This Week’s Episode:
I’m sitting in the audience after a special screening of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s incredible new musical drama, tick, tick… BOOM! about Jonathan Larson’s tragically short but dynamic life. It’s time for the Q&A session and the star of the movie, actor Andrew Garfield, takes the stage.
When he starts talking I quickly discover two things: First, that he’s British (who knew?!?) and second, that prior to shooting this movie, he was not a trained singer (yet his vocal range is incredible in this film).
As the Q&A goes on, I learn so much more about him and this film through his stories and perspective of the movie itself. It becomes a meta “story within a story” experience, with Garfield’s conversation showcasing Larson’s narrative on film. It’s a seemingly unplanned and unrehearsed example of a complex story popping up in an unexpected and delightful real-life situation.
My special guest this week, Jena Ellenwood, also uses storytelling in an equally surprising way. In this episode, she reveals the biggest misconception about her industry, why she moved from behind the bar to the virtual classroom, and how she utilized storytelling to win international cocktail competitions. We also discuss using stories as history lessons, seeing stories as reasons to care about what you do, and the value of being an educated consumer.
What you will learn in this episode:
- How to use stories to educate others about your industry
- Why your family most likely has ties to the spirits world
- How stories can work so well in competitions
Who is Jena?
Located in Astoria, New York, Jena Ellenwood is recognized worldwide as an award-winning bartender, cocktail educator, and writer. For over a decade, she’s excelled at crafting unique cocktails for all occasions. Her cocktails have appeared in several publications and on menus at establishments such as Dear Irving in Manhattan & The Sparrow Tavern.
Jena grew up watching Julia Child and always wanted to have a cooking and cocktail show. Since the pandemic, she’s moved from teaching sold-out cocktail classes in person to hosting them virtually, including Cocktails with Jena on Youtube and Instagram. She now offers custom virtual classes through her website and runs the cocktail class programming for The Raines Law Room and Dear Irving.
Links & Resources
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- Stand out against competition
- Captivate your audience
- Be the one they remember
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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.”
JULIAN REEVE
SPEAKER, AUTHOR, FORMER MUSIC DIRECTOR OF HAMILTON
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."
LTC (RET.) SCOTT MANN
GREEN BERET, ENTREPRENEUR, STORYTELLER, TRAINER, COACH, AUTHOR