Conscious Media: Creating Stories that Contribute to Humanity’s Flourishing

In Ojai, award-winning producer Kia Kiso-Brennan is asking a question that feels right at home here on the Central Coast: What if the stories we tell could actually help us all thrive? In a recent conversation with the Ventura Breeze, she explored the idea of 'conscious media' — storytelling that goes beyond entertainment to foster deeper awareness and connection. It's a refreshing thought for those of us who love this region's creative spirit, from Ojai's art walks to Ventura's film scene.

For locals, this isn't just abstract theory. Every documentary, podcast, or even a social post shapes how we see our neighbors and our environment. Kiso-Brennan's work reminds us that we're all storytellers in some way — whether we're sharing a surfer's tale at the harbor or a farmer's journey in the Ojai Valley. It's a gentle nudge to be more intentional about the narratives we amplify, and it makes you proud that such meaningful conversations are happening right in our backyard.