A Blue Lotus with...…Podcast series
About the PodcastThe Blue Lotus flower is a water lily that has been used since ancient times as a bridge between the waking world and the dream state, supporting us to connect us to deeper layers of perception.
The natural lifecycle of the lily teaches us about the process of creation itself. In the ancient Egyptian creation myth, it is said that the world began in the dark, limitless watery chaos of Nun, from which a giant blue lotus flower rose and bloomed to reveal the newborn sun god Atum or Ra - bringing light and life to the universe.
There is also a legend from Ancient Egypt that the return of the Blue Lotus to the Nile will mark the beginning of a new cycle of civilisation on Earth. The end of a time of separation and emergence of one rooted in unity and harmony with the rhythms of life.
A Blue Lotus With… is a space for conversation held in this spirit. Each episode invites a guest who falls somewhere between a visionary, entrepreneur, creative and change-maker, to share in a Blue Lotus tea and an open dialogue that moves between worlds.
From systems change to creativity, consciousness, ancient wisdom and the unseen threads that connect them, these conversations unfold organically guided by curiosity and the intelligence of the flower.
Meet Your Host
Anneka Shally
For over a decade, Anneka has supported intergovernmental organisations, investment firms and cultural institutions in shaping narratives and initiatives focused on advancing peace-building and environmentally sustainable systems.
Alongside this work, she partners with change-makers and impact-led entrepreneurs to bring their ideas into the world - giving form to projects, visions, and initiatives through the art of storytelling.
Her experience across institutional systems and entrepreneurial spaces has guided her towards a holistic understanding of the transformation we are living through, and the central role that stories and narratives play as a catalyst in this era of profound change.
At the same time, Anneka has walked a dedicated path of personal transformation, studying ancient wisdom traditions, somatic embodiment, energy healing and the intelligence of the natural world.
It was on this journey that she discovered the Blue Lotus - a flower long associated with dreams, rebirth and the cycles of creation. Drawn deeply into its symbolism and related mythology from Ancient Egypt, the Blue Lotus has become an important thread within Storyweave as a symbol of the visionary process itself.
Season 1
Stay tuned for season 2 - coming soon
Michelle wong
Episode OneIn the first episode of "A Blue Lotus with..." Michele and Anneka come together over a blue lotus and explore Michele's journey of writing her first novel, Feminine Reclaimed, which shares the modalities and experiences Michele explored on her journey of finding inner harmony with herself.
Anneka and Michele also discuss how they see this healing journey reflected in the professional work they have been doing in the sustainability space. They speak about the importance of bringing the masculine and feminine back into balance in our collective system, which requires a reclamation of the feminine, in order to bring our system back into balance.
Julia alvin
Episode TwoIn the second episode Anneka is joined by Julia Alvim who shares her journey of letting go of her dream career in the corporate world and stepping into the unknown, which eventually led her to co-founding "Children of the Universe" - a initiative which aims to inspire people to tap into their inner artist with the ultimate mission of colouring the world.
Julia and Anneka talk about success and how its definition has changed for them both as they have got older and had more experiences in life. They also talk about the beauty of dreams, the importance of art and the need to dream together to bring big things to the world and create meaningful change.
Billy lockett
Episode 3In the third episode Anneka is joined by singer/songwriter Billy Lockett for a conversation over a blue lotus.
Billy shares his journey of living as a full-time artist since leaving school, navigating the highs and lows of the music industry. He reflects on his experiences working under a record label versus making it as an independent artist, and opens up about the personal story behind his debut album Abington Grove, inspired by the legacy of his father’s home.
Bella roberts
Episode 4In the forth episode Anneka is joined by Bella Roberts. Following a decade-long career in the Private Markets, Bella transitioned to politics at the start of 2021 as a candidate for the London Assembly elections. She started ANTIPARTY UK - a pro-democracy movement rooted in collective intelligence for systems change to facilitate a movement beyond the two-party system.
Bella shares her insights on topics such as decentralisation of power, the importance of the consciousness revolution in the age of AI, and more.