It’s easy to think that storytelling only matters when it’s grand, groundbreaking, or meticulously crafted. But a conversation between Bryan Cranston and Rainn Wilson reminded me that sometimes, just the act of telling a story—any story—can have an impact we don’t even realise.
In the clip, Cranston shares a moment from the early days of his career when he and some castmates visited assisted living facilities over the holidays. They sang carols, chatted with residents, and were surprised to find that many of them were devoted fans of their soap opera—watching it daily, invested in their characters. It was a realisation for him: even if the story isn’t life-changing, the act of telling it well has value.
This resonated deeply with me.
So often, we hesitate to share our own stories, whether in business, creativity, or life, because we question whether they’re "big" or "important" enough. But the reality is, you never truly know who is watching, reading, or listening. You never know what part of your story might become a thread in someone else’s day—giving them comfort, inspiration, or simply something to look forward to.
The first part of the clip also highlights something crucial: showing up where your audience already is. Cranston didn’t realise how much his storytelling mattered until he stood in front of the people who were most engaged with it. And that’s an opportunity not just to reinforce your own motivation for sharing, but to learn from your audience.
1️⃣ What parts of your story resonate with them?
2️⃣ What moments stick with them long after they’ve heard them?
3️⃣ What emotions or experiences do they reflect back to you?
This is a powerful feedback loop—one that helps you refine how you tell your story, but also reassures you that what you’re saying matters.
So if you’ve been hesitating, waiting for the perfect moment, or worrying whether your story is enough—this is your sign. Tell it anyway.
Because someone out there is listening.
(Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVKtrDJ1JMw)
Comments