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 foundation Harris has created while introducing listeners to new perspectives on narrative intelligence.

Coming Up Soon

• Upcoming Guests: Lisa Cron (author of "Wired for Story" and "Story or Die"), Annette Simmons (author of "The Story Factor"), and Pádraig Ó Tuama (host of "Poetry Unbound" podcast)
• STORY 2025: October 9th and 10th 2025 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, Tennessee
• Applied Narrative Intelligence: Istoria's certification program

Contact Information

• Website: istoria.com
• Instagram: @istoria_studio
• Email: [email protected]

Tags: narrative intelligence, storytelling, storyOS, Michael McRay, Istoria Institute, podcast format, Lisa Cron, Annette Simmons, Pádraig Ó Tuama, wisdom-based economy

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 traditional storytelling approaches
• Details about the three-level certification pathway in Applied Narrative Intelligence (including specializations in leadership, social change, and personal transformation)
• How the storyOS methodology is being developed into practical applications for sales, leadership, and organizational change
• Ways to join the growing global community of narrative practitioners through upcoming initiatives

Whether you are a leader, coach, therapist, or someone passionate about the power of story, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into the future of narrative intelligence and how it can transform both personal and professional growth.

LINKS:

• Istoria Collective
• STORY 2025
• Email Harris
• Email Michael

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 build narrative support systems through conversations, experiences, and content
• Practical strategies for creating emotional resonance and differentiating your work
• The importance of matching your story's ask with the appropriate stage of relationship

This episode offers valuable insights into crafting stories that go beyond basic storytelling to create genuine connection and lasting impact in your work, whether you're an entrepreneur, in leadership, or a creative professional. 

LINKS:

• Jason Locy
• Istoria Collective 

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 that make up a powerful narrative: cultural, personal, and aspirational
• Why tension between these narrative elements is necessary and how to harness it productively
• Practical approaches to strategic planning that remain flexible in our rapidly changing world

Whether you're leading a large organization or building your personal brand, this episode provides concrete tools for crafting narratives that authentically reflect your values and drive positive change in the world.

LINKS:

• Jason Locy
• Istoria Collective

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 focusing solely on storytelling might be limiting your organization's impact
• What makes an organization "culture-bending" through the three key characteristics: imaginative, interconnected, and generative
• How to identify and challenge the dominant narratives that shape business decisions and organizational behavior
• Why transcendence matters in business and marketing, and how to create narratives that inspire positive cultural change

Whether you're leading a large organization or building your own brand, this episode offers valuable insights into how deeper narrative work can transform not just how you communicate, but how you think about and structure your entire organization.

LINKS:

• Jason Locy
• Istoria Collective

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