Wild with Sarah Wilson

Wild has been on hiatus while I finish my most recent book. We’ll be back with a fresh direction and new guests in the coming months, but in the meantime, I’m dropping in a small handful of interviews I’ve been doing on Substack that you might find interesting. They’re far more rustic and casual than my usual offerings. You can, of course, watch the video versions over on Substack.My guest today is Dr Sharon Blackie a psychologist, mythologist, and author whose work lives at the meeting point of story, psyche, and ecology. In this conversation, we explore the role of fairytales and myths in hard and disorienting times, and what these old stories can teach us about the deeply human act of hospitality, how we welcome others, and ourselves, in moments of fear, change, and uncertainty. You can also watch the chat here.We anchor the discussion around a beautiful essay of Sharon’s, The Meaning of Hospitality, which she has generously made available for free.A bit about Dr Sharon Blackie: An award-winning writer and teacher working at the intersection of psychology, mythology, and ecology. She’s the author of the bestselling If Women Rose Rooted, and her work has appeared in The Guardian, The Irish Times, and The Scotsman. She lives on a smallholding in the mountains of Wales, where she continues to explore how myth and story can guide us through modern life.PS: My new book, I Eat the Stars, will be out worldwide in May/June 2026. If you’re curious, you can read the serialised version over on Substack. Today’s chat touches on a few of the themes I explore in that work.--If you need to know a bit more about me… head to my "about" pageFor more such conversations, subscribe to my Substack newsletter, it’s where I interact the most!Let’s connect on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rich from Ohh That’s RICH, a political commentator and former MTV News correspondent, dives into the concept of 'extinction burst,' which he describes as the last frantic gasp of a system losing its grip. He discusses its relevance to the current political landscape, comparing it to toddlers throwing tantrums in response to inevitable change. Rich also addresses the role of progressive male voices in countering toxic influencer culture and emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and solidarity in fostering a healthier democracy.

In this conversation, Grace Blakeley, a political economist and author, discusses the rise of oligarchy and the impact of neoliberalism on society. She contrasts individualistic solutions to collective organizing, emphasizing the need for grassroots movements. Grace explains how neoliberalism has deepened inequality and created a sense of powerlessness that fuels right-wing narratives. She advocates for actionable outreach and rebuilding community ties to restore left power. The dialogue touches on the challenges faced in Australia and sees collapse as a chance to forge new solidarity.

Vanessa Andreotti, a Brazilian academic and Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Victoria, passionately discusses how modernity is akin to an 'adolescent' civilization. She advocates for Indigenous wisdom to guide humanity through crises, asserting that the West often waits until catastrophe strikes to take action. Vanessa explores the emotional processing necessary for communal healing and emphasizes the importance of 'black belt aunties' in navigating resilience. Their conversation blends reflections on loss and hope, inviting listeners to celebrate human connections even amidst chaos.

Martha Beck, an international bestselling author and renowned life coach, discusses her upcoming book on anxiety and its transformative potential. She shares personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing how anxiety can lead to creativity and purpose. Listeners learn tangible techniques to manage anxiety through movement, music, and creative expression. Martha highlights the importance of self-compassion and connection to nature as tools for healing. Their lively conversation inspires finding joy in sensory experiences and using fears as catalysts for personal growth.

Indy Johar, the innovative founder of Dark Matter Labs and a Professor of Planetary Civics, shares his insights on urgent global challenges. He discusses the alarming potential for societal collapse and the foundational shifts needed to redefine our relationship with the planet. With a focus on community and interconnectedness, he urges transformative actions to avert crises. Johar emphasizes the critical role of sustainable practices and resilience in creating a hopeful future, encouraging a conscious evolution towards a planetary civilization.

Lyndsey Stonebridge, a Professor of Humanities and Human Rights at the University of Birmingham, explores the unsettling echoes of Hannah Arendt's work in today’s political climate. She delves into Arendt’s insights on totalitarianism, connecting them to contemporary figures like Trump. The conversation touches on the loneliness of false belonging and the impact of social media. Stonebridge emphasizes the power of thought and the importance of love, resilience, and curiosity as tools for navigating societal challenges.

Luke Kemp, a historical collapse expert and honorary lecturer at the Australian National University, delves into the factors behind civilizational decline. He examines how political dynamics and systemic inequality have historically led to societal collapse, drawing parallels to modern civilization's interconnected threats like climate change and AI. Luke introduces the 'Mortality of States Index' and discusses the fragile future of societies amid growing elitism. His insights highlight that understanding past empires is essential for navigating today's global challenges.

Listeners dive into the host's writing process for a serialized book on societal collapse, exploring the creative journey shaped by audience feedback. The emotional weight of reflecting on collapse sparks discussions about personal accountability and societal responsibility. Insights reveal how embracing mortality can ease anxiety and foster deeper connections. The host invites participation for future interactive sessions while reflecting on the unique calm found in confronting fears, encouraging a community dialogue on these pressing themes.

Joel Pearson, a neuroscientist and cognitive expert from the University of New South Wales, explores the intriguing question of whether free will is merely an illusion. He delves into the implications of AI and social media on our choices, highlighting the risks to personal agency. The conversation also touches on the synchronization in nature, like murmurations, and how compassion can reshape our understanding of responsibility. Ultimately, Pearson challenges us to reconsider our beliefs about autonomy and the impact of external forces on our decision-making.