Co-Created

Fear of childbirth does not always look like panic. Sometimes it shows up as silence, stoicism, anger, or a private sense that you have lost control of your own body and your own story. We sit down with nurse, midwife, and researcher Jonathan Dominguez Hernandez to talk about how digital storytelling in healthcare can help people make meaning from vulnerable moments, and why the process needs strong ethics when trauma is close to the surface. We break down his meta-synthesis findings and why narrative, ethics, and facilitation style can determine whether storytelling becomes support, advocacy, or too much.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 childbirthOther Links MentionedRead this episode's blog postRead Jonathan's meta-synthesis from Frontiers in Digital HealthLearn more about Jonathan's workAbout 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One gesture can keep a patient in care. That’s the charge running through our conversation with Jack Bones, a transgender cancer survivor whose digital story takes us from a tense biopsy room to a stage where an audience of clinicians wiped away tears and leaned into hard, necessary dialogue. We walk through how a politicized identity collided with late-stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma, how bias nearly closed a door, and how a single act of compassion reopened it.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 changeOther Links MentionedRead this episode's blog postWatch Jack's digital storyJack created their digital story in a BC Cancer workshop facilitated by Krystle SchofieldCheck out Jack's work, Brassthorn ArtAbout Our GuestJackdaw 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if a two-minute story could change how a care team sees you? We dive into the power of short, first-person narratives to bring dignity, clarity, and warmth back into healthcare, especially in dementia care where behaviour, memory, and language can obscure the person beneath the chart. Lisa Joworski returns to share how Capturing Essence For Care has evolved from interviews into a connector hub for life story methods, linking digital storytellers, guided autobiographers, videographers, and families who want practical ways to preserve identity.Episode Key Messageswhy capturing essence improves care and communicationwhat digital storytelling is and why ownership stays with the storytellercreating clear elevator pitches and scripts that set expectationsmany paths to story including music, photos, writing and family podcastsbuilding a connector hub for life story resources across methodsBeth’s digital story, Story Slam and the impact of public sharing, Capturing Essence for Care Ep 21advocacy 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 17using AI for drafts while keeping the human voiceprompts that unlock memory such as tattoos and scarsupcoming projects and finding one’s voice with assertivenessOther Links MentionedRead this episode's blog postWatch Lisa's digital storyListen to Lisa's original Co-Created episodeGet your ticket to the April 30th 2026 Story SlamAbout 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pull up a chair at our Common Language Kitchen Table Takeover and hear how stories can turn clinical facts into lived wisdom. We bring together three CHD parents and leaders from WCCHN and Conquering CHD to explore the neurodevelopment side of congenital heart disease—speech, executive function, school, mental health, and the quiet weight caregivers carry. You’ll leave with language to use, questions to ask, and resources to share—whether you’re a parent, teacher, or clinician.Episode Key MessagesKitchen Table Nights as a bridge from facts to wisdomspeech delays after surgery and the path to specialized therapyparents learning the language of advocacy alongside their childrenwhen to start conversations about neurodevelopment in CHDICU environment, parent roles, and tiny actions that matterschool transitions, executive function, and neuropsych testingmaking invisible challenges visible to teachers and principalssharing digital stories to unlock empathy and resourcesWCCHN’s co-created resources and family-centred dataConquering CHD’s tools, webinars, and policy advocacycaregiver overwhelm, regulation, and specific support asksCNOC’s education focus and why parent voices belong at conferencesAbout the Digital StoriesUnspoken: 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 MentionedRead this episode's blog postWatch the full Kitchen Table TakeoverCheck out Common Language DSTWestern Canadian Children’s Heart Network (WCCHN) Resources: For Parents and Caregivers and Developmental CareConquering CHD Resources: Talk to Your Care Team, Resources for Bereaved Families and CHD Wise Webinars Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shame can feel like quicksand in medicine—silent, isolating, and relentless—yet it can also be a bridge that pulls us back to each other. We sit down with Dr. Will Bynum, family physician, researcher, and co-founder of The Shame Lab, and returning guest Dr. Daisy Dulay to unpack how shame shows up in training, practice, and leadership, and how storytelling turns private pain into collective insight and safer care. We explore how storytelling can help clinicians process, learn, and speak up as well as why small, honest stories can change safety and culture.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 cultureOther Links MentionedRead this episode's blog postCMA's Canadian Conference on Physician HealthWatch the Look Back conversation with Mike Lang about the CMA conferenceWatch Daisy's digital storyListen to Daisy's original podcastListen to The Nocturnists podcast series on Shame in MedicineGo see Hannah Mumby's artworkCheck out The Shame Space websiteAbout Our GuestWill 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a veterinary technician, end‑of‑life doula, and legacy specialist decides to put story at the centre of care and education? We sit down with Angie Turner to explore how digital storytelling can build resilience, clarify identity, and spark brave conversations in veterinary medicine.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 historiesOther Links MentionedWatch Angie's story, My Journey to Life Story WorkWatch the video Angie inspired Kristy to make hereRead this episode's blog postCheck out Angie's websiteAbout Our GuestAngie 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A preemie parent and digital storytelling facilitator, who just happens to also host the Co-Created podcast, Kristy Wolfe, shares how a simple bedtime ritual became a lens for resilience, advocacy, and neurodevelopmental care, weaving Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience into digital stories that move clinicians and empower families. We show how short films, crafted with consent and care, can change practice, spark equity conversations, and help kids speak for themselves.Episode Key Messageswhy stories carry what data cannothow a two to four minute digital story influences conferences and policyKane’s voice on pacemakers, echocardiograms and hospital Lego reflection prompts for clinicians to change practiceconsent and whose story gets toldthe four-phase Common Language digital storytelling methodprocess versus product goals in advocacy and educationreadiness, emotional safety and caregiver well-beingpractical ways to bring neurodevelopmental care into daily lifeOther Links MentionedWatch the full Preemie Chat episodeWatch Hugs & BugsWatch Kane's StoryRead this episode's blog postLearn more about Canadian Premature Babies Foundation's Preemie ChatsAbout 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re a parent navigating loss, a health professional seeking empathy-building tools, or a changemaker curious about narrative practices, you’ll find practical insights on peer support, ritual, and the craft of story in our conversation with Gillian Hatto. Gillian is mom to Hazel, Elliot, Lily, and Olive and she opens up about how sudden child loss upended her world and how she found her way to community and purpose. She shares the origin of Hazel’s Heroes, a free Alberta retreat for bereaved parents. We also open the door on digital storytelling: how a guided workshop, a story circle, and careful editing help distill a life-altering experience into a two-to-four minute film. Gillian describes the nerves of drafting, the surprise of supportive feedback, and the power of pairing voice with images to say what words alone can’t. These personal films now live on websites and in small gatherings, helping families explain the why behind their work and giving clinicians and communities a tool to listen better. 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 supportOther Links MentionedWatch Gillian’s digital storyRead this episode's blog postAbout Our GuestGillian 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories don’t just inform us, they reshape how we care. We sit down with Dr. Mike Lang to trace how a single digital story and grows into workshops, screenings, and a culture that centres lived experience in health and wellness. From young caregivers supporting parents with ALS to adults navigating head and neck cancer, Mike shows how these short, voice-driven films become practical tools that can be embedded right into education platforms.`Ready to be part of it? Submit a digital story to the Common Language Story Slam or purchase a ticket to join us in person or virtually on April 30, 2026.About Our GuestMike's recent digital storytelling workshopsembedding digital stories into patient education for context and empathy"Like A Mountain" documentary on mindfulness for young caregiversbenefits of repeat workshops and a growing storytelling cultureStory Slam 2026 format, screenings, and livestream accesson-stage conversations that deepen meaning and learningCommon Language facilitator retreat to plan, reflect, and build skillsKitchen Table Nights, website resources, and training opportunitiesnewsletter options for project updates and podcast releasesOther Links MentionedJoin us at the Story Slam on April 30thSubmit your digital storyRead this episode's blog postWatch the Story Slam 2025 sizzle reelCheck out more of Mike Lang's workAbout Our GuestMike 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heather Alicia Knox combines her skills as a photographer, writer, and digital storytelling facilitator to help people capture their most meaningful moments and share them with the world. Her journey reveals how storytelling methodologies can complement each other beautifully. Trained as a Common Language DST facilitator and a Guided Autobiography instructor, Heather now helps people transform their written reflections into powerful short films. She discusses her work with various communities including expats, individuals with cognitive changes, and their care partners.Episode Key MessagesTrained as a guided autobiography instructor and now teaches with her husband GregCreated "From Page to Screen" program that helps people transform written stories into digital storiesWorks with "To Whom I May Concern" creating reader's theatre productions about cognitive changesPlanning a human interest film festival in Ajijic to showcase digital storiesNow focusing on legacy stories, tributes, and end-of-life narrativesWorks virtually with clients around the worldLaunched her new website at aliciaknox.comOther Links MentionedWatch a digital stories Heather has co-created Read this episode's blog postCheck out Heather's photography and storytelling services Listen to the Capturing Essence for Care podcast episode with HeatherRegister for the Sayulita writing retreatAbout Our GuestHeather 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sibling life is never just one role. It’s caretaker, advocate, friend, guardian...and it shifts with every season. We sit down with Dr. Linda Nguyen and sibling-advocate Samantha Bellefeuille to explore how those fluid roles come into focus when siblings lead the narrative and how digital storytelling can turn lived experience into lasting change in health care, research, and community programs.Episode Key MessagesHow Sibling Youth Advisory Council (SibYAC) formed and works with siblings as partnersWhy digital storytelling beats repeated live retellingsOwnership, consent, and compensation around lived experienceIntimate screening choices and peer reflectionUsing stories to train clinicians and studentsUpcoming toolkit and workshop plansPatient's Voice Conference with Krystle SchofieldOther Links MentionedWatch Sam’s digital storyRead this episode's blog postLearn more about Linda's workFind out about Fostering Forever FriendshipsAbout Our GuestLinda 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jen Siran returns to discuss her journey from creating her first digital story to becoming a Common Language Digital Storytelling facilitator helping others tell their stories. She shares how persistence in seeking funding eventually led to success for her Caregiver's Corner project supporting heart families across Canada.Episode Key MessagesJen created three digital stories focused on experiences as a parent of a child with congenital heart diseaseSuccessfully secured funding from Western Canadian Children's Heart Network and developed Caregiver's Corner, offering digital stories and resources for heart familiesFacilitated anonymous storytelling for Safe Families charityDiscovered the therapeutic power of helping others unpack their storiesCurrently focusing on capturing legacy stories from family membersPassionate about using digital storytelling to bridge communication gaps in healthcareDescribes 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 MentionedSign up for the World Heart Day ScreeningRead this episode's blog postCheck out Caregiver's CornerWatch Jen’s digital storiesWatch the Safe Families story from our Story SlamListen to Jen's original podcast episodeAbout Our GuestJen 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.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Lee's life took an unexpected turn when his colon cancer progressed to stage four metastatic status. Rather than retreating, this former engineering professor discovered a remarkable talent for pastel drawing that became the subject of his powerful digital story with the Canadian Cancer Society.Episode Key MessagesWhen diagnosed with terminal cancer, Tom turned to art as a meaningful way to engage with lifeTom'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 reflectionsCurrently writing a book weaving together his off-grid cottage experiences, cancer journey, and academic reflectionsModern palliative care focuses on quality of life rather than extension at all costsEnd-of-life moments are meaningful and shouldn't be feared, they should be embraced and documentedOther Links MentionedWatch Tom’s digital storyRead this episode's blog postCheck out Tom's Youtube channelThe Waiting Room Revolution with Sammy WinemakerAbout Our GuestDr. 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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The most compelling marketing doesn't come from slick campaigns or catchy slogans—it emerges from authentic personal narratives that reveal why we do what we do. Mindfulness teacher and keynote speaker Trish Tutton joins us to explore how digital storytelling captured the pivotal moment that shaped her life's purpose.Discover how your authentic narrative might become your most powerful tool for reaching others.Episode Key MessagesEvery business comes from a story, especially purpose driven businessesDigital storytelling allowed Trish to share her pivotal life experience with potential clients before they even meet herCreating a succinct 3-minute digital story helped Trish refine her keynote presentationsSelecting images for digital storytelling requires thinking in metaphors and considering emotional impactSharing personal stories of loss creates connection through our common humanityTrish teaches mindfulness techniques that can be practiced in under 5 minutes dailyCreating digital stories can be healing for the storyteller while also serving business purposesOther Links MentionedWatch Trish’s digital storyRead this episode's blog postCheck out Trish's Worry Less, Live More course and her Mindful Mornings journalWatch the Look Back video about Ep 30 with Dr. Carmen LogieLearn more about Trish Tutton here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a simple four-minute digital story manages to capture the essence of a centuries-old military band tradition? For Katlyn Lamont, a registered psychotherapist and newly-trained digital storytelling facilitator, the answer came in the form of tough military veterans moved to tears.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 MentionedWatch Katlyn's digital storyLearn more about the Lincoln & Welland BandRead this episode's blog postWatch the Looking Back video for Ep 29 about DST in ResearchLearn more about Katlyn through the blog post. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Laryssa Lamrock created her digital story "Enveloped," she never anticipated how profoundly a four-minute video would transform her advocacy work with military families. As the National Strategic Advisor for Families at the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Laryssa brings her lived experience as a military spouse, daughter, and mother to her work supporting those affected by service-related mental health challenges.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 Messages0:00 Introduction to Laryssa Lamrock2:33 Creating a Digital Story at Atlas5:12 Enveloped: Laryssa's Personal Digital Story9:33 Sharing Digital Stories with Others18:48 Supporting Young Adults' Storytelling Journey25:37 Mind Beyond the Mission Podcast28:20 Legacy Stories and Final ThoughtsOther Links MentionedWatch more digital stories from Atlas InstituteCheck out the Mindkit websiteWatch the Caregivers in the Wild episode mentionedListen to the Co-Created episode with Joy Pavelich mentionedRead this episode's blog postWatch the Looking Back video about Ep 28 with Wellspring AlbertaLearn more about Laryssa Lamrock here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The power of digital storytelling lies in its ability to capture what textbooks and lectures cannot - the raw, human experience of navigating life's most challenging moments. In this deeply moving conversation with Kathy Cortes-Miller and Keri-Lyn Durant, co-hosts of the Disrupting Death podcast, we explore how digital storytelling creates transformative spaces for processing grief and sharing experiences around Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).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 Messages0:05 Storytelling as Catalyst for Discussion1:00 Meeting the Disrupting Death Co-Hosts3:00 Connecting Through Digital Storytelling5:35 The MAID Digital Story Workshops8:45 How Stories Create Impact18:40 Digital Stories for Education30:15 Future Storytelling ProjectsFind 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 SimsDigital Stories Part 2 Bridge C-14 ParticipantsDigital Stories Part 3 MAID Family Support ParticipantsOther Links MentionedWatch Keri-Lyn's digital storyRead this episode's blog postWatch the Looking Back video about Ep 27 with Dr. Burcu SimsekLearn more about Keri-Lyn Durant & Kathy Kortes-Miller here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when personal trauma transforms into powerful advocacy? Fabiana Bacchini, Executive Director of the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation, takes us on a journey through her evolution from NICU parent to healthcare changemaker through the lens of digital storytelling.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 MessagesDigital stories have unique power to convey the emotional reality of NICU experiencesFabiana's own story begins with performing CPR on her son when "no one came" after calling for helpFamily integrated care research empowered her as a parent and improved her son's outcomesDigital stories reach audiences beyond conference rooms and remain impactful over timeParent stories consistently receive the highest ratings in conference evaluationsCreating opportunities for siblings and patients to tell their own stories offers valuable perspectivesDigital storytelling allows advocates to share impactful experiences without repeatedly reliving traumaOther Links MentionedWatch Fabiana's digital storyWatch Petya's story from CPBF's launch event Building Resilience TogetherWatch Alice's story from CPBF's Preemie Chat: The Importance of Sharing your StoryRead this episode's blog postWatch the Looking Back video about Ep 26 with Dr. Peter RosenbaumLearn more about Fabiana Bacchini here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you bring together passionate storytellers, skilled facilitators, and purpose-driven organizations? Magic—in the form of powerful digital stories that break barriers and create meaningful change. 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 MessagesDigital storytelling democratizes the narrative process by putting storytelling power into the hands of those with lived experiencesEach screening featured four stories created by different Common Language-trained facilitators working with unique charitiesStorytellers and facilitators discussed their experiences on stage, providing insights into both the story and the processMany charities began planning their next storytelling projects immediately after experiencing the Story SlamThe hybrid format allowed for meaningful engagement with both in-person and virtual participantsDigital stories prove particularly effective at combating stigma by fostering deeper understandingOther Links MentionedWatch the Story SlamRead the blog postFind out who the storytellers, facilitators and charity partners wereSign up for the Common Language newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an empowering exchange, we speak with Claudia Gore, a passionate NHS doctor, who shares her journey of leveraging digital storytelling to change the narratives around healthcare. Through her personal encounters both as a healthcare provider and as a patient, Claudia sheds light on the deeply human aspects of medical care that often remain unseen.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 resourcesOther Links MentionedWatch one of Claudia's personal stories Stickers, Pieces, Factory SettingsWatch a digital story from the Terrific Teens workshopsLearn about the 11 to 25 HubRead this episode's blog postWatch the Looking Back video about Ep 24 with Rebecca SaahLearn more about Claudia Gore's work here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.