Why is climate change so politicized, and how can we come back to the fact that we all, truly, deep inside, care about the same things?

That is the guiding mission behind Nature Is Nonpartisan, a new nonprofit working to restore conservation as a unifying, bipartisan American value. In this episode, I sit down with Amelia Joy, Executive Director of NINP, to unpack why environmentalism has become so politically charged, why fewer people identify as “environmentalists” today, and how we can bring nature back to the center of public life — not as a partisan wedge, but as common ground.

Amelia also sheds light on surprising bipartisan wins happening right now in Congress, the importance of personal stories in bridging divides, and why reconnecting with nature is essential for healing political and cultural polarization.

As we’re heading into the holiday season, I couldn’t think of a more important topic to dive into.

As Katharine Hayhoe, a former guest on our show, shares over and over again, the most important thing we can do for climate change is talk about it.

But how do we talk about it? How do we find the courage to bring up these topics, and how do we make sure the conversation actually leads us to someplace good? If you’re hoping to put nature and our shared future on the table this year, without risking completely wrecking the family party, I hope Amelia and I can provide some pointers.

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As we’re heading into darker times, I invite us to reflect on how to use healing as a powerful tool and what it truly means to let the future emerge through our spirits, actions, and bodies.

In this special episode, I revisit two of the most impactful conversations from the Hey Change archives, featuring Mike Veny, a mental health speaker and advocate, and Jack Adam Weber, author of Climate Cure. As the days get darker and we naturally turn inward, this episode invites you to explore the often-overlooked emotional dimension of climate work. We reflect on how feelings like anger, grief, anxiety, and fear are not obstacles but essential tools for our personal and collective healing.

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• With Mike Veny, we learn how anger can be a superpower — a source of clarity, leadership, and decisive action when approached with curiosity instead of shame.

• With Jack Adam Weber, we dive deeper into embodied grief and emotional grounding, discovering how feeling our feelings is an act of resistance, reconnection, and regeneration.

This episode is a reminder that climate optimism is not blind positivity — it’s a courageous willingness to feel deeply and act from a place of wholeness, compassion, and inner alignment.

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Key Takeaways

1. Anger is not the enemy — disconnection is. When channeled intentionally, anger becomes passion, clarity, and empowered leadership.

2. Grief is a bridge to the natural world. Feeling grief keeps us connected to what’s being lost and fuels compassionate action.

3. Emotions live in the body, not just the mind. Embodiment practices like grounding, movement, breath, or somatic awareness help us process climate emotions in healthier ways.

4. Wholeness is a radical act. Holding space for all emotions — not just the “positive” ones — is an act of resistance in a world conditioned around scarcity and avoidance.

5. Connection > correction. Advocacy rooted in connection, curiosity, and shared humanity is more impactful than shame-based persuasion.

6. Climate chaos is also a catalyst. As Jack says, heartbreak can open us to regeneration — personally and collectively — if we allow ourselves to feel it.

Inner work is climate work. Transforming our own emotional landscape is essential to building a more compassionate, resilient world.

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Mentioned in the episode

• The Climate Optimist Cohort: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/cohort

• The Climate Optimist Leadership Retreat: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/retreat-el-salvador

• Episode 93 with Jack Adam Weber: https://www.heychangepodcast.com/episodes/93-how-to-heal-ourselves-to-heal-our-planet

• Episode 94 with Mike Veny: https://www.heychangepodcast.com/episodes/94-anger-for-good

• Jack’s book: Climate Cure: https://jackadamweber.com/climate-cure/

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James shares what he’s learned from observing nature: that restoration doesn’t have to be complicated, that the Earth already knows how to heal if we give her the chance, and that slowing down might actually be the most powerful climate action we can take. He explains why observation is the first step to healing, how microbiology and fungi are the hidden engines of restoration, and why simplicity and community may be our greatest tools in the age of technology.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that optimism isn’t naive — it’s rooted in what nature shows us every day: resilience, patience, and the possibility of renewal.

So find a quiet spot, take a deep breath, and join us for this conversation on healing the Earth. And it starts, quite fittingly, by listening.

Everything for me starts with observation — if we just take the time to watch, nature will show us what to do.

James Godfrey-Faussett

Follow + Connect with James on LinkedIn: James Godfrey-Faussett

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Key Takeaways:

1. Observation is the foundation of restoration. Every healing process — ecological or personal — begins with slowing down and paying attention to what nature is showing us.

2. Nature already holds the solutions. Our role is not to control, but to collaborate — learning from natural intelligence and cycles.

3. Restoration is simple, not easy. Working with seeds instead of saplings, trusting soil microbiology, and embracing slow processes can lead to more resilient ecosystems.

4. Slowing down is a form of progress. By toning down urgency and aligning with nature’s pace, we find more sustainable and meaningful paths forward.

5. Community and circularity are key. Healing Earth Project’s four pillars — restoration, biodiversity, livelihoods, and cultural tradition — highlight how ecological and human well-being are interconnected.

6. Nature is resilient. Even in the face of droughts or coral bleaching, ecosystems have a remarkable capacity to adapt and recover if given space and support.

7. The next generation. Empowering children to reconnect with the Earth may be our most hopeful path toward a restored and balanced future.

Even though we recorded this a few years ago, the wisdom and hope Katharine shares feel just as relevant — maybe even more so today. We dive into how to talk about climate change with people in our lives, why fear and guilt don’t work, and how we can instead use optimism, love, and connection to bring people on board.

I wanted to reshare this because it’s one of those timeless conversations that reminds us that our voices matter, that hope is something we create through action, and that we already have so much in common when it comes to wanting a better future.

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But who is Katharine?

If you don’t already know her, you’re in for such a treat. Katharine is an atmospheric scientist, the Chief Scientist at The Nature Conservancy, and the author of Saving Us, one of my favorite books on climate change. Katharine has given a TED Talk that’s been viewed by millions, she’s been named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people, and she’s truly one of the most powerful voices helping us connect climate science to our everyday lives.

“We don’t change people by guilting them. We change them by sharing what we love.”

Katharine Hayhoe

Key Takeaways:

1. Focus on what unites us. Climate change is a symptom of deeper division — and our shared humanity is the key to lasting solutions.

2. Fear and guilt don’t drive change — love does. Productive climate conversations start with empathy, shared values, and good news about solutions.

3. Faith and science aren’t opposites. For Katharine, her Christian faith inspires her climate work — caring for creation is an act of love.

4. Individual actions matter — and ripple outward. Small, joyful steps build hope, shift culture, and lead to system-level change.

5. Hope is found in action. Optimism isn’t blind faith — it’s recognizing that every year, every choice, and every action matters for shaping the future.

More from Katharine:

Subscribe to her Substack Newsletter: Talking Climate

LinkedIn: Katharine Hayhoe

Instagram: @KatharineHayhoe

TED Talk: The most important thing you can do to fight climate change: talk about it

Book: Saving Us - A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World

Looking for more climate optimism in your inbox? Subscribe to Grist’s Newsletter: Looking Forward

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If you work with young people — whether as a teacher, parent, or community leader — you’ve probably felt it: the mix of hope, fear, and uncertainty that climate change brings. It’s not just a scientific topic anymore; it’s an emotional one. More and more, I hear from educators and mentors who notice the same thing: students grappling with eco-anxiety, asking tough questions, or expressing deep concern about the future.

Professor Angus, a geography teacher in the UK, is one of those people. Earlier this year, he reached out and asked if we could please have a chat, since he kept getting questions from his students about climate change — and especially how to navigate environmental anxiety. I obviously said yes.

I also asked if it was okay that we recorded the conversation so that it could benefit more people, and I’m so glad he said yes! This is that conversation.

We have to find the courage to meet students in their feelings and validate how they’re feeling. That gives them the right to feel that way.

— Anne Therese Gennari

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Key Takeaways:

1. Validation matters — Teachers can help students process climate anxiety by naming and acknowledging their feelings instead of avoiding them.

2. Shift the story from responsibility to opportunity — Reframing climate action as an exciting chance to co-create the future sparks curiosity and hope.

3. Every student has a “climate superpower” — By connecting passions and skills with climate solutions, students feel empowered and purposeful.

4. Inner leadership is key — Teaching emotional resilience and adaptability helps young people face uncertainty with confidence.

5. Optimism is a practice — It’s not about ignoring difficult truths, but about holding grief and hope side by side while taking meaningful action.

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If you’re a teacher, I’d love to hear from you.

How are your students experiencing climate anxiety, and what’s working for you in the classroom to help them navigate it? Share your thoughts or questions with me here.

And again, if you’re looking for a guide on how to navigate these conversations in the classroom, in community meetups, or at home with your children, you can download the free Youth Guide below — it comes with conversation starters and good topics to explore deeper together!

Download Youth Guide

You may have seen it.

Known for balancing sharp observational humor with a playful, even compassionate edge, Toro also serves as chair of the Northwest Chapter of the National Cartoonist Society, and his cartoons have been a regular feature of The New Yorker since 2010.

In this conversation, Tom and I talk about the power of humor to help us process hard truths, how art can spark change, and why joy and creativity are essential tools for facing the climate crisis and other societal issues. If you’ve ever wondered how a single image can capture an entire movement — this episode is for you!

It’s almost like a miracle that my most famous cartoon even exists — it was created faster than anything else I’ve ever done.

— Tom Toro

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Key Takeaways

1. Humor as a Climate Tool: Cartoons can distill complex, overwhelming issues like climate change into bite-sized, memorable moments that invite reflection without paralyzing people.

2. Joy as Resistance: Maintaining joy is key to sustaining climate activism — revolutions that succeed are often joyful, not despair-driven.

3. The Viral Cartoon Story: Tom’s most famous climate cartoon was created spontaneously, in a rush, and became an iconic piece of climate communication.

4. Truth is Non-Negotiable: Good humor — especially on climate — must be factually and emotionally true to resonate and to withstand scrutiny.

5. The Artist’s Role: Artists are tasked with imagining the unimaginable and helping society visualize possible futures, good and bad.

6. Creativity Needs Space: Tom emphasizes the importance of boredom and quiet time to allow creative connections to form.

7. Optimism as a Practice: Both Tom and Anne Therese see hope as an active choice — one that keeps them engaged rather than nihilistic.

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Follow + Support

• Tom on Instagram: @tbtoro

• Toms’ website: https://tomtoro.com/

• Subscribe to Undiscovered Masterpieces on Substack

• PRE-ORDER TOM’S BOOK

Sally shares the origin story of The Climate Pledge — a commitment launched in 2019 alongside Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac at Global Optimism, with the goal of reaching net-zero carbon by 2040 — and how it has evolved into a global movement of more than 600 companies working together across industries. She explains why collaboration is key to solving climate challenges, the dangers of “greenhushing,” and how businesses can build momentum by taking action even when perfection isn’t possible.

Together, we explore the mindset shifts needed to move from minimizing footprints to maximizing impact, and why it’s so important to celebrate progress along the way. They also talk about the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle and how creating physical spaces where people can experience sustainability first-hand can inspire new ways of thinking about what’s possible.

This is a hopeful, empowering conversation for anyone who wants to see business used as a force for good — whether you’re a sustainability professional, a business leader, or just someone looking for reasons to stay optimistic about the future.

Let’s dive in.

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Key Takeaways:

1. Collaboration is essential to reaching net zero. The Climate Pledge was built on the understanding that no single company can decarbonize alone — cross-industry partnerships are critical.

2. Progress over perfection. Sally stressed that perfection is paralyzing — what matters most is taking steps forward, even small ones, and celebrating the wins.

3. Shared commitment creates shared momentum. With over 600 companies signed on, the pledge creates a community where businesses learn from each other and work together on joint action projects.

4. Narrative shift matters. Both Anne Therese and Sally highlight the need to move away from a narrative of minimizing and sacrifice toward one of maximizing impact and building momentum.

5. Greenhushing is a real risk. Staying silent about sustainability progress out of fear of criticism can slow change. Instead, we should celebrate companies that are trying and inspire others to act.

6. Physical spaces can inspire change. Climate Pledge Arena shows that sustainability can enhance — not diminish — the customer experience, creating a blueprint for others to follow.

7. Optimism is a practice. Sally reminds us that optimism grows when we take action, build community, and intentionally celebrate every step forward.

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Also Mentioned:

• Christiana and Tom’s book: The Future We Choose

• Global Optimism Podcast: Outrage & Optimism

• The Climate Pledge

• The Climate Pledge Arena

• Anne Therese’s Book: The Climate Optimist Handbook

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Order Your Climate Optimist T-Shirt

What if there was a shirt you could wear to events, conferences, or just leisurely around town, that wasn’t just a shirt, but a conversation starter? One that could invite narrative shifting and inclusive conversation about what can be done about our climate crisis, and how beautiful it can be to step into that mission with passion and excitement.

That’s what I kept asking myself when I finally decided to design the climate optimist tee. The front says “Climate Optimist, Ask Me About It”, and the back offers many different examples of what it means to be a climate optimist. Like: “shifting narratives, questioning the status quo, respecting our Earth, and never giving up.”

The t-shirt is sustainable, toxic-free, and fully biodegradable, and they will be produced made to order, so no deadstock or waste is involved! Trust me when I say that the highest level of intention has gone into bringing this t-shirt to the world! And yes, I’m super stoked about it.

If you want one, make sure you place your order TODAY as this order window closes at midnight, September 28th!

Get Your T-Shirt

*US orders only for this round.

What if we told a different story? What if the future isn’t just different, but radically better?

In this episode of Hey Change, I share three essential narrative shifts that have completely transformed the way I approach climate action, helping me unlock courage, creativity, and momentum for change. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to really make a difference, if you continue to extend yourself and end up feeling run dry, angry, or even hopeless, this episode is for you.

It’s time to stop shrinking ourselves to fit into a broken system — and start stepping fully into the opportunity to build a regenerative future. Whether you're an activist, entrepreneur, or everyday dreamer, this is your invitation to think differently, nurture your inner leadership, and show up for the adventure that may bring us forward.

This, dear listener, is climate optimism in action.

“The stories we tell ourselves shape how we show up — and it’s time to tell a new story about what’s possible.”

— Anne Therese Gennari

Key Takeaways:

• Fear-based narratives stall action.
  Most climate messaging today triggers overwhelm, paralysis, and retreat rather than inspired action. We need a new approach.

• 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.

• 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?

• 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 its place.

• 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.

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Do you want to join The Climate Optimist Cohort?

I’m looking for a selected group of people interested in joining a small cohort of early adopters of a new framework aimed at helping people build resiliency in the face of climate change, activate their inner leadership, and practice radical hope. Learn more and apply here.

Apply to Join

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.

But 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.

Needless to say, Darin is a well of both passion and information, and you, dear friend, are in for a treat. This one is honest, deep, and optimistic, and I hope it reminds you, like it did me, that there’s so much still possible for our future — and that ultimately it begins with you.

Make sure to listen to the end when a very unexpected guest makes an appearance…

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This episode is sponsored by Mill. Click the link for $75 off your Mill purchase: mill.com/heychangepodcast

Learn more about Mill and their mission here.

Jenn Bonilla, the President of Positive Polar, 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.

We hope to create the kind of technology that could be adopted by every ship crossing the whale highways.

— Jenn Bonilla

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Invest With Positive Polar

In this episode, I sit down with Alan Weisman, acclaimed journalist and bestselling author of The World Without Us, to talk about his new book: Hope Dies Last. We explore stories of stubborn optimism from around the world, unexpected breakthroughs in energy and food, and why the future is still worth fighting for — even when the odds seem impossible.

If you need some new fuel for your climate optimism, look no further than this episode. This is not about wishful thinking or toxic positivity; this is real optimism, and you’ll soon understand why. We even go as far as to explore what it means that hope might one day die, that we could be looking at the last day for humans on this planet.

But that day is not today, and there is so much still worth fighting for. We hope this conversation serves as an invitation to find out what that journey looks like for you – and to remember that being human on this Earth is not a mistake, but a beautiful gift we still have the chance to reclaim.

Hope is not a guarantee, but not having hope is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Alan Weisman

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Key Takeaways:

• We’re in a Bottleneck Century
  Alan frames our current era as a “do-or-die” moment for humanity, driven by overpopulation, climate disruption, and mass extinction.

• Stubborn Optimism Is Global
  Across 12 countries, Alan found scientists, refugees, engineers, and elders who refuse to give up — even in the face of overwhelming odds.

• Technology Is Both a Problem & Solution
  New developments in fusion energy and carbon-based food production offer hope – but only if we stay humble and open to change.

• Narratives Matter
  Letting go of fatalism and shifting toward empowered action is essential, especially for younger generations.

• The Small Scale Drives the Big Picture
  From solar-powered refugee huts to marshland restoration in Iraq, real change often begins locally, against all odds.

• Hope Is a Practice, Not a Feeling
  True optimism lives at the intersection of awareness, acceptance, and action. It's not naivety, it's necessary to drive change.

  

  Get The Book: Hope Dies Last

Nature will bounce back. The question is: will it be a world we can still live in?

Alan Weisman

About Our Guest

Alan H. Weisman is an award-winning American environmental journalist, author, and professor. He’s best known for The World Without Us, a #1 New York Times bestseller and finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, and for Countdown: Our Last, Best Hope for a Future on Earth?, which won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.

His latest book, Hope Dies Last (April 2025), takes readers across the globe to meet resilient visionaries tackling climate collapse with creativity and clear-headed optimism.

Weisman has reported from more than 60 countries and all seven continents. A seasoned contributor to publications like The Atlantic, Harper’s, The New York Times Magazine, and NPR, he also co-founded Homelands Productions and served as Laureate Professor of International Journalism at the University of Arizona.

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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.

The single-use experience has been so normalized, but there’s a better way—and people are ready for it.

Mac Sellars

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Key Takeaways:

• Reusable > Recyclable
  Recycling, especially plastic, is largely ineffective. Mac emphasized that true sustainability comes from reusable systems, not just swapping one disposable product for another.

• Design for Ease, Not Effort
  Sustainability should feel seamless and r.World creates systems that mirror the single-use experience, making it easy for people to participate without even realizing it.

• Cultural Influence Is Powerful
  Artists and athletes can be key drivers of behavior change. When figures like U2 or venues like Red Rocks demand sustainability, fans and operations tend to follow suit.

• Choice Architecture Matters
  Removing the burden of decision-making helps people adopt sustainable habits. Making the sustainable choice the only choice reduces confusion and increases compliance.

• Narrative Shifts Drive Behavior
  We must challenge traditional narratives of individual guilt and personal responsibility, encouraging listeners to shift toward collective opportunity and system-wide change.

• Spirituality and Stewardship
  While not the main focus, Mac introduced the idea that true materialism — caring deeply about what we use and how — is a spiritual act of stewardship.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is take the choice out of the equation and just build a better system.

Mac Sellars

About Our Guest

Mac Sellars is the Strategy & Innovation Lead for r.World, an award-winning company eliminating single-use waste through reusable foodware services. Mac drives process, product, and partnership development across the company, helping r.World to more effectively deliver on its mission to create a world without waste.

As part of his work, Mac sits on the advisory board for Minnesota's EPR policy, as well as PR3's global reuse industry standards panel, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to enable a flourishing reuse industry.

Prior to r.World, Mac received his Master’s of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, where he received professional and theological training from faculty across the Divinity, Law, and Business schools.

About r.World:

r.World is North America’s leading reuse platform, on a mission to eliminate single-use waste through scalable, reusable foodware systems. Founded by sustainability pioneer Michael Martin, the company traces its roots back to the 1990 Earth Day stadium concerts, which Martin produced to help relaunch Earth Day as a global event.

Dubbed the “Guru of Live Event Greening” by Billboard, Martin spent decades introducing environmental innovation to the music industry, partnering with artists like U2, Paul McCartney, and Dave Matthews Band. In 2017, he launched the reuse movement in the U.S. with U2’s Joshua Tree Tour, debuting what would become r.World’s flagship product: the reusable r.Cup.

Today, r.World collaborates with venues, artists, sports leagues, NGOs, and national policymakers to build the infrastructure and momentum for a true reuse economy—one designed to end our addiction to single-use and create a more sustainable future for all.

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Climate denial hasn’t gone away — it’s just changed, and the newest form questions solutions, not science. Outdated myths like “climate change isn’t real” are being replaced by more persuasive narratives: that EVs are worse than gas cars, that wind power is dangerous, that governments are using climate as a tool for control.

In this episode, I sit down with journalist Samantha Harrington of Yale Climate Connections to unpack the rise of “solutions denial,” a subtle yet dangerous shift in climate misinformation. From right-wing influencers to mainstream podcast hosts, misleading narratives about sustainability initiatives and climate policy are making their way into millions of homes.

Discover what’s fueling this trend, how misinformation spreads online, and why talking about climate change — honestly and often — might be the most powerful thing we can do right now.

Let’s dive in!

“People aren’t necessarily seeking out climate denial, but they’re absorbing it through shows they trust — and that’s what makes it so dangerous.”

We Made The List!

Hey, Change Podcast made #1 for the Top 25 Podcasts on Activism on Goodpods!

“The Best Activism Podcasts from millions of podcasts available on the Goodpods platform and ranked by listens, ratings, comments, subscriptions, and shares.”

What an honor! This show has always been about sparking new stories, shifting perspectives, and finding hope in the face of challenges — so to see it resonate with so many of you means the world!! 💛

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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 discuss 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.

For anyone who knows me or follows my work closely, you know I’m a sucker for neuroscience and love to explore how behavioral psychology impacts our ability to make a difference. So trust me when I say this - I’ve been looking forward to today’s conversation!

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!

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This episode is sponsored by Mill. Click the link for $75 off your Mill purchase: mill.com/heychangepodcast

Episode Highlights:

• Certainty feels safe — but it can keep us stuck. Our brains crave predictability, even at the cost of creativity and well-being.

• Stress narrows our focus. When we're overwhelmed, we lose access to sensory input — the very thing that helps us adapt and grow.

• Climate anxiety can trap us. Ruminating on worst-case scenarios makes us less open to new solutions.

• The power of presence. Even five minutes of intentional “sense foraging” can unlock clarity and insight.

• Curiosity is the gateway to change. Real transformation begins when we let go of knowing and allow something new to emerge.

About Our Guest

Norman Farb, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto Mississauga. He leads the Regulatory and Affective Dynamics lab and co-directs the Psychedelics Studies Research Program. His work centers on the neuroscience of well-being, exploring how mental habits shape resilience, stress responses, and emotional health.

Farb is the co-author (with Zindel Segal, PhD) of Better in Every Sense: How the New Science of Sensation Can Help You Reclaim Your Life (published January 23, 2024). The book presents a science-driven, actionable framework—centered on what they call sense foraging—to help readers break free from habitual thinking patterns, reduce anxiety, build new habits, and tap into fresh insights through mindful sensory awareness.

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In this bonus episode, originally shared on the 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 — the way I see it!

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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. His book offers pragmatic, data-driven evidence to help direct us to where we can have the most impact across everything we do.

In our conversation, we explored the journey of sustainability, especially as it relates to companies and careers, emphasizing that every job can contribute to climate action. We also discuss the importance of maximizing opportunities in sustainability rather than focusing solely on minimizing our negative impacts.

Additionally, we explore the balance between individual responsibility and corporate accountability in sustainability efforts.

For example, did you know that your tabs are consuming energy, even when you’re not using them? Or that most Xbox users leave their games unattended, wasting energy when the console could be switched off?

This and the role that choice architecture among smart design plays in creating pathways for a more mindful existence are just a few of the things covered in this empowering conversation.

Two climate optimists coming together to plant seeds for radical change — this is a conversation you don't want to miss!

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This episode is sponsored by Mill. Click the link for $75 off your Mill purchase: mill.com/heychangepodcast