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 process of writing and the role of themes in driving a story. The discussion highlights the power of storytelling in increasing empathy and understanding of different cultures. It also touches on the debate between literary and genre fiction, emphasizing the importance of themes and the impact of storytelling on readers.

Next, we delve into the influence of social media on reading habits. We discuss pressing societal issues such as class war, poverty, and the culture war, dissecting the invisible ties between social media, critical thinking, personal biases, and identity politics. The conversation underscores the importance of unity and evolution in the face of the digital media revolution and political polarization.

The episode also delves into the importance of reading and critical thinking. We explore how reading fosters understanding and discernment, playing a vital role in societal growth. We discuss the rise of long-form media and the decline of literacy in today's society, emphasizing the need for evolution and unity. In a fascinating exploration of the occult, storytelling, and biases, the conversation shifts to discuss the topic of allyship and personal biases. The hosts share their experiences and discuss the slow evolution of society and the importance of storytelling in promoting change. We then explore the topic of identity politics and its impact on various aspects of our lives. The conversation touches on the strong emotional attachment people have to their beliefs, the binary thinking prevalent in Western culture, and the connection between the creative process and steps towards enlightenment.

Lastly, we discuss how Buddhism can be used as a tool for creativity and self-discovery. We delve into how writing can be a means of learning about oneself and how the structure of a story can mirror the structure of life. This chapter highlights the potential for creativity to be a path towards personal development and getting good at life.

Listen to the episode at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2267353/14081913-storytelling-and-social-reform-with-author-johnny-worthen.mp3?download=true

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Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78 th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions. Her stories have been published in many print and online publications and her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna has two more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, The Hockey Agony and Powder Monkey . She writes, moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids and Publicist for the National Writing for Children Center from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI and Musing Our Children. What excites you most about your book’s topic? Why did you choose it? The Underground Railroad was a pivotal time in American history, one that should never be repeated. It is my hope ...

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Rie McGaha was born and raised in northern California along the shores of Humboldt County where her grandmother often took her to dig for clams and watch the whales migrate. Being raised with the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, gave Rie a deep love for nature. She has resided in the Kiamichi Mountains of SE Oklahoma for more than ten years with her husband, Nathan, where they rescue animals, nurses them back to health and tries to find homes for them. She is the mother of 12 and Nana of 33. VS: Rie, I want to thank you for being my guest here on The Writing Mama today. As you know, being a parent is hard work and when you throw writing into the mix . . . well it seems almost impossible to get everything done. I find myself asking if I giving my three children enough attention throughout the day. Now you didn’t really start writing until your children were grown, however, you have your grandchildren running around from time to time, so to start here is the first qu...

VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

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