Our reading list
During the course of researching, investigating and bringing Global Village to life, we have come across some amazing stories, podcasts, research and thoughts from a diverse range of people. Their wisdom and perspective has been inspirational and we are thrilled to pass it on! The list below covers a broad range of topics that are capturing our interest such as:
Sociology
Neuroscience
Community
Loneliness
Emotional wellbeing
Technology
Behavioural design
Kindness
Power of giving
Compassion
Psychology
This will be an ever growing list of titles to read and listen to with our newest discoveries posted at the top. Enjoy!
TED TALK - HOW TO PRACTICE EMOTIONAL FIRST AID
By Guy Winch, PhD
We'll go to the doctor when we feel flu-ish or a nagging pain. So why don’t we see a health professional when we feel emotional pain: guilt, loss, loneliness? Too many of us deal with common psychological-health issues on our own, says Guy Winch. But we don’t have to. He makes a compelling case to practice emotional hygiene — taking care of our emotions, with the same diligence we take care of our bodies.
Apr, 2019
TED TALK - Why you feel what you feel
By Dr Alan Watkins, PhD
Understanding why you feel what you feel is one of the most important aspects of human development. After understanding comes control. When you control your emotions, you can be more successful and happy.
Apr, 2019
PODCAST - LONELINESS - A SOCIAL PAIN
By ABC, All in the mind
Loneliness is a growing issue around the world, and a recent national survey reveals that 1 in 4 Australians are lonely. Research also shows that loneliness can have a profound impact not just on our mental health but on our physical health as well. In fact, it could be as bad for our bodies as smoking. What’s causing this social pain and how can we reconnect with each other?
Apr, 2018
EMOTIONAL AGILITY
By Susan David, PhD
If you are, like us, curiously and pragmatically observing the happiness obsession and it's impact in a culture which values "relentless positivity", have a read of Susan David’s book or watch her TED talk.
Emotional agility is a process that enables us to navigate life’s twists and turns with self-acceptance, clear-sightedness, and an open mind.
The process isn’t about ignoring difficult emotions and thoughts. It’s about holding those emotions and thoughts loosely, facing them courageously and compassionately, and then moving past them to ignite change in your life.
Mar, 2019
HOW EMOTIONS ARE MADE: THE SECRET LIFE OF THE BRAIN
By Lisa Feldman Barrett
What actually are emotions anyway? Are they automatic reactions to an experience? Are they universally experienced the same way in all humans and universally projected (eg🙂😵😫😭)? Are emotions emojis!??
Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD, is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology and has published over 200 peer-reviewed, scientific papers …so in a nutshell her thoughts are well worth reading (or listening to).
Feb, 2019
TED TALK: MY STROKE OF INSIGHT
By Jill Bolte Taylor
In researching for our latest project (to be revealed mid 2019), we are looking into the role that emotions, thoughts and our brains have in relation to our experiences and how they relate to the way we all uniquely respond to and deal with, the things that happen in our lives. Then we came across Jill’s story - wow. 🧠
Feb, 2019
PODCAST #71 - WHAT IS TECHNOLOGY DOING TO US?
By Sam Harris
Sam Harris is a neuroscientist, philosopher, and author. In this podcast he interviews Tristan Harris [ who has been called the “closest thing Silicon Valley has to a conscience,” by The Atlantic magazine] about the arms race for human attention, the ethics of persuasion, the consequences of having an ad-based economy, the dynamics of regret, and other topics. At Global Village we are very conscious of ways technology can be used to make us better humans. Any tech we create is about allowing people to use time wisely, with choice, with transparency and for good.
Feb, 2019
INTO THE MAGIC SHOP
By James R. Doty M.D.
We each possess an extraordinary power to realize our greatest potential and live the life we want. Dr. James Doty is living proof, as so many readers of his bestseller Into the Magic Shop will attest. Having grown up in an environment of poverty and neglect, James Doty was 12 years old when he walked into a magic shop and met an extraordinary woman who introduced him to a series of teachings that changed the trajectory of his life.
Feb, 2019
RADIO - RAE BONNEY INTERVIEWS NATALIE AND OLIVIA
By Rae Bonney, 93.1FM
Natalie connected with Rae in late 2018. She’s a Workplace Wellbeing Specialist, Speaker, Counsellor, Men's Issues and Suicide Prevention and Radio Presenter. A genuine human and a change agent.
If you’re keen to find more out about our journey in setting up the Village and how it will work, have a listen as Rae asks the questions in this hour long radio interview.
Jan, 2018
the state of the nation starts in your street
By Hugh Mackay
Don’t you love it when a friend shares an article they know you must read? This one was sent by a dear supporter of ours and is an edited version of the Gandhi Oration, delivered by Hugh Mackay at the University of New South Wales on January 30, 2017. An article not only relevant to Australians, but any society in the grip of epidemics such as anxiety, obesity and depression. Mackay explores some of the reasons for the state of our nation and why getting back to basics of human connection is part of the answer.
You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no results. - Ghandi
Dec, 2018
BEKINDR - THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF KINDNESS
By Eva Ritvo M.D.
One sunny morning in a Manhattan Hotel early October 2018, we had the pleasure of meeting Eva Ritvo to chat with about the power of kindness. We know, we know, “the power of kindness” sounds a bit soppy but since Global Village was birthed, we’ve honestly been floored by the impact it has on humans. Eva’s energy and passion to share this ‘secret’ with the world is contagious. This book is a compilation of feel good stories about kindness after a summary of significant scientific research into the power of kindness. Also see the Blog Eva wrote for us on the science behind giving - it’s fascinating!
Oct, 2018
Someone to Talk To
By Mario Luis Small
After meeting with Mario in October 2018, we were thrilled to see our research aligned with his - that it is often strangers whom with we share more of who we are. In this book Small lays out his research into the topic explores the reality that our social network will not always represent our likelihood to “get things off our chest” with those closest to us.
Oct, 2018
THRIVE
By Arianna Huffington
When our co-founder Olivia left her safe and successful corporate career to help start Global Village with Natalie, she read this book in only a few days. It completely resonated after many years of trying to juggle it all as a working mum, manage a complete lack of sleep - mostly self inflicted thanks to working late into the evening. Her stress and busyness factor was at an all time high. Thrive was a way to gain complete perspective on what success means and what we miss from our lives when we lean [way] too far into work…
May, 2018