In this reloaded episode, I share a powerful conversation with Fritzi Horstman, founder of the Compassion Prison Project. Fritzi discusses the vital importance of creating trauma-informed prisons and communities. She explains how understanding trauma can shift our perception of incarcerated individuals, seeing them not as inherently bad people, but as individuals who have often endured immense suffering.

Fritzi highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and the impact of our actions on others, emphasising the need for compassion and systemic change to address the root causes of harmful behaviour, ultimately aiming to end child abuse and foster healing within society.

Key Takeaways:

• Creating trauma-informed prisons and communities means understanding that individuals, particularly those who are incarcerated or living in poverty, are often dealing with significant past trauma and adversity.

• Shifting our perspective to see incarcerated individuals as people who have suffered, rather than simply "bad people," is crucial for fostering compassion and facilitating healing.

• We are all interconnected, and our actions and societal structures have a profound impact on individuals' well-being and behaviour. Addressing trauma can lead to a ripple effect of positive change.

• The goal of the Compassion Prison Project is to end child abuse by raising awareness of how trauma affects brain development and behaviour, encouraging more compassionate and informed interactions.

• Recognising and addressing our own trauma and reactive patterns is essential for personal healing and for contributing to a more compassionate world.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:00 - Fritzi explains the mission of the Compassion Prison Project: to create trauma-informed prisons and communities.

• 02:00 - The belief in our interconnectedness and how that understanding shifts perception when interacting with others, including incarcerated individuals.

• 03:45 - Fritzi shares her personal realisation of how her own past trauma and reactive behaviour impacted her child, highlighting the importance of understanding the effects of our actions.

• 04:26 - The significance of Bessel van der Kolk's book, "The Body Keeps the Score," in understanding trauma, and the realisation that many in prison are deeply traumatised.

• 07:08 - Fritzi discusses Tony Crowe's work with Trauma Talks in Belfast, emphasising that societal division often reflects our own internal divides.

About the Guest:

Fritzi Horstman is the Founder and Executive Director of Compassion Prison Project. She is a Grammy-award winning producer for her work on “The Defiant Ones”, has been a producer and post-producer on dozens of television projects and documentaries and has directed several films. She believes it is urgent to bring humanity and compassion to those living behind bars and these acts will help transform our society. She has a Bachelor's Degree from Vassar College.

Episode links:

• Compassion Prison Project

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

• Tony Crowe episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/39X8en1iTZffmwraDuTizs

End credits:

Connect with Megan:

Instagram: @‌HigherLove_withMegan

Website: http://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 reloaded episode, I speak with Leah Kim about the pervasive nature of white supremacy and the importance of active disentanglement for everyone, including those who benefit from the system.

Listen to the full episode, How White Supremacy Harms Us All here.

We explored the personal work required to recognise internal biases and privilege, the concept of 'soul loss' in upholding harmful systems, and the challenging but necessary process of decolonising wellness spaces like yoga. Leah shares her perspective on how we can move towards genuine collective liberation by questioning our motivations and committing to real change.

Key Takeaways

• White supremacy harms everyone, not just those directly targeted, by potentially bringing out negative responses and hindering connection to shared humanity if not consciously addressed.

• Recognising one's own privilege and unconscious biases is crucial work that requires curiosity, willingness, and interrogation of immediate reactions.

• True change and participation in liberation require effort, and for those in positions of privilege, it involves some degree of sacrifice and moving beyond binary, 'us vs. them' thinking.

• Decolonising practices like yoga demands deep humility, learning from those with ancestral connections, and acknowledging the harm the industry has caused.

Episode Highlights

• 01:04 Leah discusses how white supremacy can negatively impact white individuals by eliciting unconscious, harmful responses.

• 05:18 Recognising complicity can bring difficult emotions but is also empowering, offering a path to create balance.

• 07:33 The immense challenge and humility required to decolonise one's thinking and teaching.

• 08:58 Questioning the authenticity behind spiritual phrases if not backed by action.

About the Guest: Leah Kim

• Instagram

• Voices on the Side Podcast

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!

While I'm away on my belated honeymoon I wanted to re-share an edit of one of my favourite episodes. I picked a part where Jacqueline Kelly and I delved into the intersection of motherhood, humanism, and the courage to speak out, particularly in response to the current genocide in Palestine.

Jacqueline shared her personal journey of navigating her online presence as a mother and business owner while addressing challenging topics. We also discussed the complexities of online communities, the responsibilities of those within the wellness and motherhood spaces, and the concept of "shift work" as a way to sustain engagement without burnout.

Jacqueline offered profound insights into how witnessing global suffering impacts her experience of motherhood, transforming joy into a powerful drive for change, and advocates for more accessible, community-focused support systems for all mothers.

Key Takeaways:

• Choosing humanism over silence involves speaking truth, even when anticipating negative consequences for visibility or business.
• True wellness and community cannot be built on silence or the exclusion of difficult conversations, particularly concerning human rights.
• Viewing activism or sustained support work as "shift work" can help manage overwhelm and prevent burnout, allowing individuals to rest while trusting others continue the effort.
• The deep love and joy experienced in motherhood can intensify the rage felt against injustice, providing potent fuel for taking a stand.
• There's a need to move away from exclusivity in the motherhood support sphere towards accessible, community-based care where all who need support can find it.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:00 How motherhood impacts activism and the decision to speak publicly about Palestine.

• 05:00 Questioning the wellness industry's selective engagement and silence.
• 07:30 Introducing "shift work" as a sustainable approach to activism and avoiding overwhelm.
• 11:00 Processing the complex cycle of emotions – horror, anger, gratitude, guilt, joy – while witnessing global events.
• 13:30 How "mother rage," born from love and witnessing injustice, fuels the need to act.

About the Guest:

Jacqueline Kelly is a coach supporting mothers through the transition and identity shifts of motherhood.

• Website: Our Brave Hearts (https://ourbravehearts.ie)

Episode Links:

• Illyin's Instagram: @mixing.up.motherhood

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!1

Welcome to a special episode of the podcast where I sits down with my podcast's producer and friend, Lucy Lucraft for our quarterly pod meeting.

Join us as we delve into the highlights of the past three months, discussing favorite episodes, key learnings, and Lucy talks about her complex feelings about the term white passing and why white women need to stop complaining about being shadow-banned.

Key Takeaways:

• The episode featuring Jen and Georgia from All Our Relations was a standout, praised for its educational content, invitation to action regarding solidarity with Gaza, and the powerful way Jen communicated a message of inclusivity and hope.
• *Sumi's episode on DEI in small businesses offered a fresh perspective, emphasizing authentic implementation, vulnerability, and recognizing the protective masks people wear that can hinder inclusivity.
• The conversation highlighted the importance of recognizing and addressing blind spots in inclusivity, extending beyond race and gender to include accessibility for disabled individuals and those with chronic health issues.
• A valuable reframe was discussed around getting things wrong in the context of social justice, shifting from fault to responsibility and viewing feedback as an opportunity for growth and learning.
• Sally's episode on The Portal Collective provided a hopeful and revolutionary perspective on using permaculture principles in business and the power of cross-pollination for collective change.

Episode Highlights:

00:03- Lucy shares her thoughts on the impactful episode with Jen and Georgia from All Our Relations, highlighting its educational aspect and Jen's inclusive message

00:06 - Lucy mentions Sumi's episode on DEI, praising its focus on authentic implementation in small businesses

00:09 - Lucy shares her personal blind spot around making her business accessible to disabled people

00:12 - Megan discusses a reframe around getting things wrong in social justice work, emphasizing responsibility over fault

00:15 - Lucy expresses her appreciation for Sally's episode on The Portal Collective and its hopeful message of collective action

00:25 - Lucy explains her reasons for taking a break from social media and her return due to the situation in Gaza

About the Guest:

Lucy is the producer and editor extraordinaire of the Higher Love with Megan podcast, Building Your Brand, The Good Ship, Can You Hear Me and Do Good & Do Well and you can find her on Instagram and TikTok as well as right here.

Episode Links:

All Our Relations: https://www.allourrelations.org.uk/

Declassified: https://declassifieduk.org/

Mondoweiss: https://mondoweiss.net/

Novara Media: https://novaramedia.com/

The Portal Collective: https://collective.jointheportal.com/

End Credits:

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!

In this episode I have a thought-provoking conversation with Dina, a Palestinian healer and guide, about the complexities of wellness in today's world. Dina shares her journey in the wellness industry, her observations on its current state, and her vision for a more inclusive and socially conscious approach. We delve into the challenges of maintaining integrity in wellness practices and the importance of addressing social justice and collective liberation.

Key Takeaways:

• The wellness industry often overlooks social justice and can be disconnected from real-world issues.

• There's a need for greater responsibility and awareness among wellness practitioners regarding their influence and the importance of creating systemic change.

• Decolonizing wellness involves recognizing and unlearning harmful conditioning and centering connection to the sacred and collective liberation.

• Collaboration and community are essential for creating a new standard in wellness that prioritizes collective well-being.

Episode Highlights:

• 02:37: Dina discusses her Palestinian heritage and journey in the wellness industry.

• 10:11: The challenge of silence and apathy within the wellness community regarding social issues.

• 17:17: Dina shares her perspective as a Palestinian on the disconnect between wellness spaces and real-world suffering.

• 29:13: The importance of integrating social justice into wellness practices.

About the Guest:

Dina is a Palestinian healer and guide deeply passionate about women’s health, energy, movement, and decolonizing wellness. She creates thoughtful, compassionate, and nurturing spaces where you’re invited to show up fully and be held as your whole, beautifully imperfect self. Her work is shaped by the needs and experiences that arise within our community, guided by a deep connection to spirit, energy, and intuitive insights.

• Instagram: @wellnesswithdina

• Website: https://www.dinaghandour.com/

Episode Links:

• The Portal: https://www.theportal.love/

• Suzanne Barkataki: https://www.suzannebartaki.com

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 episode, I chat to 'Fearne Cotton's fave yoga teacher', Donna Noble. Donna's been a yoga teacher since 2011 and without realising has pioneered inclusivity and accessibility in the yoga space. Donna shares her journey into yoga, initially inspired by a friend's observation of Madonna's physique (!) and how it evolved into a central part of her life, especially after her experience with Bell's Palsy.

We chat about our shared beginnings in Bikram, the challenges of inclusivity, and why Yoga is fundamentally a social justice practice at its core.

Key Takeaways:

• Wellness should be defined individually, not by the wellness industry.
• Yoga is more than just physical fitness; it's about the mind-body connection and community.
• There's a need for greater diversity and inclusion in yoga spaces.
• Teachers have the power to disrupt and change the yoga landscape.
• Addressing socioeconomic disparities is crucial for making yoga accessible to both practitioners and teachers.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:03:40 Donna's experience with Bell's Palsy and how it influenced her yoga journey.

• 00:07:20 Redefining wellness
• 00:11:40 The importance of listening to your body

• 00:19:55 The power of teachers to create change in the yoga community.
• 00:25:50 Social justice in yoga
• 00:30:30 Addressing the affluence gap among yoga teachers.

About the Guest:

Donna Noble is a yoga teacher and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the yoga and wellness space. She is the author of "Teaching Body Positive Yoga: A Guide to Creating Inclusive Classes" and is currently writing her second book, focused on demystifying yoga. Donna is committed to making yoga accessible to everyone and disrupting the yoga industry to be more inclusive.

• Website: https://thenobleartofyoga.co.uk/
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/donnanobleyoga/

⁠

Episode Links:

• The Minded Institute
• Yoga Union
• Susanna Barkataki
• Norman Blair

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

In this episode, I chat with Sumi Fitzgerald, a DEI consultant who makes it simpler for small businesses to make their services and marketing more inclusive.

Sumi shares her journey into DEI work, the importance of moving beyond awareness to practical implementation, and how humour can be a powerful tool for social change.

Key Takeaways:

• Small businesses often struggle with implementing DEI initiatives, and need practical support to move beyond awareness.

• It is crucial to understand who is missing from your business and identify the barriers they face in order to create effective change.

• Inclusion is an ecosystem, and it's important to ensure that your message aligns with the reality of your business practices.

• Humuor can be a powerful tool to make DEI work more accessible and engaging.

• You don't need to know everything about everyone's needs to start making your business more inclusive; asking and listening are key.

Episode Highlights:

• 06:00 The disconnect between academic DEI theory and practical application

• 15:00 The dangers of performative allyship and the importance of accountability

• 21:00 Overcoming the fear of getting it wrong and embracing learning

• 00:24:00 Practical steps for creating a more inclusive business

• 39:00 Compassion without collusion

About the Guest:

Episode Links:

• Free Guide: Five things I have to tell almost everyone

• Free Mini-Course: Inclusive Biz Foundations (first four lessons)

• Email Sign-Up: Things I Don't Say on Instagram

End Credits

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

In this episode, I speak with Jen Brister and Georgia Takacs, the founders of All Our Relations, an not for profit organisation dedicated to providing essential support to families in Gaza.

We delve into the origins of All Our Relations, the challenges they face, and the importance of long term solidarity. Jen and Georgia share their personal experiences, the harsh realities on the ground, and what long term solidarity REALLY looks like.

Key Takeaways:

• All Our Relations focuses on providing individualised support to families in Gaza, addressing their specific needs for survival and fostering a sense of agency.

• The situation in Gaza is dire, with aid being blocked and people facing extreme hardship, trauma, and financial exploitation.

• True solidarity involves more than just donations; it requires a commitment to long term support, discomfort, and a willingness to challenge our own privilege and complicity.

• Palestine is a liberation movement that is freeing us, demanding an up leveling of our awareness, a reorientation of our priorities, and a recognition of our interconnectedness as human beings.

• We must resist the narratives of powerlessness and engage in critical thought, amplify the voices of those in Gaza, and support initiatives that provide direct assistance and long term solutions.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:03] The inspiration behind All Our Relations and providing individualised support to families.

• [00:07] The current situation in Gaza, including challenges with aid distribution and the psychological warfare experienced by Gazans.

• [00:21] The concept of long term solidarity and recognising privilege and imbalance.

• [00:26] Palestine as a leveler, a catalyst for self-development, and seeing our complicity and interconnectedness.

• [00:32] The power of community, taking action, and the importance of resisting numbness.

• [00:48] Connecting with families individually and the value of human connection.

About the Guests:

• All Our Relations:

  • https://www.instagram.com/_allourrelations

  • Website: ⁠https://allourrelations.co.uk/

• Jen: https://www.jenbrister.co.uk/

• Georgia: https://georgiatakacs.com/

Episode Links:

• Sponsor a Family: ⁠bit.ly/donatetoAOR

End Credits:

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 episode of Higher Love with Megan, I delve into the complexities of sustainable entrepreneurship with Lara Sheldrake, a business mentor, community expert, and the founder of Found and Flourish.

Lara shares her personal journey of overcoming burnout and finding her path to becoming a business mentor, highlighting the profound impact of building a business that aligns with her values. She discusses the unique structure of Found and Flourish, its success in supporting impact-led founders, and the ripple effect of community support in the entrepreneurial journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Building a sustainable business requires a focus on three key pillars: visibility, impact, and profit.

• Aligning your values with your business actions is crucial for creating a fulfilling and impactful career.

• Community support is essential for navigating the challenges and celebrating the successes of the entrepreneurial journey.

Episode Highlights:

• 07:51 - The importance of community in building a sustainable business.

• 13:40 - The power of redistributing wealth and investing in small businesses that align with your values.

• 30:00 - The challenges of being visible on social media and the importance of diversifying your online presence.

• 38:00 - The importance of self-care and grounding practices for sustaining your voice and activism.

• 44:33 - The importance of aligning your values with your business actions to avoid burnout and create a fulfilling career.

About the Guest:

Lara Sheldrake is a business mentor, community expert, and the founder of Found and Flourish, a platform that supports impact-led founders in building purposeful and profitable businesses. You can connect with Lara on Instagram at @‌FoundFlourish and @‌Lara_Sheldrake or through her website, foundandflourish.co.uk.

Episode Links:

• Found and Flourish: foundandflourish.co.uk

• Give a S@*t Movement: giveashit.substack.com

• Empowering Voices Event: foundandflourish.co.uk/events

Connect with Megan:

• Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠

• Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com⁠

Podcast Music:

• Good For You by THBD ⁠https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultan ⁠

• Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0

• Free Download / Stream: ⁠http://bit.ly/2PgU6Mu ⁠

• Music promoted by Audio Library ⁠

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 chat with Sally, the founder of The Portal Collective, a platform designed to foster community and collaboration among creators and learners.

Sally shares her journey from working in corporate e-learning to creating a space that prioritizes interconnectedness and knowledge sharing and w e explore the values of permaculture and how they influenced the development of The Portal Collective. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of building a values-driven tech platform and the importance of divesting from systems that perpetuate individualism and scarcity.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of community and collaboration in personal and societal growth.
• The need to divest from systems that perpetuate individualism and scarcity.
• The power of sharing resources and knowledge to create a more abundant and equitable world.

Episode Highlights

• [00:06:58] Exploring the concept of mycelium networks and their relevance to business and community building.
• [00:09:19] Sally's background in e-learning and her journey to founding The Portal Collective.

• [00:38:34] Sally's perspective on tech bros and the rise of female-focused tech spaces.
• [00:41:49] The Portal Collective as Sally's dharma and the gifts she has received from creating it.
• [00:50:30] The importance of seeking out community and taking action in the face of global challenges.

About Sally

Instagram:@join_the_portal/

Website: Join The Portal Collective 2:0

Connect with Megan

Instagram: ⁠@‌HigherLove_withMegan⁠

Website: ⁠www.higher-love.com

Podcast Music⁠

Good For You by THBD ⁠https://soundcloud.com/thbdsultan⁠

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0

Free Download / Stream: ⁠http://bit.ly/2PgU6Mu⁠

Music promoted by Audio Library ⁠https://youtu.be/-K_YSjqKgvQ⁠.

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!