Episodi

  • Where can you be looking back in order to look forward?
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    Vernon Cronen is a co-creator of the Coordinated Management of Meaning theory of communication. In 1963, Vernon graduated from Ripon College and served for two years as Lieutenant in the US Army, Intelligence branch. After acquiring his Master and PhD from University of Illinois, Urbana, he went on to teach at University of Massachusetts, Amherst from 1970 to 2011. In 1979, Vernon began working with Barnett Pearce to create CMM and has been evolving the theory ever since. He is now part-time faculty at University of North Carolina at wilmington, teaching courses in History, Communication Theory, and CMM.

    Claire Craddock graduated from University of North Carolina Wilmington in December 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. She is passionate about creative arts, especially photography, and enjoys taking part in community service projects. Claire deeply values the art of storytelling and our ability to make connections. Claire was introduced to CMM theory by Dr. Cronen in the last year of her undergraduate studies. Since 2023, she has worked with Dr. Cronen to improve the dynamism in CMM theory by extending and further accounting for the aesthetic dimension, as well as the position of the observer.

    Today, Abbie, Vernon, and Claire discuss the aesthetic dimension of communication, context and reflexivity, and dynamism and disorientation.
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    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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  • What are you constructing in your relationships?
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    Sheila McNamee is Professor Emerita of Communication at the University of New Hampshire and co-founder and Vice President of the Taos Institute. Her work is focused on dialogic transformation within a variety of social and institutional contexts including psychotherapy, education, healthcare, organizations, and communities. She is author of several books and articles, including – most recently – Design Thinking and Social Construction (with C. Camargo-Borges, BIS, 2022) and Practicing Therapy as Social Construction (with E. Rasera & P. Martins, Sage Publications, 2022). Other books include Research and Social Change: A Relational Constructionist Approach (with D. M. Hosking, Routledge, 2012), Relational Responsibility: Resources for Sustainable Dialogue (with K. Gergen, Sage, 1999), The Sage Handbook of Social Constructionist Practice (co-edited with M. Gergen, C. Camargo-Borges, & E. Rasera, Sage, 2020), and Education as Social Construction: Contributions to Theory, Research, and Practice, (co-edited with T. Dragonas, K. Gergen, E. Tseliou, Taos WorldShare, 2015).

    Today, Abbie and Sheila explore relational construction as a way of being in the world. Sheila shares stories of transformation through dialogue.
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    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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  • How can we leave ourselves open to more spontaneity by letting go of some of our expectations?
    How do we suffer when we try to fit ourselves into the mold of "should"? Why do we need personal AND social evolution to create a more welcoming and curious culture?
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    Rik Spann is an organizational consultant, applied musicologist, artist, and jazz musician. In his work, he is interested in exploring what happens at the crossroads of various disciplinary fields, including science, art, design, music, theatre, dance, film, and beyond. He also loves to play with weird combinations, humor, paradox, everyday life, blue notes, and stuff that can’t be defined. Rik is the author (with Simon Martin) of Resounding: Introducing an Alternative Metaphor for Organizational Change. You can support Rik and his work by donating here.

    In this conversation, originally published in May 2022, Rik shares his journey into musicology. Abbie and Rik discuss bricolage, expectations, and ultra-stability. Rik and Abbie explore saying 'no' from a deeper 'yes' and how 'and' lets us build something richer. Rik talks about conversational jazz, curiosity, and perspective in his work as an organization consultant. Finally, Rik shares how he is working to create better social worlds through helpful noise.
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    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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  • How can you embody democratic values?
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    Hossein in a clinical psychologist, with a PhD awarded by King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychotherapist. He is also a researcher and a writer of both Novels and Psychology Books.

    Today, Abbie and Hossein explore the relationships between ignorance and knowledge; culture and behavior; and psycho-social factors and democratic values. Hossein talks about his work translating the CosmoKidz activities to Farsi and Pashto, as well as his most recent book, The Valley of Loneliness.
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    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
    ...
    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
    ...
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  • What are the real ways that we can embrace the complexity of our experiences?
    How can we let go of a scarcity mindset in favor of a mindset of abundance? How can we see the stories of others as adding something important rather than taking something away from us?
    What does it actually look like to make more space for people and their stories? How can we start to “build a bigger table”?
    Instead of dismissing our vision as unrealistic or unattainable, how can we learn to use imagination and hope as tools to make our dreams a reality?

    Dr. Paul Porter is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA). Like Abbie, Paul graduated from Ball State University and was a member of the Ball State Speech Team. Paul went on to earn his Master’s in Communication and Rhetorical Studies at Eastern Michigan University and his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Indiana State University. Paul has worked on the development of programs and initiatives designed to help create inclusive environments for diverse student populations, as well as diversity strategic plans and program assessments. Paul has presented on topics such as multicultural competence and unconscious bias across the state of Indiana and nationwide.

    In this conversation, originally published in April 2023, Abbie and Paul reflect on meaningful experiences in their lives. Paul and Abbie discuss multicultural competence, cognitive schemas, and puzzles. Paul shares his journey into the world of communication, from 3rd grade tests, to junior high morning announcements, to high school and college speech, and beyond. Paul talks about when he first learned what ADHD and depression are, when he was diagnosed, and how this language changed how he saw himself. Abbie and Paul consider what it looks like to live out values around diversity, equity, and inclusion on a personal and organizational level.
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    "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other” -Mother Teresa

    “We are only but one conversation from the relationship that changes the rest of our lives” -Lee Mun Wah
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    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
    ...
    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
    ...
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  • What power do you have in your community?
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    Sue Wells is a New Zealander. Now living in the North Island's beautiful Kapiti Coast, she is originally from Christchurch in the South Island. There, she grew up, studied at Canterbury University, and had a highly successful broadcasting career in radio and television, including starring in her own show, "Susan Sells", on CTV. She moved from there into local government as an elected city councillor in Christchurch from 1998-2013. She chaired the Council's important planning and regulatory committees including during the terms of the terrible Canterbury Earthquake sequence which took at least 185 lives, many of whom were colleagues of hers from CTV. Sue has a passionate interest in how urban planning and community development work together, and continues that interest in her work today.

    Today, Sue and Abbie talk about Sue’s time as a city councillor in Christchurch and what she learned from her experience of the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence.
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    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
    ...
    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
    ...
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  • How do we, as a community of individuals with individual experiences, thoughts, and feelings, come together to create shared meaning?
    How has our understanding of communication evolved to more accurately encompass the complexities and nuances of human relationships?
    Whether or not we consider ourselves "creative" or "leaders," how can we still find ways to create and lead?
    ...
    Mike is the Director of Leadership Development for the Clinton Foundation and co-directs the Presidential Leadership Scholars program. He is also a Professor of Practice at the Clinton School of Public Service where he teaches courses on communication and the leadership of social change.

    In this conversation, originally published in July 2023, Mike introduces himself and shares about the experiences that have shaped him. Mike and Abbie discuss how they define communication, consider how meaning is made, and explore what it means to be both a scholar and a practitioner of communication. Mike and Abbie talk about illusions within communication; mindfulness and reflection, and leadership and creativity. Finally, Mike and Abbie explore ways to define better social worlds.

    Please note that this conversation was recorded prior to the United States Supreme Court's June 29, 2023 decision on affirmative action, which makes it unlawful for colleges to take race into consideration as a specific factor in admissions.
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    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
    ...
    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
    ...
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  • How can you create a sense of “Mattering” for yourself and others in your communities?
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    Ottar works as a Professor of Counselling at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and also as Head of NTNU WellFare: Nordic Research Center for Well-being and Social Sustainability. Ottar is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Agder (Norway) and an Honorary Professor at Aalborg University (Denmark). He has worked as a systemic family therapist for many years and his research interests concerns Recovery processes in mental health and substance abuse, Mattering, Well-being and Social Justice. Ottar did his PhD in the Taos Institute PhD program. Ottar is the co-author of How People Thrive: Promoting the Synergy of Wellness, Fairness, and Worthiness.

    Today, Ottar and Abbie explore definitions and examples of “mattering,” wellness, and social sustainability. Ottar shares how his upcoming co-authored book, “How People Thrive,” emerged out of his work. Abbie and Ottar discuss dignity in the context of poverty; conditions, experiences, and outcomes as a framework; and embodying mattering in our lives.
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    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
    ...
    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
    ...
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  • What does it look like for you to celebrate?
    Where in your life can you pursue creation (in any of its many forms) as a way to check in with yourself and reflect?
    What stories do you have around death and dying?

    Madison Wood-Gonzalez is a National Public Speaker, Storyteller of the Year Award-Winner, Best-Selling Author, and Published Poet. She is also the Executive Director for an Indianapolis-based nonprofit, Morning Light, that fosters community programs in Indiana for the terminally ill, seniors, and families. Madison speaks on topics related to storytelling, mental health, wellness, leadership, and more. It is her mission to empower others to harness the power of community and self-expression to make a positive difference. Madison is a wife, mother to two, daughter, sister, and friend. Her strongest belief is that life should be celebrated and that each day counts.

    In this conversation, originally published in February 2023, Madison shares how she learned to stop running from herself and listen to what her Postpartum Depression had to teach her. Abbie and Madison discuss "the creative power of communication;” Madison’s book of poetry, Dear Mirror, and what it means to her; and the stories we are told and the ones Abbie and Madison hope to tell. Madison shares about the work that she does with Morning Light Inc., as they provide a home, comfort, and community to those in hospice care with nowhere else to go. Madison shares stories from the Abbie Hunt Bryce Home. Finally, Abbie and Madison explore some Next Turns to keep this conversation going in our social worlds.
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    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
    ...
    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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  • What are your “Undigested Stories”?

    Tracey currently lives and works in Aberdeen, Scotland within an independent therapy service at Possibilities Counselling and Psychotherapy. Her professional training was initially in Social Work and she worked with children and families, before retraining in Systemic Psychotherapy. Tracey currently works with children, adults, couples and families. She has also been involved in running parenting groups and bereavement groups. Tracey uses CMM ideas and tools in her day to day therapy practice; she is interested in how we tell our stories and re-edit our stories. Tracey considers herself a story holder, story teller and story co-creator. She is a white Scottish woman, a wife, mother of 3 children, and lover of her Golden Retriever Grace and her puppy Flora.

    Today, Tracey and Abbie share about the people they are bringing with them into this conversation. Tracy describes her experience as a CMM Institute Fellow developing the latest addition to the LUUUUUTT Model- “Undigested Stories.”
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    LUUUUUTT Model Podcast
    LUUUUUTT Model Video
    LUUUUUTT Model Infographic
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    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
    ...
    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
    ...
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  • What are you creating in your relationships?
    What does 'healing' mean to you- both individually and collectively?
    ...
    La Shanda Sugg describes herself as a storyteller, storyholder, reflector, and soul hugger. She is the co-host of the Labors of Love Podcast and “Chief Love Officer” of Labors of Love Counseling and Consulting.

    Heddy Nam is a liberatory coach and facilitator for people, organizations, and networks working towards social change through Rosalee Consulting. She is a healer, speaker, writer, and co-host of The Labors of Love podcast. She lives with her husband and rescue dog as guest settlers on occupied Tongva territory, colonially known as Los Angeles, California.

    Today, Shanda and Heddy introduce themselves and describe their relationship as podcast co-hosts, friends, and chosen family and what it means to them to have their relationship be a “practice ground.” Abbie, Heddy, and Shanda talk about healing, presence, communication, and curiosity.
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    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
    ...
    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
    ...
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  • Please be aware that this conversation contains mentions of disordered eating, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.

    What does it mean to take a "not knowing position?"
    How can you change the moment in the moment?
    What else can you listen for?

    John Burnham is a consultant systemic psychotherapist and supervisor, with over forty years of working with families, couples and individuals. He works at Parkview Clinic, Birmingham Women and Children’s Hospital where he was formerly Director of Systemic Training, and continues as course lead for the supervision training course and a supervisor on the MSc in systemic psychotherapy. He is formerly Director of Training at KCC in London. As well as training in the UK he teaches in a variety of contexts overseas including, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, the United States and South America. He is a past Visiting Fellow at Northumbria University and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. He has written extensively about systemic practice, training and supervision.

    In this conversation, originally published in October 2022, John shares when he first became a storyteller and why it is important to take the risk of sharing your story so that others feel safe to do the same. Abbie and John discuss learning to appreciate the process of "unbecoming" and celebrating (not judging) others for their experiences and growth; using John's PPRR (Problems, Potential, Resources, and Restraints) to understand the many, many layers of everything we do; and exploring explore the wonders of Systemic Therapy. John shares the things he has learned from those he works with, including the resoluteness of the human spirit, experiencing real awe, and how he learned to be less certain and seek clarity instead. Finally, John explains finding a willingness to understand and being deliberate in every interaction and what it means to “Listen to Speak” and “Speak to Listen.”
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    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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  • Where in your life are you living or telling a singular story? How can you make space to explore more stories for yourself and others?

    Nana Bonsu is an experienced senior leader. Nana is a qualified social worker, family and systemic psychotherapist, and systemic supervisor. Nana is the Director of Relational Practice in Camden. Nana has worked in children’s services for over twenty years, both in children’s statutory services and CAMHs (Child Adolescent and Mental Health Services). Nana has a proven track record of developing clinical services in several London local authorities, transforming practice culture. Nana has led on the design and delivery of systemic practice as a whole system approach to practice and innovation. Nana is passionate about developing services that challenge social injustice, is collaborative and draws upon unorthodoxy. Nana is keenly aware of the impact of racism, poverty, and powerlessness on life chances, and passionately believes in the importance of possibilities. Nana is an experienced lecturer, teaching at the Tavistock and Portman, Institute of Family Therapy, and for the Association of Family Therapy. Nana was one of four Directors at the Institute of Family Therapy. Nana has written several publications:
    Bonsu, N. (2020). How can we further embed systemic social work while working in this way? Murmurations: Journal of Transformative Systemic Practice, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.28963/3.1.14
    Bonsu, N. and Smith, E. (2023) Understanding, exploring, and supporting children’s identity development: Practice Tool (Research in Practice, Dartington Trust)

    Today, Nana shares stories of the experiences she has had that led her to be who she is and do what she does today. Abbie and Nana explore the power of stories to expand imagination; the power of celebrating and honoring the lived experiences of children; and the power of using a “whole system approach” to create interdependent communities.
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    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
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    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
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  • How can you begin to embrace communication as a transformative force for change in your life?

    Kongit Farrell is a licensed marriage and family therapist with specialties in conflict resolution, trauma, couples therapy, and human sexuality. She is the founder of the Center for Healthy Marriage and is an adjunct professor of Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. Kongit is an alumna of the CMM Institute and AC4 Fellowship programs at Columbia University and serves on the executive board of YPO's Peace Action Network. She splits her time between the US and Central America.

    Today, Kongit and Abbie discuss their shared curiosity around interpersonal communication, explore some ways to define and describe healthy relationships, and offer some practical tools for naming and creating the relationships and social worlds you want.
    ...
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
    ...
    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
    ...
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  • Where in your relationships can you name the meaning you are making? Where can ask others to name the meaning they are making?

    Laurie Budlong-Morse is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and an AANE Certified Neurodiverse Couples Therapist with a private practice in Indianapolis; she also creates educational content and offers online services with a focus on mixed-neurotype relationships. Laurie holds training in postmodern and social constructionist methods of therapy as well as mindful self-compassion, both of which deeply inform her work to facilitate what she calls "cross-neurological dialogue". As a person with lots of lived experiences within neurodiverse relationships up, down, and all around her family tree, Laurie is passionate about helping others appreciate and meaningfully navigate neurological differences.

    Today, Laurie introduces herself and her experience navigating neurodiverse relationships both personally and professionally. Abbie and Laurie discuss meaning-making, storytelling, and assumptions in relationships. Abbie and Laurie explore the role of common humanity and self compassion in helping us better understand ourselves and others.
    ...
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
    ...
    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
    ...
    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
    Explore all things CMM Institute here.

  • What is "perceived oughtness"? How does it show up in our lives? How can we reflect on this force and make new choices?
    How can we embody curiosity to understand ourselves and others well?
    What is the relationship between “beliefs,” "meaning," "action," and "emotion"? How can we come to understand the complex dynamics that exist to find healing for our past and a new way forward for our future?
    ...
    Dr. Barbara McKay is a systemic psychotherapist, supervisor, and teacher. She has served on the Board of Trustees for the Association for Family Therapy and the Board of Stewards for the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution. She worked as Director of the Institute of Family Therapy for 13 years. Barbara works with social work leaders to enhance their systemic and communication abilities.

    In this conversation, which was originally published in March 2022, Barbara shares her journey into Systemic Psychotherapy and how she first encountered the Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) Theory in her work. Barbara explains "unwanted repetitive patterns" and why it's so important to understand and deconstruct them. Abbie and Barbara explore what it means to be "CMM-ish," what it looks like to bring curiosity into our relationships, and what "cosmopolitan communication" can change in our lives. Both Barbara and Abbie discuss the stories they hold around gender and the ways that CMM shows up in their lives. Finally, Barbara explains how she uses the language and tools of CMM to create better social worlds in her overlapping professional and personal life.
    ...
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
    ...
    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
    ...
    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
    Explore all things CMM Institute here.

  • What are the tangible changes that you can be a part of making in your social worlds?

    Gro Emmertsen Lund is an independent scholar, education specialist, author and researcher; she is a part of The Taos Institute, USA, serving as a Taos Associate and Faculty Advisor. She is also part of NO!SE (Network of Independent Scholars in Education) in Denmark. She has published a number of articles and books and are active in public debates in Denmark and Norway. Gro has a bachelor’s degree in teaching and a master's in evaluation from the University of Southern Denmark, as well as a Ph.D. from the University of Twente in the Netherlands. Gro gives keynote speeches, teaches, holds presentations, participates in podcasts, and facilitates organizational and cultural development and change processes in schools, educational institutions, day care, health care, psychiatry and the social sector.

    Today, Gro and Abbie discuss social constructionism, change processes, and absenteeism in schools. Gro explains combating school exclusion with school inclusion; differentiating between problem-deficit thinking and relationship-resource focused thinking; and balancing the positive and negative impacts of diagnoses for students. Finally, Gro shares examples from her work of schools that have done significant, meaningful, and ongoing work to becoming learning organizations and better support students and teachers.
    ...
    Gro's English Publications:
    Haslebo, G. & Lund, G.E. (2015). Practicing Relational Thinking in Dealing with Bullying in Schools. In: Dragonas, Gergen, McNamee, Tseliou (Edt). Educations as Social Construction. TAOS Publications Worldshare. Read here. (pp.168-190)
    Lund, G. E. (2017). Making Exclusionary Processes in Schools Visible. Ph.D.-thesis. Twente University.
    Lund, G. E. and Winslade, J. M. (2018). Responding to Interactive Troubles – Implications for School Culture, Wisdom in Education: Vol. 8: Iss. 1 , Article 1. California State University San Bernardino.
    Lund, G. E. (2020). Creating school harmony. In S. McNamee, M. M. Gergen, C. Camargo Borges, & E. Rasera (Eds.), The SAGE Handbook of Social Constructionist Practice. London: Sage Publications.
    ...
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
    ...
    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
    ...
    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
    Explore all things CMM Institute here.

  • How can we celebrate our own individuality (and the individuality of others) by being honest about our needs, finding unique ways to meet them, and saying out loud the things we appreciate about each other?
    How can we celebrate children's individuality in school settings and beyond?
    What happens when we learn, not only how to tell our own story, but to hear the stories of others as well?
    What does it look like to set boundaries that allow us to say our "Best Yes"?
    ...
    Stephanie Higgs is, above all else, a passionate educator. Since graduating with her Master's Degree in Education she has taught pre-K, second grade, and fourth grade; she now works as a gifted educator and differentiation coach, where she supports both students and her fellow teachers in accommodating individual learning needs. In 2021, Stephanie was named the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) Teacher of the Year. After 13 years in education, Stephanie is expanding her reach by sharing resources, ideas, and advice for educators around the world on her Instagram page.

    In this conversation- originally published in February 2023- Stephanie tells the story of her path to becoming a gifted educator. Abbie and Stephanie discuss differentiation, what it looks like for her to balance educational standards with individual needs, and the value of the support system of teachers that Stephanie collaborates with. Stephanie shares her teacher's perspective on storyliving, storytelling, and storyhearing. Stephanie and Abbie reflect on mystery in our lives. Stephanie shares how learning about self-regulation has helped her heal and find more empathy for herself and others. Abbie and Stephanie talk about the classroom through the lens of social worlds. Finally, Stephanie describes her idea of a better social world.
    ...
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
    ...
    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
    Find Rik on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
    Listen to our conversation with Rik in ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ep. 8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
    ...
    Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
    Follow Stories Lived. Stories Told. on Instagram.
    Subscribe to Stories Lived. Stories Told. on YouTube.
    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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    Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.

  • Where can you find paths to engagement?
    How can you redefine excellence for yourself?
    What would it look like for you to embrace curiosity in your own life and stories?
    ...
    Emily Ruth Rutter is Professor of English, Associate Dean of the Honors College, and affiliate faculty in Women’s, Gender, and African American Studies at Ball State University. She is the author of four monographs, most recently White Lies and Allies in Contemporary Black Media (Routledge, 2023). She is co-editor of Revisiting the Elegy in the Black Lives Matter Era (Routledge, 2020) and the forthcoming Black Saturation: Selected Works of Stephen E. Henderson (University Press of Mississippi, 2025). She is the recipient of numerous awards and grants, including from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Her essays have appeared in African American Review, MELUS, South Atlantic Review, and Tulsa Studies in Women’s Literature, among other journals and edited collections.

    Today, Emily introduces herself and shares some of the stories that make her believe that education transforms lives. Abbie and Emily explore the paths to engagement in conversation about antiracism, bias, and intersectionality, especially for white people. Emily explains inclusive excellence as a framework and explores how to make it in our social worlds. Abbie and Emily discuss mythical norms, epistemology (how we know what we know), imagination, and curiosity.
    ...
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
    ...
    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
    Find Rik on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
    Listen to our conversation with Rik in ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ep. 8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
    ...
    Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
    Follow Stories Lived. Stories Told. on Instagram.
    Subscribe to Stories Lived. Stories Told. on YouTube.
    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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  • How can research help us change the stories we tell about ourselves, our mental health, and our shared trauma?

    Spozhmay Oriya is a PhD candidate in the Educational Psychology program with focus on collective trauma, faculty of Education, Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada. She has BA in psychology and MA in Education. She was assistant professor at faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at Kabul University in Afghanistan since 2007 until 2021. Most of her teaching and research is in psychology. She is learning trauma and collective trauma integration and group facilitation with Pocket Project and Academy of Inner Science based in Germany since 2019. Her research interests are collective trauma, war, and trauma-informed education. She has conducted research with national and international researchers and has some publication in international journals.

    Today, Spozhmay describes her journey into being an educator and researcher. Spozhmay explains one of her early research projects studying the mental health of female students at Kabul University. Abbie and Spozhmay talk about the practical benefits of conducting research for helping us better address issues in our social worlds. Spozhmay discusses collective trauma in the context of ongoing war, poverty,and violence in Afghanistan. Abbie and Spozhmay discuss a researchers job to make meaning from research. Finally, Spozhmay shares about her efforts to provide support to her students following the November 2020 Kabul University attack.
    ...
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.
    Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution.
    ...
    Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann.
    Find Rik on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
    Listen to our conversation with Rik in ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ep. 8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
    ...
    Visit the Stories Lived. Stories Told. website.
    Follow Stories Lived. Stories Told. on Instagram.
    Subscribe to Stories Lived. Stories Told. on YouTube.
    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Subscribe to CMM Institute on Substack.
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    Learn more about Cosmopolis 2045.