The Sustainable Spirit Podcast
Is the key to a brighter future hidden within the depths of ancient wisdom? Join me, Sofia, on the ’Sustainable Spirit’ podcast as we unravel the mysteries behind today’s most monumental challenges through the lens of the world’s diverse religious and philosophical traditions. In each episode, our guests, ranging from spiritual leaders and scholars to activists and innovators, provide fresh insights, sharing how their study of faith or their personal spiritual practice intersects with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From issues like climate change and gender equality, to clean energy and social justice, we explore the profound connections between religion, spirituality, and innovation. In a world that faces complex challenges and increasing polarization, the ”Sustainable Spirit” podcast serves as a platform for open-minded discussions, interfaith dialogue, stereotype-busting, and perspective-shifting. We are united by a belief in 4 simple rules: 1. Know that you know nothing. 2. Leave your assumptions at the door. 3. Ask better questions if you want better answers. 4. Optimize for communication, not conformity. This makes the ”Sustainable Spirit” podcast one of the rare places where you are actually welcome and encouraged to disagree, second-guess, ask unanswerable questions, and even (*gasp*) change your mind. We believe that interdisciplinary problems call for interdisciplinary solutions, that the leaders of the future are those who embrace complexity and collaboration. Open discussion is the path to progress, and it starts here. It starts with you. Are you up for the task? Just click play.
Episodes
March 20, 2024
Episode 11: Dr. Beth Blissman on Catholic Climate Action
Today Dr. Beth Blissman and I discuss the work of the Loretto Community in the UN, the marriage of science and spirituality, and the role of interfaith collaboration in pursuing climate justice on the international stage.
Throughout our conversation, Dr. Blissman emphasizes the interplay of action and faith within Catholicism, highlighting that if you wa...
February 28, 2024
Episode 10: Je-Shawna Wholley on Intergenerational Spiritual Healing
SUMMARY
Today Je-Shawna Wholley, founder of the groundbreaking Earthseed project, shares her insights into spiritual healing, intergenerational dialogue, and engaging with your family history, offering striking ideas for listeners to consider on how to apply these ideas to their own journey into their past.
Throughout the episode, Wholley discuss...
Today Dr. David Haberman sheds light on Indian river environmentalism, tackling water pollution issues and drawing lessons from Indian environmental activists, offering invaluable insights for listeners on how to apply these practices to their local environmental challenges.
Throughout the episode, Dr. David Haberman emphasizes that external pollution stems from internal pollution, highlighting the critical importance of cultivatin...
The Sustainable Spirit Podcast
January 15, 2024
Episode 8: Dr. David R. Loy on Eco-dharma, Eco-activism & Ecological Healing
SUMMARY
In this episode, Dr. Loy, a distinguished professor, writer, and Zen teacher in the Sanbo Zen tradition of Japanese Zen Buddhism, discusses ecodharma, a concept that intertwines Buddhism's teachings with ecological consciousness.
He begins by explaining his bold decision to return his honorary de...
The Sustainable Spirit Podcast
January 1, 2024
Episode 7: Dr. S. Brent Rodriguez-Plate on Religious Objects, Building Peace & the Value of Symbols
SUMMARY
This episode of the Sustainable Spirit podcast features Dr. S.B. Rodriguez Plate, a writer, public speaker, editor, and college professor, who bases their work on the fundamental question of what it means to be human and what makes humans religious. Through their experiences ...
The Sustainable Spirit Podcast
December 4, 2023
Episode 6: Dr. Sarah Pike on Ritual, Radical Eco-Activism & Paganism
SUMMARY
Welcome back to another episode of the Sustainable Spirit Podcast! In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Sarah Pike, a distinguished professor of Comparative Religion at California State University, Chico, and an expert in ritual studies, discusses her book For the Wild: Psychological Roots of Radical Eco-Act...
The Sustainable Spirit Podcast
November 20, 2023
Episode 5: Dr. Sabina Magliocco on Witchcraft, Paganism & Gender Equality
SUMMARY
This episode delves into the fascinating world of witchcraft and paganism, juxtaposing their portrayal in popular culture with their actual practice and significance. It begins by examining the accuracy of witchcraft as depicted in fairy tales like "Hansel and Gretel," and in media like "Hocus Pocu...
The Sustainable Spirit Podcast
November 6, 2023
Episode 4: Dr. David P. Gushee on Navigating LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Christianity
SUMMARY
In this thought-provoking episode, we engage in a compelling conversation with Dr. David Gushee, a distinguished Christian ethicist, and author of the influential book "Changing Our Mind." Dr. Gushee's insightful responses shed light on the complex intersection of LGBTQ+ issues and Christianity, hig...
The Sustainable Spirit Podcast
October 17, 2023
Episode 3: Dr. Mark Juergensmeyer on Ghandhian Conflict Resolution, Satyagraha & Social Justice
SUMMARY
In a thought-provoking podcast interview, Mark Juergensmeyer delves into the profound world of Gandhian conflict resolution and its application to democracy and social justice. He begins by discussing his inspiration for writing a book on Gandhi and nonviolence, highlighting hi...
The Sustainable Spirit Podcast
October 2, 2023
Episode 2: Ryan Pickering on Nuclear Energy, Renewables & Faith
SUMMARY
In a thought-provoking podcast episode featuring Ryan Pickering, listeners were taken on a journey through the intersections of spirituality, sustainability, and social justice, with a particular focus on nuclear energy. The conversation delved into various aspects of Pickering's life and expertise, shedding li...
The Sustainable Spirit Podcast
September 18, 2023
Episode 1: Dr. John Grim on Indigenous Cosmovisions, Grammar of Animacy, Lifeways, & SDG 15 “Life on Land”
SUMMARY
In this captivating podcast episode, join us as we delve deep into the realm of indigenous spirituality, cosmovisions, lifeways, and personhood with the esteemed Dr. John Grim. With a background steeped in environmental ethics, religious studies, and indigenous cosm...
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