Higher Love with Megan

In Part 2 of this two-part episode "Meet the Angry Young Women" Megan and Dr Phoebe o'Brien @tenshioppai address the article of the same title in The New Statesman in which they and a handful of British women were misrepresented and manufactured into what the journalist branded 'The Femosphere'. Megan and Phoebe continue to address the missing realities and contexts behind the words and look at the raw polling data to draw differing conclusions.Chapters00:00 Recap from Part 102:23 The Intersectionality of Feminism and Activism03:31 Art and Performance: A Feminist Perspective05:35 Chronic Pain and Feminism: A Personal Narrative07:02 The Intersection of Gender and Systemic Issues08:44 Medical Misogyny and Women's Health09:37 Misrepresentation of Women's Experiences10:15 The Impact of War on Activism14:09 Gender Dynamics in Activism14:09 Radicalization Through Global Events16:31 Emotional Responses to Conflict18:07 The Value of Life and Gendered Perspectives22:40 Political Alignment in Relationships26:06 The Role of Data in Understanding Relationships26:59 The Importance of Shared Values in Relationships29:02 Privilege and Political Alignment30:57 Understanding Political Views and Relationships32:42 The Impact of Capitalism on Family Planning34:33 Reproductive Autonomy and Economic Independence37:02 Social Reproductive Labor and Gender Expectations39:15 The Need for Alternative Family Structures41:33 Perceptions of Privilege and Fear in Relationships45:41 The Role of Advocacy and Activism in Women's Lives49:54 The Power of Women in Social JusticeIf you enjoy the conversation, please consider rating the show or leaving a review. Share with anyone else who would appreciate the conversation and see you soon!

In this insightful interview, David Chambers shares his journey from a wild, adventurous life to becoming a men's coach focused on emotional connection, masculinity, and relationship health. He discusses societal narratives around masculinity, the impact of the man box, and practical ways men can evolve to create deeper, more authentic relationships.About David:David is a dating, relationships & intimacy coach for men. After growing up in a single-parent, female-dominated home with no male role model in his life, David struggled to understand what masculinity and a healthy romantic relationship entailed. After spending most of his 20s in meaningless dynamics and avoiding commitment. He went on a personal journey towards authenticity, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, purpose, harnessing his sexual energy, vulnerability, presence, openness, and honesty. Through this learning, he was able to break free from gender stereotypes and societal expectations of what a ‘real’ man should be to become his true and authentic self. He is now in a loving partnership with a son and supports other men to find more fulfilment in dating, love and relationship.Key Themes:Societal narratives around masculinity and the man boxThe impact of childhood imprints and societal conditioningThe role of vulnerability and emotional expression in men's livesPractical steps for men to develop self-awareness and emotional intelligenceThe influence of the Manosphere and alternative narratives on men's perceptionsChapters:00:00 Introduction to David Chambers02:15 David's Journey into Coaching05:58 The Impact of Breakups on Personal Growth11:28 Understanding Masculinity and Relationship Patterns15:58 Avoidance and Emotional Challenges in Men20:59 The Man Box and Its Effects on Men26:11 Navigating the Manosphere and Finding Authenticity30:19 Bridging the Gap: From 'I'm Fine' to Self-Awareness31:36 Unpacking Emotional Catharsis35:14 The Challenge of Personal Growth in Relationships40:26 Navigating Masculinity in Modern Society47:56 Confronting Societal Issues: Violence Against Women54:51 Finding Hope Amidst ChaosTo connect with David:Instagram - @theauthenticmanWebsite - https://www.theauthenticman.net/YouTube - ⁨@TheAuthenticMan⁩

In this episode, I am joined by the brilliant Leah Kim who shares her deeply personal journey through motherhood, racial identity, and mental health, exploring systemic challenges and pathways to liberation. This conversation offers profound insights into maternal mental health, racial identity, and collective healing.About Leah:Leah 수진 Kim is a storyteller, consultant, podcaster, community organizer, and advocate for intersectional justice. A former yoga teacher and Nike's Global Yoga Ambassador for a decade, she is now an author and offers 1:1 editorial support for fellow writers. On the Voices on the Side and Cha with Laura and Leah podcasts, Leah hosts conversations with people of the global majority who inspire her with their advocacy, activism, and stories of resistance and resilience. Her first book — Mom, Unfiltered — will be published in April 2026. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, son, daughter, and doodle.Key Themes:Maternal mental health and its impact on childrenThe systemic erasure of non-white maternal experiencesThe journey of self-acceptance and identity post-motherhoodThe role of community and collective healing in maternal well-beingChapters:00:00 Introduction and Context of Motherhood02:33 The Premise of 'Mum Unfiltered'05:58 The Journey to Writing the Book09:19 Filling the Void in Motherhood Literature13:30 Personal Identity and Motherhood19:14 The Impact of Trauma on Self-Perception24:39 The Complexity of Women's Experiences29:38 The Pressure to Erase Motherhood Challenges33:17 Confronting Inner Turmoil36:33 The Search for Identity in Motherhood39:52 Racial Identity and Belonging43:22 The Journey of Self-Acceptance50:15 Hope and Community in Motherhood57:44 Healing Beyond the SelfResources:Leah Kim's Website - https://leahkim.orgBook: Mum Unfiltered - https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/mom-unfiltered-9798881842437/To connect with Megan:www.higher-love.comIG: @higherlove_withmeganLike, comment, share with anyone who would benefit from the episode and if you enjoyed the conversation leave a 5* rating or review of the show.

In this conversation, I am joined by Andrew 'Bernie' Bernard to explore the complexities of masculinity beyond the 'man box' and address the crisis of violence against women and girls. Bernie has spent the past decades educating teens about gendered inequality and coercive control recognising the importance of education in shaping healthier relationships. Together, we discuss the societal pressures on young men, the role of social and mainstream media in influencing perceptions and the stumbling blocks - centred around what Bernie describes as manufactured male victimhood - that often derail these crucial conversations. Bernie shares personal experiences and insights on how to empower the next generation to challenge harmful narratives and embrace empathy and understanding. This is an essential listen and a complementary episode to Lewis Wedlock on Feminism, Embracing Discomfort and Fostering Brave Spaces.About Bernie:Andrew `Bernie` Bernard is an entrepreneur, a TEDx Speaker, and facilitator who over the past couple of decades has worked with schools, businesses, charities, universities and colleges. He runs signature workshops including 'What Makes a Man/(Hu)Man', 'Sarah's Legacy / Domestic Violence', 'Look What you Made Me Do: Coercive Control Insights' and 'Life by the Balls'. As of December 2025, Bernie has spoken to over 70,000 young people about masculinity, coercive control and domestic abuse.W: innovativeenterprise.co.ukV: https://vimeo.com/156256349 Tw / X / IG: @_WhatMakesAMan_References:Liz Plank - For the Love of MenFlorence Knapp - The NamesMelanie Brown - Brutally HonestAndrew Bernard - The Ladder: Supporting students towards successful futures and confident career choicesBernie is currently editing his forthcoming book 'Masculinity, Relationships and Respect in Schools' a guide to discussing sexism, misogyny and 'toxic' / dominance-based masculinity in educational settings.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Connection03:15 Understanding Masculinity and the Man Box04:44 The Impact of Hyper-Masculinity07:25 The Role of Men in Addressing Violence Against Women08:39 Personal Experiences and Their Influence on Advocacy10:00 The Importance of Education in Relationships12:07 Coercive Control and Its Effects on Young People14:30 The Need for Critical Conversations in Schools17:15 Challenging Misconceptions About Feminism19:49 Empathy and Understanding in Education22:14 Empathy and Gendered Experiences in Public Spaces24:00 The Normalization of Women's Safety Concerns26:10 The Role of Social Media in Gender Dynamics28:20 Media Representation of Violence Against Women31:50 Understanding Violence as a Men's Issue34:18 The Complexity of Coercive Control39:01 Personal Impact of Violence and Societal Awareness39:27 Understanding Coercive Control43:16 The Ecosystem of Male Victimhood50:43 Navigating Hope and Empowerment54:41 The Journey of Self-Discovery

This week I am joined by masculinities educator Lewis Wedlock. Together we explore the complexities of masculinity, the impact of patriarchy, and the importance of self-care in activism. Lewis discusses the roots of his advocacy for men's wellbeing and the need to address systemic issues like misogyny and violence against women. We delve into the 'Not All Men' debate, emphasising the importance of accountability and the need for men to engage in conversations about masculinity, feminism and equity in order for us to build better communities and better futures.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Lewis Wedlock01:26 Lewis's Journey into Masculinities Education06:34 Understanding the Impact of Patriarchy07:14 The Role of Men in Addressing Loneliness09:48 Exploring Hyper-Patriarchy and Its Effects12:13 Navigating Pushback in Conversations15:02 Creating Safe Spaces for Discussion16:05 The 'Not All Men' Debate20:41 Embracing Complexity in Masculinity26:14 Encouraging Men to Step Up30:20 Confronting Bias and Discomfort31:39 Creating Safety in Conversations33:54 Addressing Violence Against Women39:50 Navigating Masculinity and Feminism50:02 Sustaining Hope in Activism54:08 Resources for Further Learning59:00 OutroAbout LewisLewis Wedlock is a masculinities educator specialising in person centered, culturally attuned deliveries and interventions. He has spent the last five years working with thousands of young men across the UK in secondary and higher education, engaging them in topics such as feminism, allyship, accountability, sexism, misogyny and VAWG. He has designed and delivered several interventions for schools looking to transform their masculinity school cultures and has worked with thousands of educators to support and empower young men within their school spaces. His debut book “Masculinities in Schools” was published by Sage in 2025.Lewis’s podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ChVU9ZIBqJCuXvfmgc0xuLewis’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LewisWedlockWebsite: www.lewiswedlock.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-wedlock/Men's Work: www.lewiswedlock.com/mensworkSocials: @lewiswedlock on Instagram and TikTok

In this special edition of Higher Love with Megan, I look back at the podcasts past and present as we draw this year to a close. When I relaunched this podcast 18 months ago, my intention was to host the conversations I felt were most missing from the wellbeing space, taking listeners on a journey to learn, unlearn and grow together.This episode is a celebration of that shared journey. I revisit some of the most powerful moments from the last year, featuring voices that have challenged us to redefine what it means to be well in an unwell world. From the moral clarity of Misan Harriman to the bravery of Dr Mo Mustafa in Gaza, and the enduring spirit of Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos, this compilation highlights our collective commitment to standing together in solidarity.Key TakeawaysA Hunger for Change: The significant growth in the podcast’s audience demonstrates how hungry we are as a community for change at a time when despair can feel close.Co-creation and Community: This podcast is a collaboration and a symbiotic co-creation between guest, host, production and listener, embodying our shared collective humanity.Redefining Wellness: We are moving away from the silence often found in spiritual spaces and acknowledging that the highest iteration of spirituality involves speaking out against injustice.Interconnected Struggles: The genocide in Palestine has shone a light on wider systems of harm, including imperialism and capitalism, revealing how our struggles and our liberation are inextricably intertwined.Episode Highlights04:00 – Dina Ghandour and Charles Myssey discuss the shock of silence within the wellness industry and the fallacy of ‘love and light’ bypassing.07:40 – Misan Harriman reflects on the power of protest photography as an act of resistance and the importance of a clear conscience.10:30 – Dr Mo Mustafa, Jen Brister and Georgia Takacs share insights on the bravery of medical workers in Gaza and the necessity of getting uncomfortable for the sake of humanity.14:30 – Kieran Andrieu describes the emotional departure of the Freedom Flotilla and the tectonic shift in global solidarity for Palestine.19:00 – 88-year-old Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos and his daughter Andrea discuss his newfound 'celebrity' status as an activist.About the guestsThis episode features a collection of guests from throughout the year, including:Dina Ghandour & Charles Myssy: Practitioners and guides.Misan Harriman: Photographer and activist.Dr Mo Mustafa: Doctor and humanitarian.Jen Brister & Georgia Takacs: Founders of All Our Relations.Kieran Andrieu: Journalist and commentator for Novara Media.Antoine Raffoul & Yasmin Say: Palestinian voices and storytellers.Stephen & Andrea Kapos: Holocaust survivor and filmmaker.Marina Purkiss: Political commentator.Khaled Abdalla: Actor and activist.About MeganInstagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk ).If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review.

In this episode, I sit down with the actor and activist Khalid Abdalla. Known for his roles in The Kite Runner and as Dodi Fayed in The Crown, Khalid joins me for a conversation that is as raw as it is necessary. We recorded this shortly after he received news of the passing of a cherished colleague and on-screen father, bringing a palpable sense of vulnerability to the space.Together, we explore the intersection of artistry and political struggle. Khalid reflects on his background as an actor of Arab descent, his involvement in the Egyptian Revolution, and the deep responsibility he feels to speak out against the ongoing violence in Gaza. We discuss the complexities of representation, the shift from professional solitude to collective solidarity, and why maintaining hope is a disciplined, communal act.Key TakeawaysThe Artist as Witness: Khalid discusses the evolution of his career, from graduating during the Iraq War to his current activism. He articulates why artists cannot remain neutral and how creative forms—whether film, writing, or music—must adapt to meet the political urgency of the moment.Representation Matters: We touch on the cultural significance of his role as Dodi Fayed in The Crown. Khaled explains how playing a character the audience is encouraged to love and mourn, rather than fear, challenges decades of harmful tropes regarding Arab identity in Western media.From Solitude to Solidarity: A central theme of our conversation is the journey from feeling isolated in speaking out to finding a vast, supportive community. Khalid shares how stepping past the fear of professional risk revealed unexpected circles of solidarity.The Non-Linearity of Change: Drawing on historical examples, such as the Dunnes Stores strike against apartheid, Khaled reminds us that small, seemingly impossible acts of resistance can ripple out to create monumental shifts over time.Episode Highlights01:45 – Khalid shares the grief he is carrying into the space following the loss of a revered colleague and on-screen father.07:50 – Reflections on playing Dodi Fayed and the rare opportunity to portray an Arab character that invites love rather than fear.16:00 – The initial loneliness of speaking out against the genocide in Gaza and the subsequent discovery of global solidarity.26:40 – Khalid discusses the painful conditioning of accepting the loss of Arab lives and the refusal to accept this for future generations.45:30 – A powerful story about the Dunnes Stores strike in Dublin and how a single grapefruit became a symbol of anti-apartheid resistance.About KhalidKhalid Abdalla is a British-Egyptian actor and activist. He gained international recognition for his role in the Academy Award-nominated film The Kite Runner. More recently, he portrayed Dodi Fayed in the Netflix series The Crown. Beyond the screen, Khalid is a prominent voice in social justice movements, having been deeply involved in the 2011 Egyptian Revolution and current solidarity campaigns for Palestine.Instagram: @khalid3bdallaEpisode LinksThe Kite Runner (Film)The Crown (Netflix Series)Nowhere (Play by Khaled Abdalla) Workers for a Free Palestine / Film Workers Pledge Connect with MeganInstagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk )If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review.

I had a brilliant conversation with Marina Purkiss, a political commentator known for her straight-talking, highly opinionated perspective on current affairs. Marina shared how her political journey began by simply putting out tweets, which grew into a large platform.We discussed how political apathy is a privilege , and for many, including Marina, the Brexit referendum was the wake-up call that made politics impossible to ignore. Marina opens up about the challenges of political commentary, from being threatened with lawsuits to dealing with the chilling online abuse and sexism, particularly the vitriol directed at women. She expresses the deep rage she feels over the hypocrisy and incompetence of bad actors in politics. We also delve into the necessity of women bringing their true selves to power, and the importance of community and catharsis—like that found in her podcast, The Trawl—to manage the mental toll of being engaged in an overwhelming world.📌 Episode Highlights04:59 On the shift from political apathy to engagement: "I feel like we're in this point in time where it's just I can't look away".09:49 Marina shares that as her platform grew, she became less reckless and more cautious due to multiple threats of lawsuits and people disingenuously twisting her words12:28 Discussing the chilling backlash received on a tweet promoting humanity, which caused Marina to worry for her own safety and delete the post.18:50 Marina speaks to the perception that she must convince people she knows what she's talking about because of her appearance, highlighting the unconscious bias in the space.25:11 Expressing her deep rage over the hypocrisy and brazen corruption of politicians who bend over backwards for international interests over their own citizens.28:55 Acknowledging an unhealthy approach to dealing with rage, including having "constant adrenaline" and needing a glass of wine to slow down the nervous system.33:04 Finding hope in the rise of the Green Party and the fact that the "mask is slipping" for other parties, allowing truth to come out.37:57 Encouraging people new to politics to not worry about missteps and to seek information from credible, non-billionaire-backed sources like Byline Times or The New European👤 About the Guest: Marina PurkissMarina Purkiss is a political commentator, writer, and co-host of The Trawl podcast. She also maintains a full-time tech marketing career.The Trawl Podcast: Social Media: Please search for Marina Purkiss on social media.🔗 Episode links: The Trawl Podcast: Co-hosted by Marina Purkiss and Jemma Forte.Byline Times: News publication recommended for informed reading.The New European: News publication (now called New World) recommended for informed readingCarol Cadwallah, Ash Sarkar, Politics Joe: Writers and organisations recommended for political commentaryConnect with Megan:Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk)If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!Would you like me to share more details about The Trawl podcast?

I was joined by speaker, community-organiser and activist, Kaia Allen-Bevan, to discuss the deeply interconnected nature of social justice, education, and wellness. Kaia, who identifies first and foremost as an activist specialising in racial justice and racial equity, shared her insights on how systems of oppression are perpetuated and how we can work towards collective liberation.We delve into the quietest Black History Month in five years , why activism and social justice cease to be "trendy" and the essential nature of intersectionality when discussing global struggles like those in Congo, Sudan, and Palestine. Kaia powerfully unpacks the colonial structures embedded in the education system , and we discuss how wellness has been co-opted by capitalism and white supremacy. Crucially, Kaia highlights the importance of radical hope and community action as tools for genuine resistance against systems designed to foster despair and isolation.🔑 Key TakeawaysSocial Justice is Interconnected: Global struggles for liberation, such as those in Congo, Sudan, and Palestine, are deeply connected by the actions of bigger powers and the global north exploiting the global south. Education is Not Neutral: Education systems were set up to manufacture compliant workers and uphold a social hierarchy, not necessarily to inspire dreams or critical thinking. Wellness Must Be Decolonised: Wellness defined by indulgence, consumption, and white, thin bodies is merely capitalism. Hope is an Act of Resistance: The empire actively tries to shut down hope to make people susceptible to propaganda and opt out of change. Confronting Fragility is Essential: Progress in social justice requires confronting personal fragility—be it white fragility or discomfort—by sitting with the resulting emotions. 📌 Episode Highlights03:51 The reason Black History Month felt quietest in five years is because it is "no longer trendy" after the global phenomenon of the BLM movement plateaued.04:36 Kaia explains how the disconnection from the ongoing picture of revolution and the lack of immediate gratification caused engagement with the movement to drop.07:44 Discussing the interconnectedness of global struggles: the liberation of Congo and Sudan is linked to the liberation of Palestine.23:25 Kaia's definition of wellbeing: not looking away from the world's injustices, but being well enough to show up to the fullest and take informed action.37:05 Challenging the "higher self" or "best version of yourself" narrative, which is often a cog in the wheel of capitalism that creates a sense of inadequacy.44:59 Kaia defines and discusses the necessity of confronting white fragility to navigate conversations about racial injustice.👤 About the Guest: Kaia Allen-BevanKaia Allen-Bevan is an activist specialising in racial justice and racial equity, working with schools, youth, and through diversity and inclusion consultancy. She is also a trustee and creative.Instagram: @kaia.ab LinkedIn: Kaia Allen-Bevan https://youththegap.uk/https://edgeofdifference.com/🔗 Episode Links: Resources MentionedTEDx Talk: Kaia's TEDx talk on decolonising revolution Fernando Deveras: Educator and advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw: Coined the term "intersectionality" in 1989 audre Lorde: Writer, activist, and quoted on the importance of self-care and practices as resistanceConnect with Megan:Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk )If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!Would you like me to find out more about any of the resources or people mentioned in the show notes?

In this deeply moving episode, I have the honour of speaking with Antoine, a survivor of the 1948 Nakba, and his daughter, Yasmine. Recording on the anniversary of October 7th, we contextualise the current genocide in Gaza not as an isolated event, but as the continuation of an incremental process of erasure that has unfolded over the last 77 years.Antoine shares his personal story of being exiled from his home in Haifa at age seven , and his father’s determination for his children to become "citizens of the world, not refugees". Yasmin speaks to the generational differences in activism, the profound impact of social media in shifting global consciousness, and how becoming a mother has fuelled her fierce advocacy for Palestine. This conversation is a powerful exploration of Palestinian history, identity, resilience, and the unwavering hope for a free and democratic future for all.Key TakeawaysThe current genocide in Gaza is not a recent conflict but the culmination of a 77-year incremental process of displacement and erasure of the Palestinian people that began with the 1948 Nakba.Social media has been fundamental in exposing the reality of the Palestinian struggle to a global audience.There is a significant generational difference in experiencing and processing the struggle. The vision for a "one-state solution" from a Palestinian perspective is an inclusive, democratic state in historic Palestine where all 14 million inhabitants, including returning refugees, can live with equal rights.Episode Highlights01:08: Antoine contextualises the current genocide within the 77-year history since the 1948 Nakba, sharing harrowing statistics from the last two years15:59: Antoine shares his personal story of being exiled from Haifa at age seven during the Nakba and his family’s journey north on the back of a truck23:08: Yasmine recounts how her Palestinian heritage influenced her university dissertation, which challenged Golda Meir's claim that the Palestinian people never existed, and questions if such a project would be permitted today01:01:04: Yasmine speaks powerfully about how motherhood has shaped her fierce advocacy and her sadness at the silence from the wider motherhood community in the face of atrocities against Palestinian children and familiesAbout the GuestThis episode features Antoine, a Nakba survivor and retired architect, and his daughter Yasmin, a passionate advocate and activist for Palestine.Antoine's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoineraffoul/?hl=enYasmin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sayfitnessptEpisode LinksIlan Pappé (Israeli historian)Salman Abu Sitta (Historian and author)Ghassan Kanafani (Palestinian writer)Ta-Nehisi Coates (Author and journalist)Children Not Numbers Yasmin's YouTube interview with her father, Antoine Connect with Megan:Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk).If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this RELOADED episode, I speak with educator and father, Fernando Deveras, about the fundamental importance of collaboration and community in fostering human progress. Fernando shares his perspective on how we have moved from a collective species to an individualised one, and how systems can benefit from this alienation. We discuss the power of focusing on shared values to create collective change and the relief that comes from deconditioning from the pressure to have all the answers.Fernando also offers his invaluable experience as an educator and a parent on how to approach difficult conversations with children about complex global and local issues, from poverty and systemic injustice to war and politics. This is a powerful conversation about humanising our discourse, taking responsibility for the knowledge we share, and building a more connected and informed world, one conversation at a time.Listen to the previous episodes with Fernandas below: - Where are the men?- Why my liberation is bound with yoursKey takeaways: Humanity’s strength is in collaboration; our progress as a species is rooted in our ability to work together, a collective nature that has been fragmented by systems that benefit from our alienation. For effective collective change, focusing on shared values and a common vision is more productive than getting caught up in differing methods or opinions. When discussing difficult topics with children, it is crucial to distinguish between what you want them to know and what they need to know to navigate their world, considering their age, emotional maturity, and the potential weight of the information. A vital part of this work involves actively humanising people who are often dehumanised by political rhetoric, reminding ourselves and others of our shared humanity. Episode highlights: 02:00 The simple but profound power of returning to community and connection as the solution. 03:00 How systems benefit from alienating people, using labour union organising as an example.08:00 Key questions for parents: Does my child need to know this? Will this information weigh them down? 11:00 Our responsibility to share knowledge and different perspectives to enrich our collective understanding. About the guestFernando Deveras is an educator, parent, and advocate for social change. With a background as a middle school teacher, he focuses on creating resources and conversations that help both adults and children understand and navigate the complexities of our world with compassion and critical awareness.Instagram: @‌fernandodeverasWebsite: https://latinxparenting.thrivecart.comConnect with Megan: Instagram: @‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk) If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In this episode, I have a powerful and moving conversation with the wonderful Illiyin Morrison. Illiyin is a midwife, author, and birth debrief facilitator who specialises in processing difficult and traumatic perinatal experiences. We explore the crucial difference between being 'nice' and being 'kind,' and why she doesn't care about being liked. Illiyin shares her personal birth experiences, how they became a catalyst for her work, and her mission to change the narrative around birth from a passive experience to one of active participation. We also discuss the crisis of apathy, the vital role of community, and why the silence from many maternal spaces on global issues is not surprising, but is rooted in capitalism and a conditioned desire for palatability.Key Takeaways:Kindness Over Niceness: Niceness can be a currency used to conform and remain compliant. Kindness, however, is about being generous and well-intentioned, and doesn't require you to be palatable to the status quo. Active Participation in Birth: It's important to shift the narrative from birth being something that happens to you, to something that happens with you. Recognising your own power and agency is key to being an active participant in your own perinatal experiences. The Antidote to Apathy is Community: Society's glorification of individualism can lead to apathy. The antidote is to connect with community, which stimulates empathy, compassion, and a collective force for change that is feared by those in power. Privilege and Selective Empathy: The reluctance of some mothers to engage with global suffering is a form of privilege. We are capable of handling more than we've been told, and exposing ourselves to the reality of others' pain is how we develop compassion, empathy and humanity. Episode Highlights10:00: Illyin explains the difference between being kind and being nice, describing "niceness" as a currency that keeps people compliant. 11:00: Illyin speaks to the unspoken promise adults make to children to provide physical, emotional, and mental safety for them to develop. 18:00: Challenging the narrative that birth is something that happens to us, and instead viewing it as a process we are active participants in. 28:00: Illyin discusses why many in the 'birth business' have remained silent on global atrocities, linking it to capitalism and the need to remain palatable to sustain their income. 39:00: The glorification of individualism intentionally creates a society of selfish goals; the antidote to the resulting apathy is finding community. About the Guest:Illyin Morrison is a midwife, author of The Birth Debrief, and a birth debrief facilitator. She helps people process difficult perinatal experiences and also ventures into grief processing. You may also recognise her from the Great British Bake Off.Instagram: @illyin_morrisonWebsite: mixingboil.comConnect with Megan:Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (lucylucraft.co.uk)If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!

In today's episode we're going to do something a little different, by having a core theme that has run through many conversations. This theme is "where are the men?" This is a conversation that was ignited by activist, photographer and film-maker Misan Harriman on his social media last October, which started an ongoing inquiry and exploration behind closed doors with my husband and with other great men who have graced the podcast this year.As a little context, this video by Misan, included at the start of this episode, draws attention to the under-representation of men in a lot of spaces for social change. Certainly those amongst a certain demographic which are in fact the men as Misan puts it, "sit closest to the levers of power". Certainly there are many men notably from black or brown communities or from margnalised identities such as the LGBTQA+ communities advocating for equality and justice and doing incredible work. Yet the question remains of "Where are the men?" especially those of relative comfort, safety and influence. In this episode you'll hear from my husband, Caspar, then from photographer, film-maker and activist Misan Harriman, community-organisers Fernando Deveras and Kevan Smith. I encourage you to listen to each of these individual episodes too:Misan Harriman: "Let's Make Moral Clarity the vibe"Fernando Deveras: "Why Your Liberation is bound with mine"Kevan Smith: "Allyship begins where your comfort zone ends"In this episode:03:58 Misan Harriman's share on "Where are the men?"08:25 In conversation with my husband, Caspar18:27 In conversation with Misan Harriman30:15 In conversation with Fernando Deveras33:46 In conversation with Kevan SmithI'd love to hear what you think and keep this important question going with curiosity and openness.