What if the changes we're experiencing in our world are connected to a much deeper transformation in how we understand ourselves, our relationship with one another, and our place in the living world?

In this episode of Conversations for Change, Becky welcomes Graham Skidmore back for an expansive conversation about personal awakening, reclaiming our sovereignty, and the possibility of creating a very different kind of future.

Beginning with their shared experiences of growing up as highly sensitive children in a culture that often misunderstood them, Becky and Graham explore how early conditioning shapes our beliefs about who we are—and how the crises we encounter later in life can become catalysts for profound transformation.

They reflect on the healing power of changing our inner dialogue, the importance of supportive relationships, and what happens when we stop looking outside ourselves for permission to become who we truly are.

The conversation then expands into Graham's perspective on humanity's larger journey. Drawing on his spiritual experiences and understanding of collective consciousness, he shares his vision of a transition from systems based on control, conformity, and competition toward greater cooperation, personal sovereignty, and a more harmonious relationship with the Earth.

Together, Becky and Graham explore the limitations of systems that prioritize uniformity over individuality, the importance of questioning inherited assumptions about health, education, and human potential, and why meaningful change requires more than simply dismantling what no longer works.

It also requires imagining—and beginning to create—something better.

Throughout their discussion, a central question emerges:

What becomes possible when we stop defining ourselves by the limitations we've inherited and begin taking responsibility for the lives and world we want to create?

An invitation to explore different perspectives, question familiar narratives, and consider how the transformation of our inner world might contribute to a more conscious and compassionate future.

Topics explored

• Highly sensitive people and childhood conditioning
• Crisis as a catalyst for personal transformation
• Healing old narratives and changing our inner dialogue
• Relationships, authenticity, and self-worth
• Reclaiming personal authority and sovereignty
• Consciousness and spiritual awakening
• Graham's vision of justice through restoration
• Collective consciousness and changing social systems
• Questioning assumptions about health and healing
• Neurodiversity, education, and human potential
• Creating systems that honor individuality
• Moving from control and conformity toward cooperation
• Restoring our relationship with the living Earth
• Personal responsibility and conscious participation

What if two simple words could change the way we communicate, the way we see ourselves, and even the possibilities we create together?

In this episode of Conversations for Change, Becky welcomes Taryn van Schalkwyk back for a fascinating exploration of “Yes, And”—a foundational principle of improvisational theater that offers a surprisingly powerful approach to everyday life.

In improv, “Yes, And” means accepting what another person brings to the scene and building upon it rather than shutting it down. But as Taryn explains, this practice reaches far beyond the stage.

What happens when we replace our habitual “No, but” with curiosity? When we listen to understand rather than respond? When we make room for someone else's perspective without needing to agree with everything they believe?

Drawing on her experience as an improv performer, workshop facilitator, and director, Taryn shares practical exercises that help people rediscover their creativity, embrace imperfection, and become more comfortable with the unexpected—including the wonderfully liberating practice of doing a failure dance!

Together, Becky and Taryn explore how the same principles can transform our relationships with children, our conversations with others, and perhaps most importantly, the conversations we have with ourselves.

As their discussion unfolds, it becomes an exploration of something even deeper: how we release the need for control, reconnect with our natural capacity for joy, and learn to approach life's uncertainties with greater openness and trust.

And what might become possible if we brought that same spirit of curiosity, acceptance, and cooperation into our communities and the wider world?

Because changing the conversation isn't just about finding better words.

It's about creating the space for something new to emerge.

Topics explored

• The power of “Yes, And” in improv and everyday life
• Moving from defensiveness to curiosity
• Listening without judgment
• The difference between acceptance and agreement
• Letting go of perfectionism and the fear of failure
• The liberating practice of the failure dance
• Parenting, children, and honoring individuality
• Reconnecting with childlike joy and creativity
• Self-awareness and the conversations we have with ourselves
• Releasing control and embracing uncertainty
• Finding inner peace in a chaotic world
• Transforming relationships through conscious communication
• Creating cooperation, connection, and new possibilities

For more information on Keith Johnstone, pioneer and founder of modern improvisational theatre, please visit this link:

https://www.keithjohnstone.com/

What if some of the deepest healing we experience comes not from trying to change anything, but simply from being fully present to the extraordinary beauty of life?

In this reflective solo episode of Conversations for Change, Becky takes us along on early autumn mornings on the river, where moonlight filters through the fog, Orion shines overhead, and the natural world awakens around her.

From playful otters and diving seals to brilliant sunrises, abundant gardens, and the gentle turning of the seasons, she shares the wonder of being immersed in a living world that continually invites us back into gratitude, joy, and connection.

But this is more than a reflection on the healing power of nature. It's also a celebration of the moments we share with one another—the laughter, conversations, memories, and simple pleasures that make a life feel rich beyond measure.

As the seasons change and familiar moments slip into memory, Becky reflects on the preciousness of a world where nothing stays the same, and where that very impermanence makes our time together all the more beautiful.

Perhaps we don't always need to search for something more.

Sometimes the greatest gift is simply remembering how extraordinary it is to be here.

Topics explored

• The healing power of nature
• Presence, wonder, and gratitude
• Autumn mornings on the river
• The beauty of the changing seasons
• Our connection to the living Earth
• Joy in ordinary moments
• Family, grandchildren, and shared experiences
• Nature as a source of inner renewal
• Impermanence and the preciousness of life
• Remembering what truly matters