Higher Love with Megan

In this episode, Nicola Duffell and I explore the profound and often misunderstood realm of grief, emphasising its role in personal and collective liberation. We discuss grief's wild, messy nature and how that frees us from conditioned needs for structure, control and neatness. We open up to grief in the collective sense, a grief for a world that is burning, fairytales we lived in before brutal initiations into stark realities, our connection to the earth, our lineages and to each other. We discuss how expanding our relationship with grief is essential for reimagining future possibility and can foster deeper humanity and healing.About Nicola: Nicola Duffell calls herself a Life Mentor, Grief + Soul Activist - Poet, Writer + Author. She sees herself as a grief worker, with journeying with grief at the heart of all she does as a space-holder and human.Key Topics:The societal misunderstanding of grief and its implicationsGrief as an ongoing apprenticeship and relational processThe role of storytelling and ritual in grief workThe concept of soul severance and the shattering of illusionsThe importance of collective grief and community supportDecolonizing grief and restoring cultural practicesThe gates of grief and their significanceThe relationship between grief, trauma, and systemic oppressionThe role of imagination and poetry in healing griefPractical ways to tend to grief in daily lifeChapters:00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Nicola Duffell02:20 Why grief is not just about loss of loved ones05:23 Society's misunderstanding and repression of grief08:25 The myth of grief being finite and 'getting over it'09:54 Grief in all aspects of life and its relational nature11:18 The sacredness of grief and the importance of community15:57 Collective grief in times of global crisis22:43 The shattering of illusions and worldviews26:21 The necessity of grief for liberation and reimagination36:57 The moments that punctuate our collective grief44:37 Healing the earth’s grief and the role of nature54:38 The link between unresolved grief and war55:31 Decolonial approaches to grief and cultural restoration01:00:21 The gates of grief and their significance01:04:10 The importance of truth and unearthing hidden grief01:07:36 The ongoing journey of grief and reimagining possibilitiesReferences:Nicola Duffell: https://www.nicoladuffell.com/Francis Weller: https://www.francisweller.net/Life's Poetry by Nicola Duffell: https://www.nicoladuffell.com/lifes-poetry-the-book

This week I welcome back the superb Keri Jarvis, who joined me for the episode "Disrupting the Wellness Industry" back in 2024. One of the wisest and most sensible people I have in my circle (as well as suitably radical and feisty - obviously) Keri shares her reflections on the ways we do and do not relate in today's world. Observing how many of the conditions and structures of our lives have rendered us relationally de-skilled, Keri and I explore possibility for communication, honesty, vulnerability, understanding and knowing ourselves and each other in a world which is increasingly polarised, divided and in short - a time of polycrisis!This is a must-listen episode for how we might actually create the environments and relational dynamics for what Keri calls, liveable futures TOGETHER.In this episode:- how systems of capitalism, supremacy and patriarchy have informed the way we interact with one another and in many respects deskilled us.- how mainstream ‘wellness culture’ or ‘Western psychology’ in some ways perpetuates some of these relational challenges, despite best intentions- how spaces of activism and social change can also mirror relational complexity and cycles of relational harmeimagining possibility for how we may be together in relational intimacy About Keri:Keri Jarvis is a Leftist Coach, Thought Partner & Community Activist supporting people to navigate the relational complexity of the polycrisis.Keri is deeply interested in how we’ve been relationally de-skilled, and disciplined into seeing ourselves and one another as separate cogs in a machine within Last Stage Capitalism. Her work supports people to develop more agile relationships with themselves, fertilising the possibility of generative, resilient relational dynamics. She believes the portals to liveable futures can be entered through our relationships- if only we can bear to be perceived.To contact Keri: https://www.kerijarvis.com/Key Topics:Relational de-skilling under capitalismThe paradox of intimacy and estrangementImpact of wellness culture on relationshipsStrategies for relational courage and vulnerabilityReimagining community through radical engagementThe role of boundaries and grey areas in connectionThe importance of compassion and self-awarenessActivism and relational work in social changeChapters:00:00 Introduction and guest background02:10 The relational paradox: desire for intimacy vs. fear of being known05:01 Impact of capitalism and social systems on relational skills09:02 The influence of wellness culture and individualism15:02 Reimagining community through radical engagement19:53 The importance of relational complexity and uncertainty24:48 The role of boundaries and self-awareness in relationships30:10 Practicing honesty and vulnerability in social change35:05 The power of small acts of kindness and connection39:56 Developing courage and compassion in activism45:02 The potential of strangers and everyday interactions49:56 Self-compassion and growth through relational challenges01:00:07 Course announcement and closing remarksResources:Radical Intimacy by Sophie K. RosaExperiments in Imagining Otherwise by Lola OlufemiThe Second Body by Daisy HilgardGeorge Monbiot at The GuardianParable of the Sower by Octavia ButlerLove in a Fucked Up World by Dean SpadeCollaborating with the Enemy by Adam KahaneEveryday Habits for Transforming Systems: The Catalytic Power of Radical Engagement with Adam KahaneThe Portal e-learning platform: https://collective.jointheportal.com/about-the-portal-collectiveIf you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a 5* review or take a moment to review the show - this makes a massive difference in helping more people find the conversations. Thank you for tuning in!

We're back! How better to arrive back than bring you the conversation I had the pleasure and honour of moderating in person back in May at Palestine House organised by the Galilee Foundation as part of a week-long series of events to commemorate the anniversary of the Nakba.This conversation was between the celebrated voices of solidarity, Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos and Palestinian Nakba survivor Antoine Raffoul. Stephen and Antoine are two survivors from different tragedies but united in their similar experiences of catastrophe. Together they share common stories of resilience, hope and resistance. This conversation highlights their lived experiences, reflections on justice, and visions for rebuilding Palestine through their shared lenses as architects. This event also illustrates the importance of storytelling as a form of resistance. Antoine and Stephen remind us that hope, coordination, and international solidarity are essential in confronting ongoing injustices. Their stories underscore that history may repeat, but collective action can lead to meaningful change.At the event we also saw the debut screening of SURVIVORS - a documentary chronicling the lives of Stephen and Antoine brought to us by award-winning film-makers Think, Make, Create founded by Jacqui Beaumont and Andrea Kapos, Stephen's daughter. WATCH THIS TEASER NOW!Please consider a donation to the Galilee Foundation and or the crowdfunder set up to bring SURVIVORS to our screens worldwide! All links below:The Galilee Foundation: https://www.galileefoundation.org.uk/Think Make Create: https://thinkmakecreate.com/SURVIVORS Documentary Official Teaser: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=69D-zrUipmwSURVIVORS Crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/survivors-campaign#The New Arab article: https://www.newarab.com/features/two-survivors-one-struggle-holocaust-nakba-and-gaza

In Part 2 of this two-part episode "Meet the Angry Young Women" Megan and Dr Phoebe o'Brien @tenshioppai address the article of the same title in The New Statesman in which they and a handful of British women were misrepresented and manufactured into what the journalist branded 'The Femosphere'. Megan and Phoebe continue to address the missing realities and contexts behind the words and look at the raw polling data to draw differing conclusions.Chapters00:00 Recap from Part 102:23 The Intersectionality of Feminism and Activism03:31 Art and Performance: A Feminist Perspective05:35 Chronic Pain and Feminism: A Personal Narrative07:02 The Intersection of Gender and Systemic Issues08:44 Medical Misogyny and Women's Health09:37 Misrepresentation of Women's Experiences10:15 The Impact of War on Activism14:09 Gender Dynamics in Activism14:09 Radicalization Through Global Events16:31 Emotional Responses to Conflict18:07 The Value of Life and Gendered Perspectives22:40 Political Alignment in Relationships26:06 The Role of Data in Understanding Relationships26:59 The Importance of Shared Values in Relationships29:02 Privilege and Political Alignment30:57 Understanding Political Views and Relationships32:42 The Impact of Capitalism on Family Planning34:33 Reproductive Autonomy and Economic Independence37:02 Social Reproductive Labor and Gender Expectations39:15 The Need for Alternative Family Structures41:33 Perceptions of Privilege and Fear in Relationships45:41 The Role of Advocacy and Activism in Women's Lives49:54 The Power of Women in Social JusticeIf you enjoy the conversation, please consider rating the show or leaving a review. Share with anyone else who would appreciate the conversation and see you soon!

In this episode, Megan Cooper and Dr. Phoebe O'Brien @tenshioppai critically analyse the recent article in The New Statesman entitled 'Meet the Angry Young Women' in which they, and a handful of other British women, were misrepresented and had their work repackaged to manufacture a 'Femosphere'. Together, they trawl the article offering rebuttal and clarity, comb through the raw data and discuss perspectives on gender politics and media portrayal. Key Themes:Media misrepresentation of womenAnalysis of polling data and its biasesSystemic roots of capitalism and patriarchyChapters:00:00 Introduction 06:10 Context of the 'Angry Young Women' Article11:16 Exploring the Article's Claims15:26 Conflating Feminism with Extremism19:22 Capitalism and Women's Autonomy25:07 Understanding Capitalism and Its Impact on Women26:13 The Rise of Pro-Socialist Sentiment Among Youth27:20 Misrepresentation of Feminist Voices in Media28:43 The Complexity of Women's Experiences and Trauma31:34 Data Insights on Gender Relations and Safety34:06 Navigating Patriarchy: Women's Perspectives38:11 The Role of Protests in Social Change43:03 The Intersectionality of Feminism and ActivismPart 2 will follow soon!

In this insightful interview, David Chambers shares his journey from a wild, adventurous life to becoming a men's coach focused on emotional connection, masculinity, and relationship health. He discusses societal narratives around masculinity, the impact of the man box, and practical ways men can evolve to create deeper, more authentic relationships.About David:David is a dating, relationships & intimacy coach for men. After growing up in a single-parent, female-dominated home with no male role model in his life, David struggled to understand what masculinity and a healthy romantic relationship entailed. After spending most of his 20s in meaningless dynamics and avoiding commitment. He went on a personal journey towards authenticity, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, purpose, harnessing his sexual energy, vulnerability, presence, openness, and honesty. Through this learning, he was able to break free from gender stereotypes and societal expectations of what a ‘real’ man should be to become his true and authentic self.  He is now in a loving partnership with a son and supports other men to find more fulfilment in dating, love and relationship.Key Themes:Societal narratives around masculinity and the man boxThe impact of childhood imprints and societal conditioningThe role of vulnerability and emotional expression in men's livesPractical steps for men to develop self-awareness and emotional intelligenceThe influence of the Manosphere and alternative narratives on men's perceptionsChapters:00:00 Introduction to David Chambers02:15 David's Journey into Coaching05:58 The Impact of Breakups on Personal Growth11:28 Understanding Masculinity and Relationship Patterns15:58 Avoidance and Emotional Challenges in Men20:59 The Man Box and Its Effects on Men26:11 Navigating the Manosphere and Finding Authenticity30:19 Bridging the Gap: From 'I'm Fine' to Self-Awareness31:36 Unpacking Emotional Catharsis35:14 The Challenge of Personal Growth in Relationships40:26 Navigating Masculinity in Modern Society47:56 Confronting Societal Issues: Violence Against Women54:51 Finding Hope Amidst ChaosTo connect with David:Instagram - @theauthenticmanWebsite - https://www.theauthenticman.net/YouTube -  ⁨@TheAuthenticMan⁩ 

This week on The Higher Love with Megan Podcast, we’re doing something a little different.Instead of one full guest conversation, this episode is a special compilation — a collection of snippets from recent podcast episodes, all centred around one simple but very important question: What brings you hope at this time?Because let’s be honest… the world is A LOT right now and when you're paying attention, hope can be hard to hold onto.This episode is a gentle offering — a reminder that hope doesn’t have to be loud or perfect to matter. Sometimes it lives in community, in truth-telling, in resistance, in young people, in imagination, and in the small everyday things that keep us connected to our humanity.You’ll hear reflections from my guests so far in 2026, a mix of educators, activists, storytellers, and change-makers — each sharing what’s helping them stay grounded, open, and connected in these times.Chapters:00:00 Introduction04:17 Zack Alexander – spiritual guide supporting deeper connection and meaning08:15 Lewis Wedlock – masculinities educator working with young people in schools11:13 Andrew “Bernie” Bernard – educator exploring healthy masculinities in schools15:32 Mindset with Muhammad – decolonial storyteller and educator challenging dominant narratives20:18 Leah Kim – storyteller and writer exploring identity, motherhood, and truth-telling23:39 Viv Grant – founder of Integrity Coaching, supporting school leaders and equity in education24:42 Kaia Allen-Bevan – activist and founder of Youth The Gap, amplifying youth voice and social change26:36 OutroKey Themes: - Hope in difficult times- Community, resistance, and collective care- Young people, change, and possibility- The role of truth-telling and imagination- What keeps us connected to humanityAs you listen, you might also ask yourself: What brings ME hope at this time?If this episode resonates, I’d love for you to share it with someone who might need it.And if you’ve been enjoying the podcast, leaving a rating, review, or recommendation really helps more people find these conversations and supports the show more than you probably realise.

In this episode, I am joined by the brilliant Leah Kim who shares her deeply personal journey through motherhood, racial identity, and mental health, exploring systemic challenges and pathways to liberation. This conversation offers profound insights into maternal mental health, racial identity, and collective healing.About Leah:Leah 수진 Kim is a storyteller, consultant, podcaster, community organizer, and advocate for intersectional justice. A former yoga teacher and Nike's Global Yoga Ambassador for a decade, she is now an author and offers 1:1 editorial support for fellow writers. On the Voices on the Side and Cha with Laura and Leah podcasts, Leah hosts conversations with people of the global majority who inspire her with their advocacy, activism, and stories of resistance and resilience. Her first book — Mom, Unfiltered — will be published in April 2026. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, son, daughter, and doodle.Key Themes:Maternal mental health and its impact on childrenThe systemic erasure of non-white maternal experiencesThe journey of self-acceptance and identity post-motherhoodThe role of community and collective healing in maternal well-beingChapters:00:00 Introduction and Context of Motherhood02:33 The Premise of 'Mum Unfiltered'05:58 The Journey to Writing the Book09:19 Filling the Void in Motherhood Literature13:30 Personal Identity and Motherhood19:14 The Impact of Trauma on Self-Perception24:39 The Complexity of Women's Experiences29:38 The Pressure to Erase Motherhood Challenges33:17 Confronting Inner Turmoil36:33 The Search for Identity in Motherhood39:52 Racial Identity and Belonging43:22 The Journey of Self-Acceptance50:15 Hope and Community in Motherhood57:44 Healing Beyond the SelfResources:Leah Kim's Website - https://leahkim.orgBook: Mum Unfiltered - https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/mom-unfiltered-9798881842437/To connect with Megan:www.higher-love.comIG: @higherlove_withmeganLike, comment, share with anyone who would benefit from the episode and if you enjoyed the conversation leave a 5* rating or review of the show.

Storyteller, decoloniser and miseducator, Muhammad draws upon his background in NHS therapies, his skills as a teacher and love of humour and satire to create entertaining but impactful content on our political landscape and current affairs.Together we explore themes of unlearning and the importance of engagement in the face of societal challenges. Muhammad shares his journey from educator to miseducator, emphasising the need to amplify marginalised voices and challenge dominant narratives. We discuss the intersection of mindset, well-being, and politics, highlighting too the role of humour in coping with confronting realities.We also address the pushback faced by those being visible and vocal, finding balance amidst being informed and the importance of building community to foster resilience and hope.Takeaways:- Storytelling is a powerful tool for change.- Unlearning is essential to understanding complex issues.- Mindset should focus on collective well-being, not just individualism.- Humour can be a form of resistance against oppressive narratives.- Facing pushback is part of the solidarity journey.- Community support is vital for sustaining action.- Children's perspectives can inspire hope and change.- Solidarity requires courage and a willingness to speak out.- Education should encourage critical thinking and empathy.- Finding joy and connection within activism is crucial.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Muhammad03:32 The Journey of Unlearning and Relearning06:25 Experiencing Palestine: A Personal Awakening08:47 The Power of Storytelling and Solidarity10:59 Mindset and Well-Being: A Cultural Perspective13:40 The Interrelation of Politics and Personal Well-Being15:46 Language, Politics, and the Power of Words18:01 Finding Humour in Challenging Times25:45 The Power of Humour in Activism27:53 Facing Pushback and Threats33:26 Finding Confidence and Speaking Out39:34 Balancing Activism and Self-Care46:19 Hope Through Education and CommunityAbout Muhammad:Storyteller, disruptor and miseducator whose videos "might make you laugh, think or regret following me" Muhammad draws upon his background in NHS therapies and his skills as a teacher to make political satire and informed commentary on the times through which we are living. As a father, he is committed to being a small part of the great ecosystem of change to ensure a better world for the next generation. He holds an expansive view of mindset, seeing it as not an individual experience but interconnected with community and the collective experience. As a Muslim man, he refuses to let his story be told for him in today's climate and is dedicated to challenging narratives and mainstream narratives especially in solidarity with communities experiencing oppression or marginalisation.IG: @mindsetwithmuhammadTo get in touch with Megan:www.higher-love.comIG: @higherlove_withmeganIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a 5* rating or review. Subscribe or follow on the platform on which you are watching and share with those who would benefit from the conversation.

In this conversation, I am joined by Andrew 'Bernie' Bernard to explore the complexities of masculinity beyond the 'man box' and address the crisis of violence against women and girls. Bernie has spent the past decades educating teens about gendered inequality and coercive control recognising the importance of education in shaping healthier relationships. Together, we discuss the societal pressures on young men, the role of social and mainstream media in influencing perceptions and the stumbling blocks - centred around what Bernie describes as manufactured male victimhood - that often derail these crucial conversations. Bernie shares personal experiences and insights on how to empower the next generation to challenge harmful narratives and embrace empathy and understanding. This is an essential listen and a complementary episode to Lewis Wedlock on Feminism, Embracing Discomfort and Fostering Brave Spaces.About Bernie:Andrew `Bernie` Bernard is an entrepreneur, a TEDx Speaker, and facilitator who over the past couple of decades has worked with schools, businesses, charities, universities and colleges. He runs signature workshops including 'What Makes a Man/(Hu)Man', 'Sarah's Legacy / Domestic Violence', 'Look What you Made Me Do: Coercive Control Insights' and 'Life by the Balls'. As of December 2025, Bernie has spoken to over 70,000 young people about masculinity, coercive control and domestic abuse.W:  innovativeenterprise.co.ukV:  https://vimeo.com/156256349 Tw / X / IG:  @_WhatMakesAMan_References:Liz Plank - For the Love of MenFlorence Knapp - The NamesMelanie Brown - Brutally HonestAndrew Bernard - The Ladder: Supporting students towards successful futures and confident career choicesBernie is currently editing his forthcoming book 'Masculinity, Relationships and Respect in Schools' a guide to discussing sexism, misogyny and 'toxic' / dominance-based masculinity in educational settings.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Connection03:15 Understanding Masculinity and the Man Box04:44 The Impact of Hyper-Masculinity07:25 The Role of Men in Addressing Violence Against Women08:39 Personal Experiences and Their Influence on Advocacy10:00 The Importance of Education in Relationships12:07 Coercive Control and Its Effects on Young People14:30 The Need for Critical Conversations in Schools17:15 Challenging Misconceptions About Feminism19:49 Empathy and Understanding in Education22:14 Empathy and Gendered Experiences in Public Spaces24:00 The Normalization of Women's Safety Concerns26:10 The Role of Social Media in Gender Dynamics28:20 Media Representation of Violence Against Women31:50 Understanding Violence as a Men's Issue34:18 The Complexity of Coercive Control39:01 Personal Impact of Violence and Societal Awareness39:27 Understanding Coercive Control43:16 The Ecosystem of Male Victimhood50:43 Navigating Hope and Empowerment54:41 The Journey of Self-Discovery