Mandi Miller, a seasoned journalist from Toronto, has spent nearly seven years weaving narratives that captivate and connect. From mental health to pop culture and education, Mandi’s work has appeared in top digital outlets like The EssenceGU, where her thought-provoking pieces invite readers into a space of empathy and reflection. With a storytelling approach that’s both engaging and insightful, Mandi’s mantra, “Every day is an Adventure,” fuels her passion to spark meaningful conversations that resonate long after the final word is read.
You’ve covered many subjects, from pop culture to lifestyle and mental health. Which area has been the most rewarding to explore, and why?
Mandi: The most rewarding area for me to explore has been the diverse space of mental health and neurological issues. Especially when it comes to my lifelong struggle, it feels even more achievable when mixed with cultural and societal issues. Writing about mental health allows me to dive into topics that are often stigmatized or overlooked, and I find it deeply fulfilling to be part of the conversation that encourages understanding and empathy. What makes it so rewarding is the impact these pieces can have on readers. Mental health is a universal experience, yet it’s uniquely personal for everyone, and by sharing stories, I’ve been able to connect with a diverse audience. I don’t write for viewing and publishing opportunities; I write for connection, healing, and simply for release. Who would have thought those sectors would start conversations? Imagine that!
As a journalist, how do you ensure your pieces inform and spark meaningful conversations that last beyond the final sentence?
Mandi: To ensure my pieces inform and spark meaningful conversations that last beyond the final sentence, I approach storytelling with a few fundamental principles in mind:
Depth of Research: I always prioritize thorough research to provide readers with accurate, well-rounded information. Whether covering pop culture or mental health, I seek out diverse perspectives.
Empathy in Storytelling: I aim to showcase my topics by telling emotional stories. This involves amplifying voices that aren’t always heard or framing issues in ways that highlight their real-world impact. When readers can relate to or empathize with a story
I try to add Actionable Takeaways, I mean to indicate practical takeaways or insights that they can apply to their lives whenever possible. These could be resources for mental health, ways to engage with cultural understanding, or even provoke more profound reflection.
Ultimately, I strive to create content that informs and resonates deeper, leaving readers with something to think about, talk about, or even act on long after reading.
Your mantra, ‘Every day is an Adventure,’ clearly drives your passion for storytelling. Can you share a moment in your career where this mindset helped you approach a particularly challenging piece?
Mandi: One moment when my mantra, “Every day is an Adventure,” helped me was when I was writing a piece called “Hearing “You Don’t Look Sick” When Living With Epilepsy.” The piece is simply about what it means to look sick, even looking like you have, or the uncertainty that you do live with such a disorder.
Writing about such a saying and even a mind-boggling statement came with the memory of the challenges of it becoming a profoundly complex issue with layers of speaking about systemic problems, personal stories, and emotional weight.
At first, the challenge felt overwhelming — there were so many angles to cover, from policy failures to personal battles and even impactful and continuous adventures of educational inequality and problems that many still face, by treating the story not as an obstacle but as an opportunity to uncover new perspectives.
I always see my stories as a journey of discovery, a chance to learn more about the human spirit, resilience, and the fight for understanding. This adventurous mindset helps me embrace the story’s complexity, finding new layers of meaning that I might have missed otherwise.
The piece became one of the most impactful I’ve written. It reinforced the idea that every challenge in storytelling can lead to new growth if approached with an open mind and heart. I couldn’t have reached this point without your support and understanding.
Your work has resonated across diverse platforms. How do you adapt your writing style for different outlets while maintaining your distinct voice?
Mandi: Adapting my writing style for different platforms while staying true to my voice comes down to understanding the audience and tone of each outlet while ensuring my core storytelling approach remains consistent, which will always stay with me. Each outlet has its reader demographic, and I tailor my writing to match their expectations. For example, when writing for The EssenceGU and ReadUnwritten, where conversations are often dynamic and vibrant, I use a more conversational tone, reflecting the platform’s upbeat and culturally rich vibe.
What advice would you give aspiring journalists looking to make a lasting impact through their storytelling, particularly in a time of abundant digital content?
Mandi: I advise aspiring journalists to prioritize authenticity and purpose in their storytelling. In a time of abundant digital content, it’s easy to get lost in trends, but impactful stories are constructed on passion and a deep understanding of your idea. I’m saying this because I’m still figuring it out as we speak.
What topics or trends in journalism are you most excited to explore, and how do you plan to approach them in your future work?
Mandi: I’m most excited to explore topics at the intersection of entertainment and education. In the entertainment space, I’m highly enticed by how pop culture influences societal attitudes, representation in media, and the evolving digital content landscape.
On the educational side, I’m keen to delve into special education, innovative teaching methods, and how media can be a tool for learning.
My approach will involve combining storytelling with research to spark thoughtful conversations. I’ll strive to highlight voices that aren’t always heard, and I’m determined to make my voice heard. Just give me a moment to raise my volume and speak boldly instead of quietly and timidly.
Connect via Instagram @mandieeee_xo
