The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations

In this powerful and timely conversation, Dr. John Izzo and Alain Gauthier sit down with award-winning filmmaker and journalist Paul Jay, whose upcoming documentary How to Stop a Nuclear War dives deep into the existential risks humanity continues to ignore. Together, they explore why the Cold War never truly ended, how nuclear weapons remain an urgent and immediate threat, and what each of us can do to break the silence and reclaim our collective future. This episode is not just about nuclear war — it’s about truth, power, media silence, and our responsibility as citizens of a shared planet. Jay shares the untold story behind the nuclear threat and the making of his new film inspired by Daniel Ellsberg’s The Doomsday Machine. He argues that the Cold War didn’t end — it simply evolved — and that the same forces of fear, profit, militarism, and denial continue to push humanity toward catastrophe. You’ll hear why policymakers rarely talk about nuclear weapons, how media myths shape public perception, why dialogue with our “enemies” is essential, and how ordinary citizens can influence extraordinary change by confronting the “house of dynamite” we all live in before it explodes.   About Paul Jay Paul Jay is an award-winning Canadian filmmaker, journalist, and founder of TheAnalysis.news (https://theanalysis.news). Formerly CEO and senior editor of The Real News Network, Jay has produced highly acclaimed documentaries including: Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows Return to Kandahar The Four Horsemen (producer) Lost in Las Vegas He is also the founding chair of the Hot Docs International Documentary Festival, now the largest documentary festival in North America. Paul is currently directing How to Stop a Nuclear War, based on Daniel Ellsberg’s The Doomsday Machine, examining the systems of power that shape global nuclear policy — and how citizens can reclaim agency over issues that determine humanity’s survival. Explore more of his work: https://theanalysis.news   Our Sponsors This episode is made possible through the generous support of our partners: Elders Action Network — https://eldersaction.org Elders Climate Action — https://eldersclimateaction.org Their work empowers elders everywhere to stand up for democracy, climate action, justice, and the future of life on Earth.   Stay Connected Thank you for joining us on The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations. If this episode moved you, please: Subscribe to the channel Like the episode Share it with friends and allies Leave a comment — we read every one and deeply appreciate your thoughts Tell us: What gives you hope about the way forward? Explore more episodes and sign up for updates at: https://www.youtube.com/@thewayforwardrc     Upcoming Live Event The Climate Crossroads: Why Haven’t We Changed — and How We Do Now 📅 Tuesday, December 2 ⏰ 8:00–9:30 am PT / 11:00 am–12:30 pm ET A live global event presented by The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations Podcast. https://www.youtube.com/@thewayforwardrc We know the science — yet society still struggles to change. Why? Join three of the most respected voices in the climate movement for a rare, candid dialogue: Bill McKibben — Founder of 350.org & Third Act Dr. Rupert Read — Philosopher, author of Parents for a Future Brian McLaren — Theologian, activist, and author Moderated by Dr. John Izzo, this 90-minute event confronts the hard truth of where we stand — and explores the pathway from paralysis to courageous collective action. Hosted by Elders Action Network, Elders Climate Action, and The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations Podcast. Attendees will have the chance to ask live questions. 👉 Register now and be part of the generation that turns awareness into action: The Climate Crossroads: Why Haven’t We Changed — and How We Do Now - Elders Action Network    

Bill McKibben joins The Way Forward to explore the rapid rise of solar energy and China’s commanding role in the clean energy economy. Drawing from his latest book Here Comes the Sun, McKibben shares how the solar revolution is reshaping global dynamics — from the shift away from fossil fuels to the acceleration of decentralized power — and why local action still holds the key to a regenerative future. In this episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, environmental leader Bill McKibben reveals the remarkable—and largely untold—story behind the global solar energy boom. Drawing from his new book Here Comes the Sun, McKibben explains how solar has moved from the margins to become the world’s cheapest, fastest-growing energy source, reshaping geopolitics, economics, and the fight for a livable planet. We explore why the transition is accelerating so quickly, how China surged ahead in clean-energy manufacturing, what’s blocking progress in the U.S., and why decentralized energy strengthens both democracy and community resilience. McKibben makes a powerful case that the most impactful climate action isn’t individual—it’s collective organizing to change policy and scale solutions that match the crisis. This is a conversation about speed, possibility, and the decisive decade ahead—and why a sun-powered world is much closer than we think. Bill McKibben—author, journalist, and founder of 350.org and Third Act—is one of the world’s most influential climate voices. His new book, Here Comes the Sun, charts the extraordinary rise of solar power and what it means for the future. Themes Solar is exploding globally—faster than anyone expected. Renewables are now the cheapest energy on Earth. China is dominating clean-energy manufacturing. Batteries and virtual power plants are transforming the grid. Collective action—not individual consumption—is what shifts systems. UPCOMING LIVE EVENT THE CLIMATE CROSSROADS – December 2, Live Online A powerhouse panel with Bill McKibben, Dr. Rupert Read, and Brian McLaren, moderated by Dr. John Izzo as they explore what it will take to move from paralysis to action. Hosted by Elders Action Network, Elders Climate Action, and The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, this 90-minute event blends moral clarity with practical hope. 🗓 December 2 8–9:30 AM PST | 11–12:30 PM EST | 4–5:30 PM GMT 📍 Hosted by Elders Action Network, Elders Climate Action & The Way Forward Podcast 🔗 Register here: https://shorturl.at/hNYKg Also visit and register at our Sutra to have an interactive experience with our 3 guests. Climate Crossroads Sutra The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations is hosted by Dr. John Izzo & Alain Gauthier and produced by Jim Burke. 📺 Watch on [YouTube] https://www.youtube.com/@thewayforwardrc| 🎧 Listen on [Apple Podcasts] podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-way-forward-regenerative-conversations/id1651941803| 🌍 Connect with us: [Website] https://wayforwardpodcast.com/ 🌿 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors This episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations is made possible through the generous support of Elders Action Network (EAN) https://eldersaction.org/ (Elders Action Network)  and Elders Climate Action (ECA) https://eldersaction.org/ (Elders Action Network. These organizations are dedicated to empowering elders to take collective action for a thriving, just, and sustainable future. We’re deeply grateful for their leadership and for modeling what it means to be regenerative elders in action.

In this powerful episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, hosts John Izzo and Alain Gauthier sit down with philosopher and climate activist Dr. Rupert Read and Manda Scott to explore the groundbreaking new book, Transformative Adaptation. Is it too late to stop climate change? What does it mean to adapt with courage, not despair? And how can we transform ourselves and our systems to save what truly matters? We dive deep into: The difference between shallow and transformative adaptation Why collapse isn’t inevitable — and how hope can be radical The moral and spiritual dimensions of climate action Practical steps for individuals and communities to adapt with integrity Episode Summary In this episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, hosts Dr. John Izzo and Alain Gauthier sit down with Rupert Read and Manda Scott to explore their new book Transformative Adaptation: Another World Is Still Just Possible. We ask: Is it too late to stop the climate and ecological crisis? What’s the difference between “shallow” adaptation and “transformative” adaptation? How can communities move from resilience to true system change? Why do new stories—like Thrutopia—matter for creating a liveable future? From real examples in Nepal and Rojava to the spiritual and narrative shifts needed to heal our “trauma culture,” this episode will leave you questioning what kind of future we can still build—together.   👥 Guest Bios & Links Rupert Read – Philosopher, former Extinction Rebellion spokesperson, co-founder of the Climate Majority Project, and co-author of Transformative Adaptation. 🔗 Rupert’s Website | Climate Majority Project Manda Scott – Award-winning novelist, podcaster (Accidental Gods), and co-author of Transformative Adaptation, pioneering the concept of Thrutopia storytelling. 🔗 Accidental Gods Podcast | Thrutopia   🙌 Call to Action ✨ Subscribe to The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations for more deep dialogues on climate, culture, and regeneration. 💬 Share this episode with a friend who cares about the future. ⭐ Leave us a comment—what does “transformative adaptation” mean to you?   🎙 Show Branding The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations is hosted by Dr. John Izzo & Alain Gauthier and produced by Jim Burke. 📺 Watch on [YouTube] https://www.youtube.com/@thewayforwardrc| 🎧 Listen on [Apple Podcasts] podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-way-forward-regenerative-conversations/id1651941803| 🌍 Connect with us: [Website] https://wayforwardpodcast.com/     🌿 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors This episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations is made possible through the generous support of Elders Action Network (EAN) and Elders Climate Action (ECA). These organizations are dedicated to empowering elders to take collective action for a thriving, just, and sustainable future. We’re deeply grateful for their leadership and for modeling what it means to be regenerative elders in action.    

On The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, John and Alain sit down with Brian McLaren to explore what it means to live—and lead—after doom. Drawing from Life After Doom, Brian reframes “doom” as the moment we realize our problems outsize our current solutions, then walks us from anger to grief to love as a generative path forward. Along the way, we unpack overshoot and the polycrisis beneath climate change, a practical four‑scenario map of possible futures, and everyday practices that keep us grounded—finding companions to talk with, time in nature, and deep honesty in prayerful reflection. The result is a clear‑eyed conversation that neither sugarcoats nor catastrophizes—and calls us to show up with courage, compassion, and love. Show notes summary What we cover What “doom” really names: not inevitable extinction, but the psychological shock when our problems feel bigger than our solutions—and how naming it opens a path beyond paralysis. Under the climate “cherry”: overshoot (taking too much, dumping too much) and the polycrisis that makes single‑issue fixes insufficient. Four scenarios for what’s next: collapse avoidance, collapse rebirth, collapse survival, collapse extinction—plus why clinging to certainty (optimism or despair) discourages action. From anger → grief → love: how grief can sweeten into love for places and people—and even temper how we regard those doing harm. Practices that help right now: find a small circle to talk with; seek daily time outdoors (“the birds are being awesome”); and cultivate honest, contemplative prayer—“holding our thoughts to the light.” Faith, power, and coalition: engaging Christian communities without dehumanization; critiquing money‑power capture; and reaching beyond left/right toward a deeper, earth‑honoring vision. Key takeaways Name the feeling; don’t freeze there. Recognizing doom as an inner experience creates room for courage and community. Think systemically. If we “solve carbon” but ignore overshoot and the polycrisis, our children still inherit cascading risk. Work the middle path. Refusing both naïve optimism and total doom keeps us in the arena of action. Grief reveals love. Lament can deepen solidarity with people and places—and clarify what we will protect. Lead with love, not dehumanization. Our language matters; contempt escalates violence, while love enlarges coalitions. Our heartfelt thanks to Elders Action Network (EAN) and Elders Climate Action (ECA) for the work they do and for their support of this conversation and community. Subscribe & Share If this episode resonated, please subscribe on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast app, and leave a comment—your engagement helps others find the show. Connect with Us Web: https://wayforwardpodcast.com Email (comments & ideas): thewayforwardrc@gmail.com

Join bestselling author and leadership expert Dr. John Izzo, who dives into the five toxic mindsets—Control, Conceit, Consumption, Comfort, and Coveting—that rob us of happiness. He discusses the transformative 'Notice, Stop, Choose' method to reclaim joy amidst global chaos. Izzo critiques the current capitalist model and emphasizes a regenerative approach, advocating for self-reflection and gratitude. With insights on AI's role in shaping our mindset, he inspires listeners to cultivate curiosity and connection for a happier, more authentic life.

In this gripping episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, we dive deep into the explosive revelations of Katherine Stewart’s new book, Money, Lies, and God. With nearly two decades of investigative journalism exposing the rise of Christian nationalism and the anti-democratic forces reshaping America, Stewart reveals the unholy alliances of billionaires, culture warriors, and ideological extremists working to dismantle our democratic foundations. This conversation is essential listening for anyone who cares about truth, pluralism, and the future of the American experiment.   Katherine Stewart is an award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author who has covered the rise of the anti-democratic movement in the U.S. for over 16 years. Her latest book, Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy (Bloomsbury, 2025), builds on the critically acclaimed The Power Worshippers and The Good News Club. Stewart’s work appears in The New York Times, The New Republic, and Religion News Service. Follow her work at website https://katherinestewart.me/ katherinestewartbooks.substack.com and on Bluesky at katherinestewart.bsky.social.   If you enjoyed today’s conversation, please subscribe to our podcast and visit our website at www.wayforwardpodcast.com to join our community, explore show archives, and stay connected.   Special thanks to our sponsors: Elders Action Network – org Elder Climate Action – org Their support makes these vital conversations possible.  

Otto Scharmer, a Senior Lecturer at MIT and co-author of influential books on transformative change, and Katrin Kaufer, Managing Director of the Presencing Institute, discuss how we can overcome feelings of insignificance to effect systemic change. They explore concepts like 'islands of coherence' and 'fourth-person knowing,' emphasizing the importance of nurturing 'social soil' for meaningful transformations. Their insights illuminate how individual actions, when aligned with intention, can create powerful ripples, empowering communities to drive societal evolution.

In a time of deep division and rising authoritarianism, what if we could reimagine democracy—not for the next election, but for the next generation? In this inspiring and provocative episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, co-hosts Dr. John Izzo and Alain Gauthier speak with two visionary leaders who are doing just that. Suzette Brooks Masters, leader of the Better Futures Project and advisor to the School of International Futures, and Clint Wilkins, retired educator and intergenerational climate action leader with Elders Climate Action, introduce us to the practice of Future Design—a foresight method that invites participants to role-play as future generations. Together, they explore: Why U.S. democracy feels broken—and how Future Design can help renew it. What happened when elders, youth, and midlifers “time-traveled” to the year 2049. How elders can serve as conveners for intergenerational healing and bold democratic imagination. Why local communities—not Congress—may be democracy’s best hope. If you're restless about the state of our world but still believe in the power of human imagination and agency, this episode is your invitation to help shape what comes next. Subscribe. Share. Start a Future Design conversation in your own community.   Show Notes Episode Title: Designing Democracy: Future Generations at the Table Guests: Suzette Brooks Masters – Strategic foresight leader and director of the Better Futures Project Website: Democracy Funders Network Report: Imagining Better Futures for American Democracy (PDF) LinkedIn: Suzette Brooks Masters Clint Wilkins – Educator, intergenerational facilitator, and leader at Elders Climate Action Elders Climate Action: https://www.eldersclimateaction.org Elders Action Network: https://www.eldersaction.org Topics Covered: What is Future Design and how it works Role of imagination and intergenerational empathy in civic renewal Inside the ECA Future Design retreat How to bring Future Design into your local town hall Why elders are essential catalysts in shaping long-term democratic vision Production Team: Hosts: Dr. John Izzo & Alain Gauthier Producer: Jim Burke Editing: Camtasia 2025 Watch more episodes of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations: https://www.youtube.com/@RegenerativeConversations   Special Thanks We’re grateful to our sponsors, Elders Action Network (EAN) and Elders Climate Action (ECA), for supporting this intergenerational exploration of democracy, imagination, and the future. Your leadership shows that elderhood can be a time of action, not retreat.  

 In this powerful episode, renowned climate philosopher and activist Dr. Rupert Read challenges us to confront the stark realities of climate breakdown and political instability. Offering a unique blend of radical honesty and transformative action, Read illuminates pathways forward through emotional resilience, transformative adaptation, and community empowerment.  This isn't a conversation about easy fixes; it's a compelling call to face our crisis head-on, together. Dr. Rupert Read PhD is a prominent British climate activist, and author. He holds degrees from Balliol College, Oxford, and Rutgers University, where he earned his PhD in Philosophy. Currently, Read is an Emeritus Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of East Anglia, UK. He has authored several influential books including Transformative Adaptation, The Climate Majority Project, This Civilization Is Finished, do you want to know the TRUTH,  and Deep Adaptation, co-authored with Jem Bendell. Read is also well-known for his involvement with Extinction Rebellion and is co-director of The Climate Majority Project, advocating for practical and systemic responses to the climate crisis. His work blends rigorous philosophical thought with frontline activism, emphasizing emotional resilience, transformative action, and community engagement. We extend special thanks to Elders Climate Action and the Elders Action Network, whose support makes these essential conversations possible. Their ongoing commitment empowers elders to lead and inspire transformative actions on climate, democracy, and resilience, truly embodying the power and wisdom of elder activism. If you enjoy this podcast and YouTube channel, please subscribe.  You can also find us on Substack and on Bluesky.       

On January 20, 2025, as Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term as President of the United States, The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations seized this historic and uncertain moment to discuss the role of elders in shaping our collective future. In this powerful episode, we welcome esteemed author, educator, and activist Rick Moody to explore with us how those aged 65 and older can engage meaningfully in times of political and environmental upheaval. At a time when misinformation is rampant, democracy feels fragile, and the climate crisis looms large, Moody challenges the notion of passive aging and calls for action. He makes a compelling case for why hope is not just a feeling but a practice—one that requires rolling up our sleeves and actively shaping the world we will leave behind. Whether you’re newly retired, deeply engaged in activism, or wondering what your legacy will be, this conversation will inspire and motivate you to embrace the power of your years. In Episode we engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Rick Moody about the intersection of aging, climate change, and civic responsibility. We explore how elders can resist misinformation, foster intergenerational collaboration, and take tangible action to create a better future. Moody shares insights on the importance of truth in an era of political deception, the urgency of climate action, and why aging should be seen as a time of purpose rather than decline. He recalls his experiences working with great thinkers like Hugh Downs and Robert Butler, who coined the term “ageism”, and reflects on how older adults can reimagine their role in society. The conversation is a call for elders to step forward, not step back—to lead, not retreat—to build, not despair. Moody also discusses his latest book, Climate Change in an Aging Society (2023, Routledge), and his ongoing work with nonprofits and grassroots climate movements. He reminds us that history is not something we inherit—it is something we create, and elders have a crucial role in shaping what comes next.   Harry (Rick) Moody, Ph.D., is a leading voice in the fields of aging, ethics, and climate activism. A graduate of Yale University with a doctorate in philosophy from Columbia University, Dr. Moody has dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of aging, purpose, and social change. He retired as Vice President for Academic Affairs at AARP and has held faculty positions at Fielding Graduate University and Tohoku University in Japan. Previously, he served as Executive Director of the Brookdale Center on Aging at Hunter College, and Chairman of the Board of Elderhostel (now Road Scholar). Dr. Moody is the author of over 100 scholarly articles and several influential books, including Aging: Concepts and Controversies, a widely used gerontology textbook now in its 10th edition, and The Five Stages of the Soul, which has been translated into seven languages. His latest book, Climate Change in an Aging Society, was published in 2023. A passionate advocate for climate action, Dr. Moody writes a newsletter focused on climate change and aging. He was named one of Utne Reader’s “50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World” and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society on Aging. Subscribe to his climate newsletter here: Climate and Aging Newsletter. We are deeply grateful to Elders Action Network (EAN) and Elders Climate Action (ECA) for their continued support in making this podcast possible. Their dedication to empowering elders to take action on critical social and environmental issues aligns perfectly with the mission of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations. To learn more about their work and how you can get involved, visit: Elders Action Network (EAN) Elders Climate Action (ECA) Thank you for listening and remember: History is not a destination—it is what we choose to do today.