In this eye-opening episode, join Dr. Zeitz as he welcomes Margaret Klein Salamon, the passionate author of the second edition of "Facing the Climate Emergency: How to Transform Yourself with Climate Truth,” and Rabbi Arthur Waskow, founder of the Shalom Center and a renowned spiritual leader and historian, as they dive deeply into the urgent call for collective action to combat the worst effects of climate change and discuss the concept of going "all in for all life.”Dr. Zeitz and Margaret explore the magnitude of the climate crisis, the importance of peaceful mobilization, and the need for immediate and bold transformational action. They reflect on the current state of global climate emergency declarations and the critical role of governments, corporations, and individuals in addressing this crisis, and how Margaret's groundbreaking work has shaped the climate mobilization movement and influenced governments and organizations worldwide.Rabbi Arthur, with his unique blend of spiritual insight and historical expertise, shares his wisdom on the possibilities that lie ahead by analyzing the pivotal moment we find ourselves in within US history and the global context of the climate crisis. He explores the significance of the term "auspicious moment" in our current climate, drawing parallels between ancient rituals and the potential sacrifice of our planet by corporate interests, and delves into the intersection of spirituality and history, emphasizing the universal teachings of love and justice that can shape a more compassionate constitution for the United States.Tune in for thought-provoking conversations to find inspiration to take action in these critical times, and discover how history and spirituality can guide us toward a more sustainable and equitable future. Are you ready to #unify? Learn more about the transformational movement at www.unifymovements.org.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Earfluence.

In this episode, Dr. Zeitz sits down with Jesse Leon, author, speaker and powerful advocate for change.  Jesse’s story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. A survivor of childhood sexual violence and sex trafficking, Jesse shares his harrowing yet triumphant journey from darkness to empowerment. His memoir "I'm Not Broken" serves as a guiding light, shedding light on his path of resilience and healing.Dr. Zeitz and Jesse engage in a candid conversation, delving into the depths of Jesse's experiences and the transformative power of embracing one's heritage. Jesse's Mexican and indigenous roots played a pivotal role in his healing journey, revealing a unique blend of spiritual wisdom and ancestral strength that he continues to draw from. Jesse declares that, “We Are Not Broken” underscores the significance of embracing our stories, finding strength in our heritage, and working collectively towards a world where all survivor's voices are heard and honored.Tune in for an enlightening conversation between Jesse Leon and Dr. Paul Zeitz as they discuss the urgent need to destigmatize discussions around childhood sexual violence, create safe spaces for healing, and incorporate the invaluable expertise of survivors into policy-making processes. This episode is an exploration of hope, resilience, and the power of unity in the face of adversity.  Are you ready to #unify? Learn more about the transformational movement at www.unifymovements.org.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Earfluence.

In this episode, join Dr. Zeitz as he engages in a powerful conversation with Rylee Haught and Jay Waxse, dynamic leaders of Climate Defiance. This youth-led movement is fervently dedicated to leveraging disruptive, peaceful, and direct actions to drive swift and comprehensive change to avert the gravest consequences of the climate emergency. Born out of the Biden administration's approval of the Alaska Willow Project, a colossal oil drilling endeavor on public land, Climate Defiance sprang to life in April 2023.Rylee and Jay recount their journey of activism, detailing their experience with non-violent civil disobedience at the White House Correspondents Dinner, at a fundraiser for President Biden and many more direct actions. With Rylee's deep West Virginia roots and psychology degree, and Jay's engineering background from Omaha, Nebraska, they bring unique perspectives and unwavering commitment to the frontline of climate direct action to wake up policymakers and the public.Listen in as they discuss their involvement, motivations, and the urgent need for governmental accountability and action. They delve into the necessity of holding politicians, irrespective of their party affiliations, to their promises and the call for an official declaration of a climate emergency. As the conversation unfolds, discover the physical, emotional, and mental resilience activists who take direct action, as well as, their unwavering determination to drive bold action in response to the climate emergency at this pivotal juncture in history. Are you ready to #unify? Learn more about the transformational movement at www.unifymovements.org.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Earfluence.

Dr. Zeitz explores the path of love and interspirituality as the foundation for revolutionary optimism with Rabbi Shefa Gold and Reverend Matthew Wright as it aims to connect and weave together people of faith, across all religions and non-believers, that may connect humanistically–so that together we can connect, inspire, and heal, and we can embrace our common humanity.In this captivating conversation, you will gain a deep understanding of how contemplative practices (meditation, chanting, etc.) can transform your life, build sacred interconnections with other communities, supporting our collective awakening, as we navigate the challenging times we are living through.  Younger generations are longing for a love-centered spirituality that aligns each of us with our globally interconnected world. By embracing the transformative fire at the heart of all wisdom traditions, we can transcend rigid labels and identities that end up dividing us.  Both Rabbi Shefa and Reverend Matthew highlight the importance of cultivating human qualities such as compassion, humility, gentleness, patience, and kindness, utilizing the resources and practices of various traditions to deepen our lives. By putting “love at the center” of our own inner life so that we can connect and heal ourselves, our families, our communities, and our country. Are you ready to #unify? Learn more about the transformational movement at www.unifymovements.org.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Earfluence.

Join Dr. Paul Zeitz as he engages in a powerful conversation with Professor Marcus Anthony Hunter and Dreisen Heath, prominent leaders in the racial equity and reparative justice movement. In this episode, they discuss the moral imperative and urgency to implement radical reparations and radical truth-telling as a critical step in healing the soul of America. Dive into personal stories, experiences, and perspectives that have shaped their journey as strong leaders, shedding light on the historical and ongoing struggle for racial justice in the United States. Discover how they maintain their commitment to community and explore the surge of momentum following the public murder of George Floyd in May 2020, and the ongoing racial awakening era that is underway. Gain insights into the vital role of love at the center of our social, economic, and political rights, intersectionality, and the opportunity for collective action in authentic racial healing and societal transformation toward realizing authentic racial equity. Don't miss this inspiring and informative episode featuring influential voices in the fight for racial justice on our journey of embracing our common humanity.  Are you ready to #unify? Learn more about the transformational movement at www.unifymovements.org.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Earfluence.

In this episode, Dr. Zeitz sits down with Marianne Williamson, a renowned author, political activist, and spiritual leader who is pioneering a new politics of love. Together, they delve into Marianne's transformative journey and her vision for a society rooted in love and compassion. Discover how Marianne's unique blend of political and historical insight drives her advocacy for putting “love at the center” of our social, economic, and political systems.Together, they discuss the urgent need for collective action in addressing crises such as the climate emergency, economic hardships, racial injustice and our crumbling democracy, and Marianne explains her key platform of an economic bill of rights, inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt's four freedoms. By guaranteeing basic necessities like healthcare, education, and affordable housing, and reparations for Black Americans, she believes we can repair the structural inequalities that plague our society. Join the conversation as explore ways to create a sustainable future for all Americans.Tune in to this episode of Revolutionary Optimism and gain valuable perspectives, strategies, and tools for overcoming adversity and driving forward bold solutions. Embrace the power of Revolutionary Optimism and real-world pragmatism as we work together to build movements that catalyze political action, repair our collective, and foster justice and peace. Are you ready to #unify? Learn more about the transformational movement at www.unifymovements.org.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Earfluence.

Join us on this special Juneteenth 2023 episode, as we welcome Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a true champion for peace and justice. In this heart-to-heart conversation, Congresswoman Lee shares her remarkable journey and leadership legacy in the fight against global AIDS, reflecting on her impactful encounter with Dr. Paul Zeitz twenty-three years ago at the International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, where they witnessed the power of unified advocacy and campaigning. They discuss the significance of wearing yellow T-shirts emblazoned with "I Am HIV Positive" and the importance of destigmatizing HIV/AIDS.They delve into a personal aspect of Congresswoman Lee's life, where she candidly shares her struggles growing up feeling racist pressure to conform to white “straight hair” beauty standards, as a black girl. Her journey of self-acceptance and embracing her natural hair is an inspiring testament to the fight against discrimination based on cultural appearances.The conversation takes a poignant turn as they discuss the racial reckoning following the murder of George Floyd. Congresswoman Lee's unwavering support for reparations and her introduction of the US National Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Commission highlights the urgent need for acknowledging and dismantling systemic racism in the United States. She passionately emphasizes the importance of reparations, truth-telling, understanding each other's truths, and fostering healing in order to move forward as a nation.Congresswoman Lee's optimism shines through as she discusses the ongoing grassroots movement and her determination to effect change.  Her spirit remains unbroken, as she declares her unwavering commitment to fight for a better future, driven by the resilience of black women throughout history.Join us for this powerful conversation with Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a true renegade for peace and justice, as she is a Revolutionary Optimist who inspires us to rise above adversity and drive bold action transforming our country and our world into a more inclusive and just society.   Are you ready to #unify? Learn more about the transformational movement at www.unifymovements.org.Revolutionary Optimism is hosted by Dr. Paul Zeitz and produced by Earfluence.

Join Dr. Paul Zeitz on a transformative journey with Revolutionary Optimism. In a world overshadowed by despair, this inspiring series explores a new era of hope and transformation. From the urgent need to save our planet to the challenges and roadblocks we face in creating social change, each episode delves into the insights, strategies, and tools of fearless leaders dedicated to overcoming adversity and driving bold solutions.Discover the power of staying optimistic amidst unprecedented crises as Dr. Zeitz uncovers stories of resilience and triumph. Dive deeply into equity, justice, and peace while exploring the cultivation of essential human qualities like love, humility, gentleness, patience, and kindness. It's time to unleash your personal power and #unify.Follow Revolutionary Optimism and embrace the beacon of hope that will guide us towards a brighter future.