us fit comfortably into traditional education. We talk about dyslexia, ADHD, and what it was like growing up before those things were widely understood. That becomes the jumping-off point for a much larger conversation about how creative people learn. Joel went on to become a successful television writer and producer, but the path wasn't a straight line. We talk about his journey from stand-up comedy to the writers' room, the difference between writing jokes and telling stories, and why the best storytellers never stop paying attention to the world around them. We also explore research, authenticity, dialogue, character, and the invisible work that makes stories resonate. Good storytelling isn't about showing the audience how clever you are. It's about understanding people well enough that they recognize themselves in the story. Whether you're a writer, filmmaker, artist, or simply someone who's ever wondered if there was a different way to learn, I think you'll find something in this conversation.

The Outer Boundaries (Archive Edition)

This week’s episode is an archive edition from my old podcast, You Are a Storyteller, co-hosted by Jesse Bryan. In this conversation, Jesse and I explore a storytelling concept I call the outer boundaries. Every story teaches its audience how to watch it. Early on, a storyteller establishes the rules of the world—what’s possible, what’s impossible, and what kind of story they’re about to experience. Those expectations become a kind of promise between storyteller and audience. Break that promise, and you risk breaking the audience’s trust. Whether you’re writing fantasy, science fiction, comedy, or drama, understanding the outer boundaries of your story world is essential. Once the audience understands the rules, they will follow you almost anywhere—as long as you play fair. I hope you enjoy this look back at one of the ideas that has become a cornerstone of the way I think about storytelling.

Eddie Smith - Learning to Unlearn

When I first met Eddie Smith, he was a student in one of my storytelling classes. Since then, he's built an impressive career as a concept artist and visual developer, contributing to projects including Halo 2, Halo 3, MechWarrior 4, Dungeons & Dragons, G.I. Joe, and many others. But what I've always appreciated about Eddie is that he's remained a student of the craft. In this episode, we talk about storytelling, artistic growth, mentorship, and the importance of staying open to new ideas. One of the themes that emerges is the idea that learning often begins with letting go of assumptions and rethinking what you think you know. That's where the title comes from: Learning to Unlearn. I think there's a lot in this conversation for artists, writers, filmmakers, and anyone committed to getting better at what they do.

Jenn Ely — A Path of Her Own (Archive Edition)

This week on the Story First Podcast, we're revisiting a conversation from the archives with director, production designer, visual development artist, and illustrator Jenn Ely. Jenn has worked with some of the most respected storytellers in animation, including Henry Selick on Wendell & Wild and Guillermo del Toro on the Academy Award-winning Pinocchio. Her career has also included work with Laika, DreamWorks, Netflix, and numerous publishing and commercial projects. What makes Jenn's story particularly interesting is that she didn't follow a traditional path into animation. She began as a fine artist and painter, found mentors, kept learning, and gradually built a career by following her curiosity and commitment to the work. Brian and Jenn discuss storytelling, visual development, artistic growth, mentorship, and the dedication required to build a creative life. A conversation about craft, persistence, and finding your own way.

Taraneh Karimi — Drawing From the Inside

This week on the Story First Podcast, Brian McDonald talks with artist, art director, mentor, and visual storyteller Taraneh Karimi. Known for her work with Disney Animation, Netflix Animation, Disney Lorcana, games, publishing, and visual development, Taraneh has built a career helping shape stories through images. In this thoughtful conversation, Taraneh and Brian discuss creativity, emotional truth, lifelong learning, and the role storytelling plays in helping us make sense of our lives. They explore the relationship between visual language and narrative, the challenges artists face as they grow, and why meaningful work often comes from a deeply personal place. A conversation about art, storytelling, and learning to create from the inside out.