Telling Our Stories: A Quiet Conversation That Stays With You

What makes history our story?

That’s the question at the heart of a new program we’ve just launched on the Word & World channel — and we’re inviting you to be part of it.

In Telling Our Stories: What Makes History Our Story?, longtime Shanghai educator and writer Betty Barr sits down with Shelly Bryant for a quiet, powerful conversation about memory, bias, and the way truth is shaped by who gets to speak. Over the course of three interview videos and a series of framing reflections, the program invites us to consider:

• What’s the difference between events and records?

• Who gets remembered — and who gets left out?

• And how can ordinary people, without power or titles, still shape how history is understood?

  
  

Betty Barr's Remarkable Journey

Betty’s own story is remarkable. Born in China, she was imprisoned in a Japanese internment camp during WWII. Today, she still lives in Shanghai. But what makes this program so moving isn’t just her biography — it’s her tone. Clear, calm, and deeply grounded in lived experience, she brings a kind of quiet authority that’s easy to overlook in a noisy world.

The Importance of Storytelling

Whether you're a student of language, history, or simply someone curious about the stories that shape us, this is a conversation worth sitting with. The act of storytelling is powerful. It allows us to connect with our past and understand our present.

🎥 What You’ll Get:

• 3 video conversations with Betty Barr

• Framing lectures on memory, narrative, and perspective

• Reflective prompts and guiding questions

• A live session (this Friday!) where Betty will join us

• Full replay access for all participants and subscribers

  
  

💻 How to Join:

This program is free for Word & World and All Channels subscribers. Not a subscriber yet? Sign up for just $7 SGD / $5 USD here: 👉 tlinsights.com/program

If you’ve ever wondered how history is shaped — or how to speak truth gently in a biased world — this program is for you.

Reflecting on Memory and Truth

Memory plays a crucial role in how we perceive history. It shapes our understanding and influences our narratives. In a world filled with noise and competing stories, it’s essential to reflect on whose voices are amplified and whose are silenced.

The Power of Ordinary Voices

Ordinary people can make a significant impact on how history is recorded and remembered. Their stories matter. They provide context and depth to historical events. By sharing their experiences, they contribute to a richer, more inclusive narrative.

Join the Conversation

Come listen, reflect, and maybe even start telling your own story. Engaging with this program can inspire you to think critically about the narratives that surround us. It’s an opportunity to explore the complexities of memory and history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Telling Our Stories: What Makes History Our Story? is more than just a program. It’s an invitation to engage with our past and shape our future. Join us in this exploration of memory, truth, and the stories that connect us all.