140. Flourishing: Embracing Decay, Accepting Otherness & Loving Under Patriarchy / Rachel Donald

In Conversation with Nathalie Nahai

Today I’m in conversation with Rachel Donald, an investigative journalist and activist dedicated to uncovering the root causes of global crises and advocating for change.

With a background in managing international teams and teaching media and journalism at French universities, Rachel’s work focuses on what she terms "climate corruption"—the exploitation of natural resources at the expense of the environment and marginalised communities.

Driven by a passion for climate advocacy, combating corruption, and storytelling, Rachel is perhaps best-known for her compelling podcast ‘Planet Critical’, a powerful series that explores pressing issues surrounding global energy, economics, and ecology.

Her work and writing have featured in major publications, often serving to illuminate the gaslighting tactics that sustain exploitative systems, and her articles serve to connect the dots into a broader, more complex and complete narrative.

A sought-after speaker at conferences, Rachel is currently authoring her debut book on the theme of violence, drawing from her extensive experience in print, online, and radio journalism.

This episode has been a while in the making, but I’m really delighted to be able to share this conversation with you today. And if you’d like to find out more about Rachel’s work, check out her podcast and writing, the links for which are in the shownotes below.

SUMMARY

In this episode of In Conversation, we explore the concept of flourishing and the risks and opportunities facing us in the world today. From eco-fascism, authoritarianism, and the dangers of unregulated AI, to decreasing crop yields and mass migration, we discuss the need for adaptation and resilience in the face of a rapidly changing world.

We also shed light on the green shoots of change, including the use of social media for radical information sharing ,the embrace of local economies and sustainable practices, and the need for social friction and curiosity in order to create connections and foster hope.

Rachel raises some thoughtful, provocative challenges to the ways in which we love one another under patriarchy, and unpacks the lack of language and understanding around love. We also explore the importance of understanding where traditions and societal norms come from and how we might better understand and align our actions with the values we hold dear.

KEY THEMES

• The global human psyche is experiencing a recognition of pain and empathy, leading to a desire for change and a sense of global scream.

• Flourishing involves a willingness to embrace decay and death as part of a cycle, and to accept the otherness that comes with it.

• The risks in the world include eco-fascism, authoritarianism, and the dangers of unregulated AI.

• Adaptation and resilience are necessary in the face of challenges such as decreasing crop yields and mass migration.

• Shoots of hope can be found in the use of social media for radical information sharing and the embrace of local economies and sustainable practices. Building relationships and engaging in meaningful conversations are essential for creating connections and fostering hope.

• Social friction and curiosity are important for generating newness, creativity, and love.

• Loving one another under patriarchy is challenging due to power dynamics and the lack of understanding and language around love.

• Understanding the origins of traditions and aligning actions with values can lead to more fulfilling relationships.

• On dark days, finding beauty and resilience in laughter, feeling deeply, and holding the bigger picture can provide strength and hope.

WEBSITES

https://www.planetcritical.com/

https://substack.com/@racheldonald

BOOKS & OTHER RESOURCES

Planet Critical Podcast - https://bit.ly/3W7JNwn

Communion: The Female Search For Love - Bell Hooks - https://bit.ly/3W7NnXl

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Global Human Psyche

02:52 Navigating Pain and Uncertainty

03:47 Collective Reflection and Collaboration

05:41 Finding Resilience and Coping with Overwhelm

07:07 Returning to Core Values and Love

08:38 Defining and Cultivating Flourishing

11:02 Embracing Change and Impermanence

14:32 Death and Rebirth

15:05 Adapting to Risks and Mitigating Impacts

16:03 Opportunities and Green Shoots

17:53 Adapting to Change in Industrialized Countries

19:36 Shifting Culture and Subverting Atomization

20:32 Taking Risks and Experimenting with Love

25:29 Finding Beauty and Wholeness on Dark Days

27:29 Rest and Anchoring

29:23 Pivotal Stories, Quotes, and Ideas

34:37 Feeling Alive and Free

35:59 How Rachel Rests

43:35 Communicating with Young Rachel

44:34 Roots and Anchors

45:46 Resting and Anchoring

48:34 Shifting Power Dynamics in Relationships

50:49 Taking Risks and Experimenting with Love

52:21 Finding Freedom and Aliveness

56:00 Vision for the Future of Humanity

57:54 Question to Dwell With