Tacito in English

The rise of offline: designing for face-to-face connection with Vanéni Bilemdgian

In a world of busy schedules and digital networks, what does it actually take to build a real community? We have endless ways to connect online, yet many of us still feel the profound feeling of urban loneliness. To explore the art and science of fostering genuine bonds, we sit down with Vaneni Bilemdgian. She is an expert in both corporate logistics and heartfelt community building, and as the founder of Girls Meet Up, she architects spaces where strangers become friends. Her work is a masterclass in the practical design of belonging. In this episode, Vaneni shares why our craving for face-to-face interaction is surging and what it takes to create truly safe and welcoming spaces. From her "seventh language" of non-verbal connection to the cultural nuances of friendship, this is a deep dive into the intentional systems required to fight loneliness. It’s a powerful reminder that the most meaningful experiences are rarely accidental; they are thoughtfully designed.

How to Sell Tap Water Like Champagne with Corina Akner

What do you get when you call a veggie-sausage a "Boom Dog"? You get a lesson in creative rebellion. Designer and sustainability strategist Corina Akner explains why playfulness and clever design are our best tools for change. From turning "boring" oats into a delicacy to designing waste out of the food system, this conversation is packed with tangible inspiration that proves sustainability is anything but a chore. Keywords: Food Design, Storytelling and Sustainability

What if sustainable travel wasn't so hard? with Ketti Wilhelm from Tiltedmap

From ancient migrations to last-minute flights, the human desire to explore is undeniable. But what happens when our modern travel habits—driven by the hunt for a perfect backdrop—create more problems than they solve? To dive deeper into this, we talk to Ketti Wilhelm, the passionate traveller and creator of the award-winning sustainable travel blog, Tilted Map. Ketti challenges the shame-based narratives around travel and offers a realistic, positive path for the modern adventurer. In this episode, Ketti unpacks the difference between travelling to experience a culture versus simply wanting a different setting with the comforts of home. She provides practical, shame-free travel tips—from booking smarter flights and avoiding tourism leakage to the simple yet profound mindset of "being a guest." This is a great reflection on making trips more meaningful for both the traveller and the places being visited. Show notes: * Resources from Ketti at: tiltedmap.com/tacito [http://tiltedmap.com/tacito] . * Website: tiltedmap.com [http://tiltedmap.com/] * Instagram @tiltedmap [https://www.instagram.com/tiltedmap/] * Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tiltedmap [https://www.youtube.com/@tiltedmap]

Loneliness and the Art of the In-Between Space with Zsofia Gaudi

This episode is about navigating loneliness in transitional times with Zsofia Gaudi As summer fades and routines return, have you ever felt a quiet sense of disconnection? That subtle loneliness that creeps in during transitional periods is a universal experience, yet we rarely talk about it. In this episode, we sit down with Zsofia Gaudi—a community organizer, mentor, and mental health advocate with a background in psychology—to explore the nuances of mental health. We discuss why feeling "out of sync" isn't a problem to be fixed, but an invitation to connect with our inner wisdom and understand our true emotional needs. Zsofia shares powerful insights on differentiating between a need (like connection or peace) and a strategy (like buying a new phone). Using the beautiful metaphor of fermentation, she explains how community building thrives when every individual finds their unique place and role. This is a crucial conversation for anyone interested in personal well-being and for designers aiming to create products and services that foster genuine belonging.

When the ground feels uncertain, where do we find our footing? with Ella Noah Bancroft

When the world feels uncertain, where do you turn for strength? This episode explores not just how we endure challenging times, but how we can reframe them as powerful moments of growth, healing, and profound human connection. We are honored to be joined by Ella Noah Bancroft, a Bundjalung woman, artist, author, and founder of The Returning Indigenous Corporation. Drawing from deep Indigenous wisdom, Ella guides us through the practice of "remembering and returning"—a powerful call to reconnect with our land, community, and ancestral lineage as an antidote to modern disconnection. We discuss how to build a sustainable culture based on care, Ella's work in community building, creating spaces for intergenerational learning where elders and youth exchange knowledge, and the healing power of authentic storytelling. This is a conversation about finding our place, strengthening our bonds, and weaving a new story for our collective future. Key Moments: * [06:45]: Shifting perspective: Why seeing difficult times as periods of birth and growth is crucial for humanity. * [09:29]: Unpacking "Remembering and Returning": What it means to reclaim connection to land, culture, and self. * [12:28]: How intergenerational communities create "quantum leap learning" and foster deep-rooted wisdom and belonging. * [26:59]: The "Mother Care" program: A powerful example of building a business rooted in a community care economy. * [32:59]: Rediscovering the role of storytelling as the fabric of our DNA and a vital tool for healing and understanding.