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 Sponsors This 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.

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

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.

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• Like & Comment: Which toxic mindset is holding you back? Share your top takeaway below!
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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!