Changemaker Q&A

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...

In this episode of Changemaker Q&A, we dive deep into the concept of transformative power and its critical role in creating meaningful change. Drawing from years of doctoral research, we unpack the four types of power—Power For, Power Within, Power To, and Power With—and explore how they shape the process of empowerment. Learn how these domains of power intersect with the four planes of being—...

In this episode of Changemaker Q&A, we dive into the essential components of an impact blueprint—a step-by-step guide to turning your changemaking vision into reality. Host Tiyana J shares insights from her journey, including lessons from completing a PhD and transitioning into leading the Humanitarian Changemakers Network full-time. 📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode ⁠⁠...

This episode of Changemaker Q&A is an exciting one- I'm finally ready to share my explanatory framework of empowerment from my doctoral research! After presenting the framework at an international conference (I'll share the paper here when it's published), I wanted to share the philosophy/theoretical underpinnings of the framework for anyone who is interested in how/why my research...

In this episode, we unravel the profound connection between spirituality and science to challenge traditional notions of manifestation, stripping away the new-age veneer to explore its philosophical roots. Drawing inspiration from gravity and scientific laws, we delve into the nuanced process of intentionally manifesting social change. Discover how positive thinking, visionary practices, and inten...

“How can you do a PhD on a topic soooo subjective… as an Industrial Hygienist have to read so many scientific articles from research and a lot are so inconclusive basically *use at your own risk, *needs more research, etc. can't imagine research about a word like empowerment.” This is a common question I get asked as a social researcher, which opens the door to a broader discussion about the o...

In the realm of social justice, our pursuit for change often navigates through various channels, methodologies, and practices. Amidst this landscape, the integration of mindfulness emerges as a pivotal tool, offering not just personal development but a transformative force within social movements. Traditionally focused on individual well-being, mindfulness extends its impact to the collective when...

Beyond just gardening or sustainable living, the integration of permaculture design principles can offer us a surprisingly useful framework for social change. The first of these principles is Observation and Interaction, which like other permaculture principles transcends the agricultural context, offering invaluable insights and methodologies applicable to social change endeavours guided by desig...

Catalytic Thinking, a theory rooted in the philosophy of abundance, initially proposed by Hilde Gottlieb, urging a reframe of questions, fostering collaboration, and highlighting its transformative potential in driving meaningful, enduring change. In this episode, we invite listeners to join in fostering a future where abundance is not an aspiration but a shared reality through collaboration, comp...

While it may sound academic and complex, systems-thinking holds profound potential and applications in our efforts to drive positive change in the world. In this episode of Changemaker Q&A, we delve into what systems thinking is, its history, and why it's crucial for addressing 'wicked problems' in society. 📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

As we approach the turn of a new year, our intentions often align with resolutions aimed at self-improvement. For Ashley, a member of our community working in the non-profit sector, the focus for the upcoming year is on self-care and self-development. The final 2023 podcast episode dives deep into Ashley's questions about self-development for social change through the Inner Development Goals (...

“What does it mean to live a good life and how do we assess our life?” In this podcast episode, Tiyana explores various perspectives on what constitutes a good life, considering the ethical, cultural, and societal viewpoints that influence this complex question, and shares her personal framework for conscious living that helps changemakers align their values, passions, and purpose to create a fulf...