Braver New Worlds

📝 EPISODE SUMMARYThis week we’re doing a solo episode of Braver New Worlds, where I share some of the foundational aspects of my work with leaders and communicators. I argue that while animals rely on instinct to survive, humans rely on stories. These stories shape how we understand reality, define identity, and determine how we behave within our communities. Basically, storytelling isn’t just a communication tool—it’s how humans make sense of the world, build trust, and navigate uncertainty. Storytelling is also embodied. Experiences like anxiety around difficult conversations, people-pleasing, and fear of speaking up–and the way our bodies respond to these situations–show how these reactions are tied to stories we’ve internalized about acceptance, and ultimately survival. What often feels like personal weakness is actually a biological response to stepping outside of those learned narratives.This is all especially important as we enter a time when shared societal narratives are breaking down. This makes powerful storytelling all the more important for leadership—specifically, the ability to create trust and offer a sense of predictability about the future. Rather than simply sharing past accomplishments, leaders must articulate a compelling vision of what’s possible and invite others into that story. The question is: What is the story you can telling about the future? And are you brave enough to share it?👤 ABOUT NATHAN YOUNGNathan Young is the founder of StoryCulture Consulting, where he helps mission-driven leaders, teams, and entrepreneurs develop clarity, confidence, and influence through storytelling and narrative strategy. With over a decade of experience in coaching, training, and facilitation, his work focuses on what he calls “Narrative Leadership”—the ability to communicate vision, build trust, and mobilize people through story.Through his podcast Braver New Worlds, live events like Big Idea Night, and his consulting work, Nathan explores how storytelling shapes identity, leadership, and culture—and how individuals can use their story to create meaningful change in their lives and communities.🔗 LINKSBig Idea Night (live event series mentioned in episode)Big Idea Night on Instagram

In this episode, Nathan sits down with Dr. Alex Vazquez, historian and media scholar, to explore how television has shaped—and often distorted—the way Latino identity is understood in the United States. Drawing from her doctoral research, Dr. Vazquez breaks down the evolution of Latino representation on TV, from early shows like Chico and the Man to more modern series like George Lopez and Ugly Betty. Along the way, they unpack how these portrayals weren’t just entertainment—they actively influenced how audiences saw Latino communities and how Latino audiences saw themselves.The conversation goes beyond representation to examine power: who gets to tell the story, how audiences respond, and what changes when communities move from being depicted to becoming creators. Alex highlights how Latino audiences were never passive—organizing, pushing back, and eventually entering writers’ rooms to reshape narratives from the inside. The discussion also touches on the rise of Spanish-language media, the business forces behind representation, and the role of data (like Nielsen ratings) in finally forcing networks to pay attention.At its core, this episode is about media literacy and responsibility. Alex challenges listeners to rethink television–and by extension, all media–as more than entertainment. It’s an active force that shapes culture, identity, and belief. In a world where content is more accessible than ever, she shares a call to question what you watch, seek out diverse perspectives, and recognize the power of storytelling in shaping the world around you.👤 ABOUT DR. ALEX VAZQUEZDr. Alex Vazquez is a historian who recently earned her PhD from Syracuse University. Her research focuses on television, media, and the historical construction of Latino identity in the United States. By examining how Latino communities have been represented—and how they have responded—her work highlights the role of media as both a cultural force and a site of resistance.Alex is passionate about making history accessible and engaging, using television as a lens to help audiences better understand the relationship between storytelling, identity, and power. She is currently sharing insights from her research through social media and will be publishing her dissertation soon.🔗 LINKSConnect with Dr. Alex Vazquez:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-vazquez-4250748a/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralexvazquezhistorian/Mentioned / Referenced in Episode:Chico and the ManA.K.A. PabloGeorge LopezUgly BettySpanish-language networks including Univision and TelemundoAlex’s dissertation (link coming soon)

EPISODE SUMMARYWhat does it actually mean to start a religion—and why would someone do it in the modern world? In this episode we sit down with Colin Campbell, founder of Aretéanism, a nontheistic religion designed to build stronger individuals and communities from the ground up.Colin shares his journey from being a deeply committed Mormon missionary to leaving the church, navigating identity loss, and eventually rethinking the role religion plays in human life. What emerges is a provocative reframe: religion isn’t just about belief in God—it’s about the systems, rituals, and shared meaning that bind people together. From the psychological power of community and “third places” to the limitations of modern individualism, this conversation explores what many people feel but struggle to articulate.The discussion also dives into bigger systemic questions: why culture—not politics—is the real driver of societal change, how identity shapes behavior, and why declining trust and connection may require new frameworks for belonging. Whether you’re skeptical of religion or searching for something deeper, this episode offers a fresh lens on how we organize meaning, purpose, and collective life in a rapidly changing world.ABOUT COLIN CAMPBELLColin Campbell has had an eclectic career that has bounced him between such things as: being a Mormon missionary, a Marine Corps veteran of the conflict in Afghanistan, an intelligence analyst and operations planner, a refugee advocate and charity worker, a political activist for progressive causes, a game designer, a videographer, and much much more.His most important work however has been the 2016 founding of Aretéanism, a nontheistic religion which aims to transform society at a grassroots level.LINKS🌐 Website / FAQwww.areteanism.org/faq📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/areteanism/🎵 TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@areteanism📺 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@areteanism🦋 BlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/areteanism.bsky.social💬 Join the community (Discord)https://discord.gg/Nku5ajBDt8Key Themes:Rethinking what “religion” actually meansIdentity, belonging, and community in modern lifeThe psychological power of ritual and shared meaningCulture vs. politics in shaping societyBuilding better individuals as a path to systemic change

What if psychedelics weren’t fringe, controversial, or countercultural, but simply another tool your doctor could prescribe? That is the mission of this week’s guest, Dr. Lynn Marie Morski, MD, JD, President of the Psychedelic Medicine Association. We talk about the the evolving world of psychedelic medicine, and what it will take to bring it into mainstream healthcare system. Dr. Morski unpacks the difference between recreational use and therapeutic application, the role of preparation and integration, and the science behind how these substances may help treat conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.The conversation also moves beyond theory into lived experience. Nathan shares his own journey with ketamine therapy and the deeper questions about healing, trauma, and the limits of self-reliance—as well as the systemic challenges of making these treatments safe, accessible, and widely accepted.At its core, this episode is about integration—both personal and societal. What would it take to move psychedelic medicine out of the shadows and into everyday care? And how might that shift not just individual lives, but the way we think about mental health, healing, and human connection?ABOUT LYNN MARIE MORSKIDr. Lynn Marie Morski, MD, JD, is the President of the Psychedelic Medicine Association and host of the Psychedelic Medicine Podcast. She has served on the advisory boards of Psychedelics Today, Cybin, VETS, Inc. (Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions), and the Ketamine Task Force. Dr. Morski is a Mayo Clinic-trained physician in family medicine and sports medicine, as well as an attorney and former adjunct law professor.🔗 LINKSConnect with Lynn Marie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnmariemorski/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychedelicmedicinepodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psychedelicmedicinepodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@psychedelicmedicinepodcastPsychedelic Medicine Podcast:https://tinyurl.com/59fn243d

What if the real problem in fundraising isn’t a lack of money, but how we think about it?In this conversation, we sit down with Shantel Suárez Ávila, founder of Más Allá, a nonprofit fundraising consultancy; to explore a deeper, more human approach to fundraising, rooted in community, trust, and systemic change. Together, they unpack the philosophy behind community-centric fundraising and the tension between idealism and real-world constraints. Essentially, how do you practice abundance, collaboration, and justice in systems that reward scarcity, control, and competition?Shantel shares her own journey from early questions about inequality from her experiences growing up in Chicago, to helping organizations raise over $53 million for BIPOC-led and women-led initiatives. The conversation moves beyond tactics into belief systems about money, trust in resource flows, and the cultural shift required to move from individualism to collective responsibility.This episode is both a practical and philosophical look at how we fund change—and what it will take to build a more equitable and connected world.ABOUT SHANTEL SUÁREZ ÁVILAShantel Suárez Ávila (she/ella) is a national nonprofit leader, a founding member and community organizer with San Diego Solidarity Network, member of the Community-Centric Fundraising North American Council, dog momma, yoga student, wife, and founder of Más Allá—an organization focused on reimagining how communities resource the work they believe in.With experience across grassroots organizing, nonprofit leadership, and systems change work, Shantel helps organizations move beyond scarcity-driven fundraising models toward approaches rooted in trust, care, courage, abundance, relationships, and collective sustainability.Through Más Allá, Shantel is co-developing the Collective Resourcing Cohort, a San Diego–based learning cohort where nonprofit leaders and community partners explore collaborative approaches to funding and sustaining community-driven work through a systems change approach. She regularly facilitates workshops and conversations on nonprofit sustainability, resource mobilization, and community power, helping leaders navigate uncertainty while staying grounded in their mission, values, and agency.Since 2021, Shantel has helped raise more than $53 million for women-led and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led and serving organizations with Más Allá. She began her career at the headquarters of Obama for America in 2012, where she deepened her commitment to grassroots power-building and people-centered strategy.Shantel is an alumna of DePaul University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and a Next Economy MBA focused on building an equitable, inclusive, and regenerative economy.🔗 LINKSMás Allá: https://www.masallaconsulting.com/Shantel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantel-su%C3%A1rez-%C3%A1vila/Community Centric Fundraising: https://communitycentricfundraising.org/San Diego Solidarity Network: https://www.sdsolidarity.com Nathan's upcoming event series: http://bigideanight.com/

What if the environment isn’t just one issue among many, but the foundation that everything else depends on?For this episode we sit down with Anne Middleton, Associate Director at WILDCOAST, to explore the deeper reality of conservation, restoration ecology, and the systems shaping our relationship with the natural world. Anne shares why environmental work is often misunderstood as a “luxury issue,” and makes a case for why clean air, water, and functioning ecosystems underpin everything from housing to public health to economic stability.This episode also ventures into more philosophical territory—examining how culture has shaped the narrative that nature exists “outside” of us, and what it might look like to reimagine a more integrated, sustainable way of living. We also dive into the tension between individual responsibility and systemic change, asking: if we all “care about the environment,” why don’t our policies and behaviors reflect it?ABOUT ANNE MIDDLETONAnne Middleton is a conservation leader and operational strategist who has spent two decades at the intersection of private-sector innovation and global environmental advocacy. She currently serves as Associate Director at WILDCOAST, where she bridges policy, operations, and on-the-ground conservation efforts to scale natural climate solutions.Anne’s career spans high-impact international work, including her time in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where she managed sustainable ebony sourcing and supply chain transparency for Taylor Guitars. She has also worked with the Environmental Investigation Agency in Washington, D.C., contributing to landmark wildlife crime investigations tied to the U.S. Lacey Act.She holds a B.A. in Biology from Oberlin College and a Master of Environmental Science and Management from UC Santa Barbara’s Bren School.Outside of her conservation work, Anne is a musician, performing in San Diego-based bands, and serves on nonprofit boards including the Escondido Creek Conservancy.LINKSConnect with Anne:LinkedInInstagramFacebookFollow & support WILDCOAST:Website: https://wildcoast.orgInstagram: @wildcoastcostasalvajeNewsletter: Available via WILDCOAST websiteWatch Anne’s TEDx TalkOther:Anne’s band: @thegoodgoodmusic (Instagram)

What does it really take to sustain the people who are trying to do good and enact justice in the world?In this episode, we speak with Loretta Turner, Founder and Organizational Wellbeing Strategist at Do Good Leadership Collective. Loretta’s work focuses on helping “the helpers”—leaders who are deeply committed to social impact but often operate within systems that normalize burnout, self-sacrifice, and chronic under-resourcing.The conversation explores the realities of social impact work, including the cultural expectations placed on nonprofit leaders, the emotional toll of working in a “VUCA world” (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity), and why traditional ideas about self-care often fail to address deeper systemic challenges. Loretta shares insights from her own experience transitioning from nonprofit fundraising to entrepreneurship, and how redefining profit, sustainability, and wellbeing can create healthier organizations and stronger communities.We also dive into the evolving relationship between nonprofits and philanthropy, the importance of trust-based funding models, and how leaders can build authentic relationships rather than operating from scarcity or urgency. It all leads to a larger cultural question: if we truly want social impact work to last for generations, how do we create systems where the people doing that work can actually thrive?ABOUT LORETTA TURNERLoretta Turner is an exceptional social entrepreneur, leadership coach, and advocate for talent justice and workplace wellbeing. As the Founder of Do Good Leadership Collective, Loretta’s work focuses on caring for the social impact sector through workforce wellbeing strategy.She believes that prioritizing the healing, endurance, and wellbeing of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders is key to organizational effectiveness and resilience. Loretta brings nearly 15 years of experience to her work as strategist, coach, wellness practitioner—and importantly—as a former nonprofit leader who experienced burnout firsthand.LINKSConnect with Loretta:LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lorettaleads/Instagramhttps://instagram.com/loretta.leadsThreadshttps://www.threads.com/@loretta.leadsTikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@loretta.leadsYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvvzT7SfRbj4dl69z-5_RRQLoretta’s Bloghttps://www.lorettaturner.com/blogsNewsletter (Do Good Leadership Collective)https://www.lorettaturner.com/dglcnewsletter

📄 Episode Description:This week we’re joined by sociologist, sex and intimacy expert, and TEDx speaker Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus for a conversation that starts with sex and goes straight into the heart of self-worth, storytelling, and how to build a life and business that honors your wise and vulnerable self.We talk about the evolution of her work from sexual health to emotional intimacy, what it means to truly feel safe in your body and your relationships, and how trauma, mindfulness, and modern disconnection all shape the stories we carry.This conversation moves between personal reflection, social insight, and shared struggle — from religious shame and delayed sexual initiation, to healing complex trauma and navigating avoidant attachment. We also unpack how digital life is interrupting connection, why vulnerability is the hardest and most beautiful thing we can offer, and how to know when your inner critic is holding you back.If you’ve ever struggled to feel fully seen, or wondered why intimacy sometimes feels unsafe or unavailable, this one is for you.🧠 Topics We Cover:What intimacy really means (and how it goes beyond the bedroom)Why emotional literacy is essential for connectionThe loudness of the inner critic—and how to meet it with compassionAging, dating, and desire in your 40s and beyondHow to stop hiding and start being seen—even if it feels messy👤 About Dr. Jenn:Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, PhD, is a sociologist, international intimacy speaker, and relationship & communication coach. She’s the author of From Madness to Mindfulness: Reinventing Sex for Women and the creator of the long-running YouTube series In the Den with Dr. Jenn, with over 1.8 million views. She’s given two TEDx Talks (1) (2), worked with organizations like Planned Parenthood and the YPO Global Network, and has been featured in Forbes, Cosmo, Oprah Daily, and more.She’s also a black belt in karate, a ukulele strummer, a women’s philanthropist, and a beach volleyball player based in San Diego.🔗 Learn more: www.DrJennsDen.com📲 Follow her on social media: @DrJennsDenDr Jenn’s Socials:Linkedin | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube

What would it mean to heal the soul of a nation?In this episode, we sit down with facilitator, author, and purpose expert Brandon Peele to explore a bold experiment in civic imagination: a National Pilgrimage across the United States culminating in a Mother’s Constitutional Convention. Brandon describes the inspiration behind a cross-country pilgrimage visiting historic sites connected to American freedom struggles—from civil rights landmarks in the South to Indigenous sites in the West. The journey will culminate in a gathering designed to imagine a renewed constitutional framework rooted in maternal wisdom and care for future generations.OTHER TOPICS WE COVERWhy Brandon believes the United States has a beautiful purpose it has not yet fulfilledHow culture often precedes political changeHow inherited life scripts shape our decisions about careers, marriage, and successThe role of spiritual and moral development in sustaining democracyBrandon’s metaphor of the bison as a symbol of regenerative leadershipABOUT BRANDON PEELEBrandon Peele is a facilitator, ceremony leader, best-selling author, and expert in purpose, leadership, and culture change. He is trusted as a keynote speaker, facilitator, and program leader by organizations such as LinkedIn, Harvard Business School, Johnson & Johnson, Stanford University, and the U.S. Marine Corps.He is the author of Planet on Purpose (2018), Purpose Work Nation (2022), and Bison Medicine (2025). Brandon’s work has been featured by outlets including USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, the US Business Journal, and Forbes.LINKSLearn more about the National PilgrimageBrandon Peele’s book Bison MedicineFind Brandon on Social Media:LinkedInInstagramFacebookSubstackFuture updates about supporting the National Pilgrimage and Mother’s Constitutional Convention will be available through the project website and upcoming crowdfunding campaign.SUPPORT THE PODCASTIf this conversation resonates, consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing the episode with someone navigating their own brave new world.Follow the podcast on social mediaInstagram | YouTube  | TikTok🎙 Connect with host Nathan YoungInstagram |Linkedin | TikTok

In this episode of Braver New Worlds, we sit down with Dr. Arezou Ghane, to explore what it means to stay human in an increasingly artificial world.Arezou shares her vision for a more intentional, relational, and value-aligned future — one rooted in connection, civility, tenderness, and generativity. Together, we unpack the tension between personal well-being and professional necessity, especially in a culture shaped by hustle, hyperconnectivity, and algorithmic performance. What does it take to reclaim attention, preserve human-to-human connection, and navigate the blurred lines between authenticity and being seen?Arezou reminds us that while we may not control the circumstances we inherit, we hold power in how we make meaning and choose to show up. Meaningful change is relational and does not occur in a vacuum.OTHER TOPICS WE COVERWhen we feel most — and least — humanThe psychological cost of hustle cultureAuthenticity vs. performance in public lifePurpose, capitalism, and the modern workforceAI, creativity, and the standardization of thoughtABOUT DR AREZOU GHANEDr. Arezou Ghane is a Doctor of Health Psychology, an National Science Foundation fellow, a certified wellness coach, a college lecturer, and a yoga and meditation instructor. Her research has appeared in respected journals including Health Psychology Review, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, and Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.Through her coaching and consulting work, she helps leaders and individuals bridge the gap between the science of well-being and the lived experience of it. Her work centers on creating more intentional lives and workplaces — spaces that cultivate connection, mutual care, authenticity, and alignment with deeply held values.LINKSWebsite: www.auteurhealthandwellness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arezou-ghane-ph-d-333970111/Instagram: @auteurhealthandwellnessSubstack: @rehumanizingSUPPORT THE PODCASTIf this conversation resonates, consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing the episode with someone navigating their own brave new world.Follow the podcast on social mediaInstagram | YouTube  | TikTok🎙 Connect with host Nathan YoungInstagram | Linkedin | TikTok | Threads | Email | Website

In this episode, we sit down with attorney, advocate, and entrepreneur, Sam Mazzeo for a wide-ranging conversation about privilege, power, and the systems we’re living in. Sam reflects on his own evolution from law school and “hunt for money and power” conditioning to a more values-driven approach to business, politics, and community leadership.He shares how shame, growth, and unlearning shaped his perspective—and why he now sees privilege not as guilt, but as something to be leveraged in service of others.The conversation moves from personal responsibility to generational change, and the idea that we may be living through a crisis chapter in American history (ya think??).Rather than spiraling into cynicism, Sam argues that crisis is often the precursor to renewal and that what comes next depends on who shows up to build it.ABOUT SAM MAZZEOMost people like to think of Sam as an approachable renaissance man. Here are some things he can help you better understand: B Corp certification, trademark, business formation & securities, contracts, Halloween party planning, how to do a standing backflip, and the proper pronunciation of the word “GIF.”When Sam isn’t providing legal advice and empowering his clients, he’s either outdoors adventuring or working on local policy and social justice initiatives, often through his volunteer positions with Business For Good San Diego, B Local San Diego, and the San Diego Made Factory. He leads with both heart and smarts.Sam is the founder of Better APC, a law firm focused on impact-driven businesses, and also runs Fervor & Zeal, a giveback clothing company that matches artists with nonprofits and shares profits between them.LINKSConnect with Sam:LinkedInInstagramYouTube (Better APC)Businesses:Better APCFervor & ZealCommunities:Business For Good San DiegoB Local San DiegoThe (Doing) Business For Good SummitSUPPORT THE PODCASTIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast. It helps more people discover conversations like this one.Follow the podcast on Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | RSS 

In this episode we’re talking about something most of us need more of yet don’t know how to ask for: safe, platonic touch.My guest is Michelle Renee, a human connection coach, certified cuddle therapist, and co-owner and Director of Training at Cuddlist.com. She helps individuals reconnect with their bodies and rewire the stories they’ve been told about intimacy, touch, and self-worth.This conversation is honest, tender, funny, and deeply human. If you’ve ever struggled with touch, consent, vulnerability, or connection — this one’s for you.👤 About Michelle ReneeMichelle Renee (she/her) is a human connection coach based in San Diego. Through cuddle therapy and consent-based coaching, she helps individuals — especially trauma survivors — build emotional safety, reconnect with their bodies, and explore new ways of being in relationship. She’s the co-owner of Cuddlist, host of The Intimacy Lab podcast, and founder of Soft Cock Appreciation Week, a virtual event redefining narratives around male sexuality and pleasure.🌐 Connect with MichelleWebsite: https://meetmichellerenee.comNewsletter: bit.ly/mmrnewsletterInstagram: @meetmichellereneeCuddlist Training Info: Cuddlist.comSoft Cock Appreciation Week: softcockweek.comThe Intimacy Lab Podcast: intimacylabpodcast.comNathan’s episode on Intimacy LabsOther Social MediaLinkedinFacebookTikTokYouTubeMediumBlue Sky

🎧 Episode SummaryIn our inaugural episode, we sit down with Sara Schairer, compassion educator, speaker, and founder of the nonprofit Compassion It. We explore what compassion really means, how to practice it in everyday life, and what it takes to bring compassion into workplaces, systems, and even our political conversations.Sara shares how her own personal crisis led her to launch a global movement, what she’s learned from training thousands of people, and how she builds connection even in rooms full of skeptics. 🧭 Other Topics We CoverThe neuroscience and psychology of compassion as a practiceSystemic compassion: what it looks like when compassion is built into policies, HR, and cultureThe limits of compassion under capitalism and inequalityBridging political divides with curiosity instead of judgmentPracticing compassion toward public figures (even when it’s hard)Self-compassion and community support as survival tools🧑‍🎓 About Sara SchairerSara is a compassion educator, speaker, and founder of Compassion It, a nonprofit organization and global movement inspiring daily compassionate actions. She’s a Stanford-trained instructor of Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT) and the author of A Case for Compassion: What Happens When We Prioritize People and the Planet.Sara has led workshops and trainings around the world for Fortune 500 companies, universities, nonprofits, and government agencies, helping people strengthen relationships, reduce burnout, and foster more humane organizations.📚 Book: A Case for Compassion on Amazon🌍 Website: https://compassionit.com🔗 LinkedIn: Sara Schairer🔗 Compassion It on Instagram & YouTubeSupport the PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the podcast. It helps more people discover conversations like this one.Follow the podcast on Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | RSS 🎙 Connect with host Nathan YoungInstagram | Linkedin | TikTok | Threads | Email | Website

Our introductory episode.