The Story Hacker Podcast with Nick Ovalle: Recent Episodes
Nicholas Ovalle
Internal narrative drives everything. This podcast is about the psychology and philosophy of storytelling. Filled with tips, tricks, hacks and some of the best stories to help us shift out paradigm for the better. The Story Hacker Podcast is storytelling on steroids.
🚀 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, "Firefighters, Endables, and Dirty Delegation," we confront the toxic leadership behaviors that quietly poison organizations. From relentless micromanaging to enabling destructive habits and passing off blame through dirty delegation, we uncover how these patterns erode trust, stifle growth, and leave teams burned out. But there’s hope. Using the powerful RAIN method, we’ll explore how to break free from these cycles and integrate a more compassionate, intentional approach to leadership and work-life harmony. It’s time to rewrite your story—and lead with purpose.
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.
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 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.
In this podcast, we explore story hacks to grow your influence and hack the internal narrative to see better ways we can grow our currency for change.
In this podcast we look at the story presidential candidates tell, How Hollywood intentionally messes with your head and how you can get people to lean in when you speak.
In this podcast we talk about being bored, finding some enemies and writing a manifesto.
In this podcast, we talk about Fundamentalism, deconstructivism and a narrative of empathy.
Today we are talking about three sure fire ways to reach your goals. You may have heard me tell Jane McGonigals’ story before. On her way to finishing her PHD in Game Design Jane was in a major accident in 2009. A concussion left her with a lot of complications. She constantly had a headache, was fatigued, couldn’t read, type of look at a screen of any type. Jane fell into a depression because her life was put on halt. She physically couldn’t do what she loved and devoted her life to doing. Her outcome is astonishing. She used the principles of Game Design and applied them to her life to to get better, reach her goals and have fun doing it. She documents the accident in her book Superbetter. Why do I tell you this story? Jane is a huge proponent of Self Efficacy. What is self Efficacy you may ask. Basically SE is your belief in yourself to accomplish your goals. Psychologist show the more you believe in yourself accomplishing your goals, the more you will accomplish your goals. Novel Idea. But what happens if you are not feeling it? What happens if your body won’t let you accomplish your goals? Here are three hacks to help you build self efficacy and defeat the narrative of being self effacing. Hack number one comes straight from Jane’s book super better. In the book Jane tells a story of a woman who tricked herself into exercising, and being social even though those 2 traits where not in her wheel house. How did she do it? You may laugh at this but she started playing an online game called the sims. The sims is an online simulation game of life. You can create an avatar and make the avatar act in certain ways. The game prompts you to take certain actions to make your avatar feel well. A huge part of “winning’ in the sims is how your avatar feels. Things like food, exercise and social interactions helps your sim feel good. And the computer prompts you to make your character feel good. There is one huge caveat to why this works. The virtual human interaction lab founded by Dr Jermey Balinson shows self efficacy grows when you watch an avatar of yourself do the action in which you want to do. The tactic is called Vicarious exercise. Participants in a study who watched an avatar that looked like themselves exercised for a whole hour more than those who didn’t. They walked more, took the stairs more often and spent more time at the gym. In order for this hack to work, your avatar has to look just like you. This creates what Scientist call a mirror neuron effect. Mirror neurons mimic the brain activity of people around us. because the participants felt closer to the avatar because it looked like them, they in experienced the mirror neuron effect. Crazy!! Go play the sims, make a character that looks just like you and watch them work. Hack #2 is a little more straight forward. Its called Minimum Viable Product / Minimum Viable Progress. Think about the goal you want to achieve. Next you identify the most important aspect of that goal. If you are wanting to create something you want to focus on a minimum viable product. What ever you create you are only focusing on one feature, the most important thing. If you are wanting to reach a personal goal where there is no product, like loose weight, you want to focus on a minimum viable progress. Say your goal is to start a business. A MVP is the one thing you would offer starting today. If you dream is to open a gym, jump right to one thing you can do to add value to your customer today. So a dream of a gym is out of the picture, but offering a running group that meets twice a week is something you can do today and charge for. You are now one step closer to your goal. If you are wanting to change something about yourself, or your surroundings, focusing on a minimum viable progress looks like finding the one thing that will make the most difference. If it is loosing weight, commit to one thing like eating the same boring salad and tuna for lunch. or 5 minutes of burpees every morning. If you are writing a book, just commit 15 mins to writing every morning and don’t touch it for the rest of the day. MVPs work because it free’s your brain of having to burn calories of planning a huge process, and never having to accomplish it because you spent all that mental work on preparation and don’t have any willpower left over to actually do it. Willpower is a finite resource, MVPs maximize your willpower as a resource. Hack #3 is to implement what I call the one touch timer. I use an app on my computer and phone called Comodoro One and commit to work in a cycle of 25 mins of work and a 5 minute break. I make sure I commit to finish the work in one touch. I will not come back to it, so If I don’t finish it, I ship it out half baked. Half baked is looked down upon in our society, but perfectionism keeps us from reaching our goals. I like to embrace the truism Done is better than perfect. If I commit to a one touch timer I have to stick to it. This has helped with finishing small projects, making sure I don’t overcomplicate things with perfectionism and makes sure I focus on my most valuable resource, my time. So to recap: Hack #1 - Watch an avatar to build self efficacy. Hack #2 - Find a Minimum Viable Product or Progress to get you started. Hack #3 - Use the One Touch Timer method and ship a half baked product rather than not shipping. You can follow me on all social media @nick_ovalle. Until we chat again, I hope you live a great story.
Today Episode is called "A simple formula for narrative: Four Tips for Character Development." In this episode we will talk about 4 quick tips for character development and three ways we can incorporate these tips across different disciplines.
Today Episode is called "Empathy vs Limbic Abduction" We will be discussing: 1. A Limbic Abduction and what that means 2. Marketing to The Limbic System 3. Empathy as an answer to conflict
Quick disclaimer, I am not a medical professional and any methods, ideas discussed on this podcast are not intended to be a treatment for any medical or psychological ailment.
In this episode we talk about the Story of Pain. Specifically we talk about what to do with our pain, a paradigm shift we should never make and how to listen.
This is Episode #6 The Story Killer. In this podcast we talk about: heliocentricism, paradigm and singularity.
We talk about Galileo's story and how the story of a black whole looks a whole lot our inner narrative.
This is Episode #5 Math to Live By In this podcast we talk about: What matters most. From Victor Frankl to the art only you can do. Today's podcast isn't fun but oh so helpful!
This is Episode #4 Flow Towards Tension: In this podcast we talk about: 1. Kanye West’s hit Through The Wire 2. The Japanese story hack for shifting paradigm 3. The paradox that allows us to embrace happiness.
Hey Friends,
In this episode we talk about getting started in storytelling. The easiest way to get started is to create a logline. Loglines have helped people, organizations and stories define what they are about and why they exist. In this episode we talk about why you should have a logline and how to get started implementing them into your story.
In this podcast we talk about a pirate, our prefrontal cortex and reseting the problem solving loop.
In this podcast we talk about the tragic death that inspired an iconic american dream. Why storytelling works and three ways storytelling effects the brain. Learn about optimal state of learning, reality defining story and hacking the brains defense system, all in under 10 minutes.
Check out my crowdfunding page for my book the StoryTelling Heart: http://bit.ly/TheStoryTellingHeart