As we approach this pivotal election, the very fabric of our democracy is at risk. What happens if we let polarization and misinformation guide our choices? In this episode, John Sorensen joins us as we dissect what's truly at stake. Could we lose our rights, freedoms, and the values that make our democracy thrive. Join us as we dive deeply into the hard questions of who we want to be as a nation and how we preserve the democratic principles we hold dear.

In this episode, John Sorensen returns to discuss the state of American democracy in the context of the upcoming election. We explore pressing questions about misinformation, the dangers of polarization, and the necessity for civic engagement. John shares the important work he and Elders Action Network (EAN) are doing through Elders for Sound Democracy, focusing on initiatives to protect voting rights, counteract the influence of big money in politics, and support marginalized communities in exercising their right to vote. Together, we challenge the audience to think about the future of our country, the importance of being informed citizens, and why our democracy needs an evolution—a peaceful revolution—to truly reflect the will of the people.

Prior to his involvement with Elders Actin Network, John ran a successful aerospace business for twenty years, which he sold in 2005. Following this, he embarked on a personal journey, including humanitarian work in Vietnam that profoundly impacted his worldview and led to his commitment to elder activism.

We want to thank our sponsors, Elders Action Network and Elders Climate Action, for their continued support of this podcast. Their dedication to fostering a resilient and empowered elder community has allowed us to bring these vital conversations to you. We appreciate their unwavering commitment to addressing the most urgent issues of our time, from democracy to climate action.

Join us as we talk as we hold a conversation with renowned farmer and activist Michael Ableman as he unearths the incredible potential of urban farming to heal our cities, our communities, and our souls. In this episode we explore how growing food in unexpected places can be a powerful act of resilience and regeneration. From feeding marginalized communities to reconnecting with the land, this is a conversation that will leave you rethinking the future of food and how you can be part of the solution.

In this episode, Michael Ableman shares his inspiring journey in urban agriculture, from the creation of Sole Food Street Farms to his lifelong dedication to sustainable farming practices. He discusses the powerful intersection of food, social justice, and community-building, offering practical insights into how urban farming can transform lives. Ableman also reflects on the broader impact of sustainable agriculture and the need for innovative approaches to feeding a rapidly urbanizing world. This conversation highlights the profound social, ecological, and mental health benefits of reconnecting with the land and growing food.

Michael Ableman is a renowned farmer, author, photographer, and one of the pioneers of the urban agriculture movement. With a career spanning over four decades, he has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable farming practices and advocating for food security, social justice, and environmental stewardship. Ableman co-founded Sole Food Street Farms, one of North America's largest urban agriculture initiatives, providing employment and purpose to marginalized communities in Vancouver. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including Street Farm, Fields of Plenty, and From the Good Earth, and his work has been featured in publications worldwide. Ableman continues to inspire through his commitment to sustainable agriculture and community healing.

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, Elders Action Network and Elders Climate Action, for their unwavering support in helping us bring these critical conversations to life. Your dedication to creating a better future for all generations makes this work possible, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership

Welcome to a special solo episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations. Today, we delve into a topic that strikes at the heart of aging with purpose—what does it mean to be a regenerative activist elder? In a world facing pressing challenges like climate change, social inequality, and environmental degradation, the wisdom of elders is more vital than ever. But this isn’t just about passing on knowledge; it’s about actively contributing to the regeneration of our planet and society. Together, we explore the path to becoming elders who lead with intention, resilience, and a commitment to healing the world for future generations. Join us as we rethink elderhood and embrace our roles as agents of change."

"In our 40th episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, the podcast team engages in a lively dialogue on what it means to become a regenerative activist elder. We examine the challenges and opportunities of elderhood in today’s world and share our personal journeys of transformation. From balancing savoring life and contributing to society, to exploring how elders can foster long-term regenerative change, this episode invites listeners to reconsider what it means to mature into elderhood. Through candid reflections, we uncover how elders can shape the future by embracing regenerative activism as a way of life."

• John Izzo is a bestselling author, speaker, and expert on leadership and social responsibility. With over four decades of experience, John has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations discover purpose and foster meaningful change. He is deeply committed to exploring the role of elders in creating a regenerative future.
• Alain Gauthier is an international facilitator, coach, consultant and author specializing in transformational leadership. With a passion for deep inquiry and systemic change, Alain’s work bridges inner development and outer societal impact, empowering leaders and elders to create regenerative practices that support community renewal and well-being.
• Jim Burke is the producer of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations and a regenerative activist elder. Jim’s career began in healthcare, where he worked as a healthcare provider and manager within the Veterans Affairs system for over 25 years. His extensive experience in leadership and service led him to focus on regeneration and community engagement, and environmental activism after retirement

We want to take a moment to thank our sponsors for their continued support in making The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations possible. A special thanks to Elders Action Network, and Elders for Climate Action for your dedication to creating a regenerative future and for enabling us to continue these critical conversations.

To our listeners, if you found today’s episode inspiring, please subscribe to our podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Your subscription helps us reach more people who are eager to join the movement for a regenerative future. Thank you for listening, and we look forward to having you with us for the next episode!"

In a world increasingly defined by its complexities, how do we ensure that future generations inherit a planet and society better than the one we found? Join us in this eye-opening episode where we sit down with Steve Higgs, the visionary Executive Director of SAGE (Senior Advocates for Generational Equity). Steve's profound insights into generational equity will challenge the way you think about your role in society, especially as an elder. Discover how every small action we take today can reverberate through time, creating a legacy of hope and sustainability. Whether you're a seasoned activist or just beginning your journey, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to make a meaningful impact.

In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of generational equity. Steve discusses the vital role elders play in creating a better future for the next generations, highlighting how SAGE inspires people over fifty to give forward with their time, money, and voice. The conversation covers pressing issues such as climate change, education, and economic challenges, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational collaboration. Steve also shares his personal journey and how a single walk behind a waterfall sparked his lifelong commitment to environmental sustainability and advocacy. This episode is a call to action for elders to engage in meaningful work that ensures a thriving world for those who follow.

Steve Higgs as the Executive Director of SAGE has dedicated over a decade to inspiring and mobilizing elders to give forward for the benefit of future generations. With a rich background as an environmental attorney at Perkins Coie LLP, Steve led significant environmental policy and litigation efforts while spearheading sustainability initiatives. His commitment to environmental stewardship is underpinned by his academic achievements, including a Juris Doctor in Environmental Law and a Master of Science in Resource Policy & Behavior from the University of Michigan. He also served as a U.S. Fulbright Research Fellow in New Zealand, where he focused on mediation in environmental disputes. Earlier in his career, Steve was a Research Fellow at the Ecosystem Management Initiative and advocated for river conservation with American Rivers. Through his leadership at SAGE, Steve continues to inspire intergenerational collaboration and activism, ensuring that each generation contributes to a better future.

We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, Elders Action Network and Elders Climate Action, for their unwavering support in making this podcast possible. Their dedication to empowering elders to take action on climate change and social justice issues is truly inspiring.

If you found this conversation as enlightening and motivating as we did, please subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel. Your subscription helps us continue bringing these vital discussions to a broader audience. Don’t forget to share this episode with your network, and let's work together to build a better world for all generations. Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and now on Instagram and YouTube Shorts. Together, we can make a difference.

We’d love to hear your feedback on today’s episode and any suggestions you have for future guests. Please send your thoughts and recommendations to thewayforwardrc@gmail.com. Your input is invaluable in helping us shape the future of this podcast.

To learn more about our sponsors and get involved, visit the Elders Action Network at eldersaction.org and Elders Climate Action at eldersclimateaction.org. Thank you for being a part of The Way Forward community.

Today, we have another compelling episode. It is a groundbreaking discussion with Nathaniel Stinnett, founder of the Environmental Voter Project, whose mission is more crucial than ever. With millions of environmentalists failing to vote in past elections, Nathaniel is on a mission to turn this silent majority into a powerful force that politicians cannot ignore. Join us as we explore the untapped potential of environmental voters and how mobilizing them can reshape the political landscape and drive significant environmental progress.

In this episode, we sit down with Nathaniel Stinnett, the visionary behind the Environmental Voter Project. Nathaniel delves into the critical importance of mobilizing non-voting environmentalists for the 2024 presidential election. He explains the innovative strategies his organization uses to turn environmental concern into actionable voting power, emphasizing the transformative potential of these voters. Nathaniel discusses the demographics of non-voting environmentalists, the challenges of voter suppression, and the behavioral science techniques that effectively increase voter turnout. This conversation sheds light on the urgent need to engage environmentally conscious citizens in the democratic process to ensure their voices shape future policies.

Nathaniel besides being the founder and executive director of the Environmental Voter Project has over a decade of experience as a senior advisor, consultant, and trainer for political campaigns and advocacy nonprofits, Nathaniel is a recognized leader in political strategy. Dubbed "The Voting Guru" by Grist magazine and hailed as a "visionary" by The New York Times, he frequently speaks on innovative campaign techniques and voter behavior. Nathaniel has held senior positions in numerous political campaigns and serves on the Board of Advisors for MIT’s Environmental Solutions Initiative. He holds a B.A. from Yale University and a J.D. from Boston College Law School, and resides in Boston, MA, with his wife and two children.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, the Elder Action Network and Elders Climate Action, for their unwavering support. Their commitment to empowering elders to take meaningful action on climate issues is instrumental in driving the change we seek. Thank you for championing a sustainable and just future for all generations.

Welcome to "The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations" podcast. In today’s episode, we delve into the heart of regenerative thinking, exploring how we can transform our world amidst a complex meta-crisis. With environmental degradation, social upheaval, and economic instability, our conversation today addresses the urgent need to reimagine our systems and ourselves. How do we transition from a trauma-based culture to one of initiation and healing? How do we foster communities that are resilient, connected, and oriented towards a sustainable future?

Our guest today, Manda Scott, brings profound insights into these questions. Manda is a visionary author, shamanic practitioner, and the founder of the Accidental Gods Podcast. Her work focuses on creating pathways to what Indy Johar of Dark Matter Labs calls ‘Inter-Becoming,’ where technology and spirituality intertwine to reconnect us with the living world. Through her platform, Manda offers meditations and visualizations designed to help individuals rediscover their inherent connection to nature and their role in the universe’s unfolding wonder.

Manda’s journey began with a series of profound visions in 2018, leading her to establish the Accidental Gods podcast and membership program. She is also a celebrated author, with a diverse portfolio including historical fiction and mythological thrillers. Her latest book, "Any Human Power," explores the intersection of shamanism, politics, and future thinking, providing a narrative blueprint for a world we would be proud to leave for future generations.

We extend our gratitude to the Elders Action Network and Elders Climate Action for sponsoring this podcast. These organizations are dedicated to mobilizing elders to address climate change and promote social justice. The Elders Action Network focuses on creating a sustainable and just world for future generations through advocacy, education, and community-building. Elders Climate Action works to empower elders to take action on climate change, recognizing the unique role that older generations can play in fostering a livable planet.

Thank you for joining us on this journey towards a regenerative future.

In this compelling episode of "The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations," Dr. John Izzo and co-host Alain Gauthier delve deep into the profound questions surrounding elderhood. Joined by Lynne Iser, they explore the roles and responsibilities of elders in our society. The conversation centers around two fundamental questions: What does it mean to be an elder, and how can elders become activists at this critical juncture in human history?

Lynne Iser is an advocate for elder activism and the Board President of the Elder's Action Network. With a distinguished career spanning public health and social services, Lynne has dedicated her life to fostering community resilience and intergenerational dialogue. She played a pivotal role in developing the Spiritual Eldering Institute with Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, which evolved into Saging International. Lynne's activism began with the free clinic and home birth movements of the 1970s, where she worked to reshape social structures and promote holistic health practices.

A graduate of Cornell University and University to Texas Health Science Center at Houton, Lynne has made significant contributions to public health, such as developing one of the first farm trails maps and establishing the longstanding Arcata Farmers Market. She founded Elder-Activists.org in 2013, a platform that inspires and supports elders to engage in creating a just and thriving world. Lynne contributed to the documentary film "Praying with Lior " in 2004, an international award-winning film that changed the way people with disabilities are included in places of worship, featuring her son. Since 2016, Lynne has served as President of the Elders Action Network, advocating for climate action and empowering elders to play a crucial role in addressing societal and environmental challenges.

Lynne's work extends to creating platforms for meaningful conversations, such as the Women Standing for Peace initiative, which brings together Palestinian and Jewish women to advocate for non-violence and understanding. She has also been a consultant with Creating Elder Communities since 2003, encouraging older adults to use their wisdom and resources to build a sustainable, just, and peaceful world. Her lifelong dedication to social justice, community building, and environmental sustainability makes her a powerful voice in the movement for purposeful aging and elder activism.

We would like to thank our sponsors. Elders Action Network and Elders Climate Action.

In a time when AI is both celebrated for its potential and feared for its risks, join us as we dive into the complex world of artificial intelligence with Hiwot Tesfaye, Technical Advisor in Microsoft's Office of Responsible AI. She provides a perspective on how we can harness this powerful technology responsibly. From addressing systemic inequities to imagining a future where AI and humans coexist harmoniously, this episode promises to challenge your thinking and inspire new possibilities."

In this episode, we explore the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence with Hiwot Tesfaye. She delves into the delicate balance of leveraging AI's potential while mitigating its risks, emphasizing the importance of ethical frameworks in AI deployment.

Hiwot shares how her journey from health tech startups to AI ethics has shaped her understanding of global inequities and the transformative power of technology. She highlights the need for inclusive and equitable AI systems, ensuring voices from the Global South are included in global AI policy discussions.

Hiwot also provides insights from her work with the Stimson Center, a think tank dedicated to global peace and security. She discusses the Center's innovative approaches to addressing the ethical challenges of emerging technologies and promoting global stability. Throughout the conversation, Hiwot offers a thought-provoking perspective on navigating the ethical complexities of AI to create a future that benefits all of humanity.

Listeners will be inspired by Hiwot's vision for a responsible AI ecosystem and her commitment to integrating ethical considerations into AI technologies. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, ethics, and social justice.

Hiwot Tesfaye is a Technical Advisor in Microsoft's Office of Responsible AI, where she plays a crucial role in developing ethical frameworks and practices for AI deployment. Born and raised in East Africa, Hiwot's early experiences in Ethiopia sparked her interest in global inequities and the transformative potential of technology. Her childhood in Africa, marked by both challenges and opportunities, deeply influenced her commitment to social justice and equity.

Hiwot's educational journey began with a focus on economics and nutritional sciences, which she pursued at the University of Toronto. She then furthered her studies in advanced analytics at North Carolina State University’s Institute of Advanced Analytics. This diverse academic background equipped her with the skills and knowledge to transition from working on health tech startups to becoming a voice in AI ethics

Passionate about creating inclusive and equitable AI systems, Hewitt is also a key figure in initiatives that ensure voices from the Global South are included in global AI policy discussions. She serves as a co-chair on the Aether Fairness and Inclusiveness working group, which helps develop perspectives and practices related to Microsoft’s goals and requirements around fairness and inclusiveness. In addition to her role at Microsoft, Hiwot is a Loomis Council member at the Stimson Center, a renowned nonpartisan think tank dedicated to enhancing global peace and security. The Stimson Center is known for its innovative and pragmatic approaches to some of the world's most pressing challenges, including arms control, climate change, and international security. At Stimson, Hewitt contributes to research and policy development aimed at ensuring that AI and other emerging technologies are harnessed for the greater good, promoting global stability and equity. Her work at the intersection of technology and social justice exemplifies her commitment to creating a future where technological advancements benefit all of humanity.