I always believe that our job as creators is to find ways to tell our multifaceted stories.
Where we come from.
What troubles us.
What inspires us.
Ultimately, it is the story of who we that leads our audience to connect with us.
If you enjoy storytelling and contemplating our human experiences, here are three podcasts bound to inspire you to share your own stories.
Hosted by Dr. Maya Shanker, the podcast explores how individuals confront who they are when faced with a sudden life change. Dr. Shanker's guests share heartfelt stories of losing a loved one, being diagnosed with a terminal illness, or harrowing circumstances like being held in a North Korean prison. Her guests have ranged from Christine Ha (The Blind Masterchef), Ruby Bridges (Civil Rights icon), and Erika Cheung (Theranos whistleblower).
One of my favorite episodes is about Dr. Richard "Harry" Harris, the Australian anesthesiologist and expert cave diver in the Thai cave rescue, whose story inspired me to write a post.
Part storytelling, part meditation guide, Meditative Stories lull you into a reflective and calmer state. Host Rohan Gunatillake introduces his guests, who narrate their personal stories, and provide interludes with meditation prompts that remind you to sit back and reflect on what you just heard. Guests have ranged from David Duchovny, Joel McHale, Randall Park, and Arianna Huffington.
Beware. This is a tearjerker. CNN reporter Anderson Cooper recorded this podcast to process grief for his mother's passing as he went through her life's possessions. Along with sharing his personal stories, he talked to people who have dealt with losing their loved ones and how grief has changed them. Guests included Stephen Colbert, Molly Shannon, and Kirsten Johnson.
All There Is poses the question of how we can truly live life and embrace everything it has in our short time on earth.
Also highly recommended for those who are going through the process of grieving themselves.