From Stilettos to Stigma: Unpacking Stories That Stick with Becky McCall

What if the key to transforming public health communication lies in the art of storytelling? Join us as we explore this intriguing idea with Becky McCall, a seasoned medical journalist and a PhD candidate at University College London. Becky shares her unique journey from microbiology to medical journalism and reveals how digital storytelling can make complex health issues like antibiotic resistance more accessible. Inspired by historical narratives and equipped with insights from her experiences at the International Digital Storytelling Festival, Becky offers a fresh perspective on the importance of narrative in public health.

Becky isn't on this journey alone; she collaborates with her supervisor, Mike Wilson from the University of Loughborough, and learns from influential partners such as Common Language DST. Becky has co-created impactful stories like "False Peak" and "Stiletto" a narrative that highlights the emotional depth of a young woman's struggle with stage four bowel cancer. Through these stories, we witness the power of co-creation and empathy-building that digital storytelling fosters, particularly in personal and academic contexts. The episode underscores the potential of storytelling to bridge gaps and create understanding across diverse health experiences. Tune in for a compelling exploration of how personal stories can inspire change and shape the future of public health communication.

Episode Key Messages

• Introduces Becky McCall, medical journalist and researcher

• Discusses the journey from microbiology to public health

• Highlights the global challenge of antibiotic resistance

• Emphasizes the power of personal narratives in storytelling

• Shares the importance of collaborating with patient organizations

• Presents stories that illustrate the human toll of antibiotic misuse

• Explores the role of stigma in health communication

• Discusses future directions for storytelling in public health

• Calls for greater public engagement through shared narratives

Other Links Mentioned

• Watch more digital stories through the StoryBug website
• Read this episode's blog post
• Watch the Ep 10 Looking Back video with Mike Lang & Kristy Wolfe

Connect with Becky McCall here.

If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about. You can find the stories here.

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