Episodes

  • CanChild: Redefining Childhood Disability
    Nov 20 2024

    What if we could shift the narrative around childhood disabilities to focus on strengths and possibilities? Join us as we explore this transformative idea with Dr. Peter Rosenbaum, co-founder of the CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research. Peter takes us on his inspiring journey from the early days of developmental pediatrics to a revolutionary approach that celebrates the unique abilities of every child. Discover how digital storytelling is changing the way we communicate complex ideas, using metaphors and creative expressions to foster a more inclusive and empowering perspective for society and medical practice.


    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.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    35 mins
  • Kickstart Impact: Common Language Story Slam
    Nov 6 2024

    Ever wondered how community support can bring creative projects to life? We dive into the mechanics behind organizing an impactful story slam event through the Common Language Kickstarter campaign, emphasizing the crucial role of the all-or-nothing funding model. Discover how you can be part of this inspiring movement, whether by attending, sponsoring, or spreading the word. The stories shared at our event have the potential to not only resonate with audiences but also inspire action towards causes that matter deeply.

    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.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    22 mins
  • Empowering Youth Through Digital Storytelling
    Oct 23 2024

    Rebecca Saah's journey into digital storytelling is as compelling as the stories she helps others tell. Join us as Rebecca discusses her work at the University of Calgary and the influence of Common Language DST on her research, particularly in cannabis harm reduction with young adults. Her insights into using storytelling to navigate the pressures of academia are both inspiring and relatable.

    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.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    34 mins
  • The Role of Digital Narratives in Healthcare Innovation
    Oct 9 2024

    What if sharing your story could change the world of healthcare? Join us on Co-Created as we sit down with Dr. Daisy Dulay, a dedicated cardiologist who turned her own struggles with burnout and the loss of her colleague and host Kristy's father, Dr. Dennis Morgan, into a mission for wellness. Dr. Dulay's journey led her to create a physician wellness group, as well as to learning how digital storytelling can be a powerful tool for challenging the stigma around medical leave and recovery. Through heartfelt stories, we uncover the systemic shifts needed to better support mental health in the healthcare industry, offering hope and fostering much-needed conversations about resilience.

    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.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    35 mins
  • Transformative & Therapeutic Benefits of Digital Storytelling
    Sep 21 2024
    Unlock the therapeutic and transformative powers of digital storytelling with our special guests, Pip Hardy, Laura Mazzoli-Smith, and Kate Thompson. Discover how Pip's work with Patient Voices UK is reshaping healthcare narratives with compassion, Laura's research at Durham University is advancing narrative practices, and Kate's expertise as a therapist is offering unique therapeutic insights. We'll take you through their fascinating study, Transformative and Therapeutic Benefits of Digital Storytelling, published in Arts and Health to reveal how the profound experiences of Patient Voices digital storytelling participants are captured through phenomenology.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 MessagesDigital Storytelling Research Publication 2:34Phenomenological Approach to Digital Storytelling Research 3:38Cathartic and Therapeutic Nature of Digital Storytelling 4:52Social and Interpersonal Learning in Digital Storytelling 14:52Digital Storytelling as a Therapeutic Process 19:21Other Links MentionedRead this episode's blog postNarrative Practices Lab at the University of DurhamNarrative Practices NewsletterKate Thompson’s websiteKate’s Digital StoryWatch the Looking Back at Episode 8 video with Mike Lang & Kristy WolfeConnect by email with Pip Hardy, Laura Mazzoli-Smith, or Kate ThompsonIf 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    31 mins
  • Exploring Co-Creation in Digital Storytelling
    Sep 11 2024

    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
    • 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.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    21 mins
  • The Role of Personal Stories in Research
    Jul 8 2024

    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
    • 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.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    29 mins
  • Empowering Veterans with Digital Storytelling
    Jun 24 2024

    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.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    31 mins