Impact!

In what we hope is a thought-provoking episode, this week we delve into the world of the narcissism, especially in politics and organizations. We explore how narcissistic traits often permeate leadership roles, with the potential to impact organizations, societies, and global politics, not to mention having detrimental effects on individuals' wellbeing. Far from being a straightforward topic, we a...

In this episode, we explore the pressing issues of  the social authenticity crisis affecting many societies globally, which is being driven among other reasons by AI-generated content, political polarization, and eroded trust in institutions. We discuss how this crisis impacts our daily lives, the difficulty in distinguishing genuine information, and the role of misinformation in deepening divides...

In this episode, we explore the current political turbulence in Serbia. The country is experiencing significant unrest marked by mass protests, democratic backsliding, and challenges to human rights. As international observers express concern over the erosion of democratic norms, we delve into the nature of Serbia's political scene, and the country's precarious stance between the EU and Russia. As...

This week, in a special episode, Ellen talks to Clive about his experience of being trans and his reactions to a changing in attitudes toward trans people in both the US and UK. He talks about his lived experience of hiding a secret and rarely feeling able to let Anja, his female self, come out and be seen by the world. We talk about how this relates to authenticity and activism, and the beautiful...

In this emergency episode, we bring urgent attention to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With severe food shortages affecting nearly the entire population, and close to half a million people thought to already be suffering the most severe stage of famine, we hone in on the consequence of nearly two months of a near complete blockage of aid flows into the territory that now endangers an...

In this urgent episode, we focus on the rising tensions between India and Pakistan. With over 1.65 billion lives potentially affected, this episode explores the background and implications of India's recent military strikes against its neighbour, accusations of Pakistani support for the attack on civilians in Kashmir two weeks ago, and the deep-rooted conflict that threatens a possible escalation...

This week, as a landmark legal ruling in the UK and sweeping executive orders in the US come into effect,  we take a deep dive into the controversial social issue that has sparked fierce debate in our own countries: the rights and recognition of people identifying as trans. We delve into the nature of the division in this divide, understand the challenge of finding a way forward that may be accept...

World Labyrinth Day on 3 May encourages people around the world to walk a labyrinth, willing peace and harmony, and activating a wave of goodwill from the earliest walks in New Zealand and in the east through to the places where the sun will last set on this day in the west. With hundreds of events already planned, this offers a rare and important opportunity to meditate and send collective intent...

In this episode, hosts Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson explore the powerful impact of the Netflix series Adolescence and its timely themes of teenage violence, online misogyny, and radicalization. As the series sparks global discussions, Ellen and Clive dive into the portrayal of the challenges faced by teenage boys in today's digital age. It's not necessary to have watched the series in order to tu...

As Global Healing Response turns its attention to a new aspect of this year's theme of authenticity, in this episode, we explore the topic of GRIT and its importance for staying true to ourselves in today's chaotic world. We consider understanding grit not just as determination, but a blend of passion, perseverance, and the courage to stay true to our core values despite the various challenges we...

Clive continues his conversation with spiritual teacher and director Andō, whose remarkable ministry focuses on the true nature and power of silence. In this episode, we explore the notion of nothingness, and also turn attention to understanding the role and value of spiritual direction. Andō draws on her deep experience of surrender, trust and dwelling in silence, following her many years of livi...

Join hosts Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson as they attempt to build a picture of the aftermath of the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that recently struck Myanmar, causing widespread destruction and despair. With over 2,700 confirmed dead and thousands more injured, this episode sheds light on the immense challenges facing rescue teams amidst ongoing civil conflict and infrastructural collapse....

Many of us who are regular intercessors, meditators and intention holders instinctively know the importance of silence for this work. However, probably few of us may really appreciate just how critical silence is, nor have a sense of its power and true nature, even if we know that to rest in the space of silence goes far beyond simply stilling ourselves and detaching from the busyness of what goes...

This week, Ellen speaks to Tammy Minuti, who regularly guides folks in the lesser-known practice of forest bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, highlighting its potential for enhancing well-being and for connecting with the silent voice of Nature. Tammy shares insights from her journey as a certified guide, providing guidance on how to immerse yourself in nature's therapeutic embrace. Discover how a slow, me...

This week, we take a deep dive into one of the most disturbing and critical issues facing our world today: the mass rape of women and girls. We highlight horrific cases, including the trial of 51 men for the abuse of Gisèle Pelicot in France last year, and the appalling systemic use of sexual violence in war, which continues today in conflict zones like Sudan. We explore the challenges faced by su...

Continuing our exploration of the overlap, similarity or difference of intention and prayer (for part 1, find us where you get your podcasts or via the link below). In this episode, we consider whether seeing God (or Source, Spirit) as a power within us takes us any closer in our definition of intention holding. We touch on the question of where the utterance or vibration of an intention or prayer...

This week, in the first of a 2-part special, we thought we’d try to get to the root of something that’s so fundamental to what this podcast is about – what we actually mean when we talk about intention and prayer. We usually use these terms interchangeably, but know that different folks have different understandings of what the terms mean – and, depending on what this understanding is, the two are...

In this episode, we dive deep into the often overlooked yet crucial role that peatlands play in the health of our planet. We explore the ecological significance of these unique wetland ecosystems that store twice as much carbon as all the forests worldwide. We discover how peatlands contribute to climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and water management, and learn about the pressing thre...

This week, we seek to understand what is causing the escalating conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The historical tensions and recent developments have culminated in a humanitarian crisis that demands global attention. As many thousands this year have been displaced, killed or been subject to violence, we explore the complex background of this conflict, sharing ins...

Valentine’s Day comes around again this week, perhaps being one day in the year that gets many people thinking about love. The Christian priest Saint Valentine was martyred for practising Christianity and continuing to marry Christian couples against the orders of Roman Emperor Claudius II, and it was the poet Chaucer who was instrumental in linking his acts of devotion with romantic love. But whe...

In this episode we dive deep into the political landscape of Germany as it gears up for a critical snap election. With Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government having recently collapsed, the country faces a crucial decision at the polls on February 23rd,  amid a backdrop of political fragmentation, economic stagnation, and significant shifts in voter dynamics. In this episode, we explore the...

This week, we explore the transformative power of being grounded and consider  its foundational role in any spiritual journey, and in intention holding and prayer. We examine what it truly means to be grounded and why it is crucial for connecting with our authentic selves. We'll discuss the significance of grounding as the theme for the Global Healing Response this quarter and its relationship wit...

On January 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day and Holocaust Memorial Day, the victims of genocides past and present are remembered through ceremonies, vigils, film, spoken testimony, and community gatherings to honour victims and survivors. We are encouraged to stop to remember the realities of the Holocaust and other genocides, including the continuing risk of man’s inhumanity to man esc...

In this episode, we delve into their immediate and long-term impacts of the devastating wildfires affecting Los Angeles County on communities, the environment, and humanity. We cut quickly to see how we might empathise with unite in compassion and support for all impacted by the fires, as we offer our collective energy towards recovery and resilience. We seek to get close to the human stories of t...

Welcome to a new year for Impact! and for Global Healing Response, which this year puts the spotlight on the vital importance of authenticity. We preview what's ahead as we come to grips with how crucial a grounding in being authentic is, both for ourselves, and for our politics, institutions and societies. We come to grips with how far reaching the scope and impact of authenticity is, and look at...