Sticky: Stories That Stick

Amelia Forczak
  • 5.0 (4)
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What makes a story unforgettable? Join host Amelia Forczak as she sits down with successful executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to uncover the pivotal moments that shaped them—and explore what transforms personal experiences into stories that truly stick. These aren't just successful people—they're master storytellers who know exactly which moments from their lives create genuine connection and inspire change. Each episode breaks down the psychology and craft behind their most powerful stories. You'll discover why certain experiences stick with us for decades while others fade, how to identify which of your own moments could become compelling narratives, and the specific techniques these seasoned speakers use to ensure their stories land with impact every single time. Whether you're preparing for your next presentation, writing content that needs to convert, or simply want to connect more authentically in conversations, you'll walk away with proven strategies from people who've mastered the art of turning personal experiences into stories that stick.

  1. The Soft Skills You'll Need to Navigate the Future of Work With Wayne Nemeroff

    5d ago

    The Soft Skills You'll Need to Navigate the Future of Work With Wayne Nemeroff

    What happens to your career when AI can do the technical work faster and better than you can? In this episode, Amelia sits down with Dr. Wayne Nemeroff to find out. Wayne is an industrial and organizational psychologist and a former professor at the School of Business at SUNY Albany. He's the president and CEO of PsyMax Solutions and the Nemeroff Consulting Group, the creator of the Work Style Matcher assessment, and the author of the new book Shift: 21 Soft Skills to Navigate the Future of Work — built around seven core capabilities and the 21 "people skills" AI can't replicate. In this conversation, they dig into why the soft skills AI can't replicate are becoming the real career differentiator, why about 89% of people who lose a job lose it over those skills rather than technical ones, how to choose work based on tasks and values instead of job titles, the blind spots that quietly derail even strong leaders — and the coaching story of "Joe" that shows what it really takes to change, and what a shorter work week could mean for all of us. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: ·         [2:00] Why the shift to AI and automation will arrive faster than most people expect ·         [5:00] Why roughly 89% of people who lose a job lose it over soft skills, not technical ones ·         [6:00] How Wayne's book Shift turns 21 people skills into real, story-driven lessons ·         [7:00] The soft skills AI can't replicate — empathy, judgment, and truly understanding people ·         [8:00] Choosing work based on tasks and values instead of job titles ·         [17:00] What a shorter three to three-and-a-half-day work week could mean for the future ·         [21:00] The blind spots that hold even strong leaders back — and how a 360 assessment surfaces them ·         [26:00] Why recognition is the number one driver of employee engagement ·         [29:00] The difference between "I can't change" and "I don't want to change" ·         [36:00] The "great mismatch" and the four quadrants of liking versus being good at your work In this episode: Dr. Wayne Nemeroff is an industrial and organizational psychologist and a former professor at the School of Business at SUNY Albany. He is the president and CEO of PsyMax Solutions (Human Capital Assessments) and the Nemeroff Consulting Group. His new book, Shift: 21 Soft Skills to Navigate the Future of Work, breaks down the seven core capabilities and 21 essential people skills that help workers find meaningful, future-proof careers — each brought to life through the real story of someone who learned to build them. Amelia Forczak is the founder and CEO of Pithy Wordsmithery, a boutique firm that helps executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders write and publish their books. A New York Times bestselling ghostwriter, Amelia and her team provide end-to-end support from ghostwriting and developmental editing to cover design, audio, and launch strategy. Resources: ·         LinkedIn: Wayne Nemeroff ·         PsyMax Solutions / Work Style Matcher – workstylematcher.com ·         Shift: 21 Soft Skills to Navigate the Future of Work by Dr. Wayne Nemeroff ·         Pithy Wordsmithery – pithywordsmithery.com

    39 min
  2. Ep. 18 | Where Beauty Meets Science: Real Talk on Aesthetic Dermatology With Dr. Lycia Thornburg

    May 27

    Ep. 18 | Where Beauty Meets Science: Real Talk on Aesthetic Dermatology With Dr. Lycia Thornburg

    What happens when a board-certified dermatologist decides the system isn't working — and builds something better from the ground up? In this episode, Amelia sits down with Dr. Lycia Thornburg to find out. Dr. Thornburg just opened her own solo dermatology practice — housed in a former bank she gutted and redesigned from scratch. She's a national speaker, the author of Chasing Beauty, and the newly named Allergan Aesthetics flagship provider for her region, winning out of 16 states. She also founded Made for Shade, a skin cancer prevention charity that's been running for 18 years. In this conversation, they dig into the science behind Botox, fillers, and lasers, how to tell if your skincare is truly pharmaceutical-grade (or just expensive marketing), why the aesthetics industry is called the Wild West — and how patients can navigate it safely, what it takes to write a book and how the process transformed Dr. Thornburg's expertise and professional network, and how a last-minute airplane upgrade set the entire journey in motion. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: •      [1:00] Leaving a 50-doctor practice to go solo — and what her first week felt like •      [3:00] How a former bank became a living room lobby •      [7:00] The accountability moment in the book-writing process that changed everything •      [9:00] Meeting the chief scientific officer at Allergan and doing the research that shaped the book •      [11:00] The Wild West of aesthetics — and how patients can vet their providers •      [16:00] Pharmaceutical-grade skincare vs. expensive advertising •      [20:00] Lasers explained: what resurfacing actually means and why modern treatments are nothing like the 1990s •      [28:00] Winning a national Allergan flagship and building an experiential clinic lobby •      [29:00] The origin of Made for Shade and 18 years of community impact •      [39:00] Why aesthetic medicine isn't vanity — and how Botox visits save lives In this episode: Dr. Lycia Thornburg is a board-certified dermatologist, author, national speaker, and founder of Lycia Thornburg MD Dermatology in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Her book, Chasing Beauty, was written with the help of Pithy Wordsmithery and explores science-backed aesthetics, patient safety, and the ethics of an industry evolving faster than anyone can regulate. Amelia Forczak is the founder and CEO of Pithy Wordsmithery, a boutique firm that helps executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders write and publish their books. A New York Times bestselling ghostwriter, Amelia and her team provide end-to-end support from ghostwriting and developmental editing to cover design, audio, and launch strategy. Resources: •      Dr. Lycia Thornburg MD Dermatology – lyciathornburgmd.com •      Instagram / Linktree: @lyciathornburgmd •      Instagram: @capturedbeautyaesthetics •      LinkedIn: Lycia Thornburg •      Chasing Beauty by Dr. Lycia Thornburg •      Made for Shade – madeforshadesd.com •      SkinMedica – skinmedica.com •      Allergan Aesthetics – allerganaesthetics.com •      Chris Dyer – chrisdyer.com •      Pithy Wordsmithery – pithywordsmithery.com

    47 min
  3. The Real Authority Is Vulnerability: Aaron Calafato on Authentic Storytelling

    May 12

    The Real Authority Is Vulnerability: Aaron Calafato on Authentic Storytelling

    What makes someone truly trustworthy as a communicator? According to storytelling expert Aaron Calafato, it's not credentials, authority, or a polished script — it's vulnerability. Aaron is the creator and host of 7 Minute Stories, the leading short-form autobiographical storytelling podcast in the world with over 30 million listeners. He's also a narrative strategist who helps brands like Indeed, Glassdoor, and CyberArk build story channels that create community and fuel growth. In this conversation with Amelia Forczak, Aaron breaks down how he discovered his natural seven-minute storytelling rhythm, why humans are neurologically wired for narrative, and how the simple act of catching stories can transform the way you communicate — whether you're writing a book, giving a keynote, or pitching in a boardroom. In this episode, you'll learn: •      Why vulnerability — not authority — is what actually earns trust in storytelling •      How to become a story catcher before you try to become a storyteller •      The neuroscience behind why humans are already wired for narrative •      How big brands can tell authentic stories while still being brand safe •      Why public storytelling means careful curation, not oversharing   This episode is brought to you by Pithy Wordsmithery, a boutique ghostwriting firm founded by Amelia Forczak. Amelia is a New York Times bestselling ghostwriter who helps executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders write and publish their books. Learn more at pithywordsmithery.com.   Connect with Aaron Calafato: 7 Minute Stories Podcast: 7minutestoriespod.com Website: aaroncalafato.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aaroncalafato   Connect with Amelia Forczak + Pithy Wordsmithery: Website: pithywordsmithery.com   Subscribe to Sticky: Stories That Stick wherever you listen to podcasts, and leave a review if you love the show!

    33 min

  4. Apr 21

    From Overthinking to Action Building a Business That Sells While You Sleep With Krissy Chin

    Krissy Chin is the Owner and Co-founder of K+C Creative, a full-service branding, website design, and copywriting agency that helps coaches and service providers grow and scale their businesses online. She specializes in business strategy, conversion-focused messaging, and building sales funnels that drive revenue and automate growth. As the strategic half of the sister-led company, she combines marketing expertise with practical systems to help clients sell more efficiently. Krissy is also a podcast host and business coach known for helping entrepreneurs create scalable digital offers and sustainable online businesses. In this episode: What if the biggest thing holding your business back isn't strategy, resources, or timing — but your own tendency to overthink? Many entrepreneurs stay stuck waiting for clarity, perfection, or the "right" moment to act. But what if the real path to growth comes from doing before you feel ready? Krissy Chin, a multi-business owner, podcast host, and author, believes that progress comes from action, not perfection. She explains that clarity is a result of taking steps forward, not waiting for all the answers upfront. She highlights how many entrepreneurs fall into analysis paralysis, preventing them from testing ideas, refining their offers, and gaining real-world feedback. By embracing a "done is better than perfect" mindset, business owners can build momentum faster and make smarter, experience-driven decisions. She also emphasizes aligning business models with lifestyle goals and implementing systems that support sustainable growth. In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak is joined by Krissy Chin, Owner and Co-founder of K+C Creative, to talk about overcoming overthinking and building a business that sells while you sleep. They discuss taking imperfect action, creating strategic funnels, and simplifying marketing efforts. Krissy also shares advice on delegating effectively and writing a book efficiently.

    43 min

  5. Apr 7

    The Wisdom of Not Knowing: Alan Gregerman on Turning Ignorance Into Innovation

    Alan Gregerman is President and Chief Innovation Officer at VENTURE WORKS, a consulting, training, and learning firm that helps organizations drive innovation and develop new products, services, and strategies. He is an internationally recognized expert, bestselling author, and keynote speaker focused on helping companies unlock the genius within their people. With decades of experience advising organizations globally, he is known for his work on curiosity, collaboration, and breakthrough thinking that leads to measurable business results. In this episode:   What if the very thing you've been taught to avoid — ignorance — is actually the key to innovation? In a world that rewards expertise and certainty, admitting what you don't know can feel like a weakness. But what if embracing ignorance is exactly what leads to breakthrough ideas? Alan Gregerman, an innovation expert and bestselling author, argues that ignorance can be a strategic advantage because it removes the blind spots created by expertise. He explains that when people rely too heavily on what they know, they limit their ability to see new possibilities. By intentionally stepping into the unknown, asking better questions, and observing the world with fresh eyes, individuals can turn ignorance into a catalyst for innovation. This mindset shift encourages more experimentation, adaptability, and creative problem solving. He also highlights the importance of seeking new experiences to continuously challenge assumptions and expand thinking. In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak sits down with Alan Gregerman, President and Chief Innovation Officer at VENTURE WORKS, to talk about how to turn ignorance into innovation. They explore why expertise can limit creativity, how embracing not knowing leads to better ideas, and practical ways to stay curious in a fast changing world. Alan also shares advice on using observation and new experiences to spark breakthrough thinking.

    52 min

  6. Mar 24

    Rewriting Your Inner Story Through Psychedelics: Dr. Sabrina Hadeed on Going From Stuck to Softened

    Dr. Sabrina Hadeed is a licensed psychotherapist, educator, and founder of Love and Psychedelics, a platform dedicated to exploring how altered states can transform relationships and personal narratives. With nearly 20 years of experience in marriage and family therapy, Dr. Hadeed is recognized for her pioneering work integrating psychotherapy, feminist theory, and psychedelic-assisted healing, helping countless individuals and couples move from conditioned patterns to conscious choice. She is one of the first licensed psilocybin facilitators in Oregon, a state at the forefront of legal psychedelic therapy, and her innovative approaches have been featured in various mental health forums. Dr. Hadeed's unique perspective draws from her own journey through conscious uncoupling and her expertise in trauma and liberation, making her a sought-after voice on how psychedelics can expedite growth, healing, and self-discovery. In this episode:   We all have stories we tell ourselves — about who we are, what we deserve, and why we feel stuck. But what if those stories aren't fixed, and with the right tools, they could shift in ways that unlock healing and connection? What if transformation begins not by forcing change, but by softening what's already there? Dr. Sabrina Hadeed, a licensed psychotherapist with over two decades of experience, explains that transformation happens when our internal defenses begin to soften, allowing us to access deeper truths about ourselves. She highlights how psychedelics can gently disrupt rigid thought patterns, making space to re-examine limiting beliefs and inherited narratives. The result is often a profound reconnection to one's authentic self and greater emotional clarity. By creating conditions for insight rather than control, this work helps individuals move from reactivity to conscious choice. It also supports healthier relationships by reshaping how people interpret conflict, identity, and connection. In this episode of the Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak sits down with Dr. Sabrina Hadeed, founder of Love and Psychedelics, to talk about how psychedelics help rewrite inner narratives. They explore breaking stuck patterns, softening emotional defenses, and transforming relationships through new perspectives. Dr. Hadeed also shares insights on microdosing and its role in everyday healing.

    44 min

  7. Mar 10

    Cannabis for Healing and Education: Breaking Stigmas With Angie Roullier

    Angie Roullier is a cannabis educator, advocate, and author of Pot for the People and The Budtender's Blueprint. With more than 15 years in the cannabis industry, she has worked in roles ranging from budtender to shop manager, gaining firsthand insight into patient needs and cannabis retail practices. Her work focuses on promoting science-based cannabis education, including cannabinoid dosing, terpene profiles, and prescription interactions. Angie discovered cannabis as a treatment for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which inspired her mission to educate consumers, professionals, and policymakers about responsible and compassionate cannabis use. In this episode:   Many people still see cannabis through the lens of stigma, outdated laws, and decades of misinformation. Yet across the country, patients, advocates, and educators are rethinking what this plant can actually do. Could better education about cannabis change how we view medicine, healing, and personal responsibility? Angie Roullier, a longtime cannabis educator and author, believes the key is replacing stigma with science and compassion. She explains that many misconceptions come from a lack of education about how cannabis interacts with the body and other medications. By encouraging consumers to understand the plant, ask better questions, and work with informed professionals, people can make safer and more effective choices. Angie emphasizes that cannabis can be a powerful tool when used responsibly, but only when people approach it with knowledge and awareness. She also stresses the importance of training budtenders and empowering patients so they leave cannabis shops more informed than when they arrived. In this episode of the Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak sits down with Angie Roullier to talk about the role of education in changing how people view cannabis. They discuss overcoming stigma, using science to guide cannabis use, and why compassionate training for budtenders matters. Angie also shares advice for consumers navigating cannabis products and using them responsibly.

    38 min

  8. Mar 3

    Mistake or Error? How Leaders Show Up in the Moments That Matter

    Chris Dyer is a renowned culture expert, leadership speaker, and best-selling author who has served as a CEO and consultant, most notably building a remote company of over 4,500 people before remote work became mainstream. His companies have been named a Best Place to Work fifteen times and recognized on Inc. Magazine's list of fastest-growing companies five times, while Chris himself has been named Inc.'s #1 leadership speaker on culture and has written three best-selling books. Known for his innovative approach to building positive work environments and leading organizational change, Chris draws on his experiences as a pioneer in remote work to teach audiences how to create cultures where employees thrive. He is passionate about sharing actionable strategies and stories that help leaders foster trust, engagement, and high performance in the workplace. In this episode: What's the difference between a mistake and an error? And why might that distinction define your entire company culture? When something goes wrong, most leaders react quickly — sometimes too quickly. But what if the real leadership opportunity lives in the pause? For Chris Dyer, a globally recognized leadership speaker and bestselling author on company culture, culture is built in the moments that matter — especially when pressure is high and people are watching. He shares the unforgettable story of getting stuck on a zipline in Portugal and how that experience helped clarify a powerful leadership philosophy: panic is often wrong, and trust must be intentional. From a $25,000 employee "mistake" that could have ended in termination to eliminating traditional one-on-one meetings, Chris explains how leaders create psychological safety by slowing down, distinguishing mistakes from errors, and choosing curiosity over blame. These small but defining moments compound into lasting culture. In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak sits down with Chris Dyer to explore how leaders show up when it counts. They discuss building trust-driven organizations, protecting employees publicly, redesigning meetings for better performance, and using storytelling to make leadership lessons stick. If you manage people — or aspire to — this conversation will change how you respond the next time something goes wrong.

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

What makes a story unforgettable? Join host Amelia Forczak as she sits down with successful executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to uncover the pivotal moments that shaped them—and explore what transforms personal experiences into stories that truly stick. These aren't just successful people—they're master storytellers who know exactly which moments from their lives create genuine connection and inspire change. Each episode breaks down the psychology and craft behind their most powerful stories. You'll discover why certain experiences stick with us for decades while others fade, how to identify which of your own moments could become compelling narratives, and the specific techniques these seasoned speakers use to ensure their stories land with impact every single time. Whether you're preparing for your next presentation, writing content that needs to convert, or simply want to connect more authentically in conversations, you'll walk away with proven strategies from people who've mastered the art of turning personal experiences into stories that stick.

Information

  • Creator
    Amelia Forczak
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sticky: Stories That Stick (c) 2025
  • Show Website
    Sticky: Stories That Stick