How theater can create space for meaningful dialogue, build community trust, and inspire engagement among diverse audiences

In this episode of Storylinking, Chad Swan-Badgero (founder and artistic director of Peppermint Creek Theatre and program manager for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs) joins host Tom Lietz for a conversation about how theater creates space for communities to navigate tough conversations. From Peppermint Creek’s origins to its evolution as a platform for addressing current societal issues, Chad shares his insights on approaches to audience engagement, and the transformative power of participatory storytelling.

Key topics include challenges and rewards of community engagement, theater as a model for dialogue and connection, and how bringing diverse audiences together can help us to meaningfully address social issues. We discuss his experiences staging "What the Constitution Means to Me," and explore more broadly how the arts can inspire community revitalization, individual fulfillment, and transformative conversations that extend far beyond the stage.

Connect with Chad Swan-Badgero and Peppermint Creek Theatre:

• Peppermint Creek Theatre: http://peppermintcreek.org
• Contact Chad: office@peppermintcreek.org

Check out more from Storylinking:

• https://storylinking.com/blog/ep09 (see a picture of the set from "What the Constitution Means to Me" and read more about this episode)
• https://storylinking.com (the full show site)

Key Moments from This Episode

02:02 Chad's Early Journey into Theater

05:51 Founding Peppermint Creek Theater

09:55 Evolving the Mission of Peppermint Creek

14:04 Staging 'What the Constitution Means to Me'

18:23 The Impact of the Show on the Community

29:11 Audience Engagement in Theater

30:27 Nervousness and Excitement in Live Performances

33:52 The Role of Theater in Community Dialogue

39:32 Challenges of Audience Engagement

45:52 The Broader Impact of Arts and Culture

53:21 Personal Reflections and Community Impact

57:52 Taking the Long View

How AI can elevate human creativity and community engagement

In this episode of Storylinking, musician/developer/founder/creator David Norris and host Tom Lietz talk about how generative AI is transforming creativity and community engagement. They discuss practical ways to integrate new AI-based approaches while staying human-centered, balancing innovation with ethical considerations, and using new tools to build meaningful connections at scale.

Key topics include the potential of generative AI to transform creativity and community engagement, the balance between AI innovation and human values, and the ethical considerations involved. The conversation explores how leaders can begin to integrate new approaches into their work, including practical first steps toward thoughtful experimentation.

Check out our Guest, David Norris:

• On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedavenorris/

• His company, Bold Crow AI https://boldcrow.ai/

• On Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/givingbacksmiles

Check out more from Storylinking:

• https://storylinking.com/blog/ep08 (read more about this episode)

• https://storylinking.com (the full show site)

Key Moments from This Episode

01:31 Exploring Generative AI in Music

02:12 Balancing AI and Human Creativity

08:55 Community Engagement and Building Systems

09:52 Transitioning from Creative Work to System Building

13:57 The Future of Community Engagement with AI

27:31 Optimism and the Future of AI

38:04 Practical First Steps for Implementing AI

46:08 Embracing Change and Experimentation

Harnessing Co-Creation for Aligned Impact in Healthcare and Beyond, with Workomics founder Susan Bartlett

In this episode of Storylinking, Susan Bartlett, co-founder of Workomics, joins host Tom Lietz to explore the transformative power of co-creative practices in breaking down organizational silos and building alignment across diverse teams. Susan shares how her work bridges internal and external barriers to help organizations create solutions that resonate with all stakeholders: from internal departments like legal and compliance to the end users of healthcare systems.

Key topics include the formation of organizational silos and the challenges they create, the critical role of co-creation in fostering shared understanding and collaboration among stakeholders, and the use of storytelling as a tool to connect participants and represent their contributions to their communities. In the process we talk about addressing barriers like legal and compliance constraints, how to measure the impact of these efforts, and practical steps first steps for leaders interested in trying more co-creative approaches.

Check out our guest Susan Bartlett, and her company Workomics:

• Workomics on Substack, at https://workomics.substack.com/

• Workomics on Linkedin, at https://www.linkedin.com/company/workomics/

Check out more from Storylinking:

• https://storylinking.com/blog/ep07 (read more about this episode)

• https://storylinking.com (the full show site)

Key moments from this episode:

02:11 Defining Co-Creation

03:51 Bridging the Gap in Healthcare Communication

05:13 Learning from Stakeholder Experiences

06:37 The Importance of Internal Alignment

15:23 The Role of Storytelling in Co-Creation

18:23 Balancing Structure and Flexibility

32:39 Building Trust and Overcoming Skepticism

38:40 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice

• “Building trust in communities” https://extension.umn.edu/vital-connections/building-trust-communities
• Visit https://extension.umn.edu/ and search for “community”

• Jody Horntvedt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jody-hornvedt-1a061939/
• Eriks Dunens on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriks-dunens-3388404b/

Check out more from Storylinking:

• https://storylinking.com/blog/ep06 (read more about this episode)
• https://storylinking.com (the full show site)

00:56 Exploring Trust in Communities

01:16 Meet the Experts: Eriks and Jodi

01:44 The Importance of Trust

03:21 Research on Trust and Engagement

07:30 Types of Trust

10:22 Building Trust in Communities

14:01 Challenges in Community Trust

17:41 Practical Applications of Trust Research

22:49 Trust and Community Projects

27:28 Eriks’ Role in Minneapolis City Government

28:30 Measuring Impact Beyond Numbers

30:34 Crisis of Trust in Public Institutions

31:59 Building Trust Through Storytelling

33:06 Community Engagement and Trust

38:04 Creating Spaces for Connection

46:10 Hope and Optimism in Community Building

51:11 Practical Steps to Rebuild Trust

In this episode of Storylinking, Rich Green (Commercial Director at Madgex) and host Tom Lietz dive into the results of the 2024 Wiley Society Member Survey. Together, they unpack the survey's findings on career development within associations, highlighting a pressing issue: the gap between members' expectations for career advancement and the support they actually receive. Rich, an innovator in job boards and career center solutions, shares his perspective on how associations can adapt to better meet members' needs by prioritizing career services, networking opportunities, and professional growth.

The conversation reveals how career support impacts member engagement, retention, and satisfaction, offering actionable strategies for association and community leaders to bridge this gap. Tom and Rich also discuss the role of storytelling in strengthening community connections and empowering individuals within the association framework.

Contact our guest, Rich Green, at Richard.Green@madgex.com

Learn more about Madgex and the 2024 Wiley Society Member Survey:

• https://madgex.com/
• https://www.wiley.com/en-us/network/publishing/societies/member-engagement/how-career-support-powers-satisfaction-and-engagement-in-society

Check out more from Storylinking:

• https://storylinking.com/blog/ep05 (read more about this episode)
• https://storylinking.com (the full show site)

Key moments from this episode:

00:52 Exploring the 2024 Wiley Society Member Survey

01:43 Rich Green's Career Journey

04:49 Insights from the Wiley Society Member Survey

07:22 The Disconnect Between Career Development and Member Satisfaction

14:37 Strategies for Associations to Enhance Career Development

19:25 The Role of Employer Branding in Career Development

21:15 The Future of Community and Career Development

35:38 Considering the Story of our Work

How community builders can respond to political polarization

In this episode of Storylinking, counseling psychology professor and author Dr. Tania Israel shares her journey of bringing people together across deep political divides. Dr. Israel discusses growing challenges of political polarization and introduces practical, research-based strategies for fostering understanding and connection in divided communities. She explores how reducing polarizing input, recognizing cognitive biases, and using storytelling can help bridge divides and support a healthier democracy.

Key takeaways include practical advice on building empathy, engaging in bridging conversations, and strengthening social cohesion within our communities.

Check out our guest, Tania Israel, Ph.D.:

• Facing the Fracture (Book)
• https://taniaisrael.com/
• @taniaisraelphd on Instagram, X, and Threads
• On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tania-israel/

Check out more from Storylinking:

• storylinking.com

Key moments from this episode:

How Authentic Stories Drive Collaboration, Compassion, and Sustainable Impact in Nonprofits

In this episode of Storylinking, nonprofit leader and philanthropy consultant Katherine Lacefield shares her journey of using storytelling as a powerful tool to build inclusive communities. Katherine dives deep into the importance of shifting from competition to collaboration in the nonprofit world, offering practical strategies for managing compassion fatigue and driving sustainable fundraising efforts. She explains how community-sourced stories can foster empathy, dispel stereotypes, and ignite meaningful action.

Key takeaways include practical advice on active listening, seeking diverse perspectives, and strengthening partnerships.

Check out our guest, Katherine Lacefield:

• www.justbecause.consulting
• www.justbecause.consulting/podcast
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-mac-donald/

Check out more from Storylinking:

• https://storylinking.com/blog/ep03 (read more about this episode)
• https://storylinking.com (the full show site)

Key moments from this episode:

00:48 Challenges in Community Storytelling
01:07 Introduction to Identity Storytelling
01:42 Guest Introduction: Katherine Lacefield
02:13 Katherine's Early Nonprofit Journey
04:42 Expanding Nonprofit Focus
06:37 Lessons from Nonprofit Work
11:30 Human Connection in Animal Welfare
15:03 The Power of Storytelling in Nonprofits
17:03 Building Empathy Through Stories
17:30 Changing Perspectives on Animal Ownership
20:36 The Role of Authenticity and Curiosity
21:53 Engaging with Differing Opinions
24:07 Actionable Tips for Community Builders
26:01 Connecting and Collaborating with Others
28:12 Final Thoughts and Ways to Connect