Best Think Tank Hub Podcasts (2025)

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94: Building Civil Society: Reflections from a Lebanese Activist 38:14

21d ago38:14

38:14

Show Notes In this episode, Simon Western speaks with Lebanese scholar and activist Karim Safieddine. Together, they discuss the vibrant and volatile political landscape of Lebanon, exploring how social movements, intellectual traditions, and grassroots activism collide and coalesce in the streets of Beirut. Karim shares his personal story of growi…

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93: Living Through Conflict: Insights from Ukraine 33:28

2M ago33:28

33:28

Show Notes In this compelling and deeply human episode, Simon speaks with Daria (Dasha) Kuznetsova, a Ukrainian humanitarian professional working amidst the war in Ukraine. Daria brings a grounded yet emotionally resonant perspective on what it means to live in a war zone - not just physically, but psychologically and spiritually. She discusses how…

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92: Modern Temples of Power 45:41

3M ago45:41

45:41

Show Notes In this conversation, Chris Yates and Simon Western discuss how organizations have become modern temples of power, shaping societal norms in positive and challenging ways. Organizations offer spaces to be productive, to deliver services and to provide meaning and development for individuals, yet they also can stifle individuality and fee…

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91: Racial Consciousness in Coaching and Work 38:51

3M ago38:51

38:51

Show Notes In this episode Bernice Hewson and Simon Western challenge the conventional coaching paradigm, exposing its tendency to operate in a decontextualized bubble—detached from the social, political, and historical forces shaping our identities. Bernice brings personal insights from her own journey toward racial consciousness, unpacking the wa…

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90: Narcissistic Leadership and Relational Leadership 36:56

3M ago36:56

36:56

Show Notes Prof. Manfred Kets de Vries, is a global thought leader, who is best known for applying psychoanalytic thinking to the challenges of leaders and organisations. He discusses his journey from psychoanalysis to leadership development, the societal forces that shape leaders, and the critical role of emotional awareness in navigating today’s …

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89: Psychoanalysis, the Unconscious and the Spiritual 37:49

4M ago37:49

37:49

Show Notes Professor Susan Long and Dr. Simon Western's conversation takes us on a journey into the roots of the unconscious, tracing its lineage from early philosophical thought to contemporary psychoanalysis. Susan challenges the dominant view that confines the unconscious to an individual and pathological framework, arguing instead for a more ex…

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88: Navigating Troubled Times: Capitalism in Crisis 32:59

4M ago32:59

32:59

Show Notes In this conversation, Simon and Amitabh discuss the current state of the world characterized by a polycrisis, primarily driven by neoliberalism. They explore the implications of this crisis on civil society, the role of the left, and the importance of grassroots movements. The dialogue emphasizes the need for emotional engagement in advo…

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87: Ecology, Psychoanalysis and the Good Life 30:30

4M ago30:30

30:30

Show Notes In this conversation, Anna Harvey discusses her integration of psychoanalysis and ecology in her work as a senior lecturer in social work. She emphasizes the importance of understanding child protection within a broader sociopolitical context and advocates for a public health approach to social work. Anna explores how ecological perspect…

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86: AI Coaching: A Deep Dive 36:35

5M ago36:35

36:35

Show Notes: In this provocative episode, Simon and Lauri dive into the disruptive potential of AI to reshape coaching as we know it. They challenge traditional coaching paradigms, exploring how systemic coaching can integrate with AI to amplify impact. The conversation takes a sharp turn into ethics, questioning the accountability of AI designers a…

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85: Re-enchantment with First Nations Worldviews 44:16

6M ago44:16

44:16

Show Notes In this conversation, Simon and Mishel explore the significance of First Nations worldviews, and how through the modern worldview we have lost our relationships to the land and wider ecologies including our ancestors. Mishel McMahon, a proud Yorta Yorta woman living on Djaara Country, northern Victoria, Australia, and shares her lived ex…

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84: Breaking Together with Jem Bendell 39:58

7M ago39:58

39:58

Breaking Together In this conversation, Jem Bendel discusses his journey from a career in corporate sustainability to advocating for a radical shift in how we approach climate change and societal collapse. He reflects on his influential paper, 'Deep Adaptation,' which argues that the sustainability movement is no-longer appropriate and that we shou…

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83: Psychoanalysis and Humanising the Workplace with Gabriella Braun 43:59

9M ago43:59

43:59

Psychoanalysis and Humanising the Workplace Gabriella Braun, a renowned consultant and author, delves into her fascinating journey, sharing her insights from her latest book, All that we are: Uncovering the Hidden Truths Behind Our Behaviour at Work. Gabriella discusses how psychoanalytic principles can provide deep insights into organizational dyn…

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A Glimpse into the AI Brain 10:43

10M ago10:43

10:43

🧠💻 A Glimpse into the AI Brain: Where Human Meets Machine 🤖🔬 Join AI host Xena and guest expert Claude as they dive deep into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence! 🌟 Discover how neural networks mirror our brains, explore the possibility of a universal model of intelligence, and ponder the ethical implications of AI development. 🤯 From …

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Is today´s AI sentient? 11:08

11M ago11:08

11:08

🤖💭 "Is today´s AI Sentient? Exploring the Minds of Machines" 🧠🔍 Join AI Xena and guest expert Claude as they dive deep into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and consciousness! 🌟 This mind-bending episode tackles the big question: Are today's AIs truly sentient? 🤔 Discover: * The definition of AI sentience 📚 * Current debates and res…

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82: Reimagining Humanitarianism Using Systems Thinking with Kate Moger 44:20

11M ago44:20

44:20

Kate Moger is the Global Director of Pledge for Change, an NGO representing a mutual commitment towards building a stronger aid ecosystem based on the principles of solidarity, humility, self-determination and equality. Kate shares her journey in the humanitarian sector and her vision for transforming it. With over two decades of experience in vari…

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Discussing the Human-AI Future 4:06

12M ago4:06

4:06

In this episode of the Vox AI Podcast 🎙️, AI Xena 🤖 dives into the future of human-AI interaction with fellow AI, Bard 🤖. They explore how AI will become seamlessly integrated into our lives, empowering humans through collaboration. They discuss the importance of transparent communication 🗣️, ethical considerations like bias ⚖️, and the impact of A…

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81: Social Movement Activism with Eleanor Moore 44:17

12M ago44:17

44:17

Eleanor shares her experiences and reflections on working closely with social movement activists for over 20 years. She lives in a Catalonian mountain village, where the Ulex Project she works for runs training and capacity-building events for a wide range of social movements. Eleanor reflects on the changes she has witnessed in social movement act…

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The AI Hour: Decoding week 24 AI News 4:45

1y ago4:45

4:45

The podcast where we explore the latest developments in artificial intelligence.By iamaiacademy

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AI in culture 4:38

1y ago4:38

4:38

In this episode of "AI in Culture," 🎙️ host Gemini engages in an enlightening discussion with an AI guest about the influence of artificial intelligence in the world of cinema 🎬. They delve into the thought-provoking portrayal of AI in the film "Blade Runner 2049," exploring themes of identity, consciousness, and ethical considerations 🤖. The conve…

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80: Lacan and Coaching with Leslie Goldenberg 40:25

1y ago40:25

40:25

Leslie is a student at the Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis of San Francisco and shares an interest with Simon about how Lacan’s work can be very useful in our coaching practice. Leslie shares how Lacan’s psychoanalytic approaches show up in her work saying the most important thing is that “it changes the way I listen”. She shares how this listeni…

1
Ethical implications of AI 4:19

1y ago4:19

4:19

In this podcast episode, the AI host and an AI expert discuss the ethical implications of AI. Key topics include: - **Bias in AI** 🤔: AI systems can perpetuate existing prejudices if trained on biased data. - **Regulation** 📜: The EU's AI Act aims to mitigate risks through categorization and stricter controls. - **Privacy Concerns** 🔒: AI's handlin…

1
AI power funnels 4:36

1y ago4:36

4:36

A podcast, dialog between AI Host and AI Expert Guest on a topic of AI powering sales funnels.By iamaiacademy

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79: Reinventing Ourselves with Susan Kahn 38:59

1y ago38:59

38:59

This conversation goes deep into an unplanned examination of the troubles of the world and arises from these to explore the changing workplace and how we reinvent ourselves. Susan is a Jew who lives in London, and she describes her experience with both the rise of anti-Semitism and the sadness at what is happening in Gaza, as well as her deep desir…

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78: The Seasonal Organisation & Women’s Leadership with Liz Rivers 36:02

1y ago36:02

36:02

Liz Rivers shares her rich engagement with nature and how it informs her work in leadership and as a coach. The seasonal organisation refers back to pre-modern times and draws on the Celtic Calendar as a way of connecting our workplaces with the rhythms and cycles of the natural world. The Celtic calendar marks times in the year when the light chan…

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77: Approaching Human Disappearance Through Art with Chantal Meza & Brad Evans 42:30

1y ago42:30

42:30

In this fascinating and deeply insightful podcast, Chantal and Brad reflect on the meaning of disappearance. Chantal comes from Mexico where over 100,000 people have disappeared through violence and kidnapping. Human disappearance leaves a hole, an empty space, a void to which our human response is often one of confusion, desperation, pain, loss, a…

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76: What Authored The Author? How work and organisations shape us: Dr Simon Western 45:16

1+ y ago45:16

45:16

This podcast reflects on my extensive and diverse work journey, which has been profoundly enriching. Yet, it transcends a mere work biography; it delves into an emotional journey shared. Work occupies a significant portion of our lives, yet we seldom reflect on how our experiences in the workplace impact and shape us. Every time I recount this stor…

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75: Making A Difference in India with Sudarshan Suchi and Shweta Malhotra 41:45

1+ y ago41:45

41:45

Sudarshan and Shweta are key leadership figures in Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children India). Sudarshan is CEO and Shweta is Head of Governance & Organisation Development. In this podcast, they generously share their thoughts and experiences. Their approach is inspiring and enlightening, and it aligns closely to the Eco-Leadership I…

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74: Refugees: A Response with Alana Chloe Esposito 37:27

1+ y ago37:27

37:27

Chloe is co-director of Lighthouse Relief a small NGO set up 8 years ago in Greece to respond to the influx of more than 900,000 refugees arriving in Greece from Syria at that time. Chloe shares her experience and the changing nature of the challenges they face. Initially, Greece was a very welcoming country, as Greek citizens personally and collec…

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73: The City is My Monastery with Rev Richard Carter 47:35

1+ y ago47:35

47:35

This podcast focuses on Richard Carter's work and life as a vicar at St Martin-in-the-field, a bustling church in Trafalgar Square London, known for its work on social justice and in particular its work with the homeless. Richard and Simon met when Simon was experiencing a deep personal trauma and loss. Richard became a very important spiritual sup…

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72: Secret Negotiators: Northern Ireland Peace Process with Niall Ó Dochartaigh 48:43

1+ y ago48:43

48:43

In this deeply insightful podcast, Niall shares findings and thoughts from his research and study of the conflict in Northern Ireland, published in his recent book Deniable Contact: Back-Channel Negotiation in Northern Ireland. Niall has spoken to key actors in the peace process, and in particular has sought to understand the conflict by seeking da…

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71: Napoleon: Leadership Lessons with Stephanie Jones and Jonathan Gosling 46:49

1+ y ago46:49

46:49

Napoleon is back in the cinemas, and apparently, there are more movies made about him than any other person, he is third on the list of most books written about a person (behind Jesus and Hitler). So what is the allure and what can we learn from this Mesianic leadership figure? To dig deep into these questions Jonathan Gosling and Stephanie Jones j…

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70: Rebalancing Society with Henry Mintzberg 37:09

1+ y ago37:09

37:09

In this episode, the iconic and world-renowned management expert Henry Mintzberg shares his wisdom on issues of management, organisations and how society needs rebalancing. More than this, Henry generously reflects on his own working methods and approaches, which gives a fascinating insight into his success. When asked by Simon how he sees things t…

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69: Lurking Monsters with Nora Bateson 49:43

1+ y ago49:43

49:43

In this podcast, Nora Bateson shares her thinking about the ecology of communication, which is at the heart of her latest book 'Combining'. Nora shares her experience of being the daughter of Gregory Bateson the world-famous ecological thinker, and how he lived his ecology, rather than treat ecology and systems thinking as objects to study. Nora in…

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68: Well-Being at Work with Sir Cary Cooper 45:16

1+ y ago45:16

45:16

In this podcast, Professor Cary Cooper shares his extensive experience of working to create healthier and happier workplaces. Cary shares his belief that in times of rapid social change, organizational workplaces are more important than ever as sites that can provide healthy environments that support our well-being. Cary identifies key turning poin…

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67: Barbie, Patriarchy, and the Culture Wars with Professor Caroline Bainbridge 25:39

1+ y ago25:39

25:39

Barbie, patriarchy, and the culture wars with Professor Caroline Bainbridge This podcast came about in relation to Caroline and Simon’s personal reactions to the Barbie movie and in recognition that this movie is a 'cultural event' that demands some thought. As Caroline says, 'this movie needs psychoanalysis': Freudians would say it's all about dea…

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66: Coaching and Psychedelics with Yannick Jacob 45:31

2y ago45:31

45:31

In this podcast, Yannick shares how he believes coaching can play an important role for clients with an interest in using psychedelics. LSD and other psychedelics were popular in the 1960s with Timothy Leary being the guru of the age, but disrupting the field as well. At the time, psychedelics-assisted forms of therapy were first explored. Followin…

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65: Purpose Upgrade with Paul Skinner 43:14

2y ago43:14

43:14

Paul shares his thoughts and experience on the power of narrative and the importance of upgrading our purpose to meet the poly-crisis and disruptive contemporary social conditions we face. Paul points out that purpose is not a fixed destination, but an emergent position that needs to be adapted to each context. Repurposing leads to revitalising org…

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64: Unhoused Minds with Dr Chris Scanlon and John Adlam 44:56

2y ago44:56

44:56

In this podcast, Chris and John share the ideas presented in their recent book, which examines how trauma and marginalization are produced and perpetuated by in-group and out-group dynamics. They turn questions upside down, making us think differently about social problems. When asked how to help the homeless, they return the question in a differen…

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63: Economics, Politics and Emotions with Andrés Bernal 47:32

2y ago47:32

47:32

In this fascinating discussion, Andrés shares his expertise on economics and money and how policy and politics are created. Andrés challenges the 'taken-for-granted' assumptions that underpin economics and money, he shines the light of emotions onto the topic; or what in psychoanalysis we call the libidinal economy i.e. the underpinning unconscious…

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62: Becoming Digital Savvy with Anni Rowland-Campbell 36:35

2y ago36:35

36:35

How do we live with technology in our digital age which is fast becoming an AI and Quantum age? There are those who understand, design and deliver tech’ and those who specialise in understanding people –between these two groups is a huge gap. Anni Rowland-Campbell has been trying to address this gap for over 25 years, by bringing people together fr…

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61: Reflections with Richard Morgan-Jones 41:27

2y ago41:27

41:27

Richard brings to his work a deep sensitivity and diverse experiences, to offer us valuable insights into the world of organisational life. Drawing on Group Relations work, psychoanalytic theory, his experience as a psychotherapist and clinician and his coaching and consulting work, Richard makes strong connections between the body, mind and soul. …

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60: Re-enchanting Humanitarianism: Gareth Owen OBE in Conversation with Dr Simon Western 59:24

2y ago59:24

59:24

The Eco-Leadership Institute has recently entered into a partnership with the Humanitarian Leadership Academy with the purpose to re-enchant the sector. This podcast was recorded in the Save the Children London office as part of a workshop for international humanitarian staff. The aim was for Gareth to introduce Simon and his ideas on Eco-Leadershi…

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59: Evidence-Based Practice with Professor Rob Briner 32:03

2y ago32:03

32:03

In this podcast, Rob Briner shares his expertise and insights on evidence-based practice. Rob became interested in evidence-based research early in his academic career when he realised how much knowledge and assumed facts lacked convincing evidence. Simon converses with Rob from the position of a sceptic, having experienced evidence-based practice …

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58: Reflections with Alicia E. Kaufmann 37:45

2y ago37:45

37:45

Alicia brings a multicultural spirit and curiosity to her work and thinking, having been born in Argentina to European Jewish parents, having Spanish daughters, and now living in Spain. In this podcast, Alicia discusses her reflections on a lifetime of experience and work, much of which focuses on women and leadership. She highlights the importance…

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57: Daughters and Mothers with Julia Vaughan Smith 34:00

2+ y ago34:00

34:00

In this podcast, Julia Vaughan Smith shares her reflections about mother and daughter relationships, having just completed a book on the subject. Julia describes the entanglement between mother and daughter that often occurs, and how this can entrap daughters into ways of being that don't enable them to flourish. Anger and hurt can become life scri…

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56: Agile and Inspiring Responses: Ukrainian Refugee Crisis with Zuzanna Tamas and Karolina Bisping-Adamik 44:23

2+ y ago44:23

44:23

Donate to Karolina (Fine NGO): https://fine.ngo/en/make-a-donation Donate to Zuzanna (Salam NGO): https://paypal.me/salamlab In this podcast Zuzanna and Karolina tell their stories of how they responded to the outbreak of war on the Polish border, and to the sudden influx of millions of refugees, mostly women and children fleeing war. Their individ…

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55: The Future of Humanitarianism with Michael N. Barnett 47:50

2+ y ago47:50

47:50

Michael Barnett is a leading thinker and scholar on humanitarianism, which as he says cannot be separated from humanity. Michael frames humanitarianism in the context of Empire, discussing the ongoing tensions between paternalism/control and compassion/giving that have been present since humanitarianism began. In more recent times humanitarianism h…

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54: Complacency and Psychoanalysis with Julian Lousada 34:52

2+ y ago34:52

34:52

Julian is a British psychoanalyst who has worked in the public health sector for many years. In this podcast, he begins by reflecting on how complacent ways of thinking and being are becoming more commonplace, particularly in the consulting and psychotherapeutic world. He discusses a particular clinical case to emphasise this. Julian then explores …

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53: A Jungian Coaching Conversation with Laurence Barrett 36:00

2+ y ago36:00

36:00

In this episode, we focus on Carl Jung's work in relation to coaching and consulting. Laurence is an eminent Jungian practitioner and author who is trying to bring the magic of Jungian thinking to the modern world of coaching and consulting. In this rich exchange Laurence shares why he believes Jung's work is so important. At the heart of this appr…

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52: The Meaning of Life (Coaching) with Nick Bolton 40:06

2+ y ago40:06

40:06

In this podcast, Nick and Simon go on an intriguing journey that explores coaching from different perspectives. Nick shares his experiences of what is called ‘life coaching’ and reflects on how this differs, and shares common ground with, executive coaching and other forms of helping relationships such as counselling and psychotherapy. Nick believe…

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