Synergy In Education
·S1 E3
Capturing Stories That Make A Difference || Suji DeHart & Tom Graham from MAD Courses
Episode Description
Which stories have made a difference in your community?
What motivates people to tell stories of hope and passion?
Why might social entrepreneurship be a necessary mechanism for a healthy economy?
We create synergy with Suji Dehart and Tom Graham from MAD Courses, speaking about the place stories hold in our humanity and the ways in which we can use them for good.
Suji DeHart is an international educator and co-founder of Make A Difference Courses and Docathon, where she helps students use storytelling as a catalyst for changemaking. Drawing on over two decades in international schools and service learning, she supports young people to document real-world issues, connect with communities, and share stories that matter. Suji is passionate about nurturing empathy, agency, and a sense of “enough” in the next generation of global citizens.
Thomas Graham is a British author, TEDx speaker, and social entrepreneur who believes in the power of stories to change how people see the world. Over the past decade, he has founded and led purpose-driven initiatives across the Philippines, Singapore, and the UK, working at the intersection of education, social enterprise, and storytelling. He is the founder of Docathon, a global youth documentary programme that trains and mentors students to create short films about issues that matter in their local communities. In recent months, Docathons have been delivered across multiple continents, connecting young people through shared stories, empathy, and a sense of global citizenship.
Suji via email: suji@madcourses.com
Tom via email: tom@madcourses.com
Notable mentions from the episode:
MAD Courses and the Docathon: http://madcourses.com
Jennifer Brandsberg-Engelmann: Regenerative Economics for Secondary Schools https://www.regenerativeeconomics.earth/home
Student-directed Changemakers Conferences at Frankfurt International School in 2023, Munich International School in 2024, American International School of Budapest in 2025, and International School of Dusseldorf in 2026
Your hosts:
Kathryn Berkman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-berkman
Dom Verwey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/domverwey
If you are interested in joining us as a guest on this podcast, please fill in our quick Synergy In Education Podcast interest form: https://forms.gle/PM5LMs863oEsSdEZ8
Similarly, if you would like to join the tribe of educators, leaders, and change agents during our regular Synergy Building online calls, please submit our quick Synergy Building interest form: https://forms.gle/NVhBUYzoN2WCyffR6
The information provided in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Synergy In Education podcast or its hosts. Similarly, the views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of their own and do not reflect those of any individuals, organizations, or institutions mentioned or referenced. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information shared.
Music: Skywalking New Mix (Instrumental) - Sam Beebe _ Night Falls
What motivates people to tell stories of hope and passion?
Why might social entrepreneurship be a necessary mechanism for a healthy economy?
We create synergy with Suji Dehart and Tom Graham from MAD Courses, speaking about the place stories hold in our humanity and the ways in which we can use them for good.
Suji DeHart is an international educator and co-founder of Make A Difference Courses and Docathon, where she helps students use storytelling as a catalyst for changemaking. Drawing on over two decades in international schools and service learning, she supports young people to document real-world issues, connect with communities, and share stories that matter. Suji is passionate about nurturing empathy, agency, and a sense of “enough” in the next generation of global citizens.
Thomas Graham is a British author, TEDx speaker, and social entrepreneur who believes in the power of stories to change how people see the world. Over the past decade, he has founded and led purpose-driven initiatives across the Philippines, Singapore, and the UK, working at the intersection of education, social enterprise, and storytelling. He is the founder of Docathon, a global youth documentary programme that trains and mentors students to create short films about issues that matter in their local communities. In recent months, Docathons have been delivered across multiple continents, connecting young people through shared stories, empathy, and a sense of global citizenship.
Suji via email: suji@madcourses.com
Tom via email: tom@madcourses.com
Notable mentions from the episode:
MAD Courses and the Docathon: http://madcourses.com
Jennifer Brandsberg-Engelmann: Regenerative Economics for Secondary Schools https://www.regenerativeeconomics.earth/home
Student-directed Changemakers Conferences at Frankfurt International School in 2023, Munich International School in 2024, American International School of Budapest in 2025, and International School of Dusseldorf in 2026
Your hosts:
Kathryn Berkman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-berkman
Dom Verwey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/domverwey
If you are interested in joining us as a guest on this podcast, please fill in our quick Synergy In Education Podcast interest form: https://forms.gle/PM5LMs863oEsSdEZ8
Similarly, if you would like to join the tribe of educators, leaders, and change agents during our regular Synergy Building online calls, please submit our quick Synergy Building interest form: https://forms.gle/NVhBUYzoN2WCyffR6
The information provided in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Synergy In Education podcast or its hosts. Similarly, the views and opinions expressed by the hosts are those of their own and do not reflect those of any individuals, organizations, or institutions mentioned or referenced. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information shared.
Music: Skywalking New Mix (Instrumental) - Sam Beebe _ Night Falls