If I Ruled the World by Gillian Burke

• 38: I would DISMANTLE CAPITALISM with Grace Blakeley

  Unpacking Modern Capitalism: From Gaza to Global InequalityA deeply introspective and wide-ranging discussion, that explores environmentalism, climate activism, and critiques of capitalism. The conversation dives into the historical context of the Gaza conflict, the inherent authoritarianism in capitalism, and systemic inequalities it inevitably creates positing that socialism is now true democracy. Grace asserts the need for community and collective action being necessary to support the revolutionary change, the challenges faced by those pushing against the status quo, and the potential for revolutionary change fuelled by grassroots movements. Links & Mentions:https://graceblakeley.co.uk/Ellen Mieksin Wood PrizeTony Benn - The Benn LegacyPierre Bourdieu (Habitus)Salvador Allende: The U.S. set the stage for a coup in Chile.Pinochet's human rights abuses.✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email [email protected] 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

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• BONUS: I would CITIZEN'S ARREST the biggest polluters: Gail Lynch (CAN:Citizen's Arrest Network)

  In this emergency bonus episode, host Gillian Burke interviews Gail Lynch, an organiser and member of the newly formed Citizens' Arrest Network, discussing the urgent need for new citizen-led approach, based on corporate accountability, to the poor systemic response to climate  and ecological crises. Gail shares her personal journey, the motivations behind the Citizens' Arrest Network, and the legal mechanisms they employ to hold corporations accountable for environmental and societal harm. The discussion emphasises the importance of collective action, community engagement, and the role of individuals in driving systemic change.takeawaysGail emphasises the urgency of addressing climate change and corporate accountability.The Citizens' Arrest Network is a campaign focused on legal mechanisms to hold corporations accountable.Gail's personal journey reflects a deep commitment to environmental justice and activism.The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement in driving change.Gail discusses the legal framework surrounding citizens' arrests and its implications for activism.The need for systemic change is a recurring theme throughout the discussion.Gail encourages listeners to recognize their power as individuals and as a collective.The role of media in shaping public perception of activism is critically examined.Gail's background and experiences inform her approach to activism and community organizing.The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to get involved and support the movement.Linkshttps://www.citizensarrestnetwork.org/Legal Dossier: https://www.citizensarrestnetwork.org/suspects/alastair-cochran✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email [email protected] 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

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• 36: I would restore Britain as a RAINFOREST NATION: Merlin Hanbury-Tenison

  In this conversation, Merlin Hanbury-Tenison shares his multifaceted journey as a veteran, conservationist, and author. He discusses his new book 'Our Oaken Bones', which explores themes of healing through nature, personal trauma, and the interconnectedness of mental health, the environment and a new 'agrorainforestry' model that holds a 1,000 year vision of restoring Britain as a rainforest nation. Merlin reflects on his experiences in Afghanistan, the healing power of the Atlantic temperate rainforest, and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to land use that incorporates food production and the role of apex predators in maintaining ecological balance. The discussion culminates in a vision for a future where humans reclaim their role as stewards of nature, fostering a deeper connection with the environment and addressing issues of male mental health.TakeawaysMerlin identifies as an author, conservationist, and veteran.His book 'Our Oaken Bones' captures personal and environmental healing.Healing can be achieved through nature and personal experiences.Merlin's experiences in Afghanistan shaped his understanding of trauma.The rainforest plays a crucial role in healing both land and people.Moral injury is a significant issue for veterans and needs more attention.Agro-rainforestry can provide sustainable solutions for farming and conservation.Apex predators are essential for maintaining ecological balance.Humans must see themselves as part of nature, not separate from it.Conversations around positive male identity are crucial for mental health.SoundscapeThe sounds at the end of this podcast are field recordings from Cabilla and were recorded by Dr Antti Sakari Saario and Dr D Ferrett, researchers in sound and the environment at the Academy of Music and Theatre Arts, Falmouth University. These sounds feature as part of the audiobook version of Our Oaken Bones and have also been used in an immersive soundscape composition by Antti for a 360-film entitled Gans’n Dhama Wedhen - In the Company of the Mother Tree (2025), directed by Adam Laity and narrated by D Ferrett.MentionsThousand Year TrustCabilla CornwallHouse of Hackney #WeAreNature campagin NATURE WRITING WORKSHOP this autumn 🍂 🪶🧡📆 8 Nov - Fri 14 Nov 2025🛏️ Book at www.grantarmshotel.comHope to see you there!✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email [email protected] 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

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• 35: I would DECOLONISE CONSERVATION with Sophie Grig (Survival International)

  In this episode of 'If I Ruled the World', host Gillian Burke explores the human cost of conservation with Survival International's Asia Campaigns Director, Sophie Grig.  Conventional 'fortress conservation' models, rooted in colonial ideals of wilderness areas emptied of people, fenced off and defended, with brute force if necessary.  Systemic human rights abuses, mass displacements of tribal peoples, and land grabs are the result.Links & mentionsSurvival International: For tribes, for nature, for all humanityBlack2Nature: Helping inner-city VME children connect with natureWWF accused of deceit, cover-ups and dishonesty, 2021Protecting Human Rights in International Conservation, US Congressional Hearing, 2021WWF Funds Guards Who Have Tortured And Killed People, Buzzfeed News 2019Conservation Refugees: When conservation means kicking people outHow Conservation Contributes to the Displacement of Indigenous Peoplehttps://worldostats.com/protected-land-areas-by-country-global-comparison-2025/ NATURE WRITING WORKSHOP this autumn 🍂 🪶🧡📆 8 Nov - Fri 14 Nov 2025🛏️ Book at www.grantarmshotel.comHope to see you there!✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email [email protected] 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

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• 34: I would PROTECT THE PEOPLE not profits

  Today’s episode is a little bit different... where Gillian gets to the guest on a podcast swap with The Starlit Stories podcast.  Artist and podcaster, Stella Marie for holds space for Gillian to rediscover her voice as she transitions towards quiet quitting the system (see previous episode).  In this episode, the tone and direction is set for the coming year on If I Ruled the World.A huge thank you to Stella for permission to use this interview.  Do check out The Starlit Stories podcast (see links below).Keywords:system change, social justice, environmental justice, decolonisation, empathy, natureMentions:Starlit Stories Podcast with host Stella MarieStella Marie on InstagramThe Man Engine in Cornwall"Three companies responsible for more carbon emmissions than all UK households" from 2021 Tortoise Responsibility 100 Index: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/2021/04/22/sensemaker-210422Kwame Toure quote:From "Radical Discipleship: The Pitfalls of Liberalism""When [the liberal] seeks to talk about change, he always confronts the oppressed rather than the oppressor. He does not seek to influence the oppressor, he seeks to influence the oppressed. He says to the oppressed, time and time again, “You don’t need guns, you are moving too fast, you are too radical, you are too extreme.” He never says to the oppressor, “You are too extreme in your treatment of the oppressed,” because he is powerless among the oppressors, even if he is part of that group; but he has influence, or, at least, he is more powerful than the oppressed, and he enjoys this power by always cautioning, condemning, or certainly trying to direct and lead the movements of the oppressed." NATURE WRITING WORKSHOP this autumn 🍂 🪶🧡📆 8 Nov - Fri 14 Nov 2025🛏️ Book at www.grantarmshotel.comHope to see you there!✍️ Sign up for the newsletter on gillianburkevoice.com 🤝 Connect with Gillian on Instagram or email [email protected] 💚🌍✌🏾 Thanks for listening

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