It was a pleasure to be on Julia's podcast about storytelling in the age of AI. Check out her show description below and subscribe to her show!

AI can’t feel. And that’s exactly why your story matters.
What do you get when a media strategist and and lifelong storyteller with a doctorate in clinical psychology meets an AI consultant?

A very real conversation about the limits of AI — and the power of human narrative.
🎙️ I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Rod Berger PsyD, whose upcoming book The Narrative Edge dives deep into the stories we live, tell, and often forget to own.

We talked about:
• Why AI will never write the real origin story of your brand
• How storytelling influences leadership, team dynamics, and innovation
• Why founders should stop hiding behind features—and start leading with meaning
• What happens when your narrative gets lost in templated content and prompt loops
And yes - we laughed, we went deep, and Rod dropped insights I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

Thank you, Rod, for this ace interview and for reminding us why authentic storytelling still cuts through all the noise.

Book Authoring Webinar mentioned in this episode: https://forms.gle/H4AaqdQkbgwWCdDR6

WATCH this episode on YouTube

In this episode, Michael speaks with Dr. Rod Berger, an expert in storytelling and author of 'The Narrative Edge.' They discuss the importance of authentic storytelling, the writing process, and the challenges faced by first-time authors. Dr. Berger shares insights on finding inspiration, managing time for writing, and overcoming writer's block, emphasizing that everyone has a unique story to tell. In this conversation, Dr. Rod Berger discusses the importance of authenticity in writing, the challenges of the writing process, and his experiences with publishing. He emphasizes the need for writers to find their unique voice and stay true to themselves, as well as the significance of storytelling in connecting with audiences. Dr. Berger shares insights on navigating the publishing world, the role of editors, and the importance of understanding one's own story and its impact. He concludes with advice for aspiring authors on being authentic and the value of storytelling in all aspects of life.

TOPICS

• Everybody has a story.
• The essence of storytelling is universal.
• Writing can be a challenge, but it's rewarding.
• Finding time to write requires flexibility.
• Inspiration can come from everyday life.
• You can write chapters independently.
• Give yourself permission to explore ideas.
• Writer's block is often about lack of inspiration.
• Life experiences can fuel creativity.
• Each person's writing journey is unique. Writer's block often stems from not being authentic.
• Finding your voice is crucial for effective writing.
• Public speaking experiences can shape writing style.
• Authenticity leads to better audience reception.
• The writing process can be daunting but rewarding.
• Initial feedback from editors can boost confidence.
• Daily routines can help manage the writing process.
• Understanding the publishing landscape is essential.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool in all areas of life.
• Not everyone needs to write a book, but everyone has a story.

BOOKS:

The Narrative Edge - Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley)

I'd like to thank Michael for a wonderful interview and for his passion for writing and educating youth in a powerfully engaging manner. Here is a bit more about his show and how you can continue to learn from his work.

Change the Narrative

By Michael Hernandez

Travel with award-winning educator, author, and international speaker, Michael Hernandez, as he interviews innovation leaders and searches for answers about how to innovate in work, life, and culture.

Find out more about Producer and Host, Michael Hernandez on Linked In: bit.ly/MichaelHernandezLinkedIn and on Instagram: @Changing.The.Narrative

Get more inspiring ideas every month--sign up for our free email newsletter: bit.ly/ChngNarSignup

For those who follow my work, I will be sharing podcast shows that feature interviews with me about my new book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets the Moment (Wiley).

I highly recommend people check out Sean's wonderfully original and raw podcast, The Principal Liner Notes Podcast. You can also connect with Sean on LinkedIn.

Here are the original show notes from my episode with Sean:
In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by the dynamic Dr. Rod Berger—a storyteller, connector, and relentless advocate for the human side of education. Known for his ability to amplify voices that matter in education, business, and mental health, Dr. Berger brings an eclectic perspective shaped by his background in psychology, leadership, and media.

We riff on the power of authentic storytelling, the intersection of education and innovation, and the importance of humanizing school leadership. From his work with Forbes and publications across the globe to his unwavering belief in the power of relationships, Dr. Berger shares personal reflections and professional wisdom that will resonate with every educator and leader.

We also explore Rod's upcoming book with Wiley, The Narrative Edge. Now available for pre-order on Amazon.

Tune in as we explore why vulnerability is a strength, how to lead with empathy in a noisy world, and what it really means to "find your note" in the symphony of leadership.

🔗 Learn more about Dr. Rod Berger: drrodberger.com

You probably know Peter Samuelson from these films: Revenge of the Nerds, Tom & Viv, The Return of the Pink Panther, and any of his 25 major films. However, did you know that he also founded five charities and genuinely cares about our at-risk youth, the homeless, and others in need? Here are his charities: Starlight Children’s Foundation, Starbright World (w/Steven Spielberg), FirstStar, Everyone Deserves A Roof, ASPIRE, and now he has just written Finding Happy: A User's Guide to Your Life with Lessons From Mine (Regalo Press - June 2025).

Finding Happy is filled with Peter's gripping adventures and misadventures that demonstrate just how possible the seemingly impossible often is, from daredevil filmmaking in Africa and Asia to making daunting rules work for you, to earning a full college scholarship after being completely unable to answer the entrance exam essay question…to climbing down a hundred-foot pipe shaft at 3 a.m. to rescue a kitten, with no plan for how to climb back up.

Here's a case study of someone who benefited from Samuelson’s attention: “Alex” is an alumnus of the First Star Academy at UCLA, bravely pursuing a university degree after COVID and being awarded a place to do so. He finally achieved a placement with an excellent foster family, and their family home was then burned to a cinder in the Palisades Fire earlier this year. First Star was able to rally around Alex and ensured he had the money and encouragement to continue his Studies and replace everything but the clothes on his back (and a new trumpet, his passion).

Finding Happy is about how to best seize the day, identifying which risks are brave and which foolish, navigating roadblocks and solutions, learning from leaders, and discovering your secret sauce. Samuelson explains how to find your compass and persuade others to help you. He shows how to live your passion, make a living, take off your mask, build your best place in the universe, and find your own unique and personal Happy

Perfect for young adults starting their adult journey, as well as those well into theirs who have not yet sighted land, Finding Happy: offers true, lived wisdom that will inspire readers to find their own unique and personal Happy.

More about Peter and his work can be found here: https://www.samuelson.la/

Join Dr. Rod Berger as he sits down with Dr. Sameer Patel, a leading expert in holistic wellness and dental health, for an enlightening conversation about transforming our approach to personal health. From his unique journey through professional sports to dentistry and wellness leadership, Dr. Patel shares profound insights on proactive healthcare, the importance of understanding our bodies, and creating meaningful connections with our health practitioners.

Discover how small, intentional lifestyle choices can compound into significant long-term wellness, and learn about the power of active listening, personalized nutrition, and the critical role of parenting in establishing healthy life patterns. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to take control of their health journey and understand the interconnected nature of wellness. Dr. Patel is a brand ambassador and board member of NØØT!

Imagine a conversation where personal well-being meets environmental responsibility – that’s exactly what you can expect in the latest episode of HeadRoom, "NØØT Founder Dia Schwarz: The Mindful & The Bold - The Next Frontier in Health & Wellness" with our insightful host, Dr. Rod Berger, and special guest Dia Schwarz.

Dr. Matthias Bernow is not just a seasoned medical professional and CEO of Cellcolabs; he's also a visionary at the intersection of healthcare innovation and practical application. With roots deeply embedded in Stockholm and balancing roles as a businessman and a caring father, Dr. Bernow's mission is more than transactional: crafting a future where advanced medical treatments are accessible and impactful worldwide.

In our discussion, Dr. Bernow illuminates the current landscape of stem cell research, describing it as a pivotal moment, much like a thrilling midpoint in a great saga—full of potential yet uncertain outcomes. He parallels historical medical breakthroughs like antibiotics, suggesting that stem cells might similarly transform our approach to chronic diseases and aging. According to Dr. Bernow, stem cells offer three key benefits: anti-inflammatory properties, regenerative capabilities, and the ability to modulate the immune system. These attributes could revolutionize treatments for many conditions, from arthritis to diabetes, and perhaps fundamentally alter how we manage aging and chronic diseases.

Dr. Rod Berger dives into the world of influence to capture the story of an entrepreneur who is now a part of the influencer marketing legacy. The world has changed, giving creators and influencers a path to control their brands and those they support. Ryan Detert, in short, can be credited with a sector-shaking move primed to have longstanding implications. Publicis Group acquired Influential, the world’s top influencer marketing company, for a groundbreaking $500 million in an industry-altering move. After a challenging year for startups, this landmark deal signals a resurgence of investor confidence in the creator economy.

Back in 2013, CEO Ryan Detert laid the foundation for Influential, recognizing the need to bring order to the chaotic world of influencer marketing. His vision has led the company to become a nine-figure influencer marketplace, powered by OpenAI's Social Intelligence™ technology, Radius. This innovative approach has enabled the company to partner with major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, empowering a vast network of over 3 million influencers to connect with top-tier brands such as McDonald’s, NBA, NFL, and Pepsi.

Ryan will most likely go down as one of the seminal authors of the creator economy, which is estimated to be a $250 billion industry. Dive into his story and learn how notoriety has changed his life.