What makes one story unforgettable and another instantly forgettable? In this funny, insightful, and deeply engaging talk, novelist John Duffy explores the hidden ingredient behind every great narrative. With examples that range from Die Hard to Toy Story and Mean Girls, John reveals how meaningful change is at the heart of every story that moves us. Whether you're a writer, a film lover, or just someone who tells stories at the dinner table, this talk will change the way you think about storytelling forever. John F. Duffy is a writer and journalist. He co-created the true crime podcast series After the Uprising, which has twice been nominated for an NAACP Image Award. His 2022 novel, A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing, was shortlisted for the Indiana Authors Award for fiction. In 2024 his second novel, Where When It Rains, was released, and made Independent Book Review's "Best of 20204" list. He lives in Bloomington with his wife and daughter. He is a BJJ purple belt. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx