PODCAST · society
The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations
by Dr. John Izzo, Alain Gauthier & Jim Burke
Three Elders explore how to renew the world we helped mess upThe Way Forward Podcast is dedicated to Regenerative Conversations about the future of humanity and planet. We think we need to re-think the current paradigm. Each episode explores how we can find a positive future forward for society and for ourselves. We explore the question: What is the Way Forward? We don’t have the answers, but we hope to stimulate all of us to imagine what is possible. We bring a wide variety of guests – including people at the leading edge of their field and willing to think out of the box – and engage into stimulating conversations with them, in a place of open curiosity. Topics will include a wide range of issues including environmental change, technology, governance, organizational design, sustainability, international peace, agriculture, and personal renewal.Alain Gauthier and Dr. John Izzo (the co-hosts) and Jim Burke (the producer) offer together more than a hundred years of organizational exp
Episodes
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"I've Never Asked Anyone to Be Nice" Braver Angels CEO Maury Giles on Fixing Polarization
The CEO of America's largest depolarization organization has two children who aren't speaking to each other — one conservative, one progressive. Maury Giles of Braver Angels joins Dr. John Izzo to explain why "don't talk about politics" is the wrong answer in a country built on self-government…
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The Worst U.S. Mistake in 60 Years | Barbara Slavin on Iran
Al Gore called the war with Iran "a colossal mistake... on the level of Hitler invading Russia." Veteran Iran-watcher Barbara Slavin goes further: the worst U.S. mistake in the Middle East in 60 years. Six months into the war, she returns to The Way Forward to untangle who is actually in charge…
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Mónica Guzmán: How to Talk to People You Disagree With
What if the most important conversations we can have — about politics, faith, and family — are the ones we've stopped having out of fear? Journalist and bridge-builder Mónica Guzmán joins hosts Dr. John Izzo and Dr. Polina Orlowski to explore why families, communities, and entire generations have...
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Raised in Russia, Shaped by 9/11: Why Generations See America So Differently
Raised in Russia. Imprinted by 9/11. Polina Orlowski watched the towers fall from an American middle-school classroom just months after immigrating from St. Petersburg — and that moment still shapes how she sees democracy, safety, and America today. In this episode of The Way Forward…
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AI vs. Democracy
Only one in ten Americans say our democracy is working well — and most believe the model we've relied on for generations is broken. So what if the technology everyone fears could actually help fix it? In this episode, Dr. John Izzo sits down with Beth Simone Noveck — who served in the Obama White...
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The River Remembers: How a Tribe Brought the Salmon Back A Conversation with Amy Bowers Cordalis
What if a river could be brought back to life after a century behind concrete? Amy Bowers Cordalis grew up on the Klamath River, watched the largest salmon kill in American history unfold before her eyes, and then helped lead the largest dam-removal and salmon-restoration project the world has…
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The Iran Conflict: Roots, Realities and What Comes Next a conversation with Barbara Slavin
What is really happening in the growing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States — and how should we understand it beyond the headlines? In this episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, veteran journalist and Middle East expert Barbara Slavin joins us for a thoughtful...
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Minneapolis, Immigration, and America’s Struggle With the Outsider
Immigration has become the defining fault line of our time — but are we really as divided as it seems? Dr. John Izzo and Alain Gauthier are joined by Kathryn Ringham, an elder activist living at the center of the storm in Minneapolis. Together they unpack what's happening on the ground, what the...
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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...
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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....
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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# 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...
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# 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...
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#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...
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#46 Redesigning Democracy: Future Generations at the Table | A Conversation with Suzette Brooks Masters & Clint Wilkins
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...
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#45 From Truth to Action: The Transformation the Climate Crisis Requires: A Conversation with Dr. Rupert Read
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…
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#44 "Elders and the Climate Crisis: A Conversation with Dr Harry R. Moody PhD"
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...
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#43: A way forward in these post-U.S. elections times – a conversation with the Podcast Team.
In this special episode of The Way Forward, we confront the stark realities emerging from the latest U.S. elections. With America seemingly more divided than ever, we explore what’s truly at stake for our democracy, our environment, and our social fabric. How do we face an uncertain future? This…
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#42: Reclaiming Our Democracy: A Conversation with John Sorensen
As we approach this pivotal election, the very fabric of our democracy is at risk. What happens if we let polarization and misinformation guide our choices? In this episode, John Sorensen joins us as we dissect what's truly at stake. Could we lose our rights, freedoms, and the values that make…
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#41. Urban Agriculture: Reviving Communities and People: A Conversation with Michael Ableman
Join us as we talk as we hold a conversation with renowned farmer and activist Michael Ableman as he unearths the incredible potential of urban farming to heal our cities, our communities, and our souls. In this episode we explore how growing food in unexpected places can be a powerful act of...
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#40: Becoming a Regenerative Activist Elder: A Journey of Healing and Renewal: A conversation with the Podcast Team
Welcome to a special solo episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations. Today, we delve into a topic that strikes at the heart of aging with purpose—what does it mean to be a regenerative activist elder? In a world facing pressing challenges like climate change, social inequality, and...
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#39: Generational Equity – Sparking Change Across Generations" - A conversation with Steve Higgs
In a world increasingly defined by its complexities, how do we ensure that future generations inherit a planet and society better than the one we found? Join us in this eye-opening episode where we sit down with Steve Higgs, the visionary Executive Director of SAGE (Senior Advocates for...
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#38: Mobilizing the Green Vote: A Conversation with Nathaniel Stinnett
Today, we have another compelling episode. It is a groundbreaking discussion with Nathaniel Stinnett, founder of the Environmental Voter Project, whose mission is more crucial than ever. With millions of environmentalists failing to vote in past elections, Nathaniel is on a mission to turn this...
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#37: From Trauma to an Initiation Culture: A Conversation with Manda Scott
Welcome to "The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations" podcast. In today’s episode, we delve into the heart of regenerative thinking, exploring how we can transform our world amidst a complex meta-crisis. With environmental degradation, social upheaval, and economic instability, our…
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#36: What Does it Mean to be An Elder? - A Conversation with Lynne Iser
In this compelling episode of "The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations," Dr. John Izzo and co-host Alain Gauthier delve deep into the profound questions surrounding elderhood. Joined by Lynne Iser, they explore the roles and responsibilities of elders in our society. The conversation centers...
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#35 Navigating AI: Ethical Challenges and Opportunities a conversation with Hiwot Tesfaye
In a time when AI is both celebrated for its potential and feared for its risks, join us as we dive into the complex world of artificial intelligence with Hiwot Tesfaye, Technical Advisor in Microsoft's Office of Responsible AI. She provides a perspective on how we can harness this powerful...
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# 34: Intergenerational Climate Activism: a conversation with Change the Chamber
In this episode, hosts Dr. John Izzo and Alain Gauthier engage in a conversation with youth climate activists Tony Passino and Sarah Hill from the organization Change the Chamber. The discussion revolves around the resurgence of youth activism on college campuses, particularly in relation to the...
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#33, The Transformative Power of Nature: A Conversation with Dana Carman
Welcome to this episode of The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations podcast, where we delve into transformative ideas and pressing issues that shape the future of humanity and our planet. Today, we explore the profound impact of nature on leadership and personal transformation. As we navigate...
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# 32: An Activist's Journey-Confronting Power from Forests to Climate a conversation with Tzeporah Berman.
How can we harness the power of activism to transform the environmental landscape and policy worldwide? Today we address this pressing question with Tzeporah Berman, whose life's work exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated activism can have on our planet's future. With a unique blend of...
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#31: Aging with Purpose: A Conversation with Richard Leider
Our podcasts explore the way forward and how we can shape our future as a society, our planet, and our personal journeys, especially as we navigate the later stages of life. Today’s episode will resonate with anyone pondering the essence of aging with intention and vitality, whether for yourself…
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# 30: The Transformative Power of Storytelling: A conversation with Elliot V. Kotek
In this compelling episode, we engage in a deep conversation with guest Elliot Kotek on the impactful role of storytelling and filmmaking in shaping a sustainable and regenerative future for humanity and our planet. Elliot shares his journey from a young aspiring writer influenced by the cultural...
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# 29: Reflections on this Moment: A Year of Regenerative Conversations.
In this special anniversary episode of "The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations," hosts Dr. John Isso, Alain Gauthier, and producer Jim Burke reflect on a year of impactful conversations with a diverse array of guests, from biologists and CEOs to indigenous experts, climate scientists and...
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#28: The Middle East in Crisis: A Conversation with Barbara Slavin
With the humanitarian crisis and ongoing conflict in Gaza and the Middle East on all our minds, passions run high as world leaders and nations attempt to navigate the complexities of this difficult situation and help all parties find a mutually agreeable solution. This episode features an…
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#27: A World Drowning in Waste-Innovation in Recycling: A Conversation with Tom Szaky
There is a growing problem in our approach to waste in this country and the world. Our global consumption has increased, leading to a significant rise in waste production and the materials we are using are often less desirable for recyclers due to their declining economic value. This trend has…
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#26: Can Midlife be Transformative: A Conversation with Chip Conley
With our extended lifespan in the 21st century, midlife can extend from our 30s to our 60s or longer. What are the challenges and potential transformative experiences that face us, as we navigate that part of life? Chip Conley describes his forties as a difficult time for him. He lost five male...
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#25: Gen Z: Engaging with and learning from them– A Conversation with Maia Ervin.
How do we find hope or optimism about a regenerative future in the 21st century? For many of the guests on this podcast it has been their experience with young people that inspires hope. In our conversation with Maia Ervin, Chief Impact Officer at JUV Consulting, we explore Generation Z as they...
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#24: How do we navigate life’s transitions at midlife and beyond. A Conversation with Paul Ward.
As we all navigate the many transitions life has in store for each of us, where we can find a guide or map to help us? Paul Ward in his conversation with us today, shares the collaborate journey that has led him with his co-authors to write a new book “Midlife, New Life: Living Consciously in...
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#23: Can reducing consumerism help us save the planet and find happiness. A Conversation with J.B. MacKinnon.
The United Nations panel that studies climate change found that consumption surpassed population growth as the biggest driver of resource and material use on the planet at the turn of the 21st century. In the United States the population has increased 60% since the 1970s while the consumption of...
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#22: Elder Activism in a time of Climate Crisis. A Conversation with Leslie Wharton, Roger Luckmann and Jen Chandler of Elders Climate Action
Elders Climate Action (ECA), a grassroots organization founded as project of Elders Action Network in 2014 has taken the lead in activating elders to be educated about and address the growing climate crisis at the federal, state, and local levels – through national policy initiatives and regional...
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#21: Can Health Span be increased: A Conversation with Jim Burke the producer and the guest for this Podcast:
Health span is the period of life during which you are generally healthy and free from serious chronic disease. In the United States the average lifespan historically has been lower compared to many developed countries. The U.S. also faces challenges with chronic disease, obesity and other health...
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#20: Overshoot and Collapse: Is That What Our Future Holds? A Conversation with Jim Anest
On YouTube and in current books, stories of pending societal collapse are increasingly apparent. Are we just experiencing the recurrence of the age-old theme” the end is near” or is something new happening? Are the increasing climate catastrophes, supply chain shortages, rising fuel and food…
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#19: Finding Purpose and Meaning in the second half of Life: A Conversation with Dr. John Izzo and Alain Gauthier
Retirement is often presented by the media as a time of leaving meaningful work to pursue hobbies, travel, and more time with family. With increased life expectancy and evolving societal norms, the traditional notion of retirement is undergoing change. Some people now opt for semi-retirement,...
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#18: What does this moment require of leaders: A Conversation with Akaya Windwood
Many of us feel stuck in a paradigm that no longer serves us or life. Others believe “The Great Turning”, as Joanna Macy calls its, has begun? There is also an emerging request that we Boomers humbly and courageously step beside the next generation of young leaders to support and learn from them?...
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#17: Is a Clean Energy Revolution Possible? A Conversation with Randy MacEwen
In 2005 we deployed less than 1 GW of solar. By 2023 there was 350 gigawatts of solar produced with a cost reduction of 85 to 90%. Hydrogen as a renewable energy source has long been promoted for its potential to revolutionize the energy landscape due to its abundance and clean burning nature....
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#16: Is the Future Friendly? A Cynical Optimist looks at the Future: A Conversation with Joe Tankersley
Albert Einstein was once asked what question would he most want to know the answer to if he returned to Earth in 500 years, he replied “Is the universe friendly?” We live in a pivotal period where numerous aspects of our modern societies face unprecedented challenges. Some fear we may already be…
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#15: Can We Decarbonize and Regenerate our Lives: A Conversation with Brian Stewart
As record breaking temperatures are recorded in the United States and across the world during the summer of 2023, Climate Change” and “Global Warming” can no longer be relegated to the future. For more and more of us it has become a lived experience. What can we do as individuals, groups and as a...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Three Elders explore how to renew the world we helped mess upThe Way Forward Podcast is dedicated to Regenerative Conversations about the future of humanity and planet. We think we need to re-think the current paradigm. Each episode explores how we can find a positive future forward for society and for ourselves. We explore the question: What is the Way Forward? We don’t have the answers, but we hope to stimulate all of us to imagine what is possible. We bring a wide variety of guests – including people at the leading edge of their field and willing to think out of the box – and engage into stimulating conversations with them, in a place of open curiosity. Topics will include a wide range of issues including environmental change, technology, governance, organizational design, sustainability, international peace, agriculture, and personal renewal.Alain Gauthier and Dr. John Izzo (the co-hosts) and Jim Burke (the producer) offer together more than a hundred years of organizational exp
HOSTED BY
Dr. John Izzo, Alain Gauthier & Jim Burke
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations have?
The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations currently has 64 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations about?
Three Elders explore how to renew the world we helped mess upThe Way Forward Podcast is dedicated to Regenerative Conversations about the future of humanity and planet. We think we need to re-think the current paradigm. Each episode explores how we can find a positive future forward for society and...
How often does The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations release new episodes?
The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations has 64 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations?
You can listen to The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations?
The Way Forward Regenerative Conversations is created and hosted by Dr. John Izzo, Alain Gauthier & Jim Burke.
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