Discovering the Art of Storytelling with Bob Hastings

In today’s episode, we have a special guest, Bob Hastings, an architect turned master storyteller. Bob discovered his talent for storytelling while crafting bedtime tales for his grandson, which blossomed into a remarkable podcast series that has captivated listeners around the world. Tune in to learn how to craft stories that not only entertain but also impart wisdom, creating lasting memories for both you and your children.

In this episode, you will be able to:

1. Discover Storytelling Techniques
2. Understand the significance of subtly transmitting life lessons such as kindness and politeness through storytelling, and how this can be a powerful way to impart values to children.
3. Engage your child’s imagination o make bedtime stories more relatable and thrilling, thereby fostering a deeper connection and engagement
4. Adapt storytelling for different ages
5. Explore the benefits of co-writing stories with your children, using familiar topics and everyday experiences to educate and entertain them, making storytelling a collaborative and enriching activity.

Hey there, Great Dad Talks listeners! It’s Paul Banas here, your host, and I’m thrilled to bring you highlights from an extraordinary episode featuring the brilliant storyteller Bob Hastings. We covered a lot of ground in our conversation, and I’m excited to share some key takeaways with you.

From Architectural Blueprints to Storytelling Templates

Bob Hastings shared his unique journey from being an architect to discovering his knack for storytelling. Initially, writing stories began as a fun way to entertain his grandson, but it quickly turned into a passion project. With his architect’s mindset, Bob created a storytelling template to ensure his narratives were engaging and not repetitive.

“Using my background in architecture, I crafted a structure for my stories. This helped me maintain balance – much like designing a building.”

The Simple Yet Powerful Template

One of the most intriguing parts of our discussion was Bob’s storytelling template inspired by Winnie the Pooh stories. This structure might be simple, but it’s incredibly effective. Here’s what it entails:

• Peacefulness: Starting with a calm setting
• Chaos: Introducing a conflict or challenge
• Struggle: The characters face and tackle the challenge
• Resolution: Finding a solution
• Togetherness: Ending with unity and learning

“This template is my go-to method. It’s simple and keeps the stories from feeling preachy or repetitive,” Bob shared.

The Hero’s Journey and Beyond

Bob also incorporates elements from the hero’s journey, a classic storytelling framework. He emphasized that this method helps in transmitting subtle values and life lessons to children.

“I always integrate values like kindness and politeness into the narrative. It’s a wonderful way to pass on essential life lessons without being overt.”

Engaging Kids with Their Middle Names

We delved into some creative strategies Bob uses to engage children’s imaginations. One particularly delightful technique involves using kids’ middle names as the characters in bedtime stories.

“By using their middle names, I make the stories personal and captivating. It transforms the mundane into something magical,” Bob explained.

Practical Tips for Storytelling

Bob offered fantastic advice for all the dads out there wanting to get into storytelling. Here are some of his key points:

• Start with familiar topics: Use biblical stories, legends, or fairy tales as entry points.
• Engage actively: Adapt your storytelling approach based on your child’s response and engagement.
• Co-write stories: Involve your children in the storytelling process to make it more interactive.
• Use visual imagery: Create vivid pictures with your words to draw kids in.

“Parents, especially dads, have a wealth of stories and experiences. Sharing these through storytelling is immensely valuable,” Bob noted.

Authentic Storytelling for a Global Audience

Bob’s stories have achieved global popularity, with downloads coming in from around the world. This just goes to show the universal appeal of authentic storytelling.

“It’s incredible to see the demand for genuine content for children. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing your stories resonate globally,” Bob shared.

Keeping Older Kids Interested

One challenge many parents face is keeping older kids engaged. Bob believes storytelling doesn’t have to stop at age 8. It’s about creating memories and nurturing independence.

“Even as they grow, storytelling can continue to play a crucial role. It’s about evolving the tales to match their maturity,” Bob emphasized.

Towards the end of our chat, we discussed the importance of sharing authentic experiences and avoiding baby talk. Creating visual pictures with our words and involving children actively in storytelling are critical aspects to remember.