Your front row pass to the world’s most intriguing storytellers.
The Storymakers Institute is a newsletter and podcast that lifts the hood on storytelling. I’m Joel Carnegie 👋 and I bring you mind expanding interviews and deep dives into the (he)art of storytelling.
Who are the storymakers?
My guests come from around the world, and include award-winning authors, writers, journalists, thinkers, and storytellers. Some are famous. Others are less familiar. All of them shaping the world we live in, one story at a time.
How this all began:
I’ve been a storymaker as long as I can remember. As humans, we’re hard-wired to connect through story. It’s actually our superpower, within all of us.
Through my work, I’ve gathered an extraordinary global network of people working across the storymaking realm – some in the spotlight, some not.
I created The Storymakers Institute to bring these world class creative minds into one place - to find out what they are really thinking - and to share their stories, ideas, and wisdom with you.
Want to know more about me?
I tell stories — with meaning, with music, with heart.
My work is about creating moments that connect us: to ourselves, to each other, to the present, to something bigger. I’m drawn to the emotional undercurrent. The hum beneath the noise. The kind of storytelling that leaves a mark — not just in the mind, but in the body.
I’m the host of the nightly national Evenings show (Mon–Fri, 7pm–11pm) on ABC Classic, presenting a blend of live music, laughs, and stories each weeknight. I also pop up regularly on ABC Local Radio across Australia.
As a presenter and creator, my story work has reached millions of people worldwide on Audible, the ABC, American Public Media, BBC World Service, CBC (Canada), Deutsche Welle (Germany), and RFI (France). My work has won awards at the New York Festivals International Radio Awards and The Whickers, and I’ve served on juries for the Signal Awards (USA), Prix Europa, New York Festivals, the Australian Podcast Awards, and the ARIA Music Awards.
As Founder and Head of Storytelling at The Space Company (2015–2024), I led the creation of original podcast, screen, and live-on-stage productions. Highlights include the gripping rescue drama Hells Gates (2023), which I created and led, and the award-winning, nationally touring double bill Stardust + The Mission, which I performed in, musically directed, and steered across 45 cities with over 60 project partners.
I’m a professionally trained multi-instrumentalist and music director (conductor), with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the University of Melbourne, a Graduate Certificate in Business (Arts and Cultural Management) from Deakin University, and a Master of Arts (Media and Communications) from Swinburne University of Technology.
I’m open to collaboration, commission, and opportunities as a story-first presenter/interviewer, narrative architect, or musical director.
I’m regularly invited to host, MC, facilitate conversations, and speak at events exploring the intersections of culture, storytelling, music, community, innovation, and leadership.
FAQs.
1. How often will I receive episodes when subscribed?
The Storymakers Institute is delivered to Substack subscribers on Wednesdays at 6am (Melbourne time) via email and Substack app feed.
2. Tell me more about Substack.
Substack is an ad-free, global platform built for (and respectful of) independent creators, thinkers, writers and storymakers. It’s safe, secure and easy-to-use on any device. Substack is newer in countries like Australia and New Zealand but is well-loved by millions of users around the world.
3. How do I listen to episodes on my favourite podcast app?
It’s easy. Simply follow the details provided by Substack here.
4. I love the show, can I leave a star rating or review somewhere?
Sure thing - you can do this on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
