Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! Brace yourselves! In this episode, we delve into the dynamics behind runaway consumption and throwaway culture with Cory Doctorow, writer, journalist, and a fervent advocate for digital rights and freedoms. From examining monopolies in the tech industry to exploring the mechanisms of corporate influence over our digital lives, Cory shares his insights on how we might rebalance power and stop everything getting worse...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! In this episode, we delve into the seemingly shiny world of digital technology, only to discover that it may just be a facade on top of a more troubling reality. Tom Greenwood, co-founder of Wholegrain Digital, shares his insights on digital sustainability—a critical aspect of our modern life that's often overlooked. From his early disillusionment with eco-design to spearheading innovations in digital impact...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! Slow down. Make some space. Today's discussion focuses on cultural resilience, the power of reclaiming identity, and the shared human experiences that connect us all, regardless of geography. Join me as I delve into these themes with Matua Marc Peard; an influential voice in both broadcasting and Maori cultural advocacy. Episode Highlights: Cultural Reclamation and Everyday Life: Marc shares insights into how Maori...

They say money makes the world go round… let’s find out how! Welcome back to "If I Ruled the World," the podcast where we delve into the minds of those who dare to imagine a better future. Today, we're joined by Bevis Watts, the UK's first environmentalist banker and CEO of Triodos Bank UK (Our wonderful sponsors). Inspired by the pioneering nature writer Richard Jefferies, Bevis discusses his unique journey from conservation to the being at the forefront of banking system reform. Episode...

Welcome to another episode of If I Ruled the World, where I ask my guests what they would do if they ruled the world! In today’s episode, we delve into the heart of personal and planetary transformation with George Thompson. A system change practitioner, filmmaker, Tai Chi teacher, and a communicator of Daoist philosophy, George shares his profound journey from the Wudang mountains of China back to the heart of modern civilisation, exploring how ancient wisdom can guide us through today’s...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! “All you have when the shit hits the fan is each other... Often that is enough.” Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of "If I Ruled the World." Today, I sit down with Joe Glenton, a former British soldier turned journalist and anti-war activist. Joe shares his transformation from a ‘good’ military operative to a voice for peace, dissecting the complexities of military ethics and the true cost of war. Episode...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! Since recording this episode, Kamala Harris has been nominated as the US Democratic Party’s presidential candidate. So strap yourselves in for a seriously timely conversation about leadership challenges for women of colour! Today, I’m joined by Majora Carter, an urban revitalisation strategy consultant and real estate developer, who is famously known for her pioneering work in green urban planning in the South...

Brace yourselves, this one is a little different…My guest this week, Stella Marie, shares her explorations into animism and her personal & ancestral connections to the land. A heavy lean into discussions about the sacredness of all life, indigenous wisdom, and the potential transformative power of reconnecting with traditional knowledge systems is at the heart of this conversation. This episode delves into Stella's personal story of spiritual awakening and recovery from loss &...

“Indigeneity is ancient, but it’s also present and future.” Today, we explore the profound connection between humanity and the natural world. Gillian is joined by Leah Penniman, a dedicated farmer, soil enthusiast, mother, and co-founder of the Afro-Indigenous Centered Community Farm in New York State, known as Soul Fire Farm. Key TakeawaysRevisiting Youthful Idealism: Hear a powerful recording from Leah’s high school graduation speech, questioning the motivations behind our life choices and...

Work, wealth, people & planet…Welcome back! Today, we dive into the profound impact of work on our lives and society. Our guest, Polly Smythe, a journalist and labour movement correspondent, offers her perspective on the transformation of work, the erosion of worker protections, and the intersection of labour rights with broader social and environmental issues. What would you do, if you weren’t working all the time?… Key TakeawaysHistorical Context and the Modern Work Crisis: Polly...

In today's episode, we meet Tyrique Glasgow, a South Philadelphia native who transformed his life from a trajectory marked by gun violence and incarceration to one of community service and mentorship. Tyrique is the founder of the Young Chances Foundation, a community organisation that addresses the deeper systemic issues affecting urban communities, such as access to quality nutrition, generational trauma, and environmental pollution. Key TakeawaysCommunity and Personal...

In this moving and powerful episode, Gillian delves into the Grenfell Tower tragedy with Ed Daffarn, a resident and activist who foresaw the disaster. Ed shares his first-hand account of the events leading up to, during, and following the devastating fire on June 14, 2017, that claimed 72 lives and destroyed 127 homes in West London. Key TakeawaysForewarning and Neglect: Ed details the persistent warnings issued by the residents about the tower's safety issues, which were systematically...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! What would society look like if we scrapped GDP as a measure of progress? This week, Gillian chats with Professor Tim Lenton, a seasoned expert in Earth System Science from the University of Exeter to find out. We dive into the profound connections between our planet's systems and the Gaia hypothesis; exploring how the conditions of life on earth are maintained by self-regulating systems in the ocean, atmosphere, rock...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! It’s stock taking time! Today I’m checking in with some of the previous guests on the show to see how they’re getting on and what progress they have made since we last spoke. This episode threw up some real curve balls and I had no idea what to expect! Sit back and relax as we kick off the episode with a beautiful quote from Angela Davis speaking back in 1972… Key Takeaways: Global Student Activism: Insight into the...

Should housing be a human right? Today we delve into a transformative solution to homelessness, inspired by Finland’s success. Our guest, Juha Kahila, brings over a decade of expertise and currently serves as the international coordinator of the Y Foundation (Y-Säätiö) in Finland. This episode explores the Housing First approach, showcasing its effectiveness and potential as a global blueprint for ending homelessness. Key Takeaways: Understanding Homelessness in Finland: Juha provides an...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! Continuing with the food theme… today we explore the vital relationship between agriculture and ecology. Join me as I sit down with George Young, a visionary farmer who has transitioned from conventional to agroecological farming practices. Discover how George integrates biodiversity and sustainable methods to enhance the 'aliveness' of his family farm and the broader implications for our environment and food...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! Enjoying your lunch break? Not so fast… Today, we dive into the pressing issue of junk food marketing and its impact on youth with Luke, an 18-year-old school student, food justice campaigner for Bite Back 2030, and youth parliament member. Join us as Luke shares his journey into activism, the significant challenges posed by unhealthy food marketing, and the collective efforts required to forge a healthier future for...

Good data, good decision making, values and accountability! A recipe for change. Join us as we engage in a profound conversation with Craig Bennett, CEO of The Wildlife Trusts. This episode navigates Craig's journey to becoming a beacon of environmental activism, the intertwining of politics and conservation, and how leadership shapes the course of environmental advocacy. Delve into Craig's critical views on current global environmental policies, and the imperative role of diverse, youthful...

Brace yourself, as we embark on a voyage through the profound insights and stories of ex-lawyer turned documentary filmmaker John Boyle and an array of personalities. This episode unravels the complex tapestry of global issues—from piracy and environmental crises to revolutionary politics—through the lens of individual experiences. Most importantly, it poses some questions: Who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys? And who get’s to decide? Key Takeaways: John Boyle's Pioneering...

Today, we delve into the complex relationship between renewable energy development and biodiversity conservation. Gillian speaks with Mike Webb from the Gwent Wildlife Trust, exploring the nuanced challenges that solar power station developments pose to biodiversity-rich habitats in South Wales and beyond. While recognising the crucial shift towards green energy, our discussion uncovers the need for strategic, sustainable planning to ensure that this transition supports both progress and...

Today, I’m joined by Rosa Curling and Martha Dark from Foxglove, a pioneering digital rights law firm in the UK. Rosa and Martha share their insights into the tech industry's exploitative practices and Foxglove's role in challenging these behaviours to ensure technology serves the greater good. Key Takeaways: The Mission of Foxglove: Introduction to Foxglove and its commitment to fighting for digital rights and against tech exploitation. The inspiration behind Foxglove's name and its...

Today, is a moment to reflect and express gratitude for our amazing audience & sponsors, and consider the global changes and challenges that have emerged since the inception of the podcast. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel is discussed with strong emphasis on the ever-increasing need for international law to address these issues. I recall conversations with Jojo Mehta, co-founder of 'Stop Ecocide International', around ecocide as an international crime. But most importantly I...

Today, we explore the complex interplay of social, industrial, and environmental factors in shaping our world. In this thought-provoking episode, we are joined by Candace Rondeaux, a distinguished investigative journalist and academic. Candace delves into the pressing issues of climate change, discussing the intricate connections between digitisation, decarbonisation, and the future of democracy, and the urgent need for ethical leadership in addressing these global challenges. Key...

Today, we delve into the inspiring world of conservation and intergenerational learning. In this episode, we are joined by Hendrikus van Hensbergen and Hannibal Rhoades, affectionately known as 'Driky' and 'Hal'. Together, they share insights from their work with Action for Conservation (AFC) and the transformative Penpont project, a far-reaching nature restoration effort set in a 2,000-acre Welsh estate in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. Key Takeaways: Action for Conservation - The Early...