How do we create the world we want to see? On this episode of Wisdom & Action , Ariel Burger shares his journey from a curious teenager to a mentee of Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel. Ariel reflects on Wiesel's transformative influence, the power of questions, and the intersection of spirituality, art, and social change. As an author, educator, and founder of the Witness Institute, Ariel takes us through what it means to be a regulated human, how stories have the power to transform the world, and...
Dec 13, 2024•49 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast Jenny Gray is the Chief Executive Officer to Zoos Victoria and a global champion for conservation efforts. In her time at Zoos Victoria, she has spearheaded efforts into saving Victoria’s endangered species, and educated people on how we can all play a part in the conservation of our natural environment. We chat about conservation, leading with empathy and why there is still hope for our native world’s future. With thanks to Zoos Victoria for the recording of the Christmas Island pipistrel...
Dec 05, 2024•54 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Wisdom in Action , I speak with Alexander Beiner, cultural thinker and author of The Bigger Picture , about the urgent need for new frameworks to navigate our complex world. We delve into Alexander's journey—from his early fascination with psychedelics and consciousness to founding the influential platform Rebel Wisdom , and explore the role of culture in shaping society– and why real change begins with a shift in collective values and beliefs. Want to turn this wisdom i...
Nov 21, 2024•41 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast Katrine Kielos (previously Katrine Marçal) is the bestselling author of Who Cooked Adam Smith’s Dinner? In this episode Katrine unpacks feminist economics, illuminating the unpaid, often invisible labor women perform in supporting the traditional workforce. We explore the concept of the "economic man" and question why our economic systems undervalue relational work and care. It’s a thought-provoking conversation that invites listeners to reimagine the next economy, one that truly values humanity...
Nov 04, 2024•50 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast My friend Doug Abrams is a multiple New York Times-bestselling author as well as an editor, literary agent, film producer, and life adventurer. Doug shares his inspiring story, from overcoming a tough childhood to collaborating with creative legends like Nelson Mandela and Jane Goodall. We dive into the power of storytelling, why it matters so much right now, and how it shapes how we see ourselves and the world. Plus, Doug explains the difference between having knowledge and actually living with...
Oct 21, 2024•54 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast Rachel Lowry is the CEO of Bush Heritage Australia and a dear friend. In this episode we dive into Australia's ecological challenges, conservation strategies, and explore what a critical triage phase of saving threatened species and ecosystems with limited budgets looks like. Rachel’s heartfelt advocacy and grounded counsel offer a compelling vision for a sustainable, reforested Australia, and I am thrilled to share this episode with you. With thanks to Zoos Victoria for the recording of t...
Oct 07, 2024•49 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast Roman Krznaric is a phenomenal thinker, writer, social philosopher with a PhD in political science who has written books I cherish, such as The Good Ancestor, How to Think Long Term in a Short Term World, Empathy, The Wonder Box and his latest book, History for Tomorrow, Inspiration from the Past for the Future of Humanity. In this conversation we chat about how history can inform future planning, explore the concept of cathedral thinking and dive into what hope means in the current state of the...
Sep 23, 2024•59 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast Christiana Figueres is one of my heroes. A globally recognised leader in climate change advocacy and diplomacy, Christiana is an author and speaker who played a pivotal role in facilitating the historic Paris Agreement in 2015. We speak about finding hope and forging resilience in the face of climate catastrophe, and dive into what it means to transform pain and grief so that we can keep showing up to fight the good fight. Want to turn this wisdom into action? Small Giants Academy - Impact Safar...
Sep 09, 2024•46 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, I sit down with the legendary Seth Godin—author, entrepreneur, marketing guru, and teacher. We delve into the power of tribes and storytelling, the role of community in making the world a better place, and the impact of technology on our lives. Seth shares his journey from endless travel to shifting his focus to climate activism with the Carbon Almanac, and we discuss the challenges of navigating modern life, the importance of sense-making, and the crucial role of curation in fo...
Aug 26, 2024•46 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Today we’re sharing a wonderful archival conversation with Helena Norberg-Hodge. Helena is a linguist, author and filmmaker, and the founder and director of the international non-profit organisation Local Futures. Helena is leading the way to the new economy and a return to the local and by doing so, she is contributing to the revitalisation of cultural and biological diversity. If you’re interested in joining our webinar mailing list, or want more information delivered straight into your ...
Aug 12, 2024•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today’s episode is with Canadian culture activist, Stephen Jenkinson. Stephen has worked extensively with people who are dying and their families, from major Canadian hospitals and medical schools to collaborations with musicians and storytellers. He is the creator and principle teacher of the Orphan Wisdom School and is also an award-winning sculptor and traditional canoe builder! I really hope you enjoy this deep and honest conversation. If you’re interested in joining our webinar mailin...
Jul 29, 2024•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’re so excited to share this past conversation with master storyteller, Joan Scheckel. Joan has a preternatural gift for story structure, emotional rhythm and throughline. At the core of everything she does is the theory that we can tell stories that heal, stories that are generated from connection, meaning, purpose and feeling, rather than from conflict. If you’re interested in joining our webinar mailing list, or want more information delivered straight into your inbox, follow the Smal...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hi friends, we’re taking a break from normal recording to bring you a beautiful bridge season. It’s a mix of some of our webinars and live conversations that we've had at the Small Giants Academy . Esther Perel has transformed many of our lives and relationships through her intimate and insightful books and podcast. Her work has changed the way we think about love, connection and sex. In this conversation, Esther and I get into the nuances of modern relationships, and explore how they are m...
Jun 27, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hi friends, we’re taking a break from normal recording to bring you a beautiful bridge season. It’s a mix of some of our webinars and live conversations that we've had at the Small Giants Academy . Our second guest is the incredible Krista Tippett, Founder of the On Being project and host of its tender, wise and ever-evolving body of shows, public events, podcasts and conversations. In this conversation we speak of fear and the power of its force in the human body and our lives, the healing powe...
Jun 13, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hi friends, we’re taking a break from normal recording to bring you a beautiful bridge season. It’s a mix of some of our webinars and live conversations that we've had at the Small Giants Academy . Our first guest, Pádraig Ó Tuama, is a poet and theologian, whose work centers around the themes of language, power conflict and religion. It’s a fantastic episode, and we’re so excited that we can share this previously archived webinar with you! If you’re interested in joining our webinar mailing lis...
May 30, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 fost...
May 16, 2024•40 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast 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 fascinat...
May 02, 2024•27 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Apr 18, 2024•51 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast 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 tha...
Apr 04, 2024•28 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast 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/wisdomand...
Mar 21, 2024•56 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast 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 mention...
Mar 07, 2024•30 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast 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 wisd...
Feb 22, 2024•59 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast 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 intric...
Feb 08, 2024•53 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast 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 differen...
Dec 14, 2023•56 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 07, 2023•46 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast 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.
Dec 05, 2023•3 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Mar 21, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Myste...
Feb 21, 2023•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Hag...
Feb 13, 2023•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Jan 23, 2023•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
