The Being Human Podcast

Amelia and Jez sit down with renowned photo editor and visual storyteller Kira Pollack to explore how photographs shape what (and who) we see. From her years at TIME Magazine to her role as Creative Director at Vanity Fair, she lifts the lid on the often‑invisible role of the photo editor: commissioning photographers, advocating for their work, and navigating the creative and ethical decisions beh...

For the first episode of series four, Amelia and Jez sit down with ethics advisor Ben Wilberforce-Ritchie to explore how ordinary people make ethical choices in a messy, pressurised world. From speed limits and office policies to laws and social norms – exploring that fact that “we can” is not the same as “we should.” Ben shares how his work in high-risk corporate environments has shaped his view...

In this final episode of series 3 of the Being Human Podcast, hosts Amelia Vegting and Jez Francis are joined by leadership, team culture and resilience expert Mark Denton. Mark shares his remarkable experience leading a diverse, amateur crew in the world’s toughest round-the-world yacht race, highlighting the importance of vulnerability, inclusive leadership, and teamwork under intense pressure....

In this episode, Amelia and Jez are joined by endurance athlete and Guinness World Record holder Natalie Dau. Together, they explore what it means to be human by embracing failure, finding growth in discomfort, and noticing joy in everyday moments. Natalie shares her journey of running ultramarathons, including her two epic 1,000 km solo runs across Southeast Asia. She reflects on the importance o...

Amelia and Jez explore the human voice. With Heather Hanson, an expert in global communication, they explore the power of voice and accent in shaping identity and status. Heather shines a light on accent bias and how it persists both socially and professionally, and the price we pay as a result. The notion of 'good' and 'bad' English is challenged, and the case for more inclusivity in how we perce...

Amelia and Jez explore journeys with award-winning writer Oliver Smith. In his book "On This Holy Island," Oli reimagines pilgrimage beyond traditional contexts, by retracing routes across time; from murmurs of ritual journeys in the depths of the Ice Age, to 21st century treks to football stadiums and music festivals. The conversation explores the resurgence of routes like the Camino de Santiago...

Amelia and Jez revisit the topic of creativity with author and speaker, Fredrik Haren. Drawing from his experiences interviewing thousands of people across 75 countries, Fredrik shares insights on the universal nature of creativity and its role in making us human. He discusses the importance of being a "creativator", someone who unlocks creative potential in others, and offers practical advice for...

Amelia and Jez explore the subject of education. They are joined by Lisette Rinke de Wit, education professional and status quo squasher, who shares her passion for creating equal opportunities through education. Drawing from her global teaching experience, Lisette discusses the transformative power of the International Baccalaureate (IB) system in disadvantaged areas. She challenges conventional...

Amelia and Jez are joined by Todd Kashdan, professor of psychology at George Mason University, to explore the power of curiosity. They discuss how a willingness to learn more can enhance relationships, help problem-solving, and boost overall life satisfaction. Todd offers practical strategies for increasing curiosity in daily life, such as finding interest in seemingly boring activities (which Jez...

Amelia and Jez delve into the subject of movement. How does movement help us process our emotions? How does movement bring people together and foster a sense of belonging and togetherness? And how can we get more movement into our everyday lives? They are joined by Gemma Louise, a creative artist and company director, to discuss the transformative power of movement and dance in fostering community...

Amy Elizabeth Fox, co-founder and CEO of Mobius Executive Leadership, and Jeremy Sturt, co-founder of Just Add Water, join Amelia to explore transformative approaches to leadership development. Amy shares stories about her life; from environmental activism and a need to understand how unaddressed trauma was preventing the shift in consciousness needed to respond effectively to big challenges human...

Amelia and Jez explore stoicism and its application in modern life. How well do we know ourselves? What is a good life? And what should we focus on? With behavioural change expert and executive coach, Rodrigo Barreto, they learn about the four virtues of stoicism; courage, wisdom, justice, and temperance; and how they can help navigate personal and professional challenges. Rodrigo offers insights...

In this bonus retrospective episode, Amelia and Jez reflect on highlights from their second series, offering listeners a taste of the profound and inspiring stories shared. They revisit conversations with guests like Rachael Burford, Clarke Reynolds, and Hannah Ubl, exploring themes of perseverance, inspiration, and generational understanding. The episode touches on the power of music with Jonatha...

Amelia and Jez are joined by Jeremy Sturt, one of the co-founders of Just Add Water (and their boss!) to explore the importance of play in the workplace. How does play drive innovation, build relationships, foster a more joyful work environment, and challenge conventional notions of productivity? Drawing on his extensive experience in theatre and consulting, Jeremy shares insights on why play is c...

Amelia and Jez explore Resilience. How can we bounce back from what life throws at us? And how can we best prepare for what's to come? They are joined by Oscar Chalupsky, legendary South African paddler and water sports athlete with a career spanning over three decades. Oscar is currently facing a battle with cancer, which he approaches with the same determination that shaped his sporting career....

Amelia and Jez explore purpose. How important is meaning in our lives? And what happens when we believe our efforts make a difference to others? They are joined by Melanie Greblo, who has dedicated her life to catalysing and leading social change. Mel is the Founder and CEO of Humans of Purpose, an impact venture to achieve safe social and economic participation for women who face barriers to empl...

Amelia and Jez explore rest. They are joined by Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith, physician, researcher, author, and leading voice in the conversation around rest, recovery, and overall well-being. What is the difference between sleep and rest? What are the different types of rest, and why do they matter? How does life prevent us from resting, and what can we do about it? Giving context and understanding t...

Amelia and Jez explore campaigning. They are joined by Tiernan Brady, former mayor, campaign manager, human rights advocate and activist who recounts his experiences on driving successful referendum campaigns. What makes campaigns successful? How can we connect with others to help them support the change we're advocating? And what can we take from the world of campaigning when trying to change how...

Amelia and Jez explore music. They are joined Jonathan Tang, PHD Student in Psychology of Music, and Clinical Music Therapist in medical, mental health and special education settings. Why do sounds arranged in certain ways create such beauty of form, harmony and expression of emotion? Beyond simple enjoyment, how can melody improve our mental well-being, physical rehabilitation, communication skil...

Amelia and Jez explore generations. What defines a generation (spoiler alert: it is so much more than the year you were born), and how are collective identities formed? And how can a willingness to understand generational differences help with relationships, work, social change, and personal growth? Author, consultant, and generational expert Hannah Ubl joins the conversation, shedding light on th...

Amelia and Jez explore positivity. How can we hope for a better tomorrow, and simultaneously confront the often harsh realities of today? They are joined by visual artist Clarke Reynolds, who is blind. Whether he is challenging us all to engage with art in new and diverse ways, or helping school children enjoy the story telling power of braille, and answering their brutally honest questions, Clark...

Amelia and Jez are back for a second season! They are joined by the fantastic Rachael Burford, England Rugby World Cup Winner, former Harlequins Rugby Captain, and powerful advocate for women and girls in all sports. Rachael shares heartwarming stories about her life, from struggling at school, and overcoming real challenges and obstacles, to finding her spiritual home in the rugby community. A fa...

Amelia and Jez revisit moments from The Being Human Podcast Series 1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amelia and Jez explore the experiences we have with people different to ourselves. They are joined by the wonderful Ronni Abergel, founder of The Human Library, who is determined to help people better understand themselves and others around them by creating safe spaces for conversation and dialogue. Ronni beautifully shares his personal and professional journey in creating The Human Library, highl...

Amelia and Jez explore artificial intelligence and set to work out whether robots are going to take over the world... Their guest is the brilliant mathematician, entrepreneur, investor and technologist, Jennifer Zhu Scott, who challenged Jez's intellect like it has never been challenged before. She explained what artificial intelligence is, how it can help advance the world forward, and also debun...