Leading Through Stories: Donuts and Digital Narratives in Mental Health

In a world that is increasingly connected yet paradoxically isolating, the need for genuine stories and voices of hope has never been greater. Our latest podcast episode delves into the life of Makaylah Rogers, a non-binary social entrepreneur and mental health advocate who has found solace and strength in digital storytelling. This narrative isn’t just a recount of Makaylah’s journey; it’s a call to the power of vulnerability and the importance of advocacy in the mental health space.

Makaylah’s candid sharing of their experience with suicidal ideation and mental health challenges serves as a beacon for those silently struggling. By opening up about their past and the instrumental role a personal letter played in their darkest times, they illustrate the transformative impact that sharing our stories can have—not only on ourselves but on others who may feel alone in their battles.

In discussing the sensitive topic of suicide, the podcast takes great care to emphasize that while the love and support of friends and family are invaluable, they are not substitutes for professional help. This point underscores a critical message: the path to recovery is a collective effort, requiring a network of support that includes therapy, professional resources, and a community willing to listen and understand. Don’t miss Makaylah’s vetted mental health resource page on their website. You can find it here.

The concept of a “hope chest,” as introduced by Makaylah in their digital story, is particularly poignant. This personal toolbox, filled with letters and mementos, acts as a lifeline during moments of crisis. It’s a practical and touching testament to the proactive management of one’s mental health and the acknowledgment that coping strategies can be as unique and individual as the stories we carry.

Makaylah’s work extends beyond personal advocacy, touching on their social impact initiatives, Frankie D’s Donuts and Scale Naturally. These ventures are not merely businesses but platforms for promoting diversity, fostering belonging, and combating the pervasive loneliness that plagues our society. They serve as examples of how entrepreneurship can intersect with social causes to create meaningful change.

To sum up, this podcast episode is more than just an audio experience; it’s an invitation to join a movement that recognizes the value of every individual’s narrative. It’s a reminder that in sharing our stories, we not only free ourselves but also offer a lifeline to others who might be searching for a sign to keep going. In the words of Makaylah’s friends and colleagues, “Please don’t go. You matter. I want you to stay.”

About Our Guest

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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Double the Magic: Storytelling for Healing and Impact with Melody Williamson – Co-Created

Cameras off. Quiet chat. A stack of slides. Then a short digital story plays and suddenly the room wakes up. That flip from passive listening to real connection is what we’re chasing, and it’s why we keep coming back to digital storytelling as a tool for healing, community building, and change.We’re joined by Melody Williamson, a Level 3 digital storytelling facilitator, trainer, and longtime collaborator inside the Common Language Digital Storytelling Collective. Melody shares how digital storytelling keeps expanding as a tool for healing, community, and real-world change. We share what we’re learning from nonprofit projects, research partnerships, facilitator training, and the moments when a story makes people come alive.Episode Key MessagesMelody’s roots in storytelling, inclusion, and group workHow Wellspring uses digital stories with patients, families, staff, volunteers, and caregiversWhy nonprofits benefit from a wider library of perspectivesCollaborations with researchers, including projects tied to antibiotic resistanceStory Slam as a catalyst for community healing and new partnershipsDigital storytelling facilitator training as “double the magic” through teaching othersMentorship meetings, story review, entrepreneurship support, and continuing educationBringing digital stories to conferences to spark connection beyond slidesAI tools, interpretive meaning, and why story arcs change engagementOther Links MentionedRead this episode's blog postListen to Melody's original Co-Created episodeGet your tickets to the Story SlamLearn more about the Common Language Level 1 Facilitator TrainingCheck out the Common Language CollectiveOther Episodes MentionedEp 28 with WellspringEp 46 with Gillian HattoEp 54 with Becky McCallAbout Our GuestMelody Williamson, MSc., B.A., of Melody Williamson Stories, is a Level 3 Common Language Digital Storytelling Facilitator. Like all of us, Melody has been a storyteller all of her life – from reading books on her mother’s lap to a career in professional theatre, to her consulting work in equity and social justice issues.In recent years, she has combined all of her skills and experience into her passion for giving voice to those voices that aren’t typically heard and creating connection between people through digital storytelling. Her word is "Moment-us" and she loves helping people connect with meaningful moments in their lives! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1. Double the Magic: Storytelling for Healing and Impact with Melody Williamson 31:57
2. When Science Meets Story: Lessons from a PhD Defense with Becky McCall 35:57
3. Health Promoting Experiences of Storytellers: A Meta-Synthesis 49:36
4. Isolation to Impact: DST in Cancer Care with Jackdaw Bones 25:57
5. The Storyteller’s Yellow Pages with Lisa Joworski 33:23

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