Storytelling For Social Impact E4: Rewriting Life’s Script: Unlocking Potential Behind Bars with Simeon Quarrie
In this episode of 'Storytelling for Social Impact,' host Ravinol speaks with Simeon Quarrie, an award-winning entrepreneur, global speaker, filmmaker and founder of VIVIDA, about using storytelling for social change.
Simeon chose SDG16 'Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions' as well as SDGs 4 and 10 "Quality Education' and 'Reduced Inequalities' respectively.
They discuss Simeon's transformative work with young offenders in prisons, emphasizing the power of storytelling to help them reframe their lives and see new possibilities. The dialogue also covers the 'In Your Shoes' program, which uses immersive storytelling to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Through personal anecdotes and examples, they explore the importance of empathy, understanding different lived experiences, and the potential for immersive storytelling to drive meaningful social impact beyond just words.
00:00 Introduction to Storytelling for Social Impact
00:34 Meet Our Guest: Simeon Quarrie
01:25 Exploring Storytelling in Prisons
02:46 Transformative Experiences in Youth Prisons
04:39 Empowering Young Offenders Through Filmmaking
08:07 The Power of Storytelling in Rehabilitation
11:12 Building Connections and Changing Perceptions
14:01 Challenges and Insights from Working with Youth Offenders
21:03 Reframing Stories and Creating New Futures
30:56 Exploring Storytelling Structures
31:28 The Hero's Journey in Battle Scenes
33:07 Shorter Stories Within the Whole
33:59 Reframing Personal Stories for Growth
34:49 Engaging Youth Through Storytelling
35:43 Harnessing the Power of Story
37:22 Diversity and Inclusion: In Their Shoes
40:35 Crafting Characters for Empathy
43:57 Understanding Lived Experiences
54:57 The Power of Curiosity and Respect
01:00:23 Think, Feel, Act: A Framework for Change
01:01:55 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Simeon Quarrie
Award Winning Storyteller, Technologist, and Empathy Builder. Simeon Quarrie, founder of VIVIDA, is a respected industry leader merging storytelling, technology, and innovation to drive societal change. As the founder of VIVIDA, he has developed unique approaches to building empathy within organisations, such as the transformative initiative ‘In Their Shoes’. Using immersive technology and storytelling, Simeon enables individuals to experience life from the perspective of a person of Black heritage, driving powerful behavioural change working with organisations like HSBC and the Civil Service. With his unwavering passion for progress and steadfast dedication to making a difference, Simeon Quarrie has emerged as an undeniable force in the industry. His work continues to inspire, educate, and challenge the status quo, cementing his legacy as a true industry leader.