Should you tell your story—or step out of it? Storytelling: it’s a topic that lies at the center of both improvisation and mindfulness practices. After recognizing that this episode has been a long time coming (2:14), Ted and Lisa dive into how foundational stories are, starting with the example of the stories we tell in relationship (7:18). Lisa describes her own brand of storytelling and offers a bread-related example of the mind as lightning-quick storyteller (15:02). She then posits that perhaps improv and mindfulness help us transcend human nature by helping us loosen the grip of our stories (21:21) before Ted asks just what we mean by “story” (27:44). Together, they describe the helpful structure of “The Story Spine” (31:05) and Ted offers another definition: that stories are explanations that make sense of the world—and that we then live so as to make them true! (38:22). The pair wonders if we need stories or personal stories and Ted wonders if he needs to keep his mementos and other stuff from the past (43:33). Lisa offers up two rules for life and Ted wonders if we’re here for a reason (57:46). Lisa explains how thinking of ourselves as characters is a story can help get us through hard times (1:01:26) and reminds us that we’ve got options to the dominant masculine form of storytelling (1:03:55). The usual Outro shares Lisa’s and Ted’s reflections on the episode itself (1:08:16). If there’s something in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us at [email protected]. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com. For more info or to order Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired book, Playful Mindfulness, visit www.playfulmindfulness.info.