Crafting Meaningful Podcast Connections: Diving Into The Depths Of Storytelling With Daniela Stockfleth-Menis Of Because Everyone Has A Story

Wish you were one of those influencers with raving fans who binge on your every word, consume all your content, buy everything you have to sell, and demand even more. Then stay tuned while Authority magazine columnist and buzzfeed contributor Tracy Hazard shares strategies, tips and tactics from top videocasters, podcasters, authors and social influencers on creating that bingeable factor. Now let's join Tracy as she explores how to rise above all the digital noise with the binge factor.

I had the pleasure of interviewing someone who has a show that is very story based. It's focused on the human experience because everyone has a story. Vijas, she says. Daniela Stockfelt Menace. She's got such a passion for the extraordinary in us ordinary people and she really brings that to the forefront of everything she does. Now, she didn't give me a formal bio here, so I'm not gonna read anything. But because we had a pre call. Because we had a call between the two of us. Cause she invited me on her show first.

Which actually didn't happen. I got her on my show first.

I wanted to flip it around because I wanted to learn a little bit more about her before I came on her show. Because she doesn't have a business that runs the show.

Right.

There's not a business behind this. So it's not as easy for me to understand how to serve her audience if I don't understand her first.

And that's what I wanted to do.

Because in her show she does such a fabulous job of featuring people, she doesn't shine as much. So I didn't get to know as much about her.

So I got her on my show.

That's what we're going to find out in today's show. We're really going to hear about what drives her, what made her create the show and why it's really working, why it's gathering listeners, why it's gaining momentum and why it is actually feeding her soul. So let's talk to Daniella Stockfelt Menace about because everyone has a story.

Daniella, so glad to have you here. I loved being on your show. It was outside of my comfort zone. And you said to me just now that this is outside of your comfort zone. We're both more comfortable on the other side of the mic, so this is my comfort zone. But I'm so welcome to have you here to talk about your show.

Because everyone has a story.

I just love it.

Thank you, Tracy, for having me. I really appreciate you inviting me to be in my not comfort zone.

That's right. Exactly. Well I'm going to start with your binge factor to make you feel a little more comfortable right now so that you feel you understand why I think you're showing show is great. Why I think your show is bingeable. And that's because you've decided to focus.

On the extraordinary in the ordinary.

So where people come out and think, oh, I'm just an ordinary person. You know, I have a job and I have this, but I'm just an ordinary mom or whatever it might be. And you've decided to focus on the.

Story underneath that is really, truly, at.

The end of the day, highlighting how.

Amazingly extraordinary regular people are.

You're right. And. And it's interesting that you say that, because I don't feel that with me. So then I'm feeling comfortable being here. But I can easily convince everyone else that I do believe that everybody has a story, that every story is fascinating and everybody has a life moments that we can learn from each other. I don't know. I feel like it was tiring to always listening to the people that are celebrities or that we know that are famous when we have so much knowledge within ourself. And so that's why I decided that this podcast will be a great idea. And so far, it has been, for me, a great opportunity for growth.

Well, let's talk about why you decided to start it.

You've almost hit a hundred, and congratulations on that.

I mean, I'm sure you've recorded a hundred, but you've almost published a hundred. You're really shy of it, just as we're recording this right now. So I'm sure by the time this publishes, you will be over a hundred.

And that is a huge accomplishment.

A hundred episodes ago, what made you.

Think this podcasting thing was for you?

As I have said many times, but is the fact that I had a job for nonprofit Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver. And that job was really fascinating because I get to meet people from all different industries, and I learned so many stories, and I always had that feeling of accomplishment, and I was happy going home. Then I decided to change industries because I like to learn different things, and none of those jobs that I've had gave me that feeling. And so a few years ago, I was listening to somebody's podcast, and they were just having a conversation, and I thought, oh, my God, this is amazing. Like, it's just two regular people, but we could do this again. And so I thought maybe I could have a podcast, which, you know, not knowing anything about technology, it was crazy. But I Have a son who is an expert, expert on inventing things. And so he said, yes, you can do it. And so I started to watch videos and I started to listening to everything that I could about podcasts and still couldn't understand how is it that I can record something and it just goes in the air like magic.

That syndication process seems to be a mystery to most of them and to people. And I still today, like, think that's.

What'S holding back people, is not understanding.

This idea of how it gets out there. But the reality is, in today's technology, you don't even have to know. You just have to know where to sign up, right?

Yes. Yes.

That's what makes it so easy. Well, so good. You had support system.

Right.

And you had a son who could help you. I love it when we have support systems and on these things where we're like, I don't get this.

What do I do?

And you've got someone you can go to who probably thinks and rolls their eyes. Because I know my kids do that. Rolls their eyes.

Like, of course mom doesn't get this.

But they gratefully help us and we get to move on.

Yes. So he kind of guide me. And then I was like, oh, that seems really complicated. You know, like your brain tells you that's just impossible. And then one day I said, okay, I want to learn. That's it. And then we sat for a second and I'm like, oh, this is audacity. This is not complicated to edit. This is seems very easy and detailed and organized. So that was very good. And then he was gone. And now. And then I did it all on my own, figuring everything out. So in a way, I was like, well, you told me a little bit, but I'm going to show that I can do even more. There's no reason that just mom is going to be an old woman, you know?

That's right. I'm going to show him. I love that. That kind of courage. It's wonderful. Well, your show has this really, I'm going to say, a nice flow of trying to explore the stories and people. And I'm curious as to have you.

Done a lot of interviews before.

How did you sort of prep up.

And learn how to ask people good questions?

I think the main thing is being curious. I'm full of curiosity all the time. And I didn't know these until always. Since I was little, I was. But now I notice more that it is coming more out, and I'm always asking questions. And my dad was like, this too. And they used to call him Kojak, which, you know, it was like.

I don't know if you remember, he's a detective, right?

Yeah, from the 80s, I think, or the 70s.

I'm older than I look, so, yeah, I'm totally there. I know who you're talking about.

So my aunt now, she calls me like that because I always want to know, but it's just accuracy to. I don't know why I'm so curious. I was for four years a toastmaster, and I want to do presentations. And I went to competitions and all these for four years, but I was really stressed, like I was before I was coming to this.

Stage fright.

Yes. I always said that I don't, but it's just the preparation. And then you just want to do it so well. I decided I couldn't handle it anymore. And also, I didn't have a purpose. I don't have to do presentations, not at work or anything like that. But during the four years that I was there, one of the roles was to be a host of the whole event. And I enjoyed that the most because I showcase other people. And I realized that that's what I like to do, organize the whole thing. But I'm just going to say, welcome, Tracy. She's the important one. That's how. I also thought that being a toastmaster and my curiosity were the two main factors that I learned how to. And I still think I need to learn more on how to ask better questions. For sure.

That's such a great Aha. That you realized that you liked that host role. And that's really what podcasting's mostly about. When we approach it from this standpoint of we're just creating a flow through so that the other person shines, that they're featured, that's the easiest part of the host role. But we have to settle into that. Right. And you already knew you liked it, so I think that's wonderful. I think the toughest job you have, and one of the things we talk about on the show a lot is how people get great guests. And the reality is, is that for.

You, I think sometimes you have to talk them into becoming a guest.

How do you go about doing that, telling someone, I want to have you on my show, I want to feature your story.

I do get a lot of requests, and that's also very warms my heart that people want to go to. To the show. But when I meet people in the streets, like, for example, I was in Halifax or Nova Scotia in Canada a few weeks ago, and we went to this restaurant he calls the Dancing Moose, you know, and then I was saying, how do you make these pancakes? They were like Dutch pancakes. And then he was, oh, I heard his accent and I'm like, oh, you are from the Netherlands. And you know, from that I was like, started to ask questions and I said, oh, you must come to the show. And then, you know, the people said, oh, sure, of course. You know, and regular people that had amazing story because from the Netherlands to go to a very remote town in Nova Scotia, Canada. I still have to know more about that.

That does sound so exciting. And I bet you they were stroopwafels. So super sweet pancakes. My favorite. From the Netherlands, because yeah, you have to find out about that. I love that idea that you just following what makes you curious, which you.

Know that your audience is going to be interested in too.

Right there I was like, oh, when that episode airs, I'm going to have to check it out.

Right.

I just made a note, so how exciting. And.

But are people hesitant?

Sometimes they're like, I'm just ordinary. I'm just, you know, I just run a restaurant. I do you have to convince them.

Yes, I do. And sometimes I don't succeed and then I move on until they're ready. But yes, because like me, they are shy or they don't think that the story will flow or they had enough information for people to be interested. Right, right. I disagree because I think that every story, you can learn something from that person or from, you know, maybe they talk about a country or something that they did that you didn't know, or a bit of a compassion, you know. So for me, one of the favorite episodes where when a lady came to talk about adoption, what would I know about that? Nothing. But now I understand a lot and it's fascinating.

That is.

So that's, I think, something that residual benefit to podcasting that I think people don't really realize, which is I feel like I have a whole. You know, an old school term would be a Rolodex full of people, but.

I have a Rolodex full of stories.

And contacts for various unusual things, like the person who makes the best stroopwafels, you know, whatever it might be. Don't you feel that way that you have this, like, access to all these great people and these great pieces of information and exciting things that might benefit.

Someone else in the future?

Yes. And that's having. Creating your own community. Right. That way I have all kinds of things from one gentleman who talks About HR and all, how he wants to change the system of hiring. And I love the way he speaks, so I follow him and learning more and I wouldn't have met him otherwise. So for me, the podcast has also been like university. You are going to classes and learning from the stories. All these things that I wouldn't learn otherwise. So university life it is for me.

I love that. That's such a great way to put it. Well, let's talk a little bit about return on investment because, I mean, our.

Time is really valuable.

What are some of the things that.

You'Ve taken away as being really valuable to you?

I'm very empathetic, but now I have even increased in growth. My compassion for people, for situations that wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for the stories that people are sharing. And I know that people. Sometimes I get feedback from others saying, oh my God, I learned these, or what a fantastic story. Or I really enjoy that person's story. So I feel like that's the return of investment I'm getting. And I know that perhaps, you know, I don't get a million viewers, but one person that you can change. That's what they say. One person at a time. Right.

I think we sorely underestimate the ripples that are happening from that one person.

Like, what could that one person do.

And how many people do they touch?

That's really started from me. From you. Right. And that's brilliant to think about, but.

That'S how we met. You had. You were in a podcast and I listened to you with Alex and Philippine. And then what happens? I was enchanted. I learned a lot and then somehow I connected with you and here we are. I think that's the best get any better than that.

I like it. Follow the threads and just keep flowing through and find what is interesting.

You next, do you hear from your listeners? What do they say?

I have one that always sends me text and say, I really appreciate it. I really enjoy this story. I really learned this from that. And many people are surprised that they are from different countries or they are from different cities or different situations that they wouldn't meet otherwise.

Right, Right.

Yeah. And I think that's really the expansive view of it is really giving them an expansive view of community, which I think people touch on and really like. And I think that's one of the reasons why your show, although it might be a slow growth in listener base and totally understand that, but I think that's probably why it's growing in the way that it is.

Yes. I mean, I was number one on journalists type in New Zealand, and I was like, oh, wow, that's so funny for. And then in Switzerland sometimes. So I have a friend in Switzerland. So I texted her, hey, thank you for bringing my numbers up. And she said, oh, I'm sorry. It wasn't me. I'm like, oh, okay. Well, that's. That's good.

She's like, now I feel bad I haven't been listening as much as I should. I love that you assumed it was her. That's so great. But, you know, that's it. We don't really realize how many people.

Around the world are looking for what we have until we put it out there.

So now, a hundred episodes later, how are you feeling? Like, what do you feel that you have got, and what do you feel that you want to tackle next?

Well, I got the whole system going. Like, I know how to make it well. I got that. I. I think I do that well, that I make people feel special, because that's how I truly feel too. I still feel like I can learn more about asking questions or, you know, I was listening to your episodes, and I'm like, oh, I have a lot to learn from Tracy. So I feel like you can always take nuggets from everyone, and learning is something that you never stop. Or at least me, I'm never gonna stop doing. I think that the moment that I start thinking that I'm not learning is that's when I don't feel as happy for what I'm doing. So. And I change. Right? So that's why I think that I need always something to look forward to. Otherwise, if I feel like, okay, this is just going and flowing, that's not fun. I want to know what else you know. For example, I've been trying to work on my website, and it's nearly finished, but it's still out of work, so that it is a challenge still. So that keeps me going. And I feel like nothing has to be perfect, otherwise it just gets boring.

I so agree. You and I are really aligned in that, I think going along with that university of life that you were talking about before is that when we think that our website is done were sorely mistaken, because that's one of the things I've learned over time. And I think the podcasting really taught me that. That podcasting is such a flexible media type where you can fix your feed and make an update and change your cover art and change the name of your show, and it all just flexibly does it. It's actually a whole lot easier than be like, every year you look at your website and you're like, oh, I have to fix that and I need to fix this. And it always feels daunting, but in podcasting, it always feels like, oh, I accomplished it. It's already updated. It feels so much easier.

Yes. And it's fun to also meet new podcasters, fellow podcasters, and learn what they're doing. And going to conference and groups of people speaking. It's always fun.

Try something new.

And when people want to say, oh, how do I get to do a podcast? And it's funny how like, oh, so easy. But for everybody else it's like, what?

Well, now the real question is, is, is your son impressed with what you've accomplished?

Yes, I think so. Because I asked him often. My background is Latin. I'm always in their face, so I always ask them, hey, I learned this. What do you think? So, yes. And yeah. And I have to give also credit to my husband because writing is not my strength. And so, you know, when I do the descriptions, he always helps me to make the little sound a little better. And so it's a teamwork, I guess. We are the bee has team.

I love that because everyone has a story. Be that's what you call it. It's like your community name. And I love that you named that because I think it makes it easier for people to identify and make themselves a part of that community. I'm a BHAS guest, so that means I had a story.

Right.

So I love that it creates that environment and community. What are your plans for the community?

Are you gonna do something with it? Are you going to expand it? What's the future?

So I have many ideas. Like I wanted to do, for example, cycles of things around the city. I haven't been able to accomplish it because it's harder than you think to actually go around business, their local businesses and find that they actually will like to talk over the podcast because then they're shy and it's not in the comfort zone. But that was a concept that I wanted to do, like going to different little places and then interview a few people and then do that. So the concepts can always have stories, but maybe group it in different ways. I also thinking 100 was a good goal. And then after that, we'll see what will happen because I wanted to also maybe share some stories about me and maybe do that as well. I don't tend to talk as some of my listeners request. What about you? Say more about you. I'm like, I don't know.

So that's what I wanted to learn. I wanted to learn some more about you, which is why I invited you on my show here.

But, you know, maybe you should have your son do it.

To interview me.

Yes. Maybe the two of you should do a show together. Because, you know, I'm always surprised when the next generation what they want to ask. And I think that might be really interesting. You'd be surprised how you might rise to the occasion or totally say, no, no, no, no, not my thing. Then you'll have to push them.

Well, I did an episode, which is not exactly what you're saying, but I did an episode where I interviewed five people of 20 years old and one of them was my son, his ex girlfriend now, and a couple of friends that I knew that were 20 years old. And you know, that episode, Tristy, was amazing because, you know, people I don't know now, I think now things have changed. But we grew up. I grew up thinking, oh, you're young, you don't know anything. Right. And when I interview these kids, I was so impressed how much they know and how they thought I was actually questioning, was I this smart when I was 20?

That's what I asked myself all the time. Was I that cocky, that courageous, that smart?

Yes.

And I think that we were, but we were not showcased like you can now. So this was good. And I make sure the parents listen to this episode and say, look what an amazing young person you have as a child. You know, like try to change that or anything. So that was good. And yes, I have tried. I'm looking for a host to host me when I tell my story. So it could be my son, it could be my husband. We'll see.

Yeah, do a little flip like that. It's always good. And you can always do it in a conversational way instead of more of like a formal interview so they don't feel it's like, you know, one of the things I love about you is this. And then they can say, oh, well, I love this about you. Tell us how that happened and then you can expand on that. That's always a great way. And I think sometimes some of my favorite episodes that really get to know the host were done by one of their best friends.

So someone who really knew them, who already knew where the good stories were.

Yeah, that's true. I just have to not be uncomfortable about it. But I will do.

I can't wait to hear that one. I love that. Well, you know, some of the things that I think about is, like, you're talking about this challenge of going out there and trying to get someone to come on the microphone in a community. And there's, like, logistical challenges there. You're absolutely right about that. But there's also that challenge of finding someone who's willing to take the time and willing to put themselves out there. And I think that's what's so interesting about the way that you've gone about picking someone who thinks that they might be ordinary, which you know that they're not, because they have a beautiful story behind them.

But are you getting them to share that they were on your show, or.

Has that also been a difficult challenge for you?

Yes, I think that's the main challenge because it stops there. Like, I had one gentleman that we always buy the cell phones from his store, and then I realized that he was an Olympic medal in the past, a Paralympic, actually. And so I interview him. But, you know, it gets stopped there. Like I said, here is the post. Can you please share it? And they don't really. That's a bit of a challenge that we have in general.

It is a bit of a challenge.

And even getting celebrities to share the show can be a challenge only because they have, like, layers of the team that they're running through. So they have a different challenge than getting an individual to want to do it. At the end of the day, I think that people do want to share. It's just we got to find the.

Right way to get them to do.

It, to make it easy for them, or to maybe share it for them and tag them, and that they kind of feel that they want to respond. So that's. I think this is a big challenge for you, but when you crack it, this is when your show is going to really take off. Because when you crack that, those people are the people who have fans who are going to want to highlight your.

Show, who are going to want to share it with others.

I feel like LinkedIn is the best way of sharing because it's not convoluted with extra things like the other social medias. This one is more like you are respecting that it's a business and things are not mixed up. So for me, LinkedIn is the best to share things.

I agree with you. I think that's probably a great one for you. But I also do think nowadays that Instagram is underestimated. I think that there's been an algorithm shift really recently, and a lot of the influencers have jumped off of it and headed towards TikTok.

And I think we're starting to get to some good stories, some good information.

Some good sharing going on in Instagram. So I wouldn't underestimate that. I might give it another shot if I were you.

Keep doing it. But it's interesting what you're saying. It's true. Maybe people have jumped to TikTok and so they're leading Instagram to be a bit more profound or professional perhaps.

Yeah, I don't know about professional. I agree with you on LinkedIn that there's still a more professional environment over there. But I do think that I'm seeing experts and I'm seeing information that seems.

More relevant than it ever has been on Instagram before.

So I think there's been an algorithm.

Shift that we're just tapping into and it might be right for your audience.

The ones who want to hear good.

Stories, who want to hear about people.

Good, thanks.

Well, I am so excited to hear what happens in the next 100 on your show because I think you're going to keep going, right? Don't you feel still energized to keep it up?

How do you do that for yourself?

Gear yourself up for an interview and sort of prepare.

Usually when people request for to be in the podcast they have I read the bio and read the website and get prepared that way and so know also we had a pre chat before so I know how they are and what the story usually is. Easy their story life. I just got recently one person that the story was interesting. I thought that I had to make it in an angle that it was more positive than instead of trauma, we were going to do it as an adventure, that kind of thing. Thinking about that, how the angle that we can get and then from there when we start recording, usually I ask two questions. Why you want to share your story and when does your story start. And from there we go as a conversation. So those two questions are the base for the star of the podcast or the episodes? Yeah, so that's how I usually prepare. Like just looking at people's stories and what they have gone through, if they have written a book, if they have a podcast, that kind of thing.

You know, I think that's so interesting that you talk about how you start matters. I'm preparing a workshop that I'm giving in a couple of days to a.

Group of performing arts students at a high school.

And It's a like 7th through 12th grade performing arts high school here in California. And I was thinking about how do I get them to think about the idea of Doing interviews. And that being not just a. Not just a completely. That idea of a serial podcast, a podcast that is like entertainment model, which.

They'Re much more comfortable with.

But how do I get them to think about this other way?

And it really was that starting point.

That I think is the crux of what I wanted to teach them about.

Because if they can get into it.

Their natural personalities will flow. And that's what happens with you, I think. You have that one piece and when you get that started, everything else flows and you end up in the moment.

Yes.

When does your story start? It could be, you know, some people start when they were little, some people started when they left home, you know, like just that moment. And it makes them also think, oh, when do I want my story to start and when is this related? I really like that question. I think is the key of everything for my episodes.

Well, I love that. And everyone should really check that out because everyone has a story. Daniella, thank you so much for bringing your podcast, for having the courage to do it and for overcoming all that technology and mastering it. Because I do really hear that in your show that you have got that down.

You are so right about that. So thank you for doing it.

Thank you, Tracy. Thank you for having me.

It is so much fun to check.

In with people and because I just talked to her in a pre call.

A couple weeks ago, she's interviewed on.

My show and I'm going to be on her show in a week. So like we have all these tie.

Ins and connection points that we're making. We're really building a relationship. And that's what Daniela was saying is the most powerful. She didn't imagine she was going to have these threads and connection points that she was going to be making between people. This network she's been building, it's beautiful. And because she's reaching into their stories and their souls on these things, she's making a deeper connection at every point along the way. That makes for a deeper and more valuable network. So I really want you to think about what you can learn from Daniela and what you can really bring to your show to deepen that guest experience. And it doesn't mean you have to tell stories and you have to draw out stories. It doesn't mean that. It just means that as you're doing this, let's not phone it in. Let's really be curious. Let's really stay in the moment of us finding out what's going on in our guest world. And when we do that, when we touch them at that level. They want to become a part of our community and then they rave about what we've built our podcast and they share it with others and that makes for a more powerful connection between all of us. Check out because everyone has a story. It's a great show. You're going to be inspired by just listening to its format, how she asks questions and what she does and catch up and meet Daniella Stockfelt Menace by going to the blog post for this episode@thebingefactor.com and make sure you're connecting through to her. Get your own university of life by doing a podcast that feeds your curiosity. Just like Daniella and I'll be back next time with another podcaster and their.

Story of how they got started right.

Here on the Binge Factor.

You've been listening to the Binge Factor Podcast. For more information on podcasting and Bing video casting success tips and tactics, please go to thebingefactor.com and be sure to listen to our other show for podcasters called Feed you'd Brand. If you'd like to be interviewed on this show as well as featured in Tracy's column, please go to thebingefactor.com guest and apply.

Sa.