Co-Created

What if sharing your personal story could transform lives and promote healing? Join us on Co-Created as we sit down with Dr. Mike Lang to uncover the incredible world of digital storytelling. Mike recounts his journey from helping cancer survivors at Wellspring Calgary document their healthcare experiences to becoming a renowned expert in the field. He demystifies the structured process of creating digital stories, involving voiceover narration, personal images, and video editing, all under the guidance of trained facilitators. By emphasizing the power of co-creation and sharing personal stories, Mike reveals how digital storytelling can have a profound and lasting impact on individuals and communities.

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

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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Unlock the power of digital storytelling in research with our guest, Sara Pot, a parent partner with CanChild's Family Engagement in Research Program with McMaster University. Discover how storytelling fosters trust, empathy, and meaningful partnerships between researchers and those with lived and living experience. Sara offers an insider's perspective on the integration of digital storytelling into an asynchronous curriculum for researchers in maternal and pediatric health, making the learning experience both engaging and deeply personal.

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

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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What if sharing your story could help heal trauma? This episode of Leading Through Stories explores just that, featuring an insightful conversation with Joy Pavelich from the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families. Joy takes us through her transformative journey from the Canadian Mental Health Association to her current role, emphasizing her master's research on storytelling as a pathway out of trauma. We discuss the incredible impact of digital storytelling workshops designed for veterans, highlighting the meticulous process of recruiting storytellers and ensuring their mental well-being.

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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How can storytelling revolutionize the nonprofit sector? Join us in an engaging conversation with Heather Knox, a digital storytelling facilitator who takes us on her incredible journey from co-founding Project Somos in Guatemala to how she is incorporating photography and guided autobiography into her work. Heather shares how storytelling have profoundly impacted her work with Indigenous Mayan children and women. She highlights the importance of privacy and trust in these narratives and discusses how storytelling can galvanize support and engage donors, making it a critical tool in nonprofit advocacy and community building.

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: [email protected]

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Discover the profound impact patient narratives can have on healthcare with Dr. Mike Lang, founder of Common Language Digital Storytelling, and his co-author, cancer survivor Vikram Bubber. Together, they unravel the power of story in shaping the wisdom of healthcare professionals. We don't just hear Vikram's own gripping tale of survival, but we learn how to transform passive listening into active learning. Diving into their paper 'Pressure: How to Meaningfully Engage with Patient Stories,' we reveal three pivotal questions that foster deeper understanding and empathy in patient care, putting the spotlight on the need for providers to absorb and act upon the insights patients share.

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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Every life holds a story waiting to be told, and Lisa Joworski has dedicated her life to bringing those tales to the fore. Join us as we journey with Lisa, a compassionate Common Language Digital Storytelling facilitator, who has turned her profound experiences with the senior community and individuals with dementia into a mission of empathy and connection. Through the recounting of her own evolution from a teen working in long-term care to a supportive figure in outpatient services, Lisa shares with us her innovative activity kits designed to not only bridge generations but also to celebrate the rich tapestry of personal histories often overshadowed by healthcare needs.

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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When Vittorio Borrelli, heart transplant and cancer survivor, recounts his journey, you feel every heartbeat of his tale. Our latest episode honours the beauty of resilience through digital storytelling, providing a platform for individuals like Vittorio to share their experiences with congenital heart disease (CHD). He joins us to discuss his digital story, The Call, a narrative, emphasizing the crucial role of storytelling in connecting the dots between pediatric and adult CHD care. We delve into how sharing personal stories not only aids in healing and understanding but also strengthens community bonds among those affected by CHD.

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. 

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Have you ever wondered how a nine-year-old would describe battling cancer? Imagine it likened to navigating the twists and turns of a racetrack, a metaphor young Ethan uses to articulate his journey. Today, we're joined by Common Language Digital Storytelling founder Mike Lang and Clara Jordan from the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario, a charity that partners to achieve the best childhood cancer system for children, youth, survivors and their families in Ontario and beyond to discuss the potent role of storytelling in pediatric oncology. Experiencing firsthand the integration of patient narratives at academic conferences, like POGO's Multidisciplinary Symposium on Childhood Cancer we uncover the intricacies of bringing these powerful voices to the forefront of healthcare discussions. Together, we unravel the art of empowering patients to share their stories with authenticity, ensuring that the narrative remains their own.

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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When the tapestry of human experiences is woven with the threads of digital storytelling, profound connections are forged. That's precisely what Maureen Leier, a dedicated nurse and Common Language digital storytelling facilitator, brings to light in our heartfelt conversation. We navigate the evolution from traditional healthcare to telehealth and the ripple effect of storytelling in this space. The nuances of crafting narratives both individually and within the vibrant tapestry of group workshops are discussed, revealing a world where shared stories knit stronger community bonds and foster intimate dialogue within families, preserving pivotal life moments and prompting generational conversations.

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 [email protected]

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It's our privilege to share the North American premiere of "A Shared Dream: Digital Storytelling to Support Gender Equality in East Africa." Our guests, Barbara Naggayi and Mutatina Robens, talk with Dr. Mike Lang about the practice of digital storytelling in Uganda. They reveal the joys and challenges of guiding storytellers to express their innermost experiences and we examine the wide-reaching influence of digital storytelling on initiatives like Healthy Adolescents and Young People, showcasing its power to translate young voices into messages that resonate with the world. Their tales are not just stories; they are instruments of change, daring to ignite discussions on gender dynamics and empowerment.

About the Documentary

Beginning in 2017, Common Language DST has created a strong partnership with Mbarara Institute 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 while pursuing his Masters degree in Business Development. 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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