60 acast.com Two Inconvenient Women https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/two-inconvenient-women en ThoughtBox Education wellbeing, learning,sustainability,social justice,self-care,environment,educators,schools,pastoral ThoughtBox Education A podcast from ThoughtBox Education In a world which can feel increasingly volatile and uncertain, join Holly and Rachel from ThoughtBox as we explore some of the inconvenient truths, possibilities and opportunities of our rapidly changing world.


Each episode we’ll be diving deep into the big, tricky issues of our time, exploring what it means to be ‘inconvenient’ in our work to transform lives, communities and mindsets towards a healthier future for people and planet.


To find out more about the work we do at ThoughtBox Education, visit www.thoughtboxeducation.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In a world which can feel increasingly volatile and uncertain, join Holly and Rachel from ThoughtBox as we explore some of the inconvenient truths, possibilities and opportunities of our rapidly changing world.


Each episode we’ll be diving deep into the big, tricky issues of our time, exploring what it means to be ‘inconvenient’ in our work to transform lives, communities and mindsets towards a healthier future for people and planet.


To find out more about the work we do at ThoughtBox Education, visit www.thoughtboxeducation.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> false ThoughtBox Education info+66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1@mg-eu.acast.com 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 two-inconvenient-women episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1/1758806642452-7092bfe7-b30b-4ebb-a82c-4148f385c70a.jpeg https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/two-inconvenient-women Two Inconvenient Women <![CDATA[Why is the wisdom of children's books so relevant right now?]]> Fri, 03 Apr 2026 08:06:54 GMT 1:14:49 69ce7f6ef44b357ce91f0f0e false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/69ce7f6ef44b357ce91f0f0e 69ce7f6ef44b357ce91f0f0e 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 5 13 All of us are former children and for most have memories of some of the stories we read or were told when we were children. As adults, many of us still encounter these stories - whether from reading to young ones or for our own enjoyment. As a medium, children's stories are doing more than just keeping young people entertained - they are pathways for growth; helping to navigate some of the challenges, hurdles and opportunities of life in a safe and supported way. When starting to explore why storytelling is a foundation stone for human evolution, our entire understanding of children's stories can begin to expand.


As former English teachers, Holly and Rachel have read and taught a lot of fiction to younger readers and we both are avid readers of children's stories, advocating the deep wisdom to be found in many classic texts, no matter our age. In this conversation we explore the why, what and how of the values and constructs of children's fiction; explore how myth and storytelling has passed down through human history; think about the impact of films on story learning and reflect on some of the wisdom of key classic texts across the world.


In this episode, we mention:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> All of us are former children and for most have memories of some of the stories we read or were told when we were children. As adults, many of us still encounter these stories - whether from reading to young ones or for our own enjoyment. As a medium, children's stories are doing more than just keeping young people entertained - they are pathways for growth; helping to navigate some of the challenges, hurdles and opportunities of life in a safe and supported way. When starting to explore why storytelling is a foundation stone for human evolution, our entire understanding of children's stories can begin to expand.


As former English teachers, Holly and Rachel have read and taught a lot of fiction to younger readers and we both are avid readers of children's stories, advocating the deep wisdom to be found in many classic texts, no matter our age. In this conversation we explore the why, what and how of the values and constructs of children's fiction; explore how myth and storytelling has passed down through human history; think about the impact of films on story learning and reflect on some of the wisdom of key classic texts across the world.


In this episode, we mention:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Are our 'social contracts' falling apart and what does that mean for society?]]> Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT 59:02 69c5114df4bf09c599723a42 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/69c5114df4bf09c599723a42 69c5114df4bf09c599723a42 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 5 12 The concept of social contracts in modern culture came through the work and philosophies of folks such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau as a way of communities agreeing to behave and trust in collective ideals. Whilst intentions may be valid, the structures of this imposed model of organising communities falls down when trust is broken - and we're finding ourselves in that state of collapse in many countries and societies around the world. Which has the potential to open up different ways of belonging and living alongside one another - ways that come not from an imposed and centralised narrative, but that actually work within the contexts and communities we live in.


In this week's episode we talk about the impact of the social contract falling away, and the reneging of social promise in many parts of our societies. We discuss where trust comes into the equation and explore models across our human story that shine a light on more robust and localised ways of building resilient and healthy communities.


During the conversation we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The concept of social contracts in modern culture came through the work and philosophies of folks such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau as a way of communities agreeing to behave and trust in collective ideals. Whilst intentions may be valid, the structures of this imposed model of organising communities falls down when trust is broken - and we're finding ourselves in that state of collapse in many countries and societies around the world. Which has the potential to open up different ways of belonging and living alongside one another - ways that come not from an imposed and centralised narrative, but that actually work within the contexts and communities we live in.


In this week's episode we talk about the impact of the social contract falling away, and the reneging of social promise in many parts of our societies. We discuss where trust comes into the equation and explore models across our human story that shine a light on more robust and localised ways of building resilient and healthy communities.


During the conversation we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Do we need to know what the future looks like? Do we need to know what the future looks like? Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT 57:18 69bbe933a1476488b7acbe8e false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/69bbe933a1476488b7acbe8e 69bbe933a1476488b7acbe8e 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 Exploring futures thinking and stepping into uncertainty full 5 11 Many organisations and governments work within a strategy of Futures Thinking - a strategic concept to make predictions and pathways for probable and plausible futures. Yet how useful is this when the variables around us are changing so rapidly? And how plausible can any strategic planning be within structures only designed with short-term foundations?


In this week's episode we explore the future (sort of) and whether we have any capacity to predict anything. We talk about the role of presence in enabling us to be rooted in the here and now, rather than living in the past or future; explore the concept of seven-generational thinking; think about the limits our future is being given as we flounder with some of the systemic challenges on a national and global scale and reflect on why it can feel both terrifying and liberating to 'let go' of knowing and start to sense our way forward instead.


In this week's episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Many organisations and governments work within a strategy of Futures Thinking - a strategic concept to make predictions and pathways for probable and plausible futures. Yet how useful is this when the variables around us are changing so rapidly? And how plausible can any strategic planning be within structures only designed with short-term foundations?


In this week's episode we explore the future (sort of) and whether we have any capacity to predict anything. We talk about the role of presence in enabling us to be rooted in the here and now, rather than living in the past or future; explore the concept of seven-generational thinking; think about the limits our future is being given as we flounder with some of the systemic challenges on a national and global scale and reflect on why it can feel both terrifying and liberating to 'let go' of knowing and start to sense our way forward instead.


In this week's episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> How do we find strength in these turbulent times? How do we find strength in these turbulent times? Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT 51:02 69b2ae6294cfbd3a45a41727 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/69b2ae6294cfbd3a45a41727 69b2ae6294cfbd3a45a41727 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 5 10 We are living in increasingly turbulent times and the shockwaves as old systems fall apart are starting to impact ever more people. Whilst we talk a lot in this podcast about why systems are changing and about the healthier systems waiting to emerge, it feels important to keep talking about the pain and discomfort of this 'in between part' as things fall away and new things arrive. Pressures of daily life mixed with increasing levels of geo-political unrest and extreme weather events is beginning to take its toll - on the nervous systems in particular. Being brave and resilient - and optimistic - whilst navigating turbulence can feel a real struggle. And yet the capacity of human resilience and strength to weather storms is humbling.


In this podcast we explore the tension between discomfort and creativity; between growth and fear; light and dark and how turbulence can be a crucible for maturity. As well as sharing our own experiences of navigating complex times, we talk about the nervous system regulation and structures to support individual and collective resilience to allow us to be strong and weather storms as they come, growing in strength together.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We are living in increasingly turbulent times and the shockwaves as old systems fall apart are starting to impact ever more people. Whilst we talk a lot in this podcast about why systems are changing and about the healthier systems waiting to emerge, it feels important to keep talking about the pain and discomfort of this 'in between part' as things fall away and new things arrive. Pressures of daily life mixed with increasing levels of geo-political unrest and extreme weather events is beginning to take its toll - on the nervous systems in particular. Being brave and resilient - and optimistic - whilst navigating turbulence can feel a real struggle. And yet the capacity of human resilience and strength to weather storms is humbling.


In this podcast we explore the tension between discomfort and creativity; between growth and fear; light and dark and how turbulence can be a crucible for maturity. As well as sharing our own experiences of navigating complex times, we talk about the nervous system regulation and structures to support individual and collective resilience to allow us to be strong and weather storms as they come, growing in strength together.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Throwback episode: the inconvenience of nature connection Throwback episode: the inconvenience of nature connection Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT 56:51 69a06fabc527b25527446034 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/69a06fabc527b25527446034 69a06fabc527b25527446034 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 5 9 In many modern cultures, we find ourselves spending ever more time indoors, sitting down and separated from nature - both the nature within us and the nature all around us. At the same time, we're drawn to want to spend time outdoors and in natural environments, and we have a deep sense of ease when connected to nature. So why is it so hard?


In this week's thow-back episode, we explore the inconvenience of nature connection in a modern world and the many ways that our ways of living keep us in separation - sometimes isolation - from the natural world. We explore the impact of a sedentary, indoor lifestyle on our physical, emotional and spiritual health; explore how connecting to nature is infinitely good for our holistic wellbeing - as well as supporting the health of the natural world in return - and reflect on the many different ways to welcome more nature connection into our lives and learning spaces.


In this episode we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In many modern cultures, we find ourselves spending ever more time indoors, sitting down and separated from nature - both the nature within us and the nature all around us. At the same time, we're drawn to want to spend time outdoors and in natural environments, and we have a deep sense of ease when connected to nature. So why is it so hard?


In this week's thow-back episode, we explore the inconvenience of nature connection in a modern world and the many ways that our ways of living keep us in separation - sometimes isolation - from the natural world. We explore the impact of a sedentary, indoor lifestyle on our physical, emotional and spiritual health; explore how connecting to nature is infinitely good for our holistic wellbeing - as well as supporting the health of the natural world in return - and reflect on the many different ways to welcome more nature connection into our lives and learning spaces.


In this episode we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> How can we be learning for life? How can we be learning for life? Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT 1:01:28 69a04106d15b2c2a12976418 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/69a04106d15b2c2a12976418 69a04106d15b2c2a12976418 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 5 8 What sort of learning do we need to support young people with in a rapidly changing world? What does it mean to be a life-long-learner? What qualities of learning do we all possess? What is 'unlearning' and how might it be a vital form of our own growth? What is spiral-learning and how does this shape the way we grow in the world? What if learning was as much about the why and the how as it is about the what?


In this week's episode we dive into the qualities of learning; from pedagogy to process and practice. In particular we talk about the newly launched 'Learning for Life' programme for educators which helps young people make sense of the world they’re growing up in by seeing how it all fits together. Developed over the past decade, these learning resources are built around a simple idea: instead of leading with content, what if we allow learning to be shaped by a pedagogy which inspires critical, curious and compassionate learners. We are gifting all of these materials, shared freely under a Creative Commons Licence and intended for use and adaptation across a range of educational settings for all ages - children and young adults alike.


In this week's episode we reference the following:




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What sort of learning do we need to support young people with in a rapidly changing world? What does it mean to be a life-long-learner? What qualities of learning do we all possess? What is 'unlearning' and how might it be a vital form of our own growth? What is spiral-learning and how does this shape the way we grow in the world? What if learning was as much about the why and the how as it is about the what?


In this week's episode we dive into the qualities of learning; from pedagogy to process and practice. In particular we talk about the newly launched 'Learning for Life' programme for educators which helps young people make sense of the world they’re growing up in by seeing how it all fits together. Developed over the past decade, these learning resources are built around a simple idea: instead of leading with content, what if we allow learning to be shaped by a pedagogy which inspires critical, curious and compassionate learners. We are gifting all of these materials, shared freely under a Creative Commons Licence and intended for use and adaptation across a range of educational settings for all ages - children and young adults alike.


In this week's episode we reference the following:




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Throwback episode: the inconvenience of systems thinking Throwback episode: the inconvenience of systems thinking Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT 58:09 698cbfba34f221647e3280dc false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/698cbfba34f221647e3280dc 698cbfba34f221647e3280dc 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 5 7 Holly and Rachel are away this week, so we're re-sharing an episode from this time last year on the inconvenience of systems change.


Systems thinking isn’t just a concept—it’s how life works. Every action, choice and relationship is part of something bigger. So why do we resist seeing the connections? In this episode, we explore what it really means to understand the world as an interconnected whole. It’s not about learning a framework, it’s about shifting how we see, think and act. This conversation explores what happens when we start noticing the patterns we’re part of—and begin to change them.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Holly and Rachel are away this week, so we're re-sharing an episode from this time last year on the inconvenience of systems change.


Systems thinking isn’t just a concept—it’s how life works. Every action, choice and relationship is part of something bigger. So why do we resist seeing the connections? In this episode, we explore what it really means to understand the world as an interconnected whole. It’s not about learning a framework, it’s about shifting how we see, think and act. This conversation explores what happens when we start noticing the patterns we’re part of—and begin to change them.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Why is singing so good for us? Why is singing so good for us? Fri, 13 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT 51:30 698cb6a6d36bede670d16f3b false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/698cb6a6d36bede670d16f3b 698cb6a6d36bede670d16f3b 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 5 6 Singing is a deeply healing and cathartic experience for humans - mentally, emotionally, neurologically and spiritually. It is a primal quality we all possess, and something that has formed an innate and constant part of human culture since the dawn of our species. Singing is a birthright, yet many of us have been told that 'we can't sing'. We often mention singing on this podcast as both Holly and myself (Rachel) are members of our local choirs. Both of us have had very different routes into singing - and perhaps represent some of the different ways that singing has shaped - or absented itself - from our lives.


In this week's episode we dive deeply into the many different ways that singing is good for us - from the way it makes us feel, to how it helps soothe our nervous systems, to how it helps forge our connection to others and the wider world. We explore some of the science of singing, the qualities of song in different cultures; the resonance of singing in harmony with others and dabble a little in the profound and extraordinary mystery and magic of where and how music shapes the entire universe.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Singing is a deeply healing and cathartic experience for humans - mentally, emotionally, neurologically and spiritually. It is a primal quality we all possess, and something that has formed an innate and constant part of human culture since the dawn of our species. Singing is a birthright, yet many of us have been told that 'we can't sing'. We often mention singing on this podcast as both Holly and myself (Rachel) are members of our local choirs. Both of us have had very different routes into singing - and perhaps represent some of the different ways that singing has shaped - or absented itself - from our lives.


In this week's episode we dive deeply into the many different ways that singing is good for us - from the way it makes us feel, to how it helps soothe our nervous systems, to how it helps forge our connection to others and the wider world. We explore some of the science of singing, the qualities of song in different cultures; the resonance of singing in harmony with others and dabble a little in the profound and extraordinary mystery and magic of where and how music shapes the entire universe.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What does it mean to belong? What does it mean to belong? Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT 1:02:35 6984b8080ee6c7cf9bff7229 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6984b8080ee6c7cf9bff7229 6984b8080ee6c7cf9bff7229 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 5 5 Belonging is the innate human desire to be part of something larger than us. It is primal - something that we all yearn for constantly and can find in different places and spaces across our lives. So were are the places that we can find and really feel a sense of belonging? And what happens when belonging means a sacrifice of our authenticity?


In this week's episode of Two Inconvenient Women, we explore what it means to belong, some of the places that we all can - and often do - find a sense of belonging; what it means to belong to ourselves and how this sense of inner belonging helps shape our authenticity in the world, allowing us to feel even more of a sense of connection.


In this conversation we reference the following:




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Belonging is the innate human desire to be part of something larger than us. It is primal - something that we all yearn for constantly and can find in different places and spaces across our lives. So were are the places that we can find and really feel a sense of belonging? And what happens when belonging means a sacrifice of our authenticity?


In this week's episode of Two Inconvenient Women, we explore what it means to belong, some of the places that we all can - and often do - find a sense of belonging; what it means to belong to ourselves and how this sense of inner belonging helps shape our authenticity in the world, allowing us to feel even more of a sense of connection.


In this conversation we reference the following:




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Why are countries banning social media? Why are countries banning social media? Fri, 30 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT 58:00 697b4689fbdedf640457ce1f false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/697b4689fbdedf640457ce1f 697b4689fbdedf640457ce1f 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 5 4 There has been a lot emerging in the media recently about countries making decisions to ban social media for under 16s. Australia has been leading the way in this movement, with many other countries now passing legislation through government and widening the public discourse.


So why social media? Why 16? Why now?


In this week's podcast we begin to untangle many of the complexities that living in an online world is having on our mental, physical, emotional spiritual and social health, in particular how it is influencing the development of children and young people. Drawing wisdom from the depth research of social psychologists such as Jonathan Haidt (whose infamous book The Anxious Generation is waking up millions to the 'disconnection epidemic') we wrangle with some of the questions, complexities, possibilities and opportunities of shifting ourselves away from the trappings of an online world and 'rewiring ourselves' back into healthier connections.


In this episode we reference the following:



**We will be releasing our full Learning for Life resources for free in mid-February- keep an eye on the ThoughtBox website for more details: www.thoughtboxeducation.com




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> There has been a lot emerging in the media recently about countries making decisions to ban social media for under 16s. Australia has been leading the way in this movement, with many other countries now passing legislation through government and widening the public discourse.


So why social media? Why 16? Why now?


In this week's podcast we begin to untangle many of the complexities that living in an online world is having on our mental, physical, emotional spiritual and social health, in particular how it is influencing the development of children and young people. Drawing wisdom from the depth research of social psychologists such as Jonathan Haidt (whose infamous book The Anxious Generation is waking up millions to the 'disconnection epidemic') we wrangle with some of the questions, complexities, possibilities and opportunities of shifting ourselves away from the trappings of an online world and 'rewiring ourselves' back into healthier connections.


In this episode we reference the following:



**We will be releasing our full Learning for Life resources for free in mid-February- keep an eye on the ThoughtBox website for more details: www.thoughtboxeducation.com




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[What does it mean to 'winter'?]]> Fri, 23 Jan 2026 07:59:02 GMT 51:59 697258e76982fb7698dc28ef false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/697258e76982fb7698dc28ef 697258e76982fb7698dc28ef 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 5 3 Whilst many parts of the world experience a climate of winter, how many of us allow ourselves to 'winter' during this season? Or anytime? What does it mean to 'winter' - to follow nature's rhythms and allow things to slow down, to fall away, to be still, quiet. What does it mean to sit in the dark (literally and metaphorically) - how might this be allowing us to grow on a much deeper level? And what is happening in our cultures that prevents this? What does it mean to be living in a culture of 'perpetual summer' where slowness and quiet are not part of the status-quo?


In this episode, we dive into the literal and metaphorical resonance of wintering; thinking about how the feeling in the atmosphere can give us clues for how to behave, discussing what some of the inner emotions around 'wintering' may bring up and exploring some of the different ways to tether more of our lives to living in balance with the rest of nature - from how we eat, sleep and act to simply being more in tune with our own needs and rhythms.


We reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Whilst many parts of the world experience a climate of winter, how many of us allow ourselves to 'winter' during this season? Or anytime? What does it mean to 'winter' - to follow nature's rhythms and allow things to slow down, to fall away, to be still, quiet. What does it mean to sit in the dark (literally and metaphorically) - how might this be allowing us to grow on a much deeper level? And what is happening in our cultures that prevents this? What does it mean to be living in a culture of 'perpetual summer' where slowness and quiet are not part of the status-quo?


In this episode, we dive into the literal and metaphorical resonance of wintering; thinking about how the feeling in the atmosphere can give us clues for how to behave, discussing what some of the inner emotions around 'wintering' may bring up and exploring some of the different ways to tether more of our lives to living in balance with the rest of nature - from how we eat, sleep and act to simply being more in tune with our own needs and rhythms.


We reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Are we in a polycrisis and what can we do about it? Are we in a polycrisis and what can we do about it? Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT 55:29 6969037ce9172b83209058e2 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6969037ce9172b83209058e2 6969037ce9172b83209058e2 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 5 2 When the world feels overwhelmingly complex, it is often hard to know where to put our energy; which 'crisis' to give our attention to as it were. You may have come across the term 'polycrisis' as it's fast becoming part of the public lexicon. It's not a particularly cheery term, but it is helpful in making sense of the many interconnected and overwhelming crises that we are facing in our lives. The polycrisis is characterised by feedback loops where one crisis exacerbates another, making simple, isolated solutions ineffective. Which is the greatest inconvenience we face when trying to address them. And yet diagnosing the crisis is the first step to addressing it - and this term is useful in doing just that.


In this episode, we wrangle with the complexity of the times we're living in through the frame of the polycrisis; tapping into what we can appreciate from the framing of a 'metacrisis' at the same time, and how looking at changing our perspective on the world is a powerful way to focus on meeting the symptoms and addressing the root cause of a world in crisis.


We reference the following during the conversation:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> When the world feels overwhelmingly complex, it is often hard to know where to put our energy; which 'crisis' to give our attention to as it were. You may have come across the term 'polycrisis' as it's fast becoming part of the public lexicon. It's not a particularly cheery term, but it is helpful in making sense of the many interconnected and overwhelming crises that we are facing in our lives. The polycrisis is characterised by feedback loops where one crisis exacerbates another, making simple, isolated solutions ineffective. Which is the greatest inconvenience we face when trying to address them. And yet diagnosing the crisis is the first step to addressing it - and this term is useful in doing just that.


In this episode, we wrangle with the complexity of the times we're living in through the frame of the polycrisis; tapping into what we can appreciate from the framing of a 'metacrisis' at the same time, and how looking at changing our perspective on the world is a powerful way to focus on meeting the symptoms and addressing the root cause of a world in crisis.


We reference the following during the conversation:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Is it really a new year? Is it really a new me?! Is it really a new year? Is it really a new me?! Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT 54:33 695fc7ffd8ac698e7efe9fe9 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/695fc7ffd8ac698e7efe9fe9 695fc7ffd8ac698e7efe9fe9 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 5 1 For many in the world - those following the Gregorian calendar - January 1st marks the beginning of a new year. Midst the celebrations, revelry and resolutions is often an unspoken expectation of 'newness'. Pressures exist to have "resolutions" that make us somehow a better, fitter, happier, healthier version of ourself. But to what extent do we need this? To what extent do we want this? And to what extent is now the time for 'a fresh new world' anyway?


In this week's episode of Two Inconvenient Women, we explore some of the different cultural celebrations for new year, thinking about how they map to the seasons, nature's rhythms or stories that other influences. We discuss the difference between having resolutions and intentions and how one can be a real support and guide, whilst the other can often feel like a burden or self-inflicted prison. We unpack some of the ways that new year has been coopted by a consumer culture fixated on 'bigger, better, shinier' and what this may be doing to our sense of ease. We think about what it means to be a 'new you' and whether a process of growth and becoming is a wiser step into a new year, rather than setting ourselves a goal to arrive at which has ever-moving goalposts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> For many in the world - those following the Gregorian calendar - January 1st marks the beginning of a new year. Midst the celebrations, revelry and resolutions is often an unspoken expectation of 'newness'. Pressures exist to have "resolutions" that make us somehow a better, fitter, happier, healthier version of ourself. But to what extent do we need this? To what extent do we want this? And to what extent is now the time for 'a fresh new world' anyway?


In this week's episode of Two Inconvenient Women, we explore some of the different cultural celebrations for new year, thinking about how they map to the seasons, nature's rhythms or stories that other influences. We discuss the difference between having resolutions and intentions and how one can be a real support and guide, whilst the other can often feel like a burden or self-inflicted prison. We unpack some of the ways that new year has been coopted by a consumer culture fixated on 'bigger, better, shinier' and what this may be doing to our sense of ease. We think about what it means to be a 'new you' and whether a process of growth and becoming is a wiser step into a new year, rather than setting ourselves a goal to arrive at which has ever-moving goalposts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[A New Year's Gift: Poem for a New Year By Matt Goodfellow]]> Fri, 02 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT 2:25 6942a87ab4589744b1efc12f false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6942a87ab4589744b1efc12f 6942a87ab4589744b1efc12f 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 Holly shares a poem to ring in the new year full 4 18 Poem for a New Year

By Matt Goodfellow

Something’s moving in,

I hear the weather in the wind,

sense the tension of a sheep-field

and the pilgrimage of fins. 

Something’s not the same,

I taste the sap and feel the grain,

hear the rolling of the rowan

ringing, singing in a change.

Something’s set to start,

there’s meadow-music in the dark

and the clouds that shroud the mountain

slowly, softly start to part.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Poem for a New Year

By Matt Goodfellow

Something’s moving in,

I hear the weather in the wind,

sense the tension of a sheep-field

and the pilgrimage of fins. 

Something’s not the same,

I taste the sap and feel the grain,

hear the rolling of the rowan

ringing, singing in a change.

Something’s set to start,

there’s meadow-music in the dark

and the clouds that shroud the mountain

slowly, softly start to part.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> A Christmas Gift: Stories of Triple WellBeing A Christmas Gift: Stories of Triple WellBeing Fri, 26 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT 52:20 6942a834959d6e495076635e false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6942a834959d6e495076635e 6942a834959d6e495076635e 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 Rachel shares our latest series of the Stories of Triple WellBeing podcast full 4 17 We're taking a break over the holidays and are not recording a new episode of Two Inconvenient Women today. Instead, we're sharing a gift - a whole range of stories of inspiring people from across the world working to create a healthier future for people and planet. From educators in Uganda focused on self-care in leadership to teachers challenging the mainstream to communities focused on nature connection at the heart of learning, our Triple WellBeing Fellows are ordinary people with extraordinary stories.


Dive into the whole community and begin your listening journey: https://thoughtboxeducation.com/stories

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We're taking a break over the holidays and are not recording a new episode of Two Inconvenient Women today. Instead, we're sharing a gift - a whole range of stories of inspiring people from across the world working to create a healthier future for people and planet. From educators in Uganda focused on self-care in leadership to teachers challenging the mainstream to communities focused on nature connection at the heart of learning, our Triple WellBeing Fellows are ordinary people with extraordinary stories.


Dive into the whole community and begin your listening journey: https://thoughtboxeducation.com/stories

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Why is gratitude so powerful? Why is gratitude so powerful? Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT 56:04 6942a7ff3d3b907dc0b24a80 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6942a7ff3d3b907dc0b24a80 6942a7ff3d3b907dc0b24a80 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 4 16 We begin each podcast episode with a moment of gratitude. But why so? Much more than a 'nice thing to do', the practice of gratitude is ancient - part of wisdom traditions across the world and deeply embedded into spiritual and religious practice. It is a way of strengthening our own sense of resilience and presence, finding meaning in the world and feeling more grounded, connected and present in the world. But what does it actually mean to be grateful and how can this practice shape the very structure of our brains?


In this week's episode we explore the topic of gratitude, asking the question: Why is gratitude so powerful? In this episode we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We begin each podcast episode with a moment of gratitude. But why so? Much more than a 'nice thing to do', the practice of gratitude is ancient - part of wisdom traditions across the world and deeply embedded into spiritual and religious practice. It is a way of strengthening our own sense of resilience and presence, finding meaning in the world and feeling more grounded, connected and present in the world. But what does it actually mean to be grateful and how can this practice shape the very structure of our brains?


In this week's episode we explore the topic of gratitude, asking the question: Why is gratitude so powerful? In this episode we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Why don't we talk to our neighbours?]]> Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT 57:45 693af55b0375da4a9e24de23 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/693af55b0375da4a9e24de23 693af55b0375da4a9e24de23 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 4 15 Why don't we talk to our neighbours? This question is asked not to be provocative but more to reflect on what has shifted in our cultures to mean that we can inhabit the same space as people we don't quite know. For some cultures around the world, community and neighbourhoods remain a vital - and vitalising part of daily life, yet for many living in the culture of modernity, our move into hyper-individualism has been at the detriment of our community. We may not have ever met the person or people who live above, below or beside us - and we may not know anything about them - not even their name.


In this week's episode we explore some of the changes across time that have led to the erosion of gathering spaces; the impact of a culture of fear and distrust on how we respond to strangers and some of the blocks, challenges and opportunities that surround us when it comes to finding connection with those in our neighbourhood.


In this conversation we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Why don't we talk to our neighbours? This question is asked not to be provocative but more to reflect on what has shifted in our cultures to mean that we can inhabit the same space as people we don't quite know. For some cultures around the world, community and neighbourhoods remain a vital - and vitalising part of daily life, yet for many living in the culture of modernity, our move into hyper-individualism has been at the detriment of our community. We may not have ever met the person or people who live above, below or beside us - and we may not know anything about them - not even their name.


In this week's episode we explore some of the changes across time that have led to the erosion of gathering spaces; the impact of a culture of fear and distrust on how we respond to strangers and some of the blocks, challenges and opportunities that surround us when it comes to finding connection with those in our neighbourhood.


In this conversation we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Do we really want to be successful? Do we really want to be successful? Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:00:00 GMT 54:57 69316163042629ee0ee2a3c5 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/69316163042629ee0ee2a3c5 69316163042629ee0ee2a3c5 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 4 14 Are you successful yet? When do you know you've "made it"? And - more importantly - is it a place that we actually want to be 'arriving'? Many of us are living in cultures that have a dominant story of success - often associated with wealth, prosperity, career-ladders and progress. Our mainstream education systems teach us how to jump through the hoops on the journey towards success, and our media is filled with advertising and stories of what success looks like (normally glossy, shiny and always slightly out of reach). But who gets to decide when we've become successful, and is it worth it?


In this week's episode we explore the notion of success, thinking about what it means, who grants us the title and what the possibilities are to look beyond the mainstream story and carve out a different approach to life. We explore questions such as: What happens when we don't fit the story or mould of what success looks like? What might it mean to carve out our own version of 'success'? What can we learn from failure? And what if, rather than a destination we arrive at, success is simply a way of living well?


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Are you successful yet? When do you know you've "made it"? And - more importantly - is it a place that we actually want to be 'arriving'? Many of us are living in cultures that have a dominant story of success - often associated with wealth, prosperity, career-ladders and progress. Our mainstream education systems teach us how to jump through the hoops on the journey towards success, and our media is filled with advertising and stories of what success looks like (normally glossy, shiny and always slightly out of reach). But who gets to decide when we've become successful, and is it worth it?


In this week's episode we explore the notion of success, thinking about what it means, who grants us the title and what the possibilities are to look beyond the mainstream story and carve out a different approach to life. We explore questions such as: What happens when we don't fit the story or mould of what success looks like? What might it mean to carve out our own version of 'success'? What can we learn from failure? And what if, rather than a destination we arrive at, success is simply a way of living well?


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Are your values lived or laminated? Are your values lived or laminated? Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:00:00 GMT 1:07:43 69285ed0343bf463ae9c07be false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/69285ed0343bf463ae9c07be 69285ed0343bf463ae9c07be 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 4 13 Many people find themselves working within organisations or structures that don't necessarily practice the values that are being preached (or laminated, advertised or promoted). It can feel deeply uncomfortable when our actions are out of line with the values we hold within us, and yet it is often not our choice to have to at in ways that contradict our values. Bit what are values? Where do they come from, and how do we connect with the values that shape our lives so that we can align actions and intentions with integrity and authenticity.


In this week's episode we explore the values that shape our lives, our cultural stories and the world we're living in; thinking about how to align with our own authentic self and some of the tools and practices we can tap into in order to help shape our lives through the direction of our inner 'north star'.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Many people find themselves working within organisations or structures that don't necessarily practice the values that are being preached (or laminated, advertised or promoted). It can feel deeply uncomfortable when our actions are out of line with the values we hold within us, and yet it is often not our choice to have to at in ways that contradict our values. Bit what are values? Where do they come from, and how do we connect with the values that shape our lives so that we can align actions and intentions with integrity and authenticity.


In this week's episode we explore the values that shape our lives, our cultural stories and the world we're living in; thinking about how to align with our own authentic self and some of the tools and practices we can tap into in order to help shape our lives through the direction of our inner 'north star'.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Why doesn't sustainability seem to be working?]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2025 07:59:16 GMT 1:06:29 691eda33cce7a2a5650ae803 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/691eda33cce7a2a5650ae803 691eda33cce7a2a5650ae803 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 4 12 The sustainability movement has been going since the 1950s, and ‘sustainability’ is now part of mainstream narrative, awareness and growing action. Yet when sustainability continues to be seen and introduced into organisations as an add-on rather than a process or foundation, how much change is it actually supporting?

In this week’s episode we explore the inconvenience of sustainability, thinking about where positive change has been enabled, the impact of greenwashing; what some of the limitations may be and what opportunities are emerging for wider-level transformation when sustainable is understood as a ‘verb rather than a product.


In this episode we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The sustainability movement has been going since the 1950s, and ‘sustainability’ is now part of mainstream narrative, awareness and growing action. Yet when sustainability continues to be seen and introduced into organisations as an add-on rather than a process or foundation, how much change is it actually supporting?

In this week’s episode we explore the inconvenience of sustainability, thinking about where positive change has been enabled, the impact of greenwashing; what some of the limitations may be and what opportunities are emerging for wider-level transformation when sustainable is understood as a ‘verb rather than a product.


In this episode we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[What does 'home' mean to you?]]> Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:00:00 GMT 1:04:16 6915df1ee42e3466f2c75d8b false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6915df1ee42e3466f2c75d8b 6915df1ee42e3466f2c75d8b 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 4 11 What do you think of when you think of home? For some it's a building, for some it's a country, culture or identity. For many it's a feeling. Whilst there can be no universal agreement on what home means to us, there is interesting resonance between home and feelings of safety, belonging and sanctuary. Understanding that feeling safe sits as one of our most basic needs as humans helps to elevate deep compassion and empathy for any experiencing homelessness or seeking refuge and asylum; a growing pattern right across our world as ever-more people are forced to leave their 'homes' in search of safety.


In this week's episode of Two Inconvenient Women, we explore the meaning of home in many different guises, exploring some of the commonalities and biases that exist within us and reflecting on how and where we can satisfy the feeling of home in our daily lives.


In this episode we reference the following:




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What do you think of when you think of home? For some it's a building, for some it's a country, culture or identity. For many it's a feeling. Whilst there can be no universal agreement on what home means to us, there is interesting resonance between home and feelings of safety, belonging and sanctuary. Understanding that feeling safe sits as one of our most basic needs as humans helps to elevate deep compassion and empathy for any experiencing homelessness or seeking refuge and asylum; a growing pattern right across our world as ever-more people are forced to leave their 'homes' in search of safety.


In this week's episode of Two Inconvenient Women, we explore the meaning of home in many different guises, exploring some of the commonalities and biases that exist within us and reflecting on how and where we can satisfy the feeling of home in our daily lives.


In this episode we reference the following:




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Should we be scared of AI? Should we be scared of AI? Fri, 07 Nov 2025 08:00:00 GMT 1:17:45 690c82fa68ccec9b8e3a632d false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/690c82fa68ccec9b8e3a632d 690c82fa68ccec9b8e3a632d 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 4 10 AI technologies are becoming increasingly intertwined with our everyday lives. From healthcare, transportation and manufacturing to education, we are already in an entangled web of connection with AI being increasingly used by individuals and organisations, often without conscious awareness. Whilst we can see AI as being a really supportive tool to address so many of the challenges of modernity, to what extent is it actually robbing us of our humanity?


This conversation is tricky, emotive and deeply complex. Whilst there are so many positive shifts and evolutions that AI can support us with and lots to appreciate, many of the downsides and dangers are only just being realised with the potential threats of generative AI and a super-intelligence beginning to come to life. We are choosing to open a very complex can of worms in this conversation and begin to dance through some of the conflicting feelings, possibilities and questions that arise when thinking about the past, present and future of AI.


In this episode we reference the following:




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> AI technologies are becoming increasingly intertwined with our everyday lives. From healthcare, transportation and manufacturing to education, we are already in an entangled web of connection with AI being increasingly used by individuals and organisations, often without conscious awareness. Whilst we can see AI as being a really supportive tool to address so many of the challenges of modernity, to what extent is it actually robbing us of our humanity?


This conversation is tricky, emotive and deeply complex. Whilst there are so many positive shifts and evolutions that AI can support us with and lots to appreciate, many of the downsides and dangers are only just being realised with the potential threats of generative AI and a super-intelligence beginning to come to life. We are choosing to open a very complex can of worms in this conversation and begin to dance through some of the conflicting feelings, possibilities and questions that arise when thinking about the past, present and future of AI.


In this episode we reference the following:




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What are you learning? What are you learning? Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:00:00 GMT 1:06:23 69033d1b1e6d5f214e795c38 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/69033d1b1e6d5f214e795c38 69033d1b1e6d5f214e795c38 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 4 9 This week is half term for UK schools and we've taken time away from the 'day to day' work at ThoughtBox for a reading week - a week to really dive deep into some of the ideas that we're both currently exploring. In this episode we share some of the insights, explorations, wonderings and reflections from what we're currently learning about.


In this episode we reference a large number of texts and ideas we've been exploring over the past months:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week is half term for UK schools and we've taken time away from the 'day to day' work at ThoughtBox for a reading week - a week to really dive deep into some of the ideas that we're both currently exploring. In this episode we share some of the insights, explorations, wonderings and reflections from what we're currently learning about.


In this episode we reference a large number of texts and ideas we've been exploring over the past months:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Is it so bad to be naïve? Is it so bad to be naïve? Fri, 24 Oct 2025 07:00:00 GMT 54:25 68fa2a10e243447160b7a18a false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/68fa2a10e243447160b7a18a 68fa2a10e243447160b7a18a 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 4 8 This week on the podcast Rachel is off with the flu and so Holly is joined by guest inconvenient woman Sandy Glanfield, Immersive Experience Curator at Reboot the Future, to discuss the theme of naïvety.


In this episode we explore questions around metrics of success, and how naivety plays an important role in bringing creativity, openness, relationship and curiosity to challenges we face. From its etymological roots of belonging to nature and innateness, to its modern association with foolishness - join us as we weave through questions around fear of failure, elderhood, reframing biases and celebrating our own unique ‘genius’. 


During this episode, we mention:



Sending lots of love and a big hug to Rachel who is currently off with the flu - hopefully she'll be back with us next week!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week on the podcast Rachel is off with the flu and so Holly is joined by guest inconvenient woman Sandy Glanfield, Immersive Experience Curator at Reboot the Future, to discuss the theme of naïvety.


In this episode we explore questions around metrics of success, and how naivety plays an important role in bringing creativity, openness, relationship and curiosity to challenges we face. From its etymological roots of belonging to nature and innateness, to its modern association with foolishness - join us as we weave through questions around fear of failure, elderhood, reframing biases and celebrating our own unique ‘genius’. 


During this episode, we mention:



Sending lots of love and a big hug to Rachel who is currently off with the flu - hopefully she'll be back with us next week!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[What does it mean to 'trust our gut'?]]> Fri, 17 Oct 2025 08:00:00 GMT 1:02:53 68ef90f251a2f46134b2ef2c false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/68ef90f251a2f46134b2ef2c 68ef90f251a2f46134b2ef2c 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 4 7 Having a 'gut feeling' about something is perhaps a familiar sensation to many, but what does this actually mean? When we 'trust our gut' what is it that we're listening to? And how are intuition and gut feeling connected?


In this episode we dive deep into the 'wider senses' of the human body and think about what sort of additional intelligence we can be drawing on in our daily lives. Gut instinct is a primal element in all of us, but can become quite 'rusty' or dormant when not used - just like any other sense. What is energising is how there are many things we can do to re-awaken our sense of being intuitive and start to welcome in a wider form of intelligence. We look at many elements of both why it might be dormant in many of us, what we can do to re-liven our senses and what exactly might be happening when we tap into a deeper form of consciousness.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Having a 'gut feeling' about something is perhaps a familiar sensation to many, but what does this actually mean? When we 'trust our gut' what is it that we're listening to? And how are intuition and gut feeling connected?


In this episode we dive deep into the 'wider senses' of the human body and think about what sort of additional intelligence we can be drawing on in our daily lives. Gut instinct is a primal element in all of us, but can become quite 'rusty' or dormant when not used - just like any other sense. What is energising is how there are many things we can do to re-awaken our sense of being intuitive and start to welcome in a wider form of intelligence. We look at many elements of both why it might be dormant in many of us, what we can do to re-liven our senses and what exactly might be happening when we tap into a deeper form of consciousness.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> How do we heal our broken world? How do we heal our broken world? Fri, 10 Oct 2025 07:37:28 GMT 1:06:31 68e78d69f513ad2b818478a6 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/68e78d69f513ad2b818478a6 68e78d69f513ad2b818478a6 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 4 6 A painful truth in our current cultures is how much we are all struggling with our mental and emotional wellbeing. This is especially true in young people who are facing an increasing amount of overwhelm in their lives in this VUCA* world (*volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous). And yet the ways of suffering and the ways of wellbeing are actually two sides of the same coin...


Holly and Rachel are just back from Europe's largest trauma, mental health and wellbeing conference hosted at Oxford University, under the title 'Healing our relational world'. Bringing together over 3000 educators, therapists, mental health practitioners and healers with world-renowned trauma and emotional health experts, the conference was an extraordinarily rich and deep insight and exploration of how to heal our connection with ourselves, each other and the wider world.


In this episode we dive deeply into some of the 'brokenness' of our world (our inner and outer worlds) bringing in our own decade of research along with learnings from the conference. We look at some of the patterns in human behaviours that connect all of these elements of brokenness to better understand how to notice them and how to heal. We explore the impact of early attachment on shaping our relationships and the profound ways of healing in ourselves, our communities and with the planet. We touch on how the ways to respond to the symptoms and root causes of disconnection are the same and explore the foundational routes to healing.


In this episode we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> A painful truth in our current cultures is how much we are all struggling with our mental and emotional wellbeing. This is especially true in young people who are facing an increasing amount of overwhelm in their lives in this VUCA* world (*volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous). And yet the ways of suffering and the ways of wellbeing are actually two sides of the same coin...


Holly and Rachel are just back from Europe's largest trauma, mental health and wellbeing conference hosted at Oxford University, under the title 'Healing our relational world'. Bringing together over 3000 educators, therapists, mental health practitioners and healers with world-renowned trauma and emotional health experts, the conference was an extraordinarily rich and deep insight and exploration of how to heal our connection with ourselves, each other and the wider world.


In this episode we dive deeply into some of the 'brokenness' of our world (our inner and outer worlds) bringing in our own decade of research along with learnings from the conference. We look at some of the patterns in human behaviours that connect all of these elements of brokenness to better understand how to notice them and how to heal. We explore the impact of early attachment on shaping our relationships and the profound ways of healing in ourselves, our communities and with the planet. We touch on how the ways to respond to the symptoms and root causes of disconnection are the same and explore the foundational routes to healing.


In this episode we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> How do we heal our broken world? (introduction) How do we heal our broken world? (introduction) Fri, 03 Oct 2025 06:16:54 GMT 22:49 68de46ea6d92c33f9c298f3a false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/68de46ea6d92c33f9c298f3a 68de46ea6d92c33f9c298f3a 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 Two Inconvenient Women LIVE in Oxford! full 4 5 This week, Holly and Rachel are 'on-tour' for the podcast, which was recorded live from underneath a fig tree in a beautiful quad at Exeter College in Oxford. The (slightly shorter this week) recording took place one lunchtime mid-way through Europe's largest trauma, mental health and wellbeing conference hosted at Oxford University, under the title 'Healing our relational world'. Bringing together over 3000 educators, therapists, mental health practitioners and healers with world-renowned trauma and emotional health experts, the conference was an extraordinarily rich and deep insight and exploration of how to heal our connection with ourselves, each other and the wider world.


In this short episode we touch on some of the live inquiries that we're both engaged with, think about some of the provocations and illuminations that are being shared about emotional health and wellbeing and dig into some of the tricky issues we're grappling with. This podcast serves as an introduction to some of the bigger inquiries we'll be diving into next week when back home.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week, Holly and Rachel are 'on-tour' for the podcast, which was recorded live from underneath a fig tree in a beautiful quad at Exeter College in Oxford. The (slightly shorter this week) recording took place one lunchtime mid-way through Europe's largest trauma, mental health and wellbeing conference hosted at Oxford University, under the title 'Healing our relational world'. Bringing together over 3000 educators, therapists, mental health practitioners and healers with world-renowned trauma and emotional health experts, the conference was an extraordinarily rich and deep insight and exploration of how to heal our connection with ourselves, each other and the wider world.


In this short episode we touch on some of the live inquiries that we're both engaged with, think about some of the provocations and illuminations that are being shared about emotional health and wellbeing and dig into some of the tricky issues we're grappling with. This podcast serves as an introduction to some of the bigger inquiries we'll be diving into next week when back home.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Why are we more fixated on capturing life than living it? Why are we more fixated on capturing life than living it? Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMT 1:08:27 68d56010136216b12f376db4 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/68d56010136216b12f376db4 68d56010136216b12f376db4 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 4 4 In many societies across the world, we find a dominant habit of record keeping as part of the daily focus. Paperwork, recording, data-capture, spreadsheets, documentation and report-writing have become a staple of many organisations across the world; whilst our education systems and business models are firmly structured around ‘capturing data’ - oftentimes valuing this data above all else.

We can see this same pattern playing out in our social lives, with a fixation on capturing and sharing our life experiences via smartphones and through social media often infiltrating our enjoyment and engagement of simply being in the moment. But what happens when the capturing of life becomes more important than the living of it?


In this week’s episode of Two Inconvenient Women, Holly Everett and I explore the different ways that our cultures are encouraging an shift away from ‘living’ and experiencing life towards a fixation on reporting on it. We explore questions such as ‘When did the record of what we’re doing become more important than what we’re doing?’ ‘What is it that we’re trying to do with our obsession with capturing and recording?’ ‘Are we starting to rely – even trust – data more than our own lived experience?’


In this episode we reference the following:

·      Photography Life – When the photographer doesn’t shoot (article)

·      Engaging Iain McGilchrist: Ascetical practice, brain lateralization, and philosophy of mind (article)

·      How do you know? Psychology Today (article)

·      Bad Data - Peter Schryvers (book)

·      The Master and his Emissary – Ian McGilchrist (book)

·      RSA animation: The Divided Brain (video)

·      Alan Watts – Be Here Now (articles & podcast series)

·      Your Three brains – Centre for Health & Wellbeing (article)

·      Ofsted – Office for Standards in Education, UK (website)

·      “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid” - Albert Einstein (image)

·      The Blanchard bone (website) 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In many societies across the world, we find a dominant habit of record keeping as part of the daily focus. Paperwork, recording, data-capture, spreadsheets, documentation and report-writing have become a staple of many organisations across the world; whilst our education systems and business models are firmly structured around ‘capturing data’ - oftentimes valuing this data above all else.

We can see this same pattern playing out in our social lives, with a fixation on capturing and sharing our life experiences via smartphones and through social media often infiltrating our enjoyment and engagement of simply being in the moment. But what happens when the capturing of life becomes more important than the living of it?


In this week’s episode of Two Inconvenient Women, Holly Everett and I explore the different ways that our cultures are encouraging an shift away from ‘living’ and experiencing life towards a fixation on reporting on it. We explore questions such as ‘When did the record of what we’re doing become more important than what we’re doing?’ ‘What is it that we’re trying to do with our obsession with capturing and recording?’ ‘Are we starting to rely – even trust – data more than our own lived experience?’


In this episode we reference the following:

·      Photography Life – When the photographer doesn’t shoot (article)

·      Engaging Iain McGilchrist: Ascetical practice, brain lateralization, and philosophy of mind (article)

·      How do you know? Psychology Today (article)

·      Bad Data - Peter Schryvers (book)

·      The Master and his Emissary – Ian McGilchrist (book)

·      RSA animation: The Divided Brain (video)

·      Alan Watts – Be Here Now (articles & podcast series)

·      Your Three brains – Centre for Health & Wellbeing (article)

·      Ofsted – Office for Standards in Education, UK (website)

·      “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid” - Albert Einstein (image)

·      The Blanchard bone (website) 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> How do we navigate cognitive dissonance in this crazy-beautiful world? How do we navigate cognitive dissonance in this crazy-beautiful world? Fri, 19 Sep 2025 07:30:00 GMT 57:05 68cbd608d8e2a59e399c411e false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/68cbd608d8e2a59e399c411e 68cbd608d8e2a59e399c411e 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 4 3 “There's laundry to do and a genocide to stop…”


This first line of a short poem by Vinay Krishan hits hard, not least because it captures so powerfully the complex and confusing state we are finding ourselves in. How to we navigate the day to day process of living in the midst of so many overwhelming crisis all around us? How can we make sense of actions and unfoldings that literally cannot make sense? How do we stay sane in a world that feels like it’s falling apart?


In this week’s episode we explore the notion of cognitive dissonance and how to navigate the endless contradictions, hypocrisies and complexities of our current world. We explore what it means to ‘live through collapse’, why so many of our systems are falling apart; how we can sustain our own sense of groundedness and vitality and what it means to practice active hope and turn towards the light.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> “There's laundry to do and a genocide to stop…”


This first line of a short poem by Vinay Krishan hits hard, not least because it captures so powerfully the complex and confusing state we are finding ourselves in. How to we navigate the day to day process of living in the midst of so many overwhelming crisis all around us? How can we make sense of actions and unfoldings that literally cannot make sense? How do we stay sane in a world that feels like it’s falling apart?


In this week’s episode we explore the notion of cognitive dissonance and how to navigate the endless contradictions, hypocrisies and complexities of our current world. We explore what it means to ‘live through collapse’, why so many of our systems are falling apart; how we can sustain our own sense of groundedness and vitality and what it means to practice active hope and turn towards the light.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Do we really want to go back to work? Do we really want to go back to work? Fri, 12 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMT 1:03:31 68c2e3591f1b04aa3257eafd false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/68c2e3591f1b04aa3257eafd 68c2e3591f1b04aa3257eafd 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 4 2 This time of year often beckons us to go "back to work". For some it's the beginning of a new academic year. For others it's a return to work after an extended holiday or summer break. For others it's the time to begin a new cycle. But do we really want to be 'going back' and do we really want to be 'working' for a living?


In this week's podcast we inquire about the nature of work, and think about why so many of our lives have become centred around work - in particular 'going to work' - rather than about nurturing livelihood. We explore some of the significant shifts in our human evolution that led to this way of living; think about what it means to match purpose and passion with contributing to the larger whole; explore some of the limitations of life's focus being about contributing to the market economy and question the meaning of success.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This time of year often beckons us to go "back to work". For some it's the beginning of a new academic year. For others it's a return to work after an extended holiday or summer break. For others it's the time to begin a new cycle. But do we really want to be 'going back' and do we really want to be 'working' for a living?


In this week's podcast we inquire about the nature of work, and think about why so many of our lives have become centred around work - in particular 'going to work' - rather than about nurturing livelihood. We explore some of the significant shifts in our human evolution that led to this way of living; think about what it means to match purpose and passion with contributing to the larger whole; explore some of the limitations of life's focus being about contributing to the market economy and question the meaning of success.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Why are flags so controversial? Why are flags so controversial? Fri, 05 Sep 2025 08:00:00 GMT 1:01:46 68b98c7145004e42c962c635 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/68b98c7145004e42c962c635 68b98c7145004e42c962c635 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 4 1 What is national pride all about and where does it stem from? Following a recent surge in the flying of the Union flag and St George's flag in parts of England this episode dives deeply into the meaning of national pride, the complexities and emotions it stirs up and the painful histories involved in the creation of nation states. From exploring a brief potted history of countries and colonialism to diving into some of the inherent human behaviours that stem from a need to belong, this episode is a chance to explore some of the behaviours, controversies and complexities that accompany flags and how we can move through some of these current challenges with a deeper sense of connection.


In this episode we mention the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What is national pride all about and where does it stem from? Following a recent surge in the flying of the Union flag and St George's flag in parts of England this episode dives deeply into the meaning of national pride, the complexities and emotions it stirs up and the painful histories involved in the creation of nation states. From exploring a brief potted history of countries and colonialism to diving into some of the inherent human behaviours that stem from a need to belong, this episode is a chance to explore some of the behaviours, controversies and complexities that accompany flags and how we can move through some of these current challenges with a deeper sense of connection.


In this episode we mention the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[ON NEW BEGINNINGS: Rachel shares a poem by John O'Donohue]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT 5:27 68aeeba3e09d6b0865ba5812 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/68aeeba3e09d6b0865ba5812 68aeeba3e09d6b0865ba5812 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 bonus A new season is upon many of us at this time of year. Summer shifting into Autumn, the beginning of a new school year, a new work cycle. Maybe just returning to work after a rest. In all of the excitement of 'beginning again' there often comes also a slight pause within us all, asking us "Am I wanting to keep doing this? Is this allowing me to be all I want to be?"

This week, Rachel shares a poem from John O'Donohue called 'For a New Beginning' inviting us to listen to that quiet voice deep within us. We look forward to being back together for Season 4 of Two Inconvenient Women next week.


For a New Beginning

by John O'Donohue


In out-of-the-way places of the heart,

Where your thoughts never think to wander,

This beginning has been quietly forming,

Waiting until you were ready to emerge.


For a long time it has watched your desire,

Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,

Noticing how you willed yourself on,

Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.


It watched you play with the seduction of safety

And the gray promises that sameness whispered,

Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,

Wondered would you always live like this.


Then the delight, when your courage kindled,

And out you stepped onto new ground,

Your eyes young again with energy and dream,

A path of plenitude opening before you.


Though your destination is not yet clear

You can trust the promise of this opening;

Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning

That is at one with your life's desire.


Awaken your spirit to adventure;

Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;

Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,

For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> A new season is upon many of us at this time of year. Summer shifting into Autumn, the beginning of a new school year, a new work cycle. Maybe just returning to work after a rest. In all of the excitement of 'beginning again' there often comes also a slight pause within us all, asking us "Am I wanting to keep doing this? Is this allowing me to be all I want to be?"

This week, Rachel shares a poem from John O'Donohue called 'For a New Beginning' inviting us to listen to that quiet voice deep within us. We look forward to being back together for Season 4 of Two Inconvenient Women next week.


For a New Beginning

by John O'Donohue


In out-of-the-way places of the heart,

Where your thoughts never think to wander,

This beginning has been quietly forming,

Waiting until you were ready to emerge.


For a long time it has watched your desire,

Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,

Noticing how you willed yourself on,

Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.


It watched you play with the seduction of safety

And the gray promises that sameness whispered,

Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,

Wondered would you always live like this.


Then the delight, when your courage kindled,

And out you stepped onto new ground,

Your eyes young again with energy and dream,

A path of plenitude opening before you.


Though your destination is not yet clear

You can trust the promise of this opening;

Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning

That is at one with your life's desire.


Awaken your spirit to adventure;

Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;

Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,

For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> WELLBEING SERIES: Reflecting back on the inconvenience of environmental wellbeing WELLBEING SERIES: Reflecting back on the inconvenience of environmental wellbeing Fri, 22 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT 5:08 68a5b2f47339ce61db2368de false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/68a5b2f47339ce61db2368de 68a5b2f47339ce61db2368de 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 Sharing some of the highlights from the past three seasons bonus Our August break continues here at ThoughtBox, so this week we're sharing a short collection of previous episodes where we dive into the nuance of environmental wellbeing and what it means to learn to care for our planet. Some of the highlights from our past three seasons are this mini-series are below:



If you'd like to join us for any of the Triple WellBeing opportunities mentioned in the podcast, you can find more information at:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Our August break continues here at ThoughtBox, so this week we're sharing a short collection of previous episodes where we dive into the nuance of environmental wellbeing and what it means to learn to care for our planet. Some of the highlights from our past three seasons are this mini-series are below:



If you'd like to join us for any of the Triple WellBeing opportunities mentioned in the podcast, you can find more information at:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> WELLBEING SERIES: Reflecting back on the inconvenience of social wellbeing WELLBEING SERIES: Reflecting back on the inconvenience of social wellbeing Fri, 15 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT 6:03 689da40d290bdec8f9089ec6 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/689da40d290bdec8f9089ec6 689da40d290bdec8f9089ec6 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 Sharing some of the highlights from the past three seasons bonus Our August break continues here at ThoughtBox, so this week we're sharing a short collection of previous episodes where we dive into the nuance of social wellbeing and what it means to learn to care fully for our communities, both local and global. Holly also shares a poem by Rosemary Wahtola Trommer called 'Belonging'.


Some of the highlights from our past three seasons are this mini-series are below:



If you'd like to join us for any of the Triple WellBeing opportunities mentioned in the podcast, you can find more information at:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Our August break continues here at ThoughtBox, so this week we're sharing a short collection of previous episodes where we dive into the nuance of social wellbeing and what it means to learn to care fully for our communities, both local and global. Holly also shares a poem by Rosemary Wahtola Trommer called 'Belonging'.


Some of the highlights from our past three seasons are this mini-series are below:



If you'd like to join us for any of the Triple WellBeing opportunities mentioned in the podcast, you can find more information at:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> WELLBEING SERIES: Reflecting back on the inconvenience of personal wellbeing WELLBEING SERIES: Reflecting back on the inconvenience of personal wellbeing Fri, 08 Aug 2025 09:47:37 GMT 7:37 6895c7b97f93fda8b22ead2f false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6895c7b97f93fda8b22ead2f 6895c7b97f93fda8b22ead2f 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 Sharing some of the highlights from the past three seasons bonus This August, we're taking a break here at ThoughtBox, so we're sharing a collection of previous episodes where we dive into the nuance of personal wellbeing and what it means to learn to care fully for ourselves. In this mini episode, Holly shares a poem on the theme of personal wellbeing, and introduces some of the highlights from our past three seasons, which make up this week's mini series:



If you'd like to join us for any of the Triple WellBeing opportunities mentioned in the podcast, you can find more information at:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This August, we're taking a break here at ThoughtBox, so we're sharing a collection of previous episodes where we dive into the nuance of personal wellbeing and what it means to learn to care fully for ourselves. In this mini episode, Holly shares a poem on the theme of personal wellbeing, and introduces some of the highlights from our past three seasons, which make up this week's mini series:



If you'd like to join us for any of the Triple WellBeing opportunities mentioned in the podcast, you can find more information at:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of earth-care Exploring the inconvenience of earth-care Fri, 01 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT 59:44 688b7799811827610947395e false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/688b7799811827610947395e 688b7799811827610947395e 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 What happens when we allow ourselves to fall back in love with the world? full 3 12 What happens when we allow ourselves to fall back in love with the world?


For many people it may feel obvious why we need to protect the earth and prevent run-away climate change and species extinction. Yet it may not be so clear as to how changing our relationship with the natural world is just as pressing – if not more so – than any environmental activism. When we take time to notice how incredible the natural world is, to understand and witness how the thriving of nature enables the thriving of ourselves, our appreciation of the importance of earth-care naturally grows. It’s hard to ‘stop and smell the roses’ in a culture that continues to celebrate ‘doing’ over ‘being’ and being in domination over nature, rather than being in relationship with nature. And yet when we start to see ourselves as part of nature, and allow ourselves to feel genuine connection with the more than human world, everything changes.


In this episode we talk about the inconvenience of earth-care and what it means to rewild ourselves, regenerate our thinking and reconnect with the whole of life.


We reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What happens when we allow ourselves to fall back in love with the world?


For many people it may feel obvious why we need to protect the earth and prevent run-away climate change and species extinction. Yet it may not be so clear as to how changing our relationship with the natural world is just as pressing – if not more so – than any environmental activism. When we take time to notice how incredible the natural world is, to understand and witness how the thriving of nature enables the thriving of ourselves, our appreciation of the importance of earth-care naturally grows. It’s hard to ‘stop and smell the roses’ in a culture that continues to celebrate ‘doing’ over ‘being’ and being in domination over nature, rather than being in relationship with nature. And yet when we start to see ourselves as part of nature, and allow ourselves to feel genuine connection with the more than human world, everything changes.


In this episode we talk about the inconvenience of earth-care and what it means to rewild ourselves, regenerate our thinking and reconnect with the whole of life.


We reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of people-care Exploring the inconvenience of people-care Fri, 25 Jul 2025 08:09:00 GMT 1:01:33 688262b72a38d6f5cb58483a false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/688262b72a38d6f5cb58483a 688262b72a38d6f5cb58483a 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 What can happen when we look for our common humanity? full 3 11 Humans are a social species by design, with an inbuilt need to be with others, whilst qualities of care and kindness are innate in us all. Many of us are, however, living in a hyper-individualised world which encourages us to 'other' and separate from our communities, creating a culture of segregation and loneliness. In response, tides are turning across the world, as more and more people choose to look beyond the mainstream media stories and start instead to connect with our common humanity. We cannot be human alone - and it is our differences which make us so fascinating, and our diversity which allows our societies to flourish. And so what does it look like to live a life of care for others, and why is this in fact deeply good for us too?


In this week's episode, we explore the inconvenience of 'people-care', and the importance of nurturing caring and healthy communities in our lives - both near and far. We explore our connection to the behaviours of chimpanzees and bonobos; think about how to hold a deep legacy of colonialism within many cultures and reflect on some of the ways that acts of care for others can generate a deep sense of growth, healing and connection with ourselves.


In this conversation we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Humans are a social species by design, with an inbuilt need to be with others, whilst qualities of care and kindness are innate in us all. Many of us are, however, living in a hyper-individualised world which encourages us to 'other' and separate from our communities, creating a culture of segregation and loneliness. In response, tides are turning across the world, as more and more people choose to look beyond the mainstream media stories and start instead to connect with our common humanity. We cannot be human alone - and it is our differences which make us so fascinating, and our diversity which allows our societies to flourish. And so what does it look like to live a life of care for others, and why is this in fact deeply good for us too?


In this week's episode, we explore the inconvenience of 'people-care', and the importance of nurturing caring and healthy communities in our lives - both near and far. We explore our connection to the behaviours of chimpanzees and bonobos; think about how to hold a deep legacy of colonialism within many cultures and reflect on some of the ways that acts of care for others can generate a deep sense of growth, healing and connection with ourselves.


In this conversation we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of self-care Exploring the inconvenience of self-care Fri, 18 Jul 2025 08:35:58 GMT 57:21 6878db53b93bd5454dbb438d false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6878db53b93bd5454dbb438d 6878db53b93bd5454dbb438d 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 What if self-care was actually a selfless act? full 3 10 Self-care gets a bad wrap. It's often at the very bottom of our agenda, seen sometimes as self-indulgent - selfish even. And yet being aware of ourselves, being present in our emotions and actions, being kind and caring to our own needs is far from selfish. When we tend to our selves - the analogy of the 'oxygen mask first' we are able to better support others, as we are more resourced and resilient to do so. The growing appreciation for us to look after our personal wellbeing is growing - and is now becoming a conscious part of educational spaces - and yet too often it sits as an add-on or 'bonus' element of how we live and learn together. So how can we learn to embed habits and practices of self-care into our daily rhythms in a culture fixated on more, more, more?


In this week's episode, we dive into the depths of personal wellbeing and acts of self-care, exploring what it means to drink deeply from the 'well of our being' and how we can bring self-care to the top of the agenda.


In this episode we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Self-care gets a bad wrap. It's often at the very bottom of our agenda, seen sometimes as self-indulgent - selfish even. And yet being aware of ourselves, being present in our emotions and actions, being kind and caring to our own needs is far from selfish. When we tend to our selves - the analogy of the 'oxygen mask first' we are able to better support others, as we are more resourced and resilient to do so. The growing appreciation for us to look after our personal wellbeing is growing - and is now becoming a conscious part of educational spaces - and yet too often it sits as an add-on or 'bonus' element of how we live and learn together. So how can we learn to embed habits and practices of self-care into our daily rhythms in a culture fixated on more, more, more?


In this week's episode, we dive into the depths of personal wellbeing and acts of self-care, exploring what it means to drink deeply from the 'well of our being' and how we can bring self-care to the top of the agenda.


In this episode we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Exploring the inconvenience of head, heart & hands ]]> Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:08:33 GMT 59:48 6870d495ea74e132fbcf7519 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6870d495ea74e132fbcf7519 6870d495ea74e132fbcf7519 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 What if we were allowed to learn with the whole of our being? full 3 9 For reasons known and written about by many, there's been a shift over time which has enabled 'learning' within educational contexts to be mainly focused on the head and often ignoring the heart or the hands. With a knowledge-saturated curriculum and a mainstream structure built around sitting down at desks and absorbing information, we're recognising the absence of a holistic focus for many of the learning contexts around the world. Which is ironic and unhealthy, for all of us as humans learn best when we are engaging all of our senses, all of our being as it were.


Head, Heart and Hands is a handily alliterative phrase coined to refer to a more holistic style of learning, and a way to enable a pedagogy of connection to our whole self. So why don't we bring more of this into our lives and learning spaces? In this week's episode, Holly and Rachel dive into the nourishing feeling of head, heart, hands learning, exploring where opportunities for this sort of connection to life are already happening and how we can embed a more holistic approach to learning across our communities.


We reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> For reasons known and written about by many, there's been a shift over time which has enabled 'learning' within educational contexts to be mainly focused on the head and often ignoring the heart or the hands. With a knowledge-saturated curriculum and a mainstream structure built around sitting down at desks and absorbing information, we're recognising the absence of a holistic focus for many of the learning contexts around the world. Which is ironic and unhealthy, for all of us as humans learn best when we are engaging all of our senses, all of our being as it were.


Head, Heart and Hands is a handily alliterative phrase coined to refer to a more holistic style of learning, and a way to enable a pedagogy of connection to our whole self. So why don't we bring more of this into our lives and learning spaces? In this week's episode, Holly and Rachel dive into the nourishing feeling of head, heart, hands learning, exploring where opportunities for this sort of connection to life are already happening and how we can embed a more holistic approach to learning across our communities.


We reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> A throwback to the inconvenience of rest A throwback to the inconvenience of rest Fri, 04 Jul 2025 07:00:00 GMT 58:11 6863f4587aba8e54f87b2ec2 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6863f4587aba8e54f87b2ec2 6863f4587aba8e54f87b2ec2 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full In a world that glorifies busyness, rest can feel inconvenient—even rebellious. But what happens when we stop doing and simply allow ourselves to be? This episode explores rest as resistance against the belief that worth is tied to productivity. What happens when we slow down? Who benefits when we pause? And how might reclaiming rest help us build a healthier, more human way of living? This week's conversation is all about slowing down and redefining what it means to be a 'human being' rather than a 'human doing'.


In this episode, we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In a world that glorifies busyness, rest can feel inconvenient—even rebellious. But what happens when we stop doing and simply allow ourselves to be? This episode explores rest as resistance against the belief that worth is tied to productivity. What happens when we slow down? Who benefits when we pause? And how might reclaiming rest help us build a healthier, more human way of living? This week's conversation is all about slowing down and redefining what it means to be a 'human being' rather than a 'human doing'.


In this episode, we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of joy Exploring the inconvenience of joy Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:00:00 GMT 59:39 685d40884a2d8b8b5165beab false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/685d40884a2d8b8b5165beab 685d40884a2d8b8b5165beab 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 What happens when joy becomes a daily practice? full 3 8 The Inconvenience of Joy


“I will never apologise for embracing joy and beauty - even when the world is falling apart – for joy and beauty are the fuel for my activism”. 


These words by Karen Walrond are one of the inspirations for this week’s conversation on 'Joy', exploring how cultivating joy is both a way to resource ourselves and build the resilience needed to meet the challenges of our world. Joy is often seen as being the same thing as happiness, and yet these two emotions are profoundly different; one coming from external sources, one being cultivated from within. It is not a surprise that the practice of joy is embedded into all world religions as it can become a deeply spiritual practice – as well as a beautifully infectious state to find ourselves in.


In this week's conversation we dive into the meaning of joy, how it shows up in our lives; how activists across history have cultivated joy in their lives and work and what happens when we learn to practice joy as part of our daily rhythms.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Inconvenience of Joy


“I will never apologise for embracing joy and beauty - even when the world is falling apart – for joy and beauty are the fuel for my activism”. 


These words by Karen Walrond are one of the inspirations for this week’s conversation on 'Joy', exploring how cultivating joy is both a way to resource ourselves and build the resilience needed to meet the challenges of our world. Joy is often seen as being the same thing as happiness, and yet these two emotions are profoundly different; one coming from external sources, one being cultivated from within. It is not a surprise that the practice of joy is embedded into all world religions as it can become a deeply spiritual practice – as well as a beautifully infectious state to find ourselves in.


In this week's conversation we dive into the meaning of joy, how it shows up in our lives; how activists across history have cultivated joy in their lives and work and what happens when we learn to practice joy as part of our daily rhythms.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of our humanity Exploring the inconvenience of our humanity Fri, 20 Jun 2025 08:02:10 GMT 1:09:47 685424310bed216db7c196f1 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/685424310bed216db7c196f1 685424310bed216db7c196f1 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 What if we choose to see the connections first? full 3 7 The world is feeling a very broken place right now, with all that is erupting out of the Middle East, and with continued suffering across the world. When we do engage in conversations about what is happening, we often find ourselves sidetracked into the dance of moral outrage and the opportunity for a conversation is lost. And yet simple human connection sits at the heart of all that we're yearning for - each of us carrying the innate need to be seen, to be heard and to belong. So what happens when we offer to meet those needs in others, simply by noticing their shared humanity?


This week's conversation is raw, personal, honest and deeply human. With no apology. For we don't need to hide our humanity to be professional. In fact, that is perhaps the reason why so many of our institutions have become so inhumane and it also holds an invitation for how we can each start to re-humanise the landscapes we are part of.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The world is feeling a very broken place right now, with all that is erupting out of the Middle East, and with continued suffering across the world. When we do engage in conversations about what is happening, we often find ourselves sidetracked into the dance of moral outrage and the opportunity for a conversation is lost. And yet simple human connection sits at the heart of all that we're yearning for - each of us carrying the innate need to be seen, to be heard and to belong. So what happens when we offer to meet those needs in others, simply by noticing their shared humanity?


This week's conversation is raw, personal, honest and deeply human. With no apology. For we don't need to hide our humanity to be professional. In fact, that is perhaps the reason why so many of our institutions have become so inhumane and it also holds an invitation for how we can each start to re-humanise the landscapes we are part of.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of change Exploring the inconvenience of change Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:30:50 GMT 1:02:33 684b5e2a7631e3569e0aff87 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/684b5e2a7631e3569e0aff87 684b5e2a7631e3569e0aff87 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 3 6 We talk a lot about change but living through it is something else entirely. Change is the only constant, and yet change can feel deeply uncomfortable - fearful at times - and not necessarily something that many of us openly embrace. In a world constantly talking about the need for change, systems-change and changemakers, there is a deep energy of possibility in this invitation - and a deep necessity when we realise that the current context is making us unwell - and yet which is the direction of change to follow?


In this week's episode we reflect on the messy, non-linear and often uncomfortable nature of personal and systemic change. Whether that's the changing nature of relationships or the constantly shifting and changing climate; changes in culture and society to systems change and changes in our brains and bodies, we dive deep into the different ways we can embrace the uncertainty of change and find a more easeful relationship with a world in constant shift.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We talk a lot about change but living through it is something else entirely. Change is the only constant, and yet change can feel deeply uncomfortable - fearful at times - and not necessarily something that many of us openly embrace. In a world constantly talking about the need for change, systems-change and changemakers, there is a deep energy of possibility in this invitation - and a deep necessity when we realise that the current context is making us unwell - and yet which is the direction of change to follow?


In this week's episode we reflect on the messy, non-linear and often uncomfortable nature of personal and systemic change. Whether that's the changing nature of relationships or the constantly shifting and changing climate; changes in culture and society to systems change and changes in our brains and bodies, we dive deep into the different ways we can embrace the uncertainty of change and find a more easeful relationship with a world in constant shift.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of listening Exploring the inconvenience of listening Fri, 06 Jun 2025 09:11:34 GMT 1:01:03 6841abfcb059c9b97895c39e false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6841abfcb059c9b97895c39e 6841abfcb059c9b97895c39e 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 Why is being listened to by someone so potent? full 3 5 We've all probably experienced the feeling at some point in our lives where we're talking to someone and know that they are just pretending to listen. The feeling of disconnect that this creates within us may be subtle but it's felt. Listening is a gift - when we give our full attention, we are in presence and attentive to anything that may emerge. And yet, in many of our modern cultures, the art of listening is a dying act whilst silence is endangered species. Learning to listen to ourselves, to each other and to the wider world is a practice we can all inhabit and a hugely rich and deep way of forming seen and unseen connections with ourselves and the world.


In this week's podcast, we talk about the inconvenience of listening, what it means to truly listen; why listening is so hard and what happens on a cellular level when we gift another person our full attention.


In this conversation we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We've all probably experienced the feeling at some point in our lives where we're talking to someone and know that they are just pretending to listen. The feeling of disconnect that this creates within us may be subtle but it's felt. Listening is a gift - when we give our full attention, we are in presence and attentive to anything that may emerge. And yet, in many of our modern cultures, the art of listening is a dying act whilst silence is endangered species. Learning to listen to ourselves, to each other and to the wider world is a practice we can all inhabit and a hugely rich and deep way of forming seen and unseen connections with ourselves and the world.


In this week's podcast, we talk about the inconvenience of listening, what it means to truly listen; why listening is so hard and what happens on a cellular level when we gift another person our full attention.


In this conversation we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[SPECIAL EPISODE: A throwback to why be "inconvenient"?]]> Fri, 30 May 2025 09:00:00 GMT 55:18 682ef9fd10ca442d5f1dc9ff false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/682ef9fd10ca442d5f1dc9ff 682ef9fd10ca442d5f1dc9ff 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 3

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of trees Exploring the inconvenience of trees Fri, 23 May 2025 08:09:00 GMT 1:00:22 682eefb2a727397bf12b29e3 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/682eefb2a727397bf12b29e3 682eefb2a727397bf12b29e3 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 What can trees teach us about relationships? full 3 4 If you ask a child to draw a tree, most likely it will be a green circle plopped on top of a brown vertical oblong (with a lot more artistic flavour involved, obviously). Similarly, when most people think of trees, we tend to think of them from the trunk up. But the reality is that there’s as much tree ‘below ground’ as there is above.


As well as supporting us to breathe, trees play a huge significance in our lives and in maintaining and supporting the health and wellbeing of ecosystems. Did you know that trees secretly talk to each other, supported by mycelium in the soil which forms an invisible mycorrhizal network in the soil. And that is only the beginning of research emerging into the secret lives of trees and all they have to teach us about supporting the health and wellbeing of our community. And yet our relationship with trees is one of great contradiction - seeing trees as a commodity as well as something to revere and protect.


This week, we're exploring the inconvenience of trees, thinking about what we can learn from trees and how can we bring some of this invisible wisdom into our lives and communities. In this episode, we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> If you ask a child to draw a tree, most likely it will be a green circle plopped on top of a brown vertical oblong (with a lot more artistic flavour involved, obviously). Similarly, when most people think of trees, we tend to think of them from the trunk up. But the reality is that there’s as much tree ‘below ground’ as there is above.


As well as supporting us to breathe, trees play a huge significance in our lives and in maintaining and supporting the health and wellbeing of ecosystems. Did you know that trees secretly talk to each other, supported by mycelium in the soil which forms an invisible mycorrhizal network in the soil. And that is only the beginning of research emerging into the secret lives of trees and all they have to teach us about supporting the health and wellbeing of our community. And yet our relationship with trees is one of great contradiction - seeing trees as a commodity as well as something to revere and protect.


This week, we're exploring the inconvenience of trees, thinking about what we can learn from trees and how can we bring some of this invisible wisdom into our lives and communities. In this episode, we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of leadership Exploring the inconvenience of leadership Fri, 16 May 2025 09:01:04 GMT 1:02:46 6825f4a3e8a66fad6d8a7e04 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6825f4a3e8a66fad6d8a7e04 6825f4a3e8a66fad6d8a7e04 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 3 3 What does it mean to lead when you don’t know where you’re going? Now, more than ever, the future feels very uncertain – foggy even, and the role of leadership needs to transform to meet the fog. Too often, traditional leadership roles are modelled around a hierarchy based on outcome and – to a large degree – certainty. So what happens when we return to the roots of the meaning of the word ‘leadership’ and look to nature for guidance on how to be resilient and resourced for the future? 


In this week's episode, we reflect on the invisible work, relational depth and regenerative rhythms of leadership that often go unrecognised in a world hooked on outcomes. We dive into what a nature-led leadership looks like, learning from the deep wisdom and experience of the wider natural world. We explore leadership as a journey of care rather than control, shaped not by hierarchy, but by trust, relationality and the courage to journey upstream towards a healthier future for people and planet.


We reference the following during the conversation:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What does it mean to lead when you don’t know where you’re going? Now, more than ever, the future feels very uncertain – foggy even, and the role of leadership needs to transform to meet the fog. Too often, traditional leadership roles are modelled around a hierarchy based on outcome and – to a large degree – certainty. So what happens when we return to the roots of the meaning of the word ‘leadership’ and look to nature for guidance on how to be resilient and resourced for the future? 


In this week's episode, we reflect on the invisible work, relational depth and regenerative rhythms of leadership that often go unrecognised in a world hooked on outcomes. We dive into what a nature-led leadership looks like, learning from the deep wisdom and experience of the wider natural world. We explore leadership as a journey of care rather than control, shaped not by hierarchy, but by trust, relationality and the courage to journey upstream towards a healthier future for people and planet.


We reference the following during the conversation:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of time Exploring the inconvenience of time Fri, 09 May 2025 08:00:00 GMT 57:33 681cecd25acb8b715f28210c false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/681cecd25acb8b715f28210c 681cecd25acb8b715f28210c 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 What if slowing down was the most urgent thing we could do? full 3 2 In many parts of the world, people find themselves trapped in cycles of business. Our lives are full to the brim and we're finding ourselves endlessly busy - suffering from an epidemic of time poverty. We have more time-saving devices than ever, but what happens to all of that time we save? There is no giant clock in the universe, and yet so many of us shape our lives around time - a concept that is an agreement, not a law. How much is time a state of mind? And what happens when we start to think about different states of time, such as slow time, deep time and long time?


In this week's conversation, we unravel our relationship with time: the rush to do more, the stories we tell about our place in time and what happens when we start to slow down; exploring how reclaiming time might just be the most radical act of all.


In this podcast we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In many parts of the world, people find themselves trapped in cycles of business. Our lives are full to the brim and we're finding ourselves endlessly busy - suffering from an epidemic of time poverty. We have more time-saving devices than ever, but what happens to all of that time we save? There is no giant clock in the universe, and yet so many of us shape our lives around time - a concept that is an agreement, not a law. How much is time a state of mind? And what happens when we start to think about different states of time, such as slow time, deep time and long time?


In this week's conversation, we unravel our relationship with time: the rush to do more, the stories we tell about our place in time and what happens when we start to slow down; exploring how reclaiming time might just be the most radical act of all.


In this podcast we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Exploring the inconvenience of EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion)]]> Fri, 02 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT 1:04:48 681389016ac0e5213be68651 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/681389016ac0e5213be68651 681389016ac0e5213be68651 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 How can we hold onto humanity when the law lets go? full 3 1 Equality, diversity and inclusion are often seen as political issues, but at their heart this is the essence of life and the vitality of how people can live well alongside one another. Right now, in many places, these values are being rapidly dismantled and reframed as threats rather than essentials. Which contradicts everything we know about healthy ecosystems which rely on diversity and inclusion as a foundation for healthy thriving.


In this week's podcast we explore why EDI matters, what happens when fear drives policy and how we can protect the beauty and essential need for diversity and difference in a world that feels increasingly divided. During the conversation, we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Equality, diversity and inclusion are often seen as political issues, but at their heart this is the essence of life and the vitality of how people can live well alongside one another. Right now, in many places, these values are being rapidly dismantled and reframed as threats rather than essentials. Which contradicts everything we know about healthy ecosystems which rely on diversity and inclusion as a foundation for healthy thriving.


In this week's podcast we explore why EDI matters, what happens when fear drives policy and how we can protect the beauty and essential need for diversity and difference in a world that feels increasingly divided. During the conversation, we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of re-sourcing Exploring the inconvenience of re-sourcing Fri, 04 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT 49:50 67eea3c6da5ebf87643cb42f false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/67eea3c6da5ebf87643cb42f 67eea3c6da5ebf87643cb42f 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 2 12 Self-care is something of a taboo in a lot of people’s minds because we’ve been made to feel guilt or shame about the idea of taking time to look after ourselves - especially when there’s so many other people, beings and problems needing our attention. Yet resourcing ourselves, strengthening our resilience and focusing on wellbeing are not just ‘nice things to do’ - they are essential actions to support anything else we may wish to do now and in the future.


When we fill up our own cup, we have capacity to fill up others.  But what does it mean to resource ourselves and how can we do this? In this week’s podcast we dive into the need and process of resourcing ourselves so that we can strengthen our own sense of resilience and wellbeing in order to support the wider world around us.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Self-care is something of a taboo in a lot of people’s minds because we’ve been made to feel guilt or shame about the idea of taking time to look after ourselves - especially when there’s so many other people, beings and problems needing our attention. Yet resourcing ourselves, strengthening our resilience and focusing on wellbeing are not just ‘nice things to do’ - they are essential actions to support anything else we may wish to do now and in the future.


When we fill up our own cup, we have capacity to fill up others.  But what does it mean to resource ourselves and how can we do this? In this week’s podcast we dive into the need and process of resourcing ourselves so that we can strengthen our own sense of resilience and wellbeing in order to support the wider world around us.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of ageing Exploring the inconvenience of ageing Fri, 28 Mar 2025 06:56:05 GMT 1:00:37 67e5618f883ec8176a139aff false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/67e5618f883ec8176a139aff 67e5618f883ec8176a139aff 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 When did growing old become such a taboo? full 2 11 Ask any child their age and they'll happily tell you, but for adults it is a different story. In certain cultures, elders are a revered and respected part of the community, whilst in many others ageing has become something to fight against. Despite it being the most natural part of our evolution, growing older and being proud of our ageing has become something of a taboo - even something to be ashamed of. Some people also feel certain stigmas surrounding menopause, wrinkles and age - which contribute to a negative story surrounding growing old.


In this week's podcast, we talk about the inconvenience of ageing, diving into what it means to be an 'elder', exploring our skewed relationship with menopause, with age and the ageing population, and how we can reclaim and celebrate the vitality and lifeforce within us which extends well beyond the physical body.


In this episode, we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ask any child their age and they'll happily tell you, but for adults it is a different story. In certain cultures, elders are a revered and respected part of the community, whilst in many others ageing has become something to fight against. Despite it being the most natural part of our evolution, growing older and being proud of our ageing has become something of a taboo - even something to be ashamed of. Some people also feel certain stigmas surrounding menopause, wrinkles and age - which contribute to a negative story surrounding growing old.


In this week's podcast, we talk about the inconvenience of ageing, diving into what it means to be an 'elder', exploring our skewed relationship with menopause, with age and the ageing population, and how we can reclaim and celebrate the vitality and lifeforce within us which extends well beyond the physical body.


In this episode, we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of spirituality Exploring the inconvenience of spirituality Fri, 21 Mar 2025 07:19:19 GMT 58:47 67dae72513f133b29d6762c4 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/67dae72513f133b29d6762c4 67dae72513f133b29d6762c4 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 Are we living in a spiritual vacuum? full 2 10 The mention of the word spiritual tends to trigger emotional responses - for some it is welcome, for some fear or rejection, for some trepidation, for some dismissal. Seeing ourselves as connected to the web of life is natural and how we've evolved as humans, yet we are living in times of significant spiritual starvation. Whilst major religions, nature connection and other spiritual practices offer many people a deep sense of belonging in life, many folks are growing up without any spiritual connection to life, living without any sense of tethering to a story bigger than the human story, and perhaps feeling a deep sense of lostness as a result.


In this week's podcast, we dive into a complex and wonderous conversation about the role of spiritual practice in our lives and cultural stories, exploring some of the blocks to spirituality as well as where we can begin to welcome simple, powerful ways to reconnect with the awe and wonder of life


In this conversation we refer to the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The mention of the word spiritual tends to trigger emotional responses - for some it is welcome, for some fear or rejection, for some trepidation, for some dismissal. Seeing ourselves as connected to the web of life is natural and how we've evolved as humans, yet we are living in times of significant spiritual starvation. Whilst major religions, nature connection and other spiritual practices offer many people a deep sense of belonging in life, many folks are growing up without any spiritual connection to life, living without any sense of tethering to a story bigger than the human story, and perhaps feeling a deep sense of lostness as a result.


In this week's podcast, we dive into a complex and wonderous conversation about the role of spiritual practice in our lives and cultural stories, exploring some of the blocks to spirituality as well as where we can begin to welcome simple, powerful ways to reconnect with the awe and wonder of life


In this conversation we refer to the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of activism Exploring the inconvenience of activism Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:25:57 GMT 1:01:47 67d2b245c269297b2ec85812 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/67d2b245c269297b2ec85812 67d2b245c269297b2ec85812 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 What role does activism have to play in these times? full 2 9 The word activism tends to bring up very specific connotations for people, yet has incredible depth, nuance and possibility – especially in our modern culture, where evermore people are recognising the need to speak up against some of the things we see happening around us. In this conversation we dive into the role of activism in our lives and work, and reflect on some of the different ways to be ‘energetically active’ to enable a healthier way of living together. We talk about the different forms of activism that we can engage in - from being a citizen, rebel, change-agent and reformer - to reflecting on the role of delicate activism and 'being the change' as powerful ways to transform our communities towards a healthier future.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The word activism tends to bring up very specific connotations for people, yet has incredible depth, nuance and possibility – especially in our modern culture, where evermore people are recognising the need to speak up against some of the things we see happening around us. In this conversation we dive into the role of activism in our lives and work, and reflect on some of the different ways to be ‘energetically active’ to enable a healthier way of living together. We talk about the different forms of activism that we can engage in - from being a citizen, rebel, change-agent and reformer - to reflecting on the role of delicate activism and 'being the change' as powerful ways to transform our communities towards a healthier future.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of wellbeing Exploring the inconvenience of wellbeing Fri, 07 Mar 2025 08:00:00 GMT 51:57 67c88bcbece4993ac72e6c99 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/67c88bcbece4993ac72e6c99 67c88bcbece4993ac72e6c99 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 Why has wellbeing become an addon rather than a way of living? full 2 8 Wellbeing is a 'trendy term' nowadays; something that organisations know they must support in their colleagues; something top of the agenda in our schools and something we all know matters in our own lives, yet something rarely given space, time or validity in our modern culture of productivity.


In this week's podcast, we dive headfirst into the truly inconvenient inconvenience of wellbeing, looking at what it means for a 'being' to 'be well' in our modern world. We think about how wellbeing is both a culture and a way of life, exploring some of the blocks and opportunities to enabling wellbeing to flourish in our lives and learning communities. We dive into the complexities of how wellbeing is being co-opted and turned into a commodity, ironically sold back to us in neat packages of wellness whilst being slowly eroded from our daily lives. For when wellbeing is seen as an addon, all it can ever do is soothe the symptoms, rather than treat the causes of our 'unwell' state of being. But what needs to shift to start to allow our 'beings' to be more well in our modern world?


In this episode, we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Wellbeing is a 'trendy term' nowadays; something that organisations know they must support in their colleagues; something top of the agenda in our schools and something we all know matters in our own lives, yet something rarely given space, time or validity in our modern culture of productivity.


In this week's podcast, we dive headfirst into the truly inconvenient inconvenience of wellbeing, looking at what it means for a 'being' to 'be well' in our modern world. We think about how wellbeing is both a culture and a way of life, exploring some of the blocks and opportunities to enabling wellbeing to flourish in our lives and learning communities. We dive into the complexities of how wellbeing is being co-opted and turned into a commodity, ironically sold back to us in neat packages of wellness whilst being slowly eroded from our daily lives. For when wellbeing is seen as an addon, all it can ever do is soothe the symptoms, rather than treat the causes of our 'unwell' state of being. But what needs to shift to start to allow our 'beings' to be more well in our modern world?


In this episode, we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of nature connection (Part 2) Exploring the inconvenience of nature connection (Part 2) Fri, 28 Feb 2025 08:04:20 GMT 52:22 67c034f56b976c335160cb16 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/67c034f56b976c335160cb16 67c034f56b976c335160cb16 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 What might it mean to develop a healthy relationship with the nature within us and all around us? full 2 7 What is the difference between nature contact and nature connection? What does it mean to have a relationship with nature? And why - for some - is the notion that 'we are nature' so difficult to welcome?


In the second part of this exploration on the inconvenience of nature connection, we dive deep into the nuances between moments when we're 'using' nature for our own needs compared to when we're simply relating to the natural world. We share stories of our own humble encounters with the wilder world and think about ways in which we can elicit spaces of awe and wonder in our own lives and communities to welcome a more conscious, awe-some and active relationship with the nature within us as well as the nature all around us.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What is the difference between nature contact and nature connection? What does it mean to have a relationship with nature? And why - for some - is the notion that 'we are nature' so difficult to welcome?


In the second part of this exploration on the inconvenience of nature connection, we dive deep into the nuances between moments when we're 'using' nature for our own needs compared to when we're simply relating to the natural world. We share stories of our own humble encounters with the wilder world and think about ways in which we can elicit spaces of awe and wonder in our own lives and communities to welcome a more conscious, awe-some and active relationship with the nature within us as well as the nature all around us.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of nature connection (Part 1) Exploring the inconvenience of nature connection (Part 1) Fri, 21 Feb 2025 09:00:00 GMT 56:19 67b71db4e1d03dc9e2147638 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/67b71db4e1d03dc9e2147638 67b71db4e1d03dc9e2147638 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 What happens when we isolate from nature and how can we reconnect? full 2 6 In many modern cultures, we find ourselves spending ever more time indoors, sitting down and separated from nature - both the nature within us and the nature all around us. At the same time, we're drawn to want to spend time outdoors and in natural environments, and we have a deep sense of ease when connected to nature. So why is it so hard?


In this week's episode, we explore the inconvenience of nature connection in a modern world and the many ways that our ways of living keep us in separation - sometimes isolation - from the natural world. We explore the impact of a sedentary, indoor lifestyle on our physical, emotional and spiritual health; explore how connecting to nature is infinitely good for our holistic wellbeing - as well as supporting the health of the natural world in return - and reflect on the many different ways to welcome more nature connection into our lives and learning spaces.


In this episode we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In many modern cultures, we find ourselves spending ever more time indoors, sitting down and separated from nature - both the nature within us and the nature all around us. At the same time, we're drawn to want to spend time outdoors and in natural environments, and we have a deep sense of ease when connected to nature. So why is it so hard?


In this week's episode, we explore the inconvenience of nature connection in a modern world and the many ways that our ways of living keep us in separation - sometimes isolation - from the natural world. We explore the impact of a sedentary, indoor lifestyle on our physical, emotional and spiritual health; explore how connecting to nature is infinitely good for our holistic wellbeing - as well as supporting the health of the natural world in return - and reflect on the many different ways to welcome more nature connection into our lives and learning spaces.


In this episode we reference the following:



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of hypocrisy Exploring the inconvenience of hypocrisy Fri, 14 Feb 2025 09:05:16 GMT 45:12 67ae67c5b859f4e0dbd2a509 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/67ae67c5b859f4e0dbd2a509 67ae67c5b859f4e0dbd2a509 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 How can we help but be hypocritical in our modern world? full 2 5 It's one thing to be brazenly hypocritical but it's another thing entirely when you're having to unwillingly be a hypocrite. And yet so often in our current context we find ourselves faced with impossible choices that mean we have to take actions that completely misalign with our positive intentions. Why? Because our cultural stories as they stand limit so many of the choices we make whilst life is never that simple, it is full of nuance.


This week we explore the inconvenience of hypocrisy in a modern world and the deeply uncomfortable - sometimes existential - crises that can be faced when having to act in ways which are at odds with our values. We dive into the complexity of being an activist and working to change systems whilst also having to live within them as they stand; the importance of awareness and compassion and the myriad ways we can keep shifting, pivoting and transforming our lives to move towards healthier, more easeful ways of living together.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> It's one thing to be brazenly hypocritical but it's another thing entirely when you're having to unwillingly be a hypocrite. And yet so often in our current context we find ourselves faced with impossible choices that mean we have to take actions that completely misalign with our positive intentions. Why? Because our cultural stories as they stand limit so many of the choices we make whilst life is never that simple, it is full of nuance.


This week we explore the inconvenience of hypocrisy in a modern world and the deeply uncomfortable - sometimes existential - crises that can be faced when having to act in ways which are at odds with our values. We dive into the complexity of being an activist and working to change systems whilst also having to live within them as they stand; the importance of awareness and compassion and the myriad ways we can keep shifting, pivoting and transforming our lives to move towards healthier, more easeful ways of living together.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of systems thinking Exploring the inconvenience of systems thinking Fri, 07 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT 57:41 67a488b19c6f7f7f286eb9bc false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/67a488b19c6f7f7f286eb9bc 67a488b19c6f7f7f286eb9bc 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 Where is systems thinking being encouraged and suppressed in our societies? full 2 4 In the final of this 'triplet' of podcasts, Holly and Rachel are this week talking about the inconvenience of systems thinking.


From the very get-go at ThoughtBox, we've had systems thinking as one of the three pillars of our work to encourage a deeply relational experience of the world (Thinking, Feeling, Connecting) by connecting with others, connecting with the wider world, and feeling deeply connected with ourselves.


Thinking in systems has started being given a lot of attention - you can take multiple courses in systems-thinking, whilst systems-change is all the range. But what is a system? What does it mean to transform systems? And what is systems thinking anyway?


This week we unpick the inconvenience of systems thinking by going right back to the roots and appreciating how this is not a 'thing to learn about' but simply how life works. We are all of us part of infinite, interconnected systems and 'thinking in systems' simply means knowing and noticing the connections that we are a part of and influenced by. This is as simple and as profound as it gets.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In the final of this 'triplet' of podcasts, Holly and Rachel are this week talking about the inconvenience of systems thinking.


From the very get-go at ThoughtBox, we've had systems thinking as one of the three pillars of our work to encourage a deeply relational experience of the world (Thinking, Feeling, Connecting) by connecting with others, connecting with the wider world, and feeling deeply connected with ourselves.


Thinking in systems has started being given a lot of attention - you can take multiple courses in systems-thinking, whilst systems-change is all the range. But what is a system? What does it mean to transform systems? And what is systems thinking anyway?


This week we unpick the inconvenience of systems thinking by going right back to the roots and appreciating how this is not a 'thing to learn about' but simply how life works. We are all of us part of infinite, interconnected systems and 'thinking in systems' simply means knowing and noticing the connections that we are a part of and influenced by. This is as simple and as profound as it gets.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of empathy Exploring the inconvenience of empathy Fri, 24 Jan 2025 09:00:00 GMT 58:05 6792637593fa6bc1b5ece584 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6792637593fa6bc1b5ece584 6792637593fa6bc1b5ece584 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 Where is empathy being encouraged and suppressed in our societies? full 2 3 In the second of this 'triplet' of podcasts, Holly and Rachel are this week talking about the inconvenience of empathy.


Empathy is a muscle, something that we can strengthen the more we practice. Yet the spaces and places where empathy is developed, practised and actively encouraged in our dominant societies are dwindling, whilst at the same time it is a skill being championed as foundational for our changing world.


From the very get-go at ThoughtBox, we've had empathy as one of the three pillars of our work to encourage a deeply felt experience of the world (Thinking, Feeling, Connecting) by feeling with others, feeling with the wider world, and feeling deeply within ourselves. All of our programmes to support the practice, and yet this is another skill that is subtly being removed from our education systems, whilst our dominant media and globalised culture is actively encouraging it out of us.


This week we discuss questions such as: ‘What is the difference between empathy, sympathy and compassion? Where and how can we practise empathy? 'Do we all practise empathy in the same way? How can we be empathic with some of the people currently 'leading' our world?'


In this episode we reference the following:



Plus we reference research from some of the recent leading reports into a future-fit education:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In the second of this 'triplet' of podcasts, Holly and Rachel are this week talking about the inconvenience of empathy.


Empathy is a muscle, something that we can strengthen the more we practice. Yet the spaces and places where empathy is developed, practised and actively encouraged in our dominant societies are dwindling, whilst at the same time it is a skill being championed as foundational for our changing world.


From the very get-go at ThoughtBox, we've had empathy as one of the three pillars of our work to encourage a deeply felt experience of the world (Thinking, Feeling, Connecting) by feeling with others, feeling with the wider world, and feeling deeply within ourselves. All of our programmes to support the practice, and yet this is another skill that is subtly being removed from our education systems, whilst our dominant media and globalised culture is actively encouraging it out of us.


This week we discuss questions such as: ‘What is the difference between empathy, sympathy and compassion? Where and how can we practise empathy? 'Do we all practise empathy in the same way? How can we be empathic with some of the people currently 'leading' our world?'


In this episode we reference the following:



Plus we reference research from some of the recent leading reports into a future-fit education:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of critical thinking Exploring the inconvenience of critical thinking Fri, 17 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT 59:39 678927125d7bc16e499d6c2d false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/678927125d7bc16e499d6c2d 678927125d7bc16e499d6c2d 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 Where is critical thinking being encouraged and suppressed in our culture? full 2 2 In this week’s episode of Two Inconvenient Women, Holly and Rachel talk about the inconvenience of critical thinking – for many reasons, one being its growing absence in our schools, despite the fact that leading reports into future-fit education all concur that it is a foundational skill needed for our changing world.


From the very get-go at ThoughtBox, we've had critical thinking as one of the three pillars of our work (Thinking, Feeling, Connecting) and designed all of our programmes to support the practice. One of the very first ThoughtBox slogans was 'Learning how (not what) to think'. Our very name as an organisation is a subtle invitation to be thinking 'outside of the box'. And yet it this is a skill that is both subtly and blatantly being removed from our education systems, whilst our dominant globalised culture is actively encouraging it out of us.


This week we discuss questions such as ‘What does it mean to think critically? Why is stepping back to ask deeper, more challenging questions becoming a lost art? What is being lost when we lose our ability to think outside of the box?’


In this episode we reference the following:



Plus we reference research from some of the recent leading reports into a future-fit education:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this week’s episode of Two Inconvenient Women, Holly and Rachel talk about the inconvenience of critical thinking – for many reasons, one being its growing absence in our schools, despite the fact that leading reports into future-fit education all concur that it is a foundational skill needed for our changing world.


From the very get-go at ThoughtBox, we've had critical thinking as one of the three pillars of our work (Thinking, Feeling, Connecting) and designed all of our programmes to support the practice. One of the very first ThoughtBox slogans was 'Learning how (not what) to think'. Our very name as an organisation is a subtle invitation to be thinking 'outside of the box'. And yet it this is a skill that is both subtly and blatantly being removed from our education systems, whilst our dominant globalised culture is actively encouraging it out of us.


This week we discuss questions such as ‘What does it mean to think critically? Why is stepping back to ask deeper, more challenging questions becoming a lost art? What is being lost when we lose our ability to think outside of the box?’


In this episode we reference the following:



Plus we reference research from some of the recent leading reports into a future-fit education:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of hope Exploring the inconvenience of hope Fri, 10 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT 1:01:01 677fbe2660db7f66da15210c false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/677fbe2660db7f66da15210c 677fbe2660db7f66da15210c 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 What happens when hope becomes something we do rather than something we have? full 2 1 In many cultures around the world, we are entering a new calendar year and with that often comes a sense of renewal, hope and possibility. But where does hope sit in a world that seems so overwhelmingly fraught with problems? What place do 'resolutions' or 'good intentions' have in our lives when facing so many obstacles? How can we reclaim hope from being seen as something ephemeral and return it to what it truly is - an active verb with its sleeves rolled up, ready to take action?


In this conversation, Rachel and Holly talk about active hope and the process of actively creating a healthier, more hopeful future. We explore some of the ways that new habits can become life-long changes in our lives and help create healthier ways of living, as well as how we can re-think our relationship to hope, by seeing it as something we do, rather than something we have.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In many cultures around the world, we are entering a new calendar year and with that often comes a sense of renewal, hope and possibility. But where does hope sit in a world that seems so overwhelmingly fraught with problems? What place do 'resolutions' or 'good intentions' have in our lives when facing so many obstacles? How can we reclaim hope from being seen as something ephemeral and return it to what it truly is - an active verb with its sleeves rolled up, ready to take action?


In this conversation, Rachel and Holly talk about active hope and the process of actively creating a healthier, more hopeful future. We explore some of the ways that new habits can become life-long changes in our lives and help create healthier ways of living, as well as how we can re-think our relationship to hope, by seeing it as something we do, rather than something we have.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of ThoughtBox Exploring the inconvenience of ThoughtBox Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:06:07 GMT 1:00:20 6764294425a0b820a2f56e01 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6764294425a0b820a2f56e01 6764294425a0b820a2f56e01 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 Why do we do what we do in the way we do it? full 1 15 As 2024 comes to a close, we thought we'd take a moment to reflect on what's unfolded this year and - more significantly - what's been unfolding through our organisation over the past 9 years to make us do what we do in the way that we do it.


In this episode, Holly and Rachel explore ideas such as: What does success look like? What does it mean to run an organisation 'regeneratively'? How does our business strategy reflect our values? How is showing up as our authentic selves part of the impact of our organisation? What does it mean to practise what we preach?


During the conversation, we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> As 2024 comes to a close, we thought we'd take a moment to reflect on what's unfolded this year and - more significantly - what's been unfolding through our organisation over the past 9 years to make us do what we do in the way that we do it.


In this episode, Holly and Rachel explore ideas such as: What does success look like? What does it mean to run an organisation 'regeneratively'? How does our business strategy reflect our values? How is showing up as our authentic selves part of the impact of our organisation? What does it mean to practise what we preach?


During the conversation, we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of gathering Exploring the inconvenience of gathering Fri, 13 Dec 2024 07:58:15 GMT 1:06:34 675ae3aeb8324e024f80d3d1 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/675ae3aeb8324e024f80d3d1 675ae3aeb8324e024f80d3d1 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 What sits behind our innate need to hang out together? full 1 14 Belonging is the innate human desire to be part of something larger than us, and within each of us sits a deeply primal need to gather together. But what does gathering look like in our modern world?


In this week's episode, Holly and Rachel explore the many facets of gathering and where and how we are all seeking to find places to belong. We explore questions such as: How and why do we gather? What does gathering offer us on a conscious and unconscious level? What do we need to feel safe when we gather? What is gained and what is being lost when we gather online? How can we enable gathering spaces which allow everyone to feel welcome?


During the episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Belonging is the innate human desire to be part of something larger than us, and within each of us sits a deeply primal need to gather together. But what does gathering look like in our modern world?


In this week's episode, Holly and Rachel explore the many facets of gathering and where and how we are all seeking to find places to belong. We explore questions such as: How and why do we gather? What does gathering offer us on a conscious and unconscious level? What do we need to feel safe when we gather? What is gained and what is being lost when we gather online? How can we enable gathering spaces which allow everyone to feel welcome?


During the episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of not buying stuff Exploring the inconvenience of not buying stuff Fri, 06 Dec 2024 08:39:53 GMT 1:00:22 6751d75f443d3a9d8c1ef49a false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6751d75f443d3a9d8c1ef49a 6751d75f443d3a9d8c1ef49a 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 1 13 In the UK we're coming up to Christmas, and with that the cultural pressure to consume, buy gifts and accumulate lots of 'stuff'. In this episode we explore some of the narratives around our consumer culture, thinking about where this has come from and how we can actively disrupt our cultural stories to shift from 'consumer' to 'citizen'. We explore the meaning behind gift-giving, the impact of giving, receiving and witnessing acts of care and kindness, the scarcity versus abundance mindset and the many, many ways we can show people we care above and beyond just buying stuff.


In this episode we referenced the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In the UK we're coming up to Christmas, and with that the cultural pressure to consume, buy gifts and accumulate lots of 'stuff'. In this episode we explore some of the narratives around our consumer culture, thinking about where this has come from and how we can actively disrupt our cultural stories to shift from 'consumer' to 'citizen'. We explore the meaning behind gift-giving, the impact of giving, receiving and witnessing acts of care and kindness, the scarcity versus abundance mindset and the many, many ways we can show people we care above and beyond just buying stuff.


In this episode we referenced the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of COP Exploring the inconvenience of COP Fri, 29 Nov 2024 06:55:17 GMT 1:04:11 674846fbc313416238ed784a false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/674846fbc313416238ed784a 674846fbc313416238ed784a 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 1 12 This week saw the conclusion of COP29 - the 29th annual UN Conference of Parties summit on climate change. The fact that we're now on our 29th conference and global emissions are still rising is perhaps an indication that this is not working. This year in particular saw a lot of people from inside the conference speaking out about its flaws.


In this episode Holly and Rachel explore some of the inconvenient truths about the business as usual story of 'leaders saving the world', discussing the flaws of this current system of climate negotiations and reflect on why and how this current model of COP just doesn't work. We turn attention and discussions onto the role of 'citizening' as an active verb, and reflect on how more and more people are no longer waiting for 'them' to fix things, but are instead quietly and loudly just getting on with 'us' changing the world.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week saw the conclusion of COP29 - the 29th annual UN Conference of Parties summit on climate change. The fact that we're now on our 29th conference and global emissions are still rising is perhaps an indication that this is not working. This year in particular saw a lot of people from inside the conference speaking out about its flaws.


In this episode Holly and Rachel explore some of the inconvenient truths about the business as usual story of 'leaders saving the world', discussing the flaws of this current system of climate negotiations and reflect on why and how this current model of COP just doesn't work. We turn attention and discussions onto the role of 'citizening' as an active verb, and reflect on how more and more people are no longer waiting for 'them' to fix things, but are instead quietly and loudly just getting on with 'us' changing the world.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Exploring the inconvenience of 'good' food]]> Fri, 22 Nov 2024 07:18:55 GMT 1:02:07 673f4f655eb1556c52a79f5a false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/673f4f655eb1556c52a79f5a 673f4f655eb1556c52a79f5a 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 When did eating well become the hardest choice? full 1 11 What on earth are we eating? This is a topic we've wanted to explore deeply over time, recognising that there are many episodes that will unravel under the title of 'food'. In this episode we spend time thinking about our changing relationship with food and how our abilities to make healthy food choices are hampered by so many broken systems around us. From the lack of learning about growing or cooking in schools to the rise of GMO crops and the link between UPFs (ultra-processed foods) and health issues, we explore some of the complexities of our global food systems and reflect on where and how we have lost our relationship with food.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What on earth are we eating? This is a topic we've wanted to explore deeply over time, recognising that there are many episodes that will unravel under the title of 'food'. In this episode we spend time thinking about our changing relationship with food and how our abilities to make healthy food choices are hampered by so many broken systems around us. From the lack of learning about growing or cooking in schools to the rise of GMO crops and the link between UPFs (ultra-processed foods) and health issues, we explore some of the complexities of our global food systems and reflect on where and how we have lost our relationship with food.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Exploring the inconvenience of life's rhythms]]> Fri, 15 Nov 2024 07:20:51 GMT 54:23 6735c0f866bd6d9475c7e060 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6735c0f866bd6d9475c7e060 6735c0f866bd6d9475c7e060 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 Holly and Rachel explore the impact of a culture fighting against human nature full 1 10 One of the most inconvenient truths for many people in the world is that 'we are nature', and that we (like all natural beings) are heavily influenced by the rhythms of the natural world; whether that is the sun and moon, the light and the seasons, the climate or the foods we eat. So what happens when we actively ignore - or even fight against - these natural rhythms and the needs of our mammalian selves? What is the impact on our bodies, our minds, our health and our wellbeing?


In this episode we explore some of life's rhythms that govern our lives and help us to navigate our way in the world, and think about why and how our dominant culture is actively ignoring these in our structures and systems, and what some of the ramifications of this somewhat imbalanced way of living may be.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> One of the most inconvenient truths for many people in the world is that 'we are nature', and that we (like all natural beings) are heavily influenced by the rhythms of the natural world; whether that is the sun and moon, the light and the seasons, the climate or the foods we eat. So what happens when we actively ignore - or even fight against - these natural rhythms and the needs of our mammalian selves? What is the impact on our bodies, our minds, our health and our wellbeing?


In this episode we explore some of life's rhythms that govern our lives and help us to navigate our way in the world, and think about why and how our dominant culture is actively ignoring these in our structures and systems, and what some of the ramifications of this somewhat imbalanced way of living may be.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of Donald Trump Exploring the inconvenience of Donald Trump Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:36:20 GMT 54:09 672b75f37d34ea8eee73673c false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/672b75f37d34ea8eee73673c 672b75f37d34ea8eee73673c 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 Rachel and Holly reflect on the results of the US Election full 1 9 We recorded this podcast on the morning of the US Presidential election results, with Donald Trump re-elected into office for another 4 years. Recognising the enormity of this moment in time, and the wide-rippling influences that US politics and policies have on so much of the world, this conversation felt important to have live and in-the-moment as the results were unfolding.


Disclaimer: This is not a political analysis podcast as we are not deconstructing the resonance of the politics or the voting decisions being made. Instead, we wrangle with the complexities of this moment in human history. We explore the inconvenience of nuance in a world fixated on binaries; we discuss the role and resonance of leadership; we reflect on the influences on our cultural narratives and the capacity to keep holding onto active hope in the face of such adversities.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> We recorded this podcast on the morning of the US Presidential election results, with Donald Trump re-elected into office for another 4 years. Recognising the enormity of this moment in time, and the wide-rippling influences that US politics and policies have on so much of the world, this conversation felt important to have live and in-the-moment as the results were unfolding.


Disclaimer: This is not a political analysis podcast as we are not deconstructing the resonance of the politics or the voting decisions being made. Instead, we wrangle with the complexities of this moment in human history. We explore the inconvenience of nuance in a world fixated on binaries; we discuss the role and resonance of leadership; we reflect on the influences on our cultural narratives and the capacity to keep holding onto active hope in the face of such adversities.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> SPECIAL EPISODE: Stories of Triple WellBeing with Tina Farr and Clare Whyles SPECIAL EPISODE: Stories of Triple WellBeing with Tina Farr and Clare Whyles Fri, 01 Nov 2024 07:29:56 GMT 55:04 672234da6c036acf21a5887f false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/672234da6c036acf21a5887f 672234da6c036acf21a5887f 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 bonus 1 8 This week in the UK it’s the school half term holiday and the ThoughtBox team are slowing down too, taking time for some reading, research and essential time in nature. We aren't recording a podcast this week, so we wanted to take this opportunity to share a gift with you instead. 


For those of you who haven’t had a chance to check out our other podcast series yet, here is the first episode of Stories of Triple WellBeing® where I’m joined by two other wonderfully inconvenient women - Tina Farr and Clare Whyles of St Ebbe’s School in Oxford, UK sharing how they're positively disrupting their school culture to put Triple WellBeing at the heart of learning.


Rachel and I will return again next week for another episode...


You can listen to the rest of the Stories of Triple WellBeing® podcast on:

✳️ Spotify

✳️ Acast

✳️ Apple Podcasts


And most other podcasting platforms.


In the episode, we refer to:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week in the UK it’s the school half term holiday and the ThoughtBox team are slowing down too, taking time for some reading, research and essential time in nature. We aren't recording a podcast this week, so we wanted to take this opportunity to share a gift with you instead. 


For those of you who haven’t had a chance to check out our other podcast series yet, here is the first episode of Stories of Triple WellBeing® where I’m joined by two other wonderfully inconvenient women - Tina Farr and Clare Whyles of St Ebbe’s School in Oxford, UK sharing how they're positively disrupting their school culture to put Triple WellBeing at the heart of learning.


Rachel and I will return again next week for another episode...


You can listen to the rest of the Stories of Triple WellBeing® podcast on:

✳️ Spotify

✳️ Acast

✳️ Apple Podcasts


And most other podcasting platforms.


In the episode, we refer to:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of the stories we tell Exploring the inconvenience of the stories we tell Fri, 25 Oct 2024 06:19:21 GMT 56:35 6719220f90e4ac3e5a348a83 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/6719220f90e4ac3e5a348a83 6719220f90e4ac3e5a348a83 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 The stories we tell ourselves shape the world in which we live...so which stories are we telling and why? full 1 7 In this week's episode we explore the role of stories in shaping the lives we are living. Each of us is born into a story. It forms our perspective on the world, shaped by the culture we're part of, the education we receive and the values and mindsets that we are taught. These stories help us to make sense of the world around us and our place within it and shape the world in which we live. In this episode, we explore the ever-growing appreciation that the dominant story of human progress is actually limiting our capacity to thrive and pushing us into a world of personal, social and ecological crisis. So what happens when we change the story? What other stories are out there, creating healthier futures for people and planet? How can we feed ourselves different stories? What happens when we live our lives by these stories instead?


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this week's episode we explore the role of stories in shaping the lives we are living. Each of us is born into a story. It forms our perspective on the world, shaped by the culture we're part of, the education we receive and the values and mindsets that we are taught. These stories help us to make sense of the world around us and our place within it and shape the world in which we live. In this episode, we explore the ever-growing appreciation that the dominant story of human progress is actually limiting our capacity to thrive and pushing us into a world of personal, social and ecological crisis. So what happens when we change the story? What other stories are out there, creating healthier futures for people and planet? How can we feed ourselves different stories? What happens when we live our lives by these stories instead?


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of the education system (pt. 1) Exploring the inconvenience of the education system (pt. 1) Fri, 18 Oct 2024 06:09:34 GMT 1:03:29 670f81ebb1e7b0e7e5f4c7af false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/670f81ebb1e7b0e7e5f4c7af 670f81ebb1e7b0e7e5f4c7af 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 1 6 In this week's inconvenient conversation we start to unravel some of the challenges, complexities and issues of the education system and why it needs to transform. Diving into the painful truth behind the impact of the education system on our world, and exploring the responses that we're seeing from teachers, pupils and wider societies, join Rachel and Holly as we hold this space with deep care and support for us all in this complex time and these spaces of change, and with celebration for all those out there working to create healthier ways of living and learning together.


This won't be the last time we take a dive into the realities and complexities of our education system, so see this as a part one of a series of conversations.


During this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this week's inconvenient conversation we start to unravel some of the challenges, complexities and issues of the education system and why it needs to transform. Diving into the painful truth behind the impact of the education system on our world, and exploring the responses that we're seeing from teachers, pupils and wider societies, join Rachel and Holly as we hold this space with deep care and support for us all in this complex time and these spaces of change, and with celebration for all those out there working to create healthier ways of living and learning together.


This won't be the last time we take a dive into the realities and complexities of our education system, so see this as a part one of a series of conversations.


During this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of unlearning Exploring the inconvenience of unlearning Fri, 11 Oct 2024 05:53:37 GMT 1:02:32 67054779db85d85869153ac6 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/67054779db85d85869153ac6 67054779db85d85869153ac6 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 1 5 This week’s conversation explores the idea of ‘unlearning’ and what it means to widen our perspectives, change our minds, shift our behaviours and ‘update’ our knowledge about the world. Unlearning can be something of a provocative term for some people, and yet holds the invitation for us to shift some of the habits, behaviours and mindsets that are contributing to so many of the crises we face in order to enable a healthier future for people and planet.


In this conversation we explore some of the different resonances of unlearning in our cultural contexts, think about what and why we need to unlearn, and talk about what it looks like as a process for healthy growth.

During this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week’s conversation explores the idea of ‘unlearning’ and what it means to widen our perspectives, change our minds, shift our behaviours and ‘update’ our knowledge about the world. Unlearning can be something of a provocative term for some people, and yet holds the invitation for us to shift some of the habits, behaviours and mindsets that are contributing to so many of the crises we face in order to enable a healthier future for people and planet.


In this conversation we explore some of the different resonances of unlearning in our cultural contexts, think about what and why we need to unlearn, and talk about what it looks like as a process for healthy growth.

During this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> SPECIAL EPISODE: Falling in love with the world SPECIAL EPISODE: Falling in love with the world Thu, 03 Oct 2024 13:06:52 GMT 57:28 66fd0ad3b01fb2785c5e9c23 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/66fd0ad3b01fb2785c5e9c23 66fd0ad3b01fb2785c5e9c23 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 This episode is recorded in honour of the life and legacy of Dr Stephan Harding full 1 4 When we allow ourselves to fall in love with the world, everything changes. But sometimes we need someone to help us to fall in love in the first place...


This special episode is a dedication to the life, work, wisdom and utter brilliance of Dr Stephan Harding, a globally renowned ecologist, teacher, elder and truly beautiful soul who recently passed away. His work has had a profound influence on both of us and a significant influence on the work we do at ThoughtBox. We therefore wanted to give this episode to Stephan in order to share our appreciation and to reflect a little on some of the magic he weaved during his lifetime; in particular the infectious way he inspired hundreds of thousands of people to fall in love with the world.


Dr Stephan Harding | 8th July 1953 - 2nd September 2024


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> When we allow ourselves to fall in love with the world, everything changes. But sometimes we need someone to help us to fall in love in the first place...


This special episode is a dedication to the life, work, wisdom and utter brilliance of Dr Stephan Harding, a globally renowned ecologist, teacher, elder and truly beautiful soul who recently passed away. His work has had a profound influence on both of us and a significant influence on the work we do at ThoughtBox. We therefore wanted to give this episode to Stephan in order to share our appreciation and to reflect a little on some of the magic he weaved during his lifetime; in particular the infectious way he inspired hundreds of thousands of people to fall in love with the world.


Dr Stephan Harding | 8th July 1953 - 2nd September 2024


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Exploring the inconvenience of the mess we're in]]> Fri, 27 Sep 2024 07:31:33 GMT 1:07:37 66f58833995c57f56e41c353 false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/66f58833995c57f56e41c353 66f58833995c57f56e41c353 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 1 3

This week's conversation opens the box on the multiple crises we're facing in this moment in time. It's big, scary and overwhelming to face up to just some of the things happening around us - and yet not looking and not talking about them is also part of the problem.


In this conversation we speak about some of the elephants in the room - from the climate and nature crisis to the genocide in Palestine to the growing global refugee crisis - and the different responses happening around the world. In particular we explore why it is we're not talking about these complex problems and dig into understanding the way our nervous systems are responding. We explore the importance of resourcing and resilience, of partnering our nervous systems and how to find the courage to face the mess we're in and do something about it.


DISCLAIMER: This conversation is big, complex and honest. We share it with care for however we're each feeling in the world right now - and with deep consideration of and energy for the capacity that exists to change the stories we're a part of.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>

This week's conversation opens the box on the multiple crises we're facing in this moment in time. It's big, scary and overwhelming to face up to just some of the things happening around us - and yet not looking and not talking about them is also part of the problem.


In this conversation we speak about some of the elephants in the room - from the climate and nature crisis to the genocide in Palestine to the growing global refugee crisis - and the different responses happening around the world. In particular we explore why it is we're not talking about these complex problems and dig into understanding the way our nervous systems are responding. We explore the importance of resourcing and resilience, of partnering our nervous systems and how to find the courage to face the mess we're in and do something about it.


DISCLAIMER: This conversation is big, complex and honest. We share it with care for however we're each feeling in the world right now - and with deep consideration of and energy for the capacity that exists to change the stories we're a part of.


In this episode we reference the following:


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Exploring the inconvenience of rest Exploring the inconvenience of rest Fri, 20 Sep 2024 06:00:41 GMT 58:35 66eacf43ec4ba464d5652c6e false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/66eacf43ec4ba464d5652c6e 66eacf43ec4ba464d5652c6e 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 What is rest and why should we do it? Is it a privilege? A sacrifice? A form of activism? full 1 2 This week's conversation is all about the power of rest to positively disrupt the status quo. Together, Rachel and Holly explore some of the following thoughts:

What is rest? Who benefits when we rest? What happens when we stop ‘doing’? How can we be human beings, not just human doings?

How is rest an act of resistance against the legacy of colonialism and a capitalist culture? Is rest a privilege?


Join us as we wrangle with these and many other ideas over a cup of tea and conversation. 


During the podcast, we refer to the following:


If you'd like to continue the conversation with us, we run a free weekly(ish) group on Thursdays, 13.00-13.30 UK Time, where we explore key questions about co-creating a healthier world for people and planet. It's open to everyone and we'd love to see you there. Find out more at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/thoughtclub-3671229

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This week's conversation is all about the power of rest to positively disrupt the status quo. Together, Rachel and Holly explore some of the following thoughts:

What is rest? Who benefits when we rest? What happens when we stop ‘doing’? How can we be human beings, not just human doings?

How is rest an act of resistance against the legacy of colonialism and a capitalist culture? Is rest a privilege?


Join us as we wrangle with these and many other ideas over a cup of tea and conversation. 


During the podcast, we refer to the following:


If you'd like to continue the conversation with us, we run a free weekly(ish) group on Thursdays, 13.00-13.30 UK Time, where we explore key questions about co-creating a healthier world for people and planet. It's open to everyone and we'd love to see you there. Find out more at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/thoughtclub-3671229

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Why be "inconvenient"?]]> Thu, 12 Sep 2024 09:09:35 GMT 54:58 66e2afcfee3528273579beae false https://shows.acast.com/two-inconvenient-women/episodes/66e2afcfee3528273579beae 66e2afcfee3528273579beae 66e198347fb05edbd0d09ae1 full 1 1

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>