Co-Created

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 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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When Lacey Horta and Jenni Haggie of the Canadian Cancer Society joined us, the conversation transformed into an immersive exploration of digital storytelling's role in humanizing healthcare. Our guests, with their rich backgrounds in community management, social work, and cancer strategy, shared how stories can turn the most corporate of meetings into a space filled with compassion and understanding.

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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In the labyrinth of life's challenges, it's the voices of triumph over adversity that often shine the brightest. That's why we're honoured to have Makaylah Rogers, a beacon of hope in the realm of mental health advocacy, joining us to share their journey. Makaylah, a non-binary social entrepreneur, opens up about their dual passions: Frankie D's Donuts and Scale Naturally, and how these endeavors are much more than businesses—they're platforms for advocating for diversity and building connections to combat loneliness. Their story is not just one of survival but of transformation, guided by the profound impact of digital storytelling and the heartfelt honesty of a personal letter that brought them back from the brink.

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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Imagine harnessing the transformative power of digital narratives to navigate the complex world of healthcare. That’s exactly what we set out to explore in our latest episode, recorded live at the Children's Healthcare Canada conference. Joined by the insightful Pam Kai, Krystle Schofield, and Kristina McGuire—parents, caregivers, and seasoned digital storytellers—we dissect the emotional resonance of digital stories in health and wellness and their profound capacity to instigate change.

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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Have you ever wondered how the power of storytelling can transform healthcare? This episode hosted by Mike Lang offers a captivating exposition on the profound influence of digital narratives, featuring the trailblazing minds of Patient Voices UK's Pip Hardy and Tony Sumner, as well as Laura Mazzoli Smith of the University of Durham. Together, we navigate the evolution of digital storytelling in medicine, from its humble technological beginnings to the therapeutic art form that now shapes healthcare education and patient care.

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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Embark on an inspiring episode with our cherished guests, Mary Michailides and Helen Rose, the original members of the Leading Through Stories team. Together, we weave a tapestry of tales encapsulating the origins of 'Leading Through Stories' and reveal our personal designs for the year ahead. As we think back on the strides we've made, Mary extends a heartfelt thank you for an enriching collaboration, while Helen regales us with her adventures in business and family milestones. Witness firsthand how the interplay of our personal narratives and professional experiences enriches our shared narrative.

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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Ever wondered how the simple act of telling your story could be so powerful and therapeutic? Join me, Kristy Wolfe, as I sit down with Melody Williamson, a seasoned Common Language digital storytelling facilitator to uncover the healing magic behind digital storytelling. We delve into Melody's fascinating journey and her encounters with Mike Lang, who envisioned a universal framework for digital storytelling. We also explore the transformative effect of sharing personal narratives and how it creates a ripple effect, inspiring others, and fostering a sense of community and empathy.

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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Get ready to be taken on a journey through the fascinating world of digital storytelling. Promising to be a deep-dive into the realm of personal narratives and their potency, we welcome three guests, Cindy McDonald, Christie Oswald, and Kathleen Shearer. Each of them brings to the table their unique experiences, highlighting the meaningful moments that sparked their digital stories which were recently shared a screening event in Edmonton.

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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How can a mother's love and determination navigate the challenging landscape of healthcare for a child with Rett Syndrome? How can the power of digital storytelling impact not just the patient's journey, but also the healthcare community at large? Join us with our inspiring guests, Melanie Birch and Kristina McGuire, as they share their unique experiences and insights.

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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