Episodit
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When your current lifestyle is unsustainable, it’s time to make a change instead of waiting for circumstances to force your hand.
The gradual build-up of stress, fatigue, and health issues from a demanding career can lead to a critical point where one must choose between maintaining an unhealthy status quo or taking the initiative to make a change, even when that decision feels destabilising.
In this episode, Tyronne and Ben discuss practical strategies for finding balance and mindfulness in an increasingly accelerated world where everyone seems to be running at full speed. Ty shares how he recognised the early warning signs of burnout and understood the real health implications of maintaining an unsustainable work lifestyle. And they explore the challenging but rewarding journey of making major life changes, even when facing uncertainty and the destabilising effects of leaving familiar patterns behind.
LinksConnect with Tyronne via LinkedInHelping You Back to Flow – Episode 40, with Dave Murphy
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True leadership comes not from domination and control, but from attunement to natural rhythms, deep respect for interconnectedness, and embracing a more humble, spacious approach to guiding ourselves and others.
In this episode, Ben is joined by Mimi Kuo-Deemer. She is a sixth generation lineage holder teaching Baguazhang, and a Qigong teacher with over 20 years of practice. She’s based in Oxfordshire where she teaches and livestreams sessions.
This discussion covers the revolutionary perspective on leadership offered by Daoist principles, offers practical ways to find steadiness and calm in your busy life, and explores a different way of relating to nature and change that moves beyond control and separation.
LinksMimi’s websiteMysticism, sacred and profane : an inquiry into some varieties of praeter-natural exerienceMight Daoism be a home for you in '22 (and beyond) – Episode 7, with George ThompsonWho doesn’t want a little peace and calm? – Episode 8, with Martin AlywardLeanMind - helping leaders back to clarity and calm.
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That feeling of being in the zone is a measurable neurochemical state of consciousness where we feel and perform our best. This optimal state – flow state, as it’s called – isn't limited to hobbies and sport, but can be achieved in various forms of work, and can lead to increased creativity, productivity, and personal fulfilment.
In this conversation, Ben and his guest Dave Murphy explore the value of understanding and cultivating flow state at work, transforming how we approach our professional lives and overall wellbeing.
Dave is an expert, helping people understand and achieve flow state, particularly in the context of work. Prior to this, Dave had a career in advertising, working for one of the best agencies in the world. His journey to understanding and teaching flow was influenced by an ayahuasca experience in Amsterdam, which opened a door of insight for him.
LinksConnect with Dave via LinkedInThe Flow Advantage – Dave’s programmeBreathe New Life Into Your Work – Episode 38, with Giles HutchinsFinding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement With Everyday Life, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
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Embracing cycles of rest is essential for our own ability to grow and create. Rather than continuously striving, reaching for the next thing and going ever faster, we need to pause and recharge, acknowledging that rest is as crucial as productivity.
By honouring the natural cycles of action and rest, we give ourselves the chance to integrate experiences, reflect deeply, and ultimately emerge renewed, ready to bring our full selves to the work we care about.
Emma Chow is a regenerative designer and leader who learned this the hard way in 2020. Since then, she’s journeyed from global consulting to pioneering work in service of the circular economy, following a passion for nature and the climate she’s held since the age of 18.
In her conversation with Ben, Emma shares how embracing rest as part of life’s natural rhythm can open up space for resilience, creativity, and a deeper connection to purpose.
LinksConnect with Emma via LinkedInEmma’s website
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Growing as a person – and as a leader – often involves a metamorphosis, where one moves from an egocentric, achievement-focused mindset to a more holistic, purpose-driven approach to life and work.
This shift can occur at various stages of life, and it takes courage to confront the discomfort and uncertainty that shows up. But ultimately it leads to a deeper connection with one's soul and life purpose.
This journey, while challenging, can be navigated successfully with the right guidance and understanding of the process. In this discussion, Giles Hutchins outlines his relationship with this process of death and rebirth.
Giles is a coach specialising in regenerative leadership and business inspired by nature. He works with leaders, founders, CEOs, and chairs from around the world, and has been taking leaders into nature for over 15 years as part of his coaching practice.
LinksLeading by Nature, by Giles HutchinsOther books by GilesMovement, Mood and Mindset – Episode 34, with Sal Jefferies
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Embracing different perspectives and understanding the long-term impacts of our actions, particularly in terms of cultural shifts and societal evolution, can give us valuable insights to navigate our present and future more effectively.
Author Dougald Hine rejoins Ben to discuss a new book by Tyson Yunkaporta, who suggested that the best thing to do is maybe not to read a book, but to discuss it with someone else.
In their conversation, they explore how deep time diligence impacts cultural changes, the role of violence in human societies, and what imposing limitations can mean to those around us.
LinksAt Work in the Ruins – Episode 18Right Story, Wrong Story: Adventures in Indigenous Thinking, by Tyson YunkaportaSand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World, by Tyson YunkaportaA School Called HomeThe Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by Jonathan HaidtFurther Adventures in Regrowing a Living Culture – Dougald’s spring 2024 series
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Where do new ideas come from?
Your mind regenerates from the outside in, teased to life by artists, innovators, agitators playing on the margins. Their work inspires yours. This is the spark, the stuff of new ideas.
As with your mind, so too an old city.
Berlin in 1992 was a tired place, run dry by 50 years of division, devoid of life, energy and new story.
Until it was woken up.
The same today in Detroit. A husked out old powerhouse finding new form, courtesy of the peripheral thinkers and players, sparking new story, seeding new ideas.
Like an old city, your mind wakes up from the outside in, seeds of ideas taking root on the margins, the periphery, before bleeding into the mainstream of your mind.
In this episode, we talk about Berlin and Detroit and waking you up from the outside in. It's only a little episode; short enough to consume on a dog walk or journey to work. Or even on the toilet, if you're that way inclined.
And if you like what you hear, why not sign up to keep up at www.Peripheral-Thinking.com ?
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There’s a way of seeing personal growth and transformation as a cycle of rupture, descent, emergence, and return – an inward journey that challenges us to confront our own demons, integrate different aspects of ourselves, and ultimately find a way to contribute to the collective good.
Christine Raine is a speaker, facilitator, and podcaster. She developed an interpretation of Maureen Murdoch’s Heroine’s Journey, a psychological framework for personal growth and transformation that integrates this cycle. In her discussion with Ben, she explains how the journey typically unfolds more like a spiral than a circle, emphasising its impact no matter your gender identity.
LinksConnect with Christine via LinkedInChristine’s websiteListen to the Heroine’s Journey podcast
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Bringing movement into our daily routines is beneficial not only for our physical health, but our mental and emotional wellbeing too. Consciously integrating activity into our lifestyles helps us counteract the sedentary nature of modern life, especially for leaders and entrepreneurs sat in front of a laptop all day.
Sal Jefferies is an embodiment specialist, focusing on movement and the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health. He’s deeply interested in how humans function, drawing from fields like psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, cognitive science, and embodied cognition. He discusses the importance of incorporating movement into daily life along with the negative impacts of a sedentary lifestyle. Sal also coaches entrepreneurs and business owners, applying his knowledge of movement and health to improve their performance and wellbeing.
If you like this episode, don't forget you can find all our conversations at www.peripheral-thinking.com or sign up here!
LinksConnect with Sal via LinkedInMindset, Mood & Movement – Sal’s podcastTED talks by Sir Ken Robinson
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Embracing discomfort and experiencing emotions to the fullest can give us the guidance needed to navigate positive life changes, even in difficult circumstances. But sometimes those emotions are too difficult or too stark, and so we use things like alcohol to turn down the volume. But by doing so, we dim ourselves.
Today, Ben is in conversation with Cecily Mak. Cecily writes a newsletter on living a life free of alcohol (without labels like “sober” or “recovery”), and reveals how little most of us know about the carcinogenic nature of alcohol.
Cecily is also a cofounder of a venture fund called Wisdom Ventures, which seeks to add spirituality, purpose and impact to the results they delivers partners and investors.
LinksConnect with Cecily via LinkedInClearLife – Cecily’s newsletterFollow @clearlifejourney on Instagram
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Our willingness to embrace and make space for all aspects of ourselves, both the good and the bad, can lead to greater peace and contentment in our lives. By practicing gratitude and mindfulness, we can shift our mindset and find joy in the present moment.
And the way we perceive the universe, whether as benevolent or something to fear, shapes our experiences and interactions with the world. Understanding the power of our perspectives can help us navigate life with more compassion and openness.
Ben is joined in this episode by Haemin Sunim, a Buddhist monk from South Korea. He has written several books and is known for his simple and evocative writing style. Haemin's work focuses on mindfulness, healing, and finding peace in our lives.
He combines Buddhist teachings with practical advice to help people navigate challenges and cultivate compassion and gratitude. In addition to writing, Haemin runs the School for Broken Hearts, where he invites people facing difficulties to have open-hearted conversations and learn from one another. In his discussion with Ben, he highlights the importance of embracing all aspects of ourselves and finding joy in the present moment.
LinksFollow Haemin on InstagramHaemin’s books:Love for Imperfect Things: How to Accept Yourself in a World Striving for PerfectionThe Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to be Calm in a Busy WorldWhen Things Don’t Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult TimesThe School for Broken Hearts
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Society is facing a crisis of masculinity, which is leading to harmful behaviour and violence towards women. Many cultures understand the need to initiate boys to men. We, in the west, have lost that understanding, that opportunity. As a consequence, are we inadvertently raising lost boys? Is it time to rediscover initiation?
This is some of Sujith's work. He is a champion of the contemporary men's movement, a space-holder for policy makers and organisational leaders across the globe, and a pioneer in the understanding and rehabilitation of masculinity in society. He is a prolific writer and wise teacher.
In this episode, Sujith and Ben explore the impact of societal conditioning on boys and how it contributes to harmful behaviour, as well as ways to facilitate conversations around masculinity to create a healthier and more respectful society for everyone.
LinksConnect with Sujith via LinkedInThe Being Leader: Tracing the 'Inner Path' of Legendary Leaders – Sujith’s bookMature Masculinity - Sujith's book.
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Exchanging ideas too early and too often hinders innovation, but promoting absurdity in the workplace can lead to new and creative solutions. The workplace shouldn’t simply be a task-focused environment, but a place to nurture our human traits, like our capacity for absurdity.
Agustin Chevez is a workplace architect and researcher who focuses on studying work and the environments that support it. His book, The Pilgrim's Guide to the Workplace, **explores the idea of creating diversity of ideas through isolation and the importance of nurturing human traits in the workplace. He believes that workplaces should promote absurdity, embrace boredom, and encourage the exploration of ideas. Agustin's work challenges traditional notions of work and aims to create environments that foster innovation and creativity.
LinksConnect with Agustin via LinkedInThe Pilgrim’s Guide to the Workplace – Agustin’s bookAgustin’s website
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Life can take unexpected turns, inviting us to reevaluate our priorities and make difficult decisions. When that happens, it’s up to us to listen to our inner voice, and take up the challenge of living a life in alignment with our true selves.
Ray Martin is an author and former management consultant. He embarked on a journey of self-discovery after the ties in his life – including his marriage and career – were unexpectedly severed. Ray traveled extensively, living out of his backpack for 14 years, learning and reflecting on his own identity and true desires.
He eventually shared the experiences and insights gained from his transformative journey in a book, which he discusses with Ben. The book, Life Without a Tie, explores the importance of living a life true to oneself and not being bound by societal expectations. Ray's story presents an opportunity to reflect on our life and make courageous decisions that align with our authentic self.
LinksLife Without a Tie – Ray’s bookOrder a signed copyConnect with Ray via LinkedInTop Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing, by Bronnie WareKen Robinson
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Embracing creativity and storytelling can help us navigate through uncertain times and find hope and connection. Through writing and sharing our thoughts and experiences, we can unlock new perspectives, gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world, and contribute to a more positive future.
This is the second of a two-part conversation with writer, poet, and storyteller, Richard Wain, who’s recently released a book of poetry, Beyond the Brink is the Beginning.
Richard's writing explores the concept of "thrutopia": a vision for a better future. He’s part of a community of writers and thinkers who are committed to weaving new stories into culture and envisioning a world that future generations can be proud of.
Richard and Ben’s conversation offers a reminder of the power of art and the importance of paying attention to the beauty in the world, recognising our interconnectedness, and looking beyond ourselves to make a meaningful impact.
LinksOther episodes of Peripheral ThinkingCrafting a story for a world worth leaving to our children – Episode 27 (part 1 of this conversation)The caterpillar's poetry: a tale of transformation and creative expression – Episode 17 with Richard WainThe Web of Meaning – Episode 1 with Jeremy LentBeyond the Brink is the Beginning – Richard’s book of poetry
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Humans have the opportunity to imagine a better future and weave new stories into our culture. By embracing the uncertainty and ambiguity inherent in life, we can start the journey towards a world we’re proud to leave for future generations.
Through poetry and storytelling, we can create a narrative arc that inspires hope and encourages action in the face of the converging crises of our time. It is a time for problem-solving and collective growth, as we navigate the challenges and strive for positive change.
This is part one of a two-part conversation with writer, poet, and storyteller, Richard Wain, who’s recently released a book of poetry titled Beyond the Brink is the Beginning.
Richard's writing explores the concept of "thrutopia": a vision for a better future. He’s part of a community of writers and thinkers who are committed to weaving new stories into culture and envisioning a world that future generations can be proud of.
In this episode, Richard discusses his inspiration for the book and the importance of imagination in addressing the converging crises of our time. Stay tuned for part two of the conversation, in which Richard shares some of his poetry and the inspiration behind it.
LinksOther episodes of Peripheral ThinkingThe caterpillar's poetry: a tale of transformation and creative expression – Episode 17 with Richard WainThe Web of Meaning – Episode 1 with Jeremy LentBeyond the Brink is the Beginning – Richard’s book of poetryWhy we need thrutopia – Manda ScottFrom What Is to What If: Unleashing the Power of Imagination to Create the Future We Want, by Rob Hopkins
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Leaders who embody the qualities of availability, presence, and wisdom can create a culture of trust and empowerment within their organisations. When we prioritise personal responsibility and community, we foster a sense of safety and contentment among our team, ultimately leading to greater happiness.
Martin Aylward helps create a culture of trust and empowerment within organisations. He’s a meditation teacher and guide who has been practicing and teaching meditation for over 30 years. He’s leads and runs retreats at his centre in the south of France.
Ben and Martin explore the significance of personal responsibility and community awareness in fostering safety and contentment among teams, as well as the importance of trust, slowing down, and creating space for clarity and effective decision-making in leadership roles.
LinksMartin’s websiteFollow @martinaylward on InstagramWho doesn’t want a little peace and calm? – Episode 8, with Martin Aylward
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If we’re going to imagine an alternative to capitalism, we need to create spaces for ideation, thinking, and researching. We must cultivate reciprocity with people we trust, and experiment with different models of regenerative and healing systems.
We need to align with the poetic patterns of meaning that may be heard beneath the noise of everyday life, and find space to play, be generous, and experience radical joy.
Ben’s guest for this episode is Felipe Viveros, a troublemaker, researcher, and ideation facilitator who works on creating spaces for thinking and experimenting with alternative systems to capitalism. He wants to create spaces for rest, joy, and playfulness, and believes that regenerative and healing systems are vital alternatives to our current economic system.
LinksConnect with Felipe via LinkedInFollow @theworldweare on TwitterFollow @nawelcura on InstagramBecome crew on Spaceship Earth – Episode 16, with Dan BurgessThe Dao of Civilization: A Letter to ChinaHope in the Dark: Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities – by Rebecca SolnitGeneration Wealth (2018)60-year-old foundation to close and redistribute over £100m in assetsClover Hogan (@cloverhogan)The Spacesuit – Ram Dass
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Economic growth can be responsible and in service of giving, rather than pure extraction and consumption.
In this final part of Ben’s conversation with James William Harrup, they explore the idea of “decent work”, what the Buddha has to say about earning well, how growth can be in the service of giving, and the importance of having a personal metaphor.
LinksThe story of growth, part 2: Greed – Episode 23James’ Pure Story projectHear this conversation in full via James’ podcast
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Pre-made mashed potato and out-of-season avocados won’t last forever. In this second part of Ben’s conversation with James William Harrup, we explore how a drive for perpetual growth and boundless consumption could be linked to an underlying trauma. It looks a lot like addiction, so if we can address that need to consume – and say a fond farewell to the things we used to take for granted – we can work towards a more relaxed cycle of growth and change.
LinksThe story of growth part 1: Why things need to die – Episode 22At Work in the Ruins – Episode 18, with Dougald HineThe Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity, by David Graeber and David WengrowIn the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction, by Gabor Mate
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