Skip to main content

Posts

The Subtle Art of Shaping History with Language

  In the latest episode of our podcast, we were privileged to have Ted Young, a scholar with a deep passion for literature and language, share his insights on the interplay between fate, narrative, and the course of history. Young, who began his academic journey with the intention of pursuing law, experienced a pivotal twist of fate that led him to a career in academia, specifically in literature and language studies. His story is a testament to the serendipity that often defines our life paths and highlights the profound impact of narratives on personal and societal transformation. The discussion then sails into the complex relationship between history and storytelling. Young, drawing on the work of Hayden White, illustrated the selective nature of historical narratives. The craft of storytelling is not just a passive retelling of events but a creative act of inclusion and exclusion, shaping how we perceive and understand the past. This editorial choice in crafting history demonstrate
Recent posts

Echoes of Empathy in the Quest for Authenticity

In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of featuring Buffy Bratt, a trans hip-hop artist whose life narrative intertwines with her musical creations, forming a mosaic of experiences that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. Her story is one that encapsulates the struggles, resilience, and eventual triumphs of a transgender individual navigating through the complexities of life and identity. As the hosts of the podcast, we had the opportunity to delve deep into Buffy's journey, her upcoming EP "A Different Type of Gangster," and the broader context of transgender issues in society today. Buffy Bratt is an embodiment of tenacity. Her music serves as a vessel for her emotional voyage from a childhood marked by the loss of her mother and time spent in foster care to the solace and empowerment she discovered in her craft. Throughout our conversation, it became clear that Buffy's music is more than just sound; it's a chronicle of her relent

Story and Gaming with Ryan Chenier

The magical world of 3D animation and game development has been a driving force behind the captivating experiences that gamers around the world have come to love. On our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan Chenye, a seasoned 3D modeler, animator, and co-founder of indie game studio Nevergreen Games, who took us behind the scenes of this fascinating realm where art and technology intertwine. With a decade of experience working for mobile gaming powerhouses like Zynga and Disney, Ryan has seen firsthand the breathtaking advancements in technology that have fueled the gaming industry. Creating 3D models for games is a complex process that requires a balance of technical knowledge and creative prowess. But for Ryan, the technical aspects are not just a means to an end, but a tool to enhance the artistic elements of the game. One of the most intriguing aspects of our discussion was the power of storytelling in games. Video games offer a unique form of storytell

For Love of the Game with Sports Author David Smith

  Our latest episode of Language of the Soul podcast welcomes David Smith, a multifaceted author and speaker, who owns the United Racquet Club. His rich experience provides a unique perspective on the interconnected nature of passion, storytelling, and legacy. David's journey as a storyteller began with his desire to document his father's legacy, inspiring him to encourage others to record their narratives. Diving into the enchanting world of Disney books, we explore the magic of storytelling and character development. These narratives, like a magical theme park ride, take readers on a historical fiction journey, creating a universal connection with characters and evoking emotions that transcend boundaries. Drawing inspiration from acclaimed books like Mitch Album's "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" and Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code," we discuss the spiritual journey these narratives can create for readers. Shifting our focus to sports, we uncove

Johnny Worthing on the Art of Storytelling and Societal Change

In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve into an intriguing conversation with Johnny Worthen, an award-winning author, and teacher, about the power and impact of storytelling on cultures and societies. Known for his famous series "Tony Flannery, Slacker Detective" and his science fiction masterpiece "Koranon", Worthen has earned his place in the world of storytelling, using his unique approach to shed light on important societal issues. The episode begins with a look at storytelling's role in culture. We discuss Johnny's journey as a writer, his diverse background, and how it influenced his writing. We explore his popular series and his unique approach to teaching creative writing, which includes a course on Buddhist lessons for writers. The discussion emphasizes the cultural impact of storytelling and how it has shaped Johnny's life and career. The conversation then moves onto the themes, genres, and power of stories. We explore the creative proce

Discovering Self through the Art of Storytelling

  The transformative power of storytelling and spirituality is a captivating subject. In a recent episode of the 'Language of the Soul' podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Connet Tegan, a renowned children's author and energy therapist. The focus of the discussion was the intersection of storytelling, spirituality, and their influence on personal growth and development. Storytelling has been an integral part of human culture for millennia. It shapes our identities, beliefs, and even our spiritual paths. Connet Tegan's work beautifully intertwines the power of words and music, creating a universe where communication skills and character building are paramount. This not only makes her a phenomenal author but also a catalyst for positive change.  In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, the role of storytelling often gets sidelined. However, the significance of narratives in understanding complex issues cannot be overstated. From personal experiences to s

Unlocking Creativity and Personal Growth through Storytelling: A Conversation with Renee Urbanovic

  There is something magical about storytelling. It has the power to transport us to different worlds, challenge our perspectives, and trigger a wide range of emotions. In the podcast episode "Unlocking Creativity and Personal Growth through Storytelling," we delve into this power with our guest, Renee Urbanovic, a TEDxTalk speaker, creativity coach, and Humanities through the Arts Professor.  Renee's story is one of triumph over adversity. After suffering a vocal injury that left her voiceless, she earned a degree in creativity and embarked on a journey to understand the complex world of creativity. Her exploration revealed that creativity is not merely a skill or talent, but a global philosophy deeply ingrained within our DNA. This perspective on creativity offers a new lens through which we can view our personal growth and collective evolution. The episode begins with Renee sharing her unique philosophy on creativity, which she explains through the metaphor of a pot, r

Exploring the Influence of Stories in Healing and Spirituality

In a recent podcast episode, we had an enlightening discussion with Rosalyn Lehman, a retired educator and anthropologist, and Menci Kang. We ventured into the healing powers of narrative, the potential of epigenetics to rewire these narratives, and the transformative role of yoga in dealing with trauma. Stories play a crucial role in our perception of ourselves and the world around us. They influence our beliefs, shape our identities, and can even impact our physical bodies through the field of epigenetics. Particularly in the context of trauma, narratives can either perpetuate harm or be a tool for healing and transformation. The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves are of paramount importance. In this episode, we also delved into the therapeutic potential of yoga in dealing with trauma. Yoga, as a lifestyle of discipline, can help shift little proteins and methyl groups in the body, altering our genetic makeup. We discussed the cognitive process of releasing emotions and the co

A Tale of Redemption and Creativity

In our latest podcast episode, we had the privilege to journey through the remarkable life of Joshua Lloyd Fox, an indie author and master storyteller who embarked on his writing career at the age of 40. Joshua's diverse background as a soldier, aircraft mechanic, technical writer, and more for both the US and foreign militaries, his profound insights on faith, transformation, and creativity make for an engaging conversation.  Joshua's story of personal transformation and the therapeutic power of storytelling is truly compelling. His battle with childhood trauma and how it shaped his life and creative process is a testament to resilience and the human spirit. During our conversation, we delved into his experience with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and the potential therapeutic benefits of micro-dosing hallucinogens. It was enlightening to see how writing served as a powerful tool for Joshua to reframe his personal narratives and confront his darke

Untold Narratives: Discovering Abilities Amidst Disabilities

The journey of raising a child with Trisomy 21, more commonly known as Down Syndrome, is often filled with challenges and blessings. Nancy M. Schwartz, mother to Alex - a cellist with Trisomy 21, shares her journey and the profound influence of stories and words on education, inclusivity, and understanding the unique gifts of those with disabilities. Through the deep dive into Nancy's journey, she shares her experiences and insights that challenge conventional education systems and societal perceptions. Her son Alex, diagnosed with Trisomy 21, was initially perceived as incapable of fitting into conventional education frameworks. However, Nancy's relentless belief in Alex's abilities and the transformative power of storytelling turned barriers into breakthroughs. Nancy's narrative is a testament to resilience and the overlooked abilities of those with disabilities. It urges us to see the unique gifts they bring and to rethink our approach to education, especially in th