Future of StoryTelling (FoST)

A New Language for VR Storytelling — Felix and Paul, Revisited 29.05.2026 41мин

With the launch of Interstellar Arc, the groundbreaking free-roaming VR experience at AREA15 in Las Vegas, we’re revisiting this conversation with the creators and immersive storytelling pioneers Félix Lajeunesse and Paul Raphaël, co-founders of Felix & Paul Studios. In this conversation, Félix and Paul talk about the evolution of virtual reality, from their early VR experiments and the acclaimed Traveling While Black to filming an Emmy-award winning production on the International Space Station. At the forefront of this medium, Félix and Paul talk about their challenges and learnings from VR work: what it means to develop a new language of storytelling, the importance of establishing “presence” for immersion, and how VR can situate us inside experiences to connect with distant worlds.To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie’s book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com/home.--© 2026 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Tsuki Carlsonin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Félix Lajeunesse, Paul Rafaël, Madison Brown, Lor Simpson, David Gray, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

The Stories of Smell — Sissel Tolaas, Revisited 14.05.2026 27мин

Today, we’re re-releasing an episode with Norwegian chemist, artist, linguist, and smell researcher, Sissel Tolaas, whose work explores scent as a powerful medium for storytelling. In this conversation, Sissel shares how she analyzes smell molecules in everything from garments in museum archives, to the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Through collaborations with institutions such as the Cooper Hewitt, the Tate Modern, Venice Biennale, and Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sissel reveals how the invisible world of scent can uncover forgotten histories and deepen human connection. To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie’s book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com/home.--© 2026 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Tsuki Carlsonin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Sissel Tolaas, Madison Brown, Lor Simpson, David Gray, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

Building a Business Out of Play — Matt DuPlessie 30.04.2026 29мин

Matthew DuPlessie, Founder & CEO of Level99 and 5 Wits, joins Charlie Melcher to explore a different approach to immersive experience design.Level99 is built as an open world of short, high-intensity challenges. Guests move through it in small teams, choosing where to go, repeating rooms, and improving over time. Progress carries across visits, so the experience evolves the more you engage with it.Matt shares why they moved away from traditional narrative, and what changes when storytelling takes a step back and participation takes the lead.To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie’s book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com/home.--© 2026 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Tsuki Carlsonin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Matt DuPlessie, Madison Brown, Lor Simpson, David Gray, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

Little Cinema, Big Ideas — Jay Rinsky 17.04.2026 29мин

Jay Rinsky, Founder and Chief Creative Director of Little Cinema, is reimagining what it means to go to the movies.What began as an experiment, mixing film, live performance, and audience interaction, has grown into an industry-leading experiential studio transforming screenings into shared events. From a 24-hour David Bowie tribute at House of Yes to large-scale productions with Warner Bros., The Walt Disney Company, and Cosm, Little Cinema is pushing storytelling beyond the screen.Jay shares how his approach to storytelling evolved, why cinema shouldn’t be a solitary experience, and how projects like The Matrix, Willy Wonka, and Harry Potter are being reimagined as immersive, shared experiences.To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie’s book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com/home.--© 2026 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Tsuki Carlsonin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Jay Rinsky, Madison Brown, Lor Simpson, David Gray, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

Netflix is Going Beyond the Screen — Greg Lombardo 02.04.2026 28мин

Greg Lombardo, Vice President of Experiences Creative & Production at Netflix, takes us inside the thinking behind Netflix House and the company’s growing slate of real-world experiences.From Stranger Things to Bridgerton to Squid Game, Greg and his team are translating global hits into physical environments you can step into, through immersive worlds, live experiences, and themed dining. He shares how Netflix approaches experience design, what audiences are really looking for beyond the screen, and why these spaces are becoming a powerful extension of storytelling.With a background spanning 20th Century Fox, Universal Studios, and BRC Imagination Arts, Greg brings a unique perspective on where entertainment, design, and culture are headed next.To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie’s book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com/home.--© 2026 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Tsuki Carlsonin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Greg Lombardo, Alexis Garcia, Madison Brown, Lor Simpson, David Gray, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

Escaping Into Story — David Spira and Peih-Gee Law 20.03.2026 33мин

Reality Escape Pod hosts David Spira and Peih-Gee Law take a closer look at escape rooms as immersive, participatory experiences. They unpack the medium’s evolution, the rise of escape room tourism, and how hands-on play can reshape learning, collaboration, and the way people connect through story.They also share standout rooms from around the world and reflect on the creative and business choices that help these immersive experiences thrive.To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie’s book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com/home.--© 2026 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Tsuki Carlsonin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to David Spira, Peih-Gee Law, Madison Brown, Lor Simpson, David Gray, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

What Ice Cream Can Teach Us About Connection — Manish Vora 06.03.2026 28мин

Manish Vora, CEO and co-founder of the Museum of Ice Cream, shares how a 30-day pop-up across from the Whitney Museum became a global experiential brand and helped define what he calls the “experium,” a mix between a museum and an experience.In this conversation, he reflects on how we define a museum, why participation and hospitality matter as much as physical design, and how simple rituals like choosing an ice cream name can spark real connection. He also opens up about scaling location-based experiences, designing for play in a phone-saturated world, and what’s ahead with new flagship locations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie’s book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com/home.--© 2026 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Tsuki Carlsonin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Manish Vora, Madison Brown, Lor Simpson, David Gray, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

The 4 Elements of Transformative Experience — Margaret Kerrison, Revisited 19.02.2026 32мин

We’re revisiting our conversation with writer and immersive storyteller, Margaret Kerrison, an episode first recorded following the launch of the ambitious Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience at Disney World in Florida. As a key architect of its narrative and characters, Margaret offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create immersive story worlds. We explore the craft of writing for immersive experiences, and how it demands a distinctive creative approach — one rooted in world-building, collaboration, and audience agency.To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie’s book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com/home.--© 2026 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Tsuki Carlsonin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Margaret Kerrison, Madison Brown, Lor Simpson, David Gray, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

Mixed Reality and the Human Experience — Todd Eckert 05.02.2026 27мин

Today, we speak with producer Todd Eckert of Tin Drum, a studio creating original work for mixed reality. While the medium remains unfamiliar to many, Todd has spent years exploring its potential as a form of storytelling that blends the physical and digital worlds. This conversation centers on his most recent piece, An Ark, now at The Shed in New York, and how mixed reality can forge intimate relationships between audience and performer. We reflect on how emerging technologies can be valuable in understanding the deeper human condition.To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie’s book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com/home.--© 2026 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Tsuki Carlsonin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Todd Eckert, Madison Brown, Lor Simpson, David Gray, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

Art as Activism, Activism as Art — Pierce Freelon, Revisited 22.01.2026 25мин

We’re re-releasing a conversation from 2021 that remains strikingly relevant today. In this episode, we speak with Pierce Freelon– musician, filmmaker, social entrepreneur, and former Durham, North Carolina City Councilman– whose work sits at the crossroads of art, activism, and storytelling. From his Emmy Award-winning Beat Making Lab to his Grammy-nominated albums AnceStars and Black to the Future, Pierce shows how storytelling, rooted in family and community, can drive real social change.To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie’s book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com/home.--© 2026 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Tsuki Carlsonin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Pierce Freelon, Luke Gernert, Madison Brown, Lor Simpson, David Gray, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

Scaling the Intimacy of Live Music — Warren Webster 08.01.2026 28мин

Before Billie Eilish and Olivia Dean were winning Grammys and selling out at Madison Square Garden, they were performing in living rooms with Sofar Sounds. In this episode, we talk with Warren Webster, CEO of Sofar Sounds, about the importance of connecting artists and fans through intimate live music to create community. Warren also discusses the economics of Sofar concerts and how they approach scaling this intimacy across the globe. Stay tuned to hear special Sofar Sounds live performances featured.To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie’s book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com/home.--© 2026 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Tsuki Carlsonin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Warren Webster, Rebecca Carlisle, Madison Brown, Lor Simpson, David Gray, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman. Sofar songs in this episode are performed by Benjamin Carter and Rootbeer Richie & The Reveille.

Humanity is First — Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Revisited 18.12.2025 57мин

Today, we’re re-releasing a favorite conversation and a 2024 Webby Award-nominated episode with acclaimed Mexican filmmaker, Alejandro González Iñárritu. Iñárritu is best known for directing Oscar-winning films like Birdman and The Revenant, but today, we discuss his work beyond Hollywood. Unpacking Carne y Arena, a groundbreaking virtual-reality installation centered on the lived experiences of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, Alejandro embodies a storyteller who creates to evoke empathy and humanity.To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie’s book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com/home.--© 2025 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Tsuki Carlsonin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Alejandro González Iñárritu, Madison Brown, David Gray, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

Behind the Curtain of The Wizard of Oz at Sphere — Carolyn Blackwood and Ben Grossmann 04.12.2025 32мин

What happens when one of Hollywood’s most beloved classics is reimagined for one of the most advanced immersive venues in the world? In this episode, Carolyn Blackwood and Ben Grossmann break down how they adapted The Wizard of Oz for the Sphere. They discuss the technical challenges and creative opportunities of using VFX, generative AI, and 4D effects to pull audiences into the world of Oz, while preserving the authenticity of the original film.To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie’s book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com/home.--© 2025 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Tsuki Carlsonin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Carolyn Blackwood, Ben Grossmann, Madison Brown, David Gray, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

The Future of Storytelling for Audiences — Charlie Melcher and Rohit Bhargava 17.11.2025 31мин

We’re moving away from media that is flat, fixed, linear, and passive. The future of storytelling is embodied, immersive, agentic, responsive, and social — and this is what Charlie Melcher’s new book, The Future of Storytelling: How Immersive Experiences Are Transforming Our World is all about. In this episode, guest host Rohit Bhargava in collaboration with FoST members asks Charlie all about his book and how audiences can become “actiences.” To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie’s book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com/home.To listen to the first half of the conversation on the future of storytelling for creators, visit nonobvious.com/podcast/.--© 2025 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producer, Tsuki Carlsonin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Rohit Bhargava, Madison Brown, David Gray, Bonnie Eldon, Megan Worman, and all FoST members who participated.

Inside The Shed’s Vision for Interdisciplinary Arts — Alex Poots 29.10.2025 29мин

Since launching The Shed in 2019, Alex Poots has developed it into one of NYC’s most dynamic cultural institutions– a home for genre-defying performances, bold commissions, and unexpected collaborations. In this episode, he shares his insights on the space, its programming, and the evolving role of cultural institutions as platforms for innovative and interdisciplinary arts and storytelling.To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie’s upcoming book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com.--© 2025 Future of StoryTelling, Corp.Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.124 West 13th StreetNew York, NY 10011Founder and CEO, Charles MelcherDirector, Carolyn MerrimanAssistant Producers, Madison Brown and Tsuki Carlsonin collaboration with Charts & LeisureFounder, Jason OberholtzerProducer, Meghal JanardanEditor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael SimonelliWith special thanks to Alex Poots, David Gray, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

Directing the Machine — Eliza McNitt 09.10.2025 31мин

Today’s guest is Eliza McNitt, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker working at the intersection of technology, science, and film. From her groundbreaking VR trilogy SPHERES to her latest AI film ANCESTRA, Eliza embraces emerging technologies to tell deeply personal and cosmic stories. In this conversation, we explore her creative evolution — and how she’s using AI to expand the language of storytelling and make the invisible visible. To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. -- © 2025 Future of StoryTelling, Corp. Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp. 124 West 13th Street New York, NY 10011 Founder and CEO, Charles Melcher Director, Carolyn Merriman Assistant Producer, Madison Brown in collaboration with Charts & Leisure Founder, Jason Oberholtzer Producer, Meghal Janardan Editor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael Simonelli With special thanks to Eliza McNitt, David Gray, Tsuki Carlson, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

How SFMOMA Centers the Audience — Christopher Bedford 25.09.2025 29мин

Today’s conversation is with Christopher Bedford, the Helen and Charles Schwab Director of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Chris is leading a bold vision to make the museum community-centered, inclusive, and reflective of San Francisco’s cultural identity. In this episode, he shares how SFMOMA is adapting to a changing world and redefining what a modern museum can be. To learn more and pre-order your copy of The Future of Storytelling, visit our website at fost.org. -- © 2025 Future of StoryTelling, Corp. Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp. 124 West 13th Street New York, NY 10011 Founder and CEO, Charles Melcher Director, Carolyn Merriman Assistant Producer, Madison Brown in collaboration with Charts & Leisure Founder, Jason Oberholtzer Producer, Meghal Janardan Editor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael Simonelli With special thanks to Christopher Bedford, David Gray, Tsuki Carlson, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

Meta's Wearable Revolution — Shachar Scott 11.09.2025 28мин

Today’s conversation is with Shachar Scott, VP of Global Marketing at Meta Reality Labs. Shachar has played a key role in introducing the world to immersive, wearable technology, like the Meta Quest headset and the wildly popular Ray-Ban Meta glasses. In this episode, she shares her insights on what storytelling opportunities these devices present, how Meta has successfully got customers to adopt them, and the role authenticity plays in their marketing. To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To pre-order your copy of The Future of Storytelling, and enter for a chance to win a customizable immersive getaway, visit this link: https://bit.ly/48dRdEh -- © 2025 Future of StoryTelling, Corp. Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp. 124 West 13th Street New York, NY 10011 Founder and CEO, Charles Melcher Director, Carolyn Merriman Assistant Producer, Madison Brown in collaboration with Charts & Leisure Founder, Jason Oberholtzer Producer, Meghal Janardan Editor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael Simonelli With special thanks to Shachar Scott, David Gray, Tsuki Carlson, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

Enriched Reality at Venice Immersive — Liz Rosenthal and Michel Reilhac 28.08.2025 34мин

Today’s conversation is with Liz Rosenthal and Michel Reilhac, the curators of Venice Immersive, the Extended Reality section of the Venice International Film Festival. For close to a decade, Liz and Michel have put together one of the world’s leading showcases for immersive arts and media, convening a global community of artists, technologists, and producers to experience and celebrate the evolution of immersive media. In this episode, they discuss this year's edition of Venice Immersive (showing from August 27 - September 6), what they've learned from watching immersive media grow, and how they anticipate the medium will continue to evolve. To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie's upcoming book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com -- © 2025 Future of StoryTelling, Corp. Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp. 124 West 13th Street New York, NY 10011 Founder and CEO, Charles Melcher Director, Carolyn Merriman Assistant Producer, Madison Brown in collaboration with Charts & Leisure Founder, Jason Oberholtzer Producer, Meghal Janardan Editor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael Simonelli With special thanks to Liz Rosenthal, Michel Reilhac, David Gray, Tsuki Carlson, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.

Embodied Cognition and Sensual Media — Annie Murphy Paul, Revisited 15.08.2025 31мин

Today on the podcast, we revisit an all-time favorite conversation with Annie Murphy Paul, author of The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain. Annie's insightful and informative book is an invaluable read for any storyteller interested in creating embodied, multi-sensory narratives. To learn more, visit our website at fost.org. To get your copy of Charlie's upcoming book, The Future of Storytelling, visit thefutureofstorytelling.com -- © 2025 Future of StoryTelling, Corp. Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp. 124 West 13th Street New York, NY 10011 Founder and CEO, Charles Melcher Director, Carolyn Merriman Assistant Producer, Madison Brown in collaboration with Charts & Leisure Founder, Jason Oberholtzer Producer, Meghal Janardan Editor, Garrett Crowe Mix and Music, Michael Simonelli With special thanks to Annie Murphy Paul, David Gray, Tsuki Carlson, Bonnie Eldon, and Megan Worman.