The Science Of Storytelling with Mike McHargue

What's in this session?

• Science Mike’s background in advertising (15:07)
• Using science and advertising for evil (19:13)
• The science of storytelling (27:02)
• Why storytelling is more powerful than any other form of communication (30:10)
• Parasocial relationships (aka: why Brady likes The Office so much) (33:30)
• Using storytelling ethically (38:52)
• How to tell better stories using science (43:40)

Show notes and resources

• Mike McHargue’s Twitter
• Science Mike Twitter
• Liturgists Twitter
• Ask Science Mike Podcast
• The Liturgists Podcast
• Story Brand

3 Instant Takeaways

1. There should be no market for Science Mike’s podcasts. In an outwardly secular culture dominated by a scientific worldview — with only insulated outposts of religion — Mike says no one should care about his show. But many thousands do. Clearly there is an audience out there who has questions about the relationship between science, theology and philosophy.
2. The science of storytelling is real and starts in your brain. Mike says when you immerse yourself in a narrative, your brain starts to treat the scenes and objects in the story as real. This creates a more vivid brain experience than even the recall of actual memories from your own experiences. In effect, Mike says, consciousness is a story your brain is telling yourself.
3. Use this storytelling knowledge for good and not evil. Unlike predatory advertisers who might “weaponize” this knowledge, churches who understand the science of storytelling can use it to help others. Create a good protagonist with a challenge to overcome and engage your hearers — and do it all for a good purpose!