Seeking stimulation is a core part of being Human.
We evolved on the plains of Africa, as prey. Our distant ancestors were ever alert for danger.
People like stories; they get stimulation from good stories.
(I wonder if anyone has done scientific research trying to link teen's love of horror movies with those ancient genes from back when were the prey and not the alpha predator.)
But stimulation usually doesn't come from the new. Indeed, re-stimulating the existing can be very effective. Our memories depend on it to "lock" in our experiences -- whether it's repeated like a teacher drilling on the ABCs, or our dreams replaying the events. Stimulation from repeating past experience is easy stimulation. New things are complex to understand; we like stimulation, we don't like anxiety; it takes time to understand and overcome anxiety over the different. Repeating a past stimulation is a mental version of comfort food.
It doesn't have to be a story -- alcohol or potato chips or any of a myriad of other objects or actions can provide that repetitive stimulation.
And here's a problem -- the stories that resonate best with some people irritate others. Listen to Rush Limbaugh; he provides a narrative and regular reinforcement. It's stimulating. Others who haven't bought into his right-wing narrative may instead find enjoyment in a left-wing narrative they've bought into. It's not about right or wrong; it's about the storyline they've come to enjoy and how they get regular hits of stimulation again from it. Then there's the love-to-hate crowd; they're getting stimulation not from a positive emotional response but from a negative emotional response to Limbaugh.
The resonate story is one that stimulates; and good leadership involves the ability to constantly stimulate your followers -- make them keep looking towards you, knowing they'll get a bit of that stimulation people are constantly craving.
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