Karen Knight is a volunteer engagement specialist with a fascinating career journey from cabinet maker to consultant. In this episode, Karen shares her insights on how volunteering has shifted over the years, from traditional long-term commitments to today’s demand for flexibility and project-based opportunities. We discuss strategies for attracting and retaining volunteers, how to avoid saviourism in community work, and what leaders can do to prevent burnout while building meaningful and impactful volunteer programs.
About Our Guest: Karen Knight has been providing volunteer engagement advice, mentoring and training for social impact organizations for close to 30 years. An internationally-recognized author, presenter and thought leader, Karen is known for challenging the standard thinking around volunteerism, turning a spotlight on overlooked problems and bringing creative solutions to long-standing issues.
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The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
Clarity doesn’t come from waiting for a lightning-bolt moment — it emerges through learning, doing, and reflecting. In this episode, Tiyana explores one of the most common questions for changemakers: How do I find clarity about my niche or purpose? Drawing on her own experience in academia and social impact practice, she unpacks two essential foundations of changemaking — knowledge and skills — and shows how the combination of these elements shapes the unique contribution each person brings to the world. She explains why your niche isn’t something you design from scratch, but something that emerges from how you apply what you know and what you can do in real-world contexts.
Using frameworks like Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why,” Tiyana walks listeners through how to identify their purpose, understand the methods and strategies that best express it, and articulate the tangible work that brings it to life. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or seeking greater alignment between your work and your deeper values, this episode offers practical tools and reflections to help you locate your place in the ecosystem of change — and to live and work with greater clarity, authenticity, and purpose.
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The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
Dr Sheldon, author of The Guerrilla Scholar’s Handbook, shares how learning and scholarship can thrive beyond the walls of universities. From training intelligence professionals to co-founding a university and even building amateur rockets, his career exemplifies the unconventional pursuit of knowledge. This conversation explores the core skills and habits that support guerrilla scholarship, practical ways to access knowledge outside of academia, and why building networks of curious, committed people may be the future of higher learning.
About Our Guest: Dr. Sheldon Greaves is the author of The Guerrilla Scholar's Handbook. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley while living and working in Silicon Valley during the dot.com boom. Pursuing his doctorate on a shoestring while indulging other interests, he developed a different approach to a life of the mind. Throughout his long and varied career, Sheldon has used the tools of “guerrilla scholarship” to do interesting intellectual work outside of academia.
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The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
What truly defines a movement—and how does it differ from a protest or campaign? This episode unpacks the anatomy of social movements and explores how lasting transformation happens when individuals, organisations, and communities align around shared visions for change. From the abolition of slavery and the Civil Rights Movement to modern climate justice movements like Fridays for Future, we explore how collective action shifts worldviews, redistributes power, and builds new cultural and political realities.Drawing on examples throughout history, the discussion reveals how movements operate like ecosystems—complex, adaptive, and sustained through relationships, storytelling, and persistence. It also considers why some movements succeed where others falter, and how both individuals and organisations can play meaningful roles in sustaining momentum for long-term change.
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The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
Social entrepreneur Greg Daley, founder of SeaBar, shares his journey from a career in high-end hairstyling to creating an innovative, eco-conscious haircare brand. Frustrated by the wastefulness of traditional shampoo and conditioner bottles, Greg developed bar shampoos in reusable applicators, designed to minimise plastic waste while also funding ocean cleanups with every purchase. He discusses the surprising truths about recycling, the environmental cost of everyday products, and how storytelling can amplify positive change.
About Our Guest: Greg stumbled into the beauty industry by accidentally building one of the largest hair related accounts on Instagram. Since that time he has owned and sold a product company featured on Shark Tank, co-founded an ocean cleanup organization, and recently started a hair care company called SeaBar, that makes disposable plastic free hair care, and picks up ocean trash with every item sold.
Clean the ocean every time you wash your hair with SeaBar: https://seabar.com
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The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
Many changemakers and practitioners use the terms systematic, systemic, and systems change interchangeably, yet these words describe very different approaches to transformation. This episode explores how each concept operates within the context of social change, policy, and community development. Using practical examples such as homelessness, we explore how systematic change refers to methodical, step-by-step approaches to action; systemic change targets formal social structures such as policy and governance; and systems change takes a holistic view, addressing interconnected patterns, relationships, and root causes. By understanding the distinctions between these three forms of change, listeners will gain clarity on when and how to apply each approach in their work, ensuring that their strategies are not only well-intentioned but also effective and transformative.
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In this episode I sit down with Jim Marshall, polymath, engineer, and author of Septemics: Hierarchies of Human Phenomena. Jim shares the remarkable story of how decades of working as a human development engineer led him to uncover 35 natural scales of human behaviour, each structured in seven levels. Together, we explore how these scales can help us understand ourselves, improve our relationships, and unlock new possibilities for social change. From the mathematics embedded in human phenomena to the practical tools for everyday life, this conversation reveals why understanding people is essential for shaping a better world.
About Our Guest: Mr. Marshall is a polymathic intellectual who has devoted over 50,000 hours to the study and practice of multiple dimensions of human potential and development. He became a professional practitioner and, after 28 years of formal education, had a long career as a Human Development Engineer. Jim has integrated the best aspects of the most advanced techniques on the planet, and expanded their limits by his own Research & Discovery. He has successfully treated and/or trained hundreds of clients over a 40 year career, and is the inventor of Septemics and several consciousness-expanding systems. His areas of expertise include psychology, philosophy, theology, parapsychology, science, engineering, mathematics, law, literature, history, music, organization, metaphysics, military science, political science, physical culture and education.
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The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
Philanthropy is often seen as synonymous with money, but funding is only one part of a much bigger picture. In this episode, we explore the five Ts of philanthropy—time, talent, ties, testimony, and treasure—and how each plays a critical role in shaping social change. From volunteering and sharing skills, to building networks, amplifying stories, and providing financial resources, this framework offers a fresh way to think about giving and engagement. We also look at the shifting philanthropic landscape, from intergenerational wealth transfer to the rise of impact investing, digital platforms, and values-driven giving by younger generations. Whether you’re part of a grassroots movement, a nonprofit leader, or someone looking to align your contributions with your values, this episode provides practical insights into how philanthropy is evolving—and how you can be part of that change.
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In this episode, I sit down with journalist, author, and independent scholar Manny Faces to explore how hip hop is more than just a genre of music. Rooted in storytelling, creativity, and resilience, hip hop has become a cultural framework that inspires activism, shapes education, and builds community. From classrooms in New York to grassroots political movements in Alabama, Manny explains how hip hop’s ethos of remixing—working with what already exists and transforming it into something new—can be applied to almost any space where people are striving for change.
About Our Guest: Manny Faces is an award-winning journalist, speaker, and cultural strategist helping people, organizations, and causes remix how they innovate, educate, and uplift, by unlocking the often overlooked or misunderstood lessons that can be found within Hip Hop culture. Manny is the creator of the acclaimed podcast "Hip Hop Can Save America!" and author of the Cornel West–endorsed book, "Hip Hop Can Save America! Inspiration for the Nation from a Culture of Innovation," each showcasing real-world ways Hip Hop drives positive change.
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The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
What really drives social change—policy or culture? In this episode, we unpack a persistent misconception in the world of activism and advocacy: that visible policy wins are the ultimate measure of transformation. While mass demonstrations may not always lead to immediate legislative reform, they often signal deeper cultural currents at work. Drawing on sociology, anthropology, and systems thinking, this conversation explores the distinction between policy and culture, and why culture—though slower and less tangible—represents the deepest leverage point for long-term change. From values and norms to mental models, worldviews, and collective narratives, we look at how culture shapes what societies consider possible, and why ignoring it can limit our impact. Using Margaret Archer’s morphogenetic approach and Donella Meadows’ systems thinking, the episode reframes social change as a process rooted not just in structures and laws, but in the shared stories and paradigms that guide human action.
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The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.
It's no secret I love gardening, so I'm thrilled to be chatting with Matthieu, a regenerative garden designer whose journey began on his family farm and has taken him from early experiments with radishes, to academic study in landscape architecture, to transformative experiences in the Amazon Rainforest. Matthieu shares how permaculture principles reshaped his understanding of nature, why regenerative farming is key to reversing climate change, and how gardening—even in small urban spaces—can reconnect us with the natural world.
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About Our Guest: Matthieu Mehuys is an award-winning author and passionate landscape architect whose journey from a family farm in Belgium to regenerative farming practices has led him to believe that landscape architects can indeed change the world.
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The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests 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.
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The 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.
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The 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.
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The 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/
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The 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.
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The 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.
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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.
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In this episode, I speak with Jeff Hardy, founder of Care for Peace, whose life journey has taken him from serving as a U.S. Coast Guard Hospital Corpsman during the Vietnam War to building health and community development centres in Myanmar. Jeff shares how the simple act of caregiving revealed to him a profound relationship between care and peace, and how this insight has grown into a philosophy, a foundation, and a call for what he terms the “Second Human Evolution.” Together, we discuss grassroots development, the importance of process in shaping change, and how peace can be cultivated in the everyday act of caring for one another.
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The 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.
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The views expressed in this podcast are those of Tiyana J & guests and are not reflective of all members of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network.