I think story ideas come to each storyteller in very different ways.  I think each storyteller has a completely unique voice in telling their story and it takes honing your skills to perfect your unique voice and perspective as a storyteller.  

I rarely sit down hoping to think up a story to tell. I find inspiration all around me all the time. I am inspired by relationships, people, and tragedy in my own life. I think other's stories are also a great jumping off point as long as you aren't outright taking someone else's story. My short "The Tea" was heavily inspired by a relationship in Moliere's "Tartuffe" but I completely changed his story, made it queer, created completely new characters/situation and had an absolute ball in the heavily stylized filmmaking we did on that project. 

I am incredibly inspired by music. I find myself obsessing over a particular piece of music over and over until a story flows through me. 

This is quite an insight into the inner workings into the mind of a storyteller who is motivated by life and experiences. I think stories stroke our emotions and that is why we connect through them. Fascinating response, @leviaustinmorris! Thank you!