A New YouTube Series
Narrative
Stories Create Outcomes.
A premium conversation series exploring how narrative creates money, trust, status, power, influence, opportunity — and erasure.
- Real Conversations
- Smarter Perspectives
- Stronger Impact
A One-of-a-Kind Series
Hosted by
Emmy-winning former CNN National Correspondent Shannon Travis
Filmed at
Pond & Perch, a unique rooftop home in Washington, DC
Conversations on
narrative, power, business, media, and culture
The Premise
Who profits from the narrative — and who pays the price?
A high-level conversation series exploring how leaders, creators, and brands use narrative to shape real-world outcomes.
Every story creates winners and losers. Narrative Currency asks who profits, who pays, and what the story is really worth.
Companies
use narrative to sell products.
Political leaders
use narrative to gain trust.
Public figures
use narrative to survive scandal.
Founders
use narrative to raise capital.
Movements
use narrative to shape culture.
Professionals
use narrative to advance careers, shape reputations, and lead.
What is your narrative worth?
Featured Questions
The conversation begins with a better question.
Each episode turns a sharper question over in the light — across politics, business, media, and culture.
Narrative & Power
Who gets believed? Who gets ignored? Who gets to define reality?
Narrative & Reputation
Why do some people survive scandal while others never recover?
Narrative & Business
Why do customers buy stories before they buy products?
Narrative & Culture
Who decides what becomes accepted truth?
Narrative & Influence
How is trust built, borrowed, lost, and restored?
The Environment — Behind the Conversations
Filmed at Pond & Perch.
A unique rooftop setting in Washington, DC.
The show pairs reflection with elevation — creating cinematic, intimate conversations a few stories above the noise.
The conversation begins before the interview begins.
Narrative Currency is filmed at Pond & Perch, Travis' home overlooking a reservoir and the skyline of Washington, DC — less than 2 miles from the U.S. Capitol. Guests arrive to a hospitality experience designed to create something increasingly rare — a real conversation. From the first greeting to the rooftop discussion, audiences see the person, not just the title.
Reflective
A space for honest dialogue and deeper understanding.
Elevated
A vantage point that brings clarity to what matters most.
Intimate
Conversations that feel personal, not produced.
Cinematic
Visual storytelling that matches the weight of the ideas.
Narrative Currency
Meet the Host
Shannon Travis
Emmy-winning journalist. Narrative strategist. Founder, Creator & Host of Narrative Currency.
Shannon Travis is an Emmy-winning former CNN National Correspondent, founder of Higher Glyphs Content Group, and a seasoned narrative strategist. He helps leaders, brands, and organizations shape stories that build trust, influence perception, and drive results. Now, he is bringing that lens to Narrative Currency. From boardrooms to campaigns to culture, Narrative Currency looks at how stories drive trust, reputation, capital, and opportunity.
This show is not just about storytelling. Narrative Currency examines the stories behind who gets believed, who gets access, who gets power, and who gets left out.
- Emmy-winning journalist
- Former CNN National Correspondent
- Founder & CEO, Higher Glyphs Content Group
- Strategic communications & brand messaging expert
- Creator & Host of Narrative Currency
Career Highlights
- 2024
Featured writer — "Mannish Water: Social, Political and Cultural Essays by Black Scholarly Men"
- 2020 · 2011
Keynote Speaker — Georgetown Law School & Harvard Kennedy School
- 2020
Temple University
- 2019
ISGAP Scholar in Residence, Oxford University
- 2018
Entrepreneur Magazine — "Top Entrepreneurs to Look For"
- 2012
Missouri Southern State University
- 2011
Host — CNN's "Boiling Point" documentary
Why Shannon
- Two decades of reporting and storytelling covering the nexus of business, politics, power, policy, and public life
- Developed and executed high-impact communications strategies for government, global corporations, foundations, and mission-driven organizations
- Helps leaders and institutions clarify their story, strengthen their reputation, and move audiences to action
- Brings on-camera credibility, editorial instincts and strategic storytelling experience
- Knows how narratives shape public perception and real-world outcomes
Signature Show Perspectives
- “Narrative shapes reputation, authority, and opportunity.”
- “The stories people believe play outsize roles in who rises — and who gets ignored.”
- “Media, politics, business, and culture all run on narrative.”
- “Narrative is not decoration — it is power.”
The Narrative Currency Experience
Four moments. One unfolding conversation.
Every guest moves through the same unhurried arc — from arrival to the rooftop, the conversation deepens with each step.
Arrival
A thoughtful welcome. Shannon warmly greets each guest into his home & invites them to leave distraction behind.
The Pour
Hospitality with intention. Shannon offers his guest refreshments & thoughtful conversation — a signature pour sets the tone for what's ahead.
The Loft
Intimate conversation. Together, Shannon & guest arrive at the refined loft setting — grounded, unfiltered, real.
The Rooftop
Elevated dialogue with a view. For both, the perspective expands and the stories resonate long after.
Who It's For
For people who want to understand what shapes influence — and how to use it.
Leaders & Executives
Navigate complexity, build trust, and lead with clarity.
Founders & Entrepreneurs
Shape perception, attract opportunity, and scale impact.
Creators & Public Figures
Build influence that resonates and endures.
Media & Journalists
Uncover the stories behind decisions, deals, and power.
Thinkers & Culture Shapers
Explore big ideas and the narratives that move society.
What You Can Expect
Substance, not spectacle.
New episodes weekly — built to be watched, then put to use.
High-Level Conversations
Interviews with leaders, creators, and thinkers shaping culture, business, and society.
Fresh Perspectives
New angles on how narrative drives perception, trust, and real-world outcomes.
Practical Takeaways
Insights you can apply to build influence, make decisions, and move with intention.
Cross-Sector Insights
From politics to pop culture, startups to sports — connecting the dots that others miss.
Stories with Consequences
Because narratives don't just shape stories — they shape the world.
First Look
The conversation starts here.
Watch the official trailer and step onto the rooftop where every conversation unfolds.
The Guest Universe
Who belongs in the conversation.
Narrative Currency is built for the people who shape what others believe.
Three Ways In
Find your place in the conversation.
NARRATIVE CURRENCY
@NarrativeCurrency · YouTube
For Viewers
Watch conversations that cut through noise and reveal what really shapes our world.
Subscribe on YouTubeFor Guests
Join the conversation. Share your perspective on power, belief, and what's next.
Pitch a GuestFor Partners
Align your brand with a premium editorial series reaching business professionals, leaders, creators, communicators, and cultural thinkers.
Partner With UsJoin the Conversation
Be part of Narrative Currency.
For potential guests, sponsors, and partners — start the conversation. We'll follow up personally.
Start the Conversation
For guests, sponsors & partners
Stay in the Conversation
What is your narrative worth?
Get the stories behind the stories — a brief, regular read on the narratives shaping power, business, media, and culture.