Relating in the Time of Polycrisis with Keri Jarvis

This week I welcome back the superb Keri Jarvis, who joined me for the episode "Disrupting the Wellness Industry" back in 2024. One of the wisest and most sensible people I have in my circle (as well as suitably radical and feisty - obviously) Keri shares her reflections on the ways we do and do not relate in today's world. Observing how many of the conditions and structures of our lives have rendered us relationally de-skilled, Keri and I explore possibility for communication, honesty, vulnerability, understanding and knowing ourselves and each other in a world which is increasingly polarised, divided and in short - a time of polycrisis!This is a must-listen episode for how we might actually create the environments and relational dynamics for what Keri calls, liveable futures TOGETHER.In this episode:- how systems of capitalism, supremacy and patriarchy have informed the way we interact with one another and in many respects deskilled us.- how mainstream ‘wellness culture’ or ‘Western psychology’ in some ways perpetuates some of these relational challenges, despite best intentions- how spaces of activism and social change can also mirror relational complexity and cycles of relational harmeimagining possibility for how we may be together in relational intimacy About Keri:Keri Jarvis is a Leftist Coach, Thought Partner & Community Activist supporting people to navigate the relational complexity of the polycrisis.Keri is deeply interested in how we’ve been relationally de-skilled, and disciplined into seeing ourselves and one another as separate cogs in a machine within Last Stage Capitalism. Her work supports people to develop more agile relationships with themselves, fertilising the possibility of generative, resilient relational dynamics. She believes the portals to liveable futures can be entered through our relationships- if only we can bear to be perceived.To contact Keri: https://www.kerijarvis.com/Key Topics:Relational de-skilling under capitalismThe paradox of intimacy and estrangementImpact of wellness culture on relationshipsStrategies for relational courage and vulnerabilityReimagining community through radical engagementThe role of boundaries and grey areas in connectionThe importance of compassion and self-awarenessActivism and relational work in social changeChapters:00:00 Introduction and guest background02:10 The relational paradox: desire for intimacy vs. fear of being known05:01 Impact of capitalism and social systems on relational skills09:02 The influence of wellness culture and individualism15:02 Reimagining community through radical engagement19:53 The importance of relational complexity and uncertainty24:48 The role of boundaries and self-awareness in relationships30:10 Practicing honesty and vulnerability in social change35:05 The power of small acts of kindness and connection39:56 Developing courage and compassion in activism45:02 The potential of strangers and everyday interactions49:56 Self-compassion and growth through relational challenges01:00:07 Course announcement and closing remarksResources:Radical Intimacy by Sophie K. RosaExperiments in Imagining Otherwise by Lola OlufemiThe Second Body by Daisy HilgardGeorge Monbiot at The GuardianParable of the Sower by Octavia ButlerLove in a Fucked Up World by Dean SpadeCollaborating with the Enemy by Adam KahaneEveryday Habits for Transforming Systems: The Catalytic Power of Radical Engagement with Adam KahaneThe Portal e-learning platform: https://collective.jointheportal.com/about-the-portal-collectiveIf you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a 5* review or take a moment to review the show - this makes a massive difference in helping more people find the conversations. Thank you for tuning in!