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 children

The systemic erasure of non-white maternal experiences

The journey of self-acceptance and identity post-motherhood

The role of community and collective healing in maternal well-being

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Context of Motherhood

02:33 The Premise of 'Mum Unfiltered'

05:58 The Journey to Writing the Book

09:19 Filling the Void in Motherhood Literature

13:30 Personal Identity and Motherhood

19:14 The Impact of Trauma on Self-Perception

24:39 The Complexity of Women's Experiences

29:38 The Pressure to Erase Motherhood Challenges

33:17 Confronting Inner Turmoil

36:33 The Search for Identity in Motherhood

39:52 Racial Identity and Belonging

43:22 The Journey of Self-Acceptance

50:15 Hope and Community in Motherhood

57:44 Healing Beyond the Self

Resources:

Leah Kim's Website - https://leahkim.org

Book: Mum Unfiltered - https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/mom-unfiltered-9798881842437/

To connect with Megan:

www.higher-love.com

IG: @higherlove_withmegan

Like, 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.

Storyteller, decoloniser and miseducator, Muhammad draws upon his background in NHS therapies, his skills as a teacher and love of humour and satire to create entertaining but impactful content on our political landscape and current affairs.

Together we explore themes of unlearning and the importance of engagement in the face of societal challenges. Muhammad shares his journey from educator to miseducator, emphasising the need to amplify marginalised voices and challenge dominant narratives. We discuss the intersection of mindset, well-being, and politics, highlighting too the role of humour in coping with confronting realities.

We also address the pushback faced by those being visible and vocal, finding balance amidst being informed and the importance of building community to foster resilience and hope.

Takeaways:

- Storytelling is a powerful tool for change.

- Unlearning is essential to understanding complex issues.

- Mindset should focus on collective well-being, not just individualism.

- Humour can be a form of resistance against oppressive narratives.

- Facing pushback is part of the solidarity journey.

- Community support is vital for sustaining action.

- Children's perspectives can inspire hope and change.

- Solidarity requires courage and a willingness to speak out.

- Education should encourage critical thinking and empathy.

- Finding joy and connection within activism is crucial.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Muhammad

03:32 The Journey of Unlearning and Relearning

06:25 Experiencing Palestine: A Personal Awakening

08:47 The Power of Storytelling and Solidarity

10:59 Mindset and Well-Being: A Cultural Perspective

13:40 The Interrelation of Politics and Personal Well-Being

15:46 Language, Politics, and the Power of Words

18:01 Finding Humour in Challenging Times

25:45 The Power of Humour in Activism

27:53 Facing Pushback and Threats

33:26 Finding Confidence and Speaking Out

39:34 Balancing Activism and Self-Care

46:19 Hope Through Education and Community

About Muhammad:

Storyteller, disruptor and miseducator whose videos "might make you laugh, think or regret following me" Muhammad draws upon his background in NHS therapies and his skills as a teacher to make political satire and informed commentary on the times through which we are living. As a father, he is committed to being a small part of the great ecosystem of change to ensure a better world for the next generation. He holds an expansive view of mindset, seeing it as not an individual experience but interconnected with community and the collective experience. As a Muslim man, he refuses to let his story be told for him in today's climate and is dedicated to challenging narratives and mainstream narratives especially in solidarity with communities experiencing oppression or marginalisation.

IG: @mindsetwithmuhammad

To get in touch with Megan:

www.higher-love.com

IG: @higherlove_withmegan

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a 5* rating or review. Subscribe or follow on the platform on which you are watching and share with those who would benefit from the conversation.

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.uk

V:  https://vimeo.com/156256349 

Tw / X / IG:  @_WhatMakesAMan_

References:

Liz Plank - For the Love of Men

Florence Knapp - The Names

Melanie Brown - Brutally Honest

Andrew Bernard - The Ladder: Supporting students towards successful futures and confident career choices

Bernie 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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Connection

03:15 Understanding Masculinity and the Man Box

04:44 The Impact of Hyper-Masculinity

07:25 The Role of Men in Addressing Violence Against Women

08:39 Personal Experiences and Their Influence on Advocacy

10:00 The Importance of Education in Relationships

12:07 Coercive Control and Its Effects on Young People

14:30 The Need for Critical Conversations in Schools

17:15 Challenging Misconceptions About Feminism

19:49 Empathy and Understanding in Education

22:14 Empathy and Gendered Experiences in Public Spaces

24:00 The Normalization of Women's Safety Concerns

26:10 The Role of Social Media in Gender Dynamics

28:20 Media Representation of Violence Against Women

31:50 Understanding Violence as a Men's Issue

34:18 The Complexity of Coercive Control

39:01 Personal Impact of Violence and Societal Awareness

39:27 Understanding Coercive Control

43:16 The Ecosystem of Male Victimhood

50:43 Navigating Hope and Empowerment

54:41 The Journey of Self-Discovery

In this conversation, Megan Cooper hosts past guests Kaia Allen-Bevan and Viv Grant, who together share their personal and professional experiences around education.

Kaia and Viv describe how their own personal experiences as students catalysed their journeys into education, with Viv being the youngest head teacher in the UK turned founder and director of Integrity Coaching, supporting school heads and senior teachers and Kaia founding Youth the Gap CIC.

They delve into the challenges and complexities of the educational system, the importance of inner work for leadership, and the collective responsibility to address systemic harm. The discussion emphasises the need for long-term allyship, unity, and a long-term commitment to anti-racist work in schools, while also reflecting on the coexistence of grief and joy, discomfort and hope.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds

03:39 Feelings About Education

06:53 Experiences as Students

17:23 Inspiration for Current Work

20:22 Leading Change in Education

26:30 Resistance and Systemic Harm

29:28 Vision for a Liberated Education

34:55 Awakening to Unity and Resistance

36:23 Defining Anti-Racist Work in Education

39:32 Youth the Gap: Transforming School Ecosystems

41:49 Pro Stewarding the Future: Legacy in Education

46:29 Belonging and Justice in Education

49:59 Walking in the Dark: Navigating Uncertainty

54:44 Invitations to Inner Wisdom and Hope

56:55 Outro

About Kaia:

Kaia Allen-Bevan is a multi-award winning activist, founder of Youth The Gap and director at Edge of Difference, creative and host, recognised by Forbes and Business Today as making a 'global impact' Kaia invites us all to be comfortably uncomfortable in addressing injustice, and not just leaving it all up to the 'activists' to spark long-term and meaningful change.

@kaia.ab

@youththegap

About Viv:

Viv Grant is an Executive Coach, author and public speaker known for her deep insights into leadership, vulnerability and resilience. She is the Director of Integrity Coaching, London's leading provider in coaching services for Headteachers and Senior School Leaders.

https://www.integritycoaching.co.uk/

> Please take a moment to leave a rating or review.

You can get in touch with Megan at

www.higher-love.com

@higherlove_withmegan

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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lewis Wedlock

01:26 Lewis's Journey into Masculinities Education

06:34 Understanding the Impact of Patriarchy

07:14 The Role of Men in Addressing Loneliness

09:48 Exploring Hyper-Patriarchy and Its Effects

12:13 Navigating Pushback in Conversations

15:02 Creating Safe Spaces for Discussion

16:05 The 'Not All Men' Debate

20:41 Embracing Complexity in Masculinity

26:14 Encouraging Men to Step Up

30:20 Confronting Bias and Discomfort

31:39 Creating Safety in Conversations

33:54 Addressing Violence Against Women

39:50 Navigating Masculinity and Feminism

50:02 Sustaining Hope in Activism

54:08 Resources for Further Learning

59:00 Outro

About Lewis

Lewis 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/1ChVU9ZIBqJCuXvfmgc0xu

Lewis’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LewisWedlock

Website: www.lewiswedlock.com 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-wedlock/
Men's Work: www.lewiswedlock.com/menswork

Socials: @lewiswedlock on Instagram and TikTok

ANDDD we're back! After a January hiatus, the Higher Love with Megan Podcast returns to usher in a new year. And we are kick-starting 2026 with Zack Alexander. In this episode, Zack and I explore the tumultuous landscape of 2026 so far, reflecting on the disillusionment of 2025 and the collapse of false structures in society. We discuss the intersection of spirituality and politics, the challenges of navigating identity and activism, and the impact of global events on personal perspectives. Zack shares his journey from the wellness industry to a more politically aware stance, emphasising the importance of listening to diverse voices and the role of anger and grief in healing. The conversation culminates in a discussion about hope amidst chaos and the collective growth needed to create a better future.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

01:52 Reflections on 2026: A Year of Change

05:09 Zack's Journey: From Law to Spirituality

09:29 The Intersection of Spirituality and Activism

17:12 The Impact of Geopolitical Events on Personal Values

21:59 Navigating the Complexities of Identity and Trauma

30:41 Privilege and Spiritual Constructs

34:50 The Need for Maturity in Wellness

53:41 Social Media's Impact on Discourse

54:02 Cultivating Hope in Challenging Times

57:30 Outro

About Zack: Zack is a Spiritual and Leadership Mentor, a Jewish mystic weaving together psychology, grounded spirituality, political philosophy, business and leadership into one path. He reflects on what’s often unseen to help others deepen their journey and supports the process of healing through a trauma-informed lens.

IG: @iamzackalexander

Substack: https://zackalexander.substack.com/

Please take a moment to RATE, REVIEW and SHARE this episode with anyone who can benefit from the conversation.

You can contact me directly via my website www.higher-love.com or find me on IG @higherlove_withmegan

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 Takeaways

• A 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 Highlights

• 04:00 – 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 guests

This 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 Megan

• Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠

• Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠

This 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 am honoured to welcome Ashira Darwish, a Palestinian healer and former journalist who I first encountered through the film Where Olive Trees Weep. We have a raw and necessary conversation about the reality of the last two years for Palestinians, discussing how the ongoing genocide has shattered illusions about Western institutions, international law and the concept of justice.

Ashira shares her journey from working in the media—and witnessing its complicity in dehumanisation—to becoming a healer. We explore the limitations of Western therapeutic models that isolate the individual from their community and spiritual roots, and she offers a powerful perspective on how true resilience is found in the collective and the divine.

• Decolonising the Mind: Ashira explains that living under occupation also means living under indoctrination. She describes the painful but necessary process of losing faith in Western systems and realizing that liberation begins with decolonising our own beliefs.

• The Failure of Western Media: Drawing on her background as a journalist and fixer, Ashira argues that impartiality is impossible during a genocide. She discusses how mainstream outlets have been complicit in spreading propaganda and dehumanising Palestinians.

• Healing is Collective: We discuss why Western therapy often fails by treating trauma as an individual disorder rather than a symptom of a sick society. Ashira advocates for healing that integrates the body, spirit, and tribe, rather than isolating the individual.

• Silence is Complicity: Ashira critiques spiritual leaders and the wellness industry for bypassing the reality of genocide. She emphasizes that you cannot claim to be for love and healing while remaining silent when humanity is under attack.

• 03:43 – Ashira discusses the process of decolonising her mind and the collapse of her belief in Western human rights institutions.

• 16:00 – How the resistance of the people in Gaza has beaten the algorithm and awakened global consciousness.

• 23:00 – A critique of 'impartiality' in journalism and the complicity of media outlets in the violence.

• 36:00 – Why the separation of mothers and children in capitalist societies creates trauma and how indigenous tribal structures offer a healthier alternative.

• 59:00 – The spiritual bypassing within the wellness industry and the necessity of taking action to stop genocide.

Ashira Darwish is a Palestinian therapist, researcher and founder of Catharsis Holistic Healing. A former journalist and TV & radio producer, she spent 15 years working in the media before turning to healing work. She is the creator of the AIDA Active Meditation modality and works to support trauma healing within the Palestinian community.

• Instagram: @‌ashiradarwish

• Website: Catharsis Holistic Healing

• Course: School of Radical Imagination

• Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠

• Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠

This 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.

Key TakeawaysEpisode HighlightsAbout the GuestConnect with Megan

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 Takeaways

• The 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 Highlights

• 01:45 – 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 Khalid

Khalid 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: @khalid3bdalla

Episode Links

• The Kite Runner (Film)

• The Crown (Netflix Series)

• Nowhere (Play by Khaled Abdalla)

  Workers for a Free Palestine / Film Workers Pledge

  
  

  Connect with Megan

• Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠

• Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠

This 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 milestone 100th episode, I am honoured to be joined by 88-year-old Stephen Kapos and his daughter, filmmaker Andrea Kapos. Stephen, a child survivor of the Holocaust, has recently found himself in the public eye as a vocal activist for Palestinian solidarity.

Together, we explore Stephen's journey from a retired architect to a prominent voice at protest marches, where he speaks as a witness to history to challenge current narratives. We discuss the powerful intergenerational bond formed through their shared activism and the documentary Andrea is currently filming to preserve these vital testimonies.

Key Takeaways

• The duty to bear witness: Stephen believes his role is critical because there are very few remaining survivors with actual memories of the Holocaust who can speak to the realities of persecution and genocide.

• Intergenerational activism: For the Kapos family, attending marches and speaking out has become a shared experience involving Stephen, Andrea, and even Stephen's grandchildren, creating a deep sense of solidarity and pride.

• Distinguishing Judaism from Zionism: Stephen articulates his view that conflating Jewish identity with Zionism is dangerous and incorrect, noting that he views the actions of the Israeli state as contrary to his understanding of Jewish values

• Hope as action: Andrea reflects that hope is not a passive state but a "doing word" found in the act of gathering, marching, and refusing to be a bystander to history.

Episode Highlights

• 00:03:00 Stephen discusses the warm reception he receives at marches and his response to the few detractors he encounters.

• 00:16:00 Transitioning from a career in architecture to becoming a public speaker and witness in his late eighties.

• 00:32:00 Stephen explains why he believes Palestinian solidarity and anti-Zionism are distinct from antisemitism.

• 00:51:00 The emotional experience of the 'Choose Love' event, where Stephen witnessed the reading of the names of children killed in Gaza.

• 01:05:00 Thoughts on why hope is found in the "doing" and the importance of the growing international movement.

About the Guests

Stephen Kapos is an 88-year-old survivor of the Holocaust from Budapest who has become a dedicated activist for Palestinian rights. He is a member of the group Holocaust Survivors and Descendants Against the Genocide in Gaza.

Andrea Kapos is a documentary filmmaker and Stephen's daughter. She is currently producing a film chronicling the lives and meeting of her father and fellow survivor Antoine, exploring their parallel histories and shared solidarity.

Episode Links

• Holocaust Survivors and Descendants Against the Genocide in Gaza

• Double Down News

• Stop the War Coalition

• Misan Harriman (Photographer mentioned regarding the 'Choose Love' event and portraits)

• Cafe Palestina

Connect with Megan

Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠

Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠

This 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.