If I Ruled the World by Gillian Burke

“Indigeneity is ancient, but it’s also present and future.” Today, we explore the profound connection between humanity and the natural world. Gillian is joined by Leah Penniman, a dedicated farmer, soil enthusiast, mother, and co-founder of the Afro-Indigenous Centered Community Farm in New York State, known as Soul Fire Farm.Key TakeawaysRevisiting Youthful Idealism:Hear a powerful recording from Leah’s high school graduation speech, questioning the motivations behind our life choices and our impact on the planet.Reflections on Personal and Social Identity:Leah discusses her unique experiences as a black woman in science and nature, challenging the notion of being an outlier and emphasising the universal quest for belonging and purpose.Farming as Activism:With over 30 years of farming experience, Leah intertwines social justice with agriculture, detailing her journey from a youth activist to founding Soul Fire Farm, which focuses on food justice and community empowerment.Cultural and Ancestral Influence:Exploring the impact of her parents' activism, Leah highlights the importance of understanding and honouring our roots, both cultural and environmental.Environmental Justice and Systemic Issues:Leah offers a comprehensive analysis of systemic injustices that exacerbate environmental degradation, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to address these intertwined crises.Follow the show:You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.Connect with Soul Fire Farm:https://www.soulfirefarm.org/Follow GillianInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillians_voice/Website: https://www.gillianburkevoice.com/Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter!Mentions & ResourcesLION (Land in Our Names)Lauret SavoyGlobal Grid PotentialSchumacher Institute✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

Work, wealth, people & planet…Welcome back! Today, we dive into the profound impact of work on our lives and society. Our guest, Polly Smythe, a journalist and labour movement correspondent, offers her perspective on the transformation of work, the erosion of worker protections, and the intersection of labour rights with broader social and environmental issues. What would you do, if you weren’t working all the time?…Key TakeawaysHistorical Context and the Modern Work Crisis:Polly provides a historical overview of the labour movement, connecting past struggles to current challenges in the workplace. She discusses how the labour movement's focus has shifted over time and its implications for workers today.Impact of COVID-19 on Work Dynamics:The pandemic has intensified workplace exploitation, highlighting the vulnerability of 'essential workers'. Polly shares firsthand observations of increased workloads under the guise of pandemic protocols, setting a new, unsustainable standard for labour expectations.Journalism and Labour Representation:The decline of industrial reporting has left a gap in accurate and empathetic coverage of labour issues. Polly stresses the importance of media in shaping public understanding and policy regarding labour rights.Economic Inequality and Corporate Power:Discussion on the widening gap between the wealthy and the working class, exacerbated by corporate practices aimed at maximising profits at the expense of worker welfare. This segment ties in with a critique of current economic models that favour capital over labour.Vision for a Redefined Work-Life Balance:Proposals for systemic change include moving to a 4-day work week to improve quality of life and address environmental concerns. Polly advocates for rethinking work not just as a necessity but as a component of a fulfilling life, aligned with personal and societal well-being.This episode challenges us to rethink our roles within the modern economy and the true cost of our current work practices on personal and environmental levels. It calls for a return to a more equitable system where work serves humanity, not just the interests of a wealthy few.Follow the show:You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.Connect with our guest:Polly Smythe - Novara MediaFollow GillianInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gil✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

In today's episode, we meet Tyrique Glasgow, a South Philadelphia native who transformed his life from a trajectory marked by gun violence and incarceration to one of community service and mentorship. Tyrique is the founder of the Young Chances Foundation, a community organisation that addresses the deeper systemic issues affecting urban communities, such as access to quality nutrition, generational trauma, and environmental pollution.Key TakeawaysCommunity and Personal Transformation:Tyrique shares his personal journey from surviving multiple shootings and imprisonment to becoming a pivotal community figure. His transformation began with mentoring local youths, eventually leading to the creating of the Young Chances Foundation.Environmental and Social Impact:Philadelphia's history of industrial pollution and its effect on public health, particularly respiratory conditions, is highlighted. Tyrique discusses how these conditions contribute to the broader context of violence and community despair.Holistic Community Support:The foundation's approach goes beyond addressing immediate needs, focusing on systemic changes that provide sustainable support and empowerment. Initiatives include access to healthy food, mental health services, and youth mentorship programs.Challenges and Barriers:Tyrique points out the obstacles faced by community members, from bureaucratic hurdles that prevent children from participating in recreation to the pervasive violence that impacts daily life.Vision for the Future:A passionate discourse on what leadership and systemic change should look like, emphasising education, community engagement, and environmental justice.This episode offers a profound look into how interconnected systems of disadvantage and environmental degradation contribute to cycles of violence and poverty. Tyrique Glasgow's story is one of hope and determination, showcasing how one individual's change can lead to community-wide transformation. His insights challenge us to think critically about the root causes of urban violence and the broader societal changes needed to foster true community resilience and growth.Follow the show:You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.Connect with our guest:Young Chances FoundationFollow GillianInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillians_voice/✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

In this moving and powerful episode, Gillian delves into the Grenfell Tower tragedy with Ed Daffarn, a resident and activist who foresaw the disaster. Ed shares his first-hand account of the events leading up to, during, and following the devastating fire on June 14, 2017, that claimed 72 lives and destroyed 127 homes in West London.Key TakeawaysForewarning and Neglect:Ed details the persistent warnings issued by the residents about the tower's safety issues, which were systematically ignored by the management and local authorities. These included concerns over faulty fire doors, sprinklers, and the dangerous cladding that ultimately exacerbated the fire.The Night of the Fire:The tragedy unfolded dramatically and swiftly, leaving residents with little time to react despite previously being instructed to stay put in their apartments during a fire—a policy that proved fatal given the rapid spread of smoke and flames.Aftermath and Abandonment:In the wake of the fire, survivors found themselves neglected by official aid, with the community stepping in to provide immediate relief. Ed's narrative highlights the stark abandonment by the state and the resilience of the Grenfell community.Ongoing Injustice:Years after the incident, the lack of accountability remains a significant issue, with no criminal prosecutions and ongoing delays in legal proceedings that add to the survivors' and victims' families' grief and frustration.Community Mobilisation:The formation of Grenfell United by survivors and bereaved families illustrates the proactive steps taken by the community to seek justice, improve housing safety regulations, and ensure such a disaster never happens again.Societal Reflections:The episode reflects on broader themes of social inequality, the disregard for lower-income communities, and systemic failures that contributed to the tragedy. Ed discusses the implications of profit over safety and the need for profound systemic change.This episode serves not only as a remembrance but also as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles for justice and systemic reform. It underscores the critical need for societal vigilance and proactive governance to prevent future tragedies. The conversation with Ed is a powerful call to action for accountability, safety, and respect for all communities.Follow the show:You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.Connect with Grenfell United:Intagram✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world!What would society look like if we scrapped GDP as a measure of progress? This week, Gillian chats with Professor Tim Lenton, a seasoned expert in Earth System Science from the University of Exeter to find out. We dive into the profound connections between our planet's systems and the Gaia hypothesis; exploring how the conditions of life on earth are maintained by self-regulating systems in the ocean, atmosphere, rock and by life itself.Key Takeaways:Understanding Earth System Science:Earth System Science views our planet as a cohesive unit, focusing on the thin, life-supporting layer from the top of the atmosphere to the crust. This perspective emphasises the interconnectedness and interdependence of all planetary components.Gaia Theory Revisited:Gaia theory conceptualises Earth as a self-regulating, complex system, akin to a living entity but not an organism. It maintains its stability through feedback mechanisms, despite lacking the robust material exchanges characteristic of organisms.Climate Tipping Points:The discussion highlights critical tipping points in the climate system, such as the melting of ice caps and permafrost, which could dramatically alter global climate patterns and sea levels.Positive Tipping Points:Positive developments in renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, are becoming self-sustaining through economies of scale and could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Societal and Behavioural Changes:Emphasising the need for a shift in societal behaviours and norms, particularly in energy consumption and diet (reducing meat consumption), which are crucial for achieving sustainable environmental outcomes.Global Gaia Happiness IndexA new measure of success. Tim outlines what a world without GPD would look like and suggests ideas for what might take its place.Follow the show:You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.Connect with our guest:Tim LentonFollow Gillian:InstagramWebsiteMent✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world!It’s stock taking time! Today I’m checking in with some of the previous guests on the show to see how they’re getting on and what progress they have made since we last spoke. This episode threw up some real curve balls and I had no idea what to expect! Sit back and relax as we kick off the episode with a beautiful quote from Angela Davis speaking back in 1972…Key Takeaways:Global Student Activism: Insight into the expansive student protests demanding divestment from companies profiting from Israeli apartheid, capturing the essence of global solidarity and the impact of collective action.Advancements in Ecocide Law: JoJo Mehta shares exciting developments in ecocide legislation, highlighting recent international movements and legal victories that mark progress in environmental protection.Personal and Ecological Grief: Robbie Blackhall-Miles discusses his personal journey through grief and its parallels with ecological loss, providing a poignant view on the emotional dimensions of environmental activism.Combatting Global Hunger Amidst Climate Crisis: Edie Mukiibi of Slow Food International gives us a sobering look at how the climate crisis exacerbates global hunger, especially in conflict zones, underscoring the urgent need for global awareness and action.Conservation Efforts by Mike Webb: Updates on Gwent Wildlife Trust’s campaigns to protect biodiversity against industrial developments, stressing the importance of community engagement and legal strategies in conservation.Challenging Big Tech's Exploitative Practices: Foxglove Legal gives us an overview of the ongoing legal battles against exploitative practices of big tech companies, highlighting the critical role of digital justice in protecting individual rights and freedoms.Youth-Led Environmental Restoration: Hal from Action for Conservation updates us on youth empowerment in environmental restoration, showcasing how intergenerational collaboration fosters significant positive environmental impacts.Follow the show:You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, ✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

Should housing be a human right? Today we delve into a transformative solution to homelessness, inspired by Finland’s success. Our guest, Juha Kahila, brings over a decade of expertise and currently serves as the international coordinator of the Y Foundation (Y-Säätiö) in Finland. This episode explores the Housing First approach, showcasing its effectiveness and potential as a global blueprint for ending homelessness.Key Takeaways:Understanding Homelessness in Finland:Juha provides an overview of homelessness in Finland, including the historical context and current status.Insights into why Finland's approach is uniquely successful compared to other countries.The Housing First Approach:Detailed discussion of the Housing First model, which provides permanent homes as a foundational step for tackling other social issues.Examination of how this approach was adapted from its American origins to fit Finland's socio-economic context.Cost-Effectiveness and Societal Benefits:Juha explains why housing people is not just a moral imperative but also a cost-effective solution.Statistical evidence from Finland showing the impact of Housing First on community welfare and homelessness reduction.Expanding the Model Globally:Challenges and considerations for implementing Housing First in diverse socio-economic environments, such as the UK, Germany, France, and the US.Potential adaptations needed to address varying challenges in these countries.Personal Insights and Broader Implications:Juha shares his personal journey into this field and what motivated him to dedicate his career to ending homelessness.Discussion on the broader implications of Housing First, the prevention of homelessness, and addressing the harm from inequality.Calls to Action and Future Directions:Insights on how listeners and policymakers can advocate for and implement Housing First strategies in their own regions.The importance of teaching compassion and practical actions to support vulnerable populations.Conclusion and How to Get Involved: Juha Kahila’s insights provide a hopeful vision of a world where homelessness can be effectively addressed. For listeners inspired to learn more about initiatives like Housing First, visit the Y Foundation.Follow the show:You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.Connect with our guest:Juha KahilaFollow GillianInstagram: ✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world!Continuing with the food theme… today we explore the vital relationship between agriculture and ecology. Join me as I sit down with George Young, a visionary farmer who has transitioned from conventional to agroecological farming practices. Discover how George integrates biodiversity and sustainable methods to enhance the 'aliveness' of his family farm and the broader implications for our environment and food security.Key Takeaways:George's Farming Evolution:George shares his personal journey of becoming a farmer and transitioning from traditional methods to agroecological practices.Insights into how and why he chose to diverge from his father's farming techniques.Challenges and Victories in Modern Farming:Discussion on the various challenges George faces, including the broader political and economic pressures that impact farmers.Success stories from the farm, showcasing how sustainable practices can lead to real change.Integrating Biodiversity and Agriculture:The importance of wildlife corridors, biodiversity, and how these elements contribute to a healthier ecosystem on the farm.Specific initiatives like agroforestry and organic conversion that George has implemented.The Impact of Supermarkets and Consumer Choices:How supermarket practices affect farmers and what this means for local versus global food production.The role of consumer choices in shaping farming practices and promoting sustainability.A Vision for the Future of Farming:George's perspective on creating wildlife habitats alongside efficient food production.The potential for rewilding and securing funding for environmental farming initiatives.Engagement Beyond the Farm:How George stays connected with the wider world and the importance of community and knowledge sharing among farmers.Advice for those interested in entering the farming profession or transitioning to more sustainable practices.Conclusion and How to Connect: George Young's transformative approach to farming not only enhances the biodiversity of his land but also serves as an inspiring model for future generations of farmers. For listeners looking to learn more about sustainable farming practices or to connect with George, visit his blog.Follow the show:You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.Follow GillianInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillians_voice/Website: https://www.gillianburkevoice.com/Mentions & Resource✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world!Enjoying your lunch break? Not so fast… Today, we dive into the pressing issue of junk food marketing and its impact on youth with Luke, an 18-year-old school student, food justice campaigner for Bite Back 2030, and youth parliament member. Join us as Luke shares his journey into activism, the significant challenges posed by unhealthy food marketing, and the collective efforts required to forge a healthier future for his, and future generations.Key Takeaways:The Catalyst for Change:The moment Luke decided to stand up against the systemic drivers of unhealthy food marketing to youth.Introduction to Luke's activism journey and the origins of Bite Back 2030.Targeting Youth: The Unhealthy Marketing Machine:Exploration of research suggesting that young people are explicitly targeted by junk food advertising.Luke's insights into defining junk food and its detrimental effects on health.Navigating the Food Landscape:Personal anecdotes from Luke about his dietary experiences and the illusion of choice in the current food environment.Government and Corporate Accountability:Luke's perspective on the failure of government regulations and the cozy relationship between government entities and food companies.The urgent need for changing the narrative around food, health, and corporate responsibility.Bite Back 2030: Spearheading Change:The role of Bite Back 2030 in advocating for a healthier food environment and their actions against junk food marketing.Challenges encountered in the fight against powerful food industry lobbying and the barriers to effective change.The Path Forward:Luke's vision for the future and the importance of engaging young people in politics and activism to address public health issues.The collective action needed to combat the commercial drivers of disease and ensure a healthier future for younger generations.Conclusion and How to Support the Cause: Luke's passionate call to action highlights the critical need for a united stand against junk food marketing and the implementation of effective solutions to safeguard the health of future generations. For listeners inspired to join the movement or learn more about Bite Back 2030, visit their website.Follow the show:You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.Follow GillianInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillians_voice/Website: https://www.gillianburkevoice.com/Mentions & Resources✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

Good data, good decision making, values and accountability! A recipe for change. Join us as we engage in a profound conversation with Craig Bennett, CEO of The Wildlife Trusts. This episode navigates Craig's journey to becoming a beacon of environmental activism, the intertwining of politics and conservation, and how leadership shapes the course of environmental advocacy. Delve into Craig's critical views on current global environmental policies, and the imperative role of diverse, youthful voices in forging a sustainable future.Key Takeaways:Craig Bennett's Path to Environmentalism:An introduction to Craig's backstory and pivotal moments with Friends of the Earth that shaped his environmental advocacy.Politics vs. Nature:A discussion on the challenges of balancing economic equality and environmental conservation.Craig's critique of political support for damaging agricultural and fossil fuel practices.Personal Resilience for Activists:Insights into how Craig maintains well-being through music, family, and running.The importance of personal health in sustaining long-term activism.Vision for Future Environmental Policy:The necessity of including younger generations in policymaking.Advocacy for evaluating progress beyond traditional economic indicators to include environmental sustainability.Historical Lessons and Future Aspirations:Reflections on successful environmental actions, such as the global response to the ozone layer crisis.Craig's thoughts on what's needed for effective international cooperation and environmental governance today.Conclusion and Insights: Craig Bennett shares valuable lessons from his extensive experience in environmental advocacy, highlighting the critical need for systemic change, personal resilience, and inclusive policymaking. His vision for a sustainable future underscores the complexities of environmental challenges and the collective effort required to address them. For more insights and to support The Wildlife Trusts, visit their website.Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world!Follow GillianInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillians_voice/Website: https://www.gillianburkevoice.com/Mentions & Resourceshttps://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3700https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needsWhat would you do if you ruled the world?If you have any insights or feedback on today’s episode or you have an idea for how the world could be a better place, drop me an email on podcast@gillianburkevoice.comA final thank you to our wonderful sponsors Triodos Bank UK for making this podcast happen, and to The Wildlife Trusts for their continued support.Produced by SoundquakeEdited by Jake-Lee Savage✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email podcast@gillianburkevoice.com 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening