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!

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

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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!

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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.

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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.

Change comes when you incorporate your creativity. Dyar Hussain is YouthTheGap's Director of Education and Knowledge Exchange, as well as the host of Legacies Lost & Found.

Legacies Lost & Found launched on Be the change. Media Network on March 24, 2026, so you can listen now via wherever you get your podcasts.

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

To learn more about YouthTheGap, you can listen to Episode 270 of Be the change. Podcast featuring Kaia-Allen Bevan or visit: https://youththegap.uk.

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

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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.

Change comes when you vote... again! Cosima Wiltshire is an advocate who is building bridges between youth, tech, and politics to create a digital world for and by young people. She joined me on the podcast ahead of the 2026 UK elections on May 7th, 2026 to reflect on her advocacy journey, share some advice for other changemakers, and most importantly, talk about why it's important to vote!

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

To learn more about Shout Out UK, visit: https://www.shoutoutuk.org.

To learn more about FlippGen, visit: https://www.flippgen.com/.

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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.

Change comes when you avoid putting yourself into a box. Olivia Krawczyk is the founder of OneKind Creative, which is an award-winning design studio committed to bridging the gap between graphic design and social impact.

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

To learn more about OneKind Creative, visit: https://www.onekindcreative.co.uk.

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.

Change comes when you see things on the brighter side. Nika Stastny is a biomedical researcher pursuing a PhD in global health, as well as the host of Global Health Talks: On the Brighter Side.

Global Health Talks: On the Brighter Side launched on Be the change. Media Network on April 21, 2026, so you can listen now via wherever you get your podcasts.

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

For more updates on Global Health Talks: On the Brighter Side, follow the podcast on Instagram.

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.

Change comes when we vote. Dany Shibu and Dani Onyewuenyi are spokespeople for Migrant Democracy Project, which is an organization that believes in the power of democracy and wants migrants across the UK to be able to leverage their vote for a just immigration system.

The deadline to register is 11:59pm on 20 April 2026, in order to vote in local government elections across the UK, Scottish Parliament elections, Senedd Cymru elections, and mayoral elections in England on 7 May 2026.

To learn more and get involved with Migrant Democracy Project's work, you can visit their website or connect with them on LinkedIn or on Instagram.

To get connected with Dany Shibu, find him on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

To get connected with Dani Onyewuenyi, find her 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.