Digital Mythology
Welcome to the Digital Mythology Podcast, hosted by Declan Goodman. This podcast explores the powerful intersection of ancient mythology and modern digital transformation. With over two decades of experience in IT, Declan is on a mission to fill a crucial gap in the tech world—how to effectively tell the digital transformation story to non-technical stakeholders.
Every organization invests heavily in technology, but the true challenge lies in winning the hearts and minds of those who are crucial to the success of these initiatives. Through storytelling, metaphors, and emotional connection, Declan demonstrates how ancient myths and belief systems can be leveraged to simplify complex digital concepts and drive business success.
In each episode, Declan introduces his unique storytelling framework, built on three pillars:
- Xin (Heart-Mind) – How to connect emotionally and intellectually with stakeholders.
- Metaphor – Using simple, relatable comparisons to explain complex tech concepts.
- Catalyst – Sparking passion and action within your organization to push digital projects forward.
Through guest interviews, practical tips, and personal anecdotes, Declan helps you craft a compelling narrative around your digital transformation journey. Whether you're a tech leader, a business strategist, or simply curious about how stories shape the world of digital innovation, this podcast provides insights to help you succeed.
Join Declan as he helps you bridge the gap between technology and humanity, making your digital transformation not just a technical upgrade, but a story that resonates and inspires action.
Key Topics:
- Storytelling in digital transformation
- Engaging non-technical stakeholders
- Metaphors and emotional connections in IT
- Creating business buy-in for tech initiatives
- Lessons from ancient mythology for modern tech leaders
Tune in and discover how to turn your digital projects into compelling stories that captivate, engage, and inspire!
Digital Mythology
Episode 4: Avatars, Algorithms & Authenticity: Rethinking Learning in the Digital Age
In this thought-provoking episode of Digital Mythology, host Declan Goodman is joined by renowned educator and design science expert Dr. Wayne Hellmuth to unravel the intricate relationship between digital transformation, learning, and identity. More than just a conversation about technology in education, this episode dives deep into the human side of digital experiences, blending ancient mythological insights with modern-day challenges in learning and self-understanding.
Together, Declan and Wayne explore why storytelling, identity, and embodied experience matter more than ever in an increasingly digital world. They critique the over-reliance on tech in schools and workplaces and emphasize how digital systems risk detaching us from authentic, social, emotional, and physical identity—core pillars necessary for meaningful learning. Grounded in philosophy, psychology, and educational theory, this episode is both a call to reflection and a practical guide for parents, educators, and digital professionals alike.
🧠Episode Breakdown
00:00 – 05:30 | Opening & Intentions
Declan introduces the episode’s theme: identity in the digital age, and why storytelling is a critical lens for understanding digital transformation.
05:30 – 15:00 | Dr. Wayne Hellmuth: From Literacy to Design Science
Wayne shares his 35-year journey from classroom teaching to his PhD in design science, focusing on solving “wicked problems” in education with information systems.
15:00 – 25:00 | The Learning Crisis: Can Tech Really Teach?
A philosophical unpacking of whether digital tools can truly replace embodied learning. Declan and Wayne question if current tech-driven methods enhance or hinder educational outcomes.
25:00 – 35:00 | Digital Identity vs. Real-World Roles
Explores how social roles shape identity and the impact of digital platforms—where role clarity and uniqueness often blur or vanish.
35:00 – 45:00 | Social, Emotional, and Physical Identity in Learning
Introduces the Three Learning Pillars:
- Social Identity: Role salience and group contribution.
- Emotional Identity: Dr. Marc Brackett’s RULER model (Recognize, Understand, Label, Express, Regulate).
- Physical Identity: Importance of play, hands-on learning, and embodied cognition.
45:00 – 55:00 | The Cost of Convenience: Doomscrolling, Disconnection & ADHD
An honest discussion about how digital habits disrupt attention, emotional regulation, and genuine learning—especially in children and teenagers.
55:00 – 60:00 | Tips & Takeaways: How to Reclaim Identity in Learning
Wayne offers actionable advice:
- Encourage multiple social roles for children to build diverse identity anchors.
- Teach emotional literacy using the RULER framework.
- Reintroduce physical play and real-world activities to ground learning in experience.
As you embark on your digital transformation journey, remember that success isn't just about the tools or technology—it's about how well you can tell your story. By leveraging the timeless power of mythology, storytelling, and emotional connection, you can engage stakeholders, win buy-in, and inspire action. The Digital Mythology Podcast is here to help you bridge the gap between complex tech and human understanding, transforming your digital efforts into a narrative that truly resonates.
Join host Declan Goodman as he guides you through this journey, one story at a time.