The Wisdom & Action Podcast
With Berry Liberman
How can we get ourselves out of the mess that we’re in and leave a world we want to gift our children and future generations?
Join Small Giants Academy co-founder, Berry Liberman, as she speaks with brilliant people around the world who are exploring meaningful interventions for a hopeful future on the Wisdom & Action podcast.
We’re kicking off season one with a special 10-part series exploring systems thinking in the metacrisis.
We’re back with another amazing episode! Our guest this week is Anna Funder, an incredible Australian writer whose books Stasiland and All That I Am are prize winning international best sellers. Her most recent work, Wifedom, is an exploration of Eileen O'Shaughnessy, George Orwell's first wife who was almost successfully erased from history - until now. Anna shares her inspiration for the book, reflecting on her own experiences within a seemingly egalitarian marriage as she unravels the intricacies of patriarchy, a system deeply embedded in language and societal norms. We explore the complexities of gender dynamics, the invisible labor of women, and the need for accurate language to dismantle patriarchal structures so that we can foster a deeper understanding for envisioning new possibilities and emergent futures.
Ready to turn this wisdom into action?
Books mentioned:
Wifedom by Anna Funder
Stasiland by Anna Funder
All That I Am by Anna Funder
Stravinsky's Lunch by Drusilla Modjeska
The Complete Works of George Orwell by Peter Davidson
Animal Farm by George Orwell
1984 by George Orwell
Check out our programs
Small Giants Academy - Impact Safari
Small Giants Academy - The Mastery of Business and Empathy
Small Giants Academy - Interconnected Leader
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Berry x
SEASON ONE | EPISODE THREE
Anna Funder on erasure and the patriarchy
“It’s very important to have language that names things.”
We are so thrilled to introduce you to the legendary Nora Bateson! Nora is a celebrated filmmaker, writer, and president of the International Bateson Institute in Sweden. Her interdisciplinary work combines biology, cognition, art, anthropology, and psychology where she delves into ecological patterns in living systems. Nora introduces us to the concept of “warm logic” and “double binds” and challenges traditional ways of thinking that are rooted in linear causality. We also explore the difference between the "Situation Room" approach, driven by immediate problem-solving, and the holistic perspective of the "Meadow," which emphasises ongoing mutual learning, adaptability and context.
It sounds like a lot, but we promise it's worth it. There's even a saucy poem in the mix! We are so excited for you to listen - let us know what you think by leaving a rating and review on your podcast app, or email us at podcast@smallgiants.com.au
SEASON ONE | EPISODE TWO
Nora Bateson on systems thinking and the ‘meadow’ crisis
“We do not have time to be in a hurry.”
Ready to turn this wisdom into action?
Links to books we discuss:
Small Arcs of Larger Circles: Framing Through Other Patterns by Nora Bateson
Combining by Nora Bateson
Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm by Isabella Tree
Websites to explore:
Our programs
Check out some of our programs, perfect for diving deeper into the work of this conversation.
And finally if you want information delivered straight into your inbox, follow the Small Giants Academy newsletter here.
Join Berry in a beautiful conversation with Ben Goldsmith, a leading figure in green investment and the rewilding movement in the UK and Europe. The conversation navigates the complexities of valuing nature, rewilding, and the financial markets in the restoration process. As Berry and Ben explore the mysteries of our connection with nature, they touch on the profound impact of grief and loss, and Ben shares his personal journey about how nature became a source of solace and joy in the aftermath of losing his daughter Iris. Drawing from Ben's book, "God is an Octopus," and his podcast, " Rewilding the World with Ben Goldsmith," we’re introduced to systems thinking, biodiversity and how we can reweave ourselves back into the miracle of life on this planet.
SEASON ONE | EPISODE ONE
Ben Goldsmith on grief and the miracle of nature
“We forget the magic that we’re surrounded by.”
Ready to turn this wisdom into action?
Our programs
Check out some of our programs, perfect for diving deeper into the work of this conversation.
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Want more Wisdom & Action?
Listen to our previous podcast, Dumbo Feather for even more wisdom and action, with guests like Esther Perel, Brene Brown and Nate Hagens.