This episode features Cecilia Wandiga, Executive Director of the Centre for Science and Technology Innovations (CSTI) in Nairobi, Kenya. Cecilia’s work brings science and storytelling together in a way that makes complex research practical and relevant for communities facing environmental and climate challenges.

In our conversation, we explore how science connects our stories, grounding them in knowledge and shared reality, while storytelling frames science in ways that make it personal, memorable, and actionable. Cecilia shares how CSTI translates climate research into practical solutions for communities, the role of citizen science in driving local engagement, and the barriers that can make scientific progress difficult to implement. We also discuss the importance of trust in community-led initiatives and how meaningful storytelling helps align people around shared goals.

If you’re thinking about how to make complex ideas more engaging, bring diverse communities into the conversation, or turn specific knowledge into real-world action, you’ll want to hear what Cecilia has to say.

Connect with Cecilia Wandiga & CSTI:

• Follow Cecilia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliawandiga/
• Follow the Centre for Science and Technology Innovations (CSTI) on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/centre-for-science-and-technology-innovations-csti/

Check out more from Storylinking:

• Go behind the scenes of this episode: https://storylinking.com/blog/ep11
• Full show site: https://storylinking.com

Key Moments from This Episode:
01:30 Introducing Cecilia Wandiga and CSTI

02:11 CSTI’s Mission and Early Work

03:19 Challenges and Innovations in Climate Adaptation

07:13 The Role of Storytelling in Science Communication

09:38 Personal Background and Influences

24:53 Biochar: A Multifaceted Solution for Energy and Sustainability

35:52 The Ice Block Conundrum: Making New Ideas Familiar

37:12 Citizen Science in Action: Engaging the Public in Research

40:32 How to Successfully Engage Communities in Climate Solutions

43:47 Cultural Barriers to Science and How to Overcome Them

53:49 Staying Optimistic in the Face of Global Challenges

57:20 Practical Advice for Community Builders on Science & Storytelling

I had the privilege of sitting down with Mónica Guzmán for this episode of Storylinking. Mónica is the Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, the author of "I Never Thought of It That Way," and the host of the podcast "A Braver Way." She’s someone I deeply admire for her ability to lean into curiosity and use it as a tool for building trust and understanding across political and cultural divides.

In our conversation, we explored how curiosity can help us navigate tough conversations, whether we’re engaging with colleagues, family members, or entire communities. Mónica shares powerful insights from her personal journey and professional work, showing us how curiosity isn’t just about asking questions, it’s about seeing others in their full complexity and finding ways to connect (even and especially when it feels difficult!) If you’ve been thinking about how to bridge divides in your own community or create a stronger sense of connection in your work, this episode is full of great context and practical advice.

Connect with Mónica Guzmán and Braver Angels:

• Her website, https://www.moniguzman.com/
• On instagram, @MoniGuzman
• Braver Angels, https://braverangels.org/
• Her podcast "A Braver Way," wherever you listen or at https://braverangels.org/abraverway/
• Her book, "I Never Thought of it That Way," https://www.moniguzman.com/book'

Check out more from Storylinking:

• https://storylinking.com/blog/ep10 (go behind the scenes of this episode)
• https://storylinking.com (the full show site)

Key moments from this episode

01:50 Personal experiences and family debates
03:41 The power of curiosity in journalism
06:51 Human nature and the SOS of sorting, othering, and siloing
09:19 The cost of misplaced beliefs and polarization
13:30 Creating space for curiosity in challenging conversations
13:48 Braver Angels and their mission of depolarization
17:16 Five characteristics of effective conversations
20:56 The structure of bridging conversations
25:00 Withholding judgment and embracing empathy
27:52 The tension between safety and visibility in identity and engagement
28:50 Engaging across divides with intentional dialogue
29:39 Techniques for better conversations and curiosity-driven questions
31:44 The benefits of bridging work in relationships and communities
33:59 Practical advice for leaders: fostering bridging conversations
34:23 Rupture and repair cycles in dialogue
34:56 Using containment to manage difficult conversations
37:13 Bridging for collective impact: engaging new communities
48:19 The importance of honest friction in communities

How theater can create space for meaningful dialogue, build community trust, and inspire engagement among diverse audiences

In this episode of Storylinking, Chad Swan-Badgero (founder and artistic director of Peppermint Creek Theatre and program manager for the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs) joins host Tom Lietz for a conversation about how theater creates space for communities to navigate tough conversations. From Peppermint Creek’s origins to its evolution as a platform for addressing current societal issues, Chad shares his insights on approaches to audience engagement, and the transformative power of participatory storytelling.

Key topics include challenges and rewards of community engagement, theater as a model for dialogue and connection, and how bringing diverse audiences together can help us to meaningfully address social issues. We discuss his experiences staging "What the Constitution Means to Me," and explore more broadly how the arts can inspire community revitalization, individual fulfillment, and transformative conversations that extend far beyond the stage.

Connect with Chad Swan-Badgero and Peppermint Creek Theatre:

• Peppermint Creek Theatre: http://peppermintcreek.org
• Contact Chad: office@peppermintcreek.org

Check out more from Storylinking:

• https://storylinking.com/blog/ep09 (see a picture of the set from "What the Constitution Means to Me" and read more about this episode)
• https://storylinking.com (the full show site)

Key Moments from This Episode

02:02 Chad's Early Journey into Theater

05:51 Founding Peppermint Creek Theater

09:55 Evolving the Mission of Peppermint Creek

14:04 Staging 'What the Constitution Means to Me'

18:23 The Impact of the Show on the Community

29:11 Audience Engagement in Theater

30:27 Nervousness and Excitement in Live Performances

33:52 The Role of Theater in Community Dialogue

39:32 Challenges of Audience Engagement

45:52 The Broader Impact of Arts and Culture

53:21 Personal Reflections and Community Impact

57:52 Taking the Long View