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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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

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