Insights – Snapshot Stories

Meet members making a global impact through narrative healing and support initiatives.

Risky Business: Artist’s Bold Strokes Aim to Transform Medicine

Risky Business: Artist’s Bold Strokes Aim to Transform Medicine

Lisa Erdman’s career is a dynamic journey, defined by bold risk-taking and invention in the pursuit of what she has coined “artful medicine.”

From Heartbreak to Hope: Eben Pingree’s Mission to Strengthen Family Bonds Through Technology

Eben Pingree’s life was altered forever in 2022 when his mother, 78, and father-in-law, 80, were both diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in the same week. The simultaneous onset of their illnesses sent him on an emotional journey that was both heartbreaking and revelatory. As their conditions worsened, Eben found himself grappling with the agonizing question,  “What can I do?”

Mindworks in Conversation featuring Maura Spiegel, PhD

Listen to a conversation with Maura Spiegel, literary scholar, biographer, contemporary film and fiction teacher, and narrative medicine co-founder.  Maura discusses how her personal history and cultural influences shaped her path in literary and film theory and narrative medicine, emphasizing the roles of empathy, social justice, and the arts in fostering understanding and inclusivity.

Mindworks in Conversation featuring Michelle Pauls

Listen to a conversation with musician, artist and playwright Michelle Pauls as she discusses her work as a grief activist in Philadelphia, and how she has turned her personal grief into an interactive theatrical experience.

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and educator Cathy Fink

Mindworks in Conversation featuring Cathy Fink

Listen to a conversation with Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and educator Cathy Fink, as she reflects on the beginnings of her musical career in Canada during the early 1970s, busking and performing folk music in coffeehouses.

Dr. Sapana Adhikari

Dr. Sapana Adhikari: Physician Artist Combines Emergency Medicine, Medical Illustrations, and Healthcare Advocacy

Sapana Adhikari, MD, isn’t just an Emergency Medicine physician at Advocate Health in Charlotte, NC, she’s an artist and healer in every sense of the word. 

Brandon Panke

Mic Drop: Cultural Innovator Amplifies Unheard Voices and Drives Change Through Storytelling

Inspiring Change Through Storytelling at the University of Wisconsin-Madison - Brendon Panke, at 42, is a passionate advocate for amplifying silenced stories, believing they hold transformative power. He sees storytelling as a vital tool for change, emphasizing that these narratives can challenge societal norms and inspire action. Through his work, he aims to shed light on the voices often overlooked, fostering a deeper understanding and connection within communities.

Our Body’s Vantage Points | Understanding Patients: A Teacher’s Perspective

Contributing Columnist | Kayla (Isaac) Branstetter - English Instructor at Crowder College, TEDx Speaker, Writer, Artist, and Women’s Activist. Kayla discusses the critical importance of empathy in healthcare, drawing from personal experiences to illustrate how understanding patients' perspectives can improve care and human connection.

Meet Dr. Thoele: The Heart Doctor Who Rides His Bike to Work and Good Health

 Meet Dr. David Thoele: A pediatric cardiologist who bikes 25 miles daily to work, Dr. Thoele is also a leader in narrative medicine. Through his innovative 3-Minute Mental Makeover, he empowers patients, families, and healthcare providers to manage stress and foster empathy through storytelling. Read more about his journey and how narrative medicine shapes his practice.

Mindworks in Conversation featuring Nancy Scherlong

Listen to a conversation with Nancy Scherlong LCSW, Psychotherapist, Coach about her work as narrative therapist.

Have a question? Need some help? Email us at info@narrativemindworks.org
NARRATIVE MINDWORKS | 1216 Broadway 2nd fl. New York NY 10001
© 2025 Narrative Mindworks. All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Use  |   Privacy Policy   |  Copyright Policy   |   Accessibility Statement