Stories have a profound influence on our lives, impacting our emotions, beliefs and behaviors in countless ways. Whether it is through books, movies or personal experiences, stories offer us an opportunity to learn and empathize with others. Stories help us understand and make sense of the world around us and provide a means of communication and sharing experiences with others.

Brain chemistry is stimulated by stories. Dopamine, cortisol and oxytocin (all the feel-good chemicals) are released when we connect to a story. Studies have found that when listening to a story, an individual’s brain behaves as if they are experiencing the events first hand.