Horse Hair and Urinal Flies: Humour and Absurdity in Social Change Work

In this episode, your hosts, Paige Reeves and Rebecca Rubuliak, sit down with Ben Weinlick, Executive Director of Skills Society and the visionary behind the Action Lab. They chat about the role of humour and absurdity as essential tools, not luxuries, in social change work, especially during times of austerity. Listen in as they discuss insights from leaders and mentors, how humour and play show up in practice, stories to learn from (urinal flies, invention of cathode ray tube TV, sisyphus, the paradox of hope), and so much more!
 
In a world marked by deepening polarization, democratic erosion, and relentless uncertainty, we often believe that solving complex social problems requires grim determination and endless seriousness. But what if we've got it backwards? In this season of Wicked Complex, we explore how imagination, play, creativity, and even absurdity become radical acts of resistance. We speak with systemic designers, human-centered design practitioners, and social innovators who've discovered that playfulness isn't a luxury or distraction—it's essential fuel for meaningful change. Together, we'll ask: How do we maintain hope when the stakes feel impossibly high? What happens when we give ourselves permission to imagine differently, to laugh, to create? And how can communities in Alberta and beyond harness creativity and absurdity not as escapism, but as catalysts for transformation? This season is an invitation to reclaim lightness, joy, and play as legitimate tools for building the world we need—and for sustaining ourselves and our movements while we do.

What is Wicked Complex?

Wicked Complex is an insightful podcast produced by Action Lab, located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This podcast delves into some of the most wicked and complex problems we face today, and the approaches used to work on them. Renowned worldwide, Action Lab is celebrated for its work in social innovation and systemic change, tackling intricate issues head-on. In our episodes, we engage with innovative thinkers and problem-solvers, dissecting complex problems and the myriad solutions being pursued. Join us as we explore what makes a problem "wicked complex" and the diverse methodologies, processes, and strategies employed to overcome these challenges. This podcast is for change makers, social innovation lab explorers, and any individual or organization keen on addressing the challenges we face today, providing insights and inspiration for those dedicated to making a difference.