Hi! I'm Matt Ragland
I’m a writer, podcaster, brand builder, and adventurer.
My mission is to help you see the power and importance of every story. Let's begin with two free resources and semi-regular essays on living with purpose.
I’m a writer, podcaster, brand builder, and adventurer.
My mission is to help you see the power and importance of every story. Let's begin with two free resources and semi-regular essays on living with purpose.

Our guest this week on Story Signals is Ross Hagan, the Director of Story for Whiteboard. Based in St. Elmo, TN (just outside of Chattanooga), Ross and Whiteboard have worked with an impressive collection of companies, including Google and Catalyst Conference. In our conversation, Ross shares a bit of the process he takes people through… Read More

This week on Story Signals, I’m sharing one of the most powerful short stories I’ve ever heard. It’s about the process of transformation, and the role plays in our lives. I first heard the story in Aravaipa Canyon, a remote area in Arizona. I was there for a men’s retreat, and the weaver shared this… Read More

Have you ever been on a quest? Maybe it’s been a while since you thought of life in those terms. As kids, we think of everyday occurrences as quests and adventures. When I was young, my friends and I would build forts, chop down trees, ride to Wal-Mart, and other short-term quests. We knew what… Read More

David Molnar is a photographer, author, and most importantly, Story Signals guest! I’m so pleased David is on the show this week, he shares deep wisdom and great advice for our listeners. I really enjoyed talking to David, it really was like two friends having a conversation over coffee, and we had just met! We cover… Read More

Yesterday I led a workshop for a group of Vanderbilt students. We talked about story, and how they can use the elements of story in a speaking opportunity they have. It was similar to my presentation at Podcamp Nashville, but with a lot more background and research thrown in. My hope is for them to… Read More

Last month, I was a finalist for the platform builder job at HelpScout. I didn’t end up getting the job, I learned so much in the process. I’ll be clear, it was disappointing. I wanted the job, had convinced myself that I was going to get it. It was my dream job, and was going to solve… Read More

I am finally reading Daily Rituals, Mason Currey’s wonderful collection of the rituals and practices of history’s greatest creative minds. My initial thought was that I am drinking far too little and am not odd enough to be successful, but that’s besides the point. I also began thinking about what may be written of me…. Read More
This week on Story Signals I’m excited to be speaking with Ryan Delk. Ryan is the head of Growth and Business Development at Gumroad, a payment platform that helps entrepreneurs, artists, and writers share their work with fans. He shares his journey from the University of Florida, to Africa, then Square, and now San Francisco… Read More
This week on the Story Signals podcast, I’m sharing the lessons I’ve learned from the first 25 episodes of the show. It’s coming up on a year since I had the first inkling of an idea for this podcast, and now being six months in, I’ve got a lot to share. This is the longest… Read More
This week is just you and me, because I want to share the value of practice and rituals in our life’s story. What we practice in our day-to-day lives says a lot about who we are, what’s important, and where our priorities lie. Practices and rituals also help give shape and purpose to our relationships,… Read More

Defining and Managing the Relationships that Matter You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with — Jim Rohn Relationships are vital to our lives. Human beings are specifically designed to live in community, rely on each other, and even take on shared characteristics. This is all for the good of the… Read More
Today’s episode is just you and me, because I want to share the most important lesson I’ve learned. You Are Enough For me, it bears repeating every day. When I forget, I pursue all types of ways to find meaning and definition. It could be in my work, writing, status, power, influence, travel, or new… Read More