There is so much that is fascinating about Dr. Michael Mehaffy and his work.

He's an international consultant in urban development innovations, an author of myriad of articles and books on architecture and sustainable urbanism, and he sits on the boards of three international journals of urban design. 

He also developed a course in sustainable urbanism, which was later the basis of a Masters and Ph.D. program in sustainable urbanism at the University of Oxford. 

Yes, there's all that and so much more. But what is most compelling about Michael is how he weaves his deep knowledge and breadth of experience into valued-filled and action-oriented philosophies that illuminate how everyone in society can prosper together. 

And that is what is at the heart of today's podcast. 

But how do we get there? How  does sustainable urbanism help to create thriving cities, improve our health and heal the damage we've done to the planet? We need to understand the nuances and the complexities first. 

In Part I of our conversation, we discuss:

• How cities are "kidnapped"
• The meaning of sustainable urbanism 
• Why affordable housing is an essential component
• What pattern language is and why it's important
• What makes a 'good city? An equitable city? One that's prosperous for all its residents?
• Whether sustainable urbanism helps or hurts ecologically based efforts like regeneration and rewilding

We also talk about influential figures in urban design and theory, Christopher Alexander and Jane Jacobs, both of whom Michael has written extensively about in several of his published articles and books.

Lastly, we delve into the work of the Prince's Foundation and the International Making Cities Livable Conference (IMCL) organizations for which Michael has been–or currently is–the Executive Director.

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 Dr. Michael Mehaffy:  Author & Urban Innovations Consultant

Links:

 ASU Faculty

Google Scholar

Book Publications

Wikipedia Page

International Making Cities Livable (IMCL) Conference

This podcast is an exploration of what it means to be a human navigating life on planet Earth. Mary and I talk about fear of change, the importance of self-knowledge and self-belief, and what it takes to unearth your soul’s purpose. You might want to take a breath or two, because we also delve into conscious leadership–what it means and what effect conscious leaders have on our culture and our future.  

And then we talk about love.

This podcast is deep and it’s dense, but it is not overly complex or hard to follow. Just relax, and give yourself space to listen slowly or multiple times. Think of it as the essential book you open when you need to be reminded of the things that really matter. When you need to remember who you are. When your heart feels compelled to open despite the resistance of your mind.

Mary is one of those people who gets straight to the point with refreshing clarity. And besides that, she has a deep well of empathy, finely attuned intuition, and incredible intelligence.

These are the very qualities she uses in coaching and you can sense it in my conversation with her.  Her style embodies the ying-yang of fulfillment-finding and potential-stretching, all while holding space for emotions. Her clients are lucky to have her, as we are lucky to have her with us on this show.

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Mary Ostafi: Executive Coach, TEDx Speaker & Author

Links:

Mary Ostafi's Website

The Dieckert Group: Leadership & Executive Coaching

When we talk about food systems, we often focus on production, distribution, transportation, marketing and retail. We think in terms of mechanistic systems.

But ecosystems are built upon complex symbiotic relationships among the soil, insects, plants, forests, waterways, oceans, invertebrates and mammals of this planet. These relationships also include the connections and dependencies we have with one another as humans in community, and as humans in nature.

Sustainable food systems embraces these connections and dependencies.  And My Eco Story's guest, Danielle Leoni, has long been dedicated to shifting mindsets and behaviors around how best to source, prepare and serve food.

But that's only one chapter of Danielle's story.

As Chef Ambassador for the Asian Seafood Improvement Collaborative (ASIC), Danielle's mission has become global in dimension. She passionately advocates for small farmers around the world who's methods contribute to a sustainable future – or could if provided the right resources.

Throughout the show, Danielle shares her professional and personal experiences and  how they have catalyzed epiphanies about community, self-care and accountability. We also juxtapose the  myth of 'rugged individualism' against the realities of deeply embedded interdependence and connectedness.

But perhaps most importantly, this conversation reflects on how each of us has the power to create a better planet one small decision at a time.

We hope you enjoy our first episode with Danielle Leoni.

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Danielle Leoni: Chef Ambassador & Sustainable Foodways Consultant

Links:

Website

Instagram

Linkedin

Dom's Cooler Cuisine Challenge

Danielle Leoni in Indonesia (ASIC video)

PBS NewsHour, “Tipping Point: Fisheries on the Brink”