Episodes

  • 104. The 3 Narrative Shifts that Will Change How You Think About Climate Change

    104. The 3 Narrative Shifts that Will Change How You Think About Climate Change
    Jul 29 2025

    What if the stories we tell about climate change are keeping us stuck in fear — instead of moving us into action? In this solo episode, I dive into three narrative shifts that can help us move from overwhelm to opportunity, from minimizing ourselves to maximizing our impact, and from trying to "save the world" to building something better. Whether you're a seasoned changemaker or just waking up to this moment, this one’s for you.


    Key Takeaways:


    1. Fear-based narratives stall action. Most climate messaging today triggers overwhelm, paralysis, and retreat rather than inspired action. We need a new approach.
    2. Narrative Shift #1: Responsibility → Opportunity. It's not your burden to save the world — but it is your opportunity to help build what's next using your unique gifts.
    3. Narrative Shift #2: Minimize Footprint → Maximize Impact. Instead of focusing only on cutting back, ask: How can I show up fully? How can I matter?
    4. Narrative Shift #3: Fix the Old → Build the New. Let the broken systems fall. Our energy is better spent building something beautiful, just, and regenerative in their place.
    5. Inner leadership is essential. We must tend to our mindset, emotions, and sense of purpose — because this work is challenging, and we need to stay grounded and inspired.


    Do you want to join The Climate Optimist Cohort? Learn more and apply here: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/cohort

    Website: www.heychangepodcast.com

    Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heychange_podcast/

    Host: https://www.instagram.com/annetheresegennari/

    Hosted by The Climate Optimist: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/


    Music produced by Jackson Whalan

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    25 mins
  • 104. The 3 Narrative Shifts that Will Change How You Think About Climate Change

    104. The 3 Narrative Shifts that Will Change How You Think About Climate Change
    Jul 29 2025

    What if the stories we tell about climate change are keeping us stuck in fear — instead of moving us into action? In this solo episode, I dive into three narrative shifts that can help us move from overwhelm to opportunity, from minimizing ourselves to maximizing our impact, and from trying to "save the world" to building something better. Whether you're a seasoned changemaker or just waking up to this moment, this one’s for you.


    Key Takeaways:


    1. Fear-based narratives stall action. Most climate messaging today triggers overwhelm, paralysis, and retreat rather than inspired action. We need a new approach.
    2. Narrative Shift #1: Responsibility → Opportunity. It's not your burden to save the world — but it is your opportunity to help build what's next using your unique gifts.
    3. Narrative Shift #2: Minimize Footprint → Maximize Impact. Instead of focusing only on cutting back, ask: How can I show up fully? How can I matter?
    4. Narrative Shift #3: Fix the Old → Build the New. Let the broken systems fall. Our energy is better spent building something beautiful, just, and regenerative in their place.
    5. Inner leadership is essential. We must tend to our mindset, emotions, and sense of purpose — because this work is challenging, and we need to stay grounded and inspired.


    Do you want to join The Climate Optimist Cohort? Learn more and apply here: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/cohort

    Website: www.heychangepodcast.com

    Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heychange_podcast/

    Host: https://www.instagram.com/annetheresegennari/

    Hosted by The Climate Optimist: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/


    Music produced by Jackson Whalan

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • 104. The 3 Narrative Shifts that Will Change How You Think About Climate Change

    104. The 3 Narrative Shifts that Will Change How You Think About Climate Change
    Jul 29 2025

    What if the stories we tell about climate change are keeping us stuck in fear — instead of moving us into action? In this solo episode, I dive into three narrative shifts that can help us move from overwhelm to opportunity, from minimizing ourselves to maximizing our impact, and from trying to "save the world" to building something better. Whether you're a seasoned changemaker or just waking up to this moment, this one’s for you.


    Key Takeaways:


    1. Fear-based narratives stall action. Most climate messaging today triggers overwhelm, paralysis, and retreat rather than inspired action. We need a new approach.
    2. Narrative Shift #1: Responsibility → Opportunity. It's not your burden to save the world — but it is your opportunity to help build what's next using your unique gifts.
    3. Narrative Shift #2: Minimize Footprint → Maximize Impact. Instead of focusing only on cutting back, ask: How can I show up fully? How can I matter?
    4. Narrative Shift #3: Fix the Old → Build the New. Let the broken systems fall. Our energy is better spent building something beautiful, just, and regenerative in their place.
    5. Inner leadership is essential. We must tend to our mindset, emotions, and sense of purpose — because this work is challenging, and we need to stay grounded and inspired.


    Do you want to join The Climate Optimist Cohort? Learn more and apply here: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/cohort

    Website: www.heychangepodcast.com

    Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heychange_podcast/

    Host: https://www.instagram.com/annetheresegennari/

    Hosted by The Climate Optimist: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/


    Music produced by Jackson Whalan

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • 104. The 3 Narrative Shifts that Will Change How You Think About Climate Change

    104. The 3 Narrative Shifts that Will Change How You Think About Climate Change
    Jul 29 2025

    What if the stories we tell about climate change are keeping us stuck in fear — instead of moving us into action? In this solo episode, I dive into three narrative shifts that can help us move from overwhelm to opportunity, from minimizing ourselves to maximizing our impact, and from trying to "save the world" to building something better. Whether you're a seasoned changemaker or just waking up to this moment, this one’s for you.


    Key Takeaways:


    1. Fear-based narratives stall action. Most climate messaging today triggers overwhelm, paralysis, and retreat rather than inspired action. We need a new approach.
    2. Narrative Shift #1: Responsibility → Opportunity. It's not your burden to save the world — but it is your opportunity to help build what's next using your unique gifts.
    3. Narrative Shift #2: Minimize Footprint → Maximize Impact. Instead of focusing only on cutting back, ask: How can I show up fully? How can I matter?
    4. Narrative Shift #3: Fix the Old → Build the New. Let the broken systems fall. Our energy is better spent building something beautiful, just, and regenerative in their place.
    5. Inner leadership is essential. We must tend to our mindset, emotions, and sense of purpose — because this work is challenging, and we need to stay grounded and inspired.


    Do you want to join The Climate Optimist Cohort? Learn more and apply here: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/cohort

    Website: www.heychangepodcast.com

    Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heychange_podcast/

    Host: https://www.instagram.com/annetheresegennari/

    Hosted by The Climate Optimist: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/


    Music produced by Jackson Whalan

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • 103. Regeneration Begins Within: Darin Olien on Joy, Health, and Healing the Planet

    103. Regeneration Begins Within: Darin Olien on Joy, Health, and Healing the Planet
    Jul 22 2025
    Do you ever feel the need to go really deep with someone and throw at them life’s biggest, most thought-provoking questions? That’s how I felt when preparing my interview with Darin Olien. And let me tell you - I didn’t hold back!In this episode, we talk about the root cause of so much of today’s chaos and how the path to healing starts by coming back to ourselves. We explore why joy is a radical form of resistance, how forgiveness frees us, and why your inner truth might just be your most powerful tool for change. I’m super excited about this conversation because I have a feeling it will unlock so much. More than anything, this talk is healing, so wherever you are listening to this, do yourself a favor and create the spiritual space to truly receive what you’re about to hear.Who is Darin?You might know him from the Netflix series Down to Earth with Zac Efron, where he, as a co-host and executive producer, traveled the world from Iceland to Australia, spotlighting sustainable living, indigenous knowledge, and how to forge healthier personal and planetary relationships. But he has so much more to him than just this TV show. Darin is a certified exercise physiologist, wellness entrepreneur, and avid “superfood hunter.” Growing up in Minnesota, he overcame early health challenges, which sparked a lifelong passion for holistic wellness. He went on to co-create wellness programs like Shakeology and Ultimate Reset, and co-founded Barùkas, a sustainable superfood company rooted in reforestation.Darin is the author of the New York Times bestseller SuperLife, which explores five key life forces for optimal health, and Fatal Conveniences, which exposes hidden toxins in everyday products — offering simple swaps for a healthier life. As host of The Darin Olien Show and founder of the 121 Tribe health app, he continues to unpack “Fatal Conveniences™” and surface actionable insights for anyone wanting to reclaim wellbeing and reconnect with the natural world.Make sure to listen to the end when a very unexpected guest makes an appearance…Follow Darin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darinolien/SuperLife Website: https://superlife.com/This episode is sponsored by Mill. Click the link for $75 off your Mill purchase: mill.com/heychangepodcastWebsite: www.heychangepodcast.comFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heychange_podcast/Host: https://www.instagram.com/annetheresegennari/Hosted by The Climate Optimist: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/Music produced by Jackson Whalan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • 102. What If Whale Poop Could Help Save the Planet?

    102. What If Whale Poop Could Help Save the Planet?
    Jul 15 2025

    In this episode, I sit down with the creators of Positive Polar, a love-passion-science project inviting you to directly participating in restoring our oceans. The mission? Biochemically mimic whales to restore marine ecosystems, sequester carbon, and turn tourism into a force for regeneration.


    Jenn Bonilla, the President of Positive Pola, brings a PhD from Princeton, Stanford training, and deep expertise in commercializing biotech for environmental impact. Hugo Hinrichsen, its CEO and Founder, is an ex-navy officer and polar helicopter pilot whose ancestors were whalers — and restoring the oceans isn’t just work for him, it’s personal. Speaking with the two of them was so invigorating. Their love for whales and all ocean habitat, their willpower to spearhead new possibilities and match science with passion, and their eagerness to get this story out there so that we can start moving forward with climate optimism today, not tomorrow, was truly infectious.


    This, dear listener, is climate optimism in action. Let’s dive in.


    Support Positive Polar: https://wefunder.com/positivepolar

    Learn more: https://positivepolar.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positivepolarx/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/positive-polar/

    Hugo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugo-hinrichsen/

    Jenn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferbonilla/

    Website: www.heychangepodcast.com

    Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heychange_podcast/

    Host: https://www.instagram.com/annetheresegennari/

    Hosted by The Climate Optimist: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/


    Music produced by Jackson Whalan

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • 101. Hope Dies Last - Stubborn Optimism From Around The World

    101. Hope Dies Last - Stubborn Optimism From Around The World
    Jul 8 2025

    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/


    Website: www.heychangepodcast.com

    Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heychange_podcast/

    Host: https://www.instagram.com/annetheresegennari/

    Hosted by The Climate Optimist: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/


    Music produced by Jackson Whalan

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    57 mins
  • 100. A World Without Waste: The Radical Power of Smart Design

    100. A World Without Waste: The Radical Power of Smart Design
    Jul 1 2025

    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/


    Website: www.heychangepodcast.com

    Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heychange_podcast/

    Host: https://www.instagram.com/annetheresegennari/

    Hosted by The Climate Optimist: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/


    Music produced by Jackson Whalan

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    59 mins