Accessing Creativity Through the Art of Story
Storytelling is a profound method of communication that transcends time and culture. In the latest episode of Co-Created, we engage in a meaningful dialogue about the significance of storytelling, particularly in academic settings and its application in addressing contemporary challenges. Mike Wilson, Director of the Storytelling Academy at Loughborough University, shares his insights on how storytelling serves as a powerful knowledge system, often overlooked in favour of more conventional academic or technical approaches. His perspective highlights how human experiences and narratives can offer nuanced understandings to complex issues, illuminating the intersection of storytelling with themes like identity, environmental challenges, and social justice.
One of the core discussions revolves around the idea that storytelling is more than just a tool for sharing knowledge; it is inherently a social act — one that allows individuals to connect deeper with one another. Through the process of storytelling, people can articulate their experiences and express their identities in a way that resonates with others, fostering a sense of belonging. This is particularly poignant in educational environments where students from diverse backgrounds come together; storytelling creates opportunities for shared understanding and empathy, breaking down barriers and enabling dialogue that compels action.
Have a look at Loughborough University’s Storytelling Academy
The episode also sheds light on the practical aspects of implementing storytelling projects within universities. Mike describes how collaboration is key to their approach, emphasizing an interdisciplinary methodology that incorporates perspectives from various fields such as health, science, and business. This collaborative spirit enriches the storytelling process, allowing for multiple interpretations and a broader scope of inquiry. By encouraging partnerships between storytellers and specialists, they can harness a wider array of voices and knowledge that traditionally may not be heard in dominant discourse.
Digital storytelling, a significant component of their work, allows for creativity and accessibility in sharing narratives. Mike explains that while digital storytelling might seem straightforward—creating a short film or a voiceover—it requires substantial thought and deliberation. The artistic process transforms storytelling from a quick act into a reflective practice, allowing storytellers to reconsider their narrative structure and meaning. He describes this as “slow storytelling,” where the process becomes just as meaningful as the final product. This approach nurtures deeper engagement, allowing storytellers and audiences to reflect on the implications of their shared stories.
Episode 32 Key Messages
• Storytelling as a foundational knowledge system
• Importance of experiential knowledge in communication
• Impact of storytelling on community and identity
• Interdisciplinary collaborations enhancing storytelling efforts
• Role of digital storytelling as a reflective practice
• Training facilitators for effective storytelling workshops
• Ecosystem of stories promoting collective understanding and action
Additionally, this episode addresses the significance of training facilitators and the ecosystems needed to support storytelling endeavours. Mike describes their master’s and PhD programs at Loughborough University, highlighting the diverse cohort of students they attract—from journalists to health professionals—demonstrating the universal appeal of storytelling as a discipline. Their educational initiatives foster a vibrant community of practice that empowers students to explore and innovate their storytelling capabilities, thus enhancing their ability to contribute to the wider society.
In concluding the discussion, Mike expresses a profound belief that storytelling can lead to transformative experiences. He asserts that story not only helps reflect on personal experiences but also drives collective understanding and action. By incorporating storytelling into various disciplines, educators and researchers can unlock new pathways of exploration, ultimately enriching not only academic but also societal conversations.
About our Guest
Michael Wilson is Professor of Drama and Director of the Storytelling Academy, a research team in Applied Storytelling at Loughborough University in the UK. His main research interests lie broadly within the field of popular and vernacular performance and over the past twenty years he has led numerous interdisciplinary RCUK/UKRI cross-council and European Commission funded projects that explore the application of storytelling to a variety of social and policy contexts, especially around environmental policy, health, education and social justice. These projects have taken place in the UK and across Europe, as well as in South America, East Africa and India. He has published widely on various aspects of storytelling.
This conversation was recorded about the episode titled “Transformative & Therapeutic Benefits of Digital Storytelling" with Pip Hardy, Laura Mazzoli Smith and Kate Thompson. This episode was released in September of 2024.
About Co-Created
Co-Created is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of digital storytelling. On each episode, host Kristy Wolfe dives into conversations with the storytellers and facilitators who bring digital stories to life.
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.
Co-Created is presented by Common Language DST, digital storytelling facilitation training for health and wellness changemakers and is supported by the team at Snack Labs.
