Today, I'm thrilled to host legendary filmmaker Ken Burns. Join us as we explore his unparalleled storytelling and the history that shapes us all. 0:00 - Introduction to Ken Burns as a master storyteller and his influence on filmmaking 1:13 - The importance of humility and the flaws of heroes in storytelling. 3:05 - The subtractive nature of storytelling and finding the essence of a narrative. 4:12 - Ken Burns shares advice on storytelling: authenticity, perseverance, and the hard work behind the craft. 6:52 - Discussion of his signature style, adaptability, and the broader impact of his work. 11:22 - reflections on his collaboration with Steve Jobs and the creation of the Ken Burns Effect. 14:09 - The role of humility in leadership and history, with examples from American figures. 20:30 - Overview of Burns’ current and future projects, including films on the American Revolution, Reconstruction, and civil rights. 28:05 - Details on the iterative process of filmmaking, from research to editing and final production. 38:00 - Burns’ philosophy on storytelling as an ongoing learning process. 45:00 - Burns’ reflections on the broader impact of storytelling, the importance of space and setting, and his creative inspirations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices