storyOS

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...

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, Mic...

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...

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 "s...

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....

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 facil...

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 rev...

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 lear...

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, b...

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 i...

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 c...

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 m...

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...

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 ar...

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 med...

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 comple...

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. Yo...

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 leaders...

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...

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 fr...

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 y...

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...

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 effectiv...

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...

In this powerful second part of our series with Michelle Hord, you'll dive deeper into her extraordinary journey of resilience and leadership. Listen as Michelle shares intimate details about overcoming personal tragedy and transforming her pain into purpose. This conversation brings insight on: The meaning behind "The Other Side of Yet" and choosing hope over fear How storytelling and journaling...