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Jim VandeHei joins Henrik and Jeremy around the launch of his new book, Simplify: Do 50% More With 50% Less, co-authored with Mike Allen and Roy Schwartz. In the conversation, Jim shares how he's leading Axios through AI, from turning himself into an “AI lab rat” to rethinking how the company works.At Axios, Jim gave everyone access to ChatGPT, brought in training, and invited employees who took naturally to the technology to help others across the company. He also shares how AI fellows working directly with him prototype new ideas, why companies should delete unnecessary work before automating it, and how Axios is preparing for a world where more information moves from the open web into social platforms and personalized LLMs.The conversation ends with a bigger question: what story are we telling people about an AI-enabled future? Jim worries that the negative case for AI is vivid and easy to understand, while the positive case often amounts to curing cancer or eliminating work. He makes the case for something more tangible: using AI to make people's work and lives better while preserving human connection and the feeling that what people do still matters.Jim's new book: Simplify: Do 50% more with 50% less“Confessions of an AI Lab Rat”: Read here!Axios: Axios.comJim's LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/JimVandeHeiKey TakeawaysLeaders need to become AI lab ratsLeaders need firsthand experience with AI to understand what it can do and give others permission to experiment.Give the CEO an AI “SEAL team”Jim's AI fellows help him prototype ideas quickly, stay current, and experiment outside the normal company processes.Delete before you automateBefore using AI to make existing work faster, ask which meetings, processes, and activities shouldn't exist at all.AI needs a better story about what goes rightThe negative future of AI is easy to picture. Jim argues we need a more tangible vision of how AI can improve people's lives without losing purpose and human connection.00:00 Intro: Predictions for the future00:46 Meet Jim VandeHei01:06 Becoming an AI Lab Rat04:21 How Axios Got Everyone Using AI05:46 Who Gets the Most Out of AI?08:27 The AI Understanding Gap11:04 How Jim Keeps Up With AI14:20 Building Axios for an AI Future20:47 The CEO's AI “SEAL Team”23:52 Writing for Humans and LLMs26:49 Delete Before You Automate30:46 The Monthly Mentality35:58 AI-Assisted Writing and Authenticity41:47 The Coming Political Backlash47:42 A Better Story for AI55:25 The Debrief
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Curtis White returns to discuss his latest book, On Resistance: A Manifesto, and to explain why his advice to “make yourself useless,” “take back your emptiness,” and “live better stories” might be the best advice we can give kids today. More information about Curtis and his book is at talkingaboutkids.com.
Most Christians begin thinking about the Bible at Genesis 3, but that's already after everything has gone wrong. In this episode of The Naked Gospel, Wailer and Adena walk through one of Scripture's most misunderstood chapters. Together they examine what actually happened in the Garden, where tradition began replacing God's commands, why Adam's silence mattered, and how sin fractured humanity's relationship with God, one another, and creation itself. They also wrestle with difficult questions surrounding marriage, leadership, submission, and the curse, offering a perspective rooted not in domination, but in sacrificial love modeled by Christ. Resources: Genesis 2–4 Proven Men Curriculum: https://www.provenmen.org/product/workbook-study/ Proven Women Curriculum: https://www.provenmen.org/product/provenwomenworkbook/ Proven Men Groups: https://www.provenmen.org/category/proven-path/ Proven Women Groups: https://www.provenmen.org/category/proven-wives/ Leader Guides for Proven Ministries Groups: https://www.provenmen.org/product/leaders-guide/ Connect with The Naked Gospel Podcast: Website: https://www.provenmen.org/thenakedgospel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PROVENMenMinistries LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/provenmen/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/provenministries Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/provenmenministries TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@endporn.org
Order Paul Anleitner's new book BASED ON A TRUE STORY: Vibe Shifts, the End of Deconstruction, and the Reboot of Meaning https://a.co/d/02xpRbWK ----- Malcolm Guite is an English poet and scholar, and he is the author of Galahad and the Grail and a new series of books on the Arthurian legends. Order Galahad and the Grail: https://malcolmguite.com/ Tickets for Malcolm Guite's Boston Conference: https://www.hopewords.org/liftingtheveil
What story are you actually living in? God is the Author, Jesus is the Hero, and when you know how the story ends, it changes what you live for now.
In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores our desire for a hero and the competing stories that promise to lead us toward freedom and human flourishing. He contrasts cultural narratives represented by figures like Odysseus and Barbie with the gospel, which points us to Jesus as the one true hero who brings freedom and flourishing to all people. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to consider who is at the center of their story and reminds us that following Jesus means laying down false heroes and divisions and finding our identity in Christ.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at podcast@ccchapel.com!
Memoirist, novelist, journalist and essayist Carolyn Dawn Flynn is the author of the memoir Boundless and seven books of transformational nonfiction; longtime editor of Sage magazine; and a trauma-informed book coach. Boundless was longlisted for the 2021 Mslexia International Memoir Prize and the 2022 First Pages Prize. Her work has been published in Fourth Genre, Under the Gum Tree, Arts and Letters, Hunger Mountain, The Colorado Sun, The Tampa Review, The Whitefish Review (Montana Prize for Fiction), Albuquerque Journal, Sage Magazine, Albuquerque the Magazine and Wilde Frauen. Her most recent journalism pieces include guide to emotional agility and living boundlessly, "How to Get Unstuck: (Hint) Think Like a Twentysomething" for AARP magazine in April/May 2026. In her TEDx Women talk, "Tell a Better Story, Live a Better Life," she has inspired countless others to live their sacred yes—even in a world that may split open, as the writer Muriel Rukeyser once famously said, if one woman spoke the truth. She is owner of The Story Catalyst, which has offered book coaching, developmental editing and publishing consulting for many author clients for more than 10 years. She lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she is a hiker and a pilgrim and a desert dweller who is an appreciator of horizons. Find out more at www.carolynflynn.com. www.carolynflynn.com Facebook: facebook.com/authorcarolynflynn abqjournal.com/author/cflynn Substack: carolynflynn.substack.com Instagram: carolyn_flynn Medium: carolyndawnflynn.medium.com Twitter: @carolynflynn LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carolynflynn BlueSky: https://www.carolyndawnflynn.bsky.social TEDx talk: "Tell A Better Story, Live a Better Life" YouTube: @carolynflynn4777 Threads: carolyn_flynn Boundless is available in these places: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/noresults/9798891324824 https://bookshop.org/p/books/boundless-carolyn-dawn-flynn/7a20188b7f93a5ad?ean=9798891324824&next=t& https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMSW1GCV Audiobook https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Boundless/dp/B0GP1TKNML/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0 PRODUCT/SERICE PROMO: I am a book coach who works with authors to get their bold and illuminating books out in the world. I work in memoir, fiction and transformational self-help nonfiction. For anyone wanting to write their story, and listening to your show, I'm offering a free Find Out More 30-minute consultation, and people can book here: https://calendly.com/carolyn-777/30min-free-find-out-more Together with my co-founder of the Stories + Songs Writing Retreat, we offer a free monthly zoom with pristine writing time and warm-hearted community, and your listeners can join any month. It's on the last Monday of the month, and here's the registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/yQwt-sftQFScOMI0xIqBhw
A Better Story
A Better Story
Our Global Head of Fixed Income Research Andrew Sheets examines why investors might be overlooking the stability and performance of UK assets, despite persistent negative sentiment.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Andrew Sheets: Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Andrew Sheets, Global Head of Fixed Income Research at Morgan Stanley. Today, why the UK may need better PR. It's Friday, August 14th at 2pm in London. The last decade has been rough for the United Kingdom. Brexit was a true economic earthquake, and the subsequent weakening of economic ties to mainland Europe, the UK's largest trading partner, made economic activity weaker and more complicated.Then COVID hit the economy hard. So did spiking energy prices when Russia invaded Ukraine. Political volatility has been high, with seven prime ministers in the last 10 years. And at present, UK growth is weak, inflation is too high, and debt to GDP is rising. Moreover, in a post-COVID world that's increasingly driven by the profit and power of technology, including AI, the UK market seems almost stuck in another era. Of the 10 largest companies in the U.S. stock market, eight are in technology. In the UK, none of the 20 largest companies are in tech. Safe to say, being downbeat on the prospects for the UK is one of the most consensus views that I encounter. But it can also be deceiving. Simple stories in the market rarely are.Let's start with the argument that UK markets are boring, stagnant, and being left behind by their lack of technology. It's just not true. Through early August, the S&P 500 has returned 85 percent over the prior five years. The UK market? It's returned 82 percent. And over the last twelve months, the performance of the UK and U.S. markets are also similar. In short, don't judge a book by its cover. The UK's currency, meanwhile, shows no sign of global investors shunning the island. Over the last 10 years, the UK pound has actually gained value against the U.S. dollar. Notable given how strong the performance of the U.S. economy and markets have been over that time. And that's also pretty impressive relative to its peers. Over this same timeframe, the value of the Japanese yen, the Brazilian real, the Indian rupee, and the Korean won have all fallen significantly. The UK's currency, on a relative basis, has outperformed.Now, the UK's growth is weak. Morgan Stanley forecasts growth of just 1 percent this year versus a bit over 2 percent for the United States. But it's notable just what sort of headwind the country has been dealing with. The UK household and corporate sectors are both increasing their savings rates and doing so at the same time; and more savings means less spending and economic activity. To put some context around this, U.S. households are currently saving only about 3 percent of their disposable income. In the UK, it's over 9 percent. And so, if that UK savings rate can just simply stop moving higher – or even fall – well, it would represent a big support to growth going forward. But aren't we avoiding the big question, the fiscal question? After all, we at Morgan Stanley forecast that general UK government debt to GDP will be about 96 percent this year, some of the highest levels since World War II. But this is a global market, and I do think that the relative picture matters. So, when thinking about the UK's 96 percent debt to GDP ratio, let's consider what the numbers are elsewhere. That ratio is 120 percent in China. It's 120 percent in France. It's 125 percent in the U.S. It's 138 percent in Italy, and it's 208 percent in Japan. And out of all of these countries, the UK is the only one where we think the government deficit is materially smaller in 2027 than it was in 2025. Also, year-to-date, 10-year bond yields in the UK have risen less than yields in the U.S. or Japan.A new UK Prime Minister does raise the potential for new policy, something investors will need to watch closely. The country remains sensitive to swings in global energy prices. Yet we think the underlying story is more nuanced and positive than often gets discussed. Market performance has been bearing this out, and in many cases, the bar is low. Thank you, as always, for your time. If you find Thoughts on the Market useful, let us know by leaving a review wherever you listen. And also tell a friend or colleague about us today.
Why do some firms stand out while others blend into the crowd? Stephen Steers joins us to explore how storytelling builds trust, differentiates firms, and drives business growth. The post Why Every Professional Services Firm Needs a Better Story with Stephen Steers appeared first on Rattle and Pedal.
This message was inspired by Susie's book "Waking Up to the Goodness of God." Check out Susie's upcoming book, "More Than You Can Imagine." Check out Susie's podcast God Impressions on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here
PLUS: Two Canadian freighters have been stuck in the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran beganHow much of The Odyssey aligns with real historic events and places?After 50 years, Montrealers are ready to feel nostalgic for the 1976 OlympicsRiffed from the Headlines, our weekly musical news quiz.
On this episode, Yatine Boodhoo, founder of ThermoForged, joins the podcast. As an engineer, Yatine has built his career around advanced composites, developing a deep, hands-on expertise in thermoplastic materials as they've gained momentum. Along the way, he discovered that the most groundbreaking technologies rarely fail due to lack of performance. They fail because people don't understand […] The post Why Every Composite Innovation Needs a Better Story: Interview with Yatine Boodhoo of Thermoforged first appeared on Composites Weekly. The post Why Every Composite Innovation Needs a Better Story: Interview with Yatine Boodhoo of Thermoforged appeared first on Composites Weekly.
In this episode of Together for Good, Pastor Nate Preisinger joins Carolyn Tarr of the Collective Narrative Project for a conversation about digital ministry, storytelling, and what it means to create spaces where people can share their stories. Together, they talk about Bethany's podcast studio, DU Campus Ministry, and how faith communities can offer something hopeful and grounding in a noisy digital world.This conversation explores why stories matter, how generosity can create new possibilities, and why church can still be a place where people with different backgrounds and viewpoints choose to stay, listen, and learn from one another.What You'll LearnHow Bethany's podcast studio became a tool for digital ministryWhy storytelling can help people feel seen, known, and valuedHow faith communities can offer hope in online spacesWhy relationships matter more than perfect metricsHow church can become a “village” in a divided worldChapters 00:00 Coming up on Together for Good 01:08 Welcome to the Collective Narrative Project 02:36 How Bethany's podcast studio began 04:48 Why digital ministry matters now 06:10 Podcasting as relationship-building 07:20 The Collective Narrative Project 08:25 Generosity, grace, and shared space 10:05 DU Campus Ministry and Bethany's partnership 11:00 Trying something new is messy 12:15 Why relationships matter more than metrics 14:00 Christianity, story, and sacred questions 16:00 Why do people connect with faith? 17:30 Faith, nature, and village-style community 19:00 Church as a place to stay in relationship 21:20 Unlearning narrow ideas of Christianity 23:00 What helps people show up?Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who cares about faith, community, storytelling, or what church can look like now.Connect with Bethany:
It was back in the year 2000 that at-home kits for DNA testing became popular. Painless… simple… just follow the directions, mail it in, then wait for the results. Since then, it's estimated that between 55 and 60 million people around the world have done one. Maybe you're one of them? Seems a lot of people want to know where they come from and who they're related to. But what if I told you there's a bigger question, with an even better answer? Bigger than where… better than who… it's the question of ‘why.' Why do you even exist? For what purpose were you created? Come join us this Sunday at 11 AM and find out. You can connect with us online by clicking the "Join Us Sunday" button on our website or via our YouTube channel. Or come worship with us in person! Arrive early and enjoy coffee, cookies and conversation in the Lobby. We do know that 11 AM on Sunday doesn't work for everyone. If that's you, the service will be available on demand, so you can watch at a time that works better for your schedule. We look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday! ----------------------------------- TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP ----------------------------------- Let us know that you were watching with us and you will be entered to receive a free prize by completing our Connection Card: http://dsf.church/ecard Give Online: https://www.simplechurchgiving.net/App/Giving/dsf Message Notes: https://www.dayspringfellowship.com/messages Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayspringkeizer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DayspringKeizer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/dayspringfellowship Website: http://dsf.church #dayspringkeizer #dayspringfellowship #2026sermon ___________________ Thanks for watching Dayspring Fellowship's worship service! At Dayspring Fellowship, we believe there is nothing more important than your spiritual growth.
Every church tells a story. The question is: Is it the right one? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with sociologist Joel Thiessen about The Stories Congregations Tell, a research project exploring why some churches flourish through seasons of transition while others struggle. Drawing on case studies from congregations across Canada, Thiessen argues that the stories churches tell about their past, present, and future profoundly shape their identity, leadership, and mission. The conversation explores how congregations develop a healthy sense of identity without becoming trapped by nostalgia, why flourishing is about far more than numerical growth, and how local churches are constantly shaped by the wider cultural stories surrounding them. Thiessen also explains why sociology can help churches understand themselves more honestly—not to replace theology, but to deepen it. Whether your church is growing, plateauing, or navigating significant change, this conversation offers practical wisdom for understanding the narratives that shape congregational life—and how a healthier story can lead to a healthier future. Together they explore: Why every congregation tells a story—and why it matters How churches connect their past, present, and future The cultural stories shaping congregational life How churches develop resilience through seasons of change The importance of intergenerational community How churches can resist the "bigger is better" mindset Practical ways congregations can discover and live into their own story Joel Thiessen is Professor of Sociology, Chair of the Social Sciences Department, and Director of the Flourishing Congregations Institute at Ambrose University in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He is a sociologist of religion who specializes in religion in Canada, religious nones, congregations, millennials, and more recently, death and dying. Mentioned Resources:
Matt is joined by Steve Buck, chief strategy officer at EntTelligence to discuss how many people are actually going to the movies and clarify the difference between admission versus box office. Steve reveals whether rising box office grosses are matched by actual attendance, if ticket price increases and premium large format screens are actually juicing box office totals, the demos and genres that are overindexing, and some surprising political affiliations of moviegoers (00:00). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Minions & Monsters' (29:52). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Steve Buck Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo This episode is brought to you by Accenture. https://Accenture.com/Spotify This episode is brought to you by AMC+. Start your free trial today at join.amcplus.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jim Burgoon is a speaker, author, certified leadership coach, military veteran, former pastor and host of the Unshakeable Life podcast. Behind those titles is a man who has lived through childhood trauma, complex PTSD, chronic illness and devastating loss, including the deaths of his mother and sister within six months of each other and his wife's suicide attempt soon after. In this conversation, Jim shares how he moved from believing the lies trauma had taught him to telling a far better, truer story about who he really is. Jim talks candidly about growing up with an abusive father, relentless bullying and a fractured image of God, and how that led him first to atheism and then briefly into witchcraft before encountering Jesus at 25. He explains the crucial difference between being transparent and being translucent, why his PTSD diagnosis doesn't define him, and what he's learned interviewing entrepreneurs and high achievers about burnout, insecurity and fear. For anyone who feels like a lost cause, Jim offers a simple, grounded place to start. WEBLINKS Lead with Jim Website The Unshakeable Life Podcast Jim on YouTube Jim on Facebook Jim on Instagram Tell a Better Story
The SportsGrad Podcast: Your bite-sized guide to enter the sports industry
Want to land a job in sport? Apply for The SportsGrad Method: www.sportsgrad.com.au/programSo you want to work in sport.You are not alone, and that is exactly the problem.Sport is one of the most competitive industries in the world. Everyone is passionate. Everyone has a degree. Everyone is willing to work hard. And yet most people spend years on the outside looking in, never quite understanding why.It is not a capability problem. It is a method problem.I am Reuben Williams, founder of SportsGrad. I landed a job at Cricket Australia the day after I finished university. When COVID hit and I was made redundant, I was headhunted into a role that doubled my salary. Not because I got lucky, because I had a method that most people never find.Since then that method has helped over 800 people land jobs in sport, from graduates with no experience to career professionals who thought the window had already closed. We have built a global network that members can tap into from day one, and spent ten years inside this industry learning exactly how hiring actually works.80% of jobs in sport are never advertised. The people landing them are not the most qualified. They are the most visible, the most connected, and the most prepared to convert opportunity into an offer.That is what The SportsGrad Method teaches.How I can help you:1. Listen to The Method — real coaching call snippets every Wednesday so you can hear the work in action.2. Read The SportsGrad Newsletter — weekly insight on breaking into sport the right way.3. Apply for The SportsGrad Method Program — if you are serious about making this happen, this is the fastest path. We review every application personally.If you refuse to settle for a career you do not care about, you are in the right place.Let's get to work: www.sportsgrad.com.au/programReuben Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Better Story Podcast Episode 3, Part 3/3 - Mike O'Shea & Anne Rothhaas You can watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sHFgYFbn3gY "A Better Story" is a podcast of conversations at WCC where we talk about how God might be better than what you think, and that maybe some of the stories you've heard about God are too small.
A Better Story Podcast Episode 2, Part 2/3 - Mike O'Shea & Anne Rothhaas You can watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JIsW63Qs41E "A Better Story" is a podcast of conversations at WCC where we talk about how God might be better than what you think, and that maybe some of the stories you've heard about God are too small.
A Better Story Podcast Episode 1, Part 1/3 - Mike O'Shea & Anne Rothhaas You can watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CXGPPRN_nmw "A Better Story" is a podcast of conversations at WCC where we talk about how God might be better than what you think, and that maybe some of the stories you've heard about God are too small.
Jason Matta | Luke 11: 5 -13 | May 10 2026
(Acts 28) Whatever story you're telling yourself about the world, life, and God is probably true. If we only see misery, that's probably all we'll experience. If we see goodness and joy, we might catch glimpses of both.
Whether you realize it or not, you're living out a story. And if the Bible is true, then that story is the same for all of us: Creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. In this episode, Alex breaks down these four aspects of our story and how they practically apply to the life of a leader. He also reminds us that living out truth may feel difficult, but it is always more worthwhile than buying into false narratives.Information isn't the gap between failure and success—action is. Path for Growth's 1-on-1 coaching helps you create a plan and execute on what matters most for your business. Apply today at pathforgrowth.com/coaching.Episode Recap:If Scripture is true, then the story of the Bible is also our story Truth is sometimes hard but always valuable Wisdom is going with the grain of the universe We were created for peace and flourishing Creation: God created the world and made us in His image The Fall: We all sin and miss the mark Redemption: Things may get dark but we will always have hope Restoration: Victory has occurred and heaven is on the way You are living a story, whether you realize it or not! If you're ready to move beyond just gathering information and start executing on what truly matters, Path for Growth's 1-on-1 coaching can help. Apply now at pathforgrowth.com/coaching.Resources:Follow the podcast on Apple or SpotifySchedule a call to learn more about Path for Growth Coaching and CommunityDownload the Free Reading GuideConnect with our Founder Alex Judd on LinkedIn and Instagram
Last week we talked about the broken cultural stories we tend to absorb and the shaping power they wield in our lives. We explored the hustle culture, cancel culture, victim culture, self-help culture, and prosperity culture. Then we saw how God in his grace enters into our broken stories to offer hope and rescue us. That's a glorious picture of our salvation. But it's not the end. We still, even as believers, gravitate toward broken narratives that weaken our hope, steal our joy, and damage our witness to the world. So let's dig a little deeper in the Luke 24 story—and other texts—to learn how we can continue to live in the better story with God's help.
Teaching by Kent Bateman based on Luke 24:13-27 as part of our 2026 Easter Gathering. For more information, visit citychurchknox.com.
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What Story Are You Telling Yourself? | Awareness &Inner GuidanceIn this episode, Janine explores the power of the story youare telling yourself and how your thoughts, words, and expectations shape your experience of life.Through awareness and understanding what life is mirroringback to you, it becomes possible to move from stress, anxiety, and overwhelm into clarity and aligned progress. In this episode:• How your words and thoughts influence your reality• What life and other people may be mirroring back to you• Recognising patterns of overwhelm, disconnection, and brain fog• Using awareness to shift into the present moment• Listening to your inner whisper for guidance ReflectionWhat is the story I am telling myself right now? Connect with mehttps://linktr.ee/janine_shapiro Your inner whisper is always guiding you — this episodeinvites you to listen.
In this episode of The Sacred Speaks, host Dr. John W Price sits down with mythologist and storyteller Dr. John Bucher, Executive Director of the Joseph Campbell Foundation, to explore how story functions as a living force that shapes our lives, culture, and sense of meaning. They trace John's early "graduate degree in storytelling" in a small Texas video store, move through themes like the quest to come home, reconciliation with the father, and the "magical orphan," and show how our favorite films reveal the deep mythic patterns we're unconsciously living. The conversation dives into archetypes, subtext, AI as a new cultural story, the loss of shared myths in a hyper-individualized media landscape, and the possibility of a "collective heroic journey" where groups answer a shared call of desperation rather than a single hero saving the day. John also offers very practical tools for "telling a better story" in our own lives, from changing our information diet to small daily rituals that reorient us toward hope, connection, and agency. Key Takeaways: John Bucher: Telling A Better Story Stories and myths are the "operating system" of the human mind, shaping how we make sense of everything from traffic to transcendence. What truly draws us into stories is not plot but theme, like coming home or reconciling with the father. Our favorite movies quietly reveal our core genres, themes, and unresolved psychological material. We are losing shared cultural stories, which contributes to loneliness and fragmentation. Finding a "better story" starts locally: in our media diet, daily practices, and small collective actions. Timestamps (00:00) Meet Mythologist John Bucher (00:58) Housekeeping (03:45) The Storytelling Almanac & Why Story Matters (05:52) East Texas Video Store as a Storytelling School (09:36) Theme Over Plot (Homecoming & Other Motifs) (12:56) Genre as a Mirror (18:27) Cinderella, Hope, and "Telling a Better Story" (20:45) So What Is Story? (23:49) Myth vs History: When Religion Literalizes Story (29:13) Subtext, Symbol, and What's Unsaid (31:56) Stepping Outside Old Stories, Grief, and Trying on New Identities (37:48) Grace, identity & the 'fedora guy' (39:21) AI as a cultural story (41:06) Ritual and the last 'collective story' (42:37) Beyond the Hero's Journey (44:26) What we lose with curated, individualized media (46:09) Addicted to hope: choosing a better collective future (48:43) History & pop culture (51:56) Why stories repeat (54:19) What is an archetype? (58:15) Back to AI: tool vs. threat (01:06:55) Hearing the local call and joining the collective journey (01:10:22) Practical antidotes to despair (01:16:53) Closing gratitude & where to find John's work Connect with John Bucher Website: https://www.tellingabetterstory.com Link hub (books, podcast, etc.): https://linktr.ee/tellingabetterstory X (Twitter): https://x.com/johnkbucher Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/johnkbucher Instagram (Telling a Better Story): https://www.instagram.com/tellingabetterstory Joseph Campbell Foundation profile / team page: https://www.jcf.org/about-joseph-campbell-foundation/team Pacifica Graduate Institute faculty page: https://www.pacifica.edu/faculty/john-bucher "Learning to Tell a Better Story" YouTube interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLIOUw4dAB0 Connect with John Price Website: http://www.drjohnwprice.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/ Brought to you by: https://www.thecenterforhas.com Theme music provided by: http://www.modernnationsmusic.com
In 2 Corinthians 4:1–6, the apostle Paul reminds us that the gospel is not a clever argument or a well-marketed ideology—it is a true and better story. A story where light breaks into darkness. A story where mercy triumphs over performance. A story where Jesus, not ourselves, is proclaimed as Lord.In a world full of competing narratives—political, cultural, and personal—Paul calls us back to the only story that can truly save. The gospel is true because it is rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The gospel is better because it brings light to blinded hearts and hope where darkness once reigned.As gospel people, we do not lose heart. We boldly lift up Christ, trusting that the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is still shining in hearts today.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.org Connect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity! Instagram: @integrity_church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/
Rich takes a really boring story that a company wrote in their newspaper advertorial, and tells it in a different way that highlights a BETTER STORY!
Ever wondered how to talk to kids about scary things—storms, sickness, or other frightening moments—and they wonder if God is mad at them? Or maybe you've struggled with that yourself as an adult. It's easy to carry this lie that when bad things happen, God must be angry, punishing, or absent. But the truth of the matter is God is present in the storms, big or small. He never stops loving His children, even when life feels out of control, and He works through hard moments to show His promises and hope. Join me as I break this down with Courtney Reissig, a Bible teacher, author, and mom of four, who opens up about the storm that scared her kids, and together, let's learn how we as families can talk about fear, trust, and God's love in a way that's relatable, practical, and full of hope. Connect more with Courtney: https://courtneyreissig.com https://www.instagram.com/courtneyreissig Check out her children's book, Seth and the Very Scary Storm: https://rstyle.me/+RzJlnyLAnFnfp2kYLfyTUw Connect more with Heidi: https://www.instagram.com/heidileeanderson/ https://heidileeandersonministries.com Grab her new 100-day devotional, All In, All Yours: https://rstyle.me/+11Ii1owgccFkGPU0t1uz3w
Rena Sarigianopoulos of KARE-11 makes her weekly visit to the show as Chad shares a story of inadvertent nudity he experienced yesterday after getting a massage.
In this episode of Health Gig, Doro and Tricia welcome Gail Larsen, a speaking coach and author of Transformational Speaking: If You Want to Change the World, Tell a Better Story. Gail is the founder of Real Speaking, a program that builds leadership skills, integrates confidence, and transforms public speaking abilities. Gail guides listeners on how to take command of their story.
Genesis 1:26-2:1, Exodus 20:4-6
Mark Koziel's first year as AICPA President and CEO has been anything but quiet. He tells Randy Crabtree on Episode 246 of The Unique CPA that nine days into his tenure, Ohio became the first state to roll back the 150-hour requirement, setting off a chain reaction across the profession. Then came the "Big Beautiful Bill" with provisions that could have devastated pass-through entities, followed by Florida's deregulation attempt, IRS commissioner turnover, and a 43-day government shutdown. Through it all, Koziel maintains an infectious optimism about accounting's future. He pushes back against the narrative that AI will replace accountants, pointing to decades of similar fears about calculators, spreadsheets, and blockchain. The real challenge? Telling a better story about a profession that touches every corner of the economy. From his perspective on value-based pricing to his vision for the Rise 2040 initiative, Koziel makes the case that accountants remain the trusted guardians of financial information, and that this legacy is worth protecting. Get the full show notes and more resources at TheUniqueCPA.com
This episode was such a popular episode last year so we're repeating it to kick off 2026! In this week's episode of the Seven Figure Consultant Podcast, I'm talking about how we can get in the zone for the new year! So much of what we do as women entrepreneurs and B2B consultants relies on our mindset, and the new year is the perfect time for a mindset check-in and reset. In this episode, I talk about the importance of mindset and strategy in achieving our business goals, plus how you can let go of scarcity beliefs and reconnect with abundance so you can tell yourself a better story this year. Quotes: "It's time to let go of whatever scarcity beliefs you might have found creeping in and reconnecting to abundance. The realisation that there is always more. You can have what you want. And you don't need to play small." "We are the visionaries. We are the pioneers. We are the ones who create and innovate. We can't ask other people if we can do the things we want to do. The only way to know if we can do it is to do it. And then we get our answer!" "If you do one thing this year, invest in building up your mindset. It is the muscle that creates the biggest impact on your life and business. It's the most important workout you can do." Useful Links Get in touch with Jessica to discuss your consulting business Explore our resources Join the weekly newsletter for women consultants Leave a rating and review for the Seven Figure Consultant Podcast Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn
Send us a textOn this episode, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Maia Sharp gets Al acquainted with Lord Huron's 2018 album Vide Noir. (Maia was previously a guest on Ep 124, when she and Al talked about Historian by Lucy Dacus.) Maia explains why Vide Noir is on heavy rotation at her home and how this album—and Lord Huron's music more generally—has informed her own songwriting. She also discusses the making of her latest album Tomboy, delving into some of the lyrical themes, arrangements and songwriting processes.Learn more about Maia and her music at https://www.maiasharp.com/! To hear exclusive songs, previews and much more, check out Maia's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/maiasharp.You can also follow Maia on Instagram at @maiasharpmusic and on Facebook at @maiasharpofficial.At the end of this episode, Al mentioned the song that Maia co-wrote as part of the Songwriting With Soldiers program. To learn more about the making of “Strumming Hand,” see the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDhW4szERds. To learn more about Songwriting With Soldiers, visit their website at https://songwritingwithsoldiers.org/.Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io. The first six episodes of Bonus Tracks—YMAAA's subscriber-only podcast series—are now available at patreon.com/youmealbum. More monthly episodes and other good stuff are soon to come. Please consider subscribing! Your support will make it possible for Al to keep this podcast going.To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum1:19 Maia's introduction2:19 Al had heard of Lord Huron before…barely6:03 Maia explains why she picked Vide Noir for this episode11:02 Maia talks about songwriting lessons she has learned from Lord Huron16:04 Al and Maia compare the experiences of listening to Lord Huron and Bon Iver21:20 Al and Maia talk about the lack of action in Ben Schneider's story24:51 Maia loves the slackness of the drums on Vide Noir30:16 Why doesn't Maia usually like music that sounds theatrical?32:18 Maia and Al note the album's blend of retro and futuristic sounds34:21 Maia appreciates how listening to Vide Noir is a full experience39:04 There's not much suspense as to how the protagonist's story is going to end40:13 Maia took a different approach to listening to Vide Noir in preparing for this episode43:13 Maia talks about the use of percussion on Tomboy48:08 Maia recounts the process of writing “Better Story” with Matthew Perryman Jones52:30 Maia talks about her upcoming plansOutro is from “Strumming Hand” by Maia Sharp.Support the show
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” e-book athttps://working-towards.com/What happens when decades of brand storytelling experience collide with AI, digital fragmentation, and a new generation of consumers?Garth Weber, Chief Brand & Marketing Officer at Duluth Trading Company (https://www.duluthtrading.com/), joins me to unpack why brand still matters more than ever — and how the strongest companies maintain a single strategic point of view while adapting to constantly changing channels.With over 25 years of experience on both the agency and brand side, including formative years at Nike and Adidas, Garth shares the foundational principles he learned early in his career — and why those same principles still work in today's AI-powered, creator-driven landscape.We explore how brands can evolve beyond legacy channels like catalogs, reach younger audiences authentically, and avoid losing coherence while scaling across markets.
Join Pastor Kurt as he discusses the idea that when God's favor becomes personal, the story of our life becomes powerful. NEXT STEPS: As I step into a new year, I will embrace the opportunity to release greater amounts of my time, talent, and treasure through my life's story. I will choose to risk a deeper Christ-centered involvement with others in the body of Christ. I will be more attentive to celebrate the redemptive work God is doing in me.
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/What does it take to design, build, and install stainless-steel rooftop pools for some of America's biggest cities? Greg Carnforth, President of Chester Pool Systems (https://www.chesterpools.com/), joins me to share the remarkable story behind one of the most specialized construction companies in the country.With 35+ years in the industry, Greg has helped transform Chester Pool Systems into the go-to provider for engineered stainless-steel pools across New York City, Chicago, New Orleans, Denver, San Diego, and beyond. In this episode, Greg walks through the engineering, logistics, and craftsmanship required to design and fabricate entire pool systems in Indiana — then hoist them onto rooftops hundreds of feet in the air.We also talk through Chester's transition to a 100 percent employee-owned company, how the ESOP reshaped culture and collaboration, and the unique challenges of building inside billion-dollar high-rise projects.
Download our “Tell a Better Story, Win Better Clients” E-book at https://working-towards.com/Chad de Lisle, VP of Marketing at Disruptive Advertising, joins the show to break down what it really takes to build a mission driven, high performing marketing agency. With nearly two decades in digital marketing, Chad shares his journey from an aspiring English professor to leading one of the most respected performance marketing teams in the country.We dive into:• How Disruptive is growing toward a $100M vision• Why pairing purpose with performance drives real long term results• Scaling through people, culture, and clarity• The realities of leading marketing inside a marketing agency• AI's role in the future of storytelling and brand growth• Chad's creative passion project: the Heroic Round podcastThis one is full of wisdom for marketers, founders, and creatives who want to build something that lasts.Connect with Chad:"Heroic Round Podcast": https://www.youtube.com/@HeroicRound LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-de-lisle/Website: https://disruptiveadvertising.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noirwhale/X: https://x.com/noirwhaleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/chad.delisle.1/NoirWhale: https://noirwhale.com/NoirWhale Tumblr: http://noirwhale.tumblr.com/