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Changemaker Q&A

Changemaker Q&A
Author: Humanitarian Changemakers Network
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Changemaker Q&A is a podcast for grassroots changemakers—activists, students, volunteers, entrepreneurs, social workers, advocates, and anyone striving for impact. Host Dr Tiyana J answers real community questions and interviews inspiring guests who share stories, lessons, and practical strategies for driving change. Produced by the Humanitarian Changemakers Network and brought to you by the School of Social Impact, the show offers insights and encouragement for every step of your changemaking journey.
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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 emotional and physical toll of activism, we unpack why care work is both vital and structurally marginalised. More importantly, we discuss how changemakers can resist burnout by embedding a culture of care within movements, ensuring that social change is sustainable, collective, and life-affirming.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Beginner Changemaking Essentials Bundle FREE course & The Changemaker In You ebook.Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajChangemaker Q&A is a Humanitarian Changemakers Network podcast. Ask a question via Spotify, or head to humanitarianchangemakers.net/podcast. If your question is answered, you’ll receive some Changemaker Co goodies on us!The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
In this panel discussion at the New Economy Network Australia, youth activists shared their experiences and insights on fighting for a post-capitalist world. The participants discussed their involvement in social, cultural, and political transformation, highlighted the importance of understanding the impacts of modernity in Australia and beyond, and ecological collapse.
Tarik, a postgraduate student emphasised the need to respond to ecological collapse and explore alternative systems. Tiyana, PhD researcher and founder of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network focused on approaches to transformative change and empowerment. Bella an activist with the Degrowth Network advocated for direct action and grassroots organising to challenge oppressive systems and promote social justice. Elvie, a volunteer and activist expressed the significance of opposing the state and organising collective movements for change. The panelists also discussed theories of change, emphasising the importance of dynamic and innovative approaches. They highlighted the need for a shared vision and the empowerment of individuals as agents of change.
You can access the episode transcript and any relevant resources on this topic here.
Changemaker Q&A is a Humanitarian Changemakers Network podcast. Ask a question via Spotify, or head to humanitarianchangemakers.net/podcast. If your question is answered, you’ll receive some Changemaker Co goodies on us!
Social Change 101 FREE course & ebook: https://www.schoolofsocialimpact.org/unleash
Follow HCN on Instagram: instagram.com/humanitarianchangemakers
Follow Tiyana on Instagram: instagram.com/tiyanaj/
The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
“I’m thinking about doing a PhD, how do I know if it’s right for me?”
Deciding whether to pursue a Ph.D. is a significant life and career decision that demands careful consideration. If you're contemplating a Ph.D. it's crucial to weigh the various factors and determine if this path aligns with both your professional aspirations, and your mission as a changemaker.
You can access the episode transcript and any relevant resources on this topic here.
If you want to change the world, you have to experience it first. Get Your Guide helps travellers discover the best things to do, with niche offerings you won’t find anywhere else. Book your next experience here.
Social Change 101 FREE course & The Changemaker In You ebook.
Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakers
Follow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanaj
Changemaker Q&A is a Humanitarian Changemakers Network podcast. Ask a question via Spotify, or head to humanitarianchangemakers.net/podcast. If your question is answered, you’ll receive some Changemaker Co goodies on us!
The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
After six weeks of full-time work, launching the School of Social Impact’s first paid program, continuing to run the Humanitarian Changemakers Network, and preparing for a major conference, I came out of one of the busiest seasons of my life without burning out. In this episode, I share the five key strategies that helped me stay energised, avoid exhaustion, and keep momentum going. These lessons aren’t a permanent framework for balance, but they are practical tools to help you get through those intense seasons where hustle is unavoidable.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HEREKeen to share you story? Submit a guest EOI💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajThe views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
What is the point of life? In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Alex, author of The Philosophy, to explore what it truly means to question the status quo and reimagine how we live. From rethinking success and human connection to challenging capitalism and discussing transformative ideas like universal basic income, Alex invites us to consider whether the world we’ve built is the one we truly want. Grounded in three core values—respect, empathy, and gratitude—this conversation offers a roadmap for individuals and communities seeking a more humane, connected, and purpose-driven future.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE Keen to share you story? Submit a guest EOI💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajThe views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
In this episode of Changemaker Q&A, we dive into a core question at the heart of social impact work: how should we understand change itself? Drawing on research presented at the Research for Development Impact Conference in Sydney, we explore why linear models of growth and progress fall short, and how a more holistic, non-linear lens can transform the way changemakers design strategies and interventions. From Indigenous wisdom traditions to systems thinking and critical realism, this episode unpacks the idea of change as a “dynamic unfolding” of continuity, discontinuity, and emergence—and why embracing this perspective is crucial for effective and sustainable development.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HEREKeen to share you story? Submit a guest EOI💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajThe views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
What does it take to show up as a leader in a changing world? In this insightful episode, I spoke with author and leadership strategist Dave Chauhan about his groundbreaking concept of nautical leadership—a model designed for navigating uncertainty with purpose, adaptability, and courage. Drawing from his corporate experience, personal fears, and historical analogies, Dave explores why leadership is more than titles and KPIs. He unpacks the three pillars of nautical leadership—anchored purpose, adaptive wayfinding, and decisive action—and offers practical strategies for leaders in business and social change. From Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic voyage to modern organisational challenges, this conversation reveals how leaders can thrive in an unpredictable world while creating meaningful impact.Learn more about Dave and his work at https://www.davechauhan.com/📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE Keen to share you story? Submit a guest EOI💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajThe views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
I recently asked our community which 'story of our time' they believed in, and I was surprised by the responses. It got me thinking, do we have a moral imagination problem? Moral imagination is the ability to envision alternatives to the world as it currently exists. Drawing on Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects and her “three stories of our time”—business as usual, the great unravelling, and the great turning—we reflect on how people locate themselves within these narratives, what that means for changemaking, and why so many feel stuck between despair and hope. We unpack how cultivating moral imagination can open the door to more just, ecological, and regenerative futures, and why strengthening our social change literacy is a crucial step in moving from story two to story three.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.Join the Changemaker Q&A Community & ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HEREKeen to share you story? Submit a guest EOI💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajThe views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
Have you ever wondered how small business can build stronger communities? In this episode, we sit down with Janneh Wright, founder and CEO of Primus Business Management, to explore how small businesses can create meaningful social impact while staying financially sustainable. Janneh shares his journey from immigrating to the United States to building a 23-year-old back-office management firm supporting small businesses and nonprofits. We discuss the unique challenges entrepreneurs face, the essential “Three Cs” – compliance, culture, and consistency – and how these principles can help businesses thrive. Janneh also offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, insights on balancing work and life, and his perspective on the future of small business in an AI-driven world.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HEREKeen to share you story? Submit a guest EOI💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajThe views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
This episode explores the essential but often misunderstood distinction between Change Theory and Theory of Change. Change Theory offers general, research-informed explanations of how change occurs, drawing on decades of scholarship from psychology, sociology, organisational studies, economics, and environmental science. Theory of Change, on the other hand, is a context-specific framework that sets out the causal pathways, assumptions, and milestones through which a particular initiative aims to achieve its intended outcomes. We examine how these two concepts intersect, outline the different types of change theories—descriptive, predictive, and explanatory—and explain why grounding a Theory of Change in robust theoretical foundations is critical for designing, evaluating, and refining effective interventions.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HEREKeen to share you story? Submit a guest EOI💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajThe views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
In this episode, we explore the power of shared vision in driving systems change—shifting from reactive responses to proactive, values-aligned transformation. Drawing on real-world applications of the VISION Framework developed during my PhD, I discuss how changemaking is less about fixing what’s broken and more about working together to realise what could be. When we co-create visions that reflect the hopes of all involved, we move beyond abstract ideals toward a ‘concrete utopia’—a shared future in which everyone sees their values and aspirations reflected.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HEREKeen to share you story? Submit a guest EOI💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajThe views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
In this episode, we explore the critical role of systems thinking in understanding and responding to some of Australia’s most pressing issues: youth crime, the housing crisis, bushfires, and mental health. These challenges are characterised by intricate interdependencies across social, economic, and environmental domains, defying simplistic solutions. Drawing on recent research and policy analysis, we discuss how systems thinking reveals the underlying feedback loops and interconnected factors that conventional approaches often overlook. Through these case studies, listeners will gain insight into why integrated, multi-sectoral strategies are essential for creating effective, sustainable outcomes in complex policy environments.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here. Register for the Systems Thinking workshop here. Enrol in the Systems Thinking Course here. ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HEREKeen to share you story? Submit a guest EOI💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajThe views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
What happens when a stand-up comedian, spiritual teacher, and musician turns his attention to the fractures in our political and emotional landscapes? In this moving and poetic episode, Scott Grace—also known as the Spiritual Dr. Seuss—joins us to explore how humour, creativity, and compassion can help us navigate increasingly polarised times.From rhymed wisdom and political poetry to musical improvisation and intergenerational reflection, Scott shares insights from his newest passion project Going Beyond Red and Blue: Staying Human in Divided Times. Together, we explore how grief, curiosity, and light-heartedness can become tools for collective healing.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HEREKeen to share you story? Submit a guest EOI💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajThe views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
In this episode, we honour the late Joanna Macy by exploring her influential body of work, The Work That Reconnects—a framework that weaves together deep ecology, systems thinking, spirituality, and social change. We delve into the three dominant cultural narratives she identified, the four-part spiral that guides transformative practice, and the five vows that support ongoing commitment to the Great Turning. This episode invites changemakers to reflect on grief, gratitude, and the role of collective consciousness in shaping a just and life-sustaining future. 📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HEREKeen to share you story? Submit a guest EOI💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Social Impact Foundations FREE Training Bundle Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajThe views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
In this deeply reflective episode from the HCN archives, we speak with holistic health coach Francesca Bleckner about the invisible foundations of wellbeing in an age of burnout, disconnection, and digital overload. Drawing on her decades-long journey through fitness, fatigue, and transformation, Francesca shares how breathwork, spirituality, and a return to simplicity can unlock vitality and presence in even the busiest lives. For social changemakers, activists, and anyone seeking to show up more powerfully for others without sacrificing themselves—this conversation is an essential reset. From redefining health to decoding the early warning signs of burnout, this is about healing at the roots, not just managing the symptoms.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HEREKeen to share you story? Submit a guest EOI💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Beginner Changemaking Essentials Bundle FREE course & The Changemaker In You ebook.Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajThe views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
In this evocative conversation from the HCN archives, author and spiritual teacher Wajid Hassan shares his extraordinary life journey—from working as a field service engineer in England to becoming a union actor in Hollywood, and eventually emerging as a spiritual guide and author of The Struggle for World Sanity. Through intimate recollections and reflections, Hassan discusses the intersection of spirituality, environmentalism, and humanitarianism—urging listeners to reimagine activism not merely as material or political effort, but as a deep, soul-driven practice. This episode is an invitation to young changemakers to consider their inner worlds as powerful agents in reshaping the future of our planet.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HEREKeen to share you story? Submit a guest EOI💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Beginner Changemaking Essentials Bundle FREE course & The Changemaker In You ebook.Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajThe views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation from the HCN archives, Dr Pamela Gurley shares the compelling story of her journey from military medic to multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, author, academic and advocate. Speaking with honesty and clarity, Dr Gurley reflects on how trauma, identity, and purpose intersect across personal and professional realms. With practical wisdom for changemakers, she unpacks the importance of self-definition, emotional literacy, and stepping into your power—especially when it feels uncertain. For anyone navigating career pivots, grappling with self-doubt, or seeking to write their own narrative, this episode is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you choose to believe in your own voice.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HEREKeen to share you story? Submit a guest EOI💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Beginner Changemaking Essentials Bundle FREE course & The Changemaker In You ebook.Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajThe views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
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 collective action. Whether in personal conversations, marketing campaigns, or movement-building, storytelling is at the heart of changemaking. Tune in to discover how crafting and sharing impactful stories can shift perspectives, mobilise communities, and create lasting social transformation.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Beginner Changemaking Essentials Bundle FREE course & The Changemaker In You ebook.Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajChangemaker Q&A is a Humanitarian Changemakers Network podcast. Ask a question via Spotify, or head to humanitarianchangemakers.net/podcast. If your question is answered, you’ll receive some Changemaker Co goodies on us!The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
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 examine how movements mobilise passive allies, engage neutral groups, and create cascading shifts in public opinion. Change is a process, not an event—by planting and watering the right seeds, activists can turn silent supporters into vocal allies and transform the landscape of social change.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Beginner Changemaking Essentials Bundle FREE course & The Changemaker In You ebook.Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajChangemaker Q&A is a Humanitarian Changemakers Network podcast. Ask a question via Spotify, or head to humanitarianchangemakers.net/podcast. If your question is answered, you’ll receive some Changemaker Co goodies on us!The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
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 development, we explore how humanitarian professionals contribute to disaster recovery, stability, and resilience. Whether you're considering a career in this space or want to understand how aid systems function, this episode offers essential insights into the world of humanitarian work.📰 Read the accompanying article for this podcast episode here.ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE💬 If you find this podcast valuable, it would really help us out to leave a rating & review wherever you're listening.Beginner Changemaking Essentials Bundle FREE course & The Changemaker In You ebook.Follow HCN on Instagram @humanitarianchangemakersFollow Tiyana on Instagram: @tiyanajChangemaker Q&A is a Humanitarian Changemakers Network podcast. Ask a question via Spotify, or head to humanitarianchangemakers.net/podcast. If your question is answered, you’ll receive some Changemaker Co goodies on us!The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.