The Story Better Podcast with Nick Ovalle

🚀 Organizations talk a big game about innovation, but let’s be real—most of them are stuck making the same mistakes over and over. So why do companies (even smart ones) fail to learn? In this episode, we break down an HBR article on the four biases that keep organizations stuck. 💡 But we’re not just here to diagnose the problem—we’ve got solutions. I’ll be pulling insights from Reset by Dan Heath (because hitting the reset button should be a company-wide habit, not a last resort) and Slow Productivity by Cal Newport (because frantic busyness ≠ actual progress). 🔥 Tune in to learn: ✔️ Why most organizations mistake action for improvement ✔️ How workplace culture actually discourages learning (yep, even yours) ✔️ What we can steal from high-performing companies that get it right ✔️ And how YOU can be the person who finally gets your team to break the cycle HBR Article: https://hbr.org/2015/11/why-organizations-dont-learn It’s time to ditch the hamster wheel and start making real progress. Hit play and let’s StoryHack your workplace. 🎧🚀 Grab these great business books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3M4gDIr ================================================== Check Out The Story Better Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZKHt_ZB2AiyfMxmCgaNRE2zTOIzgCyGW Download a 90-Day StoryBetter challenge that will help you change your life, mind, and soul at https://storybetter.co Brand Sponsorship Want to sponsor a video on the channel: info@nickovalle.com Journal& Productivity Supplies https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-9b4c697d/list/2M3CRDSER8NP2?ref_=aipsflist ================================================== Let’s be friends Website: http://fancypants.media Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fancypantsmedia Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/fancy_pants_gaming

Ever wonder why some movies hit you right in the feels while others barely graze the surface? In this episode of The Story Better Podcast, we take a look at the world of slice-of-life movies—the ones that sneak up on you with their quiet brilliance and unforgettable characters. We break down the highs, the lows, and the midlife crises of fictional heroes so relatable that they might as well be you (or your buddy Mark, who still hasn’t figured out how to parallel park). From The Secret Life of Walter Mitty to Pixar's deepest cut, we dissect the emotional gut-punch moments, the subtle character arcs, and the hero’s journeys that show us how to face our own messy, complicated lives. With a mix of humor, pop culture love, and a few rabbit trails into why Disney and Marvel executives need therapy, we’ll show you how to learn from these characters—and maybe even rewrite your own story. Because every person deserves a better narrative. And sometimes, all it takes is a great movie, a good laugh, and a little introspection to get there. Because every person deserves a better narrative. And sometimes, all it takes is a great movie, a good laugh, and a little introspection to get there.

🎙️ In this episode, we dive deep into seven transformative philosophies to live out in 2025. From embracing life's shadows to building meaningful communities, this conversation is packed with insights to help you grow, connect, and thrive. ✨ What You'll Learn: Why acknowledging the "dark side" is key to authenticity. How anxiety signals unprocessed pain and life's limitations—and what to do about it. The transformative power of pain: how to heal instead of harm. Truth vs. "bull cookies": navigating integrity in a noisy world. Rethinking work: intrinsic value over late-stage capitalist pressures. Building horizontal relationships for stronger, more supportive communities. Sharpening the blade: continuous improvement for a fulfilling life. 💡 Whether you're searching for personal growth, better relationships, or practical wisdom for daily living, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to take action. 🔔 Subscribe for more stories and strategies to live your best life. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your thoughts on which philosophy resonates with you the most! 🎧 Available on all podcast platforms! #Philosophy #SelfGrowth #Podcast #LiveYourBestStory #EmotionalIntelligence

What if the key to a better future is hidden in the stories you tell yourself today? In this episode of The Story Hacker Podcast, we embark on a bold journey into the depths of feedback—both the kind we crave and the kind we avoid—and its transformative power to shape our future selves. Together, we’ll explore how healing our unhealthy egos and rewriting our internal narratives can lead to better decisions, richer connections, and a future that feels more aligned with who we’re meant to be. This is the hard but thrilling work of confronting our blind spots, listening to the wisdom of others, and embracing the adventure of becoming. If you're ready to face the truth, rewrite the script, and set your future self up for a life worth living, press play. Adventure awaits, but only for those willing to do the work. ==================================================  Download a 90-Day StoryBetter challenge that will help you change your life, mind, and soul at https://storybetter.co Brand Sponsorship Want to sponsor a video on the channel: info@nickovalle.com Journal& Productivity Supplies https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-9b4c697d/list/2M3CRDSER8NP2?ref_=aipsflist ================================================== Let’s be friends Website: http://fancypants.media Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fancypantsmedia  Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/fancy_pants_gaming

Ever feel like the story you’re telling yourself is holding you back? 🌀 Well, it’s time to rewrite that narrative! In this episode of The Story Hacker Podcast, we’re diving into the Best Books of 2024 that can help you flip the script and craft a life worth living. These aren’t your typical self-help reads—they’re powerful, perspective-shifting, and packed with practical wisdom to help you: ✔️ Break old habits. ✔️ Build confidence. ✔️ Embrace creativity. ✔️ Find clarity in the chaos. 🎧 Episode Includes: 📖 The books that topped my list for changing the way you think, work, and live. 💡 Key takeaways from each book to help you start shifting your narrative TODAY. 🎙️ Personal stories of how these books impacted my own journey. Ready to stop being the side character in your own story? Grab a notebook (and maybe a tissue), and dive in. 📚 Get My 2025 Booklist at https://nickovalle.com/booklist 👉 Hit play, subscribe, and share your favorite books in the comments—we’re building better stories together! #TheStoryHackerPodcast #BestBooks2024 #NarrativePsychology #PersonalGrowth #betterstories ================================================== Check Out The Story Hacker Podcast: The Death of Productivity | Story Hacker Podcast Download a 90-Day StoryBetter challenge that will help you change your life, mind, and soul at https://storybetter.co Brand Sponsorship Want to sponsor a video on the channel: info@nickovalle.com Journal& Productivity Supplies https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-9b4c697d/list/2M3CRDSER8NP2?ref_=aipsflist ================================================== Let’s be friends Website: http://fancypants.media Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fancypantsmedia Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/fancy_pants_gaming

In this episode of The Story Hacker Podcast, titled "The Death of Productivity," we explore 4,000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman to uncover why relentless productivity might be sabotaging your well-being. We dive into how a life without margin leaves us tired, toxic, and frustrated—and what we can do to reclaim our time and energy. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the push to do more, tune in to rethink productivity and find a healthier, more sustainable pace.

"On today's episode of The Story Hacker Podcast, we dive into 'The Goldilocks Effect, Flow State, and Your Unfair Advantage.' Using insights from Atomic Habits by James Clear and Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, we explore how to tap into your internal narrative and unlock the unique advantage that sets you apart in life. Get ready to discover what happens when effort meets just the right challenge!"   Story Mode 90: https://storybetter.co Reading List: Amazon Storefront

Today's episode of The Story Hacker Podcast is all about 'Descending The Corporate Ladder.' We explore how childhood stories, somatic integration, and three groundbreaking business books Failure of Nerve by Edwin Friedman,  Garden City by John Mark Comer, and Slow Productivity by Cal Newport—can help you find a better story at work. Tune in to rethink the way you approach career, purpose, and productivity!" Notes on Farberization: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Ferber Luther Emmett Teal: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luther_Emmett_Holt Still Face Study: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-support/202307/why-the-still-face-experiment-was-a-game-changer Get these books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-9b4c697d?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_AH79EVA3DXY6AE7AF7A2  

In this episode, we explore how storytelling can enhance your performance and satisfaction at work by tapping into key insights from groundbreaking books. We dive into Drive by Daniel Pink to understand what really motivates us to excel beyond the paycheck. Then, using principles from Atomic Habits by James Clear, we break down how small, consistent actions can lead to major improvements in your work habits and productivity. Lastly, we draw wisdom from Failure of Nerve by Edwin Friedman, learning how courageous leadership can transform not just your work but the entire culture around you. Join us as we unpack these transformative ideas and show how you can StoryBetter at work. Take the Generailzed Anxiety Test Here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/tests/health/anxiety-test Try Audible Free: https://audibletrial.com/fancypantsmedia Get These Books on Amazon.   Take the StoryMode 90 Challenge at https://storybetter.co

In this episode, we dive into the nuanced intersection of setting goals, confronting bad faith within ourselves, and practicing micro self-care. We explore how striving for personal growth can sometimes be undermined by subconscious self-deception, where we pursue goals that don’t align with our true values. By recognizing these patterns, we can reclaim authenticity in our ambitions. Along the way, we discuss the power of micro self-care—small but meaningful habits that reinforce self-compassion and help sustain long-term success without burnout. This episode offers tools to transform personal aspirations with integrity and mindful self-maintenance.

In this episode we dive into Story Better and how to combat Nihilism. You can watch the video podcast at https://youtu.be/tLr2TOTz2SA. Download the StoryMode 90 Day Challenge at https://storybetter.co

Welcome to Story Better, the podcast where narrative psychology meets personal growth. Join us as we explore the transformative power of storytelling to enhance your mind, body, and life narrative. Whether you're looking to reframe your personal story, improve mental wellness, or cultivate a healthier lifestyle, Story Better offers insights and practical tips to help you craft a better, more authentic story for yourself. Tune in for engaging discussions, expert interviews, and inspiring stories that empower you to become the hero of your own journey. Let's write a healthier, happier story together!

In this podcast we talk about your distraction and how to eliminate it and move towards a better story.  Want to learn more? https://audibletrial.com/storyhackerpodcast for your free audible trial of suggested books. 

In this podcast, we look at four principles that will help us stay creative even when we feel we don't have the juice!

Do you ever feel distracted or unmotivated to finish tasks? In this podcast, we talk about an equation to help you determine how you can best stay motivated and engaged. 

This podcast is the re-recording of a talk I gave at a leadership summit in 2021. Hope you enjoy it. 

In this podcast, we talk about control issues and how to remedy them with confidence. 

Thanks you to Audible for sponsoring this podcast, check out http://audibletrial.com/storyhackerpodcast for a free audio book and 30 day trial of audible. In this podcast we discuss the curse of knowledge and building better teams with stories.

In this podcast we story hack Jim Collin's Good to Great!

In this podcast, we talk about why toilet paper is being purchased in mass amounts. How to find and be a guide for others and why internal narrative still matters in uncertain times.