Changemaker Q&A

Changing Times
Changing Times

Changemaker Q&A is a podcast for grassroots changemakers—activists, students, volunteers, entrepreneurs, social workers, advocates, and anyone striving for impact. Host Dr Tiyana J answers real community questions and interviews inspiring guests who share stories, lessons, and practical strategies for driving change. Produced by the Humanitarian Changemakers Network and brought to you by the School of Social Impact, the show offers insights and encouragement for every step of your changemaking journey.

  1. 5d ago

    109. From the Pulpit to the FBI: Justice, Trust and Finding the Right Calling with Eric Robinson

    What happens when someone leaves their role as a pastor for the FBI and discovers that both roles, in very different ways, are about serving people in moments of crisis? Eric Robinson shares the story of his transition from Baptist pastor to FBI agent, reflecting on what that shift taught him about calling, stress, and where he felt most able to make a difference. Along the way, we explore the human side of law enforcement, from building trust with teenage girls caught in exploitation to navigating the moral complexity of crime, punishment, and institutional systems. This is a grounded conversation about justice in practice, the difference between headlines and reality, and why lasting change often happens slowly, locally, and through relationships. About Our Guest: Eric Robinson is a recently retired FBI special agent who served for 24 years across a wide range of investigations, including white collar crime, counterterrorism, crimes against children, gangs, drugs, and public corruption. He also served as a SWAT operator, firearms instructor, and tactics instructor. Before joining the FBI, Eric spent 12 years in Christian ministry, including serving as a Baptist pastor. Drawing on both pastoral experience and decades in federal law enforcement, he brings a rare perspective on justice, trust, leadership, trauma, and the human realities behind crime and community safety. 📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening. Social Impact Foundations ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Training Bundle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow HCN on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@humanitarianchangemakers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tiyana on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tiyanaj⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.

    109. From the Pulpit to the FBI: Justice, Trust and Finding the Right Calling with Eric Robinson

  2. Jul 7

    107. Writing to Read: How Russell Rewired Dyslexia Education (and What Changemakers Can Learn From It)

    What happens when someone who was never “supposed” to succeed in traditional education ends up building a method that helps students leap multiple grade levels in literacy? Russell shares his unlikely journey from struggling with severe dyslexia to law school, government-backed research, and a writing-first framework that’s helped students dramatically improve reading and writing outcomes in months rather than years. Along the way, we explore why neurodiverse learners often thrive through specialisation, how to use universal themes and structure to communicate ideas more powerfully (including with the help of AI), and why the changemaker mindset of pushing forward without a perfect plan can be the difference between a good idea and real-world impact. About Our Guest: Russell Van Brocklen is a dyslexia educator and researcher focused on accelerating literacy development through a writing-first approach. After navigating dyslexia himself and beginning with a first-grade reading and writing level, he went on to law school, learned to read rapidly, and later secured public funding for a multi-year program that helped struggling high school writers achieve significant gains in writing performance at low cost. Russell now teaches practical frameworks that support neurodiverse learners in organising ideas, strengthening communication, and building academic-level writing skills earlier than traditional models typically allow. 📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening. Social Impact Foundations ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Training Bundle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow HCN on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@humanitarianchangemakers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tiyana on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tiyanaj⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.

    107. Writing to Read: How Russell Rewired Dyslexia Education (and What Changemakers Can Learn From It)

  3. Jun 30

    106. The Future Isn't Fixed: Why We Need to Imagine Possible Futures

    Skip the HCN Weekly Brief: 6:20 How do we create a better future if we struggle to imagine one? Reflecting on the conversations that emerged during a week-long Post-Growth Futures series, this episode explores one of the biggest challenges facing changemakers today: our collective crisis of imagination. Rather than treating the future as a single destination waiting to unfold, the discussion reframes change as a dynamic process of possibility, where multiple futures exist simultaneously and emerge through the conditions we create today. Drawing on systems thinking, philosophy, and practical lessons from facilitating conversations across diverse perspectives, the episode explores why social movements often become trapped debating the "right" vision of the future, how differing visions can become a source of strength rather than division, and why humility, dialogue, and imagination may be among the most important capacities we need to navigate an increasingly uncertain world. Whether you're working on climate, community development, democracy, or any other social challenge, this conversation offers a new way of thinking about change itself—and the role each of us plays in shaping the futures that become possible. 📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening. Social Impact Foundations ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Training Bundle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow HCN on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@humanitarianchangemakers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tiyana on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tiyanaj⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.

    106. The Future Isn't Fixed: Why We Need to Imagine Possible Futures

  4. Jun 23

    105. The Anime Mindset: Resilience Lessons Changemakers Can Actually Use with Michael Yearby

    Resilience isn’t about pretending things don’t hurt — it’s about learning how to keep moving when they do. Michael shares how his journey from growing up in Miami to serving in the Air Force shaped his mindset, and why anime storytelling became the most powerful tool he’s found for growth and leadership. The conversation explores how narrative can cut through our defences, why “behaviours over feelings” matters when you’re trying to change your life, and how setbacks can become fuel rather than proof you’ve failed. Michael also unpacks what real support networks look like — not hundreds of contacts, but a few “root” people who keep you grounded — and offers approachable anime recommendations for anyone curious to learn through story. About Our Guest: Michael Yearby is a US Air Force Master Sergeant currently based in South Korea, and the creator of The Anime Mindset — a storytelling-driven approach to personal and professional growth. Raised in Miami, Michael joined the military at 17 and has served across multiple international postings and deployments. He’s also built a strong academic path, earning qualifications in business and organisational management and preparing for doctoral study. Through his writing and content, Michael uses anime hero narratives to teach resilience, discipline, and identity rebuilding in a way that’s practical, honest, and accessible. 📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening. Social Impact Foundations ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Training Bundle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow HCN on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@humanitarianchangemakers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tiyana on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tiyanaj⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.

    105. The Anime Mindset: Resilience Lessons Changemakers Can Actually Use with Michael Yearby

  5. Jun 16

    104. Moral Ambition: is the Search for Meaningful Work Possible in a Capitalist Economy

    A growing number of people feel caught between the desire to build meaningful lives and the economic realities of surviving within systems that often reward status, productivity, and profit over contribution and care. Inspired by Moral Ambition and reflections on work, vocation, and systems change, this episode explores what it actually means to direct our ambition toward making the world better, and why that path is often far more complicated than inspirational narratives suggest. The conversation unpacks the rise of “b******t jobs,” the emotional tension many changemakers feel between survival and purpose, and why some of the most meaningful forms of contribution are not always financially rewarded under capitalism. The episode also introduces a practical framework for understanding the four types of work — hobbies, jobs, careers, and vocations — and how changemakers can navigate purpose-driven lives without romanticising burnout or unrealistic expectations. 📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening. Social Impact Foundations ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Training Bundle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow HCN on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@humanitarianchangemakers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tiyana on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tiyanaj⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.

    104. Moral Ambition: is the Search for Meaningful Work Possible in a Capitalist Economy

  6. Jun 9

    103. Unbounded Leadership: Shifting Consciousness to Change the World with Martin Palethorpe

    What if the most powerful lever for systemic change isn’t strategy — but consciousness? Martin shares his journey from early corporate success and burnout to becoming a leadership coach focused on inner transformation. Together, we explore how conditioning, ego, fear, and inherited patterns shape the way leaders show up — and how shifting those patterns can ripple outward into organisations, politics, and even global issues like climate change. From the “fleas in the jar” analogy to lessons learned racing to the North Pole, this conversation invites us to rethink leadership not as a role, but as a way of being — one that begins within. About Our Guest: Martin Palethorpe is a transformational leadership coach and retreat facilitator who works with conscious leaders and changemakers to cut through mental noise, find clarity, and lead with greater authenticity and impact. With more than 25 years’ experience coaching senior leaders across global corporations, fast-growing start-ups, and mission-driven organisations, Martin brings a rare blend of strategic rigour and deep inner work to his practice. His journey has taken him from corporate technology executive and co-founder of a software start-up to adventurer, extreme sports competitor, and spiritual seeker. Along the way, he has raced across deserts and to the Magnetic North Pole, rebuilt his life after major personal transitions, and immersed himself in profound spiritual exploration — all of which inform the grounded yet expansive way he supports others. 📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening. Social Impact Foundations ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Training Bundle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow HCN on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@humanitarianchangemakers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tiyana on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tiyanaj⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.

    103. Unbounded Leadership: Shifting Consciousness to Change the World with Martin Palethorpe

  7. Jun 2

    102. Is the Internet Speeding Up Cultural Change?

    A listener question sparked today’s discussion about the relationship between the internet, culture, and societal transformation. While social media and online platforms appear to accelerate cultural change at unprecedented speed, this episode explores whether what we are witnessing is genuine transformation or simply faster-moving opinions and visibility. Drawing on sociology, systems thinking, and examples ranging from environmental movements to changing attitudes around sexuality and identity, the discussion unpacks the difference between opinions, attitudes, values, and worldviews, and why some forms of cultural change endure while others quickly reverse. The conversation also explores how culture sits between structure and agency, shaping both institutions and human behaviour simultaneously, and why the internet may be amplifying surface-level shifts far more rapidly than deeper societal transformation itself. For changemakers navigating an increasingly fast-moving digital world, this episode offers a grounded framework for understanding what truly creates long-term cultural change, and why some of the most important forms of transformation still take decades to unfold. 📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening. Social Impact Foundations ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Training Bundle ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow HCN on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@humanitarianchangemakers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tiyana on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tiyanaj⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.

    102. Is the Internet Speeding Up Cultural Change?

  8. May 26

    101. Plant Wisdom for Changemakers: Ecosystems, Conflict, and Finding Your Role with Tigrilla Gardenia

    A multi-passionate journey from music engineering and early internet tech to circus life, esoteric teaching, and finally a plant-centred practice in Damanhur—an intentional community in northern Italy described as “Hogwarts meets Oz”—opens into a surprising toolkit for changemakers. This conversation with plant advocate Tigrilla explores how plants can shift the way we understand purpose (by recognising your underlying “pattern” rather than fixating on a single passion), how awe and the five senses offer a grounded gateway into plant connection, and what ecology teaches us about waste, belonging, and using every trait as information rather than a flaw. Along the way, you’ll hear practical ways to approach plant wisdom with or without “woo”, plus powerful lessons on ecosystem relationships, conflict as adaptation, and why community living accelerates personal evolution—because you can’t grow in isolation the way you can in a living web. About Our Guest: Tigrilla is a plant communicator, life coach, and long-time resident of Damanhur—one of the world’s largest spiritual communities in northern Italy—where she’s spent more than 15 years exploring what it looks like to live your mission as a daily practice. With a background that spans music engineering, electrical engineering and early internet tech, as well as event production and teaching esoteric studies, she now bridges science, creativity, and spirituality through her work in plant advocacy, biomimicry, and “inner ecology” coaching for multi-passionate people. Through the Naturally Conscious Community, the Plant Wisdom Book Club, and her Plant Consciousness Commentary library, Tigrilla offers grounded (and optionally “weird and woo”) pathways for reconnecting with nature as mentor, model, and partner—so we can navigate change, relationships, and purpose with more presence and resilience. 📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here. 💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening. Social Change 101 ⁠FREE course & The Changemaker In You ebook⁠. Follow HCN on Instagram ⁠@humanitarianchangemakers⁠ Follow Tiyana on Instagram: ⁠@tiyanaj⁠ Changemaker Q&A is a Humanitarian Changemakers Network podcast. Ask a question via Spotify, or head to ⁠humanitarianchangemakers.net/podcast⁠. If your question is answered, you’ll receive some Changemaker Co goodies on us! The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.

    101. Plant Wisdom for Changemakers: Ecosystems, Conflict, and Finding Your Role with Tigrilla Gardenia
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About

Changemaker Q&A is a podcast for grassroots changemakers—activists, students, volunteers, entrepreneurs, social workers, advocates, and anyone striving for impact. Host Dr Tiyana J answers real community questions and interviews inspiring guests who share stories, lessons, and practical strategies for driving change. Produced by the Humanitarian Changemakers Network and brought to you by the School of Social Impact, the show offers insights and encouragement for every step of your changemaking journey.

Information

  • Channel
    Changing Times
  • Creator
    Humanitarian Changemakers Network
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    109
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Humanitarian Changemakers Network
  • Show Website
    Changemaker Q&A

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