Hypnosis and Storytelling with Peter Blum

Welcome to this episode of the Essential Coaching Skills Podcast with host Doug O'Brien and special guest Peter Blum, hypnotist, storyteller, and founder of the Woodstock Storytelling Festival. Peter shares the inspiring story behind the festival’s origin, the power of storytelling for healing and connection, and this year's exciting lineup of world-class storytellers including David Gonzalez, Laura Sims, and diverse voices from around the world.
@woodstockstoryfestival and #woodstockstoryfestival

Discover how storytelling intersects with hypnosis, healing, and community building in one of the region’s beloved cultural events. Learn about the festival’s themes, participant highlights, and the rich traditions that inform this magical gathering.


*00:01* - Introduction to Peter Blum and the Woodstock Storytelling Festival
*02:22* - The festival’s origins and Peter’s journey founding it in 2016
*04:21* - The first festival’s success and the transition to a team-based model
*06:12* - Diverse influences: Milton Erickson, Rumi, and healing storytelling
*07:59* - Festival venue, schedule, and expanded festival format with Friday night kickoff
*09:27* - Storytelling community size and audience engagement insights from The Moth NYC
*11:21* - Featured headline storytellers including Laura Sims, Steve Gorn, and surprise guests
*12:49* - Commitment to diversity with storytellers of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds
*14:15* - Spotlight on humorous and remarkable storyteller Sparrow
*15:40* - Influence of Dr. Lewis Mehl Madrona and the healing power of storytelling
*17:03* - The concept of self as a "swarm of stories" from Lakota and Cherokee traditions
*18:31* - Interactive storytelling and audience participation using puppets and brain science
*20:55* - The hypnotic and therapeutic elements within the festival’s storytelling
*23:17* - Story crafting exercises and the universal power of personal stories
*27:59* - Using metaphor and animal archetypes in narrative coaching and hypnosis
*33:25* - Exploring storytelling as medicine and its broad healing potential
*36:38* - Emphasis on professional world-class storytelling as an art form
*37:08* - Other featured performers including Matoko Little Eagle and Julia Haynes
*38:37* - Highlights of Paul McMahon, the “Rock and Roll Therapist” and interactive musical storytelling
*39:31* - Guest Shelley Stockwell and her prolific career in writing and hypnosis
*41:54* - Musical and poetic elements with Persian musicians and recitations of Rumi
*42:52* - Closing with a traditional Mulla Nasruddin story and festival website info
*46:08* - Ticket details, passes, and festival accessibility information
*47:05* - Closing remarks and next episode preview

Links & Resources Mentioned
Woodstock Storytelling Festival: [woodstockstoryfestival.com](http://woodstockstoryfestival.com)
Essential Coaching Skills Podcast: [EssentialCoachingSkills.com](http://essentialcoachingskills.com)
Peter Blum’s hypnosis and storytelling work