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 cultural practices and language have been interwoven into everyday life in Aotearoa New Zealand, celebrating the everyday acts of resistance and survival that define cultural resilience.

Impact of Colonisation:

A candid discussion on the effects of colonisation on indigenous people, highlighting the strength of the Maori in preserving their culture and the contemporary relevance of these traditional practices.

Reclaiming Language and Culture:

Exploring the significance of the Maori language and cultural practices as acts of sovereignty and self-determination, and how these efforts contribute to a broader understanding of decolonisation.

Personal Journey and Media Influence:

Marc talks about his personal journey of cultural rediscovery and the role of media in shaping perceptions of Maori culture, both within Aotearoa New Zealand and globally.

System Change Through Indigenous Perspectives:

Discussion on how indigenous knowledge systems and perspectives can lead to a more equitable and sustainable world, challenging listeners to rethink their own views on power and system change.

Follow the show:

You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.

A final thank you to our wonderful sponsors Triodos Bank UK for making this podcast happen.

Connect with our guest:

• Marc Peard

Follow Gillian

Instagram

Website

Mentions & Resources

• Link to Mentioned Instagram Clip
• Andrew Windyboy, Chippewa Cree (Old Man Eagle) Credit: Our Spirits Don’t Know English: Indian Boarding School
• The Morning Shift Show

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 Highlights:

• Richard Jefferies' Legacy: We start with the poignant history behind Bevis' name and explore how Jeffries' work resonates in today’s environmental discourse, providing a backdrop to Bevis' career trajectory.
• Banking on Change: Bevis shares his insights on how the banking sector can transform to support both people and the planet. His dual expertise in ecology and finance offers a unique perspective on sustainable banking practices.
• Nature and Nurture: Delving into personal reflections, Bevis discusses the intrinsic connection humans share with nature and how it has shaped his professional ethos and personal values.
• Systemic Shifts: From his unique position at Triodos Bank, Bevis discusses the potential for systemic change within the banking sector to support sustainable practices and contribute to a just society.

Follow the show:

You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.

Follow Gillian

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillians_voice/

Website: https://www.gillianburkevoice.com/

Mentions & Resources

• Richard Jefferies
• Bevis’s Great Beaver Discovery
• Bevis’s Book: River Journey: Searching For Wild Beavers And Finding Freedom
• Kate Raworth / Doughnut Economics
• Greta Thunberg
• Mya-Rose Craig
• Bretton Woods Agreement

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 challenges.

Episode Highlights:

The Interconnection of All Beings:

George begins by reflecting on the interconnected intelligence of all beings—how nature's quiet wisdom reminds us of our deep ties to the world around us and within us.

System Change Through Personal Transformation:

Detailing his path through personal crises to finding resilience in Taoist practices, George explains how individual transformation is inseparably linked to broader societal change.

Insight, Practice, Community:

The mantra that has shaped George’s approach—gaining insights through deep reflection, maintaining growth through consistent practice, and building resilience within a supportive community.

Economic Reflections:

A surprise revelation from George about his background in economics leads to a deep dive into the flaws of our current economic system and the potential for a new paradigm based on real growth—emotional, community, and ecological rather than mere GDP.

A big thank you to our wonderful sponsors Triodos Bank UK for making this podcast happen, and to The Wildlife Trusts for their continued support.

Follow the show:

You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.

Connect with our guest:

• George Thompson

Follow Gillian:

Instagram

Website

Mentions & Resources

• Loosing Yourself (George’s new film)
• Dacher Keltner - Books
• The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible - Charles Eisenstein
• Less is More - Jason Hickel