Gareth Higgins is an Irish storyteller, activist, and writer. He is the author of multiple books, including How Movies Helped Save My Soul, Cinematic States, and How Not to be Afraid. His most recent book is A Whole Life in Twelve Movies, co-authored with poet, essayist, and bestselling author Kathleen Norris. He is the co-founder of the Wild Goose Festival, the New Story Festival, The Porch Gathering, and the Movies & Meaning Festival. He edits the Porch Magazine, and his writing has appeared in numerous publications including The Independent, the Irish Times, Sojourners, and Third Way Magazine, among others. He earned a PhD in Sociology from Queen's University Belfast, and at Trinity College Dublin he co-taught the world's first graduate level course in Reconciliation Studies. He lives in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Asheville, North Carolina.