Thankyou so much Lucia Matuonto for taking time out of your busy schedule to give us this exclusive interview. We hope you enjoy answering our questions.
Can you tell us about “Catch The Story!?
At “Catch The Story,” each episode showcases storytellers from diverse backgrounds presenting their pieces for our listeners, whether it be fiction or a heartfelt personal account. These stories will captivate you, at times igniting your imagination, evoking emotions, or challenging your thoughts, and immersing you in the storyteller’s world. Our storytellers bring a rich blend of perspectives and experiences to the table. From seasoned authors and celebrated poets to everyday individuals, “Catch The Story” guarantees a riveting podcast experience. Get ready to be inspired and join us as we celebrate the timeless art of storytelling, one episode at a time.
What inspired you to create “Catch The Story,” and what do you hope listeners will take away from it?
I’ve always been a fan of my parents’ stories. Growing up, I loved getting lost in stories that transported me to different places and cultures. Now, after talking to over 400 people on ‘The Relatable Voice’ and ‘Uncut with Lucia’ at WorldAuthors.org, I’m excited to create a space where storytellers can come and share their own stories. I want our listeners to be inspired by stories of courage, resilience, and diversity, and maybe even learn something new along the way.
Can you share a bit about your personal background and how it has influenced your passion for storytelling and inclusion?
I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but my journey led me to live in several countries with my family, including the USA, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Germany, and Spain. I pursued a career as a physical therapist across these diverse places and had the opportunity to give speeches on rehabilitation in various countries. For many years, I focused on working with children with disabilities. During their treatments, I noticed that they often grew tired and longed for a bit of playtime. That’s when I decided to share stories with them, complete with hand-drawn characters. These stories eventually evolved into a series of books I titled “Zoe The Crab.” Every month, I would gift them a new story. Throughout my career, I encountered remarkable individuals who, despite their challenges, maintained an incredibly positive outlook on life.
As the host of both “The RV Podcast” and “Catch The Story,” how do you approach each show differently, and what do you enjoy most about hosting these podcasts?
On “The Relatable Voice” podcast, I give a virtual ride to my guests where they talk about the place where they live, their journey, books, and everything that is under the sun. At “Catch The Story,” our guests will be telling stories to inspire and entertain our listeners.
What kind of stories can we expect?
The stories will include all genres, from fiction to nonfiction. Some will make you smile, some will make you laugh, and some may make you cry. More importantly, some will make you think for days. Whether you’re tuning in from the comfort of your home or while on the road, “Catch The Story” is your passport to an extraordinary world of narratives.
In your experience, why do you believe storytelling is such a powerful and enduring form of communication?
Stories have the remarkable ability to evoke emotions and create a deep sense of connection between the storyteller and the audience. When we listen to a story, we can empathize with the characters, share in their joys and sorrows, and feel as though we are part of the narrative. Unlike dry facts and figures, stories are memorable. We remember stories because they engage our imagination and make the information relatable. This makes storytelling an effective tool for conveying complex ideas or important lessons.
The Relatable Voice podcast has had an impressive roster of guests. Are there any memorable moments that stand out to you?
It has been an amazing journey for over 2 years, and there were many fun moments. I was about to interview an author but when we started I realized that I had prepared the interview for a guest who had the exact same name as the one I was about to interview. I started asking him about the city where he did not live and the book he hadn’t written. In the end, we were making fun of each other. Some guests left me with tears of emotion, some made me laugh, and many became friends.
Your podcasts and magazines are under the umbrella of Relatable Media. Tell us more about it.
I founded Relatable Media in 2022 when I saw that The Relatable Voice Podcast was gaining traction, and I saw the need to formalize the business. Since then, the company has grown to better support creatives in promoting their work and being featured on several platforms. Right now, Relatable Media produces The Relatable Voice Podcast, Magazine, Book Fair, Catch the Story! Podcast, and provides creative access to Uncut with Lucia and Brand Education. I still have a lot of ideas for the future, so expect our offerings and reach to grow steadily!
Where can our readers contact you?
For media inquiries, interview requests, or further information, please visit www.relatable-media.com or send us an email at catchthestory.podcast@gmail.com or therelatablevoice@gmail.com. Please note that we review all submissions carefully, and we will contact you if your story is chosen.
