Michael McRay reflects on the profound idea that "self-authorship is a sacred act" and explores what it means to move from simply telling stories to becoming better stories. Drawing from his own experience growing up in the church, Michael examines how so many of us have lived inside stories written by others - whether by religious institutions, cultural systems, or societal expectations. He shares his personal journey of recognizing that his sensitivity wasn't a weakness but a signal that the internalized stories weren't the whole truth. This solo episode is preparation for his upcoming conversation with Emmy-winning producer Jordan Geary, who has spent decades creating transformative stories for children and families through shows like Sesame Street. Michael introduces his framework of four limiting stories - self-doubt, victim, self-defeating, and avoidance - and explains how the goal isn't to delete painful narratives but to integrate them into a fifth story that transforms pain into purpose. In this episode, he also discusses:

• Why recovering from systems that diminish voices requires redefining our understanding of wisdom and worth
• The distinction between becoming better storytellers versus becoming better stories ourselves
• How sensitivity and being "too much" can serve as signals that we're living someone else's script rather than our own authentic narrative
• Why storytelling becomes one of the most radical acts of emotional resilience when we claim our pain through narration

Coming Up Soon

• Conversation with Jordan Geary, Emmy-winning creative producer
• STORY 2025 - Oct. 9th and 10th in Nashville, TN at the Schermerhorn (use code PODCAST100 for $100 your ticket)

Resources Mentioned

• Becoming Restoried
• Join The Circle
• Applied Narrative Intelligence Certification