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.

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

Connect with our guest:

• George Thompson

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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

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.

• Military Lessons: Joe opens up about the valuable and harsh lessons he learned during his service, emphasising the importance of solidarity amongst peers when facing dire situations. He reflects on how this lesson of mutual dependence and team ethic, though squandered in the military, is crucial for societal progress.
• Critique of Military Use: Joe critically assesses how military solidarity is often exploited and misused, pointing out the need for a system that genuinely fosters community and support rather than conflict.
• The Role of Media and Public Perception: The conversation takes a deep dive into how media representations can distort public perceptions of war and military actions. Joe and Gillian discuss the role of media in shaping narratives that justify war and overlook its devastating impacts.
• The Importance of Dialogue and Community: Throughout the episode, the emphasis remains on the power of dialogue and community building. Joe advocates for open conversations and collective actions as the pathways towards meaningful system changes and a more peaceful world.

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:

• Joe Glenton - ForcesWatch

Follow Gillian:

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Website

Mentions & Resources

• Veteranhood - Joe Glenton
• Soldier Box: Why I Won't Return to the War on Terror - Joe Glenton

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 Bronx.

Episode Highlights:

Majora's Early Influence:

• Growing up in South Bronx, Majora shares her personal evolution amidst the neighbourhood's challenges and the stark realities of urban decline and systemic racism. Her journey from witnessing the destructive fires of the 70s to becoming a beacon of hope and change lays the foundation for this conversation.

Greening the Ghetto:

• Majora recounts her pioneering TED Talk and the inception of sustainable projects like the South Bronx Greenway. She discusses the complexities of introducing green spaces in urban areas and the resistance that sometimes follows from within the community.

The Backlash and Public Perception:

• A profound segment where Majora reflects on the public backlash she faced after gaining national attention, encapsulated by her portrayal in the media as a hero turned betrayer of her own community.

Environmental Justice and Economic Development:

• Majora outlines her strategies for combining environmental sustainability with economic development, emphasising green job training and community empowerment. She delves into the intricate balance of enhancing neighbourhood conditions while fostering local employment.

Vision for Urban Communities:

• If she ruled the world, Majora shares her broader vision for urban communities globally — from policy changes to grassroots initiatives that prioritise both environmental sustainability and social equity.

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:

• Majora Carter

Follow Gillian

Instagram

Website

Mentions & Resources

• Majora’s Ted Talk - Greening the Ghetto
• Reclaiming Your Community Book