Co-Created

Imagine a world where you can transform your profound life experiences into powerful narratives that resonate with others. That's exactly what we explore with guest, Bobbi Fridfinnson, from Wellspring Alberta, a charity that supports individuals with cancer and their caregivers through a variety of programs, including digital storytelling workshops. These workshops, originally spearheaded by Mike Lang, have blossomed into a vital space for participants to share their stories and foster a sense of community through the power of voiceover narration and personal imagery.We dive into the transformation of Wellspring’s digital storytelling program, now an eight-week immersive experience led by Melody Williamson. We spotlight poignant tales like Natalie's Story, where the adversity of a cancer diagnosis intertwines with the opportunities to engage with youth. These workshops aren't just about creating stories; they're about creating connections. During our conversation, we bring to light the touching group camaraderie that emerges during final screenings. This sense of achievement and solidarity proves that storytelling is not just a creative outlet but a therapeutic lifeline for many.We also delve into how these narratives leap beyond workshops into broader platforms like film festivals, offering a richer experience than simply viewing stories online. By distilling complex life experiences into concise narratives, participants share profound insights and spark meaningful dialogue. This episode affirms the transformative power of storytelling as a tool for healing and connection, reminding us all of the impact that sharing our truths can have on the world.Top 5 Key Messages1. What is Wellspring Alberta? (0:56)2. Digital Storytelling at Wellspring (3:37)3. Impact of Digital Storytelling (8:25)4. Community and Diversity in Workshops (15:48)5. Wellspring's Film Festival (16:59)Other Links MentionedWatch more digital stories from Wellspring membersExplore writing & storytelling programs at WellspringRead this episode's blog postWatch the Ep 19 Looking Back video with Mike Lang & Kristy WolfeConnect with Bobbi Fridfinnson 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.

Join us on an inspiring exploration of digital storytelling with Burcu Şimşek, an associate professor from Hacettepe University and the visionary behind the Digital Story Hub. Burcu shares her innovative approach to amplifying women's voices through digital storytelling, drawing on her extensive research and passion for gender issues. Discover how her journey began with a PhD thesis that reimagined consciousness-raising meetings for the digital age and how this transformative tool is now empowering women across Turkey. As we navigate through Burcu's journey, we uncover the profound impact digital storytelling has across various fields, from education to medicine, revealing its power to foster empathy and understanding.But the journey doesn’t stop there. We delve into the emotional depth of storytelling, featuring insights from the 1st International Digital Storytelling Festival. Experience the unique collaboration and emotional connections forged through this creative process, where participants visually express their innermost emotions and build profound bonds through shared experiences. Learn how these stories are not just narratives but bridges that connect diverse perspectives proving that storytelling is not just about telling tales—it's about transforming lives.Top 5 Key MessagesMeet Burcu Şimşek (1:12)How Burcu Caught the Digital Storytelling Bug (5:37)Impact of Digital Storytelling on Education and Empathy (14:39)Community and Collaboration in Digital Storytelling (20:15)Future Aspirations and Reflection (25:17)Other Links MentionedRead Burcu's publicationsWatch a digital story by Burcu and Şengül Check out the book Burcu mentioned Story Circle: Digital Storytelling Around the WorldRead this episode's blog postWatch the Ep 2 Looking Back video with Mike Lang & Kristy WolfeConnect with Burcu Şimşek and read her 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.

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-Onset 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 MessagesThe Shift in Thinking about Disabilities 3:52The Collaborative Creation of CanChild 6:49Family-Centred Care and the Importance of Parenting 16:38Digital Storytelling and Audience Engagement 24:29Empowering Families and Redefining Success 27:39Other Links MentionedWatch CanChild: 35 Years of Making a DifferenceRead a recent article, Perspectives in childhood-onset disabilities: integrating 21st-Century concepts to expand our horizonsRead this episode's blog postListen to a related Co-Created episode with Peter's colleague, Sara PotWatch the Kickstarter Conversation with Mike Lang & Kristy WolfeBack the Common Language Story Slam KickstarterConnect 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.

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 MessagesStory Slam Vision and Format 5:31Charitable Impact Through Digital Stories 7:50Kickstarter Funding is Essential 10:22Ticket and Sponsorship Options 10:48Inspiring Audience Engagement and Action 14:00Back the Story Slam Kickstarter HereIf 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.

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 MessagesRebecca’s Focus on Health Inequities 1:29 DST Project on Cannabis Harm Reduction 6:20 Youth and DST Competency 14:51 Adapting to Personal Strengths in DST Facilitation 17:16The Power of Youth Voices in Policy Discussions 27:18Other Links MentionedLearn more about the Cannabis Harm Reduction ProjectFinding Myself on the Mat - A digital story by RebeccaWatch the digital story from Expecting to Quit Project of the BC Centre of Excellence for Women's HealthTrace 5 StudyRead this episode's blog postWatch the Ep 20 Looking Back video with Mike Lang & Kristy WolfeConnect 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.

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 MessagesDaisy's Introduction to Storytelling and Its Impact 1:03Physician Wellness and Mental Health 2:12Shame and Compassion in Burnout Recovery 6:00Impact and Power of Digital Storytelling 13:16The Role of Digital Storytelling in Quality Improvement 19:53Other Links MentionedThe Path Now Taken - Watch Daisy's Digital StoryTimes Colonist article Victoria cardiologists's death spurs daughter to make appealRead this episode's blog postWatch the Ep15 Looking Back video with Mike Lang & Kristy WolfeConnect 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.

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.

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 MessagesWhat is Digital Storytelling? 3:05 - 4:53The Process of Creating a Digital Story 4:53 - 6:24Importance of Story Circles in the Creation Process 10:05 - 12:21The Power and Function of Digital Storytelling 12:21 - 14:59Examples of Successful Digital Storytelling Projects 14:59 - 19:14Other Links MentionedMike's digital story, BreathMike's documentary workMike's digital story researchRead this episode's blog postConnect 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.

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 MentionedIncreasing capacity for Maternal and Paediatric Clinical Trials (IMPaCT) Rise Learning Platform Mike Lang’s paper - How to Meaningully Engage with Patient StoriesLooking Back video with Mike Lang & Kristy WolfeAbout Our GuestSara 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.