Compassiviste Dialogues

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.

Today, we’re joined by Romain Diaz — entrepreneur, venture builder, and founder of Satgana, which means “the good company” in Sanskrit.

With a deep commitment to impact, Romain builds and backs startups that address the climate crisis and promote regenerative futures. In this episode, we explore his evolution from chasing conventional success to leading with purpose, the story behind Satgana, and how we can reimagine capitalism, investment, and leadership to serve both people and the planet.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Romain Diaz is the Founder & CEO of Satgana, a Climate Tech Venture Capital firm investing in startups that tackle the climate crisis across Europe and Africa. With entrepreneurial experience and a global perspective, Romain brings a unique blend of business insight, empathy, and a strong commitment to sustainability.

KEY NOTES:

From Profit to Purpose: Romain’s journey into mission-driven entrepreneurship

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Intro Trailer

THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

Satgana's Website: https://satgana.com/

TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:

🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/

Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.

ABOUT GUEST:

Rebecca Bratspies is a professor at CUNY Law and the founding director of the Center for Urban Environmental Reform. A scholar in environmental justice and human rights, she has published extensively in academic journals and public forums.

Her award-winning book, Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues, and Heroes Behind New York Place Names, received the NY Public Historians’ 2023 Excellence in Local History Award, the NYC Big Book Award for History, and the 2024 American Legacy Book Award for US History. Her co-authored textbook, Environmental Justice: Law, Policy, and Regulation, is used in classrooms nationwide.

Rebecca also co-created (with artist Charlie LaGreca-Velasco) the EPA-award-winning graphic novel series The Environmental Justice Chronicles, which engages young readers in civic education through storytelling and visual art.

KEY NOTES:

The Intersection of Creativity and Academia: How Rebecca Bridges Both Worlds

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Episode Trailer

THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bratspies-56b4078/

TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:

🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/

Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

#podcast #environmentalism #socialchange #civilrights #sustainability #technology #compassiviste #humanitarian #charity #nonprofit #podcasts #compassivistepublishing #compassivistedialogues #nonprofitstories #thelastofus #nationalgeographic #science #earth #climatechange #biology #education #humanrights #RebeccaBratspies #waste #wastemanagement #zerowasteriseandfall #plasticwaste #cleaning #planetearth #globalwarming #environment #ecosystem #greenenergy #pollution #climate

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.

ABOUT GUEST:

Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers is a licensed psychotherapist, best-selling author, researcher, and professor emerita whose work explores the intersection of relational health, parenting, spiritual intimacy, and social justice. Her perspectives have been featured in Spirituality & Health, Refinery 29, Medium, and numerous media outlets including podcasts, radio, and television.

She is known for addressing how shame and cultural narratives can affect relationships, parenting, and personal confidence. Her latest release, Shameless Parenting, became a bestseller in eight categories and offers guidance on raising confident, shame-resilient children.

Dr. Sellers is the founder of the Northwest Institute on Intimacy, which trains professionals in healthy relational and emotional frameworks. She also launched InannaRising.org — a support and training network for therapists integrating advanced therapeutic approaches and equity initiatives in mental health care.

Follow Dr. Tina on Instagram @DrTinaShameless.

KEY NOTES:

Healing from Shame and Moral Wounds

TIMESTAMPS:

01:30 – Intro  

THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

https://www.tinaschermersellers.com/

TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:

🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/

Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

Disclaimer: This content is intended for discussion and reflection. It does not promote political, religious, or election-related agendas.

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.

In this conversation, Francis Xavier shares his profound journey—from a privileged upbringing through crisis and into a life of spiritual exploration. Along the way, we reflect on family legacy, identity in the digital age, and the inner work required for lasting peace

Through adversity, he discovers the essence of true success and the frameworks necessary for personal development and acceptance. In this conversation, the speakers explore the nature of truth, the importance of spiritual practices, and the role of doubt and certainty in faith.

They discuss how personal pain can shape one's purpose and the significance of self-reflection in personal growth. The dialogue also touches on the impact of ego on purpose and the collective good, emphasizing the need for a centered existence to achieve true success and peace. In this conversation, the speakers explore the importance of balance and tolerance in spiritual practice.

They discuss the quest for inner peace and the role of personal responsibility in spiritual growth, emphasizing that true understanding and enlightenment come from within. The dialogue highlights the significance of faith, the interplay of free will and destiny, and the need for individuals to seek their own path to purpose and guidance.

ABOUT GUEST:

Francis Xavier IV is a writer, web developer and public speaker driven by a deep curiosity about the intersections of spirituality, technology and the human condition. He operates an independent web development agency, is a core contributor to WordPress, author of the Digital Mastery column for Inc.com and as a public speaker speaks on spirituality, storytelling and understanding tech. Currently preparing for an Appalachian Trail pilgrimage, Francis continues his lifelong pursuit of knowledge, meaning, and exploration.

KEY NOTES:

One of the key challenges in modern life may be a spiritual void.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 The Shattering of Illusions

THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/fwazeter/

TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:

🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/

Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.

And today, we’re honored to share the incredible journey of Daniella Mestyanek Young.

Raised in the notorious Children of God cult, Daniella escaped and transformed her life, ultimately becoming a U.S. Army captain and intelligence officer on the frontlines in Afghanistan. Her bestselling memoir, praised for its powerful storytelling, has been compared to Educated and The Glass Castle.

In this episode, we’ll dive into Daniella’s path to success, her insights into the complexities of group behavior, and her work in leadership and organizational psychology. Daniella now shares her expertise as a TEDx speaker and Harvard graduate, exploring the fine line between culture and cults and the impact of powerful leaders on society.

Stay tuned as we discuss Daniella’s mission to educate, her work on breaking free from the past, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Let’s get started!

ABOUT GUEST:

Daniella was born a third-generation member of the infamous Children of God religious cult, and grew up being trafficked around the world, before escaping that life and moving to America at age 15. She put herself through high school and graduated as college valedictorian before commissioning into the US Army as an intelligence officer. That’s where she really started to think about group behavior…and seeing it, well, everywhere.

Daniella deployed twice to Afghanistan (2011, 2014) and became a member of one of the Army’s first Female Engagement teams (an experiment that put women into deliberate ground combat for the first time in Army history, and eventually led to the repeal of the sexist combat ban and the gender desegregation of the entire US military).

She is a proud daughter of the 101st, (that's the unit in Band of Brothers), a recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (from Obama, y'all), and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology at the Harvard Extension School (she focuses her research on group behavior, social norms, culture, extremism, leadership demagoguery and cults).

KEY NOTES:

The Cult of Work: Is it Exploitation or Empowerment?

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Episode Trailer

THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

Daniella's Website: https://uncultureyourself.com/

TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:

🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/

Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.

Today we’re joined by the inspiring Amber Byers—award-winning author, editor, writing coach, and founder of Tadpole Press. Amber brings a unique perspective to the world of publishing and storytelling. In this episode, we’ll explore Amber’s journey as a writer and entrepreneur, the mission behind Tadpole Press, and the exciting collaboration with Compassiviste Publishing.

ABOUT GUEST:

Amber Byers is the founder and CEO of Tadpole Press, where she serves as head judge of the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest, an international writing contest celebrating creativity and community.

She blogs regularly at Living a Life Imagined, which is dedicated to positivity and authenticity as a creative. Amber’s published works include The Magic Door Origin Story, which is a sci-fi story inspired by her childhood, and Sophie and Spot, which won a Gold Medal for Best First Book in the chapter book category from Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards in 2019.

Above all, Amber is an artist and entrepreneur. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Washington, a Juris Doctor in law from the University of Arizona, and a passion for diversifying literature. 

Amber’s work is informed by her identity as an agender and biracial person. She is proud to be a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and would love to tell you the story of how she got her Indian name of Nijgan Bamsid Manidog (Friend Who Walks with Spirits).

Amber started reading at the age of three and is still in love with the power and beauty of language. She especially relishes words that surprise, delight, and encourage us to support and inspire one another.​​

Currently living in Colorado, USA, she has also lived in Mexico, China, London, and Thailand.

KEY NOTES:

- The Power of Concise Storytelling: The Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Episode Trailer

100-Word Writing Contest: https://www.tadpolepress.com/100-word-writing-contest

TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:

🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/

Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.

Today we're joined by an exceptional panel of creators behind the graphic novel Jupiter's Ghost. We have Tani Gill, choreographer, producer, and founder of Tentacle Dancing; Milan Medvec, lead animator and concept artist; and Kristen Kortright, talented designer and illustrator.

In this episode, we explore how Jupiter's Ghost was born from a desire to help kids struggling with reading and how art can be a powerful tool for education. From personal challenges to creative breakthroughs, our guests share their unique journeys and the vision behind the graphic novel that aims to inspire and empower the next generation.

ABOUT JUPITER'S GHOST:

June 2124.

Earth is uninhabitable, ravaged by climate change and turned to rubble. In a world ruled by artificial intelligence, the line between human and machine has begun to blur.

On board a space vessel orbiting Jupiter’s moon, Europa, hybrid humanoid Dr Elias Crete is racing against time to save his son Jove. Working obsessively in his lab, he brings to life Jupiter 101, a genetically engineered human clone.

Jupiter’s awakening sparks a deep love within the teenaged Jove, but it also forces Dr Crete to face the morality of bringing humanity back from extinction.

Humankind destroyed the only home they ever knew.

Do they deserve to be given a second chance?

KEY NOTES:

From Refugee to Lead Animator: Milan Medvec's Inspiring Journey

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Episode Trailer

THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

Tani Gill's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tgdc26/

TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:

🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/

BUY BOOK AT:

Proceeds from the sale of Jupiter's Ghost support both Compassiviste Foundation's global sustainability and human rights projects, and Just One Tree's work to combat climate change through the replanting of forests around the world.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXG9LJZ5

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/

Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.

In this episode of Compassiviste Dialogues, host Ali Horriyat sits down with author and Army veteran Allison Wittenberg to discuss her newest novel Killing the Father of Our Country. 

Allison opens up about her military experience, family history, and how domestic violence and generational trauma shaped her writing. With deep reflection and candid storytelling, she explores what it means to truly heal through acceptance, community, and compassion. 

Tune in for an empowering conversation on resilience, identity, and the role of literature in social change.

ABOUT GUEST:

A Philadelphia native and a Virgo, Allison Whittenberg studied dance for years before switching her focus to writing. She has a masterrsquo's degree in English from the University of Wisconsin. Her middle-grade novels about Charmaine Upshaw, Sweet Thang and Hollywood and Maine, are available from Yearling, and her first novel for teen readers, Life Is Fine, is available from Delacorte Press. Alison enjoys traveling, and she loves to hear from her readers.

KEY NOTES:

- Milestones That Shaped Allison: Key Moments in Her Personal and Professional Life

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Episode Trailer

THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

Allison Whittenberg Books: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/674508.Allison_Whittenberg

TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:

🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/

Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.

In this conversation, Gregory Smith shares his inspiring journey as one of the oldest survivors of type 3 osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). He discusses the challenges he faced growing up with a rare genetic condition, the importance of family support, and his career as a social worker.

Gregory emphasizes the need for awareness and understanding of OI, highlighting the resilience required to navigate life with such a condition.

ABOUT GUEST:

At 68, Greg Smith is one of the oldest survivors of Type 3 Osteogeneses Imperfecta in the world. Greg is a retired medical social worker who worked in local hospitals & nursing homes for more than 30 years. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife Holly, and two dogs, Katie & Cocoa. Greg is the author of the memoir An Unbreakable Spirit, and a new short story collection, Crossing Abbey Road. He is a Beatles fan and and avid reader who enjoys sports, music, and movies. He runs the YouTube channel “Unbreakable 

KEY NOTES:

Gregory Smith is one of the oldest survivors of type 3 OI

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro

THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:

🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/

Tune in, follow, and embark on this insightful journey with us. Your vision's transformation begins now. 🚀🌟

#podcast #environmentalism #socialchange #civilrights #sustainability #technology #compassiviste #humanitarian #charity #nonprofit #OsteogenesisImperfecta #resilience #familysupport #medicalinsights #awareness #disability #socialwork #memoir #personaljourney #overcomingchallenges #childhoodmortality #education #communitysupport #love #personalgrowth #kindness #marriage #happiness #pets #empathy #sports #music #storytelling #geneticscounseling

Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.

In this deeply moving episode of Compassiviste Dialogues, I sit down with the inspiring Ellen M Busch—an author, advocate, and powerhouse of resilience who has transformed the narrative around dyslexia and personal adversity.

From being labeled "incapable" at just six years old to writing a powerful memoir and helping others reclaim their stories, Ellen Busch's journey is anything but ordinary. Diagnosed with dyslexia at a time when the educational system offered little to no support, Ellen was handed a disheartening academic prognosis. But with a fierce mother, a forward-thinking father, and her own relentless determination, she began to prove everyone wrong—one challenge at a time.

In this raw and inspiring episode, Ellen opens up about surviving an abusive marriage, navigating grief after her mother’s sudden death, and discovering her purpose through coaching, writing, and resilience. 

She shares how outdoor adventures, micro-goals, and a simple mantra—“Prove them wrong”—became cornerstones of her healing and success. If you’ve ever questioned your capabilities, this conversation will shift your mindset and help you reconnect with your power.

ABOUT GUEST:

Ellen Busch was diagnosed with dyslexia—an academic death sentence in the eyes of many. In a single moment, her self-esteem was shattered, and her potential dismissed. But while the traditional classroom failed her, her parents refused to let her be defined by labels. Instead, they nurtured her education beyond textbooks. ultimately empowering her to earn both

a bachelor’s and a master’s degree—defying the limitations imposed on her by dyslexia. Despite her academic and personal achievements, Ellen continued to struggle with low self-esteem and chronic underemployment. She frequently found herself the target of bullies and predators, reinforcing the belief that she was never enough. After surviving an abusive marriage, she was forced to confront not just her trauma but also the limiting beliefs that had held her back for so long. The sudden loss of her parents—her strongest advocates—was another devastating blow, but it became a turning point. With the support of coaches, therapists, and rigorous training alongside Navy SEALs, Ellen reclaimed her power, rewrote her narrative, and stepped into a life of confidence and purpose.

Her debut book, Disempowered, chronicles her journey through academic and domestic abuse, resilience, and ultimate transformation. Slated for publication in May 2023, her story serves as a beacon of hope for those who have been told they are not enough. 

Today, Ellen resides in Colorado, where she continues to embrace adventure—whether carving down ski slopes, telemark skiing through fresh powder, or exploring the limitless possibilities of the world beyond.

KEY NOTES:

- Dyslexia can be viewed as a super ability rather than a disability.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Episode Trailer

THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

Ellen's Website: https://www.ellenbusch.com/

TO LEARN MORE AND STAY CONNECTED:

🌐 Visit our website: https://compassivistedialogues.com/

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Compassiviste/61555898333856/