The Being Human Podcast

By just add water

What does it mean to be human in this world we find ourselves living in? Amelia Vegting and Jez Francis explore some experiences common to us all, and how they affect us. With the help of some spec

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FAQs about The Being Human Podcast:

How many episodes does The Being Human Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 34 episodes available.

The Being Human Podcast episodes:

December 30, 2025 Adventure: How do we lead ourselves and others into the unknown?
In this final episode of series 3 of the Being Human Podcast, hosts Amelia Vegting and Jez Francis are joined by leadership, team culture and resilience expert Mark Denton. Mark shares his remarkable experience leading a diverse, amateur crew in the world’s toughest round-the-world yacht race, highlighting the importance of vulnerability, inclusive leadership, and teamwork under intense pressure. Through candid stories of success, setbacks, and learning from failure, Mark reveals what it takes to build genuine togetherness and high performance - whether at sea or in the workplace!
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54min
November 25, 2025 Endurance: What drives us to push our physical and mental limits?
In this episode, Amelia and Jez are joined by endurance athlete and Guinness World Record holder Natalie Dau. Together, they explore what it means to be human by embracing failure, finding growth in discomfort, and noticing joy in everyday moments. Natalie shares her journey of running ultramarathons, including her two epic 1,000 km solo runs across Southeast Asia. She reflects on the importance of support systems and the lasting impact of kindness from strangers during her adventures - reminding us that as long as you’ve tried your best, that is more than enough.
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49min
October 17, 2025 Voice: Why do accents amplify assumptions?
Amelia and Jez explore the human voice. With Heather Hanson, an expert in global communication, they explore the power of voice and accent in shaping identity and status. Heather shines a light on accent bias and how it persists both socially and professionally, and the price we pay as a result. The notion of 'good' and 'bad' English is challenged, and the case for more inclusivity in how we perceive and value different accents is made. The conversation delves into practical strategies for individuals to make their voices heard in the workplace and beyond, and for leaders to create more inclusive communication cultures. Heather's insights reveal how deeply ingrained accent biases are and the importance of self-awareness in overcoming them, ultimately emphasising that being human means communicating and connecting with others, regardless of how we sound.
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55min
September 15, 2025 Journeys: How can a change of place lead to a change of heart?
Amelia and Jez explore journeys with award-winning writer Oliver Smith. In his book "On This Holy Island," Oli reimagines pilgrimage beyond traditional contexts, by retracing routes across time; from murmurs of ritual journeys in the depths of the Ice Age, to 21st century treks to football stadiums and music festivals. The conversation explores the resurgence of routes like the Camino de Santiago and the personal growth that can come from stepping out of one's comfort zone. Oli’s perspective offers a fresh take on finding meaning and connection with others in an increasingly digital world through intentional travel and embracing new experiences. Amelia shares a story of culinary surprises in Barcelona, and Jez gets distracted by a man changing a billboard poster.
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51min
August 12, 2025 Creativity: How can solving problems connect us and make us feel more alive?
Amelia and Jez revisit the topic of creativity with author and speaker, Fredrik Haren. Drawing from his experiences interviewing thousands of people across 75 countries, Fredrik shares insights on the universal nature of creativity and its role in making us human. He discusses the importance of being a "creativator", someone who unlocks creative potential in others, and offers practical advice for nurturing creativity in everyday life. Fredrik's stories about Spanish sculptors, Mongolian nomads, and Afghan painters illustrate the myriad ways creativity manifests across cultures, the balance between confidence and humility in creative pursuits, and the value of learning from diverse perspectives. Fredrik believes everyone’s creativity is different, a shared human trait and yet a uniquely personal experience, which makes Jez feel good about fixing a loo seat, and the “mend thrill” he experienced in doing so.

Fredrik Haren shares insights from his upcoming book The World of Creativity, a global exploration of how creativity is expressed and experienced across 37 countries. Drawing from in-depth conversations with creative minds around the world, the book offers a rare perspective on the universal and diverse nature of creativity. The World of Creativity is now available for pre-order on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1907312897
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56min
July 11, 2025 Education: How can teaching transform tomorrow?
Amelia and Jez explore the subject of education. They are joined by Lisette Rinke de Wit, education professional and status quo squasher, who shares her passion for creating equal opportunities through education. Drawing from her global teaching experience, Lisette discusses the transformative power of the International Baccalaureate (IB) system in disadvantaged areas. She challenges conventional education methods, advocating for conceptual learning and global citizenship. The conversation explores the resistance to change in education systems and highlights success stories of schools and communities transformed by this innovative approach. Lisette's vision of "human becoming" through education offers a thought-provoking perspective on nurturing the next generation of global citizens.
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47min
June 04, 2025 Curiosity: How can a desire to understand help us boost relationships, solve problems, and grow personally?
Amelia and Jez are joined by Todd Kashdan, professor of psychology at George Mason University, to explore the power of curiosity. They discuss how a willingness to learn more can enhance relationships, help problem-solving, and boost overall life satisfaction. Todd offers practical strategies for increasing curiosity in daily life, such as finding interest in seemingly boring activities (which Jez took as scientific endorsement of Boring Things About Me). The conversation delves into the neuroscience of curiosity, its role in reducing polarisation, and its importance in both personal and professional contexts. Todd's insights provide a fresh perspective on how embracing uncertainty and asking thoughtful questions can lead to a more fulfilling and connected life.
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54min
May 02, 2025 Movement: How can moving help us process our emotions?
Amelia and Jez delve into the subject of movement. How does movement help us process our emotions? How does movement bring people together and foster a sense of belonging and togetherness? And how can we get more movement into our everyday lives? They are joined by Gemma Louise, a creative artist and company director, to discuss the transformative power of movement and dance in fostering community, improving mental health, and boosting creativity. Gemma openly shares her personal experiences, practical tips and scientific insights for listeners to harness the benefits of movement in their lives. Gemma even manages to guide Amelia and Jez through a simple stretching and breathing exercise during the conversation!
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53min
April 01, 2025 Healing: How can addressing unresolved trauma build stronger leaders and more human, joyful workplaces?
Amy Elizabeth Fox, co-founder and CEO of Mobius Executive Leadership, and Jeremy Sturt, co-founder of Just Add Water, join Amelia to explore transformative approaches to leadership development. Amy shares stories about her life; from environmental activism and a need to understand how unaddressed trauma was preventing the shift in consciousness needed to respond effectively to big challenges humanity faces, to her innovative leadership programmes which connect intellectual models with spiritual awakening to develop the leaders the world needs now. Amy and Jeremy explore their shared mission of humanising the workplace by creating more vital, inspired organisational cultures.

To find out more about Amy and the brilliant work she is doing at Mobius Executive Leadership, please click here for Amy's website, click here for Mobius Executive Leadership's website, and click here for Amy's article compilation titled, Love and Healing in Business: A Trauma Informed Journal.
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51min
March 03, 2025 Balance: How can ancient philosophy help us live a good life?
Amelia and Jez explore stoicism and its application in modern life. How well do we know ourselves? What is a good life? And what should we focus on? With behavioural change expert and executive coach, Rodrigo Barreto, they learn about the four virtues of stoicism; courage, wisdom, justice, and temperance; and how they can help navigate personal and professional challenges. Rodrigo offers insights on balancing ambition with contentment, the importance of self-knowledge, and challenges conventional notions of success, encouraging listeners to focus on what they can control to find a fresh perspective on purpose and resilience in today's fast-paced world.
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41min

FAQs about The Being Human Podcast:

How many episodes does The Being Human Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 34 episodes available.