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What if we could create a world where compassion, resilience, health and justice form the foundation of society?
Physician Hope Ferdowsian, author of Phoenix Zones: Where Strength Is Born and Resilience Lives, and co-founder and president of Phoenix Zones Initiative, shares insights from over two decades of work caring for individuals experiencing violence, displacement, and other hardships, while also working on policy approaches to addressing structural inequities and exploitation.
Through the powerful stories of individuals she’s met – Ayanna, a young girl rescued from child marriage; Doc, a physician who sought asylum after suffering imprisonment and abuse; Grace, a woman who fled her home after experiencing severe violence; and Love, an injured dog found laying on the side of the road – she shows how resilience and compassion can rise, even when faced with great challenges.
Reflecting on her roots, Hope explains, “I grew up on a small farm in Oklahoma, and I learned pretty early about human rights violations around the world, in part through my parents and my Dad's history as an immigrant to the United States. And like a lot of kids who grow up around animals, I also was concerned about animal suffering in addition to human suffering.”
In this episode, she introduces listeners to "Phoenix Zones" – safe havens that uphold the principles of liberty, compassion, justice, and dignity. She argues that just as structural violence can permeate societies, so can structural resilience. “We need to be morally consistent in our application of compassion,” she says, suggesting that just as the big global challenges we face are intertwined, so are the solutions. “One of the only ways we’ll solve these great challenges is to expand our circles of compassion without bias, without prejudice. Truth is, compassion is contagious.”
Hope is a double board-certified internal medicine, preventive medicine physician with a master’s degree in public health. She was named a Humanitarian of the Year in the American College of Physicians in 2017. Currently a professor at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, she previously held faculty positions at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Georgetown University School of Medicine.
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How do we truly prepare for disasters, and what does recovery look like when catastrophe strikes?
In this episode, renowned disasterologist Samantha Montano, Ph.D., takes us into the world of emergency management, offering practical advice on what communities and individuals can do. She also outlines the steps someone impacted by events like Hurricanes Helene and Milton can take to receive state and federal support and help them navigate the recovery process.
As the author of Disasterology: Dispatches from the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis, named one of the best books of 2021 by USA Today, and Assistant Professor of Emergency Management at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, she shares what needs to be done to better prepare for and recover from crises.
She sheds light on the deeper, often hidden, factors that make certain communities more vulnerable during crises. From the unequal distribution of resources to the lingering effects of discriminatory practices like redlining, she points to the long-standing systemic issues that exacerbate disaster impacts.
With a growing array of challenges, including cyber threats and rapidly intensifying natural disasters, she emphasizes the need for more specialized staff, improved local government coordination, and increased funding to ensure effective disaster response. She also argues for stronger local leadership and better preparation strategies to protect the most vulnerable communities and individuals.
Drawing on her early work in post-Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and her academic research, Samantha discusses why it's crucial to professionalize and grow the field of emergency management.
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In her moving and deeply insightful new book Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs, Katherine Carver followed nearly 60 dogs and their journeys from shelters to loving homes.
She shares the emotional experience of photographing these dogs twice, first at the shelter or animal rescue and again a year later in their new homes. The initial sadness she witnessed in some dogs’ eyes contrasts sharply with the later joy felt by all those who found a second chance at life. Her beautiful portraits capture the dogs’ powerful transformations.
She shares how her own life changed after adopting Biscuit, a once fearful dog who became the heart of her family. That experience sparked a deep desire to raise awareness about rescue dogs and the many challenges they face. Later, after losing him, adopting Victory helped bring happiness back into her family’s life.
She explains the complex reality of shelter life and the importance of adoption. She highlights that in 2023 alone, three million dogs entered shelters and rescues, with two million of those finding permanent homes and one million sadly not. To help address this crisis, she advocates for adopting from shelters and rescues over breeders.
Katherine reflects not only about the dogs but also the life-changing lessons they teach us – how to be present, grateful, and compassionate. She says that through patience and love, we can help abandoned dogs find hope and healing while at the same time transforming our own lives in ways we never expected.
A portion of the royalties earned from the sales of the book will be donated to SPCA International, helping dogs in need around the globe.
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Over the summers of 2022 and 2023, Alexander Verbeek embarked on the legendary Camino de Santiago, an ancient 500-mile pilgrimage traversing several European countries.
In this Ready Living Podcast episode, he shares the allure of the Camino and the diverse people he met along the way, each walking for reasons uniquely personal to them. He also talks about one poignant tradition of stopping at Cruz de Ferro and leaving behind a stone symbolizing each pilgrim’s burdens. He reflects on how this ritual transforms a simple act into a powerful moment of release and contemplation.
A former diplomat, Alexander is a speaker and advisor on planetary change, consulting for academia, global NGOs, private firms, and international organizations. Over the past 30 years, he has worked on international security, humanitarian and geopolitical risk issues, and the linkage to the Earth's accelerating environmental crisis. He writes The Planet newsletter and also serves as Policy Director at the Brussels Environment & Development Resource Centre.
Alexander launched the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Planetary Security Initiative at the Peace Palace in The Hague in 2015, which dove into the critical relationship between climate change and global security. He shares how this groundbreaking initiative placed climate change and its security implications at the forefront of the international agenda, including discussions within the UN and major global institutions.
He sheds light on how environmental conditions contribute to the rise of extremist groups, resource conflicts, and increased migration. In response to the pressing question of what governments should do, he advocates for visionary leadership and emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking, rather than the short-term focus driven by political and corporate structures. As the climate crisis transcends borders, he argues that global cooperation is essential to addressing these challenges. He emphasizes the critical role that diplomacy plays.
He also reflects on the global wave of nationalism and draws parallels between the rise of fascism in the 1930s and today’s political climate, advocating for a return to more balanced politics where political disagreements are handled in a more constructive way.
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After a near-fatal battle with mental illness, Barbara Louise Brennan is grateful to be alive. Now 16 years well, she is a renowned change maker, stigma disruptor, and workplace mental health solutions expert.
In this episode, she opens up about her early struggles, how she rebuilt her life, and the importance of breaking down the stigma around mental illness. “If I can come back…anybody can do it,” she says.
She argues that we need to expand the discussion around mental health to include the broader context of people’s lives, not just the symptoms illness present. She emphasizes that individuals are more than their problems and wants people to see that mental illness is something they can move through or manage, rather than something that defines them.
She stresses that while we have made significant strides, the work of reducing stigma is far from over. Language, understanding, and compassion are key in creating a world where seeking help for mental health is as accepted as seeking help for physical health, and where stigma no longer stands in the way of recovery.
She has advised influential bodies like the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, the Health Service Executive, and the Irish National Office for Suicide Prevention, and lectured at institutions like Trinity College Dublin and Dublin City University. Today she focuses on helping create supportive and inclusive work environments, working with organizations to develop strong, employee-friendly mental health policies that go beyond compliance.
Barbara’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and recovery, offering hope to anyone navigating their own mental health journey. It’s filled with expert advice on how to grow, heal, and thrive.
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After decades in law enforcement combating serious crime like narcotics, human trafficking and murder, retired senior detective Mark Randell continues fighting for justice, this time focusing on the link between animal abuse and human violence within relationships, families, and communities.
This episode explores the deep connection between animal cruelty and other unlawful acts like domestic abuse and organized crime. It also delves into the profound bond between people and their companion animals, a bond that abusers often exploit as a means of coercive control, much like isolating victims from their family and friends and exerting financial dependence.
Mark offers practical advice for recognizing signs of coercive control in relationships where pets are involved. He explains how the welfare of animals can be a key indicator of broader issues of abuse and coercion, urging listeners to be vigilant within their communities.
He sheds light on how safeguarding animals from cruelty isn’t just an act of compassion, but a crucial component in tackling abuse and violence because those who harm animals tend to harm people as well. He shows how incorporating this knowledge into safeguarding strategies ultimately makes communities safer for everyone.
He shares his journey from childhood experiences that sparked his passion for justice to his undercover operations in law enforcement, revealing how his skills in understanding criminal motivations have translated into combating animal abuse worldwide.
Mark also shares his thoughts on creating a more compassionate society, where animals are included in the circle of care. He remains hopeful and motivated by the passion and commitment of young people in the field of animal protection. He sees a global movement of young lawyers and advocates fighting for animal well being in a thoughtful and effective manner, making him optimistic that meaningful change is underway.
This episode challenges how we view justice and protection, both for humans and animals.
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What if the key to a happier and more connected life lies in reclaiming the wild parts of ourselves that we've lost along the way? The answer may lie in rewilding the human psyche, which helps people bridge the gap between rational thought and sensory experience and rediscover aspects of their humanity that have been sidelined by modern life.
This episode’s guest is award-winning psychologist Dr. Dana Klisanin, founder of ReWilding: Lab, whose passion for integrating ancient wisdom with modern science led her to create a holistic approach to wellness that reconnects individuals with nature and their creative potential. In addition to recognition by the American Psychological Association for her pioneering contributions to media psychology and celebrated in Forbes as a top female futurist, she is also a sought-after consultant for global organizations looking to develop resilient and adaptable leadership.
She explores the pivotal role of hope and courage in confronting life’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of cultivating both as essential tools for navigating the uncertainties and crises that define our times.
She also talks about the crucial difference between resilience and antifragility, two concepts that represent how we respond to life's challenges. While resilience is about bouncing back, antifragility goes a step further by embracing the idea of growing stronger through adversity, representing an optimal outcome for life's toughest moments.
Dr. Klisanin’s insights offer a fresh perspective on how we can face life's greatest challenges with renewed strength and creativity.
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On a scale of one to ten, Paull Young’s positivity is a self-described full-on ten. It’s been his greatest asset in driving meaningful change in sustainability and climate action, and in inspiring others to believe in the possibility of a better future.
Paull is the Head of Sustainability at GitHub. Before this, he spent nine years at Meta, where he was the GTM & partnerships lead for the since-disbanded climate product team, including working as acting Product Manager for the Regeneration vertical. He also led the nonprofit partnership team as they raised the first $1B on Facebook, and built the Product Partnerships function at Instagram. Earlier in his career, he was the Director of Digital at the nonprofit charity: water, which helps bring clean and safe water to people around the world.
Paull’s passion for social good was shaped by his early experiences watching his veterinarian father care for animals. This upbringing instilled in him a lifelong focus on trying to have a real impact for the greatest number possible.
He is a strong believer in the potential of technology, particularly AI, to accelerate climate progress. Paull envisions GitHub Copilot becoming a leader in empowering environmental and climate developers to create projects that can save the planet. He also emphasizes the power of storytelling, citing Netflix as a company that excels at providing a platform for and elevating climate voices.
On a personal level, becoming a parent deepened Paull’s commitment to creating a better world for future generations. This drive has led him to create custom ChatGPTs like “Kids Meal Mate” and the “ICPP Climate Science Helper” to make vital information readily accessible. His podcast, “Climate Dads,” is another passion project that reflects his dedication.
Through all his efforts, Paull aims to empower individuals to help shape a more sustainable future for their families, their communities, and the world at large.
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When we strip away the facade of perfection and embrace a willingness to fail, we can discover our true strength. That’s what happened to Kate Strong when she set her sights on becoming a world champion, reclaiming her life in the process.
Kate is a 3-time world record-holding static cyclist, an age-group World Champion in triathlon, an international keynote and TEDx speaker, and author of the new book Climate Cycle: Why a bike ride around Britain became a movement for change which recounts her epic 3,000-mile journey on a handmade bamboo bike.
In this episode, she opens up about the reality behind her world records – the sweat, tears, and unglamorous moments that most people never show in public. She talks about challenging the status quo and pushing beyond limits, not just in athletic feats, but in all areas of life.
She shares the invaluable lessons she has learned about integrity and keeping our promises, how to push through the fear of being judged, and how to become comfortable with uncertainty.
She talks about gratitude as a driving force in her life, the beauty in supporting and showing up for each other, and how her nomadic lifestyle has given her deeper understanding and empathy.
It’s an unfiltered and honest conversation about what it takes to break barriers while confronting setbacks and moments of doubt in pursuit of a life worth living. Her story helps us all learn how to persist and evolve through twists and turns thrown our way.
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Anger is often seen as a destructive force, something to be feared and avoided. Yet, beneath its fiery exterior lies a powerful tool capable of driving change and even fostering creativity. Understanding and harnessing anger can unlock a new realm of possibilities, turning this misunderstood emotion into a source of strength and inspiration.
This episode’s guest is Dr. Ryan Martin, also known as the 'Anger Professor.' He is a distinguished researcher and author who has dedicated his career to studying anger and other emotions. Regularly featured in the media, he is also a TEDx speaker and the author of the books Why We Get Mad: How to Use Your Anger for Positive Change and How to Deal with Angry People: 10 Strategies for Facing Anger at Home, at Work and in the Street.
He explains that anger is fundamentally an emotional response comprising thoughts, physiological arousal, and action tendencies. He delves into the cognitive aspects of anger, highlighting how thoughts of fairness, injustice, and even revenge can accompany this emotion.
He also highlights the societal biases that affect how different groups are perceived when expressing anger, noting that marginalized individuals often face unfair consequences for their anger.
He discusses how the intensity and frequency of anger, along with its impact on the individual and others, determine whether it is problematic. He encourages people to be aware of how their anger affects their loved ones and to seek professional help if necessary. But he suggests avoiding therapists who recommend outward physical expressions of anger as a way to feel better, arguing that things like rage rooms don’t work.
While sometimes anger is misplaced, Dr. Martin points out that it can arise from genuine experiences of poor treatment or injustice, making it a legitimate and appropriate response. He calls on people to recognize the power of anger and harness it for constructive purposes.
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Trust is the foundation on which relationships are built, communities are formed, and businesses thrive. It’s the invisible thread that weaves the fabric of society together and allows us to feel safe.
However, trust isn’t something that happens by default; it’s earned through integrity and consistent actions, says this episode’s guest Scott Baradell.
Scott is the Founder and CEO of Idea Grove, a PR and marketing boutique for B-to-B companies. He began his career as an award-winning journalist, then served as the chief communications officer for two billion-dollar companies and co-founded a venture-backed startup. In 2022, he published his first book, Trust Signals: Brand Building in a Post-Truth World.
He believes that the erosion of a once-strong common American narrative led to widespread uncertainty, and that the political landscape as well as the media's selective use of facts to support particular viewpoints have impacted trust. Still, he says that our world isn’t suffering from a lack of trust, but rather a fragmentation of trust that’s shifted where and how trust is placed.
In this episode, he shares his experiences and strategies for how to build and maintain trust in a complex world, offering specific recommendations that can help people navigate the challenges of trust in both their professional and personal lives.
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In a world where pushing to the brink of burnout and beyond is often the norm in pursuit of success, what led a former policy and political advisor to shift course and embrace a life of health and well-being?
It’s a question that challenges us to identify what truly brings meaning to our lives and invites us to consider how we might redirect our talents from a purely achievement-oriented focus towards a life that combines service of others with personal well-being.
This episode’s guest is Laurie A. Watkins, a former policy and political advisor in the Obama administration, author of the health and wellness book Go From Stressed to Strong, Founder & President of Sunshine L.A.W. Consulting, and Founder of The Cook’s Collective.
After suffering a burnout in 2008 while working in national politics, she learned the importance of prioritizing one’s physical and mental health. She traded in a stress-filled and unhealthy lifestyle for one that enabled her to flourish, strengthening her ability to serve others. As a social impact leader and catalyst for change, she now helps other people do the same.
It was during her own health journey that she recognized the important role food plays in nourishing both body and mind. After getting to know celebrity Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides meals to people at the front lines of humanitarian, climate, and community conflict, she was inspired to co-found The Cook’s Collective which champions systemic changes that prioritize the mental health and well-being of people who work in the food and beverage industry.
In this episode, Laurie shares how from a young age she learned to speak up when something was wrong, why taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, and why we don’t need to sacrifice well-being in pursuit of an impactful and meaningful life. She also talks about the very special role her companion animal plays in her life.
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Welcome to the Ready Living Podcast, where host Andrea Weckerle leads you on a journey of personal and professional development through interviews with some of the leading minds of today. Each episode is designed to educate, inspire, and empower you, offering practical advice and information to help you create the life you want. From thought-provoking insights to actionable strategies, Andrea and her guests dive deep into topics that matter the most. Subscribe to the Ready Living Podcast and embark on a transformative experience that helps you live a life of intention.
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