S08 E11: The Hero’s Journey with Dr. Ben Rogers

Michael McRay sits down with Dr. Ben Rogers, a researcher at Boston College, to explore his groundbreaking research proving that people who view their lives through the hero's journey framework experience measurably greater meaning, resilience, and life satisfaction. They explore how growth mindset is really just a story we tell ourselves about our capacity to change. Dr. Rogers shares how his personal experiences shifted from finance to studying what makes life meaningful. Their conversation reveals how the narratives we tell ourselves about everything from workplace challenges to personal setbacks directly shape our well-being. In this episode, they also discuss:

• How people who naturally see their lives as hero's journeys score higher on meaning, resilience, and life satisfaction
• Why growth mindset versus fixed mindset are competing narratives about human potential
• The seven research-backed elements of the hero's journey: protagonist, shift, quest, allies, challenge, transformation, and legacy
• How a simple intervention can help people reframe their story and experience measurable benefits to well-being

Coming Soon

• STORY 2025: October 9-10 in Nashville, Tennessee at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center (use code PODCAST100)

Resources Mentioned

• Dr. Ben Rogers: Hero's Journey Assessment
• Becoming Restoried
• What to expand your narrative intelligence? Join The Circle!
• Istoria Collective