Two Inconvenient Women

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 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:Healing begins with gratitude - Joanna Macy (Article)Grateful Living (website) 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:Love Thy Neighbour - World Values Survey (PDF)Everyone wants a village but no-one wants to be a villager - Cassie McCure (article)36 questions - how to fall in love - New York Times (website) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does success really mean? The hosts explore the societal narratives that define success as wealth and achievement, questioning if these ideals are worth pursuing. They highlight the concept of redefining success based on personal values rather than societal expectations. Emphasizing the importance of failure as a stepping stone, they suggest that success is more about the journey and individual fulfillment. Reflecting on life’s true priorities, they argue that deep connections and meaningful experiences shape a truly successful life.

Exploring the gap between lived and laminated values, the conversation dives into how our inner compass shapes who we are. The hosts discuss the origins of values, the struggle for alignment, and the critique of 'British values' as superficial. Citing the Schwartz Values Map, they reveal the tension between extrinsic and intrinsic motivations and challenge common narratives about human nature. They also touch on the impact of trauma on values and the importance of creating communities that reflect authentic beliefs. Enjoy insights on living with purpose and integrity!

The sustainability movement's journey since the 1950s is explored, revealing its pitfalls. The hosts discuss treating sustainability as a foundational process, not just an add-on. They highlight the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental goals. Greenwashing and political setbacks are critiqued, while grassroots initiatives and indigenous wisdom offer hope. The conversation calls for slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and fostering a mindset shift toward systemic change.

What does home really mean? Hosts delve into the emotional nuances of home, exploring feelings of safety and belonging. They discuss gut reactions to spaces and the impact of personal items on creating a sense of home. Cultural variations in what defines home are highlighted through children's bedrooms across the globe. The conversation also addresses the plight of homelessness, the dignity of those forced to flee, and the importance of community-led solutions. Ultimately, it’s a warm reflection on how we define and cultivate our own sanctuaries.

Dive into the complex world of AI, where support and risks coexist. Explore how it intertwines with our daily lives and the potential loss of humanity amid rising technologies. The discussion tackles AI's purpose, its reflection of human values, and the uncertain futures ahead. Hear about AI's role in companionship and therapy, and the pressing need for inclusive design. Reflect on the balance between fear and agency as we navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and education.

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:His Dark Materials & The Book of Dust, Philip Pulman (novel trilogies)The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House - Audre Lorde (essays)Personality, Wholeness and Connection - Dan Siegel (lecture and book)The Story of Triple WellBeing - Rachel Musson (e-book)Rumsfield Matrix (website)Keys to the Enneagram - A H Almaas (book)Wuthering Heights - Emily Brontë (novel) Never Split the Difference - Chris Voss (book)The Life Impossible - Matt Haig (novel)The Listening Book - R Ticic, E Kuschner, B Ecker (book)Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu, trans.Ursula K. Le Guin (spiritual text)How to do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy - Jenny Odell (book and talk)Earth in Mind - David Orr (book)Homegoing - Yaa Gyasi (novel) 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:Let’s Reboot the Future (podcast series)Assembly by Peter Burke (Sculpture Installation)We Could Win the Climate Fight…Thanks to AI | Gavin McCormick (Life with Machines, ep.12) (podcast episode)The Dunning Kruger Effect (graph)The Joy of Being Naïve | Chris Jones | TEDxPCL (TEDx Talk) Empathy Action Immersive Experiences (workshop)Sam Crosby (speaker and facilitator)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.