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Business of Story


Sep 24, 2017

On Wednesday, August 30, I toppled out of bed with vertigo. I’ve never experienced it before. I sat up in bed, flopped my feet on the floor and away I went. My brain was suddenly bombarded by a kaleidoscope of opaque tubes, kind of like you’re falling through a narrow ice cave.

Have you?

I sat up in bed, flopped my feet on the floor and away I went. My brain was suddenly bombarded by a kaleidoscope of opaque tubes of light, kind of like you’re falling head first through an ice cave.

Talk about an altered reality. The room whirled around me as I grasped for the bedspread to arrest my fall.

Mind blown!

The only other time I've come close to a similar sensation is when I've tried virtual reality or VR. To me, VR is a new and fascinating experience-altering force that is impacting the branding universe.

That’s why I’m excited to have on today’s show one of the pioneers of narrative virtual reality storytelling, Bryn Mooser. Mooser is CEO and Co-Founder of RYOT, the leading immersive media company in the world specializing in virtual and augmented reality.

He and his team at RYOT launched the first ever virtual reality global news show and comedy series. He is a twice Oscar-nominated filmmaker who has overseen the production of more than 200 linear and immersive films. RYOT was also a finalist in the 2016 Emmy Awards as well as a Peabody award finalist.

Adweek just recognized Mooser as one of its 100 most creative people. And in recognition of the purpose driven mission of RYOT, he also received the Nelson Mandela Changemaker Award.

RYOT has been in the news lately with its purchase by Verizon’s AOL and is now part of the Huffington Post’s Global Video Operations.

In This Show, You’ll Learn:

  • The elements of great storytelling from Bryn Mooser's VR point of view.
  • How the resilience of the human spirit is a fundamental theme in storytelling.
  • How we can all be open to new ideas in virtual reality, even as the medium and industry are still trying to find themselves.

Key Quotes:

  • "Two lessons that you learn in the Peace Corps: Learn how to fail. Learn how to be resilient.” - Bryn Mooser
  • “We’re at our best when we’re in service to the greater community.” - Bryn Mooser
  • “If people distribute content through social media then we all have equal opportunity to get our messages out.” - Bryn Moose
  • “VR immerses you tactically into the story.” - Park Howell
  • “The resilience of the human spirit is a fundamental theme in storytelling.” - Park Howell

Mentioned in this episode

Public service announcement for you: should you or someone you love fall prey to vertigo, this great video on Youtube by Doctor Carol Foster demonstrates a simple exercise you can do at home - essentially the same kind of treatment I received from my therapist - that I found extraordinarily helpful.

Business Story Strategist, Keynote Speaker, and Brand Raconteur

Park Howell is a trusted brand story strategist and sought-after keynote speaker on story marketing. He has helped international brands, including Coca-Cola, Beyer Pharmaceutical, Cummins Diesel, American Express, and United States Air Force.

The widely popular Business of Story podcast helps leaders of purpose-driven organizations clarify their stories to grow revenue and amplify their impact. Each episode brings you the brightest content creators, advertising creatives, authors, screenwriters, makers, marketers, and brand raconteurs that show you how to craft and tell compelling brand stories that sell.

Learn more about working with Park Howell and getting your brand story straight on our website.