Wild with Sarah Wilson

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.

Christiana Figueres, a former Costa Rican diplomat and pivotal figure in the Paris Agreement, discusses the paradox of hope amidst climate despair. She debates the viability of global climate goals and emphasizes the urgent need for ambitious action against rising emissions. The conversation explores 'stubborn optimism,' the complexities of renewable energy transition, and the emotional toll of climate activism. Ultimately, Figueres argues that love is the driving force that keeps people committed to the fight for a sustainable future.

In this insightful conversation, Elizabeth Oldfield, a British coach, author, and broadcaster, explores themes of resilience and spirituality. She reflects on accessing the sacred amid a turbulent world and the moral loneliness many face today. Together, they navigate grief related to climate change, the transformative power of community, and the journey of women in their 40s seeking purpose. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort for deeper connections and how love can guide us through life's challenges.

Nika Kovač is a controversial Slovenian activist and Obama scholar, known for her dynamic role as the founding director of The Research Institute of 8th March. In this lively conversation, she discusses her successful campaigns against water privatization and political media influence. Nika reveals her ambitious goal for free and accessible abortion throughout the EU, sparked by the Roe v. Wade overturn. She emphasizes the importance of collective action and community support in advocating for reproductive rights, inspiring listeners to engage in the movement.