The Emergence Room

In this episode of The Emergence Room, we continue our exploration of the things that won’t leave us – the inner threads, patterns, and experiences that quietly shape the way we move through life.

This time, Eveline van den Heuvel steps into the guest seat. Recorded outside on the Noordwijk dunes – birds, planes, and Jess the dog digging holes included – the conversation unfolds as a spacious dialogue between her and Rob.

For Eveline, the “thing that won’t leave” is, paradoxically, a habit of letting go. A restless curiosity that draws her fully into new ideas, philosophies, and ways of living – and then, one by one, dismantles the very structures she’s reached for. From nearly 50 homes by her mid-forties, to a winding path through neuroscience, meditation, and the edges of consciousness, hers is a life lived at the boundary of what is known.

But beneath the restlessness, something has always stayed: a quiet, unwavering inner voice. A trust in being caught, no matter what falls away.

Together, we explore the dance between external and internal structures, the limiting beliefs we quietly live up to, and the shy inner voice that speaks in whispers when we slow down enough to listen. The conversation closes with a simple invitation: ask yourself, what would I really love?

Chapters in this episode

00:00 Two Realities of Life

01:41 Curiosity That Unpicks

07:41 Breaking Past Boundaries

09:24 Diagnoses and Limiting Beliefs

12:28 Fear of Letting Go

15:35 The Inner Unwavering Voice

19:44 Achilles Heel of Independence

25:06 Practices to Listen Within

30:46 Closing from the Dunes

Resources mentioned in this podcast episode or related to this theme:

* William Whitecloud and his book ‘Secrets of Natural Success’

* Episode of ‘Know Thyself’ podcast with Donald Hoffman

* Book ‘Tomorrow I was Always a Lion’

* Conversation on Intuition by Eveline on Radio44FM Australia:

Our hosts

You can find more information on Eveline and her intuition work here:

https://space2think.org/intuition

https://inspired-action-bureau.lovable.app/

You can find more information on Rob:

https://space2think.org/

linkedin.com/in/robhusband

In this episode of The Emergence Room, we continue our exploration of the things that don’t leave us – the inner forces, patterns, and experiences that stay with us and shape the way we move through life.

This time, we’re joined by Solomon, a mental fitness trainer, coach, and co-founder of the Changemaker Collective.

In a slightly different format, this conversation unfolds as a spacious and reflective dialogue, allowing Solomon to take us into both his personal story and the foundations of his work.

While in other episodes “the thing that doesn’t leave” might be a passion, a value, or a calling, in this conversation it takes the form of a story — one that began in adolescence and quietly shaped Solomon’s inner world for years.

Together, we explore how such inner narratives are formed, how they can both drive and limit us, and what it means to begin relating to them differently.

Chapters in this episode

00:00 Welcome

01:35 Meet Solomon and His Work

04:47 The Stories That Don’t Leave Us

06:01 The Incompetence Story

11:20 Solomon’s Path to Mental Fitness

13:52 The Catch and Celebrate Tool

18:23 Strengths and Self Compassion

23:05 Being Human

Our speaker

Solomon Mehta-Slade

https://substack.com/@altacademy

Our hosts

You can find more information on Rob:

https://space2think.org/

linkedin.com/in/robhusband

You can find more information on Eveline:

www.inwardcreations.com

linkedin.com/in/ehmvandenheuvel

In the opening episode of Series Three of The Emergence Room, we explore the “things that won’t leave us” – the intrinsic threads that quietly shape our lives over time. Rob reflects on pivotal moments from his journey, from hitchhiking revelations to a lifelong commitment to creating spaces for meaningful dialogue. Along the way, we examine the dynamic interplay between our inner drives and the forces that shape us from the outside, touching on themes of rage, creativity, and the courage it takes to use one’s voice.

Chapters in this episode

00:00 Introduction to Series 3

05:43 The Hitchhiking Revelation

07:32 Justice, Love, and Rage

11:30 The Power of Voice and Storytelling

20:24 Creativity and Personal Expression

30:51 The Importance of Safe Spaces

38:51 Final Reflections and Invitation

40:56 Poem: Soon I Will Leave

Our hosts

You can find more information on Rob:

https://space2think.org/

linkedin.com/in/robhusband

The poetry book “Moving Parts” by Rob Husband is now available on Amazon UK:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moving-Parts-Rob-Husband/dp/1836710925/

Rob’s latest music release “Moving Parts” is now available on Spotify:

You can find more information on Eveline:

www.inwardcreations.com

linkedin.com/in/ehmvandenheuvel

In this special episode, we bid farewell to our dear friend and previous podcast guest, Philip Roderick, who died recently.

We revisit cherished moments from our last podcast conversation with him – his love for nature, the teachings of living with Parkinson’s, and his deep curiosity about the dance between joy and sorrow.

The episode also features Philip’s own Hang drum music, along with a farewell poem written in his memory.

Chapters in this episode

00:00 Introduction and Tribute to Philip Roderick

01:24 Philip’s Love for Nature

03:21 Reflections on Learning and Teaching

09:43 Creativity and Spirituality

12:46 Living with Parkinson’s

18:03 Final Reflections and Poem

In this last episode of our series on the Myth of Progress, we explore the concept of progress through the lens of a parable about a fisherman and a businessman, setting the stage for a deeper reflection on what it means to advance in life. We will also hear from two anonymous listeners, questioning whether the pursuit of progress always leads to fulfillment.

The conversation delves into the distinction between "being" and "doing," examining how our drive for achievement is often rooted in a sense of dissatisfaction and the neurological interplay between pain and pleasure.

The episode concludes by challenging the audience to consider their own motivations for progress, the impact of technology and routine on human experience, and the importance of self-awareness in shaping a meaningful life. Through stories, philosophical musings, and poetry, the episode invites listeners to reflect on when they are the "businessman" and when they are the "fisherman" in their own lives.

Chapters in this episode

00:00 The Fisherman's Tale

03:04 First Anonymous Reflection

04:52 Second Anonymous Reflection

07:10 Being vs Doing

11:19 The Pain-Pleasure Balance

15:27 Simplicity and Complexity

19:40 Concluding Reflections on this Series about the Myth of Progress

20:40 Poem by Rob Husband

External References

* Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke: https://www.annalembke.com/dopamine-nation

* Referenced Know Thyself podcast episode with Anna Lembke: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1UJOqn1NYk9YgsIT3RFaui?si=okKMjkB-TD6RrHcRYcNvNw

* The Way Home by Mark Boyle: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42515426-the-way-home

* David Whyte on Routines, in his Consolations II Book: https://davidwhyte.substack.com/p/routine-eb1

This episode centers around a profound conversation with Skeena Rathor, a political activist and co-founder of Extinction Rebellion. The dialogue delves into the hidden depths of individuals we meet daily, the importance of acknowledging our ancestries, and the journey to fully arriving in relationships. Skeena shares insights into community, cultural connections, and how true progress is about fostering environments where life flourishes. The episode challenges listeners to rethink how they define and introduce themselves, emphasizing relational integrity and the heart's capacity to hold the world.

Chapters in this episode

00:00 Introduction: Reflecting on Strangers and Conversations

02:23 Skeena's Introduction and Ancestral Invocation

02:36 Political Activism and Spiritual Journey

03:37 The Power of Ancestry and Relational Conversations

05:22 Challenging Cultural Assumptions in Conversations

10:18 The Importance of Arrival and Safety in Relationships

19:36 Rematriation and Cosmologies

25:30 Concluding Reflections and Poem by Rob Husband

If you want to listen to the full unedited conversation with Skeena, head over to our Substack and subscribe to our premium plan.

Our speaker

Skeena Rathor

* Instagram link to ‘Water is Love’ Film: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHn2RiTJYEE/?hl=en

* Interview with Skeena on the Human Potential Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6CsJIYgBalWlf0TytZOo6E

* Interview with Jonathan Weekes from Sacred Earth Activism: SEA Conference - Skeena Rathor: Co-liberation in the Change Movement

* Article by Skeena on Jem Bendell’s website:

https://jembendell.com/2025/03/22/water-is-love-restoring-an-ecological-approach-to-climate-change-and-beyond/

External references

* Extinction Rebellion Website: Extinction Rebellion

* Our Substack: https://substack.com/@robhusbandevelinevdh

In this episode of 'On Being Human,' Eveline and Rob delve deep into the concept of progress with guest Sue. They challenge traditional views, drawing parallels with nature and life experiences. Sue shares her perspective on internal and external growth, using personal anecdotes from her Arctic expeditions and leadership coaching. The conversation also touches on the importance of finding joy in the present moment and the hidden growth that happens beneath the surface. Two poems, 'The Patience of Ordinary Things' by Pat Schneider and 'The Gardener' by Mary Oliver, serve as reflective pieces, encouraging listeners to reconsider their relationship with progress and find contentment in simple, everyday experiences.

Chapters in this episode

00:00 Introduction

00:34 Welcome to On Being Human Podcast

01:41 Exploring the Myth of Progress

04:51 Decoupling Internal and External Progress

05:41 Controlling the Controllable

06:11 The Psychological Splasher Analogy

07:54 Navigating Tensions and Individuality

11:31 Evolution, Growth, and Personal Development

20:21 Leadership and Growth Perspectives

23:00 Sue's Self-Introduction and Curiosity

24:50 Poetry and Reflection

34:30 Final Thoughts and Experiment

Our speaker

You can find more information about Sue Stockdale at:

* Sue’s website: https://suestockdale.com

* Transformation Begins in the Mind | Sue Stockdale | TEDxRoyalHolloway: https://youtu.be/HZGkfLf66as

* Sue’s Access to Inspiration Podcast: https://accesstoinspiration.org/

* “Explore: A Life of Adventure” by Sue Stockdale: https://www.amazon.nl/-/en/Sue-Stockdale/dp/1909771325

External references

If you want to learn more about the work referenced in our conversation:

* The Johari Window: https://www.communicationtheory.org/the-johari-window-model/

* The Patience of Ordinary Things, Pat Schneider: https://www.yourdailypoem.com/listpoem.jsp?poem_id=311

* The Gardener, Mary Oliver: https://tellingthetruth1993.com/2022/04/25/the-gardener-mary-oliver/

In this episode of the On Being Human podcast, we talk with Adie, a former senior leader in education, about his transition from a career driven by progress to a life focused on creativity and joy. We delve into the concept of the 'myth of progress,' discussing how societal and personal metrics often detract from experiencing life fully. Adie shares his journey of reclaiming his creative passions and the challenges and reflections that came with stepping away from a conventional career. The conversation explores the value of integrating play and creativity into adult lives and how current systems of measurement, especially in education, may need reevaluation to allow for more meaningful experiences. The episode concludes with thought-provoking prompts for listeners to assess their own metrics and values in life.

Chapters in this episode

00:00 Introduction to Playfulness and Progress

01:36 Margaret Wheatley's Perspective on Progress

03:09 Personal Reflections on Progress

04:40 The Balance of Creativity and Ambition

07:13 Transitioning from Career to Life Path

10:11 The Joy of Creativity and Playfulness

21:17 Challenging the Obsession with Growth

23:27 Who is Adie?

26:59 Reflections and Conclusion

39:18 Final Thoughts and Experiment

41:05 Recap of our Couch Session with Adie

Our speaker

You can find more information about Adie and his music at: 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BSKUyxC1q/

https://www.facebook.com/adiebmuso/

External references

If you want to learn more about the works referenced in our conversations please visit the following links:  

* Margaret Wheatley: Who Do We Choose to Be? https://margaretwheatley.com/books/who-do-we-choose-to-be/

* Charles Eisenstein: The Illusion of Progress

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVsh9Z4WxlI

Episode 2 of Series 2 of the OnBeingHuman Podcast explores the concept of progress and challenges the traditional view of it. Mariah emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and understanding one's triggers to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. From within her own deep exploration of her own burn-out, Mariah presents the idea that progress is about being fully present with ourselves and making space for those parts that we might find hard to look at. The speakers challenge the idea that progress isn't about constant upward growth but about knowing when systems need to change or end to make space for new ideas. Mariah’s personal anecdotes from a career with Doctors Without Borders and founding a business, Yoni, illustrate the theme that true change comes from self-acceptance and compassion, rather than focusing solely on end goals and consumerism.

Chapters in this episode

00:00 Challenging the Myth of Progress

02:28 Exploring Personal Views on Progress

05:16 Internal vs External Progress

10:11 Business Perspectives on Progress

17:44 Personal Journey and Burnout

20:20 Reflections on Self-Development and Goals

Our speaker

You can find more information about Mariah Mansvelt-Beck at:

https://yoni.care/our-story/

https://youtu.be/WyZjuIchMUw?si=V0oRgVWmKCj2-X67

TEDX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWCTQoF3mdA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariah-mansvelt-beck-64212a7/

External references

If you want to learn more about the work referenced in our conversations please visit the following links:  

* Margaret Wheatley: Who Do We Choose to Be? https://margaretwheatley.com/books/who-do-we-choose-to-be/

* The Paradoxical Theory of Change: https://gestalt.org/arnie.htm

In this opening episode of Series Two of the On Being Human podcast, we dive into the "myth of progress"—the deeply ingrained belief in constant growth, improvement, and forward motion. Our hosts Rob and Eveline reflect on how this narrative shapes our personal lives, businesses, and communities, often at odds with the natural world's cyclical rhythms. Drawing on Margaret Wheatley's thought-provoking book ‘Who Do We Choose to Be?’, they challenge the assumption that progress is inherently positive or inevitable. This conversation examines individual and collective ideas of growth, success, and meaning, inviting listeners to consider whether peace and fulfillment might lie in embracing cycles of rest, decline, and renewal.

Chapters in this episode

00:00 Introduction to the Myth of Progress

02:04 Challenging the Growth Narrative

04:35 Personal Development vs. World Improvement

06:39 Existential Reflections on Progress

09:18 The Role of Technology and Civilization

19:00 Rethinking Death and Dying

21:19 Conclusion and an Outlook of Series 2

Our hosts

You can find more information on Rob:

https://space2think.org/

linkedin.com/in/robhusband

You can find more information on Eveline:

www.inwardcreations.com

linkedin.com/in/ehmvandenheuvel

External references

If you want to learn more about the work referenced in our conversations please visit the following link:

* Margaret Wheatley: Who Do We Choose to Be? https://margaretwheatley.com/books/who-do-we-choose-to-be/