๐ŸŽ™๏ธReal English Storytelling, Systems Thinking & Creative Collaboration with Maryam Shoja & Matt Gardner of Mod Hob Cooperative | Real English Conversations Podcast for Global Professionals
๐ŸŽ™๏ธReal English Storytelling, Systems Thinking & Creative Collaboration with Maryam Shoja & Matt Gardner of Mod Hob Cooperative | Real English Conversations Podcast for Global Professionals ย 
Podcast: Real English Conversations Podcast โ€“ Real English for Global Professionals | Speak Clearly & Confidently at Work
Published On: Wed Mar 04 2026
Description: In this week's episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, the show that helps global professionals speak clearly and confidently at work, host Curtis Davies welcomes two innovative creators who are transforming how we think about learning, collaboration, and communication. Joining the show are Maryam Shoja and old high school buddy Matt Gardner, the founding partners behind Mod Hob Cooperative & PlotWeaver: Cards of Creationย โ€” a creator-led producers' cooperative building practical, regenerative systems for learning, collaboration, and community resilience. Mod Hob (short for Modern Hobbies) brings together educators, designers, technologists, and artists to design systems that replace extractive work with cooperative intelligence โ€” treating people as co-creators rather than users, customers, or resources. In this conversation, we explore their philosophy, their design process, and how their collaborative storytelling system helps individuals and teams think more clearly, communicate with empathy, and create shared meaning. Maryam is a Learning Systems Designer, educator, strategist, and English Language coach with 16+ years of experience designing inclusive and neurodivergent-friendly learning environments. Matt went to high school with Curtis & is a user-centered product design strategist, UX researcher, and systems thinker with 20+ years of experience helping cross-functional teams turn complexity into clarity. Together, they are building tools that make systems thinking, emotional intelligence, and creative collaboration accessible to everyday people โ€” from classrooms to corporate teams. This episode is especially powerful for educators, leaders, language learners, and global professionals who rely on English to collaborate, present ideas, and build strong relationships at work. โœจ In this episode, you'll learn: ๐ŸŽจ What a "creator-led producers cooperative" really means โ€” and why it matters in today's world ๐Ÿง  How systems thinking can improve communication and collaboration ๐ŸŒฑ Why inclusivity and neurodivergent-friendly design are essential in modern learning environments ๐Ÿค How structured storytelling strengthens empathy and team alignment ๐Ÿซ How educators and trainers can integrate collaborative storytelling into their classrooms ๐Ÿ’ฌ How storytelling helps global professionals build clarity and confidence in English ๐Ÿ’ซ A transformational moment that demonstrates the real power of creative collaboration ๐Ÿ”ฅ One simple practice you can start using today to communicate more meaningfully and confidently in your personal and professional life This episode is reflective, creative, and deeply practical โ€” a reminder that effective communication isn't just about vocabulary or grammar. It's about connection, shared understanding, and intentional collaboration. If you're a global professional working in Englishโ€ฆ If you lead teams or design learning experiencesโ€ฆ If you want to communicate with greater empathy, clarity, and creativityโ€ฆ This conversation will expand the way you think about language and leadership. ๐Ÿ“Œ Connect with Mod Hob Cooperative ๐ŸŒ Website: https://www.modhob.ca ๐Ÿ“– About Mod Hob: https://www.modhob.ca/about-modhob ๐ŸŽฒ Learn more about their storytelling system: https://www.plotweavergame.com/ ๐Ÿ“˜ About the storytelling project: https://www.modhob.ca/about-plotweaver ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Connect with Teacher Curtis & Real English Conversations ๐Ÿ’ฌ Want to improve your English for professional success? We currently have space for new students to work directly with Teacher Curtis through personalized coaching designed to help you speak clearly, confidently, and effectively at work. ๐Ÿ”ฅ Join the 90-Day English Challenge Now 50% OFF with coupon code 90DAY50 https://realenglishconversations.com/memberships/our-courses/90-day-next-level-english/ PODCAST AND PHRASAL VERB AUDIO COURSE BUNDLE https://courses.realenglishconversations.com/rec-course-bundle ๐ŸŒ Website https://realenglishconversations.com ๐ŸŽง Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/76ihNoEcjms6485Vt1ng5q ๐ŸŽง Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-english-conversations-podcast-real-english-for/id977345837 ๐Ÿ“บ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@realenglishconversations ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rec.real.english/ ๐Ÿ“˜ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RealEnglishConversationsOnline ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn โ€” Curtis Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-davies-07928646/ ๐Ÿ’– Support the podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/RealEnglishConversationsPodcast