When it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges—from inequality to climate change—good intentions alone aren’t enough. Social changemakers must also contend with a quieter, less visible obstacle: the way our own brains can trick us. In a recent episode of the Changemaker Q&A podcast, host Tiyana J explored the role of cognitive biases—the mental […]
Why Social Changemakers Need to Understand Cognitive Biases Read More »
In the world of social change, language matters. Terms like activist, advocate, and changemaker are often used interchangeably, but each carries its own meaning. In the latest episode of the Changemaker Q&A podcast, host Tiyana J tackled a thoughtful listener question: Is being a changemaker different from being an activist? At first glance, the distinction
Beyond Protest: Why Changemaker Isn’t Just Another Word for Activist Read More »
Is peace really something that begins from within, or is it forged in the compromises, treaties, and negotiations that define our outer world? In the latest episode of Changemaker Q&A, host Tiyana J dives into this age-old question through a practical lens—examining not only conflict itself, but the deeper dynamics of collusion that often sustain
Collusion, Conflict, and the Elusive Path to Peace Read More »
In a world of disputed facts, conflicting narratives, and deep-seated inequality, the idea of “truth” feels as important — and as elusive — as ever. In this episode of Changemaker Q&A, we explore not just what is true, but how something becomes true: the different philosophical lenses through which truth is thought, and a new
The Many Truths We Live By: Why Understanding Truth Matters in Social Change Read More »
In a world rife with division, anger, and systemic injustice, the philosophy of Martin Luther King Jr. offers a timeless framework for social change grounded in both morality and strategy. In this week’s Changemaker Q&A episode, we hear how King’s nonviolent philosophy—deeply influenced by his Christian faith and by Mahatma Gandhi—can still guide activists today,
Learning from Martin Luther King JR: Nonviolence as a Practice, Not Just a Principle Read More »
When Italian philosopher Umberto Eco published his 1995 essay Ur-Fascism, he offered the world a warning: fascism is not confined to the history books. Instead, it can re-emerge in new guises, identifiable by 14 recurring characteristics rather than a single rigid definition. In the latest episode of the Changemaker Q&A podcast, I take listeners through
Is America Sliding Toward Fascism? The 14 characteristics of fascism Read More »
Wildfires in California and Los Angeles have dominated headlines in recent weeks, capturing global attention with scenes of devastation, displacement, and resilience. While most coverage focuses on the visible flames, smoke, and human toll, today’s episode of Changemaker Q&A—hosted by humanitarian educator and founder of the Humanitarian Changemakers Network, Tiyana J—invites listeners to look beneath
Making Sense of Complexity: Three Systems Thinking Tools for Changemakers Read More »
What does it truly mean to be empowered? For decades, development frameworks have leaned heavily on metrics like education, income, or access to technology. But empowerment is far more complex—and more personal—than a checklist of material achievements. In the latest episode of Changemaker Q&A, researcher and changemaker Tiyana J introduces listeners to her framework of
Beyond Equality: Rethinking Empowerment Through Transformative Power Read More »
As 2025 unfolds, social innovators are looking for more than inspiration—they need practical tools to chart their journeys of change. In the latest episode of Changemaker Q&A, host and impact strategist Tiyana J shares a framework she has developed through her doctoral research: the Impact Blueprint, a step-by-step guide designed to help changemakers move from
Crafting Your Impact Blueprint: A Strategic Map for Changemakers Read More »
Host of Changemaker Q&A Tiyana J has unveiled a groundbreaking framework on women’s empowerment, arguing that global development policies have too often confused equality with true empowerment. Speaking after presenting her work at an international academic conference, the scholar explained that while the term empowerment has been widely used since the 1970s, it has become
Rethinking Empowerment: New Research Challenges Conventional Gender Equality Metrics Read More »
