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All Things Conflict

All Things Conflict

By: Maria Arpa MBE
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 Who doesn't have conflict in their lives? Whether at work, at home or somewhere out in the world we are all affected by conflict even when it is indirect. The impact of poorly managed conflict can devastate lives. With 30 years’ experience mediating conflict and training peacemakers, Maria has held people’s hearts through everything from workplace hostility, board room battles, belligerent teenagers, separated parents at loggerheads to neighbours at war, street gang rivalries, threats to life and business deals gone wrong. In this podcast Maria lifts the lid on why we fight and how we can resolve conflict and design it out of our lives. Maria’s mission is to reduce unnecessary human suffering through conscious awareness, facilitated dialogue and trauma healing, using her communications tool, the Dialogue Road Map. Economics Management Management & Leadership Parenting & Families Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Beyond Charitable Sympathy: Finding Social Justice in the Present Moment

    Beyond Charitable Sympathy: Finding Social Justice in the Present Moment
    Jan 21 2026
    In this episode of All Things Conflict, we explore the "internal emotional landscape" that dictates how we engage with the world. Our guest David Ellis argues that modern society is built on a "domination culture" of competition and excellence that fundamentally clashes with the heart of social justice. By moving away from institutional "head-knowledge" and toward heart-led empathy, we uncover a radical new way to view human connection from the way we treat people on the street to how we could completely overhaul the Ministry of Justice. We dive into the concept of "Clink Ink," a visionary proposal to transform prisons from warehouses of punishment into creative business hubs where inmates pay for their own keep through entrepreneurship and restitution. Key Takeaways The Myth of Competition: The drive to be "better" than others often acts as a shadow that prevents us from achieving true social balance. Conscience over Morals: While ethics are developed to help our minds understand fairness, "conscience" is the immediate feeling that something isn't right—a voice often drowned out by the speed of modern life. Heart-Led Social Justice: True justice isn't just about the distribution of wealth; it is about how we care for one another on a moment-by-moment basis without the filter of social "propaganda" or fear. Empathy vs. Sympathy: Charitable sympathy often maintains the status quo, whereas empathy creates a sustainable mechanism for change. Radical Prison Reform (Clink Ink): By treating the prison population as "customers" with creative intelligence, we can build successful companies (banks, insurance, etc.) inside walls that allow for proper restitution and learning. The Natural Will to Give: Every human has a genuine desire to join in and offer something; the "no" we often hear is usually just a temporary conditioning or a self-imposed wound getting in the way. SOCIAL LINKS ⁠www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org⁠ ⁠www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk⁠ ⁠www.workplacehuddle.com⁠ HOST BIO Maria founded the Centre for Peaceful Solutions in response to the fatal shooting of a 7 year old in her neighbourhood. She developed a model of conflict resolution for violent crime using her brainchild, the Dialogue Road Map (DRM). Over 30 years she has mediated everything from threat to life gang disputes to high stakes business deals gone wrong, Maria empowers people to resolve conflict without reliance on experts. So she trains violent prisoners to be facilitators, leaders to be effective communicators, teenagers to be peer mediators and neighbours to be tenant listeners within their respective communities. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    41 mins
  • Creating Safe Spaces: The Art of Facilitating Difficult Conversations

    Creating Safe Spaces: The Art of Facilitating Difficult Conversations
    Jan 14 2026
    In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria hosts Fiona Ruttle. They delve into the transformative power of conflict resolution and the importance of fostering understanding in challenging situations. Fiona shares her profound experiences working in prisons, where she witnessed the humanisation of individuals often seen as "monsters." The conversation explores the role of effective communication, the significance of listening, and the need for safe spaces to navigate conflicts. They discuss the impact of personal role models on conflict management and the potential for healing relationships through dialogue. The episode culminates in a vision for justice redesign, advocating for alternatives to incarceration that prioritise rehabilitation and community engagement, highlighting the potential for individuals to flourish when given the right support. KEY TAKEAWAYS Transformative Power of Dialogue: Engaging in facilitated conversations, such as those using the dialogue roadmap and non-violent communication, can transform relationships and break down barriers, even in challenging environments like prisons. Conflict as an Opportunity: Conflict should not be viewed solely as a negative experience. Instead, it can be an opportunity for growth, understanding, and creativity, allowing individuals to navigate tensions and emerge with stronger connections. Role of Listening: Active listening is a crucial skill in conflict resolution. Allowing the person with the least awareness to speak first can create a safe space for dialogue and foster empathy, leading to more constructive outcomes. Importance of Safe Containers: Establishing a safe environment for discussions, whether in personal relationships or community mediation, is essential for addressing conflicts without escalating tensions. This includes setting boundaries around topics that are too sensitive to discuss initially. Community-Based Solutions: Alternatives to incarceration, such as rehabilitation programs that focus on personal growth and community reintegration, can be more effective than traditional punitive measures. Engaging communities in the resolution process can lead to more sustainable and positive outcomes. SOCIAL LINKS www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk www.workplacehuddle.com HOST BIO Maria founded the Centre for Peaceful Solutions in response to the fatal shooting of a 7 year old in her neighbourhood. She developed a model of conflict resolution for violent crime using her brainchild, the Dialogue Road Map (DRM). Over 30 years she has mediated everything from threat to life gang disputes to high stakes business deals gone wrong, Maria empowers people to resolve conflict without reliance on experts. So she trains violent prisoners to be facilitators, leaders to be effective communicators, teenagers to be peer mediators and neighbours to be tenant listeners within their respective communities. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    42 mins
  • Unleashing Potential: Jonah Jones on Transforming Lives Through Understanding and Support

    Unleashing Potential: Jonah Jones on Transforming Lives Through Understanding and Support
    Jan 7 2026
    In this episode of All Things Conflict, Maria engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jonah Jones, a former professional footballer turned football manager and entrepreneur. Jonah shares his remarkable journey from being an abandoned baby raised in the care system to becoming a passionate advocate for helping others unleash their potential. The discussion delves into the importance of understanding individual struggles, the power of self-validation, and the need for a supportive environment that fosters growth. Jonah emphasises the significance of seeing the world from others' perspectives and the transformative impact of providing second chances, particularly for those facing societal injustices. Through personal anecdotes and insightful exercises, the episode highlights the profound connection between personal healing and the collective responsibility to level the playing field for all. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding and Empathy: The importance of seeing the world from another person's perspective is crucial for fostering connection and support. This understanding can help address individual challenges and injustices. Unleashing Potential: Everyone has inherent potential, and the goal is to help individuals recognize and unleash that potential. This involves providing support and guidance to help them overcome barriers and achieve their best selves. Personal Reflection: A powerful first step in personal transformation is self-affirmation. Looking in the mirror and repeating positive affirmations can help individuals validate their worth and begin to peel back the layers of trauma and self-doubt. Second Chances: Everyone deserves a second chance, especially those who have faced adversity. Providing a resourced second chance can significantly reduce poor decision-making and foster a sense of hope and opportunity. Collective Responsibility: There is a shared duty to level the playing field for all individuals, regardless of their background. This involves recognizing and addressing systemic barriers and creating supportive environments that promote growth and development. BEST MOMENTS "You know, thank you so much for inviting me on. Jonah Jones, real name. As you say, we had a brilliant opportunity to connect during the summer..." - Jonah "We try to do everything we can to help people acknowledge and understand what their individual and collective barriers might be." - Jonah "You have to dare to lose to win. You have to be brave enough to lose to be able to win." - Jonah "Everyone deserves another chance, everyone. So actually there are loads and loads and loads of things you can do to prepare people..." - Jonah "The very first step is to go and find the mirror and look in it and look at yourself without looking away in a mirror for 60 seconds." - Jonah SOCIAL LINKS www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk www.workplacehuddle.com Johna Jones https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jonah-mark-jones-1809752 https://www.hamptonhouseinternational.com/ HOST BIO Maria founded the Centre for Peaceful Solutions in response to the fatal shooting of a 7 year old in her neighbourhood. She developed a model of conflict resolution for violent crime using her brainchild, the Dialogue Road Map (DRM). Over 30 years she has mediated everything from threat to life gang disputes to high stakes business deals gone wrong, Maria empowers people to resolve conflict without reliance on experts. So she trains violent prisoners to be facilitators, leaders to be effective communicators, teenagers to be peer mediators and neighbours to be tenant listeners within their respective communities. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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    51 mins
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