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As nonprofit storytellers, navigating the legal landscape of consent, privacy, and story ownership is daunting.

In this episode of When Bearing Witness, we sit down with attorney Allie Levene to answer your most pressing questions about storytelling and the law.

What elements should a media consent form include to truly protect both the storyteller and the organization? What should we keep in mind if we want to compensate story contributors? What rights do storyowners have if they want to edit or retract their story after it’s been published?

Allie tackles these critical questions and more, offering practical advice to help nonprofit professionals navigate the complexities of trauma-informed storytelling.

Listen in for actionable steps you can take to safeguard your nonprofit and honor the rights of story owners.

About Allie Levene

Allie Levene is a lawyer who helps clients understand their legal obligations and options without all of the confusing legal jargon.

After building her career as both in-house and outside counsel for various Connecticut businesses, with a particular focus on small businesses and nonprofits, Levene founded her own practice, Levene Legal.

Her extensive experience in litigation and administrative proceedings, especially in employment, civil rights, and general liability matters, led her to recognize the critical importance of preventative legal services—a realization that became the cornerstone of her firm's mission.

Connect with Levene

Levene Legal | LinkedIn | Instagram

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

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Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email

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In this reflective solo episode kicking off season two of When Bearing Witness, Maria Bryan shares valuable insights gained from a transformative year of conversations about trauma-informed storytelling.

Join us as we reflect on lessons from the past year and tackle big questions: How do we move beyond surface-level discussions to foster deeper action? What role does empathy play in overcoming resistance to new approaches? How can we navigate the guilt that accompanies unlearning harmful practices?

Whether you're new to trauma-informed storytelling or a seasoned practitioner, this episode provides both validation and actionable insights for moving forward imperfectly but intentionally in this important work.

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

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Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email

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In this episode of When Bearing Witness, we talk with Kishshana Palmer, a dynamic international speaker, coach, and author, to discuss her new book, Busy Is a Four-Letter Word: A Guide to Achieving More by Doing Less.

Kishshana’s candid insights offer a much-needed pause for nonprofit professionals and storytellers navigating the relentless demands of their work. We discuss the importance of slowing down to avoid burnout and maintain the authenticity and empathy necessary for impactful storytelling.

Through actionable advice and relatable anecdotes, she illustrates how storytellers can challenge unrealistic expectations, push back against "always-on" culture, and focus on what truly matters—crafting stories with care and purpose.

Whether you’re in the early stages of burnout or striving to lead with your values, this conversation is an invitation to embrace balance in a fast-paced world.

About Kishshana

Kishshana Palmer is an international speaker, trainer, author, and coach with a 20+ year background in fundraising, marketing, and talent management who helps leaders create high-performing teams. She’s the CEO of ManageMint, Inc., an organizational development firm focused on helping everyday leaders live well and lead well. Her firm's work centers on equity and social justice and practical solutions for today’s organizations.

Connect with Kishshana

Busy Is A Four Letter Word Book | Website | ManageMint

Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

About Host Maria Bryan

Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Maria has over fifteen years in marketing communications in the public sector. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place.

Connect with Maria

Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email