Action Lab

Wicked Complex

Science EN ↓ 7 episodes

Wicked Complex is an insightful podcast produced by Action Lab, located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This podcast delves into some of the most wicked and complex problems we face today, and the approaches used to work on them. Renowned worldwide, Action Lab is celebrated for its work in social innovation and systemic change, tackling intricate issues head-on. In our episodes, we engage with innovative thinkers and problem-solvers, dissecting complex problems and the myriad solutions being pursued. Join us as we explore what makes a problem "wicked complex" and the diverse methodologies, proce...

Author

Action Lab

Episodes

Navigating Disruption: A Framework for Systems Change 24.06.2026 53:33

In this episode, Mark Cabaj, internationally recognized leader in developmental evaluation and systems change, discusses his adaptation of the adaptive cycle. He explores how we are in a period of disruption, what that means for system change makers, and how they might support the disruption and unravelling of previously established systems as part of a transition to something new. This framework...

The Sacred Bit: Reconciliation Through Laughter, Sincerity, and Love 07.05.2026 52:50

In the second episode of Season 2, The Sacred Bit: Reconciliation Through Laughter, Sincerity, and Love, your hosts Paige Reeves and Rebecca Rubuliak sit down with Sakawithiniwak sibling duo Jacquelyn and Hunter Cardinal of Naheyawin , bringing Nehiyaw wisdom to questions of play, creativity, and social change. Drawing on their reconciliation work, they share why leading with love isn’t soft—it’s...

Horse Hair and Urinal Flies: Humour and Absurdity in Social Change Work 03.03.2026 54:37

In this episode, your hosts, Paige Reeves and Rebecca Rubuliak, sit down with Ben Weinlick, Executive Director of Skills Society and the visionary behind the Action Lab . They chat about the role of humour and absurdity as essential tools, not luxuries, in social change work, especially during times of austerity. Listen in as they discuss insights from leaders and mentors, how humour and play show...

The Future of Labs - After 20.01.2025 1:06:22

This episode is the third in a three part series around the Future of Labs Gathering in May 2024, where social innovation lab practitioners from around Canada came together on Cortes Island in British Columbia to try to figure out what the next 10 years of lab practice might look like. This episode dives deep into key insights and actionable recommendations from the gathering report . The podcast...

The Future of Labs - Cortes Island 12.06.2024 54:41

Season 1: The Future of Labs This episode is the second in a three part series around the Future of Labs Gathering in May 2024, where social innovation lab practitioners from around Canada came together on Cortes Island in British Columbia to try to figure out what the next 10 years of lab practice might look like. Across these three episodes, we will be talking to folks before, during, and afte...

The Future of Labs - Before 10.04.2024 56:13

Season 1: The Future of Labs This episode is the beginning of a three part series around the Future of Labs Gathering in May 2024, where social innovation lab practitioners from around Canada will be coming together on Cortes Island in British Columbia to try to figure out what the next 10 years of lab practice might look like. Across these three episodes, we will be talking to folks before, dur...

Coming Soon 02.04.2024 1:17

What the heck are social innovation labs? Why did systems change leaders think they might help with some of the complex challenges of our time? And where are labs headed next? Coming soon from Action Lab, this is the Wicked Complex podcast, where we'll explore all of those questions. Join us for a three-part series centred around the Future of Labs Gathering in British Columbia coming up in May 20...