Listen "Ep 203 Navigating community - Life in an eco village with Suzie Brown"
Episode Synopsis
What does it really look like to live inside the dream of community? To share walls & gardens, decision-making & dinner tables — & to raise children in a village that actually lives its values?In this conversation, we sit down with Suzie Brown, long-time advocate for sustainable living & proud resident of the Narara Eco-Village. Suzie opens the gate & lets us wander through the realities of intentional community life — from the joy of shared purpose & spontaneous connection, to the inevitable challenges of governance, regulation & difference.She shares how Narara’s unique decision-making structures help navigate conflict, why research & planning matter long before the first foundation is laid & what it takes to keep a community diverse, accessible, & truly alive.This chat is as much about belonging as it is about building — about the quiet power of volunteering, the laughter that spills from community events & the deep satisfaction of knowing you’re part of something larger than yourself.So settle in & join us as we explore what happens when a group of humans decides to live more lightly — & more together.Pod Partners Rock: Australian Medicinal Herbs Code: Future5Support the ShowCasual Support - Buy Me A CoffeeRegular Support - PatreonBuy the Books: Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togethernessWe talked about:How children benefit from growing up in a supportive environmentSociocracy allows for effective decision-making in communitiesConflict resolution is crucial for the success of eco-villagesResearch into successful eco-villages informs best practicesAccessibility and affordability are challenges for eco-village livingCommunity events help integrate new members into the villagePets can be a contentious issue in community living Participating in an eco-village requires active engagementCommunity members are joint owners of the cooperativeBuilding a sustainable community involves significant effort & collaborationThe concept of 'pulsing' allows for shared leadership & energy levelsJoy & fun are essential for community cohesion.Governance models like sociocracy help manage community dynamicsFinancial planning is crucial for the sustainability of eco-villagesRegulatory challenges can hinder the building process in eco-villagesVolunteering is a key aspect of community involvementLiving in an eco-village fosters a deep sense of belongingSupport the show