The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations

Our podcasts explore the way forward and how we can shape our future as a society, our planet, and our personal journeys, especially as we navigate the later stages of life. Today’s episode will resonate with anyone pondering the essence of aging with intention and vitality, whether for yourself or someone you know. We explore aging with a sense of purpose, transforming our later years into a period of profound growth and contribution.  Our guest, Richard Leider, is a luminary in the field of purposeful living and aging. He is a best-selling author, having penned numerous books challenging and inspiring us to live life more fully including his latest book Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old? The Path of Purposeful Aging. Richard's approach was deeply influenced by his encounters with influential thinkers like Viktor Frankl and Abraham Maslow, He invites us to consider that growing and giving are key to vital aging.  With a career delivering keynotes, coaching leaders, and authoring eleven transformative books—including three bestsellers—Richard's insights have touched lives worldwide. His influence extends through his PBS Special "The Power of Purpose," and as the founder of Inventure – The Purpose Company, Richard has guided countless individuals and organizations, including AARP and the Mayo Clinic, towards finding their purpose. Recognized by Forbes among the top coaches globally, Richard also leads Inventure Expedition safaris in Tanzania, reflecting his deep commitment to purpose beyond borders. Dr. Izzo credits his time with Richard in Tanzania as the inspiration for his book The Five Secrets You Must Discover before You Die
Richard Shares his profound insights on how we can continue to cultivate a sense of purpose and vitality, both in our inner and outer worlds, as we age. We explore the pivotal choice points and how we can support others in their journey towards a purposeful elderhood. Also, we discuss the critical role health plays in this journey, reminding us that our well-being is tightly linked to our ability to live meaningfully.
Join us as we explore the art of aging with purpose and the choices that lead to a more fulfilled and impactful elderhood.
We would like to thank our sponsor Elders Action Network “Building a movement of elders to address the environmental, governance and social issues of our time”.
 

In this compelling episode, we engage in a deep conversation with guest Elliot Kotek on the impactful role of storytelling and filmmaking in shaping a sustainable and regenerative future for humanity and our planet. Elliot shares his journey from a young aspiring writer influenced by the cultural richness of Melbourne, Australia, to becoming a purpose-driven filmmaker in Los Angeles, tackling subjects ranging from social justice to environmental sustainability. This episode not only explores the essence and impact of storytelling but also highlights the interconnectedness of purpose, creativity, and community in driving positive change.  Whether you’re drawn to stories that delve into the complexities of identity and inequality, or you’re inspired by the potential of technology to foster positive change, Elliot’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose and creativity. His films, recognized by Cannes Lions and Emmy nominations, do not just document reality; they question it, reshape it, and inspire us to think deeper about our role in the world. If you're eager to explore the intersections of film, innovation, and activism, then listening to Elliot V. Kotek is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Join us as we unravel the stories behind the storyteller who’s changing the way we see the world, one film at a time.
Elliot has a remarkable history of film making including his most recent work as Executive Producer on the upcoming 2024 “Black Girls”,  and Director of the 2023 AARP’s documentary “The Hidden Power of Purpose”. Elliot is an Australian-born visionary whose transformative work bridges the worlds of storytelling, technology, and social change.  From an Australian mergers and acquisitions/biotech lawyer to an acclaimed filmmaker and social innovator, Elliot is also co-founder of the Not Impossible Foundation and Beyond Cinema magazine.   Elliot has a diverse body of work, including award-winning projects like "Black Boys", "Little Miss Sumo,” and "Queen Mimi," which highlights his dedication to storytelling that challenges, educates, and inspires. His films not only provide a platform for voices often left unheard, but also showcase his belief in the power of technology and creativity to drive societal change. Elliot’s career is distinguished by interviews with nearly a thousand notable figures, including Oscar winners and nominees, and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.  His career is a testament to the impactful fusion of art, activism, and innovation, making his insights invaluable for anyone interested in the transformative power of film.
We would like to thank our sponsor Elders Action Network “Building a movement of elders to address the environmental, governance and social issues of our time”.
You can reach us at the email address thewayforwardrc@gmail.com

 In this special anniversary episode of "The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations," hosts Dr. John Isso, Alain Gauthier, and producer Jim Burke reflect on a year of impactful conversations with a diverse array of guests, from biologists and CEOs to indigenous experts, climate scientists and elders finding purpose in their third act. Celebrating 28 episodes of exploring alternatives for humanity and the planet's future, they delve into the current state of global affairs, including elections, wars, and climate change, highlighting the urgency for societal transformation. These episodes serve as a meditation on the lessons learned and the paths forward, inviting listeners to consider the changes necessary for a sustainable and equitable world. Through engaging dialogues, the hosts and their guests have illuminated the complexities of our times, offering insights into possibilities for democracy, governance, technology, and intergenerational wisdom. As "The Way Forward" enters its second year, it continues to inspire actionable hope and encourages a collective effort towards regeneration, being good ancestors and a positive future for all generations current and future.
We would like to thank our sponsor Elders Action Network “Building a movement of elders to address the environmental, governance and social issues of our time”.
You can reach us at the email address thewayforwardrc@gmail.com, 
 

With the humanitarian crisis and ongoing conflict in Gaza and the Middle East on all our minds, passions run high as world leaders and nations attempt to navigate the complexities of this difficult situation and help all parties find a mutually agreeable solution.   This episode features an in-depth look at the pressing issues facing the Middle East with Barbara Slavin. From the roots of the Iran-US confrontation to the humanitarian and political crises in Gaza, Barbara offers her comprehensive insights into the region's turmoil. Her analysis not only highlights the intricacies of these conflicts but also discusses potential pathways to peace, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic and multilateral efforts.
Barbara Slavin is a Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center and a lecturer in international affairs at George Washington University. With a career spanning journalism and policy analysis, her rich journalistic background includes coverage of key foreign policy issues and firsthand reporting from the region. Barbara's insights into the Iran-US dynamic and her advocacy for nuanced, informed approaches to conflict make her a respected figure in international affairs and she has emerged as a leading voice on US foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran and the Middle East. Barbara's work includes founding the Future of Iran Initiative and authoring "Bitter Friends, Bosom Enemies," reflecting her deep engagement with the complexities of international relations and conflict resolution.  She is a contributor to the Stimson Center’s “Middle East Perspectives” where you can find her article “American Deaths Add More Reason to End the Gaza War Now”.
We would like to thank our sponsor Elders Action Network “Building a movement of elders to address the environmental, governance and social issues of our time”.
You can reach us at the email address thewayforwardrc@gmail.com
The views, opinions and ideas expressed by our guests during this in any episode are solely their own and do not reflect or represent the positions, beliefs, or policies of any of our podcast sponsors.   Additionally, the content shared by our guests does not necessarily align with or reflect the position or beliefs of the podcast hosts or the production team behind “The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations”.

There is a growing problem in our approach to waste in this country and the world. Our global consumption has increased, leading to a significant rise in waste production and the materials we are using are often less desirable for recyclers due to their declining economic value. This trend has led to a decrease in recycling.
Tom Szaky a pioneering entrepreneur and environmental thought leader is best known as the founder and CEO of TerraCycle, a global recycling company that specializes in handling difficult-to-recycle materials. Born in Hungary and raised in Canada, Tom developed an early passion for sustainability, which led him to create TerraCycle while still a student at Princeton University. Under his leadership, TerraCycle has expanded into over 20 countries and has become a prominent name in eco-friendly waste management, with innovative programs like the Loop platform that promotes reusable packaging. Tom is also a prolific author, contributing his insights and experiences to several books on environmentalism and entrepreneurship. His notable works include "Revolution in a Bottle: How TerraCycle is Redefining Green Business," "Outsmart Waste: The Modern Idea of Garbage and How to Think Our Way Out of It," "Make Garbage Great: The TerraCycle Family Guide to a Zero-Waste Lifestyle," and "The Future of Packaging: From Linear to Circular." Through his ventures and writings, Tom has become a leading advocate for regenerative business practices and a circular economy, influencing both industry and consumer behavior towards environmental responsibility.
We would like to thank our sponsor Elders Action Network “Building a movement of elders to address the environmental, governance and social issues of our time”.
You can reach us at the email address thewayforwardrc@gmail.com
The views, opinions and ideas expressed by our guests during this in any episode are solely their own and do not reflect or represent the positions, beliefs, or policies of any of our podcast sponsors.   Additionally, the content shared by our guests does not necessarily align with or reflect the position or beliefs of the podcast hosts or the production team behind “The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations”.

With our extended lifespan in the 21st century, midlife can extend from our 30s to our 60s or longer.  What are the challenges and potential transformative experiences that face us, as we navigate that part of life?  Chip Conley describes his forties as a difficult time for him.  He lost five male friends to suicide and faced numerous personal crises.  In this conversation, Chip shares his journey and his discoveries that lead him to co-found MEA, the Modern Elder Academy
Chip disrupted the hospitality industry twice, first as the founder and operator of the second largest boutique hotel system in the U. S. and then as Airbnb’s Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy. At Airbnb he mentored the three founders and became known as the Modern Elder.
Chip Conley is the author of 7 books including his most recent book published January 2024, “Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age” which is about rebranding midlife to help people understand the upside of this often-misunderstood life stage.  His Modern Elder Academy has been called the world’s first midlife wisdom school.  Its regenerative community has mentored students helping them navigate midlife since 2018.  Chip has been featured in a 2023 Ted Talk on “midlife chrysalis” and on “Big Think” video  “How to future-proof your career”.
We would like to thank our sponsor Elders Action Network “Building a movement of elders to address the environmental, governance and social issues of our time”.
You can reach us at the email address thewayforwardrc@gmail.com
The views, opinions and ideas expressed by our guests during this in any episode are solely their own and do not reflect or represent the positions, beliefs, or policies of any of our podcast sponsors.   Additionally, the content shared by our guests does not necessarily align with or reflect the position or beliefs of the podcast hosts or the production team behind “The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations”.

How do we find hope or optimism about a regenerative future in the 21st century? For many of the guests on this podcast it has been their experience with young people that inspires hope.  In our conversation with Maia Ervin, Chief Impact Officer at JUV Consulting, we explore Generation Z as they emerge into adulthood.  Gen Z’s are now in their teens and twenties and are asking different questions.    What cultural, societal, and geopolitical experiences have imprinted this generation?  How does business engage and work with this generation who quite frankly challenge the way things are currently done and who do not want a seat at the table but want to flip it? How do organizations and government respond to Generation Z’s demands that they do the right thing in addressing the issues of equality, democracy, and the environment? 
Maia is a dynamic and multifaceted professional known for her strong commitment to multicultural marketing, focusing on amplifying the stories of marginalized communities through purpose-driven campaigns and activations.  She serves as the Chief Impact Officer of Juv Consulting helping clients develop purpose-driven campaigns and impactful storytelling opportunities.  She formerly served as their Chief People Officer.  She has a degree in communication and media studies and is working on her MBA.  JUV consulting is a marketing consultancy firm that specializes in understanding and reaching Generation Z.  It is known for its unique approach, employing a team primarily composed of Gen Z’s to offer authentic and firsthand insights into the preferences and behaviors of their peers. By doing so, JUV Consulting positions itself as a bridge between traditional business strategies and the emerging consumer and worker base of young people.
We would like to thank our sponsor Elders Action Network “Building a movement of elders to address the environmental, governance and social issues of our time”.
You can reach us at the email address thewayforwardrc@gmail.com
The views, opinions and ideas expressed by our guests during this in any episode are solely their own and do not reflect or represent the positions, beliefs, or policies of any of our podcast sponsors.   Additionally, the content shared by our guests does not necessarily align with or reflect the position or beliefs of the podcast hosts or the production team behind “The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations”.

As we all navigate the many transitions life has in store for each of us, where we can find a guide or map to help us?  Paul Ward in his conversation with us today, shares the collaborate journey that has led him with his co-authors to write a new book “Midlife, New Life: Living Consciously in Midlife and Beyond”.  In his self-described role as a life transition coach, Paul describes how we can use the Conscious Living Wheel and conscious conversation circles to help us move from attention to intention and finally to action in making our life transitions.
Paul is an international conscious leadership and conscious living coach, author of The Inner Journey to Conscious Leadership, and a host of conscious conversation circles. He is sometimes referred to as the consciousness whisperer. Paul is the principal owner of the coaching, consulting, and training company 2Young2Retire, LLC, offering impactful transitions coaching and facilitator certification training. He is the co-author of the upcoming book, Midlife New Life: Living Consciously in Midlife and Beyond.
We would like to thank our sponsor Elders Action Network “Building a movement of elders to address the environmental, governance and social issues of our time”.
You can reach us at the email address thewayforwardrc@gmail.com
The views, opinions and ideas expressed by our guests during this in any episode are solely their own and do not reflect or represent the positions, beliefs, or policies of any of our podcast sponsors.   Additionally, the content shared by our guests does not necessarily align with or reflect the position or beliefs of the podcast host or the production team behind “The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations”.

The United Nations panel that studies climate change found that consumption surpassed population growth as the biggest driver of resource and material use on the planet at the turn of the 21st century.  In the United States the population has increased 60% since the 1970s while the consumption of consumer items has increased 400%.  We consume 13 times more than the average person in one of the poorer countries in the world.  This means that having two children in the US is like having 20 children in of the poorer countries of the world.
J.B. MacKinnon is an award-winning journalist who has authored or co-authored five non-fiction books including the one we are discussing in today’s conversation: “The Day the World Stopped Shopping”.  MacKinnon describes his book as “a thought experiment that imagines what would happen—to our economies, our products, our planet, our selves—if we committed to consuming far fewer of the Earth’s resources.”  His work has appeared in the New Yorker, National Geographic and the Atlantic.  He is an adjunct professor of journalism at the University of British Columbia, where he teaches feature writing.
We would like to thank our sponsor Elders Action Network “Building a movement of elders to address the environmental, governance and social issues of our time”.
You can reach us at the email address thewayforwardrc@gmail.com
The views, opinions and ideas expressed by our guests during this in any episode are solely their own and do not reflect or represent the positions, beliefs, or policies of any of our podcast sponsors.   Additionally, the content shared by our guests does not necessarily align with or reflect the position or beliefs of the podcast host or the production team behind “The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations”.

Elders Climate Action (ECA), a grassroots organization founded as project of Elders Action Network in 2014 has taken the lead in activating elders to be educated about and address the growing climate crisis at the federal, state, and local levels – through national policy initiatives and regional chapters.  With a strong emphasis on partnerships - especially intergenerational - ECA addresses climate change while there is still time to protect the well-being of our children, grandchildren, and future generations.
 
Drawing from their experience as members of Elders Climate Action, Leslie, Roger, and Jen help us explore the work of ECA in our conversation with them today.
Leslie, the Chair of Elders Climate Action, is a retired attorney, a self-described introvert with a PhD in history.  She describes finding her home in ECA as wonderful, like going from a caterpillar to a butterfly. 
Roger is the co-chair of the ECA National Policy Committee.  He came to climate activism after 50 years as a physician, healthcare researcher, and public health practitioner.  He draws inspiration from ECA which has led to him to become involved  as a heat pump coach and decarbonization advocate in his hometown.
Jen is Director of Elders Climate Action and their only salaried employee.  She was introduced to climate change and inspired by her mother, an early member of ECA. Over the past eight years Jen has led the volunteer members of ECA to build a coalition of more than 26,000 elders working across the United States
We would like to thank our sponsor Elders Action Network “Building a movement of elders to address the environmental, governance and social issues of our time”.
You can reach us at the email address thewayforwardrc@gmail.com
The views, opinions and ideas expressed by our guests during this in any episode are solely their own and do not reflect or represent the positions, beliefs, or policies of any of our podcast sponsors.   Additionally, the content shared by our guests does not necessarily align with or reflect the position or beliefs of the podcast host or the production team behind “The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations”.
Show Notes:
Jen Chandler is the Director of Elders Climate Action. Over the past eight years Jen has led the volunteer leadership of ECA to build a coalition of more than 26,000 elders working across the United States. She has brought her experience and skills as an non-profit leader, educator, creative, advocate and a lover of the natural world to support, uplift and amplify ECA’s mission and build a movement of Elders who are taking action to protect future generations.
Jen has a Bachelor of Arts in Photography and Adventure Education with a Master of Arts in Arts Administration and Nonprofit Leadership. Prior to working in climate action, Jen taught in the Visual Arts and managed the Prescott College Art Gallery at Sam Hill Warehouse and Visual Arts Center. In her twenties Jen worked as an outdoor guide where she fell in love with the Southwestern United States. She happily splits her time between the central highlands (Prescott) and the northern deserts of the Dine’ nation in (Page) Arizona with her partner, Daniel and best canine companion, Birdie.
 
Roger came to climate activism and ECA in his third act after 50 years as a physician, healthcare researcher, and public health practitioner. In the ECA Massachusetts chapter he serves on the leadership, legislative adn research team. He is also co-chair of the ECA national policy committee and is a heat pump coach and building decarbonization advocate in his hometown of Natick Massachusetts.
Leslie was born in July 1951 and raised in the countryside north of Philadelphia, where I spent most of the time I was not in school enjoying the trees, fields, babbling brooks and wildlife.  I got a Ph.D in history and then switched gears and went law school, working for 38 years first in private practice and then for a government agency.  I retired at the end of 2021.  
 
Leslie first heard about climate change in 2007, I assumed that our political leaders act for the public good and institute policies to address climate change.  When I looked again in 2014, I was shocked at how little our governments had done.  That’s when I decided to become a climate activist and joined Elders Climate Action.  As part of the ECA leadership, I work on building and supporting new chapters around the country, building collaborations with other environmental groups, and making ECA a strong voice at the federal, state, county and local level supporting the policies and actions needed to protect our children, grandchildren, and future generations from climate catastrophe.