Hello 👋 looking for mind-expanding conversations from the frontlines of storymaking? Then you’ve come to the right place.

The Storymakers Institute is your front row pass to the world’s most intriguing storytellers - a newsletter and podcast that lifts the hood on storytelling, creativity, and life behind the scenes.

I’m Joel Carnegie. I’m an award-winning Australian storymaker (more info) and every week, I bring you fresh interviews and deep dives into the (he)art of storymaking.

Who are the storymakers?

My guests come from around the world, and include award-winning authors, writers, journalists, performers, creators and storytellers. Some are famous. Others are less familiar. All of them shaping the world we live in, one story at a time.

The Storymakers Institute is delivered to your inbox on Wednesdays at 6am (GMT+10). You never know who’ll turn up next.

Become a story insider.

By selecting a monthly, annual or ‘choose your contribution’ subscription to The Storymakers Institute ($8 AUD per month or $80 AUD per year) you will get to:

Unlock The Sealed Section.

• Gain access to full-length episodes, available only to paid subscribers.

Deep Dive.

• Receive “Story Insider” every month - a written dispatch of found long reads and audio, selected exclusively for paid subscribers, about how the storytelling sausage is made.

• Explore the show archive (beyond the paywall) and delve into additional written posts, video, and bonus episodes you won't find anywhere else.

Experience Premium.

• Get every episode of the Storymakers Institute to your inbox + Substack app feed, with no ads.

• You can also set up your own private podcast feed to listen to full-length episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, only available to paid subscribers.

• Read our FAQs for paid subscribers below for further information.

Choose Your Contribution.

Choose a "Choose Your Contribution" subscription ($160+ AUD per year) to access all benefits and enable a full-year subscription scholarship for a financially constrained member of The Storymakers Institute community. #payitforward

Free Subscriber.

By selecting a free subscription to The Storymakers Institute, you will receive:

• Shortened versions of the podcast delivered to your inbox + Substack app feed. Share them with your mates. Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Show us the love.

• I understand that funds can be tight. If you’re unable to afford payment, but would like to apply for a scholarship for an annual subscription with full access, please reach out to check availability: thestorymakersinstitute[@]gmail[dot]com. Limited numbers available.

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?

My story work has reached millions of people internationally, airing on Audible, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), American Public Media, BBC World Service, CBC (Canada), Deutsche Welle (Germany), RFI (France) and others.

Over many years, I’ve led the creation and development of original podcast, screen, and live-on-stage productions - including “Hells Gates” (2023) and the nationally touring double bill production of “Stardust + The Mission”, which toured to 45 cities across Australia in 2019 and 2022.

My work was recognised at the 2020 New York Festivals International Radio Awards for the ABC podcast/audio series "Music in Time" (in the Best Music Program Host category). I was a finalist at the 2018 Australian LBGTI Awards for my work leading Audible Originals "Listen to Love" podcast series, and received a Best Announcer Presentation and Best History award for my ABC RN radio documentary, "Fairy Investigation Society," at the 2018 New York Festivals International Radio Awards.

My audio documentary on a controversial 1,000-year-old cultural tradition: The Grind on ABC Radio National (and other outlets) was shortlisted as a Top 5 Finalist at Whicker's World Foundation Audio Recognition Awards 2017, and my ABC radio cabaret show, Stardust: The Col Brain Story, directed by Tom Molyneux, won Best Performance By An Actor and Best Innovation at the 2017 New York Festivals International Radio Awards.

I’m currently the host of Evenings (8pm-12am) weeknights on ABC Classic.

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.

5. Can I pay using my credit card?

Yes, you can. Substack will securely process your subscription using your preferred payment method.

6. Can I pause or cancel my paid subscription at any time if I decide it's not for me?

Yes. Simply follow the details provided by Substack here.

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