We’re joined by Melody Williamson, a Level 3 digital storytelling facilitator, trainer, and longtime collaborator inside the Common Language Digital Storytelling Collective. Melody shares how digital storytelling keeps expanding as a tool for healing, community, and real-world change. We share what we’re learning from nonprofit projects, research partnerships, facilitator training, and the moments when a story makes people come alive.

Episode Key Messages

• Melody’s roots in storytelling, inclusion, and group work
• How Wellspring uses digital stories with patients, families, staff, volunteers, and caregivers
• Why nonprofits benefit from a wider library of perspectives
• Collaborations with researchers, including projects tied to antibiotic resistance
• Story Slam as a catalyst for community healing and new partnerships
• Digital storytelling facilitator training as “double the magic” through teaching others
• Mentorship meetings, story review, entrepreneurship support, and continuing education
• Bringing digital stories to conferences to spark connection beyond slides
• AI tools, interpretive meaning, and why story arcs change engagement

Other Links Mentioned

• Read this episode's blog post
• Listen to Melody's original Co-Created episode
• Get your tickets to the Story Slam
• Learn more about the Common Language Level 1 Facilitator Training
• Check out the Common Language Collective

Other Episodes Mentioned

• Ep 28 with Wellspring
• Ep 46 with Gillian Hatto
• Ep 54 with Becky McCall

About Our Guest

Melody Williamson, MSc., B.A., of Melody Williamson Stories, is a Level 3 Common Language Digital Storytelling Facilitator. Like all of us, Melody has been a storyteller all of her life - from reading books on her mother’s lap to a career in professional theatre, to her consulting work in equity and social justice issues.In recent years, she has combined all of her skills and experience into her passion for giving voice to those voices that aren’t typically heard and creating connection between people through digital storytelling. Her word is "Moment-us" and she loves helping people connect with meaningful moments in their lives!

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Episode Key Messages

• finishing a seven-year PhD and surviving the defense
• using digital storytelling to engage antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic resistance
• defending an arts-based method through a behavioural science lens
• building projects beyond Storybug, including care home storytelling
• “digital fragmentation” and why incomplete records affect antibiotic decisions
• targeting stories through narrative framing and audience investment
• planning with partners, storytellers, organizations, and funders
• what Becky wishes she had known at the start of her PhD
• recruiting storytellers through trust and patient organizations
• the Common Language Story Slam as a model for shared viewing and discussion

Other Links Mentioned

• Read this episode's blog post
• Check out the Storybug website
• Listen to Becky's original Co-Created episode

Other Episodes Mentioned

• Ep 6 with Melody Williamson
• Ep 32 with Mike Wilson of Loughborough University
• Ep 48 with Dr. Will Bynum of the Shame Lab

About Our Guest

Dr. Becky McCall is based in London, UK, and has recently completed her first set of five digital stories that focus on people with experiences of antibiotic resistant infection. The work forms part of Becky’s PhD research (University College London) and aims to help address a gap in public engagement with one of the world’s top 10 humanitarian health crises (antimicrobial resistance-AMR). Becky is also a medical journalist writing for both medical and consumer press, recently including Foresight Global Health, Medscape.com, The Lancet, The Times and the Mail on Sunday. She has also worked in radio and TV. She'll make any excuse to travel; seeking inspiration in places and most importantly, people - firmly believing everyone has a story to tell. Connect with Becky McCall here.

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Episode Key Messages

• Jonathan’s path from pediatric nursing to midwifery and public health research

• What it is like being a male midwife across countries and workplace cultures

• How digital storytelling training shaped Jonathan’s research direction

• Why he shifted from group workshops to one on one online storytelling

• Ethics, consent, ownership, and when stories can or cannot be shared

• How the meta-synthesis was built from qualitative studies and assessed for confidence

• Four key themes: re-authoring lived experience, processing emotions, ripple effects of empathy, gaining agency

• Trauma informed facilitation and the role of distress protocols

• What research misses when it ignores the narratives people borrow and retell

• How salutogenesis and sense of coherence guide narrative analysis in fear of childbirth

Other Links Mentioned

• Read this episode's blog post
• Read Jonathan's meta-synthesis from Frontiers in Digital Health
• Learn more about Jonathan's work

About Our Guest

​​Jonathan Dominguez Hernandez is a researcher, educator, and midwife specialising in public health, Evidence-Based practice, and qualitative health research. He currently works as a researcher and lecturer at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, where his work focuses on sex- and gender-sensitive healthcare, perinatal mental health, and inclusive approaches to care. With a background that combines clinical practice, public health, law, and education, Jonathan has worked across the UK, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain in both frontline maternity care and academic leadership roles. His research explores how narratives and digital storytelling can support health and wellbeing, and he is particularly interested in translating research into practical, compassionate, and Evidence-Based guidelines for clinical practice.  Alongside teaching and research, he contributes to international guideline development and interdisciplinary projects aimed at improving maternal and perinatal health outcomes. Jonathan is currently completing a PhD in Public Health at Lancaster University, focusing on dialogical narrative analysis and health-promoting storytelling in women’s reproductive health.

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Episode Key Messages

• the craft of digital storytelling as patient advocacy

• bias in clinical encounters and its real-world risks

• the technician’s gesture that restored safety and trust

• workshop process from script to screening

• reactions at the BC Cancer Summit and productive dialogue

• reaching missing audiences in shame and stigma work

• plans to use film and allegory for future stories

• the ocean moment as a metaphor for freedom

• how stories support training, orientation and culture change

Other Links Mentioned

• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch Jack's digital story
• Jack created their digital story in a BC Cancer workshop facilitated by Krystle Schofield
• Check out Jack's work, Brassthorn Art

About Our Guest

Jackdaw Bones describes them self as an "eremite" and occasionally ventures out of their home in the woods to show the shiny things they've made, in true covid style.

They've been a practising artist ever since their youth, using the lenses of cameras and inks to explore ideas of self, relationships to the natural world, and the terror/joy of living.

Jack is a dropout from an art school that has since disappeared to make way for training industrial workers, though they consider their experiences with disastrous experiments over the years their most valuable teacher. They revel in the beautiful chaos of learning from other artists, from books, other artists, and fucking up. The process is where the joy lay for them, and indeed that joy is built into the foundation of every piece they make.

They are disabled, and a cancer survivor. They have worked hard over the years to get to the level where they can produce art without sacrificing their health, so while their pieces may not be perfect, the imperfection belies the passion, determination, joy, and gratitude they feel when practising.

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Episode Key Messages

• why capturing essence improves care and communication
• what digital storytelling is and why ownership stays with the storyteller
• creating clear elevator pitches and scripts that set expectations
• many paths to story including music, photos, writing and family podcasts
• building a connector hub for life story resources across methods
• Beth’s digital story, Story Slam and the impact of public sharing, Capturing Essence for Care Ep 21
• advocacy links to Waiting Room Revolution and practical workbooks, Capturing Essence for Care Ep 16
• VR training for person-centred communication and reading environments, Capturing Essence for Care Ep 17
• using AI for drafts while keeping the human voice
• prompts that unlock memory such as tattoos and scars
• upcoming projects and finding one’s voice with assertiveness

Other Links Mentioned

• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch Lisa's digital story
• Listen to Lisa's original Co-Created episode
• Get your ticket to the April 30th 2026 Story Slam

About Our Guest

Lisa Joworski works in Therapeutic Recreation and is a Life Story Resource who brings together storytellers, artists, musicians, advocates, people living with dementia, healthcare practitioners, and life story experts. Each conversation of her Capturing Essence for Care podcast offers insights and practical approaches for the beautiful ways we can honour our own stories and the stories of those we love—not just for memory's sake, but for the fullness of living and for the care we may one day need.

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Episode Key Messages

• Kitchen Table Nights as a bridge from facts to wisdom
• speech delays after surgery and the path to specialized therapy
• parents learning the language of advocacy alongside their children
• when to start conversations about neurodevelopment in CHD
• ICU environment, parent roles, and tiny actions that matter
• school transitions, executive function, and neuropsych testing
• making invisible challenges visible to teachers and principals
• sharing digital stories to unlock empathy and resources
• WCCHN’s co-created resources and family-centred data
• Conquering CHD’s tools, webinars, and policy advocacy
• caregiver overwhelm, regulation, and specific support asks
• CNOC’s education focus and why parent voices belong at conferences

About the Digital Stories

Unspoken: Finding our path with CHD - a digital story by Kristi Bateman

“Our daughter’s diagnosis of a critical CHD was the precipice of a difficult journey. But her medical challenges were just the beginning. Her struggles with early speech set us on a path to discovering how to support her neurodevelopment and develop our own advocacy skills.”

More Than Just a Broken Heart - A digital story by Kristyn Miller

“Every parent has a moment when they realize just how much courage it takes to raise a child. For me, that moment began with a simple phone call from the school. What should have been a day filled with pride and excitement felt heavy with fear and memories. Our story is one of survival, strength, and learning to navigate the invisible challenges that come after the hospital stay ends. Because congenital heart disease doesn’t just change a child’s body—it changes everything.” 

Kristi and Kristyn’s stories were both created as part of Dr. Marsha Vasserman’s Strong Hearts Growing Minds Neurodevelopment in CHD project with funding from Western Canadian Children’s Heart Network (WCCHN). 

The Overwhelm - A digital story by Jennifer Siran

"The Overwhelm" is based on a chapter of her book “When Your World Stops; Finding Hope in Your Child’s Medical Journey”. Jennifer wrote this book because she saw the need for a resource to help transition families into the medical world. Jennifer received funding from WCCHN for her project, Caregivers Corner, which was recently shared at the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Collaborative annual meeting in Denver. Learn more about Caregiver’s Corner here or listen to Jen’s recent Co-Created podcast episode here.

Other Links Mentioned

• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch the full Kitchen Table Takeover
• Check out Common Language DST
• Western Canadian Children’s Heart Network (WCCHN) Resources: For Parents and Caregivers and Developmental Care
• Conquering CHD Resources: Talk to Your Care Team, Resources for Bereaved Families and CHD Wise Webinars

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Episode Key Messages

• defining shame in clinical practice and identity

• adverse events as common yet hidden experiences

• digital storytelling as a scaffold for self-compassion

• post-story conversation as a driver of learning

• shame’s link to patient safety and help-seeking

• The Shame Lab’s training and shame compass

• barriers to engagement and gender dynamics

• sustaining the work and finding funding paths

• practical steps to start small and build culture

Other Links Mentioned

• Read this episode's blog post
• CMA's Canadian Conference on Physician Health
• Watch the Look Back conversation with Mike Lang about the CMA conference
• Watch Daisy's digital story
• Listen to Daisy's original podcast
• Listen to The Nocturnists podcast series on Shame in Medicine
• Go see Hannah Mumby's artwork
• Check out The Shame Space website

About Our Guest

Will Bynum, MD, PhD is an Associate Professor of Family Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine and a Veteran of the United States Air Force. He received his M.D. at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in 2010, completed his residency with the US Air Force and received his Ph.D. in Health Professions Education at Maastricht University in the Netherlands in 2023, where defended his thesis entitled “Out of the shadows: a qualitative exploration of shame in medical learners”, which was awarded best Doctoral Dissertation by the Association for Medical Education in Europe. He has published and spoken widely on the topic of shame and is Co-Founder and Co-Director of The Shame Lab, which conducts research, develops training, and delivers consultancy to advance constructive engagement with shame in professional practice.

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Angie shares her path into facilitation through Common Language training, including the craft and care behind her first personal story and the decision to add a clear trigger warning for sensitive content. We talk about the power of mentorship inside the collective—archived continuing education sessions, peer feedback, and mentorship meetings that turn big questions into practical steps.

Episode Key Messages

• Angie’s path across vet tech, doula, and legacy practice

• training insights, first stories, and trigger warnings

• the Common Language Collective’s mentorship, continuing education, and peer learning

• two tracks: client legacies and veterinary resilience

• building a third‑year vet elective with practitioner panels

• student origin stories as reflective practice

• making a digital story about digital storytelling watch here

• practical ways to capture and share family histories

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch Angie's story, My Journey to Life Story Work
• Watch the video Angie inspired Kristy to make here
• Read this episode's blog post
• Check out Angie's website

About Our Guest

Angie Turner is a veterinary professional and digital storytelling facilitator who bridges clinical practice with narrative medicine. Through SOS Legacies, she helps veterinary professionals build resilience and strengthen their professional identity by capturing and sharing the stories that define the essence of their personal and professional journeys. By combining years of experience as a veterinary technical instructor with expertise in legacy preservation and digital storytelling, Angie creates pathways for practitioners to process their experiences, connect with purpose, and sustain their passion for animal care in an emotionally demanding field.

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Episode Key Messages

• why stories carry what data cannot
• how a two to four minute digital story influences conferences and policy
• Kane’s voice on pacemakers, echocardiograms and hospital Lego
• reflection prompts for clinicians to change practice
• consent and whose story gets told
• the four-phase Common Language digital storytelling method
• process versus product goals in advocacy and education
• readiness, emotional safety and caregiver well-being
• practical ways to bring neurodevelopmental care into daily life

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch the full Preemie Chat episode
• Watch Hugs & Bugs
• Watch Kane's Story
• Read this episode's blog post
• Learn more about Canadian Premature Babies Foundation's Preemie Chats

About Our Guest (aka the Co-Created host!)

Kristy Wolfe is a digital storytelling facilitator and owner of Kristy Wolfe Stories. She believes there is beauty in every story and she champions real stories in marketing and communication. Kristy exposes the human side of any organization, with consideration for ethics in storytelling, as well as storyteller wellness every step of the way. As a Common Language DST certified facilitator and trainer, Kristy helps individuals and social purpose organizations share meaningful stories, turning their unique experiences into compelling narratives that inspire action. Kristy shares some of her own lived experiences within the context of each workshop she facilitates to validate that authenticity, openness, and vulnerability are essential to creating meaningful digital stories.

Fabiana Bacchini is the Executive Director of the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation. She is a journalist and the published author of From Surviving to Thriving, a Mother’s Journey Through Infertility, Loss and Miracles.

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Episode Key Messages

• defining SIDS and the shift to undetermined terminology

• founding Hazel’s Heroes and designing an annual retreat

• how peer support reduces isolation and builds language for grief

• the digital storytelling process from draft to story circle to edit

• using short films as advocacy, education and legacy

• carrying grief and joy at the same time

• the ladybug symbol as a living thread to memory

• links to SIDS Calgary Society and Hazel’s Heroes for support

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch Gillian’s digital story
• Read this episode's blog post

About Our Guest

Gillian Hatto is mother to Hazel, Elliott, Lily, and Olive. She holds two of her children in her arms, and two of her children in her heart. Gillian is the founder of Hazel’s Heroes, a non-profit society that hosts annual retreats for mothers who are grieving the loss of a young child. She is also the Vice-Chair of SIDS Calgary Society. Gillian has found so much healing through the relationships she has made with other grieving parents, as they are the only ones who truly ‘get it’ and that inspired her to create a space for other bereaved mothers to feel supported and understood. When Gillian is not planning for an upcoming retreat or fundraiser, she is working as a Learning Support Teacher for students with disabilities in an elementary school. She can also be found walking her gentle giant, Maigs, or snuggling on the couch with her earth-side children, Elliott and Olive.

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About Our Guest

• Mike's recent digital storytelling workshops
• embedding digital stories into patient education for context and empathy
• "Like A Mountain" documentary on mindfulness for young caregivers
• benefits of repeat workshops and a growing storytelling culture
• Story Slam 2026 format, screenings, and livestream access
• on-stage conversations that deepen meaning and learning
• Common Language facilitator retreat to plan, reflect, and build skills
• Kitchen Table Nights, website resources, and training opportunities
• newsletter options for project updates and podcast releases

Other Links Mentioned

• Join us at the Story Slam on April 30th
• Submit your digital story
• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch the Story Slam 2025 sizzle reel
• Check out more of Mike Lang's work

About Our Guest

Mike Lang, PhD, is the Founder & Lead Trainer and Common Language DST. Mike’s career as a Digital Storytelling facilitator started with a cancer diagnosis at the age of 25. To help process his cancer experience he created his first film after finishing his treatments and in the past 11 years has directed and produced 4 feature length documentaries and three web-series, winning awards and recognitions along the way. In early 2011, Mike recognized that the process of creating a film, that was so therapeutic for him, could be possible for anyone in our digital age… and his interest in the process of “Digital Storytelling” was born. Beginning by working with cancer survivors and caregivers, Mike has personally facilitated the creation of over 900 Digital Stories around the world in the last 12 years. His projects are all health and wellness focused with many projects in public health, healthcare quality improvement, health professions education, health research, global health in addition to projects that are primarily for therapeutic benefit. Mike has authored academic publications on Digital Storytelling and completed his PhD at the University of Calgary, looking specifically at developing a rigorous Digital Storytelling Methodology in health and wellness contexts.

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Episode Key Messages

• Trained as a guided autobiography instructor and now teaches with her husband Greg
• Created "From Page to Screen" program that helps people transform written stories into digital stories
• Works with "To Whom I May Concern" creating reader's theatre productions about cognitive changes
• Planning a human interest film festival in Ajijic to showcase digital stories
• Now focusing on legacy stories, tributes, and end-of-life narratives
• Works virtually with clients around the world
• Launched her new website at aliciaknox.com

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch a digital stories Heather has co-created
• Read this episode's blog post
• Check out Heather's photography and storytelling services 
• Listen to the Capturing Essence for Care podcast episode with Heather
• Register for the Sayulita writing retreat

About Our Guest

Heather Alicia Knox has over thirty years experience working in the non-profit sector. Her work has included international, arts and educational organizations. Throughout her career as a non-profit leader, Heather discovered the transformative power of storytelling for fundraising and donor communication. This insight inspired her evolution into a storytelling photographer, capturing narratives that connect and inspire. She became a digital storytelling facilitator with Common Language Digital Storytelling in 2022 and is certified through the Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies as a Guided Autobiography Instructor. Together with her husband, Greg Kemp, who is also an instructor, they offer Guided Autobiography classes both locally and online. Since arriving in Mexico, Heather has continued her passion for community engagement, volunteering as a photography instructor for local Mexican youth. She has recently expanded her work to include "To Whom I May Concern," where she shares the powerful stories of individuals living with cognitive changes and their care-partners through a collaborative dialogue. Additionally, Heather has taken on the role of executive assistant for Common Language, further deepening her commitment to the art and impact of storytelling.

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Episode Key Messages

• How Sibling Youth Advisory Council (SibYAC) formed and works with siblings as partners
• Why digital storytelling beats repeated live retellings
• Ownership, consent, and compensation around lived experience
• Intimate screening choices and peer reflection
• Using stories to train clinicians and students
• Upcoming toolkit and workshop plans
• Patient's Voice Conference with Krystle Schofield

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch Sam’s digital story
• Read this episode's blog post
• Learn more about Linda's work
• Find out about Fostering Forever Friendships

About Our Guest

Linda Nguyen is an Azrieli Accelerator Assistant Professor in Youth, Sibling, and Community Engaged Research in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary. She established the Sibling Youth Advisory Council (SibYAC) in 2018 during her doctoral studies and continues to partner with them in research. Her program of research includes co-creating programs and resources to support siblings, who are youth and young adults, and have a sibling with a disability and/or health condition.

Samantha Bellefeuille is a sibling partner with the Sibling Youth Advisory Council and Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) who has a younger brother with CDKL5. She is the Executive Director and Founder of a day program for adults with exceptionalities called Fostering Forever Friendships, in Ottawa, Ontario.

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Episode Key Messages

• Jen created three digital stories focused on experiences as a parent of a child with congenital heart disease
• Successfully secured funding from Western Canadian Children's Heart Network and developed Caregiver's Corner, offering digital stories and resources for heart families
• Facilitated anonymous storytelling for Safe Families charity
• Discovered the therapeutic power of helping others unpack their stories
• Currently focusing on capturing legacy stories from family members
• Passionate about using digital storytelling to bridge communication gaps in healthcare
• Describes watching storytellers process their experiences as "unwrapping a gift"

Join us for World Heart Day on September 29th for a special Kitchen Table Night featuring stories from parents of children with congenital heart disease, including Jen's story "The Overwhelm."

Other Links Mentioned

• Sign up for the World Heart Day Screening
• Read this episode's blog post
• Check out Caregiver's Corner
• Watch Jen’s digital stories
• Watch the Safe Families story from our Story Slam
• Listen to Jen's original podcast episode

About Our Guest

Jen Siran is a storyteller, advocate, and encourager at heart. Her journey as a mom and caregiver has shaped her passion for creating spaces where others feel seen, supported, and less alone. She’s known for weaving stories that bring hope, laughter, and connection—sometimes even managing to laugh at the chaos of everyday life (because if you don’t laugh, you might just cry). Jen believes deeply in the power of community, faith, and gentle support along life’s hardest paths. When she’s not writing or championing caregivers, you’ll likely find her wrangling family schedules, chasing creative ideas, or trying (and occasionally failing) to drink her coffee before it gets cold.  

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Episode Key Messages

• When diagnosed with terminal cancer, Tom turned to art as a meaningful way to engage with life
• Tom's philosophy: "The cure for cancer is a life well-lived"
• Created a digital story about his artistic awakening with help from the Canadian Cancer Society
• The community aspect of storytelling workshops proved essential—"You can't do this journey alone"
• Tom shares his experience openly through YouTube videos that evolved from lighthearted to more profound reflections
• Currently writing a book weaving together his off-grid cottage experiences, cancer journey, and academic reflections
• Modern palliative care focuses on quality of life rather than extension at all costs
• End-of-life moments are meaningful and shouldn't be feared, they should be embraced and documented

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch Tom’s digital story
• Read this episode's blog post
• Check out Tom's Youtube channel
• The Waiting Room Revolution with Sammy Winemaker

About Our Guest

Dr. Lee is a retired engineering faculty member and endowed chair holder at McMaster University. Prior to his appointment, he enjoyed three career decades in the commercialization of advanced engineering technologies. During his industry career, he built a global reputation for developing transformational multidisciplinary initiatives in engineering education and research. Dr. Lee also has a passion for outreach with significant contributions to FIRST Robotics, Shad Valley, and the Canadian Cancer Society. In 2019 he was inducted Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and honoured by Tsinghua University as Distinguished Honorary Professor. In 2022, he was conferred an Honorary Doctorate LLD, from York University. 

In 2022, Dr. Lee was diagnosed with colon cancer which evolved to terminal metastatic cancer. This triggered his retirement from McMaster. In retirement, he has been exploring creative activities for personal enrichment and enlightenment including pastel drawing, video production, and outreach. This led to the epiphany that the cure for cancer is a life well lived and that his best days may still be ahead of him. This event was conceived to continue the Lee family’s efforts to make every day our best day. 

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Discover how your authentic narrative might become your most powerful tool for reaching others.

Episode Key Messages

• Every business comes from a story, especially purpose driven businesses
• Digital storytelling allowed Trish to share her pivotal life experience with potential clients before they even meet her
• Creating a succinct 3-minute digital story helped Trish refine her keynote presentations
• Selecting images for digital storytelling requires thinking in metaphors and considering emotional impact
• Sharing personal stories of loss creates connection through our common humanity
• Trish teaches mindfulness techniques that can be practiced in under 5 minutes daily
• Creating digital stories can be healing for the storyteller while also serving business purposes

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch Trish’s digital story
• Read this episode's blog post
• Check out Trish's Worry Less, Live More course and her Mindful Mornings journal
• Watch the Look Back video about Ep 30 with Dr. Carmen Logie

Learn more about Trish Tutton here.

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Katlyn's journey with Common Language Digital Storytelling began unexpectedly when her youth addiction agency secured her a last-minute spot in facilitator training. With a background in media production from high school, she quickly found herself rekindling dormant creative skills. But the real magic happened when she faced a moment of clarity the morning of the story circle, scrapping her original draft to instead document her experience with the Lincoln and Welland Band.

The story captured a pivotal moment for the band, which had played for the Lincoln and Welland Regiment since the War of 1812 but had recently received a cease and desist order, threatening their identity and traditions. Despite being relatively new to the band, Katlyn found herself documenting not just a musical group, but a living historical legacy kept alive by combat veterans whose service photos she incorporated into her digital story.

When she gathered band members for a screening, complete with popcorn and snacks, Katlyn was worried they'd find inaccuracies. Instead, she witnessed hardened veterans brought to tears. Her band president summed up the impact perfectly: "What we've been trying to say to the community and to the regiment for months, you've just summed up in four minutes." The film quickly spread beyond that screening room to social media, and local politicians.

The power of digital storytelling lies not just in its emotional impact but in its ability to advocate where traditional communications fall short. As Katlyn discovered, sometimes a personal narrative can accomplish what countless emails, letters, and meetings cannot. Whether you're looking to preserve history, drive organizational change, or simply document meaningful moments, digital storytelling offers a uniquely powerful medium that resonates across generations and bureaucratic boundaries.

Ready to explore how your story might create ripples of change? Discover more about Common Language DST facilitator training here.

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch Katlyn's digital story
• Learn more about the Lincoln & Welland Band
• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch the Looking Back video for Ep 29 about DST in Research

Learn more about Katlyn through the blog post.

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The conversation explores the many ways digital stories become catalysts for healing and connection – from introducing presentations to facilitating psycho-educational workshops for family members affected by PTSD. We also discover how Laryssa's experience informed her work co-hosting the Mind Beyond the Mission podcast, where she brings the family perspective to conversations about military mental health.

Episode Key Messages

0:00 Introduction to Laryssa Lamrock

2:33 Creating a Digital Story at Atlas

5:12 Enveloped: Laryssa's Personal Digital Story

9:33 Sharing Digital Stories with Others

18:48 Supporting Young Adults' Storytelling Journey

25:37 Mind Beyond the Mission Podcast

28:20 Legacy Stories and Final Thoughts

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch more digital stories from Atlas Institute
• Check out the Mindkit website
• Watch the Caregivers in the Wild episode mentioned
• Listen to the Co-Created episode with Joy Pavelich mentioned
• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch the Looking Back video about Ep 28 with Wellspring Alberta

Learn more about Laryssa Lamrock here.

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When qualitative researchers like Kathy hear countless personal narratives that most people never access, digital storytelling emerges as the perfect vehicle to bridge this gap. Through a five-year research project, their team has worked with individuals who accompanied loved ones through MAID, capturing these profound experiences in digital stories that serve multiple purposes - from personal healing to education and advocacy. The stories become catalysts for important conversations about death, caregiving, and end-of-life choices while empowering individuals to own their narratives.

Episode Key Messages

0:05 Storytelling as Catalyst for Discussion

1:00 Meeting the Disrupting Death Co-Hosts

3:00 Connecting Through Digital Storytelling

5:35 The MAID Digital Story Workshops

8:45 How Stories Create Impact

18:40 Digital Stories for Education

30:15 Future Storytelling Projects

Find more stories and resources at the Disrupting Death podcast, which features a three-part series on digital storytelling and MAID.

• Digital Stories Part 1 Research Project & Diane Sims
• Digital Stories Part 2 Bridge C-14 Participants
• Digital Stories Part 3 MAID Family Support Participants

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch Keri-Lyn's digital story
• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch the Looking Back video about Ep 27 with Dr. Burcu Simsek

Learn more about Keri-Lyn Durant & Kathy Kortes-Miller here.

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The conversation reveals the unique power of digital stories to transcend traditional limitations. Unlike presentations that exist in one moment for one audience, digital stories live online, cross borders, translate across languages, and remain relevant for years. They protect storytellers from repeatedly reliving trauma while maximizing impact and creating space for multiple perspectives – including those of siblings and patients themselves.

Whether you're a healthcare professional seeking to understand patient experiences, a parent navigating your own medical journey, or an advocate looking for powerful tools to drive change, this episode illuminates how personal narratives can reshape healthcare from the inside out. Listen now to discover how digital storytelling is revolutionizing patient advocacy and transforming healthcare one story at a time.

Key Messages

• Digital stories have unique power to convey the emotional reality of NICU experiences
• Fabiana's own story begins with performing CPR on her son when "no one came" after calling for help
• Family integrated care research empowered her as a parent and improved her son's outcomes
• Digital stories reach audiences beyond conference rooms and remain impactful over time
• Parent stories consistently receive the highest ratings in conference evaluations
• Creating opportunities for siblings and patients to tell their own stories offers valuable perspectives
• Digital storytelling allows advocates to share impactful experiences without repeatedly reliving trauma

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch Fabiana's digital story
• Watch Petya's story from CPBF's launch event Building Resilience Together
• Watch Alice's story from CPBF's Preemie Chat: The Importance of Sharing your Story
• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch the Looking Back video about Ep 26 with Dr. Peter Rosenbaum

Learn more about Fabiana Bacchini here.

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Mike Lang joins us discuss how the inaugural Common Language Story Slam transformed how we think about storytelling in the nonprofit space. Across three dynamic screenings, twelve uniquely crafted digital stories took center stage, each one developed through collaboration between a Common Language-trained facilitator and a charity partner. These short films, featuring personal narratives told through voice recordings and carefully selected images, sparked genuine conversations both in-person and online.

Digital storytelling's most profound impact might be its ability to dismantle stigma. As Dr. Carmen Logie noted during the event, "Stigma is often somehow attached to a lack of understanding about someone, and digital stories, more than anything, help you understand." We witnessed this phenomenon repeatedly—whether through stories about substance use, medical trauma, or family caregiving. When we truly understand someone's experience, judgment dissolves.

The event's format elevated these stories beyond mere viewing. After each film, audience members discussed their reactions in small groups, then heard directly from the storyteller and facilitator about the creation process. This multilayered approach created a rich experience that honoured the stories while exploring their broader implications and applications.

Most remarkably, these digital stories are creating tangible change. Ashley Durance's narrative about parenting a medically complex child receives standing ovations at healthcare conferences. The documentary from Greg's Wings has transformed medical education for 50,000+ healthcare providers worldwide. Organizations like SIDS Calgary were planning their next storytelling projects before the day had even concluded.

Episode Key Messages

• Digital storytelling democratizes the narrative process by putting storytelling power into the hands of those with lived experiences
• Each screening featured four stories created by different Common Language-trained facilitators working with unique charities
• Storytellers and facilitators discussed their experiences on stage, providing insights into both the story and the process
• Many charities began planning their next storytelling projects immediately after experiencing the Story Slam
• The hybrid format allowed for meaningful engagement with both in-person and virtual participants
• Digital stories prove particularly effective at combating stigma by fostering deeper understanding

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch the Story Slam
• Read the blog post
• Find out who the storytellers, facilitators and charity partners were
• Sign up for the Common Language newsletter

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She introduces us to the concept of digital storytelling, emphasizing its potential to enrich patient-provider communication and foster empathy within the healthcare community. Claudia recounts the story of how she stumbled into storytelling workshops, where she unearthed her own creative voice and learned to convey the challenges she faced as a patient.

Throughout the episode, Claudia discusses several poignant digital stories she has created, reflecting on their powerful impacts on improving healthcare practices and team dynamics. She highlights the significance of empowering young voices through storytelling, illustrating how this initiative has facilitated connections and understanding among families navigating chronic conditions.

By integrating these narratives into healthcare education, Claudia advocates for a cultural shift that places emphasis on the voices of patients, urging us to rethink the traditional boundaries within healthcare. This episode offers insightful reflections on the importance of empathy, understanding, and shared experiences in creating a more human-centered approach to healthcare.

Episode Key Messages

• Transformative experiences as a patient

• Importance of digital storytelling for empowerment

• The impact of telling difficult stories on teams

• How storytelling can bridge understanding between patients and providers

• Engaging teens and parents in telling their health stories

• The role of lived experiences in educational resources

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch one of Claudia's personal stories Stickers, Pieces, Factory Settings
• Watch a digital story from the Terrific Teens workshops
• Learn about the 11 to 25 Hub
• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch the Looking Back video about Ep 24 with Rebecca Saah

Learn more about Claudia Gore's work here.

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The episode takes a closer look at the emotional landscape of personal storytelling. Tash recounts the poignant transition from caregiver to patient, sharing the profound impact of narrating her life-altering diagnosis to family and colleagues. Despite the emotion associated with revisiting these memories, she emphasizes the cathartic release and solidarity gained from telling her story. Tash's narrative is an invitation for others to find strength in their stories.

Episode Key Messages

• Tash's introduction and her journey of being diagnosed with a brain tumor

• The importance of community and connection in the storytelling process

• Navigating trauma and vulnerability while creating her digital story

• The emotional experience of screening her story in various settings

• Emphasizing the shared human experience through storytelling

• Finding joy and meaning amid adversity

• The therapeutic aspects of digital storytelling and personal growth

• Encouragement for others to embrace their stories and seek healing through sharing

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch Tash's digital story, In Their Eyes
• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch the Looking Back video about Ep 23 with Dr. Daisy Dulay

Connect with Tash Bilau-Howie on Instagram.

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Curiosity and collaboration are at the heart of our discussion as we delve into the dynamic world of interdisciplinary storytelling programs. With a diverse range of students, we explore how these programs foster unique learning experiences and promote cross-disciplinary innovation. Hear firsthand about the integration of storytelling in Becky McCall's PhD research on antimicrobial resistance and gain valuable advice on launching storytelling initiatives in your institution. This episode is a call to embrace curiosity and the rich potential of learning from diverse fields to create meaningful change.

Episode Key Messages

• Storytelling as a foundational knowledge system

• Importance of experiential knowledge in communication

• Impact of storytelling on community and identity

• Interdisciplinary collaborations enhancing storytelling efforts

• Role of digital storytelling as a reflective practice

• Training facilitators for effective storytelling workshops

• Ecosystem of stories promoting collective understanding and action

Other Links Mentioned

• Join the International Community of Practice
• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch the Ep 22 Looking Back video with Mike Lang & Kristy Wolfe

Connect with Mike Wilson here.

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The Story Slam is a testament to the power of teamwork, featuring powerful narratives shared by storytellers and Common Language facilitators about causes that are close to their hearts. We also delve into digital storytelling's role in advocacy, showcasing how these narratives serve as a compelling tool for charities to communicate their missions promising a day filled with stories that inspire and ignite hope.

Even if you missed the Kickstarter, you can still be part of this transformative experience by getting your tickets for either the online or in person event. Attendees will leave feeling invigorated, having witnessed stories that echo resilience and strength. It's also a golden opportunity to connect with past podcast guests and meet new faces from the Co-Created community!

Episode Key Messages

• Launching on March 2 in Calgary, the Story Slam features twelve impactful stories

• Funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign, highlighting community support

• Charitable organizations associated with each story, connecting personal narratives to social impact

• Hybrid format includes live streaming, expanding accessibility

• Conversations after stories foster community dialogue and connection

• Inclusive approach emphasizes shared experiences and collective wisdom

• Opportunity for storytellers to advocate for causes important to them

• Story Slam aims to inspire attendees through transformative storytelling experiences

Other Links Mentioned

• Get your tickets here!
• Learn more about which charities are receiving stories
• Read this episode's blog post

If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share the link to join us for the Story Slam.

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Our conversation goes beyond storytelling to explore how these narratives fuel empowerment and advocacy. Our conversation dives into the collaborative process that allows young people to craft solutions and friendships amid challenging contexts. These youths are not just learning about climate change and HIV; they're becoming skilled storytellers, illuminating their own realities and creating impactful collective narratives. We're talking about more than challenges; we're highlighting the resilience and ingenuity that these young storytellers bring to the table.

Episode Key Messages

• Carmen Logie's background in stigma research and HIV advocacy

• The significance of digital storytelling in marginalized communities

• Carmen's first experience with digital storytelling and its lasting impact

• Overview of the digital storytelling workshop conducted in Kenya

• Methods used in storytelling workshops to engage participants

• The emotional and educational aspects of storytelling in stigma discussions

• The technology and creative processes involved in digital storytelling

• Importance of sharing stories back with communities for reflection and feedback

• Carmen’s vision for future storytelling projects and advocacy efforts

Other Links Mentioned

• Learn more about Carmen's work through this music video example and SSHINE Labs
• Listen to Carmen's podcast, Let's Talk About Stigma
• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch the Common Language Uganda Documentary, A Shared Dream

Connect with Carmen Logie here.

If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about. You can find the stories here.

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Becky isn't on this journey alone; she collaborates with her supervisor, Mike Wilson from the University of Loughborough, and learns from influential partners such as Common Language DST. Becky has co-created impactful stories like "False Peak" and "Stiletto" a narrative that highlights the emotional depth of a young woman's struggle with stage four bowel cancer. Through these stories, we witness the power of co-creation and empathy-building that digital storytelling fosters, particularly in personal and academic contexts. The episode underscores the potential of storytelling to bridge gaps and create understanding across diverse health experiences. Tune in for a compelling exploration of how personal stories can inspire change and shape the future of public health communication.

Episode Key Messages

• Introduces Becky McCall, medical journalist and researcher

• Discusses the journey from microbiology to public health

• Highlights the global challenge of antibiotic resistance

• Emphasizes the power of personal narratives in storytelling

• Shares the importance of collaborating with patient organizations

• Presents stories that illustrate the human toll of antibiotic misuse

• Explores the role of stigma in health communication

• Discusses future directions for storytelling in public health

• Calls for greater public engagement through shared narratives

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch more digital stories through the StoryBug website
• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch the Ep 10 Looking Back video with Mike Lang & Kristy Wolfe

Connect with Becky McCall here.

If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about. You can find the stories here.

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We dive into the transformation of Wellspring’s digital storytelling program, now an eight-week immersive experience led by Melody Williamson. We spotlight poignant tales like Natalie's Story, where the adversity of a cancer diagnosis intertwines with the opportunities to engage with youth. These workshops aren't just about creating stories; they're about creating connections. During our conversation, we bring to light the touching group camaraderie that emerges during final screenings. This sense of achievement and solidarity proves that storytelling is not just a creative outlet but a therapeutic lifeline for many.

We also delve into how these narratives leap beyond workshops into broader platforms like film festivals, offering a richer experience than simply viewing stories online. By distilling complex life experiences into concise narratives, participants share profound insights and spark meaningful dialogue. This episode affirms the transformative power of storytelling as a tool for healing and connection, reminding us all of the impact that sharing our truths can have on the world.

Top 5 Key Messages

1. What is Wellspring Alberta? (0:56)

2. Digital Storytelling at Wellspring (3:37)

3. Impact of Digital Storytelling (8:25)

4. Community and Diversity in Workshops (15:48)

5. Wellspring's Film Festival (16:59)

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch more digital stories from Wellspring members
• Explore writing & storytelling programs at Wellspring
• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch the Ep 19 Looking Back video with Mike Lang & Kristy Wolfe

Connect with Bobbi Fridfinnson here.

If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about. You can find the stories here.

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But the journey doesn’t stop there. We delve into the emotional depth of storytelling, featuring insights from the 1st International Digital Storytelling Festival. Experience the unique collaboration and emotional connections forged through this creative process, where participants visually express their innermost emotions and build profound bonds through shared experiences. Learn how these stories are not just narratives but bridges that connect diverse perspectives proving that storytelling is not just about telling tales—it's about transforming lives.

Top 5 Key Messages

1. Meet Burcu Şimşek (1:12)
2. How Burcu Caught the Digital Storytelling Bug (5:37)
3. Impact of Digital Storytelling on Education and Empathy (14:39)
4. Community and Collaboration in Digital Storytelling (20:15)
5. Future Aspirations and Reflection (25:17)

Other Links Mentioned

• Read Burcu's publications
• Watch a digital story by Burcu and Şengül 
• Check out the book Burcu mentioned Story Circle: Digital Storytelling Around the World
• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch the Ep 2 Looking Back video with Mike Lang & Kristy Wolfe

Connect with Burcu Şimşek and read her full bio here.

If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about. You can find the stories here.

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Through his digital story and this conversation, we traced the rich history and innovative partnerships that define CanChild's groundbreaking work, initiated back in 1988. Learn how the collaboration between researchers and community-based programs has thrived over 35 years, meeting real-world needs with impactful research and creative digital storytelling. Through this collaboration, we explore the "F words of Childhood Disability," a pioneering framework that has influenced similar initiatives on a global scale. Peter shares insights into the cultural adaptations and family empowerment that are reshaping how we understand childhood disability, emphasizing the importance of tailoring these ideas to fit different cultural contexts.

Top 5 Key Messages

1. The Shift in Thinking about Disabilities 3:52
2. The Collaborative Creation of CanChild 6:49
3. Family-Centred Care and the Importance of Parenting 16:38
4. Digital Storytelling and Audience Engagement 24:29
5. Empowering Families and Redefining Success 27:39

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch CanChild: 35 Years of Making a Difference
• Read a recent article, Perspectives in childhood-onset disabilities: integrating 21st-Century concepts to expand our horizons
• Read this episode's blog post
• Listen to a related Co-Created episode with Peter's colleague, Sara Pot
• Watch the Kickstarter Conversation with Mike Lang & Kristy Wolfe
• Back the Common Language Story Slam Kickstarter

Connect with Dr. Peter Rosenbaum and read his full bio here.

If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about. You can find the stories here.

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Mike Lang shares the incredible experiences had at the International Digital Storytelling Festival in Zakynthos, Greece. From a surgeon's eye-opening revelation about the power of storytelling in healthcare to the art of connecting with global storytellers, this episode captures the magic of narratives that transcend academic boundaries.

Unveil the heart of storytelling within the charitable sector as we discuss sharing stories of the work being done by non-profits across Canada. With a push towards a successful Kickstarter campaign by November 30, 2024, we strive to engage more communities in this powerful journey. Watch the Kickstarter pitch video here.

Top 5 Key Messages

1. Story Slam Vision and Format 5:31
2. Charitable Impact Through Digital Stories 7:50
3. Kickstarter Funding is Essential 10:22
4. Ticket and Sponsorship Options 10:48
5. Inspiring Audience Engagement and Action 14:00

Back the Story Slam Kickstarter Here

If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about. You can find the stories here.

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This conversation navigates the intricate world of digital storytelling workshops, highlighting the unexpected challenges that can arise, but also the importance of adaptability and support. We explore the technical versus executive roles in these projects and how understanding one's own strengths can make a significant difference. From Kitchen Table Nights to Science in the Cinema, learn about the exciting events where digital stories come to life, offering unique opportunities for engagement with youth-focused initiatives.

The episode underscores the transformative power of personal stories in policy advocacy and education. We reflect on the nostalgic impact of shows like Degrassi Junior High and the pressing concerns around defunding harm reduction in Alberta. Rebecca and Kristy stress the critical need to amplify youth voices, particularly in discussions surrounding cannabis legalization and educational policies.

Top 5 Key Messages

1. Rebecca’s Focus on Health Inequities 1:29 
2. DST Project on Cannabis Harm Reduction 6:20 
3. Youth and DST Competency 14:51 
4. Adapting to Personal Strengths in DST Facilitation 17:16
5. The Power of Youth Voices in Policy Discussions 27:18

Other Links Mentioned

• Learn more about the Cannabis Harm Reduction Project
• Finding Myself on the Mat - A digital story by Rebecca
• Watch the digital story from Expecting to Quit Project of the BC Centre of Excellence for Women's Health
• Trace 5 Study
• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch the Ep 20 Looking Back video with Mike Lang & Kristy Wolfe

Connect with Rebecca through her website, rebeccasaah.com.

If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about. You can find the stories here.

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Experience the therapeutic power of digital storytelling within narrative medicine. We explore the emotional connections that stories can forge between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. By weaving personal and cultural elements like music into narratives, these stories resonate deeply, creating a space for meaningful dialogue and engagement. Our conversation highlights the potential of storytelling to inspire quality improvements in healthcare, making the case for change in a deeply personal and compelling manner. Sharing stories in settings like presentations and workshops, where storytellers can engage directly, enriches the experience and amplifies the call for change.

In a world where healthcare professionals are constantly battling burnout, digital storytelling offers an innovative approach to understanding identities and sustaining provider resilience. Join us for this enlightening episode filled with stories that reveal the lifelines of storytelling in healthcare.

Top 5 Key Messages

• Daisy's Introduction to Storytelling and Its Impact 1:03
• Physician Wellness and Mental Health 2:12
• Shame and Compassion in Burnout Recovery 6:00
• Impact and Power of Digital Storytelling 13:16
• The Role of Digital Storytelling in Quality Improvement 19:53

Other Links Mentioned

• The Path Now Taken - Watch Daisy's Digital Story
• Times Colonist article Victoria cardiologists's death spurs daughter to make appeal
• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch the Ep15 Looking Back video with Mike Lang & Kristy Wolfe

Connect with Daisy Dulay on Linked In or Twitter.

If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about. You can find the stories here.

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Journey with us as we highlight the educational impact of digital storytelling, fostering deep social learning and powerful group experiences. Learn how these creative endeavors help recenter and reframe personal meaning through social connections. Future research plans and projects, including the experiences of digital storytelling facilitators, will also be unveiled. Stay connected with our guests' ongoing work and hear about upcoming events like the International Digital Storytelling Festival in Greece. Join us to explore how digital storytelling continues to evolve and influence the fields of healthcare, education, and therapy.

Top 5 Key Messages

• Digital Storytelling Research Publication 2:34
• Phenomenological Approach to Digital Storytelling Research 3:38
• Cathartic and Therapeutic Nature of Digital Storytelling 4:52
• Social and Interpersonal Learning in Digital Storytelling 14:52
• Digital Storytelling as a Therapeutic Process 19:21

Other Links Mentioned

• Read this episode's blog post
• Narrative Practices Lab at the University of Durham
• Narrative Practices Newsletter
• Kate Thompson’s website
• Kate’s Digital Story
• Watch the Looking Back at Episode 8 video with Mike Lang & Kristy Wolfe

Connect by email with Pip Hardy, Laura Mazzoli-Smith, or Kate Thompson

If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about.

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Throughout our discussion, we explore the diverse applications of digital storytelling, from therapeutic experiences and advocacy to education and research. Mike stresses the importance of ethical storytelling practices and the vital role trained facilitators play in preserving the storyteller's ownership and well-being. We also highlight the tailored approaches taken by organizations like the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (Episode 14) and the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families (Episode 19). As we wrap up, we delve into the comprehensive training opportunities offered by Common Language Digital Storytelling. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that showcases the transformative power of sharing your story.

Top 5 Key Messages

• What is Digital Storytelling? 3:05 - 4:53
• The Process of Creating a Digital Story 4:53 - 6:24
• Importance of Story Circles in the Creation Process 10:05 - 12:21
• The Power and Function of Digital Storytelling 12:21 - 14:59
• Examples of Successful Digital Storytelling Projects 14:59 - 19:14

Other Links Mentioned

• Mike's digital story, Breath
• Mike's documentary work
• Mike's digital story research
• Read this episode's blog post

Connect with Mike Lang on all socials @mikelangstories or via mikelangstories.com or commonlanguagedst.org.

If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about. You can find the stories here.

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Learn how our innovative approach turned digital stories from supplementary materials into cornerstone content around which entire courses are built. By featuring authentic, personal narratives alongside academic readings and reflective interviews, Sara and her team have created a learning environment that honours the lived experiences of patients and families. Sara discusses how these stories, coupled with thoughtful reflection questions, provide a rich context for learners to connect personally and draw meaningful insights.

The journey of digital storytelling also involves navigating the delicate balance between sharing personal stories and ensuring the welfare of storytellers. Sara emphasizes the critical importance of informed consent and the empowering experience of virtual screenings. Hear about the profound moments and ethical considerations that come with storytelling. Join us for an enlightening conversation on the significant impact of digital storytelling in research and beyond.

Other Links Mentioned

• Increasing capacity for Maternal and Paediatric Clinical Trials (IMPaCT) 
• Rise Learning Platform 
• Mike Lang’s paper - How to Meaningully Engage with Patient Stories
• Looking Back video with Mike Lang & Kristy Wolfe

About Our Guest

Sara Pot is a parent of four, including two medically fragile teens who require complex care specific to their diagnosed disabilities. She works for CanChild, a research center focused on pediatric disability housed within McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, as an educator and facilitator focused on developing patient and family engagement.

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Learn about the essential steps involved in training Common Language DST facilitators and creating safe environments for sharing trauma narratives. Over the course of four digital storytelling workshops, Joy and Dr. Mike Lang have seen their cohorts evolve, underscoring the importance of in-person workshops and the continuous commitment to enhancing storyteller well-being. From travel logistics to honorariums, we cover how every detail is thoughtfully designed to value the lived experiences of veterans. The lasting bonds formed among storytellers and the significance of publicly sharing these narratives illustrate a collective journey towards healing.

We also delve into Joy's deeply personal journey of grief and healing after the loss of her son, Eric. Joy opens up about the emotional and spiritual aspects of her experience, offering valuable insights into the therapeutic power of creating her own digital story based on her experience and her book, Chasing My Son Across Heaven. This episode doesn't just share stories; it invites you to reflect on your own health and wellness journey, encouraging you to consider the narratives you might want to share. Join us as we foster a community of shared experiences and mutual support, paving the way for healing through storytelling.

Other Links Mentioned

• Digital stories from veterans and families
• Joy's digital story - Chasing My Son Across Heaven

About Our Guest

V. Joy Pavelich is the Executive Vice-President of Communications and Public Affairs for the Atlas Institute. A lifelong communicator, working across the spectrum from government to corporate to non-profit, Joy also holds a Master of Arts degree in Professional Communications. She has been part of several mental health initiatives including the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s National Advisory Council on the Mental Health of Emerging Adults. In 2020 she was appointed to the Province of Alberta’s Mental Health Review Panel roster.

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Discover the nuances of digital storytelling and its significance in nonprofit fundraising. Heather recounts a memorable collaborative story co-created with Blanca, illustrating the importance of listening and identifying key narrative elements. Throughout the episode Heather expresses gratitude for the leadership and camaraderie within the Common Language Digital Storytelling community, emphasizing the collective effort that drives these impactful narratives. Don't miss this insightful episode on the profound impact of storytelling in nonprofit work.

Other Links Mentioned

• Non Profit Stories - Rocky Mountain Adaptive 
• Nonprofit Storytelling Conference 
• Rev Captioning

About Our Guest

Heather Alicia Knox is a non-profit leader, digital storytelling facilitator and photographer, based in Mexico and Guatemala. She is co-founder of the Project Somos Children’s Learning Village based in the Central Highlands of Guatemala. Heather has over thirty years experience working in the non-profit sector. Her work has included international, arts and educational organizations. She has worked with children with special needs, rescued dogs, designed farm to table educational programming, recruited and managed volunteers (up to 1200 at a time!) and provided courses and training. Her greatest loves are children and dogs. She loves connecting with individuals and listening deeply to their stories and experiences in the world and values storytelling as a mode to see and hear from others.

Connect with Heather: heatheraknox@gmail.com

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As we journey through this episode, we encounter the emotional resonance and instructive potential of digital storytelling, exemplified by Vikram's battle with Rhabdomyosarcoma. His story, not just a recount but a transformative experience, is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability. Mike elaborates on the nuanced creation of a digital narrative that doesn't just inform but honors the storyteller. We discuss how this approach can revolutionize continuing education in healthcare and the dynamic trend of integrating patient stories into medical literature. It's a conversation that promises to change the way you perceive the intersection of storytelling and medicine, inviting a deeper connection between those who heal and those they serve.

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch Vikram’s Digital Story - Pressure 

About Our Guests

Michael Lang is a health researcher, filmmaker, professional Digital Storytelling facilitator and Adjunct Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary. He has facilitated the creation of over 900 digital stories with a diverse cross-section of patients, family caregivers, and health care professionals around the world and founded Common Language Digital Storytelling. His professional and research focus is on using digital storytelling and documentary filmmaking in education, advocacy, research, and a therapeutic capacity within healthcare and wellness contexts. Connect with him on all socials @mikelangstories or via www.mikelangstories.com or commonlanguagedst.org.

Vikram Bubber is a childhood and young adult cancer survivor. Vikram has been a patient advocate for more than 20 years and a community advocate for the last 6 years. He is actively engaged in public speaking at different post-secondary institutions and working on several committees within different health authorities and organizations both locally and nationally.

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This episode is a tribute to the power of narrative and the healing it can foster, especially when it uncovers talents and dreams later in life. We discuss the impactful story Lisa's mother created about how her artistic voice emerged following a life-changing diagnosis in her fifties, and we discuss the resonant theme of women recognizing ADHD symptoms in their later years. Lisa shares more about her business Awestruck Aspirations, showcasing how self-reflection and creative exploration, from drama to music, can be a beacon of joy and restoration during life's trying chapters. Listen in and be inspired by the stories that animate our lives and the shared realizations that connect us all.

Other Links Mentioned

• Capturing Essence - A digital story by Lisa
• Watch more digital stories created with Lisa
• Conversation and Activity Kits available on Etsy

About Our Guest

For the last two decades, Lisa Joworski has worked in therapeutic recreation with individuals living with various forms of dementia (such as Alzheimer's Disease, Lewy Body Dementia and Frontotemporal Degeneration). She is also a certified Guided Autobiography (GAB) instructor and Common Language Digital Storytelling facilitator. Lisa's goal is to give individuals a platform to share their personal stories, have their voices heard and capture the essence of who they are for when it truly matters.

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This conversation traverses the landscape of healthcare and personal identity, highlighting digital storytelling's impact as an educational and empathy-building tool. Sickboy podcast host, Jeremie Saunders' vivid recollection of Vittorio's digital story from the Children's Healthcare Canada conference exemplifies its potential to leave a lasting impression, sparking deep discussions and fostering connections. In this episode, we reflect on the meaningful moments shared through a digital storytelling retreat conducted in partnership with Heart Beats Children's Society of Calgary and Western Canadian Children's Heart Network. Both Jacqui's memorable visit to the Libin Heart Institute and the evolution of Maddie's story, illustrate the unexpected and transformative journey storytelling can provoke. Tune in for a heartfelt exploration of how these stories not only touch lives but also inspire action and understanding across the healthcare spectrum.

To see each of the stories created at Heart Beats digital storytelling retreat for adults with Congenital Heart Disease click here.

About Our Guest

Vittorio Borrelli is a passionate CHD advocate with lived experience. Vittorio was born with Tetralogy of Fallot and is an adult transplant patient. Vittorio grew up in the Heart Beats community, his parents having been part of the original founding group for the Heart Beats Childrens Charity. One of Vittorio's roles involved leading the youth and sibling programming for CHD families in Calgary called “Offbeats” which is an opportunity for junior and senior high-school youth with CHDs to connect, socialize and have fun with peers. 

Watch the Looking Back video with Mike Lang & Kristy Wolfe

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The episode takes an emotional turn as we delve into the profound effects of childhood illness on families, exploring the narratives of siblings like Layya and Sara, whose life paths were significantly altered by their experiences. Their stories underscore the long-lasting resonance of such personal accounts, which continue to touch listeners and shape professional practices far beyond the moment of sharing. As Clara and I ponder over our potential digital stories, we pay homage to POGO's steadfast commitment to genuine patient and family-centered care, understanding that these narratives are pivotal in highlighting the humanity at the heart of healthcare. Listen in for an insightful session that promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the voices of young patients and their loved ones.

Other Links Mentioned

• Ethan’s Story - Race Track 
• Layya’s Story - Comfortable in Uncomfortable Places
• Sara’s Story - Saving Grace
• Eugene’s Story - Wherever You Are

About POGO

Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario works to ensure that everyone affected by childhood cancer has access to the best care and support. We partner to achieve an excellent childhood cancer care system for children, youth, survivors, and their families and healthcare teams, in Ontario and beyond. POGO champions childhood cancer care, and as the collective voice of this community, is the official advisor to Ontario's Ministry of Health on children's cancer control and treatment. POGO is a non-profit organization with charitable status, he

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The power of storytelling to heal and support is a theme we return to time and again, and in this episode, we witness it in action. We unwrap the layers of a young mother's transformative journey catalyzed by kindness in healthcare, then traverse the emotional landscape of families affected by medical assistance in dying (MAID) in Canada, underscoring the founding of a support society. Our introspection doesn't stop there; we probe the significance of witnessing in storytelling, the delicate art of peeling back the layers of a tale, and the imperative of safe, trauma-informed spaces for both the teller and the audience. As Maureen and Kristy exchange stories and reflections, we reveal a shared understanding that while some narratives are intensely personal, their resonance can be universal, and the learning for storytellers and facilitators alike is never-ending.

Other Links Mentioned

• MAID Family Support Society
• Wellspring Digital Stories
• Episode 6 with Melody Williamson
• The Witness Blanket

About Our Guests

Maureen Leier is a digital storytelling facilitator and a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience, including providing care and support to children with medically complex conditions and their families, working as a consultant for the Ministry of Health, and working in Telehealth. As a storyteller and a digital storytelling facilitator, she has experienced firsthand how transformative digital storytelling can be. Maureen is passionate about the digital storytelling process and is committed to deep listening, asking curious questions, offering individualized support and guidance, and helping to co-create a safe space for stories to unfold. When we are given the opportunity, support, and space to make sense of our own stories, we connect to universal truths about ourselves, our world, and each other. We find our common ground. Email Maureen maureen.leier@gmail.com

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About the Documentary

Beginning in 2017, Common Language DST has created a strong partnership with Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Southwestern Uganda and the University of Calgary Department of Indigenous, Local, & Global Health in the Cummings School of Medicine. Working together they have developed a unique model of digital storytelling facilitation for use in the East African context which involves a team-based approach with each facilitator specializing in a specific phase of the process. This documentary highlights this unique facilitation model and demonstrates how digital stories can stimulate compelling conversations about global health topics and in doing so, help encourage the women and girls of East Africa to pursue their dreams.

Other Links Mentioned

• Determined to Succeed - A digital story by Nancy
• Premiere & Online Discussion - Full Version

About Our Guests

Mutatina Robens is the DST focal person at Healthy Child Uganda where he has worked for the past 6 years and has recently completed his Master of Science degree in Health Information Technology . As well as being a skilled DST editor, Mutatina is responsible for coordinating the DST work with Healthy Child Uganda. The stories Mutatina has facilitated have been shared to thousands of community members across Uganda to advance child, maternal, and adolescent health. 

Barbara Naggayi is a lecturer in the Interdisciplinary Studies Faculty at Mbarara University of Science and Technology. She is currently pursuing her PhD in the same discipline and uses her extensive presentation and facilitation skills as a digital story sharing expert. Barbara has a strong focus on developing and maintaining ethical DST pract

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The emotional resonance of sharing one's journey with cancer is undeniable—whether it's through the eyes of someone like Janice, who found strength in her childhood memories during treatment, or the participants who find solace in expressing their choices and affirming their community. These workshops aren't merely about storytelling; they're about creating a space for empathy, connection, and mutual support.

We wrapped up our conversation on a note of reflection and anticipation. Hearing stories of resilience and support, such as the poignant exchange between individuals at different stages of their cancer journeys, underscores the importance of shared experiences. For those inspired to craft their own digital story, Lacey and Jenni provided insights into getting involved with the Canadian Cancer Society's storytelling initiatives—a call to action for anyone seeking comfort or wishing to offer it through their own narrative.

Other Links Mentioned

• Cancer Connection Online Community 
• Palliative Care Video 
• Janice’s Story - Our Strength. My Choice 
• Dianne’s Story - Dauntless 
• Lacey’s Story - Live. Love. Lake. 
• Jenni’s Story The Goodbye 

About Our Guests

Jenni Haggie is a Senior Specialist of Strategic Development and Level 2 Digital Storytelling Facilitator with the Canadian Cancer Society. She is passionate about how digital stories can help people from underserved communities tell their stories, in their own words, to inspire change.

Lacey Horta is a Social Service Worker, Online Community Manager, and Level 2 Digital Storytelling Facilitator with the Canadian Cancer Society. Lacey’s digital storytelling experience includes working with people with cancer, advanced illness, and people experiencing grief. 

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We navigate the sensitive waters of suicide, a subject that too often remains shrouded in silence. Through Makaylah's experiences, we underscore the critical need for professional help when managing thoughts of suicide and the reminder that there is hope and help. Our episode peels back the layers of personal narrative-sharing, spotlighting the numerous paths it can take and the varied experiences of those who walk them.

For everyone out there who needs to hear it, we extend a heartfelt message through a special audio clip, "Please don't go. You matter. I want you to stay." This is more than an episode; it's an invitation to a community that believes in the power of each person's story.

Other Links Mentioned

• Makaylah’s Digital Story ‘Please Stay’ 
• Makaylah’s Mental Health Resources
• Yvonne’s Digital Story ‘Under the Rainbow’ 

About Our Guest

Makaylah Rogers is a passionate advocate, speaker, and facilitator dedicated to mental health awareness, fostering empathy-driven action, and creating a culture of understanding. As a queer, non-binary individual, Makaylah draws from their personal experiences and journey. Their own healing path, supported by several years of therapy, fuels their determination to amplify the voices of those who feel unheard. Makaylah firmly believes in the power of representation and the transformative impact of the message, "you're not alone." Their advocacy work spans vital topics such as anxiety & depression, mental illness, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ education, suicide prevention, sexual violence and more. By breaking stigma and fostering open conversations, Makaylah envisions a world where everyone feels a sense of belonging and safety.

Website: makaylahrogers.com

Instagram: @inthemesswithmak

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Throughout our conversation, we shed light on the evolution of storytelling and its role in amplifying the lived experiences of those with dual identities in the healthcare sphere. Our guests share their personal revelations and the impact of digital storytelling on audiences, revealing how these narratives have the power to breathe life into medical conferences and presentations. We celebrate the beauty of these stories in challenging and expanding our understanding of healthcare dynamics, encouraging listeners to consider the multifaceted nature of the caregiving experience.

As our discussion unfolds, we delve into the intimate nature of crafting these stories, the deep personal growth they foster, and the significance of finding the right moment and audience for their unveiling. In addition, we grapple with the complexities of funding, evaluating, and validating the tangible value of digital storytelling within the healthcare industry. This episode is not just an exploration of digital narratives but a testament to their undeniable impact on the well-being of families and caregivers, offering a fresh perspective on the intersection of storytelling and health.

Other Links Mentioned

• Being There: Pam’s Story 
• Lucky - A digital story by Maddie
• The Call - A digital story by Vittorio
• Mike Lang’s Digital Storytelling Research

About Our Guests

Pam Kai is a proud mother of 3 and resides in Calgary, Alberta. In 2014 her second child was born prematurely with complex medical needs, Pam’s life quickly changed as she was thrown into a world she wasn’t familiar with. Through that experience, Pam was asked to become a peer mentor volunteer at the Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACH) and since then has developed a passion for patient and family centred care, the value of sharing the lived experience and supporting families who are beginning a journey with a medical child. Pam was a part of the ACH Family Advisory Council from 2017-2023, serving as the co-chair for 3 years. She also sits on many other committees

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Our guests share enthralling insights into the meticulous craft of digital stories and their ability to foster connection and community within the healthcare sector. The conversation illuminates technical challenges, the importance of preserving storytellers' authenticity, and the role of external recognition like the British Medical Journal Award in solidifying the value of this medium. We also discuss the exciting future of digital storytelling, exemplified by the upcoming We, The Story Festival in Zakynthos, Greece and the launch of Durham's Narrative Practices Lab—a beacon for expanding the dialogue on narrative's scale, ethics, and impact in healthcare.

Wrapping up the discussion, we delve into the tangible changes ignited by narrative practices, from inspiring the Royal College of Nursing's curriculum revolution to reshaping doctors' perspectives on patient consultations. The episode also brings to light the expansion of storytelling facilitator training in East Africa, the "Caregivers in the Wild" docuseries, and the influence of storytelling in African communities. Join us for this celebration of storytelling's remarkable power to change lives and strengthen the very fabric of healthcare communities.

Other Links Mentioned

• Patient Voices Story: Getting to the bottom of things
• Patient Voices Story: Brave
• Kurt Vonnegut on the Shapes of Stories
• Register for a Kitchen Table Night

About Our Guests

• Pip Hardy 
• Tony Sumner
• Laura Mazzoli Smith

Watch the Looking Back video with Mike Lang & Kristy Wolfe

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This episode is a testament to the transformative potency of storytelling, goal-setting, and accountability in sculpting leaders and writers alike. Helen unveils her passionate pledge to author two books by 2024 and Kristy shares the ingenious 5-4-3-2-1 strategy that guides her in moving towards her goals. As Mary advocates for the pivotal role of self-awareness in leadership development through her business Maria M Consulting, we also celebrate Allissa Blondin's metamorphosis from a blog assistant into a ghostwriting phenomenon, and Dr. Lisa Belanger's profound contributions to mindful living, now showcased in the television series "Caregivers in the Wild" created by Mike Lang. We wrap up our session with an empowering CEO-of-your-own-life exercise, a reflective prism through which you can evaluate and enhance every facet of your being, nurturing growth for you and your team.

Other links mentioned

• Watch the Livestream with Helen & Mary
• Register for a Common Language Kitchen Table Night screening
• Sign up for a digital storytelling workshop with Kristy Wolfe
• Watch Bob Wolfe's story, Legacy 

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Make no mistake, storytelling is not just about entertainment. It's a mighty tool for mental and emotional wellbeing, a doorway to self-discovery, and a bridge that connects communities. As we journey through the realm of digital storytelling, we'll see how it's being wielded in healthcare settings to foster learning and quality improvement through hearing people's experiences. We'll also give you a sneak peek into events like Kitchen Table Nights with Common Language and the Wellspring Festival, where individuals gather to share their tales and participate in enriching conversations. Buckle up and join us in this heartwarming exploration of the timeless power of narratives and the exciting possibilities that emerge when we bring them into the digital realm.

About our Guest 

Like all of us, Melody Williamson has been a storyteller all of her life - from reading books on her mother’s lap to a career in professional theatre, to her consulting work in equity and social justice issues. In recent years, she has combined all of her skills and experience into her passion for giving voice to those voices that aren’t typically heard and creating connection between people through digital storytelling. She has worked with parents of children with varying abilities, parents with medically complex children, and she is the Digital Storytelling Team Leader for Wellspring Alberta, working with people on a journey with cancer and their caregivers. Melody is excited to collaborate with not-for-profit and private organizations to co-create stories with a wide variety of people whose voices need to be heard!

CLICK HERE  and HERE to watch Digital Stories co-created by Melody.

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As we progress, we step into the excitement of sharing personal stories. Our guests share their roller coaster of emotions, from the exhilaration to the nervous anticipation, and the deep sense of fulfillment that engulfs a storyteller when their digital story resonates with the audience. You'll hear about the integral role of family and friends in bolstering the narrator's confidence, the bond of trust with the host, and the heartwarming effects of sharing stories with a larger audience.

Diving into the profound impact of digital storytelling, we dissect our own experiences and the conversations that ensue from these digital narratives. Unveiling the potential of digital storytelling as a powerful tool for advocacy and initiating dialogue, we underscore its effectiveness in bridging gaps and sharing meaningful experiences. Together, we unravel the immense power vested in digital storytelling and the deep connections it can forge. This episode serves as a testament to the transformative potential of sharing unique stories, encouraging everyone to embrace their experiences and paint them onto a digital canvas.

Digital Story Links

• Think Like a Parent Christie Oswald created her digital story as part of her Masters of Social Work capstone project at the University of Alberta in the spring of 2023. 
• A New Path Forward Kathleen Shearer created her story, A New Path Forward, during a workshop for medical parents. 
• The Soul System Cindy McDonald shares her story of healing after being diagnosed with postpartum depression and surviving a suicide attempt. 

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Melanie, a mother to a child with Rett Syndrome, unveils a heartfelt narrative of her daughter's journey and how digital storytelling has played a pivotal role. From using it as a communication tool with her daughter's therapists, school and classmates, to impacting medical students and her child's developmental pediatrician - this medium has proven to be a powerful vehicle for empathy and understanding. Hear about the profound impact of her digital story on a pharmaceutical company, and the importance of gratitude-focused narratives in healthcare.

Our other guest, Kristina, a Common Language Digital Storytelling facilitator enlightens us about her work with the Family Engagement in Research training program. As we learn about Kristina's various roles - as a nurse, a mother, and a peer advisor - we explore the extraordinary power of digital stories in sharing experiences, invoking emotions, and fostering understanding. Tune in for a stirring conversation about the transformative impact of digital storytelling on healthcare.

Watch the Digital Stories

• Melanie’s Story Skiing Uphill
• Kristina's Story That Day
• Kristy's Story Hugs n Bugs

About the Kids Brain Health Network

Kids Brain Health Network is a national network of researchers and health professionals dedicated to helping children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. They fund collaborative research, train the next generation of developmental neuroscientists, and mobilize our findings for impact. Learn more about KBHN here.

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Continuing our insightful discussion, Krystle shares her experience in digital storytelling workshops, bringing to light the varying levels of training, and the importance of co-creating ethical storytelling frameworks. Drawing on touching narratives, like Amelie's story of growing up as a competitive gymnast with congenital heart disease and Sue 's heartfelt letter to her grandson, we delve into the profound impact of these stories on families and communities. The conversation takes a hopeful turn as we explore the potential of digital storytelling as a unifying tool for the rare disease community. Listen in and discover the power these stories possess, and the transformative change they can bring.

About Our Guest

Krystle Schofield is a digital storytelling facilitator and photographer based in Victoria, British Columbia. Through her own experience as a rare disease mom, she knows that digital storytelling can be a positive and connecting experience for both the storytellers and audience. She knows that sharing the reason we show up in ourselves and our work will invite others to do the same. Krystle works with individuals and values-based organizations to create authentic imagery and tell impactful stories.

Website: www.krystleschofield.com

Instagram: @krystleschofieldphoto

LinkedIn: @krystleschofield

CLICK HERE to watch a Digital Story made by Krystle.

• Shift - A digital story by Krystle
• From the Heart - A digital story by Amelie

Read Sue Robins' blog The Making of Big Love about creating a digital story with Krystle.

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For Jennifer her exploration into digital storytelling didn't stop at capturing moments, she began to recognize the therapeutic impact of digital storytelling, using it as a tool for healing and advocacy. The beauty of digital storytelling lies in the creation process - it's about finding the essence of a story, weaving it together with captivating audio-visual elements, and setting the mood with the perfect score. 'Day One' has since served as a beacon of comfort for families in hospital settings dealing with similar experiences.

Our conversation with Jennifer also threw light on the potential of digital stories as a platform for connection. Backed by her vision of fostering a community of shared experiences, Jennifer shared her hopes to establish a digital story library based on the stories in her book, When Your World Stops; Finding Hope in Your Child's Medical Journey. This episode offers a glimpse into the profound impact of digital storytelling, not only as an effective medium of self-expression but also as a tool for fostering empathy and understanding in the realm of health and wellness. Tune in to listen to Jennifer's experience and discover how digital storytelling can make a difference in your own life.

About Our Guest

Jennifer Siran lives in Manitoba, Canada, with her husband and three children. For over a decade, she worked with marginalized youth in Winnipeg’s Inner City, learning the power of story when overcoming hardship. Writing has been a tool that she has used to process many complex emotions and all that life brings. After spending the last 12 years raising an amazing heart hero and navigating some major setbacks, she took time during Covid to write her book—a project to support fellow heart families in a unique way. Their family continues to navigate their son’s chronic illness in the midst of all the amazing things that childhood contains. 

Website: jennifersiran.com

Want to hear more from Jennifer? Watch the parent education session she facilitated for Children's Heart Network of BC Society here.

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Mike shares a specific example of supporting a storyteller during a group workshop. The story reveals the necessity of emotional preparedness in handling storytelling and emphasizes the importance of care and concern for storytellers. Further, Mike stresses the empowering potential of digital storytelling for patients and their families, and how it can enhance their wellbeing. This conversation is a stark reminder of the human side of digital storytelling; a side that requires respect, understanding, and care. Join us, and let's pledge to enhance storyteller well-being together.

About Our Guest

Mike Lang is a digital storytelling facilitator, health researcher, filmmaker. He has directed and produced five feature length documentaries and two web series about the human health experience in addition to publishing academic research articles and facilitating the creation of over 800 digital stories. Mike’s professional and research focus is on using digital storytelling and documentary filmmaking in an education/advocacy, quality improvement, research, and therapeutic capacity within healthcare systems.

Website: mikelangstories.com

All Social Media: @mikelangstories

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Mike will walk us through how he harnessed his digital storytelling skills to build Common Language, a certification program that is helping individuals become certified digital storytelling facilitators. We'll discuss how digital storytelling is as much about fostering meaningful conversations and building communities as it is about the story itself. Not just limited to healthcare, we also delve into the transformative impact of digital storytelling in other contexts - be it giving voice to small nonprofits or helping children understand complex medical situations. So, buckle up for a fascinating conversation that is bound to change how you perceive storytelling in healthcare, and remember, every story told is a step towards understanding what truly matters to patients and their families.

** Note this interview was recorded in the summer of 2022 as a video conversation. We are sharing it now, a year later, as a teaser of what's to come in Season 3 of Leading Through Stories. Watch the original interview with Kristy & Mike on Youtube.

So, what is a Digital Story?

“A digital story is a short 2-5 minute film that people create using their own photos and videos and a voice over they write and then they actually put it all together with some music. It’s a short film they make themselves. People are often surprised to think that they can do that. It’s possible that’s why we’re here to help them from start to finish.”

According to Mike “The best part of digital storytelling is the way it creates conversations. There is the conversation between the facilitator and the storyteller. And then you show the story to friends and family and they talk to you about it. Show it to an organization and you have a conversation. It’s the way that stories start these meaningful conversations. I think that's what really needed, now more than ever, a way to enter into meaningful conversation with others. A story is the best way to do that.”

Links Mentioned 

• Watch Mike's first digital story, Breathe
• Read Mike's digital storytelling methodology paper

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