Since Eric’s last time here, he formally declared he is running for office. Now he’s reporting back months into his campaign. Did Trump not being in office slow him down? Or did our environmental problems motivate him even more? How about his commitment to avoid flying? Surely he gave it up to campaign, right? Or did he? Whichever way he went on that commitment, the decision must have been difficult,[…] Keep reading →

Today’s episode explores a subtle but potentially meaningful and large shift, considering focusing on sustainability teamwork more than sustainability leadership. The main difference is that I think people feel taking a leadership role makes them vulnerable and means lots of work. Joining a team is fun. If enough people join it feels natural and odd not to. You’re hearing me develop an idea in real time. Here are the notes[…] Keep reading →

Sorry for the slow pace of this episode, but just before recording I looked at the firehouse across the street from my apartment, the small plaque naming the firemen who died trying to help others, and the flowers people put there for them, which led me to lose it as I started recording. I’ve never considered the changes to my life meaningful in comparison, despite my losses being greater than[…] Keep reading →

Michael begins by describing himself as a Protestant evangelical conservative PhD candidate at one of the largest and oldest Baptist seminaries, what that description means, and what experience and choices brought him there. These experiences were meaningful and his choices deliberate and considered. We talk about scripture, family, faith, hope, the environment, modern culture, sin, gluttony, and more. In my experience people who work on the environment disengage or oppose[…] Keep reading →

A sixth branch of the This Sustainable Life family tree has started. Michèle Watson started This Sustainable Life: Biodiversity & Conservation. Congratulations and welcome aboard, Michèle! She posted the first two episodes. As usual, the first episode featured me, as first episodes emerge from the podcast host training I provide. The second episode features an impressive Tony Frost. Among more conservation work, he served as a member of the Minister[…] Keep reading →

Reading front-page headlines about activist investors gaining some control of Exxon’s Board of Directors reminded me of past guest Dar-Lon Chang, who worked at Exxon for sixteen years. I asked if he had inside information on it. He told me he did, which he shared. He also shared his personal experience living in a community striving to live sustainably in Colorado. Living more sustainably is why he left Exxon. Now[…] Keep reading →

I hope you hear Jonathan and I sharing a great rapport—on art, stewardship, Christianity, and enjoying life. If you’ve reached this conversation, you know what we’re covering in this episode: his results doing the Spodek Method, partly doing it, partly learning how to do it. He’s an artist and family man. He started picking up trash, which naturally became a family activity and point of personal growth. He then did[…] Keep reading →