Storytelling For Social Impact EP4: 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

@simeonquarrie on Instagram

Simeon's Website

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.