9 | Jan Blake | Honouring Stories: The Art of Custodianship & Deep Listening
“The most important thing is to give life to the stories and see how far you are able to go in service of the stories.”
Audio version:
A video version is available below.
In this episode, we delve into the art and essence of storytelling, emphasising the significance of stewarding stories with a sense of custodianship, rather than merely portraying the role of a 'storyteller'. Our guest, Jan, shares her journey and insights into how storytelling has shaped her life and creative expression. We reflect on the significant responsibility of honouring the voices, experiences, landscapes, and cosmologies present within a story, even those of morally complex or treacherous character. Jan discusses the necessity of listening deeply and embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and presence in the storytelling process. Throughout our conversation, we reflect on the ways stories serve as a bridge to our collective memory, culture, and humanity. Jan’s perspective challenges us to look beyond the surface, recognize our shared human capacity for both darkness and transformation, and appreciate the beauty and messiness of the human experience. Jan also shares a couple of captivating stories, leaving us with profound contemplations and queries into the nature of being human.
Connect with Jan:
Storytelling Community
Connect with WHR:
WHR Instagram
Email - whr.link@gmail.com
