14. The End of the Economy? Yin Paradies on Returning to Indigenous Wisdom and the Future of Human Society

What if the crises facing humanity are not simply failures of policy or economics, but symptoms of a much deeper civilisational problem? In this conversation, Tiyana speaks with Yin Paradies about modernity, Indigenous ways of knowing, and the possibility of returning to more relational, place-based, and community-centred ways of living. Together they explore the origins of hierarchy, cities, households, and economic systems; the psychological and spiritual impacts of modernity; and what it means to reconnect with country, ancestors, kinship, and Indigenous knowledge systems in an age of ecological and social breakdown.Yin Paradies is an Indigenous scholar, educator, and researcher whose work explores decolonisation, Indigenous knowledges, racism, modernity, and relational ways of living. As Chair in Race Relations, his research spans anti-racism theory and practice, Indigenous knowledge systems, health and social inequality, and critiques of colonial institutions and structures. Drawing on Indigenous philosophies, systems thinking, and decolonial approaches, Yin’s work challenges dominant assumptions about economy, progress, hierarchy, and human society while exploring pathways toward more relational and place-based futures.Check out these resources:https://www.anamcarahomestead.com.au/resourceshttps://events.humanitix.com/decolonial-perspectives-online-study-circle-one-july-dec-2026Voices of the New Economy is a collaborative storytelling project of NENA. The podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Changemakers Network (HCN), an Anchor Organisation of NENA, as part of its commitment to strengthening economic literacy, amplifying community innovation, and supporting pathways to systemic change. Each episode features researchers, practitioners, organisers, and everyday changemakers working across disciplines and communities to re-imagine how our economies can serve people and planet.LISTEN & EXPLORE FURTHERA full companion article for this episode is available here.Connect with NENA: Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedInConnect with Humanitarian Changemakers Network (HCN): Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedInGet involved: NENA members and friends are warmly invited to participate in the podcast — as interviewees, storytellers, or contributors to the NENA Storytelling Hub. To get involved, visit the Hub page or email: [email protected]