In October 2025, TIME Magazine released its list of the 100 most influential climate actors across five different categories: leaders, innovators, titans, defenders, and catalysts. And we are proud that 4 of those honored have been past guests on the show. 

As such, we are sharing our June 2024 episode again with guest Benji Backer, designated a Defender by TIME, who has now founded two organizations, American Conservation Coalition and Nature Is Nonpartisan. He authored a book (which was the focus of our conversation in the episode), as well as spearheading an influential executive order earlier this year. Benji is a true leader in not only defending the need for climate action amongst conservatives, he’s the face of the future.