The Canvas for Change

Founder of The Canvas Ruth Rogers speaks with Dave and Emma Cornthwaite, the founders of the YES Tribe, a community focused on positivity, adventure, and personal growth.They discuss the origins of the YES Tribe, which began with a simple camping invitation, that then developed at Ruth's cafe The Canvas, and has blossomed into a thriving community.The chat explores the evolution of their events, the creation of the YES Bus and camping and community space Big Sky Hideaways, and the transformative impact of their community on individuals' lives.Dave and Ems emphasise the importance of creating spaces for connection and the power of saying 'yes' to new experiences.The YES Tribe website: https://sayyesmore.com/Big Sky Hideaway: https://bigskyhideaway.com/ and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigskyoasis/ and TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigskyhideawayBen Fogle's New Lives in the Country featuring Dave and Ems: https://bigskyhideaway.com/benfogleDave's website: https://davecornthwaite.com/ and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davecorn/Ems' Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KaremboCraftsEms' book recommendation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Where_the_Crawdads_SingChapters00:00Introduction to the Canvas Podcast and Its Mission02:29The Birth of the Yes Tribe05:03Creating Community Through Adventure08:00The Evolution of Yes Tribe Events10:58The Role of the Canvas in the Yes Tribe's Journey13:23Building the Yes Bus and Big Sky Hideaways16:20Impact Stories from the Yes Tribe Community18:45The Power of Positivity and Community23:32Creating a Positive Community Atmosphere28:09The Evolution of the Yes Tribe33:10Future Plans and Community Engagement37:59Reflections on Family and Legacy

Ruth Rogers interviews Laurence McCahill, co-founder of the Happy Startup School, which aims to redefine entrepreneurship by prioritising purpose and happiness over just profit. Laurence shares the journey of creating a community-focused business that challenges traditional business norms, emphasising the importance of connection and support among entrepreneurs. Reflecting on the evolution of their initiatives, and the role of blogging in building their philosophy, Laurence reveals the impact of their events on fostering a sense of belonging among like-minded individuals.The Happy Startup School's website: https://thehappystartupschool.com/Follow Happy Startup on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happystartups/Happy Startups on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHappyStartupSchool/

Ruth Rogers speaks with Ellis Ballard and Bobbie Mills, founding members of the comedy improv group Just Friends that ran for just over a year from February 2019 to March 2020.They discuss the origins of their group, the significance of The Canvas as a creative space in London, and the journey of their improv classes.The conversation also touches on the challenges of running a comedy night, the impact of COVID-19 on performance spaces, and the joy of improvisation and community.Check out True Story LDN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truestoryldnFollow Ellis on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellis.ballardBobbie's book recommendation: Braiding SweetgrassChapters01:15The Birth of Just Friends Comedy Group08:58The Impact of Improv Classes14:13Finding a Home at the Canvas17:06Creating a Unique Comedy Experience17:22Creating a Safe Space for Socializing19:21The Joy of the First Night23:31Sustaining a Regular Night29:20The Impact of COVID on Performance Spaces36:07The Loss of Community Spaces

Ruth Rogers shares warm memories with Arti Lal, the coordinator of Inner Space, a Brahma Kumaris meditation and development centre in Covent Garden, central London that ran free Tuesday Talks at Ruth's community cafe, The Canvas, from 2015-2020.Together, they discuss the importance of community, the evolution of Inner Space, and the impact of meditation on well-being. Arti shares insights on how Inner Space has adapted to serve the community, especially post-pandemic, and emphasises the need for more spaces that foster connection and support. The conversation highlights the power of volunteers, the challenges faced in the current climate, and the shared human experience that brings people together.Experience Inner Space for yourself, wherever you are: https://www.innerspace.org.uk/Chapters02:23The Role of Inner Space in Community Wellbeing05:13The Evolution of Inner Space and Its Philosophy08:06Challenges and Successes in Community Engagement10:39The Shift in Meditation Acceptance Over Time13:12Post-Pandemic Reflections and Community Needs14:46Creating Spaces for Connection and Healing16:40The Importance of Volunteer Energy19:34Reimagining Community Spaces Post-Pandemic22:26The Future of Community Engagement25:05Finding Joy in Community and Connection27:36Final Thoughts and Happy Places

In this conversation, Ruth Rogers interviews Naomi Agyekum, the founder of Kids Deziah Business, a social enterprise aimed at teaching entrepreneurship to young people aged 7 to 17.Naomi shares her journey from being a child entrepreneur to creating a business school that empowers youth with essential skills like budgeting, saving, and creativity.The chat highlights the impact of Kids Deziah Business on young entrepreneurs, the challenges faced during its establishment, and the importance of fostering a spirit of giving back to the community.Naomi's personal reflections on motherhood and her own entrepreneurial journey add depth to this story, making it an inspiring narrative about resilience and empowerment.Follow Kids Deziah Business on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsdeziahbusiness/Follow Naomi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatkidbusinesswoman/Bread pudding recipe (but don't forget to grate the bread!)Chapters02:06Naomi Adjikum and Kids Desire Business05:47The Journey of Kids Desire Business08:49Teaching Vital Life Skills11:35Challenges and Growth of Kids Desire Business14:36Success Stories and Impact17:35Community and Family Involvement20:12Reflections on Entrepreneurship22:13Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

In this conversation, Ruth Rogers speaks with Fay and Matt Doyle, co-founders of 'This Expansive Adventure,' a multimedia platform focused on travel, adventure, and mental health.They discuss their journey from a small blog to a thriving community resource, the importance of accessible outdoor experiences, and the impact of community spaces like The Canvas.The conversation highlights the significance of creating environments that foster growth, inclusivity, and connection, especially in the context of mental health and well-being.This Expansive Adventure's website: https://www.thisexpansiveadventure.com/TEA TV: https://www.tv.thisexpansiveadventure.com/From The Ground Up featuring The Canvas: https://www.tv.thisexpansiveadventure.com/streaming/from-the-ground-upFollow This Expansive Adventure on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisexpansiveadventure/Matt's book recommendation: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. SalingerRead more about Oeschinensee (Lake Oeschinen), one of Fay's happy places.Learn more about Wild Swimming, and Rayrigg Meadow, Fay's second most happy place.Chapters00:00Introduction to The Canvas and Its Impact03:48The Journey of Faye and Matt Doyle08:16The Expansive Adventure: From Blog to Community14:26Documentary Insights: From the Ground Up20:44The Importance of Space for Growth26:50Supporting Independent Businesses and Community32:10Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts