S08 E07: Story is Your OS

Tune in as Michael McRay kicks off a new three-part series exploring the wiring of the human brain and why we fall for certain stories while resisting others. He dives into the concept that story isn't just something we tell—it's the invisible operating system running in the background of our entire lives, shaping what we believe, fear, and think is possible. Michael uses the famous 1938 "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast as a compelling example of how well-structured stories bypass rational filters and spark visceral responses because our nervous system doesn't distinguish between narrative and experience. In this episode, he discusses:

• How narrative functions as the invisible code shaping our decisions and beliefs
• Why we hold onto beliefs that helped us cope but no longer help us grow
• How the body reacts to narrative as if it were real experience
• Why recognizing our stories is essential for human flourishing rather than just academic exercise

Reflection Prompts

• What's a belief that you carry that might just be a story you learned to survive?
• What kind of character have you cast yourself as—the hero, the helper, the outsider?
• What narrative did your family hand you? What narrative have you chosen instead?
• Where might you be living someone else's script?
• If you could re-story your story, where would you start?

Coming Up Soon

• Next Episode: Tune in as Lisa Cron, author of "Wired for Story," joins the storyOS podcast!
• STORY 2025 Conference - October 9 and 10, 2025

Resources Mentioned

• Istoria Website
• Narrative Blueprint Workshop