Phenomenal Conversations — A Podcast of Courage and Inspiration in Extraordinary Times
Step into conversations that are shaping a healthier, saner future
Dear Reader,
I’m writing to you today to share the origin story of Phenomenal Conversations. This initiative began with a growing sense of disillusionment during Covid after too-numerous-to-count, poorly designed and facilitated online meetings, lectures or conferences on Zoom. I realized even more profoundly that the traditional approaches to adult learning — an over-reliance on the transmission model, where experts “bombard people” with information — was failing to create meaningful connections or foster deep enough learning, which I had presumed the all-pervasive Covid global crisis might have provoked or necessitated
I yearned for something different, something more impactful, more meaningful that spoke to each and every longing for a more beautiful world.
Thus the vision for Phenomenal Conversations was born from a desire to go beyond surface-level interactions and create a space for deeper dialogue about the emerging challenges of the times. From the existential burdens of the meta-crisis to exploring timeless human values like wonder, truth, beauty, and goodness, I sought to design and engage in conversations that both had meaning and really mattered.
But those overused well-worn conventional formats had to go. I consciously steered away from an exclusive dependence on “experts” delivering polished lectures, information dense presentations and didactic monologues and instead focused on inviting individuals who were truly living the change. People whose work and lives exemplified the integrity of their values not merely their spoken words.
A Considered Approach to Dialogue
This notion then evolved into something richer. Guests were asked to share their stories in authentic, personal ways — tales that not only conveyed knowledge but also touched hearts. After each interview, we participated and facilitated small group conversations, collective enquiries, where participants could reflect, share insights, and integrate the wisdom they’d heard.
I generally don’t record these small group conversations. Why? Because I believe that true vulnerability requires a space free from the inhibiting gaze of a camera. It’s in these intimate, unrecorded moments that people often find the courage to express heartfelt truths, connect deeply, and take the first or further steps toward transformation.
An Invitation to Walk the Talk
Phenomenal Conversations is more than a podcast or an archive — it’s an invitation. By engaging in these dialogues, we’re not just talking; we’re walking. We’re moving toward a more just, earth friendly, regenerative, and equitable future.
So, here’s my question to you:
How are you walking your talk?
Let’s inspire each other to act with integrity, courage, and hope. Join me in this journey of meaningful conversations and discover what it means to live fully in this extraordinary time.
Sincerely,
Dave Pendle
About the author Dave Pendle; I am synthesising almost 30 years experience in non profit enterprises with over 40 years of deep personal development experience. Passionate about enabling others’ sense of fulfillment, impact and trust, to engage wholeheartedly with inspiration and commitment to 21st century work and life.
My website Generative You, explains my interests in more in depth, so do sign up for my newsletter or express an interest in my services, or share there how you best like to connect with me. I also run a monthly conversation series Phenomenal Conversations co-exploring life defining topics, with pioneering changemakers who embody systemic and regenerative change in their whole life.
