Hal David and Burt Bacharach got it right when they wrote the lyrics “what the world needs now is love sweet love, it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.” My guest, Michael Charles Tobias and I discuss the need for society to put more emphasis on compassion, by promoting and teaching non-violence, which we hope will lead to more ethical, nurturing and loving cultures. Michael gets the word out about the problems and possible solutions to violence, extinction, climate change and more, through his most recent book, Hope on Earth-A Conversation, which he co-wrote with Dr. Paul Ehrlich. He also addresses issues of biodiversity, animal protection and conservation via his work as president of the Dancing Star Foundation. Last but not least, we discuss recent findings of the lost civilizations in Northern Mexico, and what clues the petroglyphs left about the tribal life centuries ago, and how those etchings could affect both current and future inhabitants of Earth. For more info on Michael Charles Tobias go to: michaeltobias.org and dancingstarfoundation.org.
Category: Education
#1426: Veronica Horvath, Environmental Advocate
My guest this week is Veronica Horvath, a member of Americorps, who coordinates environmental service learning programs at the Prospect Park Alliance. Veronica is passionate about all things green, but she is most concerned about water issues, and what needs to be done to keep water safe and clean. We talk a bit about her eco adventures in Jordan, and her role as a volunteer for Riverkeeper. Tune in to find out what items popped up on the shores of Brooklyn Bridge Park during the Riverkeeper Sweep event. Veronica’s passion about all things environmental is truly a breath of fresh air. For more info on Riverkeeper go to www.riverkeeper.org
1425: Michael Tobias, author of “Hope on Earth: A Conversation”
My guest this week is Michael Charles Tobias, ecologist, filmmaker, and president of the Dancing Star Foundation, which focuses on conservation, global environmental education, animal protection and more. He recently co-authored a book with Dr. Paul Ehrlich (known for his groundbreaking book “The Population Bomb”), entitled Hope On Earth: A Conversation. Michael and I discuss topics that touch on issues of water, biodiversity, reproductive rights, treatment of animals( especially the cruelty and mass slaughter of billions of chickens annually), and most importantly the need to teach compassion and non-violence within our education system. Perhaps courses in meditation, mediation and yoga, will make for more solid and humane citizens, especially in light of the rash of school shootings, which has plagued the United States since the tragedy at Columbine High School. We have to care about the one, so that we can forward that knowledge to the many. You can get the book, Hope on Earth: A Conversation on Amazon.com and check out www.dancingstarfoundation.
#1425: Michael Tobias, author of “Hope on Earth: A Conversation”
1422: Joseph Mauricio, Meditation Coach and Comedian
Mind over matter is a truism. Joseph Mauricio brought his zen to this week’s show, as we touched on meditation, and how we all need to take time to slow down and clear our minds of the stresses of daily life. Joseph is the founder of Lifework Mindfulness Based Coaching Service, and the The Living Meditation Project. He is also a performer, storyteller, and he does stand-up as well as sketch and improvisational comedy. He has worked with Michael Moriarty and Alan Ginsberg, and has studied with Sakyong Mipham at retreats in the US and abroad. Find out how comedy and meditation connect to bring balance to one’s life. Visit www.josephmauricio.com to get more information about meditation classes and comedy shows, as laughter is a great way to release the zen in you.
#1422: Joseph Mauricio, Meditation Coach and Comedian
1421: The Margo Family
How special it was to have my mom Ruthie, the Queen of F’ing Everything join me in the studio for her 95th Birthday. Token Bros Phil and Mitch Margo were also there to celebrate mom, and to talk about growing up in Brooklyn and being sustainable before it became a buzzword. Mom talked about gardening and nature walks on Ocean Parkway, and vacant lots that grew wild flowers and shrubs that we used as cuttings. Throw in some politics and music to spice things up, and voila a birthday celebration turned into a show. My Dad Leon, was definitely looking down from the heavens and smiling. For more info on Phil and Mitch go to www.thetokens.com and check out a great reading tool www.margoreader.com.
1416: Sara Romanoski, East Village Community Coalition
The East Village in NYC is a mecca for the arts, the bohemian in all of us, and it is a NYC treasure that must be preserved. Sara Romanoski, Managing Director of the East Village Community Coalition, is working hard to maintain the character, architecture and sense of community in this vibrant and historic neighborhood in Manhattan. Community Gardens dot the area with flora and fauna, and buildings with rich histories must be cared for and cherished. One must often fight for what’s right, and legal actions to maintain these buildings are intense and involve many community residents, and yes, many lawyers. The plight of the old PS 64 building has been an example of how the community has come together to save the 100 plus year old structure. With the influx of new money comes certain changes that do not reflect the character of the neighborhood, which is why the East Village Community Coalition is working to preserve the past and build for the future. Please visit www.evccnyc.org to find out how you can help keep the East Village diverse, bohemian and beautiful.
#1415: Recyclebank
Americans do not recycle enough and landfills are clogged with unnecessary waste. Enter Recyclebank, a model company that rewards towns, businesses and individuals for increasing their recycling capacities. Erika Diamond, Vice President of Community Solutions, explains that behavioral change is possible when incentives and rewards are put into place to promote positive behavior. Recyclebank is working to increase recycling rates, which will reduce waste disposal via education, gamification and public/private partnerships, to get communities to participate in green actions thus making the planet cleaner and safer. To find out how you can get involved, go to www.recyclebank.com
#1409: Leon Kolankiewicz
Immigration and over population are topics that intertwine, and are somewhat under the radar. Those two issues will have long lasting negative effects on our natural resources and carbon emissions. Join me and my guest Leon Kolankiewicz. environmental scientist, natural resources planner, and author, as we discuss those topics. We also talk about the greening of the current generation of millennials, and what their thoughts are about issues of sustainability. Will they save the planet? Tune in to find out. For more information, visit the Population Media Center www.populationmedia.org or The Population Institute at www.populationinstitute.or
#1401: Brooklyn Grange Farm
Learn what you can grow Up On The Roof, as Bradley Fleming, Farm Manager at Brooklyn Grange Farm explains how urban agriculture is taking hold on a tall building near you. Find out what grows best on a city roof, and how it helps both the environment and adds to the sustainability of NYC. Go to www.brooklyngrangefarm.com for more info.
#1407: Alan Weisman, author of Countdown
Join me and my guest Alan Weisman, award winning author and journalist, as we touch on the subject of his latest book “Countdown”, which gives us insight into how over population and over consumption directly affects the environment. The demand for energy increases as the population rises, which is depleting our natural resources and adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Alan is deeply concerned about these issues, and we can start to fix things by educating the populous, especially women, about reproductive rights, contraceptives, having smaller families, which will lessen the impact on the environment, and lead to a healthier planet. Search the web for “Countdown” and Alan Weisman to get more information.
#1405: Adele Stan, RH Reality Check Reporter
Our guest this week is Adele Stan, Washington Bureau chief for RH Reality Check. She is an author and investigative reporter who covers reproductive rights, the modern feminist movement, as well as voters rights, environmental topics and issues of overpopulation. Find out why “things don’t go better with Koch”, and how Citizens United has wreaked havoc on the foundation of our political system. To find out more go to www.rhrealitycheck.org/
#1348: Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage
My co-producer Abba Carmichael steps in to host TMSOG, and chats with Tony Sirna co-founder of Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage, a highly sustainable community, which encourages members to live off the land, off the grid and reduce consumption. They are a stellar example of being one with nature and being mindful of Mother Earth. Tune in to find out more about how Dancing Rabbit Eco Village is a model for eco awareness and preservation of the planet. Go to www.dancingrabbit.org for more info.