Outside In

A global network of people from all walks of life has somehow coalesced into a thriving online community — The Earth Regenerators. Their intention is to weave relationships that restore planetary health at scale. In part two of our series with Joe Brewer, we tell the story of this vibrant community and explore how to design truly regenerative human cultures.

What if there were a single solution to the seemingly disparate crises we face today? Helena Norberg-Hodge, best-selling author, filmmaker, and pioneer of the new economy movement, offers a path forward that stems from a transformative experience that she had in Ladakh, a remote region on the Tibetan plateau. Ladakh had been completely sealed off to the outside world for centuries—resulting in the happiest and healthiest people that Helena had ever met. But as it opened up to the modern world, Ladakh's social and ecological wellbeing quickly unraveled. Helena’s decades of learnings shed light on what it would take to design ancient futures that reclaim the abundance and equality that our ancestors once enjoyed—what she calls the Economics of Happiness.

Human activity does not have to be destructive. It can be a harmonizing source of health & renewal. Regenerative Development asks us to imagine cities, towns, and villages that possess greater natural beauty, ecological health, and productive capacity. To align our built environment and human systems with natural systems. In this episode, we speak with Pamela Mang and Joel Glanzberg, two of the founding members of Regenesis. Together we explore the inner and outer work of Regenerative Development — a radically different way to think and act with the potential to transform the way humans inhabit the Earth.

Facilitation is the process of making something possible. And if you’ve ever led a meeting or organized a group to get something done... you’ve been a facilitator. When we are part of a well facilitated group experience, collaboration can feel so effortless and productive. Often there’s a sense of flow and dynamic energy. And you can more easily navigate conflict — when it inevitably arises. This episode continues our inquiry into group dynamics, exploring one of the most vital skills in the design toolkit for change. Originally from Indonesia , Mila Aliana has had quite a remarkable journey leading strategic change projects all over the world. For her, facilitation isn’t just a skill — but a way of being in the world. Together we explore the practice and presence required to facilitate real breakthroughs within groups.

A new collaborative design methodology is emerging. Prosocial can transform a collection of self-interested individuals into a harmonious and effective group. And it helps groups work with other groups, exponentially scaling positive change. This episode is a deep inquiry into the nuances of human behavior and cooperation. We’ll explore the foundational science and core design principles with the founder of Prosocial World, Dr. Paul Atkins. Our journey also takes us to Sierra Leone to speak with Hannah Bockarie and Beate Ebert about their experience with Prosocial during the Ebola outbreak of 2014.