Using Modern Media to
Explore Connective Communication
Learn communication, coping, and problem solving skills through explorations of popular media dialogues.
Words Create Worlds
In today’s media landscape, unhealthy coping behaviors and combative communication are everywhere—reflecting real-life patterns. But just as art imitates life, life also imitates art.
Writers and producers have the power to shape real-world interactions by showcasing communication and relationships that support mental and social well-being. Viewers have the power to critically interpret dramatic writing; recognizing that on-screen dysfunction—while entertaining—does not provide an instruction manual for a stable life.
The Me Talk Good project promotes healthier communication and coping styles than those often portrayed in popular media. Through educational commentaries informed by lifespan development concepts, we explore alternative real-life dialogue, problem-solving, and emotional responses—training the art of curiosity, openness, and accountability in navigating challenges.
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Words create worlds. Whether in real life or on-screen, let’s use them to inspire, connect, and promote individual, family, and social health.
Image credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Image credit: HBO
HBO Series:
An exploration of coping and communication skills through the lens of the HBO hit series Big Little Lies.
Netflix Series:
An exploration of accountability and connective communication through episodes from the Netflix Series The Crown.
Image credit: Netflix
Fairy tales, rom-coms, and fantasy comedies that offer glimpses into alternative dialogues that might land better in the real world.
Image credit: BBC Films
Our Approach
Me Talk Good is a free communication training tool from Cultivate LifeLab that analyzes on-screen dialogue through the lens of communication studies, lifespan development, and Cultivate LifeLab’s core values—truth, integrity, and sincerity.
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This material is intended for writers exploring alternatives to dysfunctional dialogue, and people interested in fostering connection, authentic expression, and building or repairing trust.
The Me Talk Good project is not meant to criticize, or promote perfectionism, but to encourage thoughtful communication. Perspectives on communication will always differ—that’s how it should be. We don’t believe in censorship. We do believe in doing our best as often as we can, and in being gentle with ourselves and others as we learn to do better.
Copyright Statement
The short media clips on this site are presented for the purposes of commentary and education only, constituting Fair Use under Section 107 of the Copyright Act. Commentaries are not meant to criticize the original works, but to explore communication through the lens of dramatic writing. Materials on this site are not presented for reproduction or commercial use, or to undermine the potential market for, or value of, the original works. Questions about licensing should be directed to info@cultivatelifelab.org.