The Wisdom & Action Podcast

In this episode we have Jacqueline Novogratz , entrepreneur, author and trailblazer who is the founder and CEO of Acumen, a nonprofit global venture capital fund whose goal is to use entrepreneurial approaches to address global poverty. Jacqueline shares her transformative journey from the world of banking to the forefront of reimagining finance's role for societal change, and reflects on the irony of capitalism's tools: often wielded for wealth accumulation, yet overlooked when it comes to fostering real, tangible evolution. Want to turn this wisdom into action? Small Giants Academy - Impact Safari Small Giants Academy - The Mastery of Business and Empathy Small Giants Academy - Interconnected Leader And finally if you want information delivered straight into your inbox, follow the Small Giants Academy newsletter here. Berry x Produced by Audiocraft Theme Music is Acquila by Monique DiMattina Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode, Rasmus Nørgaard shares his unique perspective on the connection between property development and systems thinking. You might wonder how these two converge, but as Rasmus’ journey unfolds, it becomes evident that the built environment plays a pivotal role in the larger systems we navigate. What sets Rasmus apart is not just his heart, it’s commitment to a triple bottom line and incorporating economic, social, and planetary considerations into his builds. Join us for a fascinating exploration that looks to redefine success and sustainability in property development and the housing economy. Links mentioned: The Doughnut for Urban Development The Overview Effect Berry’s work in property development: The Commons The Sociable Weaver The Cape - Sustainable Living Cape Paterson Want to turn this wisdom into action? Small Giants Academy - Impact Safari Small Giants Academy - The Mastery of Business and Empathy Small Giants Academy - Interconnected Leader And finally if you want information delivered straight into your inbox, follow the Small Giants Academy newsletter here. Berry x Produced by Audiocraft Theme Music: Acquila by Monique DiMattina Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me in this eye-opening conversation with Dr. Riane Eisler, a distinguished social systems scientist and cultural historian. Riane’s personal journey– fleeing the Nazi regime as a child– deeply informs her dedication to understanding and addressing the roots of violence and oppression in human societies. Together, we explore Riane’s groundbreaking concepts such as partnership societies and dominator societies, and dive into what the caring economy means within our current system, and how we can forge a new path forward. At the age of 93, Riane embodies invaluable wisdom crucial for our era, and I can’t wait for you to listen. Books Mentioned: The Chalice and the Blade by Dr. Riane Eisler The Real Wealth of Nations by Dr. Riane Eisler Nurturing Our Humanity by Dr. Riane Eisler Resources: The Partnership Technology Toolkit: An Essential Resource for a Better Future Want to turn this wisdom into action? Visit https://www.smallgiants.com.au/wisdomandaction to find out more, or email us at podcast@smallgiants.com.au. Small Giants Academy - Impact Safari Small Giants Academy - The Mastery of Business and Empathy Small Giants Academy - Interconnected Leader And finally if you want information delivered straight into your inbox, follow the Small Giants Academy newsletter here. Berry x Produced by Audiocraft Theme Music: Acquila by Monique DiMattina Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I speak with historian of religion Rune Rasmussen and we delve into the fascinating realm of Nordic animism and shamanism. We discuss the power of lore, the profound lessons embedded in mythology and how these stories can help us understand humanity. Rune’s insights shed light on why embracing animistic worldviews can offer profound pathways to understanding, healing and connection. While animism might sound fantastical, there are some great nuggets of wisdom in this episode that can help us reflect on our past, so that we can create a brighter future. Want to turn this wisdom into action? Visit https://www.smallgiants.com.au/wisdomandaction to find out more, or email us at podcast@smallgiants.com.au. You can find Rune at: Nordic Animism Nordic Animism Youtube Want to turn this wisdom into action? Small Giants Academy - Impact Safari Small Giants Academy - The Mastery of Business and Empathy Small Giants Academy - Interconnected Leader And finally if you want information delivered straight into your inbox, follow the Small Giants Academy newsletter here. Berry x Produced by Audiocraft Music: Acquila by Monique DiMattina Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me as we dive into the transformative world of biomimicry with renowned biologist and author, Janine Benyus. Drawing inspiration from nature's 3.8 billion years of evolution, biomimicry offers a profound new perspective on innovation, and Janine's groundbreaking work weaves solutions found in the natural world with human creativity, challenging us to rethink our approach to design and decision-making. Want to turn this wisdom into action? Visit https://www.smallgiants.com.au/wisdomandaction to find out more, or email us at podcast@smallgiants.com.au, or look at our Impact Safari: Rewilding The British Isles. Books mentioned: Initiatives mentioned: Biomimicry 3.8 Project Positive HOK - U.S. Coast Guard HeadquartersGreen Pod Labs And if you want information deliver straight into your inbox, follow our newsletter Wisdom and Action Newsletter. Love, Berry Produced by Audiocraft Music: Acquila by Monique DiMattina Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for this thought-provoking episode with Arielle Gamble, CEO of Groundswell, where she reflects on her transformative journey from art and human rights advocacy to leading a climate action platform. Arielle talks about her recent TED talk on legacies, navigating the intricate web of climate change, and her artistic approach to sense-making. We delve into the role of art, magic, and love in addressing global challenges and creating emergent solutions in the metacrisis. Books mentioned: All We Can’t See: Illustrating the Nauru Files God is an Octopus by Ben Goldsmith Wilding by Isabella Tree Listening mentioned: On Being with Krista Tippett Want to turn this wisdom into action? Small Giants Academy - Climate Leadership Accelerator: Into the Arena Small Giants Academy - Impact Safari Small Giants Academy - The Mastery of Business and Empathy Small Giants Academy - Interconnected Leader And finally if you want information delivered straight into your inbox, follow the Small Giants Academy newsletter here. Berry x Produced by Audiocraft Music: Acquila by Monique DiMattina Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me as we delve into a transformative conversation with Isabella Tree, renowned author and rewilding innovator. Isabella shares her profound journey from inheriting a struggling farm in Sussex to pioneering a rewilding project that has sparked global attention.From the liberating decision to cease conventional farming practices to the introduction of free-roaming herbivores, Isabella's story embodies resilience, innovation, and deep respect for the natural world. Want to turn this wisdom into action? Visit https://www.smallgiants.com.au/wisdomandaction to find out more, or email us at podcast@smallgiants.com.au, or look at our Impact Safari: Rewilding The British Isles. You can also check out our friends at: Knepp The Regenerators Odonata Foundation World Wide Fund for Nature For investors, check out these exciting biodiversity and nature funds: BCF fund from Sentient Nattergal And finally if you want information deliver straight into your inbox, follow these newsletters: Wisdom and Action Newsletter Bush Heritage Rewilding Britain Big love, Berry x Produced by Audiocraft Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back with another amazing episode! Our guest this week is Anna Funder, an incredible Australian writer whose books Stasiland and All That I Am are prize winning international best sellers. Her most recent work, Wifedom, is an exploration of Eileen O'Shaughnessy, George Orwell's first wife who was almost successfully erased from history - until now. Anna shares her inspiration for the book, reflecting on her own experiences within a seemingly egalitarian marriage as she unravels the intricacies of patriarchy, a system deeply embedded in language and societal norms. We explore the complexities of gender dynamics, the invisible labor of women, and the need for accurate language to dismantle patriarchal structures so that we can foster a deeper understanding for envisioning new possibilities and emergent futures. Books mentioned: Wifedom by Anna Funder Stasiland by Anna Funder All That I Am by Anna Funder Stravinsky's Lunch by Drusilla Modjeska The Complete Works of George Orwell by Peter Davidson Animal Farm by George Orwell 1984 by George Orwell Want to turn this wisdom into action? Visit: Small Giants Academy - Impact Safari Small Giants Academy - The Mastery of Business and Empathy Small Giants Academy - Interconnected Leader And finally if you want information delivered straight into your inbox, follow the Small Giants Academy newsletter here. Berry x Produced by Audiocraft Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are so thrilled to introduce you to the legendary Nora Bateson! Nora is a celebrated filmmaker, writer, and president of the International Bateson Institute in Sweden. Her interdisciplinary work combines biology, cognition, art, anthropology, and psychology where she delves into ecological patterns in living systems. Nora introduces us to the concept of “warm logic” and “double binds” and challenges traditional ways of thinking that are rooted in linear causality. We also explore the difference between the "Situation Room" approach, driven by immediate problem-solving, and the holistic perspective of the "Meadow," which emphasises ongoing mutual learning, adaptability and context. It sounds like a lot, but we promise it's worth it. There's even a saucy poem in the mix! We are so excited for you to listen - let us know what you think by leaving a rating and review on your podcast app, or email us at podcast@smallgiants.com.au and visit us at https://www.smallgiants.com.au/wisdomandaction. Books mentioned: Small Arcs of Larger Circles: Framing Through Other Patterns by Nora Bateson Combining by Nora Bateson Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm by Isabella TreeWebsites to explore: Warm Data Lab Bateson Institute Nora’s blog Knepp Want to turn this wisdom into action? Small Giants Academy - Impact Safari Small Giants Academy - The Mastery of Business and Empathy Small Giants Academy - Interconnected Leader And finally if you want information delivered straight into your inbox, follow the Small Giants Academy newsletter here. Berry x Produced by Audiocraft Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the first episode of the Wisdom and Action podcast, brought to you by the Small Giants Academy. Join host Berry Liberman as she chats with Ben Goldsmith, a leading figure in green investment and the rewilding movement in the UK and Europe. The conversation navigates the complexities of valuing nature, rewilding, and the financial markets in the restoration process. As Berry and Ben explore the mysteries of our connection with nature, they touch on the profound impact of grief and loss, and Ben shares his personal journey about how nature became a source of solace and joy in the aftermath of losing his daughter Iris. Drawing from Ben's book, "God is an Octopus," and his podcast, " Rewilding the World with Ben Goldsmith," we’re introduced to systems thinking, biodiversity and how we can reweave ourselves back into the miracle of life on this planet. Want to turn this wisdom into action? Visit https://www.smallgiants.com.au/wisdomandaction to find out more, email us at podcast@smallgiants.com.au or look at our Impact Safari: Rewilding The British Isles. You can also check out our friends at: Knepp The Regenerators Odonata Foundation World Wide Fund for Nature For investors, check out these exciting biodiversity and nature funds: BCF fund from Sentient Nattergal And finally if you want information deliver straight into your inbox, follow these newsletters: Wisdom and Action Newsletter Bush Heritage Rewilding Britain Big love, Berry Produced by Audiocraft Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve been brewing something special here at The Small Giants Academy and can’t wait to show you. The Wisdom and Action Podcast… coming soon. Produced by Audiocraft Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary Hollywood screenwriting teacher Joan Scheckel shares her insights about the true value of meaningful storytelling. Joan has refined a creative process called The Technique – a deep storytelling discipline so deep and profound, you dare not do it if you're not 100 per cent committed to your craft.Joan has worked on hundreds of films: from Little Miss Sunshine to Whale Rider to Transparent. Talking with Joan, we are in the presence of a true master. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s conversation is between Berry and Canadian culture activist Stephen Jenkinson. His work is really hard to classify. You may have read his conversation with Pierz Newton-John in issue 54 of Dumbo Feather magazine. Stephen has worked extensively with people who are dying, and their families. He’s worked in medical care, agriculture, and he’s also a canoe builder and sculptor. Stephen’s the author of Come of Age and Die Wise. He travels the world performing the Nights of Grief and Mystery Tour, coming to Australia in late 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is episode 2 of our mini-series with Nate Hagens, where he and Berry explore the role of energy in our lives and in our economies, and how our short-term thinking around energy in the past two centuries in particular is bringing and will continue to bring huge implications.They wrestle with our collective behaviours and thinking, and unpack some of the adaptive solutions and opportunities available for us to work with the circumstances we are in.You can dive deeper into the work of Nate Hagens through his podcast and programs, “The Great Simplification".You can also explore more in our work over at smallgiants.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabor Mate is a Hungarian-Canadian physician who specialises in addiction and childhood development.His most recent book, a must read, is The Myth of Normal, all about trauma, illness and healing in a toxic culture. We apologise for the rough audio in this chat, but hope you'll still be able to take in many of the gems it harbours. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing our new mini-series with Dumbo Feather favourite, Nate Hagens! You may remember our conversation with Nate from a couple of episodes back, where he gave us a big picture overview of the various interlocking crises of this moment, or what he calls "the human predicament."We are going deeper into this with a mini-series that unpacks a range of issues and asks the question, "What can our collective future look like?" In this episode, Berry and Nate explore the topic of human behaviour, and why that is critical to addressing many of the systemic challenges we face. If you haven’t listened to our first chat with Nate, go back now to The Good Society #1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Julia Kim is the Program Director of the Gross National Happiness Centre in Bhutan. Long time readers and listeners of Dumbo Feather will be familiar with the GNH framework, which many organisations, cities and communities around the world have implemented to shape a more sustainable and holistic vision of their success. Julia shares more on that and why Bhutan is such a rich place for leadership exploration in this chat with Small Giants Academy head of programs, Tamsin Jones.You can learn more about the Gross National Happiness Centre over at gnhcentrebhutan.orgJoin Small Giants Academy on an Impact Safari to Bhutan in 2023. Visit impactsafari.com for more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the brilliant, joyful and wise Esther Perel!Esther is the foremost expert on human relationships and sexuality right now on the planet, and author of the New York Times bestseller Mating in Captivity, which shook the ground beneath us with the concept of erotic intelligence.She is a cultural force & global icon, creator of two outstanding podcasts series: Where Should We Begin, which takes us into the therapy room as she counsels real couples through their conflicts, and How's Work? about the invisible forces that shape workplace dynamics.Esther joined us for an intimate event in Melbourne in November 2022 to launch her new game, Where Should we Begin, and her chat with our editor-in-chief Berry was a celebration of everything that brings us alive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Kirsty chats with Frances Haugen, the woman who leaked internal documents that demonstrated a lack of empathy and care from Facebook executives about the impact that its products were having, particularly on young women and girls.Facebook has since changed its name to Meta, but its suite of products is the same: Facebook, instagram and WhatsApp are visited by billions of people globally, every day.Frances is a big thinker: she wants to be part of the story that changes the narrative around social media to a more inclusive, positive digital environment for everyone. If you want to know more about her plans for social media that’s good for humanity, head to franceshaugen.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the past couple of months, we’ve been exploring what the good society is all about, how we can create systems and communities that support people and planet to thrive. On this episode, we have a slightly different take on the topic. Dumbo Feather’s editor Kirsty de Garis is speaking with someone who had made her way into just about every kitchen in Australia with her gorgeous cookbooks – Hetty McKinnon. Hetty is a Chinese-Australian cook who established Arthur Street Kitchen in Sydney’s Surry Hills in 2011, and not long after released her first cook book, Community, which shared the much-loved vegetable recipes she was serving. Since then, many a fine cook books have followed, including her most recent: Tenderheart, a book about vegetables and unbreakable family bonds. Hetty spoke with Kirsty in September 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.