Healing At The Heart

Joanne Lockwood is joined by personal development coach Jared Karol to explore what it means to bring equanimity to difficult conversations—and why inner healing matters for sustainable social change. Together they unpack how people often respond to pressure and marginalisation by either shutting down or fighting back, and what it can look like to stay present, open, and grounded instead.

Jared shares the origins of his approach, including the impact of his father being a gay man who later died of AIDS, and how that experience shaped his commitment to social justice work. He reflects on his early years of activism, when certainty and snark felt effective, and the gradual shift toward a more mature, healing-centred “how” that prioritises emotional regulation, connection, and long-term impact.

Across the discussion they consider the difference between passion and purpose, the risks of performative outrage, and the way online interactions can accelerate polarisation. The episode closes with practical invitations—such as mindfulness and centring connection—to help listeners show up consciously and compassionately in the work of inclusion and change.