The Systems Sandbox

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link. What shapes our everyday food choices? And what can local governments actually do about it? In this episode, we explore the food environment through a systems lens — from what’s on offer in the corner store to the broader policies and social norms that shape what people eat. Drawing on Tamika Wo...

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link. What does it take to change systems — not just tweak them? In this powerful episode, Angie Tangaere and Penny Hagen from the Auckland Co-Design Lab share what it means to lead transformative, indigenous-led systems change rooted in place, relationships, and real-world learning. From rethinking h...

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link. In today's episode, Matt and Tenille talk with Jacinta Perry from Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership (TQKP) about what it means to view partnerships as systems, focusing on child-centered frameworks for systemic change. Jacinta explains the role of TQKP as a systems intermediary, aimed at crea...

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link. We've hit the 10-episode mark! To celebrate, we're unpacking food systems with the help of Dheepa Jeyapalan, Food Systems Lead Convenor at Regen Melbourne. In this episode of The Systems Sandbox, Dheepa shares her journey from studying dietetics through to working with mothers and babies in the...

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link. In this episode Matt chats with Dr James Nobles from Leeds Beckett University about his journey into and use of systems thinking methodologies. They cover the ways in which we can and should think about the deeper layers to target, and where to start.  Spanning the use of techniques in design, d...

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link. Stories are powerful levers for change and building shared understanding, but where do they fit within the context of systems work? But also, what is Thea Snow, Regional Director at the Centre for Public Impact's favourite story? If those are the questions at the front of your mind today then yo...

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link. It's a new year - time for a new episode! We've put together this shorter bonus episode to ease you into the new year. In this episode, Matt delves into the role of questions - specifically 'powerful questions' and their ability to create a space for different types of conversations. Matt talks...

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link. In this follow-up to Episode #5 on diagnosing complexity, Matt and Tenille get tangible with a conversation on ways to think and approach systems mapping. The big focus is on two foundational ways to frame a system: through the actors that are involved or interacting through the determinants (ba...

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link. In this episode of The Systems Sandbox, Matt chats with author, educator, policy advisor and regenerative thinker Dominique Hes about her take on systems thinking. She offers insights into the importance of adaptability, the importance of designing with communities and place, and why she sees he...

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link. In this episode, Tenille speaks with Ruby Marshall, the Live 5210 coordinator at the University of British Columbia. Ruby shares her journey in health promotion, from her roots in Australia to her current role in Canada, where she collaborates with communities to promote healthy habits in childr...

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link. We continue the theme of systems journeys, with hosts Tenille and Matt sharing how they each came to learn about the ideas and practices of systems thinking from public health and environmental disciplines. This includes the determinants of health, ecological ways of thinking and resilience, but...

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link. Systems thinking is valuable as both process and product, but that is not the end of the story. These are both inputs into wider efforts and processes for change. In this episode we chat to Jocelyn Bignold OAM and the CEO of McAuley Community Services for Women. Jocelyn has spent her career supp...

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link. The Systems Sandbox is a fortnightly series that unpacks the realities of applying systems thinking to complex contexts. First Person Consulting (FPC) have developed the Systems Sandbox as part of their capacity building work with the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth)'s Local Gov...