First Mondays with PSG Consulting

Democracy, Hollywood & the Power of Narrative

PSG Consulting [https://www.psgconsulting.com/] and Innovating for the Public Good: R&D for Democracy [https://innovatingforpublicgood.org/] have launched a series of webinars focused on narratives, the power of themes and storytelling. This webinar will explore the crucial role media and entertainment play in amplifying values and ideals central to a strong democracy. Panelists will examine how storytelling can bridge divides, counter misinformation and inspire civic engagement.

Words as Weapons, Words as Bridges: Reclaiming the Debate

In an era of information chaos, language isn't just communication — it's power. We discussed how words shape reality, dissected the metaphors that move movements, and thought about language that can cut through the noise, tell our story and reach people where they are.

A Better Story: Why We Need Narratives to Save Democracy (and Us)

Page Gardner kicked off the series on narratives, beginning with a discussion on definitional issues. Moderated by Erica Williams Simon, the expert panel included Laura Hughes and Joseph Phelan, who explored how to craft memorable and transformative narrative arcs. Key Takeaways From the Discussion: * Narrative is more than a story — it’s the deeper patterns of meaning that connect stories together. * A strong narrative arc begins by defining the problem (the world as it is), ends with a compelling vision of the world we want, and places “us” — our solutions and actions — in the middle. * Successful narratives have driven social change, from the civil rights movement to marriage equality, showing that we have the ability to shape history through storytelling. * We need to reconnect with the art of narrative building by understanding audiences on a deeper level — not just through demographics, but through culture, values and lived experiences.

Reimagining Democracy | New Voices, New Stories, and New Strategies for a New Reality

Join the next generation of leaders, including Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, North Carolina State Senator Sydney Batch and Hollywood filmmaker Billy Ray as they discuss strategies to address our current crisis, plan for the long term and counter the threat of an increasingly authoritarian Right.

Election Day 2024: Final Thoughts with Robert P. Jones

In this special edition of the First Mondays Podcast, Page talks with Robert Jones, President and Founder of PRRI [https://www.prri.org/]. "Down the home stretch of the campaign, Donald Trump has doubled down on his message of Christian nationalism and white grievance. While his speeches have indeed become more meandering and more extreme, they nonetheless contain a coherent appeal that taps key elements from authoritarian playbooks around the world, including 1930s Nazi Germany..."