Stories Lived. Stories Told.: Recent Episodes
Stories Lived. Stories Told.
This is a podcast celebrating humanity and all our stories—the beautiful ones, the messy ones, and the ones that are a little bit of both. Through this podcast we will learn to tell our own stories and listen to the stories of others, treating both with care and respect. To do this, we will be exploring the communication theory Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM). CMM states that "persons-in-conversation co-construct their own social realities." Join Abbie as she and her guests use the lens of CMM to better understand their social realities and work to create better ones.
What does it look like to connect everyday interactions to broader social dynamics? To use our knowledge of interpersonal communication to create the kinds of organizations, communities, and systems we want to make?
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Today, Abbie and Kate talk about a relational approach to disorganizing systemic violence in organizations, exploring themes from Kate’s new book Transforming Trauma to discuss different ways of knowing (and not knowing) in our bodies, minds, and relationships; flexibility and agility in organizations when responding to trauma; and recognizing discourses that create fearful or curious responses to uncertainty.
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Kate Lockwood Harris, PhD, is an internationally recognized communication scholar, writer, and consultant. Her award-winning research focuses on the relationship between violence and communication. In her most recent book, Transforming Trauma: A Relational Approach to Disorganizing Systemic Violence, Dr. Harris shows how trauma gets stuck in an organization’s practices and policies—not just in its people. Moreover, she offers guidance for addressing this organized trauma.
In addition to this work, Dr. Harris has published more than 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and chapters in edited collections, and she regularly speaks to audiences in the United States and across the globe. Most recently, Dr. Harris has been authoring the monthly public essay series, CommuniKate with Kate Lockwood Harris. Each essay shows how shifts in everyday interactions can create not only thriving relationships and organizations but also a more just world. Dr. Harris offers individual coaching for people who want to grow their personal and professional communication skills, and she consults with organizations to build climates where violence is rare and where people flourish.
Kate Lockwood Harris is Associate Professor of Communication Studies and a McKnight Presidential Fellow. She uses critical, feminist, and intersectional perspectives to answer the question, “How are violence and communication related?” Dr. Harris assumes that violence is a symptom of inequity, so she pays close attention to gender, race, and related systems of difference. Her research on organizational responses to sexual assault has been widely published in management, communication, cultural studies, and feminist outlets.
Her first book, Beyond the Rapist: Title IX and Sexual Violence on US Campuses (Oxford University Press), was recognized with the 2020 Book Award from the European Group for Organizational Studies.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
How do we embrace the unknowability of being alive?
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Today, Abbie and Lois explore social therapeutics and performance activism as avenues for “performing beyond ourselves,” embracing life as play (and play as life), and creating stages- not of development- but, for development.
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As director of the East Side Institute, the research and education center for social therapeutics and performance activism, Lois Holzman has broadened its reach globally across geographical and practice/profession boundaries. As both academic scholar and popular writer, her work builds on the insights of Lev Vygotsky and Ludwig Wittgenstein, particularly on “language-ing” as relational activity, as an important component of an expended practical critique of the individualistic bio-medical model of emotional distress. Lois is the author of A Developmentalist's Guide to Better Mental Health: Navigating Everyday Life Dilemmas.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
What CMMish tools help us to end a conversation in a different place than where we started?
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Today, Abbie and Laura explore the stories of Laura’s evolving approach to therapy, including the introduction of paradox and counterparadox developed by the Milan Center; the adoption of a more strategic approach to communication from a pragmatic perspective; the shift in seeing the therapist as both observer and participant; and the centering of interaction as the place where social realities are relationally co-constructed.
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Laura Fruggeri is director of the Centro Bolognese di Terapia Familiare (Italy), where she works as teacher, researcher and psychotherapist. She is consultant and supervisor of teams working in the mental health services. She has given seminars in many international Training Institutes and Universities. She has consistently presented at national and international conferences. She is author of numerous articles, essays, and books in Italian, English, French, Spanish, and German. The latest book, “Psychotherapeutic competencies”, written together with Francesca Balestra and Elena Venturelli, was published in 2022 by Rutledge (London).
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
How do games like Dungeons and Dragons enable us to practice a CMM-informed way of relating, participating, and communicating?
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Today, Abbie and Tom explore Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) as a powerful practice and metaphor for developing more relational, emergent, and collaborative ways of being and leading, touching on the value of experiential learning in scenarios our brains will remember as real; the need (both in game and out) to coordinate across different meanings being made in each of our own imaginations; and the opportunity to transform and be transformed by collective storytelling and world building.
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Tom Watkin is a passionate business leader and writer who bridges the imaginative world of Dungeons & Dragons with real-world leadership and teamwork development. He is the creative force behind the DnD at Work blog, where he explores how roleplaying games can be powerful tools for honing soft skills like communication, collaboration, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence in a safe, playful environment.
Beyond the blog, Tom is a business leader in the environmental sector with experience across Australia, Europe, New Zealand and Asia. He's led teams in small business, startups and large multi-nationals. He is also the author of Business Development Begins Here, aimed at helping technical professionals navigate the complexities of work winning and business expansion. He advocates for “Steward Leadership” — guiding organizations toward long-term success through thoughtful and ethical leadership.
In essence, Tom fuses his extensive background in business leadership with his love for gaming, creating a unique, experiential path for leaders and teams to grow stronger—one adventure at a time.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
Who isn't being invited to the conversation?
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Today, Abbie and Mil explore ways to create “grains of empowerment” that enable every individual to participate in community-based solutions to our global problems, beginning with each of us asking the question “who is missing?” in every space we enter; systematically inviting people with differing perspective, identities, and experiences to the table; and naming the invisible patterns of communication that keep us from hearing each other in conversation.
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As a board director, mediator, and international ESG supply chain strategist, Mil Niepold, has spent her career at the intersection of partnerships, policy, and sustainability—architecting inclusive, bottom-line solutions that address climate change while improving human rights at the same time.
Career-wide, Mil has served on, and chaired, ESG-related advisory boards, helped Fortune 500 companies launch integrated gender and climate supply chain strategies, and advised more than fifty companies, governments, and NGOs on climate-resilient human rights due-diligence strategies, with a particular focus on women’s leadership on climate change and the elimination of child and forced labor. Her clients have included Amazon, the Asian Development Bank, Nestlé, CARE International, Oxfam America and others.
A lifelong consensus builder, she has mediated more than forty multi-stakeholder dialogues on complex economic and social issues such as agricultural policy, climate-resilient livelihoods, child and forced labor, rural land use, and gender policy.
Mil has made policy reform recommendations to six governments around climate, gender, and human rights, and led teams in designing and delivering international sustainability, negotiation, and leadership trainings.
Recognized for expertise in social inclusion, Mil has appeared as keynote, panelist, and presenter with institutions such as University of Pennsylvania Law School, Climate Investment Fund, U.S. State Department, World Bank, and the United Nations.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
How do we create better social worlds at the intersection of mindfulness, innovation, and complexity?
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Today, Abbie and Mattia consider the responsibility humans have to mindfully engage with tools like artificial intelligence by prioritizing our own imagination; the lessons we can learn from experiences of uncertainty and ambiguity; the need for us to practice thinking in an agile way as we look to the future; and the role we have as participant-observers.
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Mattia Vettorello is a results-driven team leader with over 13 years of experience in design-led innovation and first principles thinking, specializing in early-stage validation, product development and design operations. Recipient of the international Innovation Management Award from the International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM) for creating the Innovation System Roadmap: a pioneering tool to optimize investment decisions on early stage ideas, to influence flexibility into the development process and to equip teams with future-thinking capabilities. He regularly publishes thought leadership and speaks at international conferences on anticipatory innovation, ecosystem business model & Ai as a co-thinker.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
How can we learn to see more of our expectations and assumptions?
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Today, Abbie and Rachel are two 'embodied minds' exploring the neurobiology of sensemaking, including our brains being more prediction than reaction, the controlled illusion of acting out of our expectations, the 'felt sense' we experience that encodes all information about priors, and the perception practice that allows us to check our assumptions.
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Rachel Lilley is an Associate Professor at the Birmingham Leadership Institute, a Systems Thinking and Leadership teaching and research centre at the University of Birmingham, UK.
She is a practitioner-researcher in systems approaches and systems leadership and also the Programme Director for an innovative transdisciplinary Master’s Programme combining Systems Leadership and Systems Practice. Rachel’s high-impact research examines human decision-making, systems thinking capabilities, and behavioural change. It has supported policy design and practice, community initiatives, and leadership development at all levels. She has a particular interest in building capabilities to address climate and social change.
Rachel is an expert in human sensemaking, with specialist knowledge in cognition, consciousness, and perception. Her theoretical expertise is supported and informed by a strong track record of practising, teaching, and developing embodied perception skills in teams, organisations, and individuals.
She has over 30 years of experience as a systems practitioner working with public and third-sector organisations, as well as large corporates, addressing climate change, social issues, leadership, behaviour change, community engagement, and well-being.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
How do we understand the complexity of who we are and who we are becoming?
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Today, Abbie and Celiane use social construction as a framework to explore forming futures, intent v. impact, "good" design, and sustainability transitions.
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Celiane Camargo-Borges is an intercultural explorer, researcher, and facilitator with a passion for fostering collaboration across diverse communities. Born and raised in Brazil, she embarked on a global journey of learning and discovery, moving to England as a young adult to study the language. From there, her curiosity led her to the USA for her Ph.D., followed by experiences in Taiwan, Singapore, and finally, the Netherlands.
These global experiences have shaped her expertise in working with international teams and developing social impact projects in communities and organizations. She operates at the intersection of psychology, design thinking, imagineering, social innovation, and lifelong learning.
Celiane is a faculty member at Breda University of Applied Sciences and a consultant at DesigningConversations.us, where she helps organizations and communities navigate complex challenges through meaningful dialogue and creative methodologies. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire, USA.
She facilitates workshops using active methodologies that foster dialogic interaction and collaboration. As a researcher, she engages in participatory inquiry, working with approaches such as action research, arts-based research, narrative research, and future-forming research.
Her work is driven by a commitment to co-creating meaningful change through conversation, creativity, and collective action. Along with fellow alum of the podcast, Sheila McNamee, she is the co-author of Design Thinking and Social Construction: A Practical Guide to Innovation in Research.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
What changes when you begin to recognize, name, and move through your icy blue, fiery orange, and calm green areas?
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Martie van der Reijden and Evelien van den Kerkhof are both Orthopedagogue Generalist / child and youth therapist and EMDR Europe Practitioners. They have been working together for years in their independent practice in Voorschoten (the Netherlands) and have a lot of experience in treating children, adolescents and their families with attachment issues and trauma. They work family-oriented and integrate body-oriented work into the treatment. During their careers, they have specialized in various positions within child and youth psychiatry in the field of trauma, attachment and families.
In addition to the treatment practice, Evelien and Martie develop therapy material under the name My World and offer training to professionals, based on the polyvagal theory of Stephen Porges.
Listeners of Stories Lived. Stories Told. receive a 10% discount on English Language materials from My World using the code: 'myworldcmm' at https://mijnwereldintherapie.nl/my-world-polyvagal-theory/
Today, Abbie, Evelien, and Martie explore ‘My World’ as a polyvagal-informed, body-orientated tool for learning to listen to and communicate with our bodies.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
How can you speak in a way that allows others to hear you? And listen in a way that allows others to speak?
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Deb Nathan is a licensed art therapist and psychotherapist with extensive experience as an educator, artist, therapist and supervisor. In 2008, Deb founded Artsbridge, Inc. – an organization that utilizes a unique methodology to bring together teens from communities in conflict. Artsbridge has primarily focused on Israelis and Palestinians, while lately expanding its work to the United States and other regions of the world.
In addition to Artsbridge, Deb has a private practice outside of Boston, MA where she works with families, couples and individuals. Additionally, Deb teaches in the Counseling and Expressive Therapies Graduate Program at Lesley University.
Deb holds a PhD in Behavioral, Management and Social Sciences from the University of Twente in the Netherlands, and a Master’s Degree in Expressive Therapies from Lesley University. She has presented and conducted workshops internationally on topics such as the use of arts in areas of conflict, how trauma impacts relationships, developing relational resilience, and how to engage constructively in the midst of conflict.
Today, Abbie and Deb discuss the ArtsBridge program and what it takes to create Relational Resilience using Reflecting Dialogue to appreciate complexity, entertain uncertainty, navigate tensionality, cultivate creativity and imagination, and generate reasonable hope.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
What are responsible ways of engaging with ambitions around change?
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Karina Solsø is a self-employed organizational psychologist, who works part-time at the Doctor of Management Programme at University of Hertfordshire, where she supervises Ph.D. students researching complexity in organizations. She also works as an external lecturer at Aalborg University supervising students doing a masters degree. Except from the work at universities, most of her clients work in senior roles in public and private sector companies in Denmark.
Karina works with organizational change and leadership development, based on an approach of joint reflective inquiry into the social complexity of the situation at hand. She draws on her background as a psychologist to understand the relational situation in organizations, which she sees as key when working with change, but her work is also informed by philosophy, sociology and practice theories.
Today, Abbie and Karina discuss emergent sensemaking; designing conversational arenas for exploring change; the conditions for and possibilities of upstream and downstream thinking; navigating the tensions of plurality by embracing “not knowing;” not erasing the otherness of the other; developing a practice of noticing; and creating social coherence through the responsibility of ethics.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
How are we generating possibilities in every moment?
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Rana Kökçinar is a Systemic Psychotherapist and Family Therapist working on unceded Kaurna Land, South Australia.
Anokh Goodman is a Systemic Psychotherapist, Clinical Lead and Training Consultant with Sikh heritage and a working-class background, living in Leeds, North England. Passionate about relationships, narratives, social justice, poetry, and spoken word, he brings an intersectional lens to his work, exploring ideas of radical love to foster inclusive, culturally responsive change. Through deep listening and dialogue, he believes untold stories can transform how we heal, connect, and reimagine our world.
Today, Abbie, Rana, and Anokh explore the ideas of super-coherence and incoherence; the beautiful emergence of transient interactions; changes in moving from a loop of ’doing’ and ‘having’ to a state of ‘being;’ and ongoing de/re-construction of the scenery of our social worlds.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
Is your communication relationship-enhancing or relationship-destroying?
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Dr. Whitney is a global social entrepreneur. She is the founder of Corporation for Positive Change, a global consulting cooperative; co-founder of the Taos Institute, an international think tank dedicated to relational processes in business, education, families and communities; and a founding advisor to the United Religions Initiative, a global network of interfaith cooperation circles working for peace and social justice.
Diana is a prolific, provocative, and practical author. Her award-winning books on Appreciative Leadership and Appreciative Inquiry, the revolutionary process she helped to develop, have been translated into over a dozen languages and are used as textbooks in business schools, universities, and corporate learning centers around the world.
As a master consultant, Dr. Whitney’s work spans the globe. Diana consults with executives and their teams in support of strategic planning and organization development, organization culture creation and transformation, and leadership capacity building.
Diana serves as Distinguished Consulting Faculty with Saybrook University, and a Ph.D. advisor with the Taos Institute. She is Expert Faculty for the NCR Picker Patient Centered Care Institute and a Fellow of the World Business Academy.
Today, Abbie and Diana explore Appreciative Inquiry as focusing on what we do when we are at our best; Positive Change as a process for shifting narratives, not people; and Appreciative Leadership as an implicitly relational process.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
How do we create conversations in the world that make us feel inspired?
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Pedro Martins, Ph.D., is a Brazilian psychologist. He obtained his Doctoral and Master’s degree at the University of São Paulo. He is interested in the practice of therapy as social construction in different contexts, and his main goal is to create generative conversational resources that bridge academic and practical knowledge. He works as a clinical psychologist in his private practice. His research focuses on the workings of therapeutic conversation, particularly aiming to expand traditional, individual practices toward more socially and relationally sensitive ones. He is the author of Practicing Therapy as Social Construction (with Sheila McNamee and Emerson Rasera) and “Dialogic Communication in the Practice of Family Consultations in Mental Health" (with Carla Guanaes Lorenzi).
Today, Abbie and Pedro explore the power of telling the untold stories, recognizing the co-creative nature of meaning, and moving from a focus on outcome to process in Pedro’s field of psychology and beyond.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
What agency can you identify in the systems you are in? And how can you use it to invite others to design with intention together?
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Josina Vink is a designer and researcher with expertise in health system transformation. They have extensive experience leading and facilitating participatory system and service design processes in health care, government, non-profit and community settings. Josina has worked as a service and systemic designer in healthcare internationally including at the Mayo Clinic in the United States, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada, and Experio Lab in Sweden. In their practice, they have developed new services, supported policy change, facilitated shifts in practices across sectors, and led social lab processes. Josina is currently Associate Professor of Service Design at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design in Norway. Their research explores how design can create profound and significant change in health and care by reshaping social structures.
Today, Abbie and Josina explore Josina’s emerging approach to design- specifically in health care systems, but also beyond that in our everyday lives, relationships, and social worlds- which empowers every member of the system to participate through dialogue, supports designing driven by adaptation, and sustains collective reflexivity that nurtures plurality and our ability to coordinate through discomfort.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
How can we design in ways that are "conducive to life"?
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Edona Arnesen is highly passionate about food, farming, food systems, relationships and regeneration in unison, and how we can co-create better communities and systems for the common health of everything on Earth; the human and the non-human, and Nature whom we're all a tiny, connected part of. She finds systems thinking and systemic design fantastically interesting as philosophies and practices to act through.
Edona went on to explore the world of resilient and regenerative food systems through participatory action learning at NMBU with her MSc in Agroecology, after a BSc in civil engineering. Her Master's thesis focused on social sustainability and leadership in the restaurant industry, and how that affects especially environmental sustainability in the industry. She has spent half her life closely connected to hospitality through work, both in service, in kitchens and bakeries, and in managerial positions. Practical experience on several organic and biodynamic farms has broadened her perspective and taught her to understand the reality of food producers with the joys, challenges, hinders and opportunities they find in their everyday lives as part of larger systems. Combining these competences lead Edona to Dagens, where she has been part of building a transparent, fair and resilient food system for the future, through data-driven direct trade between sustainable producers and professional buyers, locally.
Today, Abbie and Edona explore the social and relational elements involved in creating resilient, regenerative food systems through stories; systems thinking; and localized, context-driven participation.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
Please be aware that this conversation contains references to sexual abuse and suicide.
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Where in your life can you create the conditions for tenderness?
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In 1989, Richard Propes left downtown Indianapolis in his wheelchair with $20 in his pocket, a backpack on his wheelchair, and a handful of press releases announcing his "Tenderness Tour." A paraplegic/double amputee born with spina bifida, Propes traveled for 41 days and over 1,000 miles alone around Indiana in an effort to look for good in the world after a life that had been defined by disability, sexual abuse, and the recent suicide of his wife and death of his newborn daughter.
He returned from that successful journey determined to break his own cycles of abuse and to do what he could do to make the world a better and safer place for everyone. 35 years later, Propes has traveled over 6,000 miles by wheelchair, raised over $1 million for charitable organizations worldwide, and is living what he calls his "good life." Propes is the founder of the Race Away From Domestic Violence, a 5k event in Indianapolis raising funds for the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and is the author of The Hallelujah Life. Propes graduated summa cum laude from Martin University and is a graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary. He's the founder of TheIndependentCritic.com and is a member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association with his reviews carried by Rotten Tomatoes.
Richard currently serves as the director of provider services for the Bureau of Disabilities Services (state of Indiana) and has produced a wide variety of fundraising events including poetry readings, concerts, the benefit CD "Give a Girl a Chance," the IndyFringe show "Laughing Sober," and served as executive producer of comic Rick Garrett's comedy DVD "Straight Outta Cowan." Richard has received numerous honors for his violence prevention work and disability advocacy including Indiana Minority Business Magazine's "Champions of Diversity" Award, Indiana's Sagamore of the Wabash, Prevent Child Abuse America's highest honor the Donna J. Stone Award, and the Jefferson Award. Academy Award-qualifying Heartland International Film Festival and Indy Shorts both present the Richard D. Propes Social Impact Award annually to filmmakers whose works exemplify a dedication to social impact.
Having beaten cancer twice in the past year, Richard just completed a 160-mile wheelchair ride in September 2024 that raised $115,000 and eliminated nearly $17 million in medical debt for hoosiers.
Today, Abbie and Richard discuss the creation and evolution of the Tenderness Tour, un-defining and redefining love, and learning to embrace the beautiful complexity that is interdependence.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
Where can you create care and connection in unexpected places?
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Chistiaan Rhodius is a Dutch doctor specialized in palliative medicine. Together with his wife and four children he currently lives and works in Oslo (Norway). He is convinced that 'if we ignore death we miss out on life'. He is passionate for stories and the shaping of new stories (through the process of improvisation). At this moment he explores ways of how the artwork of Edvard Munch can stimulate our storytelling.
Today, Abbie and Christiaan explore Christiaan’s work in palliative care and the perspective that has emerged out of his experience. Christiaan introduces the Patient Dignity Question- What do I need to know about you as a person in order for me to give you the best possible care? Abbie and Christiaan discuss improvisation as “plan A,” navigating “tender conversations,” and the “palliative paradox."
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Explore all things CMM Institute here.
Introducing CosmoParenting! This new podcast from the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution is a continuation of CosmoActivities- our free resources for kids of all ages. In this year-long podcast, host Abbie VanMeter is joined by people who are parenting, educators, therapists, and communicators to explore what it means to parent. CosmoParenting is designed to support all who are parenting in the journey of figuring out what it means to parent by enriching their parenting toolbox, offering one short episode each week that provides opportunities to reflect, listen, connect, practice, and engage in meaningful conversations.
Subscribe to the CosmoParenting Substack to get every weekly episode sent straight to your inbox!
Where can you be looking back in order to look forward?
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Vernon Cronen is a co-creator of the Coordinated Management of Meaning theory of communication. In 1963, Vernon graduated from Ripon College and served for two years as Lieutenant in the US Army, Intelligence branch. After acquiring his Master and PhD from University of Illinois, Urbana, he went on to teach at University of Massachusetts, Amherst from 1970 to 2011. In 1979, Vernon began working with Barnett Pearce to create CMM and has been evolving the theory ever since. He is now part-time faculty at University of North Carolina at wilmington, teaching courses in History, Communication Theory, and CMM.
Claire Craddock graduated from University of North Carolina Wilmington in December 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. She is passionate about creative arts, especially photography, and enjoys taking part in community service projects. Claire deeply values the art of storytelling and our ability to make connections. Claire was introduced to CMM theory by Dr. Cronen in the last year of her undergraduate studies. Since 2023, she has worked with Dr. Cronen to improve the dynamism in CMM theory by extending and further accounting for the aesthetic dimension, as well as the position of the observer.
Today, Abbie, Vernon, and Claire discuss the aesthetic dimension of communication, context and reflexivity, and dynamism and disorientation.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
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What are you constructing in your relationships?
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Sheila McNamee is Professor Emerita of Communication at the University of New Hampshire and co-founder and Vice President of the Taos Institute. Her work is focused on dialogic transformation within a variety of social and institutional contexts including psychotherapy, education, healthcare, organizations, and communities. She is author of several books and articles, including – most recently – Design Thinking and Social Construction (with C. Camargo-Borges, BIS, 2022) and Practicing Therapy as Social Construction (with E. Rasera & P. Martins, Sage Publications, 2022). Other books include Research and Social Change: A Relational Constructionist Approach (with D. M. Hosking, Routledge, 2012), Relational Responsibility: Resources for Sustainable Dialogue (with K. Gergen, Sage, 1999), The Sage Handbook of Social Constructionist Practice (co-edited with M. Gergen, C. Camargo-Borges, & E. Rasera, Sage, 2020), and Education as Social Construction: Contributions to Theory, Research, and Practice, (co-edited with T. Dragonas, K. Gergen, E. Tseliou, Taos WorldShare, 2015).
Today, Abbie and Sheila explore relational construction as a way of being in the world. Sheila shares stories of transformation through dialogue.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
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How can we leave ourselves open to more spontaneity by letting go of some of our expectations?
How do we suffer when we try to fit ourselves into the mold of "should"? Why do we need personal AND social evolution to create a more welcoming and curious culture?
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Rik Spann is an organizational consultant, applied musicologist, artist, and jazz musician. In his work, he is interested in exploring what happens at the crossroads of various disciplinary fields, including science, art, design, music, theatre, dance, film, and beyond. He also loves to play with weird combinations, humor, paradox, everyday life, blue notes, and stuff that can’t be defined. Rik is the author (with Simon Martin) of Resounding: Introducing an Alternative Metaphor for Organizational Change. You can support Rik and his work by donating here.
In this conversation, originally published in May 2022, Rik shares his journey into musicology. Abbie and Rik discuss bricolage, expectations, and ultra-stability. Rik and Abbie explore saying 'no' from a deeper 'yes' and how 'and' lets us build something richer. Rik talks about conversational jazz, curiosity, and perspective in his work as an organization consultant. Finally, Rik shares how he is working to create better social worlds through helpful noise.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
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How can you embody democratic values?
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Hossein is a clinical psychologist, with a PhD awarded by King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychotherapist. He is also a researcher and a writer of both Novels and Psychology Books.
Today, Abbie and Hossein explore the relationships between ignorance and knowledge; culture and behavior; and psycho-social factors and democratic values. Hossein talks about his work translating the CosmoKidz activities to Farsi and Pashto, as well as his most recent book, The Valley of Loneliness.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
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Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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What are the real ways that we can embrace the complexity of our experiences?
How can we let go of a scarcity mindset in favor of a mindset of abundance? How can we see the stories of others as adding something important rather than taking something away from us?
What does it actually look like to make more space for people and their stories? How can we start to “build a bigger table”?
Instead of dismissing our vision as unrealistic or unattainable, how can we learn to use imagination and hope as tools to make our dreams a reality?
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Dr. Paul Porter is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA). Like Abbie, Paul graduated from Ball State University and was a member of the Ball State Speech Team. Paul went on to earn his Master’s in Communication and Rhetorical Studies at Eastern Michigan University and his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Indiana State University. Paul has worked on the development of programs and initiatives designed to help create inclusive environments for diverse student populations, as well as diversity strategic plans and program assessments. Paul has presented on topics such as multicultural competence and unconscious bias across the state of Indiana and nationwide.
In this conversation, originally published in April 2023, Abbie and Paul reflect on meaningful experiences in their lives. Paul and Abbie discuss multicultural competence, cognitive schemas, and puzzles. Paul shares his journey into the world of communication, from 3rd grade tests, to junior high morning announcements, to high school and college speech, and beyond. Paul talks about when he first learned what ADHD and depression are, when he was diagnosed, and how this language changed how he saw himself. Abbie and Paul consider what it looks like to live out values around diversity, equity, and inclusion on a personal and organizational level.
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"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other” -Mother Teresa
“We are only but one conversation from the relationship that changes the rest of our lives” -Lee Mun Wah
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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What power do you have in your community?
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Sue Wells is a New Zealander. Now living in the North Island's beautiful Kapiti Coast, she is originally from Christchurch in the South Island. There, she grew up, studied at Canterbury University, and had a highly successful broadcasting career in radio and television, including starring in her own show, "Susan Sells", on CTV. She moved from there into local government as an elected city councillor in Christchurch from 1998-2013. She chaired the Council's important planning and regulatory committees including during the terms of the terrible Canterbury Earthquake sequence which took at least 185 lives, many of whom were colleagues of hers from CTV. Sue has a passionate interest in how urban planning and community development work together, and continues that interest in her work today.
Today, Sue and Abbie talk about Sue’s time as a city councillor in Christchurch and what she learned from her experience of the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
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How do we, as a community of individuals with individual experiences, thoughts, and feelings, come together to create shared meaning?
How has our understanding of communication evolved to more accurately encompass the complexities and nuances of human relationships?
Whether or not we consider ourselves "creative" or "leaders," how can we still find ways to create and lead?
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Mike is the Director of Leadership Development for the Clinton Foundation and co-directs the Presidential Leadership Scholars program. He is also a Professor of Practice at the Clinton School of Public Service where he teaches courses on communication and the leadership of social change.
In this conversation, originally published in July 2023, Mike introduces himself and shares about the experiences that have shaped him. Mike and Abbie discuss how they define communication, consider how meaning is made, and explore what it means to be both a scholar and a practitioner of communication. Mike and Abbie talk about illusions within communication; mindfulness and reflection, and leadership and creativity. Finally, Mike and Abbie explore ways to define better social worlds.
Please note that this conversation was recorded prior to the United States Supreme Court's June 29, 2023 decision on affirmative action, which makes it unlawful for colleges to take race into consideration as a specific factor in admissions.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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How can you create a sense of “Mattering” for yourself and others in your communities?
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Ottar works as a Professor of Counselling at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and also as Head of NTNU WellFare: Nordic Research Center for Well-being and Social Sustainability. Ottar is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Agder (Norway) and an Honorary Professor at Aalborg University (Denmark). He has worked as a systemic family therapist for many years and his research interests concerns Recovery processes in mental health and substance abuse, Mattering, Well-being and Social Justice. Ottar did his PhD in the Taos Institute PhD program. Ottar is the co-author of How People Thrive: Promoting the Synergy of Wellness, Fairness, and Worthiness.
Today, Ottar and Abbie explore definitions and examples of “mattering,” wellness, and social sustainability. Ottar shares how his upcoming co-authored book, “How People Thrive,” emerged out of his work. Abbie and Ottar discuss dignity in the context of poverty; conditions, experiences, and outcomes as a framework; and embodying mattering in our lives.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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What does it look like for you to celebrate?
Where in your life can you pursue creation (in any of its many forms) as a way to check in with yourself and reflect?
What stories do you have around death and dying?
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Madison Wood-Gonzalez is a National Public Speaker, Storyteller of the Year Award-Winner, Best-Selling Author, and Published Poet. She is also the Executive Director for an Indianapolis-based nonprofit, Morning Light, that fosters community programs in Indiana for the terminally ill, seniors, and families. Madison speaks on topics related to storytelling, mental health, wellness, leadership, and more. It is her mission to empower others to harness the power of community and self-expression to make a positive difference. Madison is a wife, mother to two, daughter, sister, and friend. Her strongest belief is that life should be celebrated and that each day counts.
In this conversation, originally published in February 2023, Madison shares how she learned to stop running from herself and listen to what her Postpartum Depression had to teach her. Abbie and Madison discuss "the creative power of communication;” Madison’s book of poetry, Dear Mirror, and what it means to her; and the stories we are told and the ones Abbie and Madison hope to tell. Madison shares about the work that she does with Morning Light Inc., as they provide a home, comfort, and community to those in hospice care with nowhere else to go. Madison shares stories from the Abbie Hunt Bryce Home. Finally, Abbie and Madison explore some Next Turns to keep this conversation going in our social worlds.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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What are your “Undigested Stories”?
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Tracey currently lives and works in Aberdeen, Scotland within an independent therapy service at Possibilities Counselling and Psychotherapy. Her professional training was initially in Social Work and she worked with children and families, before retraining in Systemic Psychotherapy. Tracey currently works with children, adults, couples and families. She has also been involved in running parenting groups and bereavement groups. Tracey uses CMM ideas and tools in her day to day therapy practice; she is interested in how we tell our stories and re-edit our stories. Tracey considers herself a story holder, story teller and story co-creator. She is a white Scottish woman, a wife, mother of 3 children, and lover of her Golden Retriever Grace and her puppy Flora.
Today, Tracey and Abbie share about the people they are bringing with them into this conversation. Tracy describes her experience as a CMM Institute Fellow developing the latest addition to the LUUUUUTT Model- “Undigested Stories.”
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LUUUUUTT Model Podcast
LUUUUUTT Model Video
LUUUUUTT Model Infographic
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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What are you creating in your relationships?
What does 'healing' mean to you- both individually and collectively?
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La Shanda Sugg describes herself as a storyteller, storyholder, reflector, and soul hugger. She is the co-host of the Labors of Love Podcast and “Chief Love Officer” of Labors of Love Counseling and Consulting.
Heddy Nam is a liberatory coach and facilitator for people, organizations, and networks working towards social change through Rosalee Consulting. She is a healer, speaker, writer, and co-host of The Labors of Love podcast. She lives with her husband and rescue dog as guest settlers on occupied Tongva territory, colonially known as Los Angeles, California.
Today, Shanda and Heddy introduce themselves and describe their relationship as podcast co-hosts, friends, and chosen family and what it means to them to have their relationship be a “practice ground.” Abbie, Heddy, and Shanda talk about healing, presence, communication, and curiosity.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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Please be aware that this conversation contains mentions of disordered eating, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.
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What does it mean to take a "not knowing position?"
How can you change the moment in the moment?
What else can you listen for?
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John Burnham is a consultant systemic psychotherapist and supervisor, with over forty years of working with families, couples and individuals. He works at Parkview Clinic, Birmingham Women and Children’s Hospital where he was formerly Director of Systemic Training, and continues as course lead for the supervision training course and a supervisor on the MSc in systemic psychotherapy. He is formerly Director of Training at KCC in London. As well as training in the UK he teaches in a variety of contexts overseas including, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, the United States and South America. He is a past Visiting Fellow at Northumbria University and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. He has written extensively about systemic practice, training and supervision.
In this conversation, originally published in October 2022, John shares when he first became a storyteller and why it is important to take the risk of sharing your story so that others feel safe to do the same. Abbie and John discuss learning to appreciate the process of "unbecoming" and celebrating (not judging) others for their experiences and growth; using John's PPRR (Problems, Potential, Resources, and Restraints) to understand the many, many layers of everything we do; and exploring explore the wonders of Systemic Therapy. John shares the things he has learned from those he works with, including the resoluteness of the human spirit, experiencing real awe, and how he learned to be less certain and seek clarity instead. Finally, John explains finding a willingness to understand and being deliberate in every interaction and what it means to “Listen to Speak” and “Speak to Listen.”
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Where in your life are you living or telling a singular story? How can you make space to explore more stories for yourself and others?
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Nana Bonsu is an experienced senior leader. Nana is a qualified social worker, family and systemic psychotherapist, and systemic supervisor. Nana is the Director of Relational Practice in Camden. Nana has worked in children’s services for over twenty years, both in children’s statutory services and CAMHs (Child Adolescent and Mental Health Services). Nana has a proven track record of developing clinical services in several London local authorities, transforming practice culture. Nana has led on the design and delivery of systemic practice as a whole system approach to practice and innovation. Nana is passionate about developing services that challenge social injustice, is collaborative and draws upon unorthodoxy. Nana is keenly aware of the impact of racism, poverty, and powerlessness on life chances, and passionately believes in the importance of possibilities. Nana is an experienced lecturer, teaching at the Tavistock and Portman, Institute of Family Therapy, and for the Association of Family Therapy. Nana was one of four Directors at the Institute of Family Therapy. Nana has written several publications:
Bonsu, N. (2020). How can we further embed systemic social work while working in this way? Murmurations: Journal of Transformative Systemic Practice, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.28963/3.1.14
Bonsu, N. and Smith, E. (2023) Understanding, exploring, and supporting children’s identity development: Practice Tool (Research in Practice, Dartington Trust)
Today, Nana shares stories of the experiences she has had that led her to be who she is and do what she does today. Abbie and Nana explore the power of stories to expand imagination; the power of celebrating and honoring the lived experiences of children; and the power of using a “whole system approach” to create interdependent communities.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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How can you begin to embrace communication as a transformative force for change in your life?
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Kongit Farrell is a licensed marriage and family therapist with specialties in conflict resolution, trauma, couples therapy, and human sexuality. She is the founder of the Center for Healthy Marriage and is an adjunct professor of Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. Kongit is an alumna of the CMM Institute and AC4 Fellowship programs at Columbia University and serves on the executive board of YPO's Peace Action Network. She splits her time between the US and Central America.
Today, Kongit and Abbie discuss their shared curiosity around interpersonal communication, explore some ways to define and describe healthy relationships, and offer some practical tools for naming and creating the relationships and social worlds you want.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
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Where in your relationships can you name the meaning you are making? Where can ask others to name the meaning they are making?
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Laurie Budlong-Morse is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and an AANE Certified Neurodiverse Couples Therapist with a private practice in Indianapolis; she also creates educational content and offers online services with a focus on mixed-neurotype relationships. Laurie holds training in postmodern and social constructionist methods of therapy as well as mindful self-compassion, both of which deeply inform her work to facilitate what she calls "cross-neurological dialogue". As a person with lots of lived experiences within neurodiverse relationships up, down, and all around her family tree, Laurie is passionate about helping others appreciate and meaningfully navigate neurological differences.
Today, Laurie introduces herself and her experience navigating neurodiverse relationships both personally and professionally. Abbie and Laurie discuss meaning-making, storytelling, and assumptions in relationships. Abbie and Laurie explore the role of common humanity and self compassion in helping us better understand ourselves and others.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
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What is "perceived oughtness"? How does it show up in our lives? How can we reflect on this force and make new choices?
How can we embody curiosity to understand ourselves and others well?
What is the relationship between “beliefs,” "meaning," "action," and "emotion"? How can we come to understand the complex dynamics that exist to find healing for our past and a new way forward for our future?
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Dr. Barbara McKay is a systemic psychotherapist, supervisor, and teacher. She has served on the Board of Trustees for the Association for Family Therapy and the Board of Stewards for the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution. She worked as Director of the Institute of Family Therapy for 13 years. Barbara works with social work leaders to enhance their systemic and communication abilities.
In this conversation, which was originally published in March 2022, Barbara shares her journey into Systemic Psychotherapy and how she first encountered the Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) Theory in her work. Barbara explains "unwanted repetitive patterns" and why it's so important to understand and deconstruct them. Abbie and Barbara explore what it means to be "CMM-ish," what it looks like to bring curiosity into our relationships, and what "cosmopolitan communication" can change in our lives. Both Barbara and Abbie discuss the stories they hold around gender and the ways that CMM shows up in their lives. Finally, Barbara explains how she uses the language and tools of CMM to create better social worlds in her overlapping professional and personal life.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
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What are the tangible changes that you can be a part of making in your social worlds?
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Gro Emmertsen Lund is an independent scholar, education specialist, author and researcher; she is a part of The Taos Institute, USA, serving as a Taos Associate and Faculty Advisor. She is also part of NO!SE (Network of Independent Scholars in Education) in Denmark. She has published a number of articles and books and are active in public debates in Denmark and Norway. Gro has a bachelor’s degree in teaching and a master's in evaluation from the University of Southern Denmark, as well as a Ph.D. from the University of Twente in the Netherlands. Gro gives keynote speeches, teaches, holds presentations, participates in podcasts, and facilitates organizational and cultural development and change processes in schools, educational institutions, day care, health care, psychiatry and the social sector.
Today, Gro and Abbie discuss social constructionism, change processes, and absenteeism in schools. Gro explains combating school exclusion with school inclusion; differentiating between problem-deficit thinking and relationship-resource focused thinking; and balancing the positive and negative impacts of diagnoses for students. Finally, Gro shares examples from her work of schools that have done significant, meaningful, and ongoing work to becoming learning organizations and better support students and teachers.
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Gro's English Publications:
Haslebo, G. & Lund, G.E. (2015). Practicing Relational Thinking in Dealing with Bullying in Schools. In: Dragonas, Gergen, McNamee, Tseliou (Edt). Educations as Social Construction. TAOS Publications Worldshare. Read here. (pp.168-190)
Lund, G. E. (2017). Making Exclusionary Processes in Schools Visible. Ph.D.-thesis. Twente University.
Lund, G. E. and Winslade, J. M. (2018). Responding to Interactive Troubles – Implications for School Culture, Wisdom in Education: Vol. 8: Iss. 1 , Article 1. California State University San Bernardino.
Lund, G. E. (2020). Creating school harmony. In S. McNamee, M. M. Gergen, C. Camargo Borges, & E. Rasera (Eds.), The SAGE Handbook of Social Constructionist Practice. London: Sage Publications.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
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How can we celebrate our own individuality (and the individuality of others) by being honest about our needs, finding unique ways to meet them, and saying out loud the things we appreciate about each other?
How can we celebrate children's individuality in school settings and beyond?
What happens when we learn, not only how to tell our own story, but to hear the stories of others as well?
What does it look like to set boundaries that allow us to say our "Best Yes"?
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Stephanie Higgs is, above all else, a passionate educator. Since graduating with her Master's Degree in Education she has taught pre-K, second grade, and fourth grade; she now works as a gifted educator and differentiation coach, where she supports both students and her fellow teachers in accommodating individual learning needs. In 2021, Stephanie was named the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) Teacher of the Year. After 13 years in education, Stephanie is expanding her reach by sharing resources, ideas, and advice for educators around the world on her Instagram page.
In this conversation- originally published in February 2023- Stephanie tells the story of her path to becoming a gifted educator. Abbie and Stephanie discuss differentiation, what it looks like for her to balance educational standards with individual needs, and the value of the support system of teachers that Stephanie collaborates with. Stephanie shares her teacher's perspective on storyliving, storytelling, and storyhearing. Stephanie and Abbie reflect on mystery in our lives. Stephanie shares how learning about self-regulation has helped her heal and find more empathy for herself and others. Abbie and Stephanie talk about the classroom through the lens of social worlds. Finally, Stephanie describes her idea of a better social world.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
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Where can you find paths to engagement?
How can you redefine excellence for yourself?
What would it look like for you to embrace curiosity in your own life and stories?
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Emily Ruth Rutter is Professor of English, Associate Dean of the Honors College, and affiliate faculty in Women’s, Gender, and African American Studies at Ball State University. She is the author of four monographs, most recently White Lies and Allies in Contemporary Black Media (Routledge, 2023). She is co-editor of Revisiting the Elegy in the Black Lives Matter Era (Routledge, 2020) and the forthcoming Black Saturation: Selected Works of Stephen E. Henderson (University Press of Mississippi, 2025). She is the recipient of numerous awards and grants, including from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Her essays have appeared in African American Review, MELUS, South Atlantic Review, and Tulsa Studies in Women’s Literature, among other journals and edited collections.
Today, Emily introduces herself and shares some of the stories that make her believe that education transforms lives. Abbie and Emily explore the paths to engagement in conversation about antiracism, bias, and intersectionality, especially for white people. Emily explains inclusive excellence as a framework and explores how to make it in our social worlds. Abbie and Emily discuss mythical norms, epistemology (how we know what we know), imagination, and curiosity.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
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How can research help us change the stories we tell about ourselves, our mental health, and our shared trauma?
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Spozhmay Oriya is a PhD candidate in the Educational Psychology program with focus on collective trauma, faculty of Education, Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada. She has BA in psychology and MA in Education. She was assistant professor at faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at Kabul University in Afghanistan since 2007 until 2021. Most of her teaching and research is in psychology. She is learning trauma and collective trauma integration and group facilitation with Pocket Project and Academy of Inner Science based in Germany since 2019. Her research interests are collective trauma, war, and trauma-informed education. She has conducted research with national and international researchers and has some publication in international journals.
Today, Spozhmay describes her journey into being an educator and researcher. Spozhmay explains one of her early research projects studying the mental health of female students at Kabul University. Abbie and Spozhmay talk about the practical benefits of conducting research for helping us better address issues in our social worlds. Spozhmay discusses collective trauma in the context of ongoing war, poverty,and violence in Afghanistan. Abbie and Spozhmay discuss a researchers job to make meaning from research. Finally, Spozhmay shares about her efforts to provide support to her students following the November 2020 Kabul University attack.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
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Please be aware that this conversation contains discussion of suicide, addiction, and mental illness.
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What resonates with you from the Theory of Positive Disintegration?
How can we start to challenge the framework we have about cognition and emotion?
How might we use TPD and CMM to equip ourselves to lean into the challenge of deconstructing and reconstructing our values?
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Dr. Chris Wells is a writer, social worker, and founder of the Dabrowski Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the Theory of Positive Disintegration (TPD). They are also the co-host of the Positive Disintegration Podcast.
Emma is the co-host of the Positive Disintegration Podcast, and creates content for people learning about the TPD for her website Tragic Gift, and YouTube channel, Adults With Overexcitabilities.
In this conversation, originally recorded in early 2023, Emma and Chris share some stories about themselves, including their relationships to the Theory of Positive Disintegration (TPD) and their own experiences with giftedness. Abbie, Emma, and Chris discuss stereotypes, “spurs to self-correction,” and what it could look like to transform overexcitability in order to live with intense experiences. Emma and Chris break down the Theory of Positive Disintegration. Emma and Chris talk about “authentic voice,” multilevel and unilevel disintegration, and supportive relationships. Abbie explains the similarities she sees between CMM and TPD. Finally, Abbie, Chris, and Emma discuss their shared passions for making the content of their theories more accessible.
Purchase the Dabrowski Congress Recordings here.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
Follow Stories Lived. Stories Told. on Instagram.
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Learn more about
What examples of indigenous representation have you encountered?
For both indigenous and non-indigenous people, how can you seek out more stories told by indigenous people about indigenous experiences?
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Jessica Engelking (she/her) is a descendant of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. She has a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota, Morris and a master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Iowa. Her research interests included the philosophy of fiction, metaphysics, and logic. While in Iowa, she became involved in the efforts to protect the land and water. She continues to work with Great Plains Action Society from her residence in Minnesota. Jessica is the author of Peggy Flanagan: Ogimaa Kwe, Lieutenant Governor as part of the Minnesota Native American Lives series.
Today, Jessica introduces herself and the work she does as Representation Director at the Great Plains Action Society. Abbie and Jessica discuss why representation matters, how Jessica’s background in philosophy shapes her work, and what impacts better representation and more access to indigenous stories has had for both indigenous and non-indigenous people. Jessica shares about her experience writing a biography of Peggy Flanagan as part of the Minnesota Native American Lives series. Finally, Abbie and Jessica explore the effects of both positive and negative representation.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
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How did you (or did you not) see yourself represented in stories growing up and how did that shape your understanding of yourself?
How has your story changed?
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Hannah Soyer is a queer disabled writer living in the Midwest. She has written for
nationally acclaimed publications such as The Sun Magazine, Bustle, and Cosmopolitan and is the editor of The Ending Hasn’t Happened Yet: An Anthology of Disability Poetics from Sable Books (2022). Her debut lyric memoir, Dreams in Which I'm Almost Human, is forthcoming from Red Hen Press. Hannah also happens to be a cat and chocolate enthusiast.
Today, Hannah begins by introducing herself, including how her creative work centers around her neuromuscular disability, was largely prompted by mental health struggles she had a young adult, and how it has become a sacred and magical place. Abbie and Hannah discuss why they both love stories, what it means that Hannah sees storytelling as “beautiful acts of survival, resistance, and community building,” and how our stories change with us.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
Follow Stories Lived. Stories Told. on Instagram.
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Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
How can you practice both authenticity and empathy as you interact with others?
How can you create a “Neurodiverse Affirming” space in your social worlds?
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Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.Ed., LPC, inspired by her own experiences as a neurodivergent person, is dedicated to destigmatizing neurodiversity and supporting neurodivergent people of all ages. Emily currently works as a mental health counselor in private practice at Unlimited Potential Counseling & Education Center in O'Fallon, Missouri. Emily is the author of “Teaching Twice-Exceptional Learners in Today's Classroom" and "Raising Twice-Exceptional Children: A Handbook for Parents of Neurodivergent Gifted Kids”.Emily hosts The Neurodiversity Podcast, which explores the psychological, educational, and social needs for enriching the lives of neurodivergent people.
Today, Emily introduces herself, her personal and professional background with neurodiversity, and her passion for creating empowering language for all to better embrace who they are. Abbie and Emily discuss accommodations, authenticity and empathy, and masking and camouflaging. Finally, Emily defines her “better social world” as one that is “neurodiverse affirming.”
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
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Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
How can we find the courage to tell our stories, knowing that it matters for us to tell them?
What is the story that you want to tell about yourself? How is it different from the story the world is telling you?
What is your current understanding of disability? How do you relate to those who are disabled?
How can we embrace the experience of having a body in a way that empowers us as we age and our bodies change?
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Rebekah Taussig is a Kansas City writer, educator, and parent. Bolstered by academic knowledge and personal experience, she strives to tell stories that enhance and complicate the way we think about disability. You can find her writing on Instagram, in her memoir, on her website, and Substack.
In this conversation, originally publish in three parts in August 2023, Rebekah shares about her experience growing up and the stories (or lack thereof) that most shaped her. Abbie and Rebekah discuss the intersecting ideas of “pluralistic truths,” “both/and,” and “this too;” the power of when Rebekah began to hear and tell more stories that reflected her experiences; and the fact that we have choices about the kinds of stories we tell about ourselves. Next, Abbie and Rebekah define “collaborative re-imagination.” Abbie and Rebekah discuss the deeply personal, but also widely impactful, language that we use to talk about people with disabilities. Rebekah describes her first experience teaching high school English and makes the distinction between the medical and social models of disability. Abbie asks Rebekah about where she experiences “awe.” Finally, Abbie and Rebekah talk next turns: “Ask. Listen. Adapt. Expand.”
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
Follow Stories Lived. Stories Told. on Instagram.
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Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Please be aware that this conversation contains brief references to sexual violence and wrongful imprisonment.
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What is your “sphere of influence” and how can you change how you show up to it?
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John Stewart served on the faculty of the Department of Communication at the University of Washington from 1969 to 2001; was Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Dubuque; and became Special Assistant to the President of UD in 2010, retiring in 2016 to focus his training and consulting efforts on diversity-equity-inclusion (DEI) projects. Between 1973 and 2013, John published 11 editions of the widely-adopted Bridges Not Walls: A Book About Interpersonal Communication. In 2017 he published Personal Communicating and Racial Equity, 2nd. ed. (2017), and his most recent book is Dismantling Racism One On One: Uniqueness Narrative Equity (2023). John contributed the chapter “Through Empathizing to Co-constructing Uniquenesses” to the open access book, Through Your Eyes: Research and New Perspectives on Empathy (2024).
Today, John and Abbie discuss the power of communication, “co-constructing uniquenesses,” and interpersonal instances of racism in a larger context of systemic racism and white supremacy. John offers three ways to dismantle racism one on one: offering and inviting reflections, offering and inviting choices, and offering and inviting feelings. Abbie and John explore the importance of offerings and invitations in conversation for creating felt trust. John describes “co-constructing uniqueness” as a step beyond empathy.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
Follow Stories Lived. Stories Told. on Instagram.
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Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Where in your life can you practice critical thinking?
How can you think critically about your communication?
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John Chetro Szivos is a semi-retired professor but still an active author who recently published On Becoming a Critical Thinker: Awakening Your Business Superpower. A student of Vern Cronen’s at UMass, Amherst and a dedicated CMM researcher and follower of the philosophy of John Dewey, he offered this manuscript to help others improve their thinking to make better social worlds.
Today, John and Abbie discuss communication and critical thinking, not as skill sets, but as embodied ways of being. Abbie and John explore an experience of John’s as a metaphor for the practice of critical thinking, consider the (potentially) complimentary relationships between individuality and sociality, and break down what it looks like to practice critical thinking. John discusses the difference between technical and adaptive problems and how critical thinking shapes our responses. Finally, Abbie and John discuss choice, joint action, and interdependence.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
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What is going on with your physiological self right now? What do you need to do to slow down and get quiet enough to pay attention to this?
How might your interactions and relationships change if you show up using what you learned about Polyvagal Theory today?
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Michael Allison is the developer of The Play Zone; a contributing author for Psychology Today with his platform, The Pressure Paradox; an educational partner with Polyvagal Institute; and a Polyvagal Performance Consultant for high profile organizations, executives, coaches, teams, athletes & creatives.
Today, Michael and Abbie make connections between Polyvagal Theory and Coordinated Management of Meaning, discussing freedom, choice, context, and emergence. Michael explains Polyvagal Theory and what it looks like to tune into our physiological experiences; create safety, healing, and growth through practice; and be “polyvagal-informed” in our relationships. Michael and Abbie use a polyvagal lens to unpack a story that Abbie shares about her own experience with pressure, performance, and physiology. Finally, Michael explains what changes in our lives when we orient toward “play" and move away from a default of stress.
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What is Polyvagal Theory?
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
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How are you showing up?
Where can you learn to “hold space”?
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Aminata Cairo is an anthropologist, psychologist, educator, storyteller, and “love-worker." She is an independent consultant “who works with people." She is the former lector of Inclusive Education at The Hague University of Applied Sciences and the former lector of Social Justice and Diversity in the Arts at the Amsterdam University of the Arts. She is particularly interested in using her academic, artistic and community skills to support, honor and celebrate the voices and stories unheard, overlooked, silenced and marginalized. Her work is exemplified in her 2021 book, Holding Space: A Storytelling Approach to Trampling Diversity and Inclusion, in which Aminata presents her own, unique vision in the promotion of inclusion that far surpasses the standard diversity & inclusion approach.
Today, Aminata introduces the idea of “holding space” within our relationships and within ourselves. Abbie and Aminata discuss the importance of taking risks by leaning into the discomfort we feel when faced with different or unfamiliar stories. Abbie and Aminata compare their communication and storytelling perspectives. Finally, Aminata shares about her experiences with and understanding of holding space across cultures.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
Follow Stories Lived. Stories Told. on Instagram.
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How do you show up for your community? For people outside your community?
What could we do together if we were all committed to protecting the human dignity of all people?
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Janie Mac is a co-founder of Refugee Community Kitchen, a volunteer-run organization that has been serving hot, nourishing meals to displaced people in Northern France and the UK since 2015.
Today, Janie explains her work with the Refugee Community Kitchen, exploring why she and her co-founders were motivated to create RCK, how RCK supports displaced people by providing nourishing meals, and what communication looks like for an organization that is adapting to an ever-changing situation. Janie and Abbie discuss the “new story” that Janie is hoping to tell in her work and why the current state of the world makes that story more important than ever. Finally, Janie shares about meeting people where they are, serving them on their journey, and inspiring action in volunteers.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
Follow Stories Lived. Stories Told. on Instagram.
Subscribe to Stories Lived. Stories Told. on YouTube.
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
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What communities are you a part of?
How can you engage in action around immigration?
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Sandy Ovalle Martínez is a table-setter and space-curator, rooting her work in the deep faith and strength of Chicane and Latine spiritual teachers. She is a native of Mexico City. A mujerista theologian and an organizer, she currently directs campaigns and mobilizing for a faith-based non-profit in Washington, D.C., where she oversees mobilization and activist engagement around different justice areas including climate and environmental justice, immigration, women and girls, and peace and nonviolence. Before this, she worked with immigrant and refugee communities, providing direct legal and resettlement services as well as mobilizing faith groups for advocacy around issues that impacted these communities. She has worked in campus ministry with college students in Texas and California. She holds an M.A. in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Sandy loves writing poetry and gathering people around a table full of homemade pozole.
Today, Sandy introduces herself as a table-setter and a space-curator; Abbie and Sandy discuss what that means. Sandy shares stories about her experience engaging, mobilizing, and empowering both immigrant and non-immigrant communities in action. Abbie and Sandy explore the most challenging and most rewarding experiences of Sandy’s work.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
Follow Stories Lived. Stories Told. on Instagram.
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What stories have you been told about migration?
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Karen Gonzalez is a speaker, writer, storyteller, and immigrant advocate, who herself immigrated from Guatemala as a child. Karen is a former public school teacher and attended Fuller Theological Seminary, where she studied theology and missiology. For the last 15 years, she has been a non-profit professional, currently working for an organization that serves refugees and other immigrants. She wrote a book about her own immigration story and some of the immigrants found in the Bible: The God Who Sees: Immigrants, The Bible, and the Journey to Belong (Herald Press, May 2019) as well as Karen her second book, Beyond Welcome: Centering Immigrants in our Christian Response to Immigration (Brazos Press, October 2022. She also has bylines in Sojourners, Christianity Today, The Christian Century, and others. She is the co-host of the Latina-focused podcast Cafe with Comadres.
Today, Karen and Abbie explore the stories we hold around migration: starting with Karen’s own experiences; the stories that inspire Karen to do the work she does; and the complicated (and often contradictory) stories of immigration in the United States, the world beyond, and throughout history. Karen discusses examples of harmful, inaccurate, and wrong narratives about refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers that persist in the United States. As an alternative, Karen offers a few more hopeful, complex, and humanizing stories. Finally, Karen explains the need for an active hope and Abbie describes what it means to lean into the power of shaping our social worlds through our stories.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
Follow Stories Lived. Stories Told. on Instagram.
Subscribe to Stories Lived. Stories Told. on YouTube.
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
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Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
How does hearing Dora’s story shape your perception of immigration?
How can you seek out more stories that humanize those who migrate?
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Dora Rodriguez, an unwavering advocate for migrant rights, survived the 1980 tragedy in Organ Pipe National Monument, AZ, where Salvadorans fled civil war, resulting in 13 deaths, including 3 minors. This experience propelled her into the forefront of the sanctuary movement in Tucson, AZ. Residing in Tucson, AZ, with her husband and five children, Dora is also a proud grandmother. She serves as the Director of Salvavision, a nonprofit offering aid and support to migrants and deportees.
Today, Dora describes the work she does with Humane Borders, Tucson Samatitans, and Salvavision to support those who immigrate to the United States by crossing the southern border. Dora shares her own experience immigrating to the United States from El Salvador and why it motivates her to serve others who are immigrating. Abbie and Dora explore the importance of telling our stories (as well as hearing the stories of others- whether they are similar to your stories or not) for easing fear in our social worlds.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
Follow Stories Lived. Stories Told. on Instagram.
Subscribe to Stories Lived. Stories Told. on YouTube.
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
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Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
What changes when we go beyond sustainability and strive for “regeneration” instead?
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Abrah Dresdale, MA, is a bold and visionary social designer of cultural change at the intersection of land and justice. She consults through the national organization she co-founded, Regenerate Change, serves as faculty at UMass-Amherst and Omega Institute, and is the author of Regenerative Design for Changemakers: A Social Permaculture Guide.Today, Abrah and Abbie discuss what it means to be a social designer using systems thinking; to tell “new stories” that expand our imagination of what is possible; and to embrace our personal power to be changemakers for ourselves and our our social worlds. Continuing the vocab lesson, Abrah breaks down what social permaculture is and the difference between sustainability and regeneration. Abbie and Abrah further explore the practice of making knowledge, language, and tools accessible; the work Abrah has done with prison food justice efforts and how it all connects; and the ways Abrah’s Jewish heritage shapes her approach to healing, cultural amnesia, and ancestral lineages.
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Hierarchy Model Video.
Hierarchy Model Episode.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
Follow Stories Lived. Stories Told. on Instagram.
Subscribe to Stories Lived. Stories Told. on YouTube.
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
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Please be aware this conversation contains descriptions of violence perpetrated by white colonizers against indigenous people. (46:04-49:11)
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How can we “decolonize” our ways of thinking and being?
What does it look like to “re-indigenize”?
What does it mean to “rematriate”?
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Sikowis Nobiss (she/her) is Nêhiyaw/Saulteaux of the George Gordon First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada and grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She has been living in Iowa for 19 years and is the founder and Executive Director of Great Plains Action Society and is an organizer, speaker, writer and an artist. She fights for a better future for her two young children.
Today, Sikowis shares her story and the story of the Great Plains Action Society (GPAS). Sikowis unpacks the “Society” and “Action”part of the Great Plains Action Society, explaining each of their 3 initiatives: Protect the Sacred, Land Offense, and Representation. Abbie and Sikowis talk stories, perspectives, and meaning; unpacking the dominant Christian colonial-capitalist perspective; and defining re-indigenizing and rematriating.
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Read the Huffington Post Article Sikows mentioned here.
Learn more about Truthsgiving here.
Read more from Sikowis on ICWA here.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
Follow Stories Lived. Stories Told. on Instagram.
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Why does it matter how we talk about climate action?
How does better language inspire better action?
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Miriam Kashia is a self-proclaimed “climate action warrior.” Based in Iowa, she is involved with 100 Grannies for a Livable Future. In 2014, at the age of 71, she participated in the Great March for Climate Action, where she walked 3,100 miles over 8 months across the United States. She was named a “Climate Hero” by the Guardian’s Down to Earth Environmental Newsletter in 2022. You can hear more about her story in “The Race to Save the World” Documentary.
In this conversation, originally published in September 2022, Miriam shares her story, detailing different chapters of her life and reflecting on the journey that has led her to where (and who) she is now. Using the Daisy Model, Abbie and Miriam discuss the petals (lessons, people, and experiences) that transformed Miriam from a concerned citizen to a "climate action warrior" and how Miriam is using her platform to educate and empower others. Miriam shares with us a quote that was shared with her, "We will not give into the fear because it is fear that feeds the darkness" and how she is striving to take on daunting issues with love, truth, and justice. Finally, Abbie and Miriam explore the roles, relationships, and rest that help Miriam stay whole and balanced; Miriam's advice for activists and how her perspective has changed; and what it looks like to lean into the chaos that comes when we start to change our social worlds.
Listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of our conversation with Aline Mugisho.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
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Participate in the CosmoParents Survey.
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What can you change today about the way you relate to food that would minimize your food waste?
What is the “highest level context” that is guiding you when it comes to how your actions affect the planet?
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Yolanda Soto has been the CEO President of Borderlands Produce Rescue for 30 years. Borderlands Produce Rescue is located in the border community of Nogales, Arizona and goes beyond the limits of traditional Food Banks by addressing the issue of food waste at the intersection of hunger.
Today, Yoli introduces herself and the Borderlands Produce Rescue. Abbie and Yoli explore the issue of food waste, including the lack of knowledge around the issue, the impact of food waste on the environment, and the opportunities that exist to combat food waste through the Borderlands Produce Rescue and beyond. Using a communication perspective, Abbie offers some new insight around the stories we tell about the issue of food waste and the work of the Borderlands Produce Rescue. Finally, Yoli offers a call to action to all of us.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
Follow Stories Lived. Stories Told. on Instagram.
Subscribe to Stories Lived. Stories Told. on YouTube.
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here.
Subscribe to CMM Institute on Substack.
Connect with the CMM Institute on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Access all CosmoActivities for FREE!
Participate in the CosmoParents Survey.
Visit the CMM Institute website.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
How can you embrace wildness in yourself?
What opportunities do you have to experience nature, beauty, and wilderness in your own backyard?
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Mark Edwards is a 76-year-old naturalist, is a leader in BeWildReWild and its Big River Connectivity project, and is retired from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, where he lead restoration efforts for 30 years. You can join the "Rewilding Iowa and Beyond" Facebook Group and check out this podcast with Mark from the Iowa Nature Summit.
In this conversation, Mark shares his story, including how moving throughout his childhood and being exposed to many different cultures and environments shaped him; how he learned to take care of himself; and how he connected with wilderness through his own travels and finding his way back to Iowa, where he has remained ever since. Abbie and Mark discuss the meaning of rewilding and how we can make new choices around the meaning we make around our relationship to wilderness, nature, and non-human beings. Mark and Abbie explore our own wildness, rewilding as overcoming fear, and moving from imagination to embodiment as we navigate the need to do things differently. Finally, Abbie and Mark talk about the wildness in Iowa (the most biologically altered state in North America) and within ourselves.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Access CosmoActivities for FREE.
Contribute to the CosmoParents Survey.
Please be aware this conversation contains references to sexual assault and gender-based violence.
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What ideas about gender have you learned from your culture, peers, and family?
How can you find ways to call people in instead of calling them out?
How can you practice approaching defensiveness with curiosity in yourself and others?
How can we begin to embrace our full humanity by allowing ourselves to engage in all ways of being, not just the ones that were assigned to us based on our sex?
What is a small thing you can do this week to create a next turn/ ripple from this conversation?
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Burton Patterson is a social worker by trade with experience in the fields of Harm Reduction and Mental Health and Addiction, Sexual Violence Prevention, and Healthy Sexual Education. He specializes working with male-identifying folks in gender-based violence prevention.
In this conversation from July 2023, Burton shares his story. Abbie and Burton discuss the narratives and norms around gender that we internalize (whether we recognize it or not). Burton explains why it matters to call men into the conversation, rejecting the idea that the conversation around gender-based violence and sexual assault is simply a “women’s issue.” Abbie and Burton discuss “The Man Box” and doing the internal work. In the second half of this conversation, Burton shares stories about his experience educating groups of young men about toxic and healthy masculinity, rape culture, and gender-based violence. Abbie and Burton explore the way meaning is made when it comes to “femininity” and “masculinity” and how we can embrace the power we have to make new meaning. Finally, Abbie asks Burton what new stories we can start telling about gender to create a better social world for all of us.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Access CosmoActivities for FREE.
Where do we start?
How do we bring an awareness of systems and structures and also redefine power within our own selves?
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Sarah Urech is senior strategist and a founding staff member of the Omega Women's Leadership Center (OWLC), where she designs, coordinates, and leads innovative, holistic education programs, including workshops, conferences, and online courses. Sarah holds a Bachelor’s in Drama from Duke University and studied theater in Berlin, Paris, and London, where she first saw Playback Theatre—improvisational theatre that honors audience members’ true stories through spontaneous enactment. 30 years ago, she moved to New York’s Hudson Valley to study Playback with its cofounders and immediately joined Hudson River Playback Theatre. Her Playback work has taken her around the world and rooted her in an embodied listening practice that is committed to social justice and collective artmaking.
Today, Sarah introduces herself and the Omega Women’s Leadership Center (OWLC). Abbie and Sarah explore shifting consciousness and building awareness around women’s relationships to power and leadership. Abbie and Sarah discuss the old stories we have internalized that have kept women out of leadership roles as well as the new stories we hope to tell to empower women to claim leadership for themselves. Sarah explains Playback Theater; Abbie talks about emergence, improvisation, and collaboration. Finally, Abbie and Sarah consider the relationship between communication, creating space, and wellbeing.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
How can we seek to tell and hear stories that encourage empathy-based communication?
Where can you seek out more (or new to you) information about women in history?
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Leah Leach is the founder of Gal's Guide, the first women's history lending library in the
United States. She is a teacher, author, and Buddhist. She is also one of the hosts of the Gal's Guide to the Galaxy Podcast.
Today, Leah introduces herself and her work with Gal’s Guide. Leah and Abbie discuss why it matters to know and share the (many and complex) stories of women from history. Leah and Abbie explore the night sky as a metaphor for understanding the existence of and our relationship to women’s stories. Finally, Abbie and Leah discuss expansion, personal evolution, and holding space.
...
Here is a list of all the women we mentioned in today's epsiode, plus links to more information about each:
Conchita Cintrón
Agojie
Sister Rosetta Tharp
Alice Guy Blache
Murasaki Shikibu
Mary Shelley
Gail Sheild
Marie Curie
Julia Child
Penny Marshall
Tiamat
Elizabeth Lesser
Hedy Lamarr
Greta Gerwig
Big Mama Thorton
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.Email me!
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
What do you negotiate in your life?
What is your relationship to belonging? What is your identity? How do these things affect the way you show up in the world?
What is something new you can try to better advocate for yourself or negotiate with others?
How can we rewire our ways of thinking and being to better celebrate the ways we show up?
What does it look like to empower ourselves in our storytelling?
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Beth Fisher-Yoshida (PhD, CCS) is a facilitator, educator, and executive coach. She is President and CEO of Fisher Yoshida International, LLC. Beth is Professor of Professional Practice; Program Director of the MS in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program; Vice-Chair of Faculty at School of Professional Studies; Chair of Advanced Consortium for Cooperation, Conflict and Complexity (AC4); and Director of the Youth, Peace and Security Project all at Columbia University. She also serves on several Boards including the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution. She is the author of New Story New Power: A Woman's Guide to Negotiation.
In this conversation from October of 2023, Beth and Abbie discuss women, negotiation, and Beth’s book, New Story New Power: A Women’s Guide to Negotiation. Beth shares her thoughts on cultivating belonging in the systems of organizations, the stories that create our identities, and when a “no is a no” in negotiation. Abbie and Beth talk about equity, reconciliation, and co-creation. In the second half of this conversation, Abbie and Beth discuss internalized stories, agency, and discomfort. Beth talks about practicing negotiation by starting small and shares stories from her experiences studying art in Japan. Abbie and Beth discuss cultural differences in meaning-making, the “new story” Beth hopes for women to know, and next turns for continuing the conversation.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.Email me!
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
What can you imagine for yourself and your social world?
What stories make you think: “that’s what I want for myself”? How can you make it so?
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Riley Carroll is a 26-year old cat mom, thinker, and author from Chicago. Since completing her master’s in Communication in 2022, Riley has strived to live authentically, imagine new ways of being, and make space for joy which helped lead to the release of her debut novel, What the Blood Sings.
Today, Riley talks about the stories, people, and experiences that led her to become a writer. Abbie and Riley explore the messages we receive about failure and trying; the feedback Riley is hearing about her book and what it means to her; and the way we build worlds, in our real lives and in writing fiction. Riley and Abbie discuss consuming and being consumed; making space for boredom and subsequently imagination; and whether life imitates art or art imitates life (… or both?). Finally, Riley offers us a challenge to simply (or not so simply… TRY)!
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about CosmoTeenz.
How can an investment in Art (any and all kinds) translate into an investment in ourselves, our wellbeing, and our communities?
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Sharon Cadja (she/they) is an Artist and Property Manager with a Bachelor’s in Business Marketing from Ball State University. She works full time, but dedicates her free time to her art business in hopes to invest in her ideal lifestyle. Sharing insight of her journey to aspiring creatives is what she believes is imperative to a building a more encouraging art community. You can check out Sharon's work at her website and on Instagram.
Today, Abbie and Sharon discuss what it means to Sharon to paint, why she is in favor of copying artwork, and how she is inspired by nature. Sharon and Abbie explore their shared desire to find the beauty in the world; the importance of making art supplies, information, and business more accessible; and Sharon’s hope for an encouraging art community. Shares shares the confidence and relationships she has developed as a result of investing in her art; the affects of her environment on her process; the importance of cultivating a practice around noticing beauty in the world.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
Where can you find (or better yet, create) a soft space for yourself?
What can you learn when you stop making assumptions and start asking ‘why’?
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Caitlin Metz (they/them) is an accidental author, wayward adjunct faculty, chronic project starter, designer and illustrator, parent, Mary Oliver evangelist, cloud watcher, and big feeler. Caitlin is the co-author of My Body, My Home and the author of Feel Something, Make Something. They run Saturday Morning Carton with their partner and host "brain orgies". You can find their work on Patreon, Instagram, and Etsy.
Today, Abbie is joined by Caitlin Metz. To begin, Caitlin shares a little bit about who they are and what it means to them to create a “soft space” for people. Abbie and Caitlin discuss collaborating with our emotions; creating as a form of ritual, conversation, documentation, expression, and disruption; and finding perspective by asking ‘why?’. Caitlin and Abbie talk about the need to turn off autopilot and get intentional; “queerness as non-assumption;” and leaving room for many truths.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about CosmoTeenz.
What would you create if you weren’t worried about producing?
How can you embrace “regret” and acknowledge the things you would do differently as a sign of your own growth instead of failure?
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hesitantdoodle (Sidney McLeod) is a non-binary illustrator and comic artist based just outside of Glasgow, Scotland. Their work combines the action of sports, the drama of romance novels, and the whimsy of magical girls to produce effervescent, queer, and colourful comics. They are the creator and co-producer of the web series Creating Comics UK and judged the LDComics Awards in 2021. Their goal is to engage a wide audience with their work and collaborate to create new and wonderful stories!
Check out hesitantdoodle's work on their website, Twitter, or Instagram.
Today, illustrator hesitantdoodle shares the story of their journey from a young artist, to a grassroots illustrator just beginning, to where they find themself in their career now. Abbie and hesitantdoodle discuss art as a means of communication that goes beyond words; the invitation and possibility that the world of comic book illustration offers; and the resilience of art and artists. Abbie and hesitantdoodle explore what it means to value creativity, art, and imagination in a capitalist society that places more value on productivity, efficiency, and profit. hesitantdoodle explains the value of the CosmoTeenz Comic Book and advocates for “creating for the sake of creating.”
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about CosmoTeenz.
How do we create space for ALL the emotions we experience?
How can we find creative and constructive ways to engage with the world?
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Tumelo Victoria is one of five CosmoTeenz Fellows, sponsored by the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution. The Fellows have created a comic book on mental health that will be available soon. She is 19 years old, lives in Norway, and is currently working and taking a gap year after completing her last year of high school.
Today, Abbie and Tumelo Victoria discuss her involvement with, not only CosmoTeenz, but also, CosmoKidz and CosmoTweenz. Tumelo shares her experience with the CosmoTeenz Fellowship, including learning to balance her involvement with other time commitments, navigating negative experiences in a “happy” society, and finding new ways of relating to the world and its struggles.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
How do we demonstrate our caring (for others) through sharing (our stories)?
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MableAlexis is one of five CosmoTeenz Fellows, sponsored by the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution. The Fellows have created a comic book on mental health that will be available soon. MableAlexis is 23 years old and lives in Louisiana.
Today, Abbie is joined by CosmoTeenz Fellow MableAlexis Jackson to discuss what it has meant to her to take the opportunity to share her experience with mental health in the hopes that it could help someone else. Also, MableAlexis shares what it was like to see her story come alive in comic book form.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What change do you hope to see in your social worlds? And how can you be a part of making it happen?
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Johanna is one of five CosmoTeenz Fellows, sponsored by the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution. The Fellows have created a comic book on mental health that will be available soon. She lives in Denmark and is interested in a career in politics.
Today, Abbie and Johanna explore the desire to make change happen and finding opportunities to do so. Johanna shares the most rewarding (as well as the most challenging) parts of her experience as a CosmoTeenz Fellow. Abbie and Johanna discuss “communication glasses,” imposter syndrome, and feeling welcomed.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
Where in your life are there opportunities to find community and create connection by talking about experiences that have not been talked about?
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Haruka Suwabe is one of five CosmoTeenz Fellows, sponsored by the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution. The Fellows have created a comic book on mental health that will be available soon. She is interested in working in the STEM field.
Today, Abbie is joined by Haruka Suwabe to discuss becoming a part of the CMM community, using collaboration and imagination, and learning to have conversations about mental health.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What kinds of conversations about mental health are you having with the young people in your life?
How can you better take care of yourself (and others) when talking about mental health?
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At the time of recording this episode, Fatima was completing her senior of high school. Now, she is 19 and attending university. Fatima is studying psychology, as well as counseling and human services, with the goal of pursuing a career in school counseling. Fatima is one of five CosmoTeenz Fellows, sponsored by the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution. The Fellows have created a comic book on mental health that will be available soon.
Today, Abbie is joined by Fatima Razvi to discuss mental health, the comic book the Fellows are creating, and what has been challenging and rewarding about this experience.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
"Hi and welcome. As always, I’m Abbie, this is Stories Lived. Stories Told., and today, I invite you to join me as we embark on Season 3.
This season is all about embodying a communication perspective. So let me explain that a little bit: To take a communication perspective is to consider what we’re making and how we’re making it through our communication practices. This means we pay close attention to patterns and contexts, stories and relationships; and that we use curiosity, mindfulness, collaboration, and dialogue to create better social worlds. Think of a “communication perspective” like a pair of glasses, it acts as a lens through which to see the world. It offers us one way to make sense of the things we encounter.
Each episode we will be joined in conversation by a guest who is working to make better social worlds in their own ways. We will use our communication perspective to learn about each of these conversation partners, as well as their stories, experiences, and passions. However you are arriving to this podcast- whether you share a similar story to our guest, have experience with the topic we discuss, or are simply looking to learn something new- the communication perspective approach gives us a unique lens to understand stories in ways that we might have missed otherwise. Plus, as you practice taking a communication perspective along with me in each episode, I’m hopeful you can continue this practice in your own life.
Thank you for showing up. Thank you for being curious. Thank you for being a part of this story. And thank you for helping me to welcome in Season 3. I can’t wait to see what emerges as we continue to create mindful moments together!"
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the
Listen to Part 1 with Abbie and Marit here.
Abbie and Marit continue their conversation about the way we create better things in relationship with each other, change the moment in the moment, and embracing improvisation and practice in communication. Abbie and Marit discuss mystery, hope, and looking ahead to Season 3!
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
In this very special conversation, host Abbie VanMeter is interviewed by CMM Institute Steward (and friend) Marit Eikaas Haavimb. Together, they reflect on what Abbie has learned in 2023.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
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Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What are the limits you place on yourself?
...
Romi Boucher has been an executive coach, strategic change consultant, and designer of leadership programs and organizational development change initiatives for over 30 years. She has helped leaders and their organizations cause breakthrough change and results in business sectors ranging from established Fortune 100 organizations, governmental agencies, and educational organizations to professional firms characterized by intense competition.
As an executive coach, she has worked with senior leaders, directors, and managers in financial, administrative, sales, design and engineering fields in Fortune 100 corporations, non-profit organizations and government organizations. Her coaching approach addresses what it takes to lead and adapt innovatively in three dimensions; as organizations, in management teams and as individual leaders.
Listen to Part 1 with Romi here.
Today, Abbie and Romi continue their conversation about recognizing the ways we participate in the creation of our social worlds, using the enneagram to look at motivations instead of behaviors, and embracing our full humanity. Romi shares the role of transformation in her life and how she has approached bifurcation points.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What is possible? (And what else is possible when we start to ask ourselves this question?)
…
Romi Boucher has been an executive coach, strategic change consultant, and designer of leadership programs and organizational development change initiatives for over 30 years. She has helped leaders and their organizations cause breakthrough change and results in business sectors ranging from established Fortune 100 organizations, governmental agencies, and educational organizations to professional firms characterized by intense competition.
As an executive coach, she has worked with senior leaders, directors, and managers in financial, administrative, sales, design and engineering fields in Fortune 100 corporations, non-profit organizations and government organizations. Her coaching approach addresses what it takes to lead and adapt innovatively in three dimensions; as organizations, in management teams and as individual leaders.
Today, Abbie and Romi discuss Romi’s work as an organizational transformational change consultant using a strategic reinvention approach, what it means to practice our better social worlds in the present, and how we learn to collaborate with others in the making of those social worlds. Finally, Abbie and Romi explore creating awareness about our constant “making."
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What does it look like to show up for each other in newly connected ways?
How can we reorient ourselves to prioritize human connection and relationships?
How can we break out of unwanted repetitive patterns by engaging in conversations that open us up to alternatives we may never had considered?
…
Terry Strauss is a producer, writer, director. Her documentaries include, AS IF THEY WERE ANGELS, ULTIMATE RESTORATIONS, as well as documentary programs for DISNEY, DISNEY CHANNEL, LIFETIME, I WISH I WERE A PRINCESS, and her current project WHAT NOW? CANARIES IN CAMO, which focuses on the struggles of our veterans to reintegrate and truly come home, and the necessity of civilian engagement and responsibility in that struggle.
Barton Buechner is the Interim Director and a founding faculty member of the Military Psychology MA program at Adler University, and has served as a Board member of the Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) Institute for Personal and Social Evolution since 2014. He is a 1978 graduate of the US Naval Academy, and earned an MA in Organization Development and Assessment degree from Case Western Reserve University (1993) and PhD from Fielding Graduate University (2014). He is currently working with Terry on the film WHAT NOW? CANARIES IN CAMO.
Listen to Part 1 with Terry and Bart here.
Today, Abbie, Bart, and Terry continue their conversation by discussing the realities of moral injury, tangible ways of creating connection, and a need for “waging peace.” Terry speaks about isolation as a public health issue and our need for interdependence. Bart shares the challenges and meaning around telling the stories of veterans through his work. Finally, Abbie, Bart, and Terry explore the value of service, integration, and joining the conversation.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the
How can we better support veterans and make space to hear their stories?
What are the stories we have around war and those who serve? How do these stories keep us isolated and disconnected?
How do we overcome the impulse to “look away” from painful realities and instead create opportunities for connection to our own (and others’ humanity)?
...
Terry Strauss is a producer, writer, director. Her documentaries include, AS IF THEY WERE ANGELS, ULTIMATE RESTORATIONS, as well as documentary programs for DISNEY, DISNEY CHANNEL, LIFETIME, I WISH I WERE A PRINCESS, and her current project WHAT NOW? CANARIES IN CAMO, which focuses on the struggles of our veterans to reintegrate and truly come home, and the necessity of civilian engagement and responsibility in that struggle.
Barton Buechner is the Interim Director and a founding faculty member of the Military Psychology MA program at Adler University, and has served as a Board member of the Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) Institute for Personal and Social Evolution since 2014. He is a 1978 graduate of the US Naval Academy, and earned an MA in Organization Development and Assessment degree from Case Western Reserve University (1993) and PhD from Fielding Graduate University (2014). He is currently working with Terry on the film WHAT NOW? CANARIES IN CAMO.
Today, Abbie, Bart, and Terry discuss Bart and Terry’s background, their current film project, What Now: Canaries in Camo, and the retreat the film follows. Terry explores our relationships to veterans and their stories, the disconnection between civilians and veterans, and the responsibility we have to each other. Bart explains how the CMM-ish ideas of meaning-making, co-creation, cosmopolitan communication, and emergence can help us understand of the stories of Veterans and our socially constructed relationship to them. Finally, Abbie, Bart, and Terry discuss told and untold stories, systems that isolate us, and what can offer in addition to “thank you for your service.”
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Chec
How can we build awareness of ourselves, others, and all the stories we all have?
How can we rewire our ways of thinking and being to better celebrate the ways we show up?
What does it look like to empower ourselves in our storytelling?
...
Beth Fisher-Yoshida (PhD, CCS) is a facilitator, educator, and executive coach. She is President and CEO of Fisher Yoshida International, LLC. Beth is Professor of Professional Practice, Program Director of the MS in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program, Vice-Chair of Faculty at School of Professional Studies, Chair of Advanced Consortium for Cooperation, Conflict and Complexity (AC4) and Director of the Youth, Peace and Security Project all at Columbia University. She also serves on several Boards including the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution. She is the author of New Story New Power: A Woman's Guide to Negotiation.
Abbie and Beth continue their conversation about internalized stories, agency, and discomfort. Beth talks about practicing negotiation by starting small and shares stories from her experiences studying art in Japan. Abbie and Beth discuss cultural differences in meaning-making, the “new story” Beth hopes for women to know, and next turns for continuing the conversation.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What do you negotiate in your life?
What is your relationship to belonging? What is your identity? How do these things affect the way you show up in the world?
What is something new you can try to better advocate for yourself or negotiate with others?
...
Beth Fisher-Yoshida (PhD, CCS) is a facilitator, educator, and executive coach. She is President and CEO of Fisher Yoshida International, LLC. Beth is Professor of Professional Practice, Program Director of the MS in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program, Vice-Chair of Faculty at School of Professional Studies, Chair of Advanced Consortium for Cooperation, Conflict and Complexity (AC4) and Director of the Youth, Peace and Security Project all at Columbia University. She also serves on several Boards including the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
Today, Beth and Abbie discuss women, negotiation, and Beth’s new book, New Story New Power: A Women’s Guide to Negotiation. Beth shares her thoughts on cultivating belonging in the systems of organizations, the stories that create our identities, and when a “no is a no” in negotiation. Finally, Abbie and Beth talk about equity, reconciliation, and co-creation.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What is the intent? What is the impact?
Where do we start?
What story is being told here? What stories are not being told here?
...
Diane Grimes is an associate professor of Communication and Rhetorical Studies at Syracuse University. She works to encourage the mindful and critical interrogation of unexamined assumptions around issues of race.
Liz Cooney is a queer writer, facilitator, and speaker from Des Moines, Iowa. Her work focuses on helping people communicate more effectively through valuing differences and navigating difficult conversations.
Together, they are the co-authors of Through the Lens of Whiteness: Challenging Racialized Imagery in Pop Culture.
Today, Diane, Liz, and Abbie continue their conversation by discussing one of the examples from their book- a 2017 Dove ad. Diane and Liz explore whiteness, dismissal, and stories. Finally, Abbie, Diane, and Liz discuss the stories we are telling, whose stories they are, and why we tell them.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What does it look like to meet people where they are and at the same time ask people to move forward with you even when (especially when) it feels uncomfortable?
What is your background or story of your experience with race?
How can we, not only build awareness but also, generate curiosity, and experience exposure to diverse ways of being and making meaning?
...
Diane Grimes is an associate professor of Communication and Rhetorical Studies at Syracuse University. She works to encourage the mindful and critical interrogation of unexamined assumptions around issues of race.
Liz Cooney is a queer writer, facilitator, and speaker from Des Moines, Iowa. Her work focuses on helping people communicate more effectively through valuing differences and navigating difficult conversations.
Together, they are the co-authors of Through the Lens of Whiteness: Challenging Racialized Imagery in Pop Culture.
In this conversation, Abbie, Diane, and Liz discuss Diane and Liz’s new book, including the inspiration for their book, their own personal experiences that led them to begin considering their own whiteness, and how this work moves us toward a better social world. Diane and Liz share stories from their own lives about the moments when they began to build awareness. Finally, Abbie, Diane, and Liz explore meaning-making and storytelling as a way to invite people into the conversation.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
How can we become more conscious of the “third culture” we create with others?
What new perspective and understanding can we gain when we zoom in and zoom out in our interactions with others?
What can we learn about the way we show up to ourselves in the way we show up to others?
…
Don Waisanen is a professor of strategic and leadership communication in the Baruch College, City University of New York Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. All of his research, teaching, and consulting projects seek to understand how communication works to promote or hinder democracy. Don is the author of Improv for Democracy and Leadership Standpoints. He is the co-author of Innovation Soup: A Recipe for Organizational Success. Listen to Part One with Don here.
Don and Abbie continue their conversation about third culture building, intrapersonal communication, and internal family systems. Abbie explores the difference between communication skills and a communication perspective using the game Stratego as a metaphor. Abbie and Don discuss zooming out and zooming in, negotiating with ourselves, and improvisational games. Finally, Abbie and Don try out some improv games and consider what we can learn about ourselves doing these activities.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about
What in life can you “yes, and”?
How can our understanding and practice of communication evolve to match the other advancements we have made as a community?
What does it look like to use improv in our everyday lives (which is not the same as “winging it”)?
…
Don Waisanen is a professor of strategic and leadership communication in the Baruch College, City University of New York Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. All of his research, teaching, and consulting projects seek to understand how communication works to promote or hinder democracy. Don is the author of Improv for Democracy and Leadership Standpoints. He is the co-author of Innovation Soup: A Recipe for Organizational Success.
Today, Don shares how he developed a communication perspective across diverse work experiences managing political campaigns, teaching communication, performing improvisational comedy, and more. Don and Abbie discuss improv and “yes, and” as a way to understand creating social worlds in collaboration; moving our thinking of communication away from a transmission model (send and receive) to a constitutive view (relate and create); and moving beyond our default ways of being using adaptive leadership theory. Don explains his version of what a better social world could be. Finally, Abbie and Don explore using episode work to embrace inclusion, performance, and range as important functions of leadership.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about
How do we lean into the mess of progress?
How do our actions and stories communicate our values?
…
Kaya Hill graduated from Ball State University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies and two minors in history and African American studies. Since then, Kaya moved to Florida to work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and continue studying various aspects of African-American History and Critical Race Theory. Listen to Part One with Kaya here.
Kaya and Abbie continue their conversation about questioning whether or not “curiosity kills the cat.” Kaya talks about the need to question everything, to admit when we don’t know something, and to share family stories (even the hard ones). Abbie and Kaya discuss context and the existence of joy right alongside suffering in our stories; that guilt is better than indifference, but it matters what we do with that guilt; and taking a breath and making a decision being the difference between backing out and leaning in. Finally, Kaya shares what she likes about her current social world and calls us to action to have conversations.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
Why?
…
Kaya Hill graduated from Ball State University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies and two minors in history and African American studies. Since then, Kaya moved to Florida to work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and continue studying various aspects of African-American History and Critical Race Theory.
Kaya shares her story, including the impact of finding “more” in her college experience (despite not planning on going to college) and the importance of understanding the many stories of our history so we can do better in the future. Kaya and Abbie discuss Kaya’s view of a better social world through the lens of “honesty” and “dishonesty.” Kaya talks about the need to ask “why?” about everything, the gaps in our American history around the experiences of black people, and the value of context in the way we talk about history. Finally, Abbie and Kaya question the moral behind the saying “curiosity killed the cat” and how it’s really complacency that kills and curiosity that opens doors to new ways of being.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What is keeping us from really getting to know people?
How can empathy save us?
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Steven Fuller is a Communication professor at the University of Cincinnati. He hosts the Communication Junkie podcast, wrote The Church Experiment, and co-created Good vs Gooder. But, most importantly, he's spent the past three years assembling over 100,000 pieces of LEGO. Listen to Part One of this conversation with Steven here.
Today, Steven shares his curiosity about and experience with religion and how it led him to write The Church Experiment. Abbie talks about the value of hearing more stories about uncertainity, mystery, and messiness. Abbie and Steven discuss what can happen when we really try to get to know people, how we continue to find community in new ways, and why we “double down” because of our physchology. Finally, Steven and Abbie talk about Steven’s idea of a better social world from the perspective of a realist.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
Why do people do what they do?
How can better communication practices help you in your work life? In your personal relationships?
How can you help make your community one where people feel empowered to share their stories?
…
Steven Fuller is a Communication professor at the University of Cincinnati. He hosts the Communication Junkie podcast, wrote The Church Experiment, and co-created Good vs Gooder. But, most importantly, he's spent the past three years assembling over 100,000 pieces of LEGO.
Today, Steven shares his story, including how his childhood created in him a deep desire for community, a desire for control, and a desire for perfectionism. Abbie and Steven explore how Steven’s love of mystery and relationships evolved into a love of studying communication. Steven and Abbie talk about how the study of communication feels meaningful because it gives language to things we already experience; how we might use the idea of “nexting” to make better choices in the moment; and how everybody, working in every field needs a deeper understanding of communication. Finally, Steven discusses the effects of empowering more people with better communication tools to generate more stories being told.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What are you still thinking about from our conversation with Zev Burton?
What are you still thinking about from our conversation with Paul Porter?
…
Dr. Ilene Wasserman is the Founder and President of ICW Consulting. Ilene is on the Board of Stewards for the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution. She has been on the cutting edge of practice and research in strength-based methodologies, capacity building, and relational leadership, that engage diversity, create equity, and fosters inclusive cultures.
Arthur Jensen (PhD, University of Massachusetts) is Emeritus Professor of Communication and Rhetorical Studies, Syracuse University, where he served as faculty member, department chair, and associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. He is a Board Member of the CMM Institute and a co-director of the Cosmopolis 2045 project. He has authored or co-authored several books, including a textbook with Sarah Trenholm, Interpersonal Communication (8 th edition, Cognella Publishing, which is in press), Making Better Social Worlds, with Robyn Penman, and A Call to Cosmopolitan Communication, both published by CMMi Press. His work in recent years has revolved around developing a more comprehensive understanding of the theory and practices of cosmopolitan communication.
Today, Abbie is joined by Ilene Wasserman and Arthur Jensen, members of the CMM Institute's Board of Stewards, to reflect on the conversations Abbie previously had with Zev Burton (Part 1 & Part 2) and Paul Porter (Part 1 & Part 2). In this conversation, Arthur shares Richard Rohr’s 3 Boxes (Order, Reorder, Disorder) as a lens for human development. Ilene builds on this by exploring human development as “the increasing capacity for complexity.” Abbie, Ilene, and Arthur discuss growing up as individuals and as society; growing up as a non-linear, generative spiral; and growing up as acknowledging our own complexity and the complexity of others. Abbie points out the way in which the topic of diversity of perspective and experience in her conversation with Paul showed up as a dynamic in her conversation with Zev, as he offered a unique perspective on data, humor, and politics. Finally, Abbie, Ilene, and Arthur talk social construction, the privilege of creativity, and cultural humility.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What does it mean to live in a body?
What is keeping you from reclaiming your full humanity?
How can we embrace the experience of having a body in a way that empowers us as we age and our bodies change?
...
Rebekah Taussig is a Kansas City writer, educator, and parent. Bolstered by academic knowledge and personal experience, she strives to tell stories that enhance and complicate the way we think about disability. You can find her writing on Instagram, in her memoir, or on her website. Listen to Part One of this conversation with Rebekah here. Listen to Part Two of this conversation here.
In part three of this conversation, Abbie and Rebekah wrap up by discussing what makes them feel “awe,” the effects of suffering and disconnection over the past few years on our experiences of “awe,” and the intersection of suffering and joy being the reality of the human experience. Rebekah considers the fear we have around the aging of our bodies and death and how the meaning we attach to these things holds us back. Rebekah talks about the similarities in her experience with disability and her experience becoming a mother and the differences in how the stories we tell about these experiences in society. Finally, Abbie and Rebekah talk next turns: “Ask. Listen. Adapt. Expand”
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What is your current understanding of disability? How do you relate to those who are disabled?
How can we move away from the medical model and closer to the social model when it comes to understanding disability?
How can we continue to show up and be curious about conversations surrounding disability, language, and accessibility even when we mess up or feel discouraged?
...
Rebekah Taussig is a Kansas City writer, educator, and parent. Bolstered by academic knowledge and personal experience, she strives to tell stories that enhance and complicate the way we think about disability. You can find her writing on Instagram, in her memoir, or on her website. Listen to Part One of this conversation with Rebekah here.
In part two of this conversation, Abbie and Rebekah pick up where they left off, talking about Rebekah’s experience parenting with a disability and what she has learned from other parents with disabilities. Abbie and Rebekah discuss meaning and how we make it, as well as the notion that everything is already an accommodation of one version of the human body, so why is it so hard for us to welcome a few more accommodations that would include other versions of human bodies? Rebekah explains what she means by “collaborative re-imagination” and Abbie asks Rebekah’s thoughts on the word “diff-abled” as a replacement for disabled. Rebekah and Abbie share about their love of language, why it feels deeply personal, and how it changes over time. Finally, Rebekah talks about the differences between the medical and social models and her first teaching experience.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What does it mean to you to see yourself represented in stories?
How can we find the courage to tell our stories, knowing that it matters for us to tell them?
What is the story that you want to tell about yourself? How is it different from the story the world is telling you?
...
Rebekah Taussig is a Kansas City writer, educator, and parent. Bolstered by academic knowledge and personal experience, she strives to tell stories that enhance and complicate the way we think about disability. You can find her writing on Instagram, in her memoir, or on her website.
Today, Rebekah shares about her experience growing up and the stories (or lack thereof) that most shaped her. Abbie and Rebekah discuss the idea of “pluralistic truths” and how it can be harder but also truer to acknowledge the many stories and meanings that exist at the same time. Rebekah talks about when she first began to hear stories that reflected her experience as a person using a wheelchair, why she started to share her own story more widely, and the connections that came as a result of it. Finally, Rebekah and Abbie consider the idea that we have choices about the kinds of stories we tell about ourselves.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
This conversation contains references to sexual assault and gender-based violence.
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How can you practice approaching defensiveness with curiosity in yourself and others?
How can we begin to embrace our full humanity by allowing ourselves to engage in all ways of being, not just the ones that were assigned to us based on our sex?
What is a small thing you can do this week to create a next turn/ ripple from this conversation?
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Burton Patterson is a social worker by trade with experience in the fields of Harm Reduction and Mental Health and Addiction, Sexual Violence Prevention, and Healthy Sexual Education. He specializes working with male-identifying folks in gender-based violence prevention.
Watch the Ted Talk from Tony Porter the Burton references in this conversation: A Call to Men
Listen to Part One with Burton here.
Today, Burton shares stories about his experience educating groups of young men about toxic masculinity, rape culture, and gender-based violence. Abbie and Burton discuss the ripple effect (and how it’s true for both helpful and harmful behaviors), the importance of meeting defensiveness with curiosity, and the ways to use challenges as educational moments. Burton explains the difference between toxic and healthy masculinity. Abbie and Burton explore the way meaning is made when it comes to “femininity” and “masculinity.” Abbie wonders about the ways that the small things add up to the big things and how that can help us understand how our ideas around gender formed and Burton uses the metaphor of pulling people out of a river to describe the relationship between prevention and intervention and why we need both. Finally, Abbie asks Burton what new stories we can start telling about gender to create a better social world for all of us.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
This conversation contains references to sexual assault and gender-based violence.
…
What ideas about gender have you learned from your culture, peers, and family?
How can you find ways to call people in instead of calling them out?
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Burton Patterson is a social worker by trade with experience in the fields of Harm Reduction and Mental Health and Addiction, Sexual Violence Prevention, and Healthy Sexual Education. He specializes working with male-identifying folks in gender-based violence prevention.
Watch this Ted Talk from Tony Porter for more context on today's conversation: A Call to Men
In this conversation, Burton shares his story, including what it was like to grow up in a family of “helpers,” how he learned to see people as people, and why he transitioned from helping on the intervention side of things to the prevention side. Abbie and Burton discuss the narratives around gender that we internalize (whether we recognize it or not). Burton explains why the conversation around gender-based violence and sexual assault is not simply a “women’s issue,” why calling people in is more effective than calling people out, and why even the smallest moments matter in the ripple effect. Abbie and Burton explore “The Man Box” and why it is vital to understand instances of sexual assault as parts of a larger pattern rather than individual events. Finally, Burton gives advice on what it looks like to call people in.
…
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
Whether or not we consider ourselves "creative" or "leaders," how can we still find ways to create and lead?
How do we make decisions? How can we let go of thinking we could possibly know which decision is 'right' before making the decision?
What does it look like to "communicate for communication's own sake"?
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Mike is the Director of Leadership Development for the Clinton Foundation and co-directs the Presidential Leadership Scholars program. He is also a Professor of Practice at the Clinton School of Public Service where he teaches courses on communication and the leadership of social change. Listen to Part One with Dr. Mike Hemphill.
Today, Mike and Abbie continue their conversation about cosmopolitan communication. Mike talks about the importance of mindfulness and reflection, how practicing leadership in the small moments is the best way to prepare yourself to be a leader in the more critical moments, and why anyone can lead. Abbie and Mike discuss making decisions differently, letting emotions permeate, and pluralistic truths. Mike shares his favorite saying: "the journey is the destination" and what it means to him. Finally, Abbie and Mike exchange some ways to acknowledge ineffective patterns and create new ones in our relationships. Please note that this conversation was recorded prior to the United States Supreme Court's June 29, 2023 decision on affirmative action, which makes it unlawful for colleges to take race into consideration as a specific factor in admissions.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
How do we, as a community of individuals with individual experiences, thoughts, and feelings, come together to create shared meaning?
How has our understanding of communication evolved to more accurately encompass the complexities and nuances of human relationships?
How do we fool ourselves into believing "the illusion of stability"? And how can we learn to embrace mystery instead?
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Mike is the Director of Leadership Development for the Clinton Foundation and co-directs the Presidential Leadership Scholars program. He is also a Professor of Practice at the Clinton School of Public Service where he teaches courses on communication and the leadership of social change.
Today, Mike introduces himself and shares about the experiences that have shaped him. Mike and Abbie discuss how they define communication, consider how meaning is made, and explore what it means to be both a scholar and a practitioner of communication. Finally, Mike talks about "the paradigm of communication."
...
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
How can we use our individual relationships to make a difference in our larger social worlds?
How can we promote healing and growth in our relationships?
How can we learn to be agile and lead with emergence in our lives?
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Listen to Part One with Ilene and Jeff here.
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Dr. Ilene Wasserman is the Founder and President of ICW Consulting. Ilene is on the Board of Stewards for the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution. She has been on the cutting edge of practice and research in strength-based methodologies, capacity building, and relational leadership, that engage diversity, create equity, and fosters inclusive cultures.
Dr. Jeff Branch, Principal with ICW Consulting Group, LLC is an organization development, change, executive coach, and DEIBJ consultant. Jeff also practices as Chair of graduate programs utilizing inquiry, dialogue, and systems thinking to support multi-level system development and high performance.
Ilene and Jeff are passionate about creating and sharing diversity, inclusion, and social justice initiatives with organizations at the personal, group, system, and community levels. They model transparency and value discovery, connection, care, and love. Ilene and Jeff understand the work it takes to create safe spaces for meaningful dialogue to occur.
Today, Ilene, Jeff, and Abbie continue their conversation about community, curiosity, and inclusion. Ilene and Jeff share stories of their experience working with organizations, including the importance of internal partnerships in their work. Abbie asks Ilene and Jeff what it looks like for them to embody the values of dialogue, collaboration, and inclusion. Jeff and Ilene explain what it means to be "Cha-ordic," what it means to be mindful, and what it means to engage in "mutual transformative learning." Finally, Ilene and Jeff share their visions of a better social world.
...
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
How do we create spaces where people feel, not just safe enough but also, brave enough to share their most vulnerable stories and selves?
How can we learn to manage the tension that arises when we start having new and challenging conversations?
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Dr. Ilene Wasserman is the Founder and President of ICW Consulting. Ilene is on the Board of Stewards for the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution. She has been on the cutting edge of practice and research in strength-based methodologies, capacity building, and relational leadership, that engage diversity, create equity, and fosters inclusive cultures.
Dr. Jeff Branch, Principal with ICW Consulting Group, LLC is an organization development, change, executive coach, and DEIBJ consultant. Jeff also practices as Chair of graduate programs utilizing inquiry, dialogue, and systems thinking to support multi-level system development and high performance.
Ilene and Jeff are passionate about creating and sharing diversity, inclusion, and social justice initiatives with organizations at the personal, group, system, and community levels. They model transparency and value discovery, connection, care, and love. Ilene and Jeff understand the work it takes to create safe spaces for meaningful dialogue to occur.
Today, Ilene and Jeff introduce themselves and share some stories that shaped them. Ilene discusses identity and how her understanding of identity was first formed. Jeff talks about how he thinks in terms of "episodes" and how he has always been guided by curiosity. Abbie, Ilene, and Jeff explore their first experiences interacting with people from different backgrounds and learning about diversity. Ilene explains what "innovative communities" and "inclusive communication" at the workplace means to her. Finally, Abbie asks Ilene and Jeff to describe what it means to them to "spark community."
...
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
How can we be asking ourselves, "Is this a world in which I want to be living?" What do we do when the answer is "no"?
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Karen A. Foss is Regents’ Professor Emeritus of Communication at the University of New Mexico. Her work expands the boundaries of communication to incorporate and legitimatize feminist perspectives. She is the author ofCOLOR Up to Create the Life You Want to Live.
Sonja K. Foss is Professor Emeritx of Communication at the University of Colorado Denver. She has been on the forefront of scholarship on agency, change, and communication from feminist perspectives. Her books include Inviting Transformation.
Together, Karen and Sonja have authored Feminist Rhetorical Theories, Gender Stories, and Feminism in Practice.
Today, Abbie, Karen, and Sonja discuss "interpretation" as the core of Karen and Sonja's work and lives. Karen and Sonja present strategies for making new choices, including reframing, appreciation, enactment, and more. Abbie, Karen, and Sonja discuss what it means to "live today as you want the world to be," what it means to always be denying reality, and what it means to "joyfully allow." Finally, Abbie expresses appreciation for the ways that Karen and Sonja have made these important ideas accessible, asks about what it's like for Karen and Sonja to work so closely, and considers what this work means for what a better social world looks like.
...
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
How can we communicate in a way that acts as an invitation for others?
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Karen A. Foss is Regents’ Professor Emeritus of Communication at the University of New Mexico. Her work expands the boundaries of communication to incorporate and legitimatize feminist perspectives. She is the author ofCOLOR Up to Create the Life You Want to Live.
Sonja K. Foss is Professor Emeritx of Communication at the University of Colorado Denver. She has been on the forefront of scholarship on agency, change, and communication from feminist perspectives. Her books include Inviting Transformation.
Together, Karen and Sonja have authored Feminist Rhetorical Theories, Gender Stories, and Feminism in Practice.
Today, Abbie, Karen, and Sonja discuss the importance of remembering our choices when it comes to both feminism and communication. Abbie explores the connection between Karen and Sonja's understanding of feminism and CMM, comparing the process of understanding, critiquing, and transforming with the CMM-ish process of imagination, genuine inquiry, and embodiment (presented by Alex Jagiello in Ep. 22). Karen and Sonja describe the feminist values of equality, self-determination, and immanent value. Finally, Abbie, Karen, and Sonja consider caring wildly about the things we care about as an "ethical version of persuasion."
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
How can we better include the experiences of women in our understanding of communication?
...
Karen A. Foss is Regents’ Professor Emeritus of Communication at the University of New Mexico. Her work expands the boundaries of communication to incorporate and legitimatize feminist perspectives. She is the author ofCOLOR Up to Create the Life You Want to Live.
Sonja K. Foss is Professor Emeritx of Communication at the University of Colorado Denver. She has been on the forefront of scholarship on agency, change, and communication from feminist perspectives. Her books include Inviting Transformation.
Together, Karen and Sonja have authored Feminist Rhetorical Theories, Gender Stories, and Feminism in Practice.
Today, Karen and Sonja share the story of how they came to be so passionate about the intersection of feminism and communication. Abbie, Karen, and Sonja discuss the need to rethink the assumptions of theories in the discipline of communication that are based on the historic communication patterns of men. Karen and Sonja offer a definition of feminism, including the roles of understanding, critique, and transformation. Finally, Karen and Sonja explain some of the different types of feminisms.
...
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal andSocial Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What are you still thinking about from our conversation with Stephanie Higgs?
What questions do you still have after our conversation with Chris Wells and Emma Nicholson?
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Today, Abbie is joined by Sergej van Middendorp, a member of the CMM Institute's Board of Stewards, to reflect on the conversations Abbie previously had with Stephanie Higgs (Part 1 & Part 2) and Chris Wells and Emma Nicholson (Part 1 & Part 2). In this conversation, Sergej shares his own experience with learning about the label of "giftedness." Abbie and Sergej discuss the relationship between difference and sameness, and the ways that each showed up in the conversations with Stephanie, Chris, and Emma. Abbie and Sergej explore what it means to "complicate the narrative," how we can embrace that paradox of "planning for emergence," and looking back while at the same time looking forward.
...
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal andSocial Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What is the difference between leaning in and opting out of conversations that feel tricky to navigate?
When we do not feel that we understand the beliefs that someone holds, how can we stay in conversation and push through to find the story behind that belief, which inevitably gives us the best chance at finding shared understanding?
How can we make small (but significant) changes in our language so that we are inviting others into conversation instead of shutting down dialogue?
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Jennifer Arvin Furlong is a highly-rated communication/media specialist with 30 years of experience in the communication industry and 18 years of experience teaching in higher education. She is the author of Mini-Handbook for Jackasses: Communication & Relationships and co-author of the #1 Amazon international best seller, Cracking the Rich Code. She is a TEDx speaker and coach and host of the Communication TwentyFourSeven Podcast. She is a Marine Corps veteran, a first-generation college graduate (B.A. and M.A. in Communication), a mom, and a breast cancer survivor.
Today, Jennifer and I wrap up our conversation by exploring some topics that tend to provoke strong (and very different) opinions. We begin by referring to the Platinum Rule ("treat others the way they want to be treated") and how we might live that out. My hope for this episode is that it may act as a model of what it can look like to lean into challenging and potentially polarizing conversations. I imagine that you may feel some discomfort during this conversation. I invite you to lean in with us and to spend some time examining your own reactions in the hopes of learning more about yourself and others. I ask that you pay special attention to the ways in which Jennifer and I choose curiosity and how that opens us up to understand each other better. In this conversation, Jennifer and I explore the role that labels play in our society (both the good and the not so good), some of the stories that shaped Jennifer’s beliefs around gender and meaning, and the ways we can use curiosity to create connection instead of disconnection. As you reflect on your own values during this conversation, and hear some of ours, I encourage you to read my Values Statement.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal andSocial Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
Who are you inviting to your table? Who or what do you need to disinvite?
What changes if we really start to believe that communication is not just about talking? How can we create change simply by listening and paying attention?
How can we find a balance between advocating for our own stories and making space for the very different stories of others? How can we learn to collaborate with others rather than over-accommodating or over-dominating in relationships?
…
Jennifer Arvin Furlong is a highly rated communication/media specialist with 30 years of experience in the communication industry and 18 years of experience teaching in higher education. She is the author of Mini-Handbook for Jackasses: Communication & Relationships and co-author of the #1 Amazon international best seller, Cracking the Rich Code. She is a TEDx speaker and coach and host of the Communication TwentyFourSeven Podcast. She is a Marine Corps veteran, a first-generation college graduate (B.A. and M.A. in Communication), a mom, and a breast cancer survivor. Listen to Part One of our conversation with Jennifer here: Communicating to Understand and be Understood | A Conversation with Jennifer Furlong.
Today, Jennifer talks about her experience of taking her wedding ring off for the first time after her divorce, letting herself feel all the emotions instead of acting like they don’t exist, and writing a new story for herself. Abbie and Jennifer discuss “intrapersonal communication” and the stories Jennifer was taught about emotions and relationships. Jennifer explains the importance of being “audience-centered,” considering frames of reference, and listening attentively. Finally, Abbie and Jennifer explore the Platinum Rule (“treat others the way they want to be treated”) as a way to create meaningful interactions.
...
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What are the possibilities of communication? What are the limits? How does understanding both bring us peace about what is outside of our control?
How can we seek to “respond” instead of “reacting”? What is the difference between “responding” and “reacting”?
What if we let go of the idea of trying to control the way that others communicate and instead focus on controlling our own communication in the hopes that it might be what sets the example for others?
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Jennifer Arvin Furlong is a highly rated communication/media specialist with 30 years of experience in the communication industry and 18 years of experience teaching in higher education. She is the author of Mini-Handbook for Jackasses: Communication & Relationships and co-author of the #1 Amazon international best seller, Cracking the Rich Code. She is a TEDx speaker and coach and host of the Communication TwentyFourSeven Podcast. She is a Marine Corps veteran, a first-generation college graduate (B.A. and M.A. in Communication), a mom, and a breast cancer survivor.
In this conversation, Jennifer shares stories of some pivotal moments in her life, including joining the Marine Corps, working as a journalist, and starting her own company. Abbie and Jennifer discuss their shared love of communication and the importance of developing the communication skills and perspective to engage in tricky (but meaningful) conversations. Jennifer and Abbie explore “communicating about how we communicate,” letting go of old stories, and writing new ones. Finally, Jennifer defines communication in her own words.
...
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
Please be aware that this conversation contains discussion of suicide, addiction, and mental illness.
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How might we use the Theory of Positive Disintegration and CMM to equip ourselves to lean into the challenge of deconstructing and reconstructing our values?
What makes you feel empowered to take control of your own narrative? How can you seek out language, tools, and community that encourages that? How can you yourself empower others to do the same?
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Dr. Chris Wells is a writer, social worker, and founder of the Dabrowski Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the Theory of Positive Disintegration (TPD). She's also the co-host of the Positive Disintegration Podcast.
Emma is the co-host of the Positive Disintegration Podcast, and creates content for people learning about the Theory of Positive Disintegration for her website Tragic Gift, and YouTube channel, Adults With Overexcitabilities.
Chris explains the distinction between disintegration and positive disintegration by sharing her own experience. Emma and Chris talk about the “authentic voice,” multilevel and unilevel disintegration, and the importance of supportive relationships. Abbie explains the similarities she sees between CMM and TPD, including the balance of personal power and uncontrollable context, the need for reflection, and the process of meaning-making. Finally, Abbie, Chris, and Emma discuss their shared passions for making the content of their theories accessible to people, so that we can climb the stairs for ourselves and at the same time, turn around and help other people do the same.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
Find Rik on YouTube.
Listen to our conversation with Rik in Ep. 8.
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Listen to Part One with Chris and Emma.
Listen to the Positive Disintegration Podcast.
Learn more about The Dabrowski Center.
Learn more about the Theory of Positive Disintegration (TPD).
Find Emma on YouTube.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
Please be aware that this conversation contains discussion of suicide and suicide ideation.
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What is Giftedness? What is Overexcitability? What is the Theory of Positive Disintegration?
What if we stopped trying to “fix” ourselves and started trying to change the world around us instead?
How can we start to challenge the framework we have about cognition and emotion? How can we work together to co-create a new framework that honors emotions better?
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Chris Wells is a writer, social worker, and founder of the Dabrowski Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the theory of positive disintegration. She's also the co-host of the Positive Disintegration Podcast.
Emma is the co-host of the Positive Disintegration Podcast, and creates content for people learning about the Theory of Positive Disintegration for her website Tragic Gift, and YouTube channel, Adults With Overexcitabilities.
Today, Emma and Chris share some stories about themselves, including their relationships to the Theory of Positive Disintegration (TPD) and their own experiences with disintegrating. Chris and Emma explain giftedness, overexcitability, and dynamisms. Abbie, Emma, and Chris discuss stereotypes, “spurs to self-correction,” and what it could look like to transform overexcitability in order to live with intense experiences. Finally, Emma and Chris break down the Theory of Positive Disintegration.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann. Find Rik on YouTube.
...
Listen to the Positive Disintegration Podcast.
Learn more about The Dabrowski Center.
Learn more about the Theory of Positive Disintegration (TPD).
Find Emma on YouTube.
...
Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram.
Subscribe on YouTube.
Check out my website.
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
Why is language so important? How does language empower us in our creation of social worlds?
How can we let go of a scarcity mindset in favor of a mindset of abundance? How can we see the stories of others as adding something important rather than taking something away from us?
What does it actually look like to make more space for people and their stories? How can we start to recognize the systemic ways that certain stories have been left out? How can we start to “build a bigger table”?
Instead of dismissing our vision as unrealistic or unattainable, how can we learn to use imagination and hope as tools to make our dreams a reality?
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Dr. Paul Porter is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA). Like Abbie, Paul graduated from Ball State University and was a member of the Ball State Speech Team. Paul went on to earn his Master’s in Communication and Rhetorical Studies at Eastern Michigan University and his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Indiana State University. Paul has worked on the development of programs and initiatives designed to help create inclusive environments for diverse student populations, as well as diversity strategic plans and program assessments. Paul has presented on topics such as multicultural competence and unconscious bias across the state of Indiana and nationwide.
In part two of this conversation, Paul shares his experience with Speech in high school and college. Abbie and Paul discuss how similar experiences shaped who they are today. Paul talks about when he first learned what ADHD and depression are, when he was diagnosed, and how this language changed how he saw himself. Abbie and Paul consider what it looks like to really live out values around diversity, equity, and inclusion on a personal and organizational level. Paul and Abbie use the metaphor of a salad to explore the nuances of diversity, representation, and privilege of stories. Paul explains the theory of Social Change Disruption and how we can embrace “disrupting the status quo for the greater good.” Finally, Abbie and Paul discuss what a better social world looks like through the lens of DEI.
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"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other” -Mother Teresa
“We are only but one conversation from the relationship that changes the rest of our lives” -Lee Mun Wah
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann. Find Rik on YouTube.
...
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram
Subscribe on YouTube
Check out my website
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Learn more about the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What is “multicultural competence”? And why do we need it?
What are the real ways that we can embrace the complexity of our experiences?
How do we manage an ever-evolving social world?
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Dr. Paul Porter is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA). Like Abbie, Paul graduated from Ball State University and was a member of the Ball State Speech Team. Paul went on to earn his Master’s in Communication and Rhetorical Studies at Eastern Michigan University and his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Indiana State University. Paul has worked on the development of programs and initiatives designed to help create inclusive environments for diverse student populations, as well as diversity strategic plans and program assessments. Paul has presented on topics such as multicultural competence and unconscious bias across the state of Indiana and nationwide.
Today, Abbie and Paul discuss shared stories around their experience with speech, the subjectivity of success and failure, and meaning-making in Paul’s life. Paul shares some stories from his life to help contextualize his perspective in this conversation. Paul explores his “bittersweet” relationship with the role of father figures and why he is so passionate about investing in young people. Paul and Abbie discuss gray areas, cognitive schemas, and puzzles. Finally, Paul shares his journey into the world of communication, from his 3rd grade tests to his high school morning announcements. We end this conversation on a cliffhanger; join us again next week for Part Two of this conversation with Paul.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram
Subscribe on YouTube
Check out my website
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Follow the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
How can we recognize the complexity of our social worlds by understanding the role of humor in moments of pain, suffering, and oppression?
How might we make space for stories that are different than our own? And how might we begin to see all stories as contributing to the never-ending story of what it means to be human?
What does it mean for people to "have the necessities they need for the opportunity to thrive"? How can we create a better social world that accomplishes this?
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Zev Burton is a student, author, and all-around curious person. Zev graduated with a Bachelor’s in International Security from Georgetown University in 2022. He is now working on a Master’s in Data Science and Analysis. Zev has written a book on the intersection of humor and political events called Two Fish in a Tank: How Jokes Can Give Hope to a Fractured World. Zev also uses his platform on TikTok to discuss social issues, focusing on the performance and effects of Anti-Seminitism.
Today, Abbie and Zev continue their conversation about humor, discussing humor as a societal coping mechanism; the role of parody and satire throughout history; and the distinction between “making light of things” and a type of humor that actually stems from a depth of understanding of pain and suffering as a part of the human experience. Zev talks about humor as a political tool used to educate, empower, and inspire. Abbie considers the conversation through the lens of meaning-making. Zev explains his platform on TikTok and how he hopes to turn “views” into understanding, empathy, and action. Abbie and Zev explore the perspective Zev has developed as a Jewish person (among a number of other identities) and his experience with fighting anti-semitism online. Finally, Abbie and Zev discuss the new stories that Zev is trying to share about Judaism, the struggle to claim space and be heard, and why Zev’s “better social world” is one where everyone has the opportunity to prosper and create.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Find Zev on TikTok.
Buy Zev's book.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram
Subscribe on YouTube
Check out my website
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Follow the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
What is the role of data in our lives? How does data tell a story? How can we better understand it and use it ethically to create a better social world?
How does humor allow us to subvert expectations in a way that is empowering? What can we change when we begin to believe this?
How can we deepen our understanding of political events by using a communication perspective to consider meaning-making, context, and storytelling?
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Zev Burton is a student, author, and all-around curious person. Zev graduated with a Bachelor’s in International Security from Georgetown University in 2022. He is now working on a Master’s in Data Science and Analysis. Zev has written a book on the intersection of humor and political events called Two Fish in a Tank: How Jokes Can Give Hope to a Fractured World. Zev also uses his platform on TikTok to discuss social issues, focusing on the performance and effects of Anti-Seminitism.
Today, Abbie and Zev discuss their shared background in Speech and Debate and what it means to them. Zev shares his academic journey, explaining what the fields of International Security and Data Science and Analysis are, why he is convinced they matter, and how he sees them as working hand in hand. Abbie and Zev explore the ethics of data collection and use. Zev talks about his research on the topic of mass murders and the stories we tell (and don’t tell) about them. Zev explains his passion, not exactly for data itself, but for the insights that data provides. Abbie and Zev explore the meaning-making that happens in data analysis. Finally, Abbie and Zev begin to talk about the communication perspective Zev uses in his book, the process of conceptualizing and writing the book, and how the use of humor can be a powerful tool for resisting oppression.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Find Zev on TikTok.
Buy Zev's book.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram
Subscribe on YouTube
Check out my website
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Follow the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
How do we do ourselves a disservice by oversimplifying grief and limiting what we consider to be "appropriate" responses and "acceptable" expressions of it?
Instead of saying, "let me know what I can do to help," how can we answer our own question by using our empathy and creativity to show up for the people we love in the depths of grief?
What does it do for us to see moments of pain and suffering as an opportunity for connection rather than disconnection?
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Dr. Michelle Colpean is a communication professor at the University of Cincinnati. She received her Bachelor's in Psychology and Master's in Communication Studies from Ball State University and her Ph.D. in Communication Studies (Rhetoric) from the University of Iowa. She is the mother of Sami, who passed away suddenly on January 12, 2021, at 8 months old, and Salma, who is about to turn 1 year old. Michelle uses her background in communication to help her survive the grief of losing her son and continues to write and present on the topic of grief, among other things. Michelle also makes Personalized Car Charms which she sells on Etsy, to support others in remembering the people they love that they have lost.
Today, Abbie and Michelle discuss Mary Todd Lincoln; the stigma, taboos, and silence that exists around child loss; and the generational shift in understanding and expressing grief around child loss. Michelle shares what support that was offered to her felt helpful and what support did not feel helpful, pointing out that we need to be careful of "recentering" ourselves (the ones offering support) rather than keeping the focus on the person who is grieving and their loss. Abbie and Michelle explore the tendency of people to disengage when faced with something big and intimidating, and why those are the moments when it is more important than ever to lean in and find ways to engage. Michelle shares her thoughts on the communal experiences of both joy and sadness, the need for authenticity with boundaries, and learning to live in survival mode by taking life one turn at a time. Finally, Abbie and Michelle talk about the new story that they hope to be a part of around child loss, for ourselves, and for future generations.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Follow Michelle on Instagram
Check out Michelle's Etsy Shop
Read more about Sami
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram
Subscribe on YouTube
Check out my website
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Follow the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
How do we find peace when there is no sense to be made of our pain?
What can we do to lean into a more complex understanding of loss and grief?
How can we trade platitudes like "everything happens for a reason" for a deeper understanding of the way pain and joy can coexist in our lives?
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Dr. Michelle Colpean is a communication professor at the University of Cincinnati. She received her Bachelor's in Psychology and Master's in Communication Studies from Ball State University and her Ph.D. in Communication Studies (Rhetoric) from the University of Iowa. She is the mother of Sami, who passed away suddenly on January 12, 2021, at 8 months old, and Salma, who is about to turn 1 year old. Michelle uses her background in communication to help her survive the grief of losing her son and continues to write and present on the topic of grief, among other things. Michelle also makes Personalized Car Charms which she sells on Etsy, to support others in remembering the people they love that they have lost.
In this conversation. Michelle talks about the many roles and relationships in her life that define her and how she doesn't try to compartmentalize them. Michelle shares about her son Sami, who passed away when he was 8 months old. Abbie and Michelle discuss how Michelle experiences grief, how her memory was affected during that time, and how she finds meaning in her life now. Importantly, Abbie and Michelle explore the perspective and beauty that Michelle has found after Sami's passing, while questioning the helpfulness of any comment that starts with "at least" and the idea of finding a "silver lining." Finally, Michelle shares her experience of both joy and pain and how she has come to understand their relationship in her life.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Follow Michelle on Instagram
Check out Michelle's Etsy Shop
Read more about Sami
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram
Subscribe on YouTube
Check out my website
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Follow the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
Why does a fear of the unknown keep us from leaning into the hard conversations and experiences around death and dying? How can we hold onto the things we can control so that we can feel steady enough to keep leaning into this big thing that we can't?
How can we let go of unhelpful stories and write new ones for ourselves by learning better ways to recognize the deeply human pain we feel around death and better ways to support and show up for those in our life who are dying?
Why do we wait until people are gone to celebrate their lives? How can we find beauty and connection, even in the painful last moments of life?
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Madison Gonzalez is a poet and the author of Dear Mirror; the Executive Director of Morning Light Inc., a non-profit located in Indianapolis, Indiana that provides end-of-life care to those in hospice; a mother to two (very lucky) kids; and Abbie's former babysitter (among many other things). Madison has used her passion for storytelling and her aptitude for event planning to organize fundraising efforts for Morning Light Inc., including the highest-grossing fundraising events in Morning Light history. She also teaches her non-profit communication methods nationally to help other organizations advance their missions as well.
Today, Madison shares about the work that she does with Morning Light Inc., as they provide a home, comfort, and community to those in hospice care with nowhere else to go. Abbie and Madison consider why we tend to "look the other way" when it comes to death and dying and how our culture has contributed to the current systems we have now (and why we might need something new). Madison shares the words from a former resident that guide her ("Too many of us leave this world with our stories untold.") and other stories from the Abbie Hunt Bryce Home. Abbie and Madison talk about the importance of the work of giving people a new story when the one they have been always been told made them believe that no one cared about them. Finally, Abbie and Madison explore some Next Turns to keep this conversation going in our social worlds.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Follow Madison on Instagram!
Buy Dear Mirror!
Learn more about Morning Light Inc.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram!
Subscribe on YouTube!
Check out my website!
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Follow the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
How can we embrace celebrating every part of ourselves (even the parts we don't feel like celebrating) as a way to recognize our full humanity?
What connection happens when we share our most vulnerable parts with others, especially when we are still in the middle of figuring them out?
How can we make time to pursue creation (in any of its many forms) as a way to "check-in" with ourselves and reflect?
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Madison Gonzalez is a poet and the author of Dear Mirror; the Executive Director of Morning Light Inc., a non-profit located in Indianapolis, Indiana that provides end-of-life care to those in hospice; a mother to two (very lucky) kids; and Abbie's former babysitter (among many other things). Madison has used her passion for storytelling and her aptitude for event planning to organize fundraising efforts for Morning Light Inc., including the highest-grossing fundraising events in Morning Light history. She also teaches her non-profit communication methods nationally to help other organizations advance their missions as well.
In today's conversation, Madison shares how she learned to stop running from herself and listen to what her Postpartum Depression had to teach her. Abbie and Madison discuss "the creative power of communication" and how we can think of our work and its impact using the metaphor of a dandelion. Madison talks about her book of poetry, Dear Mirror, and what it means to her. Finally, Abbie and Madison discuss the stories the world tells us, how those often become the stories we tell ourselves, and the new kind of story that Madison is hoping to tell herself (and her kids).
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Follow Madison on Instagram!
Buy Dear Mirror!
Learn more about Morning Light Inc.
Get Involved with Morning Light Inc.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram!
Subscribe on YouTube!
Check out my website!
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Follow the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
How do we create meaning through shared language in every space?
Why is it helpful to ask ourselves if what we know is being "Confirmed," "Challenged," or "Changed"?
What does it look like to set boundaries that allow us to say our "Best Yes"?
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Stephanie Higgs is, above all else, a passionate educator. Since graduating with her Master's Degree in Education she has taught pre-K, second grade, and fourth grade; she now works as a gifted educator and differentiation coach, where she supports both students and her fellow teachers in accommodating individual learning needs. In 2021, Stephanie was named the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) Teacher of the Year. After 13 years in education, Stephanie is expanding her reach by sharing resources, ideas, and advice for educators around the world on her Instagram page and YouTube channel.
Today, Stephanie shares how learning about self-regulation has helped her heal and find more empathy for herself and others. Abbie and Stephanie talk about the classroom through the lens of social worlds. Stephanie explains Morning Meetings, Themed Walks, and Sunshine Phone Calls, and the ways that these allow her to intentionally create the kind of social world she wants. Finally, Abbie and Stephanie discuss what it means to really believe that "clarity is kindness," how we miss out on connection when we let technology control us, and why it feels so important to start learning to "stop glorifying busy."
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram! @storieslivedstoriestoldpod
Subscribe on YouTube! Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Check out my website! www.storieslivedstoriestold.com
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Follow the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
How can we celebrate our own individuality (and the individuality of others) by being honest about our needs, finding unique ways to meet them, and saying out loud the things we appreciate about each other? How can we celebrate children's individuality in school settings and beyond?
What happens when we learn, not only how to tell our own story, but to hear the stories of others as well?
Why does it matter for us to be honest about the things we are struggling with, uncertain of, or just don't know?
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Stephanie Higgs is, above all else, a passionate educator. Since graduating with her Master's Degree in Education she has taught pre-K, second grade, and fourth grade; she now works as a gifted educator and differentiation coach, where she supports both students and her fellow teachers in accommodating individual learning needs. In 2021, Stephanie was named the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) Teacher of the Year. After 13 years in education, Stephanie is expanding her reach by sharing resources, ideas, and advice for educators around the world on her Instagram page and YouTube channel.
In this conversation, Stephanie shares her passion for her role as a gifted educator and how it wasn't always the path she saw for herself. Abbie and Stephanie discuss differentiation, what it looks like for her to balance educational standards with individual needs, and the value of the support system of teachers that Stephanie collaborates with. Stephanie shares her teacher's perspective on stories. Stephanie and Abbie talk about their shared love of quotes, how "there are years in life that ask questions, and there are years in life that answer questions," and how Stephanie is handling the question-asking kind of year she is in right now. Finally, Stephanie reflects back on the main theme that emerged during this conversation-- feeling known.
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram! @storieslivedstoriestoldpod
Subscribe on YouTube! Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Check out my website! www.storieslivedstoriestold.com
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Follow the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
Hi. My name is Abbie, this is Stories Lived. Stories Told. and here’s what I know... Everything in our social world is created through communication—communication being the stories we live, the stories we tell, and all the other stories in between; it's the patterns we find ourselves in, the contexts that affect us, the meaning we make, the questions we ask, and how we listen; it’s the choices we make about how we show up to each other, and the spaces we create in ourselves, our relationships, and our communities.
It makes sense then, that the better we are communicating, the better social worlds we can create—social worlds that have more justice, more human dignity, more inclusion and understanding, more creativity, more imagination, and more authenticity and mindfulness.
I have a degree in Interpersonal Communication. And I loved studying it in school. And I don’t think you should have to be a communication scholar to get to know everything I got to learn. After all, all of us are in relationship with each other, communicating in one way or another every moment of every day, building the social worlds we live in through our stories and choices. So, I believe all of us deserve to have access to the tools, skills, and language that comes from taking a communication perspective in your life.
Each week I invite you to join me in conversation with a guest who is working toward a better social world in their own way. My hope is that through these conversations, we can be educated, empowered, and energized as we find our own paths to a better social world.
That you for showing up. Thank you for being curious. Thank you for being a part of this story. And thank you for helping me to welcome in Season 2.
I can’t wait to see what emerges!
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Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
...
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram! @storieslivedstoriestoldpod
Subscribe on YouTube! Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Check out the Complete Collection of Season 1 Episodes here!
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Follow the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
How do we balance looking back, looking forward, and staying present in our stories?
How do the stories we tell shape us? But more importantly, how do the stories that we DO NOT tell also shape us?
How can we have more empathy and compassion for others by reminding ourselves that we all have Untold Stories?
In this final Minisode of Season 1, Abbie talks about the complex place that she (and many of us) are in of reflecting on our pasts, asking ourselves "what is next?", and still trying to stay present for the moment we are in all at the same time.
Abbie explores stories as the "smallest common denominator" of our lives--the best way to break down our lives into smaller pieces so we can better examine and understand them. Also, Abbie shares some examples from her own life of how she is learning to navigate her own Untold Stories, and at the same time, remember that others have their own Untold Stories, too. She acknowledges that some Untold Stories will never be told, and what it looks like to be at peace with that; she also talks about the flip side of that, which is "How do we create a safe space for ourselves and others to tell those Untold Stories?"
Finally, Abbie discusses our creative relationship with meaning and the "Intent vs. Impact" conversation.
Today, our Next Turn is to keep our eyes peeled for the Untold Stories in our social worlds, to remember our own agency in writing our story, and to find ways to meet people where they are at. Also, Share, Rate, and Review the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
Follow me on Instagram! @storieslivedstoriestoldpod
Subscribe on YouTube! Stories Lived. Stories Told.
Check out the Complete Collection of Season 1 Episodes here!
Learn more about the CMM Institute.
Learn more about CMM.
Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.
Learn more about CosmoKidz.
Follow the CosmoTeenz Fellows' work on Instagram.
How does fulfilling basic needs through sustainable agriculture also create space for economic freedom, social justice, and personal dignity in Africa?
How is Aline’s work building bridges—for the future and for right now?
What does it do for a society to nurture young people, open itself up to innovation, and reject the idea of a “single story”?
Aline Mugisho is the Executive Manager of the Innovative Youth in Agriculture Project at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). She has a bachelor's in Journalism and Communication, a master's in Forced Migration Studies, and is currently working on her doctorate at the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt. Equally as important, is her role as a daughter, sister, mother, and mentor. From her time as a journalist until now, Aline has been a fearless advocate for youth, women, and those who have been displaced from their homes.
Today, Aline and Abbie continue their conversation about Aline’s work in sustainable agriculture. Aline educates Abbie about the needs of people in her community and how improved agriculture, production, and access are at the heart of it. Describing the effects of a society that is “as vulnerable as its food,” Aline makes the case for a new job system and a new economic force. Aline shares her approach to building relationships, which involves “not putting ranks between people” and creating “an environment where [people] can tell their side of the story.” Also, Aline shares about the people she serves, expresses her idea of a better social world, and Abbie and Aline discuss “Next Turns.”
Learn more about Aline and her work at IITA here: https://www.iita.org/iita-staff/aline-mugisho/
Learn more about the CMM Insitute here: https://cmminstitute.org/about-cmmi/
Email me here: storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
How do we understand the parts of our story that we didn't have control over?
How do we heal our communities and ourselves by empowering others?
How do we create the space for innovation when our society is built on injustice and inequality?
Aline Mugisho is the Executive Manager of the Innovative Youth in Agriculture Project at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). She has a bachelor's in Journalism and Communication, a master's in Forced Migration Studies, and is currently working on her doctorate at the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt. Equally as important, is her role as a daughter, sister, mother, and mentor. From her time as a journalist until now, Aline has been a fearless advocate for youth, women, and those who have been displaced from their homes.
Today, Aline shares some of the stories that shaped her, including her experience fleeing the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the Civil War and the way it shaped her, the impact of growing up in a culture that is especially dangerous and disempowering for women, and the power of seeing strength, resilience, and dignity demonstrated in the most unexpected ways. Additionally, Abbie and Aline discuss the importance of making time for quiet reflection in a noisy world, how the small moments add up to create larger narratives that we internalize, and what Aline means when she says that "food in America is overprocessed, but food in Africa is underprocessed."
Join us next week for part two of this conversation, where Aline and Abbie further discuss how sustainable agriculture is at the core of the fight for economic success, social justice, and personal dignity; what Aline has learned from the people she serves; and what those of us who are on the outside of her story should know.
Content Warning: Mentions of Sexual Violence
Learn more about Aline and her work at IITA here: https://www.iita.org/iita-staff/aline-mugisho/
Learn more about the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution here: https://cmminstitute.org/about-cmmi/
CONTENT WARNING: MENTIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
- How can you change the moment in the moment? John shares his practice for unfreezing yourself when someone kills your imagination.
- What has John learned from those he works with? The resoluteness of the human spirit and experiencing real awe.
- How John learned to be less certain and seek clarity instead (CW: Sexual Abuse)
- Making therapy available to everyone, making the kind of therapy the client wants, and making up words (because all words are made up anyway) to better reflect our experiences.
- We know what we don’t want to be…. but what do we want to be?
- Finding a willingness to understand and being deliberate in every interaction.
- What else can you listen for? John explains what it means to “Listen to Speak” and “Speak to Listen.”
- Next Turn: bring a willingness and a desire to understand others, their cultures, and patterns and ways of being. Plus, share this episode with someone who could use it!
- It might be easier to go be on autopilot when it comes to how we communicate, but the way to create a better social world to through awareness.
- What does it mean to be aware of our communication? How do we become actively engaged?
- When we start to bring awareness to our communication, it has to be a nonjudgmental awareness. We can recognize, acknowledge, note, and be present to our communication in a gentle and neutral way.
- We can look at communication, instead of through it by zooming out and taking a new perspective.
- Step one to making new choices is to remember that you have a choice in the first place.
- Asking ourselves: “What are we swimming in?”
- How do we control our patterns instead of the other way around? When our patterns exist outside of our awareness, they have more control over us. The way to control your patterns is to bring awareness to them.
- Being aware and present one moment at a time helps us to be more resilient in the face of life’s complexities. And that is a good thing!
- Our Next Turn: Be really present and aware of what is happening in your next conversation.
- Bonus Next Turn: Invite others into this conversation by sharing this podcast!
Email me! storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
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John shares when he first became a storyteller and why it is important to take the risk of sharing your real, not-so-perfect story so that others feel safe to do the same. Why are the hardest stories to tell the ones we most need to hear?
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Learning to appreciate the process of "unbecoming" and celebrating (not judging) others for their experiences and growth.
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"You're John Burnham!" How do we balance the stories that others tell about us vs. the stories we tell about ourselves?
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When is blame a resource? When is hope a problem? Using John's PPRR (Problems, Potential, Resources, and Restraints) to understand the many many layers of everything we do.
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What does it mean to take a "not knowing position?"
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Abbie and John discuss the wonders of Systemic Therapy, welcoming in the unexpected, good questions, and role-playing interactions.
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Our Next Turn: Take anything that speaks to you from this conversation and use it as a lens to see your own life, communication, relationships, and actions.
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What does it mean that we "create meaning?"
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How can we reframe? Trying out different meanings is like trying on a new pair of glasses.
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Bringing attached meaning into the light by saying it out loud. What it can look like to bring others into the conversation and how we can be empowered to do it.
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One more example for making meaning, managing meaning, and coordinating meaning.
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Our Next Turn: Bring awareness to the ways you make meaning in your life. Practice considering other ways to make meaning.
You can now email me! Send a note to storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com to share with me your experience listening to the podcast, changing your "glasses," or doing the Next Turn, as well as any questions or ideas you have about the content of our conversations.
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Why does it matter how we show up as listeners in conversation? What does it mean to create a space for deeper connection? How can we "listen to others the way that we want to be listened to?"
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Our communication is a dialogue, not a monologue.
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We can be conscious of the subconscious with Active Listening.
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How we move from hearing to listening, listening to Active Listening, and Active Listening to Deep Listening.
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Deep Listening by paying attention to more than just what is said and asking questions that dig deeper.
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Our Next Turn: Pay attention to what other people in your life are doing that make you feel heard. Bring awareness to places in communication that are usually on autopilot.
You can now email me! Send a note to storieslived.storiestold@gmail.com
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Miriam shares her story, including all the challenges that led her to be where (and who) she is now.
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The lessons, people, and experiences that transformed Miriam from a concerned citizen to a "climate action warrior."
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Why does it matter how we talk about climate action? How better language inspires better action. And how Miriam is using her platform to educate and empower us with both.
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"We will not give into the fear because it is fear that fuels the darkness." Taking on daunting issues with love, truth, and justice.
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The roles, relationships, and rest that help Miriam stay whole and balanced.
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Miriam's advice for activists and how her perspective has changed.
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Abbie and Miriam discuss what it looks like to lean into the chaos that comes when we start to change our social worlds.
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Our CMM Roadmap: What else do we need to get where we are going?
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The challenge of beginning to embody CMM and change your patterns.
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Shining light into the darkness of both our healthy and unhealthy patterns by asking "What are we creating? What do we want to create?"
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How to be gentle with yourself when changing patterns.
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Being resilient and flexible, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
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Our Next Turn: Deep Breaths. Relax body tension. Shine light on your own patterns and imagine what it would look like to be intentional with them.
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Where Genuine Curiosity fits in the process of moving from Imagination to Embodied Realism. And what does all that mean?
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Genuine Curiosity as an approach to our relationships, emotions, experiences, and ideas.
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Why the "Genuine" part of Genuine Curiosity matters.
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Using the LUUUUTT model to understand the role of Genuine Curiosity in the practice of CMM.
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Our Next Turn: Look for moments where others approach you with Genuine Curiosity and opportunities for you to do the same.
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Alex shares the story that she is currently telling about herself.
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The importance of seeking out spaces that encourage learning and critical thinking.
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Abbie and Alex discuss the relationship between technology, education, and communication as a potential force for good.
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Alex's experience as a CMM Institute Fellow.
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What are imagination, genuine inquiry, and embodied realism? And why do we need them?
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The impact of "felt trust" in our personal and professional social worlds.
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Using MILC to set intentions for our communication and taking the little moments to change the patterns.
Learn more about CMM here: https://cmminstitute.org/
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What is the Cosmopolis 2045 project? And how did it start?
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The importance of "cosmopolitan communication" and how we can be profoundly open to and respectful of others without giving up our own beliefs.
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Before we can embody CMM, we first have to imagine what that looks like. Cosmopolis 2045 as a model for what our social worlds could be.
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Personal accounts, city functioning, and community happenings in Cosmopolis. It's about both personal and social evolution.
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Paying attention to the "invisible in-between" by re-evaluating whether or not our language is achieving our goals.
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Our next turn: Check out the Cosmopolis 2045 website here (https://cosmopolis2045.com/)
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What is mindfulness?
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Why we need mindfulness to create better social worlds.
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Collaboration in creating a space that encourages storytelling and vulnerability.
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Bringing mindfulness to even the smallest of moments because it changes our social world.
Conversation with Sara Hayden:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3nqftgZcNf9IyjjQs9Ikq5?si=7aa2165d58ca4445
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3KUKw02yUesK06rO6nPtfU?si=6e39a16500f84c7b
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Why did Sara become a minister? What does it mean for us to be invited into sacred spaces? What do we believe? And what kind of life do we live as a result?
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The difference between chasing a dream that is outside yourself and letting one emerge that already lives inside you. Abbie shares the story of how she came into the world of Interpersonal Communication.
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"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Abbie and Sara discuss if "niceness" is still the measure we want to use. Reconceptualizing the "value" we add to conversations and knowing when to listen and when to stand up for yourself.
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How asking thoughtful questions gives people the space to think more deeply and connect them back to themselves.
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Leaning into the discomfort of deconstructing and reconstructing what we think that we know and believe. Acknowledging our ever changing contexts and becoming conscious of the way we live.
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What stories does Sara want to hear more of? Why this is a "slow question" and why we need to be intentional about seeking out stories of delight.
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Rev. Sara Hayden shares the story she tells about herself and the story that others tell about her.
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The overcorrection that happened between telling women that they can't do things to telling women they can "have it all" and why we need to find peace in believing that we are enough.
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How do we define ourselves in our communities? How does this build empathy? How do we work together to create a pool of shared meaning?
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Sara teaches Abbie about the role of emergent strategy in helping us to meet each other where we are at.
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The little moments shape us just as much as the big moments do. Bifurcation points and being intentional about how we show up in the little moments.
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Abbie and Sara discuss re-examining the language we use, recognizing the power in naming things, and being brave and vulnerable in creating the space for change.
Check out Sara's podcast here! https://open.spotify.com/show/5PJ7Xirzrg89dz64iURevD?si=89c1ed24ee8343b5
The Evolution of CMM
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Interpretive Theory
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Critical Theory
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Practical Theory
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Spiritual Practice
What is CMM to you? What does your "better social world" look like? And how does CMM help you get there?
In this episode Abbie explores one way of understanding how CMM has evolved over the years to expand beyond just being a "theory" and into something that can transform us and something we can embody in our own lives. Abbie offers a potential "next phase" for CMM as a Connective Practice because it connects to others and to ourselves.
LUUUUTT Model Minisode: https://anchor.fm/stories-lived-stories-told/episodes/Minisode-The-LUUUUTT-Model-e1gg3g2
2011 Interview with Kim and Barnett: https://player.vimeo.com/video/18824804?h=e21680295b
3 Facets of CMM:
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A Perspective
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A Set of Practices
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The Goal of a Better Social Life
Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) is a communication theory that claims: "persons-in-conversation co-construct their own social realities, and are simultaneously shaped by the worlds they create." As "persons-in-conversation" we coordinate with others to create patterns of communication; it is up to us to engage intentionally with our stories and with others to create better social worlds.
Learn more about CMM here: https://cmminstitute.org/
Learn more about the 3 facets here: https://cosmopolis2045.com/want-to-know-more/
Hello, fellow communicators! Please excuse the audio quality in the episode. Don't let it stop you! This is a really great conversation to be a part of :)
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Who are you? Why Amy, Nicole, and Katrina all define themselves by the roles of teacher and mother.
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Encountering CMM for the first time and how it changed the way Amy, Nicole, and Katrina approach their classrooms.
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Creating better social worlds by making that which is "unseen" into that which is "seen."
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What is it like to teach CosmoKidz? What are Amy, Katrina, and Nicole most passionate about? How have the kids surprised them?
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Teaching kids that what they say and how they feel matters; why it's important to center the kids' voices.
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How do kids learn empathy? Thinking internally in a world that focuses on the external.
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What does it mean to SOAR? The power of common language to help us name what we experience in our social worlds.
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"Listening to understand" in our professional and personal lives.
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Equitable participation and the role of CosmoKidz in creating better social worlds.
Learn more about CosmoKidz here: https://cosmokidz.org/
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What is CosmoKidz? And what is the goal?
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How CosmoKidz was developed through a collaborative co-construction process involving kids.
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The value in making the implicit explicit by teaching kids "soft skills" like empathy and communication.
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Why it is important for kids to learn these skills, language, and tools while they are young. Kids with emotional intelligence will grow into adults with emotional intelligence.
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Discovering the "next turn" for CMM with CosmoTeenz!
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"Homework" for listeners... bring the work of CosmoKidz into your own life by sharing it with children you know and reflecting on your own educational experiences.
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Building our understanding of the Coordinated Management of Meaning theory episode by episode takes time; thanks for coming back!
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What do you need from this podcast? Abbie's desire to create a space for authenticity and vulnerability that allows you to be a part of the conversation, rather than just listening in on it.
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Thinking critically about what truly adds value to our lives and why.
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It is easy for us to fall into comparison when we hear other people's stories, but that is not the goal. How do we change how we relate to storytelling and story"hearing".
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Reflecting on how Abbie and her family actively participate in the creation of their shared social world and why that reflection is so important.
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Perspective, patterns, and power in our social worlds.
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The 3 ways that Abbie hopes to teach CMM through "Stories Lived. Stories Told."
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What is the story Grandpa JP tells about himself? How are our stories shaped by the presence of love?
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The many many roles of Grandpa JP and how he has found fulfillment in each one.
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Grandpa JP shares his experience with witnessing the power of creating a safe space to share and hear stories.
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What does storytelling do for our family?
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Grammie and Grandpa JP's travel advice and life lessons.
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What "better social worlds" look like to Grandpa JP, Grammie, and Mom.
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The quotes that Grandpa JP, Grammie, and Mom choose to live by and how their values, wisdom, and perspectives show up in our family.
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Who are you? How Abbie's mom and grandma define themselves by their relationships.
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What it is like to be in a storytelling family? And where does it come from?
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Memories from Grammie and Grandpa JP's house.
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Grammie tells her story.
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Mom tells her story.
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How CMM shows up in our families-- coordinating with grace and compassion.
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The importance of metacommunication in our lives.
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How to create Coherence--the process of making meaning through storytelling.
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There is no "right" or "wrong" way to make meaning.
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Coordination is the process of collaborating with others to create better social worlds.
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What is Mystery? What role does it play in our communication?
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Becoming friends with mystery.
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The importance of keeping our brains stimulated by engaging with complex ideas.
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How patterns emerge from the Serpentine Model.
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An example of the Serpentine Model in conversation.
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What are Unwanted Repetitive Patterns (URPs)? And how do we avoid them?
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Some thoughts from Dr. Barbara McKay.
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The two ways that we can use the Serpentine Model in our everyday lives.
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How are Abbie and Rik arriving to the conversation today? How are you arriving?
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Rik shares his journey into musicology.
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Where do CMM and music intersect? How do we understand music? What is "the harmony of the spheres?"
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Abbie and Rik discuss bricolage, expectations, and ultrastability.
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Saying '"no" from a deeper "yes;" how "and" lets us build something richer.
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The ways Rik is bringing conversational jazz, curiosity, and perspective to his work as an organizational consultant.
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How we suffer when we try to fit ourselves into the mold of "should." Why we need personal AND social evolution to create a more welcoming and curious culture.
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What it means for Rik to create better social worlds through helpful noise.
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Staying in Conversation-- (Dialogue NOT Monologue).
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The Hierarchy Model (surprise, surprise) is about context!
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We are never only telling one story at a time.
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Dr. Barbara McKay on the Hierarchy Model in couples therapy.
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We get to choose what the hierarchy looks like for ourselves.
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Healing through CMM and the Hierarchy Model.
*Kim and Barnett Pearce on the Hierarchy Model (https://cmminstitute.org/videos/)
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Always learning new things with CMM.
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How the Daisy Model adds context.
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The center and the petals of the Daisy Model.
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What does the Daisy Model do for us?
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An example from Dr. Barbara McKay.
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Expectations and interactions through the lens of the Daisy Model.
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How are Dr. Barbara McKay and Abbie arriving today? How are you arriving today?
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Dr. Barbara McKay tells the story of her work and how she first learned about CMM.
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What is "cosmopolitan communication?" What does it look like to bring curiosity to our relationships? What does it mean to be "CMM-ish?"
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Abbie and Dr. Barbara McKay discuss how CMM shows up in their own lives.
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The ways that Dr. Barbara McKay is using the language and tools of CMM to create better social worlds.
- How are we arriving today?
- The LUUUUTT Model
Stories Lived Unknown Stories Untold Stories Unheard Stories Untellable Stories Story Telling Stories Told
- An example: The LUUUUTT Model applied.
- What is the purpose of the LUUUUTT Model?
- Try it yourself!
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Let's not be strangers!
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Why Abbie loves CMM.
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What's the Speech Team?
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Some thoughts on life.
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A challenge for everybody.
Abbie's Favorite Quotes:
"At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want." -Lao Tzu
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do... It's not just in some of us. It's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." -Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love (1992)
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Who is Robbie Williford? Robbie shares the story that he tells about himself and the stories that others tell about him.
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Abbie and Robbie discuss how they decide when to share their stories and who to share them with.
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Robbie tells his story.
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What does it mean to be intentional? What is the difference between doing things with intention and being purposeful?
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The stories that Robbie wants to hear more of and the social world he is hoping to create.
Check out Robbie here https://robbiewilliford.com/ and here https://www.bravethecycle.com/
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Welcome to Episode 1!
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How stories coexist in Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM).
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What does it mean to be "persons-in-conversation?"
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Understanding the 4 central claims of CMM.
“Hi everyone. My name is Abbie, and you are listening to Stories Lived. Stories Told. a podcast celebrating humanity and all our stories- the beautiful ones, the messy ones, and the ones that are a little bit of both.
Because here’s what I think: people have thoughts and ideas and feelings about their own lives, the people they love, and the things they are passionate about. But not everyone has been given the space to tell these stories. This is going to be that space. Together, we will learn to claim agency over our own stories.
The kind of theory or foundation for this podcast is a communication theory called Coordinated Management of Meaning or CMM for short. For many, it is easy to get lost in the big words and complex ideas of theories like CMM. But when you break it down it's not so scary and understanding the practice of it can improve our relationships and our lives. So, it’s worth taking the time to unpack. Really, storytelling and healthy communication is something that everyone deserves to know. My hope is to make this more accessible through the podcast.
So let me tell you a little about CMM… It was developed by Barnett Pearce and Vernon Cronen in the 1970s and has continued to evolve over the past 50 years.
Now, the theory is all about looking at the process of communication itself. The foundational belief of CMM is that persons-in-conversation co-construct their own social realities.
This is going to be the foundation of this podcast. What I love so much about this theory is that it focuses on our own ability to create; it encourages us to actively participate in our lives, our relationships, our stories. It is in storytelling that we get to create the kind of social world we want to live in.
In this podcast, you will hear me and some of my friends telling our own stories. I want you dear listener to be empowered to do the same. Pay attention to what it feels like to hear others give voice to their stories. Pay attention to what it feels like as you begin to give voice to your stories, too.
So lean in. Take a deep breath. Know that this will be uncomfortable at times, and vulnerable all the time. Remember you live your story, so you have the right and the privilege to tell your story. You know what is true. You are capable. You are brave. And you have intelligent things to say. I’m so glad that you are joining us for Stories Lived. Stories Told.”