Interview with Dr. Meg Adams
One of the most beautiful things about sharing your message, whether through writing or speaking, is how our stories invite meaningful connection. They have a way of helping us see ourselves more clearly, while also opening space for others to feel understood, seen, and encouraged.
A while ago, I hopped on an Instagram live with Dr. Meghan Adams, professor, researcher, coach, mom, and storytelling expert, to talk about how storytelling shapes perspective—for businesses, communities and readers, as well as for us as writers. As the CEO and a founder of Homeplace Creative, Meg has worked with many individuals and organizations across industries to help them tell stories that drive connection and empathy as they build businesses and create buy-in.
In our interview, we explored the simple, everyday moments that turn into powerful narratives, and why sharing the “becoming” process—not just the polished outcome—creates deeper trust and authenticity.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your stories are “enough,” or if you’ve felt nervous about letting people into your journey, you’ll appreciate what Megan shared. Sometimes the smallest shift in perspective is all we need to realize the impact already hidden in our words.
Let’s dive in.
A First Step Toward Meaningful Connection: Facing Visibility Fears
Emily: Meg, can you think back to a time when you created something or embarked on something new — when you had to put yourself out there? Maybe you were nervous or resistant, but looking back you realized it was worth it, even though it didn’t feel like that in the beginning.
Meg Adams: I’m going to go way back to the beginning of my career. I was a news reporter on television in my early twenties. I remember the first couple of times I had to go live. This feels crazy to say now, because 10 years ago if you wanted to go live, you needed a truck!
The first times I went live I was robotic. Then we had some technical errors and I had to rip an IFB microphone off on live air. There was a lot of failure on live television, and it was really hard.
I was a perfectionist — and not the badge-of-honor kind. If it couldn’t be perfect, I felt like it wasn’t worth doing. I beat myself up over those failures until it became crippling. Assignments came in and I couldn’t get over myself. It wasn’t fun anymore.
What helped me shift was realizing: it wasn’t about me. It was about the audience I was speaking to. That helped me enjoy being in front of a camera again. Also, learning takes time. You have to give yourself grace.
Another piece of advice I heard somewhere was this:
Nobody’s really thinking about you — they’re thinking about themselves.
We’re all the hero of our own story. We spend so much energy worrying about others’ opinions that it becomes detrimental.
Later in my research in Appalachia, I discovered something fascinating: when people tell their stories on camera, they develop agency — they feel more control and impact in their own lives and in their communities. That was a major turning point for me.
How Storytelling Builds Meaningful Connection and Personal Agency
Emily: Tell me more about agency, and what you mean by that.
Meg: Agency is taking ownership of your life and feeling like you have impact in your own journey and in others’. My research showed that when people tell their stories — and when they hear each other’s stories — they feel more agency. They feel more control, and they believe they can make a difference.
Emily: That reminds me of when I was writing my book Dare to Decide. Anytime imposter syndrome crept in — Who am I to say this? — I returned to a story. Readers have said the book feels like having coffee with a friend. Nobody wants point-form fixes; they want to be seen. Storytelling restored my confidence. You can’t argue with someone’s lived experience. Agency — yes. That’s exactly what I felt.
Meaningful Connection Begins With the Stories You Tell Yourself
Emily: Many people have something they want to start so they can help and inspire people— a business, a side hustle, a book, a blog, a YouTube channel. It might not even make sense yet, but the idea won’t leave them alone. That’s why I call it a God-dream.
How can people like us make an authentic impact through storytelling?
Meg: First, I agree — I believe God puts dreams in our hearts. But fear gets in the way.
Storytelling can help you hack fear. There are two levels:
- Internal Storytelling — the stories in your head.
Think back to times you overcame something. Those memories create momentum. - External Storytelling — when you get visible.
It requires vulnerability. On Instagram especially, stories can feel cookie-cutter.
To stand out, think about how you’d tell a story over coffee with a friend. Everybody’s voice is different because everybody’s personality is different.
Another thing people miss is inviting conversation. You wouldn’t sit at coffee and talk only about yourself. Connection is mutual. It’s relational — not transactional.
Listening First Creates Meaningful Connection
Emily: So you are your first audience. Tune into the story you’re telling yourself. Then, when you engage with others, listen first. Maybe ask yourself: which of your stories is relevant to where they are in their journey?
Meg: Exactly.
A simple storytelling formula I give beginners:
✅ Anecdote (story)
✅ Reflection (so what?)
Most people do one or the other.
Either…
- They share a story with no point, leaving the audience confused.
Or… - They share a lesson with no story, and we can’t emotionally connect.
Pair them together and you’re golden.
The Elements of Telling a Good Story
Emily: What are the elements of telling a good story? How do we make everyday moments interesting?
Meg: Here are five elements of a strong story:
- Identifiable characters
Let your audience see themselves in the story. - A significant moment
Something needs to happen. - Emotion
Make us laugh, cry, or feel something. - Reflection
Why does it matter? What’s the takeaway? - Scroll-stopper
A headline, picture or video that grabs attention long enough for someone to read.
Become more observant. Nothing is insignificant if you learned something from it. These become archives of our lives — and our lessons.
Why Everyday Moments Are a Source of Meaningful Connection
Emily: If you look back and feel embarrassed by your early content, you may miss connection opportunities. That’s exactly where your audience is. They want permission to feel what they’re feeling.
Meg: Exactly. There’s a lot of fake authenticity online. But it doesn’t have to be dramatic. Everyday moments are powerful. Your story won’t look like someone else’s — and that’s the beauty of it.
Creating Meaningful Connection by Speaking to One Person
Emily: It makes the story more personal when you picture speaking to one person. Your best self shows up when you’re naturally relating.
If you’re listening and thinking, Slow down… what did we learn? — go follow Dr. Megan Adams on LinkedIn or Instagram. Her posts break these ideas down so simply.
Meg, thanks for chatting with me today.
Meg: Thank you, Emily — and you are such an excellent storyteller! If anyone wants help with clear messaging, confidence, or content strategy, I’d love to meet you and chat.
Closing Thoughts
I hope this conversation with Meg encouraged you as much as it did me. Storytelling isn’t about perfection or performance—it’s about connection. It’s about reminding yourself of the story you’re living, and then daring to share pieces of that with others so they can find themselves in it, too.
If you’d like to learn more from Dr. Megan Adams for help clarifying your own story or building meaningful connection, here’s how you can find Meg:
- Visit her website at drmegadams.com
- Listen to Meg’s TEDx Talk called How Stories Shift Perspective
- Connect on Instram @drmegadams or @homeplacecreative
And if you’re ready to take that God-dream in your heart and turn it into a book, I’d love to come alongside you as a coach. Together, we can shape your message into something clear, impactful, and deeply authentic.
What you might like to read next:
Storytelling: A Self-Discovery Path to Live a Better Story
Lasting Impressions: How to Captivate and Connect with Readers
Empowering Authors: Overcoming Vulnerability vs Victim Mindset
