Open This Book: The Podcast

Not every story is meant for the spotlight—but when you learn how to use the right one for the right moment, you unlock the secret to building genuine connections, inspiring others, and showing up as a true thought leader. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the entire story spectrum, revealing not just what to share, but when and why each story matters.

I dove straight into the library of stories we each carry inside us. I broke down the nine essential story types—origin, milestone, insight, underdog, a day in the life, your why...

Why do stories captivate us in ways that facts and figures never could? In this episode, I dive into the neuroscience of storytelling, breaking down why stories forge deeper human connections—and why your own real, sometimes messy, story is the most powerful tool you have.

I open with an exploration of why storytelling trumps simple information-sharing, even for experts and thought leaders. From real-life safety briefings that only came alive with personal anecdotes, to keynote speeches remembered decades later because of the stories they told, I show how narrative makes the message stick in ways raw da...

Have you ever found yourself in a room full of people, certain that you’re the only one who doesn’t belong? In this episode, I get real about imposter syndrome—the nagging voice that tries to convince us we’re less qualified, less deserving, or just plain lucky rather than worthy. Whether you’re accepting an award, defending your dissertation, or simply speaking up in a meeting, this feeling can sneak up at any stage or age. Let’s shine a light on what’s really happening, and how we can flip the script.

What I Discussed

Why do we do what we do? If you’ve ever stared at a goal and wondered what’s really driving you—or struggled to take your passion from wishful thinking to concrete action—this episode is for you. Discover how finding your “why” can change not just your path, but your entire perspective.

What I Discussed

I get honest about my own journey from being absolutely terrified of public speaking (nearly forgetting how to breathe during my first college speech) to stepping into the world of thought leadership and podcasting. You'll hear how I stumbled int...

Sometimes the stories that change our lives don’t start with drama—they sneak up on us and only reveal their impact years later. In this chapter, I share my “villain origin story,” tracing how an unexpected tattoo on a trip to Ireland turned into a life-altering experience I never expected.

What I Discussed

I open up about my journey from feeling stuck in an unfulfilling job and a toxic relationship in Maryland to embracing the unknown on a solo trip to Ireland. That trip, and the infamous tattoo that came with it, set off a series...

We’ve been taught to believe that, unless our lives are bursting with drama or headline-worthy events, our stories aren’t worth telling. But what if the truth is the exact opposite? In this opening episode, I challenge the common misconception that only extraordinary lives make for meaningful stories—and show why everyone, including you, has a narrative that matters.

What I Discussed

I open with a reminder: Yes, you have a story, and yes, your story matters. Drawing on my experiences speaking across podcasts and stages nationwide, I confront the belief so many of us hol...

Have you ever felt like there’s a story inside you—one that could transform the way you lead, work, or connect—but you’re not sure how to share it or even where to begin? This episode is your invitation to crack open your own narrative and discover the power within.

In this very first episode of the Open This Book Podcast, I introduce you to both myself and the mission behind the show and my book, Open This Book: The Art of Storytelling for Aspiring Thought Leaders. I take you behind the scenes of my own jour...

You have a story. Actually, you have a lot of them. The problem is, you probably don’t think they’re worth telling.

I’m Sara Lohse, and Open This Book is the podcast adaptation of my award-winning book, Open This Book: The Art of Storytelling for Aspiring Thought Leaders. This isn’t a traditional audiobook. It’s an invitation to look differently at the moments that made you who you are—and learn how to turn them into stories that connect, build trust, and make your ideas worth remembering.

I don’t believe everybody has a story. I...