How to Tell Stories People Care About| JT Long

What if we’re actually living in the golden era of storytelling?

In this episode of Adventures in Business, Amani Roberts and Mandi Graziano sit down with JT Long, Vice President and Content Director at Smart Meetings, to talk about storytelling, journalism, hospitality, and why authentic human connection matters more than ever. JT shares how media has evolved over the last 30 years, why storytelling is more accessible than ever, and how Smart Meetings grew from a magazine into a thriving hospitality community built around relationships and shared experiences.

Meet JT Long

JT Long has spent more than 30 years in publishing, journalism, and media.

As Vice President and Content Director at Smart Meetings, JT helps lead one of the most recognizable media brands in the meetings and hospitality industry. But long before podcasts, webinars, and digital media, JT started in traditional newspapers and magazines, learning the fundamentals of storytelling one printed page at a time.

Over the years, she has:

• Written books and ghostwritten for executives

• Covered business, hospitality, and leadership

• Helped grow Smart Meetings into a community brand

• Built media experiences through events and storytelling

• Connected audiences through multiple forms of content

For JT, storytelling has never just been about media. It has always been about people.

Why We’re in the Golden Era of Storytelling

One of the biggest themes throughout the episode was JT’s belief that storytelling is more powerful now than ever before.

While many people believe journalism is dying, JT sees the opposite.

“I would say it is a golden age for telling stories,” she said.

Instead of relying only on newspapers and magazines, creators today can connect with audiences through:

• Podcasts

• Newsletters

• Social media

• Events

• Video

  
  

According to JT, the best storytellers today are the ones who stay curious, authentic, and focused on connection instead of simply chasing attention.

Writing Is Communication

JT also shared advice for aspiring writers, authors, and creators.

One of the most memorable moments came when she referenced the phrase “Pity the Reader,” a reminder that audiences are busy and communication should be clear, concise, and useful.

“Writing is not therapy. Writing is communication,” JT explained. Instead of trying to sound impressive, JT believes great writing comes from genuinely trying to connect with another person.

Her advice:

• Keep writing

• Stay curious about people

• Build relationships

• Find your niche

• Focus on helping the audience

  
  

For JT, storytelling is ultimately about creating relationships, not simply producing content.

Smart Meetings as a Community

JT also reflected on the legacy of Smart Meetings founder Marin Bright.

She described Smart Meetings as “a media company that identifies as a community,” blending:

• Publishing

• Hospitality

• Education

• Digital media

• Community building

That people-first mindset became even more important after Marin’s passing. JT shared how the team continues honoring her legacy through innovation, connection, and the “Be Bright Together” initiative, which encourages people to openly share appreciation and encouragement with others.

One of the strongest messages from the episode was simple:

“You belong here.”

For JT, hospitality is about creating spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and connected.

Resources Mentioned

🔗 Find JT Long on LinkedIn

🔗 Connect with JT Long on Instagram: @jtlongandco

🔗 Smarter Meetings Online: https://www.smartmeetings.com/

Subscribe on YouTube

🔗 Rate, review, and subscribe to our channel on YouTube!