Words that Change Lives

What remains when the stories have all been told?

In the final episode of Stories in Our DNA, Helen Packham invites listeners into a twilight garden — a place of memory, reflection, grief, transformation, and hope. Through a deeply personal and atmospheric story, she explores the stories we inherit, the stories we outgrow, and the stories we consciously choose to carry forward.

Drawing together the themes woven throughout the season, this episode reflects on storytelling as a human survival tool, a source of meaning, a vehicle for healing, and a responsibility we pass from one generation to...

What if the stories shaping your future aren't the ones you're consuming... but the ones you're carrying?

In this powerful episode, Helen explores what it means to become a responsible carrier of story in a world where narratives multiply, spread, distort, and shape reality faster than ever before.

Drawing together the themes woven throughout the Stories in Our DNA season, Helen introduces her Story Responsibility Framework - a practical guide for understanding the stories we tell ourselves, the stories we tell others, the stories we reward, and the stories we ultimately leave behind.

...

What if the greatest threat to our stories isn’t forgetting, but losing the ability to read them? In this fascinating conversation, Helen speaks with Andrew Warner, Special Projects Director at the Long Now Foundation, an organisation dedicated to fostering long-term thinking over the next 10,000 years. They explore the Rosetta Project, endangered languages, the Digital Dark Age, the 10,000-Year Clock, and why preserving language may be one of humanity’s most important acts of stewardship.

Along the way you’ll hear about the Rosetta Disc currently resting on a comet, another archive on the Moon, endangered languages, the An...

What happens when storytelling, consciousness, and artificial intelligence begin to merge?

In this thought-provoking episode, Helen Packham speaks with David Lindberg, creator of Nakaya — an AI-generated parallel universe designed to explore human consciousness, inner awakening, creativity, and our relationship with technology.

Together, they explore the power of metaphor, mythology, visual storytelling, and AI as a new creative medium for human expression. Through the lens of Nakaya’s creatures, worlds, and symbolism, this conversation asks profound questions about identity, truth, belonging, flow, and what it means to “come home” to ourselves in the age of intelligence.

Fro...

What if the stories that change us most don’t follow the hero’s journey at all?

In this episode, Helen Packham explores three powerful storytelling structures that offer an alternative to conflict-driven narratives: Kishōtenketsu, Ring Composition, and the Braided Narrative. Together, they reveal how stories can create meaning through contrast, reflection, connection, and recognition, not just struggle and triumph.

From the quiet symbolism of an umbrella carried “just in case” to the invisible emotional habits we use to feel safe, Helen explores how story structures shape identity, leadership, communication, and the way we understan...

What if your story doesn’t need trauma, struggle, or a dramatic breakthrough to matter?

In this deeply reflective episode, Helen Packham explores how the hero’s journey became the dominant narrative shaping modern culture, business, leadership, and identity. From Hollywood films to personal branding, we’ve inherited the belief that transformation only counts if it’s dramatic, cinematic, and hard-won.

Helen unpacks the hidden cost of the “lone hero” narrative and introduces a more connected way of understanding growth: the relational arc. Through personal stories, coaching insights, and cultural reflection, this episode invites you to stop forc...

In this episode of Stories in Our DNA, Helen explores one of the most powerful narratives we ever create — the story we tell ourselves about who we are.

While storytelling connects us to culture, history and community, it also shapes our identity, beliefs and behaviour. The internal narratives we carry can influence our confidence, our decisions and the way we interpret the world around us.

In this episode, Helen examines how personal stories are formed, why they become so powerful, and how becoming aware of the stories we tell ourselves can help us reshape our li...

Helen and Jon The Storyteller explore the fundamental role of storytelling in human evolution, its connection to social bonding, and how stories help us navigate uncertainty. They discuss the significance of local legends and folklore, the purpose of stories in conveying moral lessons and entertainment, and the living nature of stories that adapt over time. The conversation emphasises the importance of storytelling in modern contexts and its potential to enrich our understanding of the world.

About Jon Norman Mason

Jon is a Brighton-based storyteller, folklorist and historian with a love for tales linking present, past...

Why do stories captivate us while facts often fall flat?

In this episode, Helen sits down with Lisa Cron, bestselling author of Wired for Story, to explore the science behind storytelling and why humans are biologically wired to think in narrative.

Lisa explains how stories function as a simulation system for the brain, helping us navigate uncertainty, rehearse decisions and understand the world around us.

The conversation explores how storytelling influences behaviour, why emotions drive decision-making, and why leaders, speakers and businesses who understand story can create far deeper connection and impact.

Helen and Marek Kohn explore the deep connections between the earliest forms of human creativity, ancient cave art and the foundational elements of narrative. They dive into how this prehistoric art offers a window into our ancestors' minds, the crucial role of stone tool use in human adaptation, and the importance of cooperation and trust in the structure of early societies. They also consider the parallel emergence of language and imagination, and how these factors have been essential in shaping both human evolution and the future direction of storytelling.

If you enjoyed this episode please like, subscribe...

Why are we addicted to stories? Why do they move us, connect us, and sometimes even save us?

In this powerful season opener, Helen takes you back to where storytelling began - the firelight. From ancient myths to neuroscience, from Darwin and Harari to boardrooms and dreams, this episode reveals why storytelling is hardwired into our biology, leadership, and healing.

Helen also shares her own story, of losing her voice and finding it again through the power of narrative.

In this episode:

Season 2 is coming.

Stories in Our DNA is a journey into the deep past, the stories we live inside now, and the ones we are still writing for the future.

Listen to the trailer, and if you want to go deeper, join the listener circle for episode drops, reflection prompts, and my free guide: The Story You Tell Yourself.

https://helenpackham.com/podcast-season-2/

Are you ready? Then let’s begin.

In the final episode of this season of the Words That Change Lives podcast, Helen reflects on the highlights, lessons learned, and heartfelt gratitude that have defined a remarkable season. As she presses pause and looks ahead to new opportunities and fresh directions, this last instalment offers listeners an honest and inspiring look back and a glimpse of what's next.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Looking back on the podcast, so grateful for the support

04:48 Podcasting has led to increased opportunities, reach, and credibility in this field

07:42 The podcast has expanded discussions...

Helen talks to Eleanor Tang-Smith, COO of a fast-growing robotics software company, to unravel the surprising power of pause and “wild creativity” in a tech-driven world. 

Drawing from her unique vantage point at the crossroads of robotics and artificial intelligence, Eleanor shares why embracing creativity, critical thinking, and even regular breaks from technology aren’t just nice-to-haves but essential habits for the future of work. 

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Helen helped Ellie, COO of a robotics software company, create talks and develop a legacy phrase 

03:57 Joy from non-work passions provides challenge and rewar...

Helen and guest Helen Tudor explore the transformative power of pausing, realignment, and truly connecting with your ideal clients. Get ready for refreshing honesty, hands-on advice, and inspiring stories about what happens when you put alignment and joy at the centre of everything you do.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 My guest, Helen Tudor, combines strategy and spirituality to help entrepreneurs attract ideal clients

04:46 Pausing podcast to free up time for strategic thinking

12:42 Success doesn't always feel fulfilling; finding joy outside of business is crucial for a balanced life.

22:29 Challenge...

How does the way you speak to yourself about alcohol shape your habits, identity and potential? Helen welcomes alcohol mindset coach Anna Donaghey to share eye-opening insights into the stories we tell ourselves about drinking. This episode offers practical, compassionate wisdom on breaking cycles of shame and unlocking a way to rethink the way you drink alcohol.

Here are the highlights:

00:00  Exploring the importance of the language we use around alcohol.

09:13 Lost confidence and sparkle due to years of drinking 

11:35 Loss of long-term goals and motivation due to alcohol

15:27 Wo...

Helen pulls back the curtain to give listeners a candid, behind-the-scenes look into her business and share some important news about the future of the podcast. In this honest and reflective solo episode, she discusses her journey towards recalibrating her business, from recognising burnout and the pitfalls of busy-ness to embracing the power of alignment, clarity, and intentional growth.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Revealing behind the scenes of what’s happening with the business and the podcast

03:52 Embracing the mantra, less is More and slow down to speed up

06:17 Recalibrating and re...

Helen speaks with coach Adam Smith about the stories we tell ourselves and how they shape everything.

From negative self-talk to the pressure to prove ourselves, Adam shares how he broke free from old patterns and now helps others do the same.

Together, they explore how changing your inner dialogue can shift your whole life.  Starting with just a few simple words.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction

02:32 Reframing anxiety: the language we use shapes our reality

09:48 Formative voices become our inner critic

13:55 Why high achievers o...

Helen explores why talented coaches, consultants, and leaders might feel invisible, even with a wealth of expertise at their fingertips. 

Through her unique ‘AIR’ process, she unveils strategies to increase your visibility and ensure that your voice is not only heard but resonates powerfully. 

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Why experts, coaches and consultants have visibility challenges.

05:02 Reach involves a strategy to get messages seen by the right audience.

09:01 The key to showing up consistently on platforms.

10:45 Share your work by choosing one platform or event to leverage withou...

Helen Packham talks to Dr Yin Lu, a distinguished communication scientist and self-styled rhetoric doctor. Despite her early exit in the game show 'Traitors,' Yin shares her expansive knowledge, explaining how emotion and strategic communication play crucial roles in achieving resonance and influence. 

Yin and Helen share strategies applicable in our daily lives to win people over and reduce the distortion between intention and impact. Tune in for a conversation that's sure to transform how you connect and communicate with the world.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 The science of communication with Yin f...

Have you ever felt like your words alone aren't making the impact you desire? In this episode, discover how gestures, body language, and facial expressions can amplify your message and create a deeper emotional connection with your audience. With insights from iconic speakers like Steve Jobs and Brené Brown, Helen shares how to elevate your presentations to new heights.

Here are the highlights:

01:06 Effective communication requires integrating body language and gestures to connect with the audience.

03:25 Visual cues and gestures enhance memory and communication, improving retention by up to 60%.

08:08 Use visual a...

What does it really mean to communicate effectively in the digital world, especially for those who are neurodivergent? Helen explores the challenges and experiences neurodivergent individuals face, both in educational settings and the workplace. Joined by guest Lisa Kerr, a neurodiversity coach, they explore why labelling neurodivergent individuals as superheroes can be more harmful than helpful and emphasise the importance of understanding and meeting individual needs. 

Here are the highlights:

00:00 The current landscape and why this is important

05:51 Modern communication lacks physical presence, making genuine eye contact difficult.

11:07 One-size-fits-all approaches don't w...

Can sobriety really boost your happiness and productivity by 50%? Helen shares five unexpected wins from her decision to quit alcohol. Through personal stories and insightful reflections, she reveals the profound changes that unfolded beyond just the promise of better health. Tune in and explore how these sober shifts might spark transformation in your own life.

Here are the highlights:

01:02 How quitting alcohol led to an improved appearance, increased confidence, and reduced my anxiety.

06:30 How sobriety gave me the confidence to try new things, fostering creativity in work and hobbies.

09:53 How getting...

Helen invites Jason Rosoff, the CEO and co-founder of Radical Candor, to share his insights on revolutionising communication in organisations. By delving into the principles of Radical Candor, they discuss how a straightforward approach to caring personally while challenging directly can reshape relationships and yield remarkable results. Can this philosophy truly serve as a compass for more meaningful conversations? Let’s find out.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 What does Radical Candor look like in the real world

05:37 Radical Candor helps navigate relationships by embodying universal values of love and truth.

09:04 Avoid labe...

How can two simple words transform your message and elevate you as a thought leader? In this episode, Helen delves into the concept of "Legacy Phrases," a term she has coined to describe memorable and meaningful phrases that encapsulate your mission, expertise, and values. 

Helen explores how these phrases, although simple, can create mindset shifts, motivate audiences, and enhance your reach and impact. Listen in as she shares the psychology behind their power of legacy phrases, real-life examples, and practical steps to create your own.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 What is Legacy Phrase i...

Join Helen as she explores Chloe's transformative recovery revolution - a methodology aimed at helping high achievers balance peak performance with strategic recovery. Tune in to learn how rethinking your approach to stress and recovery isn't just beneficial, it's essential for fueling productivity and growth, both at work and in life. Let's get started! 

Here are the highlights:

03:34 How poor work-life balance contributes to productivity losses.

05:19 Recovery is the key to balancing stress in modern life.

09:54 How technology impacts stress levels and sleep quality

12:59 Why individual action against recovery d...

In this episode, Helen shares why she recently revamped her coaching packages and provides a step-by-step guide for coaches, consultants, and service-based business owners to do the same. 

Tune in to hear the importance of regularly evaluating and evolving your offerings to match your business growth and vision. 

Here are the highlights:

03:38 Transform clients from problem to solution using your expertise, methods, and services.

06:49 Focus on understanding and redefining services for an ideal client.

12:05 "Impact Architect" package helps clients develop strategic projects like keynote talks.

13:29  “The Engine Room”...

Can you truly connect with someone if you're not energetically aligned?

Today, Helen sits down with success mentor Suzie Parkus to challenge the common notion that words alone create meaningful connections. They discuss relationships and the often-overlooked energetic elements that make or break our interactions with others. 

From dating app dynamics to the science of emotional frequencies, this episode reveals why your energetic state can be more impactful than your choice of words - and how to harness both for authentic connection

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction

03:39 The energy beh...

Is AI dehumanising our day-to-day interactions? In today's show Helen explores the intricate balance between leveraging AI tools and maintaining genuine human interactions. With her recent explorations into AI technology, Helen shares her journey from skepticism to cautious enthusiasm. 

She emphasises the importance of keeping human connection at the forefront while integrating AI as a supportive assistant in business and illustrates how AI can enhance efficiency and creativity without compromising vital human touch. It’s all about the AI sweet spot!

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Intro to AI

05:19 AI as a too...

In today's episode, we're diving into the fascinating world of crisis negotiation with Nicky Perfect, an international hostage and crisis negotiator turned trainer and speaker. Helen Packham and Nicky explore the profound impact of listening and validation, the ethical dilemmas faced in crisis situations, and the art of building trust through truthful and empathetic communication. This episode promises to equip you with techniques that can be applied not just in negotiations but in everyday life and leadership.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction

03:17 Chasing a mysterious man doing handstands on a hospital rooftop on Ch...

How do you create slides that create an impact? In this episode, Helen unpacks the difference between delivering a presentation and a signature keynote talk, with insights on how to use slides effectively to enhance your message without relying on them as a crutch. Helen reveals how images and minimal text can create emotional connections and reinforce powerful storytelling.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 The boot camp experience

03:59 Interactive talks need minimal, strategic slide use.

09:32 Slides support detailed presentations and workshops.

10:43 Keynote: Image-rich, minimal text = expert talk

16:37 How...

Have you picked your word for the year yet? With the new year just beginning, Helen shares her personal experience and process to craft a focused and balanced business and life plan for 2025. She outlines how utilising AI tools, specifically ChatGPT, played a crucial role in efficiently creating a comprehensive and detailed strategy. Helen also offers listeners a step-by-step guide to discover their own guiding word, ensuring that they can navigate the year ahead with clarity, purpose, and grounded growth. Check the show notes for a free guide to create your word for the year!

Here are...

Ready to transform your message and make an impact like never before? In this episode, host Helen takes you on the fifth day of the TEDx Quest Challenge. Discover why 2025 is the perfect year for you to step onto the TEDx stage. Helen delves deep into the importance of seizing this opportunity, overcoming mindset blocks, and leveraging the TEDx platform to elevate your brand and reach millions. Plus, learn about Helen’s exclusive TEDx bootcamp designed to help you land and deliver a TEDx talk that resonates.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction

06:11 Now is...

Today Helen is sharing how to land a TEDx gig on Day Four of the TEDx Quest Challenge. It can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, and in this episode, we're channelling our inner Sherlock Holmes to demystify that process. We'll explore how to find the right event, craft a compelling pitch, and ensure your ideas shine brightly amid a sea of potential speakers. Make sure you join us as we embark on this exciting quest to secure your next TEDx talk!

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction

03:43 Start at TedX...

Welcome to Day Three of the TEDx Quest Challenge, your host, Helen Packham, will share the art of crafting a TEDx-worthy idea with a clear, captivating message that makes people stop and listen. Drawing from her extensive experience with TED, both as a speaker and organiser, we'll explore what makes an idea truly worth spreading. We'll break down the components of a big idea, the importance of making it relatable at a societal level, and how to ensure your message is both unique and impactful. Let's go!

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction 

05:28 When a...

Today, our host Helen Packham dives into Day Two of the TEDx Quest Challenge, focusing on overcoming mindset blocks that keep us from achieving our full potential. In this episode, Helen shares her personal experiences and client stories about conquering that inner doubter, which she affectionately calls the "protecter." You'll discover practical strategies for flipping the script on your fears, visualising success, and moving beyond self-focus to deliver impactful TEDx talks. Whether you're part of the live challenge or tuning in separately, get ready for actionable insights to help you face and conquer your mindset hurdles. Stay tuned for...

The TEDx Quest Challenge is here! Today marks the start of an exciting new 5-episode series to help you nail your TEDx talk. Whether you’re a leader, coach, or small business owner aiming to amplify your message, this series is designed to guide you through landing a TEDx talk. In this episode, Helen explores defining your TEDx goals—your North Star. We'll explore common objectives like boosting credibility, authority, influence, and community impact, and discuss the vital importance of understanding your deep, personal reasons for stepping onto that stage. Join us as we set the foundation for your TEDx...

Have you ever wondered how speaking can become more than a series of stand-alone events? What if every talk, client interaction, and opportunity were part of a comprehensive strategy that elevates your brand, attracts aligned clients, and solidifies your position as a thought leader? Well, today you’ll learn how to turn that vision into reality.

Helen shares how to craft a speaker strategy that goes beyond just securing gigs and delivering inspiring talks. 

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction to the strategy

04:06  Focus on building authority, impactful communication, and expanding reach for...

Map out your best year yet. Today, Helen unveils a powerful technique that promises to transform your future - writing a Zander Letter. Inspired by conductor and motivational speaker Benjamin Zander, this practice involves drafting a letter from your future self, describing the goals you've achieved and the life you've cultivated. Whether you're inclined towards the scientific or the spiritual, this method of visualising success is fit for you. Join Helen as she explores the steps to create your own Zander Letter. By the end of this episode, you'll have the tools to manifest your dreams and achieve your...

In a year marked by profound changes and personal milestones, Helen invites listeners to reflect on the journey of 2024, consider their guiding word for the year and to examine the highs, lows, lessons, and mission. She shares her journey towards sobriety and the launch of her Instagram account "Buzz without the Booze," and the remarkable benefits that have enriched her life and work. Tune in to hear Helen's reflections, insights, and plans for the year ahead, and discover how you too can use communication to transform your life and work.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction.<...