Changemaker Q&A

In this thought-provoking conversation, investigative author and wellness advocate Michael J. Dorfman reflects on more than five decades of critical inquiry into systems of power—from the Vietnam War and Big Tobacco to vaccine mandates and digital censorship. Now in his 80s, Dorfman shares insights into the role of independent thinking in an era of algorithmic control, the importance of whole-food...

In this episode, we explore the critical role of systems thinking in understanding and responding to some of Australia’s most pressing issues: youth crime, the housing crisis, bushfires, and mental health. These challenges are characterised by intricate interdependencies across social, economic, and environmental domains, defying simplistic solutions. Drawing on recent research and policy analysis...

What happens when a stand-up comedian, spiritual teacher, and musician turns his attention to the fractures in our political and emotional landscapes? In this moving and poetic episode, Scott Grace—also known as the Spiritual Dr. Seuss—joins us to explore how humour, creativity, and compassion can help us navigate increasingly polarised times. From rhymed wisdom and political poetry to musical imp...

In this episode, we honour the late Joanna Macy by exploring her influential body of work, The Work That Reconnects—a framework that weaves together deep ecology, systems thinking, spirituality, and social change. We delve into the three dominant cultural narratives she identified, the four-part spiral that guides transformative practice, and the five vows that support ongoing commitment to the Gr...

In this deeply reflective episode from the HCN archives, we speak with holistic health coach Francesca Bleckner about the invisible foundations of wellbeing in an age of burnout, disconnection, and digital overload. Drawing on her decades-long journey through fitness, fatigue, and transformation, Francesca shares how breathwork, spirituality, and a return to simplicity can unlock vitality and pres...

What if the problem with many social change efforts isn’t poor strategy, but flawed assumptions about how change actually happens? In this episode, we interrogate the limitations of linear causality in complex social systems. While logic models and strategic plans often rely on neat, input-output frameworks, real-world change is rarely so predictable. Social phenomena such as poverty, climate inju...

In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation from the HCN archives, Dr Pamela Gurley shares the compelling story of her journey from military medic to multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, author, academic and advocate. Speaking with honesty and clarity, Dr Gurley reflects on how trauma, identity, and purpose intersect across personal and professional realms. With practical wisdom for changemaker...

In a digital age marked by relentless information flows, viral content, and algorithmic influence, changemakers face a critical challenge: how to consume news and media in a way that is both mindful and analytically rigorous. This episode explores the profound transformation of the information ecosystem—where traditional journalistic gatekeepers have been replaced by decentralised, opaque, and oft...

In this evocative conversation from the HCN archives, author and spiritual teacher Wajid Hassan shares his extraordinary life journey—from working as a field service engineer in England to becoming a union actor in Hollywood, and eventually emerging as a spiritual guide and author of The Struggle for World Sanity . Through intimate recollections and reflections, Hassan discusses the intersection o...

How can research become a catalyst for social change? In this episode, we explore the multifaceted role of research as a tool not only for understanding the world but for transforming it. Far from being the exclusive domain of academics, research emerges as a form of praxis — a recursive cycle of inquiry, reflection, and action that can support changemakers across sectors. Whether you are an educa...

What does it truly mean to build peace? In this episode, we move beyond the narrow definition of peace as merely the absence of war, and explore the transformative vision of positive peace — a concept rooted in justice, inclusion, and systemic resilience. Drawing on the work of the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), we unpack the Eight Pillars of Positive Peace and examine how they offer a d...

Justice is not a singular concept — it is a constellation of principles that shape how we navigate fairness, accountability, and equity in society. In this episode, we explore the five key types of justice: distributive, procedural, retributive, restorative, and social justice. Each form addresses a different facet of human relationships and institutional arrangements, from how resources are alloc...

In a world that prioritises productivity and profit over human well-being, care work—whether in households, healthcare, or activism—remains deeply undervalued and often unpaid. In this episode, we explore the systemic devaluation and commodification of care, tracing how capitalist logics render essential labour invisible while exploiting those who provide it. From the global care economy to the em...

Storytelling is more than just a means of communication—it is the foundation of how we understand the world, form connections, and drive social change. In this episode, we explore the enduring power of storytelling, from its ancient roots in oral traditions to its modern evolution through digital media. We unpack how narratives shape public consciousness, influence decision-making, and inspire col...

Social movements rarely succeed by overpowering their opposition—instead, they win by strategically shifting support. In this episode, we explore the Spectrum of Allies model, a powerful framework that helps activists identify key constituencies, understand their positioning, and develop targeted strategies to build momentum. From the civil rights movement to contemporary advocacy campaigns, we ex...

The humanitarian and international development sector is a trillion-dollar industry, employing millions worldwide. Yet, with a $5 trillion funding gap to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, financial resources remain scarce. In this episode, we break down the humanitarian ecosystem—its key sub-sectors, stages of response, and the actors involved. From emergency relief to long-term develo...

Natural disasters are increasing in both frequency and severity due to climate change. Rising global temperatures are intensifying storms, wildfires, floods, and droughts, leaving communities vulnerable to unprecedented devastation. The need for proactive disaster preparedness has never been more critical. For changemakers—those working in social impact, advocacy, and community development—this is...

Protests are one of the most visible forms of activism, but do they actually make a difference? In this episode, we explore the role of protests in driving social change—when they succeed, when they fail, and what makes them effective. Looking at historical examples—from the Civil Rights Movement to Occupy Wall Street—we examine key factors that determine whether a protest sparks lasting change or...

In this episode of Changemaker Q&A, we dive into the fascinating world of cognitive biases and why they matter for changemakers at all levels. Our brains rely on mental shortcuts to save energy, but these shortcuts—our cognitive biases—can distort our thinking, reinforce assumptions, and limit our ability to create meaningful change. We explore key biases like confirmation bias, the availabili...

Is a changemaker the same as an activist? This episode of Changemaker Q&A dives into the origins of the term "changemaker" and explores how it differs from activism. We unpack the Humanitarian Changemakers Network’s approach to social change, breaking down different types of changemakers—activists, advocates, community organisers, social entrepreneurs, and even lawyers—who work at th...

Why do so many conflicts feel impossible to resolve? In this episode, we delve into the deeper dynamics of human interaction, exploring how conflict and collusion shape relationships, organisations, and society. Rather than relying on correction or disciplinary strategies, we examine the underlying ways of being that influence how we see and relate to others. Discover how addressing the root cause...

In the world of social change, where ambiguity and competing narratives often dominate, understanding the nature of truth is essential. This episode explores a transformative framework of four types of truth—fiduciary, evidential, expressive-referential, and alethic—that empowers changemakers to engage with complexity, mediate conflicts, and address systemic challenges. Discover how each type of t...

Dr Martin Luther King Jr stood at the forefront of the civil rights movement, championing a philosophy of nonviolence that continues to resonate 60 years later. In this episode, we explore the transformative teachings of King, delving into the profound yet challenging principles of loving your oppressor and resisting violence—even in the face of hostility. While these ideas may feel counterintuiti...

Fascism is a term that’s often thrown around but rarely understood in full. Originating in early 20th-century Europe, it describes an authoritarian, ultranationalist ideology marked by totalitarianism, militarism, and the suppression of dissent. But fascism isn’t confined to history—it’s a set of ideas and tendencies that can resurface in different forms. In this episode, we break down Umberto Eco...

In addressing complex social and environmental challenges, social changemakers benefit immensely from systems-thinking tools that enable nuanced understanding and intervention design. Three critical tools—systems mapping, the iceberg model, and causal loop diagrams—offer unique and complementary perspectives for navigating the intricacies of social systems. By exploring their applications and impl...