Shifting Culture Ep. 232 Gareth Higgins - Transformative Storytelling: Conflict, Fear, Love, and the Movies
This conversation with Gareth Higgins is an exploration of how storytelling, empathy, and a commitment to love can transform even the most entrenched conflicts. Gareth shares his personal journey growing up in Northern Ireland, where the dominant narrative was one of division, fear, and violence. But through the transformative power of films like 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' Gareth discovered the importance of seeing the humanity in those we might otherwise label as 'other.' He realized the need to become an ally - not by imposing his own vision, but by listening and allowing those he seeks to support to define what true allyship looks like. Gareth goes on to unpack a profound insight - that all conflict is rooted in fear, and beneath that fear lies love. By learning to love and accept ourselves, we open the door to a new kind of storytelling, one that moves beyond 'us vs. them' narratives and towards a vision of liberation, reconciliation, and interdependence. This conversation is a masterclass in the power of imagination, empathy, and a willingness to embrace the complexity of the human experience. Whether you're navigating personal struggles or seeking to understand the roots of societal conflict, Gareth's wisdom offers a roadmap towards a more just, compassionate, and connected world. So join us.
Gareth Higgins was born in Belfast in 1975, grew up during the northern Ireland Troubles, and now lives in the US. He writes and speaks about the power of storytelling to shape our lives and world, peace and making justice, and how to take life seriously without believing your own propaganda. He has been involved in peace-building and violence reduction in northern Ireland and helping address the legacy of conflict, received a Ph.D. in Sociology from Queen’s University Belfast, and helped teach the world’s first graduate course in Reconciliation Studies at Trinity College Dublin. He also helped found the Wild Goose, New Story and Movies & Meaning festivals. Gareth leads retreats in North America and Ireland; and he founded The Porch Magazine.
Brian McLaren says Gareth’s new book How Not to be Afraid is “a beautiful book”, Kathleen Norris says it’s “a necessary book”, and Micky ScottBey Jones says it’s “a much-needed resource for skill-building through our fear and trauma, so that we might create the belonging and communities we desire”. Find out more at www.hownottobeafraid.com
His newest book "A Whole Life in Twelve Movies: A Cinematic Path to a Deeper Spirituality", co-authored with Kathleen Norris explores movies and the meaning of our lives.
Gareth's Book:
A Whole Life in Twelve Movies
Gareth's Recommendations:
Sun House
Perfect Days
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