Water is the source of all life, there is a world water crisis, and millions of people on the planet do not have potable, clean, drinking water. My guest this week, Paul Lazarus, director, writer and producer of film, television and theater has directed a wonderful documentary entitled, Slingshot. The film focuses on the the current global water crisis, and the path that inventor/engineer extraordinaire, Dean Kamen takes to bring his water purification system to the world market. The documentary has won film festival awards, and is a must see movie. For more information, go to www.slingshotdoc.com
Category: Education
#1434: Regina Cornwell, of Inclimate, and artist Lynn Cazabon discuss “Uncultivated”
Why are weeds considered the rats of the horticultural world, and what can we do to make people think about weeds in a more positive light? Join me and my guests Regina Cornwell, Curator and organizer of inClimate, and Lynn Cazabon, artist and Associate Professor of Art at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County as we discuss the project they are currently working on called “Uncultivated.” This project connects art and science, in an effort to educate the community about the importance of the edible plants (weeds), that grow wild within the urban area of Hunts Point in the Bronx. Regina is also a Climate Change presenter for the Climate Reality Project, which was started by Al Gore as an offshoot of the film An Inconvenient Truth. For more information go to www.inclimate.org and climaterealityproject.org
1440: Alliance for Climate Education (ACE)
There is nothing cool about climate change, but what is cool are the student leaders and educators who are working hard to build awareness, and develop solutions to environmental problems. Join me and my guests Maayan Cohen, Education and Leadership Manager at the Alliance for Climate Education (ACE), and student leaders from ACE, Lizbeth Lucero and Anthony Neciosup, for a lively discussion on the power of education. ACE uses interactive assemblies, which combine science and pop culture to build awareness and educate students about the environment, and how they can act to prevent global warming. For more information about ACE, go to climateeducation.org and acespace.org
1433: Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation’s (CELF) Summer Institute
I had the opportunity this summer to spend time at the Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation’s Summer Institute at Manhattanville College in Purchase NY, and spoke to many wonderful educators about the importance of teaching students about the environment. As the climate continues to change on a daily basis, it is more vital than ever, that the subject matter of sustainability, adaptability and caring for the planet is taught in our schools. CELF is working with educators to provide the needed curriculum, and to grow environmental citizens who will take care of Mother Nature, for this and future generations to come. Go to celfeducation.org for more information or contact Patti Bressman, Director of Student Programs/Director of Operations.
1435: Peter Olmsted; Vote Solar
The sun is free, the sun is strong, the sun can power the planet. Join me and my guest Peter Olmsted, Solar Policy Advocate for Vote Solar, as we discuss how grassroot campaigns and communities can bring solar to the people. Peter works to promote energy independence and reduce the effects of climate change by making solar a mainstream energy source across the US. New York is quickly becoming a lead solar state via the NY Sun Initiative. Tomorrow may rain, but we’ll follow the sun. For more info on Vote Solar initiatives and how you can help solarize your community, go to votesolar.org
1432: Jane Gray Morrison: Conservationist, Filmmaker, Author and Ecologist
Compassionate conservationist, filmmaker, author and ecologist, Jane Gray Morrison tells us about the need for ethical treatment of animals, and how important it is to preserve and protect the natural earth for this and future generations to come. Jane and I discuss her trilogy of documentary films: Mad Cowboy, No Vacancy and Hotspots, as well as her beautiful photographed book Sanctuary: Global Oases of Innocence. She was also the senior producer for the ten hour dramatic miniseries for TBS entitled: Voice of the Planet, which was written by Michael Tobias and starred William Shatner and Faye Dunaway. Jane is the Executive Vice President of Dancing Star Foundation, and is also a lover of Opera. She was an opera singer, and is now Director of the International Festival Society, which nurtures and supports gifted musicians at workshops and classical music festivals worldwide. To find out more about what Jane is up to visit www.dancingstarfoundation.
#1432: Jane Gray Morrison: Conservationist, Filmmaker, Author and Ecologist
1430: Stephanie Feldstein, Director of the Population and Sustainability Program at the Center for Biological Diversity
My guest this week is Stephanie Feldstein, Director of the Population and Sustainability Program at the Center for Biological Diversity. Mother Earth cannot continue to sustain the current rate of population growth, and the 7.2 billion people on the planet are depleting natural resources. Many species are becoming extinct because of human activity that encroaches on their habitats. Stephanie works on campaigns to build awareness of the need to slow down population growth and to help save endangered species. #CrowdedPlanet campaign encourages people to take photos of daily life events that depict overcrowding, and post and tweet them. Recent photos include photos of traffic jams, crowded subways and the parking lots at malls. There is also the “endangered species corundum” campaign, which hands out free condoms with slogans and pictures of endangered species on the wrapper. My favorite slogan is “Safe intercourse saves the Dwarf Seahorse.” Tune in to find out what Stephanie’s favorite slogan is. For more information on how you can get involved with issues of overpopulation and animal advocacy go to: www.biologicaldiversity.org
1429: Michael Tobias, President of Dancing Star Foundation
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.
#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.