ALL EPISODES
#85 | From Poverty to Purpose: A Movement to Empower Young Girls in India
Kayla and Molly, two American volunteers in India, alongside Sarah Davison Tracy, founder of Seeds of Exchange, are supporting a life-changing initiative called Asha.
Asha, which is Hindi for Hope, is part of Momentum Global’s mission to empower young girls and women living in extreme poverty. Their work focuses on preventing child marriages and human trafficking by equipping young women and girls with skills for sustainable work through the creation of a tailoring training center.
#84 | Sherri Goodman - Sherri Goodman: How to Stop Climate-Driven Conflicts Before They Start
Sherri Goodman’s illustrious career includes groundbreaking work at the Pentagon and beyond, where she helped integrate environmental and climate considerations into defense policies and practices. Her latest book, Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership, and the Fight for Global Security, provides a critical exploration of the challenges and opportunities at this intersection, offering a roadmap for a more secure future in the face of accelerating climate risks.
#83 | Your Plate, Your Fate: Dr. Rosane Oliveira Helps You Rewrite your Genetic Destiny (Revisit)
In her 25-year career in nutritional genetics, Dr. Oliveira's has sought to uncover and demystify the complex relationship between our genes, our diet, and our overall well-being. Her approach encompasses a holistic view of lifestyle choices, including plant-based nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and emotional well-being which she teaches through the Plant-Based Life Foundation and in her classes at UCDavis.
#82 | Kevin Fedarko's Mission: Preserving the Grand Canyon's Natural and Cultural Heritage
Kevin Fedarko, NYT bestselling author of the spellbinding book, A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon, and Pete McBride, filmmaker and renown photographer, spent a year trekking the 750-mile (including multiple vertical climbs) terrain. Kevin later wove his experiences into a book so absolutely engaging and riveting, I quite literally cannot stop obsessing about how much it has impacted my view of protecting our national parks as well as our country’s centuries-long disregard of their connection to sacred places and their connection to the earth.
#81 | The Missing Link in Women's Health: Dr. Campbell on Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (Revisit)
Dr. Caleigh Campbell chose to practice a specialty still unknown to many women and even to many doctors, though its results are simple, effective, and often life-changing: pelvic floor physical therapy.
#80 | Rescuing Horses from Slaughter: Tawnee Preisner’s Mission with Horse Plus Humane Society
Tawnee Preisner, co-founder of the Horse Plus Humane Society, has spent more than two decades to rescuing horses from abuse, neglect, and slaughter. Their modest beginnings have exploded into a powerhouse of equine advocacy, reshaping the landscape of horse rescue and protection in America.
#79 | Professor Steve Babson Explores American Populism
Steve Babson, a retired labor instructor and author, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the subject of populism. With a lifetime career in labor education coupled with a PhD in history, Steve holds an expert understanding of the intricate dynamics of social and political movements. In his latest book, "Populism: When America's Farmers Turned Left to Save Democracy," Babson delves into the late 1800s, a crucial period in American history that saw the emergence of the populist movement.
#73 | Revisiting: Sunniva Sorby: How a Polar Explorer Uses Citizen Science to Raise Climate Change Awareness
In 1993, Sunniva Sorby was part of the first all-women expedition team to ski across Antarctica to the South Pole. That history-making journey kicked off a thirty-year career of wilderness adventure that eventually transformed Sunniva into a citizen scientist conducting climate change research in the Antarctic and Arctic regions.
After making over 100 expedition trips to the Antarctic, most gathering data as a citizen scientist, Sunniva, along with Hilde Falun Strom, cofounded the non-profit Hearts in the Ice to raise awareness of personal responsibility, encourage involvement, and to help scientists monitor the impacts of climate change in polar regions.
#71 | From Pain to Purpose: Embracing Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing Techniques with Sol
In this episode, Sol (Kat Ross) hares how her journey began with the solar industry, where she was not just a participant but a passionate advocate for sustainable living. However, it was the sudden loss of her mother that marked a turning point, leading her down a path filled with spiritual inquiry and healing. Sol’s openness to explore her grief through ancient healing practices eventually guided her to train as a medicine woman, where she learned to meld the wisdom of traditional shamanic practices with the needs of modern individuals and businesses.
#70 | Ditte Lysgaard Vind: Denmark’s Circular Economy Visionary
Ditte Lysgaard Vind, Chief Innovation and Science Officer at BloxHub, a Nordic hub for sustainable urbanization, Ditte’s work exemplifies the practical application of creating spaces that promote both community well-being and environmental health. She is a visionary in the field of sustainable design and circular economy, and author of the new book, Danish Design Heritage and Global Sustainability.
#68 | Shannon Keith’s Legal Battle to End Animal Testing
Did you know that beagles, one of America’s most cherished dog breeds, are the most common canine victims of laboratory testing due to their extremely docile nature? This heartbreaking reality motivates Shannon Keith, our guest today, who is an animal rights lawyer and the founder of the Beagle Freedom Project.
Beagle Freedom Project is the world’s leading organization for rescuing and rehoming animals used in experimental research. Since 2010, they have liberated thousands of animals while working to end their abuse through education, advocacy, and legislation. Each day they move closer to their ultimate goal of a world without animal testing.
#65 | Palestinian Filmmaker Mohammed Alatar: Documenting Injustice & Resilience in Occupation
Mohammed Alatar is a Palestinian filmmaker who writes, directs and produces documentaries about life in Occupied Palestine. He chose cinema as a means to tell the story of his people in the most powerful way possible. His six completed films thus far are a testament to his deep compassion and desire to fight for human rights, not only for Palestinians, but for all who are deprived self-rule and self-determination.
#63 | Michael Dexter: Empowering Local Climate Action with "Climate Herald"
Michael Dexter is the visionary founder behind Climate Herald, a groundbreaking platform that promotes local action on climate change. His journey into the world of environmental advocacy was deeply influenced by his personal experiences, including the repeated flooding of his childhood home, which underscored the tangible impacts of climate issues. His extensive background as a former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) staffer enriched his passion for environmental action, providing him with invaluable experience in leading community-based resiliency projects and crafting resources for local governments.
#62 | *Revisiting* Nourish & Nurture: The Farmlink Project's Quest to End Hunger and Protect the Planet
Remarkably, as of March 2024, The Farmlink Project, a student-run non-profit, has moved 165 million pounds of excess farm produce slated for the landfill to needy food banks, providing 137,500,000 meals, while simultaneously sparing the environment 238,145 tons of carbon emissions. Their actions are a testament to how proactive minds can turn adversity into a powerful tool for change. Six hundred college & high students volunteer to keep the mission thriving. And they are just getting started.
#57 | Ryan Berg's Mission: Freedom & Dignity for Victims of Sex Trafficking
Ryan Berg, co-founder of the Aruna Project, joins us to unfold the layers of human trafficking, sharing not just the grim realities but the rays of hope his incredible organization brings into the lives of those affected. Ryan paints a vivid picture of the Aruna Project's mission, intertwining the fight for freedom with empowerment and sustainable change. The organization's approach is as innovative as it is impactful, creating a business model that serves as a lifeline for survivors. It's a testament to the belief that change is possible, one life at a time.
#56 | Redefining Care: Dr. Marc-David Munk's Mission to Transform American Healthcare
In this deeply insightful episode, we're honored to feature Dr. Marc-David Munk, a physician who has dedicated his career to reshaping the landscape of American healthcare. Dr. Munk's journey is a testament to the power of combining medical expertise with a passion for systemic change. From his early days as an emergency physician to his transformative experiences abroad, including his life-altering stint as a flying doctor in East Africa, Dr. Munk's story is not just about medicine; it's about a relentless quest to improve patient care and healthcare systems.
#55 | 'Raising the Nation': Paul Lindley's Crusade for a Child-Centric Future
In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the world of successful British entrepreneur and influential author, Paul Lindley OBE. Paul has dedicated himself to reshaping the landscape of childhood through innovative ideas and passionate advocacy.
From his early days starting the UK’s largest organic baby and toddler food brand, Ella's Kitchen, to his nine years as Deputy Director of Nickelodeon UK, to his current roles as Chair of Robert F Kennedy Human Rights UK and a Trustee of Sesame Workshop, the creators of Sesame Street, Paul's journey is one of creativity, compassion, and positive change.
His bestselling book, 'Little Wins,' and his new book, Raising the Nation: How to Build a Better Future For Our Children (And Everyone Else)' are testaments to his belief in the untapped potential of young minds and the need for child-centric policies.
#53 | From Shadows to Advocacy: Hector Quiroga's Immigrant Journey to the American Dream
As an attorney and CEO at Quiroga Law Office, PLLC, HECTOR QUIROGA has been practicing immigration law for over 14 years, “Helping clients achieve their American Dream.” Since 2015 has taught law students at Gonzaga University School of Law, “Sharing his knowledge and skills in practice management, trial and case management, and settlement strategies”. In his book, Prove Them Wrong: One Immigrant’s 10-Year Journey from Bankrupt to Millionaire, Hector discusses the weight of trauma and the power of sharing and healing. He also explores the impact of childhood trauma and the struggle with self-worth, and highlights the consequences of undervaluing oneself and the journey to trust and delegate.
#52 | Gregg Montella: A Lifeline in Crisis - Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine and Beyond
In this deeply moving episode of How We Change the World, we explore the life and work of Gregg Montella, founder and director of Heroes International. From his early days of finding his calling to his two decades of humanitarian efforts in Moldova and Ukraine, Gregg shares his remarkable journey.
Gregg reflects on the evolution of his mission, from an aspiring comedy writer to a beacon of hope for the vulnerable. He dives into the heart of Heroes International's work, detailing his experiences in aiding orphans, widows, and soldiers amidst the turmoil in Ukraine. His commitment to providing refuge and support in these regions shines through as he narrates the challenges and triumphs of his humanitarian endeavors.
#50 | Ecology & Ethics: Dr. Janet Rumfelt on Protecting Animal, Human, and Planetary Health
Dr. Janet Rumfelt, Board Chair of the African Network for Animal Welfare USA (ANAW-USA) and professor of Environmental Studies at Regis University, shares her profound insights into the symbiotic relationship between humans, animals, and our shared environment. She reflects on how her academic background in religion, ethics, and philosophy has shaped her understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings.