The Relational Podcast

In this episode of the Relational Podcast, host Rachel Sinha is joined by David Jay, author of 'Relationality: How Moving from Transactional to Transformational Relationships Can Reshape Our Lonely World.' The discussion explores the transformative power of deep listening and meaningful relationships in addressing societal crises. David shares his journey from founding asexuality.org to advocating...

In this episode of The Relational Podcast, host Meg Busse sits down with Avani Parekh, a community builder and technologist bridging digital and physical spaces to create true connection. Together, they explore the epidemic of loneliness, how trust and humanness are built in anonymous online networks, and why "touching grass"—real-world connection—is essential in our hyper-digital lives. Avani sha...

Host Ana Amrein Esnaola talks with Catherine Dempsey about why interdependent relationships—not transactions—drive social change. We explore participatory grantmaking, trust-based funding, and consensus decision-making, plus practical first steps (beginning with deep listening). Learn how centering community and connection builds resilience, improves funding decisions, and powers systemic impact....

We talk about social impact, but what about relational impact? In this episode, we delve into the radical idea that meaningful conversations and deep relationships drive transformative social change more effectively than policies or technologies alone. Melanie, a designer and facilitator based in  Brooklyn with roots in the Midwest, explores how her work at the intersection of design and social im...

In this episode of The Relational Podcast, Melanie Kahl and Georgie Nightingall engage in an intimate conversation exploring the transformative power of relationships and deep listening. We’ll delve into the unseen forces of connection and reciprocity, discussing how meaningful interactions are pivotal for change. Georgie shares personal experiences, the founding of her company Trigger Conversatio...

In this episode of the Relational Podcast, host Georgie Nightingall engages in a profound conversation with Sumitra Pasupathy, of KAI Advisory and partner at Philanthropy Dialogues about the transformative power of relationships in addressing global crises.  Sumitra shares her rich family heritage, her journey from being an engineer to a social innovator, and her work with resource and wealth hold...

In this episode of The Relational Podcast, host Sumitra Pasupathy, of Karuna Advisory Impact (KAI) and partner at Philanthropy Dialogues speaks to Fabian Pfortmüller to explore the transformative power of genuine human connections and relationships. Fabian Pfortmüller, is partner at Together Institute, an organization that works with purpose-driven communities, networks and their leaders to help t...

In this episode of The Relational Podcast, Fabian Pfortmüller and Meg Busse explore the power of relationships in social change, the unique design of the Roddenberry Fellowship, and practical ways to foster connection and abundance in communities. Meg shares personal stories, challenges, and insights from leading a fellow-driven network, and both hosts reflect on the value of slowing down and deep...

In this heart-opening episode of The Relational Podcast, Avani Parekh from Catalyst Now sits down  with Rachel Sinha, systems thinker, community convenor and co-founder of The System Sanctuary, to explore how relationships, rather than reports or rigid strategies, spark true transformation in systems change work. Rachel shares stories from her journey—growing up in the English countryside, moving...

In this episode of The Relational Podcast, host Rachel Sinha talks with Christine Lai and explores what happens when you treat relationships not as a side note, but as the core strategy. Christine shares the unexpected advice that’s guided her journey recently: to have one close friend in every generation. She talks about lessons learned on building the field of entrepreneurial ecosystems at the K...

In this episode of the Relationality Podcast, host Sonja Betschart converses with Ese Emerhi, the Global Network Weaver for the  Global Fund for Community Foundations , about the importance of relational networking and community-driven approaches in development. Ese shares personal anecdotes about the challenges of adjusting to a new work environment in Nigeria, emphasizing the significance of gra...

I n this episode of The Relational Podcast, host Jane Wei-Skillern explores with her special guest, Sonja Betschart, co-founder and co-pilot of We Robotics, how authentic relationships can be more powerful than any strategy or technology in driving meaningful change. Through an honest and insightful conversation, Sonja shares her fascinating journey from constant action to a leadership style groun...

What if the greatest lever for impact isn’t found in strategies or institutions, but in the quality of our relationships? In this inaugural episode of The Relational Podcast, David Jay talks with renowned network leadership expert Jane Wei-Skillern about how shifting our mindset from organizational control to relational trust can unlock transformative change.  Drawing from decades of research at H...