How to Change the Direction of the Story Being Told

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This Week’s Episode:

It’s knife training time in my martial arts class. I’m on the mat when Grandmaster says, “Master Kymberlee, I want you to be my partner for this demonstration.” 

Oh boy. I know what this means. Usually, demonstrations with me as his partner don’t turn out well… for me, that is.

But I can’t say no to Grandmaster, so up I go. I meet Grandmaster in front of the class, and he executes this flawless knife technique. During multiple demonstrations, no matter what I do, no matter how many counter-moves I try, it doesn’t work against him!

My turn. It’s time to try the technique on someone else in class. Except I can’t replicate what Grandmaster just did, either.

Sensing my frustration, he comes over and tells me, “Make this your own Master Kymberlee. There’s always a way.” 

Aha! So I turn the knife over, reverse my direction, and come in with a completely different series of moves. And guess what - it works!

There’s always a way. And my special guest today has used that concept to change perspectives, outcomes, and even laws. As a writer and actor, Matthew-Lee Erlbach also advocates on behalf of the Arts and those who work in them.

If you’re curious to know:

How do you help others view advocacy as on behalf of an industry instead of a cause so that it’ll get economic and legislative priority? How did the sitcom Will & Grace influence the unfolding story of gay rights (while displaying an essential storytelling element)? Why are 1922 and 2022 synonymous, and how were Arts and Culture at the forefront of the aftermath of events 100 years ago?

Then tune in as we discuss the power of influencing where the story goes and how doing so can make history!

What you will learn in this episode:

  • How personal stories of American workers have changed the country
  • Why we as human beings crave stories so much
  • What one thing you want to ensure you include in your story

Who is Matthew-Lee?

Matthew-Lee Erlbach is an actor, writer, and labor activist from Chicago and New York. He has written for Adam McKay's Kings of America, starring Amy Adams (Netflix); Masters of Sex (Showtime); Gypsy (Netflix); We Are the Champions (Netflix), for WWE, MTV, and Nickelodeon. As a playwright, his work has appeared Off-Bway, regionally, and at Steppenwolf, where he is currently under commission, and where his play The Doppelgänger (An International Farce) premiered. 

He has received support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Laurents/Hatcher Foundation, Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, Puffin Foundation, and is a HUMANITAS New Voices recipient. Beyond his work with Habitat for Humanity and individuals who are houseless, he is a proponent of ethical AI and ethical transhumanism. A Co-Founder of Arts Workers United and their national Be An Arts Hero campaign, he has co-authored legislation, built national campaigns, and works with Congress to make Arts and Culture Workers an economic and legislative priority.

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  • Increase your confidence
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"Storytelling is an art form - and Kymberlee Weil is the master! I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the most talented creatives in the world, and Kymberlee is close to the top of that list.”

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JULIAN REEVE

SPEAKER, AUTHOR, FORMER MUSIC DIRECTOR OF HAMILTON
"Kymberlee helped me tremendously in the weeks leading up to my TED talk and afterwards. I have given hundreds of talks to audiences big and small. But the TED stage is a different beast -- every word matters.Kymberlee kept me on point, focused, and she took the time to figure out what my objectives really were and how to get me there. She is a true master of her trade and I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from her."
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JUNA KOLLMEIER

ASTROPHYSICIST, TED SPEAKER

"I thought I had public speaking down pat. As a former Green Beret, I have followed a lot of quality leaders and coaches, and I would follow Kymberlee anywhere… Especially onto the red circle."

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LTC (RET.) SCOTT MANN

GREEN BERET, ENTREPRENEUR, STORYTELLER, TRAINER, COACH, AUTHOR