Choiceology with Katy Milkman cover image

Choiceology with Katy Milkman

A Hero's Journey: With Guests Ethan Gilsdorf, David Fajgenbaum & Kurt Gray

Oct 21, 2024
Ethan Gilsdorf, a writer and performer, shares how Dungeons & Dragons helped him navigate life’s hurdles and find empowerment. David Fajgenbaum, a physician and Castleman disease advocate, discusses his battle with illness and the transformative power of storytelling in healing. Kurt Gray, a psychology professor, delves into the hero's journey as a framework for personal growth, encouraging listeners to reshape their narratives. Together, they explore how embracing life's challenges can create meaning and resilience through our own heroic tales.
39:52

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Engaging in storytelling through role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons provides individuals with a sense of agency, allowing them to navigate and process real-life challenges.
  • Viewing life experiences through the hero's journey framework enhances personal resilience and motivation by transforming struggles into meaningful narratives.

Deep dives

The Empowering Nature of Storytelling

Storytelling plays a crucial role in personal empowerment, allowing individuals to shape their own narratives. In the context of games like Dungeons & Dragons, people engage in storytelling where they take control of their characters' journeys, providing a sense of agency and meaning. For instance, players navigate through challenges, such as battling mythical creatures, which can reflect and help process real-life struggles. This act of defining one's narrative fosters a deeper understanding of personal experiences and can lead to a transformative journey in life.

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