Michael McRay sits down with Dr. Ben Rogers, a researcher at Boston College, to explore his groundbreaking research proving that people who view their lives through the hero's journey framework experience measurably greater meaning, resilience, and life satisfaction. They explore how growth mindset is really just a story we tell ourselves about our capacity to change. Dr. Rogers shares how his personal experiences shifted from finance to studying what makes life meaningful. Their conversation re...
Jul 08, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 8Ep. 11
What if the key to resilience isn't changing your circumstances, but changing how you see your story? Michael McRay takes listeners through the profound idea that you are a character in a story—and how you understand your role and arc might be one of the most important frames you ever adopt. Drawing on Joseph Campbell's hero's journey and upcoming research from Dr. Ben Rogers, Michael reveals how people who view their lives through mythic storytelling frameworks report greater meaning, resilienc...
Jul 01, 2025•18 min•Season 8Ep. 10
Michael McRay welcomes back Harris III for a fascinating exploration of vulnerability, wonder, and influence. Harris shares a powerful story about performing a trick at a conference, then doing something radical—he simply stopped talking. The result? Thirty different people found thirty different meanings, each more profound than anything he could have prescribed. They explore Lisa Cron's framework for narrative influence and why you can't just give someone a transformation—you have to understan...
Jun 24, 2025•54 min•Season 8Ep. 9
What if everything you think you know about emotion and decision-making is backwards? Michael McRay sits down with Lisa Cron, the brilliant mind behind "Wired for Story" and "Story or Die," to unpack the revolutionary science showing that emotion isn't the enemy of logic—it's actually running the show. Lisa reveals how her fascination with story began in the most unlikely place: analyzing subway advertisements during her daily commute in New York, studying which ones made her want to buy versus ...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 8Ep. 8
Tune in as Michael McRay kicks off a new three-part series exploring the wiring of the human brain and why we fall for certain stories while resisting others. He dives into the concept that story isn't just something we tell—it's the invisible operating system running in the background of our entire lives, shaping what we believe, fear, and think is possible. Michael uses the famous 1938 "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast as a compelling example of how well-structured stories bypass rational fi...
Jun 10, 2025•9 min•Season 8Ep. 7
Harris III rejoins Michael to explore Selena Garefino's transformative insights about how our bodies store and process the stories of our lives, and why traditional approaches to healing often fall short. They dive deep into the intersection of story and body, exploring how the body functions as the unconscious mind, processing millions of bits of data while our conscious awareness handles a limited amount. The conversation weaves through powerful examples of experiential work, from toxic team d...
Jun 03, 2025•37 min•Season 8Ep. 6
Michael McRay sits down with Selena Garefino, an internationally renowned yoga teacher, storyteller, and somatic coach. Selena weaves together yoga, mythology, anthropology, and coaching into a transformative practice that recognizes how stories live not just in our minds, but in our bodies. They explore how the subconscious mind receives story through sensation, how myth becomes a map for healing, and how returning to the body can help us re-author inherited meanings. Selena shares her profound...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 8Ep. 5
In this episode, Michael McRay introduces his upcoming conversation with Selena Garefino, a somatic storytelling practitioner who weaves yoga, storytelling, anthropology, and coaching into a transformative practice. As a prelude to their full interview, Michael shares the ancient Germanic tale of the Handless Maiden - a powerful story about loss, transformation, and rebirth. Through this myth, Michael explores how stories live not just in our minds but in our bodies, and how disconnecting from o...
May 20, 2025•25 min•Season 8Ep. 4
Michael McRay welcomes back Harris III to discuss key insights from the conversation with Annette Simmons. Together, they explore the critical distinctions between influence and manipulation in storytelling, the importance of transparency and informed consent, and how confidence plays a role in effective leadership narratives. Harris shares wisdom from his background in magic and illusion, drawing parallels between ethical performance and ethical storytelling. The conversation delves into why al...
May 13, 2025•38 min•Season 8Ep. 3
Join the first interview of season 8, as Michael McRay sits down with Annette Simmons, author of the storytelling classic "The Story Factor" and several other influential books. Their conversation explores storytelling not as performance or persuasion, but as ethical leadership, presence, and the courage to hold complexity. Annette shares her journey into story work, explains her concept of the "six stories every leader needs to know how to tell," and discusses the difference between influence a...
May 06, 2025•46 min•Season 8Ep. 2
Meet Michael McRay as he steps into the host role and takes listeners on a personal journey through his path to narrative work. From his early storytelling for empathy building, through a successful yet unsatisfying corporate consulting career, to the pivotal TEDx talk that changed his direction, Michael shares how he discovered his true calling in helping people reconcile with their life stories. He details the creation of Becoming Restoried, and his eventual partnership with Harris to launch t...
Apr 29, 2025•19 min•Season 8Ep. 1
Welcome to Season 8 of the storyOS podcast! In this season opener, Harris introduces Michael McRay as the new host of the podcast. Michael, who now heads the Istoria Institute, sits down with Harris to discuss the exciting vision for this season, which includes the new three-part episode format and an exciting lineup of future guests. As a seasoned storyteller with experience in coaching and facilitation, Michael brings a unique perspective to the storyOS podcast. He's excited to build on the fo...
Apr 01, 2025•15 min
In this exciting season finale, Harris welcomes back Michael McRay to announce a groundbreaking initiative: the creation of the Istoria Institute, a global center for narrative intelligence. Learn how this new venture aims to transform the way we understand and apply storytelling through the world's first certification program in narrative intelligence, and discover how you can be part of this revolutionary movement. You'll learn: What narrative intelligence is and how it differs from traditiona...
Dec 19, 2024•31 min•Season 7Ep. 25
In this final conversation with Jason Locy and Harris III, we'll explore how organizational storytelling differs from traditional storytelling and learn practical approaches for creating emotional ownership in your work. Tune in as we discover why most people don't naturally care about your organization and how to craft stories that genuinely resonate and support your larger narrative. You'll learn: Why organizational stories require different approaches than campfire tales or movies How to buil...
Dec 12, 2024•32 min•Season 7Ep. 24
This second installment with Jason Locy, author of "Culture Bending Narratives," brings us into the practical frameworks for building organizational narratives that drive meaningful change. Discover how to move beyond surface-level storytelling to create deeper narratives that align with your organization's purpose and values. You'll learn: How to use the Four Norms Framework (desires, mindsets, behaviors, and language) to evaluate and build your narrative Understanding the three key strands tha...
Dec 05, 2024•54 min•Season 7Ep. 23
In this illuminating conversation, host Harris III sits down with Jason Locy, founder of Five Stone agency and author of "Culture Bending Narratives," to explore the crucial distinction between storytelling and narrative in business and culture. Together, they unpack how organizations can move beyond simple storytelling to harness the transformative power of narrative to create meaningful change in the world. You'll learn: The fundamental difference between stories and narratives, and why focusi...
Nov 29, 2024•50 min•Season 7Ep. 22
Join host Harris and Sarah Selecky, founder of Sarah Selecky Writing School, as they explore how embracing childlike curiosity and creative influences can transform your writing practice. In this final installment of their four-part series, Sarah shares profound insights about reconnecting with wonder and discovering inspiration in unexpected places. You'll learn: How observing a child's genuine curiosity can lead to a breakthrough in your creative process The concept of "writing under the influ...
Nov 21, 2024•45 min•Season 7Ep. 21
Writer and teacher Sarah Selecky explores the vital role of white space in creativity and life in this illuminating episode. Drawing from her experience as a Gen X creator straddling pre and post-social media worlds, she shares how intentional spaces away from digital noise can transform both our creative process and daily living. Sarah shares her personal experiment of taking a year-long social media hiatus while running an online business, demonstrating how reducing digital noise doesn't neces...
Nov 14, 2024•25 min•Season 7Ep. 20
In this illuminating conversation with Sarah Selecky, dive into the transformative power of embracing both childlike wonder and conscious influence in your creative work. Through a heartwarming story about a two-year-old's visit to her home, Sarah reveals how returning to a state of pure curiosity can revolutionize your creative process. In this episode, you'll learn: How to recapture the genuine curiosity and wonder of childhood in your creative work The power of keeping an "influence journal" ...
Nov 07, 2024•23 min•Season 7Ep. 19
Tune in to hear an intimate conversation with Sarah Selecky about the transformative power of writing and storytelling as host Harris III sits down with Selecky to explore why some stories feel transactional while others touch our souls. In this episode, you'll learn: How to recognize when a story needs to be written versus when you're forcing it Why personal development and creative expression are inherently linked How to approach writing as a sacred practice rather than just a business tool Th...
Oct 31, 2024•36 min•Season 7Ep. 18
In this final episode with the Istoria team, you'll explore the evolution of storytelling in our digital age, focusing on its role in social media and brand communication. There is a shift from wanting curated, polished content to authenticity in social media - but this brings the challenge of balancing genuine storytelling with the pressures of social media influence. You'll learn: How social media has contributed to storytelling becoming a buzzword Why stories are vessels for meaning, not just...
Oct 03, 2024•42 min•Season 7Ep. 17
Join Harris and two members from the Istoria team, Angie Kline and Ben Stewart, as they continue to unpack the reasons behind storytelling's buzzword status and its enduring application in our digital age. In this engaging discussion, you'll explore: The unexpected ways storytelling manifests in our daily lives, from personal relationships to parenting How narrative techniques can transform complex business concepts into accessible ideas The evolution of emotional intelligence across generations...
Sep 26, 2024•37 min•Season 7Ep. 16
In this episode, join Harris III and Istoria team members Ben Stewart and Angie Kline as they dive deep into the world of storytelling in business, and how the team applies it to the work they do on a daily basis. The team talks about why storytelling has become a buzzword and whether it's still relevant, as well as the difference between superficial storytelling and authentic brand narratives. You'll hear: How Disney uses storytelling to create magical experiences for guests Why every interacti...
Sep 19, 2024•35 min•Season 7Ep. 15
In this inspiring episode, you'll get a unique glimpse into the world of creative leadership through the eyes of siblings Samantha and Aaron Edwards, co-founders of the Charles Group. You'll learn: The challenges and benefits of combining family dynamics with professional leadership Strategies for bridging the gap between creative and business mindsets How to create space for creativity in leadership and vice versa The importance of transparency and caring leadership in building a strong team cu...
Sep 12, 2024•22 min•Season 7Ep. 14
In this final interview, Shane McKenzie dives deep into the often misunderstood concept of accountability in leadership. Both seasoned leaders or those simply interested in personal development will benefit from this episode. Listen as Harris III and Shane bring fresh perspective on leadership that can transform your approach to work and life. You'll learn: How accountability isn't about punishing mistakes, but a powerful tool for personal and organizational growth The importance of setting and ...
Sep 05, 2024•47 min•Season 7Ep. 13
In this episode, Harris III and executive coach Shane McKenzie dive deeper into the critical role of communication in leadership. 70% of conversations are characterized by misunderstanding and misconception; Shane talks about practical strategies for providing clear expectations and direction. You'll also learn: The five most important questions every team member is silently asking How to shift from judgment to curiosity in your leadership approach The importance of tapping into individual motiv...
Aug 29, 2024•30 min•Season 7Ep. 12
In this insightful episode, join Harris III and executive coach Shane McKenzie as they dive deep into the challenges of leadership and team development. Shane drives home the point of why people are the solution, not the problem, in any organization. You'll learn more about: The crucial difference between equipping and developing team members How to overcome the fear of becoming "unnecessary" as your team grows Strategies for elevating your team's decision-making and problem-solving skills Pract...
Aug 22, 2024•37 min•Season 7Ep. 11
In this candid and insightful episode, you'll hear from executive coach Shane McKenzie as he shares his personal journey and hard-earned wisdom about leadership. You'll learn: Why leadership is often misunderstood and how to reframe your perspective on it The sacrifices required for effective leadership and why many shy away from them How personal narratives and past experiences shape our views on leadership The importance of empathy and self-awareness in leadership roles How to start changing o...
Aug 15, 2024•48 min•Season 7Ep. 10
In this thought-provoking episode, you'll hear from executive coach Shane McKenzie as he challenges common perceptions about leadership and accountability. Shane presents a fresh perspective on handling team dynamics, particularly when people fail to meet expectations. Shane helps us reframe accountability as a conversation rather than a punishment, and provides practical steps for having effective accountability conversations. You'll also learn: Why people are not the problem, but the solution ...
Aug 08, 2024•34 min•Season 7Ep. 9
Ken Black is the former VP of Design Future at Nike and a creative powerhouse in the world of sports and design. In this inspiring episode, Ken shares his wealth of experience and insights on leadership, creativity, and standing out in a crowded field. You'll learn the importance of having a clear vision, not getting bogged down in the "how" too early, and why authenticity is crucial in leadership. Additionally, Ken will challenge you on: How to lead from the center of who you are The value of "...
Aug 01, 2024•29 min•Season 7Ep. 8
