Have you ever wondered if telling a story could do more harm than good? Or how creators can navigate complex, emotional, and even traumatic narratives responsibly?



On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger explore the intricacies of ethical storytelling with the help of Larissa Maxwell, the founder and CEO of Maxwell Consulting Group. Larissa shares insights from her years of experience working with social services, documentary projects, and marginalized communities to help creators tell stories with honesty, integrity, and care. From understanding power dynamics and consent to avoiding sensationalism and “time dishonesty,” this episode is packed with practical guidance for emerging and seasoned creators alike. You’ll also learn about best practices like trauma-informed story work and “living consent,” and find out why ethical storytelling isn’t just the right thing to do, it also builds trust, credibility, and lasting impact for both creators and their audiences.

Timecodes:

(02:08) What is an ethical storytelling consultant

(06:00) Real-world examples of harmful storytelling

(09:24) The risks and harms creators often miss

(11:45) How to know if your story is ethical

(14:41) Topics that require extra care (trauma, identity, youth)

(17:31) One Minute Mentor: Powerful advice for creators

(18:59) “Living consent” and evolving best practices

(22:13) Avoiding exploitation in the attention economy

(25:01) What accountability looks like when you get it wrong

(29:33) Why ethical storytelling makes better content

(32:11) Final takeaways for creators