As we approach this pivotal election, the very fabric of our democracy is at risk. What happens if we let polarization and misinformation guide our choices? In this episode, John Sorensen joins us as we dissect what's truly at stake. Could we lose our rights, freedoms, and the values that make our democracy thrive. Join us as we dive deeply into the hard questions of who we want to be as a nation and how we preserve the democratic principles we hold dear.

In this episode, John Sorensen returns to discuss the state of American democracy in the context of the upcoming election. We explore pressing questions about misinformation, the dangers of polarization, and the necessity for civic engagement. John shares the important work he and Elders Action Network (EAN) are doing through Elders for Sound Democracy, focusing on initiatives to protect voting rights, counteract the influence of big money in politics, and support marginalized communities in exercising their right to vote. Together, we challenge the audience to think about the future of our country, the importance of being informed citizens, and why our democracy needs an evolution—a peaceful revolution—to truly reflect the will of the people.

Prior to his involvement with Elders Actin Network, John ran a successful aerospace business for twenty years, which he sold in 2005. Following this, he embarked on a personal journey, including humanitarian work in Vietnam that profoundly impacted his worldview and led to his commitment to elder activism.

We want to thank our sponsors, Elders Action Network and Elders Climate Action, for their continued support of this podcast. Their dedication to fostering a resilient and empowered elder community has allowed us to bring these vital conversations to you. We appreciate their unwavering commitment to addressing the most urgent issues of our time, from democracy to climate action.

Join us as we talk as we hold a conversation with renowned farmer and activist Michael Ableman as he unearths the incredible potential of urban farming to heal our cities, our communities, and our souls. In this episode we explore how growing food in unexpected places can be a powerful act of resilience and regeneration. From feeding marginalized communities to reconnecting with the land, this is a conversation that will leave you rethinking the future of food and how you can be part of the solution.

In this episode, Michael Ableman shares his inspiring journey in urban agriculture, from the creation of Sole Food Street Farms to his lifelong dedication to sustainable farming practices. He discusses the powerful intersection of food, social justice, and community-building, offering practical insights into how urban farming can transform lives. Ableman also reflects on the broader impact of sustainable agriculture and the need for innovative approaches to feeding a rapidly urbanizing world. This conversation highlights the profound social, ecological, and mental health benefits of reconnecting with the land and growing food.

Michael Ableman is a renowned farmer, author, photographer, and one of the pioneers of the urban agriculture movement. With a career spanning over four decades, he has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable farming practices and advocating for food security, social justice, and environmental stewardship. Ableman co-founded Sole Food Street Farms, one of North America's largest urban agriculture initiatives, providing employment and purpose to marginalized communities in Vancouver. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including Street Farm, Fields of Plenty, and From the Good Earth, and his work has been featured in publications worldwide. Ableman continues to inspire through his commitment to sustainable agriculture and community healing.

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, Elders Action Network and Elders Climate Action, for their unwavering support in helping us bring these critical conversations to life. Your dedication to creating a better future for all generations makes this work possible, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership

Welcome to a special solo episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations. Today, we delve into a topic that strikes at the heart of aging with purpose—what does it mean to be a regenerative activist elder? In a world facing pressing challenges like climate change, social inequality, and environmental degradation, the wisdom of elders is more vital than ever. But this isn’t just about passing on knowledge; it’s about actively contributing to the regeneration of our planet and society. Together, we explore the path to becoming elders who lead with intention, resilience, and a commitment to healing the world for future generations. Join us as we rethink elderhood and embrace our roles as agents of change."

"In our 40th episode of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations, the podcast team engages in a lively dialogue on what it means to become a regenerative activist elder. We examine the challenges and opportunities of elderhood in today’s world and share our personal journeys of transformation. From balancing savoring life and contributing to society, to exploring how elders can foster long-term regenerative change, this episode invites listeners to reconsider what it means to mature into elderhood. Through candid reflections, we uncover how elders can shape the future by embracing regenerative activism as a way of life."

• John Izzo is a bestselling author, speaker, and expert on leadership and social responsibility. With over four decades of experience, John has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations discover purpose and foster meaningful change. He is deeply committed to exploring the role of elders in creating a regenerative future.
• Alain Gauthier is an international facilitator, coach, consultant and author specializing in transformational leadership. With a passion for deep inquiry and systemic change, Alain’s work bridges inner development and outer societal impact, empowering leaders and elders to create regenerative practices that support community renewal and well-being.
• Jim Burke is the producer of The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations and a regenerative activist elder. Jim’s career began in healthcare, where he worked as a healthcare provider and manager within the Veterans Affairs system for over 25 years. His extensive experience in leadership and service led him to focus on regeneration and community engagement, and environmental activism after retirement

We want to take a moment to thank our sponsors for their continued support in making The Way Forward: Regenerative Conversations possible. A special thanks to Elders Action Network, and Elders for Climate Action for your dedication to creating a regenerative future and for enabling us to continue these critical conversations.

To our listeners, if you found today’s episode inspiring, please subscribe to our podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Your subscription helps us reach more people who are eager to join the movement for a regenerative future. Thank you for listening, and we look forward to having you with us for the next episode!"