Climate Changed

In our final episode of Season Two, we’re joined by Dr. Shanon Shah, an advocate whose work is at the intersection of faith, human rights, and climate change. Shanon's multifaceted career includes journalism, theater, and academia in Malaysia before his relocation to London. A practicing Muslim, Shanon is also a scholar in the sociology of religion and the Senior Deputy Editor of the Muslim Institute's flagship publication, Critical Muslim. He serves as the Director of Faith for Climate, a UK-based organization that seeks to empower faith communities in the struggle against climate change. This episode is an inspiring dive into the rich tapestry of Shanon's identity as a queer Muslim man and how that identity informs his perspectives on climate justice. He discusses the invaluable role that faith traditions play in shaping our understanding of climate change, social justice, and collective action. From spiritual resilience to confronting issues of power and reparations, Shanon illustrates how religion can provide both a moral compass and a community for change. Host Nicole Diroff joins Shanon Shah in exploring the role of faith communities in addressing climate change, particularly leading up to and during the COP26 conference. Both speakers wrestle with questions of power, social location, and the complex entanglements of religion with imperialism and colonialism — offering listeners a complicated but hopeful view of the potential for faith communities to play a transformative role in climate justice. Grounding: The Seed: If you attended Convocation 2021, you'll remember some really sacred moments as our Convocation music leader, Pax Ressler, shared their original song, "The Soil," commissioned by The BTS Center especially for Convocation. Pax joins us to sing “The Seed” as a grounding practice for this episode of the podcast. Several of you have asked for sheet music, and with special thanks to Pax, now it's available — and not only sheet music, but a lead sheet, a lyrics sheet, and an mp3 recording — all free for download. Topics Covered in This Episode: A Special Moment: Don’t miss the beautiful exchange between Shanon and our host, where Shanon cites prayers from Islamic and Christian traditions that encapsulate the faith-inspired vision for a just and sustainable world. Next Steps from the Conversation: Five Steps for Interfaith Understanding (via Interfaith Philadelphia’s Passport to Understanding): Practical Next Steps: Interfaith Philadelphia's websiteGreenfaith.org'Epistolary Practice of Play for the Seventh Generation' Peterson Toscano's Red Cross Volunteering: Various ways to engage in community support through Red Cross volunteering: Disaster Action Team: Provide immediate emergency assistance. Blood Donor Ambassadors: Assist in the blood donation process. Disaster Mental Health Volunteers: Provide mental health support during disasters. Spiritual Care Volunteers: Offer spiritual guidance and support. Meet Shanon Shah Shanon is the Director of Faith for the Climate. He balanced careers in human rights advocacy, journalism, and theatre and music in his native Malaysia before relocating to London in 2010. He holds a doctorate in the sociology of religion from King’s College London and is a Fellow of the London-based Muslim Institute, where he is Senior Deputy Editor of its flagship quarterly publication, Critical Muslim. He also conducts research for the Information Network Focus on Religious Movements (INFORM), an independent educational charity based at King’s College London, and is Tutor in Islam at the University of London Worldwide. Meet Pax Ressler Pax Ressler (they/she) is a non-binary performer, devisor, music director, and composer who believes singing is one of the most human and communal things we can do. She blends and infuses her love for cabaret, musical theater, and harmony into her music work, including writing an album of non-binary love songs and gardening Philadelphia’s paid civic...

In this thought-provoking episode of the podcast "Am I the Right Person?," Ben engages in deeply insightful conversations with Margaret Wheatley, an icon in organizational leadership, and Debra Rienstra, author of Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonder, and the Healing of the Earth. Wheatley paints a grim picture of the future, citing escalating climate issues, political tensions, and social unrest. Despite this outlook, she argues that meaningful, spiritually-based work can still be done. By facing the harsh realities, humans can focus on values like kindness, generosity, and community. Wheatley emphasizes the importance of accepting that large-scale systems are unlikely to change, urging people to focus on smaller "islands of sanity" where meaningful impact is still possible. She contends that instead of grand ambitions of saving the world, we should look at what is needed in our immediate environments and ask whether we are the right people to meet those needs. For leaders feeling overwhelmed, she advises fostering environments where people can rediscover their best qualities and collaborate on shared goals. Drawing parallels with the concept of the "dark night of the soul," the discussion also explores how commitment to living meaningfully doesn't have to be tied to specific outcomes. This is especially relevant in privileged Western contexts where efficacy is often judged based on measurable results. The episode delves into the harsh truths of our time, the existential crises they provoke, and how we can still find meaningful ways to contribute. Special guest co-host Debra Rienstra joins Ben for a conversation. DISCUSSION GUIDE FOR SMALL GROUP CONVERSATIONS VIEW TRANSCRIPT Meet Margaret Wheatley Margaret (Meg) Wheatley, Ed.D. began caring about the world’s peoples in 1966 as a Peace Corps volunteer in post-war Korea. As a consultant, senior-level advisor, teacher, speaker, and formal leader, she has worked on all continents (except Antarctica) with all levels, ages, and types of organizations, leaders, and activists. Her work now focuses on developing and supporting leaders globally as Warriors for the Human Spirit. These leaders put service over self, stand steadfast through crises and failures, and make a difference for the people and causes they care about. With compassion and insight, they know how to invoke people’s inherent generosity, creativity, kindness, and community — no matter what’s happening around them. Margaret has written ten books, including the classic Leadership and the New Science, and has been honored for her pathfinding work by many professional associations, universities, and organizations. She received her Doctorate from Harvard University in 1979, an M.A. in Media Ecology from NYU in 1974, and a B.A. from University of Rochester in 1966. She spent a year at University College London 1964-65. Her website is designed as a library of free resources as well as information about products and her speaking calendar: www.margaretwheatley.com Meet The Many The Many is an uncommon, intentionally diverse collective making music for people to sing together about peace and justice and a world where all belong. Drawing on indie pop and gospel influences, The Many makes music to help give voice to faith and doubt, questions and fears, laments and longings, music that speaks to a non-violent God, a Jesus who is with us and for us, and to a Spirit that can't be easily defined or controlled. It's music for a movement of resistance to hatred and division, for reconciliation and restoration, and music that always reminds us "we are on this earth to love." Meet Debra Rienstra Debra Rienstra is professor of English at Calvin University. Her most recent book is Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth (Fortress 2022). Rienstra is also the host of the Refugia Podcast and writes bi-weekly for The Reformed Journal. She is also a member of Third Act...

We explore how to navigate love and responsibility in a rapidly changing world, particularly in the face of climate change. We're honored to have Ray Buckley join us for this conversation. Ray is a teacher, storyteller, author, and poet of Lakota, Tlingit, and Scots descent. He brings a unique blend of cultural and spiritual wisdom, particularly the profound understanding of what it means to be in "good relationship" with the Creator, fellow human beings, and all of creation. Ray's experiences growing up in a culturally rich environment and caring for his brother Rick have deeply influenced his worldview. (For complete show notes and full transcript visit: https://thebtscenter.org/climate-changed/podcast-season-two-episode-4/ Our conversation dives into: Whether you're coming from a place of privilege or are directly affected by the struggles of the world, this episode is a heart-felt guide on how to love the world as it is, while also acting responsibly for its future. We talk about what it means to stand in "good relationship" with everything and everyone around us, and how that might just be the key to facing our uncertain future. This episode is a rich tapestry of wisdom, humor, and poignant moments that challenge us to reconsider our roles in this shared, sacred journey we call life. So take a deep breath, and prepare to be both grounded and elevated by this transformative conversation. Meet Ray Buckley Ray Buckley is the interim Director of the Center for Native American Spirituality and Christian Study. Buckley has served The United Methodist Church as a staff member of The United Methodist Publishing House, Director of the Native People’s Communication Office (UMCom) for nine years, and Director of Connectional Ministries for the Alaska Missionary Conference. Most recently, Buckley wrote Hard to Dance with the Devil on Your Back and contributed to A New Dawn in Beloved Community. Also, he is the author/illustrator of five books: God’s Love is Like…, The Give-Away: A Christmas Story in the Native American Tradition, The Wing, Christmas Moccasins, and Dancing with Words: Storytelling as Legacy, Culture, and Faith. He is also the author of Creator Sang a Welcoming Song, and Walking in These White Man Shoes, children and youth resources for the Women’s Division School of Missions. Buckley has taught in Nigeria and Ghana and served as a lecturer in Native American studies for several universities. Ray Buckley is of Lakota/Tlingit/Scots descent. Ray is one of several Native leaders profiled in As Long As the Waters Flow: Native Americans in the South and East by Frye Gillard, and The Power of Eagles: Nature's Way to Individual Accomplishment by Twyman L. Towery. Books by Ray Buckley Holy Living: Prayer Hard To Dance With the Devil On Your Back The Wing Grounding In this "Grounding" segment of Climate Changed, Peterson Toscano addresses the emotional and mental toll that caring for the world can take, especially in the context of climate change and social issues. Originally planning to record outdoors, Toscano is forced indoors due to wildfires, symbolizing the need for adaptability in a changing world. He speaks directly to his busy, concerned listeners, acknowledging the multitude of issues that weigh on their hearts, from social justice and politics to environmental worries and personal relationships. Toscano offers comforting wisdom: while you can't solve all of the world's problems, you can still make a meaningful contribution. By setting boundaries and focusing on what is personally "yours to do," you can be an effective change agent without becoming overwhelmed. The overarching message is one of empowered hope: your heart has the capacity to care deeply for many issues, and there's room for love and action even in challenging times. This podcast is a project of The BTS Center in Portland, Maine, USA www.thebtscenter.org

In this eye-opening episode of our podcast, we bring you an enlightening conversation with Eileen Flanagan — a Quaker author, activist, and organizer who strives to make activism more effective. Co-hosts Dr. Keisha McKenzie and Nicole Diroff dive deep into topics that challenge us on how we approach climate change, social justice, and activism. Discussion Guide for Small Group Conversations: https://thebtscenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Climate-Changed-S02-E03-Discussion-Guide.pdf Full Transcript: https://thebtscenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Eileen-Flanagan-What-is-Mine-to-Do_otter_ai.pdf Official podcast page: https://thebtscenter.org/climate-changed/ Grounding Reflection: The episode kicks off with a grounding reflection by The BTS Center's Executive Director, Reverend Dr. Allen Ewing-Merrill, featuring an evocative poem by Lori Hetteen that urges us to embrace joy even when the world feels like it's burning. Main Conversation: Nicole's rich dialogue with Eileen traverses diverse themes, from the interconnectedness of all life to the role of spiritual leaders in times of climate crisis. Eileen's commitment to a spiritually grounded and effective climate justice movement is as educational as it is inspiring. They discuss how systemic divisions perpetuated by those in power harm not just humans but the entire planet. Four Rules of Social Change: Eileen shares invaluable advice on effective activism, breaking it down into four roles: the Helper, the Advocate, the Organizer, and the Rebel. Find out which role you naturally fit into and how stepping out of your comfort zone can yield transformative change. Wisdom and Courage: In a thought-provoking moment, Eileen shares her love for the Serenity Prayer and how its essence has guided her in choosing battles wisely and courageously. She sheds light on how the plural version of the prayer, initially penned by Reinhold Niebuhr during World War II, encourages collective action, changing the question from "What can I do?" to "What can we do?" Whether you're an activist fighting fatigue or a concerned individual yearning to make a difference, this episode has something for everyone. Next Steps for Engaged Hope By combining personal reflection with actionable steps, both individuals and organizations can identify their roles and take meaningful steps toward combating climate change and promoting sustainability. Divestment Strategies for Faith-Based Communities: eqat.org Self and Organizational Reflection: Additional Resources: EquatCitizens Climate LobbyFriends Committee on National Legislation Climate Changed is a podcast about pursuing faith, life, and love in a climate-changed world. Hosted by Nicole Diroff and Ben Yosua-Davis. Climate Changed features guests who deepen the conversation while also stirring the waters. The Climate Changed podcast is a project of The BTS Center. The show is produced by Peterson Toscano. Meet Eileen Flanagan Eileen Flanagan is known nationally for her work as a climate activist and nonviolence trainer. As board chair of Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT), she helped to develop and execute the strategy that pressured a $4 billion-a-year bank to stop financing mountaintop removal coal mining. Later, as co-director of EQAT, she helped to build the ongoing grassroots campaign against Vanguard, the world’s #1 investor in fossil fuels. The award-winning author of three books, she tells the story of why she started doing civil disobedience for climate justice in Renewable: One Woman’s Search for Simplicity, Faithfulness, and Hope. She is now working on a book about the intersection of race, climate, and spirituality. Join her newsletter or check out her online courses at eileenflanagan.com. https://twitter.com/eileenflanagan https://www.facebook.com/eileenflanaganauthor Insta: @eileenflanaganauthor https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileenflanagan/ Finding your Role online course: https://eileenflanagan.teachable.com/p/finding-your-role Meet...

In this episode of Climate Changed, listeners will hear from Dr. Susi Moser, an accomplished scientist and geographer. For Moser, any effort that builds community is actually significant climate work. Moser has worked at the highest levels of climate science, including on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or the IPCC. This is the UN body responsible for assessing climate change, and their reports carry incredible weight around the world. Now Moser has been on an amazing journey from that work, helping equip people on the frontlines of climate change to engage in that work for the long term. “Humans and how they affect the environment, the earth and how they are affected by it — that is a central theme within geography,” Moser said. “That got me very quickly into this area of interest of, if we understand what we're doing to the environment, why are we not stopping it? Why are we not trying to prevent this, changing the earth in in profound fundamental ways. So very quickly, I got interested in climate change as sort of a topic of investigation and trying particularly to understand the human impact on the environment on the climate and then the other way around.” But such a pivotal job takes a toll on mental health. Moser discusses how to handle burnout in a work culture that doesn’t encourage taking breaks. She offers advice on how Christians and climate activists can find the strength to keep going. Listeners will also get to participate in a meditative grounding practice, led by Katie Patrick, author of the book and podcast How to Make Changing the World the Greatest Game We’ve Ever Played. Patrick recognizes the critical role of creativity, optimism, and imagination in the craft of social and environmental change. Through this guided meditation, she reveals the big mistake so many of us make in our climate work, one that she made herself. Climate Changed is a podcast about pursuing faith, life, and love in a climate-changed world, produced by the BTS Center. A special thanks to Citizens’ Climate Radio for providing a recording of Katie Patrick’s conversation. Check out Season 1 here. Next Steps for Engaged Hope Ask yourself: What do I love? How can I engage those loves in a way that cultivates caring community in a climate changed world? Have a conversation this week where you listen and respond from the heart. If you need help getting started, check out these resources from StoryCorps. About our guests Dr. Susanne Moser Dr. Suzi Moser is the Director and Principal Researcher of Susanne Moser Research & Consulting, based in Hadley, MA. In her research and work with various organizations and entities, Moser focuses on adaptation to climate change, especially in coastal areas, resilience, transformation, decision support, and effective climate change communication in support of social change. Moser is co-editor of a groundbreaking anthology on climate change communication, called Creating a Climate for Change: Communicating Climate Change and Facilitating Social Change, published in 2006. In addition to being a prolific writer, she has done extensive work with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Katie Patrick Katie Patrick is the author of the book and podcast How to Make Changing the World the Greatest Game We’ve Ever Played, as well as the book Zerowastify: Your Complete Tutorial to the Art of Zero Waste Living. Patrick is an environmental engineer and climate action designer. In addition to writing several books and hosting a podcast, Patrick is the co-founder of Energy Lollipop and Urban Canopy in San Francisco — two startups that are devoted to bringing down the peak CO2 released by the electricity grid. Climate Changed is a podcast about pursuing faith, life, and love in a climate-changed world. Hosted by Nicole Diroff and Ben Yosua-Davis. Climate Changed features guests who deepen the conversation while also stirring the waters. The Climate Changed podcast is a project of...

In this enlightening episode, we explore the notion of collective truth-telling through a poetic introduction and a compelling conversation with Rob Shetterly, the artist behind the portrait series "Americans Who Tell the Truth." We begin with Lilace Mellin Guignard's evocative poem "The Great Reimagining," a heartfelt call to rekindle our imagination and respect for our planet and its intricate ecosystems. NEW Discussion Guide for the episode! View the Transcript Grounding Lilace Mellin Guignard reads her poem, The Great Re-Imagining. She first shared it publicly at The BTS Center’s 2022 Convocation. Lilace Mellin Guignard is a poet who realized long after completing her MFA that she had, in fact, followed in her father’s footsteps. A pastor’s daughter, being raised in a liberal social justice church in the suburbs of Maryland meant her childhood was filled with music and art and faith. Her best memories of her father are when, on his weekends off, he’d take her with him to Greenbelt National Park where he’d lead outdoor worship for those camping. Lilace is the author of the memoir, When Everything Beyond the Walls Is Wild: Being a Woman Outdoors in America and the poetry chapbook Lost in the Homeland, winner of the 2015 Helen Kay Chapbook Poetry Prize. Her poems have appeared in the journals Calyx, Hawk & Handsaw: The Journal of Creative Sustainability, Northern Appalachia Review, The Fourth River: Climate Change Issue, and Poetry Magazine’s ecojustice issue. Her poems have also appeared in anthologies, including Facing the Change: Personal Encounters with Global Warming and Ghost Fishing: An Eco-Justice Poetry Anthology. She taught creative writing, outdoor recreation leadership, and women’s studies at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. She is now Associate Publisher at Beagle Media, publisher of Mountain Home magazine. Lilace’s webpage: www.tentofonesown.com Lilace on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lilace.guignard/ Lilace on Instagram: www.instagram.com/lilaceguignard/ Main Conversation Our main conversation features Rob Shetterly, a Maine-based artist and social advocate. Rob opens up about how his portrait series, "Americans Who Tell the Truth," emerged as a response to feelings of grief, guilt, and alienation during the run-up to the Iraq war. His transformative project now boasts over 200 portraits, each portraying an American truth-teller, from historical figures like Henry David Thoreau to contemporary voices like Bryan Stevenson. Shetterly's insights into environmental justice offer a profound perspective. He discusses the destructive tendencies of modern culture to commodify nature, mentioning examples like mountaintop removal and the importance of organizations like Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association in countering destructive practices. The episode expands on various forms of truth-telling — whether through art, civil disobedience, organization-building, or eloquent writing like Robin Wall Kimmerer's — and their vital role in establishing a more sustainable and equitable world. Next Steps for Climate Change Engagement and Community Involvement Specific Action Steps Samantha Smith Challenge Additional Resources and Actions: Truth TellersTruth TellersAmericansWhoTellTheTruth.org By following these guidelines and specific actions, you can make a meaningful contribution to combating climate change and fostering community involvement. Climate Changed is a podcast about pursuing faith, life, and love in a climate-changed world. Hosted by Nicole Diroff and Ben Yosua-Davis, Climate Changed features guests who deepen the conversation while also stirring the waters. The Climate Changed podcast is a project of The BTS Center. The show is produced by Peterson Toscano.

Nicole Diroff shares excerpts from Season Two of Climate Changed podcast featuring Rob Shetterly, Shanon Shah, Margaret Wheatley, and Debra Rienstra. Nicole Diroff: Climate Changed podcast focuses on collective honesty and hope Nicole Diroff: Hey there. I'm Nicole Diroff. Ben Yosua-Davis and I host the Climate Changed podcast. Over the past several months, we interviewed wise and insightful guests. We collected poems and songs to provide you with a chance to center. And now we are putting finishing touches on season two of Climate Changed. Our focus for this new season is collective honesty and complicated hope in a climate changed world. Ben and I talk about this a lot in our work at The BTS Center, where we offer formative programs for spiritual leaders of diverse backgrounds. Season two includes people we've had the opportunity to work with through these BTS Center programs.

Ben Yosua-Davis 00:00 Hi, I'm Ben Yosua-Davis, co host of the Climate Change Podcast. I am incredibly excited about season two of our show. In this season, we ask big questions about collective honesty and complicated hope, which feels really timely in a moment dominated by news of floods, wildfire, smoke and record breaking heat. I talk with Dr. Suzanne Moser about what it means to lead well in an era defined by accelerating traumatic and transformational change. Dr. Susie Moser 00:31 When people are really, really threatened in their identity, they are pushed to change. And who of us wants to? Thank you very much. It was just fine before or you know, it's it's too hard. And I don't know how. So helping people frame that process and frame the dark night of the soul. I mean, that's your territory, right? Ben Yosua-Davis 00:55 Indigenous writer and teacher Ray Buckley shares what it means to practice forgiveness and joy in the face of almost unthinkable, communal and personal tragedy. Ray Buckley 01:08 There wasn't that moment in the understanding, didn't come through reading books, or anything that niche that in this case, one would cause a significant tragedy. Me and my family that there was a way past this for both of us. Ben Yosua-Davis 01:28 And you will hear the amazing conversation I had with iconic author and organisational thinker Margaret Wheatley. She shares about what it means to do hope filled meaningful work, even in the face of genuinely insurmountable challenges. Margaret Wheatley 01:49 It shifts from what do I think I need to feel fulfilled and purpose filled life to what does the world need from me. And it's not the big world. It's the world of your community, your congregation, your school, your family, your team. And I call those islands of sanity now because we're doing our very best to create sanity to create the conditions for people to be free of fear and express therefore our best human qualities of generosity, kindness, creativity, and community. 02:29 Do you want to be challenged and inspired? Join us for this amazing series of conversations. You can listen to climate change wherever you get your podcasts for visit The BTS Center.

In season two of the climate changed podcast, Ben Yosua-Davis and Nicole Diroff will help you take an unflinching look at the devastating reality of climate change, not to scare the snot out of us. No, they and their amazing guests balance and honest view of the problems with clear direction about how we can take up our roles in this rapidly changing world. The new season of Climate Changed podcast premieres on Tuesday September 26, 2023. Ben and Nicole ask big questions as they speak with thought leaders, climate change specialists, and people at the intersections of faith and climate action. Some questions and guests include: What Does Collective Truth Telling Look Like? with artist Rob Shetterly How Can I Keep Going? with Dr. Susi Moser, a scientist and climate adaptation expert. What Is Mine to Do? with Quicker author and environmental activist Eileen Flanagan How Do You Love the World As It Is? with indigenous practitioner Ray Buckley Am I the Right Person? with author Margaret Wheatley What Roles Can Religions Play? with Shanon Shah, a British Muslim leader and the director of Faith for the Climate Ben and Nicole are joined by conversation partners Dr. Keisha McKenzie and Debra Rienstra. Subscribe wherever you get podcasts and visit the BTS Center's Climate Changed page for Season One and full show notes once episodes premiere.

In this episode of the Climate Changed podcast, you will experience: We Really Existed and We Really Did ThisWords for a Dying World: Stories of Grief and Courage from the Global Church, About Hannah Malcolm Hannah is an ordinand in the Church of England and is writing a PhD on a theology of climate and ecological grief. She is on the board of Operation Noah and regularly speaks and writes about climate justice and the church. She is the editor of Words for a Dying World: Stories of Grief and Courage from the Global Church (SCM Press, 2020). About Michael DiMonte Michael DiMonte is a Christian, husband, father, and grandfather. He was raised Catholic, but has also attended Presbyterian, UCC, and United Methodist churches. He currently acts as a lay leader for the Working for Justice Ministry at St. Paul’s UMC near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While now retired, his professional career included working as an engineer, project manager, and executive in companies providing equipment to the electric power industry. He holds engineering degrees from Bucknell University and Purdue University, and a management degree from the Hartford Graduate Center. Click here for full transcript of this episode Some Highlights from the Conversation “My children are the ones who keep me grounded and teach me joy. That's important for me. I work in climate, and I love my job. But sometimes, I have to stare into the abyss.” — Ben Yosua-Davis “We don't know how to deal with problems that simply cannot be fixed. We have no way of hoping in the face of problems that cannot be fixed. Because hope for us must always be an expression of power. ” — Ben Yosua-Davis “Don't be afraid to talk to people who may see things very differently. We need to garner the courage to stick our necks out and engage people who see things differently.” — Michael DiMonte “I found it very helpful to remember that in the Christian tradition, hope is a virtue, as much as it is a feeling that we can have that hope, like love is a virtue that, you know, you can't just have the virtue of hope by sort of wanting to be hopeful. You have to have the virtue of hope by practicing hopefulness; virtues come through the action of developing a habit.” — Hannah Malcolm “There's quite a lot of danger in our grief becoming highly personalized. This kind of grief can make us nihilistic, it can make us selfish, it can make us behave in destructive ways, as well as compassionate ways. ” — Hannah Malcolm Next Steps for Engaged Hope ready.gov/kit Climate Changed is a podcast about pursuing faith, life, and love in a climate-changed world. Hosted by Nicole Diroff and Ben Yosua-Davis, Climate Changed features guests who deepen the conversation while also stirring the waters. The Climate Changed podcast is a project of The BTS Center. The show is produced by Peterson Toscano.

In this episode of the Climate Changed podcast, you will experience: About Veronice Miles The Rev. Dr. Veronice Miles is a preacher, teacher, scholar, mentor, and artist committed to a life of ministry in the church and in the academy. She serves as the Mary Elizabeth McGehee Joyce Professor of Preaching at the Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC. Answering the call to ordained ministry in 1994, she was licensed by the First Missionary Baptist Church, making her the first woman to be licensed without contestation in a Missionary Baptist Church, in Gainesville, Florida. She was ordained in 1999 at the Greater Bethany Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Miles has taught preaching for more than 16 years and has preached extensively. She has also contributed to various academic and church related journals, commentaries, and books. Her publication, Embodied Hope: A Homiletical Theology Reflection (CASCADE Books), explores the human capacity to live with Hope and the power and potential of preaching to amplify Hope’s resonance in our lives. Preaching, she believes, neither ignores nor concedes defeat to the despairing realities of life. Rather, preaching emboldens individuals and communities of faith to live with Hope and respond in the affirmative to God’s “yes” for creation and for our lives. With these thoughts as foci, her research highlights the formative and transformative potential of preaching, including the role of preaching in redressing persistently threatening challenges that pervade U.S. culture. As a lifelong learner, Dr. Miles has earned several degrees, including the Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Education and Homiletics from Emory University’s Graduate Division of Religion in Atlanta, GA, and a Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University with certificates in Religious Education and Black Church Studies. She also earned the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Education in Counseling, and Education Specialist in Student Personnel Services, all from the University of Florida. Grounded in the belief that God still anoints women and men “to bring good news to the poor... to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19), Dr. Miles endeavors to embody these practices in her life and ministry. Click here for full transcript of this episode Some Highlights from the Conversation “The people in my congregation are only the people in my community, but the world is our neighbor. And if we were to preserve, personify the earth and the environment, I feel like we almost have to, then the earth, these hands, and neighbor as well, is in the same care, compassion, concern that we have for one another.” — Veronice Miles “It is an incarnational kind of understanding of hope, that hope is within us. It's not something that we go and get from a place out there somewhere. It's not even something that is motivated by whether or not things are well in this moment, or terrible in this moment.” — Veronice Miles “So what happens if we get off the consumptive hamster wheel, and we have to start purchasing less things? What fills those spaces when we are no longer able to be addicted to our stuff, and it's actually beautiful things fill that space? It’s nature, it’s friends, it’s community, it’s art, it’s spaciousness?” — Ben Yosua-Davis Next Steps for Engaged Hope The Story of More by Hope JahrenPursuing our Passions in a Climate Changed WorldFrom What is to What If: Unleashing the Power of Imagination to Create the Future We WantConvocation 2022: Imagination and Collective Liberation for a Climate-Changed Worldready.govready.gov/kit Climate Changed is a podcast about pursuing faith, life, and love in a climate-changed world. Hosted by Nicole Diroff and Ben Yosua-Davis. Climate Changed features guests who deepen the conversation while also stirring the waters. The Climate...

What is Wrong with Me? with Keyana Pardilla, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and Sherri Mitchell In this episode of the Climate Changed podcast, you will experience: Sean Dague helps us envision a world without fossil fuels About Keyana Pardilla Keyana Pardilla graduated in 2020 from the University of Maine with a bachelor's degree in marine science. She grew up on a Penobscot reservation where she continues to live. Her current work is in the Youth Engagement Division at Wabanaki public health and wellness. Keyana describes herself this way: “My name is Keyana Pardilla and my pronouns are she/her. I belong to where the rocks widen otherwise known as the Penobscot Nation. I come from an indigenous background. I love science and education. I also practice some traditional forms of art, like beading. I love to paint, and I also am starting to learn how to weave some baskets, some traditional baskets. I am also a dog mom of two rescue pups. I love to go outdoors and explore nature. I have a bachelor's degree in marine science. I'm very passionate about the ocean and how we can combat climate change.” About Robin Wall Kimmerer Robin Wall Kimmerer is a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She is the author of the widely acclaimed book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants. Her first book, Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses, was awarded the John Burroughs Medal for outstanding nature writing, and her other work has appeared in Orion, Whole Terrain, and numerous scientific journals. She tours widely and has been featured on NPR’s On Being with Krista Trippett. In 2015, she addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations on the topic of “Healing Our Relationship with Nature.” Kimmerer lives in Syracuse, New York, where she is a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Environmental Biology, and the founder and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. Learn more about Robin Wall Kimmerer and view her portrait as part of Rob Shetterly’s “Americans Who Tell the Truth” series. About Sherri Mitchell Sherri Mitchell – Weh’na Ha’mu Kwasset, is a Native American attorney, teacher, activist and change maker who grew up on the Penobscot Indian Reservation. She is the author of the award-winning book Sacred Instructions; Indigenous Wisdom for Living Spirit-Based Change, and is the visionary behind the global healing ceremony Healing the Wounds of Turtle Island, which has brought people together from six continents with a commitment to heal our collective wounds and forge a unified path forward. Sherri is the founding director of the Land Peace Foundation, an organization dedicated to the protection of Indigenous land, water, and religious rights, and the preservation of the Indigenous way of life. She is an alumna of the American Indian Ambassador Program and the Udall Native American Congressional Internship Program. Her rights-based work has earned her the Mahoney Dunn International Human Rights and Humanitarian Award, the Spirit of Maine Award for International Human Rights, and the Peace and Justice Center’s Hands of Peace award. Sherri has been a longtime advisor to the American Indian Institute’s Traditional Circle of Indian Elders and Youth and was a program coordinator for their Healing the Future Program. She has also served as an advisor to the Indigenous Elders and Medicine People’s Council of North and South America for the past 20 years and is a consultant and Advisory Committee member for Nia Tero’s International Indigenous Land Guardianship Program. Sherri works at the intersections of our times, where she artfully weaves complex concepts into one unifying whole. She currently speaks and teaches around the world on a multitude of issues, including: Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and Spirit-Based Change. Click here for a full transcript of this episode. Some...

In this episode of the Climate Changed podcast, you will experience: Craig Santos PerezHabitat ThresholdHymn for the Brave About Craig Santos Perez Dr. Craig Santos Perez is an indigenous Chamoru from Guam. He is the co-editor of five anthologies and the author of five books of poetry and the academic monograph, Navigating Chamoru Poetry: Indigeneity, Aesthetics, and Decolonization. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the U of San Francisco and a PhD in Ethnic Studies from the U of California, Berkeley. He is a professor in the English department, and affiliate faculty with the Center for Pacific Islands Studies, at the U of Hawai'i at Manoa, where he teaches Pacific literature, creative writing, and eco-poetry. Click here for a full transcript of this episode. Some Highlights from the Conversation “Butterball, Butterball, Butterball,” a line from “Thanksgiving in the Anthropocene” One of the major themes Craig writes about is food, as well as agriculture and food supply systems. “I think food is such a wonderful way for us to think about these larger issues and think about diet and the ethics of eating, the use of plastic and other packaging materials, the routes that the food takes to get to our plate, the animals that are slaughtered, as well as the workers who are often exploited.” The poem offers a searing commentary, but Ben notes, “However, there's also something incredibly playful about the poem in the reading.” "What am I supposed to do with this damaged future that I'm giving them?" — Ben Yosua-Davis Ben and Craig pull back the curtains on parenting and reveal their own fears and concerns about possibly sharing too much too soon with their young children. When and how do you tell your children that the more-than-human world they love is at great risk? When do you shelter a child with silence and when do you begin the conversation? “...it gives them a space for creative expression and for healing.” — Craig Santos Perez Criag talks about his university students and how writing poetry that takes on ecological disasters helps them come closer to the issues and find a path forward. Craig explains, “I've also noticed how, you know, once students learn about these issues, once they write their own poetry about what is happening, they're much more inclined to actually, you know, go to a beach cleanup, or to march in the climate change rally or to attend other environmental events.” “Knowing how to grieve teaches us how to love.” — Nicole Diroff Nicole Diroff joins Ben to discuss the themes that came up in the conversation. She explains the ways she talks to her eight-year-old, Elliot. “I've made a real commitment to finding the right language, because my child may be five, or six, or eight, or 12, to find the right language to have the conversation, but making sure that that my son knows that I'm the sort of person to talk about these topics with that I'm desiring to learn and live in this world at the same time that he is. It's really important with our children, and I say with our children, but I kind of mean just with other people to allow the space for authentic expression of emotion.” Next Steps for Engaged Hope Earthbound Practicescan visit his website Climate Changed is a brand new podcast about pursuing faith, life, and love in a climate-changed world. Hosted by Nicole Diroff and Ben Yosua-Davis. Climate Changed features guests who deepen the conversation while also stirring the waters. The Climate Changed podcast is a project of The BTS Center. The show is produced by Peterson Toscano

In this very first episode of the new Climate Changed podcast you will experience: Next Steps for Engaged Hope Rev. Mariama White-Hammond from the 2021 Convocation Links Climate Changed podcast: https://climatechanged.podbean.com/ The BTS Center: https://thebtscenter.org/ Convocation 2021 Mariama White-Hammond keynote address: https://vimeo.com/620459476 “I used to think the top environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and climate change. I thought that with 30 years of good science we could address those problems. But I was wrong. The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed and apathy... and to deal with those we need a spiritual and cultural transformation...” — James “Gus” Speth About Rev. Mariama White-Hammond Rev. Mariama White-Hammond is a pastor, advocate, facilitator, and farmer whose work spans issues and sectors as she seeks to create a more just and sustainable world. She was recently appointed Chief of Energy, Environment and Open Spaces for the City of Boston under Mayor Kim Janey. In that role she oversees everything from Archeology to Animal Control. In particular, she is focused on what Boston can do to combat climate change, reduce environmental inequities and protect Boston’s urban ecosystem for everyone to enjoy. She is the founding pastor of New Roots AME Church, a multi-racial, multi-class community that is innovating new ways of doing church. Rev. Mariama uses an intersectional lens in her ecological work, challenging folks to see the connections between immigration and climate change or the relationship between energy policy and economic justice. She was a fellow with the Green Justice Coalition, which brings together eight social/environmental justice groups from around Massachusetts. She is the chair of the New England Grassroots Environmental Fund and the co-chair of RENEW New England.

In this episode of the Climate Changed podcast you will experience: Maya WilliamsEmily Dickinson’s HopeCorina Newsome About Corina Newsome Corina Newsome is the Associate Conservation Scientist at the National Wildlife Federation and a recent graduate from Georgia Southern University with a Master of Science in Biology. Corina, who began in the field of wildlife science as an animal care professional, specializes in avian conservation and passionately connects people with the natural world through birds. Having experienced the hurdles faced by marginalized communities in wildlife conservation, Corina’s mission is to center the perspectives and leadership of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in wildlife conservation, environmental education, and exploration of the natural world. Corina is also one of the co-organizers of the inaugural #BlackBirdersWeek About Maya Williams and Their poem, Religious Imposters From Mayawilliamspoet.com: Maya Williams (she/hers, they/them, and ey/em) is a religious nonbinary Black multiracial suicide survivor constantly writing poems. Maya is the seventh Poet Laureate of Portland, Maine. Maya's content covers suicide awareness, mental health, the prison industrial complex, faith, entertainment media, grief, and healing. About the poem, Religious Imposters, Maya writes: It is inspired by Baháʼí poet Anis Mojgani's poem "Shake the Dust." His poem is a call for so many different types of human beings to "shake the dust" and come into their own because of how there's so much to admire about them. I created this poem as an expression of love towards religious and non-religious people to let go of imposter syndrome (shake that dust, if you will). There's so much to admire about folks coming into their own worldview. As a Christian writer, I cannot separate my writing process from my faith (especially when I write my prayers in my private journal). There is a sense of sacredness and desire for a community when I engage in writing a poem similar to this one. Religious Imposters was published in Frost Meadow Review and then shared on the Interfaith Youth Core. The Conversation “Faith journeys are not soundbites” -Nicole Diroff Corina reveals how taking on racial injustice directly through activism has challenged the straight-forward faith she developed as a child at her church in Philadelphia. The outrage she has felt along with her commitment to engage in the struggle causes her to ask questions about her faith. She is wondering about Jesus as the great community organizer, as Dr. Heber Brown, has preached. To address the overwhelming anger along Corina chooses to engage in the process of deconstructing and reconstructing her faith. Through the process, she feels like a new person—back in touch with God and experiencing a new type of freedom. She and Nicole talk about this messy and essential process. “I decided to I would make a career out of my desire to look closely. -Corina Newsome from A Thing with Feathers Nicole first learned about Corina through the essay, The Thing with Feathers. Corina shared the essay in Rooted and Rising: Voices of Courage in a Time of Climate Crisis, an anthology edited by Rev. Dr. Leah D. Schade and Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas. In the essay Corina stresses the vial importance of looking closely. Nicole and Corina talk about the process of paying attention. Coming from a low-wealth background, Corina Newsome, discovered the power of connecting to our life source. Resource deprivation opened her up to the rich resources in nature, even in the city of Philadelphia. She says, “You can feel the difference it makes in your body as far as the stress levels and the constant tension that exists from not knowing and having to ration constantly. That is just such a taxing way to live. The moment you stop for 30 seconds and watch a living thing, something lifts inside of you…life just feels lighter somehow…Looking closely is very much a necessary opportunity that...

Peterson Toscano, host of Citizens Climate Radio, produces the new Climate Changed podcast. He finds hosts, Nicole Diroff and Ben Yosua-Davis, the perfect friends to talk him down when he is feeling overwhelmed by climate change. Their honesty, vulnerability, and resourcefulness provide him with fresh perspectives and much needed determination. Episodes One and Two premiere June 2022 Episode 1: How Do We Stop Doing Things that Make No Sense? With Rev. Mariama White-Hammond Episode 2: Where Do You Find Hope? With Corina Newsome Episode 3: What Do We Tell the Children? With Craig Santos Perez Episode 4: What is Wrong with Me? With Keyana Pardilla, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and Sherri Mitchell Episode 5: If I Can’t Make a Difference, then What Do I Do? With Veronice Miles Episode 6: Daddy, Did We Hurt Them? With Ben Yosua-Davis

Ben Yosua-Davis and Nicole Diroff are the hosts of the new Climate Changed podcast. They also have something else in common. They are both parents. Ben is a father to two amazing children. Michael, is his six year-old creative social butterfly. Genevieve is his sweet and ferocious two year old." Nicole is a mother to a second grader. Parenting comes with so many unique joys and challenges, and parenting in a climate-changed world in particular, raises so many questions for us. As parents, Christians, citizens, and friends, we talk a lot about these issues, so we decided to bring others into the conversation. In the first season of Climate Changed we connect with thought leaders, ministers, activists, and other parents who are considering similar questions. People like Corina NewsomeCraig Santos-PerezMariama White-Hammond We do not pretend to have all the answers. In fact, we have many more questions than answers - but we want to share them with you, and invite you to join us, as we wrestle with these big issues. Subscribe today to Climate Changed Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts. Season one premieres June 2022. The Climate Changed podcast is a project of The BTS Center in beautiful Portland, Maine. Episode 1: How Do We Stop Doing Things that Make No Sense? With Rev. Mariama White-Hammond Episode 2: Where Do You Find Hope? With Corina Newsome Episode 3: What Do We Tell the Children? With Craig Santos Perez Episode 4: What is Wrong with Me? With Keyana Pardilla, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and Sherri Mitchell Episode 5: If I Can’t Make a Difference, then What Do I Do? With Veronice Miles Episode 6: Daddy, Did We Hurt Them? With Ben Yosua-Davis

Climate Changed is a brand new podcast about pursuing faith, life, and love in a climate-changed world. Hosted by Nicole Diroff and Ben Yosua-Davis. Climate Changed features guests who deepen the conversation while also stirring the waters. The Climate Changed podcast is a project of The BTS Center. In this extended promo you will about the podcast and from some of the guests who will appear on Season One including Corina NewsomeCraig Santos-PerezMariama White-Hammond Each episode includes a moment to help you center–even if you are jogging or folding laundry! In each episode you will also hear about meaningful, realistic, and achievable next steps you can take to learn more about the topics we discuss or to take action. We are thrilled to invite you on a journey of learning as Ben and Nicole share and reflect on their conversations with people who are dedicating their lives to making sense of life in a climate changed world. Season one of Climate Changed premieres in June of 2022 Episode 1: How Do We Stop Doing Things that Make No Sense? With Rev. Mariama White-Hammond Episode 2: Where Do You Find Hope? With Corina Newsome Episode 3: What Do We Tell the Children? With Craig Santos Perez Episode 4: What is Wrong with Me? With Keyana Pardilla, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and Sherri Mitchell Episode 5: If I Can’t Make a Difference, then What Do I Do? With Veronice Miles Episode 6: Daddy, Did We Hurt Them? With Ben Yosua-Davis