From Trauma to Transformation: How Telling Your Story Can Change Everything

Have you ever had one of those moments where someone casually drops a bombshell that makes you wonder if you’re still in the realm of reality? Like, "Oh yeah, I met my partner online, and then we started robbing banks together." And you’re like, Wait, what?

That, my friends, is the magic of storytelling.

Marley’s guest in episode 18 on Every Day’s A Train Wreck is Michelle Bias, co-founder of Tulsa’s beloved OK, SO Storyslam, intergenerational trauma expert, and the person responsible for helping people rewrite their narratives in ways they never saw coming – sometimes literally, sometimes on stage with a mic in hand. If you’ve ever thought you had your life figured out, this episode will make you think twice.

The Power of Storytelling: Therapy Without the Co-Pay‍

Michelle's got years of experience helping people dig into the stories that shape who they are. You know, those “truths” we carry around like heavy backpacks – stories we tell ourselves that, frankly, are holding us back. Ever notice how we tend to replay the same patterns from our childhood, but we can’t quite pinpoint where they started? Guess what? Storytelling can be a form of therapy without the uncomfortable couch and gasp the insurance co-pay.

But it’s not all heavy lifting. Story slam events, where people share their tales – sometimes hilarious, sometimes heart-wrenching – are full of surprises. In fact, you could win the event without even practicing, Michelle reveals. Some stories just have that magic spark that pulls the audience in.

Patterns, Loops & the Art of Pushing Through (or Not)‍

Now, let’s get real. We all have those little things that haunt us, right? You know, like that one awkward moment from 3rd grade when you accidentally spelled “receive” wrong in front of the class and the trauma of it still haunts you in your adult life. (Just me? No? Ok.)

Michelle dives into how these small moments shape everything. She explains why we walk around stuck in the same loops from childhood and how pushing through the pain, thinking it'll just go away, might actually be the worst thing we can do. Spoiler: it’s all connected. Those loops? They’re not your fault. But acknowledging them and telling your story? That’s the first step toward healing.

Oh, and just when Marley thought this episode couldn’t get any better, Michelle reveals something absolutely mind-blowing: she ended up writing a book called String Theory, which is like looking at life through a kaleidoscope of memories – unexpected, fragmented, and, at times, way too real.

The Wild Truths We All Carry‍

So, here’s the thing. We all have our wild truths – those stories that we hold deep inside, sometimes without even knowing it. Whether they come from trauma, childhood, or that random encounter at your local story slam, these stories shape how we see ourselves and the world. And sometimes? We need a fresh perspective to break free.

So, if you’ve ever caught yourself repeating the same patterns, wondering why you can’t seem to let go of something that happened years ago, this episode is for you. Hit play, buckle up, and prepare for a conversation that’ll have you questioning, “Wait… am I in a loop?” (Spoiler alert: you probably are – and that’s OK!)

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to hit follow, leave a five-star review, and tell Marley which story made you think twice. Was it the bank robbers? The loop of your childhood? Or maybe it was the moment you realized that sometimes, the best thing you can do is not push through, but sit with your story for a minute.

Michelle Bias is the co-founder of OK, So Storyslam, an intergenerational trauma expert, and author of String Theory, A Life. She’s spent years helping people understand the patterns we repeat – and how to rewrite the narratives we carry. With a master’s degree in transpersonal psychology, she’s got the tools to help us all break out of those loops.

So what’s your story? Time to take the mic, share it, and maybe even discover something wild about yourself in the process.

Don’t forget to share your thoughts with Marley – because the truth is, we’re all walking around with some wild truths of our own. And hey, if you meet someone who’s robbing banks with their partner, be sure to let us know. You never know where a story slam might take you.

Listen now to Episode 18: "Bank Robberies, Story Slams & the Wild Truths We All Carry" on the Every Day’s a Train Wreck podcast!

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