If I Ruled the World by Gillian Burke

Climate and War: Understanding the Intersection of the Military Sector and the Climate & Nature Crisis This episode delves into the challenging topic of carbon emissions and other environmental impacts of peacetime and wartime military activities.  From the impact of burning fossils fuels, construction of military bases and the use of concrete, a high carbon-emitter material, in the constructi...

In episode 39 of the 'If I Ruled The World' podcast, host Gillian Burke records an impromptu episode as she engages in a raw and heartfelt discussion with ocean activist Cal Major.  Responding to an Instagram post about the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and the escalation of war in the Middle East in general, Cal Major opens up about her feelings of helplessness and the challenges of speakin...

Unpacking Modern Capitalism: From Gaza to Global Inequality A deeply introspective and wide-ranging discussion, that explores environmentalism, climate activism, and critiques of capitalism. The conversation dives into the historical context of the Gaza conflict, the inherent authoritarianism in capitalism, and systemic inequalities it inevitably creates positing that socialism is now true democra...

In this conversation, Tamsyn Widdon explores the principles of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and its implications for economics, environment, and society. Tamsyn shares her journey from a background in education and development to becoming an economist and advocate for MMT, emphasizing the need to rethink our understanding of money, government spending, and economic growth. The discussion looks at...

In this emergency bonus episode, host Gillian Burke interviews Gail Lynch, an organiser and member of the newly formed Citizens' Arrest Network, discussing the urgent need for new citizen-led approach, based on corporate accountability, to the poor systemic response to climate  and ecological crises. Gail shares her personal journey, the motivations behind the Citizens' Arrest Network, a...

In this conversation, Merlin Hanbury-Tenison shares his multifaceted journey as a veteran, conservationist, and author. He discusses his new book 'Our Oaken Bones', which explores themes of healing through nature, personal trauma, and the interconnectedness of mental health, the environment and a new 'agrorainforestry' model that holds a 1,000 year vision of restoring Britain a...

In this episode of 'If I Ruled the World', host Gillian Burke explores the human cost of conservation with Survival International's Asia Campaigns Director, Sophie Grig.  Conventional 'fortress conservation' models, rooted in colonial ideals of wilderness areas emptied of people, fenced off and defended, with brute force if necessary.  Systemic human rights abuses, mass di...

Today’s episode is a little bit different... where Gillian gets to the guest on a podcast swap with The Starlit Stories podcast.  Artist and podcaster, Stella Marie for holds space for Gillian to rediscover her voice as she transitions towards quiet quitting the system (see previous episode).  In this episode, the tone and direction is set for the coming year on If I Ruled the World. A huge thank...

In this episode of 'If I Ruled the World', Gillian Burke reflects on her journey as a podcaster, the challenges of navigating current events, and the importance of storytelling. She discusses the upcoming guests, indigenous rights, and social justice. Gillian also shares her personal experiences stepping away from the BBC and her commitment to fostering change through her podcast. The ep...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! As 2024 draws to a close, If I Ruled the World flips the script. Producer Sam takes the reins, interviewing Gillian! Together, they reflect on a groundbreaking year of system-change conversations. From capitalism’s unraveling to the wisdom of nature and indigenous perspectives, Gillian shares her biggest takeaways, lessons...

What would the world look like if nature really had a voice? Welcome back to 'If I Ruled the World' featuring a unique perspective on leadership and decision-making from Simeon Rose, the Creative Director at Faith in Nature. In this episode, we explore how this pioneering company became the first globally to make nature the boss, setting a groundbreaking precedent in corporate governance...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! If you don’t know what ‘Artivism’ means and why it matters, you’re about to! Today, we explore the intricate melodies of change through the perspective of Sam Lee, a Mercury Prize-nominated musician and passionate nature activist. Sam shares his unique journey from the bustling streets of London to the tranquil wilderness,...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! Brace yourselves! In this episode, we delve into the dynamics behind runaway consumption and throwaway culture with Cory Doctorow, writer, journalist, and a fervent advocate for digital rights and freedoms. From examining monopolies in the tech industry to exploring the mechanisms of corporate influence over our digital li...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! In this episode, we delve into the seemingly shiny world of digital technology, only to discover that it may just be a facade on top of a more troubling reality. Tom Greenwood, co-founder of Wholegrain Digital, shares his insights on digital sustainability—a critical aspect of our modern life that's often overlooked....

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! Slow down. Make some space. Today's discussion focuses on cultural resilience, the power of reclaiming identity, and the shared human experiences that connect us all, regardless of geography. Join me as I delve into these themes with Matua Marc Peard; an influential voice in both broadcasting and Maori cultural advoca...

They say money makes the world go round… let’s find out how! Welcome back to "If I Ruled the World," the podcast where we delve into the minds of those who dare to imagine a better future. Today, we're joined by Bevis Watts, the UK's first environmentalist banker and CEO of Triodos Bank UK (Our wonderful sponsors). Inspired by the pioneering nature writer Richard Jefferies, Bev...

Welcome to another episode of If I Ruled the World, where I ask my guests what they would do if they ruled the world! In today’s episode, we delve into the heart of personal and planetary transformation with George Thompson. A system change practitioner, filmmaker, Tai Chi teacher, and a communicator of Daoist philosophy, George shares his profound journey from the Wudang mountains of China back t...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! “All you have when the shit hits the fan is each other... Often that is enough.” Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of "If I Ruled the World." Today, I sit down with Joe Glenton, a former British soldier turned journalist and anti-war activist. Joe shares his transformation from a ‘good’ military operat...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! Since recording this episode, Kamala Harris has been nominated as the US Democratic Party’s presidential candidate. So strap yourselves in for a seriously timely conversation about leadership challenges for women of colour! Today, I’m joined by Majora Carter, an urban revitalisation strategy consultant and real estate deve...

Brace yourselves, this one is a little different…My guest this week, Stella Marie, shares her explorations into animism and her personal & ancestral connections to the land. A heavy lean into discussions about the sacredness of all life, indigenous wisdom, and the potential transformative power of reconnecting with traditional knowledge systems is at the heart of this conversation. This episod...

“Indigeneity is ancient, but it’s also present and future.” Today, we explore the profound connection between humanity and the natural world. Gillian is joined by Leah Penniman, a dedicated farmer, soil enthusiast, mother, and co-founder of the Afro-Indigenous Centered Community Farm in New York State, known as Soul Fire Farm. Key Takeaways Revisiting Youthful Idealism: Hear a powerful recording f...

Work, wealth, people & planet…Welcome back! Today, we dive into the profound impact of work on our lives and society. Our guest, Polly Smythe, a journalist and labour movement correspondent, offers her perspective on the transformation of work, the erosion of worker protections, and the intersection of labour rights with broader social and environmental issues. What would you do, if you weren’...

In today's episode, we meet Tyrique Glasgow, a South Philadelphia native who transformed his life from a trajectory marked by gun violence and incarceration to one of community service and mentorship. Tyrique is the founder of the Young Chances Foundation, a community organisation that addresses the deeper systemic issues affecting urban communities, such as access to quality nutrition, gener...

In this moving and powerful episode, Gillian delves into the Grenfell Tower tragedy with Ed Daffarn, a resident and activist who foresaw the disaster. Ed shares his first-hand account of the events leading up to, during, and following the devastating fire on June 14, 2017, that claimed 72 lives and destroyed 127 homes in West London. Key Takeaways Forewarning and Neglect: Ed details the persistent...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world! What would society look like if we scrapped GDP as a measure of progress? This week, Gillian chats with Professor Tim Lenton, a seasoned expert in Earth System Science from the University of Exeter to find out. We dive into the profound connections between our planet's systems and the Gaia hypothesis; exploring how th...