In this episode we discuss stigma and homicide violence, in particular its impacts on Black communities, with Dr. Tanya Sharpe. Dr. Sharpe, Professor and Endowed Chair in Social Work in the Global Community at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, founded and directs the Centre for Research and Innovation for Black Survivors of Homicide Victims (The CRIB). Her research focus on coping strategies of Black family members and friends of homicide victims.

We talk about links between homicide violence and historical, structural and collective trauma, the role of anti-Black racism in shaping narratives around homicide in Black communities, and the social determinants of homicide. We also talk about solutions, including culturally responsive practice, cultural curiosity and humility. Learn about Dr. Sharpe's favourite shows and dream dinner destination as well as what drives her passion.

Episode hosted by Dr. Carmen Logie. Supported by funding from the Canada Research Chairs program. Original music and podcast produced by Cozmic Cat, who have various production services available to support your podcast needs.

Dr. Lori Brotto is internationally recognized as a leader in sexual health research. She has evaluated psychological interventions for sexual dysfunction and genital pain, which collectively impact 1/3 of women. Her work influences practice internationally, with mindfulness now implemented in sexual medicine centres and recommended as front line care in international guidelines. In recognition of her contributions, she holds a Canada Research Chair in women’s sexual health, has received recent awards in mentoring junior faculty, excellent public education through media, book awards, and is listed among the top 2% cited scientists by Stanford/Elsevier (SCOPUS citations).

We talk about stigma around things sex: sexual anatomy, sexual pleasure, sexual relationships, and the harms from stigma for individuals, relationships, and society. You can find Lori's book 'Better Sex through Mindfulness: How Women Can Cultivate Desire' here and you can also find her on Netflix. We also shout out Cliterate and the World Association for Sexual Health!

Episode hosted by Dr. Carmen Logie. Supported by funding from the Canada Research Chairs program. Original music and podcast produced by Cozmic Cat, who have various production services available to support your podcast needs.

This podcast invited Dr. Mike Lang and Kristy Wolfe, digital storytelling experts at Common Language Digital Storytelling to reflect on the power of digital storytelling and stigma reduction. Carmen met Mike and Kristy at the First International Digital Storytelling Festival in Greece in 2024 where she was blown away by their powerful stories across the world. Carmen was then a podcast guest on the Common Language Digital Storytelling Podcast Co-Created, hosted by Kristy Wolfe.

We discuss the potential power of digital storytelling in both freeing the storyteller from internalized and anticipated stigma, as well as increasing awareness and empathy among people watching and listening. Telling stories matters- they help us to understand, and this deeper understanding of oneself and others can reduce stigma. We talk about stigma spanning a range of issues, HIV, substance use, heart disease, suicide, autism, PTSD- and how both the storyteller and the listener can shift socio-cultural norms and expectations to generate more community support. Digital Storytelling can highlight strengths-based perspectives on coping, ingenuity, hope and wisdom in the face of challenges. "When we change the questions we ask, we change the answers we get." Learn more about how to meaningfully engage with digital stories from Mike's article.

As our podcast guests remind us: "If no-one is willing to tell the story, nothing is ever going to change."