

Two Inconvenient Women
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 16, 2026 • 55min
Are we in a polycrisis and what can we do about it?
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:Reconnection Retreat - ThoughtBox & Hawkwood College (in-person gathering)The Story of Triple WellBeing - Rachel Musson (free PDF)The Metacrisis is a crisis of meaning - Ernesto van Peborgh (article)Triple WellBeing Practitioner Course (online training course)Tasting the Pickle: Ten Flavours of Metacrisis and the Appetite for a New Civilisation - Jonathan Rowson (essay) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 55min
Is it really a new year? Is it really a new me?!
As the new year approaches, the pressure to reinvent yourself looms large. The hosts dissect cultural new year traditions and ponder whether January 1st truly signifies a fresh start. They contrast fleeting resolutions with deeper intentions, advocating for gentle growth over drastic change. The podcast explores the influence of consumer culture on our perception of new beginnings and emphasizes honoring the natural rhythms of the seasons. Tune in for insights on embracing the pause and cultivating patience as you navigate your own journey.

Jan 2, 2026 • 2min
A New Year's Gift: Poem for a New Year By Matt Goodfellow
This podcast features a captivating reading of a poem by Matt Goodfellow that beautifully captures the essence of change and renewal. The imagery evokes the shifting weather, the harmony of nature, and a sense of anticipation for the new year. Listeners are treated to a reflection on new beginnings as the hosts share heartfelt wishes for a gentle start to the year. It's a delightful exploration of hope and transformation, perfectly setting the tone for what’s to come.

Dec 26, 2025 • 52min
A Christmas Gift: Stories of Triple WellBeing
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.

9 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 56min
Why is gratitude so powerful?
Discover the transformative power of gratitude in daily life. The hosts explore how gratitude reshapes our perceptions and strengthens resilience. They discuss its profound ties to spiritual traditions and the calming effects on the nervous system, backed by neuroscience. Personal anecdotes highlight the importance of giving and receiving appreciation in relationships. Practical tips are shared for cultivating gratitude, even on tough days, emphasizing the value of authenticity over forced positivity. Tune in for insights that can enhance connection and presence.

8 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 58min
Why don't we talk to our neighbours?
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.

8 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 55min
Do we really want to be successful?
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.

22 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 1h 8min
Are your values lived or laminated?
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!

16 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 6min
Why doesn't sustainability seem to be working?
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.

14 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 4min
What does 'home' mean to you?
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.


