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Hey Change Podcast
49. Ethical Gold and Why it Matters - Futura Jewelry on Mercury-Free Gold
Did you know that 99% of the world’s gold miners use mercury when extracting gold from the earth? Mercury is a super harmful material and the United Nations have declared the issue a worldwide crisis. More so actually: It’s the number one threat to the planet.
When Today’s guest Robert (or Bob) Donofrio , the founder of @futurajewelry , found out about this he knew he had to do something about it. Bob began his career in the luxury jewelry business 35 years ago and is the former President of brands like Bulgari and Asprey. But through a recent life-changing discovery of the devastation and threat that mercury used in small-scale gold mining poses to our planet, he chose to support a cleaner tomorrow. He launched Futura, a modern brand offering consumers a new jewelry option to wear what they believe. He is also an Official Partner of the UN Environment Program Global Mercury Partnership and I’m so honored to have him here on Hey Change.
Website: www.futurajewelry.com
Instagram: @FuturaJewelry
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Website: www.heychange.net
Host: @AnneThereseBengtsson
Website: www.heychangepodcast.com
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Host: https://www.instagram.com/annetheresegennari/
Hosted by The Climate Optimist: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/
Music produced by Jackson Whalan
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101. Hope Dies Last - Stubborn Optimism From Around The World
56:38|What if the most powerful tool we have in facing climate collapse… is refusing to give up? In this episode, I talk with Alan Weisman, journalist and bestselling author of The World Without Us, about his new book Hope Dies Last. We explore stories of stubborn climate optimism from around the world, breakthroughs in energy and food, and why the future is still worth fighting for—even when the odds seem impossible.This isn’t about toxic positivity—it’s real, grounded optimism. And it just might change how you think about hope. Because while hope may not last forever, today is not that day. There is still so much beauty to protect, and being human on this Earth is a gift we still have the chance to reclaim.Get the book, Hope Dies Last: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/624630/hope-dies-last-by-alan-weisman/100. A World Without Waste: The Radical Power of Smart Design
58:34|What if the solution to single-use waste wasn’t more effort, but better design? In today’s episode, I sit down with Mac Sellars from r.World, an award-winning company transforming concerts and sports venues by making the sustainable choice the easiest one. It’s a story of climate optimism, systems change, and the power of rethinking not just what we do, but how we do it.Together, we get into some often-overlooked but important truths about single-use waste, how the system needs radical rethinking — not just incremental improvements — and the spiritual practices that are woven into all of it. If you’re someone who wants to implement more sustainable practices in your workplace or community, or even your home, get ready to be challenged and inspired in all the best ways. Website: https://rworldreuse.com/Subscribe to The Climate Optimist on Substack: https://theclimateoptimist.substack.com/99. The New Face of Climate Denial - Why Your Voice Matters More Than Ever
38:55|A new climate change denial is spreading, and yes, we need to talk about it. So in this episode, I sit down with journalist Samantha Harrington to unpack how climate misinformation is evolving. It’s no longer about denying climate change. Instead, it claims that the solutions don’t work, that clean energy is dangerous, or that the entire climate movement is a form of government control. We break down how this narrative is gaining ground, why outrage is such a powerful tool for spreading misinformation, and how a lack of response — even from left-leaning media — is part of the problem. But this isn’t just a warning. It’s also a call to action... Get ready to be empowered!Other things mentioned:The original article that sparked this conversation: Eight of the top 10 online shows are spreading climate misinformation The 89 Percent ProjectPetro MasculinityAbout Our GuestSamantha Harrington, director of audience experience for Yale Climate Connections, is a journalist, graphic designer, and UX designer with a background in digital media, entrepreneurship, and online community management. Sam is based in Madison, Wisconsin, and is committed to journalism and web design that helps people live safer, healthier, and happier lives.98. From Climate Anxiety to Inner Transformation: The Neuroscience of Change
01:02:04|What if our obsession with certainty is actually making us more stressed? And most importantly, less open to real change? In this episode, I sit down with psychologist and researcher Norman Farb to explore how our brains prioritize the familiar, often at the cost of creativity, well-being, and resilience. We talk about the myth of multitasking, the power of mind wandering, and why slowing down might be the fastest path to clarity.Together, we dive into what it means to be truly receptive—to ourselves, to others, and to the world we hope to change. From "retruthing" our perceptions to cultivating presence in a noisy world, Norman offers both science-backed insight and practical tools for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply curious about how to move forward with more joy and intention. This one’s for anyone who wants to rethink how we relate to stress, uncertainty, and the stories we tell ourselves about what’s possible. If you care about making positive change in the world, click play and make sure to listen to the end!Get Norman Farb's book, Better In Every Sense: https://betterineverysense.com/This episode is sponsored by Mill. Click the link for $75 off your Mill purchase: mill.com/heychangepodcast97. This is Climate Optimism: Redefining Climate Action with Anne Therese Gennari
01:03:39|What does it look like to embrace optimism when forces around you want you to feel overwhelmed, defeated, and in despair? What is climate optimism, and how do we not mistake it for toxic positivity? And what does a healthy relationship to climate grief actually look like?In this bonus episode that was originally shared on Climify Podcast, Eric Benson and I have a deeply human and heart-forward conversation about navigating climate grief, spiritual transformation, and the power of slowing down — especially in our climate actions!I share my journey from climate anxiety and angry activism to grounded, regenerative optimism, and we explore why emotional resilience, imagination, and inner development are essential tools for climate action. We also talk about how to shift from minimizing our footprint to maximizing our unique impact, and the joy that comes with doing climate action your way.Listen to rediscover climate action as an act of hope, healing, and inner transformation —this is climate optimism, how I see it!For more conversations on climate optimism, check out season five of the Climify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bEYHonFIMnYEIsNb0MyDc?si=c8725e8b6a8341feListen to the Guided Meditation: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/guided-meditation96. What We Can Do - The Art of The Possible with Charlie Sellars
54:20||Season 5In this conversation, Anne Therese Gennari and guest Charlie Sellars explore the journey of sustainability, emphasizing that every job can contribute to climate action. They discuss the importance of maximizing opportunities in sustainability rather than focusing solely on minimizing negative impacts. The dialogue highlights the need for narrative shifts in climate action and the significance of engaging diverse perspectives. Additionally, they explore the balance between individual responsibility and corporate accountability in sustainability efforts. The discussion also touches on the political landscape's impact on climate initiatives and the potential for optimism in the face of challenges. Finally, they envision a future where sustainable practices are the norm and emphasize the need for collective action to achieve this vision.Two climate optimists coming together - this is a conversation you don't want to miss!About our guest:Charlie Sellars is the director of sustainability at Microsoft and, most importantly, the author of the newly released book What We Can Do: A Climate Optimist's Guide to Sustainable Living. His book pulls from his experience at Microsoft to empower people on climate across their Personal, Professional, and Political lives. He helps us realize that all of us are more powerful against climate change than we think, and that while nobody can do everything, everybody can do something - and his book gives pragmatic, data-driven evidence to help direct us to where we can have the most impact across everything we do. Get the book here: https://bit.ly/3Zc5ZpVVisit Charlie’s website: https://www.charliesellars.com/This episode is sponsored by Mill. Click the link for $75 off your Mill purchase: mill.com/heychangepodcastE95. Mental Health & The Climate Crisis
57:32|What are eco-emotions and how are they affecting our everyday lives? What role do they play in our ability to – and desire to – make a difference? And how do we overcome these mental barriers that are keeping us paralyzed and stuck in place?Seeking answers to these questions could be one of the most important topics of our times. Not just for the individual, but also for the world, as it’s a critical step in igniting the curiosity and courage needed to co-create a climate-just future.Tune into this important conversation with three Fierce and Passionate Climate Authors that was recorded during this year's Climate Week in NYC. Tori Tsui, author of It’s Not Just You, Britt Wray, author of Gen Dread, and Anne Therese Gennari, author of The Climate Optimist Handbook shared the latest research on eco-emotions, tools for healing, and how to grow emotional resilience for the days to come.The panel was moderated by environmental educator and creator of the digital media platform QueerBrownVegan, Isaias Hernandez. Get the books!It's Not Just You:https://bit.ly/its-not-just-you-buyThe Climate Optimist Handbook:https://bit.ly/the-climate-optimist-handbook-buyGeneration Dread:Paperback: bit.ly/gdus2023 (available for pre-order, out Oct 2023)Hardcover: bit.ly/gdus2022 (available now)E94. Use Your Anger For Good with Mike Veny
56:36||Season 4What does it mean to use your anger for good? Today's guest Mike Veny hasn't just learned to deal with his anger, he actively challenges it to better his work and do good in the world! As a mental health expert, advocate, and professional speaker, Mike tours the country helping companies and their employees revive the gifts of mental wellness. We brought him on the Hey Change Podcast to talk about how anger can serve as a powerful (and healthy) tool in our work for climate and social justice.In this episode:Passion vs giftsHow to lead a meaningful lifeBreaking stigma and creating new normsHow to embody your anger and let it empower youHow to think about our work in climate change to stay inspired and motivatedFollow Mike:Website: https://www.mikeveny.com/Instagram: @mikevenyTwitter: @mikevenyMentioned in the episode:Book: Hug Your HatersClimate Optimist Newsletter: https://theclimateoptimist.substack.com/CONNECT + FOLLOW:Podcast Instagram: @heychange_podcastHosts: @annetheresegennari + @robinxshawPodcast website: www.theclimateoptimist.com/hey-change-podcastE93. How To Heal Ourselves to Heal The Planet
57:34||Season 4Can climate grief and anger be catalysts for transformational healing? Is there such a thing as healthy denial? And how can we learn to work with our emotions in a way where our hearts break open and use that to serve ourselves, others, and the world? Those are only a few of the things we get into in our beautiful conversation with Jack!In this episode:How to pay attention to our fear, anger, and anxiety to let it empower youThe mental health work required to be a climate optimistHealthy guilt and healthy denialHow to grow from shameWhy resilience is an act of resistanceMentioned in the episode:Online climate community): www.collectvexaction.comWeekly support calls - contact: https://livingresilience.net/safecircle/Don't Look Up Action Network: https://dontlookup.count-us-in.com/Jack Adam Weber is an award-winning author for environmental and social justice, a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese medical herbalist, celebrated poet, certified yoga and Qi Gong instructor, climate activist, mental health advocate, and permaculture farmer. His latest book, Climate Cure: Heal Yourself to Heal the Planet, goes into depth about the healing work we’re here to take on as individuals to grow emotional resilience and become forces to be reckoned with in this world. Website: https://jackadamweber.com/Instagram: @jackadamweberCONNECT + FOLLOW:Podcast Instagram: @heychange_podcastHosts: @annetheresegennari + @robinxshawPodcast website: www.theclimateoptimist.com/hey-change-podcast