What does “Transformation” actually mean? New podcast now online
2026-10-15 Transformation is a term that constantly comes up in politics, academia, and everyday life. But what does it really mean? The new podcast series “Embracing Transformation” delves into its multifaceted meanings and contexts, from climate change to digitalization to societal upheavals. Tune in to the first episode!
The word “transformation” is characterized by interdisciplinary diversity, contested meanings, and political implications. By diving deep into the semantic nuances and epistemological foundations as well as examining the real-world impacts in social, political, economic, and environmental contexts, the English-language podcast “Embracing Transformation” explores what the term truly means. Featuring four unique episode formats, the podcast’s goal is to make complex research topics accessible to a wider audience and to broaden the discourse on transformative processes.
In “Transformation Dialogues,” two researchers from diverse disciplines discuss current tensions in transformation research. “Scholarly Chats” invites renowned guest researchers to engage in informal conversations about their work. “Emerging Voices” showcases innovative projects by postdoctoral researchers, while “Voices from the Field” sheds light on transformation research in the field, featuring audio recordings directly from on-the-ground-research.
With monthly episodes, listeners can enjoy topics such as climate change, digitalization, economic developments, artistic explorations, personal change and societal upheavals, all of which are characterized by profound transformation processes. Starting on October 14, 2026, the first episode is available on the Leuphana podcast website (see below) and on all relevant podcast channels. Tune in and join the conversation on transformation!
Through the “Embracing Transformation” podcast, the Leuphana Transformation Lab not only engages in a lively exchange with international researchers but also makes transformation research accessible to an audience outside the academic community. Concept, implementation, and production: Dr. Anke Gruendel, Prof. Dr. Berta Martín-López, Avery Miles, and Dr. Wiebke Vorrath; Music: Leon Carlo Flau-Lyttleton.