137. Regenerative Cultures: Birthright & Antidote To The Growth Imperative / Daniel Christian Wahl

In today’s conversation, I have the privilege of interviewing Daniel Christian Wahl - a distinguished biologist, holistic scientist, and expert in regenerative design. Daniel consults, educates, and advocates globally, working with prominent organisations like Ecover, Lush, and the UK Foresight. 

With a background as the former director of Findhorn College and affiliations with esteemed groups like the International Futures Forum and H3Uni, Daniel has been instrumental in shaping discussions on regenerative cultures. His contributions have earned him prestigious honors, including the Bicentenary Medal from the Royal Society for Arts, Manufacture, and Commerce, as well as a Volans Fellowship.

Daniel co-authored Gaia Education's Design for Sustainability curriculum and penned the acclaimed book 'Designing Regenerative Cultures'. He also co-hosts the popular podcast 'Regeneration Rising' and manages a thriving blog on Medium.

Since relocating in 2010, Daniel has resided in Mallorca, cultivating a Mediterranean regenerative food forest since 2022, which serves as a pioneering model for regenerative agroforestry on the island.

SUMMARY

In this conversation, we discuss the concept of regenerative cultures and the need for a shift in our worldview, and explore the importance of understanding ourselves as part of nature and living in a kin-centric way. 

Daniel challenges the harmful ideologies of the growth imperative in our economic system and the separation of humans from the rest of the natural world, and discusses the need for experiential approaches to help people connect with nature and the challenges of making radical changes in a capitalistic society. 

We also touch on the Three Horizons framework (representing the status quo, the turbulent transition, and the regenerative future), and discuss its applications for innovation, culture change and in creating a regenerative future. 

KEY THEMES

• We need to shift our worldview to see ourselves as part of nature and live in a kin-centric way.
• The growth imperative in our economic system is a dangerous ideology that needs to be challenged.
• Experiential approaches can help people connect with nature and shift their perspective.
• Making radical changes in a capitalistic society is challenging, but necessary for regenerative cultures.
• The Three Horizons framework is a useful tool for innovation and culture change. The Three Horizons framework provides a useful tool for navigating the transition from the status quo to a regenerative future.
• Different perspectives, such as the corporate manager, the visionary, and the entrepreneur, play important roles in driving change.
• Asking critical questions and suspending judgment are key to effectively using the Three Horizons framework.
• Building relationships, deepening community connections, and finding one's place are essential in times of change and uncertainty.

WEBSITES

• https://www.danielchristianwahl.com/ 
• https://designforsustainability.medium.com/

BOOKS & OTHER RESOURCES

• Designing Regenerative Cultures - Daniel Wahl (https://amzn.to/3UjfCBc)
• The Regenerative Revolution (https://bit.ly/3xQ0275)
• Presence Human Purpose and the Field of the Future - Senge, Peter M, Scharmer, C Otto, Jaworski, Joseph, Flowers, Betty Sue (https://amzn.to/3Wm1yX9)
• Design for Human and Planetary Health - A Holistic/Integral Approach to Complexity and Sustainability - (PDF) Daniel Christian Wahl, PhD (https://bit.ly/3SlQYyi)

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Podcasting

02:34 The Global Human Psyche

04:53 Flourishing and Regenerative Cultures

06:43 Defining Regenerative Culture

15:08 Challenging Harmful Ideologies

22:31 Creating Experiences and Daily Life Pressures

33:44 The Three Horizons Framework

48:14 Regenerative Design and Asking Questions

56:56 Opening Up to Life, Wholeness, and Beauty

01:09:29 Navigating Change: Finding Community and Place