The Canvas for Change

In this conversation, Chantal Miller discusses with Ruth Rogers the inception and growth of Island Girls Rock, a community aimed at empowering Caribbean women and girls that launched at Ruth's community cafe, The Canvas, in 2015.

She shares stories of the impact of their events, the organic growth of the organisation, and the importance of community engagement.

Chantal emphasises the need for physical spaces for connection and healing, reflecting on the historical context of the Caribbean diaspora, highlighting the significance of mentorship, wellness, and storytelling in fostering a supportive community.

Follow Island Girls Rock: https://www.instagram.com/igr_love

IGR website: https://islandgirlsrock.com/

IGR podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0K6aPBfVMOrvlaAAfWvO10

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to The Canvas and Its Impact

10:10

The Birth of Island Girls Rock

18:56

The Evolution of Island Girls Rock

28:19

Future Aspirations and Expansion Plans

30:49

Creating a Network of Supportive Cafes

35:55

The Role of Island Girls Rock in Reconnection

38:11

Childhood Memories and the Power of Food

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Founder of The Canvas Ruth Rogers speaks with Dave and Emma Cornthwaite, the founders of the YES Tribe, a community focused on positivity, adventure, and personal growth.

They discuss the origins of the YES Tribe, which began with a simple camping invitation, that then developed at Ruth's cafe The Canvas, and has blossomed into a thriving community.

The chat explores the evolution of their events, the creation of the YES Bus and camping and community space Big Sky Hideaways, and the transformative impact of their community on individuals' lives.

Dave and Ems emphasise the importance of creating spaces for connection and the power of saying 'yes' to new experiences.

The YES Tribe website: https://sayyesmore.com/

Big Sky Hideaway: https://bigskyhideaway.com/ and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigskyoasis/ and TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigskyhideaway

Ben Fogle's New Lives in the Country featuring Dave and Ems: https://bigskyhideaway.com/benfogle

Dave's website: https://davecornthwaite.com/ and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davecorn/

Ems' Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KaremboCrafts

Ems' book recommendation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Where_the_Crawdads_Sing

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to the Canvas Podcast and Its Mission

02:29

The Birth of the Yes Tribe

05:03

Creating Community Through Adventure

08:00

The Evolution of Yes Tribe Events

10:58

The Role of the Canvas in the Yes Tribe's Journey

13:23

Building the Yes Bus and Big Sky Hideaways

16:20

Impact Stories from the Yes Tribe Community

18:45

The Power of Positivity and Community

23:32

Creating a Positive Community Atmosphere

28:09

The Evolution of the Yes Tribe

33:10

Future Plans and Community Engagement

37:59

Reflections on Family and Legacy

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Ruth Rogers interviews Laurence McCahill, co-founder of the Happy Startup School, which aims to redefine entrepreneurship by prioritising purpose and happiness over just profit.

Laurence shares the journey of creating a community-focused business that challenges traditional business norms, emphasising the importance of connection and support among entrepreneurs.

Reflecting on the evolution of their initiatives, and the role of blogging in building their philosophy, Laurence reveals the impact of their events on fostering a sense of belonging among like-minded individuals.

The Happy Startup School's website: https://thehappystartupschool.com/

Follow Happy Startup on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happystartups/

Happy Startups on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHappyStartupSchool/

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Ruth Rogers speaks with Ellis Ballard and Bobbie Mills, founding members of the comedy improv group Just Friends that ran for just over a year from February 2019 to March 2020.

They discuss the origins of their group, the significance of The Canvas as a creative space in London, and the journey of their improv classes.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of running a comedy night, the impact of COVID-19 on performance spaces, and the joy of improvisation and community.

Check out True Story LDN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truestoryldn

Follow Ellis on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellis.ballard

Bobbie's book recommendation: Braiding Sweetgrass

Chapters

01:15

The Birth of Just Friends Comedy Group

08:58

The Impact of Improv Classes

14:13

Finding a Home at the Canvas

17:06

Creating a Unique Comedy Experience

17:22

Creating a Safe Space for Socializing

19:21

The Joy of the First Night

23:31

Sustaining a Regular Night

29:20

The Impact of COVID on Performance Spaces

36:07

The Loss of Community Spaces

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Ruth Rogers shares warm memories with Arti Lal, the coordinator of Inner Space, a Brahma Kumaris meditation and development centre in Covent Garden, central London that ran free Tuesday Talks at Ruth's community cafe, The Canvas, from 2015-2020.

Together, they discuss the importance of community, the evolution of Inner Space, and the impact of meditation on well-being.

Arti shares insights on how Inner Space has adapted to serve the community, especially post-pandemic, and emphasises the need for more spaces that foster connection and support.

The conversation highlights the power of volunteers, the challenges faced in the current climate, and the shared human experience that brings people together.

Experience Inner Space for yourself, wherever you are: https://www.innerspace.org.uk/

Chapters

02:23

The Role of Inner Space in Community Wellbeing

05:13

The Evolution of Inner Space and Its Philosophy

08:06

Challenges and Successes in Community Engagement

10:39

The Shift in Meditation Acceptance Over Time

13:12

Post-Pandemic Reflections and Community Needs

14:46

Creating Spaces for Connection and Healing

16:40

The Importance of Volunteer Energy

19:34

Reimagining Community Spaces Post-Pandemic

22:26

The Future of Community Engagement

25:05

Finding Joy in Community and Connection

27:36

Final Thoughts and Happy Places

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In this conversation, Ruth Rogers interviews Naomi Agyekum, the founder of Kids Deziah Business, a social enterprise aimed at teaching entrepreneurship to young people aged 7 to 17.

Naomi shares her journey from being a child entrepreneur to creating a business school that empowers youth with essential skills like budgeting, saving, and creativity.

The chat highlights the impact of Kids Deziah Business on young entrepreneurs, the challenges faced during its establishment, and the importance of fostering a spirit of giving back to the community.

Naomi's personal reflections on motherhood and her own entrepreneurial journey add depth to this story, making it an inspiring narrative about resilience and empowerment.

Follow Kids Deziah Business on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsdeziahbusiness/

Follow Naomi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatkidbusinesswoman/

Bread pudding recipe (but don't forget to grate the bread!)

Chapters

02:06

Naomi Adjikum and Kids Desire Business

05:47

The Journey of Kids Desire Business

08:49

Teaching Vital Life Skills

11:35

Challenges and Growth of Kids Desire Business

14:36

Success Stories and Impact

17:35

Community and Family Involvement

20:12

Reflections on Entrepreneurship

22:13

Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

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In this conversation, Ruth Rogers speaks with Fay and Matt Doyle, co-founders of 'This Expansive Adventure,' a multimedia platform focused on travel, adventure, and mental health.

They discuss their journey from a small blog to a thriving community resource, the importance of accessible outdoor experiences, and the impact of community spaces like The Canvas.

The conversation highlights the significance of creating environments that foster growth, inclusivity, and connection, especially in the context of mental health and well-being.

This Expansive Adventure's website: https://www.thisexpansiveadventure.com/

TEA TV: https://www.tv.thisexpansiveadventure.com/

From The Ground Up featuring The Canvas: https://www.tv.thisexpansiveadventure.com/streaming/from-the-ground-up

Follow This Expansive Adventure on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisexpansiveadventure/

Matt's book recommendation: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Read more about Oeschinensee (Lake Oeschinen), one of Fay's happy places.

Learn more about Wild Swimming, and Rayrigg Meadow, Fay's second most happy place.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to The Canvas and Its Impact

03:48

The Journey of Faye and Matt Doyle

08:16

The Expansive Adventure: From Blog to Community

14:26

Documentary Insights: From the Ground Up

20:44

The Importance of Space for Growth

26:50

Supporting Independent Businesses and Community

32:10

Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts

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In this engaging conversation, Ruth Rogers speaks with Sarah Weiler, a creative entrepreneur who has built a diverse portfolio career over the past decade.

Ruth invites Sarah to discuss her journey from starting Power of Uke to creating a community home, a 'Creative ResidentSEA' in Brighton.

The conversation explores the importance of following one's passion, the process of turning ideas into reality, and the significance of community in fostering creativity and well-being.

Sarah shares her insights on navigating change, the power of visualisation, and her aspirations for the future, emphasising the need for spaces where individuals can connect and thrive.

Chapters

05:44

From Idea to Reality: Power of Uke

07:40

Creating Safe Spaces for Creativity

09:57

The Journey to a New Home

12:24

Establishing a Creative Residency

15:33

The Importance of Community and Connection

18:23

Future Aspirations and Professional Goals

20:26

Advice for Aspiring Community Builders

22:57

The Role of Cafes in Community Building

22:57

Final Thoughts and Reflections

Follow Sarah on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sarahweilermusic

Sarah's Substack, 'Carousel': https://sarahweiler.substack.com/

Sarah's website: https://sarahweiler.com/

'A Decade in Drawings': https://sarah-weiler.medium.com/from-high-school-teacher-to-glasto-dj-comedian-and-uke-trepreneur-my-decade-in-drawings-220a6e82342

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Trigger warning: mentions of suicide at 25 mins.

This warm chat between Ruth Rogers and Karen Stenning, a social impact events organiser who works in sustainable and ethical fields such as female investment, social enterprise and the environment.

What links these two business women is The Canvas, a cafe and community space run by Ruth Rogers between 2014-2022. Karen's events business, Absolute Alchemy, developed at The Canvas and memories of her first event, The Summer of Change, are among many memories shared between the two friends.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to The Canvas and Its Impact

02:33

The Birth of Absolute Alchemy

04:51

The Summer of Change Festival

07:28

Challenges in the Impact Space

08:57

The Importance of Live Events

10:21

Diversity in Themes and Topics

12:22

Female Investment Journey and Mentorship

13:56

The Role of Community in Impact

15:48

Reflections on Personal Experiences

16:28

Conclusion and Future Aspirations

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Ruth Rogers and Louise Holstein discuss the inception and evolution of Mike's Table, a unique supper club that combines paying guests with invited guests from local charities.

Louise shares her personal journey of creating this initiative as a legacy for her late husband, Mike, emphasising the healing power of communal dining.

The chat covers the challenges and successes of the two-night concept, the impact of paying it forward, and the future aspirations for expanding the initiative beyond London, highlighting the importance of community engagement and the shared humanity that emerges from breaking down social barriers through food.

Chapters

00:00

Ruth Rogers' Introduction of Louise Holstein and Mike's Table

02:49

The Start of Mike's Table

03:32

The Concept of Mike's Table

08:04

Two Nights of Dining

12:44

Reaction of Guests to Paying It Forward

14:24

Regular Guests and Paying Customers

15:23

Direct Impact and Financial Aspect

17:03

The Clever Business Plan of Mike's Table

19:08

Keeping Things Simple: The Growth of Mike's Table

22:57

The Unchanging Concept of Mike's Table

26:22

From Pop-Up to Social Enterprise: The Expansion of Mike's Table

28:20

The Future Plans of Mike's Table: Introducing Our Table

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