Stories for the future

In this special episode of Stories for the Future, I moderate a panel at the Beyond Oil Conference 2025: Changing Climate Futures conference in Bergen. Our theme: Actionable Hope in a Changing Climate Future.We talk about what hope does when the world feels like it’s unraveling — and what it looks like when hope becomes something you act on. In this episode you’ll hear voices from science, media, creative arts and strategy — and come away with ideas for how to lean into hope, not just as a feeling, but as a modality of change.👥 Panel & Conference LinksHere are the people on the panel and links to their work so you can dive deeper:Kikki Flesche Kleiven — Director of the Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, University of Bergen. Marine geologist by training; leads a large interdisciplinary climate‑research centre. Petter Gulli — Founder & Chief Hope Officer at 12YEARS; an outspoken climate optimist, strategist and author of HOPE – A practical guide for climate optimists. Thea Emilie Maubach‑Vindnes — Spokesperson for the media initiative Verdens Beste Nyheter (“The World’s Best News”), and also affiliated with the civil‑society group Changemaker. Verdens beste nyheterAnne Beate Hovind — Chair of the Future Library project. This is a century‑long literary/art project where 1,000 trees were planted in Nordmarka, and each year one author contributes a manuscript, to be published in 2114. About the project: https://www.futurelibrary.no/ futurelibrary.noConference reference: Beyond Oil 2025: Changing Climate Futures — An interdisciplinary, international biennial conference hosted by the Centre for Climate and Energy Transformation (CET) at the University of Bergen.Conference website: https://www.uib.no/en/cet/173079/beyond-oil-2025-changing-climate-futuresWant to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble? Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatch.You can always find more information about the podcast and my work on storiesforthefuture.com

What comes to mind when you hear mining? Pollution? Destruction? Now add the word sustainable — does it feel contradictory?In this episode, I speak with Donna Kitsos, a Singapore-based expert in global markets, energy, and innovation, about what sustainable mining actually means. With a background in coal trading and a career now focused on climate tech and circular solutions, Donna shares how mining is evolving — and why it’s more important than ever to understand that shift.🔑 Key TopicsWhat “sustainable mining” really meansHow innovation is reshaping extraction and supply chainsThe role of AI, biomining, recycling, and circular systemsWhy collaboration and transparency are key to progress👤 About Donna KitsosDonna has 20+ years in financial/physical commodities, venture, and energy innovation. Today, she works with early-stage technologies that transform mining and sustainability from the ground up.Learn more: prospectinnovation.comWorld Economic Forum’s UpLink Mining ChallengeDonna on LinkedInWant to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble? Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatch.You can always find more information about the podcast and my work on storiesforthefuture.com or vklavenes.substack.com

In this episode of Stories for the Future, I’m joined by storyteller, game designer, and creative force Dain Saint — someone who doesn’t just talk about change, but invites people to practice it through immersive storytelling, collaborative world-building, and art.We recorded this conversation a few months ago, but it feels even more relevant today. Especially in a time of political tension, uncertainty, and fear, we talk about how imagination, empathy, and interactive experiences can help us stay connected — and prepare us for the future we actually want to live in.Dain also shares insights from his work in journalism, immersive theatre, and game design — including how changing what it means to “win” the game can fundamentally shift how we live and lead.We talk about:What interactive storytelling really is — and why it mattersThe role of empathy in imagining better futuresPracticing democracy through games (!)What it feels like to live through turbulent times in the USThe difference between truth and honestyWhy art, play, and participation are vital right now🔗 Links & Resources:Learn more about Dain’s work on his website.Reckless MagicConnect with me and find more episodes at storiesforthefuture.comSubscribe to my newsletter on Substack💬 If this episode spoke to you…Please consider sharing it with someone you think would enjoy it — and leave a quick rating or review on your podcast platform. It really helps the show reach more thoughtful listeners like you.Want to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble? Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatch.You can always find more information about the podcast and my work on storiesforthefuture.com

What if solving climate change starts with better conversations, not just better tech?In this episode, I talk with Tessa Hartman, a climate anthropologist and facilitator, about why culture shapes how we perceive and respond to climate challenges. We explore how empathy, social norms, and smart design can unlock new ways of working together – even across deep divides.🎙️ In this episode:What a “climate anthropologist” actually doesHow culture, identity, and worldview shape climate actionThe power of asking why in tough conversationsUX design meets sustainability – making solutions people actually want to useBridge-building between “opposing” groupsLessons from Norway’s first national Citizen Assembly on climate and wealth🔗 Resources mentioned:Tessa Hartman on LinkedInKlimaantropologen (in Norwegian)The Future Panel / Citizen Assembly (English site)Book: Humankind by Rutger BregmanClimate designer Katie PatrickStories for the FutureVeslemøy’s Substack🙌 If you enjoyed this episode:Share it with someone who cares about climate, culture, or community.Subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify – it helps more than you know!Want to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble? Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatch.You can always find more information about the podcast and my work on storiesforthefuture.com

Do you ever feel like you’re too many things at once – curious about everything, yet unsure how it all fits together? In this episode, I sit down with writer, speaker, and community-builder Charlie Rogers, whose upcoming book Undefinable Life Design offers a much-needed framework for those of us who resist being put in a box.Charlie shares:What it means to live “intentionally beyond conventional labels”His framework forundefinable life designThe power of embracing a semi-professional approach to your many interestsHow to identify your Golden Thread – the through-line that connects everything you loveThe emotional (and practical) work of leaving identities behindHis wild ultra-marathon and what it taught him about self-trustThe values that define his community of “undefinables”Whether you’re a creative generalist, a multi-hyphenate, or just someone with 96 browser tabs open at once, this conversation is your permission to stop choosing and start integrating.🔗 Resources & Mentions:Charlie’s newsletter & updates on his upcoming bookThe Portfolio Collective – where we first connected Charlie's LinkedInWebsite: Undefinable Life DesignWant to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble? Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatch.You can always find more information about the podcast and my work on storiesforthefuture.com and vklavenes.substack.comMentioned in this episode:Thanks to Creative Space for supporting this episode! Visit getcreativespace.com

In this episode, I sit down with Morgan DeNicola, Executive Director of the DeNicola Family Foundation, to explore how curiosity, humor, and empathy can create bridges across even the most polarized divides.We talk about her journey from special education into international diplomacy, what it really means to listen, and how she stays grounded while working on everything from orphanages to conservation projects to cross-cultural negotiation.🔑 In This Episode, You'll Learn:How Morgan transitioned from teaching to global diplomacyThe overlooked link between classrooms and cross-cultural negotiationWhy true diplomacy begins with setting your own ego asideHow to build bridges with people you disagree with — without shrinking yourselfWhat it means to truly listen (and why most of us don’t)The “swinging pendulum” of mental health in mission-driven workWhy conservation work can bring unlikely allies together🛠️ Resources & Mentions:The deNicola Family FoundationElmwood Park ZooThe Humpty Dumpty InstituteMorgan on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTokWant to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble? Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatch.You can always find more information about the podcast and my work on storiesforthefuture.com

In this episode, I’m joined by executive coach and strategic advisor Sylvana Rochet, who works with founders, CXOs, and visionary leaders at companies like Slack, Tesla, Netflix, and Apple. We talk about how to lead through uncertainty without losing your purpose — and yourself.Sylvana shares:What conscious leadership looks like in times of crisisHow to manage identity shifts during career pivotsHer “Three Cs” framework for navigating big transitionsWhy emotional intelligence is the most underrated leadership skillConnect with Sylvana Rochet:🌐 Website: https://www.elanvital.co/🎙️ Podcast: Life by Intention Podcast (Listen here)🔗 LinkedIn: Sylvana RochetMore from Veslemøy:💌 Newsletter & blog: vklavenes.substack.com🌿 Website & podcast hub: storiesforthefuture.com🎧 This episode was made possible with support from Creative Space – a brilliant community of coaches, creatives, and solopreneurs who inspire and support my work daily.Mentioned in this episode:Thanks to Creative Space for supporting this episode! Visit getcreativespace.com

What happens when climate change itself becomes a censored word?In this episode, I speak with Tom Schueneman - journalist, blogger, podcaster, and longtime climate communicator behind GlobalWarmingisReal.com. For more than 20 years, Tom has been on the frontlines of climate communication, documenting how politics, disinformation, and propaganda shape the public’s understanding of science.📌 Note: This conversation was recorded in May. Since then (now August), U.S. politics have shifted even further—making our discussion even more timely and relevant.We explore:How climate data and language are being censored in the U.S.Why defunding science puts lives at riskThe playbook of disinformation (from tobacco to climate denial)Why independent journalism is essential right nowHow to hold on to hope while facing hard truths👉 Explore more of Tom’s work at GlobalWarmingisReal.com and his Substack.Want to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble? Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatch.You can always find more information about the podcast and my work on storiesforthefuture.comLinks referenced in this episode:globalwarmingisreal.comvklavens.substack.comstoriesforthefuture.comMentioned in this episode:Thanks to Creative Space for supporting this episode! Visit getcreativespace.com

🎉 5-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL!What if the key to solving the climate crisis isn’t just better tech, but better people leading with courage, compassion, and connection?To mark five years of Stories for the Future, I’m joined by the brilliant Dina Hestad from cCHANGE, a social enterprise helping people and organizations create deep, lasting, and ethical transformation. Dina has spent the past two decades working across the globe, from climate negotiations at the UN to field work in the Marshall Islands, uncovering the root causes of our biggest crises.In this episode, we explore:Why traditional approaches to the energy transition are falling shortThe power of values-based leadership and systems changeWhat makes the new Energiomstillerne program so timely and uniqueHow individuals, no matter their title, can lead powerful transformations👉 Interested in the program? Learn more about Energiomstillerne here (offered in Norwegian)✨ Whether you’re in the energy sector, local government, academia, or just deeply passionate about the green shift—this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to rethink your role in the transition.Connect with Dina on LinkedInLearn more about cCHANGEListen to episode 93, with Karen O'Brien and Idun Aunde about the Transformational Leadership for Sustainability ProgramWant to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble? Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatch.You can always find more information about the podcast and my work on storiesforthefuture.com

Welcome back to Stories for the Future! After a rejuvenating summer break, I'm launching the new season with a guest who embodies everything this podcast is about: purpose, impact, and bold reinvention.Meet Oliver Dauert, founder of Wildya, a venture helping ecopreneurs transform their love for nature into scalable, regenerative impact. Oliver’s journey took him from childhood fascination with nature to eco-anxiety and corporate disillusionment – and ultimately to building one of the most forward-thinking nature-first platforms out there.In this conversation, we explore:🌿 Oliver’s personal transformation from a business student in a broken system to an “impact millionaire” in the making💡 Why business schools fail to prepare leaders for a nature-positive future🔥 The real traits that set successful ecopreneurs apart (hint: pragmatism beats perfection)💰 Why money isn’t evil – and how it becomes a tool for regeneration💔 The emotional toll of working in the climate and biodiversity space – and how Oliver channels grief into motivation🐾 What it really takes to scale nature impact in a capitalistic worldWhether you're an ecopreneur, solopreneur, or just someone dreaming of a wilder, better world – this episode is for you.📌 Learn more about Oliver’s work: WildyaLinkedIn📩 Let me know what resonated with you most – connect on LinkedIn or leave a review!Want to be a guest on Stories for the future: Beyond the Bubble? Send Veslemoy Klavenes-Berge a message on PodMatch.You can always find more information about the podcast and my work on storiesforthefuture.com and on SubstackMentioned in this episode:Thanks to Creative Space for supporting this episode! Visit getcreativespace.com