Ep #189: Facts, Hype, and the Truth in Between with Byron and Michael

What if the stories you repeat every day aren’t yours—but someone else’s script running your life?

In this episode, Byron and Michael look closely at narratives—the powerful stories we absorb from media, culture, and community—and how they shape what we feel, believe, and choose. They explore the difference between raw facts and the emotional storyline built around them, naming how hype can manipulate attention, belonging, and identity. 

They invite a return to truthfulness (Satya) and witness consciousness (sakshi bhava)—seeing the story without becoming the story—so decisions come from inner integrity, not crowd pressure. He also touches on collective “open secrets,” victim narratives, and why neutrality can get misread as opposition. 

For teachers, he offers a practical lens: every class is a narrative—so what are you feeding? Ego, or autonomy and intention? They close with a simple map for crafting transformational stories in class: personal lesson → yogic principle → clear bridge back to the student’s life. Curious where your choices end and the narrative begins? This conversation is your mirror. 

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Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:43 Rebrand Tease

00:02:08 What Is a Narrative?

00:03:39 Algorithms & Echo Chambers

00:07:16 Facts vs. Story (Manipulation & Hype)

00:10:56 Self, Other, and Collective Narratives

00:15:29 Belonging, Shame, and Agreeableness

00:20:50 “First to Share” and Worthiness

00:24:57 Satya & Witness Consciousness

00:27:28 Language: From Truth to Spin

00:28:38 Victim Narratives

00:29:40 Why Old Stories Stick

00:33:17 Truth in the Present Moment

00:34:40 Teaching as Narrative

00:37:07 From Personal Story to Student Insight

00:39:40 Neti Neti & Ego Softening

00:41:07 Closing

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📚 Mentions & Resources:

• Book: The Tipping Point — Malcolm Gladwell. 

• Yogic concepts: Satya (truthfulness), sakshi bhava (witness), neti neti (“not this, not that”).
  Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/ 

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• Byron de Marse’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byronyoga/ 

• Going Pro Yoga’s Instagram: https://www.instagram/com/goingproyoga/

  
  

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Tags: narratives, yoga philosophy, Satya, witness consciousness, neti neti, belonging, hype, manipulation, identity, victim mindset, teaching craft, sequencing, decision-making, algorithms, culture