Becoming a Systems Storyteller: Weaving Together Podcasts, Dissertations, and Screenplays

For a long time, I've been on a dissertation journey that has bloomed into two creative projects: a podcast and a collection of scripts for a television series. I’ve been looking for a way to describe my work as a whole, and I think the best way to describe my work is systems storytelling.

This isn't just a catchy title; it’s a description of the lens through which I now view and create. As a systems storyteller, my mission is to delve beyond the surface of narratives and explore the intricate, often invisible, structures that shape our world and our stories. It's about understanding how the different parts of a whole interact, influence one another, and ultimately drive the larger narrative forward.

The Podcast: Unpacking Epic Narratives

My podcast has become a laboratory for this exploration. Each episode is a deep exploration into epic narratives—from ancient myths to modern blockbusters. But I don't just retell these stories; I dissect them using the principles of systems thinking. I look for the feedback loops, the points of leverage, and the underlying mechanisms that make these stories so enduring and impactful. By understanding the systems at play within these grand tales, we can gain insights into the systems that govern our own lives and societies.

The Dissertation: Decoding Decline Through Mythology and Systems

My doctoral research takes this systems-oriented approach to a critical area: the intersection of social and environmental decline. Through the combined lenses of applied mythology and applied systems thinking, I am working to uncover the archetypal stories and the systemic patterns that contribute to our current challenges. Mythology provides the narrative framework—the deep-seated beliefs and cultural myths that shape our behavior. Systems thinking offers the analytical tools to map the complex web of cause and effect. Together, they provide a powerful framework for understanding not just what is happening, but why, and perhaps even how we can shift the narrative.

The Screenwriting: Building Worlds from the System Up

Screenwriting is where these theoretical explorations take on tangible form. When crafting a screenplay, I don't just create characters and plot points; I build entire systems. Whether it's a futuristic society, a tightly knit community, or the intricate dynamics of a family, I focus on the interrelationships between its components.

The stories that emerge are designed to explore how these systems function, how they adapt to change, and how individual actions can have ripple effects throughout the whole. My aim is to create narratives that are not only engaging but also offer a deeper understanding of the complex systems that govern our lives.

The Unifying Question: Epic Narratives as Tools for Systemic Reform

Ultimately, all three of these endeavors—the podcast, the dissertation, and the screenwriting—are driven by a central question: how can epic narratives be used as a tool for systemic reform in times of social and environmental decline?

I believe that by understanding the power of stories and the dynamics of systems, we can begin to reshape the narratives that shape our world.

I invite you to join me on this journey of exploration. Listen to the podcast, follow my research, and stay tuned for the stories that emerge from this unique intersection of disciplines. I’m eager to connect with others who are fascinated by the power of stories and the intricate workings of our world.

What epic narratives do you think hold the key to understanding and addressing our current challenges? Share your thoughts in the comments below.