E36 | The Stories That Shape Us With Sabriaya Shipley

Stories are more than something we tell—they shape identity, preserve culture, and help us understand ourselves and one another. In this episode of Decoding the Flow, Drica Lobo sits down with storyteller, poet, educator, and community ethnographer Sabriaya Shipley for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, vulnerability, community, and the transformative power of storytelling. Having first met during an artist residency in France, Drica and Sabriaya reflect on the role stories play in shaping our lives, preserving collective wisdom, and creating meaningful human connection. Drawing from her work in community ethnography, poetry, public art, and education, Sabriaya shares how storytelling can become both a creative practice and a path toward healing, self-discovery, and belonging. Together, they explore creative flow, navigating grief and uncertainty, the importance of daily rituals, and how vulnerability allows us to access deeper levels of truth and expression. Whether you're an artist, writer, entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking a more authentic relationship with your own voice, this conversation offers powerful insights into living, creating, and connecting with intention. In This Episode • The origins of storytelling in childhood • Community ethnography as a creative practice • Why humans have a deep need for stories • The connection between storytelling, identity, and personal power • Vulnerability as a tool for authentic expression • Healing through creativity, poetry, and art • The role of rituals and spiritual practices in creative flow • Trusting uncertainty and surrendering control • Overcoming creative blocks and emotional barriers • The power of community and collective storytelling • Authenticity, performance, and self-discovery • Creating meaningful work that leaves a lasting impact Notable Quotes "Stories prove we're proof that we lived." "You have to do what you came here to do." "You are not necessarily always in control." Resources & Links Website: https://www.sabriayashipley.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/ubuntusab Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somewherebetweengodmammy About the Host Drica Lobo is an artist, author, and host of Decoding the Flow, a podcast exploring creative consciousness, flow states, authenticity, and the creative process. Through conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, she investigates how creativity can become a pathway to deeper self-awareness, purpose, and transformation. Website: https://www.dricalobo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dricaloboart @decodingtheflow Get Her Book Decoding the Flow  Join the Wait List Creative Flow Activation: https://dricalobo.myflodesk.com/aj2346lskh Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility 01:16 Sabriaya's Early Storytelling Roots 04:15 Multidisciplinary Creativity and Community Ethnography 06:46 Why Humans Need Stories Deeply 09:27 The Significance of Storytelling in Identity and Power 10:47 France Residency and Personal Transformation 12:03 Listening, Vulnerability, and Passing Truths 14:18 Handling Personal Loss and Creative Expression 15:49 Trust, Rituals, and Receiving in Creativity 18:12 Truthfulness and Authenticity in Storytelling 19:08 The Power of Connection and Collective Storytelling 22:32 Flow, Control, and Creative Conduits 24:00 The Significance of Community and Shared Rituals 29:59 Overcoming Creative Blocks and Emotional Barriers 36:28 The Mirror as a Tool for Self-Discovery 39:34 Authenticity and Performance in Creativity 40:10 Current Projects and Future Aspirations & Connecting with Sabriaya and Final Thoughts