The Power Dynamic Podcast
Why don’t we talk explicitly about power? Sometimes the power dynamics prevent it, often we don’t have a shared language or framework for talking about it, and the way most people think about power makes it seem unchangeable - so why bother? The Power Dynamic Podcast is a space for explicit conversations about social power dynamics - from personal power to systemic power - with a Right Use of Power lens. The Right Use of Power™ is a dynamic, inspiring, and relational approach to the ethical use of power to promote well-being, the common good and right relationship. We begin by talking about what power is and isn’t (from the perspective of The Right Use of Power™), what the types of power are and how we can navigate it more effectively. We will also discuss (through interviews and conversations) the nuances of power, how power differentials impact us, and the systemic foundations of power - among many other topics. This podcast is hosted by Dr. Amanda Aguilera who is the Executive Director of the Right Use of Power Institute. Dr. Amanda is a consultant and facilitator in the area of power-and-equity consciousness and conflict resolution. She is also a mother, a ninja, an avid reader and a friend of the wilderness.
Listen on:
Episodes
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Transformative Journeys: Navigating Power Dynamics with Spring Up Collective
In this inspiring episode from the Power Dynamic Podcast hosted by Dr. Amanda Aguilera, Stas and Leander from Spring Up Collective discuss their organization's journey. Spring Up focuses on transformative and restorative justice, equitable power navigation, and conflict resolution; cultivating a culture of consent & liberty for all. The discussion emphasizes the 2-3 year long orientation process of becoming a full partner of the collective, internal practices mirroring external teachings, and extensive preparation of new members. Key themes include decentralization, mindfulness, generational perspectives on power, community empowerment, and integrating somatic practices. This episode highlights resources, personal stories, and the significance of collective responsibility in achieving societal transformation.
Leander (they/he), Stas (they/them), and shaïna (they/them) founded Spring Up in 2013-2014 to build a community of practice embodying consent and liberation within our relationships, creative practices, and daily lives. For 10 years, Spring Up has used fiction, art, role play, and community education to popularize the skills and frameworks necessary to be free together. We have grown into a collective of 12 creatives, care workers, liberatory educators, transformative justice practitioners, and an alumni community of over 1500 people.
Spring Up hosts liberatory learning spaces through online classes at bluelight academy of the liberatory arts, print materials and curriculum, retreats, and coaching. We are a worker coop with 9 other members on the journey to co-ownership: Mara, Brianna, Gaya, rj, Thanh, Amanda, Kai, Juli, and Natasha. Our core values are Consent, Accountability, and Transformation.
00:00 Welcome to the Power Dynamic Podcast
01:36 Introducing Lea and Stas from Spring Up
03:06 Founding and Evolution of Spring Up Collective
05:26 Training and Internal Practices
09:13 Navigating Power and Conflict
11:43 The Role of Structure in Decentralized Power
17:28 Mindfulness and Social Change
18:41 The Importance of Grief and Acceptance
20:52 Embracing Collective Responsibility
21:46 The Power of Group Transformation
24:14 Intentional Communities and Personal Growth
26:04 The Role of Collective Action in Personal Development
32:49 Navigating Leadership and Power Dynamics
35:48 Spring Up: Practicing Collective Liberation
41:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Fall 2024 Power Conscious Authentic Leadership: https://rightuseofpower.org/event/power-conscious-authentic-leadership-2/
Spring Up: https://www.timetospringup.org/
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
In today’s episode, we got to converse with Jeff Couillard, currently the Board President of the Right Use of Power Institute and Co-CEO of the Ally Co. In our conversation, we delve into the nuanced complexities of power dynamics within professional settings. Jeff shares his journey into effectively understanding and utilizing power dynamics in various professional contexts, including addiction treatment programs, healthcare, leadership development, and more. He emphasizes the importance of the Right Use of Power™ and its impact on culture, leadership, and systemic change. Stemming from a need to address power structures within an addiction treatment center, Jeff delves into the meaningful integration of power dynamics understanding into leadership and organizational culture. By emphasizing the significance of collective power, the conversation discusses the challenges of misalignments between intention and impact, the paradox of power and accountability, and the necessity for a shift towards inclusive and participative decision-making in organizations. The dialogue further highlights the significance of deep listening and the responsibility of leaders to align actions with intended impacts. All this is to create a transformative potential of acknowledging and responsibly navigating power dynamics to foster environments of growth, collaboration, and equitable power distribution.
Articles Mentioned:
Cynefin Framework -
https://thecynefin.co/about-us/about-cynefin-framework/?srsltid=AfmBOopKS68KEI6A2vIIiBCMOsF75EMCctOT8_uizeDXJCDvVC0LvkAc
Promo: Power-Conscious Authentic Leadership Program
https://rightuseofpower.org/leadership-series/
00:00 The Journey to Understanding Power Dynamics
00:41 Discovering the Language of Power in Addiction Treatment
03:08 Expanding the Power Conversation Beyond Addiction Treatment
05:11 Challenges and Resistance in Conversations About Power
07:17 Approaching Power Dynamics in Organizational Cultures
14:10 Navigating the Intention-Impact Gap in Leadership
19:59 Deep Listening and the Role of Power in Diversity and Inclusion
23:31 Exploring Power Dynamics and Organizational Change
24:03 The Role of Power in Healing and Growth
24:46 Systemic Power and Its Influence
27:05 Challenges in Consulting and Leadership Development
27:58 The Impact of Hyper-Individualized Approaches
31:00 Creating Sustainable Change in Organizations
35:32 The Importance of Collective Power and Accountability
42:57 Celebrating Success and Embracing Continuous Improvement
Friday Jun 14, 2024
Friday Jun 14, 2024
In this episode of the Power Dynamic Podcast, we have a conversation about power dynamics and personal development with Steve Vinay Gunther, an international Gestalt trainer with over 40 years of experience in Gestalt therapy and training. Vinay shares insights from his journey and studies in understanding the use of power within therapy, organizations, and personal development, sparked by his observations of power dynamics in the Gestalt community and his PhD research on middle managers' experiences with power. He delves into the complexities of power in relationships, the importance of self-awareness in wielding power ethically, and the intersection of personal and systemic power dynamics. The conversation also touches on Vinay’s concept of 'un-virtues' and the ethical considerations around the use of power, especially in therapeutic settings and leadership positions. Vinay’s reflections offer a nuanced exploration of how power operates across different domains and the role of self-awareness and ethical responsibility in its exercise.
Sources:
Steve Vinay Gunther, by nature an optimist and an adventurer.
Resources:
“Connecting Strategic and Intimate Interactions: The Need for Balance,” by Sonia M. Nevis, Ph.D., Stephanie Backman, MSSA, Edwin Nevis,PH.D. (2003)
Gestalt Therapy International
“Who Minds the Minders,” by Steve Vinay Gunther (2014).
Enemy of the People, IMDB
Trainings:
Power Conscious Authentic Leadership Program
Monday Sep 11, 2023
Monday Sep 11, 2023
Welcome to the first episode of the Power Dynamic podcast! Our guest for this episode is Dr. Cedar Barstow. She is the Founder of the Right Use of Power Institute and the creator of the Right Use of Power™ approach, which is a dynamic, inspiring, and relational approach to the ethical use of power to promote well-being and right-relationship.
After developing the approach for 35 years she is retiring and moving into a new role at the Institute. In this conversation we are discussing the origins and evolution of Right Use of Power, our conscious transfer of leadership and the challenges of succession planning. We also discuss some insights about the the growth of Right Use of Power and the most important aspects of the next phase of curriculum development.
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
With this introduction of The Power Dynamic Podcast you'll learn about the host, the foundational ideas of Right Use of Power and what you can expect in this podcast series.
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