From Stilettos to Stigma: Unpacking the Stories That Stick
In the latest episode of our podcast, we delve into the transformative potential of storytelling within the realm of public health communication. Our guest, Becky McCall, a seasoned medical journalist and PhD candidate at University College London, offers a unique perspective on how narratives can reshape the way we understand and address health challenges. From her journey from microbiology to medical journalism, Becky emphasizes the role of digital storytelling in making complex issues, such as antibiotic resistance, more accessible to the public.
Storytelling, as discussed in this episode, is not merely about sharing experiences; it's about creating connections and fostering empathy. Through narratives like "False Peak," which portrays the emotional journey of a young woman battling stage four bowel cancer, Becky and her collaborators illustrate the depth and impact that co-created stories can achieve. These stories serve as powerful tools to bridge the gap between personal experiences and broader public health conversations, emphasizing the role of empathy in shaping effective health communication.
One of the core discussions in the episode revolves around the ethical considerations in digital storytelling. The process of sharing personal health stories involves navigating a complex landscape of emotions and responsibilities. Our conversation sheds light on the importance of thoughtful preparation and having trained facilitators to guide discussions on sensitive topics. The episode highlights the need to safeguard the well-being of both storytellers and audiences, ensuring that the narratives not only educate but also empower those involved.
Antibiotic resistance emerges as a focal point in our exploration of storytelling's role in public health. Becky McCall's research underscores the potential of digital narratives to raise awareness and engage the public in understanding this pressing issue. By making antibiotic resistance "real and relevant" through storytelling, the episode advocates for a collaborative approach to health communication, where both clinicians and the public play crucial roles in addressing this global challenge.
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The podcast also touches on the broader impact of personal stories in reducing stigma and sparking meaningful discussions on health topics like antibiotic resistance and obesity. The challenges of gathering impactful narratives are acknowledged, yet the episode emphasizes the transformative power of personal stories in creating change. Through patient organizations and persistent efforts, Becky and her team are working to bring these narratives to the forefront, advocating for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to public health.
Episode 29 Key Messages
Introduces Becky McCall, medical journalist and researcher
Discusses the journey from microbiology to public health
Highlights the global challenge of antibiotic resistance
Emphasizes the power of personal narratives in storytelling
Shares the importance of collaborating with patient organizations
Presents stories that illustrate the human toll of antibiotic misuse
Explores the role of stigma in health communication
Discusses future directions for storytelling in public health
Calls for greater public engagement through shared narratives
In conclusion, this episode offers a compelling exploration of how storytelling can shape the future of public health communication. By emphasizing empathy, ethical considerations, and the power of personal narratives, the podcast underscores the potential of digital storytelling to inspire change and foster understanding across diverse health experiences. Tune in to discover how narratives can transform the way we perceive and address public health challenges.
About our Guest
Becky McCall is based in London, UK, and has recently completed her first set of five digital stories that focus on people with experiences of antibiotic resistant infection. The work forms part of Becky’s PhD research (University College London) and aims to help address a gap in public engagement with one of the world’s top 10 humanitarian health crises (antimicrobial resistance-AMR). Becky is also a medical journalist writing for both medical and consumer press, recently including Foresight Global Health, Medscape.com, The Lancet, The Times and the Mail on Sunday. She has also worked in radio and TV. She'll make any excuse to travel; seeking inspiration in places and most importantly, people - firmly believing everyone has a story to tell.
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.
