Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world!

As 2024 draws to a close, If I Ruled the World flips the script. Producer Sam takes the reins, interviewing Gillian! Together, they reflect on a groundbreaking year of system-change conversations. From capitalism’s unraveling to the wisdom of nature and indigenous perspectives, Gillian shares her biggest takeaways, lessons learned, and hopes for the future.

And the moment you’ve all been waiting for… Gillian reveals what she would do if she ruled the world and why she believes re-establishing the global rule of law and rethinking efficiency are key to building a more just and sustainable future.

The Year in Review

Gillian shares her top highlights, including insights from Simeon Rose (Faith in Nature), Leah Penniman (Soul Fire Farm), and Cory Doctorow

Penny Drop Moments

Lessons from our range of guests this year on centering nature in decision-making, challenging late-stage capitalism, and understanding indigenous perspectives.

System Change & the Rule of Law

Gillian’s manifesto for re-establishing the rule of international law, inspired by Jojo Mehta (Stop Ecocide International) and lessons from Gaza and the global stage.

Efficiency vs. Resilience

Why inefficiency, modelled by nature’s beaver dams, could hold the key to a more sustainable and adaptable future.

A Vision for 2025

Gillian’s plans for the future of the podcast, the global system, and her reflections on why truth and equity must lead the charge.

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Mentions & Resources

• Carbon Dividends
• Seth Godin - This is Strategy
• The Shock Doctrine - Naomi Klein
• The Social Dilemma (Netflix)

What would you do if you ruled the world?

If you have any insights or feedback on today’s episode or you have an idea for how the world could be a better place, drop me an email on podcast@gillianburkevoice.com

A final thank you to our...

What would the world look like if nature really had a voice? Welcome back to 'If I Ruled the World' featuring a unique perspective on leadership and decision-making from Simeon Rose, the Creative Director at Faith in Nature. In this episode, we explore how this pioneering company became the first globally to make nature the boss, setting a groundbreaking precedent in corporate governance.

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world!

Key Points Discussed:

• Journey of Faith in Nature: Delve into the company’s evolution from a natural beauty product brand to an environmental advocate within the corporate sector.
• Influence of Rights of Nature: Insight into how global movements and legal recognitions, like New Zealand’s Whanganui River, shaped their innovative approach.
• Implementation and Challenges: Learn about the practical aspects and the transformative impacts of incorporating nature into the company’s board.
• Broader Implications: Consider the potential ripple effects of this model across various industries and global policies.

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You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.

Connect with our guest:

• Simeon Rose - Nature on the Board

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Mentions & Resources

• Faith in Nature
• Rights for Rivers
• Rights of Nature
• Earth Law Center
• Earth Species Project
• House of Hackney
• Better Business Network
• Earthpercent
• Future Council film
• Apple Mother Nature Ad

What would you do if you ruled the...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world!

If you don’t know what ‘Artivism’ means and why it matters, you’re about to! Today, we explore the intricate melodies of change through the perspective of Sam Lee, a Mercury Prize-nominated musician and passionate nature activist. Sam shares his unique journey from the bustling streets of London to the tranquil wilderness, harmonising folk traditions with urgent environmental advocacy. Hear how Sam is advocating for systemic change and a deeper connection to our natural roots.

Episode Highlights:

• Musical Innovation Meets Nature: Sam Lee discusses how his music, interwoven with the sounds of nature, invites listeners to reconnect with the environment in profound ways.
• The Role of Folklore in Environmental Activism: Sam emphasises the importance of folklore and traditional songs in shaping cultural identity and environmental consciousness.
• Advocating for the Right to Roam: Sam details his efforts to expand public access to private lands in England, promoting a deeper engagement with the natural world.
• Vision for a Sustainable Future: From intensive farming reforms to educational transformations, Sam outlines his vision for integrating nature more deeply into our lives and policies.

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You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.

Connect with our guest:

• Sam Lee

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Mentions & Resources

• Right to Roam - Advocacy group promoting public access to private land.
• Earth Percent - An initiative by Brian Eno aiming to address climate change through the music industry.
• Julia's Bicycle - A charity focusing on environmental sustainability in the arts.
• Doughnut Economics - A revolutionary approach to economics that balances human needs and ecological sustainability.
• Caroline Lucas - British politician known for her environmental campaigning.

What would you do if you ruled the world?

If you have any insights or feedback on today’s episode or you have an idea for...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world!

Brace yourselves! In this episode, we delve into the dynamics behind runaway consumption and throwaway culture with Cory Doctorow, writer, journalist, and a fervent advocate for digital rights and freedoms. From examining monopolies in the tech industry to exploring the mechanisms of corporate influence over our digital lives, Cory shares his insights on how we might rebalance power and stop everything getting worse for the greater good of society

• Monopolies and Corporate Power: Cory discusses the pervasive nature of monopolies in the tech industry and their impact on innovation and consumer freedom.
• Antitrust and Regulation: Analysis of the current state of antitrust laws and the urgent need for robust regulatory frameworks to dismantle corporate monopolies.
• The Concept of "Enshittification": Cory introduces and explains the term "enshittification," which he coined to describe the degradation of services and erosion of user rights in monopolistic ecosystems.
• The Fight for Digital Rights: The conversation shifts to the necessity for a collective push towards preserving digital rights and privacy in an increasingly surveilled and controlled digital landscape.
• Empowering Technological Alternatives: Discussing potential systemic changes that could support sustainable and ethical technological development.

A final thank you to our wonderful sponsors Triodos Bank UK for making this podcast happen.

Follow the show:

You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.

Connect with our guest:

Cory Doctorow

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Mentions & Resources

• What 'Orwellian' Really Means - Noah Tavlin
• Cory Doctorow’s Blog
• Electronic Frontier Foundation
• Book: "How to Destroy Surveillance...

Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world!

In this episode, we delve into the seemingly shiny world of digital technology, only to discover that it may just be a facade on top of a more troubling reality. Tom Greenwood, co-founder of Wholegrain Digital, shares his insights on digital sustainability—a critical aspect of our modern life that's often overlooked. From his early disillusionment with eco-design to spearheading innovations in digital impact assessment, Tom's journey is not just about technological advancement but also a moral quest to reshape the digital landscape.

Unveiling Digital Impact: Tom discusses the lack of awareness in the digital industry about its environmental impact, comparable to the aviation industry, and the journey that led him to pioneer the first carbon calculator for websites.

Infrastructure Behind the Internet: The real structure of the internet is explained, breaking down the physical infrastructure from data centers to undersea cables that power our everyday digital interactions.

Challenges of Digital Poverty: Discussion shifts to digital poverty, addressing access issues, and the social and economic barriers that affect people globally, from the infrastructure to the skills necessary to navigate the digital world.

Myths of Digital Transactions: Tom tackles the myths and realities of digital transactions and their environmental impact compared to traditional methods, like physical cash versus digital currencies.

Systemic Changes for Sustainable Tech: The conversation turns to systemic changes needed within the digital and global economic framework to ensure technology serves humanity sustainably and ethically.

A final thank you to our wonderful sponsors Triodos Bank UK for making this podcast happen.

• Wholegrain Digital
• About B Corp
• Digital Poverty.
• Website Carbon Calculator
• Apple TV Ad

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You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.

Connect with our guest:

• Tom Greenwood

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Give us your feedback and tell us what you would do if you ruled the world!

Slow down. Make some space. Today's discussion focuses on cultural resilience, the power of reclaiming identity, and the shared human experiences that connect us all, regardless of geography. Join me as I delve into these themes with Matua Marc Peard; an influential voice in both broadcasting and Maori cultural advocacy.

Episode Highlights:

Cultural Reclamation and Everyday Life:

Marc shares insights into how Maori cultural practices and language have been interwoven into everyday life in Aotearoa New Zealand, celebrating the everyday acts of resistance and survival that define cultural resilience.

Impact of Colonisation:

A candid discussion on the effects of colonisation on indigenous people, highlighting the strength of the Maori in preserving their culture and the contemporary relevance of these traditional practices.

Reclaiming Language and Culture:

Exploring the significance of the Maori language and cultural practices as acts of sovereignty and self-determination, and how these efforts contribute to a broader understanding of decolonisation.

Personal Journey and Media Influence:

Marc talks about his personal journey of cultural rediscovery and the role of media in shaping perceptions of Maori culture, both within Aotearoa New Zealand and globally.

System Change Through Indigenous Perspectives:

Discussion on how indigenous knowledge systems and perspectives can lead to a more equitable and sustainable world, challenging listeners to rethink their own views on power and system change.

Follow the show:

You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.

A final thank you to our wonderful sponsors Triodos Bank UK for making this podcast happen.

Connect with our guest:

• Marc Peard

Follow Gillian

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Website

Mentions & Resources

• Link to Mentioned Instagram Clip
• Andrew Windyboy, Chippewa Cree (Old Man Eagle) Credit: Our Spirits Don’t Know English: Indian Boarding School
• The Morning Shift Show

They say money makes the world go round… let’s find out how! Welcome back to "If I Ruled the World," the podcast where we delve into the minds of those who dare to imagine a better future. Today, we're joined by Bevis Watts, the UK's first environmentalist banker and CEO of Triodos Bank UK (Our wonderful sponsors). Inspired by the pioneering nature writer Richard Jefferies, Bevis discusses his unique journey from conservation to the being at the forefront of banking system reform.

Episode Highlights:

• Richard Jefferies' Legacy: We start with the poignant history behind Bevis' name and explore how Jeffries' work resonates in today’s environmental discourse, providing a backdrop to Bevis' career trajectory.
• Banking on Change: Bevis shares his insights on how the banking sector can transform to support both people and the planet. His dual expertise in ecology and finance offers a unique perspective on sustainable banking practices.
• Nature and Nurture: Delving into personal reflections, Bevis discusses the intrinsic connection humans share with nature and how it has shaped his professional ethos and personal values.
• Systemic Shifts: From his unique position at Triodos Bank, Bevis discusses the potential for systemic change within the banking sector to support sustainable practices and contribute to a just society.

Follow the show:

You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.

Follow Gillian

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillians_voice/

Website: https://www.gillianburkevoice.com/

Mentions & Resources

• Richard Jefferies
• Bevis’s Great Beaver Discovery
• Bevis’s Book: River Journey: Searching For Wild Beavers And Finding Freedom
• Kate Raworth / Doughnut Economics
• Greta Thunberg
• Mya-Rose Craig
• Bretton Woods Agreement

Welcome to another episode of If I Ruled the World, where I ask my guests what they would do if they ruled the world! In today’s episode, we delve into the heart of personal and planetary transformation with George Thompson. A system change practitioner, filmmaker, Tai Chi teacher, and a communicator of Daoist philosophy, George shares his profound journey from the Wudang mountains of China back to the heart of modern civilisation, exploring how ancient wisdom can guide us through today’s challenges.

Episode Highlights:

The Interconnection of All Beings:

George begins by reflecting on the interconnected intelligence of all beings—how nature's quiet wisdom reminds us of our deep ties to the world around us and within us.

System Change Through Personal Transformation:

Detailing his path through personal crises to finding resilience in Taoist practices, George explains how individual transformation is inseparably linked to broader societal change.

Insight, Practice, Community:

The mantra that has shaped George’s approach—gaining insights through deep reflection, maintaining growth through consistent practice, and building resilience within a supportive community.

Economic Reflections:

A surprise revelation from George about his background in economics leads to a deep dive into the flaws of our current economic system and the potential for a new paradigm based on real growth—emotional, community, and ecological rather than mere GDP.

A big thank you to our wonderful sponsors Triodos Bank UK for making this podcast happen, and to The Wildlife Trusts for their continued support.

Follow the show:

You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.

Connect with our guest:

• George Thompson

Follow Gillian:

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Mentions & Resources

• Loosing Yourself (George’s new film)
• Dacher Keltner - Books
• The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible - Charles Eisenstein
• Less is More - Jason Hickel