Shows
Forest of Thought28. LIVE: Becoming human - the search for soul in turbulent times // MIKAEL KURKIALAMany cultures maintain that we are not born human but that we may become fully human through cultivation and care. Could it be that our destructive tendencies are not because of our human-ness, but rather due to a lack of it? If so: where and how can we cultivate our humanity? All species play their part in the living web – what role might we humans have to play in this unfolding drama? Mikael Kurkiala is a cultural anthropologist and author. He spent many years living and working with the Oglala Lakota people of South Da...2025-04-111h 11
Värkstark med Märta Cullhed EngblomKontrollkultur eller omsorgskultur? Att hantera det osäkra med Ingrid RieserControl vs care inom förlossningsvården. Vad är skillnaden på en kontrollkultur och en omsorgskultur? Ingrid Riesers podd Forest of thought handlar om den ekologi av ideér som vi alla lever i. Varför har vi en så destruktiv relation till naturen? Där vi alltid försöker kontrollera i stället för att ha vördnad och omsorg om det levande. När Ingrid själv blev gravid insåg hon att det i högsta grad även gällde inom förlossningsvården.
Istället för att försöka stärka vår förmåga att hantera...2025-03-3056 minForest of Thought27. LIVE: Living an embodied life and crafting the Way // CAROLINE ROSSCaroline Ross has spent decades being immersed in Daoism, art, crafting and foraging (and spent 10 years touring with her rock band). Today, her practice weaves these diverse threads together into a philosophy of life centred on embodied living, exploring the Way (in the Daoist sense of the word) and making art as if the Earth mattered. Caroline Ross is an artist, craftswoman, writer and T’ai Chi teacher. You’ll find her sharing her passion for foraging and crafting via @foundandground on IG, and she writes weekly on themes of embodied life, art and the Way a...2025-03-211h 19Forest of Thought26. LIVE: Cultivating the human in an era of intelligent machines // JEREMY NAYDLERForest of Thought episodes are back! And over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing three public conversations that were recorded 2023-2024 as part of a series of events exploring the concept of ‘life-force’. We begin with philosopher Jeremy Naydler, delving into the question of how we may cultivate the human in a time of intelligent machines: “Advanced technologies and artificial intelligence are rapidly growing more enmeshed in our lives. How does this affect the deeper realms of consciousness, spirituality and our relation to the living world? What are the unfolding human qualities that machines c...2025-02-281h 18Forest of Thought25. On language, landscapes and mending the world // SARAH THOMASIn this episode I speak to writer and filmmaker Sarah Thomas. Her memoir, The Raven’s Nest, is a meditation on her time spent in Iceland, and explores how identity and language are interwoven with landscape and ecology. What does it mean to fall in love with a place, with its human and non-human inhabitants? And how may we each do our little part in mending the world?
Sarah Thomas is a writer, documentary filmmaker, and traveller with a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is committed to work that explores, evokes and honours our entanglements with the livin...2023-09-2959 minForest of Thought24. In the shadow of the machine // JEREMY NAYDLERHow are our modern ways of thinking and being different from those of ancient peoples? When did logic and rational thinking become ‘common sense’, instead of just one of the many ways we may contemplate life’s important questions? And how is our consciousness and presence in the world altered as we become evermore enmeshed in advanced technologies?
Ingrid speaks to philosopher-gardener Jeremy Naydler. Jeremy has written several books on the experience of the sacred in ancient cultures. In his newer work he focuses on the fraught relationship between humans and technology as it has developed from ancien...2023-05-301h 05Forest of Thought23. From What is to What if? // ROB HOPKINSIt’s been said that it’s easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism and our modern way of life. Why is it so hard for us to cultivate our imagination and to imagine that things might be different? What becomes possible if communities harness the power of imagination in building a more beautiful world? In this episode I speak to Rob Hopkins, writer and co-founder of the Transition movement. I visit him in the Buttercup Field and we discuss what might be possible if we moved from ‘What is’ to ‘What if?’
Rob Ho...2023-04-281h 04Forest of Thought22. The power of voice // BRIONY GREENHILLHow might the use of voice and song be an unexpectedly powerful way to access our deeper selves? In this episode I speak to Briony Greenhill, an incredible musician who uses collaborative improvisation as a way to connect and heal. Briony also generously shares her personal experiences and the philosophy of life that she has come to through her work.
Briony Greenhill is an artist, teacher and changemaker, with a special focus on improvisation, described as "one of the world's leading proponents of Collaborative Vocal Improvisation (CVI)" by the Guardian, and as "Marvin Gaye crossed with a...2023-04-0751 minForest of Thought21. The internet is not what you think it is // JUSTIN E. H. SMITHIn what ways might the roots of the internet actually stretch back much further than we think? Does the internet enhance or distort our humanness? How is our deepening entanglement with algorithms shaping how we think and what we pay attention to?
Justin E. H. Smith is a professor at the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at the Université Paris Cité, and is a writer of both non-fiction, fiction and poetry. His latest book is The Internet is Not What You Think It Is: A History, a Philosophy, a Warning, in which he traces the de...2023-03-1653 minForest of Thought20. Entangling art, activism & ritual // ISA FREMEAUXHow do we manifest the world we would like to see? How are art and activism connected to things like magic and ritual? How does being rooted in a place help us defend it? In this episode I visit Isa Fremeaux at the ZAD (zone à defendre) in Brittany, France, where an unlikely alliance of local residents and activists succeeded in stopping the building of a planned airport. Isa shares her experiences of working at the intersection of art and activism, and we explore what it means to create the worlds we want to inhabit.
Isa Fremeaux is a...2023-02-2456 minForest of Thought19. The meaning of crisis // SEASON FINALE WITH HOST INGRID M. RIESER"Crisis" was a topic that came up many times in this season of the podcast, in discussions on everything from pandemics, to climate change, to spiritual transformation, and healing. In this episode, wandering host Ingrid Rieser offers a personal reflection on the true meaning of crisis.
Find a transcript of this episode at www.forestofthought.com
LINKS:
Quotes on Egyptian mythology from Temple of the Cosmos by Jeremy Naydler: https://www.innertraditions.com/books/temple-of-the-cosmos
Quote on crises from To Our Friends by The Invisible Committee: https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/the-invisible-committe-to-our-friends.a4.pdf
S...2022-08-1035 min
Forest of Thought18. Addiction, recovery and the death of Davos // FELIX MARQUARDTFelix Marquardt used to enjoy a jet-setting lifestyle, advising CEOs and heads of state, and mingling at elite gatherings like the World Economic Forum in Davos. Now he is on a slow journey of recovery from substance abuse, and has recently published The New Nomads – a unique perspective on migration in our time. In this episode we talked about how patterns of addiction are playing out in all parts of our society, what sobering up might mean, and the unrecognised power of prayer.
Felix is Austrian-American born but raised in Paris. He counts a dozen nationalities in hi...2022-03-281h 07Forest of Thought17. What do men long for? // VIDAR VETTERFALKMight harmful norms around masculinity be at the root of both men’s violence against women and the degradation of nature? In this episode we look more closely at men’s relationships their – to themselves, to other humans (especially women), to nature, and we ask the question: what becomes possible when men connect to what they most deeply long for?
Vidar Vetterfalk is psychologist and expert in masculinites and the climate crisis at MÄN (Men for Gender Equality), Sweden. He has been active in the feminist organisation MÄN since its inception in 1993, working with engaging boys and...2022-01-1644 min
Homeward Bound (including The Great Humbling)The Great Humbling S4E2: "The Commonplace" This episode starts with a little reflection on our new more-or-less monthly schedule, and in the course of this episode, we talk about a few other podcasts: Ingrid Rieser's Forest of Thought Per Johansson & Eric Schüldt's Swedish-language Myter och mysterier Ed's other podcast, Jon Richardson & the Futurenauts The Sacred, a podcast from the think tank Theos presented by Elizabeth Oldfield We talk about COP26 and Ed mentions his recent TEDx Kings Cross talk, 'How We're Going to Solve Climate Change' where he refuses the frame of solutionism. To lead us int...2021-12-2235 minForest of Thought16. LIVE: Does it still make sense to talk about climate change? // DOUGALD HINEDoes it still make sense to talk about climate change? This seems a strange question to ask, for someone who has spent much of his adult life talking to people about climate change, but it is the question writer Dougald Hine has found himself wondering about lately.
When we talk about climate change, we are entering into a conversation that is framed by science, yet climate change also asks us questions that lead beyond that frame. In recent years, however, the language of science has become supercharged: from the placards that read ‘Unite Behind the Science’ to the...2021-12-071h 21Forest of Thought15. How our bodies can resolve trauma // GUNILLA HAMNEWhat is trauma? When we experience suffering or hardship we often feel this as a physical sensation in our bodies – we are “heartbroken” or have experienced something “gut-wrenching” or “bone-chilling”. The latest research is confirming that trauma and stress always have a bodily dimension – which is why therapies based on talking are not always enough. In this episode I’m joined by trauma consultant Gunilla Hamne, who helps us understand the nature of trauma and how body-based techniques can lead the way to healing.
Gunilla is an international trauma consultant and co-founder of the Peaceful Heart Network. She has spent the...2021-10-0159 minForest of Thought14. Covid, climate and emergency politics // MIKE HULMEWhat can the covid pandemic teach us about handling the climate crisis? We’ve seen that governments have not hesitated to take bold action when faced with this virus, by going into lockdowns and declaring states of emergency. Should we respond in a similar way to climate change? Or does emergency politics risk narrowing our field of view and undermine our democracies? Joining us in the Forest of Thought is Professor of Human Geography Mike Hulme.
Mike Hulme is Professor of Human Geography at the University of Cambridge and Fellow of Pembroke College. His work explores the ide...2021-08-301h 11Forest of Thought13. The architect and the garden // PETER LYNCHWhat is the true task of the architect? In this episode we talk to Peter Lynch about what the role of architecture really is. Can we create spaces that are more hospitable to both humans and other living beings? How can we truly get to know places – and the mysteries hidden beneath them? What is architecture's hidden spiritual dimension, and what does it take to create spaces more beautiful than we could have imagined?
Peter Lynch is an architect, and recently a guest professor at KTH School of Architecture in Stockholm. He has founded and directed architecture of...2021-06-1855 minForest of Thought12. On fermentation and cultural activism // EVA BAKKESLETTWords like culture and aesthetics make us think of grand museums and concert halls. But what if there is a deeper meaning to these words that we’ve forgotten? Meanings that are more grounded, more sensual and somehow related to the song of earthworms at work in our soil? And how do you learn to speak the secret language of microbes? We explore all of this and more in this episode with artist and cultural activist Eva Bakkeslett.
Eva Bakkeslett is an artist, filmmaker, curator and cultural activist exploring the potential for social change through gentle actions. He...2021-05-1856 minForest of Thought11. Imaginations of Control // ANDY STIRLINGWhen our societies are faced with challenges we often call on science to provide us with the best course of action; we strive to make evidence-based decisions. But what assumptions are hiding behind this recipe for decision-making? And how can taking control of a situation reduce our capacity for responding with care? We delve back into the Forest of Thought today with Andy Stirling, Professor of Science and Technology Policy at the STEPS Centre, UK.
Andy Stirling is Professor of Science and Technology Policy at the University of Sussex. He co-directs the STEPS Centre, which looks at...2021-04-231h 09Forest of Thought10. The stories we tell // SEASON FINALE WITH HOST INGRID M. RIESERGoodbye 2020, hello 2021. How do we start to make sense of one of the most turbulent, transformative and chaotic years in recent history? We’re always telling – and listening to – stories in order to make sense of the world around us. In this episode we explore how those narratives take shape and evolve over time, with the help of a journey to Ukraine. We also ask how we become better navigators in our ever-changing and messy world of ideas.
This is a reflective session with wandering host Ingrid Rieser, providing retrospective end to the first of season of the Fo...2021-01-0735 minForest of Thought9. Until we all are free // CRYSTAL VANCE GUERRA & VICTOR MENOTTIThe US has been through several extremely turbulent months, and we’ve been yearning for deeper and more genuine conversations on these developments. What does this time of upheaval and polarization mean for the USA? How do questions of race and class connect? What are we learning about power and corruption – and what does it really mean to be free? In this special edition of the Forest of Thought we speak to historian and community organizer Crystal Vance Guerra, and policy analyst and activist Victor Menotti.
Crystal Vance Guerra is a Mexican-American/Chicano historian, journalist, educator and comm...2020-12-041h 04Forest of Thought8. The conversational arts // PERNILLA GLASERWhat are really good conversations made of? And how is a dialogue similar to a work of art? In this episode I speak to facilitator, theatre director and writer Pernilla Glaser to explore the transformative power conversations, and discuss why we’re both obsessed with them.
Pernilla Glaser runs the company Boiler and works at RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden), developing methods and leading processes within the areas of art, learning and complexity. She is also a writer, and began her career as award-winning theatre director. Now she brings the creativity and playfulness of artistic practice into al...2020-11-0658 minForest of Thought7. Tree teachings // PER INGVAR HAUKELANDIt’s always hard to talk about our connection to "nature" because the wording already implies that nature is something other than ourselves. In this episode we talk to eco-philosopher Per Ingvar Haukeland about what a deeper engagement with the world would mean, and how we bring the aliveness of life itself into everything we do. We also delve into the power of trees, the deep ecology movement, and Per Ingvar’s work with the legendary climber and philosopher Arne Næss.
Per Ingvar Haukeland is an ecophilosopher and community activist, and a professor at the University of So...2020-10-161h 04Forest of Thought6. The map and the territory // ULF DANIELSSONA wide-ranging conversation with astrophysicist Prof. Ulf Danielsson on how we understand this universe and why we keep confusing our maps with the territory. We also hear about a life-changing comet, a secret promise and why conscious machines are highly unlikely.
Ulf Danielsson is professor of theoretical physics at Uppsala University, with a special research interest in dark energy and string theory. He has participated in countless radio and TV shows and written several popular science books on topics ranging from the history and philosophy of science to climate change.
LINKS:
Ulf’s website: ul...2020-09-2550 minForest of Thought5. An ecology of ideas // PER JOHANSSONWhat is this this mysterious thing we call “an idea”? What is its nature and power? We posed these questions to human ecologist and historian of ideas Per Johansson, who had some unexpected and intriguing answers. Join us in our latest adventure into the Forest of Thought!
Per has a PhD in human ecology, and a BA in the history of science and ideas. In 2007 he left his post as senior lecturer at Lund university and has since then been active as a speaker, analyst, writer, consultant, and maker of podcast shows. His podcast series with prize-winning radi...2020-09-041h 20Forest of Thought4. A world of many worlds // DOUGALD HINEThe big story of never-ending Progress has captured our imaginations for hundreds of years. But now we seem to be witnessing its unravelling. The search for other stories is no longer a fringe activity, but taking place in all parts of society. What do we want to keep from this story, and what do we leave behind? In this episode we explore the idea of Progress together with writer Dougald Hine.
Ten years ago, Dougald co-founded The Dark Mountain Project, which has grown into world-wide community of artists and writers. He and his partner Anna Björkman n...2020-06-2551 minForest of Thought3. Playing with time // KERI FACER“The Future." We say the words all the time, but what do we really mean? How do our stories about yesterday and today help shape tomorrow? Could a different idea of the future change the present? And how are we all entangled in the mysterious process of bringing the future into being?! Join us for a session of playing with time, with Professor Keri Facer.
Keri Facer is Professor of Educational and Social Futures at the University of Bristol and Visiting Zennström professor of Climate Change Leadership at Uppsala University. She’s spent years working on the r...2020-06-0355 minForest of Thought2. The Great Unveiling // PELLA THIELWhat is the corona crisis revealing to us – about our societies and about ourselves? Join us in conversation with activist and ecologist Pella Thiel as we discuss the deeper meaning of apocalypse, and how it is interwoven with hope and desire.
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LINKS TO THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT:
About Pella: pellathiel.se.
Swedish Transition Network: omstallning.net.
Charles Eisenstein’s essay on corona: charleseisenstein.org/essays/the-coronation/.
Writer and thinker Dougald Hine...2020-05-1253 min
Forest of Thought1. A very convincing game // TIMOTHÉE PARRIQUEWelcome to the new podcast, Forest of Thought! We hope to have conversations that explore the ideas we live by – re-examining the familiar and catching glimpses of the new. Read more at forestofthought.com.
In today's episode we speak to economist Tim Parrique to explore what the mode of thinking called "economic rationality" really means, and how the logic of our economies might be changing as we move deeper into the corona crisis. What happens when we press "pause" on the game of the economy – a game that we forgot that we ourselves invented?
2020-04-1742 min