Change comes through challenge. In (another) solo episode, I reflect on the last six years of Be the change. Podcast and shares a vision for its next six.

After spending the past year immersed in a community of changemakers, social impact leaders, and purpose-driven storytellers, I took some time to ask myself some difficult questions:

• What is the purpose of Be the change. Podcast? What about Be the change. Media Network?
• What happens when we surround ourselves only with people who share our values?
• Am I truly practicing the openness, curiosity, and dialogue that I encourage in others?

Using Tommy Robinson's appearance at The Oxford Union as a catalyst, I explore the dangers of echo chambers, the growing polarization of public discourse, and why meaningful change often requires engaging with ideas that challenge us.

To be clear, this episode is not about defending controversial viewpoints. It is about defending the importance of conversation, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity.

As Be the change. Podcast enters its seventh year, Lily announces a new direction for the podcast: creating space for thoughtful, respectful conversations with people whose perspectives differ from her own. Rather than debates, clickbait, or "gotcha" moments, this new era will focus on listening, learning, and understanding across disagreement.

If you've ever changed your mind, held an unpopular opinion, or wondered how we can bridge divides in an increasingly polarized world, this episode is an invitation to you. Come join me on this podcast... I want to hear from you!

Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe!

If you have guest suggestions or would like to join me on Be the change. Podcast, please email me at lily@bethechangepodcast.org.

Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast.

Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

The first episode of Be the change. Podcast was released on June 2, 2020, and this episode marks six years since that first episode.

I've spent six years asking my guests: "Lots of young people want to make change but might not know where to get started. What is your advice for those people who might be listening?"

So, I devoted this anniversary episode to answering that question myself.

Thank you so much to my family, friends, guests, and listeners because, without all of you, there is no way Be the change. Podcast would still be around six years later. Keep being the change you wish to see in the world!

Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe!

Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast.

If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org.

Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

This episode features Anita Okunde, Michael-Akolade Ayodeji, Zander Moricz, and Kahlil Greene.

On 14 May 2026, Zander Moricz, founder and executive director of SEE Alliance, and Kahlil Greene, also known as the Gen Z Historian, debated at The Oxford Union, where I recorded a live interview with them.

The debate was sponsored by VoxPop, which is an app that teaches young people about politics, as well as encouraging them to get involved in politics. I also interviewed Anita Okunde and Michael-Akolade Ayodeji, who are the co-founders of the app to learn more about their work.

To learn more about VoxPop, visit: https://www.voxpopco.org/

To get connected with Anita Okunde, find her on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

To get connected with Michael-Akolade Ayodeji, find him on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

To get connected with Zander Moricz, find him on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

To get connected with Kahlil Greene, find him on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe!

Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast.

If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org.

Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.