In Episode 22 of The Mindful Creator, I talk with Cory Copeland – Writer and Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Bedlam Magazine – about how the process of crafting and sharing stories connect us on a much deeper, human level.
In this episode, Cory and I discuss the power of story as a means of understanding, the tradition of storytelling and community, and how that dynamic has evolved with technology.

Link Love
Cassi Clerget, Creative (Bedlam’s Editorial Director + Cory’s fave online writer)
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: How I Learned to Live a Better Story  – Donald Miller
In this Episode

* Cory shares his story as a “later bloomer” in the online blogging/writing space, how he learned from his early mistakes, the early beginnings of Bedlam Magazine and how that community has evolved in the short time since launching in March 2014.
* Cory talks about the dynamic of building the community at Bedlam and whether it was more intentional vs. organic.
* Cory on the community ethos that hearkens back to his early writing days: “If I can be as honest and vulnerable as possible, people are going to learn more and they’ll be able to avoid the same heartache and pain and trouble that I’ve been through.”
* Cory talks about how his team at Bedlam has tackled the tension and space between faith and culture.
* Cory: “We’re wise enough to be asking questions of everyone, not just people we agree with.”
* Brett and Cory talk about storytelling as a process of understanding and a tool to help us filter out the noise and begin to see things as they are.
* Cory discusses how they’ve remained self aware and true to their core values as the community has grown and the voices more varied as a result.
* Cory and Brett talk about the power of stories to force us inward and connect us to our deeper humanity, and the responsibility and accountability that comes with sharing.
* Brett: “So few of us understand the true power of what we say.”
* Why the ease of creating and sharing via technology prevents us from really considering the real impact of what we’re putting out there.
* The duality of humankind as a narrative and all of the billions of voices that help shape it, and how this connects all of us to a larger story.
* Cory on the realization of this responsibility: “When you see that each each click, each view, each comment is a person behind that you’re affecting …”
* What is the responsibility and accountability for the consumer of content?
* Cory: “It’s our responsibility as consumers to not just accept.”
* Cory on where his self awareness as a creator comes from: “For me, it comes from not wanting to be an idiot.”
* Cultivating self awareness through intentional practice and how that can help you stay fully aware of how your stories might impact readers.
* Listening to criticism and how that can help you grow as a person and as a creator.
* How Cory defines genuine community.
* Cory: “If we are being intentional and deliberate about what we do, then it has to come from a real and honest place.”
* Why honesty and authenticity that isn’t a “best practice” is refreshing in this day and age where everyone is an expert (or trying to be).
* Why Cory hates the term “brand” when it comes to an individual person.
* Why Brett doesn’t really identify with the abstract nature of building influence online, marketing, etc.
* Brett: “To me, marketing is really just connection.”