Narrative Podcast

Ep. 75 "You Can Be So Good That You Don't Need God" Chris "Harp" Harper's False Narrative

Growing up poor in backwoods Kentucky, Chris "Harp" Harper lived between two destructive narratives: believing he could become entirely self-sufficient and feeling utterly worthless. After losing his brother to a drug overdose and his mother to cancer, with an alcoholic father in the background, he became determined to overcome his circumstances through any means necessary.
 
His drive for success led him to become outwardly confident and charismatic, but inwardly he was deeply insecure. He would lie about achievements, manipulate relationships, and do anything for attention or validation. This pattern continued until after a research trip to Eastern Europe, when feelings of emptiness led him to attend a church service - initially just for "the chicks and the chicken."
 
Two months of hearing the gospel brought him to a life-changing realization: he had not only rejected God but wanted to be God himself. This insight led to a transformation where he learned to "die to self and live for others." The change wasn't immediate, but through surrounding himself with mentors, reading voraciously, and deliberately practicing kindness, he gradually reformed his life.
 
Today, Harp is a husband, father of four, and leader of the Better Man Project. He practices intentional kindness by encouraging three people daily and maintains an inspirational voicemail message that once prevented a pizza delivery driver's suicide. His message now centers on finding abundance in ordinary life, countering the pressure to live an "Instagram-worthy" existence.
 
Perhaps his most significant transformation came through serving others - like spending Saturday mornings cutting his future wife's grandfather's grass. What started as an annoying chore became a cherished routine, so much so that years later, when he preached at the grandfather's funeral, he wished he could still spend those Saturday mornings in service.
 
Check out the organization Harp works with: www.betterman.com
 
And for more from Harp, follow his Substack: https://charper.substack.com/p/saying-thank-you?r=1qr116
 
Connect with Tim & Steve - www.narrative.live
 
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Ep. 74 "No Matter How Hard I Work, I Won't Get What I Want" - Shamara "Star" Cox's False Narrative

From a young age, Star was plagued by a deep-seated belief that no matter how hard she tried, she would never get what she wanted in life. This stemmed from heartbreaking experiences with her father, who would make promises to her but then fail to follow through.
When Star was 10, she asked her father for a bike, but after months of waiting, the bike he finally gave her was much too large. Other requests were met with similar disappointment - her father would tell her to just wait, but by the time he followed through, the opportunity had passed. These patterns reinforced Star's conviction that her efforts were futile. This belief carried into Star's adult life. Despite graduating college with honors, she struggled to find a good job, eventually settling for an internship-level position making the same pay as high school students.
Star was devastated, feeling like her achievements were mocking her. She began a years-long battle with depression and crippling self-doubt. At age 27, Star had a transformative moment. During a retreat, she was faced with a choice - join a lifeboat and potentially survive, or go down with the sinking ship. In that instant, Star chose to live. She heard God whisper to her, "Choose to live, and live passionately."
This was a turning point that broke the hold of her depression. The road to healing was not easy. Star had to carefully identify the root beliefs driving her despair, relying on practices like prayer, journaling, and defining her emotions. Bit by bit, she was able to let go of her long-held conviction that hard work meant disappointment. In its place, she developed a new trust in God's plan rather than her own efforts. Now, Star is dedicated to maintaining daily habits that keep her grounded and at peace, like meditation and self-care. Most importantly, she is committed to choosing passion and purpose in her life, no matter the circumstances. Her advice to others is to embrace the healing process, understanding that life's challenges often contain the seeds of growth. With her newfound perspective, Star is determined to write a new narrative for her life - one filled with hope, not despair.
Star's Channel:  @BookofStar 
Connect With Tim & Steve: narrative.live
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Ep. 73 “I Am Unworthy Of Having My Needs Met” - Mike Hatch's False Narrative

From an early age, Mike Hatch learned to believe he was unworthy of having his needs met. Growing up in a tumultuous Christian household, he witnessed his parents' marriage fall apart, culminating in a pivotal moment when he and his brother had to call 911 during one of their fights. This experience led teenage Mike to conclude he was entirely on his own. This belief shaped his relationships into transactional exchanges, where he helped others solely to gain their approval. His unmet emotional needs and feelings of unworthiness eventually led to a pornography addiction. The turning point came when his fiancée caught him viewing pornography, throwing her engagement ring and two Bibles at him before walking out.
Rather than ending their relationship, this moment became what Mike calls "God's lifeline." His church community surrounded them with unconditional love and support, showing Mike that he could be fully known – flaws and all – and still be accepted. This experience transformed his understanding of worth and relationship with God.
Today, more than 20 years into his marriage, Mike serves as an executive coach and pastor in Pittsburgh, helping others find the same freedom he discovered. He describes the transition from his former life to his current one as taking off a heavy backpack – no longer burdened by the constant pressure to perform or gain approval. His focus has shifted from taking to giving, from seeking approval to holding space for others who are struggling. Mike emphasizes that the key to similar transformation lies in authentic connection with others and a relationship with God, noting that "the opposite of addiction isn't sobriety – it's connection."
Connect with Mike: LinkedIn @mikehatch02  
Connect with Tim & Steve: narrative.live
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Ep. 72 "I Am Alone" Clint Hatton's False Narrative

When Clint Hatton was 12, his world crumbled as his father's affair tore apart their seemingly normal Southern California family. His mother's subsequent suicide attempts and a failed family relocation to Montana left young Clint with a deep-seated belief: he was completely alone in life.
This false narrative drove him into drugs and alcohol by his early teens. By 21, he was caught in a nine-year meth addiction. Though he managed to hold down a job in car sales, his first marriage ended in divorce.
Then came transformation. At 31, Clint found faith, quit meth cold turkey, and began building a new life. He married Amaryllis, had three sons, and spent 17 years as a pastor. The old wounds seemed healed, replaced by a sense of belonging.
Their oldest son Gabriel was their pride and joy. A prodigy who soloed in an airplane before he could drive alone, Gabriel earned his pilot's license at 17—the youngest possible age. He was also a talented guitarist and photographer who graduated high school early.
Then came September 23, 2019. After flying a friend back to college in Arkansas, Gabriel encountered unexpected weather. Like Kobe Bryant's helicopter crash, spatial disorientation claimed the young pilot's life. "We have two choices," Clint told his family the next morning. "We can get trapped in the tragedy, or we can choose life—living the way Gabriel lived." Though they chose life, the old narrative of abandonment clawed its way back into Clint's mind: Where was God? Why wasn't his family protected? But this time was different.
Though Clint's faith wavered, he discovered something profound: God's presence never shifted. Even in his anger and grief, love remained constant. Through a tight-knit community of friends and family, Clint learned that his childhood narrative was wrong—he was never truly alone. Today, Clint speaks and writes about his journey, helping others overcome their own false narratives. His most urgent message? "There's not as much time as we think. Live intentionally, love deeply, and remember—you're never alone."
Connect with Clint:   clinthatton   bigboldbrave.us
Connect with Tim & Steve: narrative.live
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Ep. 71 - Tim Croll & Steve Gohl "Healthy Narratives Vs. False Narratives"

In this episode, Tim and Steve reflect on the past few months of Narrative and discuss the influences that weigh on us in a false narrative. We know instinctively that everyone wants to own and be the author of their own story, but not too many people feel like they have that control with the different factors that are going on in our world. 
 
Connect with Tim & Steve: narrative.live
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Ep. 70 "Social Drinking Is Just Something You Do" - Garry VonMyhr's False Narrative

Garry VonMyhr, a Michigan-based serial entrepreneur and father of four, never saw himself as having an alcohol problem. Like many, he viewed drinking as a normal part of social life and business networking. But as the COVID-19 pandemic dragged on, Garry found himself questioning this ingrained habit.
 
"I started feeling sluggish and less present with my kids," Garry reflects. "I realized I wasn't being the dad I aspired to be."
 
This awakening sparked a journey of introspection that went beyond just alcohol. Garry began scrutinizing all aspects of his lifestyle, from his diet to his media consumption.
 
"I needed to question everything," he explains. "There's big money behind many societal norms, and not all of them benefit us."
 
Garry's decision to quit drinking wasn't about battling addiction, but about reclaiming control over his health and setting a positive example for his children. He swapped alcoholic beverages for non-alcoholic alternatives and focused on whole, home-prepared meals.
 
The impact was profound. Garry experienced increased energy, improved sleep, and enhanced mental clarity. His stress levels plummeted, and he felt a renewed sense of happiness.
 
Initially concerned about how sobriety might affect his business relationships, Garry was pleasantly surprised by the support and interest he received. "The stigma is fading," he observes. "More people are realizing that the downsides of drinking outweigh any benefits."
 
Garry's story serves as an inspiration to challenge accepted norms. He encourages others to examine their habits and make conscious choices about what they consume, both physically and mentally.
 
"Take time to reflect without technology," he advises. "Evaluate your inputs - your food, drink, entertainment, and social circle. Gradually replace negative influences with positive ones."
 
Connect with Tim and Steve: narrative.live
Follow us on IG and Facebook @narrativelive

Ep. 69 "Christians Need to Build an Army to Dominate the World" - Greg Tull's False Narrative

Raised in a conservative Christian homeschool environment, Greg's journey led him from the cornfields of Missouri to the bustling streets of New York City and the rigorous world of the Coast Guard.
Greg's foundation is built on his Christian faith, but his experiences taught him to question and refine his beliefs without abandoning his core values. Greg advises to "enter every conversation with the assumption that you might be wrong.”
As a marketing director, endurance athlete, and father, Greg embodies the art of balancing professional ambition with personal well-being. He emphasizes the importance of consistent habits: regular exercise, a healthy diet, quality time with family, and an insatiable appetite for learning. "People who are balanced are more productive in their working time than people who aren't."
Greg challenges the notion that success requires sacrificing other aspects of life. His approach involves setting clear boundaries between work and home, ensuring he's fully present in each role. Greg's philosophy extends beyond personal development to a broader worldview. He encourages others to view themselves as heroes in their own stories rather than victims of circumstance. "A hero says, somebody else caused this evil to come upon me, but I will fight back and change the narrative that I have," he explains.
Greg advocates for "willfully engaging in elective suffering" as a path to growth. By consistently pushing our limits – whether through physical challenges or intellectual pursuits – we expand our capacity to handle life's everyday difficulties. Our lives are shaped not just by the circumstances we face, but by how we choose to respond to them.
Examine your own narrative, seek truth diligently, and craft a life of purpose.
To Connect with Tim and Steve: narrative.live
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @narrrativelive
Join our Discord to continue the conversation!  discord 

Ep. 68 "I Didn't Want People to See That I Was Different" - Jake Fedida's False Narrative

Born with nerve damage on the right side of his body, Jake Fedida faced a world that wasn't designed for him. As a child, he hid behind his mother's leg, ashamed of his differences. But a chance encounter with his hero, Derek Jeter, changed everything.
 
On August 6, 2003, ten-year-old Jake met the Yankees legend. To his surprise, Jeter thought Jake's unique way of playing baseball was "awesome." This simple affirmation from his idol transformed Jake's perspective overnight.
 
"That was all I needed," Jake recalls. "I said, screw you. My hero thinks I'm cool."
 
From that day forward, Jake embraced his differences. He developed a philosophy of "don't sweat the petty stuff," focusing on what truly matters. His physical challenges became a source of strength, teaching him to approach problems creatively and value diverse perspectives.
 
Today, Jake is a successful voice actor and staffing professional. He spreads positivity wherever he goes. Jake's message is clear: "Don't talk yourself out of something just because of an internal belief that you may or may not be able to do it. Just go for it."
 
Jake's story reminds us that our differences can be our greatest strengths. By embracing what makes us unique and surrounding ourselves with supportive people, we can overcome any challenge and inspire others along the way.
 
As Jake puts it, "If you make the decision not to quit, then good things will happen." His journey from shy kid to confident adult proves that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
 
Connect with Jake: jakefedida.com
Connect with Tim or Steve: narrative.live
Follow us at @narrativelive on IG or Facebook!
Join the Discord for more conversations about your narrative: https://discord.com/invite/pKXYuda9Hu

Ep. 67 "I'm Not Safe" Mike Stapleton's False Narrative

"If the creator of the universe knows everything you're ever going to do and everything you ever might do. If you're so bad, why would he make you? Obviously, it's a rhetorical question, because, he wouldn't." - Mike Stapleton
Mike had a pretty rough childhood, dealing with sexual abuse and later his parents' separation, which left him feeling a constant sense of shame and insecurity. He didn't feel safe and developed what he described as split personalities. Michael was the person he had to be daily, coping with the challenges, while Mike was the confident guy he aspired to become.
When Mike got to college, he had a major turning point. He decided it was time to stop playing the victim and blaming his parents and past for his troubles. Mike realized that it was up to him to take control and "figure it out." Meeting his wife was a huge influence on this shift. She encouraged and inspired him, helping him reconnect with people and trust again.
Now, Mike has found a church community that backs his efforts to be the man he believes his wife and daughters deserve. Mike’s journey is all about overcoming past traumas and creating a fulfilling, authentic life. His story shows how powerful it is to take control of your narrative and live true to yourself.
Connect with Mike Stapleton: 904-502-1952, stapletonconsulting@gmail.com, StapletonConsultingServices.com
Join the Discord Channel
Let's Connect: www.narrative.live
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narrativelive/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Narrative_live

Ep. 66 How Open Communication Is the Key to Supporting Change and Mutual Growth

"There's something about real community. If you have real community and real friends and allies and people that understand and want to understand your story and what your life's about, that's huge." - Steve Gohl
Life is not perfect for anyone. It may seem as though someone you know has it all but I promise you they too have faced hard times. What do you do in hard times? Do you journal? Do you have a community to lean on? In this new format we’ll be offering how to advice once a month in addition to all the great stories.
We talked about journaling and the benefits of unplugging long enough to actually think about what is going on. Tim shared about totems and how they can remind us of our wins. And of course, we talked about the passion we have behind this community we are building and the benefits of different perspectives that come from a supportive community.
We announced our new Discord channel for all of us to connect and support each other. The podcast is full of stories of people who have overcome their false narratives only to craft new ones that serve them and their families. It’s not always easy to ask for help or share your full story. Discord gives us all a safe space to pour into each other and remind each other it’s going to be ok.
Join the Discord Channel
Let's Connect: www.narrative.live
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narrativelive/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Narrative_live