Do you have a story that made a deep impact in your life? In episode 61, Laura Simms, an internationally acclaimed storyteller and writer takes us through her unique journey into storytelling, influenced by childhood experiences with legends like Baba Yaga. Our discussion centers around how one brings a story to life, the architecture of engagement, and discovering why the essence of the experience of the story is invaluable in the world today. We also discuss the transformative power of stories in addressing social issues and promoting healing, drawing from Simm's humanitarian work and educational initiatives. An excellent and fun episode you won't want to miss!
Links:
Laura Simms website
- 🧚♀️ Laura Simms' Storytelling Journey (05:00 - 12:00)
- Laura blames Baba Yaga for her storytelling career
- Childhood experiences with Baba Yaga stories and recurring dreams
- First storytelling experience in Central Park at age 20
- Dropped out of graduate school to pursue storytelling
- Worked at American Museum of Natural History as a storyteller
- 📚 Storytelling Techniques and Experiences (12:02 - 21:34)
- Discussed the difference between oral and written storytelling
- Explained the architecture of engagement in storytelling
- Shared experience of telling 'The Juniper Tree' to children
- Importance of narrator's presence and ability to engage audience
- 🌳 Storytelling in Different Contexts (21:34 - 31:33)
- Discussed storytelling in indigenous cultures and epic storytelling
- Importance of deep listening and audience engagement
- Shared experience of telling stories in hospital settings
- Emphasized the power of stories to provide rest and healing
- 🌍 Teaching and Humanitarian Work (31:35 - 41:01)
- Laura's work teaching storytelling to various organizations
- Experience working with UN NGO on hunger issues using bread stories
- Work in Haiti with International Medical Corps using storytelling skills
- Importance of storytelling in addressing pressing global issues
- 🍞 Storytelling for Social Change (41:02 - 52:04)
- Shared a story about bread-sharing in a village without hunger
- Discussed the emotional impact of stories on listeners
- Explained how stories can address complex issues indirectly
- Laura's work on 'Finding Gold in Your Story' course
- 👥 Storytelling in Education and Conflict Resolution (52:05 - 01:02:04)
- Adapting stories for different audiences, especially children
- Experience telling 'The Giant with No Heart' to third graders
- Using storytelling to address bullying in schools
- 📖 Fairy Tales and Modern Audiences (01:02:06 - 01:11:18)
- Should original fairy tales should be told to children
- Laura's approach to adapting stories for modern audiences
- Importance of understanding the function and journey of a story
- Balancing symbolic elements with audience sensitivity
- 📝 Laura's Publications and Future Projects (01:11:20 - 01:18:45)
- Upcoming book 'The Story of Wildenhouse Rose'
- Working on a book about how to tell stories
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