Dr. Kari Grain is a research associate at the Community Engaged Research Initiative (CERI) and writer of the book, Critical Hope: How to Grapple with Complexity, Lead with Purpose, and Cultivate Transformative Social Change.

On this episode of Below the Radar, Kari joins our host Am Johal, to discuss how the seemingly conflicting frameworks of criticalness and hope are both vital to systemic change, as well as the importance of emotions such as anger and grief, and the influence of Gloria Anzaldúa’s Coyolxauhqui imperative. Throughout the episode, Kari shares impactful excerpts from her book, Critical Hope.

Full episode details: https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/below-the-radar-podcast/episodes/210-kari-grain.html

Read the transcript: https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/below-the-radar-podcast/transcripts/210-kari-grain.html

Resources:
Kari Grain: https://karigrain.wordpress.com/
Critical Hope: https://karigrain.wordpress.com/the-book/
Kari Grain’s Dissertation: https://open.library.ubc.ca/soa/cIRcle/collections/ubctheses/24/items/1.0378228
Blog on Critical Hope: https://www.sfu.ca/ceri/blog/2022/Critical-Hope-By-Kari-Grain.html
Coyolxauhqui imperative: http://www.revistascisan.unam.mx/Voices/pdfs/7423.pdf

Bio: Dr. Kari Grain is the author of Critical Hope (2022) and teaches at the University of British Columbia in the Faculty of Education, where she leads the Master’s of Education program in Adult Learning and Global Change (ALGC). She is also a research associate at the Community Engaged Research Initiative (CERI) at  Simon Fraser University. Her research in experiential learning, critical pedagogy, adult education, anti-racism, and global/local community engagement has been featured in peer reviewed journals, books, blogs, and podcasts. At the nucleus of Grain’s body of work is the belief that education has the potential to be a vibrant pathway toward systemic change and the honouring of multiple ways of knowing and being. Vital to that process of systemic transformation is an attunement to emotional, critical, and creative ways of knowing oneself and being in the world with others. 

Cite this episode:
Chicago Style

Johal, Am. “Critical Hope — with Kari Grain.” Below the Radar, SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement. Podcast audio, April 18, 2023. https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/below-the-radar-podcast/episodes/210-kari-grain.html.

Critical Hope — with Kari Grain

In this week’s episode, host Daniel Raimi talks with Julia Haggerty, an associate professor at Montana State University and university fellow at Resources for the Future, about engaging the public in the US energy transition. Haggerty discusses public engagement in the context of US efforts to decarbonize, the opportunity presented by a transition to clean energy in terms of reducing inequities in the United States, the importance of public trust in government action, and ongoing efforts to ensure that communities take action toward decarbonization.

References and recommendations:

“Accelerating Decarbonization in the United States: Technology, Policy, and Societal Dimensions” by Stephen W. Pacala, Danielle Deane-Ryan, Alexandra Fazeli, Julia H. Haggerty, Chris T. Hendrickson, Roxanne Johnson, Timothy C. Lieuwen, Vivian E. Loftness, Carlos E. Martín, Michael A. Méndez, Clark A. Miller, Jonathan A. Patz, Keith Paustian, William Pizer, Ed Rightor, Patricia Romero-Lankao, Devashree Saha, Kelly Sims Gallagher, Susan F. Tierney, and William Walker; https://nap.nationalacademies.org/resource/25931/interactive/

“City Hall” film by Frederick Wiseman; https://www.pbs.org/show/city-hall/

Community Engagement for an Equitable Energy Transition, with Julia Haggerty

True Crime and Mental Health Exposed | Episode 150

Chapter Markers
0:01 True Crime, Mental Health, and Justice
19:03 Crime, Mental Health, and Justice
28:27 Debtor's Prison and Court Corruption

Can a harrowing journey through the legal system change the course of your life before you've even hit your 21st birthday? I recount my own brush with the law due to a DUI, an event that didn't just affect me but rippled through my family, bringing emotional and financial stress. This personal narrative acts as a springboard to discuss larger systemic issues, such as the accusations against Judge Kim Hoover in Stow, Ohio, who allegedly ran a "debtor's prison," demanding immediate payment of court fines without considering defendants' financial situations. The psychological weight of facing such demands is likened to the stress of unexpected healthcare bills, underscoring the need for reform and compassion in our judicial processes.

The episode takes a darker turn as we examine two tragic and complex cases that have left small communities reeling. The mysterious death of Judge Mullins, a champion for those struggling with substance abuse, allegedly at the hands of a local sheriff, raises troubling questions and highlights the mental health fallout within the community. Meanwhile, the shocking murder of Dr. Abraham by TikTok influencer Mr. Prada brings attention to the need for justice and the broader impact of true crime. These stories exemplify the intricate link between crime, mental health, and justice, emphasizing our commitment to amplifying the voices of those affected and advocating for mental health awareness.

Voices for Voices® is the #1 ranked podcast where people turn to for expert mental health, recovery and career advancement intelligence.

Our Voices for Voices® podcast is all about teaching you insanely actionable techniques to help you prosper, grow your self worth and personal brand.

So, if you are a high achiever or someone who wants more out of life, whether mentally, physically or spiritually, make sure you subscribe to our podcast right now!

As you can see, the Voices for Voices® podcast publishes episodes that focus on case studies, real life examples, actionable tips and "in the trenches" reports and interviews from subscribers like you.

If that sounds like something that could help you grow personally or professionally, then make sure to join me by subscribing!
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Thanks for watching!

Support Voices for Voices®: https://venmo.com/u/voicesforvoices

#TrueCrime #MentalHealthAwareness #CrimeStories #Justice #LegalReform #SystemicChange #Newepisode #newpodcastalert #podcastseries #podcastcommunity #voicesforvoicespodcast #mentalhealth #newpodcast #donatetoday #nonprofitorganization #501c3 #charityorganization

True Crime and Mental Health Exposed | Episode 150

Post Growth Entrepreneurship (PGE) questions entrepreneurial common wisdom and re-envisions business as a vehicle for pure positive impact. In doing so, PGE reframes business as a form of activism, art, spirituality, and creative expression.

#50 Post Growth Entrepreneurship

A visionary community leader and co-founder of Civic Square, Immy Kaur, joins us on this episode, to drive home some ground breaking thoughts on systemic transformation in our everyday living.
With deep insights drawn from over a decade of experience, Immy challenges conventional thinking about organizing at scale and highlights the urgent need to reimagine how we live, work, and relate to one another.
Touching on the power of unlearning assumptions about systems and authority, she simplifies it for us stating, "we as people build our systems and processes, and to change them, we don’t need permission."
Known for her ability to connect systemic thinking with tangible, participatory action, Immy Kaur helps us visualize how neighborhoods are a strategic site for change—"big enough and small enough" to demonstrate value creation, while fostering agency in communities.
In this episode, she explores critical themes like the fragility of existing systems, and why outdated economic models require a shift. Drawing from frameworks like Doughnut Economics, she unpacks how local, modular prototypes can demonstrate pathways toward systemic change.
She takes us through rethinking value and metrics beyond financial systems, prototyping of modular solutions to tackle systemic lock-ins and so much more.
Tune in and discover how we can reimagine everything through participatory systems to navigate the complex challenges of our times.


Key Highlights
👉 Neighborhoods are strategic sites for change as they are small enough to demonstrate deep systemic transformation while being large enough to inspire scalable solutions.
👉 Unlearning systems is the first step to fostering collective agency and unlocking new possibilities for civic innovation.
👉 Effective transformation requires balancing systemic redesign, practical action, and radical imagination.
👉 Material scarcity and ecological limits become opportunities for creativity, pushing us to innovate within planetary boundaries.
👉 Organizations and communities must rethink value, moving beyond financial metrics to embrace multi-capital approaches that prioritize social, environmental, and care-based economies.
👉 Genuine change involves shifting agency to communities, empowering them to co-lead their transitions and transformations.
👉 Modular, tangible prototypes can demonstrate what systemic alternatives look like, enabling practical steps toward change while inspiring imagination.


Topics /chapters
(00:00)		The Power of Making and Remaking - intro
(00:49)		Immy Kaur’s introduction
(02:34)		Immy Kaur’s Journey and Building Civic Square
(21:53)		What defines a civic body?
(32:49)		New frameworks, metrics, and institutional forms  for creating value
(47:50)		New Upcoming Collaborations and Institutional Agremeents
(58:03)		Breadcrumbs and Suggestions

Remember that you can always find transcripts and key highlights of the episode on our website: ⁠https://www.boundaryless.io/podcast/kaur-immy⁠

Episode recorded on Nov 12, 2024

Find out more about the show and the research at Boundaryless at ⁠boundaryless.io/resources/podcast⁠

Get in touch with Boundaryless:

Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/boundaryless_⁠
Website: ⁠boundaryless.io/contacts⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/company/boundaryless-pdt-3eo⁠

Music
Music from Liosound / Walter Mobilio. Find his portfolio here: ⁠blss.io/Podcast-Music

#111 - The Power of Making and Remaking with Immy Kaur

This song is inspired by the punk tradition of protest music, with a focus on criticizing political policies and government overreach. The lyrics are meant to be a powerful expression of anger, frustration, and disappointment, while also emphasizing the need for accountability, transparency, and systemic change. 

It is a scathing critique of government corruption and corporate greed, especially by Trump, exposing the systematic lies and deceit that undermine our freedom and rights. With powerful lyrics and a driving rhythm, the song urges listeners to wake up, unite, and demand justice, sparking a call to action against the abuse of power and the erosion of democracy.


LYRICS: 

[Verse 1]
In the halls of power, they're making deals
With corporate greed, they're sealing our fate for real
They speak of freedom, but it's just a disguise
For the chains that bind us, the lies that they imply 

[Chorus]
Systematic lie, a web of deceit
Government corruption, our future's at stake, can't you see?
They're stealing our rights, they're selling our soul
We're the ones who suffer, while they take control 

[Verse 2]
Patriot Acts and surveillance states
They're watching our every move, it's a never-ending debate
They preach of security, but it's just a ruse
For the power they crave, the control they choose 

[Chorus]
Systematic lie, a web of deceit
Government corruption, our future's at stake, can't you see?
They're stealing our rights, they're selling our soul
We're the ones who suffer, while they take control 

[Bridge]
We're the ones who pay the price
For their greed, their lust for power and might
We're the ones who must unite
Against the system, against the lies, it's time to ignite 

[Chorus]
Systematic lie, a web of deceit
Government corruption, our future's at stake, can't you see?
They're stealing our rights, they're selling our soul
We're the ones who suffer, while they take control 

[Outro]
So we'll rise up, we'll make some noise
We'll demand justice, we'll demand some choice
We'll stand together, united as one
Against government corruption, the fight has just begun!

Systematic Lie

Listen in to explore how microentrepreneurs can be the catalyst for economic growth, the systemic shifts needed to empower them, and the emerging trends shaping their future.

Social Impact Pioneers - Werner Wallner, Managing Director of the Hilti Foundation; Amalia Johnsson, CEO of Hand in Hand International; and Payal Dalal, Executive Vice President of Global Programmes at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth join us to share their wisdom. With decades of experience in financial inclusion, entrepreneurship acceleration, and economic development, they bring invaluable insights into how small businesses can transform lives—and entire economies.

Why Microbusinesses Matter
Microbusinesses make up 90% of global enterprises and contribute to over 50% of global GDP. In Kenya alone, 50% of working-age adults are informal entrepreneurs living below the poverty line. Strategic investment in this sector could boost national GDP by as much as 60%. Hand in Hand’s acceleration programmes—which offer advanced business training, credit access, and robust market linkages—have already increased participant incomes by 140%, often placing them among the country’s top 15% of earners. But despite their enormous potential, micro-entrepreneurs remain the most underserved economic players, especially women. This episode delves into how we can change that.

Delivering System-Level Change
Transforming microenterprise growth isn’t about isolated interventions—it requires systemic change. Our guests discuss how governments, financial institutions, and NGOs must coordinate efforts to unlock the full potential of micro-entrepreneurs. From broadening financial access to redefining women’s role in entrepreneurship, this conversation underscores the urgency of moving beyond ‘entrepreneurs by necessity’ and recognising them as economic powerhouses. Werner shares how financial inclusion initiatives have enabled thousands of women to build credit histories, access financing, and achieve long-term business growth. Meanwhile, Amalia highlights how tailored sectoral support for rural entrepreneurs is proving just as effective as urban interventions.

Emerging Trends: AI, Cybersecurity, and Digitalisation
The future of small business success hinges on emerging technologies. Payal discusses the game-changing potential of Generative AI, which is already enhancing financial coaching and unlocking new digital financing opportunities for small businesses. However, the shift to digitalisation also brings new threats—cybersecurity risks are escalating, and over 50% of small businesses that suffer a cyberattack fail financially. Our guests stress the need for proactive measures to protect entrepreneurs in the digital economy while ensuring technology remains an enabler, not a barrier.

Whether you're a policymaker, an investor, an NGO leader, or simply passionate about economic empowerment, this episode is packed with actionable insights and bold strategies. 
Links:

Mastercard, Center for Inclusive Growth: https://www.mastercardcenter.org

Hand in Hand International: https://www.handinhandinternational.org

Hilti Foundation: https://www.hiltifoundation.org

Democratizing data analytics and AI to level the playing field for small businesses: https://www.mastercardcenter.org/insights/article/democratizing-data-analytics-and-ai-to-level-the-playing-field-for-small-businesses

Hand in Hand: From informal entrepreneur to MSME owner: Making enterprise acceleration work for underserved women  https://www.handinhandinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/From-informal-entrepreneur-to-MSME-owner-acceleration-learning-report.pdf

Microbusinesses, Systemic Change & Digital Inclusion with Amalia, Payal & Werner

Portland NAACP's Call to Action - Unity Coalition Messaging Campaign

Hello, and welcome to the Business Fights Poverty podcast, where we bring you engaging conversations with social impact trailblazers. Dive into a wealth of insights, diverse perspectives, and valuable advice, all designed to enlighten and inspire. Gain first-hand understanding of how businesses and thought leaders are addressing the world's most pressing social challenges, empowering you to make well-informed decisions and take meaningful action. So, sit back and join us as we explore the frontiers of business-driven social impact.

💜We advocate for recovery.
501c3; EIN: 87-0932840💜

Amplifying ideas that fly below the radar. We talk environmental and social justice, arts, culture, community-building and urban issues with featured guests.

This podcast is produced by SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement as a part of our Knowledge Democracy Project @ 312 Main — encouraging the meaningful exchange of ideas and information across communities.

Hosted and currently produced by:
Am Johal
Joey Malbon
Julia Aoki
Kathy Feng
Samantha Walters

Visit our website for archived audio and video recordings of our public events: https://www.sfu.ca/vancity-office-community-engagement/library.html

Boundaryless helps global customers with Business Strategy and Organization Design for the age of Ecosystems.
We do it by creating openly accessible frameworks and by supporting a community of organizations, institutions, and individuals through workshops, training, and consulting services. 

In this space we host all our audio recordings, including the Boundaryless Conversations podcast, a show focused on exploring the future of large scale organising by leveraging on technology, network effects and shaping narratives. We explore how platforms can help us play with a world in turmoil, change, and transformation: a world that is at the same time more interconnected and interdependent than ever but also more conflictual and rivalrous. 

We used to be online at platformdesigntoolkit.com... now find us on our new website: www.boundaryless.io!

Email: hello@boundaryless.io

Resources Radio is a weekly podcast by Resources for the Future. Each week we talk to leading experts about climate change, electricity, ecosystems, and more, making the latest research accessible to everyone.

Songwriting has been a lifelong passion for me, dating back to elementary school when I first began crafting stories, poems, and eventually lyrics. As a former drummer in various bands, I always relied on others to bring my words to life musically. However, after a long hiatus from drumming, I decided to take the leap and learn to compose music to accompany my lyrics. Through classes and dedication, I've embarked on a new journey, breathing fresh life into old lyrics and penning new ones. You'll find a mix of older and newer works here. Especially for some of the lyrics. 

Music has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is being completely entranced by 'The Little Drummer Boy' as a very young child. There was something about the rhythm and the melody that just captivated me. I must have played it a thousand times, wearing the record out, and from that moment on, I was hooked. I knew I wanted to be a drummer and to create that magic for others. 

But I was too young then, and of course, I couldn't afford a drum set just yet. So, I turned to writing as a way to express myself. As I mentioned above, I started with stories, then poems, and eventually, lyrics. I found that writing was not only a way to tap into my creativity, but also a way to process my emotions and experiences. 

As I grew older, my love for music only deepened. I realized that music has this incredible power to transport us to different times and places, to evoke emotions and memories that we thought were long forgotten. It's a universal language that can bring people together like nothing else can. 

For me, writing lyrics is a cathartic experience. It's a way for me to tap into my emotions, to process the world around me, and to create something that I hope will resonate with others. And when I hear my words come to life in a song, it's truly magical. It's a feeling that never gets old, and it's what keeps me coming back to music time and time again. 

I love many genres of music and artists of many genres. And if you listen to some of my songs, you will find that I like to make songs of different genres as well as mix different genres into each song. One of my all-time favorite bands is Evanescence, and I have made a lot of songs where I have tried my best to emulate that sound. 

Now, I have recently started experimenting with new sounds. I never heard of glitch beats before I took music classes, and now I'm fascinated with the sound, so I have been experimenting with glitch beats recently. 

I hope you enjoy some of my songs. And thanks so much to everyone who has been listening so far. I truly appreciate it. I welcome constructive feedback to help me grow as an artist, and I appreciate your support. ❤️

BTW if you follow me, I will ALWAYS follow back. If I like your music, I will follow you, but if you don't follow me back within a week or so I will probably unfollow. The same goes for when I see someone listening to my music, I WILL follow, however, if they don't follow me back within a week or so, I'll unfollow, because I'm at my limit of follows and I want to follow back everyone who follows me. Did not know that SoundCloud limits us to following only 2000. 😢













Denizen is a community that recognizes the need to redesign the value systems, incentives, and social contracts underpinning modern society.  By learning from one another, we build our collective ability to address humanity’s fundamental challenges.  https://becomingdenizen.com/

New tracks tagged #Systemic change