Episodes

  • Overcoming Climate Anxiety Through Collaboration With Laird Christensen

    Overcoming Climate Anxiety Through Collaboration With Laird Christensen
    Jun 22 2024

    As the climate crisis continues to worsen, it seems our personal efforts to mitigate its adverse effects are all for naught. This causes everyone to feel climate anxiety, with so many pushed to not even care at all. Laird Christensen, PhD is here to emphasize the utmost need for collective action to create massive waves of change at a national and global scale. He explains how to focus more on collaborative work among local communities and environmental activists and less on antagonistic conversations that only sow anger and dissent. Laird also stresses the importance of patience and the genuine desire to listen when it comes to amplifying personal impact dedicated to sustainability and regeneration.

    About Guest:

    Laird Christensen is a visionary leader dedicated to addressing the global climate crisis through local sustainability efforts and intentional community building, driven by a profound commitment to ecological citizenship. As the founding Director of online Graduate Programs in Environmental Studies (2006) and Resilient and Sustainable Communities (2015), he revolutionized distance education by emphasizing practical application within students' communities.


    Laird’s expertise spans public speaking, facilitating groups, hosting impactful online events, and many forms of writing, from creative nonfiction to scholarly works and poetry. His interdisciplinary background spotlights humanity's relationship with the environment, emphasizing narratives' role in shaping resilient and just communities. Laird Christensen's diverse skill set and commitment to sustainability mark him as an inspirational figure driving change in education and advocacy.

    Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laird-christensen-693a3637/

    Guest Social:

    https://prescott.edu/area-of-study/resilient-sustainable-communities-ms/

    https://www.facebook.com/MRSCatPrescott/



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    Support Care More. Be Better: A Social Impact + Sustainability Podcast

    Care More Be Better answers only to our collective conscience and aims to put more good into the world. As a listener, reader, and subscriber you are part of this pod and this community and we are honored to have your support.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • A Replay In Memoriam of Dr. Wallace J Nichols | Blue Mind: I Wish You Water

    A Replay In Memoriam of Dr. Wallace J Nichols | Blue Mind: I Wish You Water
    Jun 21 2024
    In honor of J, and my spirit animal, the sea turtle I am reposting this interview with him. His indelible mark in my life will continue to make a positive impact in the world. I will continue to bring the principles of the Blue Mind Movement to fruition through my work with this show, and as I explore the possibility of earning my PhD in Sustainability Education. --The concept of Blue Mind has been around since the beginning of recorded human history. At present, Marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols advocates for this very concept, spreading the positive impact of water on our lives. Joining Corinna Bellizzi, he talks about his book “Blue Mind” and how being in, on, or under water delivers profound transformation deep within yourself. He discusses how spending as little as 23 minutes around water – or just the feeling of it – could elevate your health and bring happiness to your state of mind. He also shares how he uses a small blue marble to spread awareness about his advocacy, educating everyone regarding their important role in saving our beloved water planet.About Guest:Dr. Wallace J. Nichols (J) has been called a water warrior, one who commits to helping others access their “blue mind state.” His visionary ideas related to ocean and aquatic ecosystems, migratory species, marine protected areas, fisheries management and plastic pollution inspire others to find a deeper connection with nature and embrace inventive approaches to issues ranging from protection of ocean life to global water supply to the mental health benefits of a life spent on or near the water. Formerly a senior scientist at Ocean Conservancy, J holds a M.E.M. degree in Natural Resource Economics and Policy from Duke University and a Ph.D. degree in Wildlife Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona. He received a Bradley Fellowship to study the impacts of sea level rise at Duke University Marine Lab, a Marshall Fellowship to study at the University of Arizona, and a Fulbright Fellowship to study at the Universidad Autonoma de Mexico marine station in Mazatlán. In 2011 he was inducted as a Fellow National member of the Explorers Club. In 2014 he received the University of Arizona's Global Achievement Award. J has authored more than 200 publications, lectured in more than 30 countries and nearly all 50 states, and appeared in hundreds of media outlets including NPR, BBC, PBS, CNN, MSNBC, National Geographic, Animal Planet, Time, Newsweek, GQ, Outside Magazine, USA Today, Elle, Vogue, Fast Company, Surfer magazine, Scientific American, and New Scientist. His book Blue Mind, published in summer 2014 by Little, Brown & Company, quickly became a national bestseller. It has been translated into numerous languages, most recently Mandarin, and inspired a wave of media and practical application.Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wallacejnicholsGuest Website: http://www.wallacejnichols.orgGuest Social:https://www.facebook.com/wallacejnicholshttps://www.instagram.com/wallacejnicholshttp://www.patreon.com/bluemindLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://caremorebebetter.com Follow us on social and join the conversation! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/CareMore.BeBetterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-betterSupport Care More. Be Better: A Social Impact + Sustainability PodcastCare More Be Better answers only to our collective conscience and aims to put more good into the world. As a listener, reader, and subscriber you are part of this pod and this community and we are honored to have your support.
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    58 mins
  • Compassion And Climate Change With Dr. Sebastienne Grant

    Compassion And Climate Change With Dr. Sebastienne Grant
    Jun 19 2024

    Despite countless efforts to preserve the environment, many still feel hopeless about addressing the adverse impact of climate change. As members of this society, what can we do to secure a better future? In this episode, Corinna Bellizzi sits down with distinguished psychologist Dr. Sebastienne Grant to discuss the importance of compassion to individual, societal, and ecological well-being. She explains the close connection between climate anxiety and despair, as well as the proper way to address climate denial. Dr. Grant also discusses how to handle neoliberalism and individualism to create close-knit communities founded upon long-lasting connections.

    About Guest:

    Sebastienne Grant is a distinguished psychologist whose expertise includes mindfulness, compassion, and societal well-being. Having earned her PhD in Psychology: Consciousness & Society at the University of West Georgia, she draws on critical, humanistic, existential, Buddhist, and transpersonal psychological orientations. Her diverse work focuses broadly on the intersections of individual and societal well-being. With a deep understanding of existential concerns, societal influences, and global issues like climate change, Sebastienne offers profound insights into fostering personal balance, addressing burnout, and supporting a more compassionate, just, and sustainable world. Sebastienne is currently serving as faculty and department chair of Psychology at Prescott College in Prescott, Arizona. She will soon depart Prescott College after a six-year tenure there to join the Faculty of the California Institute of Integral Studies.

    Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastiennegrant/

    Guest Website: https://prescott.edu/

    Guest Social: https://www.facebook.com/amandasebastiennegrant/



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    Support Care More. Be Better: A Social Impact + Sustainability Podcast

    Care More Be Better answers only to our collective conscience and aims to put more good into the world. As a listener, reader, and subscriber you are part of this pod and this community and we are honored to have your support.
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    59 mins
  • Shifting To Whole Foods Plant Based Diet With Dr. Maria Jose Hummel

    Shifting To Whole Foods Plant Based Diet With Dr. Maria Jose Hummel
    Jun 12 2024

    What and how we eat does not only impact our health but our environment as well. Corinna Bellizzi sits down with nutritionist and health educator Dr. Maria Jose Hummel to talk about the benefits of adopting a mostly whole foods plant based diet. Dr. Maria explains how eating more plants and organic food can mitigate the destruction caused by animal agriculture and effectively treat chronic conditions. She discusses the right way to consume protein and why we should start getting rid of oil when cooking food. Dr. Maria also shares all about her 10-day nutritional program that aims to help people reverse diet-related chronic conditions.

    About Guest:

    Dr. María José Hummel is a nutritionist, health educator, author, and international speaker. She holds multiple degrees, which include a Master’s of Science in Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut, a Master’s in Public Health from San Jose State University, a certification in Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies at Cornell University, as well as a lifestyle medicine certification from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. She holds a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Natural Medicine from the International Institute of Original Medicine. Dr. Hummel is currently the program coordinator for Community Rx/Salud en tu Plato, a 10-day nutrition immersion and education program that has helps people improve their health and reverse diet-related chronic conditions.

    Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jose-hummel-phd-mph-ms-dipaclm-9bab289/

    Guest Website: https://www.eatfortheearth.org/nutrition-programs/

    Guest Social:

    https://www.instagram.com/mjhummel_phd/

    https://www.facebook.com/mariajose.jaureguihummel

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXOLCcVSzdRCpGZK6E3ZqMQ



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    Support Care More. Be Better: A Social Impact + Sustainability Podcast

    Care More Be Better answers only to our collective conscience and aims to put more good into the world. As a listener, reader, and subscriber you are part of this pod and this community and we are honored to have your support.
    Show more Show less
    55 mins
  • Rehumanizing Higher Education With Emily Alicia Affolter, PhD

    Rehumanizing Higher Education With Emily Alicia Affolter, PhD
    Jun 5 2024

    The education system is designed to shape knowledgeable, responsible, and well-rounded individuals. However, higher education is currently suffering from various problems that unfortunately lead to discrimination, stereotyping, and unfair culture. Corinna Bellizzi chats with Dr. Emily Alicia Affolter, who is on a mission to bring back the human aspect of higher education. They discuss how to dismantle the destructive supremacy culture and bring a pedagogy of love to school curriculums. Dr. Emily also presents their sustainable related PhD programs that practice emergent strategies to allow learners to take on divergent career paths.

    About Guest:

    Dr. Emily Alicia Affolter (she/ella/they) is the director of and faculty for Prescott College's Sustainability Education Ph.D. Program. Prior to this role, she worked as a Senior Research Scientist and Equity Consultant at the University of Washington’s Center for Evaluation & Research for STEM Equity. She earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Multicultural Education from the UW working alongside Dr. Geneva Gay, founder of culturally responsive teaching. Emily's current scholarship, dissemination, and facilitation highlight culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogies for teachers, faculty, and leaders in K-16 settings and STEM higher education utilizing an equity literacy frame, supported by the National Science Foundation largely. Additionally, Emily’s latest teaching centers on decolonizing research, equitable research methodologies, and liberatory organizational change methods.

    Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-affolter-776722a/

    Additional Resources Mentioned: https://prescott.edu/area-of-study/sustainability-education-phd/

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    48 mins
  • Taking A Stand Against Fascism With George Drost

    Taking A Stand Against Fascism With George Drost
    May 29 2024
    The rise of extremists, neo-Nazis, white nationalists, and other hate groups is becoming extremely alarming. As fascism continues to loom over modern society, humanity’s hope for a peaceful future is at serious risk. George Drost takes a non-traditional approach in taking a stand against fascist ideologies by utilizing the art of fictionalized storytelling. He sits down with Corinna Bellizzi to discuss how he uses fiction to convey resonating real-life lessons. George also shares valuable lessons he discovered by looking back on his own family history and the undeniable importance of rules. About Guest:George Drost is a man on a mission to preserve the art, culture, and stories of Moravia, a region in the Czech Republic that is rich in history and tradition. As the youngest son of John Anton Drost, who was born in Moravia in 1909, George grew up hearing stories of his father's childhood and his experiences during World War II. These stories left a deep impression on George, who has since become an advocate for preserving the memory of his father and the people of Moravia. Guest LinkedIn: https://www.thequietherobook.com Show Notes:Father’s Influence - 03:11I wanted to start by first, learning more about you and hearing how your father’s influence and his experience in World War II affected you growing up. Semi-fictionalized Memoir - 04:45What inspired you to bring it out now and to do so in a semi-fictionalized perspective? Quiet Form Of Heroism - 10:13I wonder if there’s a particular story from the book that resonates with you and perhaps we could learn from and integrate into our own quiet form of heroism. Family History - 12:38As you have shared with me, some amazing pictures from the history of your family. Real-Life Stories - 17:59As I share this particular slide with John, Doris, and Bobi, these are individuals that are within the pages of the book. Rules - 26:38I wonder in a way if it’s something that has become too entrenched in culture to think first in the United States of the individual and not of the whole because we have driven towards this individualistic success, individualistic perspective. Favorite Story - 30:22I wondered if there was a favorite story that you tell within the book that you wanted to share. Lessons From Father - 31:40As we prepare to wrap, I’d like to take a little bit of a how-to lens. What lessons do you think that your father left you with that you think are most applicable? Closing Words - 37:11Thank you so much for joining me, George. I wonder if you have any closing thoughts that you’d like to share before I wrap? Please subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform – and join the Care More Be Better Community! When you visit our website and join our email list, you’ll receive a FREE 5-Step Guide To Unleash Your Inner Activist!Website: https://www.caremorebebetter.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@caremorebebetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/CareMore.BeBetterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-betterTwitter: https://twitter.com/caremorebebettrLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://caremorebebetter.comFollow us on social and join the conversation! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/CareMore.BeBetterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-betterSupport Care More. Be Better: A Social Impact + Sustainability PodcastCare More Be Better answers only to our collective conscience and aims to put more good into the world. As a listener, reader, and subscriber you are part of this pod and this community and we are honored to have your support.
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    40 mins
  • How To Navigate Difficult Conversations To Maximize Your Impact | Omi Chandiramani, CEO & Founder of Good Talk

    How To Navigate Difficult Conversations To Maximize Your Impact | Omi Chandiramani, CEO & Founder of Good Talk
    May 22 2024
    In this episode of Care More Be Better, host Corinna Bellizzi interviews Omi Chandiramani, a technologist and the creator of the Good Talk app, which helps users navigate challenging conversations through role-playing with an AI chatbot. Omi shares his journey in developing the app, the importance of effective communication, and the potential of AI in enhancing conversation skills. They also discuss privacy concerns, AI's limitations, and the future of AI in various fields like education and therapy.Time Stamps:[00:02:25] - Omi's Background and Inspiration: Omi shares his background in tech and the inspiration behind creating Good Talk.[00:03:43] - Climatize and Social Impact: Discussion on Omi's previous role as CTO at Climatize and its impact on climate change action.[00:05:24] - Developing the Good Talk App: Omi explains the challenges of building scenarios for the app and how real-life user input enhances its effectiveness.[00:10:00] - User Privacy and Data Security: Omi details the privacy measures taken to ensure user anonymity and data security.[00:14:55] - Artificial Intelligence and Its Applications: Insights on AI's potential, limitations, and its role in tools like Good Talk.[00:20:22] - AI Hallucinations and Guardrails: Explanation of AI hallucinations, their implications, and how Good Talk addresses them.[00:24:08] - Good Talk's Application in Various Fields: Discussion on the app's potential use in sales training, education, and therapy.[00:28:17] - Voice Communication and Future Enhancements: Omi shares upcoming features like voice interaction and sentiment detection.[00:30:32] - Supporting Multiple Languages: Plans to expand the app's accessibility by supporting multiple languages.[00:33:28] - Accessibility Across Platforms: Appreciation for the app being available on both Android and Apple devices from the start.[00:37:22] - Closing Thoughts and Future Developments: Omi's vision for the app's future and a call to listeners for feedback and ideas on new applications.Resources and Links:Good Talk App - Website Good Talk App - Android Good Talk App - Apple YouTube Tutorial on Good Talk Interview with Mo Gowdat Interview with the Founder of Climatize - Will Wiseman Circle B - Cause Before Commerce - New e-commerce site launching soon | minimize waste, reduce, reuse, recycleConnect with Us:Website: Care More Be Better Instagram: @caremore.bebetter Twitter: @caremorebebettr Facebook: Care More Be BetterThank you for listening and being part of this community. Together, we can care more, be better, and create a positive impact in the world.
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    41 mins
  • Man vs. Bear: On Surviving Sexual Assault and Trauma | Corinna Bellizzi & Tim Mousseau

    Man vs. Bear: On Surviving Sexual Assault and Trauma | Corinna Bellizzi & Tim Mousseau
    May 19 2024
    In this poignant and insightful episode of Care More, Be Better, host Corinna Bellizzi shares her personal story of survival for the first time. She then shares an interview with Tim Mousseau, a survivor of sexual violence turned speaker and advocate. They explore the complexities of sexual violence, harassment, and the essential steps needed to create safer environments in both personal and professional settings. Tim shares his powerful story, offering guidance on how to support survivors, set boundaries, and foster empathetic curiosity to cultivate safer, more inclusive cultures.Key Points:[00:00:00] **Introduction and Context**: - Corinna discusses a trending question from TikTok: "If you were alone in the woods, would you rather encounter a man or a bear?" - She shares her own harrowing experience of abuse and the profound impact it had on her life. Emphasizes the importance of speaking out to raise awareness and support others.[00:07:52] ** Introducing Tim Mousseau**[00:11:20] **Tim Mousseau's Story**: - Tim recounts receiving anonymous letters and photos of his assault, triggering his journey of dealing with trauma and seeking support. - The significant challenges he faced with the police and his employer’s response. - The transformative power of therapy and support groups in his healing process. - His decision to speak publicly about his experience to reclaim control and empower others.[00:17:20] **Understanding and Supporting Survivors**: - The importance of empathy and not victim-blaming or shaming. - How to support someone who comes forward with their story: creating safe spaces, offering resources, and respecting their autonomy. - The significance of documentation and the challenges with the legal system.[00:23:26] **Creating Safer Work Environments**: - Redefining workplace policies to be more comprehensive and supportive of employees. - Importance of clear reporting channels and proactive measures to address harassment and violence. - The role of managers in fostering a culture of safety and respect.[00:32:55] **Boundaries and Empathetic Curiosity**: - The importance of understanding and respecting personal boundaries. - Strategies for setting and communicating boundaries in both personal and professional contexts. - Encouraging organizations to model and respect boundaries to create inclusive environments.[00:39:42] **Workplace Dating and Consent**[00:45:17] **Educational Resources and Tools**: - Recommended resources for parents, educators, and organizations to teach consent and support survivors. - The role of media literacy in understanding and addressing issues related to sexual violence.[00:54:53] **Empowerment through Empathy**: - The power of empathetic curiosity in building safer communities. - Fostering environments where individuals feel cared for and respected.[00:57:26] **Call to Action**Final Thoughts:This episode emphasizes the critical importance of speaking out, supporting survivors, and fostering empathetic and safe environments. Tim Mousseau’s journey offers valuable insights and practical advice for individuals and organizations alike, highlighting the transformative power of empathy and respect.Resources Mentioned:- Tim Mousseau's Website: https://www.timmousseau.com- Joyful Heart Foundation: https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org- 1 in 6: https://1in6.org- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): https://www.rainn.org- Know Your Title IX: https://www.knowyourix.org- Start Strong Program: https://www.startstrongboston.org- Sexual Citizens: A Landmark Study of Sex, Power, and Assault on Campus: https://www.amazon.com/Sexual-Citizen...Host Contact Information:- Email: corinna@caremorebebetter.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corinnabell... and https://www.instagram.com/caremore.be...- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@corinnabellizzi- Website: Care More Be Better https://www.caremorebebetter.com
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    58 mins