The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations

From Retirement to Regeneration: Why Elders Matter More Than Ever

Episode Overview
In a culture obsessed with youth, are elders still relevant — or more necessary than ever?
Across traditional societies, elders were honored as wisdom keepers and guides. Yet in modern Western culture, aging is often equated with retirement, retreat, and irrelevance.
What if this moment in history calls for something radically different?
In this powerful episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, Dr. John Izzo, Jim Burke, Diana Shoemaker, and Alain Gauthier explore the rise of the Regenerative Elder — blending inner transformation with outer activism to serve future generations. A Regenerative Elder is someone who consciously integrates inner growth, community wisdom, and courageous action to help regenerate society, democracy, and the living Earth for future generations.
Together, through the work of Elders Action Network (EAN) and its educational and activist initiatives — including Elders Rising — they examine how elders can move from retirement to regeneration and become a vital force for societal renewal.
Whatever your age, this conversation may transform how you see aging, leadership, activism, and the future itself.
 
🌱 The Role of Elders Action Network
This episode highlights the unique role of Elders Action Network, a national organization committed to combining inner development with meaningful civic engagement. Unlike many organizations that focus solely on activism, EAN integrates personal reflection, worldview transformation, and community-building with action in climate, democracy, and regenerative living.
A special focus in this episode is Elders Rising, the emerging educational and community hub within EAN. Elders Rising serves as an entry point for elders seeking:
A deeper exploration of purpose
Community with like-minded elders
Training for regenerative leadership
Tools for activism rooted in reflection
Intergenerational collaboration
Elders Rising centers and connects EAN’s programs — including the Regenerative Elder Process, Resilience & Acceptance, Future Design, and Exploring Elderhood — into a coherent pathway for elder transformation and contribution.
 
⏱ Episode Chapters
00:00 Introduction – The Role of Elders in Modern Society01:09 John’s Experience with Elders in Tanzania02:42 Introducing the Elders Action Network04:25 Why Elder Activism Matters Now05:42 EAN: Purpose and Practice13:43 The Regenerative Elder Process (REP)20:17 Upcoming Courses & Community Engagement through Elders Rising24:38 Why Elder Cohorts Matter27:21 Community & Belonging in Later Life28:14 Elders Taking Action Locally30:33 Intergenerational Collaboration & Future Design31:54 Elders, History & Patriotism33:37 Education, Resilience & Sacred Activism36:19 Rebuilding Community & Cooperation46:41 How to Get Involved with Elders Action Network50:41 Final Reflections & Encouragement
 
🌱 How to Get Involved with Elders Action Network & Elders Rising
If this conversation speaks to you, here are ways to engage through Elders Action Network and Elders Rising:
Join a Climate or Sound Democracy action team
Participate in the Regenerative Elder Process (REP)
Begin your journey with Exploring Elderhood
Join the Resilience & Acceptance (RA) community
Participate in the EAN Book Club
Volunteer in a leadership role
Support intergenerational initiatives through Future Design
EAN operates through volunteer leadership and community engagement — elders are not just participants, but co-creators of the work.
 
🔗 Resources & Links
Dr. John Izzo’s TEDx Talk (Boomers & Legacy)The Defining Moment for a Generation-In-Waiting: Dr. John Izzo at TEDxVancouver
Elders Action Network (EAN)https://eldersaction.org/
Elders Risinghttps://eldersaction.org/elders-rising/
Regenerative Elder Process (REP)https://eldersaction.org/regenerative-elder-process/
Future Design ProgramFuture Design Intergenerational Workshop - Session 1 of 3 — Elders Action Network
Podcast Episode on Future Design👉https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Bbsu-Ph-R0  
Resilience & Acceptance (RA)Resilience & Acceptance in the Face of Collapse — Elders Action Network
EAN Book Club & ProgramsBook Study Group — Elders Action Network
Exploring Elderhood CourseExploring Elderhood — Elders Action Network
 
👥 About Our Guests
Dr. John Izzo
Leadership expert, bestselling author, and TEDx speaker. John serves on the board of Elders Action Network and is a global voice on purpose-driven leadership, legacy, and generational responsibility.
Jim Burke
Producer of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, longtime healthcare leader, Vietnam veteran, and regenerative elder activist. Jim is deeply involved with Elders Action Network, Elders Rising initiatives, and climate resilience efforts in Washington State.
Diana Shoemaker
Executive Director of Elders Action Network. Diana leads national initiatives in elder activism, community resilience, and regenerative leadership, and oversees the development of Elders Rising as a central educational platform.
Alain Gauthier
Co-founder of the Regenerative Elder Process and longtime leadership consultant. Alain brings deep experience in worldview transformation, regenerative thinking, and elder wisdom traditions within Elders Action Network.
 
🎧 Stay Connected
If this conversation resonates with you:
👉 Subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform https://www.youtube.com/@thewayforwardrc/featured 👉 Like & Comment — we read every comment👉 Visit our  website https://thewayforwardrc.com  Visit our Linktree (all platforms & support links): 👉 https://linktr.ee/thewayforwardrcfor events, programs, and ways to support the work👉 Share this episode with someone navigating retirement or rethinking elderhood
Your engagement helps grow a movement of regenerative elders through Elders Action Network and Elders Rising.
 
🙏 Thank You
Thank you for being part of this community.
Whether you are an elder, becoming an elder, or reflecting on your place in a rapidly changing world — you matter.
The future is not something we wait for.It is something we co-create — together.
 

Is Trump a Symptom—or a Wake-Up Call? Reflections on 2025

Was 2025 a year we should forget—or the year everything finally became undeniable? As we step into 2026, the hosts of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations take on the hardest questions of our time: polarization, democracy, violence, climate disruption, and the collapse of shared meaning. This conversation is honest, provocative, and deeply personal—and we don’t all agree. If you’re wondering where to put your energy now, this episode is for you.
 
🧭 Show Notes – Episode Summary
In this special 2025 Reflections / 2026 Looking Forward episode, all three hosts—John Izzo, Alain (Alon) Gauthier, and Jim Burke—come together to examine what 2025 revealed about the state of humanity, democracy, and the planet.
They explore:
How social media algorithms curate entirely different realities—and fuel polarization
Why the rule of law and social norms are breaking down globally
Whether figures like Donald Trump are causes—or symptoms of a deeper systemic failure
The rise of narcissism at every level: individual, national, and even species-wide
Why mitigation alone is no longer enough for climate change—and why adaptation and regeneration must happen together
The twin inflection points of democracy and artificial intelligence in 2026
Why the real work ahead is inner and outer, personal and systemic
The conversation moves beyond headlines and elections to ask a deeper question: Who are we becoming—and how will we choose to respond?
This episode also gives listeners a rare chance to get to know the hosts personally: what grounds them, what challenges them, and where they’re putting their energy in the year ahead.
 
👥 Host Bios
Dr John Izzo, PhD
John Izzo is a bestselling author, speaker, and former Presbyterian minister whose work focuses on purpose, meaning, leadership, and the future of humanity. He brings moral clarity, historical depth, and a gift for asking the questions most people avoid. John is the author of multiple books, including The Purpose Revolution: How Leaders Creae Engagement and Competive Advantage in an Age of Social Good, and a longtime voice calling for deeper reflection in times of disruption.
Alain Gauthier
Alain is a systems thinker, facilitator, and co-creator of the Regenerative Elder process. Drawing from Indigenous history, lived experience, and spiritual inquiry, he helps individuals and communities integrate inner transformation with outer action. His work focuses on regeneration, resilience, and the re-emergence of elder wisdom in a fractured world.
Jim Burke
Jim Burke is the producer of The Way Forward and a lifelong health professional, systems thinker, and climate activist. He serves on multiple local and regional committees focused on infrastructure, climate resilience, and regenerative community development. Jim is deeply interested in longevity, lifestyle medicine, clean energy, and redefining elderhood for the 21st century.
 
🔗 Links & Where to Find Us
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Listen & Watch:
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📣 Call to Action (Subscribe, Comment, Engage)
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Your engagement helps us grow this community of thoughtful, courageous, regenerative conversations.

No More Illusions: McKibben, McLaren & Read on the Climate Truth We Can’t Ignore

In this episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, John Izzo hosts Bill McKibben, Brian McLaren, and Dr. Rupert Read for a raw and urgent dialogue on the climate crossroads. Together, they confront illusions, speak truth we can’t ignore, and explore what agency we still hold in shaping our future. Perfect for listeners seeking depth, courage, and clarity in the climate conversation.
Summary
In this powerful conversation, recorded live at The Climate Crossroads, our panel explores the defining moment humanity now faces. Bill McKibben highlights the accelerating physical realities of a warming planet — and the political forces working to slow progress. Dr. Rupert Read explains why adaptation, resilience, and community transformation may be our most underused leverage points. Brian McLaren examines the spiritual and psychological roots of the crisis, and why outdated worldviews continue to hold us back.
Together, they illuminate how technological change, moral courage, and community-scale action must converge to create a livable future. They invite us to move beyond false optimism and paralyzing doom — toward grounded, regenerative action rooted in compassion, clarity, and connection.
This is the first in a series of Crossroads Conversations exploring how elders, activists, and communities can rise to meet the challenges of our time.
 
👥 Guest Mini-Bios
Bill McKibben
Bill McKibben is a pioneering climate author, journalist, and activist who wrote the first major book on global warming, The End of Nature. He is the founder of 350.org and Third Act, mobilizing older Americans for climate action. His latest book, Here Comes the Sun, explores the global revolution in solar energy.🔗 https://thirdact.org🔗 https://350.org🔗 “Here Comes the Sun” (2024)
 
Brian D. McLaren
Brian McLaren is a former pastor, public theologian, and bestselling author whose work explores spirituality, social transformation, and climate consciousness. His recent book, Life After Doom, examines our spiritual response to the ecological crisis and the path to deeper courage and connection.🔗 https://brianmclaren.net🔗 “Life After Doom” (2023)
 
Dr. Rupert Read
Dr. Rupert Read is a philosopher, author, and co-founder of the Climate Majority Project, focused on mobilizing broad societal engagement in climate adaptation. He served as a prominent spokesperson and strategic voice for Extinction Rebellion, helping shape its early messaging and global impact. His work, including Why Climate Breakdown Matters and Transformative Adaptation, calls for a profound shift in how communities prepare for a rapidly changing world.🔗 https://rupertread.net🔗 https://climatemajorityproject.com🔗 “The Climate Majority Project” (2024)🔗 “Transformative Adaptation” (2024)
 
🙏 Sponsor Acknowledgment
This episode is brought to you by the Elders Action Network (EAN) and Elders Climate Action (ECA) — two organizations mobilizing elders across the world to stand for democracy, climate justice, and a regenerative future.🌐 https://eldersaction.org🌐 https://eldersclimateaction.org
 
📣 Audience Call to Action (YouTube & Podcast)
If this conversation moved you, inspired you, or challenged you — please support our work:✅ Subscribe to the podcast & YouTube channel✅ Leave a comment with your insights or questions✅ Share this episode with five people who care about our future✅ Visit our website for episodes, resources, and upcoming events:🔗 https://linktr.ee/wayforwardpodcast

How to Stop a Nuclear War — and Why We’re Not Talking About It

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.
 
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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
 
 

Solar’s Global Rise and China’s Energy Leadership — A Conversation with Bill McKibben

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 28–9:30 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 SponsorsThis 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.

Transform or Collapse? Dr. Rupert Read and Manda Scott on Climate Adaptation & Moral Courage

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 SponsorsThis 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.
 
 

Faith, Love, and Courage After Collapse: A Conversation with Brian McLaren, Author of “Life After Doom”

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.
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Connect with Us
Web: https://wayforwardpodcast.com Email (comments & ideas): thewayforwardrc@gmail.com

# 49: How to Overcome 5 Toxic Mindsets to Reclaim Happiness Now

In this episode of The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations, co-hosts Alain Gauthier and Jim Burke, our producer stepping into the host role, dive into humanity’s greatest challenges and the transformative opportunities they present. Join us as they interview Dr. John Izzo, who takes the guest seat to explore “What is the way forward?” for a thriving planet and future. This podcast is a bold call to action, inspiring regenerative practices and mindset shifts to build a better world.
About This Episode
Struggling to stay grounded amidst wars, climate crises, or AI hype? Dr. John Izzo, author of The Five Thieves of Happiness, reveals how five toxic mindsets—Control, Conceit, Consumption, Comfort, and Coveting—are stealing your happiness. Discover the “Notice, Stop, Choose” method to overcome these thieves, practice “attention without attachment,” and challenge outdated patterns like tribalism. From social media coveting to reimagining capitalism, Izzo offers practical tools to transform your inner life and spark outer change. Perfect for activists, elders, and visionaries ready to build a regenerative future.
About Dr. John Izzo
Dr. John Izzo is a bestselling author, speaker, and leadership expert with over 25 years advising Fortune 500 companies like IBM and Coca-Cola on sustainability and regeneration. His nine books, including The Five Thieves of Happiness, blend spirituality, science, and practical wisdom, inspiring millions globally. A former minister and Camino de Santiago pilgrim, Izzo’s TEDx talks and podcasts deliver bold, actionable insights for personal and collective transformation.
Get Involved
Like & Comment: Which toxic mindset is holding you back? Share your top takeaway below!
Subscribe: Join our visionary conversations on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean!
Visit Us: Dive into show notes, archives, and our community at https://wayforwardpodcast.com/.
Hashtags: #Happiness #MindsetShift #ToxicMindset #PositiveMindset #OvercomeNegativity #ReclaimHappiness #MindsetMatters
Thank Our Sponsors
Elders Action Network: Empowering elders to channel wisdom into social change—a true catalyst for hope and collaboration.
Elders Climate Action: Mobilizing seniors to fight for climate justice, paving the way for a sustainable, thriving planet.
Your support drives these regenerative discussions. Thanks for listening!

# 48 : The War on Truth and the Struggle for Democracy – a conversation with Katherine Stewart

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.
 

#47 What Needs to Change Now: Breaking Free from the Old System – A Conversation with Otto Scharmer and Katrin Kaufer

Have you ever felt powerless to change the system—wondering if one person's actions can truly make a difference in a world overwhelmed by complex challenges? In this provocative and inspiring episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, we confront the limiting belief that individual actions don't matter—a mindset Otto Scharmer and Katrin Kaufer describe as the "illusion of insignificance." Joined by hosts Dr. John Izzo and Alain Gauthier, we directly address elders and regenerative activists, empowering listeners to reclaim their agency and become active participants in reshaping our collective future.
In this deeply insightful conversation, Otto and Katrin share transformative concepts such as "islands of coherence," the essential "social soil" that nurtures societal change, and "fourth-person knowing," a profound form of collective intelligence. Drawing practical connections from their new book Presencing, they illuminate how aligning attention, intention, and agency can empower individuals and communities to break free from outdated systems. You’ll discover how your small yet intentional actions can create powerful ripples of change, building on ideas explored in previous episodes such as intergenerational collaboration, climate adaptation, and regenerative elderhood.
Otto Scharmer is a Senior Lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Founding Chair of the Presencing Institute, an organization dedicated to activating awareness-based systems change through action research. Otto co-authored the influential books Theory U and Leading from the Emerging Future, introducing the transformative practice known as "presencing"—learning from and responding effectively to emerging futures. Drawing inspiration from his regenerative farming upbringing, Otto emphasizes nurturing "social soil," referring to the quality of relationships, awareness, and collective capacity crucial for profound systemic transformation. His work has significantly influenced leadership practices, organizational behavior, and societal change globally.
Katrin Kaufer is the Managing Director and oversees research activities at the Presencing Institute, of which she is also a co-founding member. She serves as a Lecturer and Program Director at MIT's Department of Urban Studies and Planning, where her research focuses on leadership, social transformation, and mission-driven finance. Katrin co-authored Leading from the Emerging Future: From Ego-system to Eco-system Economies with Otto Scharmer and authored Just Money, exploring principles of mission-based banking and sustainable finance. Through her research and practice, Katrin highlights how the quality of our relationships significantly defines collective outcomes and advances practices that align attention, intention, and agency, deepening our understanding of transformative leadership and "fourth-person knowing."
About the Presencing Institute and U-School:
The Presencing Institute, founded by Otto Scharmer, is a global organization committed to enabling profound societal transformation through awareness-based systems change and innovative action research. Known worldwide for its groundbreaking Theory U methodology, the institute actively collaborates with leaders, organizations, and communities to cultivate deeper collective understanding and facilitate meaningful change across sectors.
The U-School is an innovative global platform within the Presencing Institute dedicated to helping change-makers, educators, and leaders deepen their understanding and mastery of Theory U. U-School provides transformative learning journeys, workshops, and community initiatives that empower individuals and teams to respond creatively and effectively to complex societal challenges by fostering greater personal and collective awareness, intention, and agency.
Learn more about their impactful work at Presencing Institute.
About The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations:
The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations podcast is proudly supported by the Elders Action Network and Elders Climate Action. We extend our deepest gratitude to these organizations for their steadfast commitment to empowering elders and addressing critical environmental, governance, and social challenges, helping create a thriving world for generations to come. If this conversation inspires you, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and Apple Podcast to ensure you never miss an episode. Join our growing community and explore additional transformative resources at wayforwardpodcast.com.