Fearless Conversations and Essential Connections: An Indigenous Perspective with Tyson Yunkaporta PhD

Attempting to gain dominance over others rarely benefits everyone involved. Instead, embracing diversity as a superpower — not as a tool to enforce artificial equity, but as a genuine celebration of varied strengths and perspectives — can unlock a quiet joy. This joy comes from the natural harmony that arises when differences are valued for their unique contributions, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives organically, leading to an increase for all.

To connect with an Indigenous perspective, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with researcher, senior lecturer, and author Tyson Yunkaporta PhD.

Tyson shares wisdom gleaned from his research of indigenous cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. His humanistic approach to fearless conversations solidifies connections and aims to change the world by moving away from individualism and toward communal ideologies. In his book, Right Story, Wrong Story: How to Have Fearless Conversations in Hell, he lays the groundwork for a universal understanding and adherence to the ‘law of the land’.

Original Air Date Wednesday, June 18, 2025

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Meet Our Guest:

Tyson Yunkaporta PhD is an academic, arts critic, researcher, and member of the Apalech Clan in far north Queensland. Tyson is the author of Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World, winner of the Small Publishers’ Adult Book of the Year at the Australian Book Industry Awards and the Ansari Institute’s Randa and Sherif Nasr Book Prize on Religion & the World, awarded to an author who explores global issues using Indigenous perspectives.

He carves traditional tools and weapons and also works as a senior lecturer in Indigenous Knowledges at Deakin University in Melbourne. He lives in Melbourne, Australia.

Book: Right Story, Wrong Story: How to Have Fearless Conversations in Hell

Tyson Yunkaporta — Fearless Conversations:

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Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now? Explore lifelong relationships as part of your journey to happiness.

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day. Our lifelong relationships have a big influence on this journey.

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