Hop in. We’re going exploring.

Did you get the memo? 2026 is going to be a big year for storytelling. Or storytelling is dead. Depending on who or what you ask.

See also: everyone’s a storyteller. (Hey, me too!)

I sit at an interesting intersection as a writer, artist, activist and copywriter, marketer, strategist where it seems like everyone calls themselves a storyteller — from design agencies and creatives to brand and product marketers to journalists, researchers, financial analysts, and [who am I missing?]. A special shout out to the artists of all mediums — music, sound, visual, sculptural, written and spoken word.

And sure, like with many things, the role of story is taking on new meaning in the age of AI. Over-indexing on the streamlined tone of voice, insights, and formatting of LLMs has left us hungry for more meat in our stories. Maybe? I don’t know.

But I AM curious. Is storytelling going through a rebrand? Is its commercial value suddenly rising? Does it just happen to sound good in a job posting? Or is this all in my head?

I believe storytelling has the power to unite us. It has the power to connect us to truths about being human. But it also may connect us to products we do or don’t need or insecurities and anxieties about how we move through life. Bleh.

To indigenous storytellers, the OGs, storytelling is sacred. I continue to immerse myself in Celtic mythology, my own indigenous lineage, and marvel at the rich oral and largely matriarchal culture passed down through generations with care and intention. The monks came and wrote some of it down telling a different kind of story and in their way ensuring we would have some of it to reflect on today.

Art is inherently human. Is storytelling? Storytelling can be art — but not always. Oftentimes it’s commerce like with marketing. Is storytelling inherently good or evil? Who do stories belong to? Do they belong to anyone?

These questions have been peppering my brain partly because I’m trying to define what kind of storyteller I am and who I want to grow to be.

I also think that looking at life through the lens of story — knowing it’s all around us and up to us to understand and process — can be a helpful framework for navigating this moment.

But I only live in my own reality! I want to hear from YOU.

So, what does storytelling mean? What does it do? Why do we want it?

This is what I’m looking to unpack in an ongoing content series. Ultimately, my hope is to weave my findings into a tapestry of story featuring voices and reflections from a diverse group of people.

A few questions I’m interested in: 

• What is storytelling to you?
• What impact does or can storytelling have?
• Are there universal truths that define it or is it malleable based on its purpose or function?
• Do you consider yourself a storyteller? What kind?
• What’s your favorite kind of storytelling?
• …and more 😉

Want to be interviewed?
I plan to do a mix of in-person and digital interviews. I also welcome written input or whatever you may be inspired to share. I’d love for you to take part whether you consider yourself a storyteller or not.

Reach out or leave your thoughts in the comments! And stay tuned.