Episode 28 - Podcasthon Feature Episode: The Story of Herstory
By Jessica Garrison
Welcome to our Podcasthon feature episode! Podcasthon is an incredible organization that brings podcasters together from all over the world to raise money and awareness for various charities. This is the 3rd edition of Podcasthon, but the 1st edition of F.E.E.L on Podcasthon! We are featuring Herstory Writers Network, a nonprofit organization that utilizes the art of memoir writing to connect with people in the community. The network originated in Long Island, NY but has since grown to be accessible from anywhere, offering both in person and remote writing circles.
Melissa is joined by Erika Duncan (founder, artistic director) and Helen Dorado Alessi (organizational management consultant, facilitator) who shares the journey of Herstory and how it has impacted so many lives. If you recognize one of these names, it’s because Helen has been with us before! Back in season one, Helen joined us in episode 7, “Embracing Herself and Others Unapologetically.” It’s pretty cool to look back over the years and see how far not only we have come in that time, but also how far Helen has come with her work and with Herstory.
Erika and Helen go back and forth with the talking points, sharing their perspective of how Herstory has influenced the way people live their lives and the way they express themselves. Helen says that society is all different walks of life, and you need everyone in the room. Diversity is essential when it comes to art, and writing is a branch of art. It isn’t about inclusion or exclusion, but about allowing everyone to have a voice and express empathy and compassion. This isn’t just a place for women, though it began as a way for women to write freely and share their experiences in a judgment-free zone.
Erika says it’s critical for people to be both the one who shares their story and the one who listens to the stories. No one is “forced” to share their writing, but it happens naturally, and people eventually open up because of the honest energy in the room. Erika loves what she does, and it’s admirable to offer a space for people to discover their feelings authentically. Melissa has attended the writing workshop before, and I can only imagine the electricity that pulses through the room during one of these workshops. Everyone has the opportunity to submerge themselves within everyone’s stories and struggles, allowing people to become more open-minded and empathetic. The stories of abuse, pain, or heartache makes people think that could have been me. Writing is a transportation device that offers a new world to step into that is different from the one you’re used to.
The work these two women are doing, as well as the rest of the staff with Herstory Writers Network, are changing lives. Their outreach has proven to be effective and we are honored to feature them in this spotlight for Podcasthon. This episode is a bit longer than usual, but it is full of amazing stories and anecdotes you’ll want to hear for yourself.
Ways to Engage: Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Attend a writing workshop, share your writing in an online forum, or anything that puts yourself out there as a storyteller. Read other people’s stories, comment on them, and make them feel seen and heard.