This Creative Intensive takes you on a journey into learning how to engage the almost lost art of engaging story as a healing art. This 6-week course is rooted in a powerful exploration of the role you play in changing times—how to use story to protect what you love and how to join a joyful, transformational community. You’ll walk away with at least 20 new stories from around the globe to inspire and delight your relationship with change.

Your teachers will guide you through a process where you will learn about how story is engaged in narrative medicine in hospitals, the role of myth in our narratives, and how to conjure your own story medicine for wherever you are on your journey.

You know this creative intensive is for you if…

You know that story is more than entertainment… and you want to learn about the ancient roots of storytelling and how to engage it in a powerful way in your life.
You want more tools in your tool box for personal development and growth, and this tool sounds like it involves a lot of fun!
The sensation of delights runs through you when you think about joining a community of alert, engaged and heart centered people who are learning how to engage the transformational power of storytelling.

When we accept the greatness of the story we are living, we feed the essence of our soul.

Key Benefits of This Creative Intensive:

Learn how to create and craft your own story for change. This may be for the collective, about an individual, about something you care deeply for and want to protect.

Learn the ethics and strategies for how to change a story and the role you are playing within this story.

Engage earth based practices in your healing and storytelling process

Learn the role of the Sacred Storyteller as guide and mentor — and how to engage story as a tool that supports others.

Leave having learned at least 10 new stories from around the word about times of change.

Embark on a transformative journey where your life story becomes a powerful source of healing and growth. Our innovative course, "Storytelling For Change," guides you through a profound exploration of your personal narrative, unlocking hidden potential and fostering deep self-discovery.

Embark on a transformative journey where your life story becomes a powerful source of healing and growth. Our innovative course, "Storytelling as Medicine," guides you through a profound exploration of your personal narrative, unlocking hidden potential and fostering deep self-discovery.

YOUR TEACHERS

Your GUIDEs on this journey:

Bayo Akomolafe

Dr. Bayo Akomolafe, a Nigerian philosopher, author, and activist rooted in Yoruba traditions, is known globally for his work on posthumanism and civilizational change. Founder of The Emergence Network, he engages communities worldwide in addressing pressing challenges and hosts the course “We Will Dance with Mountains.” A lecturer at Pacifica Graduate Institute, Dr. Akomolafe is affiliated with institutions like UC Berkeley’s Othering and Belonging Institute and the Schumacher Centre. Honored with various awards, he has authored These Wilds Beyond Our Fences and We Will Tell Our Own Story.

Combining the Dragon's Hair: Working with the Healing Wisdom of Fairy Tales

For millennia, fairy tales have woven their archetypal symbols and animistic wisdom into our culture. In this workshop, explore how these mythic stories offer guidance for personal storytelling and helping others. Learn how to apply their timeless wisdom for transformation, overcoming challenges, and re-rooting yourself in a living world, rich with meaning and connection to nature.

Jacqui Bushell has spent much of her life exploring mythic imagination through fairy tales and her work as a spiritual herbalist, listening to the stories of the land. As a writer and speaker, she encourages others to explore their personal mythology at the intersection of psyche, body, culture, and landscape. Jacqui guides people to awaken their creative essence by connecting with the earth, stories, and their sacred nature. For 30 years, she has led women’s circles, ceremonies, and workshops, weaving together plant spirit alchemy, energetic healing, and embodiment practices.

Nick Boraine

Disturbing the Narrative - Truth, Trickters and Transformation

You will be learning to unwind inherited narratives that affect the past, present and future. It’s a deep dive into embracing narrative complexity, developing a dialogue with your ancestors and recognizing that all writing is social justice.

Nick is a South African actor, voice artist, writer, and director based in Los Angeles. He holds a BA in Dramatic Art and is pursuing an MFA in screenwriting. With experience in theater, film, and television, Nick has voiced video games and animated productions. For 20 years, he has been Associate Artistic Director of Global Arts Corps, whose play Truth in Translation toured globally, exploring South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This experience deepened his commitment to storytelling as a tool for promoting dialogue. Nick lives with his wife, actress Louise Barnes, and their daughter, Scarlett.

Celia Alario

Public Speaking + Your Voice Heard

Celia Alario is a seasoned communications strategist, media coach, and facilitator known for her work in social justice and environmental activism. With over 25 years of experience, she provides media strategy, spokesperson training, and public speaking coaching for human rights and climate justice campaigns. As an educator, Celia has taught Environmental Communications at UC Santa Barbara and contributes to Spirituality & Health magazine as "The Spiritual Activist." Living in southeastern Utah, she integrates activism with personal practices like yoga and community engagement, helping others amplify their voices for lasting social impact.

Gigi Coyle

The Ways of Coucil

Gigi has served as a community activist wherever she is, a council trainer wherever called, and a life passage guide and trainer with many individuals and organizations. She is learning to be an elder, and serving on such councils for the Ojai Foundation, Youth Passageways, European Council Network, and Weaving Earth… She was recently described “as a field catalyst of moments and long-lasting commitments to heart’s truth of self, circle and life.” She has contributed extensively in the area of citizen diplomacy, women’s empowerment, and the healing ways with money. Founder of the alliance, Beyond Boundaries, (livebeyondboundaries.net) she is devoted to inter-generational pilgrimages and projects of prayer, action and service. She more recently co-founded Walking Water (Walking-Water.org) as her home, teacher and life source is water. Co-author of The Way of Council, the Waysofcouncil.net and The Box, Remembering the Gift.

Thoughts From Alumni

“We all have wisdom stories to share. We just need the right environment and the right mentor to get them out to light.”
~ Jennifer K, student in wisdom stories
“My experience of learning about story with Leah was transformative. I was able to work with my own real life story in an empowered way that helped me bring closure to an old trauma I had suppressed for years. If I had to do it over, I would choose this course a thousand times over and over again!”
~ Lashanda Brown Sell, PhD
“Imagine a person who just has a knack for bringing out your gems. Someone who listens for your greatness and doesn’t get distracted by your self doubt. And in their presence, you become more articulate, creative, and in flow. This is what I experience in Leah’s realm. She is a magnet for your truth to blossom in expression.”
~ Carey McCray, Storyteller in the 2020 Performance Intensive
“We all have wisdom stories to share. We just need the right environment and the right mentor to get them out to light.”
~ Jennifer K, student in wisdom stories
“My experience of learning about story with Leah was transformative. I was able to work with my own real life story in an empowered way that helped me bring closure to an old trauma I had suppressed for years. If I had to do it over, I would choose this course a thousand times over and over again!”
~ Lashanda Brown Sell, PhD
“Imagine a person who just has a knack for bringing out your gems. Someone who listens for your greatness and doesn’t get distracted by your self doubt. And in their presence, you become more articulate, creative, and in flow. This is what I experience in Leah’s realm. She is a magnet for your truth to blossom in expression.”
~ Carey McCray, Storyteller in the 2020 Performance Intensive
“We all have wisdom stories to share. We just need the right environment and the right mentor to get them out to light.”
~ Jennifer K, student in wisdom stories
“My experience of learning about story with Leah was transformative. I was able to work with my own real life story in an empowered way that helped me bring closure to an old trauma I had suppressed for years. If I had to do it over, I would choose this course a thousand times over and over again!”
~ Lashanda Brown Sell, PhD
“Imagine a person who just has a knack for bringing out your gems. Someone who listens for your greatness and doesn’t get distracted by your self doubt. And in their presence, you become more articulate, creative, and in flow. This is what I experience in Leah’s realm. She is a magnet for your truth to blossom in expression.”
~ Carey McCray, Storyteller in the 2020 Performance Intensive
“We all have wisdom stories to share. We just need the right environment and the right mentor to get them out to light.”
~ Jennifer K, student in wisdom stories
“My experience of learning about story with Leah was transformative. I was able to work with my own real life story in an empowered way that helped me bring closure to an old trauma I had suppressed for years. If I had to do it over, I would choose this course a thousand times over and over again!”
~ Lashanda Brown Sell, PhD
“Imagine a person who just has a knack for bringing out your gems. Someone who listens for your greatness and doesn’t get distracted by your self doubt. And in their presence, you become more articulate, creative, and in flow. This is what I experience in Leah’s realm. She is a magnet for your truth to blossom in expression.”
~ Carey McCray, Storyteller in the 2020 Performance Intensive

“We all have wisdom stories to share. We just need the right environment and the right mentor to get them out to light.”
~ Jennifer K, student in wisdom stories
“My experience of learning about story with Leah was transformative. I was able to work with my own real life story in an empowered way that helped me bring closure to an old trauma I had suppressed for years. If I had to do it over, I would choose this course a thousand times over and over again!”
~ Lashanda Brown Sell, PhD
“Imagine a person who just has a knack for bringing out your gems. Someone who listens for your greatness and doesn’t get distracted by your self doubt. And in their presence, you become more articulate, creative, and in flow. This is what I experience in Leah’s realm. She is a magnet for your truth to blossom in expression.”
~ Carey McCray, Storyteller in the 2020 Performance Intensive
“We all have wisdom stories to share. We just need the right environment and the right mentor to get them out to light.”
~ Jennifer K, student in wisdom stories
“My experience of learning about story with Leah was transformative. I was able to work with my own real life story in an empowered way that helped me bring closure to an old trauma I had suppressed for years. If I had to do it over, I would choose this course a thousand times over and over again!”
~ Lashanda Brown Sell, PhD
“Imagine a person who just has a knack for bringing out your gems. Someone who listens for your greatness and doesn’t get distracted by your self doubt. And in their presence, you become more articulate, creative, and in flow. This is what I experience in Leah’s realm. She is a magnet for your truth to blossom in expression.”
~ Carey McCray, Storyteller in the 2020 Performance Intensive
“We all have wisdom stories to share. We just need the right environment and the right mentor to get them out to light.”
~ Jennifer K, student in wisdom stories
“My experience of learning about story with Leah was transformative. I was able to work with my own real life story in an empowered way that helped me bring closure to an old trauma I had suppressed for years. If I had to do it over, I would choose this course a thousand times over and over again!”
~ Lashanda Brown Sell, PhD
“Imagine a person who just has a knack for bringing out your gems. Someone who listens for your greatness and doesn’t get distracted by your self doubt. And in their presence, you become more articulate, creative, and in flow. This is what I experience in Leah’s realm. She is a magnet for your truth to blossom in expression.”
~ Carey McCray, Storyteller in the 2020 Performance Intensive
“We all have wisdom stories to share. We just need the right environment and the right mentor to get them out to light.”
~ Jennifer K, student in wisdom stories
“My experience of learning about story with Leah was transformative. I was able to work with my own real life story in an empowered way that helped me bring closure to an old trauma I had suppressed for years. If I had to do it over, I would choose this course a thousand times over and over again!”
~ Lashanda Brown Sell, PhD
“Imagine a person who just has a knack for bringing out your gems. Someone who listens for your greatness and doesn’t get distracted by your self doubt. And in their presence, you become more articulate, creative, and in flow. This is what I experience in Leah’s realm. She is a magnet for your truth to blossom in expression.”
~ Carey McCray, Storyteller in the 2020 Performance Intensive

“We all have wisdom stories to share. We just need the right environment and the right mentor to get them out to light.”
~ Jennifer K, student in wisdom stories
“My experience of learning about story with Leah was transformative. I was able to work with my own real life story in an empowered way that helped me bring closure to an old trauma I had suppressed for years. If I had to do it over, I would choose this course a thousand times over and over again!”
~ Lashanda Brown Sell, PhD
“Imagine a person who just has a knack for bringing out your gems. Someone who listens for your greatness and doesn’t get distracted by your self doubt. And in their presence, you become more articulate, creative, and in flow. This is what I experience in Leah’s realm. She is a magnet for your truth to blossom in expression.”
~ Carey McCray, Storyteller in the 2020 Performance Intensive
“We all have wisdom stories to share. We just need the right environment and the right mentor to get them out to light.”
~ Jennifer K, student in wisdom stories
“My experience of learning about story with Leah was transformative. I was able to work with my own real life story in an empowered way that helped me bring closure to an old trauma I had suppressed for years. If I had to do it over, I would choose this course a thousand times over and over again!”
~ Lashanda Brown Sell, PhD
“Imagine a person who just has a knack for bringing out your gems. Someone who listens for your greatness and doesn’t get distracted by your self doubt. And in their presence, you become more articulate, creative, and in flow. This is what I experience in Leah’s realm. She is a magnet for your truth to blossom in expression.”
~ Carey McCray, Storyteller in the 2020 Performance Intensive
“We all have wisdom stories to share. We just need the right environment and the right mentor to get them out to light.”
~ Jennifer K, student in wisdom stories
“My experience of learning about story with Leah was transformative. I was able to work with my own real life story in an empowered way that helped me bring closure to an old trauma I had suppressed for years. If I had to do it over, I would choose this course a thousand times over and over again!”
~ Lashanda Brown Sell, PhD
“Imagine a person who just has a knack for bringing out your gems. Someone who listens for your greatness and doesn’t get distracted by your self doubt. And in their presence, you become more articulate, creative, and in flow. This is what I experience in Leah’s realm. She is a magnet for your truth to blossom in expression.”
~ Carey McCray, Storyteller in the 2020 Performance Intensive
“We all have wisdom stories to share. We just need the right environment and the right mentor to get them out to light.”
~ Jennifer K, student in wisdom stories
“My experience of learning about story with Leah was transformative. I was able to work with my own real life story in an empowered way that helped me bring closure to an old trauma I had suppressed for years. If I had to do it over, I would choose this course a thousand times over and over again!”
~ Lashanda Brown Sell, PhD
“Imagine a person who just has a knack for bringing out your gems. Someone who listens for your greatness and doesn’t get distracted by your self doubt. And in their presence, you become more articulate, creative, and in flow. This is what I experience in Leah’s realm. She is a magnet for your truth to blossom in expression.”
~ Carey McCray, Storyteller in the 2020 Performance Intensive

JOIN Change STORIES

JOIN WISDOM STORIES

JOIN THE FULL PROGRAM

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Your Guide

When you work with Leah, you’ll be guided to engage with story as a tool for personal healing, growth, and transformation. Over the past 7 years, Leah has served more than 1,000 conscious creators like yourself, supported by over 40 guest teachers. Her programs help you unlock the potential of storytelling to liberate your consciousness and express your fullest self.

Leah weaves her professional experience in theater, filmmaking, healing, and wilderness studies to revive the ancient art of sacred storytelling in today’s world. Through her courses, retreats, and workshops, you’ll explore the deep connections between story, earth, spirit, and healing, gaining access to new levels of awareness and mastery over your own narrative.

Participants in Leah’s programs come away with a greater understanding of how to use story as an ancient healing art, transforming both themselves and their communities. Her spaces are designed for deep exploration, empowering you to tap into the unseen world and awaken your creative potential.

By joining Leah’s Sacred Storytelling experiences, you’ll transform your inner landscape, master the art of story, and gain tools to deepen your connection with yourself, others, and the world around you.

Q&A:

Q: Do I need to have something I need to heal to attend this class?

A: Nope. You will have an opportunity to learn how to engage story – a tool you engage in your every day life– as a tool for healing. You may want to use this knowledge for yourself, or you may want to support others with this information, or you may want to keep this information in your back pocket for a rainy day.

Q: How much time will be asked of me?

A: We have 6 classes that meet for 2 hours on tuesdays as a group. (12 hours)

You will have 3 classes with guest teachers (8 hours) All classes are recorded so if you miss a class you can always catch up.

A lot of our creative time happens in our time together, you are invited to deepen your creative practice outside of class. For those who want accountability partners: you will have an opportunity to meet with a group outside of class (this is not required).