The Lost Art of Storytelling: Why Hearing Stories of PTSD Matters More Than Ever
- Tim Martin
- Oct 10, 2024
- 2 min read
I recently started listening to Scott Mann’s new book, No Body Is Coming to Save You, and it’s been hitting home in ways I didn’t expect. Chapter 2 and Chapter 8, in particular, struck me hard. Scott doesn’t just touch on PTSD; he dives into his own trauma, laying bare the depths of his struggle. Hearing him recount those experiences—the fear, the darkness, the rawness—it was like stepping into his shoes, if only for a moment. Those moments reminded me how important it is to actually hear someone’s story, especially when it comes to something as personal as PTSD.
Throughout his book, Scott also talks about the impact of social media and our hyper-connected world. He makes a point about how the constant influx of notifications and the pressure to always be “on” is draining us. More than that, it’s taking away from the power of real storytelling. In this age of quick posts and constant scrolling, we’re losing something essential: the chance to truly listen to each other. Scott sees this digital saturation as a direct threat to the art of storytelling, and he’s not wrong. When we’re distracted by endless updates and notifications, we miss out on the opportunity to really connect.
The Power of Hearing Stories
Reading about someone’s trauma is one thing, but hearing them share it brings it to life in a way the written word can’t capture. When Scott talks about his darkest moments, you can hear the weight in his voice, the pauses where words don’t come easy. Listening makes it personal; it makes you feel the tension and the vulnerability that can’t fully be captured on a page.
It was the same for me when I saw Scott perform Last Out live in DC. I’d seen his TEDx Talk, even watched Last Out on Netflix, but nothing could compare to being in that room and hearing him share his story firsthand. It’s not just the words—it’s the rise and fall of his voice, the unsteady breaths as he talks about his hardest moments. It’s these things that make you feel like you’re walking that path with him.
Preserving Storytelling in a Digital Age
Scott’s book is a reminder that storytelling is at risk of being lost to the noise of our constantly connected world. Social media and technology have their place, but there’s no replacing the human connection that comes from hearing someone’s story. It’s why I believe so strongly in keeping the art of storytelling alive. It’s why I’m committed to making sure that the Coin of Resilience supports Scott’s mission through The Hero’s Journey, which is all about helping veterans share their stories in a way that truly connects.
As we move forward in a world dominated by quick content and endless scrolling, let’s remember that there’s power in slowing down, in sitting face-to-face, and in hearing each other’s stories. It’s how we understand one another on a deeper level. And it’s how we preserve the art of storytelling in a way that heals, connects, and transforms.
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