Hey Change - Finding Happiness In New Realities

How do we navigate climate anxiety in the classroom? This episode is a special one, and one that feels close to my heart since I struggled with climate anxiety for such a big part of my youth. Pr.. Angus, a geography teacher in the UK, reached out a while back 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 climate anxiety, I obviously said yes and I also asked if it was okay that we recorded the conversation so that it could benefit more people, and so this is that conversation.If you’re an educator, parent, or just someone who cares about the next generation, I hope this episode will serve as a guiding light, not because it holds all the answers, but because it’s what I needed to hear all those years navigating my own fears. The biggest takeaway is that we must dare to have these conversations, and I hope this episode will leave you with both encouragement and practical ways to offer support to our children as t

Is it OK to laugh about serious issues? If so, what role does humor play in our important work for climate justice? Let’s talk about it! Today I’m joined by Tom Toro — a celebrated cartoonist whose work has appeared over 200 times in The New Yorker and who is best known for the now-iconic climate cartoon that says, ‘Yes, the planet got destroyed, but for a beautiful moment in time we created a lot of value for shareholders.’ 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.

Anne Therese talks with Sally Fouts, Global Lead for The Climate Pledge at Amazon, about how businesses can accelerate climate action together. They discuss the origins of the pledge, why collaboration is crucial, the risk of “greenhushing,” and how progress — not perfection — drives change. Plus, Sally shares the story of Climate Pledge Arena and how it’s reimagining what sustainable experiences can look like.Ad slot: Order Your Climate Optimist T-Shirt TODAY and invite for game-changing conversations everywhere you go. See photos and place your order here: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/store/p/climate-optimist-t-shirtNote: this order window closes at midnight, September 28th, 2025Follow Sally Fouts: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-fouts-zwartjes-b527693/Christiana and Tom’s book: The Future We ChooseGlobal Optimism Podcast: Outrage & OptimismThe Climate Pledge: https://www.theclimatepledge.com/The Climate Pledge Arena: https://climatepledgearena.com/Anne Therese’s Book: The Climate Optimist Handb

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: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 spe

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

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.

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.comFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heychange_podcast/Host: https://www.instagram.com/annetheresegennari/Hosted by The Climate Optimist: https://www.theclim

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.comFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heychange_podcast/Host: https:/

A new climate change denial is spreading, and yes, we need to talk about it. So in this episode, I sit down with journalist Samantha Harrington to unpack how climate misinformation is evolving. It’s no longer about denying climate change. Instead, it claims that the solutions don’t work, that clean energy is dangerous, or that the entire climate movement is a form of government control. We break down how this narrative is gaining ground, why outrage is such a powerful tool for spreading misinformation, and how a lack of response — even from left-leaning media — is part of the problem. But this isn’t just a warning. It’s also a call to action... Get ready to be empowered!Other things mentioned:The original article that sparked this conversation: Eight of the top 10 online shows are spreading climate misinformation The 89 Percent ProjectPetro MasculinityAbout Our GuestSamantha Harrington, director of audience experience for Yale Climate Connections, is a journalist, graphic designer, and UX desig

What if our obsession with certainty is actually making us more stressed? And most importantly, less open to real change? 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 talk about 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. 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 ma

What does it look like to embrace optimism when forces around you want you to feel overwhelmed, defeated, and in despair? What is climate optimism, and how do we not mistake it for toxic positivity? And what does a healthy relationship to climate grief actually look like?In this bonus episode that was originally shared on 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, how I see

In this conversation, Anne Therese Gennari and guest Charlie Sellars explore the journey of sustainability, emphasizing that every job can contribute to climate action. They discuss the importance of maximizing opportunities in sustainability rather than focusing solely on minimizing negative impacts. The dialogue highlights the need for narrative shifts in climate action and the significance of engaging diverse perspectives. Additionally, they explore the balance between individual responsibility and corporate accountability in sustainability efforts. The discussion also touches on the political landscape's impact on climate initiatives and the potential for optimism in the face of challenges. Finally, they envision a future where sustainable practices are the norm and emphasize the need for collective action to achieve this vision.Two climate optimists coming together - this is a conversation you don't want to miss!About our guest:Charlie Sellars is the director of sustainability at Microsoft and, most

What are eco-emotions and how are they affecting our everyday lives? What role do they play in our ability to – and desire to – make a difference? And how do we overcome these mental barriers that are keeping us paralyzed and stuck in place?Seeking answers to these questions could be one of the most important topics of our times. Not just for the individual, but also for the world, as it’s a critical step in igniting the curiosity and courage needed to co-create a climate-just future.Tune into this important conversation with three Fierce and Passionate Climate Authors that was recorded during this year's Climate Week in NYC. Tori Tsui, author of It’s Not Just You, Britt Wray, author of Gen Dread, and Anne Therese Gennari, author of The Climate Optimist Handbook shared the latest research on eco-emotions, tools for healing, and how to grow emotional resilience for the days to come.The panel was moderated by environmental educator and creator of the digital media platform QueerBrownVegan, Isaias Hernandez. Get

What does it mean to use your anger for good? Today's guest Mike Veny hasn't just learned to deal with his anger, he actively challenges it to better his work and do good in the world! As a mental health expert, advocate, and professional speaker, Mike tours the country helping companies and their employees revive the gifts of mental wellness. We brought him on the Hey Change Podcast to talk about how anger can serve as a powerful (and healthy) tool in our work for climate and social justice.In this episode:Passion vs giftsHow to lead a meaningful lifeBreaking stigma and creating new normsHow to embody your anger and let it empower youHow to think about our work in climate change to stay inspired and motivatedFollow Mike:Website: https://www.mikeveny.com/Instagram: @mikevenyTwitter: @mikevenyMentioned in the episode:Book: Hug Your HatersClimate Optimist Newsletter: https://theclimateoptimist.substack.com/CONNECT + FOLLOW:Podcast Instagram: @heychange_podcastHosts: @annetheresegennari + @ro

Can climate grief and anger be catalysts for transformational healing? Is there such a thing as healthy denial? And how can we learn to work with our emotions in a way where our hearts break open and use that to serve ourselves, others, and the world? Those are only a few of the things we get into in our beautiful conversation with Jack!In this episode:How to pay attention to our fear, anger, and anxiety to let it empower youThe mental health work required to be a climate optimistHealthy guilt and healthy denialHow to grow from shameWhy resilience is an act of resistanceMentioned in the episode:Online climate community): www.collectvexaction.comWeekly support calls - contact: https://livingresilience.net/safecircle/Don't Look Up Action Network: https://dontlookup.count-us-in.com/Jack Adam Weber is an award-winning author for environmental and social justice, a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese medical herbalist, celebrated poet, certified yoga and Qi Gong instructor, climate activist, mental health advocate,

How do we restore our spiritual relationship with nature and find ourselves as embedded participants within the web of life? More importantly -- what does that look like in practice?In this fascinating conversation with Aaron, we talk Ecopsychology, how a culture of emergence within companies can help shift society in a positive direction, as well as how a community-driven approach might lead us into a climate optimistic world.Aaron Gabriel Neyer is a Developer Relations Engineer at Google with a big passion for both living and technological systems. He's currently furthering his education with a Master's in Eco-Psychology at Naropa University.Connect with Aaron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wildsunlove/CONNECT + FOLLOW:Podcast Instagram: @heychange_podcastHosts: @annetheresegennari + @robinxshawPodcast website: www.theclimateoptimist.com/hey-change-podcast See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What could the future of fashion look like if we learned to recycle and repurpose all material already created? That is what we'll get into in this episode with two innovators in the field -- Renewcell and Circ. Considering only 1% of textiles get recycled into new clothing today, this is a field we should give a lot more attention and focus on!About Renewcell:Harald Cavalli-Bjorkman is the Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Investor Relations at Renewcell, a sustainable tech company from Sweden that patented a process to efficiently create pulp made from 100 percent recycled cotton clothing, called Circulose®Learn more: www.renewcell.comAbout Circ:Luke Henning is the CFO of Circ, an American company pioneering the space of cotton and polyester recycling. Circ's big differentiator is that they're the only brand recycling and recovering both polyester and cotton from fabrics in any ratio.Learn more: www.circ.earthCONNECT + FOLLOW:Podcast Instagram: @heychange_podcastHosts: @annetheresegennari + @robinxshawPod

How important is it that we can track climate and environmental efforts in business? We'd like to say VERY. In this conversation with David Lammers from CDP Europe and Gilles Tisserand from Tetra Pak, we discuss how to bring transparency to the entire value chain as well as the business's role in paving the path forward!David Lammers is the Associate Director of Corporate Operations at CDP Europe. CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) is a not-for-profit charity that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states, and regions to manage their environmental impacts.Gilles Tisserand is the Vice President of Sustainability Climate and Biodiversity at Tetra Pak, the world's leading food processing and packaging solutions company working closely with their customers and suppliers to provide safe food. Tetra Pak has been recognized for leadership in corporate sustainability by global environmental non-profit CDP and secured a place on its ‘A-list’ for the third year running for tackling climate

In today’s episode, we want to share with you two conversations to help us shift the narrative on business and money. We’ll talk about impact investing and how we can be creative when it comes to starting businesses that not only solve a problem but support a more sustainable world.First up we have Rebecca Orlowitz David, an impact investing expert and founder of the platform GIVE. She's also the author of the book of the same name -- and GIVE - How To Manage Your Money and Make a Difference.Next, we have Linda Pouliot, the CEO, and founder of Dishcraft. Linda is a great example of someone who started a business that not only solves a problem for businesses but does so in a way that leads us into a more sustainable and enjoyable future.A few impact investing suggestions mentioned in the show:Calvert for responsible investing and engagementCNote to help support underserved communities in the US Kiva for loans that change lives in underserved communities around the worldRepublic, an app for impact investin

When we talk about climate change, we usually talk about how we have to fly less, drive less, eat less meat, cut down our plastic, etc. What we don’t often talk about is the impact of cities, yet cities are responsible for 80 percent of all greenhouse emissions! And cities are only expected to grow. With approximately half of the global population living in cities right now, we’re expecting to see that number increase to two-thirds in 2050. So how do we rise to this challenge? Is it really possible to make cities net-zero or even net-positive?That is what we’ll get into in this conversation with Benoit Bazin, CEO of Saint-Gobain!Our GuestBenoit Bazin is the current CEO of Saint-Gobain, one of the top ten oldest corporations in the world, and an aspiring worldwide leader in sustainable construction. The company was first founded in 1665 by the French King’s minister Colbert, with the intention to get France ahead of the mirror-making business, and ended up producing all the glass for the Hall of Mirr