About this episode

Helen Packham explores the deep-rooted connection between storytelling and human biology in the season opener of 'Stories in Our DNA'.

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: The evolutionary reason behind fear of public speaking Why Homo sapiens survived — and storytelling’s role in it What your dreams teach you about narrative How story builds trust, empathy, and connection Real-world coaching stories that show the power of story in action If this episode speaks to you, please follow, share, and leave a review. Download Your Stories In Our DNA Season 2 Companion Kite Here: Podcast season 2 - Helen Packham #StoriesInOurDNA #StorytellingPodcast #LeadershipThroughStory

People in this episode

Host: Helen Packham

Topics covered

• storytelling
• evolution
• public speaking
• leadership
• narrative
• trust
• empathy

Keywords

• storytelling
• public speaking
• evolution
• leadership
• narrative
• trust
• empathy
• coaching
• neuroscience
• dreams

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Stories In Our DNA

More episodes of Words that Change Lives

• Stories in Our DNA – Ep 2: Stories From the Ancient Past · April 27, 2026 · 41 min
• Season 2 is coming. · April 1, 2026 · 2 min
• Ep 70: Growth, Burnout and The Next Chapter: Reflections After 70 Episodes · June 1, 2025 · 17 min
• Ep 69: Robotics COO Eleanor Tang-Smith Reveals Why Doing Nothing Could Be The Smartest Move In The Age Of AI · May 25, 2025 · 47 min
• Ep 68: This ONE Conversation Made Me Rethink My Whole Business with Helen Tudor · May 18, 2025 · 56 min
• Ep 67: Is Alcohol Stealing Your Potential Without You Noticing? With Anna Donaghey · May 11, 2025 · 48 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Words that Change Lives podcast page.