storyOS

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 influence" and how to intentionally learn from other writers
• Practical tips for maintaining an influence journal to track your creative inspiration
• Alternative storytelling structures beyond the traditional three-act format

Whether you're a writer or simply someone interested in living more creatively, this episode offers valuable perspectives on approaching your work with renewed wonder and openness to influence.

LINKS: 

• Sarah Selecky
• Sarah Selecky Writing School
• Pre Order Story Is A State Of Mind
• Istoria Collective

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 necessarily impact business growth. You'll learn:

• How white space isn't just absence of activity - it's where processing, growth, and authentic creation happen
• That most people encounter 4,000-10,000 messages daily, making intentional white space more crucial than ever
• Small changes can create significant shifts in attention and creativity
• Social media and digital platforms are designed to hijack attention through endless scrolling and engagement tactics

This episode offers particular value for writers, creators, and anyone seeking to cultivate more meaningful engagement with their work and life, showing how white space can be the key to unlocking both creativity and personal growth in our hyper-connected world. Join us for a conversation that delves into practical strategies for reclaiming attention and creating space for deeper wisdom to emerge.

LINKS:

• Sarah Selecky
• STORY 2025

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" and why tracking your influences matters
• Why acknowledging inspiration from others strengthens rather than diminishes your work
• Practical ways to integrate both childlike wonder and conscious influence into your creative practice

Tune in to learn why the harmonization of elements can be as powerful as conflict resolution in storytelling. You'll discover why acknowledging your influences strengthens rather than weakens your work, and learn about a fascinating alternative to Western storytelling structure that could transform how you approach narrative creation.

LINKS:

• Sarah Selecky
• Preorder Story is a State of Mind

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
• The importance of listening to your unconscious mind in the creative process

You'll also learn about the difference between writing for the market versus writing from inner necessity, discover how stories can actually write us, and understand why the creative process is as much about personal growth as it is about the final product. Whether you're an aspiring writer or simply someone who appreciates the craft of storytelling, this episode offers fresh insights into the magical relationship between creator and creation.

LINKS

1. Sarah Selecky
2. Istoria Collective

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 tools for growth or manipulation
• How to approach storytelling with integrity in both personal and professional contexts
• The importance of having a clear point of view and using stories to convey meaningful messages

Whether you're a content creator, marketer, or simply interested in the power of storytelling, this episode offers valuable insights on navigating the complex landscape of digital narratives and maintaining authenticity in an era of influencers and buzzwords.

LINKS:

1. Istoria Collective
2. Story 2025

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 and its impact on storytelling
• The paradox of increased connectivity and rising loneliness in the digital era
• Practical strategies for leveraging storytelling to foster genuine human connections

This episode challenges conventional thinking about storytelling, revealing its broad applicability beyond marketing and business. Whether you're a seasoned storyteller or new to the concept, you'll gain fresh perspectives on how narrative shapes our world and influences our interactions. Discover why storytelling isn't just a trend, but a fundamental aspect of human experience that's more crucial than ever in our technology-driven society.

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 interaction, from marketing emails to customer service, tells a story
• How nonprofits can use storytelling effectively without exploiting their causes
• The importance of connecting through stories before focusing on conversions

If you're a marketing professional, business owner, or simply curious about the power of storytelling, this episode offers valuable insights into how stories shape our perceptions, influence behavior, and build lasting connections. Discover why storytelling isn't just a trend, but an essential skill for anyone looking to make an impact in today's business world.

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 culture
• Insights on their innovative "Family First" initiative and its impact on their company

This episode offers valuable lessons on fostering collaboration, communication, and mutual respect in creative enterprises, whether you're a creative professional, a business leader, or an entrepreneur wearing both hats. Discover how the Edwards siblings have turned potential conflicts into strengths, creating a thriving agency that values both creativity and effective leadership.

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 modeling standards as a leader
• The crucial difference between being accountable to others versus being accountable for them
• Practical strategies for creating a culture of respect and influence, rather than manipulation

Join Harris III and Shane McKenzie as they close out this conversation, and share honest reflections on common leadership struggles and offer valuable insights to overcome them.

LINKS:

1. Leadership Cohort with Shane McKenzie
2. Istoria Collective

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 motivation when setting expectations
• How to use curiosity to elevate your team's thinking and problem-solving skills

Whether you're an experienced leader or a new manager, this episode offers practical tools to enhance your communication skills and leadership effectiveness. Shane's insights on curiosity-driven leadership can help you create a more motivated, innovative, and productive work environment. By applying these principles, you'll be better equipped to navigate the complex landscape of team dynamics and drive meaningful results in your organization.