The landscape of innovation and storytelling is vast and varied, a realm where pioneers are constantly on the lookout for new ways to solve age-old problems. In a recent episode of the Audio Signals podcast, hosts Marco Ciappelli, and his guests Alejandro Juárez Crawford and Miriam Plavin-Masterman, dive into the rich territory of the newest venture on ITSPmagazine: the "What If Instead" podcast. This new podcast promises to explore the power of speculative thinking and problem-solving in confronting the world's most pressing issues.

The Genesis of "What If Instead"

Alejandro Juárez Crawford, co-founder of RebelBase, and Miriam Plavin-Masterman, an Associate Professor of Business Administration, use their platform to ask pivotal questions that drive the essence of innovation. Their journey on the "What If Instead" podcast is about more than just generating new ideas; it's an exploration into how we can empower individuals to see themselves as agents of change, capable of writing their own heroic narratives.

Refocusing the Antenna on Unsung Heroes

The conversation highlighted the podcast’s ethos of shifting focus away from traditional heroes of innovation to those enabling others to become protagonists in their own right. This involved repositioning the metaphorical antenna, concentrating not on known narratives but on the untold stories brewing in every corner of the world. It's about setting the stage for unsung heroes to redefine what's possible in their communities.

Empowerment through Local Problem Solving

Miriam Plavin-Masterman emphasized the significance of "For Us, By Us" topics. The podcast aims to spotlight individuals around the globe who are not just solving problems but enabling communities to discover solutions organically, rooting innovation in local dynamics and cultures. This approach challenges the convention of parachuting solutions into communities, instead encouraging a bottom-up method where insights and innovations are homegrown.

Tales of Global Impact

Guests on the "What If Instead" podcast span a wide array of backgrounds and disciplines, from Ghanaian entrepreneurs to technology innovators in South Africa and social activists in Kyrgyzstan. These stories underline the universal appeal and necessity of creative problem-solving, spotlighting both the diversity and unity in tackling global challenges.

Who Is Listening?

The podcast caters to a burgeoning convergence of listeners drawn from various sectors, united by a common interest in social innovation, climate change, and the transformation of societal systems. This audience is keen on hearing how individuals, often working with limited resources, are crafting solutions that promise a more inclusive, sustainable future.

The Art of Storytelling in Innovation

Towards the end of their conversation, the trio touched upon the crucial role of storytelling in innovation. It's through compelling narratives that innovators can connect with a broader audience, garnering support for causes and solutions that might otherwise remain in the shadows. Storytelling, as suggested by their discussion, is not just a tool for engagement but a vehicle for inspiring action and change.

Conclusion

The "What If Instead" podcast, hosted by Alejandro Juárez Crawford and Miriam Plavin-Masterman, stands as a beacon of speculative thinking in a world often constrained by conventional wisdom. It pushes the envelope on what it means to innovate, inviting listeners to ponder, "What if?", and more importantly, "Why not?". This evocative call to action encourages us all to tap into our latent potential to be not just spectators but active participants in the stories of change unfolding around us.

By tuning into their discussions, we are reminded that every individual is capable of being a catalyst for transformation. The "What If Instead" podcast is not just an exploration of ideas; it's an invitation to join a movement geared towards a more equitable and innovative future.
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Resources

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For more podcast stories from What If Instead? Podcast with Alejandro Juárez Crawford and Miriam Plavin-Masterman, visit: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/alejandro-juarez-crawford and https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/miriam-plavin-masterman

For more podcast stories from Audio Signals: https://www.itspmagazine.com/audio-signals

Watch the video version on-demand on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllQvnJ8eHUlVX8AuyhehtexA

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