Leading Through Stories: Children’s Healthcare Canada Conference

In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting a discussion that sits at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and healthcare. Pam Kai, Krystle Schofield, and Kristina McGuire, each with their own intimate connection to healthcare as parents and caregivers, joined us to unpack the layers of digital storytelling. These seasoned digital storytellers shared their personal experiences, shedding light on the profound impact that this medium can have on audiences and presenters alike.

Digital storytelling in the healthcare context is not merely about conveying facts or statistics; it is about humanizing the often complex and emotionally charged experiences of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Through the digital medium, these stories are given a visual and auditory life, often becoming more relatable and impactful than words on a page could ever be. Pam’s account of how creating her own digital story helped her see her caregiving role in a new light was particularly powerful, illustrating the personal growth that can come from such an exercise.

The conversation further delved into the evolution of storytelling within the medical realm. Traditionally, patient stories have been shared orally, often in clinical settings or conferences. However, digital storytelling brings a different dimension, using imagery and music to evoke emotions and connect with audiences on a deeper level. This emotional resonance can be a catalyst for change, challenging the status quo of healthcare dynamics and encouraging a more holistic view of what it means to care for and about patients.

The intimate nature of crafting a digital story was also a significant point of discussion. Unlike a live presentation, creating a digital story is a reflective process that allows the storyteller to revisit and refine their narrative, imbuing it with greater meaning each time. Pam’s experience of creating a second digital story highlighted this aspect, as she was able to focus on a different facet of her life and contemplate the impact of sharing it.

Funding and evaluating the impact of digital storytelling in healthcare was another complex topic our guests grappled with. While the emotional and intuitive value of these stories is widely acknowledged, their tangible value is harder to quantify. The conversation acknowledged the need for a balance between the intangible benefits to families and caregivers and the tangible outcomes organizations seek when they invest in such initiatives.

As the podcast wrapped up, we were reminded of the significant role digital storytelling can play in not just shaping the healthcare narrative but also in affecting the well-being of those involved. It is a tool for change, a method for healing, and a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard. In the constantly evolving landscape of healthcare, where human experiences are as critical as the treatments provided, digital storytelling stands out as a beacon of hope and understanding.

Our episode is not just a testament to the power of digital storytelling but also a call to action for listeners to consider incorporating it into their healthcare practices. The impact of these narratives goes beyond the confines of a conference or a workshop; they ripple outwards, touching lives and transforming the way we think about health, illness, and care.

We invite you to listen to the full episode to hear more from our guests and to understand the true depth of digital storytelling in healthcare. Join us as we navigate through these compelling narratives and discover how they are reshaping the healthcare experience for patients, families, and professionals alike.

About Leading Through Stories

Everyone has a story to tell—and what we do with that story can create lasting impact. Every episode, Leading Through Stories, helps unravel the how and why of digital storytelling with host Kristy Wolfe.

Life is made up of meaningful moments—which ones do you want to share?

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ALS Digital Storytelling: Who Are These Stories For? – Co-Created

What can digital storytelling hold when a diagnosis changes everything?In this episode, Kristy Wolfe talks with Leslie Ring Adams, executive director of the ALS Society of Alberta, about creating digital stories with people and families living with ALS. The conversation centres on a question that runs through the work: are these stories for advocacy, for education, for family, or simply for the person telling them?Leslie shares how the ALS Society of Alberta supports storytellers, why the strongest stories are often about relationships rather than the disease itself, and how legacy, consent, and community shape what happens after a story is made. They also talk about caregiving, screening stories publicly, using AI voice technology when someone has lost their speech, and why these stories can help families, clinicians, donors, and researchers understand each other more deeply.This is a thoughtful listen for healthcare teams, nonprofit communicators, caregivers, facilitators, and anyone interested in ethical digital storytelling rooted in lived experience.You’ll hear about:- why ALS stories often focus on the person, not the diagnosis- how the ALS Society of Alberta uses stories for support, education, and advocacy- what families need when deciding whether a story stays private or becomes public- the role of digital stories in legacy-making and storyteller wellbeing- how story can connect lived experience with research, care, and communityLinks Mentioned:ALS Screening Still Speaking: Young Adults, ALS, and the Moments that Shape Us Common Language Story SlamDan's Digital Story, A Better Man Ireland’s Digital Story: By Book or By Heart Payton’s Digital Story, Still My Mom ALS Society of Alberta YouTubeMike Lang StoriesAbout Our GuestLeslie Ring Adams has been with the ALS Society of Alberta since 2015 and is currently the organization’s Executive Director. Her connection to ALS began when her mother was diagnosed with the disease. After experiencing firsthand the incredible support the Society provided to her family, Leslie decided to make a career change and join the organization.While that experience brought her to the ALS Society, it is the people, the mission and the opportunity to make a difference that have kept her there. Leslie considers it an honour to walk alongside individuals and families living with ALS and to be part of a community that shows incredible strength and resilience.She is passionate about making sure people affected by ALS have the support they need today, while advocating for better treatments, supporting research and working toward a future without ALS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1. ALS Digital Storytelling: Who Are These Stories For? 25:53
2. Youth Mental Health & Storyteller Wellbeing 26:41
3. Can a Story Change Veterinary Medicine? 27:40
4. Digital Stories in Community-Based Research with Carolyn Brandly 30:02
5. Using Digital Stories in Clinician Training with Dr. Tricia Williams 30:41

Common Language DST facilitator trainings are open for registration.
Learn more here.