Summary
In this conversation, Christopher Williams shares his journey from a childhood in Massachusetts and Washington State to a career in environmental law and advocacy in Washington DC. Williams reflects on his work with the Endangered Species Act, his time at the World Wildlife Fund, and his current role with the Anacostia Watershed Society, emphasizing the importance of environmental justice and policy advocacy. He discusses the importance of community engagement, the challenges of river management, and the organization's mission to restore the Anacostia River while addressing environmental injustices. This conversation delves into the complexities of river safety, pollution, and the impact of climate change on the Anacostia River. The speakers discuss the progress made towards making the river swimmable and the challenges that remain in achieving fishable waters. They highlight the importance of community engagement, individual responsibility, and the need for climate resilience in urban areas. The discussion emphasizes the significance of stewardship and collective action in ensuring a sustainable future for the river and its surrounding communities.

About the Guest
Christopher (Chris) E. Williams is the President/Chief Executive Officer of the Anacostia Watershed Society. Chris leads the implementation of the mission and strategy of the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS), working with the Board of Directors and AWS staff to develop and implement watershed conservation and education initiatives, build partnerships, raise funds, and steward the resources and the long-term sustainability of the organization. 

Show Notes
Anacostia Watershed Society: https://www.anacostiaws.org/

Takeaways
•The Anacostia River was once one of the most polluted rivers in the U.S.
•Community engagement is crucial for effective river conservation.
•Environmental justice is a key focus for the Anacostia Watershed Society.
•The organization aims to restore the river while preventing gentrification.
•Education programs are vital for fostering stewardship in local communities.
•The Anacostia River's health impacts the broader Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
•Progress towards a swimmable Anacostia River is being made, but challenges remain.
•Public involvement in conservation can change perceptions and drive action. Rivers contain bacteria, making safety standards crucial.
•Post-storm events can spike bacteria levels in rivers.
•The Anacostia River is swimmable many days of the year.
•Progress has been made in river cleanliness over the years.
•Fishable waters require extensive restoration efforts.
•Sediment pollution remains a significant challenge.
•Climate change poses risks to urban river systems.
•Community engagement is vital for environmental stewardship.
•Individual actions can collectively impact river health.
•Hope and stewardship are essential for future conservation efforts.

🎙️ Stories Sustain Us is more than a podcast—it's a powerful platform that shares inspiring stories from people working to make the world a better place. Through honest, heartfelt conversations, host Steven Schauer explores the connections between people, planet, and purpose. From climate change and environmental justice to cultural preservation and human resilience, each episode aims to ignite meaningful action toward a more sustainable future.

🌍 Learn more about the podcast, explore past episodes, and discover how you can support storytelling that drives change at storiessustainus.com.

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💚 Your voice matters. Share the stories that move you—and help sustain us all.

Summary
In this conversation, Christopher Williams shares his journey from a childhood in Massachusetts and Washington State to a career in environmental law and advocacy in Washington DC. Williams reflects on his work with the Endangered Species Act, his time at the World Wildlife Fund, and his current role with the Anacostia Watershed Society, emphasizing the importance of environmental justice and policy advocacy. He discusses the importance of community engagement, the challenges of river management, and the organization's mission to restore the Anacostia River while addressing environmental injustices. This conversation delves into the complexities of river safety, pollution, and the impact of climate change on the Anacostia River. The speakers discuss the progress made towards making the river swimmable and the challenges that remain in achieving fishable waters. They highlight the importance of community engagement, individual responsibility, and the need for climate resilience in urban areas. The discussion emphasizes the significance of stewardship and collective action in ensuring a sustainable future for the river and its surrounding communities.

About the Guest
Christopher (Chris) E. Williams is the President/Chief Executive Officer of the Anacostia Watershed Society. Chris leads the implementation of the mission and strategy of the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS), working with the Board of Directors and AWS staff to develop and implement watershed conservation and education initiatives, build partnerships, raise funds, and steward the resources and the long-term sustainability of the organization. 

Show Notes
Anacostia Watershed Society: https://www.anacostiaws.org/

Takeaways
•Christopher's journey began in Massachusetts and moved through various states due to his father's job.
•Growing up in Eastern Washington instilled a deep love for nature and wildlife in Christopher.
•He initially pursued a career in theater before shifting his focus to environmental law.
•Christopher's passion for civil rights and environmental issues led him to law school.
•His early career involved significant work on the Endangered Species Act in Washington DC.
•He was fortunate to start his career at the National Wildlife Federation right after law school.
•Christopher's work has focused on both wildlife law and broader environmental policy.
•He transitioned to American Rivers and then to the Anacostia Watershed Society.
•His experiences reflect the ongoing challenges and successes in environmental advocacy.
•Christopher emphasizes the importance of connecting personal passion with professional work in environmental issues. Christopher Williams transitioned from policy work to hands-on conservation.
•His work on the Rio Grande shaped his career in freshwater conservation.

🎙️ Stories Sustain Us is more than a podcast—it's a powerful platform that shares inspiring stories from people working to make the world a better place. Through honest, heartfelt conversations, host Steven Schauer explores the connections between people, planet, and purpose. From climate change and environmental justice to cultural preservation and human resilience, each episode aims to ignite meaningful action toward a more sustainable future.

🌍 Learn more about the podcast, explore past episodes, and discover how you can support storytelling that drives change at storiessustainus.com.

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💚 Your voice matters. Share the stories that move you—and help sustain us all.

Summary
In this conversation, Kostantsa Rangelova shares her journey from growing up in Sofia, Bulgaria, through her education in France, to her current role at Ember, a global think tank focused on energy and climate policy. She discusses the impact of her childhood experiences during Bulgaria's transition from communism, her passion for storytelling, and how her career evolved from journalism to energy policy. Kostantsa emphasizes the importance of understanding the geopolitical aspects of energy and the role of think tanks in shaping policy for a sustainable future. She discusses the importance of data-driven energy policy and the concept of clean flexibility in the energy transition, and emphasizes the role of storage solutions, particularly batteries, in ensuring a reliable and clean energy supply. Rangelova also highlights the need for policy changes to facilitate this transition and the empowerment of consumers through demand flexibility. The discussion concludes with a hopeful vision for a sustainable future where clean energy is accessible and beneficial for all.

About the Guest
Kostantsa Rangelova joined the Ember Global Insights Team to help spearhead the global green electricity transition through insightful data-led analysis. Kostantsa brings her in-depth expertise on global energy markets and her policy advocacy experience to foster a fact-based international public debate about the fast-changing global electricity transition.

Show Notes
Ember: https://ember-energy.org/
Clean Flexibility Report: https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/clean-flexibility-is-the-brain-managing-the-clean-power-system/ 

Takeaways
•Kostantsa's childhood experiences during the 90s shaped her interest in energy.
•She transitioned from journalism aspirations to energy policy after a pivotal class.
•Kostantsa emphasizes the importance of adaptability in uncertain times.
•Her grandfather's adventurous spirit inspired her to explore beyond Bulgaria.
•Energy is not just a commodity; it's deeply intertwined with geopolitics.
•At Ember, data is made accessible to promote informed decision-making.
•Think tanks play a crucial role in analyzing and shaping energy policies.
•Storytelling is essential in making complex data relatable and understandable.  The focus is on data and policy in energy transition.
•Clean flexibility ensures electricity is available even when renewable sources are not producing.
•Batteries are crucial for energy storage and transition.
•Demand flexibility allows consumers to control their energy use and costs.
•Policymakers need to understand clean flexibility to support the energy transition.
•Technological innovation is driving the new energy revolution.
•Consumer empowerment is key to a successful energy transition.
•The energy transition is unstoppable and gaining momentum globally.
•Understanding the energy system can lead to better consumer choices.
•A sustainable future is p

🎙️ Stories Sustain Us is more than a podcast—it's a powerful platform that shares inspiring stories from people working to make the world a better place. Through honest, heartfelt conversations, host Steven Schauer explores the connections between people, planet, and purpose. From climate change and environmental justice to cultural preservation and human resilience, each episode aims to ignite meaningful action toward a more sustainable future.

🌍 Learn more about the podcast, explore past episodes, and discover how you can support storytelling that drives change at storiessustainus.com.

🔗 Follow us and join the conversation:

Facebook: @storiessustainus
Instagram: @stories_sustain_us
X (Twitter): @stories_sustain
Bluesky: @storiessustainus

💚 Your voice matters. Share the stories that move you—and help sustain us all.

Summary
In this conversation, Brad Parry shares his personal journey growing up in northern Utah, his experiences as a Native American, and his career in environmental restoration and tribal leadership. He discusses the importance of cultural heritage, the challenges faced by the Shoshone Nation, and the significance of the Bear River Massacre site, emphasizing the need for community engagement and environmental stewardship. Brad discusses the historical significance of the Bear River Massacre, the recovery of land by the Shoshone Tribe, and their ongoing restoration efforts to revive the ecosystem. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the need for collective action to address environmental challenges. The conversation highlights the tribe's vision for a cultural center that honors their history while fostering community involvement and education.

About the Guest
Brad Parry serves as the Vice Chairman for the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation and is employed by the Tribe as the Natural Resources Officer, where he is the Program Manager for the Wuda Ogwa Restoration Project. Prior to working for the Tribe full time, Brad worked for the United States Department of Interior - Reclamation from April 2003 to November 2019.

Show Notes
Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation: https://www.nwbshoshone.com/

Takeaways
•Brad's upbringing in a biracial family shaped his identity and connection to Native American culture.
•Brad's career in environmental restoration began with a student internship at the Bureau of Reclamation.
•He worked on the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program, focusing on water management and habitat mitigation.
•Brad emphasizes the need for collaboration among farmers to achieve better environmental outcomes.
•His transition to tribal leadership was motivated by a desire to serve his community.
•The Bear River Massacre site holds deep historical significance for the Shoshone Nation.
•Brad highlights the cultural practices and gatherings that took place at the Bear River site.
•The conversation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Native American communities in preserving their history and rights. The Bear River Massacre was a significant historical event that needs recognition.
•The Shoshone Tribe is actively working to recover and restore their ancestral lands.
•Community involvement is crucial for the success of restoration projects.
•Restoration efforts include removing invasive species and replanting native plants.
•The tribe aims to create a cultural center to educate others about their history.
•Engaging the community fosters a sense of belonging and shared responsibility.
•Environmental restoration can serve as a model for other communities.
•The tribe's efforts are not just for themselves but for future generations.
•Learning about local history and ecology is essential for community members.
•Everyone can contribute to environmental restoration

🎙️ Stories Sustain Us is more than a podcast—it's a powerful platform that shares inspiring stories from people working to make the world a better place. Through honest, heartfelt conversations, host Steven Schauer explores the connections between people, planet, and purpose. From climate change and environmental justice to cultural preservation and human resilience, each episode aims to ignite meaningful action toward a more sustainable future.

🌍 Learn more about the podcast, explore past episodes, and discover how you can support storytelling that drives change at storiessustainus.com.

🔗 Follow us and join the conversation:

Facebook: @storiessustainus
Instagram: @stories_sustain_us
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💚 Your voice matters. Share the stories that move you—and help sustain us all.

Summary
In this conversation, Bruno Olmedo Quiroga shares his inspiring journey from Cochabamba, Bolivia, to becoming a leader in human-centered design and responsible innovation. He discusses his adventurous upbringing, the challenges of moving to the United States, and his educational path at Tufts University, where he discovered his passion for engineering psychology. Bruno reflects on his experiences at IDEO, where he explored the intersection of design and emerging technologies, and emphasizes the importance of considering the broader implications of design choices on society and the environment. He discusses the intersection of climate change, cultural values, and storytelling through his work with Good Energy. Bruno shares insights on the challenges of promoting eco-friendly practices in the beauty industry, the importance of aligning financial viability with cultural values, and the need for more expansive narratives around climate change in media. The discussion also covers the Climate Reality Check initiative, which aims to measure the presence of climate change in storytelling, and the future directions for Good Energy in promoting climate narratives.

About the Guest
Bruno Olmedo Quiroga is the Vice President of Strategy for Good Energy. Bruno is a design researcher, storyteller, and strategist from Cochabamba, Bolivia with a background in Engineering Psychology. He founded an educational technology startup that was part of an innovation lab, and worked at IDEO as a Design Lead — where he led global research programs and design teams across multiple industries.

Show Notes
Good Energy: https://www.goodenergystories.com/
Bruno Olmedo Quiroga Instagram: @brunoolmedoq

Takeaways
•Bruno's upbringing in Bolivia fostered a deep connection to nature.
•Moving to the U.S. opened up new opportunities and was a culture shock.
•He initially pursued a medical career before shifting to engineering psychology.
•Bruno discovered a passion for human-centered design at Tufts University.
•His work at IDEO focused on applying cognitive psychology to design.
•Bruno emphasizes the need for responsible innovation in design.
•He highlights the challenges of balancing creativity with sustainability.
•Bruno's journey reflects the importance of adaptability and resilience.
•The conversation underscores the power of storytelling in climate and sustainability. Innovating responsibly must align with commercial viability.
•Cultural values influence financial decisions in business.
•Good Energy aims to make climate change narratives more engaging.
•The Climate Reality Check measures climate presence in media.
•Only one film passed the climate reality check this year.
•Stories about climate change should be diverse and expansive.
•Guilt and shame are ineffective motivators for climate action.
•Hope requires effort and is a collective responsibility.
•Harmony between nature and society is essential for a better future.
•

🎙️ Stories Sustain Us is more than a podcast—it's a powerful platform that shares inspiring stories from people working to make the world a better place. Through honest, heartfelt conversations, host Steven Schauer explores the connections between people, planet, and purpose. From climate change and environmental justice to cultural preservation and human resilience, each episode aims to ignite meaningful action toward a more sustainable future.

🌍 Learn more about the podcast, explore past episodes, and discover how you can support storytelling that drives change at storiessustainus.com.

🔗 Follow us and join the conversation:

Facebook: @storiessustainus
Instagram: @stories_sustain_us
X (Twitter): @stories_sustain
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💚 Your voice matters. Share the stories that move you—and help sustain us all.

Summary
In this episode, Michelle Harper shares her journey from her childhood in the Midwest and East Coast to her career in healthcare policy. She discusses her educational experiences, including her time at Penn State and studying abroad in Spain, which shaped her perspective. Michelle reflects on her early career in Washington, DC, and her transition to California, where she focused on child and family research and healthcare policy. Her experiences at the LBJ School and working for organizations like Consumers Union and Kaiser Permanente highlight the importance of collaboration and advocacy in effecting change in the healthcare system. Michelle discusses her journey through healthcare legislation, her transition back to Texas, and her current work at the Meadows Institute focusing on mental health care. She emphasizes the importance of early intervention, sustainable solutions, and the need for advocacy in mental health. Michelle shares insights on the complexities of mental health systems and the collaborative efforts required to implement effective change. The discussion highlights the significance of community support and the role of policymakers in addressing mental health needs, particularly for children and youth.

About the Guest
Michelle Harper, MPAff, is based in Austin and has over 25 years of experience in health and human services research, policy, and program operations. Michelle serves as the Vice President for State Partnerships at the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. In this role she provides leadership and strategic guidance on projects and initiatives aimed at improving the mental health care system for children, youth and their families, and works to build capacity for the delivery of evidence-based solutions through the development of local and state partnerships. 

Show Notes
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute: https://mmhpi.org/

Takeaways
•Michelle grew up in the Midwest and East Coast.
•She studied sociology at Penn State after being weeded out of a science major.
•Michelle's early career focused on child and family research in DC.
•She transitioned to California to work in healthcare policy.
•Michelle worked for Consumers Union in San Francisco.
•Kaiser Permanente provided her with insights into health plan operations.
•The implementation of legislation can be complex and challenging.
•Michelle's journey back to Texas was influenced by personal connections.
•Working for the state provided Michelle with valuable experience in policy implementation.
•Mental health care is interconnected with various systems affecting well-being.
•The Meadows Institute focuses on scaling effective mental health solutions.
•Early intervention is crucial in addressing mental health issues in children.
•Sustainable mental health solutions require collaboration across different sectors.
•Advocacy is essential for ensuring access to mental health care.
•Community involvement can drive policy change

🎙️ Stories Sustain Us is more than a podcast—it's a powerful platform that shares inspiring stories from people working to make the world a better place. Through honest, heartfelt conversations, host Steven Schauer explores the connections between people, planet, and purpose. From climate change and environmental justice to cultural preservation and human resilience, each episode aims to ignite meaningful action toward a more sustainable future.

🌍 Learn more about the podcast, explore past episodes, and discover how you can support storytelling that drives change at storiessustainus.com.

🔗 Follow us and join the conversation:

Facebook: @storiessustainus
Instagram: @stories_sustain_us
X (Twitter): @stories_sustain
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💚 Your voice matters. Share the stories that move you—and help sustain us all.

Summary
In this engaging conversation, Steven and Leilah Powell explore the profound impact of storytelling on community building and individual identity. They discuss the neurological aspects of narrative, the importance of belonging, and the unique human capacity for joint intentionality. Leilah shares her personal journey from a science background to her current role at the Local Initiative Support Corporation, emphasizing the need for genuine community engagement and collaboration. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities in fostering inclusive communities and the role of organizations like LISC in driving systemic change. Leilah and Steven discuss the importance of understanding systems and the interconnectedness of social issues. They emphasize the role of narrative in shaping perceptions and the need for community engagement. Leilah shares her vision for a better future, focusing on personal responsibility and the significance of recognizing the web of connections that support us. The discussion highlights the challenges of individualism in addressing societal problems and the power of storytelling in fostering understanding and empathy.

About the Guest
Leilah Powell is the Executive Director of LISC San Antonio. A native San Antonian, Leilah has worked in many areas of the community development sector in San Antonio—for financial institutions such as Bank of America; non-profit organizations such as the San Antonio Housing Trust and the Brackenridge Park Conservancy; as a consultant for clients including the San Antonio River Authority, Bexar County and Trinity University; and for municipal and county government, including serving as Chief of Policy for two mayors.

Show notes
LISC San Antonio: lisc.org/san-antonio/

Takeaways
•Storytelling is essential for human connection and community.
•Belonging is a primal need that influences behavior.
•Data alone is not enough; narratives shape understanding.
•Community engagement must be genuine, not just a checkbox.
•Listening to community concerns is crucial for effective policy.
•Emotional responses often drive decision-making more than logic.
•Collaboration can lead to more effective community solutions.
•LISC works to empower marginalized communities through resources.
•Systems change is necessary for addressing urban issues. Systems work is about storytelling, not just data.
•Individual choices are often influenced by systemic issues.
•Understanding the interconnectedness of problems is crucial.
•Narratives shape our perceptions of social issues.
•Community engagement is essential for meaningful change.
•Quality of life should be evaluated beyond mere metrics.
•Language and metaphors can influence our understanding of issues.
•Recognizing our dependence on community can foster gratitude.
•Art and media play a significant role in shaping narratives.
•Peace involves productive coexistence of diverse communities.

🎙️ Stories Sustain Us is more than a podcast—it's a powerful platform that shares inspiring stories from people working to make the world a better place. Through honest, heartfelt conversations, host Steven Schauer explores the connections between people, planet, and purpose. From climate change and environmental justice to cultural preservation and human resilience, each episode aims to ignite meaningful action toward a more sustainable future.

🌍 Learn more about the podcast, explore past episodes, and discover how you can support storytelling that drives change at storiessustainus.com.

🔗 Follow us and join the conversation:

Facebook: @storiessustainus
Instagram: @stories_sustain_us
X (Twitter): @stories_sustain
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💚 Your voice matters. Share the stories that move you—and help sustain us all.

Summary
In this conversation, Derek Robeson, a conservation manager at the Tweed Forum, talks about his life, the River Tweed, and the environmental initiatives in the region. Derek shares his journey from childhood experiences in nature to his academic pursuits in geology and conservation. He discusses the history of the Tweed catchment, the role of the Tweed Forum in promoting environmental projects, and the challenges posed by climate change. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement and the collaborative efforts to restore and protect the natural landscape. Derek discusses the various projects undertaken by the Tweed Forum, focusing on environmental conservation, community engagement, and the integration of farming, forestry, and conservation efforts. He emphasizes the importance of educating younger generations about the environment and the challenges posed by invasive species and climate change. The conversation also highlights the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing these issues and the rewarding nature of seeing positive changes in the landscape.

About the Guest
Dr. Derek Robeson is a conservation leader with 30 years of experience in environmental land management in Scotland’s Border Country. As Conservation Manager at Tweed Forum, he helps farmers and land managers implement nature conservation projects. Specializing in Whole Farm Nature Conservation Planning and Integrated Catchment Management, Derek focuses on habitat restoration, including woodlands, wetlands, and peatlands. He also leads educational outreach and the creation of the 100-mile River Tweed Trail. 

Show Notes
Tweed Forum: tweedforum.org

Takeaways
•Derek Robeson grew up in the Tweed catchment, which has a rich human history.
•Conservation efforts are focused on balancing agricultural needs with environmental health.
•The Tweed Forum operates on a bottom-up approach, responding to local needs.
•Community engagement is crucial for successful conservation initiatives.
•Derek's background in geology informs his conservation work.
•The Tweed Trail project aims to enhance access along the river.
•Climate change is causing more extreme weather patterns in Scotland.
•Farmers are often passionate conservationists despite negative perceptions. Encouraging people to visit the borders generates enjoyment and revenue.
•Engaging children in environmental education fosters enthusiasm for conservation.
•The project involves a mix of private and public land ownership.
•The aim is to create a multi-use trail for various activities.
•Ecotourism can benefit local economies and the environment.
•Invasive species management is a long-term commitment.
•Restoration efforts must consider the balance of native and invasive species.
•Collaboration among farmers, foresters, and conservationists is essential.
•Historic landscapes can be restored through community involvement.
•The Borders Tree Grant Scheme has inspire

🎙️ Stories Sustain Us is more than a podcast—it's a powerful platform that shares inspiring stories from people working to make the world a better place. Through honest, heartfelt conversations, host Steven Schauer explores the connections between people, planet, and purpose. From climate change and environmental justice to cultural preservation and human resilience, each episode aims to ignite meaningful action toward a more sustainable future.

🌍 Learn more about the podcast, explore past episodes, and discover how you can support storytelling that drives change at storiessustainus.com.

🔗 Follow us and join the conversation:

Facebook: @storiessustainus
Instagram: @stories_sustain_us
X (Twitter): @stories_sustain
Bluesky: @storiessustainus

💚 Your voice matters. Share the stories that move you—and help sustain us all.

Summary
In this conversation, Melissa Bryant shares her journey from growing up on a cotton farm in Texas to becoming an environmental engineer. She discusses the influence of her family, her education in STEM, and her experiences in college that shaped her career path. Melissa emphasizes the importance of community service and making a difference in underserved areas through her work with the San Antonio River Authority. She discusses the importance of nature-based solutions and green infrastructure in urban planning and community development, and explores how these approaches can provide clean water, enhance biodiversity, and improve quality of life while addressing issues like flooding and environmental justice. Melissa shares her experiences in implementing these solutions in San Antonio and now in Denver, emphasizing the need for collaboration across departments and the community. The discussion also touches on the economic benefits of these solutions and the hope for a future where communities come together for a better world.

About the Guest
Melissa Bryant is the Colorado Water Program Manager for RESPEC Engineering.  She is a licensed Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering and a Certified Floodplain Manager and has her Project Management Program Certification. In her current role Melissa works on Stormwater Master Plans, stream restoration projects, and maximizing opportunities for Green Infrastructure BMPs for municipalities in the Colorado Region. Melissa serves as a technical advisor to the Water Quality and Environmental Committee for the National Association of Flood & Stormwater Management Agencies and is the current Cochair for ACE25. She serves on the Program Committee for the Colorado Association of Stormwater Floodplain Managers.

Show Notes
Melissa Bryant’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melissa-bryant-p-e-cfm-pmp-9b395748
RESPEC Engineering: https://www.respec.com/

Takeaways
•Melissa grew up on a cotton farm, which instilled hard work values.
•STEM education was pivotal in her early academic life.
•Being bilingual provided her with unique career opportunities.
•She values nature and wanted to live in a place centered around it.
•Her work focuses on improving water resources in underserved communities.
•Melissa's college experience included extracurricular activities and mentorship.
•Her journey reflects resilience and adaptability in her career.  Providing clean, safe, potable water is essential.
•Nature-based solutions can enhance community resilience.
•Collaboration across departments is crucial for success.
•Integrating social justice into environmental planning is necessary.
•Nature-based solutions can alleviate localized flooding.
•Economic benefits of green infrastructure are significant.
•Community engagement is key to successful projects.
•We must be stewards of our natural resources.
•Hope is a confident expectation for a better future.
•Unity and collaboration can lead to grea

🎙️ Stories Sustain Us is more than a podcast—it's a powerful platform that shares inspiring stories from people working to make the world a better place. Through honest, heartfelt conversations, host Steven Schauer explores the connections between people, planet, and purpose. From climate change and environmental justice to cultural preservation and human resilience, each episode aims to ignite meaningful action toward a more sustainable future.

🌍 Learn more about the podcast, explore past episodes, and discover how you can support storytelling that drives change at storiessustainus.com.

🔗 Follow us and join the conversation:

Facebook: @storiessustainus
Instagram: @stories_sustain_us
X (Twitter): @stories_sustain
Bluesky: @storiessustainus

💚 Your voice matters. Share the stories that move you—and help sustain us all.

Summary
In this conversation, Jordan Vexler discusses her journey from an upbringing in San Antonio to becoming a leader in the family business, Monterrey Metal Recycling. She explores themes of sustainability, social justice, and community development, highlighting her educational experiences in Latin America and her insights into the importance of addressing community needs. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of various social issues and the role of legacy in shaping one's path. Jordan shares insights into the world of metal recycling, discussing the importance of sustainability. She emphasizes the need for community engagement, the complexities of recycling processes, and the role of consumers in promoting environmentally friendly practices. The discussion also touches on the circular economy, the significant energy savings from recycling metals, and the hope for a future where understanding and communication lead to better environmental outcomes.

About the Guest
Jordan Vexler, Chief Executive Officer of Monterrey Metal Recycling Solutions in San Antonio, Texas, brings a steadfast commitment to environmental advocacy and innovation within the metal recycling industry. As an active member both regionally and nationally in the recycling industry’s trade organizationReMA, she champions industry modernization and advances to promote safe, economically sustainable, and environmentally responsible practices. Since joining Monterrey Metal Recycling Solutions, a fourth-generation family-owned business founded by her great-grandfather in 1916, Jordan has implemented significant changes to further enhance the company’s commitment to operating an environmentally responsible state-of-the-art metal recycling facility.   

Show Notes
Jordan Vexler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-vexler-0665623/
Monterrey Metal Recycling Solutions: https://www.monterreymetalrecycling.com

Takeaways
•Jordan's upbringing in San Antonio shaped her perspective on community.
•Education at Rice University led to a unique self-designed major.
•Experiences in Latin America fueled her passion for social justice.
•Sustainability encompasses economic, social, and environmental factors.
•Cultural sensitivity is crucial in understanding global issues.
•The family business continues a legacy of sustainability and community service. Metal recycling is often overlooked but crucial for sustainability.
•The recycling process for metals is complex and requires advanced technology.
•The circular economy reduces carbon emissions and energy consumption significantly.
•Consumers play a vital role in demanding recyclable products.
•Education and awareness about recycling can lead to better practices.
•Metal recycling can save energy equivalent to powering millions of homes.
•The design of consumer goods should consider their end-of-life recycling.
•Safety is a top priority in the metal recycling industry.
•A collaborative approach is ne

🎙️ Stories Sustain Us is more than a podcast—it's a powerful platform that shares inspiring stories from people working to make the world a better place. Through honest, heartfelt conversations, host Steven Schauer explores the connections between people, planet, and purpose. From climate change and environmental justice to cultural preservation and human resilience, each episode aims to ignite meaningful action toward a more sustainable future.

🌍 Learn more about the podcast, explore past episodes, and discover how you can support storytelling that drives change at storiessustainus.com.

🔗 Follow us and join the conversation:

Facebook: @storiessustainus
Instagram: @stories_sustain_us
X (Twitter): @stories_sustain
Bluesky: @storiessustainus

💚 Your voice matters. Share the stories that move you—and help sustain us all.