EP 083 - Author Steve Wolfson Shares The Art of Life Lessons Through Stories & Impactful Documentaries

Welcome back to Coffee and Conversation with Recovery Advocate Network.  I am your host, Ange, and I welcome you to Episode number 83.

Today’s guest is Steve Wolfson, a writer, filmmaker, health consultant, and dentist. While Steve was in dental school, he discovered his favorite patients were children and loved to tell young patients stories to help relax them during their dental visits. However, during dental school, Steve became disappointed with the dental profession, mainly concerned with people who could afford treatment. That’s when he discovered a small group of public health dentists interested in providing dental health care available to everyone.

Eventually, Steve accepted a job in Canada at Saskatchewan Dental Plan, a program providing no-fee dental care to all children in school dental clinics. This program was recognized as the best children’s dental program in the world and received numerous visits from people from many countries. Unfortunately, when a new government was elected, the dental profession convinced them to shut down this program and once again only provided care to those who could afford it.

Steve decided to set off in a new direction, parting ways with dentistry, as Steve’s wife coined the term “recovery dentist” to describe Steve’s journey after dentistry. Steve began a freelance career in writing children’s books, making documentary films, health consulting, and teaching. He developed programs for and taught at the First Nations University of Canada and eventually became the Dean for three years. He also wrote and published his first book, “Monster Cheese,” which made its way into hundreds of classrooms to be read to young children.

Not only was he creating books, but he was also busy being a filmmaker. Many of the films he developed focused on the challenges of providing health care in rural, low socioeconomic countries. Unfortunately, once again, the same government that shut down the Saskatchewan Dental Plan returned to power and wiped out the film industry of Saskatchewan. So, Steve continued to publish three more children’s books. He is now focusing on and learning how hypnosis and mindfulness can help people strengthen their rehabilitation efforts and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In this episode, Steve discusses his passion for storytelling through filmmaking and writing children's books. He shares how his interest in dentistry and filmmaking led him to work on dental projects in Mozambique and create documentaries about the country's healthcare system. He also talks about his journey as a children's book author, starting with his book 'Monster Cheese' and his latest book 'Auntie Jane Knits Up a Storm,' which explores the themes of grief and healing. Our conversation highlights the importance of storytelling and cross-cultural experiences in understanding the world more deeply. Steve discusses distilling complex emotions into concise words for children's books. He shares the stories behind his books 'Filbert, the Lonely Flamingo' and 'Auntie Jane Knits Up A Storm'. He emphasizes the importance of reading children's books with adults to foster bonding and understanding of emotions. He also explores the potential for older adults to find comfort and connection in children's stories. The conversation touches on the healing power of art, the need for accessible mental health care, and the history of mental institutions.

Guest Links:

• Instagram: @wolfsonsworldkids

• https://youtu.be/YpI9uXt5lqs?si=Bms1LVXiTM6oFqiI

• https://www.nfb.ca/film/mozambique_building_a_future/

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