The Storymakers' Rebellion

Kimberley Lipschus

Welcome to The Storymakers' Rebellion, where we have bold conversations with storytellers who flip the script on storytelling. If you're passionate story and its power to change the world, join me as I chat to writers, screen creatives, actors, directors, mythologists and academics who are dreaming into being a braver, kinder and more connected world. We explore the craft, courage, and acts of rebellion behind stories that challenge the status quo.

  1. Dr. Sharon Blackie: Once Upon a Midlife, Using Fairy Tales to Write

    EPISODE 2

    Dr. Sharon Blackie: Once Upon a Midlife, Using Fairy Tales to Write

    Host: Kimberley Lipschus Guest: Dr. Sharon Blackie Episode Summary: In this episode, Kimberley Lipschus is joined by Dr Sharon Blackie, mythologist, psychologist, and much loved author and advocate of female-led storytelling. The episode explores the untapped potential that midlife holds when viewed through the lens of myth, fairy tales and female empowerment. Sharon shares how her lifelong engagement with folklore and mythology, particularly European traditions, has shaped her understanding of women’s journeys and creative expression. The discussion unpacks the “post-heroic” journey, the stages of fairy tales that illuminate midlife transitions, and the concept of the mythical misfit—those who question the dominant cultural myths and seek new stories to live by. Sharon also explores the divine feminine: wisdom embedded in older women archetypes, and shares how her knowledge of working with fairy tales and folklore to provide tools for both personal growth and creative practice. Listeners will gain insights into: How midlife can be a period of internal exploration and transformation.The unique lessons that fairy tale heroines offer for navigating life and creative work.How to embrace the “wise woman” archetype in personal and narrative storytelling.The power of community, relationality, and connection to land in shaping story.Practical inspiration for writers, creatives, and anyone navigating transitions in life. Timestamps: 00:02 – Episode Introduction01:11 – Sharon’s journey into mythology and storytelling02:40 – Fairy tales as early lessons in resilience and community03:10 – Midlife crises and the search for inspiration05:22 – Hero’s journey vs. post-heroic journey07:16 – Origins of myths, folklore, and fairy tales10:27 – Fairy tales as tools for personal growth and creativity12:06 – Loss of family/home in fairy tales and personal journeys14:05 – Midlife, menopause, and internal transformation18:45 – The role of “hags” and wise women in myth and story20:50 - The heroic lens is an inflated archetype21:40 - The way Hero’s journey has been applied - search for glory 24:20 - The women are the grail bearers and not about killing25:12 – Shifting from heroic to community-focused narratives30:00 – Mythical misfits and embracing uniqueness33:46 – Reimagining fairy tales for contemporary audiences. How authors use them35:49 – How landscape, place & setting influence a story 38:40 – The divine feminine as a narrative and creative force42:28 – Wells, water, and the life-giving force

    56 min
  2. Maureen Murdock: Charting a New Course

    EPISODE 3

    Maureen Murdock: Charting a New Course

    Charting a New Course: How Maureen Murdock Defied the Hero’s Journey In this episode, Kimberley sits down with Maureen Murdock, the groundbreaking author of The Heroine’s Journey, whose work challenged the dominant myth of the Hero’s Journey. Together they explore the evolution of women’s voices in memoir and myth, the necessity of emotional truth in storytelling, and why Maureen spent a decade developing a feminine journey. They discuss the courage it takes to tell your truth for the benefit of other women, the myth of female inferiority, and the deep need to integrate both the masculine and feminine within ourselves and our culture. Maureen also clears up that infamous moment with Joseph Campbell, and the quote that’s been mythologised ever since. ✨ Key takeaways: Maureen's early connection to the sacred feminine guided her life's work. The absence of women's voices in memoirs prompted Maureen to explore this field. Emotional truth is key to writing impactful memoirs. The power of emotional truth in memoir and personal storytelling Why The Hero’s Journey didn’t fit women’s lived experience—and how The Heroine’s Journey was born The heroine's journey offers a framework for understanding women's experiences. Deficit thinking affects women's self-perception and achievements. Healing the mother-daughter split is crucial for personal growth. Integration of the masculine and feminine is a hopeful goal for society. Chapters 01:31 Introduction and Purpose of the Conversation 03:40: Maureen's Early Connection to Purpose 06:14: Exploring Myth and Memoir 11:37: The Evolution of Women's Memoir 13:25: Courage in Sharing Personal Truths 15:29: The Nature of Truth in Memoir 18:14: Joseph Campbell's Influence on the Heroine's Journey 23:35: The Emergence of the Heroine's Journey 26:38: The Impact of the Heroine's Journey in Modern Storytelling 32:04: Understanding the Myth of Inferiority 36:19: Addressing Internalised Patriarchal Voices 36:21: The Archetypes of Reasonable Behaviour 39:00: The Heroine's Journey and Collective Resistance 41:17: Mythical Themes in Writing and Creativity 44:37: Stages of the Heroine's Journey 53:20: Awakening and Spiritual Aridity 55:32: The Descent and Reconnection with the Feminine 59:03: Healing the Mother-Daughter Split 01:03:23: Healing the Wounded Masculine 01:06:44: Integration of Masculine and Feminine

    57 min

About

Welcome to The Storymakers' Rebellion, where we have bold conversations with storytellers who flip the script on storytelling. If you're passionate story and its power to change the world, join me as I chat to writers, screen creatives, actors, directors, mythologists and academics who are dreaming into being a braver, kinder and more connected world. We explore the craft, courage, and acts of rebellion behind stories that challenge the status quo.