In this new Mindworks in Conversation, Brendan Panke reflects on his path from environmental biology to teaching and storytelling inside prisons.

Every Labor Day, I’m transported back to my father’s final month of life in 2008—not by grief, but by gratitude for the humanity and grace that surrounded him in his last days.

 In this Mindworks in Conversation episode, theater artist and educator Chris Wilson shares how Only Make Believe uses live, interactive performances to spark joy, creativity, and connection for children in hospitals and care facilities. 

Jen Rarey blends her passion for dogs with powerful storytelling and design—partnering with veterinary practices, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations to create meaningful, emotionally resonant work.

In this episode of Mindworks in Conversation, Emily Akins—editorial director at Hallmark and creator of The Beginning of Your Life Book Club and Substack—explore the enduring magic of picture books and their surprising emotional power for readers of all ages.

A simple trip to the dentist becomes a powerful example of narrative practice in action — showing how empathy, listening, and four small words can lift the burden of illness and change an entire experience.