Best Procedural Storytelling Podcasts (2025)

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#415 Recruiting, HR and Leadership - behaviour and its consequences 21:46

4h ago21:46

21:46

Leadership behaviour has an immediate impact on any other department. HR and Recruiting are no exception to this rule. What does excellent leadership look like, and which impact does sub-standard leadership have? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected] Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in…

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3.17 Fantasy Heist: The Lies of Locke Lamora 46:15

5d ago46:15

46:15

In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the fantasy novel The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch. Proprietor's Pick: Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!) Intr…

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#414 Exit Interview - Procedure, Details, Benefits 18:10

6d ago18:10

18:10

When an employee resigns, quits, or leaves, an exit interview is crucial. However, often, these exit interviews are not conducted at all, lack structure and focus, they deliver no results. How do you conduct an excellent exit interview? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected] Contact: htt…

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#413 The case of the AfD - confirmed extremist - what to do? 19:56

13d ago19:56

19:56

The AfD was declared extremist. This decision has wide-reaching consequences for organisations, business and their leaders. How do you deal with supporters or members of this party when you see them amongst your staff or even leaders? How can this process get aligned with the organisation's values? Niels Brabandt discusses this issue in this week's…

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3.16 Gothic Romance: Crimson Peak 39:51

19d ago39:51

39:51

In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the gothic romance movie Crimson Peak. Proprietor's Pick: The Dark Window by Rachel Gillig (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!) Intro and outro music: "The T…

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#411 Value-drive Leadership - The case of Harvard University vs. Donald J. Trump 21:30

27d ago21:30

21:30

Value-driven Leadership is an approach which leaders often claim for themselves; however, living these values is a struggle for most leaders. The case of Harvard University versus Donald J. Trump shows how Alan Garber, Harvard University's president, lived a value-driven approach in the dispute with the White House. Niels Brabandt discusses the cas…

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3.15 LitRPG: Dungeon Crawler Carl 39:29

1M ago39:29

39:29

In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the sci-fi/LitRPG novel Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman. (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!) Proprietor's Pick: The Wandering Inn by pirateaba Intro a…

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#410 Leadership and Dilemma 16:41

1M ago16:41

16:41

Not every difficult decision is a dilemma. Leaders often do not even know how to define a dilemma or how to act if they face one. Which aspects are the most important ones when facing a dilemma? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected] Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Le…

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#409 Proportionality and Leadership 20:46

1M ago20:46

20:46

How can leaders make measured, appropriate and reasonable decisions? Niels Brabandt discusses these aspects in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected] Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/…

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#408 Videocast Announcement 8:00

1M ago8:00

8:00

The Leadership Podcast is now available as The Leadership Videocast as well. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected] Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/By Niels Brabandt

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The GDC 2025 Grab Bag Episode 1:08:41

1M ago1:08:41

1:08:41

We return with another grab bag episode for GDC 2025! Like last year, we brought a bunch of simple questions to ask folks, and in these three groups you get to hear how their answers differed. In our first group we had Chase Dodge (NYU student), Ruari Root (NYU student), Calliope Ryder (prev Lead Producer on Tales of the Shire at Weta Workshop), Ch…

1
3.14 Sci-Fi Procedural: Fringe 43:32

2M ago43:32

43:32

In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the science fiction TV show Fringe. Proprietor's Pick: Recursion by Blake Crouch (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!) Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by …

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#407 Employee Benefits and Recruiting - by Niels Brabandt 22:44

2M ago22:44

22:44

We all need the best talent in our organisation. In the competition amongst other organisations, benefits play a decisive role. Which benefits are accepted? Which ones are expected? Which one sound like benefits but they are actually of no value to applicants? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-N…

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#406 Leadership and AI - an interview with Dr. Shanda Gore / by Niels Brabandt 16:12

2M ago16:12

16:12

Leaders often struggle to find the right approach with AI. Should we embrace and implement it or carefully check every single step? Which approach is the best practice which leaders are looking for? Dr. Shanda Gore offers her insights, experience and expertise in this interview with Niels Brabandt. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected] Guest: D…

1
#405 Finance and Management 16:47

2M ago16:47

16:47

Hardly anyone likes to talk about finance. However, any decision made has a financial implication, a financial impact, a financial consequence. Can leaders today still brush off the topic by saying they are not responsible for this aspect of the business or do we need another approach today? Niels Brabandt discusses the topic in this week's episode…

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#404 The creative Way to Leadership and the Art of Direction - an interview with Vincent Wanga 21:06

2M ago21:06

21:06

How can you become a leader in the creative industry? Vincent Wanga has an impressive track record to offer. He delivered success in the very competitive field without starting from any privileged position. In this interview with Niels Brabandt, he shares his insights. Host: Niels Brabandt (he/him) / [email protected] Guest: Vincent Wanga Contact:…

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3.13 Epic Fantasy: The Will of the Many 45:23

2M ago45:23

45:23

In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the epic fantasy novel The Will of the Many by James Islington. Proprietor's Pick: Red Sister by Mark Lawrence (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!) Intro and…

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#403 Extraversion and Introversion in the Organisation 18:54

2M ago18:54

18:54

Extraversion and Introversion are often known as binary labels. The newest scientific results show a more nuanced spectrum. Moving away from quick decisions to a suitable spectrum model, what does all this mean for the organisation? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected] Contact: https:/…

1
#402 How to make innovation a reality in the organisation - an interview with Matt Sturgess 14:07

2M ago14:07

14:07

Organisations frequently claim to drive innovation. The reality is often a very different one. How can innovation become a reality in your organisation? Matt Sturgess is a former CEO, a former MD and answered important questions in the interview with Niels Brabandt. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected] Guest: Matt Sturgess Contact: https://www…

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#401 Do we need a Woman's Quota? 25:25

2M ago25:25

25:25

World Women's Day sparked the debate again. Do we need a Women's Quote? Which approaches to quotas are working in real-world practice? Which pros and cons speak in favour and against a Woman's Quote? Niels Brabandt discusses the complex topic in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected] Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niel…

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#400 How to deliver sustainable and eco-friendly marketing - an Interview with Megan Thudium 13:59

2M ago13:59

13:59

Marketing, as a business activity, needs to focus on becoming more sustainable, eco-friendy and carbon-neutral. However, how do I deliver sustainable and eco-friendly marketing without losing the successful results from it? Megan Thudium is an expert on this topic. In this interview with Niels Brabandt, she answers every question you need to know a…

1
3.12 Comedic Sci-Fi: Futurama 32:10

3M ago32:10

32:10

In this episode, we're talking about humour, worldbuilding, genre, and the animated TV showFuturama. Proprietor's Pick:I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Rom-Comby Kimberly Lemming (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through this link we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore…

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#399 Are efficiency programmes necessary? 17:47

3M ago17:47

17:47

Efficiency Programmes are well-known in organisations. Preferred as a tool by management, people who work within the organisation often hate them. Are efficiency programmes necessary? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's topic. Host: Niels Brabandt (he/him) / [email protected] Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leader…

1
#398 Knowledge versus Experience 12:38

3M ago12:38

12:38

Knowledge and experience are terms which are often used in organisations. However, their use is often ambiguous and not well-defined, so the benefit of both terms remain unknown for the organisation. How should a modern organisation use knowledge and experience to succeed? Niels Brabandt discusses the topic in this week's episode. Host: Niels Braba…

1
3.11 YA Sci-Fi: Skyward 46:41

3M ago46:41

46:41

In this episode, we're talking about genre, the state of YA sci-fi in publishing, and the writing and worldbuilding in the young adult science fiction novel Skyward by Brandon Sanderson. Proprietor's Pick: Red Rising by Pierce Brown (Disclosure: we are a bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links we will earn a small commission …

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#397 Do Leaders need Negotiation Skills? 13:27

3M ago13:27

13:27

Leaders joining negotiations spontaneously is a worst case scenario for people, no matter if they work in sales, engineering or compliance. Can leaders delegate the task of negotiation of do they have to master the skill of negotiation themselves? Niels Brabandt discusses the topic in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected] C…

1
#396 Public Perception and Leadership 20:01

3M ago20:01

20:01

Leader's actions always happen in the context of their organisation. Any action will be judged against the organisation's beliefs and values. Recently, leaders' actions harmed organisations severely. How can you deal with these situations? How do you prevent harm from happening to others and your organisation? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in …

1
3.10 Comedic RPG: Fantasy High 43:02

3M ago43:02

43:02

In this episode, we're talking about the worldbuilding in the Dungeons & Dragons RPG comedy Fantasy High: Freshman Year, which is a Dimension 20 show produced by Dropout TV. Proprietor's Pick: Highfire by Eoin Colfer (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through this link we will earn a small commission AND you will suppo…

1
#395 Are organisational values important? 14:17

3M ago14:17

14:17

Everyone loves to talk about values. Value-driven leadership, value-driven decision-making, the value-driven organisation. From employees to executives, everyone claims to follow the best values possible. However, the credibility of these values became questionable. How important are values for an organisation in today's times? Niels Brabandt discu…

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Adam Dolin & Jolie Menzel 1:35:14

4M ago1:35:14

1:35:14

It’s been an embarrassingly long time but we are BACK! Again!!! And this time we’ve brought returning guests Adam Dolin and Jolie Menzel to discuss breaking in, how they define narrative design, the differences between creative directors who come from narrative versus other displiclines, the three c’s, can game writers exist without knowing narrati…

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#394 The Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) Argument 17:44

4M ago17:44

17:44

Due to recent political events, the argument around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) was reignited. Instead of comparing opinions, ideologies and hearsay, we must look at facts, proof and scientific evidence. Do DEI programmes pay off for the organisation? Does DEI work? Niels Brabandt discusses the difficult topic in this week's podcast. Host…

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3.9 Dark Fairy Tale: Nettle & Bone 45:54

4M ago45:54

45:54

In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the fantasy novel Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher, and how the story feels like a fairy tale even though it is not a retelling. Proprietor's Pick: All the Murmuring Bones by A.G. Slatter (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links we will e…

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#393 Why is lifelong learning important? 20:13

4M ago20:13

20:13

Lifelong learning is a goal which many people have. However, after receiving their first qualification, most people do not strive for additional knowledge. This behaviour often causes severe problems later in these people's lives. How do you implement a pattern to become a lifelong learner, and why is lifelong learning important? Niels Brabandt dis…

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#392 How do I motivate an organisation for a challenging year 19:18

4M ago19:18

19:18

The New Year 2025 has now fully begun. A quite omnipresent negativity is apparent. A challenging year is ahead of us. How do you deal with this situation as a leader? How do you motivate the people in the organisation for a potentially challenging year? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Networks…

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3.8 Horror: A Quiet Place 45:20

4M ago45:20

45:20

In this episode, we're talking about the horror movie A Quiet Place. Proprietor's Pick: Lucky Day by Chuck Tingle and Birdbox by Michael Louis Calvillo (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!) Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by …

1
#391 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Future of Work 30:19

4M ago30:19

30:19

AI is omnipresent. Unfortunately, most discussions are superficial, meaningless and offer no solutions for the working world. Evidence and facts are available from the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton Business School. After successfully completing their AI education programme, Niels Brabandt presents the results in this week's episode. Ho…

1
#390 Does Performance at work pay off? 19:28

5M ago19:28

19:28

The question of whether performance at work pays off is a long-standing one. The discussion is often led ideologically. To answer the question, we need data, proof and evidence. Anyone working more expects to have personal benefits from it. Does performance at work pay off? Niels Brabandt discusses and answers the question in this week's episode. H…

1
3.7 Children's Sci-Fi: Wall-E 34:53

5M ago34:53

34:53

In this episode, we're talking about environmental sci-fi, ecological themes, children's literature, and the Disney movie Wall-E. Proprietor's Pick: A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore…

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#389 Are New Year's Resolutions helpful? 28:30

5M ago28:30

28:30

Every year, the topic of New Year's Resolutions comes up. Are these resolutions helpful? Do most people achieve them of fail to do so? Is there any scientific evidence on New Year's Resolutions? Niels Brabandt discusses the topic in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected] Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Le…

1
#388 Improving Employee's Performance 18:52

5M ago18:52

18:52

Not achieving expectations at work can quickly lead to conflicts. Performance Improvement Programmes should help employees. Which aspects belong in such a programme? Which elements are a must-have, and which ones are nice to have? How do you implement the programme in the organisation? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host…

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3.6 Cozy Sci-Fi: The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet 42:41

5M ago42:41

42:41

In this episode, we're talking about cozy science fiction and The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers. Proprietor's Pick: Cascade Failure by L.M. Sagas (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!) Intro and outro music: …

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#387 Psychological safety in the workplace 17:44

5M ago17:44

17:44

The topic of Psychological Safety has become highly relevant recently. However, leaders often struggle to comprehend which aspects are important and how to implement the necessary steps in their team, their department or their organisation. How can your leaders and your organisation deliver on the promise of Psychological Safety in the workplace? N…

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#386 Growing and Leading a business in times of crisis - an interview with Olexandr Buratynskiy, Founder and CEO of tTravel 17:12

5M ago17:12

17:12

Facing challenges is common in business. Facing times of war is not. Olexandr Buratynskiy grew his business in exactly such times. The founder and CEO of tTravel succeeds amongst the hardest omnipresent challenges. What can we learn from him? Niels Brabandt discusses this topic with him in an extraordinary interview. Host: Niels Brabandt / NB@NB-Ne…

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#385 Accountability and Leadership Communication 14:24

6M ago14:24

14:24

Leadership communication fails frequently. How can leaders communicate efficienctly and effectively in moments of crisis? How do leaders live up to the expectations regarding accountability? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected] Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Leader…

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3.5 Horror Romance: Someone You Can Build a Nest In 46:23

6M ago46:23

46:23

In this episode, we're talking about how horror and romance can go together (and whether cozy horror is a thing) in Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell. Proprietor's Pick: Voyage of the Damned by Frances White (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links we will earn a small commission AND you wil…

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#384 Dealing with Absenteeism 19:08

6M ago19:08

19:08

Absenteeism is on the rise. However, organisation do not deal with it well. The attempts appear to be helpless, uninspiring and sometimes even against the law. How you can you deal better with this situation? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected] Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nie…

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#383 The Importance of Project Kick Offs 17:20

6M ago17:20

17:20

The vast majority of projects do not meet their goals. Often, the Kick Offs already set the wrong tone, do not create a motivating atmosphere, and every aspect of the project goes downhill from there. How can your organisation start projects better? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's episode. Host: Niels Brabandt / [email protected]…

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3.4 Dark Fantasy: The Witcher 43:10

6M ago43:10

43:10

In this episode, we're talking about deconstructing tropes, dark fairy tales, costs of magic, monsters, and more in the dark fantasy TV show The Witcher. Proprietor's Pick: Foul Days by Genoveva Dimova (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie b…

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#382 Organisational Values and Compliance 16:07

6M ago16:07

16:07

Organisations often claim to live by values which they do not represent in reality. At the same time, people frequently complain about the limits the compliance department sets for their work. How can an organisation thrive on values and implement a well-working compliance process? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in this week's podcast. Host: Ni…

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#381 Commitment in the application process 18:57

7M ago18:57

18:57

Platforms such as Glassdoor and Kununu dramatically show the problems applicants face when applying for jobs. However, it is not only the applicants who struggle. Employers are often dissatisfied with certain applicants' behaviours as well. How can your organisation get the best process possible implemented? Niels Brabandt discusses the issue in th…

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Procedural Storytelling Podcasts

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