Best Think Tank Hub Podcasts (2024)

1
78: The Seasonal Organisation & Women’s Leadership with Liz Rivers 36:02

1h ago36:02

36:02

Liz Rivers shares her rich engagement with nature and how it informs her work in leadership and as a coach. The seasonal organisation refers back to pre-modern times and draws on the Celtic Calendar as a way of connecting our workplaces with the rhythms and cycles of the natural world. The Celtic calendar marks times in the year when the light chan…

1
77: Approaching Human Disappearance Through Art with Chantal Meza & Brad Evans 42:30

24d ago42:30

42:30

In this fascinating and deeply insightful podcast, Chantal and Brad reflect on the meaning of disappearance. Chantal comes from Mexico where over 100,000 people have disappeared through violence and kidnapping. Human disappearance leaves a hole, an empty space, a void to which our human response is often one of confusion, desperation, pain, loss, a…

1
76: What Authored The Author? How work and organisations shape us: Dr Simon Western 45:16

2M ago45:16

45:16

This podcast reflects on my extensive and diverse work journey, which has been profoundly enriching. Yet, it transcends a mere work biography; it delves into an emotional journey shared. Work occupies a significant portion of our lives, yet we seldom reflect on how our experiences in the workplace impact and shape us. Every time I recount this stor…

1
75: Making A Difference in India with Sudarshan Suchi and Shweta Malhotra 41:45

3M ago41:45

41:45

Sudarshan and Shweta are key leadership figures in Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children India). Sudarshan is CEO and Shweta is Head of Governance & Organisation Development. In this podcast, they generously share their thoughts and experiences. Their approach is inspiring and enlightening, and it aligns closely to the Eco-Leadership I…

1
74: Refugees: A Response with Alana Chloe Esposito 37:27

3M ago37:27

37:27

Chloe is co-director of Lighthouse Relief a small NGO set up 8 years ago in Greece to respond to the influx of more than 900,000 refugees arriving in Greece from Syria at that time. Chloe shares her experience and the changing nature of the challenges they face. Initially, Greece was a very welcoming country, as Greek citizens personally and collec…

1
73: The City is My Monastery with Rev Richard Carter 47:35

4M ago47:35

47:35

This podcast focuses on Richard Carter's work and life as a vicar at St Martin-in-the-field, a bustling church in Trafalgar Square London, known for its work on social justice and in particular its work with the homeless. Richard and Simon met when Simon was experiencing a deep personal trauma and loss. Richard became a very important spiritual sup…

1
72: Secret Negotiators: Northern Ireland Peace Process with Niall Ó Dochartaigh 48:43

5M ago48:43

48:43

In this deeply insightful podcast, Niall shares findings and thoughts from his research and study of the conflict in Northern Ireland, published in his recent book Deniable Contact: Back-Channel Negotiation in Northern Ireland. Niall has spoken to key actors in the peace process, and in particular has sought to understand the conflict by seeking da…

1
71: Napoleon: Leadership Lessons with Stephanie Jones and Jonathan Gosling 46:49

5M ago46:49

46:49

Napoleon is back in the cinemas, and apparently, there are more movies made about him than any other person, he is third on the list of most books written about a person (behind Jesus and Hitler). So what is the allure and what can we learn from this Mesianic leadership figure? To dig deep into these questions Jonathan Gosling and Stephanie Jones j…

1
70: Rebalancing Society with Henry Mintzberg 37:09

5M ago37:09

37:09

In this episode, the iconic and world-renowned management expert Henry Mintzberg shares his wisdom on issues of management, organisations and how society needs rebalancing. More than this, Henry generously reflects on his own working methods and approaches, which gives a fascinating insight into his success. When asked by Simon how he sees things t…

1
69: Lurking Monsters with Nora Bateson 49:43

6M ago49:43

49:43

In this podcast, Nora Bateson shares her thinking about the ecology of communication, which is at the heart of her latest book 'Combining'. Nora shares her experience of being the daughter of Gregory Bateson the world-famous ecological thinker, and how he lived his ecology, rather than treat ecology and systems thinking as objects to study. Nora in…

1
68: Well-Being at Work with Sir Cary Cooper 45:16

6M ago45:16

45:16

In this podcast, Professor Cary Cooper shares his extensive experience of working to create healthier and happier workplaces. Cary shares his belief that in times of rapid social change, organizational workplaces are more important than ever as sites that can provide healthy environments that support our well-being. Cary identifies key turning poin…

1
67: Barbie, Patriarchy, and the Culture Wars with Professor Caroline Bainbridge 25:39

7M ago25:39

25:39

Barbie, patriarchy, and the culture wars with Professor Caroline Bainbridge This podcast came about in relation to Caroline and Simon’s personal reactions to the Barbie movie and in recognition that this movie is a 'cultural event' that demands some thought. As Caroline says, 'this movie needs psychoanalysis': Freudians would say it's all about dea…

1
66: Coaching and Psychedelics with Yannick Jacob 45:31

8M ago45:31

45:31

In this podcast, Yannick shares how he believes coaching can play an important role for clients with an interest in using psychedelics. LSD and other psychedelics were popular in the 1960s with Timothy Leary being the guru of the age, but disrupting the field as well. At the time, psychedelics-assisted forms of therapy were first explored. Followin…

1
65: Purpose Upgrade with Paul Skinner 43:14

10M ago43:14

43:14

Paul shares his thoughts and experience on the power of narrative and the importance of upgrading our purpose to meet the poly-crisis and disruptive contemporary social conditions we face. Paul points out that purpose is not a fixed destination, but an emergent position that needs to be adapted to each context. Repurposing leads to revitalising org…

1
64: Unhoused Minds with Dr Chris Scanlon and John Adlam 44:56

10M ago44:56

44:56

In this podcast, Chris and John share the ideas presented in their recent book, which examines how trauma and marginalization are produced and perpetuated by in-group and out-group dynamics. They turn questions upside down, making us think differently about social problems. When asked how to help the homeless, they return the question in a differen…

1
63: Economics, Politics and Emotions with Andrés Bernal 47:32

10M ago47:32

47:32

In this fascinating discussion, Andrés shares his expertise on economics and money and how policy and politics are created. Andrés challenges the 'taken-for-granted' assumptions that underpin economics and money, he shines the light of emotions onto the topic; or what in psychoanalysis we call the libidinal economy i.e. the underpinning unconscious…

1
62: Becoming Digital Savvy with Anni Rowland-Campbell 36:35

10M ago36:35

36:35

How do we live with technology in our digital age which is fast becoming an AI and Quantum age? There are those who understand, design and deliver tech’ and those who specialise in understanding people –between these two groups is a huge gap. Anni Rowland-Campbell has been trying to address this gap for over 25 years, by bringing people together fr…

1
61: Reflections with Richard Morgan-Jones 41:27

11M ago41:27

41:27

Richard brings to his work a deep sensitivity and diverse experiences, to offer us valuable insights into the world of organisational life. Drawing on Group Relations work, psychoanalytic theory, his experience as a psychotherapist and clinician and his coaching and consulting work, Richard makes strong connections between the body, mind and soul. …

1
60: Re-enchanting Humanitarianism: Gareth Owen OBE in Conversation with Dr Simon Western 59:24

11M ago59:24

59:24

The Eco-Leadership Institute has recently entered into a partnership with the Humanitarian Leadership Academy with the purpose to re-enchant the sector. This podcast was recorded in the Save the Children London office as part of a workshop for international humanitarian staff. The aim was for Gareth to introduce Simon and his ideas on Eco-Leadershi…

1
59: Evidence-Based Practice with Professor Rob Briner 32:03

12M ago32:03

32:03

In this podcast, Rob Briner shares his expertise and insights on evidence-based practice. Rob became interested in evidence-based research early in his academic career when he realised how much knowledge and assumed facts lacked convincing evidence. Simon converses with Rob from the position of a sceptic, having experienced evidence-based practice …

1
58: Reflections with Alicia E. Kaufmann 37:45

12M ago37:45

37:45

Alicia brings a multicultural spirit and curiosity to her work and thinking, having been born in Argentina to European Jewish parents, having Spanish daughters, and now living in Spain. In this podcast, Alicia discusses her reflections on a lifetime of experience and work, much of which focuses on women and leadership. She highlights the importance…

1
57: Daughters and Mothers with Julia Vaughan Smith 34:00

1y ago34:00

34:00

In this podcast, Julia Vaughan Smith shares her reflections about mother and daughter relationships, having just completed a book on the subject. Julia describes the entanglement between mother and daughter that often occurs, and how this can entrap daughters into ways of being that don't enable them to flourish. Anger and hurt can become life scri…

1
56: Agile and Inspiring Responses: Ukrainian Refugee Crisis with Zuzanna Tamas and Karolina Bisping-Adamik 44:23

1y ago44:23

44:23

Donate to Karolina (Fine NGO): https://fine.ngo/en/make-a-donation Donate to Zuzanna (Salam NGO): https://paypal.me/salamlab In this podcast Zuzanna and Karolina tell their stories of how they responded to the outbreak of war on the Polish border, and to the sudden influx of millions of refugees, mostly women and children fleeing war. Their individ…

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55: The Future of Humanitarianism with Michael N. Barnett 47:50

1y ago47:50

47:50

Michael Barnett is a leading thinker and scholar on humanitarianism, which as he says cannot be separated from humanity. Michael frames humanitarianism in the context of Empire, discussing the ongoing tensions between paternalism/control and compassion/giving that have been present since humanitarianism began. In more recent times humanitarianism h…

1
54: Complacency and Psychoanalysis with Julian Lousada 34:52

1y ago34:52

34:52

Julian is a British psychoanalyst who has worked in the public health sector for many years. In this podcast, he begins by reflecting on how complacent ways of thinking and being are becoming more commonplace, particularly in the consulting and psychotherapeutic world. He discusses a particular clinical case to emphasise this. Julian then explores …

1
53: A Jungian Coaching Conversation with Laurence Barrett 36:00

1+ y ago36:00

36:00

In this episode, we focus on Carl Jung's work in relation to coaching and consulting. Laurence is an eminent Jungian practitioner and author who is trying to bring the magic of Jungian thinking to the modern world of coaching and consulting. In this rich exchange Laurence shares why he believes Jung's work is so important. At the heart of this appr…

1
52: The Meaning of Life (Coaching) with Nick Bolton 40:06

1+ y ago40:06

40:06

In this podcast, Nick and Simon go on an intriguing journey that explores coaching from different perspectives. Nick shares his experiences of what is called ‘life coaching’ and reflects on how this differs, and shares common ground with, executive coaching and other forms of helping relationships such as counselling and psychotherapy. Nick believe…

1
51: Animal Rights with Esther Salomon (Co-Founder of Animal Think Tank) 41:08

1+ y ago41:08

41:08

Animal rights activism is at the heart of Esther’s work and life. In this podcast, Esther shares her thinking on the entanglements between the way we treat animals and how we live in consumer capitalist cultures. Esther discusses the economic structures behind our mistreatment of animals and the ways in which they are commodified and treated as res…

1
50: 50th Episode Special: Monarchy and Meaning with Leslie Brissett 40:27

1+ y ago40:27

40:27

We are celebrating our Golden Jubilee with the 50th episode of Edgy Ideas and thought it appropriate to reflect on the monarchy and its meaning. My guest Leslie Brissett draws on his wealth of experience in human dynamics and as Director of Group Relations at the Tavistock Institute to share his thoughts on what is projected onto the monarchy from …

1
49: The State of Coaching Today with Liz Hall 34:07

1+ y ago34:07

34:07

In this episode, Liz Hall draws on her experience of editing 'Coaching at Work' journal to reflect on the state of coaching today. Liz shares how she believes coaching is thriving for two key reasons First, the demand on managers increasingly means they need a reflective space, and support to help them navigate the emotional and relational people s…

1
48: Web3 & Human Dynamics with Shermin Voshmgir 46:02

1+ y ago46:02

46:02

Shermin Voshmgir is a leading thinker in the world of Web 3. This podcast explores the intersections between human dynamics and Web 3 developments. Shermin discusses the new possibilities of more democratic and decentralised ways of being and organising, and shares her growing concerns about how old politics, ego-driven behaviours, and simply the l…

1
47: #IsThereEnough? with Daniel Matalon 36:05

1+ y ago36:05

36:05

Daniel Matalon is on a mission. Dan asserts that humanity’s biggest existential threat is not climate change, tribalism, or inequality but our inability to make agreements with each other at the level we require to address our challenges. In this podcast Simon explores both the mission and what's behind it, making interesting connections to how the…

1
46: Leading by Nature with Giles Hutchins 33:38

1+ y ago33:38

33:38

Giles Hutchins shares his work and thinks about how to lead organizations following nature's flow rather than using nature as an external resource. Since the industrial revolution, we have been an extractive society, taking from the environment, without understanding or considering our interconnectivity and interdependence with the environment. We …

1
45: Transpersonal Coaching with Hetty Einzig 51:16

2y ago51:16

51:16

Hetty explores how transpersonal coaching takes us ‘beyond the person’ and into the wider ecosystems in which we live and work, including the spiritual realm. Hetty and Simon share their own faith journeys that have shaped how they engage with this work. They discuss how spirituality is either ignored in the workplace because it is not relevant to …

1
44: The Tavistock Institute of Human Relations with Dr Eliat Aram 40:56

2y ago40:56

40:56

Our guest this week is Dr Eliat Aram, CEO of The Tavistock Institute of Human Relations (TIHR). Dr Eliat Aram has been the CEO of TIHR for over 13 years. The TIHR, a not-for-profit outfit operating in the UK and abroad is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2022 and is a world-leading research, evaluation, consultancy, and professional development …

1
43: Exploring the Unconscious with Susan Long 45:14

2y ago45:14

45:14

Susan Long has studied and practiced working with the unconscious for many years. She brings fresh thinking to help us understand the unconscious in its many forms. Susan discusses the pre-Freudian unconscious drawing on the romantic philosopher Friedrich Schelling’s work who thought of the unconscious as a source of creativity. Susan reflects on t…

1
42: Ukraine: Weaving War Reflections with Simon Western and Caroline Bainbridge 41:32

2y ago41:32

41:32

In this episode, Simon Western is joined by organisational consultant, certified Analytic Network coach, and Emerita Professor of Psychoanalysis and Culture Caroline Bainbridge to reflect on what is happening in Ukraine, drawing on psychosocial thinking. Their aim is not to provide answers but to stimulate thinking and insights. This horrific, shoc…

1
41: Large Group Identity and War with Dr Vamik Volkan 40:17

2y ago40:17

40:17

In this podcast Dr Vamik Volkan shares his fascinating personal journey, and some of the theories that have gained him an international recognition. Born in 1932, Vamik a Turkish Cypriot lived in Cyprus under British rule, with the second world war and Nazi’s in the shadows as he grew up. His journey took him to study medicine in Turkey, and psychi…

1
Ending violence against women 43:43

2y ago43:43

43:43

In 1993, the United Nations adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women. Since then, various international norms and agreements have attempted to address the issues of gender-based violence and violence against women. Lars Engberg-Pedersen, Head of Unit and Senior Researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies…

1
40: Leading Change in the Catholic Church with David McCallum 44:30

2y ago44:30

44:30

Father David McCallum is at the heart of a very interesting change process taking place in the Catholic Church. Pope Francis has called for a 2 year process to advance a synodal church. David discusses how a synodal church embraces leadership from the edges, engaging the laity and being less hierarchical and clerical in its approach. Simon and Davi…

1
39: Working with Elite Athletes with Danny Donachie 45:03

2y ago45:03

45:03

Danny is a leading practitioner working with elite athletes. In this podcast he shares his reflections on working at a leading premiership football club in the UK. Drawing on his experiences of studying at the Tavistock clinic, Danny discusses the leadership and power dynamics at play in these soccer clubs. He applies Menzies-Lyth theory of social …

1
Regulating Artificial Intelligence 35:22

2+ y ago35:22

35:22

Today, artificial intelligence is part of our everyday lives, from facial recognition tools to chatbots and algorithms. Discussions are ongoing about the need for a regulatory framework around AI to guarantee users’ safety and respect of fundamental rights. In this episode, our two guest experts confront their views on the regulation of technologie…

1
38: Psychoanalysis and Revolution with Ian Parker 45:19

2+ y ago45:19

45:19

Ian Parker is a practising psychoanalyst, an academic and a revolutionary activist. Ian discusses the radical roots of psychoanalysis and how these have changed overtime, to make psychoanalysis fit with contemporary capitalist society. Ian believes that psychoanalysis should be a radical practice than impacts on individuals and society, rather than…

1
37: 'Promoting Understanding Of Society' with Olya Khaleelee 41:56

2+ y ago41:56

41:56

Olya Khaleelee shares her experiences and thoughts on 'OPUS, An organisation promoting the understanding of society'. OPUS aims to develop a deeper understanding of conscious and unconscious organisational and social dynamics; and to promote reflective citizenship – using this understanding to act authoritatively and responsibly as members of socie…

1
Research: a North-South divide 29:37

2+ y ago29:37

29:37

Evidence shows a clear asymmetry of knowledge production between countries from the Global South and the Global North. Research on public policies is mainly conducted and oriented by Northern players, while research institutions from the South are often left out of the dialogue on development issues. How did the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the integ…

1
36: Unthinkable Evil: Understanding Racism with Stanley Gold 44:38

2+ y ago44:38

44:38

Stanley Gold is concerned with racism, and in his recent book, ‘Unthinkable Evil-Understanding Racism’ he makes the claim that we talk about racism, but not about the cause of racism, because to do so is unthinkable. He takes this phrase from politicians who talk about the ‘unthinkable evil’ when confronted with a racist or terrorist incidents. Sta…

1
Stateless: denied nationality 23:28

2+ y ago23:28

23:28

Today, there are an estimated 10 million stateless people in the world. They either had to flee their country or have been denied citizenship. Without a passport or ID, they don’t have access to healthcare services, cannot vote or participate politically, cannot travel, drive or open a bank account. In sum, they are invisible and excluded from soci…

1
35: Trans Liberation with Josephine Inkpin 48:02

2+ y ago48:02

48:02

Josephine is Australia’s first out Transgender priest and on this podcast, shares her experiences, and why she believes that trans people can help to shine a light into the world. Simon and Josephine reflect on why transphobia occurs, and how trans, queer and non-binary ways of being create anxieties for those who fear transition in their own lives…

1
34: Yarning About First Nation Worldviews with Mishel McMahon 40:01

2+ y ago40:01

40:01

Dr Mishel McMahon, a Yorta Yorta First Nations woman from Australia, draws from 60,000 years of Aboriginal cultural experience to discuss what she terms ‘Relational Ontology’ - ontology meaning how we understand reality, what’s real and what’s not real. She says “Relational ontology is a view of reality that all entities; plants, animals, elements,…

1
33: Thinking About Climate Change with Paul Hoggett 31:29

2+ y ago31:29

31:29

Paul brings deep insights into climate change drawing on psycho-social thinking. This conversation explores climate anxiety, climate denial and climate delay, and how we as ‘moderns’ find it very difficult to escape deeply embedded ideas that entrap us. Paul relates this thinking back to our founding myths from Judeo-Christianity that throws humani…

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