Storylinking
Storylinking
Podcast Description
Storylinking is a podcast for community leaders, storytellers, and creative professionals who want to use the power of storytelling to build stronger, more connected communities. Hosted by Tom Lietz—video producer, documentary filmmaker, and creative director with over 20 years of experience—this show explores how narrative and co-creative processes can drive culture, collaboration, and lasting impact.
In each episode, Tom talks with experts and changemakers about real-world strategies for using storytelling to solve tough problems, engage communities, and create systems for sustainable impact. Tune in for insightful conversations, actionable tips, and fresh perspectives on the art and science of community-centered storytelling.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on storytelling as a tool for community building, collaboration, and social impact. Key themes include co-creation, inclusivity, and strategic engagement, with episodes featuring topics like leveraging AI in community engagement, utilizing theater for dialogue, and exploring political polarization. For example, recent episodes discuss the transformative power of theater with Chad Swan-Badgero and the role of curiosity in bridging divides with Mónica Guzmán.
Storylinking is a podcast for community leaders, storytellers, and creative professionals who want to use the power of storytelling to build stronger, more connected communities. Hosted by Tom Lietz—video producer, documentary filmmaker, and creative director with over 20 years of experience—this show explores how narrative and co-creative processes can drive culture, collaboration, and lasting impact.
In each episode, Tom talks with experts and changemakers about real-world strategies for using storytelling to solve tough problems, engage communities, and create systems for sustainable impact. Tune in for insightful conversations, actionable tips, and fresh perspectives on the art and science of community-centered storytelling.
Building authentic community engagement, with insights from across the Storylinking community
With this episode of Storylinking, we’re trying something a little different. Instead of a one-on-one interview, I’ve pulled together responses from four generous members of the Storylinking community: Matt Penniman, a writer and community advocate; Cecilia Sepp, a longtime association and nonprofit leader; Stacy Averill, a leadership coach and facilitator; and Michelle Thompson-McCune, a co-creative designer who builds with communities. Each of them shares their take on why it’s hard to get people to engage, and what’s actually worked for them. We talk about trust, fear, making things together, and the small shifts that can help us to create more space for engagement.
What I love about the advice shared in this episode is how practical and honest it is. You’ll hear reflections on building trust through small commitments, creating room for quieter voices, and how to structure our invitations for participation. Stay tuned to the end, and you’ll hear me wrap up the episode with a bit of behind-the-scenes context on how this special format came together, with help from our engaged Storylinking community!
Connect with Matt Penniman:
- http://mattpenniman.com (his website)
- Bonus book recommendations from Matt:
Connect with Cecilia Sepp:
- http://roguetulips.com (her consulting/education/podcast/blog website)
- Check out her book “Association Chapter Systems: From Frustrating to Fruitful” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1944616454
- On Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliasepp/
Connect with Stacy Averill:
- http://StacyAverill.com (her website)
- On Linkedi:n http://LinkedIn.com/in/StacyAverill/
Connect with Michelle Thompson-McCune
- On LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/michelle-mccune-97b5647
- You can also follow Workomics at their company website: http://www.workomics.com
- Workomics is also on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workomics/
Check out more from Storylinking:
- Go behind the scenes of this episode: https://storylinking.com/blog/ep13
- https://storylinking.com (the full show site)
Key moments from this episode:
00:29 Intro
01:53 Insights from Matt Penniman on Climate and Communication
07:00 Cecilia Sepp on Nonprofit Leadership and Engagement
11:22 Stacy Averill on Leadership and Vulnerability
20:31 Michelle Thompson-McCune on Co-Creative Design
31:39 Conclusion and Behind The Scenes
Disclaimer
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