Sticky: Stories That Stick

Amelia Forczak
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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. Sep 17

    Bet on Yourself: Equity, Risk, and the Big Payoff With Laura Neuman

    The day Laura Neuman was born, a nurse asked her mother if she wanted to see her daughter. Her mother said, "No thanks, I have the rest of my life to look at her." Eighteen years later, Laura left home with everything she owned in a plastic trash bag and spent six months living out of a car that should have been headed to the junkyard. She went on to earn an MBA without finishing high school or college, turn around an insolvent tech startup that later sold for $230 million, and run a $1.3 billion county government as County Executive of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Amelia sits down with Laura Neuman to trace the one decision she made over and over again: to believe in herself when no one else did, including the police who refused to investigate her own assault, and the family who refused to believe her. In this conversation, they dig into the five hard-won lessons behind Laura's story: believing in yourself before anyone else will, showing up even when you can't check the boxes, investing in yourself when it means paying for an MBA on a credit card, betting on equity instead of a paycheck, and advocating for yourself (and for others) when it's the most uncomfortable thing you could possibly do. They also talk about the failures that never make the highlight reel, the venture capital meeting that made Laura tell her story out loud for the first time, and why the 19-year-old cold case she refused to let die ended up delivering justice to ten other women. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: •       [1:30] The story Laura's mother told her about the day she was born, and the childhood of feeling invisible that it explains •       [4:00] Leaving home at 18 with a trash bag, six months in a car, and the assault Baltimore police refused to investigate •       [8:00] Nineteen moves in 12 years, three jobs at a time, and the chosen family that carried her through •       [11:00] Getting turned down for every promotion without a degree, and the direct marketing job with a desk in the hallway that changed everything •       [13:30] The three boxes Loyola's MBA program made her check: the GMAT, big-name recommendations, and employer sponsorship •       [19:00] Losing tuition reimbursement months into the program and paying for the MBA on a credit card •       [21:30] The rejections nobody talks about, and why every success came right after a failure •       [24:00] Closing nearly every deal on an IPO's S-1 and getting cut out of the equity •       [25:30] Turning down a president title to run an insolvent NSA spinout, cashing in her 401(k), and the $230 million exit •       [33:00] The venture capital meeting where an investor asked, "What's your story?" •       [35:00] Going back to Baltimore City, finding Detective Bernie Holthaus, and a case solved in less than three days after 19 years •       [40:00] "You picked the wrong person": showing up in court, going public on 48 Hours, and the six (then ten) other women who got justice •       [43:00] Why Laura stopped fighting the media narrative and what she wants her story to do now In this episode: Laura Neuman is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and host of The Laura Neuman Show. She earned her MBA from Loyola University without finishing high school or college and went on to complete the executive program at Stanford Business School. As CEO of Matrics, she turned an insolvent startup into Venture Deal of the Year and a $230 million exit, a story that later became a Princeton University case study in entrepreneurship. She led the Howard County Economic Development Authority and served as the 8th County Executive of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, managing a $1.3 billion budget. After pushing Baltimore police to reopen her own 19-year-old assault case, her public advocacy helped connect the perpetrator to cases involving ten other women. Today she tells stories of resilience and resourcefulness on her podcast and from the keynote stage. 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: •       Laura Neuman – lauraneuman.com •       The Laura Neuman Show on Apple Podcasts •       The Laura Neuman Show on Spotify •       The Laura Neuman Show on YouTube •       LinkedIn: Laura Neuman •       Instagram: @lauraneuman.official •       Chris Dyer – chrisdyer.com •       Pithy Wordsmithery – pithywordsmithery.com

  2. Jun 9

    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

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

  3. 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

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

  4. 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!

    The Real Authority Is Vulnerability: Aaron Calafato on Authentic Storytelling

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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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
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sticky: Stories That Stick (c) 2025
  • Show Website
    Sticky: Stories That Stick